From the moment he left to speak with his contact, Yin figured she knew what Xander would do.

Despite his infamy in Noxus, anyone who personally knew Xander knew he still had that little bit of Demacian in him. That oddity had served him well in Gerris' warband; his compassion had brought bitter men from other warbands, and his conviction and righteousness brought new recruits from recent conquests into the fold as well. Of course, it came with quirks; despite being his better on many days, Xander apparently had been saved many times on the field by Erret when the Left Hand took to mercy. There was also the business with the Black Rose; he'd initially been stiff and unwilling to do LeBlanc's dirty work. That changed quickly, but if prompted Xander wasn't hesitant to voice his concerns. That bluntness made him politically useless, excluding, of course, Xander's whole assassination shtick.

In short, Xander's amiable nature was a boon in Noxus, separating him from the cynical manipulators that ruled and ordered the rest. But in Demacia, where that was expected of everyone, and where going against it was a stigma; a stigma he'd broken?

Xander's contact knew they were Noxian. If they hadn't figured it out yet, Xander would undoubtedly spill the beans. Which meant she needed to figure out how to deal with the mess.

Her thoughts were all but confirmed when Xander entered their bunk, a deep frown on his face.

"So, you told her?" The hemomancer asked, voice as neutral as she could hold it; it still sounded full of judgement.

Xander responded full of disappointment, "She knew from the get go. Or, if she didn't, when she barged into my trance she probably figured out."

Yin raised an eyebrow, "Trance?"

"Daydream to buy myself time to think, except then I got the shit kicked outta me when she caught on. Embarrassing, I know, but it's not as though I haven't been embarrassing myself this entire campaign. A whole fucking mess, swear... But, I suppose I should skip to the part where we try solve my problems."

Yin blinked at the Left Hand's rant, then suggested, "Perhaps first you should lie down and take a breath. You're clearly stressed."

"Oh, you think?" Xander flinched as soon as the words came out of his mouth, "Yeah... I'm stressed as shit. Sorry about that."

"Apology accepted. Let's get to work," Yin took her seat and positioned it next to Xander's bed, "So, what're we dealing with?"

"Well, Aislynn knows we're Noxian. She figured it out because I was stupid enough to show her Nocturne straight away. But, since I blackmailed her and because we're both from Earth, we're technically on neutral ground."

"You blackmailed her?"

"An ultimatum: you report me, I report you. And, since I know more about what can, is, and could happen, and because I'm generally more badass then her, I could escape and she'd have made a permanent error. So, she relented," Xander sighed, "If I'm not pleased about doing it, I can only imagine how she feels about it."

Yin squinted. It was easy to forget that Xander was as compassionate as he was - more than an average Noxian - given their most recent operation. Or rather, his most recent operation; he'd been most cruel towards her bosses; there was a reason Vladimir had sent her to spy on him. Despite that, the hemomancer pushed her thoughts to the side and continued.

"So, what else can you tell me?"

"Well, she's invited us over to her hideout tonight; basically, it's an ultimatum to prove myself and the crew worthy," Xander said, "Problems are: firstly, she requested all of us be there, which is impossible because Erret and Gerris can't teleport; and secondly, taking into account that extra obstacle, I need to figure out how to disassociate the concept of evil from Noxus for these people, then from there convince them to join us. So far I don't see it happening, honestly, which is why I'm... starting to panic."

"Well, what've you thought up?"

"Of course, the first thing I thought of was resources and information," Xander grumbled, "Never mind that it's a stupid idea because anyone with an IQ over room temperature would notice the sudden movement of resources, these are mages we're talking about. Aislynn doesn't seem to be an idiot; she would've figured using nature mages on plants would make for a sustainable food supply. For water use ice mages and fire mages for melting, and, hell, if she has earth mages she might be able to arm her men."

"And for information?"

"Remember that Erret and I ran into mages in the capital? They were spies working for Sylas," Xander explained, "Of course, from what Aislynn's been saying I don't think she and the great leader are in talking terms... but, she did hear the rumors already, so she isn't ignorant. Only thing we could tell her is if Noxians were involved on something or not. And if that's not useless..."

"I see," Yin nodded, "Well, if they accepted us…"

Yin paused as she considered what to say. Yin's thoughts were the same as Xander's initially, and the counterpoints he offered made sense. Therefore, she'd need a different approach.

Perhaps opportunities? As would-be nobles, we could send men into traps, or divert them to dead ends whilst the mages strike elsewhere… Yin frowned, No. Whilst more subtle, eventually someone would catch on that we were giving them bad info. We could sprinkle some successes here and there, but I doubt the mages would want to sacrifice one of their own.

The hemomancer remained silent for a bit longer, and throughout her wait she could all but feel Xander's eyes on her. She fought the urge to squirm, and forced herself to speak only when an idea came to her.

Thankfully, she didn't take too long, "Skills and services."

Xander raised an eyebrow, "Go on?"

"Well, starting with myself, the hemomancer extraordinaire…" Yin paused, then made a face of disgust, "If what you're saying is true, they'd be too cowardly to learn blood magic from me… cowards."

"Maybe not that example, then, but I think I see where you're getting at," Xander sat up, "Please continue, I think we might be getting somewhere."

Yin obliged, "They won't want to learn hemomancy, but they're probably rookies in the magic they naturally have. Maybe powerful, but probably little to no control, no technique. You and I could probably round them out that way. Then, we have… er, what was that fancy term you have, gorilla something?"

"Guerrilla warfare."

"Yeah, that. Well, save Gerris, we're all amazing at it. Erret especially. Considering that we're against such large odds, them mastering that would be a prerequisite. And, of course, you, Erret, and I could teach them that… And whilst on the topic of my badass boyfriend, he could probably teach them a thing or two about non-magical combat. Him and Gerris both. Give them at least Legionnaire-level training and we could do some damage without relying on magic. And, that gives us options to sneak mages into the military; something that gives you all the tools you need for your plans," Yin smirked, "So, how's that?"

"Brilliant. Truly, brilli-" the vibrant smile on Xander's face slowly morphed to a frown, "Good. But, not good enough. Good thinking on that, we've got ourselves another boon to try convince them with. But, we haven't addressed the main problem."

"That we're Noxians, and that they'll kill us because of that?" Yin assumed, "They haven't had us killed, why would they do that now?"

"Aislynn's words. That's about it, I'd assume," Xander replied, "And I was able to get away with it with the whole blackmailing thing."

"Then why not repeat it? Gerris and Erret can't make it; bluff that we left them there as insur-"

"Yin, no."

Yin blinked, and the hemomancer recoiled at her boss' glare. Whilst not potent, the fact that Xander expressed anger at her suggestion brought Yin confusion. Without breaking eye contact, she slowly breathed and furrowed her brow.

"Why not?" She cautiously asked, "It worked the last time, and unless I'm missing something, it would work again."

Xander maintained his glare for a brief moment, then shifted his gaze away. Yin could still feel disgust from the Left Hand.

"That, if anything, worsens the main issue," he slowly explained, "We are already hated. I'd rather not make an impossible situation worse."

That was Xander trying to shut her down politely. Yin understood where he was coming from, but…

"The main issue, sir, is that we need to actually be able to speak with them before convincing them that we're trust worthy," the hemomancer insisted, "I'm sorry if you don't want to step on your contact's toes, but if we're going to make the impossible possible, surely you realise we need to start somewhere. Better they hate us than them killing us."

Xander chewed his lip in frustration, "They just might kill us anyway."

Yin squinted, "Suicide for, what, a misplaced sense of patriotism?"

Xander turned a tired gaze her way, "Yes, because in case you haven't noticed, we're in Demacia now. Honor, image, and all that shit actually means something here."

"And it doesn't matter in Noxus?" Yin rebutted, "Lying to a superior will still get you a death sentence if you don't play it right. But, you have played it right."

"Because those were tests laid by people - or rather, recruiters - interested in intelligence and wit. Not to mention they were superiors; I couldn't truly do anything to them, not without dying myself. And they knew that. Now, compare that with our situation. We're trying to convince people who can actively screw us over not just to spare us, but to help us. And they have no reason to do that, because as far as we're concerned, we're the enemy," Xander sighed, frustrated, "Actively antagonizing them into playing ball with an ultimatum will remind them that we're still Noxian at best. Assuming they don't kill us for offending them then and there, they will spend the rest of the campaign trying to kill us, because we're Noxians, and Noxians don't have a good image. And for all my charm and magic, they're better Demacians than me and not traitors."

Yin grit her teeth. So did Xander. Before she could relent her point, however, the Left Hand beat her to it.

"But… I can't think of anything better, so fine, blackmail will have to do," he sighed.

After a pause to digest Xander's words, Yin slowly nodded. She had considered that being in Demacia would be affect Xander, but what Xander's explained wasn't one of the ways she'd expected. But, as Xander himself admitted, they had no other option. Yin hoped Xander wouldn't hold it against her.

"So, we'll have to show up, bluff, and hope they buy it," Yin assumed, "From there, you'll have to try convince them that working with us is more productive than working against. And maybe, we'll come out of this with an alliance. If it makes you feel any better, we still have the rest of the day."

Xander chuckled bitterly before continuing, "Even then, avoiding making enemies of them will have to be the goal. Perhaps we can prove ourselves to them in the future, but for now I suspect the patriots in Aislynn's sect will keep alliance off the table," Xander grumbled, "That leaves one other concern... and, er, sorry for forgetting to mention it. God, I've made bad habits."

Yin squinted once more, concerned. She spoke once more with barely-concealed accusation, "What would that be?"

As soon as the words left Xander's lips, Yin felt doubly disgusted. The second wave came from the fact that she had to agree with the Left Hand's points; he was terrible at making himself look trustworthy."

"I didn't need to be here to sign sheets; you could've handled it solo," he explained, "Nor did I need to meet with Aislynn personally, at least in theory. But... I'm sure you've noticed a missing member of our party?"

It was not the first time Nocturne had found himself surrounded by petricite, nor did he suspect it would be the last. Demacia was a kingdom filled with the nullifying rock, from its deceptively peaceful palaces to mines in the mountains dreadfully dark. Once, he'd even fallen down a ravine chasing prey. It had taken him a couple of weeks to garner the strength to leave. He'd been a young demon then, not aware of much in the world. He was little more than an animal then.

He'd only grown slightly for the following years, until Xander came.

Admittedly his routine hadn't changed much since meeting the dream mage. He still hunted, still absorbed emotion and soul from other sentients. In terms of routine all that changed was a wider hunting ground and time put aside for his summoner.

But what he did with his time... Nocturne knew his methods had considerably changed. It was more than a field of nightmares and blades driven through torsos now. On one hand, appreciation and consumption of the positive side of the emotional spectrum meant he could go months without scaring anyone, never mind killing. Yet, on the other hand, if he so wished, he could fatten individuals - those Xander deemed worthy of judgement, if anyone- like pigs to the slaughter, then prolong their deaths to gain every drop of emotion. If Xander needed more proof Noxus was changing, the black blood on his hands would be sufficient ink for a testament.

Effective micromanagement of emotion harvesting helped in situations like the one he remained in, as well. Latent petricite didn't affect him much anymore; if not for the braces the mage rebels had strapped to him he'd easily have escaped by now. But even then, trapped as he was, it was hardly a death sentence. There were always bodies around to guard him; souls that shivered at the thought of his freedom. That dread could sustain him as long as he needed under a petricite drain. Or, of course, he could consume other emotions, if he wished to expand his tastes.

And such an expansion he'd experienced, since being enlightened. New angers were known to him; the cold fury of focus, the despondent wildfire of self-destruction... and of course, all the joys and humors and those feelings in between. And the thoughts that came with them… now that he had a better grasp of the human experience, the memories he had consumed for crafting nightmares gained new value. Not only were they bases to build on for his illusions, but the deeper meaning behind each fear, the events that led to their formation…

How would Xander describe it… a grand… buffet. Of food not tasted. For the rich who dine there everyday, there is a routine; certain choices they prefer - or perhaps they simply fell into a habit of partaking, even if their tastes have changed. But for me, so poor and... uncultured… where do I begin? I do not have preferred courses to gravitate to. Where, where...?

Perhaps, Nocturne reflected, he too had a routine, for he immediately returned to his long time favorite: disgust. There was much to be disgusted about. At first he'd hated humans for breaking into the 'shadow realm'; an uncreative name for an admittedly dark part of the spirit world. He then hated them for not dying when he wanted them to, like most predators were to do. But, with his new outlook...

Are my kind not enough of a threat for them to stop hating each other? Is there a reason people hate so much? Is it enjoyable to do so? The taste is like suffering, so if that is the truth, it would be an odd one indeed. And it's not as though there are other, more potent emotions on both sides of the... no, that's a lie; hatred burns bright. Tastes strong, like love, and will, and even curiosity. It's why this country's been a… what's the term... full course meal.

Something pinged in Nocturne's mind's eye, and the demon felt curiosity fill his plate. He focused his power into his corporeal form. Auditory sensors and eyes formed just in time to physically confirm what he'd sensed.

"You've returned," the demon started, his voice a deep, long rasp, "You have met with Xander, then."

"I did," Aislynn replied, sitting before him with a frown, "He'll be coming here. Soon."

"His choice?"

"I didn't give him much of one, but yes."

Nocturne paused before asking his next question, "You do not trust him."

"He sent you to spy on me, didn't tell me about his... true allegiances," Aislynn shook her head in frustration, then asked, "Why should I trust him?"

Before Nocturne answered, he caught on to something Xander had introduced him to.

"Is that a rhetorical question?" The demon asked.

Aislynn opened her mouth to speak, but paused for a moment before actually letting words out of it.

"Actually... no," she said, "I, despite my best judgement, want to trust your summoner. But, I don't, so please give me reasons for it. Preferably reasons not specific to his and my special case."

So, ignoring Earth. There are many reasons to list, but...

Nocturne gave a disclaimer, "I imagine many of these will not suffice."

"If they won't work, I'll say," Aislynn replied, "Please, start."

"Very well. The resources of House Sharpstem."

"...Not enough, my people hate nobles."

"Free reign of the local territory."

"Can that actually be promised? Because if not, no."

If Nocturne had projected a mouth, it would've frowned. Nonetheless the demon continued.

"Service as new recruits."

"My men wouldn't let them in, and I suspect a noble's heir going missing then suddenly returning would look suspicious. No. Next."

"Magical information. They stole some from the capitol."

"... no. Not enough."

"Access to key targets."

Aislynn paused, "Elaborate."

"You seek to defeat Demacia's armies, correct? We could inform you of local deployments, or bait patrols into your arms. I imagine even the most experienced mageseeker would not be able to survive an ambush at night by trained mages."

Aislynn frowned, "Useful, but... okay, let me rephrase things. Because believe it or not, we know how useful you could be."

"Then you are as smart as Xander assumed."

"I'll take that compliment, but anyway..." Aislynn took a breath to relax herself, then asked, "Give me and mine a reason - any conceivable reason - to trust a Noxian who has lied and has intended to use me and my friends."

Nocturne thought to his reflections and made the sound of a sigh, "You humans dislike being used... I understand the feeling. But I've found good intent softens the blow."

And, the new world I've been shown acts well as payment for the crime...

Aislynn's face was the picture of disappointment, "Not enough."

"Because of those allegiances," Nocturne assumed, "How potent is hatred of Noxus here? Will reason surpass it?"

Aislynn hesitated before answering, "Depends on the reason..."

"And uniting to defeat the greater threat of the crown would not suffice?"

Aislynn gave a bitter chuckle, "If it did, we wouldn't need to have this conversation."

"Indeed."

A great silence thoroughly filled the room before Aislynn next spoke.

"So... nothing?"

"No reason good or believable, even when all are true," Nocturne replied, "But, Xander will come anyway. He will do as he always has; whatever his illogical mind believes is right. What that entails is a mystery even to me... no, I lie; I have some ideas."

"Them being?"

Nocturne made the sound of chuckling and made to respond. But, something caught his attention. A ping in the distance; at the edge of his ability to sense nearby souls.

"Nocturne?"

The demon forced his mind back to the question given, "For one... he has learnt to lie, but prefers honesty. He will share many secrets, I think. Information his superiors would not want shared; information that none would believe, yet would be true..."

"With his friends there to criticise him for it? Say, could he beat all three of them without your help?" Aislynn gave a bitter smirk, "Well, I suppose I could help him out if anything happens..."

"Appreciated, but I fear that won't be the case," Nocturne noted, "If you requested he bring his all men here tonight, then you've asked the impossible. Half of his team is still in the town of Sharpstem... But that shouldn't be your main concern."

Aislynn squinted, "And what would that be?"

"When Xander leaves this place, I will follow; of that I assure you," Nocturne answered, "Your hold of me will not last. And if I may add some details to the attack on the capital; we never killed. We have our ways to carve paths of carnage that heal in a snap, and if forced to it Xander will employ those tactics."

Aislynn's brow furrowed, and if not for his being a demon, he doubted he'd have been able to catch the spike of rage in the mage's heart, "Is that a threat, Nocturne?"

"No more than anything Xander has done. He should be done lying to you; if he's going to hurt you, he will be clear about how and why. As a half-Noxian half-Demacian ought to do..."

Before the conversation could fall further, the door creaked open, and Nocturne was reminded of the ping in his soul sense. Nocturne felt nature magic in the soul behind Aislynn, as well as the fear of gentle prey; the fear a small girl may have for a maimed wolf, whose kind she'd been told would hurt her.

Recognition spiked in Aislynn's heart, and she asked, "What is it, Laura?"

"Misty came back early. Northern patrol?" Laura noted, "She said that they saw the Noxians; Garret sent her back over to alert us."

"They're early," Aislynn muttered, "But it makes no difference... Laura, get Misty and tell her to get over here. I'll guard the demon until our guests arrive."

Laura nodded and was on her way. Nocturne allowed a few seconds' respite before speaking.

"I take it you suspect Xander will sneak here first?" the demon asked.

"Yes... Him or the woman with him, makes no difference," Aislynn turned to face Nocturne once more, "Now, we've got a few minutes at best before I leave. So, you're going to tell me what I want to hear."

"And why would I do that?"

"Maybe because your summoner's mission depends on it. Now, shall we play?"

To his dismay, it wasn't Aislynn that came to meet him. Nor was it anyone he recognised; not from the Misty Ridge or from Aislynn's dreams. But, from the crude steel plate they wore and the stolen sword strapped to their side, Xander assumed the man before him was part of Aislynn's 'masons'. Xander hoped it was earth or metal magics that the masons mastered; the alternative of fire magic would be most unfortunate, given the temperate forest surrounding them.

By his side, Yin's arms relaxed and gravitated to her thighs, "So, are they who we're looking for?"

A smart question, to be sure. With the state of Demacia, the Left Hand wouldn't have been surprised to see banditry taking hold. It was why he and Yin were armed, albeit lightly; both of them had knives strapped to their belts. But instead of the weapon, Xander reached into his pocket with a gloved hand and plucked out a pebble of petricite. The stone glowed, confirming his thoughts.

"It's them alright," Xander said, before sighing to calm his nerves.

Alright then, show time.

"Hello there," he started, "Good afternoon to you, sir."

Xander glanced to his petricite stone, gestured away from the man, instead facing a tree to his right.

It remained glowing, so the Left Hand added, "And to you, man behind the tree."

"Who said I was a man?"

From behind the tree came an armored woman who wore her onyx hair in a pony tail. She held a crossbow of custom make in her hands - Is that woven wood? Those nature mages have it figured out! - and eyed Xander like a wolf. The shuffling of leaves heralded the rest of her pack; another woman with a regular bow and another man with a spear. They surrounded him and Yin.

"She got you there," his hemomancer subordinate muttered.

"Indeed," Xander smiled, "I take it Aislynn sent you to get me?"

"If you're Yin and Imuren Sha," the first man Xander saw said, "Are you"

Well, I planned on honesty...

"They're cover names," Xander admitted, "I would've thought she'd have told y-"

"She did, actually," the other man said, punctuating his words by putting his spear to Xander's back, "We were expecting more. Care to explain that, as well as why are you're here, Xander of Noxus?"

Yin grumbled, "Just going to ignore me, huh?"

"Well, with the heat we'll be getting I think I'd prefer being ignored," Xander silently replied, before addressing the mages again, "For the first part, it was impossible to get all four of us here in time. Our two other buddies are at Sharpstem, you see; that's a full day's travel."

"With preparation," Yin added, "We already took the fastest horses and had them rested before the trip. Our men would be using the tired bunch who carried our cargo from the capital."

"As for why I'm here..." Xander cleared his throat and continued, "Originally, I wanted to come to get some sort of truce or alliance with you guys so we could reform the country faster... but I think that's probably off the table now that you know where I've been the past... shit, five years, huh? Time flies."

Xander's assailants stopped in their tracks. The leader squinted.

"Five years since... ?" He asked.

"Since the Argent Campaign, when I was conscripted by Demacia then captured by Noxus," Xander answered, "I could go on, and I probably will, but going back to the question you raised... with my allegiances taking alliance off the board I'm instead going to kill y'all-"

"Kill?!"

Xander rolled to the side as the impulsive spearman behind him stabbed. He dodged the strike and grabbed the shaft with an eye roll and a disappointed sigh. The rest of the mage soldiers raised their weapons and pointed them at the Noxians. Yin likely could've still killed them all solo, between her blood magic and lethality with a knife. But...

"If you'll let me finish, I was making a joke about killing you with a boring speech," Xander explained, regarding the sword at his throat with contained anxiety, "Which is to say, I'll spill the beans on everything. After all, after lying so much, I might as well be honest for once. And I'm sure you've figured by now that my mouth doesn't close easy when I open."

The swordsman regarded him cooly, "Do you like hearing yourself talk, Noxian?"

"He does," Yin answered, "I think."

"Most people do. I imagine Sylas does-" Xander stopped his comment and cleared his throat, "Er, not that I mean to insult your leader... is he, still?"

The swordsman snorted, "He liked to say we're all equals in the rebellion, but... if you're as smart as you are annoying, I'm sure you can answer that."

So, read: he was our leader, but we didn't care for it, so we ditched him. At least, if I combine Aislynn's sentiments with that tone...

"Aislynn never said explicitly, so thanks for clarifying," the Left Hand responded, a weak smile forming on his face, "I can return the favor when I'm before your whole group. So, if you're not going to execute us?"

Xander's captors glanced at each other before the spearman pulled his weapon back. As the rest of the group turned around to walk, the spearman gave light poke at Xander's back once more, prompting him forward. Yin glanced over Xander's shoulder with ill intent, but that softened at the Left Hand's chuckles. With a sigh, she started walking, and Xander and the spearman behind him followed.

They went through thick brush and past worn trees. The wood of the forest around them was massive; it would've needed years to grow naturally. But, the vibrant sheen to their bark and their leaves gave Xander the impression that it was artificial in origin.

"So, Xander, right?" One of the women asked, "You said you were captured by Noxus?"

A curious soul, eh? "Yes. What of it?"

"Was she the one who captured you?"

"Nah," Yin replied, "But actually, one of our buddies at Sharpstem was. And he's his subordinate now! Funny world, huh?"

Though the questioner glanced at her with contained amusement , the rest of the party showed no reaction. Yin shrank at the reception.

"Did they... er," the bow-woman furrowed her brow, "Jow... never mind."

"Whatever you want to ask, I'll answer," Xander assured.

"How're you alive? Because you joined them."

...Oh, so that's it...

"Ah, let me guess; you think the Noxians tortured me, and I joined them to stop the pain," Xander chuckled, "I wasn't tortured. In fact, most Noxians don't coerce people with torture. Of course, they still threaten key prisoners with death, and every society has its bad apples who do fucked up things-"

"Even here? In Demacia?"

Yin frowned and muttered bitterly, "There's probably some Mageseeker sicko who cuts people open for laughs, and I wouldn't be surprised if people have made false mage claims just to get someone they don't like to die."

"I concur, but if you'll excuse my friend…" Xander continued, "Anyway, Noxus don't torture. Mostly because offering someone something they want is so much more effective, and if that doesn't work there are spells to get the right info needed."

Yin glared at Xander, and he shrugged.

Sorry bout that. Just let the Demacian do the talking?"

He wasn't a telepath, but Yin seemed to catch on.

The bow-woman continued, "…what did they offer you?"

"The life I was denied here. They don't mind mages; in fact, they'd welcome us with open arms. I didn't want to die, and I did want to live a fulfilling life where I could be whoever I wanted to be; Noxus provided that, as I expected."

"Sure you did," the leader muttered, ending the conversation there.

Or at least, that was his intent. Xander didn't let up, and let his own curiosity flow, "You were ex-military, mister...?"

"Garret, and yes, I was."

Even with Garret's back to him, Xander respectfully frowned, "Given your icy demeanor I'll assume Noxus wasn't so kind to you as it was me."

"Not in particular," Garret replied, "I fought in the Argent Campaign as well. My platoon only lost a few men."

"But enough?"

"It was war. And if you're telling the truth, you should know war's enough to break anyone... except Noxians. Tell me, since joining them have you conquered any nations?"

Before Yin could respond, Xander stepped in from to her to answer.

"A few," Xander sighed, but stuck to the truth, "A group of Bilgewater tribes and a small kingdom in Shurima, as well as helping put down rebels in some provinces."

"And now you want to help us rebel?" Garret asked.

"Did the Mageseekers release all of you to further their own political gain?" Yin rhetorically asked, "If not, it isn't the same."

Xander sighed, "I get where you're coming from. And I won't deny Noxus has its flaws."

"All nations have flaws. But most nations don't have seas of blood on their hands."

Xander could've mentioned that those Bilgewater tribes were ruthless pirates, and the Shuriman kingdom held to their ancient slaving tradition, but if he did he figured it'd look like an excuse. And now that he thought of it, Xander guessed that he'd been assigned such conquests only because the men in charge knew it'd fulfill his Demacian sense of justice. He briefly considered the evil perpetrated in the conquests he wasn't part of before returning to the conversation.

"...If only that were true," the Left Hand sighed, "But, if you would answer me, there is a reason you're rebelling, isn't there?"

Garret turned to face Xander. He held a baleful glare at the Left Hand, who held his face as neutral as he could.

"My men and I swore to uphold justice and peace. That is why we fought; why we killed," the swordsman spat, "What reason does Noxus have for its murders?"

"The wish to unite all men under the same banner. I'll admit its taken to irrational levels, and it implies a foolish arrogance in the Noxian system, claiming it's the best the world had to offer," Xander admitted, "But, at least it can be said that the system works as is intended. People earn their worth or die, that much is true for aristocrats and for commoners; hell, one of our top generals was born an orphan, and was illiterate for most of his life! You can't say the same about Demacia, unless you mean to say the Demacian justice you fought for does, in fact, include the wholesale genocide of the magically inclined."

If Garret's glare intensified any further, Xander feared the mage's eyes would burst from the pressure. Instead of that, however, the swordsman unsheathed his sword and quickly put it to Xander's throat. Yin was immediately on alert, but Xander gestured with a free arm for her to stand down. Their's other captors seemed shocked by their leader's rash choice, but before they could say a word, Garret addressed Xander.

"You must not care for your life if you would insult my fallen friends so."

"I did not intend to insult them, only raise a point," Xander paused, "None of the systems we serve are perfect. I've gone against the wishes of my superiors in Noxus, and in doing so improved that system. I'm back here with the hope to do the same. To help the nation where I was born. But if you think what I'm doing isn't right… well, go on then. I'm at your mercy aren't I?"

The other captors seemed to disagree, at least somewhat.

"Garret, don't," the crossbow woman said.

"Why not?"

"He's at our mercy… killing him that way isn't right. If he deserves it, we'll make him confess."

"Was that not one we just heard?"

"Garret," the crossbow woman sighed, "We can make him confess in front of everyone. Don't do this."

Garret held his glare for a bit longer, then sheathed his blade with a growl. Yin sighed with relief behind Xander. Or was it disappointment? She hadn't exactly been getting much combat action recently.

"I should kill you," Garret spat at Xander, "But… she's right. It isn't Demacian."

"…No, it isn't. And, it would've made you feel miserable," Xander assumed, but spoke with level tone, "You strike me as a good person; you don't want to fight, or kill. But, you do what you must."

"I don't trust you."

"Then don't; you are free to," Xander sighed, both in disappointment and relief, than continued, "I am doing what I believe is right. All people do."

"And if what I believe is right is not to follow you?"

"Then don't; I won't ask you to," Xander smiled, "As I said, alliance is likely off the table, so I won't expect it. I'm here to say what I believe is right, and after that we'll go our separate ways. I fight my fight, you fight yours… whatever that is; let me add that I hope you all tell me why you split from Sylas in the first place."

That got a few chuckles from the other captors. Garret simply nodded. After a pause, the swordsman continued his march, brushing away a few ferns and branches. Another poke from the spearman prompted more chuckles, then Xander and the others followed.

"So, you're really not expecting us to team up?" One of the captors asked; the one with the bow, "I would've thought you would."

Xander squinted, but it was Yin who spoke, "Are you always this curious? Cos just as a warning; one day you may ask a question you don't want an answer to."

Garret gave a grunt, and Xander half thought the swordsman would snap again. He didn't.

"I have to agree with the Noxian, Trish. Just be quiet, we're almost there," Garret paused, "But, if it's a short answer, go on, Noxian."

As Trish giggled at her leader's surrender, Xander's mind wandered to Earth.

Trish? If her last name is Una then replace my drinks with piss…

"Well, as Xan said, it was the original plan before he… mismanaged his information, shall we say," Yin said, "Now all he can do is say my piece and hope not to get killed. I doubt mister Garret is the only one of your rebels to have been wronged by Noxus."

"You'd be correct in that regard," Garret said, pushing away another sapling, "You won't speak?"

"I'll try not to; Xan thinks I'd ruin his arguments."

"Well, I can barely stomach your excuses, Noxian; it's a good move," Garret paused, then glanced at Xander, "I hope you've figured your response for those men, because we're here."

As the shrub gave way to Garret's pull, light peaked through. Through the verdant flora, Xander could glimpse a structure surrounded by fires. As he was guided, the vision became clearer. It was hardly the most impressive sight he'd seen; the capital's ivory towers surpassed it in splendour, the oasis of the Shuriman territories were more lively, and the Immortal Bastion was more robust and packed. But, he'd give Aislynn's rebels this; for their circumstances, they had made a remarkable home.

It occured to Xander that, by some miracle, Aislynn's rebels had found a hollow hill of sorts. Or, more accurately, someone had, and the rebels had moved in. At the center of the hollow space was a old three-story home, made of a mishmash of fresh and faded planks. Its front porch held a campfire on one side, by which a pig seemed to be roasting. Where they got it was a mystery to Xander, but at least he knew what the cuisine would be like if he did end up allying with them. Opposite the campfire was a tall oak surrounded by wood-woven seats. At the tree's base was a small podium, and before that was an empty space; it was clear this home was repurposed to be the central hub of the encampment.

And as for the encampment itself… It held the appearance of a small town, perhaps at most as big as Meltridge. The central area near the house was a garden village. Rows of army-style tents - no doubt stolen from the Demacian military - and wood-woven huts framed paths beaten by footsteps. Trees seemingly meant for decoration hid small rooms in their shrubbery; Xander reckoned they were watchtowers for defence. Opposite the village proper was a large field of farmland. Xander recognised wheat as the predominant plant, but a few stalks of other vegetables and fruits were there. The farmland was separated from the residential sector by a river which led… somewhere. The river reached into the edges of the cave system, from which smoke rose. No doubt they were being used for the rebels' metal works. All in all, it was the perfect hideout for a rebellion.

And Aislynn leads all of this. All of them. Well, if I wasn't impressed before…

It seemed Xander had spent too long gawking. Eyes started trailing to him, and his captors started waving people over. A final poke to his back forced him along.

"Impressed, or intimidated?" The spearman behind him asked.

"In truth, both," Xander admitted as he walked down a beaten path, "I don't suppose I'll get to use that podium over there, will I?"

"Do you want it?"

"It would help…" a thought occured to Xander, "Say, where's Aislynn? Shouldn't she be introducing me?"

"...You're not wrong," Garret slowly muttered, "Trish, you're in charge. I'll get Misty and Aislynn. Manda, Anders, stay alert."

They quickly went off, leaving Xander and Yin with Trish the bow-woman, the spearman, the crossbow-woman, and his thoughts on his contact's absence.

"Well, that's suspicious," Yin whispered as she walked, "Also, which one of you is Manda, and which one of you's Anders?"

"Can I guess?" Xande asked, "Manda's the woman, short for Amanda. Anders' the guy, short for Anderson."

The crossbow-woman blinked, then shook his head with a chuckle, "If you don't die, I'll tell you later."

In any case, tit he spearman guided the both up the podium's stairs. As he reached the top, Xander was snapped out of his reflections by the volume of the voices before him. He wasn't sure if it was the whole camp before him, but he wouldn't have been surprised.

…Aaaand they're all looking at me. It's fine, it's fine; I've spent the whole morning thinking what to say and… what can they do? It seems most of them have decided to honour my 'guest rights'. Yin should be able to get to Nocturne, no matter who's in the way… And even if they tried to go Frey on my ass, they have a spearman. That's a walking armory for me, thanks, appreciated… and from there, an unspeakable horror, most likely, to get out. Anyway, so, I guess I begin?

Xander glanced behind him to find his escorts with disconcerted gazes. The spearman at least shrugged, and Xander took it as his queue.

"Alright…" he turned to face the crowd, and gave as an amiable a smile, "I imagine all of you have plenty of… concerns. I'll try to clear them all up; so, uh, you know, you don't all kill me, heh…"

An older man at the back of the crowd called out, "Well how do we know you won't try kill all of us?"

Ah, fuck... well, I'm already a broken record anyway...

"That would be the last thing I'd want to do, sir," Xander replied, "But, where are my manners. For those not in the know, I am Xander; Xander Ren of Noxus. I was born here in Demacia, and lived here until the Argent Campaigns, where I was captured by Noxus; I joined thereafter, and I'll be happy to give more details as we continue. I know you all have questions, and I am here to answer them; not to bribe you or blackmail you into a one-sided alliance. You may ask, and I will answer. Only, one at a time; mage I may be, my ears aren't magical, you know?

Whilst he didn't hear any chuckles, Xander's magic caught a tinge of softening at his attempt at a joke. At least, he hoped that was what he caught; it was way to early to start hallucinating.

"So, who'd like to start?"

Watching Xander perform his press conference from afar, Aislynn felt calm nothingness. Or rather, she would've if she didn't know the source of her apathy. Despite being held by a petricite chain they'd stolen from the Mageseekers, Nocturne was apparently still able to sap away her fears. The rational part of her mind logged it as, at the very least, suspicious. Those fears were compounded by the demon's not-a-threat that Xander would free him by any means if necessary. But of course, the fears she held were what she hoped wouldn't spread, and why she was escorting the demon out of its cell in the first place.

"I thought your boss was a spy," Aislynn muttered.

"Only for the past year, and in truth, not a good one," Nocturne replied, "Xander was known for three things; martial skill, uncommon magic, and Demacian heart. The former and latter carried him in Noxus; even with Noxian culture many felt indebted to him for his service. His magic was the only reason the aristocrats of Noxus looked to him, and he was only useful to them as a weapon for one faction or another."

Aislynn squinted, "If he's only good as a weapon, why did they trust him with such a massive undertaking as a Demacian campaign?"

"He was being wielded by the two main political leaders of Noxus against each other. If there's one thing my summoner and I share, it is an aptitude to learn," Nocturne gave a short chuckle, "And, when they get Xander, they get me. We demons can be most useful, as I'm sure you've realised."

"Well, not quite. Only heard…"

As the pair continued down the path to the central village, Aislynn listened for her people's reactions. She idly reflected with relief that Xander had to be doing a decent job. If he hadn't, she no doubt would've heard cries of indignation and rage. Instead, whispers and mutterings echoed alongside the relatively clear speaking of Xander, his subordinate, and whoever was asking a question. Of course, bursts of anger occasionally came about at some comment Xander or his subordinate made. From what she could hear from afar, the first burst came when Xander admitted he had helped conquer a nation in the name of the Noxian Empire. When questioned for his honour at the concept of butchering noble freemen, Xander had turned the tide by ranting on about how the freemen of the Shuriman city of Helota were slavers. When Xander refused to apologise for butchering such men, nobody demanded it of him.

Three more outrages came after that, according to what Laura had told Aislynn before she finally brought Nocturne out of his cell. The one after Xander's... military career involved the existence of Noxian spies in the nobility. Xander gave only a few names, and the hungry crowd disliked the absence of answers. The next two concerned Demacian-Noxian conflicts: the recent Noxian attack at Nockmirch - Xander claimed ignoranc and assumed the operatives there to be running on old orders - and the Argent Mountain campaign. Whilst Xander was able to deflect blame from his superiors in lieu of them being defensive for once, when he revealed one of his subordinates had participated in the fight voices were raised once more. Only a flimsy defence could be raised, about orders and the judges - most of whom were ex-soldiers - being hypocrites. The conflict was defused, but tension remained in the background.

As they neared the center, Aislynn heard clearer the words of Noxus' Left Hand.

"…Arrogance," Xander was speaking of, "Arrogance that the Noxian way is the only way men can live on Runeterra. I see no reason for a global unity between peoples without the destruction of sovereignties."

The claim of peace caught some men's attention. Others noted diction choice in Xander's speech and raised hands. Xander picked the next one and listened.

"You don't believe the Noxian way is the only way," as it turns out, the man was Cyrus. The closest thing they had to a tactician was attentive to detail and a believer in Demacian virtue, so it wasn't a surprise when he asked, "Do you believe the Noxian way is a better way?"

Xander, the arrogant shit, laughed, "A loaded question if there ever was one. But to answer your question… shit, I don't really know."

Murmurs rose, and Aislynn could barely make out Xander's subordinate blinking in shock behind him. Xander was quick to elaborate.

"Look, look, guys, here's my problem: I've seen and appreciated the best of both and the worst of both. I will say this: the Noxian way is far easier to change. People are cold and opportunistic in Noxus, but wouldn't you know it: being nice to people for once gives you a lot of opportunities! "

"As compared to Demacia?" Someone in the crowd asked.

"If this were Noxus, I'd have focused more on you guys. Even if the aristocracy has its shadow play, they still have to manoeuvre the public opinion. Because this is Demacia, I had to go to the Capital," Xander sighed, "Alright, now that I've mentioned it, here's part two of my plan. Whilst y'all would've built up a reputation for the people, I would, or rather will, be eroding those nobles' faith in their system. I, who am a traitor and of Noxus, who has a demon at his beck and call, slew not a single man that night at the Capitol. Not that they'd say of course, they want to keep an image. But they know that I'd committed no truly heinous act. I started making my point last week, and in time I'll be proving to Prince Jarvan and his betrothed that the system they support is wrong, and needs change. And ideally, y'all would've prepared the rest of the country for that admission of… fault."

As he ended his speech, Xander noticed Aislynn approaching. Or, perhaps, if his smile was anything to go by, he'd noticed the demon behind her. The Noxian didn't regard the gasps of fear that came from the crowd as he addressed her.

"Speaking of my demon… Good to see you too, Aislynn, and thanks for bringing my friend over. But I can't help but notice his chains…"

"For security purposes, I'm sure you understand," Aislynn replied, "I understand you want him back."

"Name your price, and I'll take him," Xander spoke; the anyway added at the end was conveyed in his eyes to her, but he wisely didn't mention it.

"You can control him to not kill us all?" Aislynn asked, already aware of the answer.

Xander didn't follow her plan, clearly, but he replied, "I don't really control him, but I've told him not to. He hasn't done anything terrible under your care, has he?"

The crowd murmured once more. Aislynn's capture of Nocturne had gone off without a hitch. Once news from the capital had arrived of the demon-possessed assassin, Aislynn knew Nocturne would try regain contact. A short meeting between their fighters had Aislynn be constantly under supervision until Nocturne came. When he did, the demon immediately caught on and surrendered, not having spilled a drop of blood. It was the fact kept in the back of everyone's heads; for all their fear of the Noxian and his demon, they hadn't struck them once, and seemed willing to surrender to them.

"Nocturne's been peaceful," Aislynn replied, "If he remains so, then we can return him."

Nocturne growled with irritation, "Do not speak of me as though I were a prized toy…"

And of course, Xander laughed, "A play for the crowd. Now, come here!"

Nocturne floated a foot closer, then glanced at his cuffs, then returned to Aislynn's side to whisper in her ear.

"I could break these, but…"

It would be a terrifying image. Right…

From the purse she kept on her person, Aislynn first retrieved a leather glove, then the key for Nocturne's cuffs. Also made of petricite, the key hurt to hold, even with the gloves. Aislynn could only imagine the pain Sylas had felt all those years, with his shackles that covered his whole forearms. As a being of presumably pure magic, Nocturne no doubt hurt more. Whilst the demon remained stoic about the situation, Aislynn was quick to release him.

As the shackles hit the floor, the air grew tense yet clear. Nocturne breathed in, and Aislynn felt herself calm; Nocturne was feeding on fear, clearly. After a brief moment and a warning call from Xander (likely getting him to stop), Nocturne turned and slowly floated to his summoner.

The shade floated into his summoner's body, bonding with him in a smoky swirl of shadow. When the black mist cleared, Xander remained standing, hands stretched on either side and a pleased smile on his face and eyes pitch black with decidedly dark magic. Xander's escorts raised their weapons, and some of the fire mages in the crowd channeled their magic to their hands.

Aislynn simply gulped at the sight and declared, "It's done."

"Indeed, thanks for getting to at out of the way," Xander sighed then chuckled, "Would've sucked to have to fight for him. This makes things a lot more convenient..."

Xander brushed a hand to the side, and to the surprise of the crowd, the black in his eyes gave way to glowing indigo and natural white sclera. Nocturne reappeared at his side, his umbral blades bared at any would be attackers. Xander's subordinate took similar stance to her boss' side, eyes glowing red in preparation to use... some sort of magic; Aislynn didn't know.

"Now, I know I look and sound evil, but there's nothing to fear," Xander continued, "The last thing I'd want to do is to piss y'all off, never mind killing you. Of course, that former one is unfortunately easy to do... so I'll leave now."

That snapped Aislynn out of her paranoid thoughts. After a brief sputtering episode, she marched closer to the podium. As the crowd split before her, she addressed Xander.

"You're just going to leave?" She questioned, "You haven't convinced-"

"Convinced you yet? Or your people? It was rather unrealistic to begin with," Xander sighed, "When I realized you'd separated from Sylas, I suspected it was because you disagreed with his bloodlust. And as I've watched your crowd, it's clear your people don't want to fight. You... that's why this sector of Demacia's been so peaceful, isn't it? Your sect hasn't fought since the split, has it?"

Xander seemed to - correctly, Aislynn noted - take the silence as affirmation. He chuckled again.

"You have honest Demacians here, Aislynn; good, virtuous men and women," Xander continued, "Unfortunately, they'd be the last people to trust a Noxian. Excluding an Ionian, of course, but..."

As Xander spoke, Nocturne and his subordinate slowly lowered their arms. As Nocturne did, the fearful in the crowd followed, their flames and floating elements fading or falling.

Aislynn took the opportunity to glance around the crowd. As expected, a variety of reactions were on display. Some of the children looked to Xander with wonder and curiosity, as was to be expected. Their parents held curious gazes as well, but were tempered with caution, as was to be expected. Some of the old veterans and ex-soldiers held glares at the Noxian, again to be expected. And of course, the groups interspersed; an old woman seemed to sense a regretful respect in Xander, and smiled a smile reflecting those traits, whilst a young boy, presumably orphaned by Noxians during the Argent Campaign, held a gaze more toxic than any of the older veterans did.

"I didn't need Nocturne to tell it to me, but his abilities did help confirm; at least half of you guys rightfully don't trust me," Xander said, "And I will not demand that trust of you. And I'm basically out of time... So, I will leave."

"But what about your plan?" Yin asked, "Don't you need us? Don't we need to be united to make a better Demacia?"

"I do need you. Which is why I hope to return, hopefully when your people can at least trust that I believe I'm doing the right thing, and that I'm not doing what I do for Noxus," Xander answered, "For the record, it's a state sponsored experiment, if anything, but I digress. I will return when I have your trust. As for what you want me to do to earn it, well... my demon can be in touch."

Before Aislynn could ask another question, Xander beckoned to Nocturne with a snap of his fingers. She felt a sudden void of emotion as her vision faded; no doubt Nocturne giving her - and probably the audience - one last sap of emotion to power their escape. When the darkness faded, it was though her rebels had met for a standard meeting. Then the crowd looked to each other, and mumbles of confusion and panic arose. Questions of the Noxians' location filled the air, but Aislynn knew they'd be too far away at this long.

"God damn you, Xander," The dream mage cursed, perhaps too loudly. Upon feeling her people's gazes, Aislynn brushed her feelings off and addressed them, "Everyone, return to what you were doing. If you must speak about what's happened, be calm about it; I won't have our community split itself because a Noxian was stupidly honest instead of cruel and manipulative."

As she saw heads bob in affirmation, Aislynn switched her attention to a specific set of people. She spotted her target in a few seconds; a head of curly hair that led to a thick beard.

"Ramver, how much time to you need for dinner?" Aislynn asked.

The head of the sustainers - the local farmers and cooks that kept the community fed - replied, "Give is an hour, we'll be ready to go."

Twice usual efficiency... well, Silva's brother was ex-military and Audra's a pacifist, Aislynn internally sighed, Fine, if they'll need the time to figure it out then...

"You have it," Aislynn responded, then projected her voice to everyone else as well, "Dinner will be ready in an hour. Form your queues, be tidy, and water nothing!"

More nods and signs of affirmation rose, but unfortunately someone had to address the kaiju in the cavern.

And of course, that someone was Cyrus, "Aislynn, what'll we do about the Noxian's proposal?"

After a moment to think, the answer of a series of votes on the morrow left Aislynn's lips. Yet, as the crowd dispersed and the mumbles and arguments faded from hearing, the dream mage could only sigh and ruminate in irritation. While she couldn't criticize Xander for throwing the ball in her court - he couldn't do much else, after all - his unceremonious dumping of it on her lap... left much to be desired.

Thomas 'Xander' Asper... do you not want us to join you? Do you want me to end your life painfully? Because both can be organized... Aislynn put her thoughts aside for a moment, retreating through doors and up staircases to her room to brood in peace, If I'm able to get this done, you and I are going to have a long talk... You left me with more questions than answers, and…

You're asking me what I want? Well, how about a straight, no-bullshit answer to this question:

What is it you want?

Perhaps the part that worried Aislynn most was the thought that Xander had been honest, and that, like much of her people, she didn't believe him.

Author's Note: I'd wanted to upload this chapter earlier, namely yesterday, but I also really wanted to finish up this arc this chapter. Not to mention I've been getting feedback, so trying to incorporate it here meant some redrafting occured. But alas, here's 10.1k of writing.

The feedback I've gained really helped me understand where to improve. So, as always, please leave a review; I appreciate any feedback I get for the fic. Stay safe, and see you next chapter.

[Edit 20/03/22] - Textual errors corrected.