Dear my wonderful, discerning clientele,

I will make this short. Due to unforeseen complications, I have yet to accomplish the mission. The tools you provided proved ineffective at prying it open, and it is under constant watch by the RMP. They must have been tipped off – my task was not supposed to be hindered. I must offer my sincerest apologies – this is unlike me, I know. But fret not. Due to a wonderful coincidence, the target has been opened by a student of whom I have made an acquaintance. On the upcoming show, the eve of four, I will perform the mission. It is a shame, what I must do elsewhere; the show was going to be beautiful. I hate to miss it. But alas, the work comes first. They can dance without me.

After all, their chorus of screams will sing anyway.

At around eight or so, Ezreal stepped away from the party.

Party wasn't the exact word he'd use, but it fit the mood fairly well. He left with a smile, the rest of the club still laughing and enjoying themselves. And for the first time in the last week, he was relaxed. Crisis averted, as the Dorm mother of the Home used to say.

He wanted to talk to Lux. After all, it was his feelings for her that had gotten them into this mess, and he felt like he'd accomplished something. That, and Ekko's words from earlier in the day were nagging at him.

What did he know about her?

He knew she was strong, light powers and all. She had that staff – which he still didn't understand, but he'd been a little distracted recently – and she was nice. Really nice. And pretty. And -

...And that was basically where it ended. He remembered that Lux typically had a book on her whenever he saw her, but beyond that, his knowledge was pathetic.

So he'd decided – he was going to actually talk to her, learn about her, spend time with her. And then, maybe, he could push it into something more.

He stood in the lobby, glancing around. Where would she have gone? He could just text her, of course, but he wanted it to look a little more natural. He spent a few moments pondering, loitering in the fairly empty space.

The doors to the Inn pushed open, and Sylas walked through with Lux to his side. Lux looked a little dazed – she followed behind quietly, eyes glassed over and cheeks a little red. Sylas's own eyes were narrowed, and he was looking directly ahead, he spotted Ezreal and nodded. Ezreal smiled and padded up to them.

'Heya guys.'

'Lymere,' Sylas nodded. He quickly glance down to Lux, but coughed and brought it back to Ezreal. 'Apologies, but I think I shall be retiring for the evening. Once again, I'm very proud of you all, and offer you my deepest congratulations.'

Ezreal tilted his head at the formal speech. 'Uh, sure? Thanks, Professor.'

Sylas nodded and left, leaving Ezreal alone with Lux. Silently, Ezreal thanked the older man. Luck was on his side tonight.

Trying his best not to grin, Ezreal stood straight and inched closer to Lux. 'So, looks like I won't be expelled.'

Depth returned to Lux's eyes as she double-took. She looked around, as if only just realising where she was,finally landing on Ezreal.

'Oh, sorry, what did you say?'

Ezreal chuckled. 'Just that it looks like I'll get to stay at school.'

'Oh, right.' Lux sighed, smiling apologetically. 'Sorry, I guess I'm just a little...'

'Overjoyed?' Ezreal offered with a grin.

'Overwhelmed, I guess,' she said, smiling back weakly. She stared past him for a second, then sighed again.

'And hey, Vice-Principal Crownguard'll lay off you now, right?' Ezreal said. He was a little concerned now, Lux seemed exhausted.

Her expression darkened, but she nodded. 'Yeah... Sorry, Ez, but I don't think now's a good time. I'm really happy for you, though.'

She smiled weakly, and moved past him towards the stairs – leaving a confused Ezreal alone.

'Huh.'

He didn't know what he'd expected, but it probably wasn't that. Maybe a little more... Enthusiasm? She was usually a little more, er, bubbly?

With a shrug, he wandered back towards the bar. Lux was probably just tired, was all. She looked like she'd just pulled a double all-nighter – and Ezreal knew how that felt. Intimately.

Fresh sounds of celebration greeted him as he entered. Quickly scanning the room, everyone mostly still doing the same as when he left. Ekko sat with Zoe and Qiyana, the latter looking royally done with the other two. Professor Braum sat at the bar proper, chatting with the bartender in what looked to be jovial conversation. President Ahri and Irelia sat by themselves at one end of the table, talking and laughing between them. Ezreal didn't see Yasuo, but he figured the Prez had probably just gone back to their room, passed out on the bed in drunken-fueled peace.

Lux's friend Alune was nervously hovering between the groups, avoiding Qiyana's gaze but trying to respond when Ekko or Zoe made a comment. Confused by Lux's behaviour, Ezreal waved his return and plopped himself down next to Alune and Ekko. Ekko nodded a greeting – Zoe waving and yelling something, Qiyana turning her head with a hmph – and Alune almost jumped out her seat in surprise.

'Whoa, sorry,' he said, taken aback. 'I didn't mean to surprise you.'

Alune coughed, then shook her head. 'No no, is okay. Where did you be going?'

'You find Lux?' Ekko asked. He posed the question innocently, but a dumb smirk was carving itself at the corners of his mouth. Zoe narrowed her eyes.

'She'd better be grateful,' the smaller girl said.

'Bah, why must we talk about the Redhead?' Qiyana said. 'Maybe I should return to my chambers for the evening.'

Ekko snorted, sitting back in his chair. 'And miss the party? We're getting free food, QiQi.'

'Stop. Calling. Me. That.'

'Not on your life, Qiqs.'

'Ohhh, that one's good too!' Zoe said, and Ekko high-fived her. Qiyana groaned.

Alune was smiling along, eyes dashing between the antics and Ezreal. Trying not to let Lux's disinterest sour his mood, he smiled at Alune. He should try to help her integrate more into the conversation, or at least give her an out if she was uncomfortable.

'So you said earlier you were enjoying the Practical, right? What kinda stuff you been up to?'

Alune, probably just grateful that someone was talking to her, nodded fervently. 'Yes, Needlebrook is very nice. The air is so clean, and the ocean is so beautiful.'

'My thoughts exactly,' Ezreal said. 'It's a nice change from the city.'

'Yes.' She shuffled in her seat. 'So, um, earlier today -'

Ezreal cringed. 'Ack, sorry, I haven't apologised. Something came up, and we had to split, I didn't mean to cut you off.'

Alune shook her head with great vigour. 'No, it is okay, really!'

'If you say so,' Ezreal said. He breathed in, taking another look around. A few people were starting to file out. Everyone else would follow soon.

But this was a golden opportunity. What better way to learn about Lux than to talk to her best friend? He could see if there was anything she was interested in, then bring it up next time he talked to her. A perfect plan. He tried to remember the conversation earlier in the day, what had Alune been saying?

'Oh right,' he said. ' You mentioned the theatre?'

'Ah,' Alune seemed to freeze. Then she thawed, chuckling nervously and a little red. 'Oh, it is nothing. I, ah, wanted to say that Lux and I were allowed to see a rehearsal of the play that we will be seeing tomorrow. It was very good.'

Ezreal smiled. 'You a drama fan?'

She nodded with a smile. 'I think it is wonderful. My brother and I participated in our earlier school.'

'Aphelios?' He raised an eyebrow. He didn't strike Ezreal as the dramatic type.

'Yes, he has a wonderful singing voice.'

Huh. 'Who'dve thought?'

'It will be a wonderful show tomorrow,' she continued. 'Will you, ah, be going?'

'I suppose, yeah,' he said. He wasn't nearly as interested as her, but Jhin had gotten them in for free, so he felt as though he should at least pretend to care.

Ekko cut in with his signature smirk, and even before he opened his mouth Ezreal wanted to slap him. 'Lux going with you?'

Now he wanted to hit him more.

Alune nodded absently. 'Yes, I think so. Where is she, do you know?'

'She just got back,' Ezreal said, turning to Alune. 'Ran into her in the lobby, Professor Sylas was with her.'

Alune raised an eyebrow. 'Oh?'

He shrugged. 'Yeah, I dunno, she seemed a little upset. Maybe she's just tired.'

Alune's brows furrowed. 'Oh dear,' she muttered, before standing abruptly. She bowed her head in an apologetic gesture to each of the gathered in turn. 'I am sorry, I will be leaving you now. Thank you very much for the food.' And to Ezreal, quickly; 'I will see you tomorrow?'

He shot her a thumbs up. 'You bet.'

With a smile, she glided out.

'She's weird,' Zoe said, munching on a stick of...something. It was green.

Ezreal raised an eyebrow.

'You're weird,' Ekko said.

'Nuh-uh.'

'Yuh-huh.'

Ezreal slumped into his seat. 'Maybe I'll pack up for the evening too.'

'Fighting a dragon's tiring work,' Ekko said.

'Wyvern.'

'Yeah, sure, whatever.'

Qiyana snorted – a sound that Ezreal had begun to realise encompassed a slew of emotion from the girl – and rose. 'Regardless of your choice, I shall be leaving. Today was...eventful.'

Ekko gestured something to Ezreal silently after Qiyana, pointing his nose above them. Ezreal cocked his head, and Ekko shook an exasperated sigh.

'We should, uh, check in with the...thing,' he said.

'The thing?' Ezreal said.

'What thing?' Zoe said.

'The thing.'

'Is the thing edible?'

Qiyana grunted. 'Just come then, idiots.'

Ekko grinned, nudging Zoe towards the far end of the room, where Irelia and president Ahri were. 'Go bug Irelia, squirt, we gotta go.'

Zoe pouted. 'You guys are leaving me out on something. I wanna know, I wanna know!'

Oh, Neeko. Ezreal hummed and stood, patting Zoe on the shoulder as he did. He gestured towards Irelia.

'Can you ask Irelia if she has any, uh...'

'Jokes?' Ekko offered.

'Sure, jokes.'

Zoe spun to Ezreal, narrowed her eyes – then beamed, nodding quickly. 'Okay, can do!'

She ran off, loudly inserting herself between the two girls. Ezreal thought he saw Irelia's eyes roll, but President Ahri was laughing, so it probably wasn't a big deal. With a smile, he grabbed a plate of cookies that Zoe had left mostly untouched. Somehow.

Ezreal followed Ekko and Qiyana towards the room, where he was greeted by two Qiyanas – one of which was smiling broadly. He raised his covertly-sneaked plate of cookies with a grin.

'I brought food.'

Neeko whooped, phasing back into herself. She grabbed the plate and retreated inside. Ekko had settled onto his usual spot on the floor with a relaxed stretch, and Qiyana sat rigidly atop her bed. Ezreal stifled a yawn and slid next to Ekko.

Then, he breathed out.

'I can't believe we did it.'

Qiyana huffed. 'Through no fault of your own, I am sure.' She shuffled in her seat just a little, so small he was sure she didn't realise the gesture had slipped. 'I thank you. For today. I would have likely not been able to survive that direct a blow.'

'Likely?' Ekko said. 'You would've been squashed, easy.'

'Don't mention it,' Ezreal said. He smiled, leaning back and closing his eyes. He'd done it. He was safe, and the Vice-Principal could suck it. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face – the pure mirth was practically visible now. And then, Graves and his signature grunt, his -

His eyes shot open. He hadn't called Graves back.

'Uh-oh,' he whispered.

The professor would be furious.

In a rush he stood – ignoring the lightheadedness that washed over him, then quickly passed – and coughed. 'I need the bathroom.'

Qiyana nodded absently to the side. 'You do not need my permission, just don't touch the bag on the counter.'

Right, every room had a bathroom. Bad excuse. He coughed and scratched at his head. 'Yeah, I'll go use the one in our room. I, uh, need to grab something quickly as well.'

Qiyana raised an eyebrow, but shrugged. Ekko lazily looked up to him.

'Can you grab the pack of cards in Yasuo's bag? We can hang out a bit before we turn in.'

Not listening, Ezreal exited the room and fumbled with his phone. He hurriedly scrolled through his contacts until he found the one labelled 'Grump', then hit dial.

It took three rings before it was received. 'Graves.'

'Professor, hi!' Ezreal said, trying to sound chipper. 'I, uh, have some good news!'

'I heard,' came the dry reply. ''Grats.'

Ezreal gulped, and started walking down the hall. 'Yep, looks like I won't be getting expelled yet.'

'Don't be makin a habit here, Lymere,' he grunted.

'Right,' Ezreal could feel the awkwardness. 'I, uh, sorry I didn't call you back. Been busy.'

Another grunt. 'Turns out, it don't matter. The damn Cat won't let me back in the weapon anyhow, so anything you coulda said woulnd'ta helped.'

'Oh. Uh, why?'

Grunt. 'When you get back, we can talk. How'd you manage the victory, anyhow? Dregbourne didn't tell me the details.'

Thankful for th echange in topic, Ezreal nodded. 'Killed a Wyvern, opened up the God-weapon here. No big deal.'

Silence.

'Uh, professor?'

'You opened the God-weapon?'

'Well, yeah, apparently.'

For a moment, the only sound on the line was static.

'Lymere.'

'Yes, uh, sir?'

'Did you get inside?'

Ezreal frowned. 'Well, no. Apparently it was just the door, and that the inside is dangerous, so they're waiting on a team from the capital to explore it properly -'

'Lymere. Can you get inside?'

Silence.

'I said, can you get -'

'I heard you, sir,' Ezreal said. He looked around, suddenly feeling self-conscious. 'Like I said, they're waiting on a team -'

'Lymere, this is important. Can you get inside, or not?'

'I – yeah, probably. Sir.'

Graves nodded on the other end of the line. Well, Ezreal assumed he did.

'Do it.'

'Can I ask why?

'I have a theory – and I'll fully explain when you get back. This could be very, very important. Do not screw this up. Report back when you finish.'

And with that, he hung up. Ezreal lowered the phone in front of him, his lock screen – a picture of himself and Zoe smirking over a snoozing Ekko – staring back.

He had to do what now?

A few minutes later, Ezreal shuffled back into Qiyana's room, lost in thought.

Ekko waved, then tilted his head. 'Couldn't find the cards?'

'You bring more food?' Neeko said, hopeful.

Ezreal shook his head and sat down. He was quiet for a few minutes.

'So,' Ekko said, finally breaking the silence. 'What's the plan now? I say we take it easy tomorrow, we can just relax and take some pictures -'

'I need to get into Labrys,' Ezreal said.

Ekko fell silent, and Ezreal felt all eyes land on him. Silence.

'La..brsh?' Neeko said, sounding out the word.

'Are you insane?' Ekko said. 'You literally just dodged expulsion – and now you want to break into something?'

'For once, I agree with the simpleton,' Qiyana said with a sigh. 'I would advise against that.'

'Professor Graves told me to.'

'Screw him, you should wait at least a day before getting yourself into more trouble. At least.'

'La-bru-rhis?'

'Just be happy with your success. Do not push your luck, is what I would suggest,' Qiyana added, prompting a nod from Ekko.

Something tugged at Ezreal's mind. He shook his head. 'I'm going. Tomorrow, after dark. Everyone will be at the theatre, I can sneak off.'

'Yeah, I don't think the professors are going to take lightly to you not being there, Ponytail.'

Ezreal smiled, then looked at Neeko. 'But what if I am there?'

'Whoa, that looks great on you,' Lux said to Alune as she stepped out of the bathroom in a flowing white and black dress – silver lacing lining the edges and hugging her curves. She'd done her moon-silver hair, which she usually let hang freely down her back, in a single braid, and had put on a light bit of makeup.

Alune smiled and did a quick spin, the ends of the dress following her movement. 'Thank you.'

'I have to ask though,' Lux said, setting down the novel. 'What's the occasion?'

'The play! Did you forget?'

'No, but,' Lux said, looking over Alune again. She looked really good. 'I wasn't aware there was a dress code.'

'But it is the end of trip!' She laughed, stopping her flourish and giving Lux a quick – if a little over dramatic – look-over, ending with a pout. 'You are not changing?'

Lux looked down at herself – lounge wear of sweats and a sweater. She shrugged. It was cold. 'I was just going to go in my uniform.'

Alune narrowed her eyes.

'Uh, jeans and a shirt?'

Alune folded her arms.

'...A sweater and jeans?'

Alune raised an eyebrow.

'Okay, fine!' Lux said, throwing her hands up. 'I didn't bring anything fancy, I didn't figure we needed it.'

'You are so utilitarian,' Alune said, breaking into a grin and setting herself down on the bed. Lux raised her own eyebrow.

'Utilitarian?'

'I am learning all sorts of new words; my friend is a lame bookworm who is speaking in archaic prose -'

Lux tossed a pen at her, Alune laughing at the pointed frown on Lux's face. With a sigh, Lux stood up and stretched. 'I don't know, I don't really feel like it.'

Alune pouted. 'But it is fun, and a good opportunity for you.' She stood, hurrying over to her mostly-packed bags and shuffling through the contents. 'I can borrow you something of mine, if you would like.'

'Alune, really -'

'It will be good distraction.'

Ah, so that's what this was about. Lux grimaced, she had told Alune about her talk with Sylas the night before, and about how it had ended. Alune had been encouraging, but Lux still felt terrible about it.

Still, she shook her head. 'No thanks, it's okay.'

Alune pulled out a blue dress and held it up victoriously. It was simple – a halterneck that twirled down, whispering tiny wisps of silver before flaring out in a short skirt. Alune grinned.

'Your face says you like.'

'It's a little...short.'

'I am taller, it will be looking longer on you.'

'Alune, no -'

'Lux, yes.'

She set it down on the bed and grabbed Lux, who yelped.

'Hey!'

'Hush, hush.'

Everyone else was wearing their uniforms, and Lux felt cheated.

'You look a million, you two,' President Ahri said with a smile as she took a headcount. She winked, causing Lux to wince into herself, then moved down the line. Lux sent a pointedly accusing frown to Alune, who looked very comfortable.

'I told you there was no dress code.'

'Hmmm,' Alune said, then turned to Lux with a wink. 'But you look good, yes?'

She would hope so – she'd even let Alune do her makeup, which took almost forty minutes. When Lux did it herself, she was done in ten. Fifteen, at most, if she wanted to go a little crazy. She frowned.

'It's impractical.'

Alune laughed. 'It is not about being practical. Just have fun with it, stop being so -'

'Don't say utilitarian again.'

'No, I was going to say "stop being so you", but yes, that works too.'

Lux stared blankly at her, and Alune grinned. Oh no, she was becoming dangerous.

A short while later the students were filed into the theatre proper, and Lux felt a renewed sense of wonder at the hall. It was one thing to see the theatre in the day, with the lights all on and people rushing around the stage in preparations, but it was another thing entirely when the lights, dimmed slightly, bounced gently off the lowered curtains in purple shadows onto the completely darkened rows of seats – which were completely filled. She spotted a few familiar faces here and there, the sorcery advisors, President Yasuo – who was sitting with a white-haired girl Lux felt she had seen before – and a few people from town she'd helped out over the week.

Her eyes eventually landed on a group of three that moved quietly towards the edge of the room, huddled together and whispering in hushed tones. Ekko was looking around, nervous, and held onto Ez's arm as the blond boy looked around in almost child-like wonder. And for some reason, Qiyana was with them, again.

Then it hit her – how dismissive she'd been to Ez yesterday, and she felt horrible. The boy was trying his best, if for some questionable reasons, and Lux hadn't even properly thanked him. Instead, she'd basically flipped him off. Suddenly, Lux wanted to avoid that group at all costs.

So naturally, Alune noticed them and happily nudged Lux. 'Oh, those are your friends, yes? Let us say hello.'

Panicked, Lux looked around for another group, but came up short. She smiled as gently as she could, then looked away. 'Maybe we should wait for President Ahri, she might need some help with, umm. Something.'

Alune tilted her head, but giggled. 'We can help her later, if she is needing it. Come, we can sit with them.'

Lux froze. 'Oh, but look! Qiyana Yunalai is there! I don't think she'd be happy to see either of us, maybe we shouldn't.'

Alune grabbed Lux's arm and began dragging her with surprising strength. 'I spoke with her yesterday, she seems more okay than I think before, so do not worry. Hello, guys!'

They reached the group, and Ekko practically jumped up as they turned to greet them. Qiyana narrowed her eyes as she saw them, and Lux braced herself for the seething gaze that Ez was sure to have -

'Whooaaa!' he said, eyes sparkling and lips smiling as he turned. He pointed excitedly at Alune. 'She is looking amazing! So pretty!' He turned to Lux, face still fully lit up. 'Her also!'

Lux blinked, scanning his face for any sign of disdain, or anger, or anything, but it just wasn't there. And she cursed herself for wanting to find it – this somehow made her feel worse.

To her side, Alune nodded with a very self-satisfied grin, a tiny tinge of red poking through on her cheeks. She adjusted her stance – strategically, almost – and her dress followed her movement, exposing a flash of thigh in a not-so-subtle flourish. Ez whoo'ed.

And it was at that moment Lux realised the other reason Alune had been so adamant about the dresses.

Ekko coughed, glancing at Ez with a softer eye than usual, and spoke. 'What's good, Lux,' he emphasised her name, nodding towards her with a pause, 'Alune,' emphasis again, another nod. 'What, uh, brings you here?'

'Quiet, you dunce,' Qiyana hissed to Ekko, then turned to Lux. 'We are fine, thank you. Good evening.' She turned to leave, trying to bring Ekko and Ez with her. Ekko hesitated, but tried to follow. Ez stayed though, smiling at Alune.

'You two will sit with Ezreal?'

Alune shifted on her feet, coy. 'If it is okay with you?'

'No problem!' Ez said, laughing. He gestured for them to follow, and walked after Ekko and Qiyana, who pulled him aside and began whispering with rushed voices – sending glances back to the girls.

Lux turned to Alune, who looked away innocently. 'Holy, Alune.'

Alune smiled demurely. 'What is the matter, Lux?'

'I'm just...impressed.'

She flashed a sly grin, then moved past as Ekko hesitantly waved them over. Lux, shaking her head, followed.

For the first time in weeks, Ezreal's mind was clear. Focused. He had a task to do, and he was going to do it.

Labrys stood before him, the pale light of the moon reflecting off the exposed metal axehead – not bouncing off it, instead being absorbed, then lighting the rims of th emetal itself. The weapon almost glowed, shining against the dark chasm of valley around it – swallowing any chance the brightness would have to escape.

Ezreal was calm. Looking at the Axe, he felt right. He didn't know why, but he also knew that there was a connection. The voice had never bothered him before this trip and while he had previously been able to reason it away as a form of stress, he was finding that increasingly hard to believe.

As he'd made his way, Ezreal had counted three guards stationed at checkpoints through the mountainpass; but this deep the threat of another Wyvern attack was too great a risk. It was easy enough for Ezreal to sneak past them, even without Ekko's help. He smirked at the thought of his friend.

'Wonder if they'll pull off the plan,' he said, chuckling to himself.

The clearing was still very much a warzone; the ground had several craters from the impacts of the beast, and debris ranging in size from pebbles to boulders littered the area. The corpse of the Wyvern itself had earlier that day been removed – Dragons were solitary creatures, but Wyverns tended to hunt in packs, making leaving the body a dangerous prospect – but it's presence could still very much be felt. Ezreal stepped past the clutter and stopped, facing up into the dark tunnel he had apparently opened. The edges of the pathway, long and dark, pulsed with a sickly purple that pulsed slowly. Carefully. It breathed.

The wall was cold to his touch, running his noticeably un-gauntleted hand along the lines. As he did, the light faded, recoiling around his fingers before burning as his fingers glided along, as if it was responding to his touch.

'These things are supposed to be sentient,' he muttered, withdrawing his hand.

Turning his gaze back into the abyss, he huffed. He supposed he was supposed to feel unease, but it just wasn't there. Instead was curiosity, excitement. This was unexplored – a real, bona-fide adventure. So he grinned, stepping forward with confident gait.

The darkness continued for a time, the quiet light radiating in static waves that ebbed and flowed. His nose turned up as he progressed – the air took on an increasingly musty tinge as he descended further.

Soon he came to a door, pristine white wood carved under a dark archway, decorated with now-faded carvings of figures. Ezreal stared, fascinated, running his hand along one side of the arch. As he did, he felt the cool touch of metal – though what metal it was, he didn't know. He looked closer, and frowned; the images depicted men and women in various positions of suffering, cowering before a winged figure at the top of the pillar. The winged figure towered above them all, arms spread wide. Ezreal checked the other pillar, finding identical carvings.

Putting aside his own interest, this might've been what Graves wanted, so he quickly took a picture with his phone. As the picture flashed, the tunnel momentarily lit up, bright light reflecting off the white of the door, blinding Ezreal for a moment.

'Ack - !'

It faded, but the light lingered on the door for a second, fizzling out much slower than anything around it. As his own vision returned to normal, he could make out curling carvings along the door itself, faded black paint visible against the white of the door, framing dual rings that were likely the handles. As the bright light faded, the door began to pulse with the same purple as the walls, snaking up from the bottom in irregular patterns.

From what Ezreal could tell, the material was the same as the Petricite back in Durandal, which absorbed magic. It could absorb light too?

'Probably not as potent, but...'

He touched the door along the carvings, and immediately felt a sharp sting at his head.

Here

His hand shot back and looked up. 'Voice?'

Here

Ezreal frowned, turning back to the door, which was dark again. 'What's here? Do you know how to open this thing?'

Hereherehere

'Okay, you're useless.'

He put his hand back to the door, noting that the sharp sensation of pain didn't return. He grabbed the handles and pulled – the door didn't budge. Ezreal looked up again, it felt more natural. 'Any help?'

Useless

Ezreal rolled his eyes. 'Great.'

Well, he could just doing what he did last time.

He breathed out, letting the familiar wave of power bubble to the surface. Without the gauntlet it was harder, but he pulled hard, held it – then pushed it into the door. He still remembered what happened the last time, but for some reason, he thought it would work. No, he knew.

Yes

The purple coils flared, and Ezreal pulled hard. The door opened with a long groan, wood scraping aggressively along the age-old stone floor. He faltered – it was so heavy – then heaved again, pulling them fully open with a final grunt.

Open

'Glad you noticed.'

Voice hummed in what Ezreal could only approximate as satisfaction.

Rolling his eyes, he shook himself off the fatigue and looked into the room. Similar to Durandal, the door led into a sprawling white room, petricite lining the floors, walls, and ceiling – only broken up by various pillars of thick gray stone. Signs of decay touched those, mold and purple pulses grew from under cracks in the rock. The room wasn't as dark as the tunnel that preceded it, but Ezreal figured that could just be the colouring of the wood playing with his perception. Along the floors continued the veins of colour, randomly running along from each side to the centre of the room, where the biggest difference from Durandal became apparent. Instead of the stone podium was a wide, circular basin that ended at about waist-level. No light was emanating from it; the room was still.

Ezreal scanned the room. As far as he could tell, there was no creature this time. He flexed his hand, really noticing his naked fingers brush against the musty air. He shook his head, and pushed into the room.

'So, you got a name? I can't keep calling you "Voice" now, can I?'

Name?

Ezreal ran a hand over one of the pillars, feeling the eroded cracks, purple light pulsing as his hand glided over. 'Sure, a name. "Ekko" or "Zoe" or something.'

Mmm

As soon as his hand lifted, the light slowed and faded back to a soft glow. He furrowed his brow, eyes shifting between his hand and the pillar. He gave the hand a shake and continued into the room. 'Don't think too hard on it. Like me, I'm just Ezreal. You can call me Ez, though.'

Ez

'Yep, that's me,' he said as he followed the veins on the floor towards the basin. It was filled with liquid, pitch black and still, and Ezreal could see his reflection in the darkness. He frowned. 'The guy who talks to the voice in his head.'

Inside

'That's a terrible name,' Ezreal said, staring at his reflection as he did. In it, his mouth didn't move. He blinked. Must've been the lack of light. 'What about Helen?'

Inside

'Like I said, terrible name,' he said. He squinted – he was sure the reflection hadn't moved. He leaned closer towards the surface of liquid -

Here

Around Ezreal, the world blinked to black.

The audience applauded as the mid-show curtain came down and the lights came back on in the theatre. Lux joined in with the chorus, albeit lightly – Alune was clapping hard enough for the two of them. It really was a totally different beast when compared to the rehearsal; the costumes, the music, the atmosphere – they all added to each other to build into a wonderful cacophony of sensations that bordered on sensual. It was surreal.

Around her, people began to file out of their seats to spend the fifteen-minute break stretching their legs or what have you. Lux hummed, then stood herself.

'Wanna go for a stretch?' Lux said to Alune.

Alune lounged in her chair, content. She gave a shake of her head, eyes closed. 'It is okay, I will sit here for a bit.'

Next to her, Ekko narrowed his eyes, but didn't say anything. Ez was in the next seat over, and he was still clapping, laughing and grinning. Qiyana was glaring at him, but she didn't make to move either.

So Lux just nodded. 'Sure, be back in a few minutes then.'

She began to shuffle out towards the entrance, but stopped herself as she saw the top of Sylas's scruffy head. Hoping her reaction was quick enough, she turned and hurried across the room, through empty seats and towards the edge of the room. Hoping that he didn't notice her, she snuck a peak over her shoulder. Sylas had walked straight past where she was, and stopped over the four of her friends. He quietly said something, standing relaxed, then recoiled physically when he approached Ez.

Ez, who Lux had already noticed was acting more than a little weird, jumped up, immediately being stopped by an increasingly flustered Ekko and – if she could ever be flustered – Qiyana. Sylas looked between the three of them, then silently turned and hurried out of the hall, once again not noticing Lux. She breathed out in relief.

Well, she didn't want to risk running into him, so she made a quick, and probably rash, decision. She walked up towards the stage, and through a door to the side. On the other side of the door was a wall of noise, frantic voices yelling over one another in sounds of backstage. No one noticed her, and so she moved further inwards. She didn't know what she was here for, particularly, but the sounds of the stagehands scurrying about soothed her.

Eventually she saw a familiar face in Isa, who was again surrounded by an ever-changing cycle of black-clad workers, barking an order tone before immediately giving another to someone else. Lux moved past her. She wasn't here to actually be a nuisance, so she figured she should stay out of the way.

Eventually, she did find another person she recognised. Taij, now dressed in a dashing and complex weave of jacket, wasitcoat and trousers, leaned against a wall behind a collection of props. His hair was slicked back in a deliberately messy do, eyes closed and arms folded. Lux found herself staring, seeing the costume on stage was one thing, but up close -

Taij's eyes opened slowly, then a little faster as he saw Lux.

'Um -'

'Lux, right?' Taij said, blinking. He nodded approvingly at her dress. 'Looks good, blue's definitely your colour – it matches your eyes. How'd you get in here?'

'I, uh – thank you, and I just sorta -'

'Wandered in?' He grinned, then closed his eyes again. 'I swear, those guys are terrible, letting pretty ladies wander in during a show.'

'Shameless,' Lux said, relaxing.

'Yeah, really,' he said, gesturing for her to join him, which she did. 'How do you like the show?'

'It's pretty amazing, honestly.'

Taij smirked. 'Told ya. Half the magic comes from the atmosphere.' He glanced at a clock on the wall, then leaned back into his relaxed pose. 'Still got a couple more minutes.'

For a minute, the two stood in relaxed silence. Lux looked around, the stagehands hurrying to and fro down the darkened hallway, shouting things about how a prop was missing, or desperately asking after a status update, and even a few other actors – all dressed up in equally ornate outfits – pacing back and forth, muttering lines with exagerratedly animated hand moevments.

Not Taij, though. He was still, calm. Lux thought back to yesterday – how she'd lost her cool with Sylas, to how she'd treated Ez...

She looked to him quietly. 'How are you so calm, Taij?'

'Hm?' He opened his eyes briefly, then closed them again with a shrug. 'Someone has to be.'

She blinked. 'So – it's all an act?'

'I'm an actor, comes with the job,' he grinned. 'Look around. What do you see?'

She narrowed her eyes at the frantic rush around them. 'Chaos.'

Taij chuckled. 'Passion. Everyone's trying their best, in their own ways. Running a production like this is complex, and you'd best believe it gets stressful. Of course it's going to end up looking a little bit like this, nothing ever goes according to plan.' He exhaled, smiling. 'It helps if there's at least one anchor, for everyone's sake.'

'And that's also your job?'

Another chuckle. 'It has to be someone's.'

Lux opened her mouth to respond, but a woman burst through the already panicked sea of backstage workers, clipboard in hand. Isa stopped when she saw Lux, then shook her head and addressed Taij.

'Have you seen Khada?'

'Jhin?' Taij said, still relaxed. 'He's on lights tonight, right?'

Isa shook her head. 'He left Dalyn after the end of act one, apprently. Do you have any idea where he went?'

Taij frowned. 'No, that's a little odd. But don't worry, Dalyn's doing a good job anyway.'

'If you see Khada, tell him to get his ass back to his station,' Isa said. She nodded to Lux. 'And you should leave, missy. Cast and crew only back here.' She left.

Lux watched her go, then turned to Taij, who sighed. 'It's especially important for people like Isa. Either way, I think it's time for you to get back to your seat.'

Lux nodded, and pushed herself off the wall. 'Thanks,' she said. She moved to leave, then added; 'For talking to me and all.'

Eyes still closed, he waved her off with a smile. She waded through the staff, staying as much out of the way as she could. The rush was heating up now, as Lux assumed time for the break to come to an end was closing in. She made it most of the way before Ekko burst through the staff, uniform dishevelled and eyes frantic.

As soon as he saw her, he hurried in front of her. 'So this is where you were! Lux, listen, I need you to -'

'Ekko, what happened to you?'

He waved it away. 'Not important, you need to listen to me very carefully. You know someone backstage here?'

The frantic tone unsettled her. She nodded slowly. 'Well, yeah -'

'We need to tell them -'

'Ekko, you're scaring me here.'

'Hey, you two!' came Isa's voice. She stopped beside them, eyes not looking at them. 'You can't be here, it's almost time! Someone, escort them out!'

'Lady, listen -'

'Ekko, come on,' Lux said as she urged him away.

His eyes were wide now, but he let himself be led away. 'The gun! Lady, don't use the gun!'

'The gun? Ekko, what are you even talking about -?'

They exited backstage. People were shuffling back into their seats, laughter and excitement.

Ekko began pacing, mumbling under his breath. 'Okay, maybe there's another way this time...'

'Okay, you're really worrying me here. Did something happen?'

Ekko shook his head. 'No, not yet. But the main actor guy?' Ekko grimaced. 'He's going to die.'

Black.

Ezreal fell into a combat stance, eyes flying wildly around the void. Darkness stretched out around him in all directions – looking up and down, there was no boundaries to the floor or ceiling. It was all just void.

Next, he checked himself – his body looked a little brighter, as if a light was being shone solely on him. His feet hovered against the dark, though he swore he could feel something grounding him.

His arm remained forward, gauntlet or not, he had no other weapon.

'Ez.'

He spun, and froze. A mirror image of himself, down to an unhealed bruise on his cheek, stood in a languid pose just ahead. But not quite the same, it's skin was a hollowed gray, eyes a burning black, and hair a ghostly white. He stared for a second, confused -

Ezreal set his stance and aimed his arm. 'Who are you?'

The other Ezreal hummed, it's voice reverbing against itself. 'Me.'

'Okay, dumb question,' Ezreal said. 'What are you?'

'Power.'

Ezreal narrowed his eyes. 'You said my name.'

It tilted it's head. 'You said you are Ez.'

Ezreal's aim faltered. 'Wait, Voice?'

Voice nodded, looking around with nonconcern on it's face. 'It is dark.'

Ezreal shook his head, not fully dropping his arm. 'Voice doesn't speak in full sentences.'

'Here, my mind is clear. Clearer. It is like I am merely submerged, rather than drowning.' It looked at Ezreal. 'I am starting to see again.'

'Explains the "here" I guess,' Ezreal said. He sighed, relaxing himself. He rubbed his hair, looking around. 'Any idea where we are?'

'A gateway,' Voice said. 'We are between the rifts.'

'I have no idea what that could even begin to mean,' Ezreal said, crouching down. He reached a hand out to touch the 'floor', but found nothing. He frowned. 'Don't suppose you could tell me what this is doing inside a God-weapon?'

'God...weapon?' Voice tilted it's head. 'I do not know this term.'

Ezreal rolled his eyes. 'Course you don't. Anything you can tell me?'

Voice hummed, the sound crawling under Ezreal's skin, then nodded once. 'I am to offer a contract.'

'You probably say that to everyone's thoughts you terrorise.' Ezreal reached for his phone, but his hand brought nothing out of his pocket. He frowned. 'Seriously, where are we?'

'This is...the cognitive space between the rifts. Beyond that, I know not.'

'Right.'

Ezreal turned his attention to Voice himself. Besides the unsettling – and rather unflattering – resemblance, Voice moved in a strange way. He glided through his motions, too smoothly to be taken as a person. Off. It never blinked, and it's pupil-less eyes stared directly at Ezreal. He shuddered.

'Can you get us out of here?'

Voice nodded. 'Yes. Why?'

'What do you mean why? This place gives me the creeps.'

'The contract.'

'Yeah, you're going to have to be a little more specific -'

A force shook the void, and Ezreal fell to one knee with a gasp. Voice remained in place, though he frowned up into the darkness. Ezreal looked around wildly.

'What was that?'

'We are not alone, on the outside.'

That sent a chill down Ezreal's spine. 'What?'

Voice nodded. 'There is someone else -'

'Then get us out of here!'

'Mmmmm...'

Ezreal grimaced, setting his feet over the void. He closed his eyes, reaching for the familiar well of power -

- which wasn't there. He gasped, spinning to Voice.

'I can't use my powers!'

Voice hummed, nonplussed. 'Of course not. I am here, with you.'

'You get us out of here then!' He grabbed Voice by the shoulders, locking eyes. He resisted the urge to shy away – the skin, the dead eyes...

It hummed again, vibrating to Ezreal's touch. 'We have a deal?'

'Sure, whatever,' Ezreal said, rushed. 'Just get us out of here!'

Voice smiled widely – and before Ezreal could process anything more, the void ripped into itself, around him and into him.

Violently gasping, Ezreal staggered back from the basin. He stumbled, falling to the wooden floor, breathing ragged. He was once more in the White Room, and his back dripped with sweat. He checked himself quickly, then his pocket – everything was there. His flexed his hand, missing the familiar weight of his gauntlet -

He froze, staring down at his previously uncovered hand. On it now was a thin, black glove; index finger uncovered and running down in purple coils to his wrist, where it stopped. He felt at it, the surface shimmering as the liquid from the basin did – the glove didn't just stop, it merged into his skin. He flexed his fingers – it felt as though nothing were there at all.

'What -'

A sharp crack came from within the room, and a stone pillar near Ezreal exploded into shards. He yelped, body reacting before his mind, and dove to the ground as another bolt streaked past his ear.

Danger

'Uh-huh,' Ezreal said, scrambling to his feet. Looking around – he could hear footsteps towards the back of the room, but he couldn't see anything. He poked his head out from behind the basin – then immediately retreated, another sharp crack, followed by a wickedly close projectile missing him, barely.

'Who's there!' Ezreal called, fighting down the panic that rose in his chest. No gauntlet, unfamiliar location, and an assailant that had a gun in a darkened room. He did not like his chances. 'We could probably talk about this!'

In response, Ezreal only heard a deep hum – deep and melodic, it pierced the pointed silence of the room. Footsteps followed, drawing closer and closer. Ezreal swallowed. There wasn't going to be any talking his way out of this one.

New plan then.

The new glove on his hand pulsed, liquid-like surface shimmering as he focused on it. He grimaced, having a vague guess as to what it was.

'Voice, you there?'

'Mmmm,' came the response – this time not from the recess of his mind, rather from the glove. The voice it produced was more solid, tangible. 'This is much better. Yes.'

Another crack, skating past the pillar.

Ezreal breathed in. He had a few – more than a few, honestly – questions, but those would have to wait. For now, Ezreal closed his eyes and focused. His mind reached for the familiar reserves of power he held, prepared for the additional difficulty not having his medium would allow -

There. He easily reached it, diving in and allowing it to rush out into his body. His vision burst alight, shaving off any feelings of shock he would have normally felt. Should have normally felt. But no, his mind was clear.

With the darkness lifted, he scanned the room once again. The whites of the walls were now a faded gray, lines of decay touching what he thought was pristine moments before. The pillars were not just old, they were crumbling; the one that had been shot at reduced to a pile of dusted stones.

'My power is yours,' Voice said. 'Take it. Take it!''

Ezreal could feel the urgency, the desire to do so. He grinned, pulling more power from the well – and it swelled. Around him, senses dimmed – all but his – and he stood. Calmly, he turned to face his attacker. There was considerable distance between them; somehow the gunman had reached the other end of the room whilst Ezreal had been in the gateway. Slowed to a crawl was the tall man, clad in a skin-tight, full black skin that enveloped his entire body. The only standout was his face; a carved mask that stared into the abyss with hollowed eyes.

Ezreal raised his arm.

'Yes, yes, use me.'

The man's gun suddenly pointed itself at Ezreal, eyes snapping to him.

The shock knocked Ezreal's senses back, vision dimming and sound of the gun's shot breaking the intense concentration. His body reacted, diving behind one of the pillars close to him. The fourth shot snarled through the air, briefly painting the room in a wicked red glow before crashing into another pillar somewhere behind.

It quickly dissipated, room falling once more into black. Back against the pillar, Ezreal found himself breathing quickly. He glared at his hand, the glove rippling in cadence with his breaths.

'That wasn't like last time,' Ezreal said, bringing the glove close. 'He reacted – I thought it wasn't -'

'Yes, it is interesting,' Voice said. 'You almost died.'

Ezreal clicked his tongue, head craning to peak past the stone. He could hear mechanical tinkering. Was his opponent reloading? If so, four shots – he could work within that frame.

He turned back to Voice. 'I couldn't fire off a Mystic shot there.'

'Without your usual device to channel, we are weakened. Mmm,' Voice said. The glove shimmered – then settled into a smooth surface. 'Yes. You are weak with control.'

Click. Ezreal assumed that meant the reload was complete. He grimaced, whispering to Voice. 'Great observations, now any ideas?'

Voice hummed, and the sound still tickled Ezreal's skin, despite the situation. 'This form is weak, therefore our power is weak.'

He heard footsteps again, slow and sure, inching closer. A bead of sweat dripped down Ezreal's face. 'Okay. And?'

'Together, many weaks make a strong.'

The steps were closer now. 'I liked you better when you said one word.'

'Mmmm.'

Think, Ezreal. He reached inside – feeling the power swirling like a storm, crying to be let out. He tried to force it through the glove, and a tiny speck of black energy launched itself forward – before fizzling out nearly immediately. The blast had travelled about a meter – probably less. He tried again, but the most he produced was a tiny ball, dancing angrily at his palm. In frustration, Ezreal brought his hand to the pillar – and surprisingly, the tiny ball of energy fell from his hand and stuck to the stone.

Stifling a grin, he repeated the process as many times as he dared, the steps getting ever closer. But they were constant; his attacker was clearly in no rush. Perhaps he perceived Ezreal as no threat.

He could use that.

'Okay,' Ezreal said as he stuck the last blob he dared. 'Now?'

'I do not know.'

'Yeah, you're worthless.'

He did have an idea. It was a bad idea, yeah, and if it didn't work, he was likely dead. Likely. That was probably the best chance he had.

The exit was a good ten or so paces away. With a running start he could Shift there, but it'd be close. The footsteps were louder now. Sweat dripped down his back. Just a few more steps -

Now.

Ezreal launched himself forward, letting the power flow through his veins. His vision brightened, and the world was in slow motion again. He spun, the masked gunman was right next to the pillar – which glowed with the pulsing purple of the mines he had planted. Ezreal grinned, and discharged a tiny speck of black.

Again, the spark was weak, barely ejecting itself from Ezreal, but it didn't have to go far, nor be powerful. Instead, it collided with one of the mines.

The first thing Ezreal heard as time returned to normal was a sharp ping. Then another, and another – the pillar suddenly exploded with light, simoultaneously black and streaming with blue, coating the room in a sudden flash of light as the stone pillar exploded.

The gunman turned, raising his arms in shock to defend against the falling debris. Ezreal smirked, then turned towards the exit, now in a run. He breathed, focusing his power through his body. After a moments delay, he Shifted, appearing just in front of the massive door, somehow still open. He ran through it, Shifting once more as far as he could up the stone tunnel.

Ezreal ran. He didn't remember the enterance tunnel being so long, but he kept going. Relief flooded into him as he smelled the fresh air of the outside approaching, and he let out several relieved – and exhausted – gasps as he stumbled out into the night.

'That was terrifying,' Ezreal said, taking a moment to catch his breath.

'Mmm,' Voice said. 'I remember, now.'

Before Ezreal could ask what it meant, a familiar voice broke the quiet, coming from the mouth of the mountainpass.

'Lymere! Are you alright?!'

Ezreal saw Sylas running towards him, and towards the weapon. Ezreal was about to call back, but he stumbled to one knee. His body felt heavy, weak. Exhausted. He groaned, but he heard another sound – coming from within the weapon.

He cursed, then forced himself to stand. He began to run towards Sylas, waving him away.

'Go! There's someone in there, and I don't think he's -'

Sylas stopped as Ezreal got close, his face scrunching into a grimace at something behind Ezreal. Ezreal assumed that meant the worst; the gunman was out. He supposed that even with his speed, Ezreal couldn't of been too far ahead.

'He...has...a gun,' Ezreal panted.

'Down!' Sylas yelled, grabbing Ezreal by the scruff of his collar and dragging them both behind a large boulder. A gunshot snapped where he previously stood, the sound echoing off the walls of the valley.

'Thanks, sir,' Ezreal said through ragged breaths. Sylas, who was still clutching Ezreal's colllar, grunted with a nod.

'All three guards dead,' Sylas said, looking around. 'I had questions for you, but those can wait. Right now, situation. Explain.'

'Uh, right,' Ezreal said. Even his mind felt numb now – like he was wading through mud. He shook his head, concentrating. 'He was inside Labrys, and shot at me. I counted four shots, then a pause. I think that's the magazine limit.'

Sylas nodded, fixing Ezreal with a glare that said and when we're done here, you tell me why you were down there. Ezreal gulped.

'What do we do, Professor?'

Sylas grimaced. 'We stall. I don't have combat abilities, per se – and certainly not without any of my equipment.'

With that, Ezreal noticed Sylas was wearing a nice suit. Oh right. The play.

Wait, did this mean Neeko had been found out?

Questions for later.

'How?'

Sylas glanced at him, then closed his eyes, still gripping Ezreal. A chill spread through him – and Sylas' eyes snapped open, burning a deep blue. They glowed for a moment, then faded, and he scowled. Knowing eyes snapped to Voice – who when Ezreal turned to look, had retreated, leaving his hand bare. He stared, confused, but cleared his throat and returned Sylas's glare.

'Sir, I -'

'As much as I admire symmetry,' A deep voice, heavily modulated and changed through a buffer, came from beyond their hiding place. 'I do so hate loose ends.'

Sylas narrowed his eyes, letting go of Ezreal.

An explosion shook near them, blasting one of the other boulders to dust. The dust bloomed, shrouding Ezreal's vision. He could barely make out Sylas, who held a hand to his nose. 'Stay close, Lymere!'

'No, that will never do,' the Gunman said, voice dangerously close.

Before either of them could react, he appeared, gun pointed at Sylas. Sylas reacted barely in time, rolling into the cloud as a crack left a flare of light and a scorch on the ground. The Gunman sighed.

'Pity, if you must fight back. It makes it so much messier.'

Ezreal tried to rise, but he stumbled. The Gunman snapped towards him, then hummed. He slowly stepped over Ezreal, staring down with hollowed, masked eyes. He crouched down, head tilting as he looked Ezreal over.

'Curious. You were an unknown. Truly a waste, I know -' The man pointed his gun – a hand-sized weapon with a boxy wooden stock and unsettling blue accents – towards Ezreal's head. 'But my employer was very particular in his instructions. You have my apologies, young one.'

Ezreal yelped, bringing his hand up in a feeble attempt to block.

As the Gunman squeezed the trigger, a muscled arm gripped the firing arm and twisted it to the side, the shot barely missing Ezreal by an inch. He yelled, shrapnel scraping his face, but he scrambled to his feet.

Sylas wrestled the man, who – despite his gangly build – held his ground. They tussled, Sylas throwing the gun out of the man's hands. It clattered to the ground. They grunted, Barely visible in the thick mist of dust.

Feeling the adrenaline kicking in again, Ezreal roared and launched himself at the Gunman's back, and they locked him in a double hold. Ezreal grinned – they'd got him.

Instead, the man just chuckled, low and rumbling. 'Wonderful.'

'Don't move, and we'll take you to the -'

A bright light flashed, and Ezreal felt his grip slacken as he was blinded. His ears rang, and all he could feel was white.

It subsided, and Ezreal looked around desperately. Sylas was doing the same, just ahead of him, and the mist was finally beginning to clear.

The Gunman was gone, as was his discarded weapon.

Sylas and Ezreal stood, panting, then Ezreal slumped to his knees. He breathed out a massive sigh of relief.

'I thought I was a goner.'

Sylas nodded, thoughtful. He picked up Ezreal and slung him around his shoulder. Ezreal thanked him, barely able to stand despite the support.

'You were lucky – very lucky I noticed something was off with the thing at the theatre.'

Ezreal grimaced. 'Ah, sir, I can explain.'

'Yes, I would hope so.'

Mmm. Remember now.

'Great,' Ezreal muttered quietly, tilting his head away so Sylas – hopefully – couldn't hear. 'You remember something now?'

Yes. Ta'anari.

'That means nothing to me, Voice -'

Ta'anari. My name.

The play approached it's final scene, and Ekko paced with Lux close to the stage.

'This is it,' he said.

Taij entered, his coat flowing regally. He grinned, lugging the body double and rope under his arms. Lux glanced at Ekko.

'Are you sure? This looks just like the rehearsal I saw, it's all safe.'

'That's what you said last time,' he said, not taking his eyes off the stage. Lux furrowed her brow.

'You keep saying stuff like that; what do you mean?' She glanced between the stage and her friend, who was sweating profusely, hair messy and eyes wild. His mood, however you wanted to call it, was contagious, and she felt herself growing anxious by the moment.

'Not now, I'll explain later.' He glanced at her. 'That is the first time I promised you that, right? This time at least?'

Lux shook her head and returned to the stage. Everything looked fine – which naturally made her think, was Ekko crazy? What did he see that she didn't?

Come to think of it, she'd never actually found out what his powers were. He'd pointedly avoiced the topic, dancing around it with care. The revelation was shocking. Alune was similarly vague with her powers, but she hadn't hid them from her friends for seemingly no reason.

'Now, get ready,' Ekko said, urging them closer. They were shrouded in shadow, just outside of the door to backstage and nearly towards the small staircase onto the stage. Two stagehands were situated there, each wearing a headpiece and microphone and gripping a clipboard. 'I'll distract them, you have to protect the guy.'

'Protect him from what? And how? Ekko -'

But he'd already moved forward. He began talking to the stagehands, flustered, and they regarded him with confusion. They hesitantly followed him away after a few moments, furtive glances towards the stage, but Lux had an opening. She stepped onto the first step, staying low, hidden by the drapes of purple curtains that covered the sides of the stage.

Lamb and Wolf had taken their positions now, locking Taij in deadlock. Taij looked between the two, fear across his face. Then it faded into cockiness, and he scoffed. Lamb held out her hand, and in her masked face Lux could feel the emotion. Take my hand. Repent.

Instead, Taij batted the hand away, and tried to step past. Just like in the rehearsal, Wolf jumped, knocking Taij down to the ground. They tussled, ending with Wolf growling atop Taij. Lux saw someone backstage place a weapon on the floor, which Lamb retrieved, and Lux's eyes grew wide. The weapon – a crossbow – was beautiful. It arched in on itself, a webbed mass of curves, painted a deep blue that melted into azure at the tips -

Lux felt the dread from what Ekko had said. This wasn't anything like the practice bow they used in the run-through.

The Lamb hesitated a moment as she reached down for the weapon – but confidently took it and returned to stage. She held it up, offering what Lux knew would be Taij's characters' last comforts.

And she knew, in spite of her better judgement, that those would also be Taijs'.

'Hey, you there, you can't be there!' a hushed voice hissed from behind her. 'Honestly, another one? Zhyun and their groupies, I swear...'

Lux held out her hand, ignoring the stagehands behind her. She didn't know what she was going to do – but she knew it had to work.

Reaching inside her for the light, it filled her. Without her staff – which she had pointedly ignored throughout the trip – the flow came a little slower, a little softer. But the light that filled her comforted her, completing her. It formed as a sphere in her outstretched palm, iridescent in it's hue.

Lamb raised the weapon to Taij's head.

The light inside Lux went out as she expunged the energy forward. The ray that followed zipped across the stage, forming a barrier of hard light between Taij and the weapon. Lamb seemed to double-take, arm holding the crossbow faltering slightly – but fired.

As the arrow loosed, Lux didn't have time to register that Ekko had been right. Instead, She leaned further forward, pushing more power into the barrier, which reinforced itself with increasingly solid light, the wall opaque. The arrow collided with the wall, stopping it in it's tracks, sparks flying from the connection.

The barrier struggled to absorb the inertia of the arrow, cracking rapidly. Lux, feeling the fatigue – stammerd, and the barrier exploded; a million shards of iridescent illumination shattering onto the stage before winking out into the wind.

The arrow fell harmlessly next to Taij's head, trajectory altered by the wall.

Lux slumped, and the entire world was silent. She breathed heavily, looking at the stage – Lam and Wolf, even through their masks, were shocked, as was Taij, who blinked at the arrow inches away from his nose.

Then the crowd lost it. Cheers resounded, clapping, whistles. The whole deal.

With a little bit of a dazed look in his eyes, Taij stood, urging the other two actors to go with hi – and they faced the audience. They bowed, and the cheers grew wilder.

Lux exhaled. She sat there for a while, quietly taking in the audience's joy, which she didn't share. She just felt relief. And more than that – confusion. How had Ekko known?

And why in the hell was there an attempt on Taij's life?

There was quite the commotion following the evening's events.

Ezreal was let back into the hotel by Sylas, whom Ezreal managed to convince to leave him out of his recounting of events. Maybe out of pity, or more likely probably because of Neeko, he agreed. Either way, Ezreal passed out the second his face hit the pillow.

The next day, as the students got ready for their full-day journey back to Durandal, Ezreal found himself shocked at what Ekko told him. Lux seemed equally distant – though he had to pretend as though he was there, lest Neeko and their ploy be discovered.

The authorities were mobilised – three dead on the path to Labrys was a shock. Sylas spoke of the attacker, a man in black with a mask; but he was barred from investigating further. The officer, Riven, quietly told him that her squad was investigating this same man. And no matter how much Sylas has prodded; they refused to speak any further. They gave him nothing but a name; The Golden Demon.

On the topic of Neeko, Sylas questioned Ezreal as they stood in the lobby. Begrudgingly, Ezreal brought her to the professor, and explained the events that lead up to the theatre, making a point to mention Graves and his insistence on his infiltration. He carefully left out any mention of Voice – Ta'an, as per it's request – and of Qiyana and Ekko's involvement. Sylas listened, quietly, before the end of the story. Then, he nodded, and brought in Braum.

The bigger man and Sylas conferred for a while, before they quietly nodded and left. A few minutes later, Braum brought them the news that Neeko would be allowed to come back with them, and that he'd arranged something with the Principal.

Ekko was quiet the entire ride back, and Qiyana had joined them in their, once again private, compartment. Neeko was there, too, playing with Zoe, but the mood was rather somber. To Ezreal, this suited him fine; the last week had been a barrage of events that had been unrelenting. He took the time to sleep.

A few days later, after regular classes had resumed, came the first official Club meeting after the first Practical.

'And so, my fellow Battle Club-ers,' Ezreal said, ignoring the groan Yasuo let out at the name. 'I'd like to welcome our newest member, Neeko!'

Neeko jumped up, smiling broadly. 'Hello!'

Zoe was the first, raising an elated hand and jumping wildly. 'More new friends!'

'Welcome, Neeko,' Irelia said with a formal nod.

Neeko phased into Irelia, and mirrored the gesture. Irelia double-took, then nodded to herself with a sigh.

'That's going to take some getting used to.'

'Do it again,' Yasuo said, smirking.

She did; and Yasuo's excitement only grew. Neeko began morphing into each of them in turn – Zoe obviously having the most fun with it, Irelia standing straight to the side.

Checking his phone with a smile, Ezreal left the room. The school's gardens were in full bloom now, ahead of summer, and Ezreal felt a spring in his step as he made his way towards the school.

His thoughts were interrupted as a lone figure stood in his way, a little down the garden path. Vice-Principal Crownguard stood tall, her crisp work clothes eliciting thoughts of military uniforms. She strode over to him, nose turned up at the various flowers that fluttered in the afternoon breeze.

They stood quiet for a moment, the only sounds that of the wind.

'I appear to have underestimated you, Lymere.'

Ezreal drew himself up, returning Crownguard's gaze. He nodded. 'You did.'

She nodded, once. 'As promised, I will not pursue action against your enrolment. Likewise, I will relieve Luxanna of her...duties, I would have had her attend to.' She smiled thinly. 'I'll have you know, however, that this is not over.'

Ezreal studied her, then shook his head. 'I've learned my lesson – I'm not going to stick my nose into your family nonsense anymore. But answer me this; why do you treat her like such garbage?'

Crownguard snorted. 'Yes, you would see it like, wouldn't you?' She shook her head. 'Luxanna is positioned very fortunately, and could be used to provide our family with boons and connections not seen in generations. She could, quite literally, save our house.'

'House? Use? Lady, are you a cartoon villain?'

Surprisingly, Crownguard chuckled. The sound was eerie. 'If only it were that simple, child.' For once, the words were delivered with an emotion other than malice. Not softly, per se – but definitely lacking in the sharpened edge that Ezreal had grown to expect from her.

'You act as if Lux is a tool,' Ezreal said.

'We are all tools, Lymere. Me, you, her. Graves, the Principal, all the students; we are all pawns in someone's game.' She turned to leave. 'The trick is to identify which pieces are your own, and which are of another.'

Ezreal furrowed his brow and grimaced. 'Permission to say one more thing, ma'am?'

'You may.'

'You're an awful person, Vice-Principal.'

'Yes, well, I can live with that. Good day, Ezreal Lymere. Do not cross me again, as next time I will not take a chance to decide your fate. I will simply remove you.'

She turned down another path, one that Ezreal had never explored. It lead in the general direction of the Clubroom, but it curved just enough that Ezreal wasn't sure. Soon, she disappeared behind the thicket of trees that grew on that end of the grounds.

His eyes followed her until she was gone, and he let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. On his hand, Ta'an formed his oil-based glove.

'Don't like her. She is mean.'

'That's an understatement and a half,' Ezreal muttered. He began walking again. He still had to talk to Graves about what he'd seen in Labrys, about Ta'an and the 'Gates' and 'Rifts' or such; but that could wait. Right now, all he wanted to do was relax.

He wasn't being expelled.

For now, that was more than enough.

End of Spring

Next up; tournaments?

This chapter was literally 40 pages long, and ended up being a lot harder to finish that I thought it would. Originally, this chapter and the last were supposed to just be one, slightly longer chapter. I have no idea what possessed me to think that was possible, but it ruined my nice square '4' part arc. Either way, this arc's done too, and we can move back into the school for the next one.

Directly following this will be another side story chapter, though the scale of that is yet to be determined. After that, we'll move into a tournament arc that'll give way to the summer vacation – which, in case of confusion, I want to make clear that we're using the Japanese school calender - then we'll see from there.

The plot – as loose a term as that is for a fanfic – is starting to pick up now, and I'm finding more and more I have to actually use things I set up before and make good on them. Voice is one of those things – you can probably figure out where I'm going with all the God-weapon stuff already, but if you haven't I'm not going to spoil it here (a quick google search of Ta'an's name will probably do that nicely though). Keep in mind all of this is stuff I've basically made up; none of that is connected with the BA lore proper at all as far as I know. So when I end being waaaay off base when/if they ever do anything with the universe, I can shrug it off and say I gave it a go.

Characters that were set up in this arc will show up again, so have no fear if you're rooting for Yasuo to get some, or you liked Jhin's introduction. They'll be back.

Either way, hope you enjoyed, and thank you for reading.