A/N: Sorry it has been so long since my last update. It has been a rough couple of weeks. I hope to keep posting regularly again. Thanks for reading and keeping up. Hopefully I can keep it going.
And now it's time to make some more introductions. Too bad the welcoming party is so cold.
Chapter 9 - A Chilly Reception
Lux was barely awake the next morning and Janna was nodding off as they waited for Vel'Koz to finish opening the Library for the day to come back. Just when Janna seemed to fall asleep, he entered followed closely by Nasus. The door opening jolted Janna awake and brought Lux back to reality, instead of the daydream she was having where she was still in bed with a poro on her head. She then felt the top of her head to find Solas sleeping there. Picking him up, she put him on the counter, where he somehow managed to roll off and onto the floor.
"Sorry to call you in so early, but I have been able to determine what was going on yesterday and what will be happening. I'm sure you both are aware of the upcoming visit of the Freljord Royal Family. Nasus here suggested and I agree that this will be their target. It will be a public event and it will have schools out and a lot of people in one spot. I also was able to confirm something last night that is both disturbing and relaxing at the same time." That got the attention of everyone present.
"I was able to confirm that the amount of void energy in the area was enough to reconstitute the portal, but one thing they were missing was already present void energy that had been refined. They must be running extremely low on energy to not put whatever they had to reopen a large portal. Now I cannot know how much energy they collected last night, but they did get away with a lot. It isn't pure yet, they will still have to refine it, but whatever they are doing and whatever they are planning, they will be at this event."
Lux and Janna both nodded. "So what can we do in the meantime?" Solas was still on the floor, both taking in by Vel'Koz's comments and his own embarrassment to not try and get back up.
"We can scout the area, probably best left to you three." Vel'Koz indicated Solas, Dorcha, and Zephyr. "You can get in and out of those areas easier than I, Nasus, Lux, or Janna could. It also wouldn't be as much out of place for especially Zephyr. Cats area always getting into weird places." All three nodded. "Good. Now let us begin."
Lux and Janna grabbed their bags, and headed back through individual portals and dropped back off to sleep. Their sleepiness wouldn't be settled by just a few hours sleep, especially after last night. Vel'Koz meanwhile took the void energy he had stored and carefully moved it so that Nasus would be able to get access to it in an emergency. While it was extremely dangerous, he could us it stop an incursion at the risk of corruption. Vel'Koz had already used some of the energy to better shield himself against Malzahar's vision, but he also kept enough in storage to reinforce the magics surrounding Runeterra if needed.
Once they had both recovered, which was close to noon, Lux and Janna finally got out of bed. They were thankful it was a weekend but the threat of the looming battle held over both of their heads. It was just 3 days away and even though only two days would be of school, it was still going to be torture. Since they needed the day off, both of them just went into almost a daze as they just went about the rest of the day. Mostly because they were gaming all day. That night they both got a relaxing night of sleep.
The following day, Lux called Amy to go shopping, while Janna decided to game all day.
"You know, it has been a while since we did this." Amy said as they left yet another store.
"I know, but it's not like it hasn't been crazy lately." Lux replied, as she smiled.
"True. It just seems like there is more and more craziness every day. Hopefully that upcoming visit won't be too bad." Amy said, turning to Lux and smiling.
"Hopefully it will stop soon but who knows. It just seems to be getting worse." Lux's voice just trailed off as she went back into thought.
"Well at least we have that parade in two days to look forward too." Amy said, trying to cheer Lux up, who faked it well enough.
"Well there's that." 'And another void attack along with it.' Lux thought to herself. As she and Amy made their way to the food court, Lux noticed Janna on the main level and while she was hesitant to wave, what got her attention is who she was with. Jayce was with her and they seemed to be chatting it up. 'Well at least it isn't Garen.' Who Lux promptly spotted about 10 feet behind carrying bags. 'Or not. He always has to be the gentleman doesn't he?'
Eating lunch with Amy brought Lux back to the days before she became a Guardian. Where the only things on her mind were school and boys. Amy kept poking Lux for conversation and she responded to in kind while still allowing her mind to drift. As they were both leaving, Lux noticed Garen, Janna, and Jayce with a lot of bags as they made their way out.
"Oh you know you want to." Amy said as Lux kept her eye on them. Lux just waved her hand and they both sprinted off in pursuit. It was clear that Jayce had a car as well as he helped Garen load the bags into the trunk as Janna made her way into the car. Lux grabbed her phone as Amy just giggled beside her.
'Nice to have some lackeys isn't it?' In the car, Janna took out her phone and barely suppressed her laughter.
'Yes it is. These two are practically tripping over themselves.' Lux just rolled her eyes at the response before another came. 'Meet at tower later or after school tomorrow?'
'Tomorrow. Let's just enjoy the day off.'
'Couldn't agree more.' Janna put her phone back as she turned to the back seat. "Are you two sure that you know what you are doing?"
"We're fine." Jayce grunted as he pushed in a few bags. Janna knew that all three of them had overdone it, but she still stepped out of the car. Her heels clicking on the pavement, she got to the back. Seeing the disaster in the trunk, she just shook her head.
"Ok. I'm doing this. Get in." Janna pulled everything out as Jayce and Garen watched. Janna carefully repacked the entire trunk by which bag belonged to which person and made it much more organized. "We can go now." She said as she closed the trunk while both boys stood there with stupefied looks on their faces. Janna was tempted to take a shot for Lux, but she couldn't get her phone out fast enough.
Arriving home, Janna carefully carried her bags up to her room and quickly set about putting all of the new clothes away. Then, turning back to her computer, quickly set up and started streaming.
Lux for her part, helped Garen with his bags when he arrived home. Since their parents would be out that evening, Lux decided to cook and Garen didn't complain. He barely knew his way around a kitchen, let alone cook something. It wasn't for lack of trying however. As Lux finished, they both sat together for what felt like the first time in ages.
"So did some shopping today?" Lux asked.
"So did you. I saw you with Amy at the mall." Garen replied, trying to keep from the stinging embarrassment.
"Yeah. Just needed a day off I guess. Everything going on lately has been chaos." Lux said, knowing much more than she would ever let on.
"I know. Hey have you noticed anything interesting about Jayce lately? He's always tired and has a few unexplained injuries." Garen asked, and Lux turned her head.
"No why? I don't see him much. You do." SHe got a bit short, but Garen could see she was poking him.
"Just wanted some confirmation. I guess I'll just have ask a few of the others." Garen resigned himself to that fact.
"You do that. I just don't see him enough to say for certain." Lux said as she took another bite.
"Well thanks. I'll clean up go." Lux carefully made her way upstairs and a thought crossed her mind.
"Something on your mind Lux?" Dorhca spoke up seeing her enter with a troubled look on her face.
"Just something Garen just said. I know you have your hands, err paws full right now, but if there is something you can do." Lux replied sitting down.
"Sure." Solas piped up.
"Well Garen said that Jayce appeared to have unexplained injuries as of late. Now given they both do a lot of sports it isn't unheard of but if it worries Garen then it worries me. He might be a disguise for Kha'Zix or something." Lux said though a sigh.
"We'll look into it. Your phone." Dorcha said, and Lux turned to see a text.
'We need to meet. Tower?'
'Sure.' Lux grabbed the pen and quickly found herself at the tower where she waited for Janna. She came along shortly later.
"Sorry but I noticed something. Have you felt it lately?" Janna said as she entered the tower.
"Felt what?" Lux was now curious.
"There's another presence that is close. I can't pick it out, but it is there." Janna sat down and put her head in her hands.
"What did it feel like?" Lux asked, now beyond curious.
"Comforting. Warm. Familiar." That last word just hung on Janna's lips for a second before her eyes widened. "Of course I'm an idiot." She walked across the room quickly so that Lux, Dorcha, Solas, and Zephyr could barely keep up. Entering the Library, Janna made a b-line for Vel'Koz's office. Entering it, they found him just looking out the window.
"I do ask patrons to knock at least before they…oh it's you two. What is it?" Vel'Koz took notice of Janna's face and immediately came out from around his desk.
"I think another Guardian will appear soon. There is this sense of familiarity. I can't explain it." Janna said as she started pacing around the office.
"Well judging by Lux's confused face, I'm guessing that she hasn't sensed anything either. I haven't, but that also don't mean anything. Both you and Lux had powerful energy, but this one, might be trying to hide or doesn't yet know. We need to find out who it is. I'm sure you have seen them before, so rack your brains and perhaps you will come to a conclusion. I wish I could be of more help, but this time, I'm lost, and probably will be for the remaining ones." Vel'Koz attempted to defuse Janna's racing mind with some facts, and it seemed to work.
Lux and Janna just nodded as they took it in. Looking around his office, Vel'Koz just kept looking at Janna who was still puzzled trying to recall that feeling and where she'd felt it. Eventually she just sighed and fell into a chair with her head in her hands.
"If you can't remember, then that's fine. I'm sure we'll figure it out. Don't beat yourself up over it." Lux put a hand on Janna's shoulder as she kicked the leg of the chair in frustration. "Perhaps we can use these remaining two days to figure out who it is so we can get to them before the upcoming fight."
Janna pulled her head out of her hands with a smile. "Yeah your right. Perhaps we just need to look. I know I've felt that when we were on a mission, but I can't remember where. I'm sure I'll get it eventually." Janna stood back up and made a move to exit. Lux shrugged and after looking at Vel'Koz, who just nodded, as best he could, she followed. Following Janna back into the tower, she made ready to head back home, when her phone buzzed. Janna turned as she was about to walk through as Lux read the message.
'Lux please come to the police station.'
"It's from my dad. He's asked me to come to the station. Want to come?" Janna smiled.
"Yes. We might be able to learn something about the plans for the upcoming visit. I'll grab Zephyr and you grab Dorcha and Solas. They might be able to snoop around while we talk or whatever your father wants us to do." Janna said as she stood up.
"Great thinking. I'll meet you there." Janna disappeared through her portal. Lux had just barely stepped through hers when Garen knocked on the closed door.
"Lux dad wants us at the station. Want to walk or drive?" Lux thought it over quickly, and since her dad had asked both of them to come, brining Janna might seem out of place, unless they had plans already. Late as it was, they might just enjoy a walk around the park.
"Drive. And I was planning to meet Janna. Any way we could give her a lift and on the way back you could drop us at the park?"
"Sure. Let's go." Garen said as he started walking down the stairs. Lux grabbed her bag, and Dorcha and Solas jumped in. Lux followed Garen to the garage and after a few seconds, where Lux slipped Janna a text, they were off. Janna was waiting in front of her house for Garen for just a few minutes when they pulled up. Janna climbed in back while Garen drove them to the station. Having done this before, they knew where to park and just after getting out, they let Dorcha, Solas, and Zephyr run.
Entering the station, finding their father wasn't hard. He had his own office they had been to more than once. They knocked as they entered.
"Ah Luxanna, Garen, and who are you sorry?"
Lux briefly rolled her eyes at her full name, which her father used under stress. "Dad this is Janna. She's a friend. We were going to walk in the park later, so I figured bringing her along wasn't going to hurt?" She left that as a question to get reaction.
"No it's fine. I'm just stressed out a bit. This upcoming visit has everyone in overdrive. Now as I'm sure you are aware, schools will be closed, so I wanted to give you these." Lux and Garen rolled their eyes as he opened his desk. Janna was looking between the three of them only to see their faces change expression a mere seconds later. "I'm not as worried in the past. Just having these on you might help if there is another attack, which we are expecting." In his outstretched hand were two small bags.
"You sure that the Chief is ok with this dad?" Garen asked.
"I'm sure. I authorized it myself." Came a voice from behind them making all four of them jump. "You two are old enough to try and help in a situation, chaotic as it might be. Just having extra people there who could watch might help. Remember don't do anything, but having a camera and a dedicated line to the police can help. We've been asking people who we can trust for a while now and your father put through the recommendation. If you are uncomfortable with it, I'm fine. It is your decision." Lux and Garen turned to each other. Garen, who was actively pursuing a police career was more than happy to help. Lux meanwhile was a bit hesitant. Knowing full well that if an attack was to happen, she could be easily spotted transforming.
"I'd be happy to dad. But I think Lux will be hesitant. Not that she doesn't want to help, but given how she's been in the last few, I can't blame her for not volunteering. Can you? Or you?" Garen said turning to both his father and Caitlyn upon sensing her hesitation. Not for the right reasons though, but because he is being a big brother. Lux just smiled as she handed it back.
"Sorry dad. I just don't know if I would be able to help."
"I understand. I know this isn't your thing, but I figured I'd made the offer. Well I know I interrupted a walk, so you can go. Thanks again you two." Lux breathed a sigh of relief as they motioned to Garen they would walk. He left, but as Lux and Janna were about to walk out, Caitlyn stopped them.
"I knew you would probably say no. It's your brother who wants to end up here, or at another police station, or the military. But you, well I can't say really. I hope you won't lament over this decision. I knew when I saw your name, I probably wouldn't get it. Not that you wouldn't help, but given what was happening in the last few weeks, it probably wasn't the best idea. If you father gives you anything over it, please call me. I'll give him a nice patrol to shake up his day."
That got Lux to not only relax but laugh a bit as Caitlyn walked away. "Nice to know she does in fact have a nice side." Janna said as they walked out.
"She does. But you know the real reason I had to say no. Garen was just being a big brother. Unusual for him, but he's always there when he needs to be."
"Well let's go for that walk then." And they both set out to the rendezvous point with Dorcha, Solas, and Zephyr in the park. Along the way they just chatted about everyday things, keeping the real thing they wanted to talk about until they found that secluded spot. Finally getting to the ring of benches, they did a once over to see if they were alone, and they were. They both just sat in silence for the three to arrive.
When they finally did, they hopped on their respective companion's lap to give what they found. Dorcha started.
"Well it wasn't easy, but they do have an elaborate security plan. If this were a real world threat, I would say that whoever is planning the attack would be hopeless."
"But this isn't a real world attack, it is a void attack. That said, the arraignments are still pretty good. They have a lot of things covered, but if Malzahar is still going to be behind it, they will likely be overwhelmed within a few minutes. We don't know what is going to happen at this event, but we will need to work fast to prevent them from doing what they want. What they want to do however, is a mystery."
"And figuring that out, will be the key." Zephyr added. "If we can foil that plan, then it makes the attack worthless to them and might even cause further problems in their ranks. But the question is what is the plan." That put them all into a thinking pose. Just as Lux sat back up, she heard a twig snap and a scuffle as something ran. Lux quickly jumped to her feet as Janna did the same and they both checked around them to see what was going on. After some investigation, they looked up to see an animal in the tree which then snapped another twig and ran off.
"Well that's a relief. That could have been a lot worse. No one saw anything right?" Janna turned to see everyone shaking their heads. "Ok so we are covered there. Let's head home and compare notes with Vel'Koz tomorrow and see if there is anything that he might think of."
"Right. See you tomorrow then."
The rest of the day seem to pass by quickly as before they knew it, it was already time to go to bed for school in the morning. Unusually both found themselves turning in earlier compared to normal, but they both chalked it up to being tired and their sleep schedules off a bit.
That was proven true the following day as they found themselves dragging as usual in the morning followed by a boring day in school put them both right back on the track. Getting through the day was almost a struggle in of itself before they raced for the tower afterwards.
Lux for once managed to beat Janna who arrived just a short time afterward. They both waited and compared notes with Dorcha, Solas, and Zephyr before Vel'Koz managed to get away with enough time to see them. Floating in as usual, he turned to the table where their notes were spread everywhere on a variety of subjects.
"Seems I missed a few conversations. Fill me in." Vel'Koz requested as he looked over the notes.
"Well we think that there is a greater point to the attack. It is possible to mind control someone?" Lux asked.
"Possibly. It was something Malzahar could do with limited effect. If he has perfected this ability, it is possible he could plant a suggestion in someone's mind, or take it over completely. While the Freljord is some distance from here, it is still close enough to be a problem if someone in that leadership were to be corrupted. Also because it has so much open space, creating a void portal there, even a small one wouldn't be hard and would be hard to spot." Vel'Koz said as Zephyr turned to Janna who shrugged.
"Your suggestion and your idea." Janna said to Zephyr, who just hung his head in response.
"Also on the subject of that new Guardian, we might have a lead. It is faint, but we might be able to locate it."
"Good Solas. Bolstering the team's numbers is always a good option. Especially since this upcoming attack. Keep on the trail. Something more."
"Yes. Last night, Janna and I were in the park when we heard a twig snap as we were discussing a few things about the upcoming attack. We attributed the snap to an animal in the tree, but now we aren't so certain." Lux said.
"You think you might have been overheard?" Vel'Koz asked, worry carrying though in his voice.
"Yes we do." Janna said. "We aren't sure who it was, but it might be that new Guardian. She could have been drawn to us only to run away when we realized she was there."
"Yes that might be an option. I will investigate the park myself. But I will need one of you to show me where it happened. Thankfully it is cloudy today." Vel'Koz said as he started floating towards the door.
"I'll go." Lux said moving to the door as well.
"Good because I have homework." Janna stood up and quickly made her way out. Clearly wanting to get started before chaos reared its ugly head. Lux stood up and after cleaning off the table, showed Vel'Koz to the park where everything happened. Once there, he began searching around and after a few minutes found the animal from the tree.
"Yes you were correct in your suspicions. Someone did overhear you, but this animal couldn't make out who it was or where they went. It might have been a child however judging by the size, or it might have been a yordle. It is hard to tell." Vel'Koz said with a bit of annoyance in his voice.
"Oh well. It was worth a shot at least." Lux said, defeated.
"Indeed it was. I will make my way back to the Library now, but I thank you for your assistance in this matter." Lux briefly caught off guard gave a quick bow before parting.
"You're welcome. Sorry I couldn't have done more."
"You did enough. It wasn't what I had hoped for, but still more than enough to continue my research." Lux started walking away as she noticed a few people watching them. Vel'Koz must have seen it as well as he quickly switched his tone and position. Lux turned a gave a quick wave before she walked home.
Lux went home quickly and immediately managed to get Janna into a private voice room where they could talk. She relayed the story of what was found and was responded to only in silence. "Janna you there?"
"Sorry, just thinking. If we can't identify who this was, then perhaps there are other things we can do. We just need to be ready, but I think having Solas and Zephyr scout out more might be a good idea. We need to find out who this is, preferably before the fight so we can at least work together, even if it is just for a few minutes."
"Agreed." Lux turned to Solas. "Meet up with Zephyr and find this person. Whoever and wherever they are."
"You got it." Solas quickly hopped out the window. Lux was always amazed at Solas' and Dorcha's agility despite them being poros. Dorcha resumed her seat on Lux's lap as Lux turned back to the computer. "Ok their off. Now we just need to make it through another day. I don't think we should scout around the parade route. It might look extremely suspicious."
"Agreed, but there would be someone who doesn't." Lux looked down at Dorcha on her lap. "Feel like looking around one more time at the route?"
"Absolutely. I'll try to get it as accurate as possible." Dorcha said, clearly looking for something to do.
"Just don't get in trouble." Dorcha hopped off and also out the window. "Ok she's off. Hopefully we can meet tomorrow after school to go over the final details. I think we would have an issue trying to meet the morning of."
"I agree. It would be too chaotic. We also need to have a safe place to transform. Finding that might be an issue if there is an attack." Janna replied.
"So we go transformed?" Lux asked.
"Bad idea in this situation. Also we don't want to do it as it might give Malzahar an easy first strike." Janna said.
"Sorry didn't think about that." Lux let her annoyance come through in her voice.
"Don't worry about it. It's good that we are getting these things out now rather than in two days. Anyway I need to get off and finish some work. I will see you tomorrow then." And with that Janna logged off.
Lux logged out and turned to her workload on her desk and put her head down. Resigning herself, she picked up a pen and began working. It was almost 10 at night before Lux realized the time and turned in. Looking out her window, she noticed that Dorcha and Solas still weren't back and while that was a bit worrying, she also knew they knew how to take care of themselves. Quickly falling asleep, Lux knew that tomorrow would be a long day.
Janna for her part, managed to finish the work and carefully made her way to bed. Also worried about Zephyr, she rarely slept without him at the foot of her bed. Looking out of her window one last time, Janna just crawled into bed and fell asleep.
Outside Lux's school, on the roof were two shadows. Both walking in circles and stopping occasionally. "It is here there is no doubt about that." Zephyr said as they continued pacing.
"I agree Zephyr, so what do you think we should do then?" Solas asked, stopping in his tracks.
"Just wait until morning. You go with Lux to school, while Dorcha continues to scout out the route. I'll hover around the school as well trying to help spot. Once we have a list we can hopefully found out who specifically is the one." Zephyr said as he also stopped walking.
"Good plan. Now I think we should get back before we are found and while we can still get some sleep." Zephyr nodded in reply and they both made for home.
Despite falling asleep without her two companions, Lux awoke to both Dorcha and Solas back. Petting them both as a "welcome back" hug, she quickly got dressed and headed downstairs. After eating breakfast she came back upstairs and saw both Dorcha and Solas finally awake.
"So how was your investigations last night." Lux asked as she closed the door.
"Productive. Solas was telling me about his." Dorcha said turning back to her counterpart.
"Yes. We were able to discover that the new Guardian goes to your school Lux. We don't know who it is, but we will be around the school today and hopefully have a short list by the end of the day. Does your school mind a friendly poro tagging along for the day?"
"I don't think it will be an issue, but I would suggest that you say out of sight. If you are discovered, I could just say you jumped in without me noticing. Or maybe…" Lux's voice trailed off as she looked up something quickly on her computer.
"Lux you are going to be late." Came her mother's voice.
"I'll be gone in a minute mom. I'm just checking something."
"Ok. I just don't want you to sprint."
"I'm fine." Lux heard her mother walk away from the bottom of the stairs while she worked her computer. Finally turning it off just a minute later, she grabbed Solas and placed him on her shoulder. "I checked the pet policy, and as long as you are behaved, you can come. Poros are the only thing allowed."
"Great. I'll just keep up the quite poro act." That got Dorcha laughing. Lux shot her a look, and she calmed down.
"Sorry but I'm better at it than you, but whatever. I'll continue to scout the route. Good luck you two." Dorcha said once she calmed down.
Lux just nodded in reply as she headed downstairs and out the door. Lux managed to get past her mom, but not her dad, who was just leaving. "Lux you know I don't like you taking those to school."
"Dad I know but he was sick last night and while Dorcha is ok, I just want to keep an eye on him."
"Considering your past experience with pets, I am hesitant, but you have done better this time. Just go before your mother sees." Lux made her way to school without much of a fuss. As she was approaching the building, Solas nudged her and she looked up. Sitting on top, barely in view, as Zephyr who was clearly going to help with the investigation. Nodding at him, Zephyr disappeared onto the roof proper.
Lux made her way around that day, taking a bit longer of a route than normal so Solas could get a good read of the school. The problem was that since Lux went here as well, sorting between the energies was difficult. Keeping an eye on the yordles, Solas made careful observations of each and carefully squeezed Lux's shoulder when he wanted a name written down. Before lunch, they had 8 names.
'How's it going.'
Lux turned to her phone. '8 names. It isn't a lot but he hasn't sensed anything since. Zephyr should be meeting me in a few. I'll let you know if he adds to the list.' Just as Lux put her phone back down, Zephyr wound his way around her legs.
Lux carefully put him on the bench next to her and gave him some of the lunch Janna had managed to hand off that morning. Solas was already busy eating his lunch. Zephyr made a quick look over the names, and nodded. Meaning he had nothing to add. Lux was relieved as that was still a lot of names to investigate before tomorrow, but their hopes of getting the new Guardian tonight was almost out of the question. Zephyr finished and headed to meet Dorcha along the parade route. Solas, finished, just turned to Lux. "Well it could have been worse."
"Yeah, but this is still a lot of names for you two tonight. I'd better text Janna." Grabbing her phone, Lux just sent a message to Janna saying no additional names.
'Good.' Came the reply. Lux noticed the time and grabbing Solas, they returned to class. The rest of the day for the two Guardians seemed to pass quickly. Before they knew it they were at the tower. Comparing notes they realized they would have to wait for Zephyr and Dorcha to return before they could do much. After waiting 30 minutes, Dorcha made her way into the tower.
"Solas, Zephyr is just outside, you want to tackle that list now. I'll give an update on the security." Solas just nodded and headed out. Dorcha hopped onto the table where a map of the route was laid out. Nasus entered the room at this point. Nodding to the two Guardians, he took a seat at the table.
"OK. The security is tight, but they have added a few things. More checkpoints at these locations and another viewing stand here. Now one thing that they have done is call up more officers and it will be difficult for Malzahar to open a portal, let alone push something large through without us noticing or stopping it."
"Something large would require an attack directly against the magics around the planet, but that is something we would detect. So far, Kha'Zix has been the one to come down because he can slip through mostly." Nasus said as he kept his eyes on the route. "He might launch the attack tomorrow before the event, making it look like fireworks or something like that. Be careful and watch the skies. If you auroras, then find a spot to transform quickly because he will be coming."
"Right." Lux and Janna responded. Turning to each other, the nerves showed on their faces. Dorcha and Nasus noticed, but didn't want to say anything. Turing back to the map, they made a list of places where they might be able to transform and still get a good view. After two hours, they just decided to call it on the planning since they were starting to repeat things. Lux and Janna headed upstairs to train for a bit before heading home.
Just an hour later, they both came down and headed home. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, and it also promised to be a workout, no matter what happened. Turning in early that night, both wanted to be up early to get a good spot at one of their pre planed locations.
Outside a house a little ways away from Janna's, a poro and a cat were in a tree. "Well that's 6 of the names Zephyr, knowing our luck, it will be the last one on the list won't it?"
"Probably, but we need to keep it up. But doing anything now will be foolish. Let's head to the tower to rest for the night, and head out at first light." Solas just nodded in reply. They both headed for the tower to rest for the few hours they had.
Meanwhile on the Moon, Malzahar looked carefully over the route using his sight. He made note of the large amount of security and also took note of the Royal Plane making its way to the city. Knowing he had little time, he summoned his energy and called his minions.
"Good everyone is here. Now tonight we will be assaulting the magics around the planet. We need to punch a hole large enough to get the Herald through. Hopefully we can do enough damage that we will be able to get more powerful voidlings through, but I'm sure whoever came up with this has a backup plan. We still can't fully destroy them, but we can weaken them. Now get ready."
The powerful voidlings took their positions around a nexus of void energy, mostly refined from Kha'Zix's grab a few days earlier, and they focused their own powers and eventually the void energy lashed against the summoner magics around the planet. To most of the people on the planet, it looked like a momentous event, but to Vel'Koz, he knew what was happening. He turned to his desk, picked up the phone, and started a series of events that were already laid out for when this happened.
In their rooms, Lux and Janna suddenly sat bolt upright as a sudden chill swept over them both. Looking outside, Lux, along with Dorcha and Solas, and Janna with Zephyr, saw the telltale auroras of a void attack. Quickly getting to the tower, both of them found Vel'Koz pacing waiting for something. Turning he saw them.
"It is good you are here. Malzahar is using the void energy he collected to assault the protective magics around Runeterra. I have already set into motion events that will repair them, but the summoners need time to arrive. Tomorrow, I do not know what you will face, but it will be more powerful than anything before. You must be prepared. I know you came here because you both thought there was something you could do, but there isn't. We can't stop this attack now but in the future we might be able to. Or at least slow it down."
Lux turned to Janna who had a look on her face that said he was right. "Well then, I guess will just have to roll with it tomorrow. We've stopped them before, and we will stop them again." Janna just smiled. It sounded like something she would have said back in the old days. Even though she was scared, and could tell Lux was as well, there was something to be said about motivational speeches. Janna turned and started to head back to her room, while Lux took a look at the globe showing the assault.
"It seems powerful, but they are spreading it over a wide area, probably trying to force a hole bigger to get something through." Vel'Koz said coming over the globe with Lux. "We will see how much damage gets done. Wait what?" As suddenly as it had started, the attack stopped. Janna, who had just about stepped through the portal, canceled it and came running.
"Strange. It lasted almost 20 minutes, was it enough?"
"They got through whatever they wanted. Remember those portals can punch through the magics, but only if they still have a stable connection to the other side. Whatever they sent, is keeping a hole open. But they can't send anything else because they would have to force it open again." Vel'Koz pondered the dilemma before visibly giving up. He floated away with his thoughts while Lux and Janna finally returned to their rooms. Neither of them knew Zephyr and Solas were sleeping upstairs.
The following morning passed with just a few news reports about the auroras last night with only a few actually knowing what happened. Some of them commented that it was a fortuitous event that it came before the visit. Meanwhile Lux watched the news only to see final security arraignments. Garen was already at the scene being briefed by their father, while she was planning to meet up with Amy, Janna, and a few of the others before finding a spot to stand. Lux knew that it was a risk, but not going with them on a day like wasn't a good idea.
Lux made sure her locket was secure before leaving her house and meeting up with the group. This was the first time Janna was with them, but the rest of the girls made her feel welcome instantly. Even as early as they were, people were already camped out for good seats. Eventually finding some along the fencing, they quickly staked out the spot as Lux and Janna made to get some refreshments.
"Well here we go. Hopefully we can at least get away when it all goes down." Lux said as they moved just a little bit away.
"I hope so as well. But we need to be careful. They are your friends and they might not want to separate quickly." Janna said, making a good point.
"Easy I have an excuse, I'm going to look for Garen. They should by that. I hope. Maybe." Janna just shook her head as they made their way back. Already their spot was surrounded by people and they had to fight a bit to get back with the rest of them. It was a chillier day than normal, but that was both a result of the void energy from last night, and the natural weather patterns.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the parade kicked off. Even though they weren't the Royals here, Queen Ashe, King Tryndamere, and Princess Sejuani made quite the appearance. Despite an overwhelming hatred of Ashe, Sejuani still made peace to allow their nation to grow, as long as she could dictate to her tribes. Riding her boar, Sejuani formed the front of the security detachment around the Queen and King and just as they approached, Lux saw something out of corner of her eye. Ducking, Janna looked and followed suit.
A large bolder like thing crashed into the middle of the street and people scattered in every way possible. Because of their position by the fence, they managed to avoid getting trampled, but the chaos around caused more than a few issues for some. In the crowd, Amy grabbed Lux's arm, pulling her as they made their escape. As the group managed to get clear of the street, Lux pulled her arm from Amy's grasp. "I need to find Garen. If I don't, my mother will kill me. Just get out of here."
"Just be careful Lux." Amy nodded to her friend, understanding, and kept running. Lux and Janna quickly ducked down an ally and after making sure they were clear, Lux pulled her locket, and Janna, her pendant.
"Star Guardian Power Up." With a flash, they were both transformed, and quickly made their way back into the street. It was a testament to the Winter's Claw Tribes that their Princess was holding her own against a clearly more powerful opponent. Just as the enormous creature that had taken position in the middle of the street raised another boulder, Lux threw her baton creating a barrier between Sejuani and the creature. The bolder bounced harmlessly off the barrier as the creature wheeled around to face the new attackers.
Janna, made her way around the creature but only managed to get to its side before it reached out with its massive claws and take a swipe at her, which Janna easily dodged. Lux for her part was making her way to the vehicle that housed the visiting royalty, only to find they were gone. Sejuani came up beside Lux.
"They managed to get away from the creature, but I doubt they will be gone long." Sejuani said, clearly talking about the Queen and King.
"Why is that?" Lux asked, looking towards the creature.
"Ashe isn't the type of queen who will let someone who threw a boulder at her to get away with it. She'll be back. In the mean time, how about we try and take down this, whatever it is first." Sejuani said indicating the large creature.
"Agreed." Sprinting around from the vehicle, Sejuani threw her mace at the creature, while Lux threw a singularity and a few bolts from her baton. Janna for her part, was expertly dodging around the creatures attacks, clearly drawing not only its attention but its anger. Just as it took a swipe that would have probably landed, Lux threw a binding, rooting it in place. Janna circled around the creature to rejoin her fellow fighters.
"Well, what's the plan?" Janna asked.
"Honestly until we can find a weak point, we just need to keep hitting it." Lux said, turning to the other two.
"So straightforward? I like it. Bristle, let's go." With that, she reared her boar and with astonishing agility, she used her mace to knock around the creature's legs and was moving too fast, and at too odd of angles for it too hit back. Lux and Janna for a moment just stood there stunned but recovered and dived in as well. Things seemed to be going well for a few minutes but it was then Janna tapped Lux on the shoulder and they saw a horde of approaching small voidlings. Sejuani turned from her attack and saw the approaching horde.
"Well. It seems that one wasn't enough." Lux and Janna just turned while the creature was still rooted and slowed. "I'll handle this. Take care of the giant thing. I know where my battle lies." With that, Sejuani just changed into the mass, sending more than one of the creatures flying into the air.
"Well you can say one thing about her, she doesn't lack for spirit." Janna said, looking away from the large creature.
"Yes indeed. Watch out." Lux pushed Janna aside just as the creature took a swipe. Lux threw up a barrier to absorb the blow but it never came. Opening her eyes, she saw the creature was stunned, and covered in a sheet of ice. Lux moved to see around the creature only to see a woman standing, with a bow in her hand, and wearing what looked like some impressive body armor. Lux quickly rolled out of the way while Janna made her way over as well.
"Well he'll only be stunned for another few seconds so where do you want me to help. With my annoying princess or with you two?" Ashe asked to the two Guardians.
"Um probably helping out the princess your majesty. We can handle this. I hope." Lux added as she turned back towards the creature still frozen in ice.
"Very well. Should you need help, just call." Ashe quickly jumped to help Sejuani throwing arrows of ice from that magically spawned from her bow. Just when it seemed that a voidling would catch the queen off guard, another figure joined the fight. With his long blade, it seemed that the King wouldn't sit out the fight either. Lux and Janna turned back to the giant creature, only to dodge yet another attack from the creature. As Lux and Janna rolled clear, the creature got hit with a large energy pulse. Debonair was standing a little bit away with his weapon aimed right at the threat.
Lux jumped to her feet as the creature swung again, clearly not being able to reach Debonair, it decided to take out the nearest thing. Janna threw yet another shield while Lux rolled again dodging yet another arm. The next attack however comes at Janna, and she takes it full in the chest. Janna got thrown into a building and was clearly knocked out.
Seeing this, Debonair sent another energy pulse trying to keep the creature from moving in on Janna, while Lux threw a binding and a shield as it came after her instead. Debonair managed to get a hit with his hammer onto the creature as it again swung on Lux who just barely managed to get out of the way. The creature swung again and connected with Debonair who was likewise knocked into a building and out.
Lux turned briefly to Ashe, Sejuani, and Tryndamere, who care making short work of the voidlings but were clearly in no position to help her. Especially with their backs to her fight. Turning, Lux got to her feet again as the creature turned to her. Taking a deep breath, Lux threw another binding and more bolts from her baton as she moved quickly to keep away from the creatures monster claws. Though with their size it was difficult as that size almost made up for the speed advantage. Almost.
Rolling away from another attack, Lux threw a singularity at the creature before it swung again. Using her barrier, Lux prepared herself for the hit, but it still came full on. Getting knocked into building, the creature turned and looked at its opponents. Lux wasn't knocked out, but the wind was sure knocked out of her. Turning to the creature, she threw another binding, but it missed. The creature sensing its opportunity charged. Lux prepared another barrier, and readied herself for the hit.
"Oh no you don't." Lux opened her eyes and saw something charging down the street and even though it was clearly a yordle, she charged the creature and pinned it against yet another building. Lux was so taken aback that she just sat there while the yordle just hit the creature again with her hammer, then backed off to see to Lux. "You ok?"
"Barely, I'm guessing that Zephyr and Solas were successful?" Lux asked, getting to her feet.
"You got that right. Now let's get this done because the ugly thing over there is getting up." Lux turned and saw that she was right. Lux threw another binding and dodged out of the way of another attack as the new Guardian threw her buckle at it forming a shield around herself and knocking the creature off its intended path. Lux then saw Zephyr attack the creature slowing it down as he grabbed on. Turning she saw Janna getting to her feet while Debonair was holding his head.
Janna took one look and was in shock as she regained her senses. Debonair was down and Lux was clearly in trouble. Janna tried to get to her feet but couldn't as the pain from her legs was too much at the moment. Just when the creature seemed ready to finish Lux, another Guardian came running down the street, and despite her size, tackled the creature into another building where it was clearly stunned. Seeing the new Guardian help Lux to her feet made the pain in her legs ebb enough for Janna to get to hers. Seeing the creature recover she noticed Zephyr had returned and she quickly nodded to the creature and he slowed it enough to allow Lux and the new Guardian to get away.
Janna made her way over to them and nodded. "Well it seems that you were successful" she said as Zephyr returned. He just nodded as they all turned back to the creature. Janna moved over to Debonair and Lux and the new Guardian followed. As the creature stampeded over to them Janna held up her staff and called on the winds, blowing the creature back into yet another building, the one where it had knocked her previously and the healing rains came down. Debonair, Lux, and Janna all got their second winds as the creature recovered.
"Ok now let's take that down. Spread out and keep hitting it. Look for a weakness." The rest of them nodded and they set about moving. The creature, now having to deal with 4 targets, including a yordle who kept going underneath it to attack was finally off balance. Lux and Debonair provided most of the damage while Janna kept the new Guardian shielded and slowing the creature. Meanwhile the new Guardian kept moving around and dodging attacks while getting in a few of her own. Just as it seemed like the creature would get a lucky hit, it suddenly roared in anger.
Turning, Lux noticed Ashe returning while Tryndamere was running to join the fight and Sejuani wasn't far behind. Ashe had clearly hit something and the creature again roared in pain as Lux noticed it. A large white eye on its back. High, but not unhittable. Lux threw a binding and a singularity while everyone gathered.
"Ok while this may be obvious, that eye needs to be focused. Everyone keep moving around so that someone has a clear shot at that eye when it opens again. You three, keep moving around its legs and keep it off balance" Lux said to Tryndamere, Sejuani, and her new Guardian. "Ashe, stay on the perimeter with us while we try and knock it down or knock it out." The rest just nodded as the creature roared again coming after them. They all split as it tried again to swing and hit, but it swung and missed. With now 7 people attacking it, the creature was quickly getting overwhelmed as it kept trying to hit someone but they were either hitting back, or were shielded by Lux or Janna. Meanwhile Debonair and Ashe kept moving and hitting the eye whenever it opened up.
Quickly the creature became tired, or at least that is what it appeared and finally just collapsed on the ground. "Get clear." Everyone dived out of the way as Sejuani threw her mace freezing the creature while Lux charged up. Running her hand along her baton she charged her laser. Focusing her powers, she threw them in a beam.
"NO!" Lux was knocked down by a large and powerful blow as she saw the creature vanish through a portal. Looking up, she grabbed her baton again. A man was hovering over them. "You may have won this day Guardians and friends, but you will not win this war. I will return." The creature opened a portal, but not before everyone threw whatever they could at him.
"Well, we have a new friend and with that friend we only get stronger." Lux said as she turned to her new friend who just nodded, while she and Jayce were just eyeing each other's hammers and comparing them. Ashe's helmet withdrew into her armor while Sejuani and Tryndamere came over. Lux knew she had overstepped by ordering a Queen and King around, but Ashe's smile was all the reassurance she needed to say she did the right thing.
"Well it seems that the void has returned. Will you three be ok?" Ashe asked.
"I think the four of us will be fine. After all, we've managed to this point and I'm sure we will keep it up." Lux said, trying to sound confident.
"Good. If you need something, you know where to call." Ashe turned to head back to what remained of her security detachment while Tryndamere followed. Sejuani stayed for a second to nod at Lux before joining her cousin. Lux just stood for a second before rejoining the rest of the group.
"Well it seems that we will never agree." Debonair said as Lux got within earshot.
"That's for certain." Janna just rolled her eyes as the two were still going on.
"Well. It seems that nothing is safe anymore is it?" Lux just shook her head. "Well I should get going because it seems like you might have to explain something." Debonair said as he pointed. Lux turned to see Caitlyn and Vi coming down.
"Well this will be interesting." Lux said as she made her way towards the two while Janna and the new Guardian followed.
"Well it seems that the big boss orchestrated this didn't he?" Caitlyn asked. Janna just nodded. "Well, the fact you all kept collateral damage to a minimum is something I should say thank you for, but this will still mean a mountain of paperwork."
"At least I got to punch a few things." Vi's comment just made Caitlyn put her head into her hand shacking it groaning all the while. The three Guardians couldn't contain their laughter and all three burst out. That got Caitlyn to smile. Lux managed to recover enough to see Garen coming out of a building with a few others so she knew he was safe. Still this was going to be a large talking too at home. Seeing her father also made her feel better as they were no doubt searching for her.
"Look you three just get out of here. I'll deal with this. I'm sure that even as skilled as we are, we couldn't have taken out that creature the way you all did." Caitlyn waved off the three Guardians and with that, Lux, Janna, and their new friend all dived out of sight. Finding a secluded place out of sight of everything, Lux just turned and nodded.
"Power down." And all three returned to their normal selves. Lux and Janna turned to their new friend.
"Poppy." She said holding out her hand.
"Lux." She said taking it.
"Janna."
"Well, now there are three. Come on, I'm sure Vel'Koz will want to talk to us. I'll meet you two at the tower after…" Lux didn't get to finish before Janna cut her off.
"Just go." Janna said as she and Poppy made their way out. Lux came out and saw her father and brother looking around. She waved and the look of relief on their faces was enough. Garen came over while their father returned to looking for anyone trapped.
"Well it seems that there was a reason to worry. You ok?" Garen asked, trying to show a sense of calm.
"I'm fine. I'm just going to go for a walk. I'm sure mom's already passed out from anxiety." Lux said as she turned to leave.
"Probably. I'll see when I get back. Just be careful." Garen said.
"Aren't I always?" Lux said and Garen just rolled his eyes at his sister as she began walking. He had half a mind to follow but decided against it. Lux for her part made her way to the tower where Vel'Koz and Nasus were waiting.
"Good. Now that there are three of you, you all should feel the power in yourselves increasing. Hopefully whatever Malzahar will throw at us next will be weaker, and I'm sure it will be. He can't get another attack like that again for a while. As for the new team member, welcome Poppy. I hope you will feel welcome here."
"Just point me in the way I need to go and I'll be sure to mess up their plans." That got everyone laughing while Lux just sighed. Looking out the window, their fight ramped up, but so did their team. She just sighed and returned to the group.
Meanwhile on the moon, the Voidlings were gathered around Malzahar who was still reeling from the few parting shots that everyone got in. "Well it seems my plan was overambitious. I miscalculated. But now there are three guardians to deal with. Kha'Zix prepare a final plan. Then I will need you for something else." He nodded and left. Turning to Rek'Sai "I need you to accelerate your plans as well. Understood?" The void burrower nodded as well and left.
Turning to Cho'Gath he said "You were correct but at least we got enough to replenish what was lost and more."
"That is true Prophet, but we can't afford another attack like that for a while."
"Agreed. The next time it will be with the Baron." Cho'Gath smiled what little he could as Malzahar laughed.