(Argen, Noxian Spy - PoV) (Past)

Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck, ok, ok, calm down man, remember your training. Relax. Be cool.

I slow down and adjust my stance, one foot in front of the other, nice and even. Cool as can be. There we go, much better. This is a lot easier without that glaring at you. A glance around and no one seems to have noticed my fleeing the terrifying man.

Ok, supposedly I am not being tailed right now, but my house and any stashes may be watched. I haven't done anything that could get attention, so the only way they could have found me is if someone else slipped up then managed to get me noticed my association. I can't count on anything in the city, I need to get out as fast as possible. The question is, main gate, secondary path, or sneaky?

Can't trust anything the other agents use. Anything dubious might get attention. I don't stand out that much and the guards don't pay attention to people leaving. Main gate it is. Can't trust the group supplies so I'll grab the little sack I stashed outside the walls and move move move. Demacian dungeons, no thank you.

Excellent, plan in place I head towards the main gate at the fastest pace I can manage that doesn't grab attention. Now, by the angel's holy TITS I did not expect to have my morning routine interrupted by a wild Garen appearing. No doubt about it either, he almost broke my arm even while actively trying to avoid hurting me. This is so far above my level. I'm an accountant! I have my pride certainly. I have my job and I am good at it, but I know my place and this is so far beyond it I want to scream. I...really want to see what is in this letter but, I also rather like living, and anything involving Champions tends to get people like me dead en masse.

...

If he is coming to me then he probably thinks I can get this to someone important fast. This...may be a problem. I am a nobody. My reports take weeks to get anywhere, and anyone important reads someone else's summaries. Can't say I am surprised Garen has no idea how information networks work but fuck. Ok, what now? I don't know what this is but I suspect that if I don't get it to someone important fast enough I will get to meet my second Champion, and it will be Draven in the arena. These arms are not made for that thank you.

Ok, there is a League facility not too far away if I push it. They should be able to teleport a letter. I certainly can't afford it, but I can tell them to bill it to Noxus. It'll still be my head on the line if the letter turns out to be a waste but after having the Might of Demacia knock out several Demacian agents and help a Noxian spy escape to send it that's a bet I am willing to take. I'll send it straight to Katarina herself, she's famous for dealing with Garen.

(Katarina - PoV)

Can't say I get letters from Demacia every day. By teleport no less! Somebody is spending the big bucks. My big bucks. As they had me pay for it. I do hope they have a good reason.

I sit in my favorite chair and kick back against the desk. Rather exciting, it is, when someone plays this game. The 'Is this message worth your life?" game! Who is today's player? Argen? Who the hells is Argen? Never even heard of him.

A casual flick of one of my smaller knives opens the letter. At least he has good calligraphy, likely works as some sort of clerk. Hmm, something with numbers I would guess. Now, let's see here Argen, will you live or should I recoup my losses from your body? I know a few buyers willing to pay for spare parts.

Or...do I maybe need to find out more about you so I can see if you like the good drugs first? There is no way...

I eye the second letter on my desk...if this is some kind of prank...

I killed my hunger for glory, but I am still fighting my curiosity. And losing.

Sitting properly I grab the second letter and rip it open. What could possibly?

...

By the Wolf's gaze...this...this has potential.

This could be the biggest win Noxus has gotten in a century!

This is way too big for just me, I have to call father.

I grab my mirror and contact him. Or try to.

Of course, he would pull this shit now. Now of all times!

Yes, father, you proved your point. Years ago in fact. I fucked up. There are a lot of ways to rub my face in the fact you can never trust me again. Power plays like refusing to answer messages are a bad one. Because the message could be a vital, time-sensitive one like right now. FUCK!

I barely resist the urge to hurl the mirror against the wall. That would mean dealing with Leblanc again and I don't want to deal with whatever weird demand she would have.

One mistake. One mistake and it is still haunting me and haunting Noxus. I won't let my failure cost Noxus this opportunity. I've learned. Adapt.

Ok, I can't get to father. For something like this? It is worth going to the top, I will try Swain himself. This situation could certainly use Vision.

The mirror swirls for a short time. Understandable, Swain is always busy.

Eventually, the connection resolves, and the Grand General appears.

"Sir." I give him my full attention.

"Katarina." He gives me a nod of respect. "You have something to report?"

"Yes. I received contact from an agent in Demacia. He was confronted by Garen, who demanded he deliver a letter to Noxus. Said letter was about Garen's plans to abandon Demacia, a request for sanctuary in Noxus, and an offer to join our military and fight for us in the League."

Even Swain, the most composed individual I have ever met, hesitates to process this craziness.

"I see. How confident are you the information is legitimate?

"I cannot confirm it, but I wouldn't contact you if I didn't believe it to be a real possibility."

Swain is silent for a moment.

"Given the potential payoff? Even a small chance is worth significant investment. You may use resources as you deem fit."

...I do not understand this man. He knows of my failure as well as father does. How can he trust and respect me so greatly?

"Thank you, sir, I will not disappoint you."

"Of course not. Now, what could possibly cause the Might of Demacia to defect?"

"They found out his sister is a mage, and forced her into their academy. He refuses to let them "break her spirit" in his own words."

"I see. Family is a strong motivator, certainly."

He smiles. Actually smiles! I didn't know his face was capable of it, I assumed the muscles had frozen in place.

"You have done well Katarina. This has the potential to be a great day for Noxus. Keep me informed."

He pauses before closing the connection.

"Now that I think on it, normally your father prefers to contact me, so he can steal credit for your work. Where is he?"

I'm...not sure how to respond to that.

"I attempted to inform father, but was unable to contact him."

"Ah, petty power plays again. I do believe I am going to have to have a talk with him about his failure."

...!

"Do not worry about it for now. This task is now your absolute priority, and you answer directly to me. Anyone who wants to complain can bring those complaints to me."

"Yes sir."

I continue to stare at the mirror long after the connection ends.

(Larrik, Noxian soldier - PoV)

What a crock of shit. Posting at the Embassy? Pretty great. Boring most the time, but I get to see lots of big names, watch a lot of the matches, and not get killed. No one's going to start anything at the League. Disappointing Sivir doesn't come around nearly as often since she went full independant, but I still see her way more than most.

So yea, I love this gig. Luckiest break I got since I was born. And then either some fuck-wit in Demacia hit all the drugs, or Karrus pissed off the wrong guy and is getting the prank from hell. Because now we have orders to take a package to the middle of ass nowhere, then sit around and see if Garus shows up. Garus. Might of Demacia, kills Noxian soldiers by the score Garus. Why are we delivering a package to the Demacian war hero? Why because he is defecting to Noxus of course!

Seriously, it's pure horseshit. The kind of nonsense that even the crookedest, most mind-addled tabloid editor would laugh out of the room. And yet here we are, Dogwood. About the least aptly named town in Valoran.

I sigh.

And Sivir was supposed to have a match today too. No way this place is on the network.

I kick a rock down the road for a bit as we walk through the town.

"Cheer up Larrik, at least we can sleep in the Inn and not the fucking dirt," Varn tells me.

He does have a point. A lot of soldiers would kill for a week's vacation at an inn.

Karrus doesn't say anything, he is more pissed than either of us. While Varn and I think the drug theory is more likely, this being some idiots fuck up, with someone in high command demanding it be looked at just in case, Karrus thinks it is a complex and direct attack on him.

Man's trying to climb the ladder, wanting to make full ambassador, and believes the world is out to get him. Could be I guess but, honestly? He's not important enough for the effort. Not worth telling him that to his face though.

Inn looks better up close. Slept in worse places I suppose, but has nothing on the League. Karrus leads the way inside, I shake my head as we follow. Seriously, fucking Garen? What a jo-

...

Yeah, ok. He is not in his armor, but that is in fact Garen.

I really fucking hope the "doesn't kill Noxians anymore" part is as accurate. Any time now Karrus. Aaany time now.

Yeah, you are not Ambassador material.

I elbow him in the side.

He finally comes back to earth and does his fucking job, giving the gods-damned Champion the package, before coming back.

...

Who's the twerp hanging with him?

...

Might not want to know, too fucking dangerous. Seriously, looking at Champions in the League is one thing, out here in the wild? Fuck, do not want.

"So, did not expect that," Varn admits.

"No shit man," I tell him. "None of us did."

Karrus looks like he is going to object so I cut him off.

"Don't you even bullshit us, you were convinced this was a setup Mr. Ambassador."

He glares at me but I have dirt on him now, just try it you fucking weakling.

"Any idea what was in the package?" Varn asks.

"They wrapped it up and pretty much told him to not let us see. I'll take that as a "if you know you'll disappear."

He grimaces.

"Fuck. I was glad to head inside, now I really want out." I admit.

"Why?" Varn asks.

"We are in the same building as a Champion. Have you seen what they can do? Like not in a League match, but a full power, unbound Champion? He could probably bring this building down by pissing too hard. I would very much prefer to not be inside if he does."

They finally begin to look appropriately nervous. Yea, we are around a Champion. Even if he is supposedly looking to join our side or some fucking madness. We could die at any moment.

"I thought you liked Champions?" Varn asks.

"First off, some. I like some Champions. Obviously, the one famous for killing lots and lots of Noxian soldiers is not exactly one of my favorites. Secondly, I like them while at the Institute. There I don't have to worry about a stray stretch knocking out a support beam. It was built with them in mind, and most of the ones there are actively doing the thing where they are making copies, so are nowhere near full power, and are a lot less likely to accidentally tear your lungs out when they pat you on the back."

The conversation dies out after that, with Varn finally tiring of asking questions, and Karrus continuing to be a cunt. Really though, he has proven entirely unsuitable for command, going to have to try to put a stop to that. Why do people pursue roles they aren't fit for? I know I can't lead so I don't.

"Any idea about the girl?" Varn speaks up again. I swear to Keld the man has no patience and cannot keep his mouth shut. Who thought it was a good idea to assign him to the bloody Embassy? Must have been someone like Karrus.

"No, Varn. Family maybe? I think he is supposed to have a sister. Someone to not fuck with regardless."

"Hah, true that. Pity, she is certainly pretty enough."

"No." I rise up and glare at him. "No, seriously, do not even fucking think it. Are you fucking suicidal?"

Varn puts his hands up "Whoa whoa, what's the big deal man? I'm not about to try nothin, just sayin she's very much my type ya know?"

"You fucking idiot you are going to get us killed," I hiss at him." "Take this shit seriously. With normal people you can joke and comment, but Champs can be unstable as fuck. One wrong word, literally a single crass comment and this town will be gone, and us with it. So Shut. The Fuck. Up." I look to Karrus.

"Agreed. Varn. Stop talking."

Varn...huffs. Fuck, and I thought he was an ok guy. Gods who did I piss off to get sent on this mission? It went from time waste to potentially lethal for the worst reasons.

I am on edge while we wait, keeping a close eye on Varn. Fuck, I worry he's going to make some pithy comment around the girl in person out of spite. Suddenly he seems the type stupid enough to do so. How do people like that live long enough to grow up?

Eventually, Garen comes back down and we rise to meet him.

"Sir?" Karrus asks.

"Heading to Redrock to meet your people. Sorry, but I doubt you can keep up with me. Do, whatever you are supposed to do I suppose. Good luck, and thank you for the delivery, it was vital. I look forward to fighting for Noxus." He performs a Noxian salute, then leaves before we can get over our shock, the girl following behind.

...

Keld's balls, it's happening. The Might of Demacia is defecting. I am drinking all the whiskey when we get back to the embassy, and punching Varn in the balls.