One

Lux stared up at the school. Seeing the campus at a distance had certainly not prepared her for this.

Huge. That was the word. The school's main building stood proudly in the centre of the valley, tall against the range of man-made terraforge around it. At its tip, a single tower of age-old stone fluttered an orange flag. The tower folded out into a much larger mass of modern buildings underneath, bright gold and vaguely resembling a castle in it's shape.

And beyond the wonder of the school, nestled deep within the valley below the sea of the cityscapes, jutted out a mass of overwhelmingly oversized jewellery that formed the hilt of the titular God-weapon – Durandal itself. The massive sword was driven deep underground, exposed hilt towering head and shoulders above the rest of the buildings; the glowing green gems embedded in the massive guard shone brightly as the sun's gentle light danced down into the valley's basin.

She looked down from the massive building to her phone, the single text glaring back at her.

Come to the fifth floor staff room at 9 sharp. We will talk before the opening ceremony.

Reading over it again as if to check whether the words had changed, Lux furrowed her brow. It was an order, and Lux was not going to test her Aunts' patience on her first day.

'I'm on thin ice as is.' she mumbled.

She replaced her phone into the small skirt pocket, thanking the light that the uniform had sense to include those. Her eyes drifted up and across the vast courtyard before her.

It was something out of a fairytale, and she loved it. The building in front was only one of the various structures that surrounded the courtyard, which in itself stretched out comfortably for what seemed like infinity. Smaller annexes covered the flanks of the courtyard, each structure having just as elegant and beautiful architecture as the others.

The courtyard itself was a wide collection of greenery, with white pathways converging in the centre, a tall rounded fountain with the figure of a sword hilt proudly poised at the tip. Students stood dotted around, though most of those who were had an air of nervousness to them. Lux very much hoped her own feelings were better hidden.

She had a few moments to spare. The light danced off the droplets of water as they rolled rhythmically into the small knee-high pool at the fountain base. She found herself just staring at the wonderful sight, her nervousness momentarily overwritten by the bliss of just being there.

'First year?' A rough voice came from behind.

Lux turned to see another redhead approaching, albeit one whose hair was a lighter shade than her own. She had a scar running down her eye and a smug smile. Her gaze never left the fountain as she stopped beside Lux.

'I'm just taking it all in. It hardly feels real.'

The girl snorted. 'Hold on to that feeling, first year. Before the instructors kick it out of you.'

'Oh, I will.' Lux laughed nervously. The girl held herself with a quiet air of resounding confidence. Lux wasn't sure how to approach her.

A slight smirk slid across the newcomer's lips. 'This fountain was a gift from one of the Lords, years ago. Personally, I always thought it tacky.' She turned her head slightly, gaze taking in Lux in one quick burst. Her smirk touched her dark blue eyes. 'Your brother thinks it's pretty magnanimous, though, whatever that means.'

'Oh, you know Garen?' Lux asked.

The girl snorted. 'Do I ever. Katarina DuCuteau, second year.' Katarina gave her a quick look-over. 'You're shorter than I expected.'

'Luxanna Crownguard,' she replied with a smile. 'We're the same height.'

Katarina smiled. 'Garen mentioned his sister would be joining the school. You're pretty much all he talks about. Mostly.' She said mostly with a hungry growl.

'Is that right?' Lux shifted a little, she didn't know how to react to that. 'He never really mentioned anyone, uh, like you in his correspondence, though.'

'Oh, did he not now?' The comment only looked to please her. 'In that case, I guess I'll have to let him introduce us formally.' She smirked. 'I like you. I'll see you around.' She turned to one of the smaller annexes and walked off. She didn't wait for a reply, throwing back a casual wave. Lux smiled. She had made her first friend at school.

Back to the task at hand, Lux checked the time again. Sighing, she decided she had better go. She looked past the fountain's tip of water, golden-white building of stone gazing down brightly at her. With a smile, she stepped towards the main building.

Panting, Lux climbed the final stair to the fifth floor, duly noting the staircase continuing upwards to her side. She glared ruefully at the elevator doors to the left; she had been chased away by an angry, older woman when she had tried to enter them. 'Not allowed' and 'no permission' had been yelled at her. She exhaled deeply.

The hallway here looked very similar to the hallways that had preceded it, windowless white shine with golden and blue highlights along the length of the corridors, white sliding doors dotting the walls at regular intervals. Small signings of metal stuck out at each, marking what each was.

Lux walked down the hall until she found 'Staff Office', and swallowed. Regardless of her excitement, this was one aspect of her new life she could wait to brave. There was a small clock ticking to the side of the door above her head, and she looked to it. She had a couple more minutes. She waited.

She knocked on the door as the clock ticked exactly to nine, and held her breath as she pushed through the door, not waiting for a reply. The small sliding door smoothed across it's braces, announcing her to those inside. If anyone was there.

Rows and rows of small cubicle-like workplaces dotted the room, each decorated and full of different papers. Along the walls to her flanks were yet more desks, but no dividers separating them. Various appliances filled the shelves, some clearly more used than others, and a scent of cheap coffee hung loosely in the air. At the far back, next to a wall of full sized windows, a tall female figure was talking to a scruffy-looking man in a white dress shirt.

Lux grimaced. Her aunt, Tianna Crownguard. She didn't quite recognise the other person with the backlighting of the window, but she recognised the signature look of contempt on Tianna's face as she spat her words at him. The noise from the door opening caused them both to stop, turning to welcome the intruder.

'Luxanna,' Tianna called, no hint of warmth tainting her voice. 'Not a second late. I will be brief. Come.'

Lux put on a bright smile, and did as she was told. As she got closer, Tianna drew herself up with a deep breath, whilst her companion adjusted his tie slightly. Tianna didn't look at either of them.

'Hello, Aunt Tia. Thank you for welcoming me on my first day of school.'

'Save your lip, Luxanna,' Tianna already sounded angry. Lux tried not to frown. Her aunt was known for her mood swings. 'As I've made clear before, I do not want you at this school. However, due to forces out of my control, here you are. As such,' Tianna gestured to the man standing beside her. 'I leave your care to Professor Dregbourne, the one who fought so very hard for your admission.'

Lux ignored the venom in her aunt's voice. Her heart skipping a beat.

Sure enough, there was Sylas Dregbourne, a family friend of the Crownguards for years, and Lux's first magical instructor - that being a secret, of course. Lux smiled widely and genuinely, to which Sylas grinned back. His hair was slicked back, and though he'd never been one for formal dress, Lux still felt silly for not recognising him instantly.

'Hey there, Little Light.'

'Save it.' Tianna spat. She sighed. 'Since you are here, and I can likely do nothing to remove you, I have had special arrangements made. Here, you and I share no relation. Keep out of trouble, for your previous engagement still stands. You will return to our previously agreed plan after your exit from the school. The Crownguard name will be pushed forward.' She raised a hand pre-emptively to Lux to silence her, but the girl let out an angry near shout anyway.

'Auntie-!'

'No. Save your breath. You cast your lot, and if you wish to live out this foolish dream, so be it. But you will not drag the future of our family down with you.'

'Garen is premitted to attend this school, and so am I!'

'Garen,' Tianna sneered, 'is not engaged in our matters of family interest. He has been informed of this arrangement, and as I told him, I will allow you to remain, so long as you agree to this condition. If not, you will be back at the manor by day's end, which suits me fine.'

Tianna glared. Lux returned it. 'So my time here will be meaningless?'

'That is up to you,' Tianna said. She scoffed. 'But your daylight fancies will not derail our family's future.'

Her tone left no room for arguments, and Lux had to fight to remain calm. She breathed in, and looked into Tianna's eyes.

'As you wish, Professor Crownguard.'

Tianna scoffed. 'Your humour never ceases to amuse. No matter, so be it. I am busy, so Professor Dregbourne shall inform you of your living arrangements. ' She turned to leave, but before she made a move, she glared at Lux directly in the eye.

'You will not dare bring shame to the Crownguard name. Am I clear?'

'Yes, Aunt Tia.'

Scowling, but seemingly satisfied, Tianna exited the room, leaving Lux with a scowling Sylas.

As soon as the door closed, Sylas loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar.

'Lovely woman, she is.'

Lux assaulted a surprised Sylas with a hug.

'Whoa, there!' He laughed, slowly embracing the hug. 'Been a minute, hasn't it?'

'Almost two years, actually,' Lux said, wrapping her arms tighter still.

'...I know. Sorry.'

Lux released Sylas, stepping back, a smile back on her lips. 'Well, I'm here now. Aunt Tia won't stop me from living out my dream!'

'Still as spunky as ever.' Sylas motioned to the bag on her back. 'Have you been to the dorm yet?'

Lux shook her head. 'I just got off the train a few moments ago.'

'In that case, I can quickly lead the way. Shall we?'

It was a fair few minutes before the two reached the dorms, which occupied a separate building down the road from the main towers. This building kept the same bright colour palette, but was smaller in scale, being a simple four-to-five story block with a garden surrounding the grounds. Small pagodas littered the garden, lush bushes and serene brooks painting a calming picture. Lux noted the many students, presumably second or third years, hanging out and seemingly relaxing the day away.

Sylas and her made small talk for much of the duration of their walk, primarily catching up on what the two had been up to in the long time since their last meeting. Lux was pleased to learn that Sylas had thought about her and the Crownguard family frequently, as he was happy to see the results of of her mostly solo studies.

They chatted as they pushed through the large, white doors of the dormitories, and immediately Lux was taken aback by how large the lobby was. Off to the side sitting area with colourful couches surrounding a cluster of various types of coffee tables; oak, birch, aged cherry, long and small, wide and thin. On the couches were a similarly varied range of pillows, and Lux felt excited at the prospect of lying among them.

Open was another word that came to mind, the ceiling extending up to the first floor, wherein a white balcony overlooked the ground floor from wirey black handrails. A black, metal staircase lead up to the balcony, and underneath it was small crevice, also filled with various fluffy-looking pillows.

A little off to the side was a desk of sorts; a few students were huddled around a tired, round man with wisps of rapidly greying hair. He was talking to them, clearly at the end of his patience. One of the students was a well-built, ochre-tanned girl with light hair with an air of arrogance, and she tapped her foot far too quickly to be relaxed. The other was a tall-ish boy, blonde hair tied back in a messy ponytail. He was constantly checking his phone, and then back to the man, then the phone again. Lux assumed he was in a hurry.

Sylas noticed the older man and walked past the impatient duo, who shot him a few glares. Lux hurriedly joined him, ignoring the others.

'Kilam, good morning. Up bright and early, eh?' Sylas said.

The man, Kilam, eyed Sylas with a sigh. 'Someone has to check in the new students. I just wish it wasn't so...'

'Early?'

'Yes, that too.' Kilam noticed Lux next to Sylas, and nodded to her. 'I assume you're another one?'

'Luxanna, sir. Thank you for having me.'

Kilam waved his hand dismissively. 'Please, enough with the formalities, it's too damn early. Let me check in these two here and I'll get your keys. You can just wait over there.'

'We're in a little bit of a rush here, Kil.'

'Aren't we all, Dregbourne.'

Sylas's eyes narrowed, but Lux tugged at his arm. 'It's fine, it's fine. It won't take long.'

Glaring for a moment more, Sylas eventually sighed and nodded. 'Yes, of course.' He turned to Lux. 'Apologies, I'm a little on edge.'

Lux was about to inquire as to the why, but a sudden force knocked her off her feet and to the floor. A body was on top of her, tumbling. Sylas called out to her, worry thick in his voice.

After a moment of daze, Lux looked up to her attacker, who was already scrambling up to his feet. It was the blonde boy with the weird ponytail. He shot her an apologetic look, dusting himself off with one hand, and putting his other out in apology as he managed to simultaneously bow - very crudely.

'I'm so sorry! Sorry! I, ahh...' He quickly looked at his phone again, and cringed. 'Shit, I'm really going to get it. I'm sorry!'

And with that, grabbed the bag he had dropped, and dashed out of the dorm's lobby.

'Hey! Come back here!' Sylas yelled after him, but Lux shook her head. She was baffled. What could have possibly gotten the boy into such a hurry? She got to her feet, and waved her hand dismissively, trying to ignore the stares the event had gathered from the sparse students.

'It's okay. I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it.'

'I'll make sure he knows to apologise.'

Lux smiled. Sylas was still the same all these years later. She quickly diverted her gaze back to Kilam, ignoring the heat rising in her cheeks.

Soon after, they came to the room, a small single bedroom cubby at the end of a on the third floor hallway where she was to spend the next three years. A small desk sat just under a large-enough window, where she could see out into the wonderful garden below, the school building and Durandal visible on each corner of the far-off valley skyline. A single bookshelf atop a white chest of drawers rounded the room out on the opposite wall to her bed.

Which was the only bed. Lux frowned.

'I read that students would each be assigned a room-mate.'

'A-ah, yes, well,' Sylas shifted, gingerly placing Lux's bag onto her bed. He cleared his throat. 'Tianna thought it...prudent, to perhaps, ah, allow you individual lodgings.'

Lux's frown turned to a scowl. She knew her aunt, and this reeked of an backhanded attempt to single her out. Didn't she just say she wanted Lux to not draw attention to herself?

She sure was doing a great job of that so far, Lux thought with a wry smile.

'How thoughtful of her.'

Sylas sighed and placed a warm hand on her shoulder. 'Little light, I know she's being a bit... hard on you. But I'm sure she's doing it because she cares. Probably.'

'You know that's not true. I'm just glad you reached out to me. I wouldn't of been able to apply otherwise.'

Sylas snorted. 'Not much Tianna can say if I appeal directly to the principal.' His face softened. 'I don't know what the situation is regarding, ah, her touchiness, but I can assure you she only means the best for you.'

Lux sighed, but forced a grateful smile to the older man. 'I wonder. Sometimes I think she just...' She shook her head. 'I don't know. Either way, thank you.'

'Don't mention it,' he said. His lips melted into a warm smile. Lux's heart skipped. 'It is truly good to see you again, Luxanna. You've grown into a lovely young lady.'

'O-oh, yes, um,' she looked out the window quickly, feeling her cheeks flush. 'Um, how should I address you while on campus? Professor Dregbourne?'

'I like the sound of that,' he smirked, shuffling back out towards the door. 'But Professor shall do in classes. I should think it prudent that Luxanna Crownguard show respect to the teaching staff.'

'Alright then, Professor Sylas.'

'Hah-ha.'

Lux turned back around, Sylas standing in the door frame, phone in hand. He quickly checked something before placing the device back into his pocket. He cleared his throat.

'Now, we must be heading back to the school. It's time for your first Trial.'

Graves let out a deep sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. The school year hadn't but barely begun, and already he could feel the pain and annoyance the coming year would cause him.

Even putting aside the inevitable continuation of the now-second – and third - year's antics, he had to add onto his plate the newcomers, and all the irritations they would bring. Even if, he would have to allow, one of them was directly his fault. And the Cat had made damn sure he knew what he was in for. His brows furrowed.

That damn Cat.

Even with all the staff drama, what with Tianna and that dredge Sylas playing a rather thinly veiled game of verbal chess throughout the whole of the previous year or the almost political division of the school's staff on key issues, Graves' mind always found itself going back to the damn Cat.

He knew that the Cat didn't want to fill the role that she had found herself thrust into, but boy, did that not stop her from making it a point to be as controlling as possible. Graves smirked, the Royal Knights operated with less totalitarian tendencies.

But the Cat seemed to trust him, and much to his dismay, she had begun to rely more and more upon Grave's assistance with various tasks around the academy, from simple administrative work to more elaborate tasks of espionage.

And that was where he found his frustrations today.

The Cat had him investigating the missing Principals.

And boy, that was going just swimmingly.

So far, he hadn't turned up any leads. He didn't know where to start, and even if he did - he found himself slightly preoccupied at the moment. With that thought, he shot a glare at the ticking clock on the wall and scowled as he read the time.

Just then, the door burst open to a panting boy, dressed in the school's uniform and blonde hair tied in a messy ponytail. His wore the school's freshman blazer, white with uncoloured highlights running throughout. A bag hung off one shoulder, nestling itself under his sweaty carrier. He looked up at Graves wildly, panting as though he had just ran a marathon.

'Late,' Graves said, flatly.

'You - you can't -' the boy was struggling to catch his breath, but looked Graves straight in the eye. 'Your directions, ha, suck, ha.'

Graves' eyes narrowed dangerously. 'Backtalk too? Darin', this early in the morning.'

'You can't just say "Main building, back of the second floor by the plant" and expect ANYONE to find this room! Do you not see how big this place is?!'

'Careful, boy. I haven' had my mornin' smoke yet.'

The boy looked like he was about to say something more, but stopped to exhale deeply before the words could leave him. With a final sigh, Graves rose out of his chair with a sigh and gestured towards the boy.

'Follow.'

The boy hesitated for a moment, before letting out a low groan. Then, he followed Graves out of the room.

Ezreal Lymere. Orphan, up until recently, at the Piltovan Home for the Misfortuned, was lucky enough to come into contact with Graves about six months before on a mission. The kid was, truth be told, the only reason Graves was still alive. Graves was many things, but ungrateful was not one of them. One thing led to another, and here he was, ready to start his first term at the Academy.

'I want to make one thing clear, kid. You stay out of my hair, and the staff's - and we'll be right as rain.'

Ezreal dusted off his uniform as he walked in stride with Graves, seemingly recovered from his exhaustion. 'Don't worry, professor. Should I call you that? You are a professor, right?'

The dangerous gleam in Graves eyes told Ezreal to stop. He gulped.

'Right, yeah, so why'd you tell me come to you before the opening ceremony? You gonna give me some super secret battle tips?' The excitement in his voice caused Graves' eye to twitch.

'You're to be on your best behaviour this year. I had to pull some strings to get you here, so you break anything, and there goes my head.'

'Aw, you do have a heart.'

'…'

'Kidding! Kidding, sir.' Ezreal scratched the back of his head as he looked around in wonder at the surroundings. The two exited the main building, walking past the courtyard towards a smaller, but still large structure nestled in the school gardens. The school was huge, and even Graves felt his expression soften as he saw the pure glee on Ezreal's features.

'Gotten any better at controllin' your powers?' Graves asked as they passed a group of students hurrying towards the main hall, in the opposite direction. He didn't look, but he knew Ezreal was brimming with energy.

'Oh, it's better if I show you.'

He stopped, and almost begrudgingly, Graves turned. Ezreal stood with his arms and feet held apart, the beginnings of a combat stance. Stifling a laugh, Graves watched as the boy closed his eyes in focus for a moment. There was a brief second of still before the energy around the blonde teen ripped with static, and he stood nearly five meters away. He exhaled deeply.

Ezreal opened his eyes and grinned smugly at Graves.

'How's that?'

'You can move that fast and you were still late?'

'I uh, can only do short distances at the moment,' he blushed, and rejoined Graves at his side. 'But it's still something! Baby steps.'

'You're competing against students with years of training,' Graves pointed out. 'You don't have time for 'Baby steps'.'

'I know, it's exciting. I'm having some trouble redirecting the energy to other parts of my body, though.'

Graves turned another corner, leading the two of them to a winding pathway hugged by flowerbeds to either side. The two continued down the walkway in silence for a few moments, before Ezreal spoke.

'So where are we heading, exactly?'

'Luminary Club.'

'Oh, am I joining them?'

'No.'

In front of them was the Luminary clubhouse, a regal-looking square building, about three storeys tall and painted brightly. It's colour scheme was similar to the rest of the school, white and gold, except for a few blue highlights. Graves stopped in front of an elaborately ordained blue door, and allowed Ezreal a moment to stand in replenished awe at the sight. Then, he opened the door to an empty hall, massive blue banners hanging victoriously from the dark wood rafters.

In the centre of the room was a massive collection of tables, various pieces of unfinished tech strewn atop, and even a few dotting the floor. A small whirring noise hung in the background, along with an overhanging musk of metalworks.

Spotting what he came for, Graves gestured Ezreal to the back of the room, where a mechanised glove lay atop one of the tables. Tools lay about around it, which gave Graves pause; perhaps it wasn't finished. But he shook aside those thoughts quickly, even if it wasn't finished, Ezreal couldn't wait. He needed any advantage he could get.

He picked up the glove, red and white metallic exoskeleton, and held it up for Ezreal to see.

'For you, kid.'

Ezreal stood stunned for a moment, eyes flickering between Graves and the gauntlet.

'A...glove?'

'It's a power gauntlet. Allows the wearer to channel energy through it in a centralised location,' Graves explained. He held the gauntlet towards Ezreal. 'I got one of the second years to make it. Now we're even.'

'You...you're giving this to me?' Ezreal looked shocked, putting it mildly. Graves found a mild tinge of annoyance at the clear surprise. 'This looks expensive.'

'In which case, you'd better 'preciate it,' Graves wasn't going to mention he might have pulled a few strings, or promised some...benefits to get a more favourable deal. What the kid didn't know wouldn't hurt 'em. He lightly gestured to the glove again, after which Ezreal cautiously took it, and placed it over his hand.

As the glove slid up his forearm, the boy's eyes gleamed as static energy began emanating around him.

'Whoa.'

Graves couldn't help a smirk edge at the corners of his mouth. 'Whoa, indeed.'

Students flooded the great hall, and Lux was drowning. She felt herself get swept up with the flow, and soon sat towards the middle of the hall. Around her, students of all hair colours shuffling nervously in their seats as murmurs of intrigue started to spread. Soon the faculty began to walk up onto the large wooden stage, and the eventual sight of Sylas filing in calmed her slightly.

The faculty stood in a row, except for Tianna, who briskly took centre stage at a brightly-adorned podium. She simply stared out into the hall for a moment, allowing her presence to be felt. The whispers and murmurs quieted instantly, the piercing gaze just as harsh as Lux knew it to be.

'Welcome, First year students of the Durandal God-weapon Academy. Before we proceed with your orientation, allow me to personally congratulate you in your admission to this fine institution,' Tianna paused for effect. 'I am Tianna Crownguard, Vice Principal and head of the Language department. I suspect I will be getting to know those of you who manage to remain.'

Lux felt a slight shudder, and could have sworn a quick glare was thrown her way.

'Our course has stood as the definitive programme of it's kind, our history spanning nearly seventy five years. Durandal has given the greater Neo Demacia-Noxus region some of it's greatest and most notable names, names which most of you shall be acquainted with. Kassa 'adin. Talos van Ludwig. Ryland of Homestead. I hope that one day I stand here and speak the names of all of you here.'

A wave of excitement pulsed through the crowd, and even Lux couldn't help but smile a little at her aunt's comments. She was really here.

'I shall take up no more of our time. Our Acting,' Tianna's lips curled into a slight snarl as she spoke, 'Principal shall inform you of the proceedings for the day.'

Tianna bowed and joined the rest of the faculty behind her, standing next to a muscled man with no hair and a winning smile.

Lux couldn't stop herself from double taking as who - or what - replaced her at the podium.

A...cat? Wearing cute glasses. The cat hopped onto the podium, and drew itself up regally.

'Thank you, Lady Crownguard, for your words of encouragement.'

The cat was talking. Lux was used to some weird enhancements from abilities, but she'd never heard of a mutation that was quite so...adorable?

'I am Principal Yuumi. For the next three years, you will be under our care. I would like to also extend my congratulations to those of you who will remain in the course after orientation. And even if you are unfortunate enough to leave us, know it is no small coincidence you made it this far.

'Now, I want to allow a moment to remember the decorated history of not only our Academy, but of Durandal. Since Durandal found itself in Runeterra, we as it's people have enjoyed many great benefits. Humans and others alike began to form special powers, powers which can be used in many a way to creatively help those around us. All of you,' Yuumi adjusted her glasses with a single paw whilst gesturing her pointed nose towards the hall. 'Have demonstrated a great aptitude in mastering your own powers, and a willingness to put them forth to defend those who cannot. Know your gesture does not go unnoticed. Durandal God-weapon Academy pledges to support each and every one of you, so long as you upstand the values that this school holds dear.

'The first step of your school journey will begin immediately. All of you are to enter Durandal itself, and be granted a sign from the blade itself that will serve as your identity during your time here.'

Lux's eyes brightened. Sylas had been literal.

'Those of you who succeed will begin your journey through our halls. I look forward to greeting you then.'

It was a short walk down into the valley, and a further foray into the city of Durandal itself, before they arrived at the God-weapon.

The sword Durandal was driven deep underground, it's massive hilt the only visible part of the blade. It struck Lux with just how huge it was as she stood in front of the base of it's guard, as it towered over the many students gathered. It was nearly twice as tall as the school, and the two glamorously adorned edges of it's guard stretched nearly across the entire valley.

Around them, passer byers had gathered and watched the students with curiosity. Some less enthusiastic Durandalians took a glance at the students, before shrugging and moving about their day. It was a yearly event, nothing new to see. Looking around, Lux could truly see how the sword dwarfed the buildings and cityscape around it. The brightly lit jewels of the blade's hilt stood in contrast to the clean white lines of the city surrounding it, and she was reminded again of just how huge the city was.

Against the sword, Lux, and everyone else, were insignificant. How was she to communicate with the weapon? She didn't know, and felt both nervous and excited at the prospect.

The group of around fifty students stopped just in front of Durandal, the burly professor leading the way turning to face the wide-eyed teenagers. His rugged features betrayed an annoyed frown. He cleared his throat loudly, and waited for the student's attention to fall to him before he spoke.

'In a moment, y'all will be inside the Sword. Your goal is to,' he scoffed as he read from a clipboard. 'Be blessed with a sign from Durandal. You will know when you receive it. And you will know what to do. Hm. Questions?'

'Is it dangerous?' came a voice.

'Yes, next?'

'How long do we have?'

'Dunno.'

'Are you really a teacher here?

With that question, the Professor grunted and placed his hand on the hull of Durandal. A moment passed, before a massive passageway opened up, granting entry into the depths of the sword. The Teacher sighed and gestured towards the new archway.

'We'll know when you finish. Good luck and all that.'

And with that, he walked away, leaving the students alone.

No one moved at first, no one sure of what awaited them. He said it would probably be dangerous, Lux noted, and she didn't know whether to take that nonchalant response seriously or not. Garen had never gone into much detail about his orientation.

Moments passed, before a boy with neatly swept, deep blue hair stepped forward. He silently passed the threshold of the green grass into the metallic floor of the weapon, and soon his figure faded into the darkness. Uneasy glances were shared amongst the remaining teens, before they made their own ways in, one by one.

As soon as Lux entered, she felt a fresh wave of awe flood her body. The interior was massive, as was expected, but it was beautifully captivating in a way the exterior was not. The walls were dark and sleek, lines of neon lights striking themselves in seemingly random patterns across the walls. The lights shone different colours, creating an oppressive ambience. There was an eerie air about the place.

Her eyes regained focus and she found herself standing in the vast room alone.

She frowned. No matter, really. Lux re-oriented herself in the lobby, finding that the large hallway that opened up before was now closed, replaced with more modern walling. Just as she started to turn her head in confusion, a new path opened up next to her, a sleek sound accompanying the sliding walls. She smiled, the weapon really was alive.

She heard the doorway close behind her as she walked down the florescent halls.

Ezreal had done his research on the academy, and even on Durandal itself before getting on the train. But whatever Graves had told him before, being face to face, or rather, inside Durandal, Ezreal couldn't help but shake with glee. He was living his dream of six months before. He was here. He had powers.

The gauntlet on his left hand made a dull clink as it hung limply at his side. He was reminded of how his life had changed, thanks to a rather dangerous encounter with a burning villain. If it wasn't for Graves and his quick wit, Ezreal and his whole family of adopted siblings would be dead.

And if it wasn't for the sudden awakening of Ezreal's powers, Graves would've been dead too.

Graves had kept his word. He helped get Ezreal into the academy, hundreds of kilometres away from home, and provided him with a starting arsenal of tools needed for the year ahead. The gauntlet was white, mostly, with a flashy red exoskeleton curling around his forearm, overlayed atop a thick black glove. Graves wasn't usually affectionate, but between helping him into the academy and commissioning his new weapon, Ezreal smiled a little. He had a heart underneath the gruff and angry surface. Ezreal was glad to have met the man, even if he was about as fun to be around as a drunk slum dweller.

The gauntlet would require a lot of practice to use properly, but Graves had obviously given it to him before the orientation with reason. He expected to have to use it during the trial. He stopped, and allowed the energy within him to bubble up; this time trying his best to direct it towards his glove.

It was a few moments and a few more beads of sweat before the gauntlet purred to life and static energy began curling around him. He felt the rush, the charge, coarse throughout his body like a bolt of lightning, clenching his eyes shut in deep concentration. He willed the powers inside to his command, guiding them through his veins towards his gloved hand.

And suddenly, a bolt of pure energy exploded from the gauntlet into the wall, sparks of bright red and white shattering into themselves.

For a moment he stood, both surprised at how easy that was and shocked at how tired it made him feel.

He gave his body a little shake as he walked down the hallway. The interior of the Weapon was incredible – there was so little in way of decoration, but the walls pulsed with an essence of life that Ezreal could feel, almost tangibly touch.

It was almost an hour before Ezreal found anything, and so he passed some time by flinging a few bolts of energy at the walls. Although they were tiring, he felt the effect lessened each time he attempted a shot, and found that he could, to a small degree at least, properly aim the blasts if he focused.

Soon he found himself in a rather large room, converging into two separate pathways on either end of the room. What found him there were killer robots, he wished they hadn't.

'Killer' might be an oversimplification, but they weren't friendly.

The first attacker sent a short energy blast towards the blonde boy, who narrowly avoided it as the static was just in front of him. He had quickly concentrated his power on his legs, and dashed out of the way in a blink – Arcane Shift, he had named the move. Sounded cool.

'The hell..?'

As he recovered from his shift, he quickly spun to face the source of the attack, and came to face a group of four humanoid machines whose bodies were made out of a similar material to the pulsating walls surrounding him. The same neon veins ran throughout their bodies, leading to a singular eye in the centre of the 'head'. The head was a block atop the more humanoid body, which Ezreal found rather disconcerting. The 'eye' gleamed with a deep crimson glow, a low rumbling seething its way out of the bots. Smiling, Ezreal did the only thing he could do.

He ran.

Running the fight in his head, he came up with two scenarios: One, he fired off three Crimson Bolts - working name for the energy blasts - taking down one with each. He would stand victorious and move ahead down the sword.

Two, and the more likely, he would fire off the Mystic shots, realise that whatever the machines were made of was more durable than his likely weak energy could pierce, and he would be overwhelmed as his stamina ran ragged from the use of his still infantile powers. Plus, he couldn't know how many there were, if there were any more of these machines hiding away somewhere - waiting to pounce.

Following this logic, he figured he'd have better luck retreating. Hopefully he could get some more information, at least a little data to make his move. He stopped for a moment, and took a stance facing the closest bot in compromise of his two plans. He focused, drawing in the energy inside him into a single, tangible mass, and fired a single bolt towards it, and was unsurprised as the blast barely left a dent. He exhaled deeply. So much for that.

He turned and began to dash away as a blast of energy whizzed past his shoulder, lightly grazing the fresh fabric of his school blazer.

'Hey! That's expensive!' He yelled as more blasts began to stream around his retreating body. One bolt tagged his calf, which triggered an intense explosion of pain that rippled throughout his leg. He let out a yelp, but didn't look down to check the damage. He'd look later.

More energy passed around him in a flurry as he Shifted once again, this time around a corner a few meters ahead of him. He clutched at the straps of his bag as he skidded to a halt; he was faced with a mirrored wall about three meters tall. He saw his confusion and anger reflected, then replaced with a grimace as he spun around to face the oncoming enemies as he backed up against his reflection.

He felt the wall slightly tremble at his touch, almost vibrating against his fingertips. He tapped against it a little harder, feeling the weakness of the mirror. It was thin, almost paper. He tapped it again. A hollow reply. He gulped as the three targets turned the corner. Now or never, he thought.

Taking a small step forward, he paused briefly and aimed his glove towards the first visible bot. He felt the rush of his powers as he let loose a blast of energy at the exposed eye, allowing the explosive force of the blast to propel him backwards into the thin wall behind.

It shattered, as did the apparently more fragile part of the robot whose eye was unlucky enough to get hit by the blast. It fell to the floor, and Ezreal fell back into something...soft? He heard a shocked yelp under him.

A brief moment was given to recover, before he spun around onto his front and saw her.

The first thing that crossed his mind was how pretty she was. Auburn hair tied into a neat ponytail, with bangs that framed a pair of dazzlingly surprised blue eyes. Her lips were parted in a mixture of shock, and then recognition. She wore the Durandal uniform, although her waistcoat was a gentle orange instead of Ezreal's own red.

The second thing Ezreal thought was that he had seen her before. And then it hit him; he had already rammed into her in the morning in his rush to get to Graves. The colour drained from his face as he attempted a charming smile.

'Hey again.'

The girl, if she was angry, didn't have time to show it, as lines of energy raced past the two. Ezreal cursed, and practically jumped off the ground, this time presenting his hand to help up the girl, albeit rather forcefully. She took it, and they hid behind the newly created cover of the broken wall.

'At least you helped me up this time,' the girl panted. 'Lux.'

'Ah, yeah, uh, I'm really sorry about that. Ezreal.'

'Those your friends?' She gestured around the corner. Graves popped into his head.

'Friendlier than some people I know.'

Lux's lips twitched upwards, before looking around the room they found themselves in. She nodded down the hall. 'I came from down there, there was a room with some space a bit further up.'

Ezreal nodded and slipped off the wall towards the room with Lux in tow. They retreated behind the faux safety of a new pair of walls and stopped against parallel corners. When they stopped, he suddenly felt the pain in his leg properly. He grunted and shook his head. Lux seemed to notice, eyes widening with concern.

'Are you okay?'

'The faces are the weakness,' Ezreal said as he waved his hand dismissively. His leg could wait. 'I took one of them out, but I can't get the other three unless I wanna get hit by the stragglers.'

'Are they biological?'

'Their aim is too bad to be mechanical.'

'Your leg would disagree.'

Ezreal barked a short laugh. 'Point is, we need to take them out one by one, otherwise we'll end up really hurt.'

Lux's eyes flashed with a glimmer. 'Not necessarily. You already beat one, right? How confident are you in hitting all three quickly?'

'Is that a challenge?' Ezreal replied with far more confidence than he felt. Lux nodded, closed her eyes, and brought her hand close.

'Then look away for a moment.'

Before Ezreal could ask what she meant, Lux jerked her hand around the corner, and Ezreal saw a brief ball of light hover in her palm. Suddenly understanding, he averted his eyes as the small ball exploded into a blinding light that filled the hallway with white. So she had light powers?

Cool.

With a smirk, he turned the corner and took aim. The three bots had lined up nicely, their red eyes now flashing wildly with blinking lights. Making sure to yell the name of the attack, he shot them all quickly, his aim true... enough. They fell to the ground in a clutter, and he relaxed into a victory stance.

He considered what he could say as a one liner, before the adrenaline stopped working and his leg screamed up at him. His face contorted in pain, and he fell to his other knee as his hands flew to the wound. Lux, who breathed a sigh of relief, fell beside him as well.

'Well, at least your aim is better than theirs.'

'That was easy. Didn't even break a sweat,' he said, as he clutched his calf.

'Clearly. Let me see your leg.'

Ezreal obediently lifted his leg for her to see. He swung his bag into his hands, and dug around inside for a moment. He knew he packed some water. He found it after a moment, and took a deep drink. He was trying really hard not to show it, but he felt the strain from the Crimson Bolts.

Yeah, that name was a bust.

Lux breathed a sigh of relief. 'Looks like the wound cauterised itself. You'll be fine, but it will hurt for a while.'

'As if I'll let a little pain beat me,' Ezreal said, coolly, as he exhaled out of his bottle of water. He returned it to its place in his bag, and began to stand up, wincing at the pain. Could be worse, he decided.

Standing, he finally got another good look at his new companion. He was again struck by how pretty she was, but now he could in addition see she was slender, yet athletic...

'Are...you okay?' She asked genuinely, tilting her head in puzzlement. Ezreal snapped out of his trance, he must look like an idiot. And he certainly didn't want her thinking that he was an idiot. No, that would be bad. He cleared his throat.

'Yeah, thank you. I really do want to apologise for this morning again though, and for, uh, repeating the greetings.'

Lux laughed lightly, a bright smile resting on her lips. 'As long as you don't make it a habit. What were you in such a rush for, anyway?'

Ezreal said as his face darkened; 'A meeting with the devil.'

'I..think I know what you mean.'

'Why is this school so big? And why can't that old grump give better directions?'

'I feel you,' Lux snorted. 'Well, it's nice to meet you, Ezreal.' She gave him a big smile, to which he felt his already wobbly leg's balance stumble slightly. Hiding his blush behind a fake cough, he returned the sentiment.