"I don't know. I've never gone on a date in my life because I have been too busy but maybe. I still am but maybe I should loosen up a bit. However, I will need to think on it Scipio Fur," Caitlyn replied deliberately to hold in her happiness of finally taking time out to meet new people. She didn't understand why Scipio's voice seemed to allure her but she wanted to fallow it regardless. Her eyes lost their focus for a second as she imagined the date. Her hands slowly went up in thought.
"Well don't worry I have the same problem. I've never gone out because I've been busy so maybe it will work out," Scipio said smiling. Suddenly, he entranced Caitlyn with his dazzling blue eyes and kissed her hand lightly. "We have a lot more in common than meets the eye but we can talk about that at dinner," he added, "Tell me if you say yes later because I need to go meet the summoners apparently," as he turned and began for the double doors.
Caitlyn face turned into a deep rosy red while her brown eyes fallowed Scipio's fluid movements towards the doors. "Sure, I'll give you the response at breakfast tomorrow so till then, see ya later," replied Caitlyn as she regained her thought processes and headed the opposite direction to get breakfast at the dining hall. Caitlyn attempted to regain her composure but a small smile slipped by as she walked by champions and summoners alike. Many of them gave a questioning glance since they had never seen her smile before. Her seriousness about everything helped to propagate her persona of apathy for other. She couldn't break his romantic gesture but she knew what she was heading for. He was a thief yet she still couldn't shake the feeling that she had a connection with him. She attempted to reason out her feelings with logic but couldn't seem to. Scipio did not seem very special compared to other people at the League yet she felt some undeniable attraction to him. He had a charm her in a way that no one else had before.
Once she stopped thinking, she was about to open the doors to the dining hall. She waved to Jayce as he walked out of the door with his famous hammer on his back. He was dressed in his more clothing as he politely waved back and slightly bowed for her.
"How are you, Sheriff?" Jayce slightly smiled and made a formal salute. He broke his composure and laughed as Caitlyn began to turn a slight red. "Am I embarrassing you?" asked Jayce in a very sarcastic voice. He slightly nudged Caitlyn on the shoulder with his shoulder and whispered, "You should let go sometimes."
"I'm ummm fine you?" Caitlyn felt the heat on her face as she replied. She then responded to Jayce's formality by unslinging her rifle and presenting arms while she ignored his comment. Her arms quickly maneuvered the rifle while she said, "Good morning, Sir!" Caitlyn then placed her rifle back onto her back and saluted.
"I see we've drawn a crowd," commented Jayce as he looked around. "Anyways past the formalities, how are you Caitlyn?" Jayce adjusted his flower as she asked.
"Good, you?" replied Caitlyn as she adjusted her sling for her rifle and her hat.
"Very good. In fact, I think you should take this." Jayce grabbed Caitlyn gently and placed his rose on Caitlyn's dress. He then hugged her and whispered, "I'll see you later Caitlyn." He then moved past her and walked away to the Piltover side of the Institute.
"Thanks Jayce. This means a lot." She was not sure why Jayce gave her the rose but she appreciated it. They had been friends for so many years and they had grown quite fond of each other's company. It never developed into anything more than a friendship. However, sometimes she regretted not trying to take it further. One time Jayce tried to ask her out a date a year ago but, at the time, she did think she had the time to have a relationship since she was busy with her profession as usual. She eventually returned back to reality and stepped through the engraved doors.
The room was massive with banners and flags of all the city-states and statues of a multitude of warriors and people of notable recognition. All around the room have stalls of different foods from Noxus to Demacia and everything in between. She herself liked pretty much any food that was offered from the stalls. She would eat anything from Piltoverian bread, to Ionian rice noodles, to Noxian steak. Today she decided to just eat some cereal with milk because she was too lazy to wait in the lines for service. As she walked towards an empty table with a bowl of milk and cornflakes, she began to question whether or not she should accept the date.
Caitlyn didn't even realize she walked pasted the Demacian table until she heard Lux yell, "Why are you in such a hurry?" Lux then proceeded to grab Caitlyn by the arm and seat her next to her and the fellow demacians.
"Lux I kinda wanted to sit alone," whispered Caitlyn as she acknowledged all the Demacians like Jarven, Garen, Shyvana, and even Vayne who merely gave her a dark stare which caused her to glance away. "I need to think and being around all the Demacians at times scares me," continued Caitlyn.
"Nonsense, everyone here loves and respects you. Right guys!" exclaimed Lux which drew more attention than just the Demacians but also the Noxians.
"We sure do," said a multitude of people that looked uninterested. Caitlyn noticed Katarina eye her down which brought a shiver down her back that caused her to mentally ready herself for a combat situation. Caitlyn slowly turned away and began to eat her cereal and milk as she eyed Katrina with a fake lens that upon closer inspection would be revealed to be a mirror. The mirror could be adjusted so she could see anything behind her with ease.
"They sure sound serious," Caitlyn groaned. She began to get up after gulping down her milk and cereal to get away from the crowd and be left alone to think. "Maybe I should turn him down; he's someone I most likely should be hunting after all," muttered Caitlyn as she walk away from the table while she waved a goodbye to the Demacians.
"So you did have did have a boyfriend and you never told me of him!" exclaimed Lux with happy grin on her face. Everyone began to look at Lux's and Caitlyn's direction after hearing the comment with a confused look. Katarina gave her an exceptionally keen glance and gave a murderous smile.
"What the fuck Lux! Could you have at least quietly said that?" replied Caitlyn as she began to quicken her pace and get out of the dining room. Once outside she began to lower her pace again and looked back to see Lux still following but with a head down and her shoulders slumped forward.
"Caitlyn, I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. I was just so happy to find out that you weren't all alone. Please don't be mad at me," Lux said softly as she caught up to Caitlyn. She pulled her head up and looked at Caitlyn while a small tear rolled down her cheek. Her puffy red cheeks made her look even more innocent than she usually did.
"No need to be. You're most likely the first person to truly care that about me beside my parents," said Caitlyn with a smile, "I love you as a friend Lux and I could never really be mad at you." She decided not bring up the fact that she also cared for many of the other Piltoverians like Jayce, Vi, and even Ezreal even though he had gotten on her nerves before.
"Thanks Cait. I love you too… You know as friend," replied Lux with a laugh, "But I don't know how to cover up what I just said."
"Ya I know. Also, don't even try covering it up. It is bound to leak so let them be confused for some time," replied Caitlyn as she finally reached her door and began to unlock it with her key.
"You never told me who it was by the way," said Lux with imploring eyes that yearned for the information. Caitlyn could help herself from being dazzled by her blue eyes again before breaking eye contact.
"Ok. Firstly, I don't know the guy who just asked me out except that he is a new champion, a thief and is called Scipio Fur. Secondly, he is not my boyfriend because I haven't even accepted to going out with him yet." Caitlyn replied with a slight blush that Lux instantly noticed as they went to the couch to sit down.
"OH my god. You got the new guy already! Is he cute? How is he? Do you like him?" questioned Lux before Caitlyn put her hand on Lux's mouth which caused her to stop talking.
"Ok first, I hope you heard me say I'm not sure I would accept. Second, I think he is pretty. Third, I do not really know how he is really because we've barely talk. Fourth, I do not know because I barely know him despite the fact that he seems to know everything about me. Oh and also please talk slower. I barely understand anything your saying," gasped Caitlyn as she breathed deeply to regain the oxygen she lost responding to all the questions.
"Sorry, I just get hyped over these kinds of things," replied Lux as she tried to calm herself, "Why would you not want to go out with him though?" Lux's questioning glare made Caitlyn squirm in her seat. Caitlyn tried to lower her gaze to floor in an attempt to avoid answering the question but Lux just grabbed her chin and looked into her eyes.
"Well ummm, we don't exactly have much in common," replied Caitlyn as she got away from Lux's grasp and began to stand up. "He's a thief that I most likely should send him to jail so dating him is kind of out of the question." Caitlyn went to her sink and grabbed a glass of water while Lux just listened.
"You and I both know that is not your reason for not wanting to date him," said Lux as she approached her, "You're just scared because you have never gone on a date in your life yet."
"That is so not the reason," Caitlyn said hesitantly which made Lux laugh a little. Caitlyn then put down the glass of water that had begun to slightly shake in her hand from her stressful situation.
"Caitlyn, how are you going to tell how relationships feel like if you are going to reject every single chance you have at them?" Lux said as her gaze pierced Caitlyn's, "Is your intent to be alone without anyone's support?"
"I do not reject every chance I have at relationships," snorted Caitlyn as she turned away. "It just none of them seem to fit me," continued Caitlyn as she placed her glass cup into the sink. "Also, I've never needed someone to support me with my personal problems and I'm doing just fine."
"Since when have you gone out on a date with someone?" Lux's question made Caitlyn freeze for a second.
An image of the date she could have had with Jayce popped into her head.
It was the week of the 16th annual Festival of Flight as people prepared for the flight. Zaun had won it for the past 4 years but Piltover had designed a new zeppelin that had a chrono-propellor engine that manipulated time itself to speed it up. Caitlyn meanwhile was on the streets looking for any sight of rowdiness by the crowd. The year before had a major riot break out between Zaun and Piltover when both of their fans came to watch the takeoff of the zeppelins. The police taskforce was able to quell it relatively quickly however, many people were already injured on both sides and at least 5 people were killed in the onslaught. They used nonlethal tear gas, created by Heimerdinger, to make everyone disperse the brawl and arrest the offenders.
As she patrolled the streets on a motorcycle she observed a younger girl with a rose within the hair. She was about to turn away from it when she noted a piece of paper within it and the girl observing her intently. Caitlyn parked the motorcycle next to the road and looked at the girl again who began to giggle. She approached her and asked, "What is so funny." The girl just pulled the rose out of her hair and handed it to Caitlyn. It read, "Dggc lg qgmj jayzl." Her basic deciphering skills from being a police officer instantly told her that this was a Caesar cipher. She thought for a moment and released the note meant Look to your Right.
She turned her head and saw nothing of interest until she saw a little rose hanging from one of the street lamps. She moved pasted people slowly until she reached it. She grabbed it and looked inside the rose. It read, "Enough games with ciphers. Use your ever so keen observations and find the next one. A hint – we meet there a lot"
Caitlyn quickly scanned the surroundings but came up with nothing. She saw nothing that was different from the upper district of Piltover where the Grand Hall is located at. "Where is a place near here that I meet with people a lot?" "The Coffee Shop!" She quickly realized as she ran to the door of Jam's Famous Coffee. She opened the door as a middle aged couple exited the door that waved to her.
"Good morning, Sheriff," said the blonde women as she passed her. Her probable male counterpart merely nodded to her as he raced to maintain her pace.
"Same to you both," replied Caitlyn as she entered the brightly lit building. People were sitting at small tables talking about their lives as she walked to the front. She noted everyone seemed to know something was going to happen as she walked past them. The cashier saw her as she made her way through the line to the front. Some people became agitated from her cutting until they realized who she was and back off.
"What would you like, Caitlyn?" said the cashier who was dressed in a small baseball cap with black trousers and button down shirt. He could have been non older than 18 based on his clear features and algebra textbook nest to him.
"I would like a standard coffee and perhaps information if you have anything," promptly replied Caitlyn as her question that sounded more like a demand rolled off her tongue.
"Coming right up," said the cashier as he got an employee in the back to fetch a cup and coffee. "I've been told nothing but I think this was most likely meant for you" as he grabbed a rose from under the counter that held a message within it.
"Who sent it?" demanded Caitlyn as she grabbed the rose and read it, "I see you still on the chase. I seem to at least understand something about you. Now think where do you basically live? Your next message is located there."
"I don't know. He seemed like any passerby to me except he did have an air of confidence to him," replied the casher as he got the coffee and gave it to her. "In fact, I remember he stated he was an assistant of someone of great importance," said the cashier. The cashier then gave Caitlyn the cup of coffee, "That will be free as always."
"Thank you." Caitlyn grabbed the cup and walked towards the front door. "If you get any more information call the police station." Caitlyn then realized, "I practically live in my office… How great my life is."
"Sure," replied the cashier then yelled, "Next!"
Once outside, Caitlyn began to head for her motorcycle while sipping on her coffee. "There so many important people in this city so although that narrows it down I still have like 100 potential people left to check," thought Caitlyn as she moved through the crowd. She heard the crowd cheering for the Piltoverian airship as the race finally began. Once she got to her motorcycle she began to start it up. It however failed to start up so she looked at the engine.
There was a note hidden within in it, "It would be too easy for you to just drive back wouldn't it be? There would be no fun in that." At that precise moment, the techmaturgical powered engine broke into multiple pieces. Within the engine revealed another note and a rose, "Don't worry your motorcycle can easily repair in fact Vi already knows about it and will pick it up later."
Caitlyn thought, "Who could be influence to the city, get Vi to willing allow a motorcycle to be broken for her to repair it, and know me well enough to discover where I most likely would go." After a couple more thoughts a though entered her head which made her almost slap herself on the head for not thinking, "This could only be the work of Jayce…"
"Stop thinking, Cupcake!" yelled Vi as she headed toward to her position. "If you didn't always think logically before you committed to everything your cross her eyes that showed instincts would have told you everything you needed a while ago. Vi then continued in a heavy Piltoverian accent to mock Caitlyn, "wise man once said, 'instinct is no match for reason.'" She then snorted in disgust afterwards.
"I already know who it is though, Vi!" replied Caitlyn as she began her trek back to the police station some four blocks down the street. She attempted to ignore her colleague's abrasive attitude towards things.
Vi with her hextech gauntlets grabbed Caitlyn's shoulders and turned her around. Her bright pink hair covered over her eyes for a second before she moved it aside by blowing it away with her mouth. She then proceeded to remove her hextech gauntlets which surprised Caitlyn. She only removed her gantlets when she was off duty or something was very important. "Caitlyn, I hope you at least consider Jayce's offer. I know you don't believe you have time for yourself but as a friend and as a colleague please think about it. He's liked you for some time now but never seemed to be able to attract your attention." She then turned away and looked at the passing cars on the paved, "You and him would make a great couple." She then turned back and looked back at her. "I know we almost never see eye to eye about things but just consider this one thing, please."
Caitlyn was suddenly taken aback; she had never seen Vi seem so honest and faithful to her. She usually just annoyed her by her lack of discipline, and her general insubordination. However, Caitlyn already knew her decision when she realized it was Jayce. "I have to reject him. I would die to be in a relationship with him but my job would interfere with it. It wouldn't be fair to him." Thought Caitlyn as the idea of settling down with Jayce made her almost moan in bliss. "No, that can't happen!" Caitlyn reminded herself and promptly lied to Vi, "I'll think about it, ok?"
Vi grabbed Caitlyn and hugged her so tightly that Caitlyn swore one of her ribs had broken, "Thank you, Cupcake."
Caitlyn coughed after Vi's death grasp was released. She then replied, "This does not mean I am going to go through with the for sure." She then looked past Vi and down the street. There were shouts and screams as the airships continued to fly. However, there was a sense of irritation amongst the spectators as the Zaunite flagship was slowly inching forward.
"Ya, sure whatever Cupcake," Vi replied condescendingly.
"Back to your old self I see," said Caitlyn as she just watched her begin working on the motorcycle.
"You should most likely get going unless you can't even walk a couple blocks and need a ride," smirked Vi, "After all, you barely even move when you're pursing someone you just stand there and shoot."
"Shut up, Vi!" raged Caitlyn as Vi began to get on her nerves as usual. "I can walk for your god damned information." She then turned around and headed for the Police station.
The 20 minute stroll was uneventful aside for the rowdiness of the crowd and the occasional greetings that were given to her. When she was in front of the police station, she swore something felt off about it. The reinforced concrete building was 4 stories high and was in the shape of a pentagon with diagonal faces on all sides designed to deflect explosive forces. It had windows on every floor with techmaturigcally enhanced glass that could resist a medium blast from a hextech explosive. The area around the police station had small plots of bare ground where a wide variety of flowers were growing. The flowers stretch all the way from Ionia to the mystical Shadow Isles. The roof was flat and made positions designed for snipers to entrench themselves in. Caitlyn quickly noted the lack of people entering and leaving the building.
As she approached the building, the door opened for her without a sound. Inside a lieutenant Hershel Freed stood beside the door, "Greeting, Sheriff. You have a guest waiting for you in your office." He then proceeded to salute her and continue, "I think you may recognize him." He then reaches into one of his pockets hidden within his blue Kevlar vest and pulled out a white rose. "For you," winked the police officer as he turned away and head down the lifeless hallway.
"Wait!" Caitlyn shouted as she turned toward the police officer.
"Yes Ma'am?" asked the police officer as he turned back toward the front door.
"Where are all the officers?" asked Caitlyn.
"Some of them are manning the phones looking for distress calls and all the others have been sent on patrols to prevent civil unrest. Although you would know, since you ordered it," said the officer checked a button on his uniform. The discrete blue uniforms had magic imbued fibers that resisted projectiles such as bullets or arrows as well as melee weapons such as swords. The standard caps they wore were merely beanie's that also had the magic imbued fibers. In additions to this, all the police officers had shades that created holographic images within them. This helped them through a multitude of tasks such as fallowing a trail by having the shades point out things that look foot prints.
"Ummm, I don't remember ordering almost everyone. I just ordered ½ the force out," replied Caitlyn as she thought for a moment.
"Well this document says otherwise," replied Hershel Freed as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a signed document.
Caitlyn grabbed it and read it quickly, "All personnel not dealing with emergency calls are to patrol the streets for signs of civil disobedience." She then looked at the signature, "Sheriff Caitlyn" and realized it was a forgery. She did not write the letter y in the same way but everything else looked like hers. She then yelled, "This is a forgery! Where did you find this?"
"On your desk, Sheriff," replied the officer as rushed with her to her office.
Caitlyn quickly rounded the corner of the bleak white hall way that had only photos of every current and past officer. She then began to open the door that had an embellished plaque with the named Caitlyn, Sheriff of Piltover. Once the door was fully opened he saw her tidy little desk that had papers neatly stacked on them and a computer set towards the left. The window was oddly open, and some of her papers appeared tampered with.
"Someone has been in here." Caitlyn declared as she approached her oak wood desk. She was about to sit down before Jayce popped out from underneath her desk and gently tackled Caitlyn to floor by letting her fall on him.
"I see you finally made it back," smirked Jayce as he looked into Caitlyn's confused eyes. He was dressed in his ever pleasant suit with a stack of roses to the left of him.
"Jayce, there is so many thing I want to ask so let me start with this question. Why the fuck did you just tackle me for." Caitlyn attempted to ask it with her standard seriousness but a small smile grew on her face before she finished the question.
"To surprise you obviously," replied Jayce as he began to flirtatiously play with Caitlyn's hair. "So here we are. Would you go with me to the 16th annual Festival of Flight Ball?" Jayce looked absolutely calm aside from a single piece of sweat next to his forehead.
"I will just be leaving now," said Hershel Freed awkwardly as he headed to the door. He quickly opened the door and then closed it behind him.
"Awkward," Caitlyn said to break the silence. She then looked back to Jayce who had become a bit more nervous as he began to adjust the rose on his suit. "I do not know how to phrase this so I'll try to be as gentle about this, Jayce. I-"
Jayce quickly interrupted and said, "Caitlyn, whatever you say I'll be fine with it." He then began to roll out from under Caitlyn
Caitlyn began to get up and said "Jayce, I love you so much in more way then one. I'd die for you on more than one occasion if it meant saving you but having a relationship with you wouldn't be fair. I'd never have time to be with you due to my line of work. You know that. I respect you as a college, I like you as a friend, and I wish I love you in a way you deserve. But I can't Jayce, I'm sorry." A tear rolled down her cheek as she turned to face the window away from Jayce.
"Caitlyn, I respect you for telling me the truth. I wish it was different but at least we can still be friends." Jayce said dejectedly. He began to turn away and leave until he heard a muffled cry that Caitlyn was trying to suppress. This prompted Jayce to quickly approach her and face her. He saw the tears rolling down Caitlyn's face which made him feel even worse. He tried to console her by asking, "Was I wrong of asking you? I'm sorry."
"Jayce. Don't be sorry. I shouldn't be the one sad right now." Caitlyn tried to say coherently past the sniffling from crying. "I really would love to be your date Jayce. I wasn't lying to make you feel better but I honestly can't. I hate what I do sometimes." Caitlyn stared into Jayce's eyes for an extended period of time before hugging him.
Jayce responded likewise and said, "I get it Cate." Then more softly, "I really do."
Caitlyn began to stop crying and refocus herself. "Thanks, Jayce. I do not know what I would do without you." She then calculated something in her mind and quickly kissed Jayce on the lips and stayed there.
Jayce moved backed shocked and looked back at Caitlyn. "Why did you just do that!" Confusion had begun to spread across his face as Caitlyn merely looked back regretful.
"I said I still like you but I just don't have time for it," Caitlyn said slowly as she looked back at him. "Jayce, don't be mad at me please."
"How could I be," mumbled Jayce as he looked back into Caitlyn's eyes longingly. He stood there dazed for a second longer before grabbing Caitlyn pulling her in for a kiss. It lasted for a few seconds but in that time Caitlyn's mind felt the world turn so slowly. Her thoughts drifted through the prospects of being with Jayce and having a life with him. So many things that could never be…
Jayce finally pulled back again. Caitlyn reluctantly complied and stared into Jayce's glassy eyes with regret. "I wish this could lead somewhere Jayce but you and I both know that was a kiss goodbye not of hello," mumbled Caitlyn despairingly. Jayce merely nodded which continued the silence besides the small gusts of wind that could be heard from outside the window.
"I guess this means goodbye then," said Jayce. He stood there before turning away and walking out of the room. Caitlyn watched him leave before sitting down on her leather chair. She just sat there looking obviously into the air as she quietly tapped the oak wood desk with her finger. "Did I make a bad decision?" though Caitlyn as she looked at a reflection of herself on a mirror attached to the wall.
Caitlyn brought herself back to reality and remembered what had sparked that sad moment of her life. "Umm how about we talk about this later," Caitlyn quickly replied as she attempted to reach her door that was suddenly blocked by Lux, "Get out of my way Lux. I have things to be done."
"So in other terms I was right in the fact you've never dated anyone and look at you. Without anyone's help you are a wreck that is hidden behind a masquerade of self-control. You are just as broken as me or perhaps more so because you've put on your charade for many more years than me." Lux said while not moving out of the way of the door. The room suddenly became quite as both of them examined each other. After a few agonizing seconds that felt like years had passed, Caitlyn put her head down and admitted defeat.
"Fine so you're right that I haven't gone on a date. But that is going to change…" trailed Caitlyn as she looked into her closet. She began to rummage through her closet checking to see if she had anything to wear for a date and realized that she had nothing of the sorts. "However, I do not have anything for the date even if I wanted to go."
Lux's eyes began to sparkle which made Caitlyn nervous. Her eyes only sparkled when she could do something to entertain herself. This usually involved making others extremely uncomfortable. "So you're saying you do not have makeup and/or a dress to wear? Well this will be fun." Her response made her worry even more.
"Why do I have a feeling that this is going to end -" Caitlyn began before being silenced by Lux. She looked at Lux for a second before attempting to state the last word which was quickly replaced by a startled scream as she began to get dragged out of her room. "Where are we going!"
"You'll see," replied Lux as she continued to run down the halls with Caitlyn's hand in hers. People stared at the curious sight but disregarded it quickly after remembering the unlikely friendship the two had.
Caitlyn abruptly pulled her hand away and demanded, "No. I will not go with you unless you tell me where we are going in the first place." The forcefulness in her voice even took her aback a little. She had never sounded so aggressive to Lux before.
Lux looked back shocked at the anger in Caitlyn's voice but realized that she was regretting it so she ignored it and replied, "If you must know, we are going into town to go shopping!" Her infectious happiness even made Caitlyn smile for a second before realizing what would come next. "And don't ask why you and I both know you need something more than your standard attire."
"What is wrong with my dress and top hat!" Caitlyn yelled after realizing what she what she was implying.
"Well first off all you seem to wear is your uniform unless someone requests you wear something else and secondly who here other than you wears a top hat." Her sudden response left Caitlyn at a loss for words.
"Ummm Cho'Gath occasionally wears a top hat and I like my uniform it is what I've been wearing for the last couple of years." She instantly regretted what she said. "I'm comparing myself to Cho'Gath now great. He or whatever is not even human," thought Caitlyn as she continued to fallow Lux.
"So you want to be like a void monster? You're shooting really high." Lux's smug look after replying agitated Caitlyn but decided to go against proceeding to fight back because she knew she was going to lose if she tried. "Also, the point is that you wear your uniform too much. So, we are going to buy something more appropriate for the occasion." Lux continued to smile for an extended period of time.
"Lux, wait shouldn't we go eat lunch it is 12:34." Caitlyn said as they passed the dining hall. "We can go afterwards and anyways I need to tell him I accept anyways." She knew she was lying because the response should have waited till tomorrow but she dreaded the idea of going shopping for nonessentials.
"Yes we should go eat but not here let us go to a restaurant outside. Just go into the Dining Hall and tell him your decision," Lux said and then pushed her through the door into the hall. Caitlyn's sharp eye quickly scanned the room but could not find him until she peered closer at something moving out of the corner of her eye. She examined and finally saw the thief alone eating his lunch. She then approached him but he merely ignored her.
"Hey Scipio" said Caitlyn as she tapped him on the shoulder.
He responded with absolute shock, "How did you see me? I have my stealth on right now." He then began to fiddle with the small bracelet on his hand that had what appeared to be something techmaturgic in nature. "You must have a very observant eye. Did you see something out of the corner of your eye?"
"Of course I'm observant, I didn't become the Sheriff by chance," replied Caitlyn, "Also what is that bracelet you wear?" She saw a small field go up around the both of them after he finished with the adjustments.
"It's called a perception filter. It was invented by a Zaun scientist some time back. When I heard about the device, I went to his lab and let's just say I 'acquired' the prototype." Scipio paused and glanced behind himself before he continued, "It did not work at first but some modifications by myself fixed the problems and made it functional." Scipio then got up and walked through the rows of tables without even a glance being shot his way.
"God damn it, Scipio. Can you do anything in life without showing your status as a grand-thief?" Caitlyn replied as she was about to leave. A sense of realization was dawning within her that Scipio was nothing more than an ordinary thief with exceptional skills.
"Fine you want the real story? I didn't steal it in actuality I bought it from a far off land," said Scipio gloomily as though Caitlyn had struck a nerve.
"Why should I believe you? You've lied more than once to me I bet." Caitlyn retorted as she was about to leave the aura.
"Because if you don't, you will never know the truth of something that you seek," Scipio replied cryptically.
Caitlyn's quest for knowledge quickly kicked in his mind. She began to ignore the increasing doubt in mind and thought of something to pass his suspicions as well. "How does it work?" asked Caitlyn as she fallowed within the bubble. She quickly noted that anything within the aura was invisible.
"Simple. It creates a telepathic field that confuses those who look at it effectively making them unnoticeable but not invisible," replied Scipio as he continued towards the door ignoring the obvious distaste that Caitlyn was exhibiting, "For example I could kiss you right in front of everyone but no one would even realize." He then approached Caitlyn as his blue eyes began to drag her in despite her slight distrust of him. Right when they were about to kiss, she backed off only to trip over a chair. Everyone then gave Caitlyn a puzzled look before resuming with what they were doing.
"Why am I not invisible anymore?" Caitlyn asked as she got up and patted the dust off her now dirty uniform.
"Well first you left the bubble and more importantly even if you stayed in it you would have created a large enough disturbance to draw people's attention in regardless." Scipio then said with what looked like disappointment, "For example if I hit Garen on the shoulder, he will become wary of my presence. As I said earlier, I am unnoticeable not invisible."
"Very interesting." Caitlyn then got up and began walking towards the exit while suppressing a lingering anger she felt , "Well I have to go do something so see you later." As she approached she was stopped by someone's hand.
"Do you have something you want to tell me?" Scipio's voice rang behind her with a slight tone of yearning that made Caitlyn lose her anger and replaced it with anxiety.
Caitlyn stuttered for a second, "No, just wanted to say hi."
"Well that's too bad," replied Scipio as something that looked almost like sadness overtake his features for a second before his control returned to him and masked it, "I was hoping for something more."
"You will get something tomorrow at breakfast," said Caitlyn as she headed for the door. "Was that just me or did he seem disappointed that I didn't tell him I wanted to go out with him?" thought Caitlyn as she exited. "No I'm most likely just imagining things again," as she nodded her head.
"What took you so long?" Lux asked as she closed the ornate oak door behind her. "Also, what happened to your dress? It looks like you fell onto the floor."
"Scipio was hard to see and I tripped over a chair," Caitlyn responded as she then started for the entrance of the Institute while trying to remove the dirt from her police uniform.
"All the more reason why you need a new dress," replied Lux with an optimistic smile, "So now that you have a stain do you want to get new dress first or do you want to first eat lunch."
"I rather go shopping I guess because everyone is looking at me funny," said Caitlyn as people pointed towards her and her dress. "What are you looking at!" Everyone then turned away from her afterwards and pretended she didn't even exist. "Much better." They then continued towards the entrance.
Once they got there they waved at the guards at the front who were more ceremonial than practical and began their slow descent down the hundreds of stairs. "Why did they install so many stairs…" Lux grumbled as she slowly dragged herself down the stairs. "They could turn away half of an invading army by these alone."
"Maybe that was their intent," replied Caitlyn as she continued down the stairs. "Hey Lux, I think I know a faster way down." as she began to sit on the iron handrails that had small amounts of rust developing.
"I know what you're about to do and your insane. It's like 400 feet left to go if you fall off you will be tumbling down the rest of the way." Lux replied as she saw Caitlyn speed away on the rail.
"Suite yourself!" yelled Caitlyn as she steadily zoomed down the handrail. After only 1 minute she was already at ground level while Lux was still 200 feet to go. When she finally got down she had a bead of sweat on her forehead and was breathing heavily. Caitlyn rubbed it in and asked, "What took you so long?" Caitlyn's smirk agitated Lux but she chose to ignore her comments and continue walking towards the town. Lux wasn't used to being teased by Caitlyn.
"The towns a little more than half a mile away from here" said Lux, "We should be there within 10 minutes." She then turn back to face the road and began to walk at a rapid pace. They walked down the cobblestone path in silence as the observed the town that formed around the hill of the Institute of War. "20 years ago all that was here was a tiny inn, a restaurant, and some general stores. Look at it now," remarked Lux as she pointed towards the streets filled with people and carts with two story building surrounding them.
"So where are we going to go shopping first," asked the Sheriff as she rested against a majestic oak wood that stood over 40 feet tall. Her hair blew in the wind against the oak trunk in almost an angelic quality that made Lux envious.
She quickly shook her head after hearing Caitlyn's serious tone and replied, "We are going to go to this clothing store that I visit a lot. We might want to continue if we want to reach it before 1 PM." She then set off in the direction of a small building that was decorated with ornate flowers and had a miniature garden with roses, violets, and magnolia. In front were a couple of glass windows revealing some dresses and glass double doors to allow customers in. As they walk there Lux noticed people setting up some decorations in the streets and realized something was going on. "Some sort of celebration is being prepared. We should visit later."
"Sure if we have time," replied Caitlyn half-heartedly. She wanted to get back into the institute as quickly as possible. "Hopefully she will forget once this excursion is done," though Caitlyn but knew she her hope was unlikely to be fulfilled. Once they entered the room they felt a sudden decrease in temperature which Caitlyn instantly recognized as the newly invented air conditioner when she looked at a strange metal box blowing out cool air. She noticed all the clothes that ranged from male casual to female formal.
"Welcome Miss Crownguard and Miss Caitlyn to my store. What can I do for you today," said a middle aged woman who had brown hair and eyes with specks of grey reaching out of her hair as if they were trying to escape. She had a slight Piltoverian accent which made Caitlyn slightly more comfortable.
"Please Roselia just call me Lux and as for Caitlyn why don't you ask her," said Lux as she motioned for Caitlyn to respond.
"Me, miss? Not by a long shot," replied Caitlyn, "Just call me Caitlyn or Caitlyn the Sheriff of Piltover if you must be formal. Oh and apparently I need a new dress." Caitlyn's voice had a ting of irritation for needing to tell another person that she didn't like standard formalities.
"My apologize Caitlyn, I did not intend to anger you," said Roselia as she walked around the counter, "May I ask what type of dress you would like to buy?"
Caitlyn thought for a long time, "Ummm I don't know exactly… I need something for a date." She was slightly embarrassed for not even know what she wanted to wear to a date. Lux started to chuckle which made her even more nervous but hid it well behind her straight face and apparent apathy to what was going on around her.
"First time eh? No problem I think I know exactly what you need but I need to first take some measurements of your body if you do not mind," said Roselia as she began to unravel a tape measure.
"Do what you must. Just be quick about it," replied Caitlyn as she raised her arms to allow Roselia to measure her waist. Caitlyn examined the room and noticed the lack of other shoppers. "Where are all the other shoppers? This shop looks relatively large but there is not a single person inside other than us." Roselia just pointed outside which further bewildered Caitlyn. "You kicked all the other shoppers out when we came in?"
"No of course not. No one is coming in because everyone is setting up for the celebration." Roselia then put away her tape measure. "It's going to be 20th anniversary of the formation of the League of Legends. Also, I'm done with the measurements so if you would please fallow me."
"Why would you celebrate the League? It is not that important." Caitlyn asked as she and Lux fallowed Roselia to the medium-large section of formal female clothing. She caught sight of a blue dress that had the symbol of a Piltover Peacemaker on it and took it off the rack.
"Well it's important because it has left a peace that hasn't been seen in so long and I see you've found a dress slightly inspired off of you. You are famous in Piltover and around Valoran if you haven't realized. I do not believe you would want to wear that though, it would make you look a little self-obsessed." Roselia said as she took the dress of Caitlyn's hand and put it back onto the rack. "Perhaps this one." She took a light blue dress that had a small purple primrose attached to it in the upper right half of the dress. The dress itself was rather conservative and revealed little skin except the upper part of her back and parts of her legs beneath her knees.
"Perhaps. How much will it cost?" asked Caitlyn as she placed it in front of her and looked at with a mirror.
"Nothing, the league cover the cost of clothing for up to $500 a month." Roselia replied, "Now why don't you go to the changing room over there." She pointed to a small room with a door in front of it.
"Fine." Caitlyn then went in and started to change. She first took off her multitude of belts and then took off her dress and put on the blue dress. "This dress is so girly…" thought Caitlyn as she stepped out. She saw Lux smiling and nodding approvingly. "Well at least that means this part is over."
"You look great," said Lux as she approached her. "You should wear things like this more often. Perhaps we should get you more than one dress" Lux's smile made Caitlyn happy as well but after realized what she said frowned.
"No I'm absolutely fine." Caitlyn then rushed towards the door while grabbing Lux's arm, "Thank you, Roselia. Lux let's go. I'm hungry for lunch" She then waved a goodbye while taking a bag with her standard uniform inside of it with her. Roselia waved back likewise to both her and Lux.
Once outside Lux exclaimed, "Let go of me and what is with the rush!" She stopped in front of Caitlyn and looked straight into her eyes that crystallized in anger. Her air blew in the wind as she twitched slightly at the sudden cooling breeze. Her usual cheerfulness was replaced with a more distant and dangerous shadow. "I'm not a child so do not dare order me around," growled Lux as she grinded her teeth together.
Caitlyn stared back apathetically. "I dragged you out because I did not want to try on more than this dress. It had nothing to do with you, personally. I did not mean to strike a nerve Lux, but I wanted to escape trying on another dress." Caitlyn placed her arms around Lux and tried to hug her despite their substance height difference. "I'm sorry," murmured Caitlyn as she pushed a golden hair out of Lux's face.
Lux hugged her back and whispered, "I fooled you good. Didn't I?" She then pushed herself away from Caitlyn and started to laugh incessantly. "I wasn't actually mad. I just wanted to see how you would react." Lux finally managed to regain her composure after her bout of fun.
"You little! … Oh whatever." Caitlyn turns around and starts heading back to the Institute down the paved road. She notes all the signs, posters, lanterns, and etc. being placed up around the town in preparation for the celebration.
Lux's arm stops Caitlyn after 10 feet of progress and turns her around, "Caitlyn I'm sorry. I was just trying to have fun." Caitlyn looked at Lux's face that showed her guilt for her actions. Her puppy face made Caitlyn turn away.
"Why can I never hate that girl?" wondered Caitlyn as she turned back to her. "She's irritated me so many times in my life with her overly happy attitude yet I still am friends with her." She then broke her line of thought and remained silent. She continues to observe every feature of Lux with her keen peripheral vision as she focused her vision on the houses at the side of her.
The silence between the two continued to kill Lux until she finally opened her mouth, "We should most likely be heading to the restaurant." Caitlyn merely nodded with a sense of apathy to the whole situation. "Why can't you say something please," implored Lux as she motioned her hand towards a small little building that was relatively discrete compared to the other buildings.
Caitlyn quickly glanced that the building and noted all the features. The building has a roof slightly curved upwards in an Ionian like fashion with windows made of a standard Piltoverian design of two crossbeams and 4 pieces of glass in each. The wooden walls were adorned with flags of all the different nations. The small sign had a couple flags and the name of the restaurant called Valorian Delights. She then proceeded to move forward towards the restaurant in a rapid manner with little care towards Lux besides her.
"Slow down a bit," said Lux as she caught up to Caitlyn. "Why are you so mad at me? It was only a joke." Lux ran forward a bit and stopped in front of Caitlyn.
"I rarely lie, Lux. Don't you remember what I told you just a few days ago? I'm not angry at you but I need some peace. Your antics drive me insane at times." Caitlyn replied promptly as she returns to silence. Afterwards she quickly headed towards the door of the small building and opened the door. "After you," Caitlyn moves her hand across her arm body and slightly bows.
"Well that was a sudden change," said Lux as she pushed the hair in front of her to the side. She then bowed and said, "Thank you for opening the door." Then she walked through the doorway.
Caitlyn quickly fallowed and entered a dimly lit room with an interior decorated similarly to the outside. She noted the tables to be circular in design with a fabric cover most likely being silk. The lighting consist of small techmaturgically imbued lamps on the tables that use something called electricity. In front of it all was a waiting room with a small podium with a man inside of a suit waited.
"Do you have a reser…" The neatly kempt man in his mid 40's jaw dropped when he recognized the two people. "How may I serve you, Luxanna Crownguard and Caitlyn the Sheriff of Piltover." He bowed slightly in front of them which caused them to shift uncomfortably.
"There's no need to bow," said Caitlyn, "After all, me, miss? Not by a long shot." Lux merely nodded her head in agreement. Caitlyn then turned her attention a menu list on the wall. It included almost every dish from almost every state in Valoran. She pondered, "What should I order? The Ionian beef stew noodles look nice." Her thoughts were interrupted when a loud a bang is heard from outside of the building. "What was that?" Caitlyn then rushed to the door.
Lux and the waiter quickly fallowed Caitlyn outside where they found a building with a hole in it. Caitlyn then quickly unslung her rifle and prepped it for a situation. She heard someone from within the building scream, "He stole the artifact!" Caitlyn then saw a man in a familiar worn coat run out of the hole with something inside of his jacket. "I should have guessed. What else would a thief do," grumbles Caitlyn as she lines up her scopes on the target.
"I'll give you three seconds to stop where you are Scipio!" yelled Caitlyn as the perpetrator stopped for a second. Scipio turned around and looked Caitlyn dead in the eye and began to laugh.
"I like to see you try, Caitlyn!" Scipio then turned around and ran around the street corner.
"Lux and you" Caitlyn pointed at the waiter, "wait here. I got this." She then sprinted after her target. She rounded the corner and caught a glimpse of Scipio running through some market stalls that were being set up. She dashed past many onlookers as she continued the chase through the streets. She jumped over a couple of stalls that Scipio had placed in her way to slow her down. "He thinks he can stop the top law enforcement officer. I'll show him!" thinks Caitlyn as everything breezed past her in a blur. The chase continued for a couple minutes but it felt like second for her as she finally has a clear shot of Scipio. "I've got the solution" thought Caitlyn as she lined up her sites and fired a single shot at Scipio's abdomen to incapacitate but not kill him.
KLINK as a bullet lightly deflected off of Scipio's jacket. The bullet's impact did, however, knock him to the floor. He laid there as Caitlyn approached him. He placed his arm on his stomach as he dragged himself up and rested against the wall of a bank.
"I doubt your one of the best. I caught you within 10 minutes." Caitlyn said as she walked toward him with her rifle pointed at his head. "Try running I dare you."
Scipio looked at Caitlyn and began to laugh again. "You sure are easy to fool. Maybe you're getting a little too old for your line of work." Scipio stood up as he started to walk back and forth. Caitlyn watched his every step and anticipated a run for it.
"How dare you insult me! I captured you." Caitlyn's calm demeanor was converted to rage. Her eyes narrowed and her whole body tensed in a way never seen by many. She flicked a piece of hair out of her eyes as she prepared to fire a shot.
"No, you didn't capture me. You captured an image of me." Replied Scipio as he began to walk away. "Shoot me."
Bang! The bullet flew through Scipio and hit the wall behind him. "Impossible. What form a magic are you doing. You learn from the Deceiver?" Caitlyn demanded as she approached him.
"No, this isn't magic. It is actually called a hologram. Look at the floor, specifically, the small box on the floor." Scipio pointed to a small box at his feet. "Shoot it."
Caitlyn fired her gun at the box which caused Scipio to flicker for a second and then disappear. Caitlyn screamed in rage, "You won't get away, Scipio. I'll hunt you just as much as I hunt C." Caitlyn then turned around and saw him sitting on the roof of an adjacent building.
"I bet you will Caitlyn. I presume our date is off but no matter. I like to see you angry. Makes you look kind of sexy." He said while smirking. "Don't even try shooting me. You know it won't work but come up here after I leave. There is something for you to see." Scipio then begins to fade into the air until he completely disappeared.
"Fuck!" yells Caitlyn as she rushed up the escape ladder and reached the roof. She searched everywhere on the roof until she stumbled across a purple colored paper. On it was etched a single letter, C. She instantly connected all the points in her mind and realized without a doubt that he must be the man she has been searching for. "Damn you, Scipio." Mumbled Caitlyn as she pocketed the paper and slid down the ladder.
I had to guys I'm sorry but I love Doctor Who so much.
Author Notes: Enjoy. Sorry for the delay. Life and school gets in the way as well as League of legends. Next chapter or a few will be from Scipio's perspective. I may also introduce Jinx later.