"This way! Through here!"
Through the confused cries of innocents and prying eyes of Mageseekers, Sylas led them. Smoke and blood was in the air as swords and sorcery clashed. The skilled among them had split away to deal tastes of retribution on their oppressors. Sylas, however, led the weak away.
Aislynn followed Sylas through a broken-down door and down stone corridors. Sylas moved swiftly and with experience. What the place was and how Sylas knew about it was beyond her, but it wasn't as though she had any other options.
The sounds of war gave way to silence as they went deeper into the building. When Sylas les them through another door, however, a stink took place.
"Sewers?" one of the escapees asked aloud.
"It's the safest option," Sylas answered curtly, "Its a maze of you don't know where to go, and their armor will be weighed down."
"How about bows and arrows?"
Sylas grinned, flames floating from his fingertips, "Whatever they bring, I can more than match it. Now, through the sewers."
"Wait, you're Sylas!"
The new voice garnered the attention of all mages present. Looking back, they found a family of four, each in simple clothing; a middle-aged mother, a father with a few gray hairs, and two brothers of different age. Middle-class workers, but Sylas' grimace implied something more.
"You're not mages. Who are you?" Sylas' question was joined by the flaring of magic; his own and his allies. The threat was clear: get out of the way or die.
The mother stepped forward, "I'm not a mage, but my boy..."
From the protective grasp of his elder sibling, the youngest boy stepped forward. He revealed an open palm, from which arcs of electricity danced.
"It's not safe... my family," the woman swallowed a sob, "They can't stay here."
They, Not we. Aislynn caught on and asked, "What about you?"
"My husband and I aren't mages," the woman shook her head, "As long as my boys can live free, I don't mind."
"They shouldn't have to live without their mother," Aislynn glanced at Sylas, "We can help them, right?"
"We can... we will protect them," Sylas paused, then doubled down, "No, we will protect you all."
A new, high pitched voice entered the fray, "No, stay away from him!"
Once again, eyes turned. Clad in runesteel armor, Luxanna Crownguard stood at the end of the stairs, wielding a looted stained blade a tad bit too big for her.
"Who is that?"
"It's a Dauntless, has to be!"
"No," Sylas cut in, his baritone breaking the babbles, "That is Luxanna Crownguard."
A low gasp filled the room.
"Will she hurt us?" asked one of their new additions.
"No, my friends," Sylas answered with a frown, "Crownguard she may be; she wouldn't harm an innocent."
At Sylas' words, Lux raised her sword and, with her free hand, conjured a ball of light. Immediately, all the mages in the room - save Sylas - harnesed their own magics. The young Crownguard's raised arms shook, whether from exertion or fear Aislynn couldn't tell.
"You're not innocent," Lux growled at Sylas, venom in her voice, "You... you've killed too many people. At the break out, today at the palace... This isn't right!"
"And your swine friends are?" Sylas countered, stepping forward with no concern, "You've seen what they've done to us. How many mages has the Prince killed? How many has your brother? Am I wrong to defend myself? To defend the true Demacia?"
"You..." Lux shook, unable to find the words to say.
"Crownguard blood may flow through your veins, but so does magic," Sylas' voice softened, "You belong with us. Come with me."
The Crownguard looked to her old mentor as Sylas raised a hand. She took a step, and for a moment Aislynn believed she might join them. But, steel returned after that.
"I cannot," Lux gasped, first unbelieving the words coming from her lips, then repeating it to herself, "I cannot!"
The sword in her hands fell to the floor, and her knees followed. Sylas could only sigh at the sight.
"...So you cannot," Sylas turned to his flock of escapees, "Come then, let us leave this place."
"But what about her?" Aislynn asked, still wary of the fallen Crownguard.
"Pay her no mind," Sylas replied, not daring to look back, "She has made her choice."
The Unshackled waded into the sewers, stepping into the shadows of freedom. One by one, his flock followed. Aislynn shared a brief final glance with the Crownguard, heard the sounds of war catching up, and finally followed Sylas to her liberation.
The shadows of the sewers grew darker, and the color of the dreamscape was consumed. The water stilled in its waves as the scene stopped.
"So, that's it. The birth of the rebellion from my point of view," Aislynn concluded, "Did you find what you were looking for?"
"In a sense," Xander replied, "Thank you for sharing that. It couldn't have been easy."
"Some parts easier than others," Aislynn admitted. A new thought made itself known, and she raised an eyebrow, "I don't particularly care about Luxanna Crownguard, but you seem to. Care to explain?"
"She, I suspect, will be a key figure in this rebellion. She knows that what's happening is wrong. If we can convince her to join us, that's a major win on our end."
"Is that the only reason?"
Xander sent a lightly amused glare, "I'm not into her. I haven't even seen her in years."
Aislynn shrugged, a smirk of her own on her face, "Could've fooled me."
Silence filled the void for a moment. Aislynn glanced at her fellow dream mage's face, finding it deep in thought. Xander's gaze went to the doorway. With a snap of his fingers they were returned to the would-be execution of Prince Jarvan. Sylas started his speech; one that unnerved her on the day, and now truly disturbed her. Xander watched on, then paused half way through.
"It seems this Runeterra isn't quite canon," he declared, "Though, only in a few ways."
"What do you mean?" Aislynn asked in turn.
"Sylas' speech is far shorter in canon. I'd understand if Jarvan or Lux or even Garen had more to say, given how I tried to sneak the topic of mage equality into our childhood discussions, but Sylas changing things up makes no sense," Xander sighed, "Perhaps a butterfly effect is occurring?"
"As long as we're not caught in a tornado, I guess..." Aislynn looked away from Sylas and into the crowd. They had seemed like dots of skin tone on the day, but in the dreamscape she could see faces. Some she idly recognized faces from the day, in the streets and sewers and beyond. Others she couldn't tell.
"... were you present on the day of the riot?" She asked.
"I didn't lie before when I said no," Xander clarifies, "But, I didn't mention my boss' abilities."
"And what would those abilities be?"
"Astral projection would be the closest pop-term for it," Xander smiled, "He's also like me in that he also tamed a demon. He didn't have the knowledge of demon nature at the time, though, so he had to brute force it. Rather than having a buddy like I have Nocturne, he has a glorified power amp now."
Aislynn shuddered, "Another demon master... I guess he'd be an interesting guy... if not completely terrifying."
Xander laughed, "That sounds about right, at least when he's in battle mode."
With that statement made, Xander clapped once. The dream scene crumpled into itself like a singularity, returning to the starting void. Despite the violent transition, the two Dream mages continued their conversation.
"And when he's not?" She asked.
Xander gripped his chin in thought, the replied, "Imagine Tywin Lannister, but in Lucius Malfoy's body, with Nick Fury's job."
"That is only slightly better."
"Then his PR efforts worked like a charm," Xander smiled.
"Sure," Aislynn sent a quizzical look to Xander, "Wait, if you already saw this through your boss' vision, why did you want to see mine?"
"He only saw the initial vision. I wanted to see the aftermath," Xander answered, "Furthermore, I plan to use these memories for dreams in the future. Having all the details helps."
"Future dreams, or nightmares?"
"Whichever gets the job done," Xander rose from his bed with a smile, "Ultimately it isn't about fear. It's about the message."
As Xander opened his bunk's door to escort her out, Aislynn asked a final question, "And the message is?"
"For all the blood that's been shed - by both sides - there was a reason we - or rather, you guys - started it," Xander answered, "They need to see the error of their ways. Only then can we change this country."
"I'll have to wish you luck then: you've got quite the task ahead of you."
"And you. Unless you want to wait for my help in restructuring your rebel sect."
Aislynn smirked, "You may be a better dream mage than me but you're still a recruit for the rebellion. Now, don't die out there. I still need to introduce you to the cause."
"You really think I'd die?" Xander laughed off the concern, then calmed to a sincere smile, "If I'm not dying, neither are you. Keep you and yours safe. From the Mageseekers and anything else."
"If any characters come into play, I'll tell them you sent me."
"Please don't; I'd like to keep the surprise factor," Xander sent a two-finger salute, "See you in a week."
"And you."
From his salute, Xander snapped his fingers.
"That's it, Nocturne," the dream mage said.
The void grew even darker, and Aislynn felt it pull her away. Like rising to the surface from the depths of the ocean, Aislynn awoke. She squinted as first dawn pierced the curtains of the rebel hideout. Orange hues illuminated the shadowy form of Xander's messenger.
"I'll be taking my leave now," Nocturne rasped.
"I suppose he will need your help in the capitol," Aislynn mumbled her reply. Even after multiple nights of the demon acting as a conduit for the two dream mages, she still felt unnerved by its presence. Yet... "I won't be able to dream with Xander whilst he's in the capitol, will I?"
"It would likely be a futile effort," Nocturne answered, "I was able to break into the capitol dreaming with Xander, but the... abundance of petricite makes it difficult. Dream mage you may be, but the dreams of men are my domain."
Aislynn, despite her fear, smirked, "But I'm no man."
Nocturne growled, "I believe the word Xander told me was semantics."
Aislynn flinched, then waved the demon off, "Go be with your master now. He'll need your help."
"It's summoner..."
As the rising sun brightened the room, Nocturne shrank into the shadows. The demonic chill the Eternal Nightmare emanated faded, and Aislynn felt her heart rate slow. She sighed and chuckled. Between his apparent expertise and a demon friend, there probably was no reason to fear. At least, in that facet...
A knock on her door snapped her from her thoughts once more.
Knowing who was beyond the door, Aislynn called, "Come in."
"Trouble in paradise?"
"It wasn't a date, it was an interrogation," Xander sighed as he rose from his wooden seat, "Is this revenge for the teasing I gave you and Yin?"
Yin wrapped her lover in a hug whilst sending Xander a shit-eating grin. That Erret wasn't his stoic self and imitating Yin was enough of an answer. And, of course, Gerris found it hilarious.
"Anyways..." Xander straightened his posture as he changed the subject, "We've got a couple hours' cruise or so till we reach the capitol, lets use it."
The Left Hand of Noxus motioned to the map of the Capitol their host had bought for him the day prior. Unlike the maps Elia had bought them all for daily use, Xander's was marked with notes. Scrawled lines highlighted escape routes used by mages, whilst crosses highlighted major threats.
"Our host doesn't have much planned for tonight, does she?" Aislynn asked.
"Nah," was Gerris' basic answer, "And I bet you'll be wanting to use that free time, eh Xander?"
"Actually, no," Xander replied, "If suspicious actions were taken in the Capitol the day two ex-Arbormark mages arrived in it, Yin and I would be major suspects. I don't plan on making moves until halfway through the week."
"I see. But you'll still want to be productive, though."
"Of course," Xander smiled, "We'll be doing recon tonight. Three groups, asking around for information."
"Three?" Erret asked.
"Three; you and I take middle-class, Yin takes aristocrats, Gerris takes workers."
"Any reason you're deviating from our old plan?" Yin questioned.
"Well, it's the Capitol. There are more people than I have fingers that could recognize me, and one that definitely would," Xander explained, "In order to keep appearances, I'll still need to be with you during the day. But, minimizing the time I spend in palace grounds is the safer option."
Yin shrugged, "Fair enough. Guess I'll be the only one finding useful information."
Erret snorted before turning to Xander, "Yin sounds about right here. She'll obviously be taking note about all the politics in the capitol. Anything we'll be doing that's interesting?"
"Of course," Xander smiled, "Gerris, you'll be happy to know that our job just might be dangerous for once."
The ex-reckoner chuckled, "Explain, then."
Motioning to the map, Xander pointed to a small building near the grand plaza and the palace citadel.
"We'll be tracking these," Xander said, "These are sewage hubs. Built into a few buildings, they give access to the whole cities' sewage system. The mages used them as escape routes back during the riots. When we act, we'll do the same."
From the sewage hub he was pointing to, Xander's pointer finger down a drawn line to one nearby a sizable square.
"Erret, you and I will be visiting this one tonight," The Left Hand said, "It's relatively close to the Mageseeker's Headquarters. Through the sewers should be a twenty minute walk."
Xander then trailed his hand down the line to another sewage hub. A red line intersected with it, leading through a local forest to a house near the docks.
"Gerris, this hub will be yours to explore. When we escape the sewers, we'll go through this hub. If they still are on to us at that point, we lose our pursuers in the forest. Then, we head on home before anyone's the wiser."
Gerris nodded, "Sure, I can check it out."
"And in a few days, our escape routes planned, we'll strike the Mageseeker Headquarters?" Erret chuckled awkwardly, "Well, we have done worse..."
"It's hardly a strike, though breaking out the mages in there is definitely a goal for the future," Xander clarified, "No, when we decide to act, you, Yin, and Gerris are going to sneak in and steal info."
"Mageseeker movement around the country, I imagine?" Gerris assumed.
"That, and petricite movement, any basic standards of operation we can learn, and more," Xander affirmed, "Though, there is one thing I'd like to confirm. I doubt anyone wrote it down on something we can steal, but if possible it would definitely be a key weapon for us."
"Would this be an artifact, perhaps? Some scroll containing a mighty spell confiscated by the local magic police?"
"Hardly. I'm looking for information," Xander's smirk gained that malicious look that signaled understanding of forbidden knowledge, "What I hope you guys can find is documented proof that it was the Mageseekers who killed the late King Jarvan."
Even predicting a shocking statement, the team was left stunned. Disbelief was clear on all their faces. Yin was the first to verbally express it.
"That can't be right, I thought Sylas was the one to kill the late King."
"He certainly would've liked to take blame, but no, he didn't," Xander said, "King Jarvan died the day of the riot, that much is true. But the circumstances of it are likely unrelated to Sylas' revolution."
Gerris raised an eyebrow, "And you know this due to your... ahem, sources, shall we say?"
"Yes, and my contact confirmed it with her memories," Xander answered, "Sylas stormed the Citadel of Dawn, hoping to bring the king down to his level before killing him. They breached the main hall and defeated the local guard, including Prince Jarvan. They then stormed the residence sector, only to find the king lying on his bedroom floor, dead. No sign of a conflict was present; it was as of the king decided to nap on the floor and simply never woke up. Sylas interrogated everyone present, but no one claimed to kill the king."
"And you suspect the Mageseekers killed him?" Yin asked.
"It was the common theory in the fanbase, and there's reason for it to happen," Xander elaborated, "Based on what we know, it seems the late king was opposed to the... treatment the mages were getting. A story released suggested he'd even written a letter to the Head Mageseeker to stop the extreme protocols the organization was doing."
"I'm assuming there was a but?"
"Seneschal Xin Zhao was en route to the headquarters with the message the day of the Riot. Seeing the palace under siege, he immediately stopped his journey to turn back. By the time the day had ended, the letter was long forgotten. And even if that letter was a cease-and-desist, it's not like anyone would be willing to do that now."
Yin crossed her arms, "What does that mean, then?"
"The theory is that the Mageseekers were trying to make the most of a bad situation. Or maybe they even planned the whole thing. They knew their powers were about to take a royal hit, but here comes this questionable, charismatic mage who's set himself up to be the monster everyone in this country believes mages are. So, they kill the king just as Sylas is there to take the fall. And with that..."
"The king who wanted to restrain them is replaced by a grieving son willing to give them power to get his supposed vengeance," Erret finished.
"... My literacy may be getting to you," Xander smirked.
"It was only a matter of time," the saboteur sighed, "Though, I have learned much good from you over the years..."
A proud smile on his face, Xander listed, "Empathy and morality, imagination, lucid dreaming and all its benefits..."
"And the ability to catch obscure details in conversations," Erret snapped the Left Hand from his ego trance with with his sharpened point, "Now explain what you're going to do when we're stealing paperwork."
Xander first flinched, then said, "... I was going to tell you."
"You didn't want to, so I had to make sure," Erret explained, "Now, out with it."
"I could... but I'm sure you guys know me well enough by now."
Erret's dead pan lasted all of five seconds before Gerris explained with a sigh, "He's going to storm the palace to play mind games with his old friends."
Though Xander smiled, he at least had the respect to let mischievous shame show in his eyes.
"Couldn't have said it better myself."
Yin groaned in irritation. Her lover was only somewhat better, silently thinking.
"I'm assuming you're going to be a distraction for us when we sneak into the Mageseeker Headquarters," Erret said, shaking his head, "Who do you plan to target?"
"Luxanna Crownguard and Prince Jarvan," Xander answered, "One is naturally inclined to help mages, the other owes me big."
"For saving him back in the day," Gerris recalled with a chuckle, "You really did plan everything, huh?"
"Not really, I told him to try make life better for mages as a Hail Mary."
"Hail Mary?"
"Ah, right, Earthen slang. It means it was a last-resort long shot that likely wouldn't go anywhere. Term's a reference to religion."
"Ah," Gerris shook his head, "Well, it didn't seem to land, given everything. You really think that debt will be enough?"
"To end the revolution? Likely not. But, it's going to be the final straw," Xander elaborated, "Both of my targets have doubts, but hold the belief that they're in the right. For this whole operation my plan is to set up doubts. Before I strike, I'll be using dreams to haunt them. Memories of me for Jarvan, memories of Sylas for Lux, flashbacks to the Riot for both."
"Will that be safe, reminding the prince of your identity?" Yin asked.
"A bit, but not too terrible. At least, from the Noxian point of view," Xander replied, "I never told him of my plan to switch sides. All we ever talked about was mage injustices; it was related to why I left, after all. If he suspects it's me, he'll only be able to latch onto the Sylas link. Hell, given that it might actually be better; having his childhood friend side with his enemy over him... Regardless, all that matters is my not getting caught on the day of the strike."
Gerris assumed with a deadpan, "On which day you'll talk shit but not kill anyone, I imagine."
"If I can do so without getting caught, of course," Xander smiled, "I mean, think of the imagery. Here strolls in this pinnacle image of evil; a mage possessed by a shadow demon who may or may not be relayed to Noxus. He declares that you're the evil one deserving of judgement, yet whilst he has every opportunity to kill you he doesn't; he also doesn't kill your men, only neutralizing them with, at worse, single dismemberments. When the dust settles, I expect much thinking will be done. As I build up encounters with both Lux and Jarvan, their doubts will deepen. And soon enough, they'll break."
"A long con, then. Well, I suppose so are revolutions, so you'll have a lot of time to work with," Erret nodded to himself, "Erm...Yeah. We actually got this."
Yin sent Erret a quizzical look, "Got this how?"
"We might as well have a vacation at Mageseeker HQ. Xander'll run circles around the palace guards for hours. I mean, he's shady enough just him being the madman he is. No offense."
"None taken," the Left Hand replied, "It is the truth."
"Right, anyway, think on that. How long do you think he can keep their attention when he's actually trying?"
"Quite long," Gerris interjected, "But what about surviving for that period of time? I mean, I get it, he's skilled. To beat even a dream of Viscero once you'd need to be. But taking the attention of an entire army?"
Yin glanced at Erret, "Well, he did a decent job running from the Black Rose..."
Xander smiled, "I'll have Nocturne to bail me out. Trust me, I've got this. And besides; we still have a few days to plan this out."
"Fair enough," Gerris said, "So, that's the plan for the week. Scout a few locations, strike half way through, then twiddle our thumbs hoping we aren't caught on the way out."
"Basically."
"Great," Gerris sighed, "Anything else we should know?"
"...Nothing that isn't theory work," Xander answered, "...You want another shot at Viscero?"
The ex-reckoner simply sat from his chair and lied upon his hammock.
"Get me in."
"Alright. You've got ten rounds."
A few seconds of rune magic later, and Gerris was off to the land of dreams. The remaining Noxians glanced at each other.
"You guys want a nap?" Xander offered.
"No, we're good. And I'd rather be up and awake if anything happens when we get to the capitol," Erret reasoned.
"Oh, and Lady Elia asked to speak with you on the deck," Yin added, "Something about your comments on Mistress LeBlanc?"
"Ah, took her long enough," Xander stood up and sent a two-finger salute as he walked out the room, "Enjoy your time together."
"Yeah, because we'd do anything for within 5 feet radius of Gerris."
"I didn't say anything."
"Go piss off someone else, Xan."
"I will!"
Xander didn't pay attention to any final words the lover's may have sent his way. Instead, his ears went with his eyes; skyward. Through the cabin doors a morning sky shone. As he stepped past the creaky wood, the Left Hand noticed a few clouds frame the skyline. Combined with the fresh scent of the river and the sight of travelers on its banks, bordered with faraway mountain peaks... Xander could almost imagine it was a royal yacht he sailed on, and not the average merchant's barge.
"Ah, Xander," Lady Elia's voice called, "Just the man I wished to see; come here."
It seems fate really wants to twist that knife, Xander thought with a sigh, I get it: I'm not with the Royals! Friggin...
Turning from the door to face Lady Elia's ignorant back, Xander replied with as sarcastic a voice he could muster, "I have arrived, my lady. I believe you wished to discuss my... etiquette, shall we say."
Lady Elia laughed, "There's no need be subtle. This is ship and its crew were all sourced from Sharpstem."
"Well, was I wrong?"
"No, for the most part," Lady Elia answered, "Ultimately I can't stop you from slandering my mistress' name. I am taking notes, though; you can expect an assassin when you return to Noxus."
"Waste of a perfectly good assassin," Xander shrugged, walking forward to lean upon the boat's railing by Elia's side.
"But... the mistress is related to this topic," the lady of Sharpstem continued, "I've read your file. The mistress has been most generous indeed. I know you."
"Is that so?"
"The report was most detailed. I know of your origins in this country, as well as your military history; every mission you've taken for Noxus... I even know about demons you've associated with, including the one you invited into my lands. I don't know how I feel about that latter one..."
"Then you know who I am," Xander stated, "I think I see where this is going."
"Do you?" Lady Elia narrowed her eyes, "You've betrayed the Black Rose. Brought it to its lowest point. Truth be told, I'm surprised you're even alive right now."
"If you did read my file, you clearly didn't do so thoroughly. I'm not even the first person to defy the Black Rose in his century," Xander shook his head, "And yes, I did see how this conversation would go perfectly. You've been tasked to reaffirm my allegiance to Noxus. On that end, you need not worry; my friends are doing a better job of that than any number of threats your mistress can send my way."
"Oh, I'm insulted."
At the sound of the familiar voice, Xander immediately turned around. Rather than looking at the seductive figure in front of him, he looked to the floor. As expected, lightly drawn runes glowed with active magic.
"Ah. So that's why you needed the week of prep time. Good work, I must say," Xander regarded Elia with an amused smile before turning his attention to the summoned illusion, "So, LeBlanc... I see you ditched the stripper outfit. What do I owe the pleasure?"
The Pale Mistress of the Immortal Bastion had changed her wardrobe. Whilst she still wore her many gold accessories and her cape, an intricate military dress replaced her usual attire of glorified lingerie. Not that Xander had brought it up before, given the power discrepancy between them then. Of course, that was then. Between the continent separating them and the defeats LeBlanc had suffered in part due to Xander's actions, the Left Hand felt safe in making his comments.
LeBlanc didn't seem to mind either, but Xander could never be sure with the Deciever, "My subordinate has done well enough to tell you that, or has the Demacian climate clogged your ears?"
"It hasn't. Though I must say this is an exercise in redundancy," Xander shrugged, "I have no intention to betray Noxus."
LeBlanc smiled, "And why should I believe that?"
"I may not currently be in Noxus, but between my team and House Sharpstem, both you and the General have ways to kill me."
"Do you honestly expect me to believe that?" LeBlanc chuckled as she approached, her eyes holding a predatory glint, "Your team may have sworn oaths to Noxus, but I am not foolish enough to think that guarantees their loyalty. And even if they did forsake you, I sincerely doubt they'd be able to kill you."
"...Sure, maybe I could defeat them. Maybe, by some miracle, I'm able to carve a path of carnage to escape House Sharpstem. But, that leaves me in Demacia; a nation that has no love for people like me."
"No people? You insult my intelligence now. Surely your old friends in the Capitol would take you in? I'm sure your father would be happy to welcome you back."
"That may be true, but given the bloody display my escape would be, the current political climate, and my open use of magic, there's every chance I'd be killed where I stand."
"A chance is not a guarantee," LeBlanc noted, "Unlike our dear General, I believe calculated risks are, in fact, risks. And I don't plan on taking any unnecessary risks with you."
"My fear of risks should dissuade your fears in turn, I hope," Xander replied, "I have nothing to gain by abandoning Noxus. I've spent far too long, invested so much. People call me the Left Hand. Unknown in that role I may be, I have influence. If I betray you, that's a lot of time, prestige, effort, all going to waste... and for what? The same position in a weaker nation? At best?"
Xander stepped forward with a shrug, sighing, "What do you want? Or rather, what can I do or say that can convince you that I'm not going to turn traitor?"
The Deciever feigned a frown, "I fear nothing you say can convince me of that."
Xander met the facade with a sincere frown of his own, "If you wanted me dead you should've seen to it personally three weeks ago."
"Indeed," LeBlanc mused, "But, that isn't my wish."
"And that wish is?"
"Your undivided allegiance to Noxus."
"My words do not suffice?"
"Of course not," LeBlanc laughed, "Your words are correct: Swain and I cannot strike you, yet betraying us gains you nothing but a hole in Noxian soil should you return. But men do not make choices on logic alone. Ultimately, the loyalty of a man is determined by their nature."
Xander narrowed his eyes, "My nature?"
"Your morality. Your code. The compass by which you choose your actions," LeBlanc listed as she slowly approached, "Dissecting your core has been quite a struggle. Your shuffling between your Demacian and Noxian tendencies made it hard to find your priority. But ultimately, I've found that whilst you've adopted a stellar Noxian exterior, you still have a Demacian heart."
Whilst he doubted LeBlanc thought he'd been a Demacian spy all this time, Xander didn't want to risk misinterpretation. He remained silent as his grimace deepened. LeBlanc continued.
"Despite your cynicism, you want to be a hero; like those the people in the country speak about. Just, generous, noble, all those values Demacia pretends to uphold, but ultimately falls short at. It's why you came to Noxus. Where Demacia failed, you saw success in Noxus, even if it came at a price. Yet, even as you paid that price your Demacian heart never faded."
"And what does that have to do with my allegiances?" Xander cautiously asked.
"Oh, it has everything to do with it," LeBlanc replied like she were an elementary teacher speaking to a child, "Your words mean nothing to me, because ultimately my words are what seals your allegiance."
Xander fought the urge to flinch as LeBlanc stepped forward and raised a hand.
The Deciever weaved her words, "Your mission to save this country... even I can see it is a noble cause. But, it is not necessary for us to take this kingdom. And you know that."
At the touch of LeBlanc's hand on his cheek, Xander couldn't deny a reaction. His gaze momentarily moved to the hand, then returned to LeBlanc's blazing gold eyes.
"The fate of Demacia is in your hands. Not just concerning the revolution, but also how we will act. Within your lifetime, Demacia's gates will open to the legion, one way or another..."
Xander glared, seeing the threat before LeBlanc said it, "You threaten me with Demacian deaths."
The Pale Woman smirked and delivered her ultimatum, "You know how it goes. Stand with Noxus, and you will be the one opening those gates. Stand against us, and your corpse and the corpses of your loved ones will fertilize our newly gained fields. The choice is yours."
"...what a choice."
"Indeed," LeBlanc backed away, and amused smile on her face, "I trust you know where your allegiances stand."
"I always knew," Xander swallowed his frown, but no smile took its place, "I never needed a reminder. And I don't think you did either."
"No. Swain did, but I know better in this case," the Deceiver chuckled, "You can appreciate the irony, no?"
"Maybe if you didn't just threaten everything I hold dear with brutal genocide, I could," Xander chuckled dryly and approached, "Though if I may, I'd like to give a reminder of my own."
"Oh?" LeBlanc's gold eyes glinted with an almost royal arrogance, "Do tell."
"This isn't the first time you've reminded me of chains you've wrapped around my neck," the Left Hand pointed out with the ghost of a smile appearing on his face, "The last time you did, it didn't end up well for you."
"No, but all the petricite in Demacia won't win you a war with Noxus," LeBlanc smiled, "You won't be turning this table, my dear."
"I won't be, but that doesn't mean I can't have my own petty vengeances," the Left Hand looked down upon LeBlanc, an amiable smile on his face, "I do hope you enjoy my absence."
"Oh, I am, thank you for caring," LeBlanc waved off Xander, "With Raum's risk ever present, Jericho's-"
The Deciever never finished her sentence. The Left Hand sent a palm of nightmare magic into her face. LeBlanc's self-assured smirk gave way to a terrified scream as she fell to the deck. Her grip on her magic back in Noxus faded, and her illusion on the ship followed. As the form of LeBlanc turned to dust on the wind, Xander sighed with satisfaction.
Even immortals need to sleep, the apparition he'd sent LeBlanc's way would threaten, I won't kill you, but I don't need to. I can bring you a hell of my own making, so don't fucking try me!
The words were simple - weak even - but with enough emotions charged in his sepll, Xander figured he could've stolen a script from My Little Pony and still made it terrifying. Of course, that left him in a deficit for terror, so he'd need Nocturne to top him up later...
Xander shook his head and turned to Elia, channeling a different emotion.
"For the record, Miss, I have nothing against you," Xander assured, "Your employer can be a bitch, and may order you to do questionable shit, but I won't hold it against you."
He clearly didn't use enough. Lady Elia responded with a tone halfway between cheeky and terrified.
"Appreciated, but regardless, you would deal with me as a threat, s-so..." Elia shook her head, "Just don't get me killed, one way or another."
"I'll put you to sleep quickly."
"LeBlanc told me about your demon; no offence, but I want more than that!"
"Sure, sure, we'll lay off your subconscious too."
The Lady of Sharpstem groaned in exasperation, then turned to go back to the ship's quarters, "You really are as dangerous as she said. Wolf take me. Don't bother me until we get to the capitol."
Before Xander responded, Elia had already stepped down below deck. The Left Hand sighed, leaning in the ships railing.
"Sorry to say that won't be much time," he whispered, mostly to himself.
In the distance, upon a grassy plateau, with white petricite towers reaching to the sky like fingers, the crown jewel of the kingdom lay. The Great City of Demacia awaited.
The abundance of soldiers in the tavern was the first thing Erret noticed.
It wasn't hard to notice. The silver globes of Demacian helms dotted the tavern; on the tables of reserve soldiers off duty; on the laps of men on patrol, sneaking in a drink; on heads of particularly idiotic patrons. They were everywhere, and if they were somehow caught Erret figured it would be quite an accomplishment to escape.
Thankfully, it likely wouldn't come to that. He was dressed in a sharp uniform made ruffled with use. With blue pants, brown boots, and an old grey shirt, Erret looked like any of the other soldiers at the tavern. And as ifthat wasn't enough, Xander was wearing what he thought was a decent Mageseeker cosplay. If only Mageseekers would be seen anywhere without their fancy masks, or in a bar as seedy as where they were at. At least, that was his idea; the Mageseekers seems a very elitist group to Erret. Helping the aristocracy and all...
Bearing two filled mugs, a tavern waitress called, "Your drinks, sirs."
Xander, sitting opposite him, eagerly took the drinks. More so than usual, Erret figured. After thanking the attendant and handing him his drink, Xander gulped half of his own down. He sighed and blinked as the alcohol made its way through his system.
Erret took a cautious sip from his own mug then spoke, "You seem antsy."
"Do I?" Xander chuckled, "Well, shit..."
"Is the... ahem, climate not doing it for you?"
"No, has nothing to do with that," The Left Hand paused, then leaned in, "The Mistress called."
"LeBlanc?" Erret's voice held a restrained horror.
"Well, not exactly her, but yeah."
Oh, so it was a messenger of some kind. Must've been what Lady Elia actually called him over for.
Erret took another sip then asked, "You want to talk about it?"
Xander chuckled, "For once, there actually isn't much to talk about. All she did was threaten me with the destruction of all I hold dear, which I only take seriously because, well, it is her, after all."
"Is this for your betraying her?"
"Of course! And honestly just being threatened for something which already applied is a pretty lenient punishment. I still need to save this country and all that, a few extra lose conditions change little," Xander gulped from his mug again, "No pressure, huh?"
Erret laughed, then awkwardly sighed, "Heh, yeah... thanks for dragging us along."
"You guys chose to accompany me, that's on you!"
"Yeah, yeah fair," Erret smiled and raised his glass, "To the cause."
The old mugs clacked together as Erret and Xander toasted. As they drank, Erret noticed Xander's gaze go over his shoulder. The Left Hand's haze quickly returned to meet his.
"Chill, it's nothing big," Xander said. He laid his mug on the table then grasped Erret's wrist.
Erret responded mentally, It's something big, isn't it?
Relatively, Xander replied, Someone's giving me a dirty look.
Description? I can go over and take him out.
Xander sent him an amused look, You'd do if the guy was a Dauntless captain?
Erret gaped at his mistake then quickly filled his mouth's void with drink.
Xander chuckled, Of course, I'm just fucking with you; my watcher looks to be a peasant. Wearing a brown robe. Brown hair, blue eyes, some stubble. Kinda shady; we could get the soldiers on him without much trouble.
Use your magic to implicate him? That's cold.
Indeed, which is reason one for why we won't be doing it, Xander reached into his robes for something, Let's see if there's a number two.
From his robes Xander held something in a tightened fist. The Left Hand glanced around, briefly maintaining his gaze with their observer before opening his hand. Erret widened his eyes at the sight of a small, ornate stone pendant. Or rather, as it was commonly called...
You have a Graymark?
Back when I lived here, I had to fight a few Mageseekers to stay free, Xander explained, Sometimes I had to be lethal. Got some loot out of it, though, so it works out.
But how are you holding it without activating it?
I've told you about the petricite magic cap, right? Xander chuckled, Petricite absorbs magic, it doesn't destroy it. Of course, it does it with a potency that basically makes the affect the same, if not literally, but...
So you've been sitting on it long enough that it can't react anymore.
Yep. Same deal with many of the rebels. One of them, by the way, is definitely the guy looking at me.
Even after many missions with the same scenario, Erret had to resist turning around to look.
Because he thinks you're a Mageseeker?
Yes.
After gripping harder on the stone for a second, Xander put the Graymark on their table and drank the rest of his mug. He tapped Erret by the hand, and the saboteur quickly caught the signal and followed suit.
He'll probably try trail me after I leave, Xander mused, I'll go ahead as bait; you trail us both. I'll lead him to our drain. You engage from behind. Take the Graymark; I've absorbed some magic back, so it should work to find the guy, just in case you lose him.
Erret let his mug down over the mark. With a flick, he pulled the stone to him; it caught itself against his shirt and bounced back below his arm.
What're you going to do with the guy? Erret asked.
Xander smirked, Interrogation, maybe coercion. My contact said Sylas had some spies stick around the Capitol. That's an asset and a half for us if I play it right. But of course, we need to catch this guy first.
Right. Good luck.
We really won't need it. Keep up, and this shouldn't take long.
Xander let go of his wrist, stood up, and said aloud, "Got to go. Pay for the drinks, would ya?"
Erret chuckled, "You owe me, then."
Xander nodded with a self-assured smirk and sauntered off. After brief intermission, a man in a dirty hood walked past Erret, no doubt after Xander. With full minute of wait-time for masquerading normalcy and a few gold coins paying for the drinks, Erret took to the streets.
A few steps into his leave, the saboteur regretted waiting the full minute. As he scanned the district he was in, he found little in the way of hidden alleys or subtle climbing spots. Not that rooftop parkour was much of an option, what with the Capital being nearly exclusively Petricite; people, in his experience, didn't look up often, but when they did they'd easily be able to notice his dark clothing against the white stone roofs. The only thing helping his stealth was the setting sun, the shining oranges on the walls turning to purple then blue. Of course, that helped his target too.
Thankfully, as he got further away from the bar the patrol density lessened. Less watching eyes to catch him, less bodies to distinguish from his target. Yet, even then, he couldn't distinguish his target well. Of the men on the street, at least half wore similarly shaded hoods. Erret shook his head.
Fuck it. Hope you can hang solo for a little bit, Xan; I don't know my way around yet.
As the saboteur followed the vaguely recalled directions, his hand went to his pocket. Hiding Xander's Graymark in his sleeve, he glanced down at it as if it were a stopwatch. As he turned by each street, the stone seemed to glow brighter. With the sky darkening, it seemed it wasn't a trick of the light.
After glancing around and finding no patrols on his next street, Erret aimed the Graymark at a series of backs. He strutted closer, delving deep into a crowd of city-goers.
No, no... no, not him... where is this-
The Graymark pinged silver.
There-
He walked into someone not on a brown cloak. Erret was slightly aware of the person he ran into falling over, but one of said persons' friends stepping past to berate him took more of his attention.
"Oh, sorry-"
"Sorry are you?" The protective one said, adorned in simple yet refined robes. Perhaps he was an aristocrat mage living scot free?
"We have places to be!
"I-I'm sorry for running into your friend," Erret began with a stutter, playing a role he'd played many times, "I've had a long day, I wasn't paying attention-"
"It's fine," a calm, light voice spoke from behind the man, "Elren, I'm sure he meant nothing wrong by it. "
Elren stepped to the side and turned to speak with his coworker, "Yes, well, we have places to be - you especially!"
"We were going to be late regardless. And I'm sure the Prince won't mind."
Erret gaped, and tried to play off his recollection by latching to the woman's words. All the while he cursed every god and goddess he knew of for the predicament he was in.
"You know the Prince?"
"Of course," Luxanna Crownguard replied with smile, ignorant of the panic she was giving Erret, "We've been friends since childhood."
Erret cleared his throat, "Er... wow. I, uh... who?"
"Lux Crownguard, good to meet you, mister?"
"Erwen," Erret mumbled in reply. He'd caught his bearing, but being unsure probably was the safer play.
Elren cut in, "My lady, we should go."
Lux's cheery smile didn't fade at all, even as she turned away from the conversation, "Of course. Have a good evening!"
"You as well, Lady Crownguard."
The Lady strolled off, flanked by a party of similarly dressed people. Erret recalled Xander's report of the Lady, and how she'd found employment under the charitable pseudo-religious group called the Illuminators. It seemed that group was closely tied with the monarchy, though that may have just been their relation with a Crownguard coming into effect. Regardless...
Erret's thoughts were once again interrupted, this time by a clap across his back.
"Took your sweet time, huh?" Xander chided.
"I've had enough surprises for today, Xan," Erret shook his head, "Did you get the spy?"
"Yeah. When I didn't see you I sped my run. He followed straight into the drain," Xander smirked, "Since you've had 'a long day', head back home. I'll deal with the guy."
"On your own?"
"A single guy? Yeah, I got it. Having another guy - who looks like he's in military gear, by the way - would just make him scared or pissed."
Erret frowned with suspicion then shook his head, "I'll leave you to it. Should I go out or through the sewers?"
"... sewers," Xander said, sneaking them both through a wooden door, "Tell me how long it takes you when I get back."
"Of course. I'll tell you how bad the shit smells too," Erret smirked, "Oh, and before I leave-"
"Yeah, the Illuminators. Just managed to slip by them on my way," The Left Hand shook his head, "Nearly gave me a heart attack; damn lucky she didn't see me."
"You have an idea of what's going on?"
"Between the Crownguards and Lightshields? Yeah, there was mentions of a betrothal in the source material; it's probably going through now," Xander explained, "Good for me; hitting the two birds is easier when they're closer together."
Erret hummed, "Also riskier, but I suppose challenging an army solo is risky enough."
The Noxians stepped down stone stairs to a room that stank lightly and was illuminated by a single torch. Tied to a pillar at the corner of the room was the pursuer, who worked himself into a frenzy upon seeing them both.
"Brought a friend to get your hands dirty, eh?" He taunted.
Xander shook his head, "He's getting his pants dirty and going home. Then you and I can chat like civilized mages."
"So you're a Mageseeker and a traitor!"
Erret glanced at Xander, "You sure you can do this?"
Xander glowed his eyes in response and formed a rune in the air.
Their captive gaped, "Wha-"
"Go to sleep," Xander commanded. The rune placed itself on the man's head, and he quickly followed the Left Hand's command. With that, Xander looked back to Erret, amused, "I'm certain I can."
"You and your..." Erret shook his head, "Gotta say, the more I see how useful your magic is, the less I admire your past accomplishments."
"Sorry I'm just not that good," Xander laughed, sitting down next to the mage and untying his ropes, "I'll see you later."
"Sure. Happy napping."
The Left Hand smirked, drew the dream rune upon his head, and closed his eyes. Save for the trickle of the sewage system, the room was silent. With little else to do, Erret sighed. After a moment's hesitation, he waded into the sewers, stepping into the shadows.
Author's Note: This chapter was supposed to be around 6k words and released last week, and now here I am with my longest chapter to date. Why do I do this to myself? Ah yes, because writing is fun...
Well, this is the start of the next arc; an arc which is lowkey the reason I started this fic. Hope I can keep it interesting.
Thanks for the support thus far. Please leave a review; I appreciate any feedback I get for the fix, as it can help me improve or show where I'm succeeding. See you next chapter.