Redefinition

by Enth V

As the Demacian Mage Rebellion begins, a group of Noxians is sent to further the empire's agenda. Led by the mysterious "Left Hand of Noxus" - a man who was once Demacian - the group aims to bring down the current regime. But, as the civil war breaks and the group's ideals are tested, only one thing is certain: the Left Hand knows more than he should... [SI-OC Fic]

30. Chapter 30

... alright. So, last minute check...

As I speak, I should move over to the closet... stand by that plank's corner, keep a hand close to the handle... if I open the door this way, the bag should drop right into my hand... right. From there it's only a hop and a step to the window, and a quick drop to the outpost ramparts. And from there, just a quick sprint to the forest, lose them there.

Or free fall to the river if Nocturne catches up. Hmm... one of these is more fun than the other, but which one? I mean, free falling is fun, but I'd definetely be chased through the rampart...

... those were footsteps, weren't they?

The door burst open and a party of seven - technically eight - entered. Of them, two were immediately familiar. Quinn and her bird were iconic enough, and Xander imagined a decade without contact wouldn't make him forget Yin's face. He'd a pretty poor friend if it were any less, after all. He'd also be a poor friend if he wasn't concerned at her presence; she was only supposed to be a consultant, not on the front lines...

Heh. As if that was ever going to change...

Of the remaining five men who entered, only one was intriguing. They all wore elaborately crafted armour, but one clearly was the leader. Her dark golden hair had more lustre, likely the result of years of access to quality shampoos. Yet despite that softness, her blue-gray eyes conveyed sharp discernment, the weight of responsibility, and an idealistic nobility... or perhaps Xander was projecting what he already knew of Kahina Buvelle onto the lady's eyes. Still, given the lion symbol on the badge she wore and the way her cheekbones were raised exactly like those of a child Xander had met years ago... Who else could it be?

The squad remained silent and made shows of glancing to hidden corners in the room as they entered, but Xander knew they'd detected him immediately. Still, he watched from the window reflection as they got into formation, remaining still and relaxed, waiting for them to make the first move. The thought to not be so generous had only entered his mind when Kahina Buvelle finally spoke.

"I can see you," she warned.

"And I can see you," Xander greeted after a beat, shrugging from his seat, "Though from that far with just the reflection... you have sharp eyes."

"Flattery will get you nowhere, demon host," Kahina growled, "Now turn and face me."

The Left Hand chuckled and acquiesced, but not before picking up his weapon, leaned against a desk. And, not to defy with a half-measure, he swatted Kahina's spear out of the way, all whilst still seated in the seat of Falconclaw's commanding officer. The act naturally caused the blades of the other soldiers to rise in caution, but it was Quinn who reacted first.

She stood forward, in the way of the soldiers with her free hand backing them away, "Don't... not yet."

"Not yet? Not ever," the demon host corrected, "Unless you mean to say six Illuminators will give you a better chance than the Dauntless Vanguard and the King which... well, I suppose country bumpkins aren't well known for their arithmetic."

Quinn's first reaction was to tighten her grip on her crossbow, but a returning counter shakily came to her, "Hm. Maybe, but I know you Noxians actually outnumber us by quite a lot... and yet you still haven't conquered us."

The Left Hand shrugged, "True... but there is a reason for that. You can hold a castle with ten men against a hundred if you play your cards right, and between the mountains and those mage tribes you have in the wilderness, it's quite the fortress you have. Only here, I'm the one with the fortress. You don't think I haven't made plans for your arrival?"

Some of the knights blinked, others paled; all were silent.

Xander chuckled, "I haven't, actually, but you don't really know that. In any case, before we proceed, just keep that all in mind. I'd hate to have to ruin your day any more than it already has been. Now, my ladies, if you'd take your seats..."

Thankfully, none of the knights in the Buvelle party were female, so no confusion was had. As Xander expected, Yin took the furthest seat out of caution, Quinn the middle out of respect, and Kahina to face her foe head on. The Left Hand had considered putting his feet up on the desk, but the glare the Buvelle scion levelled his way made him reconsider. It seemed whatever exactly had happened with Sylas' crew had been rough... He could only push the envelope so much before it got out of hand.

Especially since Nocturne's late... well, I don't really need him, but having an accurate emotional bead on everyone would be nice...

Speaking of Sylas, Kahina's first address involved an accusation concerning him, "You're with the rebellion."

Xander scoffed, "I am? Must've missed the memo... though I suppose I am trying to erode the authority to the crown, and am a mage, so if you're working off of some bracket term, then-"

"You've an odd relationship with the Crownguards, you hate the King, and you seem to know just how terrible a day we've had," Quinn stepped in, "If you're not related to Sylas or his rebellion in any way-"

"Excluding final goals and motives, I assume? Well actually, no, both of those differ between us. Not by much, but enough to note," the Left Hand mused, "But sorry, please, do continue about what you claim you're about to do, because no, I'm not with Sylas' rebellion... as much as I'd like to be."

Yin spoke up and asked with a curiosity that wasn't fully forced, "You want to be in the rebellion?"

"Well, we have a shared goal of getting the Mageseekers out of power. And they're the only ones actually working to that end," Xander shrugged, "Of course is want to be in the rebellion. Alas, no, they don't want anything to do with me. Which is more the shame. If we were actually working together? Half a year, tops."

Kahina growled, "You didn't come here to gloat, demon host. Why are you here?"

"Straight to the point... that's consistent at least," Xander noted, then sighed, grip tightening on his weapon, "And if that's consistent, you then you should be smart enough to figure out the answer to that last question."

... one thousand, two thousand, three-

Kahina lunged, thrusting her spear where Xander's face was. The Left Hand simply sidestepped it, then outstretched his left hand to catch a crossbow bolt. He was half successful; he still blocked Quinn's shot, but it did pierce through his palm. The Noxian merely grunted as he raised his musket and responded, sending a blast of mana through his weapon's petricite frame. Kahina ducked and backed off, but that wasn't the correct play; her chest plate would've taken it easily, but her friend's helmet didn't. The blast didn't pierce, but it did send the helmet flying off an unconscious head.

The second and third blasts made Quinn dodge and downed another guard by burning away a shoulder plate. Shots four through six did similar damage to the third knight escort whilst also delaying Quinn's partner's advance. Even when Valor finally closed the distance, he was quickly dissuaded; if not for Quinn's first shot, the backhanded slap Xander sent its way surely wouldn't have been a concern. Faced with a follow-up thrust of Xander's musket bayonet, Valor shrieked in panic and made an abrupt landing.

The massive raptor kicked itself back into flight quickly, if only to retreat and make way for Kahina and her last knight escort to enter the fray. Said escort swung his blade in an awkward diagonal slash that left Xander with his back against the corner. Kahina finished the trap by stabbing to the opposite wall, pinning the Left Hand horizontally. Unfortunately, Xander was hardly the type to ignore vertical combat. His jump, boosted by the enchanted blood in his veins, got him clear of the knights' scissor slash. The Left Hand sent outstretched kicks to both the knights' faces, then made to deal with the escort as he landed. A feigned slash to Kahina's side converted to Xander slamming the butt of his gun into the knight's face, then came a downwards slash breaking through the shoulder guard and drawing blood, then finally a stab to the knight's left shoulder and a pivot to send him flying out the office window.

It was an uneccessary and costly display; Kahina drove her spear head through Xander's gut.

Yet she knew not to believe the fight over; she turned to Yin, "Go, protect her-"

Xander interrupted by clasping Kahina by the shoulders and headbutting her, then giving her a swift left cross. As she leaned against the officer's desk, clutching a broken nose, Xander un-impaled himself and channeled his leaking bloodstream with a hiss.

Still, the Left Hand had the time to smirk at Yin, "Run along, mage."

That was all he could say before dodging another crossbow. It was only a half success this time, being caught in the right arm instead of the head. Xander flung his musket to the floor ahead as he lunged down, keeping low and out of Quinn's sight as he took cover by the officer's desk. A blood-infused left hand was all he needed to flip the desk over and send the Buvelle resting on it to the floor. Cover secured, Xander clasped his left hand to his wounded arm and healed it quickly.

Just in time for Valor to make another strike. Quinn's partner dived claws first at Xander and struck at the flesh the Left Hand offered. Talons crushed Xander's left forearm, forcing a growl of pain. But, amidst dodging pecks from the massive azurite eagle and feeling himself be lifted, Xander grinned. He'd only risen by so much, and as he felt his feet on the ground, Xander knew his blood magic gave him the strength advantage over Valor. First pivoting to predict a shot of Quinn's, the Left Hand bought himself time to react by turning to make Valor's back face Quinn-

"Gah!- hah-heh..." Xander fell on one knee as a crossbow bolt pierced his left thigh; he laughed, knowing how close he was to losing something else precious to him, "Fucking bitch, aiming for junior- fuck off, bird!"

Even through Valor's growls and scratching, the Left Hand heard Quinn's musing, "You have regeneration magic. Nothing to complain about."

Speaking off...

Even with his dead leg, Xander forced his plan to fruition. He forced himself to rise if only for a second and shoved the bird attached to his left hand through the window of the Falconclaw office. Valor shrieked in pain and surprise as it fell. Its partner mirrored it.

"Valor!"

Xander took a quick glance to the view outside the window before leaning over and dodging another bolt.

He responded to Quinn with a snark and a shrug, "She has regeneration magic. Nothing to complain about."

The ranger growled, "Why you-"

Too late it was, unfortunately. Xander had hidden the pain of pulling out Quinn's leg shot as he jested, and the wound had healed just enough for the Left Hand to stand on it. The other leg was needed to give a front-kick to the officer's desk, sending it flying across the room. It split as it hit Quinn, putting her on her back with a groan of pain.

She wasn't the only one. Frankly everyone in the room was in pain from one wound or another, from the knights with magic burns to Kahina sporting a bruised face. Xander, of course, had the worst of it, or so he figured; Valor was a vicious foe. Still, he laughed as he sat back against the broken window.

"Ugh... what an unnecessary display," he chuckled through the pain and inhaled the blood in the air, "Oh who am I kidding, that was fun!"

The loyalists disagreed as they rose on shaky feet and picked up their weapons.

Well, most of them; Kahina picked up Xander's musket rather than her own spear.

"We're not done," Kahina grunted as she took aim.

Xander shrugged, "You a mage too?"

Kahina didn't answer the question, felt for the musket's trigger, and squeezed.

The Left Hand chuckled as his musket, empty of physical rounds, did nothing, "I guess not."

As Kahina blinked in confusion, Xander lunged and grabbed Kahina with a single leg hold. Kahina kicked away, successfully breaking free in her second attempt and falling on her back. The abrupt landing weakened her grip on her stolen weapon, though. Xander snatched it from her easily, pulling at the weapon's shaft.

Xander then casually sidestepped a crossbow bolt that oddly wouldn't have hit him. It seemed taking a high-velocity table to her shooting arm didn't bode well for Quinn's shot. The Left Hand honestly hoped the damage wasn't permanent.

Still, he sent her and the other loyalists a deadpan stare, "I hope you realise I could've killed you there. Aim for the head consistently, more powerful barrages... or I could've taken the offensive role, pieced you up one by one."

With an irritated groan, Kahina rose from the floor, "If you want my sister, you can have her over my dead body."

"And if I don't want your sister?"

Quinn blinked, surprise breaking through her veil of pain, "Wha- but you said-"

"Nothing. I only hinted at her because, I mean, why else would a nosy mage such as myself give a shit about the Buvelles?" The Left Hand laughed, "Obviously what I want concerns her, but its hardly a personal issue. She won't be working for me."

Not literally, anyway.

Kahina's eyebrows furrowed, "Then what do you want with her?"

Xander glanced out the window, frowned, then hid his response with a chuckle, "You know what's just a worthless idea? Sitting around and praying for change whilst not doing shit to make it happen. That's what'll happen if your sister stuck around with you."

Kahina connected the dots quickly and growled, "It's absurd that I could trust anyone less than I do you, yet that's exactly what I think of Sylas."

"... given how worn out your men are, I'd assume you encountered him. But, you lived to tell. Seems rather cruel to still maintain that position."

"... sure, fine, he's better than you at least for actually deciding to spare us-"

"Yet I do the same-"

"Shut. Your fucking mouth. Monster."

Xander chuckled, but obliged the Buvelle scion.

As Kahina fumed, Quinn continued for her, "You already seem to have noticed, but let me make it clear for you. We just went through hell to bring Sona back home. To bring her somewhere safe. That's the opposite of anywhere that puts her in the Mageseeker's scopes. So you can take your offer and piss off. We're not taking it."

"... You want to keep her safe from the Mageseeker's eyes... and your plan to do that is to lock her up in the Buvelle manor, or some other property your family holds," Xander surmised, then shook his head, "Won't work."

Through the fakest smirk Xander'd ever seen, Kahina boasted, "You'd be surprised how remote some of those properties are. My family-"

"Is subservient to the king, who's essentially subservient to the Mageseekers," the Left Hand countered, not even letting the noble's argument breath, "Unless you're going to do the seekers' job for them and exile Sona out of country, it won't be enough. And no matter how viable an option that actually is, I'd doubt your obstinate ass would take it."

Kahina's temper broke again, "You dare-"

"I do dare, because the way I see it you're being greedy or delusional or both," Xander accused, "You want to serve this kingdom you grew up in and keep your sister safe, but those are exclusive. You serve your sister, you'll be seen a traitor by the rest of the kingdom; that's inevitable with how the Mageseekers are gaining power. You serve the kingdom, you speed up the process, and you'll be back in square one for having had Sona as a sister in the first place."

It visibly took all of Kahina's will to contain herself. Quinn, though also shaking with rage, held herself together enough to make an argument.

However poor, "The Mageseekers only have so much power because of people like you and Sylas. Once you two are gone-"

"Then they'll go after everyone else. Did you think they'd stop at the 'bad mages'?" Xander couldn't help but bitterly laugh, "There's no such thing as a good mage as far as they're concerned. Do you not understand that?"

Kahina grimaced and grasped at straws, "My sister's done nothing wrong."

"And Sylas used to do a lot more than that," The Left Hand retorted, "Did you know he used to be a mageseeker?"

The Buvelle blinked, "What? No, that's... You lie!"

"But I don't," Xander shook his head, "He threw himself at their feet, ready to die, but instead the seekers found he could be useful as a human mage detector. Then, when their pawn lost control - something that could've been avoided if they bothered use their confiscated magical knowledge - they didn't take responsibility. They never paid him back for his years of service. No, they threw him in a cell for fifteen years. And people wonder why he immediately went on a warpath."

"But I suppose that's a digression," the Left Hand shrugged and glanced to Kahina, noting the lack of interruption from her or her escort, "The point is the Mageseekers' continued existence has ensured nowhere that in this country is safe for your sister. It makes no difference whether she's in one of your remote properties or in a rebel camp. She'll still be in danger."

"So what do you want me to do? Betray everything I've ever stood for? Let you and Sylas have free reign over the country?" Kahina growled, "Maybe the Mageseekers have blood on their hands, maybe they are the real threat to Sona's safety..."

Xander narrowed his eyes, impatience wearing on him, "Maybe? They are!"

"To her safety, but what of her as a person? Her character?" The Illuminator snapped, "Don't think I don't see through your lie. You'd never let her just be safe somewhere. You'd drag her into your conflict... I won't let that ever happen. I won't let her become a traitor to all she's held dear. I won't let her have to wonder if she'll have to fight me, or Quinn, or any one of the friends she's made over the years. That will never happen!"

It was Xander's turn to not interrupt, and for Kahina to continue.

"As Quinn said, take your offer and piss off. We're not taking it."

"... not my offer, not Sylas'... well, I can understand that," Xander took a step to the window with a sigh, then chuckled, "And if it wasn't mine?"

Kahina's own chuckle was tired and dismissive, "Who else is there to offer?"

Not an outright hostile reaction... finally.

You acted foolishly. It should not be surprising, but...

Xander flinched in surpriseas the familiar rasp echoed in his mind. As he did, the Left Hand caught through his periphery a flash of panic in Quinn's eyes. He raised a hand to stop the oncoming bolt and heard it clash against steel, but before he could stopthe oncoming assault, Nocturne continued.

To be fair, you did successfully assault the outpost on your own. But still-

This is unrelated! Xander interrupted, I, as predicted, got through it fine. Now, you were supposed to be here as soon as the river chase was done. I've had an argument and a short skirmish with Kahina's escort party; the escort party you were supposed to overtake and warn me about! So where the hell were you?

... You have realised we were unsuccessful in convincing them to let Sona into our care, I take it, Nocturne noted, gave an odd grunt of effort, then continued, Sylas, acting his best, still could not convince them. You are clearly not at your best; you will not convince them. Thus, we only have one option.

One option? W-

Xander's reaction left his lips, "Are you fucking kidding me?"

Duck.

The Left Hand did as asked, took control of himself again, and dismissed the array of steel that had blocked oncoming blows during his argument with Nocturne. The demon's arm blades floated down to Xander's side, revealing shaken and alert Demacian soldiers. Clearly, however, they were awaiting an explanation; no other reason would explain why another bolt wasn't headed his way.

"Apologies. My demon's late to the party," Xander began.

"What has it been doing?" Kahina questioned urgently, "You wouldn't let it out of sight if you didn't have a task for it."

"... I actually would, but thanks for thinking so highly of my management skills," Xander pinched the bridge of his nose, reaching deep into his mask's eyeholes to do so, "Grr... to answer what he's been doing, he's been a fucking annoyance, that's what... but he has at least gotten the answer to your prior question."

"Prior quest-"

Rapid knocks on the door of the Falconclaw office interrupted Kahina's confusion. One of the escorting Illuminator Knights approached the door and peered through a crack.

"Not mageseeker," he grunted.

"I imagine Sylas killed them all," Xander mused, his voice echoing with Nocturne's magic, "Let her in."

"Who is she?" The knight asked.

Xander opened his mouth to answer, but again caught a glint of emotion in Quinn's eye through his periphery. This time, though, it wasn't panic. Realisation turned to a suspicious fury aimed directly at Xander, then devolved to an awkward mix of emotions that Xander knew Nocturne was eyeing up.

The Left Hand sighed, walked past the escort, and opened the office door. Beyond it was more than just the expected guest, though. Yin was vaguely visible in the back, or so he guessed; what other apparent brunette would just be let in to the office? Along with her, two fresh (relatively) guards flanked a familiar figure in blue, then of course-

An uppercut made Xander stumble back a step and stunned him in shock. He back-pedalled another two steps as hands grabbed at his coat. He offered no resistance.

That was despite the fact that Aislynn's glare and pointed finger made him tense up.

"Xander, you son of a bitch! I've had it with you!"

---

Aislynn didn't just hit the ground; she tasted dirt and felt bile climb up her throat. Desperate, earth-filled gasps stopped the vomit from rising and brought desperately needed oxygen to her lungs as she rose. Her vision blurred from black to white, then to blurred shapes, finally to something more understandable.

Namely, a blade to her throat.

Two Illuminator Knights stood in front of her, and it was clear from their posture that they were tense, perhaps shocked. It made Aislynn gulp.

Kind of Nocturne to drop me off here!

As the demon in question faded and the local shadows lightened to their usual colour, the knight closer to Aislynn questioned her.

"Who are you? How did you get here?"

"I'm Aislynn, a mage rebel. You might've seen me escort Sona to the clearing earlier," Aislynn sat up as she gave her answer, her words buying her some extra space, "As for how I got here, a demon dragged me here-"

"A demon? But-"

"I'm not the demon host, he's probably already... here," as she rose to her feet, Aislynn assessed her surroundings, finding herself in a familiar walled area, "You made it back to Falconclaw..."

Indeed they had, but it was far from the untouchable loyalist stronghold Aislynn last saw. For one, the gates were open, allowing the common citizens of the town to aid their would-be protectors. Men in roughed-up armour - presumably those left to garrison the outpost after both Kahina and the Mageseekers departed - lined the courtyard with various wounds. Some were tended to and given bandages and casts, whilst others limped around and tried to fix up the area, aided by Illuminator knights and soldiers in dirt crusted armour - the survivors from the clearing skirmish. Despite their efforts, though, the clean up knights couldn't hide the pink blots that covered some of the Falconclaw walls; faint blood stains.

Throughout it all, the bodies of Mageseekers lay in open air, likely untouched. Unlike the garrison knights who sported a variety of cuts to the limbs, the Mageseekers were dealt with quickly and ruthlessly. Some were given clean decapitations, others slit throats or headshots. One poor fellow was split down the middle- Aislynn paused to ensure her stomach's contents stayed in place.

Her efforts nearly failed as the knight grabbed her arm and forced her to face his emotionless visor, "What are you and the host planning?"

"Nothing - I'm not even supposed to be here," Aislynn grimaced and tried to pull herself free, by the knight had an iron grip, "Let go, I-"

"You're not going any-"

"Aislynn?"

The dream mage flinched and faced the new voice. She found the vaguely familiar face mimic her response before continuing.

"Y-you're Aislynn, right?" the secret Noxian, Yin, recovered from her blunder, "I thought you left with Sylas... the hell are you doing here?"

"I got dragged in by Nocturne-"

"Nocturne?" Yin blundered again.

Aislynn covered for her, "The demon host's demon. Now where's... Sona!"

The Maven of the Strings paused her performance to address Aislynn. It was clear that Sona wasn't playing for her music's sake. Her etwahl, whilst not as bright as when she'd forced the whole clearing to pause, was alight with obvious arcane energies. Said energies, however, were being accepted; the complaints of the wounded soldiers around Sona made that clear.

Still, Sona couldn't play her instrument and sign a question at the same time. Her response was quick but complex, but it was her facial expression Aislynn read. After all, she didn't have a translator for sign language in her head anymore.

"Sona, I... um..."

Aislynn found she couldn't make a convincing enough response, but instead noticed a different opportunity above her. One of the windows to the outpost was shattered, yet bore bloodied feathers stuck to its frame. The same feathers were attached to a familiar eagle which sat cradled against Sona's feet. It seemed Quinn and her bird had engaged Xander...

But he wouldn't kill them, would they?

Meeting Sona's gaze, Aislynn found the same question in her eyes.

They'd both have to find the answer out.

Aislynn grabbed Sona's wrist and sent a glare Yin's way, "You two, with me. We need to stop X- him. We need to protect them."

"Protect them? But what can we do?"

You could do a lot, I imagine. But you wouldn't, right, Noxian?

The two knights approached and tried to speak up, but Aislynn interrupted them, "I don't think the demon host is killing your lady, but I wouldn't put it past him. I'm gonna make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, and I'd appreciate your help."

She didn't elaborate further and ran into the outpost proper, pulling Sona and Yin along. Seeing the Falconclaw outpost in a different light did little to dissuade her memories. In fact, the noon lighting helped her identify her way; it was easier to read the door labels in sunlight than torch. Sona's song played as she followed, no doubt noticing stray soldiers leaned against walls. The volume remained consistent, however, telling AIslynn that she was keeping pace.

Good. I don't stand a chance, but maybe Xander'll not take that stun attack well...

Who am I kidding. He'd figure something out, he always does... But fuck it, I don't care. Fuck him, fuck his plan, fuck you, Nocturne!

The sentiment only grew stronger as she approached the office. She knocked repeatedly at the wood, using it as a drum until she was let in. She sent a probably-sloppy uppercut to the first un-helmeted faceshe saw and made her thoughts known.

Aislynn felt as though her fingers were made of iron as she grabbed at the Left Hand's coat, "Xander, you son of a bitch!

Rather than respond, Xander seemed dazed. Through his stupid skull (?) mask, his eyes widened, and for once he didn't have a remark on his tongue. Aislynn took the opportunity and winded up another punch.

"I've had it with you!"

Xander grabbed her wrist mid punch, his gaze cooling to a frigid dispassion.

"Calm yourself," he said, "You're supposed to the civil one."

"It's hard to be civil when you're snatched into a shadow realm and dragged through... what the fuck is that all about?" Aislynn grit her teeth and grunted in pain, "Ghh... and let go of me!"

"Sometimes I wonder if I should've just tamed Nocturne than worked with him," the Left Hand sighed, releasing Aislynn and explaining, "Hmm... and to think he was capable of that too. You weren't supposed to be here. Plan was I'd handle diplomacy, since apparently being saved from Mageseekers by Sylas wasn't enough to convince them about who's in the wrong..."

"The Mageseekers' sins don't invalidate yours," a stern, familiar voice rebuked, "You're just as much of a monster as they are!"

"I'd hope not," Xander mused, turning away from Aislynn and addressing his prior audience, "But whilst we can discuss my character all day, it seems we've already made up our collective minds about hers. If you won't listen to me, listen to her."

Xander took his place at the back of the room, allowing Aislynn to take note of his - now her - audience. Before them, Aislynn couldn't even fake an awkward smile, never mind contain a nervous gulp. It was impossible to not notice how roughed up Xander's get up was, never mind the scuffs on the loyalists' uniforms, or the state of the room. A fight had clearly gone down. If talking morality with Quinn and Kahina Buvelle was hard before the skirmish at the clearing, it'd be damn near impossible to get anything done with them after not one, but two brutal fights.

Kahina didn't waste any time, asking her first question before Aislynn could reintroduce herself, "How do you know him?"

Xander shuffled in place, likely hoping to intervene, but Kahina waved him off, "I want to hear from her, demon host."

With that declaration, mixed with the analytical eyes on her, Aislynn didn't dare lie. She couldn't let the full truth out, though... she hoped her stumbles would be ignored as just a reaction to a tense situation.

"I... I met him a few weeks ago now... maybe a month ago? It's been a long time," Aislynn guessed, "At first, I just thought him a mage, and tried to bring him over to my people's camp, as opposed to Sylas'. That was before I realised that, well, he's basically just as bad."

Xander snorted, "That hurts to hear-"

"Shut up, monster," Kahina interrupted, "Continue."

Aislynn nodded, having taken the interruption to come up with a disingenuous-enough summary, "He invited himself in, and tried to bring us to his side... only, my camp was filled by the people who don't want to fight. You can only kill so many unrelated nobles before you realise Sylas isn't so much a just avenger as just some pissed off guy... If we weren't going to fight for him, we wouldn't fight for an obvious monster coming out of the blue with no plan."

"I had a pla-"

Kahina raised her spear and aimed it ever so slightly at Xander before continuing, "And Sylas... he appeared that way to you at first?"

"I'd been captured by the Mageseekers, and as far as I knew, I was going to die in a year," Aislynn couldn't deny the frown in her mind from making itself real, "For all the blood he spilled that day and the days after, Sylas did save me. Of course I was going to follow him... that didn't last, though."

Quinn interrupted, "You've told us... but what are you doing here? If you're not with him, and not with Sylas, why would you be here? Wouldn't you just be at your secret base?"

"I'd love to be there right now, but... I couldn't just let a monster roam the countryside," Aislynn chose her words carefully, "It didn't take long for me to realise he'd try meet up with Sylas and offer the same thing he did to me. I had to make sure, at the very least, that I knew what was happening. If the war was going to escalate, I needed to know how, why, and what I should do to protect my people from it."

"I got to Sylas, and he was quick to let me back into the fold, however long my stay lasted... apparently, he'd already met Xa- the Demon Host, and denied his offer. I would've left then, but one of Sylas' informants told him about the Sharpstem convoy. They pieced together that you were here for your sister, and wanted to help."

"...So you didn't lead your mages. Sylas was, the whole time?"

"... yes, but I wasn't just going to hand her to Sylas. It became quite apparent she didn't want to help him... I would've tried to bring her with me. Back to my camp. If there's anywhere in the kingdom not involved in the civil war... I think it'd be there."

"Even though you're running a mage colony?"

"The only crime we're committing is existing as a mage colony," Aislynn sighed, "We're not looking for trouble."

Kahina gazed deep into Aislynn's eyes, looking for a hint of a lie. She wouldn't find one, but Aislynn hoped her anxiety wouldn't be mistaken for one. Her anxiety... that was growing rapidly as the milliseconds ticked on-

Xander took that opportunity to chuckle and steal the spotlight.

With a demonic rasp, he mused, "You're smart too, I see."

Aislynn figured out who he was talking to simply by noting the glares everyone held for Xander... Sona included. The Maven held in her eyes a brazen distrust for the demon host. She signed a reply Aislynn couldn't read, but the dream mage was confident Xander'd give her a clue with his own response.

"Of course. Of course I want them to look... well, not for trouble, but to do something," the Left Hand shrugged, "As I said: sitting around and praying for change but not doing anything to that end... worthless. Completely. Utterly. Worthless."

"So the truth comes out..." Quinn tensed as she took aim, "Then what do you want with Sona? The truth!"

"The truth..." Xander sighed, "Well, I'm sure you've figured my ideal is that Sona would join the rebellion. Specifically, Aislynn's. I doubt she'd do well alongside Sylas; hesitation on the battlefield's a death sentence..."

Xander paused his explanation and read another array of signs Sona gave.

"Why? Why you?"

Sona signed again.

"You're smarter than that," Xander chuckled, "Not that you'd need intelligence to know that fighting against the Mageseekers won't be enough..."

"Then what do you want Sona for?" Quinn questioned, "Why her?"

"Because routing and killing the Mageseekers isn't enough; that's missing the point," Aislynn could hear the smirk in Xander's tone, "To beat the Mageseekers, you have to prove them wrong."

Quinn opened her mouth to ask another question, but the realisation struck her like a thunderbolt. The two Buvelles were similarly struck, and Aislynn couldn't blame them. She too was stunned, after all.

But it was indignation that got to her, not understanding.

"All that for-"

"For bettering the image of mages? Of course. That's the one thing the rebellion lacks right now," the Left Hand met Aislynn's questioning gaze, "Me and Sylas are just more of the same. We feed the stereotype, not challenge it. However necessary it may be... But, your contribution will be what wins us the day. You, your people, and Sona: living proof that mages are compatible with Demacian society, never mind potential boons to the nation."

Xander shrugged, "Of course, whether we get to show that off depends on your people's votes. But, given the dreams Nocturne's sampled, I bet at least a few people will agree with me. And you only really need a day and a good enough plant mage to provide a town a month's worth of harvest... how many of those do you think we'll need to turn public opinion?"

Kahina growled and stepped forward, "It may not be fighting, but you'd be throwing my sister to the wolves. And for what, a false image?"

"An honest image. I'm not so ignorant to believe magic doesn't have downsides; I'm living proof of that myself. But it can be a gift," the Left Hand's tone gained some irritation, "And of course, that's only if Sona wishes to contribute. If not, I'm sure she'll be safe with Aislynn's people. They're gracious enough."

"And if she wishes to come home?" The Illuminator questioned, "What then, demon host?"

"Well, I'd be disappointed, and concerned," Xander answered, "After all, you'd be basically giving the Mageseekers a list of where Sona could be... and when she's caught, this nation's most noble family will be burned to the root."

Both the Buvelles gasped; Kahina's voice dropped to a whisper, "No... that wouldn't-"

"Would it not? The Illuminators, from what I hear, are already under suspect, and this event will only paint a target on your family's back. It would've even without the rebels coming aid... how long do you think you could protect them?"

"I can protect my sister as long-"

"You're not listening. How long can you help them, Lady Buvelle?"

"...Them?"

"You say you have hidden properties as if you weren't just going to send Sona straight back home. But, if you weren't lying, and there is some remote retreat Sona would be hiding at... Lady Lestara is still the lady of the land," the Left Hand removed his taunting tone, but that didn't reduce from his obvious threat, "How long until the Mageseekers imprison her for treason? Or you, for that matter? As their power grows, yours only weakens...""

Kahina's gaze fell to the floor as she paled, "... Mother..."

Quinn growled and confronted Xander for her friend, "You're viler than I could've ever predicted."

"But am I wrong?" The Left Hand questioned, "I'm right about the Mageseekers. I'm right about your plans to hide Sona away... Save for your personal investment, I'm not hearing any complaints for my plan."

"This isn't right," Quinn refuted, "You're taking away a daughter from her mother... just so you justify your crusade! Can't you see that this is evil?"

"Evil is a strong word... and even then, stronger than it is the word 'necessary'," Xander insisted, "The time for a clean cut resolution's long past. If Sona wants to actually live in a version of Demacia where she'd be accepted... some things just have to give."

Quinn grit her teeth, but ultimately put down her weapon with a sigh, "... yeah. Some things. Just not you, huh?

"Heh," Xander chuckled, but Aislynn heard the bitterness in the sound, "Perhaps... perhaps... hmm?"

Sona stepped forward and, after a brief show of hesitation, signed a short phrase. Quinn blinked, shocked, and tried to stop her. Kahina was much the same, but she couldn't reach her sister. Xander was in the way.

"Heh. You were always more eager than people gave you credit..." But even as he chuckled, the demon host wasn't set, "But no, you won't."

Sona tried to sign, but the Left Hand interrupted her.

"Don't lie, especially about that. You don't want to fight. So, don't bother: I don't want you to," Xander sighed, "You have to fight for what you believe in. If you can't give it your all... well, I'd hate to bear bad news to your family."

Sona blinked as Xander responded, then tried to catch up to him as he walked away. She was interrupted when the Left Hand opened an untouched shelf to the side, releasing the gray bags within. Xander caught the package and backed away to the window before turning to face Sona again.

"There aren't any more Mageseekers in the area; Sylas and I have taken care of that. Thus, you'll have some time to think your options over," Xander gave a playful salute that Aislynn didn't doubt was accompanied by a sad smile, "Stay safe, Sona Buvelle. See you again."

Despite the serrated steel that hovered by his side, the smoky aura that followed him, and the massive bags of stone he carried on his way out, Xander left like a whisper. The silence he left in his wake wasn't broken for a while, as though the gathered thought it sacrosanct. But then again, as Kahina took quick, heavy breaths and held her hands in fists, Aislynn felt whatever she felt was something that needed to pass naturally.

She didn't expect the Illuminator to grab her and shove her to a wall, but she didn't dare stop her.

"You..." Kahina's eyes still bore cold steel, but they were marred by bloodshot red and shook under pressure, "You're not like him. You're not like Sylas... you wouldn't use my sister... not for a cause, not for... you would protect her, would you? Would you?"

Though surprised by the display, Aislynn didn't hesitate to answer, "Of course. I would."

Kahina slowly let go of Aislynn then promptly excused herself from the office. After a look of understanding and apology, Sona followed her. Yin and the Illuminator Knights went soon after, no doubt to see to their other duties. Quinn left last, an expression of apology, distrust, hope, and... many others, Aislynn imagined. The ranger finally went soon after, leaving the dream mage alone, where she still stood. After a pause, a sigh finally left her.

She'd done well. That much, Aislynn's mind assured her. She'd helped achieve a perfect success to their mission; it was as close to confirmed as possible. She agreed with Xander's plan, now that she understood it...

So why was it, then, did she feel guilt's noose around her neck?

---

Though his wounds had healed, the ache remained. It was only compounded by extra weight, yet that wasn't what was on Xander's mind. Not that just one thing was on his mind; there was the cocky, celebratory mood at his apparent success, the hope that it actually was a success, the considering of the new developments, the demon logging it all...

Oh, and the realisation that his delay and Nocturne's batshit plan might've doomed Erret's life.

The thankful first clue that he was paranoid was the first scout he found.

"Who's there- whoa, wait, you?! Where have you been, Noxian, and-"

"I'll explain in front of everyone, but if you want the short answer, we've completed the mission entirely. Sona's with us now."

"She is?"

"Yes, basically, and again, I'll explain later... I'm on the right track, right?"

"If you mean to walk in a straight line? No. The straight line home is... that way. You won't miss the torches."

"Neither will you; follow along, you're finished for the night."

"Er... okay, sure."

The second clue Xander got that was the response of the other mages in the hideout. Whilst they asked the same questions of where, what, and Aislynn, they did so with genuine confusion and curiosity. Barely any rage could be heard, in their questions, and there weren't any calls for his head... only glares from people Xander imagined were anti-Noxian from the start.

The third clue sealed the deal. Though Xander caught sight of Sylas watching from a nearby corner, he saw after that Erret was free as a bird. As expected, the Noxian saboteur ducked past a probing sword stab and punished the scouting attempt with a... knee. Quite the vicious blow, especially when a simple front kick would've sufficed...

"You're late," Erret sheathed his blades and helped his foe - a gassed and reeling Larissa - to her feet before addressing Xander with a frown that couldn't contain amusement, "Mind helping me with her?"

With a roll of his eyes, Xander obliged. Channeling the spare blood that stained his clothes, he first analysed Larissa's wounds then easily healed them. Despite Erret's impressive flying knee, there weren't any broken bones or punctured organs. The bruising healed quickly, at least as far as Xander allowed; it might pay to keep the reminder around for a bit longer, so the lesson attached could stick.

"You did well," Xander assumed, "That poke wasn't a terrible idea. Just remember there's more to sword fighting than the blade in your hand."

"This lesson's purpose was to not have to use my magic," Larissa groaned, clutching her chest, "And last I checked, you don't bring a fist to a sword fight."

"It was a knee though."

"Xander's semantics aside, you didn't expect that," Erret noted, "Much of fighting is prediction. It pays to be creative with your attacks, but you also have to be creative with imagining how you might be attacked. And, of course... that's your queue."

"No, no, go ahead, Erret," the Left Hand chuckled, "I'm done for the day. If I'm sparring, you're initiating."

"Asshole. Hmm, I suppose you wouldn't be a challenge as is..." Erret turned his attention back to Larissa, "As I was saying, also be creative with how to counter. Even simple moves can be good with odd angles, and as I've demonstrated using your body along with your blade can be effective."

"Noted," Larissa nodded, then tried to stand up straighter, "Sylas..."

Xander faced the Unshackled without fear. The Left Hand, of course, noted Sylas approaching from his perch as he and Erret spoke. The revolutionary held a grin that barely hid his accusing glare.

"Good to see the investment's paying off," Sylas' tone remained cordial, even as anger was injected in, "Where the fuck have you been?"

"Finishing the mission, what else could it be?" Xander dropped the bags with a relieved sigh, then outstretched a hand to stop Sylas in his tracks, "Careful. It's uncharged petricite. It'll suck you dry."

If not for Sylas being who he was, Xander would've thought he ignored his warning. Sylas picked up one of the petricite stones, grunted at the feeling of his magic being drained, fully charged the rock till it glowed, and dropped it. The Left Hand nodded approvingly, and Erret gave a low whistle.

"Way to go, Sylas," the saboteur said.

Syla shook his head, "Don't patronise me..."

"So you got us a bounty," the Unshackled noted, sending his glare back to Xander, "Good job, but I can't imagine it took you that much longer to get back here?"

"You'd be surprised. Even my demon and I would feel something hauling that package around," Xander shook his head and answered the real question in Sylas' mind, "Aislynn's fine. She'll be dealing with Sona for the foreseeable future... probably for a day."

"A day... and Sona? By deal, you mean...?"

Xander smirked, but didn't immediately answer the Unshackled. The Left Hand cleared his throat as he turned around, noting those to his left, then behind him, then the right, and above. He sent a final glance to Sylas before continuing.

"Mages of Demacia... I'll start with the good news," the Left Hand started, "Our work has not gotten to waste. Not only have we scored a decisive victory over the local Mageseekers and given the army a bloody nose... our main objective, the recruitment of Sona Buvelle, scion of House Buvelle and famed Maven of the Strings... it's as close to confirmed as possible."

Though some cheers followed, Sylas rightly asked, "As close to confirmed?"

"They seem to have agreed with my arguments. At the very least, Sona will follow Aislynn; she'll be under her protection. Might even go on tour on our behalf, we'll see," Xander then sighed, "As for the bad news, well, she still distrusts us; you and I, Sylas. As such, don't expect her to help us in fighting against the Mageseekers. Hell, the Buvelles are so paranoid that it'd be a pleasant surprise if she agrees to do anything."

"If she doesn't trust you or Sylas, then what's gonna happen?" Larissa questioned, a frown spreading on her face.

Xander gave her no reason to smile, "She's under Aislynn; she'll be following her back to their hideout at Meltridge."

"So another pacifist..." Larissa grumbled.

"I believe the term 'Support' would be more accurate," Xander chuckled, then added, "Or perhaps, if she agrees to act, 'public relations'. Cos listen, mages, we do not look good. Sure, we're in the right for fighting for our survival, but all that shows the rest of the kingdom is that we aren't to be fucked with. That breeds fear, not love. Now, if the talks with Aislynn's people pans out well, we might be able to change that. So, please, let's not diss our peace-inclined brethren? They're going to help their own way, and even if they weren't we're still on the same side. All agreed?"

It was hardly a round of applause Xander got, but he wasn't looking for it. Some mages nodded, some gave half-hearted affirmations, some shrugged apathetically. As long as they weren't calling for his head, it was good enough for Xander.

"Alright, good chat, nothing else to report from me," Xander capped off, "Anything to add, Sylas?"

"... no, I've already spoken," Sylas shrugged, "We've done well. Keep vigilant, of course, and get ready to move out. But other than that, have the day off! You've earned it!"

The response was stronger to Sylas' cheer, but as expected the gathered mages spread out quickly. Whatever excitement fizzed out to the normal level of activity to be expected in a rebel hideout. A few kids played in a nearby stream, a fire mage started a spit for a skewered boar... Behind Sylas, Erret waved Larissa off and unsheathed his blades, getting ready for his next trainee.

Sylas beheld the sight with a genuine gleam in his eye before pulling Xander aside, "That won't be enough. Let's talk privately."

"It's not like I have anything to do," Xander mused before picking up one of the petricite bags, "Except sleep on these stones. Probably not gonna be a night for dreaming; I gotta charge these up for you for when I'm gone."

"And you'll be fine sleeping like that? I imagine it might be difficult... Have you ever slept without your magic?"

"I've actively chosen not to use my magic before going to sleep. Any difference for that?"

"... none that Lynn has told me. Screw it, you can start by sitting on your stones as we talk."

The cave Sylas brought Xander to was, if he had to guess, the most comfy in the whole hideout. It had the perfect shape to be an Earth hotel room, with even an odd indent into a wall which the Unshackled had repurposed into a bed by adding sheets. It even had a window... sort of. The gap was hardly the usual wall replacement onlooking a view of a metropolis; just a small skylight in the corner that, by the shadows that crept down, was partially shrouded by some bush or branch. Still, the whole room was... well, Xander did promise not too bring the inconsistency up any more.

He's the boss, even if he won't admit it verbally. Might as well let him express it other ways.

"So..." Xander grunted as he sat on his petricite throne and felt energy leave him, "What exactly do you want to know?"

"For one, why you had Nocturne take Lynn to you," Sylas glowered, "I thought you were going to deal with the Buvelles alone."

"It was the plan," Xander sighed, "Nocturne taking Aislynn was his idea, not mine. So, Noc, wanna explain?"

An awkward pause followed Xander's question before Nocturne pulled himself both out of Xander's body then his petricite seat. With a hiss, his body coalesced. Even with the petricite taking some wisps, sinews of magic formed, skin wrapped, and the facsimile of bone hardened.

"I brought her along because I knew you would not succeed alone," Nocturne explained, "You saw, summoner. The Buvelles and their knights despise you. I knew they would; they despised Sylas too. But, as they spoke, I noticed that they gave Aislynn time to speak. If there is any one in the rebellion they trust, it is her."

"She does have that effect on people," Sylas mused.

"Perhaps. Compared to us, its not exactly an achievement," Xander noted, "Speaking of those, though... Noc, you stole Aislynn from under the collective noses of a clearing's worth of people. How'd you manage that?"

"Yeah..." Sylas' glare switched from Xander to his demon, "How did you manage that?"

"Just as you have learned from me, Xander, I have learned from you," Nocturne crossed his arms, and Xander could recognise the way his brows curled whilst smirking in his demon's expression, "That, and I have always been a stronger illusionist than you. Combined with the stealth techniques you learned, my natural instinct and power was enough... barely. Sapping the emotions of those at the field also helped. For you, Sylas, I intensified the feeling of your failure. For the Buvelles and those you would have slain, I intensified relief..."

"And many other categories," Xander crossed his own arms, "Hmm... as I promised, broadening your diet's doing you wonders. It seems you're getting stronger."

Sylas cleared his throat to hide his nervous gulp, "Excuse me?"

"It's how demon's grow; they feed on emotion. Thought I already told you that."

"... right. Hm."

Nocturne chuckled, "I promise I will never use my powers on you."

"And if it makes you feel better, you might be able to absorb his powers," Xander mused.

Nocturne's eyes widened, and he spoke quickly, "No, it wouldn't work."

"Maybe, maybe not. Thankfully, we need not know."

"Xander!"

Sylas shook his head, "You don't give me need to act, I won't. That's how it goes."

"As it should be," Xander smirked, "Finally warming up to us?"

"Your plan's looking like its working, and I'm only seeing victories for the rebellion," Sylas shrugged, "Though I suppose any victories we win would be victories for your bosses."

"Now you're getting it. That the civil war's happening at all is a win for Noxus," Xander admitted, "Probably shouldn't be saying it, but I'd still not trust me. Not until the first week after being victorious, maybe."

Nocturne grumbled, "You already know you shouldn't, then... I'm going to your tent. I'll see you later."

"Sure, Noc. See ya."

Sylas chuckled at his allies' squabble. When Nocturne left, he sent a glance Xander's way; one far more amiable than prior. Or perhaps it was just amusement...

"So I should watch my back?" Sylas asked."

"Were I an assassin, I could be just setting up for an easy exit," The Left Hand shrugged as he suggested a worst-case scenario, "Maybe during a climactic final duel with Jarvan I'd swoop in and get you both, then walk out and proclaim your sacrifice."

"Or Jarvan's?"

"No, your sacrifice. The loyalists wouldn't take me back," Xander sighed, "Tis a shame, but I've made my choice."

"Hmm..." Sylas nodded, then after a pause asked, "Do you regret it?"

"You'd have to be more specific."

"Betraying your old friends in the royal court?"

"It wasn't so much betrayal as a misstep. Had something on my plate that made me forget the threat Lord Eldred posed, and... well, it's a miracle I didn't end up in a cell opposite yours."

"I see. Still, do you regret it?"

"Of course. We probably would've avoided this rebellion if I wasn't caught in such a stupid way. Jarvan was a good friend of mine. He'd have understood..."

"Would he?"

"His dad would still be alive in this scenario. The association of your rebellion with the late king's death is the only reason Jarv's so militant..." The Left Hand grimaced, "It wasn't you, right? Just double checking?"

That the Unshackled paused before giving his answer was surprising enough; still, his response was exactly as Xander expected, "... No, but it might as well have been."

"Figured as much," Xander sighed, leaning into his chair, "Good a person as he was, I doubt he'd have talked you down back then."

"He let the Mageseekers have free reign over the kingdom," Sylas' furrowed brow made a displeased shadow on his face, "How could he be a good person?"

"Of all the failings a person can have, ignorance is the least cruel," Xander mused, "As you've pointed out, the nobility of the kingdom are just too far away from it all to notice how terrible they're really being... didn't help that Jarvan the Third had lost many friends to mages in the past. One of his closest confidants, Kahina Buvelle's father, died to a Noxian mage. Before all that, Luxanna Crownguard's uncle died to a local one too. To say that left him open to the Mageseekers' manipulation would be an understatement."

"Perhaps," Sylas wasn't convinced, "You sure it's all the Mageseeker's fault?"

"Or this kingdom's whole culture being naturally paranoid of mages? Kingdom was founded to escape old warmongering mages, and that influence, however old, sticks..." Xander waved it off, "I'm certain. He was a good person. Just flawed, same as everyone else."

Sylas hummed in thought before muttering, "... it astounds me how a killer like you has such an optimistic view of the world."

The Left Hand chuckled, "You can say naive."

"Oh, but you're not naive," the Unshackled countered, "That we have similar body counts is proof enough of that."

Xander had no good reply to that, "... quite right."

The two mages remained silent soon after. Only the hissing of the active, draining petricite filled the room as Xander and Sylas kept to their own heads. That hissing seemed to take its toll, however; Sylas stood up quickly.

"I'll be taking dinner now," he announced, "You want me to pick up anything?"

"No, I'm good," Xander grunted as he turned around and started shovelling back in the petricite into its bag, "I'm beat; I'll be napping at my tent. Who's cooking tonight? Is it the fishers at the small stream?"

"Believe so. I'll tell 'em to keep something warm."

"Cheers," Xander gave a weak salute as he moved past Sylas, "See you on the morrow. And feel free to stay up - it'll be a dream magic day tomorrow."

"Well, a morning. You'll be heading back to pick up Aislynn later, right?"

"Semantics. Good night."

With his petricite haul no longer actively sucking him dry of magic, the very air Xander breathed felt clearer. He blinked, surprised at how refreshing the sensation was. The Left Hand could only smile as he walked through the tunnels and over the paths of beaten dirt. Perhaps it was an odd sight - for a demon host to be an optimist would at first glance be oxymoronic. But, seeing as they too smiled, it seemed they understood. After all, it wasn't as though there was anything causing trouble in the area...

Fuck. Maybe I should be a pessimist. No, that isn't right. I just forgot to shit talk the universe, so it thought it could show me some lip.

Either way, right now? Seriously?

The raven with many red eyes was plenty serious.

Xander offered his free arm and brought the bird along quickly, nearly accelerating to a full sprint by the time he reached his tent. Nocturne sulked in the shadows and turned his glowing gaze at his summoner's entrance. He advanced rapidly with wide eyes at the sight of Xander's new tag along, but couldn't reply before having to catch a bag of petricite.

"Xander-"

"I'll be taking this call," the Left Hand lied down and, with his free hand, traced a rune on his forehead, "You mind contributing some magic to the charge whilst I'm doing this? You can dump the rocks on me when the bird leaves."

"You..."

That was all Nocturne could get out before Xander left him for a dream. He fell for longer, and it took more effort to construct a scene. The bricks were too smooth, and the transcripts on the simple desk Xander conjured were completely clean. The torch light that illuminated the corner seemed faded, and the sun shine from the window was shrouded by grey clouds.

All in all, a more realistic version of Noxus than the last time he conjured a scene.

Xander bounced on the balls of his feet and stretched, shaking off the remaining pains of the day. It took a bit - a familiar stern voice cleared his voice in between. Xander didn't ignore it, not forever. After a half-second more of stretching, Xander jumped, turned, and landed stiff and straight, giving a salute to his new guest.

"Grand General. I was going to contact you and LeBlanc when I got back to Sharpstem. Something come up?"

Grand General Jericho Swain was a far better sight than the last time Xander saw him. He still bore the telltale marks of age and his eternal grimace, but his skin was more saturated, and his eyes back to their usual sharpness. Also interesting was his left hand; the limb Xander took his name from was no longer the prosthetic stand-in Swain had used for his address following the Mordekaiser incident. Though not as vibrant as prior to Raum's possession, the demonic red glow of Swain's demon hand was back.

"Nothing in particular," Swain admitted, "But, it has been weeks since your last report."

"I had a chat with LeBlanc just recently. Figured she'd have told you; we did put the Rose to heel already."

"..."

"Right, LeBlanc's a bitch, should've figured she'd still keep secrets," Xander chuckled, "Speaking of, how's Raum?"

"Barely conscious... I'm considering keeping him this way. Less of a headache," the ghost of a smile lingered on Swain's face as he jested; it vanished just as Xander noticed, "Now... report."

"Sure. Everything's going to plan. Not optimally, but to plan," Xander shrugged, "I've made contact with the rebels, and they've agreed to my support. Both groups of them; Vlad's theory that a less militant splinter faction would rise up was correct. Their leader, Aislynn, should be able to bring her people to the table. If not, I can coerce the neccessary individuals one-by-one. As for the main man himself, Sylas has shown resistance. He didn't trust me at first on lieu of being Noxian, but he's warming up to me now... also helps that none of them can really stand against me and Nocturne."

"I trust you will do what you must, should the worst come to past."

"Of course. I'm supposed to be your left hand, after all."

"My left hand has a history of acting up. Why, Raum too only came to me for his own ends."

Xander frowned and glanced to his commanding officer with tired disappointment, "I've sworn my oath, helped you overthrow the Black Rose whilst being unaware of my own memories... What'll it take for you to trust me?"

"You presume that I'd trust anybody."

"No, you wouldn't," the sigh that left Xander's lips turned to a chuckle as he mused, "Well, if you won't trust my character, you can trust that you still have a gun pointed to the back of my head. Unlike Raum, I'm still vulnerable if I achieve my goal. Never mind if I fail..."

"It should suffice for now," Swain shrugged, "Now, continue. Unless there is nothing left to report?"

"There's still plenty," the Left Hand of Noxus continued, "We just pulled an op to get our first noble recruit."

Swain's eyebrow didn't rise, but it did twitch, "A noble has joined the rebellion?"

"Your favourite musician, no less," Xander smirked, "Later on, you can help me keep tabs on her."

"... who do you speak of?"

"I grew up along side Sona, remember? I recognised that etwahl melody all the way back to our second meeting. Never mind my sources noting your love for her talent."

Swain ignored his failed attempt at keeping his musical taste secret and thought more tactically, "When Sona's new affiliation is discovered, the Mageseekers will turn on the source of their powers. The nobility of Demacia won't take kindly to their own families being investigated, and some may even go so far to accuse their peers to gain more power..."

"Probably not that far, still not Noxus."

"You should hope so, actually. Someone of such ambition appearing would only complicate matters."

"... you're right. Huh," Xander shook his head, "Straight from the political genius, thanks for noting that."

"Hmph," Swain simply grunted in recognition, "To score such a victory early on in this campaign... you've grown lax with your discipline, but your affinity for success is unmarred."

Xander gave a playful salute, "And at the end of the day, it's all you care about."

"Of course," Swain glanced to his left arm, "... anything else?"

"You're asking? Guess Raum's still not up to speck."

"It's why I'm only considering keeping him docile... Well?"

"... there is something, actually," Xander sighed and conjured a seat for himself; he gave a Swain his seat soon after, "The leader of the pacifist rebel sect. Aislynn... she's like me."

This time, Swain did raise his eyebrow, "Another person reborn from Earth?"

"Yep, but unfortunately she wasn't the type to be interested in the source material. Other interests, social life, so on," Xander mused, "Still, if I'm not the only one..."

"There may be others... I'll keep watch for them."

"Thanks."

"I'm not doing it for your sake. Any Earthling not sworn to Noxus is a potential threat."

"I know. Thanks anyway."

"Hmm... you're welcome," Swain conceded, "Is that all?"

"Basically. Everything else is just stuff from the plan. Dreams and nightmares for the Crownguards and King Jarvan have started, but no other progress has been done. So yeah, that's my report," Xander leaned into his chair, "So, anything else for me?"

"... no. That is all."

"You sure? We could talk about non-mission-related stuff. How's Draven? Or Rell?"

Swain stood, "You can return to consciousness now."

"Oh, don't be like that. The op I mentioned happened literally today; I'm on break. But, to prep, if I'm done here, I'll need to sleep on petricite. It sucks just sitting on those stones... c'mon, stick around just a bit longer?"

Swain paused, his frown deepening, before he sat back down with a sigh, "Rell... has been a pain in my side since you left. She's a foolish girl who demands the impossible..."

"That does sound like her," Xander smiled, "But at least we dealt with LeBlanc, right?"

"She is even more of a headache," Swain spoke with more venom than all of Zaun's ecosystem, "... Damn Mordekaiser for giving her an excuse to stay alive!"

Xander couldn't help but laugh at the Grand General's uncharacteristic cursing, but even then he took note not to push any further. He was still talking with his superior officer, after all. In the end, the Left Hand didn't bring up Draven or Rell again; Swain did, and dropped the topic when he wished. Still they didn't wake for some time. Naturally Nocturne wasn't too pleased about it.

Which worked well for another man's plans.

---

When she drifted to sleep, the taste of spiced wine on her lips and her mind tired from having to deal with the Buvelle's emotional issues, Aislynn only wished for a dark, blank sleep. She did get her wish for a while; her eyes - both mental and physical - were massaged by a lack of action, a black void the only things they witnessed. But, as the expression went, there was no rest for the weary.

With a gasp, Aislynn found herself lying against a familiar lake. It wasn't a sight she'd seen in months; not since she first left Sylas' rebellion. Like their other hideouts, the one Aislynn found herself back at was contained in a mountain cave of some kind. Moss and vines grew up the ceiling, dripping water to the basin below...

As far as she knew, Xander hadn't been there. Thus, the answer to the question of who brought her to the dream was either Sylas using old memories or Nocturne, peering into Aislynn's. She had know way of knowing which one was the perpetrator.

Why would either of them want to chat now of all times?

... Nope. N... well, maybe there was a way to know who was the perpetrator.

She turned around, looking for gold chains and a black beard, "Sylas?"

It didn't take long; Sylas was standing in the open, barely concealed by the shadow of a nearby tree, "How'd you know it was me?"

"Xander's never been here before and Nocturne has no reason to talk with me...that I know of," Aislynn shrugged, "He is a demon; maybe he runs on different logic sets to us humans."

Sylas nodded, "Maybe..."

"Whatever," Aislynn waved off her musing and met Sylas with a tired glare, "Now, the hell do you want?"

Sylas blinked at her hostility, "Wh- erm... I wanted to see if you're okay?"

Aislynn put on a sweet smile - the type that would make anyone flinch, and would perhaps contract stomach pains if consumed.

"I'm fine, thank you for asking," the dream mage's smile slowly deteriorated after that statement, "Now, I've had a shitty day, so let's not waste time with you lying to me. No, Sona won't be joining your warpath, and I won't try convince her along."

"Okay..." Sylas was oddly cautious about pressing any buttons, Aislynn noticed, "Alright, noted..."

Aislynn tore her gaze away from Sylas, "Good. Is that all?"

"Yeah..."

The dream mage sent a judging glare, "... is it?"

"I can't just come for the company? Enjoy myself with a good friend?"

"..."

Sylas sighed, "Okay, I admit, I would've asked about Sona. Fault me for being curious, fine. But I was concerned about you."

Aislynn analysed Sylas for any tic betraying a lie. She knew he was lying, at least about just coming for the company; without a doubt he had an ulterior motive. But concerning Sylas' care for her...

The dream mage gave a genuine smile, however tired it was, "Thank you, Sylas. It's much appreciated."

Sylas relaxed, "You're welcome."

"... I suppose I didn't thank you for helping me with my panic attack from before either," Aislynn sighed and sat down, the sands of the lake's beach giving way to her weight with a satisfying hiss, "I'd rather just have a normal person's sleep after this whole day, but I gotta pay you back some how..."

"You don't really... but thank you," Sylas took his seat next to Aislynn and was silent for a moment before he noted, "You're not really fine, are you?"

"I'm just tired," Aislynn shrugged, "I mean, I've spent the past afternoon arguing for two sisters to split up and potentially never see each other again. For all your talk of fathers fighting sons, you haven't had to convince one of those parties to actually instigate against the other."

"No, I suppose not..."

"Never mind the whole shit show that this rebellion's been, and the any-and-everything Xander touches."

"Heh, right..." Sylas at least frowned at the thought of her complaints, "Thanks for doing it anyway. The Buvelles, I mean. It-"

"It'll be for a good cause?" Aislynn bitterly chuckled, "Yeah, I know. Doesn't mean it sucks any less."

"... I know..."

"... not going to apologise?"

"I still made you do it, and I'd make you do it again if it were needed," Sylas shrugged, "Don't think an apology for that would count."

"I suppose not," Aislynn had to force her gaze off Sylas, instead looking out to the lake, "... if only it were as simple as you said all those days ago."

"Is it not?"

"No, of course... No. At least, not entirely," the dream mage admitted, "It is us against the rest of the kingdom... but that's not because they inherently hate us. They're afraid. They were told to be, of course, but we haven't been giving them reason not to be. Just pointing the finger... but that doesn't help at the source."

"We do more than point the finger. We're striking back at the source," Sylas also didn't look to Aislynn as he argued, "Maybe we don't have to kill everyone, but them at least. The Mageseekers? Their sponsors? They have to go."

"... perhaps."

"Perhaps? You-"

"Agree? Yeah, big shock, I know, but..." Aislynn frowned, "Well, I'm sure Xander filled you in on the bitch who made me lose my shit. She's a monster, more than you or Xander, or even the Mageseekers. At least you guys have a reason for what you do; you believe you're right... Shauna Vayne... she's not like you lot. And if there's one person I won't mind you permanently removing from this world..."

Sylas slowly nodded, "Right..."

To say the silence that followed was awkward would be putting it lightly.

Aislynn cleared her voice, "Wow, we got dark there."

Sylas laughed, "Right... well, it's been all we've been getting for the longest time."

"No shit," Aislynn shook her head, "I don't suppose you have anything else? Maybe... what you really were coming here from?"

"Sorry?"

"This was nice, but you had something else you wanted to talk about, right?"

"... yes. I did."

"If any deity could grant me someone nice to talk to who wasn't also more cynical than the average Noxian, I'd be a devotee to them forever," Aislynn swore, "Now, what war plan are you gonna run by me now?"

"It isn't a war plan... it.. concerns a certain Noxian, since you mentioned it," Sylas chuckled weakly before turning to Aislynn with a series gaze, "You trust him?"

Aislynn looked away in thought for a moment, then answered, "... not entirely. I mean, how could I? But yeah, I trust him a bit."

"A lot?"

"... yeah, maybe a lot."

"Why?"

The answer rose to Aislynn's mind, but she closed it off quickly. After all, having to explain rebirth and alternate worlds...

Well, there is the chance he'd think it an elaborate lie to throw of the scent, and just laugh about it... or he'd take it as metaphor... or something... No. No chance I'm telling him. Hell, worst case scenario, he'd believe me and have an existential crisis...

"Do you..." Sylas cut himself off, "Never mind. I understand."

"Understand what?" Aislynn blinked, then couldn't help but blush as she the implication rose to her mind, "No, I don't, we're not-"

"It's fine-"

"We're not in a romantic relationship now, nor were we ever-"

"You don't have to lie-"

"I'm not lying!" Aislynn insisted, "I didn't even know who he was until the rebellion, and you honestly think after... oh, I'm so sorry."

Sylas grimaced and didn't meet Aislynn's gaze, "Don't worry. It's fine."

Aislynn didn't dare try initiate eye contact either. The new silence was somehow worse than the first, but unfortunately for the dream mage she had no way to break it. Thankfully, Sylas did, however quietly.

Parchment scratched against sand, and too desperate to take her mind off of what happened, Aislynn reached for it. What she saw made her pause.

Sylas didn't notice, and explained, "I stole these from Xander's mind when he let us in. I think they're memories... or something. I figured I could use it to find out whether he's trustworthy or not, and if he wasn't what his real plan is... but I can't make sense of this cipher. These symbols... I'm not sure if they're some Noxian script, or-"

"I can read them."

The Unshackled blinked and gazed to Aislynn, "You can? W-well, what does it say?"

"I... give me a minute."

"Alright, take as much time as you need."

She didn't need any time, in truth. Aislynn understood the words on the stolen papers easy enough, even if she hadn't read their manner of script all her second life. She'd spoken it, though; only the imaging had changed between the transfer of worlds.

After all, it seemed Xander had penned his private journal in basic English.

---

Scratch what i said yesterday. This is as close to confirmed as possible.

Nocturne had sent the coordinates to the Buvelles in the early hours of morning, and he'd arrived just twenty minutes earlier. Cyrus and Erret had followed him; they waited on the clear road ahead, whilst he remained perched on a branch overlooking the whole scene. Xander wouldn't exaggerate and say it was the most tense twenty minutes of his life... but it was a decent contender.

Kahina brought a team of two knights along with Quinn, Sona, Aislynn, and Yin. They all entered on horses and were incognito; Kahina and her knights were in regular plate rather than Illuminator garb whilst everyone else wore cloaks and the clothing of regular townsfolk... Quinn noticed him first, and at that moment, Xander realised Valor wasn't by his owner(?)'s side. He didn't really worry, though; Nocturne wasn't making snide commentary in his head for a reason.

Kahina dismounted and addressed Cyrus.

"You were the old soldier, right? From the clearing?" she asked.

"I am. Glad to see you recognised me," Cyrus muttered from his seat on a fallen log by the road, "I'm also glad to see you treated Aislynn well. If you hadn't... well, I probably still wouldn't do anything. My leg's killing me."

"I see you didn't bring your hydromancer friend," Quinn noted, "But you did bring your swordsman buddy. You never did tell me your magic trick."

"I did," Erret chuckled, "I was the one who got kicked in the back of the head, yet you're the one who doesn't recall?"

"Maybe I should've kicked harder. What's the answer?"

"I don't have one."

"Bullshit."

"It's true."

"... then why are you here?"

"As much as I'd like to say I'm here for the rebellion, that wouldn't be true."

Xander took that as his cue and slid from the tree tops. Slowing his descent with a knife embedded in a tree, he wasn't exactly subtle with his appearance. But, then again, he had already been caught.

"Lady Buvelle, Ranger Quinn," nobody could say Xander wasn't being respectful, "Good to see you again. Have you come to a decision?"

"We wouldn't be here if we weren't," Quinn replied, "You didn't bring anybody else?"

"Neither did you..." Xander shrugged, "Heh, good to see we're all being honourable here."

"You're too far gone to have any honour," Quinn spat.

Kahina stepped in between Quinn and Xander and regarded the demon coldly.

"Why did you bring us here?"

"I just wanted to be present for the final goodbye. Make sure no funny business or anything happened," Xander shrugged, "Also, I figured I could offer some extra favours."

Quinn snorted, "If you're offering is it really a favour?"

"It involves altering memories from the people and garrison and Falconclaw, so yes, its a favour," Xander explained, "I'm not asking for cash, I'm asking for permission."

Kahina grimaced, but still asked, "Well, what is it?"

"My sources say your sister had one last show at the Falconclaw outpost. Used her magic to heal everyone there," The Left Hand noted, "it's a nice image. It'd be perfect if it didn't implicate you in treason for protecting mages."

"And I thought that's what you wanted?"

"Well, if that info gets out now, it'll make your life a lot more difficult," Xander shrugged, "The kingdom's not ready for that yet. Now, I'm sure you have some plan to pay everyone off - at least, those who won't seal their mouths out of a sense of honour. But, pay is unreliable, and the Mageseekers' interrogation tactics are brutal. I offer that I make it so they don't have to lie."

"How?"

"I change the memories and split them up. Sona was last spotted here before you showed up, gave her last performance, and dipped. Then you come along looking for her, and end up the hero of a protracted battle against Sylas, saving most of the forces garrisoned here," the Left Hand summed up, "Makes you look hell of a lot better... hell, the prestige might even make you untouchable."

"Sure it will," Kahina clearly doubted Xander, "What guarantee do I have that you'll make just those changes?"

"None, really. But, I can stay at a mage-friendly inn at Falconclaw. Believe it's called the Perch? I'll stay there tonight. You can ask the bartender what she recalls, make sure I did what I asked, then tell her to take you to the mage-hiding room. I'll be there."

He wouldn't be, but he would stay true to his word. So, Xander had no qualms lying there.

"That's not enough... Yin? You, Damian, and Merrick... can you make sure he books in at this, Perch inn? I..."

Oh wow, that's convenient.

Yin answered neutrally, though Xander knew she was containing laughter, "Can do, Lady Buvelle. We'll make sure."

Still, Kahina grit her teeth, but she eventually decided, "Go ahead. Do it."

Xander nodded, "Noc?"

The demon didn't bother respond. Instead, the shadows of the local road visibly lightened up, and an aura of tension the parties hadn't initially noticed was there disappeared. Xander cocked his head then backed away to lean into a tree. He shrugged.

"Well, I'm only here to spectate. Do as you will."

After an awkward pause, Xander decided to leave, going further into the forest. He turned around immediately and kept watch from behind a trunk, of course. Again, Quinn noticed him, but she was hardly going to call him out and interrupt the sister's final goodbye. The two shared some words which, from so far away, and from how low they spoke, Xander couldn't hear. But, it was obvious that the two were coming to tears. After a minute, they shared a final embrace, with the elder sister kissing the adopted younger's forehead, then at last, they split. Kahina stood silent as Cyrus and Aislynn helped Sona onto her horse. The fire mage took Sona ahead whilst Aislynn shared some condolences and oaths with Kahina, but she eventually left too, shrinking into the horizon.

Xander returned to the road then, but said nothing. It would've been inappropriate.

"Well?" though Kahina's voice was even, it was clear that tone was barely held together, "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"... for the record... I am sorry. You'll see her again. I promise."

Xander took his queue then and there, motioning for Erret to follow. Kahina's assigned escort followed the Noxians whilst she and Quinn stayed in the road. Even as the distance between them grew, Xander could here their sobs.

He bit his tongue to stop himself from acting out.

It wasn't until he reached The Perch that Xander smiled again. He let it show, removing his mask and letting his hood down as he entered the inn. Both Yin and Erret widened their eyes at the act, but kept up appearances. The knights didn't stop until he did, which was at the door of the inn.

"Why're we stopping?" one of them asked.

"Do you feel it? The tension in the air?" Xander quizzed.

"... I do," the other knight admitted, "What are you doing?"

"What I said I would," Xander snapped his fingers, and a loud hiss that could've been mistaken for a boat's crash against the river filled the town, "Ask one of the bar-goers what they remember about Sona on your way in."

Xander took a step, but didn't hearing the clinking of armour, "Well?"

"You're... Ionian?" one of the knights asked.

The other chuckled, "Why drop the mask?"

"It wouldn't do well for public enemy number one to enter this inn openly, even with a military escort," Xander shrugged, "And it's not like you'd recognise this face."

"How about next time?"

"I'm not going to be going to Buvelle territory any time soon. There probably won't be a next time."

Xander didn't leave more time for more questions. He entered the inn and, Erret and Yin by his side, booked his mage-affiliation with the bartender. It took a bit, what with her being uncomfortable with the soldier presence in her inn. But, with a mention of the Buvelle name, that worry fell away. It seemed the spell had worked.

Man, Nocturne is going to be bitching...

By the time the bartender returned with a bottle of spiced wine, the knights found themselves content. As Xander expected, however, they followed him into the mage quarters in the Perch's basement. He gave a low whistle as he admired the area.

"So, it's done," the Left Hand chuckled, "What's the plan, boys?"

"What do you think?" one of the knights chuckled.

"We keep you here, then bring you to justice," the other answered, "Don't worry; your friend Aislynn will win the revolution in your stead. Once you've served your sentence, you might be able to meet up."

"In heaven?"

"... maybe you wouldn't meet. She seems a nice person; she's meant for heaven," the first knight muttered, "You, though... a demon's already dragged your soul to hell. We'll send you both there."

"Yeah, good luck with that if you can't even deal with me."

"Not just me," the knights muttered, "U- Ugh..."

The knights fell flat to their knees, then to the ground. Yin mirrored them as far as their knees, glanced to them, then smirked.

"Sorry for stealing your thunder," the blood mage smirked, completely unapologetic, "I just wanted to stretch my legs."

Xander rolled his eyes, "You earned it."

"Agreed... but I would've liked to do something," Erret mused, helping Yin up, "How'd you do that?"

"Pull their blood streams suddenly away from their heads. They fall unconscious, probably get dumber, but otherwise survive."

"That won't last forever," Xander noted, eyes glowing, "... and there. That should keep them under another thirty minutes or so... I'll hit you with twenty five later."

"Can't just kidnap me?" Yin sighed, "I mean, it's far easier than with Noxians, but I haven't lied this much consecutively ever in my life. Shit's tiring."

"Well, it would be suspicious if you got kidnapped, then deposited back at Sharpstem," Xander mused, "Sorry. You'll have to head back there solo."

"You sure? I could pick you up after you split from Sylas' crew."

"... alright, see you then," Xander chuckled, "And to think I was going to let you guys off for a week when we get back..."

"Plus the weekend?"

"Before, absolutely. But, since I'll be having to walk the whole way since you'll be contaminating the carriage insides, no, fuck you two, only the week days."

"What a shame," Yin crooned, glancing away from Xander, "That almost makes up for it..."

Yin twirled away and immediately reached out for Erret.

The swordsman blushed and smiled wide, but at least had the decency to address his friend on his way out, "Sorry Xan- mph!"

Xander quickly vacated the room and took a breath of fresh air, not wanting to get in between the two lovers any more than he had to. At the very least, Xander was glad he didn't need to wait in silence; wisps of black gathered before him. Xander took them on eagerly, welcoming the icy sensation of a demon sneaking into his head.

Nocturne entered with a sigh, That... is this what exhaustion is?

Yep, welcome to every other day of a human life, Xander mused, Don't worry, you can run through all my traumatic memories tonight. Not to mention all the lust those two are pumping out right now.

Among other things.

Ohhh, I'd hope not...

In any case, is this it? Nocturne questioned, Is this mission finished?

Once we're outta here, yeah, Xander smiled, Then we have a break... and its on to the next.

... you lie, Nocturne's tone, however hostile, diminished. He responded despondently, You will be having me play messenger between the mage groups, won't you?

Well... at least you can suck on their emotions whilst your there, Xander offered, I mean, fifteen years in solitary confinement. If it wasn't obvious, Sylas has gone through the shitter. And, Aislynn also has an apocalypse's worth of trauma in her back pocket.

... it will do, Nocturne decided, Just... I refuse to do anything of this magnitude soon. One month at least.

Sure. We can probably do that, the smile on Xander's face was short-lived, Galio probably won't fall out of the sky within that time...

... damn you, summoner. Damn you to the deepest, darkest pit.

Won't happen, Xander approached the door and knocked, to no avail, Now, shall we?

... already done, Nocturne interrupted, Figure her last memory should be a pleasant one.

You make that sound so grim, Xander mused, It's hardly her "last" one. She'll wake up in twenty five minutes. Or sooner, if Lady Kahina shows up earlier.

Apologies, Nocturne sighed, So, it's not yet even over?

Oh, this mission's over, Xander opened the door, But, the campaign's only begun.

In his mind, Nocturne rolled his eyes, Oh joy.

---

Author's Note: Anyone who thought I wouldn't make my deadline, I hope you're happy to be proven wrong. I also hope my chapter quality hasn't fallen with my rushing. If I made any errors, please do tell in a review. If possible, I'll try fix it up.

Either way, this is the end of Arc 1. It... didn't end as I initially planned. For one, Xander's still got a 'secret identity' I haven't revealed. But, with Sylas and Aislynn in possession of his record, I'll be able to bring it up early into Arc 2. Secondly, I'd initially planned for Sylas to be far calmer by chapter 30. With how I paced him, however, I didn't think it would suffice; hell, I'm not even sure, it was smooth as is. In any case, for my first go at a fanfic this long... I think I did well. Again, if you think otherwise, send me a review.

I likely won't be posting for the foreseeable future. Wanna have a bit of a break... it's possible I won't be posting chapter 31 proper until February. But, I imagine between then I'll be writing up those Xander's record and posting them as interludes to show more of his background.

In any case, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, and have a happy 2022!

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