a/n- Hey guys good to see you all again :D Hope you enjoy this chapter. I am going to try to make a habit of posting a new chapter every Sunday. You'll have to excuse this one for being late though. College papers needed to be written. Every creative writer's WORST NIGHTMARE RIGHT! Anyways, thanks to all of you guys who reviewed, it's super cool to see that people actually like it C: ENJOY BBS
(6 months later)
They had been arguing continuously for three hours straight. Fists would be slammed down in anger and protest from one statement, while voices would be raised from another. Heads butted, egos were flattened, and old wounds were split open.
She sighed in contempt.
This is why she hated politicians.
"Bloody Hell." She hissed as the politician roared, angering the headache forming at the front of her skull.
Her father looked sideways at her with half cut eyes. She glared back, making his lake like pools, roll as he refocused on the debate, between the opinionated men and women of the state house.
"It's becoming a problem!" A young politican seethed. "Those low life scum bags will make their move and when they do Piltover will pay for it gravely. They sent one terrorist that completely leveled the city, what will thousands of terrorists do?"
The voices of 'hear hear' resonate amongst the crowd following short grunts of disapproval.
The young politician shakes his head.
"It's only a matter of time, before we get annihalated. Our only protection is a day's march and a four hour train ride away. The Zaunites, have been extremely pushy after they elected that Machine Herald at the end of last month. Who knows what they have planned?!"
The statehouse turned into an uproar of approval and disapproval.
"We can't sever any ally ties with them. We may be rivals , but we aren't enemies." Someone argued. Caitlyn pinched the bridge of her nose. This was getting pointless.
"I'm not saying to sever ties, sir. I'm saying we need to get our protection closer. We have no idea what they are up to, but I have a feeling in my gut that tells me we should be prepared."
"They will see troop movement and think it's an act of war!"
"It's better to be safe then sorry!"
The politicians exploded into a more cacophonous sound.
A gavel beat down angrily on the palm.
The mayor's weathered face was at an exasperated state. His soft brown eyes, hardened with frustration.
"That is enough!" He roared.
The state house went silent immediately. Every standing person slowly sat back down as the mayor stared each of the angry politicians down with hardened eyes. Caitlyn smirked. She had always liked the mayor. He was crazy at times, but when Piltover needed a leader he was certainly the right fit. He was what the people needed. Someone who knew how to stomp their foot down when things got too complicated. He knew when to make the right sacrifices and the right saves.
"We have always been a potential target for the Zaunites." He began stepping away from his podium and into the seating area of the statesmen. He clapped the shoulder of the young politician, who looked up at the mayor with keen eyes. "But Mr. Tighe, is right. We can't always trust them. I to, do not have a good feeling about that crazed professor they elected. Piltover company has many bright and strong individuals, that are willing to defend home soil. I say we begin making barracks where the old Founder's Square used to be. All those who agree raise your hand and say aye."
A chorus of 'ayes' followed by arms raised to the sky, went through the group of politician's. Only a small sample of politician's stayed unmoving.
"Majority rules. It's settled." The mayor turns his eyes to his secretary who is seated next to the podium the mayor had been standing at. " , please write a letter to the Demacian officials, and to the head commanders of Piltover Company. Our soldiers are coming home. This counsel is now concluded. Our next meeting will begin tomorrow, to discuss further about the situation we find ourselves in. Enjoy this lovely spring day, ladies and gentlemen." With a final pound of the gavel, the mayor moved to a door at the back of the stage and left. The statesmen rose from their seats, and exited the statehouse without so much of an argument.
Caitlyn sat frozen. Her father nudged her, trying to bring her out of her hypnosis.
After nine years.
Dakota was coming home.
Caitlyn's icy eyes began to prickle with tears.
"Caitlyn?" Her father asked, worry lining his voice.
Caitlyn quickly snapped out of it and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She placed a small smile onto her lips as she stood up.
"Apologies, Father."She began as she went to her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "I need to discuss something with the Mayor. He asked me to be here today so that I could console him on a matter. I'll meet you for dinner at The Albany."
He nodded. "Of course, love. I'll see you in a while." His words sounded cautious. Caitlyn squinted at her father. "I'll be off. Your mother had requested me to visit her at her office. Something about a new invention that needs the hands of an intelligent man." He gave a wry smile that made Caitlyn snort.
"Send her my love." She said in between a giggle.
Her father nodded.
She went down the aisle toward the stage door. She turned the knob and entered into a hallway. A body guard greeted the sheriff with a courteous nod and he led the woman down the long way. The hallway had forest green walls, with the portraits of past mayors lined with gold trim. Her heeled boots clicked along the marble floor. Each step sent an echo along the walls. The guard froze at a massive mahogany door. The emblem of Piltover was pressed into the door with elite craftsmanship. With a gentle knock from the guard, a soft reply welcomed the intruders. Caitlyn thanked the guard and pushed through the heavy door.
"Ah, sheriff." The mayor was at a counter pouring himself a drink. "May I offer you some Brandy? It's a gift from the Demacian king. Great fellow he is."
Caitlyn smiled. "Thank you for the offer sir, but I must decline. I have a long awaited paperwork session waiting for me as soon as I return to my office."
The mayor chuckled, as he sat himself onto a black velvet arm chair. Caitlyn shuffled over to a similar arm chair across from the Mayor.
"I'm glad today has worked out. I've been trying to get Piltover company back in Piltover for over a year now. I'm glad that my statesmen have good heads on their shoulders." He took a swig of his brandy, his eyes staring at the amber liquid in the glass. " I have summoned you here for a reason, Sheriff."
Caitlyn crossed her legs and placed her hands on her thighs. Her swan like neck held her head high as she locked eyes with the Mayor.
"I will be giving you command of the fifty first. I need them to retain some reconnaissance, and I believe that you are the only one capable enough as well as trustworthy enough to deduce confidential missions to these hard working soldiers. You have showed extreme dedication to this city, Sheriff and this city is in great debt for your services. Use these soldiers to the best of their abilities. I will be providing you further instructions for their first mission, when they arrive back in Piltover."
Caitlyn was taken aback.
"This is an honour, sir, but I'm not sure I am qualified for this."
"Of course you are. You lead brave men and women into a battle on the streets. Your detective skills can help piece together what the Zaunites are planning using the information that those soldiers gather. You are the perfect person for this job, Sheriff." He took a nonchalant swig of his brandy.
"Anyways, the main reason you are here is so I can get your opinion. What are your thoughts on the new ZX456 Hextech rifle? I'm looking for a new hunting weapon, but I can't quite find the right choice for me."
( 2 weeks later)
The Demacians had actually okayed everything.
It surprised her.
They let them celebrate here.
Bonfires littered the training grounds. The sounds of pounding drums, let out crazed dance rhythms that coaxed bodies to go along with the beat. Most of them danced, while the rest formed a human circle. Gold coins passed hands, and alcohol exchanged lips throughout the group. Cheers and cries of anger echoed into her ears. She was drenched in sweat. Her raven black hair was plastered to the back of her neck. Blood trickled out of her split lip. Her bare abdomen, bruised and glistening in a sheen of sweat. Her military dress shirt was tied around her her hips. Her black sports bra was the only thing on her torso, that and the golden ring looped onto the chain that slapped against her chest.
Across from her was Alex. His long arms were raised to his face, with clenched fists covering his bruised cheek and jaw. The bon fires reflected in his mud coloured eyes, giving him a sinister look. His lips twisted into a cocky smile as he called out to Dakota.
"C'mon, make this easier on yourself, Sampson." He spat onto the sand covered ground. His bare feet dug into the loose earth. "Surrender, so I can take your cash."
Dakota gave an equally cocky grin.
"The only way your getting my money, Preston, is when I pay for your hospital bills back home."
The human ring gave a ruckus of laughter.
The fire in Alex's eyes grew in size. His fiery hair, making him look like the embodiment of the flames that danced around them in barrels around the group. His long and lean torso contracted as he took a couple of angry steps toward Dakota, getting into her instep. She blocked his first punch, but was too slow for the next one as it connected to her jaw. He grabbed her shoulder and used his hips to throw her toward the ring.
Dakota flew into the awaiting arms of the human ring. She quickly regained herself, and sidestepped Alex as he tried to tackle her. The human ring caught him and pushed him back into the center of the ring. Dakota grunted and launched herself forward as she tackled Alex to the sand as he tried to regain his balance from the push. With a growl the two rolled over top each other as they tried to gain the dominant position. Alex swung his fist but Dakota moved her head back enough for it to miss. She grabbed his over extended arm and wrapped her legs around his upper arm and shoulder. She used his momentum to pin him into the sand. She pushed her hips up so that his arm was locked into an arm bar.
"Tap out!" Dakota yelled over the pounding drums of the dance music.
"No!" Alex growled as he tried to break the bar.
Dakota snarled and pushed her hips up more so that it began to strain his arm.
"Come on, Preston. I am not breaking your arm over a few gold coins. Tap out so I can get us drinks." She called out.
Alex gave out a sigh of finality.
"Fine!" He slapped her left leg with his open palm.
The crowd gave out a cheer and some groaned. Coins passed through awaiting hands. Dakota released Alex's arm and she sat herself up, sand falling from her shoulders and back. He quickly rolled to his side and wrapped his arm around Dakota's neck. He pulled her head to his stomach and rubbed his knuckles onto her scalp.
"HNNG! Alex stop!" Dakota protested, putting her hands onto his stomach as she pushed off of him. A massive shit eating grin spread through his lips as he released Dakota. The two sat in the sand for a while watching the human ring disperse and commingle into smaller groups. The pounding of the drums whispered to Dakota, begging her to dance to the beat. She rose from her seat. She extended a hand to Alex, who declined it.
"I'm gonna go meander about. I think there's a nice blonde from the ninth, that needs some ginger love." He wiggled his orange eyebrows and rolled to his feet. "Catch you on the flip side, loser."
Dakota scoffed and turned on her heels.
She had found herself infront of the makeshift bar. She slapped the newly awarded coins onto the wooden slat. "I'll take a craggy ice please." The bartender nodded, and ripped the cap off of a bottle and passed the ale to the fifteen year old. The hot summer night and the raging bonfires made the cold drink ever so satisfying. She pushed her way through dancing bodies as she approached closer to the stage. Hands trailed a long her skin as she pushed through to the very center of the dancing mass. She began to lose herself in the beat. Her eyes closed as her hips swayed. Every now and again she would take sips from the bottle enjoying the taste of the Freljordian ale and blood from her split lip.
A pair of hands found there way to her waist. She looked up to the owner. He was a tall boy, with chestnut brown wavy hair. He had high cheeks bones that had blue lines painted on his face, like the other party goers. His ember eyes illuminated from the bonfires and flashing lights of the rave around them. He looked so intent on her, and her movements. Dakota raised a slim eyebrow to the boy, finished the ale and placed the bottle in the sand. She wrapped her arms around his neck bringing the boy closer. A devilish smile plastered on her lips.
The boy leaned his face closer to Dakota's. His thumbs doing intricate circles along her hips and flat stomach muscles, making the hairs on her arms and neck stand on end. She tipped her chin toward him. She was barely a hair width away from his lips when someone grabbed the scruff of her neck. The boy grunted as a fist came into contact of his nose making a sickening crunch.
"Fuck off, sluzz ball !" Abbie spat."You ever touch her again, I'll fucking end you! Now get out of here before I rip your intestines out of your ass." She cracked her knuckles and the boy broke off into a sprint pushing past people.
Elric's hold was iron tight on her scruff making Dakota yelp. He dragged her out of the dancing bodies and back to their barracks.
"What the hell were thinking?" He barked, worry and anger lining his irises. He slammed the door angrily and strode over to was shaking uncontrollably. He gripped her wrists with iron strength.
"Calm down!" She yelled, ripping away from her brother's grasp. "I was only having fun!"
"With Lucas Perril?" Elric got right into her face. "Do you not remember what he did to the girls in his unit?"
Dakota's jaw dropped. "I had no idea it was him, Elric." Her voice going softer as she understood the situation. She wrapped her arms around his neck and embraced her brother. " You probably just saved me."
Elric sighed and gently rubbed circles onto her back. "I would have skinned him right then and there but Abbie said she would handle it. He shouldn't have been here. They kicked him out of the force. Those girls didn't deserve the torture of seeing his ugly mug around here. I'm just glad Abbie spotted you."
Dakota closed her eyes and nuzzled into her brother's shoulder. She caught a scent and froze. A shit eating grin spread through her lips. She pulled back and looked up to her brother with a raised eyebrow.
"Why do you smell like Abbie?" She asked a hint of a laugh gaining on her voice.
Elric's sapphire eyes widened. A blush formed on his sun kissed cheeks.
"Uhhhhhh..."
"You sly..." Dakota broke into a fit of laughter, unable to finish her sentence. She held her bruised abdomen. "Oh my god! How long?"
Elric rolled his eyes and scratched the back of his blonde head.
"Since Heartseeker Day." He admitted with a mutter.
Dakota burst out into an even greater fit of laughter.
"Yeah yeah, it's funny. Hurry up and get it out of your system."
Dakota wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Aw, El, don't be like that."She began. "I'm genuinely happy for you guys."
Elric nodded. "Everything is finally getting into place, Dakota." He whispered. "We're finally going home. All of the people we had met as children are now adults. They probably don't even remember us."
Dakota chuckled.
"Maybe that's a good thing." She sat on top of one of the unclaimed beds. "It's too surreal. One more sleep and tomorrow we march off."
"Alright let's get back to the party." Elric chuckled. "We're getting too sentimental. Let's go have a drink to this place. I'm glad we are leaving the mold and vines behind."
"Hear, hear." Dakota agreed as she clapped her brother's back. "To this shit pile!"
Their laughter echoed from the empty barrack hall. It would be the last time the mold and vines would ever hear their laughter again.
(Early the next morning)
She was excited.
She bounced from one foot to the other as she waited at the train station. Vi had never seen her this energetic, well there was that one time when they...
Vi shook her head a grin spreading on her lips. That was quite the night. Caitlyn was so antsy. She took forever this morning picking out the right outfit, and making sure everything about her appearance was perfect. It took a lot of coaxing from Vi, to get Caitlyn out of the damned bathroom so she could pee.
Caitlyn pulled out the pocket watch from her purple canvas jacket. She replaced it and pushed her black bangs behind her ears. Her long legs were covered in a pair of black skinny jeans and her feet were in her iconic heeled boots. The rain pounded against the glass ceiling of the train station. A usual Piltovian weather forecast. Rain, rain and more rain.
Suddenly the sound of train breaks screeched through the station making Caitlyn freeze. Vi gave out a short giggle. "Easy, cupcake."
"You don't understand , Vi." Caitlyn never left her eyes from the departures gate. "These soldiers are very close to my family. I haven't seen them since the day they got shipped off. I was there the night their parents died."
Vi nodded. "I know , cupcake." She reached for Caitlyn's hands and intertwined there fingers. Vi could practically see the nerves slide off of Cait as she made contact with Vi.
A flow of soldiers pushed through the gates. All of them were holding rather large footlockers and canvas rucksacks on their shoulders. Caitlyn recognized a few faces, from children she had saved from the street. She wondered if any of them knew Dakota.
All of the soldiers wore their uniforms. Grey button ups with their rank bars and last name on their chests as well as the emblem of Piltover company on their right shoulders. Their black cargo pants were properly pressed and their black combat boots were all shined and polished.
"Caitlyn?" It was a low voice with the hint of a high Piltovian accent mixed with a Demacian accent. Caitlyn snapped her head to a very handsome soldier. He was tall, around six feet and two inches tall. His blonde hair was cut short to military specifications. He had a slight afternoon shadow along his square jaw. His sapphire eyes crinkled in joy as he caught sight of the sheriff. He looked just like his father.
"Oh my gods, Elric." Caitlyn marveled.
Elric dropped his rucksack and footlocker by his comrades and scooped Caitlyn up in a powerful embrace. His shoulders were massive and strong. His wide chest helped support Caitlyn as he spun them in a circle.
He placed Caitlyn down carefully.
"Look at you." Caitlyn commented, her thin lips wide in a marvelous smile. "You've grown up to be so handsome, Elric."
"Well," Elric wiggled his eyes. "Handsome comes as handsome goes." Caitlyn watched as three other figures moved to Elric. A red head woman came up and slapped the back of Elric's head.
The red head smiled widely at the sheriff. "He can be quite the vain bugger sometimes." She commented cutting her chocolate brown eyes to Elric. She turned her attention back to the sheriff. She produced a large calloused hand to Caitlyn. "Captain Abbigail Preston. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Elric hasn't kept quiet about you through the entire train ride."
Caitlyn gave a small laugh and took Abigail's hand in hers.
"Behind me is my brother Alexander and our comrade Matais. I hear we will be getting our commands and orders from you."
Caitlyn nodded. "That is correct. While the other units will be housed at Founder's barracks, your unit will be housed at the station on the same floor as my office."
Behind Abbigail, a tall red head, most likely Alexander, gave a wry grin. "Nice."
"You will have to excuse, Dakota." Elric added. "She went to go sign off on some of our gear that needed special transportation."
Caitlyn hid the disappointment that curled in her gut as she quickly looked to her feet.
"Don't to cut me out too short, El."
Caitlyn snapped her head to the beautiful teenager infront of her. Caitlyn gasped. It was look she was looking in a mirror. Dakota had a slender and angular jawline. Her cheek bones were held high. Her thin lips were teased in a side smile. Just like most of the Deramores, Dakota's icy eyes held the keys to curiosity. Her Raven Black hair was held up in a lose ponytail. Her bangs were swept to the side, away from her beautiful eyes. She was taller then Caitlyn by atleast a few inches. She had broader shoulders and longer arms as well. Her chest held the long black straps of her rucksack. Her Uniform sleeves were rolled up to her elbows showing off her pale skin, showing small scars from previous battles. Her hands were the same lithe quality as Caitlyn's. She had a long torso. Her abdomen, even through the fabric of the uniform shirt, looked strong with tense muscles. She had long legs to hold her long body. She looked like she could use her wide gait to run fast.
Caitlyn stepped to Dakota and wrapped her arms around Dakota's slender neck. She buried her nose into Dakota's shoulder smelling scents of mint and wood fire. She felt Dakota's long arms wrap around her waist.
Caitlyn held back the tears that rushed to her eyes. She sniffed.
" You two have grow up too fast for my liking."
Dakota gave a wry smile, her slender eyebrows raised with the grin. Elric placed his arm around Dakota's neck. "She's still a little shit. You should the Hextech she makes. Holy crap, it's incredible."
"Hextech." Vi cut in. "Oh kid, we're probably gonna be the best of friends." Dakota looked to the taller woman with the pink locks.
"The piltover enforcer. I've heard quite a bit about your gauntlets. You'll have to show me how they work." Dakota suggested. Caitlyn marveled at how her Piltovian accent hadn't been entirely lost. It was mostly heard with her vowels and how she acutely said her consonants.
Vi gave a wolfish grin. "Anytime I get to show off my babies. But first let's get you guys settled. We brought the SWAT van. Hope you like the smell of puke. The last guy we detained hurled all over the place. Still can't get the bloody stench out though."
Caitlyn slapped her palm against her face.
By the gods.