Chapter 14

The new day was young and still fresh with the sweet scent of morning dew. The cheery chirping of the numerous avian species of Valoran had filled the air with delight. The clouds of night had all but drifted away into the horizon, leaving a canvas of bright blue covering the dome of Runeterra. The sun itself too was just awaking, slowly but surely creeping into the clear skies. Today was also Artrix's judgement. Despite the queer atmosphere and Riven's assurances, a deep sense of nervousness still festered inside Artrix. He had heard from other champions of how the Summoners could peer directly into your soul and understanding you more than your parents had. Artrix had not feared the fact that they could, but what they would find. Most of all, he feared that he would not be able to contain his lies and false identity.

What was being a Noxian? Artrix had thought to himself. He pondered if being a Noxian was like Riven, how the strong would stand for the weak, free of any tyrannical ideals that may oppress the people. He had talked to Riven once, in understanding what Noxus means.

"Riven, I need to ask of you an important question," Artrix began.

Riven, who was in the middle of sharpening her massive blade, looked up. She was not dressed in her usual attire but in something more loose and casual, a leathery grey tunic with simplicity as its design. Her hair was also untied, flowing freely down to her shoulders. This was a side of Riven that not many have seen.

"What is it?"

"What is… being a Noxian?"

Riven's eyes looked surprised but was quickly replaced by understanding. She stopped and laid her blade softly on the floor.

"A Noxian is many different things, each with their own beliefs Artrix. My view of one is that of great strength, and using this strength not to conquer but aid the unable and strive for a better Noxus. Yet, this is a dying view, the tyranny of Swain is tainting the lands, but I am powerless against it," Riven replied with a slight hint of sadness.

"What do you belief in a Noxian Artrix?"

He quickly scoured his mind for any sort of details that a Noxian may have. Yet he realized he knew nothing about them, the most he could get from them is Riven and in his head she is the model Noxian; a strong warrior living a life of virtue.

Artrix then thought back to Heaven. He pondered if perhaps Noxus was like Heaven now, under evil tyranny and oppression. He commemorated the older days of Heaven when it was free and glorious. He wondered if that was what Noxus was like before.

"Noxians,"Artrix began, mirroring his thoughts in comparison between his home and Riven's. "Noxians are proud of who they are, never one bit do they resent their blood and title. They are loyal to their cause of righteousness and will never relent in the face of evil. They are Noxians."

Inside his mind, Artrix imagined a flock of Angels soaring through Heaven under the Throne. He had remembered this moment, when he was a mere youngling and at his father's side and witnessed the might of Heaven. Endless squadrons of armored angelic figures lined in an impeccable manner thundered through the clouds each with righteousness in their hearts. Now he knew that those days were over.

"I guess we both see the same things," Riven said.

"Do you think that those days of… old Noxus will return?"Artrix asked, with his homeland in his mind.

Riven sighed and tilted her head up, her untied white hair flowing down to her shoulder. There was optimism in her eyes, despite all the uncertainties that currently plagued the world.

"One can only hope, and work towards a true Noxus."

Artrix bowed his head, allowing for the sun's shade to mask his face in gloom. "I don't know… I just don't see a way, a path. There is a tyranny so powerful that I cannot imagine anyone who could dislodge it. There is no hope."

Riven gently placed her soft hands on Artrix's shoulders along with a reassuring smile lightly painted on her face.

"There is always hope, Artrix. The power lays not within the tyrant, but his people and their willingness to believe in his dark cause. If we stand up to them, we can disobey and revolt, but if we don't then there is no hope."

In his heart now, the only action he could take was to hope and have faith in those that still believed. He knew Othrius was powerful and cunning, but there must always be a way, is there? Riven's words struck sense into him. He knew he must never relent and never for one second lose hope. He will either die a hero, or succeed in triumph.

Artrix's eyes glanced upwards and met Riven's, whose steadfast sureness has never fainted. Everything to her was determined, she knew her path and she will take it. At times, Artrix marvelled at this particular trait, this willingness to tread on even in the face of zero possibilities was beyond the scope of any god. This was something that he felt he had once lacked, and only did meeting Riven that had changed.

"I don't know how you do it," Artrix said.

Riven's austereness lifted from her as she spread her arms out for a stretch. She stood up, grinned at the clear skies full of hope and then looked devilishly at him. She saw the perfectly combed black mass of hair which acted as a sign of dignity to Artrix. Riven, no longer able to resist the urges, shot out her hands and harshly petted Artrix. It then transformed his hair into something more of resemblance to a jumbled bird's nest.

"Like this!" Riven playfully cheered.

She then took with her the blade and sprung away from Artrix, commencing a game of cat and mouse. Artrix shook his head as his once flawless strands of hair flowed back down to their original state.

"Get me if you can!" Riven taunted. Artrix shook his head yet smiling.

He knew this was the rare Riven, and somehow his mood had been lifted by the infectious hopefulness from her. Without thinking, Artrix got up and chased after her. They soon reached the tree line of a thick grove under the sun of early summer.

The two waltzed into the numerous trees with great agility and soon a generous momentum had gripped the two. They danced through the natural woods and found themselves landing in an area that was all too familiar to them. It was the frozen pond that they had shared their first passion back during the winters. The sun had now melted away the ice, leaving behind crystal clear and crisp water which sparkled and reflected many things. Instead of a blanket of snow, the vivacious sounds of awakened animals bristled with joy.

Artrix and Riven sprinted into the grassy banks. To anyone else this place was just a mere pond but to them it was magical. It was a sacred to them and a sense of bonding lingered in this place. Isolated from the chaos of Valoran, this was one of the only places where they could find peace and joy.

As the two ran, Artrix began to catch up while Riven kept going. Suddenly, a tangle of grass knotted Artrix's feet just as he was about to capture her. In a wild and chaotic momentum, he collided into Riven as the two tumbled gently down the soft grass. Cheerful laughter marked the happiness of this playful moment. As they stopped rolling, Artrix was now covered by Riven as they lay together at the side of the crystalline pond.

"Remember this place?" Riven began, her voice soft and tender.

Artrix smirked, his memory clear as the pond as sharp as his blade. "Of course, this was the place we shared our first kiss."

Riven teasingly leaned closer towards Artrix, her nose mere inches from his. The senses of the soothing nature in the back removed of them any burdens and worries, even the birds seemed to be in a harmonious chorus which cheered the two on.

"Perhaps you would like this place to also be the place of our 26th kiss?" Artrix said with a grin.

"You actually count?"

"Of course, each of them is as important as the last."

Riven closed her eyes and let gravity lower her head. Artrix too removed his eyesight and let the void of blackness consume him as he readied for the embrace. However, he did not feel Riven's lips this time but rather her strong fingers pinching his nose. Artrix groaned lightly with a nasal tone.

"This one will be saved after your judgement," Riven said as she got up from Artrix. "And maybe also a nice pie along with it."

"Do I trust your cookery?" Artrix joked.

Riven held her hands on her hips and grinned at Artrix. "Nope."

As the sun ascended onto the apex of its fiery throne, the afternoon has now been casted unto Runeterra. Artrix's judgement was a mere hour away now and the sense of nervousness has returned. He still feared what the Summoners may unravel and that his skills of deceit may not be enough.

Artrix sat alone in a small and bare room. It was carpeted like almost all of the areas in the Institute and was fitted with a chair and a simple framed mirror fixed on a white wall. The Summoners called this "The Room of Reminiscence", or the preparation room. Artrix let out a sigh as he waited away the minutes for the Judgement. Riven had gone to attend a match, but before leaving she had given him her final reassurances.

He was suited in his original, golden white armor of Heaven. Although it was still partially broken, thanks many of Riven's effortful nights did it became publically acceptable again. The open gashes and tears of the armouring had now been sewn and welded back together. It was also cleaned of the dust that it had gathered over the months of sitting idle in the closet.

The choking silence had almost drowned Artrix in a sea of worries. Then, in a sudden realization, he heard the ticking sounds of a clock behind him. He had only noticed it now as he turned his neck to check. The hands of the clock read, "1:45".

Only 15 more minutes, Artrix silently thought to himself. He then readjusted his seat and slouched down to a slightly more comfortable position when the door to the room suddenly opened. Artrix, thinking that it was early began to get up when suddenly an unexpected figure entered.

It was the champion Twisted Fate with his trademark cape and tricorne hat. Artrix's eyes glimpsed a hidden deck of multi-colored cards within his belt. Twisted Fate then suspiciously checked his back to see if he was spotted, then gently closed the door.

"Can I help you?" Artrix asked?

Twisted Fate let out a smug smile, now directly facing Artrix. "Nope, but I can help you partner."

Artrix noted the thick accent that he had, and it seemed to give him a sense of mischief and cunning, as if he already knew every move ahead of him.

"You see, I'm not the type of guy to help others for no reason but there is reason this time if you catch me," Twisted Fate continued.

Artrix was confused but curious. "And what aid can you provide me?"

Twisted Fate let out a low chuckle and tipped his hat.

"I'm going cut the horsecrap and be direct as time is rather little," Twisted Fate began, "The Fallen Angel, I'm sure you know her quite well."

"Morgana…"

"Oh yes, and she had asked me a favour that at first I felt cheated but then I realized that it was not a choice. I'm here to aid you in your judgement and to bypass a certain… Summoner."

Artrix felt suspicion of him, his overall appearance and act had masked him full of deceit and lies. Yet, he felt like there was a trust to him, no matter how dim. Twisted Fate was a professional.

"And also, she had told me a bit more about you than you would perhaps like. That you really are not Noxian, but… something bigger."

Artrix was instantly alarmed, did he know of his past identity?

"Relax partner, I'm only here to help. Besides, Morgana herself enlisted me did she not?"

"How do I know I can trust you with my identity?" Artrix questioned.

Twisted Fate let out a wide grin and fluently swooped out his glowing deck of cards.

"Simple, no one but myself can trust me. Like I said, I had at first declined this charity but then I realized that it wasn't a choice. A tyrant eh? I have seen a few of those."

Artrix was reluctant but felt as if he had no choice too himself. If Morgana had sent him, then she must've knew what she was doing.

"So how will you help me?" Artrix asked.

Twisted Fate then took out his card deck with blinding speed and did a spectacular shuffle that involved flying cards magically being put pack in place. He fanned the cards and offered the deck to Artrix.

"How I will help you depend on which card you pick."

Artrix raised an eyebrow, unsure how any of this can possibly be of his aid. However, he felt wrong if he didn't trust the card master as that would mean not trusting Morgana herself. Artrix reached for the card furthest to the right and pulled it out. He inspected the card and found it to be a Jack of Spades.

"Ah, as I suspected. This card will be your destiny for the time period. Bring it with you and the only thing the Summoners will see when they crack your noggin is this," Twisted Fate said as he slid the deck back into his belt. "However, not everything is perfect. You will need to spin some lies of your own into that web to make it convincing. Maybe you will need some luck but ultimately, it ain't luck, it's destiny."

Then, sounds of echoing footsteps approached the room outside. Twisted Fate tipped his hat in a farewell and suddenly, a well of floating cards surrounded his body. With a flash of a light, the card master seemingly vanished with his cards, leaving Artrix alone. He then glanced at his magical card one last time before sliding it into a hidden position under his belt.

The doors swung open as two Summoners robed in purple entered. They politely greeted Artrix and led him out and down the mazelike corridors towards the judgement area. Soon, they had arrived at large hall the Summoners then bid their farewells and instructed Artrix to continue straight.

Artrix walked down the hall, his steps echoing and signalling his presence. Up ahead the halls a line crossed the marble floor along with a pair of massive double doors, metaphorically and physically dividing it into a new area. A small phrase was masterfully crafted into the granite wall. "The truest opponent lies within".

Artrix tucked his belt tightly, making sure that he wouldn't lose the card. Then, taking a deep breath he pushed open the doors and entered the arena.

Inside was a blanket of darkness which was slowly eaten away by the opened doors. Then, as they closed the void became perfect once again. Artrix's step echoed loudly as he walked towards what he thinks is the center. In the silence of darkness, his magic card pulsed lightly in a golden color. Artrix knew his judgement was here.

Candidate: Artrix of Noxus

Date: April 28th 22 CLE

OBSERVATION

Artrix's form was tall and proud, muscular and clad in heavenly armor. The breams of pure gold that lined his armor shimmered brilliantly, contrasting the darkness of the judgement hall. His cape tattered behind him as he walked into the chambers. He was no ordinary man; he was deadly in every aspect and a warrior in every corner. His facial expressions were that of a man who knew what needed to be done.

REFLECTION

The streets of Noxus were harsh and filled with gloom and death but Artrix was not part of it. He stood high above in the balcony of the central tower, overlooking the entirety of the city and at the side of many other generals. Artrix himself was not the regular Noxians that slummed in the dark streets below but rather a powerful general himself.

The blackened skies brought in a windy chill which prompted one of the servants to enter.

"My lord, do you require a blanket or sorts?" the servant asked, his head bowed.

Artrix for a second, stood seemingly confused at all of this. Then, he shook his head to clear his mind.

"No, you may return," Artrix replied. The servant bowed again and left.

Artrix peered over at the grand city. The night sky had caused rivers of lights to flood Noxus, it was as lively at night as it was day. However, it was now filled with the thieves and thugs of the night as violence broke freely in the slums. There was no law reinforcement to contain the madness, those who were strong would survive and the weak perished. It was like a natural filtering system for the Noxians.

Back inside, the sounds of the meeting resumed once again. One of the older generals hollered out for Artrix.

"Master Artrix, would you care to re-join us?" he said. The general was large and burly despite his age. His face was bearded and scarred with the experience of battle.

Artrix nodded and re-entered the stone chamber lit by torches fixed on stone pillars. It was of fair size, its granite walls lined with the banners of Noxus and the many trophies of war. It had a military-esque theme which was strict and choked out any daring attempts of what one would call fun and carefreeness. At the heart of the camber was a massive, square table with a detailed and precise map of Ionia on it. Covering the map were little plastic toy troops that had banner of Noxus placed in strategically accurate spots. Green colored figures were used to represent the opposing force and in this case, the Ionians.

"Master Artrix, glad you've returned from your trip to the Ionian frontlines, tell us how fares the war?" another of the general, this time slightly younger asked.

Artrix quickly searched his mind for an answer but he could not find one. He knew he had to keep it as general and simple as possible.

"It goes great, with slight difficulties but everything is as planned," Artrix responded.

The general in center end of the table lay seated. His armor was decorated with numerous badges and awards and had signified his high rank.

Another of the general turned to him and spoke. "High General Tharse, our troops are readying for a push for the Placidium although as Artrix had stated, we had encountered stiffened resistance."

The elder general, known as Tharse scoffed in arrogance and leaned over to the map.

"Nothing but stubbornness," he began. He then picked up one of the Noxian figures and moved it over to a concentrated well of Ionians and knocked them all down and replaced them with his own figure.

"Our combined military might will crush any of the petty Ionians who still dare defend a lost cause," High General Tharse said.

Artrix looked left and right and saw the circle of generals deeply concentrated of the map, each of them planning a move.

"But, one of our spearheads have been bogged down, High General. If we do not dislodge the Ionians there, any attack on the Placidium would have its flanks exposed and decimated," one of them pointed out.

However, Tharse merely chuckled and set the pieces down and returned to his seat.

"There is always a solution. The Zaunite chemist Singed is preparing his work and will commence the gas attack tomorrow morning, this will wipe out any soldiers on the field and clearing the way for victory," Tharse triumphantly stated.

"But, that will mean killing off our own troops too," a general said.

"It does not matter, what truly concerns us is the ultimate victory."

Artrix, out of his sense of righteousness and duty, stood out and questioned the High General.

"We cannot kill our own men, that's insane!" he blurted out.

Tharse raised an eyebrow and gave Artrix an accusing look. "Your rank does not allow you to question, junior general. Listen and obey, that is your order."

"Madness, sacrificing our own troops. This is unacceptable!"

Tharse slammed his fist on the table, causing the pieces to topple over and scatter the map.

"Do not question a High General, Artrix. I'm sure that Captain Riven will understand our footing."

At the mention of Riven, Artrix's eyes widened with horror. He shook his head as anger slowly seeped from him. He stormed forward and dashed directly into the elderly general. With astonishing strength, he lifted Tharse into the air.

"You will not kill our own men or Riven!" Artrix hollered with rage.

Several of the other generals, including a few guards grabbed Artrix and forced him back onto the hard ground. The released High General pulled his collar and cracked a few bones.

"You fool, you dare assault a High General? If you were anyone else, you would've been executed but I am not blind. I know of your talents and am offering you a chance to redeem yourself and prove your worth. Apologize now and perhaps we can teach you the meaning of strength."

Artrix was still being held captive by three guards. His arms were locked in a position so that he was unable to retaliate in any way.

"You do not know true strength, I will not allow you to make a worthless sacrifice. Killing your own men while you sit in these chairs, how dare you call yourself strong?" Artrix sneered.

Tharse, looking insulted, walked over to Artrix. He leaned over and whispered into his ears.

"Do not tempt me further, you may be talented but there are a thousand others waiting to take your spot. Apologize now and we can erase all of this."

However, this only prompted Artrix gather his breath and spat on the general's face. "You are nothing but a weak fool. Go ahead, find a replacement, I have no further reason to march under you!"

Tharse stood up and brushed his cuffs. "A shame that it had to go this way, but at least now we can finally get rid of the weaklings in the high command. Know this my friend, everything about you, you records, your pictures and even any mention of you will be erased from existence."

Tharse then twisted his cuffs a bit and placed his hands on Artrix's face. A sting suddenly numbed his face as he twitched. A second later, Tharse gave out a hand gesture as the guards pulled Artrix out of the chamber. They dragged him out of the tower and into a dark alley. There, they forced him against a wall and four guards approached him. Just as he was ready to defend himself, a surge of weakness crushed him.

"You've been poisoned when the High General placed the venom into you. Now, we get to have a little bit of fun," one of the guard said. Then, they began to encroach the weakened Artrix and soon unleashed a flurry of beatings unto him. He felt every sharp blow yet he himself was defenseless against it. Each punch would force his very breath out of his lungs as he soon collapsed onto the floor, bones broken and bruised.

"We can kill you if we wanted, but we wouldn't. For daring to lay hands on a High General, you will now be exiled for the rest of your pathetic life," a guard said to the barely conscious Artrix.

His mind fainted, but he could still feel him being loaded onto a cart of sorts as he was being wheeled towards the city's walls. Then, his mind slipped into blackness in the dark of night.

When he awoke, he found himself laying in a pig pen beside an inn called the Dragon's Inn. Then, a scene all too familiar to him restarted. A hooded Riven walked towards him and helped him to his knees.

"General Artrix, you are safe now," she said.

Artrix's mind was weary, but he could tell something was off. "What is this?"

"You were exiled from Noxus."

Artrix stumbled to his feet with the aid of Riven. For a moment, silence had filled the atmosphere when Riven asked an unexpected question.

"Why do you want to join the league?"

Suddenly, Artrix felt as if his wounds were healing themselves. His mind and senses returned to him, allowing him to answer the question clearly. He then thought of his home, and pondered for a moment why. Why does he want to join the League?

"Why do you want to join the League?" she asked again.

"For strength. For when I am strong enough, I shall return and shape my broken home back into its true and glorious form," Artrix simply replied.

"How does it feel exposing your mind?" Riven's face was blank, void of emotions and was only anticipating Artrix's response.

"Feels like I am ready for any challenge this world has to offer," Artrix said.

Riven thought for a second, staring intensely at Artrix. Suddenly, the scenery around him collapsed and shattered as Artrix found himself back in the blackness of the judgement hall. Then, she vanished into the air as the double doors behind him opened in a welcoming gesture.

The League had found its newest champion.