Chapter 8
Artrix found his face to be pressed against the warmed, carpet floor. The morning sunlight that seeped through the blinds had baked the room into a well of heat. Half of his body was down on the side of his bed while the other half remained on the mattress. He had fallen off this tiny cot again as he was still used to his massive chaise back at home. With a fuzzy effort that resulted from his body being bent in an awkward position the entire night, he lifted himself back on top and quickly scanned the room with a turn of his head. No sign of Riven anywhere.
Artrix woozily made his way to the bathroom and in the mirror, he saw a sleepy man with hair that resembled more of a bird's nest than anything. He proceeded to a regular mortal's morning routine which consisted of brushing his teeth, cleaning his face and fixing his hair. He then got dressed in a dark green tunic and pants and went to the door when he glimpsed a note that was stuck onto the breastplate of his broken armor which was hung by a display rack near the door. He then leaned closer and inspected this strange paper that was almost mocking his armor by being there.
When you wake, come outside to the Ionian practise arena, Artrix read it in Riven's voice. He then ripped off the note and crumbled it into one of his pant pockets. He left the room and followed a flight of stairs coupled by twists and turns and reached the outside fields. Artrix's sense of direction has been slowly improving ever since his exile. He had thought of this as one of his crowning achievements as a mortal.
In the grassy fields, the early sun has painted it a bright gold with the sounds of critters and small animals chirping at every step. The training arena was merely a circular fenced clearing in the midst of the meadows. Within it was the basic dummy targets, archery range and an obstacle course. Riven waited in the middle with her broken sword drawn. She stood motionless and kept her eyes fixed on Artrix as he approached her.
"Riven, what are you-"but before Artrix could finish, Riven tossed a steel sword at him. Artrix caught it with ease but was startled by the abruptness.
"Pay attention to your opponent, never take your eyes off them," Riven said as he lifted her sword at Artrix with one arm.
"What is this," Artrix asked, still confounded. The moment he laid his foot on the sands of the training pit, Riven leaped at him with her sword ready to strike. With his battle instincts, he immediately rolled to the side and felt Riven's thundering blow which leaved a deep mark on the ground. Without a sweat's break, Riven instantly swung her blade at Artrix, straining all of his reflexes to react to it. The blade was travelling too fast, and Riven's battle hardened form would not allow her to miss. Knowing that he did not have enough time to dodge again, he lifted his own sword up and parried the blow. However, Riven's momentum as well as her strength caused Artrix to slide several steps back.
"So early in the morning and I get treated with this?" Artrix breathlessly said with beads of sweet trickling down his face.
"Was it not you who said he wanted to join the League and willing to train hard for it?" Riven asked, hanging her blade over her shoulders.
Artrix was clueless. "Since when?"
"Since last night, moments before you fell to your bed, dead to the world," Riven reminded.
"Really? I said that?"
"Yes, and you said something about becoming strong enough again to return home."
Artrix's clouded memory slowly returned. Yes, he did mention about joining the League with Riven, who then seemed to have happily accepted it.
"How could you forget?" Riven accusingly asked.
"I was weary. I hadn't tasted sleep in days Riven. Spare me your wrath, my lady," Artrix joked.
Riven returned the sarcasm with a smug grin. Without a word, she raised her weapon as if non-verbally telling Artrix that they are ready for another round. Artrix, now fully awake, braced himself and remembered all that he has learned back in Heaven. As a child, he would train day and night till his hands were raw and drenched in sweat to become a great warrior. He wanted his father to be proud of him, to be able to say that Artrix was his son, the Prince of Heaven.
Soon, the two blades clashed with each other and a symphony of parries and thrusts and slashes permeated the pit. The orchestration of this spar would've put any observer in awe. Blade work more swift than the fastest birds met each other at waltzing speeds. It looked more like a well-choreographed display than two master swordsman and woman at battle. Soon, Artrix's flow became more and more natural, almost in perfect synchronization with Riven. Her lithe form swung and leaped wildly, defying gravity and striking from impossible angles. However, Artrix was no fool, his sword danced with unfathomable speeds which refused every one of Riven's strikes.
Artrix's admiration of Riven grew each second they danced with their blades. She is strong, determined and a fighter. Then, in one instance their blades became deadlocked in battle of will.
"Ready to give up yet?" Riven taunted. Signs of strain now showed on her face as Artrix's proficiency became more and more adept.
"I will when you do," Artrix replied. Then, the promenade of blades resumed again. After almost an hour, their spar was over without a clear winner, leaving both of them breathless and barely able to even talk.
"I had not had so much fun in a long," Riven said.
"Looks like… Looks like I'm not as weak as you thought, couldn't even defeat me," Artrix huffed.
Riven leaned forward, using her sword as a support. "Look again," she said, devilishly smiling and pointing at his chest. Artrix looked down and saw that the fabric of his tunic had been cut open. If this were a real battle, he would've perished by now.
"Looks like you've more training to do," Riven said. Artrix then dropped his sword to the grounds, brewing up a small cloud of dust and sand.
"I'm exhausted Riven. I require rest," Artrix said as he sat down onto the ground.
"We will resume tomorrow, I've got an upcoming match to attend to. It is a practise match for the Summoners."
"A match?"
Riven nodded while she cleaned up the training area. "Yes, I am a champion of the League. I still have to participate in matches when the Summoners call."
Artrix was now most curious at the League's affair. "So you have to do battle against the other Champions?"
"Yea, I think you should come and watch. This may be a good learning experience for you, so you can understand the League a bit more," Riven suggested.
Artrix agreed and the two left the training arena and headed for the Summoner's Rift. When they arrived, Riven was greeted by her Summoner named Sallimon who briefly discussed some tactics and something called runes and masteries with her. Artrix himself was directed to the audience area, which was a lounge with chairs and tables with a bar behind. In the centre of the room was a massive crystal orb that was connected to the Fields of Justice, which would then magically relay the matches. As well as the orb, Artrix learned that it would also be broadcasted all across Valoran, just like the ones he saw back at the Piltover inn.
Artrix saw on the crystal orb a bird's eye view of the arena Riven was about to be out in. It was more or less a large, forested map with a single river called the Serpentine River dividing it roughly into two halves. Each corner of the map was a walled base, with the nexus in the middle and well-defended by magical defensive towers. Connected to the base were three lanes that stretched from south to north. The map was now eerily quiet as the Champions prepared for this match.
Today, on the purple team there is Akali, Xin Zhao, Garen, Sona and Ezreal. On the Blue team were Vayne, Orianna, Nunu, Warwick and Riven. Artrix recognized Garen, but the some of the others he had only seen briefly on the broadcasts. After some time, they were summoned onto the fields and each of them took their standard lanes. Artrix watched acutely at Riven, who will be matched up against Garen at top. When he saw that, he immediately cheered in his heart for Riven. He was waiting for her to bat Garen senselessly for what he had done that day.
When the two of them met, accusing glances were traded.
"Looks like we can finally draw our blades, Noxian," Garen said as the minions approached.
"Like to finish what you started? Big man," Riven taunted.
Garen scoffed and flourished his blade as the battle soon commenced. "Come forth, you'll find honor in death."
With both sides ignoring the minions, they strikingly dashed at each other. Garen's fight would be relied upon raw strength and his towering size while Riven would mix it up between great agility and resolve. However, their battle would soon be locked into a stalemate. Garen, utilizing his bush hiding abilities, has forced Riven to stay cautious and weary of any ambushes.
The tides of the battle were quite even until Riven's team began to lose towers after Nunu gave out the first death. Artrix watched with amazement as the fallen Champion simply revived back in his base. To him, this seemed like a strange twist of immortality. The battle became more and more in Garen's team favour with casualties stacking up on Blue Team. Soon, they had already pushed all the way to the base as desperation gripped Riven's team.
"Hold them off!" Riven hollered in midst of battle. Garen, who acted as the leader of the charge, assaulted Riven's team under their tower. The blasts of the defensive structure were shrugged off by the Demacian.
Immediately, an onslaught of spells, blades and blood decimated the battle field. Riven dashed to and fro, dodging many attacks with great agility. She was able to inflict massive damage on her opponents, slaying Sona and Ezreal but not without a cost. The barrages of spells and assaults had torn Riven's body as she forced through the enemy's ranks, breaking her arm and a leg. Her ribs were also broken, leaving her heavily wounded. Her team too, quickly fell one by one and soon only an injured Riven remained under her damaged tower. She knew she could not retreat, despite her Summoner's suggestions.
"You need to recall Riven," the Sullimon's words telepathically echoed in her head.
Riven's heavy breaths and bloodied body would've easily put anyone to an agonizing defeat, yet she valiantly held onto her blade.
"If I do, our base is lost. I will stand my ground," Riven replied. The, using the last bits of her strength, she weakly lifted her broken sword as an act of resilience.
"Still standing? Very well, I will end this quickly," Garen proclaimed. He then turned to his remaining allies, Xin Zhao and Akali and gave a nod. Without hesitation, they rushed forward to assail Riven, seeking to end this match once and for all.
"The time for talk… is over!" Riven exclaimed with pain in her swords. Then, a swirl of green energy exploded from her sword and engulfed her whole. To Artrix's astonishment, her blade was reforged, the cracks on it disappeared and replaced by more metal, completing her weapon. The runes of it no longer glowed dimly, but a brilliant light radiated from them. She then agonizingly forced her beaten body to resume her battle stance, readying for the onslaught.
Xin Zhao audaciously charged at Riven, intending to pierce her with his spear. Riven, using the flat side of her weapon as a shield, managed to halt his assault despite being forced several feet back. Then, with great effort, she spun her blade sideways and knocked Xin away. Without even a second rest, Akali dashed in on her from the shadows, her Kamas carving into the flesh of her shoulders. Blood spewed from the deep wound as Riven groaned in pain, however she did not let this deter as she took another strike to her thighs. Akali danced behind to her but Riven's incredible speed allowed her to land a hit on Akali's sides, forcing the wounded ninja to retreat.
Garen launched himself at Riven, leaped into the air and crashed his massive blade down on her. Riven was able to parry it but her damaged legs forced her onto her knees. Soon, they were locked in a struggle of will and strength as their blades grinded against each other's. Out of nowhere, Xin and Akali appeared from the sides and buried their weapons deep into Riven's abdomens from left and right.
A crimson pool now gathered at her feet, yet she was still withstanding Garen's blade. For a moment, all was silent except for the ambient noises of the battle between the minions and towers. Riven's agonized breaths brought upon the excruciating pain of the blades inside tormented Artrix. He watched, with worry that she was suffering. He thought that she should've just died quickly and painlessly so she can revive later, instead she fought on. She was unwilling to surrender, and determined to go forward until the last strand of life has been forcefully torn from her.
"It's over Noxian," Garen said.
Riven could not respond, her dying breaths accompanied by the blood that dribbled from her sanguine lips prevent any words yet against all odds, she still held her stance. Her blade began to crack as her life energies slowly drained away.
"It… It's not… Over yet," Riven managed to say. Then, with a sudden jerk, a blast of Ki had expulsed from her body. The three was immediately expelled from her and was thrown several metres back. Seizing this opportunity, she tightly gripped the handle of her sword and summoned a Wind Slash using the final bits of her strength. The attack cleaved all in front of all and devastated the enemy team. Xin Zhao and Akali were slain while Garen was nearly knocked unconscious. With woozy effort, Garen staggered back onto his feet but found himself unable to press forward. Riven now fell to ground as her sword shattered, returning to its broken form. Garen, now just feet away, prepared to execute her.
"Recall now Garen, their team is respawning," Garen's Summoner ordered.
"No, I will not retreat. I must finish this!" Garen retaliated.
"This is an order, Garen," the Summoner said, "assuming direct control."
Garen, suddenly paralyzed as rings of blue light surrounded him. "Let me go Summoner, I must finish her!"
However, Garen's body was still under the Summoner's domination as the rings around him intensified. Garen scoffed and looked at the nearly unconscious.
"So you are braver than I thought, Noxian. Very well, heal, and we shall finish this battle once and for all," Garen said as he then vanished into thin air.
After Riven's team revived, they quickly rushed to her aid. Nunu and his Yeti Willump carried her body back to the fountain where her mortal wounds gradually closed and disappeared, leaving not even a scar. Her eyes, which sparkled of determination, opened and were surprised to see that she was still alive.
"Here we go!" Nunu delightfully said.
To Artrix's relieve, Riven was now fully healed and they soon began their counterattack on Purple Team. With the tides turned, it is Garen's team that is on defense. Riven valiantly led the final assault into their base which would decide victory and defeat. With unfathomable courage and bravery, they were able to overrun their defenses and finally reach the Purple Nexus. As the last two towers fell, Riven triumphantly plunged her blade into the Nexus Crystal which resulted in a chromatic explosion that ended the match in victory for Riven's team. Artrix was captivated by her, her heroism and strength. Even in the face of temporary death and excruciating pain, she held her ground and refused to capitulate.
Inside the post-match lobby, Garen approached Riven.
"Well fought Noxian, you have stronger than I thought," Garen said to her.
"I have a name, Garen, just as you do too," Riven replied.
"You are still a Noxian, you cannot escape that fact even in exile."
Riven sheathed her blade on the back and faced Garen. "I am a Noxian, and I always will be. But my true identity is Riven, nothing more and nothing less."
Riven then left, leaving Garen perplexed at this woman named Riven. Perhaps she was after all, different than the Noxians he knew and existed.
After the match, the League had announced that tonight would be Grog Night, hosted by Gragas and his brewery. It would be a recreational night where the Champions can take a long awaited break from all of the chaos of the outside world. When twilight engulfed the sky, Grog Night had already begun at the Institute's Grand Bar. It was essentially a massive arena with a towering, circular bar stuck in the centre of the area. Light decorations and barrels of Grog had filled the arena along with crowds of Summoners and most of the Champions. Riven and Artrix was late to arrive and was met with already drunk patrons and such.
"Let's get this party started!" Gragas boisterously announced at the bar was he brewed up drinks after drinks. Loud lively music then commenced, shaping the atmosphere into a perfect party.
Riven and Artrix had to swim through the sea of people just to get to the bar. There, they found Ahri, Soraka and Sivir indulged in a drinking contest. Ahri, who had already tore through cups after cups, had quite a blush oh her as she staggered about in her chair. Soraka, who seemed to have been unwillingly brought here, had too consumed some of what she called the 'foul ale'. Sivir, the Battle Mistress, lived up to her warrior name and had a mountain of empty mugs stacked in front of her and she wasn't even near drunk yet.
"Wh- why do you have, three eyes Sivir?" Ahri drunkenly said, her face as red as an apple. She swayed around upon her stool, nearly falling off several times.
The Battle Mistress laughed. "I knew you couldn't handle it, fox. Learn from the master." Sivir then gestured for Gragas for another mug.
"Comin' right up ladies," he said and then proceeded to throw out a spectacular display of juggling and mixing the alcohol into another mug. It was colored blue with a layer of green on top. He then slid the mug across the counter to Sivir who then quickly downed the drink and wiped off the excess from her face.
"This is definitely not good for your health," Soraka said, holding her hand on her head. "I'm already getting dizzy."
"Come on, can't be a contest if none of you can handle even a dozen," Sivir said.
Ahri, who was now on the brink of collapse, held up her tails in front of her face. She was thoroughly shocked to see the fur.
"Where did these…. Tails come from…?" she said before finally passing out on the counters.
Soraka had refused any more drinks and instead opted to watch the live shows and entertainment instead. Some of them were Champions like Graves and Twisted Fate in a dance-off. Their fast feet amazed the crowd through their masterful display of the Square Dance. Another was Blitzcrank's famed consultancy service.
"Do you find gems to be truly outrageous?" Taric, the Gem Knight asked Blitzcrank who was seated behind a simple table with a white cloth over.
"I BELIEVE THE APPROPRIATE ANSWER IS- YES, THEY ARE TRULY, TRULY, TRULY, TRULY, TRULY OUTRAGEOUS," the Steam Golem replied.
Another spectacle, which was more calm and peaceful, was Sona giving out a light concert with her etwahl. The crowd that she had drawn was completely enchanted by the tranquil music which soothed the hearts of anyone who listened. Then, she turned the calmness into a vehement sea of powerful cords and notes, barraging the audience with awe and speechlessness.
Riven and Artrix met with Sivir, who was still looking for another contester was pleased when she saw Riven.
"Ah, Riven, care to join an old friend for a few drinks?" Sivir offered.
"Of course, that's why we came here anyways," Riven replied. She and Artrix took their seats around the bar. Riven pointed to the unconscious Ahri.
"What about her? Will she be fine?" Riven asked.
"She will be alright. She's just probable going to wake up tomorrow and go woo a few men," Sivir said, and then she noticed Artrix. "Aren't the lucky Riven to have such a handsome man with you."
Riven's cheeks slightly blushed as she attempted to hide it from Artrix. "Thanks…"
"Well, it's good that you brought a friend, now we can double the drinks here. He can drink, right?"
"Of course, I am a skilful drinker of all things intoxicating," Artrix replied. He remembered back in Heaven, he would often drink with the other gods in the halls in celebration of many things he can't remember. His reputation of one of the sturdiest drinkers lingered on with him during his youth years.
"Good, good," Sivir then gestured for Gragas. "Since I've got real drinkers this time, Gragas, give me the strongest thing you've got here."
"Sure thing," Gragas happily announced. Then, he heaved out a massive barrel from under the counter and mixed it with numerous other ales and alcohol into the perfect cocktail. "Let's roll out the barrels!"
The drinks were slid in front of the three. They had multiple layers of different colors and finished off with an umbrella on top of the mugs. It looked more like a toxic spill more than anything else, but to Sivir it was the ultimate delight.
"With this, let us forget all our troubles and misery and wash it all away with the best thing on the planet," Sivir said.
Riven nodded and held up her mug to toast. Artrix, stared his drink for a brief moment as the thought of Heaven in chaos flashed through him. His worry arose again when Sivir tapped him on his shoulder.
"Gonna join us or sit there?" she said.
Artrix held up his mug and joined the toast.
"To each their own," Sivir toasted. Then, they all drank in one, long gulp. When the liquid made contact with his mouth, it struck him like a brick. It was far more powerful than anything he has ever tasted. Even the ones in Heaven would've been like a pebble to a mountain when compared to Gragas' masterpiece. In that instance, all his worries and thoughts were washed away, leaving only his red cheeks and a slight dizziness. Even Sivir had to take a moment's break for the alcohol to set in.
"That stung," Riven commented on her drink.
"Pretty more of where that came from," Sivir said with a loud burp.
As the night progressed, more and more drinks bombarded them. More and more of the patrons and Champions had fallen drunk, even Sivir had already had her last cup before collapsing onto the liquor soaked floor. The music had all but died down, leaving Sona's harmony which continued to sooth the arena and those whose mind is still clear. Artrix and Riven was all but completely intoxicated as they staggered about aimlessly. Soon, they found an empty backroom with a bench in it.
"That was truly extraordinary," Artrix stuttered, "more than powerful than anything I've ever had back home."
Riven giggled and swayed her head. "Yea? You know you've never told me where you are from."
Artrix's clouded judgement and thoughts were jumbled in his woozy mind. "It's a heaven, really."
As they stumbled around, drunk, their clumsy steps soon tripped over on the bench as Riven fell onto it and Artrix following on top, using his arms to hold himself up. Now, they were face to face and their eyes quickly found each other. For a tense moment, silence had filled the room.
"A heaven?" Riven intimated.
"Yea… A heaven."
Sona's faint music outside lightly serenaded the room, romanticising its atmosphere. At this moment, every single feature of Riven's beauty, even his memory of her strength and courage earlier, had melded into one, indescribable feeling of pure ecstasy. She had drawn him closer and closer for reasons he cannot explain. While partially aided by their intoxication, his attraction for her was still clear.
"Riven…"
Riven lifted one of her fingers to lightly shush Artrix as if telling him that words are a waste of time. Her eyes coruscated as they locked with Artrix's. Then, as if an unstoppable gravity had pulled on Artrix, he slowly lowered himself towards her. Their lips drew towards each other, almost touching now in this climatic moment between them. Then, the door to the room swung open, causing Artrix to flip over and falling down the bench and immediately ending everything.
Ezreal walked in clueless. When he saw the two, he was surprised and immediately halted his steps.
"Oh, uh… Sorry, am I interrupting?" he said as he slowly returned outside, "Yea…. I'm leaving now."
Artrix pulled himself back up through drunken efforts as Riven did the same.
"I'm sorry about that, I am drunk and you know…" Artrix said in the awkward silence, his mind now slightly cleared up.
"I'm sorry too… yea, I didn't mean it," Riven replied. For a moment, Artrix thought of how to proceed as Riven sat on the bench, holding her dizzy head.
"I think we should return to our room now," Artrix sheepishly suggested. Riven agreed and they both left the area. In the arena, a swarm of sleeping bodies and the stench of alcohol had filled the place. Gragas was snoring loudly at the bar, holding onto his precious barrel as he dozed off. Sona too had already left, leaving her audiences asleep soundly.
As they walked, Artrix felt a slight ache to his head and staggered for a step. He knew that tomorrow morning, it will be one hell of a hangover.