(Garen - PoV)

Once things settle down we finally head out, in the early afternoon.

The memorial is the only thing that I even consider stopping by before we leave the city, but in the end, we simply pass by it instead. I paid my respects, and asked for forgiveness from the fallen, from my brothers-in-arms, before embarking on this whole plan. I...am not sure I could stand before them as I am now, in the midst of abandoning my duty, abandoning what they fought and died for.

I have no qualms about leaving our parents, and indeed look forward to their humiliation. I am sad to leave our people, but will gladly endure their scorn for Lux's sake. The fallen, however, those who fought to the death by my side...their condemnation hurts far more than their blades ever could have.

Exiting the city is quite easy, outside of a lock-down the gate guards are far more concerned about keeping threats outside than worrying about those leaving. Lux grasps my hand as we approach the massive gates. I give her a reassuring glance. She hides her apprehension well, on her face and in her body language, unless one knows her personally. Or has her gripping their hand as tightly as she can manage.

The guards never even glance at us as we pass through, much to my relief. Lux's grip doesn't fade, however, reminding me that she has likely never left the city. We follow the main road for a time, keeping with the rest of the travelers, Lux doesn't release my hand for several hours, until we take a short break for water.

She is unusually quiet, as we travel. I elect to do the same. Too many potential threats. It is maddening, to walk amongst people I considered comrades and countrymen mere days ago, and now consider them enemies. The fact that I am perfectly willing to cut down every one of them if I truly have to even more so. Eventually, we come across the road I have been seeking, and I nudge Lux along the empty side path. She glances at me but keeps silent for the moment, following quietly.

"What are we doing?" she asks once we are alone on the path, seeing nothing but empty fields around us. The timing is perfect, the sun setting in the distance.

"We need to travel faster. We have at most two days, more likely one before they start looking for us, so need to be as far away from the city as possible. I hope to at least reach the Marshes." I am not exactly eager to return, the Marshes were by far the worst part of my time in the army. But, Demacia's power is far weaker there. Even the areas they control haven't assimilated fully, and people will ask far fewer questions.

"So, why are we leaving the main road? It is the easiest and most direct path, all the way to the Institute."

"Walking is too slow, we won't get anywhere near the marshes within the time limit at our current rate, but running will attract too much attention." Really, running along the main roads for any length of time will attract the attention of every patrol along the way, many of whom would stop and question us, slowing us down even more.

"Why not join a caravan, or hire a cart then?" she asks. "And I still don't see how going along half-wild back roads on foot will go any faster. I...really don't think I will be able to run for two days straight," she admits. No surprises there, that's one of the things you learn at the academy that I am kidnapping you from.

...

Oh gods, I am technically kidnapping her. Well, I doubt Noxus will mind at least, but Demacia will almost certainly pressure the League courts...

"Brother?" Lux interrupts. Right, think about that later. Or never, that's good too.

"Our disguises are not exactly in-depth, I am not really confident in my ability to remain unnoticed for any length of time in a caravan or cart." I can do ambushes in heavy terrain, but general stealth is not one of my talents. Demacian war-cries tend to attract a lot of attention. "Your lack of stamina also won't be a problem, I am going to carry you instead. Will barely slow me down at all."

Lux seems stunned for a moment before responding.

"You're...going to carry me?"

"Yes." That's what I just said, isn't it?

"For miles, while running."

"Yes." If I walked that would defeat the entire point.

Lux facepalms for some reason. "You do realize that is still going to attract a lot of attention right?"

"Well, sure, people who happen to see will notice, but the guards rarely patrol these paths, so we don't have to worry about being stopped, and by the time it is reported and someone comes to investigate we will be long gone."

"I..." Lux pauses for a moment, seeming to reconsider while looking at me. "You know what, I am ok with this."

I blink at the sudden reversal of opinion.

She sticks her arms out "Up!"

She is several feet away and makes no effort to move closer.

Oh gods I see where this is going. She is going to go full spoiled princess isn't she?

"You know, when I had this idea, I meant for you to ride on my back. It is much easier to keep up a full pace for long di-"

Lux stomps her foot on the ground "UP!"

I sigh, walk over, and pick her up in a princess carry.

"This really is horribly inefficient," I tell her as I begin to jog at a speed faster than most soldiers can sprint.

It is hard to complain more given how adorable she looks as she snuggles up against me. She cracks open an eye and looks at me like I am an idiot...a look I admit I get from her rather often.

"I am not snuggling up against that massive hunk of metal you call a sword for two days. Or your old sword you have all wrapped up. Or our packs. How exactly was I supposed to ride on your back even if I wanted to again?"

...

I mean, I am pretty sure I could shift everything around but...ok she has a point. I sigh again. Looking down I find that she is watching me expectantly.

"Yes yes, you are right as usual, dear sister. I am amazed I ever managed to function without you around to guide me."

Her smile must have the majority of the world's smugness in it, before she lifts herself up to plant a kiss on my cheek.

"Good Big Brother..." she almost whispers in my ear before slowly laying back down in my arms.

I admit my own smile must contain a great deal of the world's radiance. Honor, duty, reputation. Damn them all. I had no idea how much I missed this, how many years I've missed with her. I hadn't realized it, but I was as bad as everyone around me wasn't I? Every bit as broken without her. The academy are quite good at their jobs aren't they? Thank all the forces in the world that I got there before they could break Lux.

My smile fades, as I am forced to admit the truth to myself. Before they could break her anymore.

She is trying to hide it from me, but, well, while I am far from the best at reading people, and I know people can change over time...gods, she cannot have had it easy while I was gone. I...was I wrong to leave in the first place? I am so much stronger now, in such a better position to help her, to stand by her, but...I was powerful even then. Should I have just taken her then, and tried to run?

To be fair to myself at the time, I was just a kid as well and didn't truly understand...well anything. Hell, I still feel like a man drowning at sea now, trying to understand the world. But if I had known that Lux would be hurt while I was gone? Yes, I suspect that I would have fled with her even then and damn the consequences. But in the end, the past is done, all I can do now is pick up the pieces.

I cradle her closer to me and pick up the pace, running into the slowly falling twilight. For better or worse my choices have been made. I will crush all of Demacia if I have to, there is one oath I will not break. I have you now Lux, I won't be giving you up, no matter the consequences.