Author's Note:
Sorry about the lateness of this chapter, I literally died in the past few days. Good thing I had GA. But in all seriousness, I was pretty sick and had no time. So, to make up for it, I'm now giving you an extra-long chapter to enjoy. Thanks for the patience!
Chapter 10
Riven's blade slashed down with a great momentum but was expertly parried by Artrix who then proceeded to prepare for yet another barrage. The attempt was furious but Artrix too had blocked it with ease, then with waltzing speed, he had launched an assault of his own, forcing Riven several feet back. She returned to her stance, Artrix had already vanished and left behind a cloud of dust. Her eyes scoured the field but found only Artrix's cunning as he leaped from behind her with the element of surprise. In just barely enough time, she was able to twist her whole body back and used its momentum to defend from the strike. However, it was not enough as Artrix's strength forced her sword to the ground, leaving her at defeat and at his mercy
The spar was over as they returned to normality, wiping the effortful sweat off their foreheads.
"Looks like you are ready Artrix," Riven said. "I believe in you."
Artrix sheathed his sword and smiled. "If you think I am, then I must be."
Riven then tiptoed so that her face was paralleled to Artrix and planted a soft kiss on his cheeks.
The winter days had come and gone as the colors of life gradually returned to the lands. Now, only small, brave patches of snow remained scattered throughout most of northern Valoran with the exception of the permafrost in the Freljord. The cold had been rapidly filled replaced by the oncoming warmth of spring Valoran experiences the transition between the two seasons. During these times, their bonds have strengthened. Artrix had already officially declared his feelings for her, and she the same. Now rumors of Riven's 'boyfriend' have spread around the League by the Champions, namely the mischievous Yordles and the three Piltoverans. Riven had tried to suppress them but to no avail, the speed of information and curious ears were too fast for her. Vi was absolutely hysterical when she had heard of this while Jayce and Caitlyn had congratulated them. From time to time, Riven has been annoyed by curious noses on a daily basis.
Soon, Artrix has decided that he would apply for the League's Championship after the last resilient patches of snow have melted away into oblivion. In between this time period, a massive festival was announced by the Ionians to be centred within the Placidium but technically spiritually held all over the lands. It was a celebration of Valoran's peace and harmony and in the hopes of unifying the splintered lands and would begin a few days from now. All city states were welcomed, even Noxus as this would be a time where all past grievances were to be forgotten. Despite all of this, security was still of an utmost priority as the momentousness of this event would likely draw in unwanted and dangerous beings.
Artrix had asked Riven to go with him to satisfy his curiosity to see yet another exciting gathering of people. However, she still felt a slight hint of guilt and awkwardness towards Ionians.
"Riven, you need to learn to forgive yourself and let go," Artrix suggested.
"I can't, it's just something that's always with you," Riven said. "I still owe them too much."
"If you don't face them, then will you just hide in your shadows forever? Besides, you've heard what this festival is all about. Harmony and peace and forgiveness, even some Noxus, your homeland is invited."
Riven was still doubtful after Artrix's pleas but she knew that he was right. In the joyous spirit of this festival, it'd be almost wrong not to attend because of her feelings.
"Will you at least come and watch the spectacle called 'fireworks' with me? It will be just on the shores, no need to enter the central," Artrix asked, almost begging.
Riven sighed as Artrix's persuasive power prevailed yet again. "Fine…"
With that, he tried to hide it but inside, he had nearly squealed with delight. He loved these things called festivals and the many wondrous things that mortals created during his exile. The gathering of masses and the commotion reminded him of Heaven and its liveliness.
For the next few days, they had taken a break from their training and had just wandered the Institute in repose. The Piltoverans had invited Riven and Artrix along with Lux who had insisted on tagging along on a shopping trip during a sunny day. It would not only be for clothing, albeit Lux's goals but also to purchase many gears, tools and utility items that they needed. It was also a time for relaxation before the festivals, which Caitlyn had been named Chief of Security after insisting that there will be trouble.
"Cait, I don't even know why you are so uptight about it. I mean it is the festival of peace and harmony and whatnot," Jayce said to Caitlyn as they walked down the main street of the shopping area.
"You can never be sure, just as the time you had thought your lab was safe enough and in the end, you got blindsided by you-know-who," Caitlyn retorted.
"That machine maniac? Please, he can't even handle half of my Mercury Hammer," Jayce said.
The shopping area was essentially an intricate maze of roads and streets with stories of buildings and shops completely lining the street. One could find almost everything they need in this place.
"You two ought to shut the hell up, relax and shop our guts out" Vi said. Her mechanic gauntlets have been taken off, revealing her calloused hands. Artrix had thought that without them, Vi looked almost strange, as if incomplete.
As the trio waded down the street, Lux has been curiously meddling around Artrix and Riven. They had noticed the inquisitive Lux but didn't mention anything, knowing that sooner or later the girl would open her mouth.
"Why aren't you two holding hands?" Lux asked as they walked.
"What?" Riven said.
"You two are in love, aren't you?" Lux questioned, almost like a child.
The two briefly looked at each other and back at Lux who was now walking backwards, not wanting to miss a single answer from them.
"That does not mean we have to hold hands all the time."
"But I see my brother do it all the time," Lux said, almost as if whispering a secret.
Riven was surprised at this fact, she could not imagine the austere image of the Demacian with any women.
"With whom?" Riven asked curiously. Lux looked around as if making sure that no one, in particular Garen was around. Then, she leaned closer to them in pretence of unveiling a secret above all secrets.
"His sword," Lux then threw her head back and laughed hysterically. Riven, who had been expecting something along the lines of the conformation red-haired assassin, was put back and slightly disappointed.
"So what do you two do?" Lux asked again.
Artrix barged in to end Lux's inquisition once and for all. "We share kisses, talk and enjoy each other's company. Anything else?"
Lux giggled as Riven seemingly blushed, which then turned to accusation at Artrix's openness. Lux then turned and pranced to the Piltoverans up ahead to bother them instead.
"Why did you tell her that?" Riven muttered to Artrix.
"Well did you wish for her to halt her relentless, aggravating questions? Besides, the whole of Valoran already knows."
Riven groaned in annoyance, she had hoped that this could've stayed between them so precisely this wouldn't had happened. Up ahead on the right side of the street was a large, mechanical shop that sold gears and power tools of all types imaginable. Vi saw the shop, gave a quick farewell and dove inside and began her escapade.
"Aren't you going to have tea with us?" Caitlyn asked moments before she had hit the doors.
"Nope, see ya, good-bye," Vi said.
Jayce held his hips and slightly shook his head in amusement. "That girl, so difficult yet so easy. How do you manage her Cait?"
Caitlyn sighed as if remembering all the times Vi has given her, both the good and the bad.
"I don't."
The two Piltoverans and Lux looked back and waited for Artrix and Riven to catch up. They were headed for famed Café named the Le Café Tombé. The shop was known for its legendarily delicious pastry and coffee and tea as was owned, unknowingly by Artrix, Morgana herself. This was a way for her to pass time when not awing her audience with her powerful black magic.
When they were seated at a large round table outside the Café, they were served by what seems to be French Maid dressed in revealing dark purple dress. Her lithe figure coupled with her cougar like eyes and features made her a hidden hunter. She strode out of the kitchen like a wild cat and had a tray with professionally balanced glass jugs of water and cups.
"So it is true, these two lovebirds really are in love," Nidalee, the Bestial Huntress softly remarked as she laid down the menus and water.
"If people can just, stop talking about it and do their own things, it'd be great," Riven said, annoyed.
Nidalee gave a soft chuckle and slithered over to Artrix. She leaned over flirtatiously and smiled at Riven. "Perhaps I could teach him a thing or two…"
Riven became almost as red as a drunkard as anger flushed her face.
"Relax honey, I'm just messing around, don't be so tight about it," the Bestial Huntress said.
"I agree Riven, learning new things' always a pleasure," Artrix foolishly said. Riven lightly palmed her forehead.
"Not when she is the pleasure," Riven muttered under her own breath.
Caitlyn and Jayce held their hands to their faces while trying their best to hide their chuckles. Artrix was still clueless to everything that is happening as Nid playfully taunted Riven some more.
"So, Nidalee, where is Morgana?" Jayce asked.
"Oh, she said something about going upstairs to check if everything's alright," Nidalee replied.
Jayce was confused. "Upstairs?"
Nidalee shook her head as to show that she was in no better position than Jayce. "Yea, disappeared without a trace."
"Wait, what does Morgana have to do with this?" Artrix questioned.
Nidalee sighed as if recalling an embarrassing moment of her life. "She's the owner of the shop. And after I borrowed, I mean 'stole' some of her pastries she caught me and now I have to work."
"You did steal them, Nidalee, I was there too," Caitlyn said. Nidalee picked up her tray and groaned in annoyance, desperate for her time in the shop to be over.
"She left them out in the open. And I am a hunter after all, could never say no to easy prey. Or in this case, cookies," Nidalee then returned inside to serve the other eager costumers who were waiting for the heavenly pastries.
Artrix pondered for a moment, it was surprising to him that Morgana the Fallen Angel owned a pastry shop which seemed to completely contrast with her. What also caught his attention is she going 'upstairs', or to be interpreted as the Lands Above, Heaven. What really is going on, he hasn't received any news from anything for the past months. As he lingered in thought, Riven saw and snapped him back to the reality of the table.
"Artrix, are you alright?" she asked. Artrix, looked up to her and nodded, shaking his worrying thoughts away.
The conversation was then started by an excited Lux who had long waited for the Ionian festival.
"So, anyone ready for the big thing?" she asked, clapping her hands together in joy even at the thought of it.
"I heard it is going to be the largest in decades, with fireworks and magic shows and whatever the Ionians love doing," Jayce commented.
Caitlyn nodded and tipped her hat. "And dangerous too."
Jayce shook his head in qualm. "I can't believe you're still going on about that."
"And I think Demacia's going to win every contest," Lux cheerfully said.
As they chattered, Nidalee pushed open the door of the café with her hips as both her hands were holding two large trays. On it were delicate little cups and a large, singular glass fountain with pastries of all sorts lined around it. It held a regal demeanour as every piece of the utensil was handcrafted and picked by Morgana. Her strict sense of austereness had still subconsciously shaped her taste and fashion.
As the afternoon treat arrived, Lux's beaming eyes dogged it at every moment. She licked her lips in anticipation of the gloriously luscious pastries. Some were a swirl, some topped with fruity decorations and others even words were no match for. Just as Lux's greedy fingers reached for them, Caitlyn gave a light slap on her hand, making her retreat it and beseechingly pouted.
Caitlyn lightly lifted her cup of tea to her lips with two, gentle fingers and sipped at the delectable drink. "I think those two should have some first, don't you agree Lux?"
Just as Lux was able to retort, she found Caitlyn's cold eyes piercing her. Perhaps it was the years of experience as a criminal-busting sheriff that gotten to her, but Lux withdrew and laid her face on the table like a puppy's and whimpered. Her eyes still craved for the fountain of treats that was directly in front of her, she could even smell the sweet aroma that wafted around the table.
"Lux can have some, after all you is still young and needs those sugars," Riven said, somewhat affected by Lux's undeniable adorability.
Immediately and almost squealing with delight, she snatched one of the pastries with lightning and proceeded to nibble on it. She gave out moans of bliss as the crumbs were littered around her lips. The mood was indeed reposed and enjoyable as the afternoon sun lightly bathed the streets, actuating the sense of tranquility of the upcoming festival.
"I am still curious though Riven, and you do not have to answer if it displeases you but, how did you met Artrix?" Caitlyn surprisingly asked.
"Even you too?" Riven sighed.
Jayce nodded. "The whole of the League wants in Riven. Everyone's just as curious as we are. No one ever thought Riven would um… Score."
Caitlyn then quickly jumped back in. "But! Like I said, you don't have to answer if you do not wish to."
Now, Lux stopped her chewing and listened in too. The three of them then leaned closer and closer towards the two as Riven's comfort level became reduced.
"Alright fine!" Riven finally succumbed to the pressure. "It's nothing special. I found Artrix heavily injured, and far away from home. Then I helped him and things started to happen. Satisfied?"
The three had a slightly disappointed expression as if they were hungry for more. "That's it?"
"Sounds about correct to me," Artrix jokingly said.
Jayce and Caitlyn gave up and returned to their original posture, but Lux's stubbornness had kept Riven accompanied.
"But, it's been so long. Sure you two must've had…" Lux began.
Riven who was just about at the end of her tolerance. "Had what?"
Lux's adorable innocence returned.
"You know…. Had sex?" she bluntly stated. Jayce burst into laughter, never knowing what to expect from this Demacian as a bright blush reddened Riven. Artrix chuckled at Riven's embarrassment, still not used to seeing her in this manner. Caitlyn had just stayed quiet in her own spot, calmly enjoying her tea.
"You little…" Riven shot up from her chair and began to chase Lux down. However, the agile light mage flipped and dashed about, leaving Riven in the dust and a mess of tables and chairs. When Riven finally got close to her, the cunning of Lux allowed her to bend the very luminosity surrounding her and creating a shroud of invisibility. Despite being no longer visible, Lux's antic laughter could still be heard.
Everyone except Riven was enjoying this moment for it was truly one of the times when one could be at peace in the chaos of Valoran.
The last few days before the festival had waltzed by like a breeze as streams of people from all over Valoran gathered at the shores to traverse to Ionia. Artrix and Riven had boarded a small boat that was decorated in tribute of an ancient dragon known as the Kamerika, a central piece of the festival. It was lined with long, red paint with hints of green to represent the scales and at the front was a richly colored dragon head. One of the aspects of the festival was the celebration and remembrance of all ancient and lost deities and figures. They would've been long forgotten if it weren't for the well-kept scrolls of the Ionian libraries.
The festival had officially begun upon a starry night, the time Ionians had considered to be the apex of peace and harmony. An Ionian ancient belief was that the world was forged in tranquility during night, and only when day came did the first chaos arrive. The fireworks had already begun, shooting up from the Placidium and illuminating the night skies with chromatic explosions of all wondrous shapes and sizes. It had even resonated deep into the darkness beyond Valoran, echoing its light in a beauteous display. The thundering sounds of the magnificence can also be heard all across the island, bringing out the spirits and life of the planet.
Artrix and Riven had arrived at one of the shores which had significantly less people. The calm beaches and soothing waves coupled with the dim night sky had made it a place of pure relaxation. As they got off the boat, they left footprints on the soft sand, marking their trail.
The symphony of fireworks above still clamoured as the congregation of people grew denser each seconds the festival goes on. It would flash over the dark beach every few moments, occasionally lighting the path for Artrix and Riven. Up ahead was a pitch black tree line, nearly void of any light, only illuminated every few moments from the fireworks.
"Let's move inwards, can't see much here," Artrix suggested.
Riven felt reluctant to entering the Ionian heart, fearing her past sins may return if she was to go back to the places that were all too familiar to her.
Artrix noticed Riven standing still, deeply contemplating. "Riven, the Ionians are in a mood of celebration. They will not bother you."
"It's just being here may bring back some of the memories," Riven gloomily said. Artrix walked over to her and held her shoulders. He lifted her chin so he could see her face which was temporary lighted by the fireworks. Her eyes seem to have flicker with worry.
"I will be here for you if the memories return. This is a time of joy and celebration, Riven, the past is no longer. You cannot linger in the pity of what had already happened," Artrix said.
Riven sighed and brought a faint smile to her lips. Then, Artrix quickly slid his hands down to her sides.
"What are you-"before Riven could prepare herself, Artrix unleashed a flurry of ticklish jabs with his finger, which caused Riven to shrivel up and hop around out of control.
"Hey!" Riven said while laughing and trying to escape Artrix.
"Return warrior, I know your weakness!" Artrix joked. Somehow, weeks ago, he had discovered that Riven the battle-hardened warrior from the unforgiving state of Noxus was extremely ticklish. Her sides were exceptionally sensitive to any light motion which Artrix was now exploiting.
"Alright alright, I give up, can never be upset around you," Riven said, still slightly bemused from Artrix's antics. "You are right, I shouldn't be so bitter about it."
With a delighted expression, Artrix grabbed onto Riven's arm as they ventured into the deep woods, leaping over fallen logs and unseen jungle mass in the dark. They had danced through the thick woods, at times completely shrouded in blackness while others the whole of the island were lit up as though it was still day, albeit a strange color for a sun. Soon, they breached through the wall of trees and found a congregation of beings from all over Valoran gathered around an ancient building. The mass held up lit lanterns and torches as they moved around humbly. From Artrix's distance, it seemed like a sea of swarming fireflies all flocking around the soothing night.
The building that was surrounded were truly a piece of archaic art, it was the Grand library of Ionia that had held all the scrolls and stories of ancient beings and deities. Knowledge more valuable than any gold were all stored within its aged shelves. The building itself were crafted completely of stone, and its structure held up by cracked pillars which were wrapped in moss. Artrix and Riven made their way to the building, through the sea of people and loud chatter. However, once they were inside, a surprising quiet had greeted them. Even in the heart of this lively festival, the Ionians' respect for the Grand Library was still conspicuous.
"Look at all these books!" Riven whisperingly exclaimed. Within the library, stone shelves of dusty scrolls and books covered as far as the eye could see. One could easily count almost a thousand of these shelves, and on them a thousand more books of greatly desired knowledge. The amount of knowledge here could satisfy even the most curious of scholars for several lifetimes.
Even Artrix himself was impressed. He had remembered the Cathedral of Heaven which had stored all information and knowledge that had ever existed and its shelves stretch till infinity. From the perspective of a mortal, the Grand Library was strikingly similar to that of Heaven's.
In a nearby lounge, an aged librarian sat on a cozy chair by a lit fireplace and was surrounded by a seated ring of enticed children. She was telling the story of Kamerika to the children who were all but lost and completely drawn into her words.
"The ancient dragon spirit had brought peace and harmony to these lands as it soared over our skies. Each night, new life and joy would be brought by Kamerika," the Librarian told the story with wisdom in her voice.
"First, there was peace. Then, there was joy. And finally, it brought us love."
Riven's attention had been caught by the librarian's wondrous story. She had heard many before from Noxus and Demacia, but she had always loved the Ionian ones the most. The abundance of heroism and strength and power from the two states has had all but bored her to death, but the Ionian's always caught her heart. They were as wise as Lee Sin's words, and as comforting as the very night sky itself.
On a nearby table, Artrix caught the glimpse of a thick encyclopaedia named: "Ancient Gods and Deities."
"Interesting," Artrix muttered as he picked the heavy book up. He flipped through the antiquated pages which were torn and stained and found all sorts of amusing entities. Some of them he even knew, like the Celestials of Ionia which the inhabitants had named, the "Kodai Purotei", meaning Ancient Protectors in the old Ionian tongue.
As he skimmed through the book, something caught his eyes. One relatively long section was completely dedicated to an archaic god named "Letus", literally meaning Lightning. An interpretation of the god was roughly sketched in a large blank square. The figure seemed to have armor and fluttering capes as he stood triumphantly over a cliff and wielding a bolt of lightning in his raised hand. Below the god was a hellish sea of foes defeated by the great Letus. Some of the finer details of the drawing had already been long eroded or stained.
Artrix flipped to the next page and was utterly amazed at what he uncovered. The symbol of god was also sketched onto the section. It was an Eagle clutching onto a bolt of lightning with its mighty talons and the words, "Lord and Creator" was repeated around it several times. Below the symbol was a transcript of the god.
"The Lord and Creator Letus descended from the Heavens itself in the greatest time of peril for humanity. When the beasts of hell had nearly consumed the lands, Letus arrived and ended them all with a singular bolt of mighty lightning. In doing so, he had split the very lands itself, creating the future nation of Ionia and forever saving humanity from its fall."
Artrix closed the book, still astonished by his discovery. He never knew that in his arrogance, he had singlehandedly brought an entire nation to existence. It would mean that the festival, the Ionians and everything that was happening now, was directly linked to him. He had changed the wills of mortals, and this was the result.
"And so, when evil was brought to mankind, Kamerika had withdrawn from the wounded planes. It is said that one day, it will return once again and cleanse the sins of this land, and spreading the harmonious joy once again," the Librarian concluded the story, leaving the children, and Riven hungry for more.
The children all simultaneously began nudging and asking Librarian for more. While initially refusing, her soft heart melted in the face of learning children as she then agreed to tell one last story. This time it was the tale of a red hooded girl.
Riven then turned to Artrix who was inspecting other books, in hopes of discovering more about this "Letus" god.
"Artrix, didn't you want to go to the marketplace?" she asked.
Artrix was surprised at her suggestion. "Are you fine with that many people?"
The marketplace was another of the festival's central piece, it was stationed around the famed Placidium; the heart of Ionia. There would be where most of the Champions, Noxians, Ionians and Demacians along with inhabitants of Valoran are centred.
"There was nothing wrong to begin with," Riven said with a smile.
With that, they left the library and traversed through the dark woods to the inner reaches of Ionia. The city area was situated upon a massive hill that overlooked the entirety of the island and now acted as a shimmering beacon above Valoran's night sky and was visible to all eyes hundreds of miles away. All the life and commotion had sprung from that very point of the city and was a welcoming sign to essentially all who lives on the continent.
Soon, after climbing up some rural steps and stairs, the marketplace had come into view. It was truly an extraordinary sight for Artrix. From the very horizons that stretched left to right, fantastic stalls and magnificent displays was created an endless ocean of tents and stores. The light that radiated from this lively place coupled with the ongoing fireworks had transformed night into day. Inside, one could probably never reach the end within a whole day as the endless array of attractions and shows would've hindered any progress through the grand market. It was at bare, the most massive carnival in all of history.
Artrix breathed in amazement. Even Riven herself was bewildered by the scale of all this. When she heard that this festival would be the largest in decades, they were no exaggerations. Consumed by delight and curiosity, the two quickly made their way into the market. Left, right front and back there was always an entertainment of some sort. Some was where one could indulge in a shooting contest. Some were candy making machines and many others that only if experienced could they be described.
Artrix held tightly onto Riven's hands as they dashed through the ecstatic sea of people. They had enjoyed every moment of the grandeur convivial marketplace as each and their laughter overtook any strands of unhappiness that lingered within them. They had tried and sampled some of the game and food stalls. They soon found a Lover's Stall in which an area was set up where dance with each other in any way they wished and when the music was over, they would share a kiss.
Loud, blithesome music then filled the stall as a large crowd gathered around to delight in watching loving couples embraced.
"I don't want to embarrass myself!" Riven hollered over the music.
Artrix held out his hand. "Hold onto me, I will lead!"
In the light of this joy, the two wildly spun into the arena and into the curious eyes of audience. Despite Riven's lack of dancing skills, it did not matter for the atmosphere and music had catered them to a beautiful tempo. She did whatever Artrix had done and followed up with a perfect, natural flow. The experience was absolutely exhilarating; they spun each other around and turned into a whirlwind of exquisiteness, transcending beyond the realm of reality and into their own world. Yet never once did their fingers part as they soon became perfectly in sync with each other's steps.
As the music neared its end, the fireworks exploded in its climatic moment, showering the once pitch black skies in a glory of florid colors and aspects. When it was over, Artrix and Riven drew each other towards a deep embrace. In the approbation of the cheering crowd and the heat of this moment, at as part of the stall game, they shared a passionate kiss. Even the fiery display in the skies seemed to be in approval of this captivating moment as it thundered across Ionia.
A pillar of smoke bellowed from a large fire within the northern sector of the marketplace. Chaotic shouts and blurry commotion ravaged the merriness of the festival. Caitlyn, along with her team of law enforcers rushed down the debris filled streets and wrecked stalls to meet with the threat.
In the food court area, pieces of eaten food littered the floor. The beast, which was the cause of the rampage, hovered around the place and sniffed out any remaining cookeries. However, it was no ordinary beast. At its base, it was a vicious, oversized boar with dangerous tusks able to gore a person through armor. Its fur was translucent, along with the rest of its massive body. It had a faint blue aura shrouding it and was clearly incorporeal. It was the Spirit of the Boar that had once peacefully roamed the woods, but now aggravated for reasons unknown.
"Secure the perimeter! Do not let it escape!" Caitlyn shouted her orders. Her men quickly hustled into a tight ring with weapons ready. The area has been evacuated now due to Caitlyn's experienced command skills.
The spirit boar growled as saliva dripped from its jagged fangs. Its eyes were intensely trained on its human adversaries. Then, it released a loud roar into the moonlight which echoed throughout the entire island, causing flocks of birds to flee from their nests.
"Easy…. Easy….," Caitlyn said as they slowly closed in on the trapped beast.
She had her sniper rifle up, aimed and ready to put a bullet through the beast at the pull of a finger. Suddenly, the spirit boar charged towards her with its tusk up with the intent of goring the mass of humans in front. Caitlyn gave the order to fire and instantly pulled the trigger but to no avail, the projectile travelled straight through its incorporeal body. With quick instincts, she tumbled out of the beast's path of slaughter.
"Section 5 containment breach, I repeat section 5 containment breach!" Caitlyn hollered into her radio which would've alerted every single person within a 5 mile radius.
The spirit then leaped high into the air and over a brick wall, disappearing into the mass and leaving behind only more sounds of destruction. The chase soon began as Caitlyn's team were led by the path of rampage that the angered spirit left. More fire and explosions echoed in the sky, hinting as where the beast may be going. Soon, they arrived at a large clearing with a wrecked fountain which leaked out water everywhere. There, two Ionian Champions, Udyr and Irelia were present.
"Udyr! Irelia, thank all the gods you are here. We need to stop that monster," Caitlyn said, breathing heavily from her running.
"That is no mere monster, it is the Spirit of Boar. Normally it would never behave like this, something must've upset it," Udyr said.
"I don't care if it's a spirit of boar or whatever. Right now, we need find it, stop it and kill it if needed," Caitlyn said.
Irelia stepped in and shook her head. "You don't understand, Udyr is right, the spirit is unstoppable. The only way we can hope to end this carnage is if we find out what's tormenting it and soothing it."
Caitlyn looked around and inspected the immense damage. She sighed, "fine, we will do whatever it takes."
She then turned to her men who were waiting for an order. "Alright men, double time, let's move out and end this quick!"
Now with the aid of two Ionians, Caitlyn's team resumed their chase and in the hopes of minimising any more destruction it will cause.
Artrix and Riven ran up against the current of fleeing people as they attempted to get to the problem. The columns of fire and smoke which now lit the skies instead of the fireworks burned intensely. Waves of panic and fear had already spread amongst the marketplace with words of a dangerous beast soon reaching many ears of Ionia.
Up ahead, the chaos seemed to be drawing closer and closer which is exactly the direction the two are headed. They quickly reached a clearing of torn stalls and tents and were confronted with the spirit. Upon seeing the two new humans, the spirit gnarled and revealed to them its rows of razor sharp fangs. Its two massive tusks had protruded outwards in a threateningly manner.
Riven and Artrix both drew their weapon in anticipation of a difficult battle.
After a brief showdown, the beast had decided on its move and rushed madly towards the two. Both of them managed to roll away in opposite directions, leaving the beast temporary blinded before it turned around and struck again. The speed of its assault increased tremendously as Riven barely had time to evade while Artrix's sword was caught by its momentum, flinging him back. The beast, now realizing that Artrix was stunned, shifted its focus to him and charged.
"Artrix! Run!" Riven hollered at the top of her lungs. Knowing that there was no time, she leaped in front of the beast and blocked its tusks with the blade side of her sword. The force had still caused her to slide backwards. Artrix quickly returned to his stance and looped around to the beast's flanks. Using all of his training, he pummelled the sharp edge of his weapon into the beast. To his surprise, the sword went straight through without so much as affecting it.
"Our weapons are useless against it!" Artrix informed Riven.
"Then we'll just have to evade it until reinforcement arrives."
Riven quickly disengaged the beast and jumped back to the outer perimeter with Artrix doing the same in another direction. This had caused slight confusion in the beast, as it thought about which target to go for. Then, rage surged through it as it roared thunderously, shattering nearby windows and glass like paper. A violent hurricane of flame blue energies engulfed the enraged beast and consumed the grounds around it, leaving behind charred cement.
The hurricane quickly grew in size until the whole of the area was shrouded in a vehement storm. Debris and litter and swung around the air and soon even tables and chairs were lifted into the tornado. Artrix found himself to become unbalanced and was forced to grab onto a nearby pole was firmly fixed onto the ground.
The beast then turned to Riven and unblinkingly stared at her with piercing eyes. Just as Riven was prepared for another deadly assault, she found something in those eyes that no other did. It was pain, agony, torment and regret. Deep behind all this shell of violence, something of burden had struggled to break free. She realized this and lowered her blade.
"You are, in need of help," Riven said with the realization. The beast growled lightly as if understanding her acknowledgement yet the storm still raged on.
"You did not want any of this, did you."
The beast's growling has stopped as it lowered its head seemingly in shame. Riven, who was apparently immune to the gusting winds slowly inched towards the eye of the storm. The beast seemed reluctant, but Riven's attitude had calmed it as well as a bit of the storm.
"What happened to you?" Riven asked, now sharing some of the pain with the beast. She felt it, she knew there was a burden, she knew that something was wrong. As she approached it, the sense of agony grew within her heart. The Spirit of Boar was trying to communicate with her.
Outside the hurricane, only swirling blue winds could be seen. The storm had bellowed into the night sky, causing flashes of thunder to boom across the lands. When Riven was within reach of the spirit, she lifted her hands and placed them on the boar that did not resist. At the moment of contact, a surge of agonizing sensations rushed within her. Images of torn lands, blazing fires of industry and careless mistreatment of nature had flashed in her mind. She now knew of the spirit's pains. Its very lands that it had lived an eternity to protect had been sundered. The Noxian and Demacian industrial pride had forsaken what nature had given them and in turn tainted the lands. Riven saw from the spirit that the Crystal Scar was just the beginning.
As the spirit released its burden, the malevolent storm simmered down, quickly dropping debris and torn materials back onto the ground. However, from a slight distance, the Wuju Bladesman Master Yi arrived only to see Riven the Noxian placing hands on a sacred spirit with her sword drawn.
"You Noxian monster…" Taking this as an absolute threat to his homeland, Yi finally found his reason to draw his blade as he dashed at Riven with lightning speed. Being completely unaware as she was bonding with the spirit, Yi slashed his mighty blade down at Riven, cutting her from shoulder down. She groaned in agony as blood spewed from her deep wound as she collapsed onto the ground.
"Riven!" Artrix cried. He immediately launched himself at the bladesman with blinding fury, stopping him from ending Riven's life. "I will not forgive you!"
Soon, they were locked in a duel of the blades as the sound of metal clashed and ringed. Artrix's strikes were fuelled by his rage and anger, seeing the man who had just struck his love down.
"Yes, this is exactly how I felt when she murdered my people!" Yi said after effortlessly blocking another attack.
"Then you are even worse than the worse. You cannot see how she had changed, even with all your wisdom you are blind! A fool!" Artrix hollered as he continued his relentless blows.
"I will never see it! There is no change!"
As the two battled, the spirit poked at Riven's barely conscious body with its snout. A sense of sadness had filled boar, causing a single drop of tear to trickle down its bestial expression and onto her wounds. A faint soothing aura pulsed from the deep cut as the wound slowly closed. Riven could barely speak as she opened her eyes and saw for a moment not a boar, but a caring mother. Her mother. The blurry vision had prevented her from completely recognizing her features, but she was certain that it was her.
"Mother… You've… Returned…" Riven's soft breaths muttered. Then, the spirit had transformed itself back to its original form as it slowly retreated from Riven.
"No, don't… leave me again…" Riven tried to reach for the spirit, but the pain from her wound had prevented her from doing so.
In a distant, Caitlyn's tam finally arrived to witness everything.
"Stop! Now!" Irelia commanded as she jumped right in between Artrix and Yi with her hovering blades blocking both of their strikes.
Caitlyn saw Riven laying in a pool of blood as she quickly tended to her. Udyr bowed his head to the spirit in respect as it slowly dissipated. The light of dawn approached, causing the spirit to become more and more translucent. Then, at the apex of its ascension, it shattered into a flock of shimmering lights as it scattered into the skies.
"What is the meaning of this?" Irelia asked the two.
Yi turned his head, refusing to answer.
"I was protecting Riven from this swordsman who had every intent of ending her life," Artrix said. He then rushed to Riven's aid as he inspected her wounds.
"She was about to defile a holy spirit of Ionia! Of course I had to end her!" Yi angrily replied.
Udyr stepped in, his muscular form towering over everyone. "You fool! She had bonded with Spirit of Boar and calmed it. We are most upset with your ignorance, Yi."
"She is a Noxian that butchered our people! How can any of you forgive her," Yi retorted.
"No Yi, it is long in the past. Everyone has forgiven her, except you. Why do you still hold onto such a grudge when everyone has already moved on?" Irelia questioned.
"There are things that will never change!" Yi said as he turned and stomped off.
Irelia and Udyr quickly gathered around Riven, whose consciousness was now returning.
"Riven, I'm so sorry I couldn't defend you," Artrix apologized. Riven forced a sincere, yet painful smile to her lips.
"It's nothing… I couldn't handle," she replied.
Udyr saw the spirit's tear slowly easing away the pain and blood. "You are truly extraordinary. Against all odds, you had made a Spirit of the Wild to weep for you. They will only do so to those whose hearts are pure. If it weren't for the spirit, you would've bled to death already."
Riven then remembered seeing her mother, and reaching out for her. Yet, as she did, she got further and further away until all she saw was darkness.
"But the spirit transformed… into someone…" Riven said.
"You had bonded with the Spirit, which is considered one of the most difficult things to do. When you did, both of your feelings, senses and even memories were exchanged. Just as you had felt its burden, the spirit felt yours too."
Riven was slightly disappointed that what she saw wasn't real. For a second, she had put away all her logical reasoning and embraced what happiness she was able to grasp.
As she tried to get up, a jolt of pain had forced her back down.
"You may've been saved by the spirit, but the hatred of Yi's strike still lingers. You will need a healer now," Irelia said.
Caitlyn then called in medics and a stretcher as they carefully lifted the wounded Riven onto it. Artrix held her hand, still feeling guilt from his inability to protect her.
"I'm fine Artrix, don't fuss about it," Riven said to him.
"I should've been there to stop him. I am so sorry, from here on I will stand by your side in death and illness to stop any harm to you," Artrix swore.
Riven smiled. "Oh, you are so silly."
As they left the scene, the sun of dawn slowly crept over the horizon and breathing a new day unto Valoran.