Chapter 4 – Explanations

Aiden followed Rivel's weave through the warehouse. There wasn't much to see; just stacks of crates and the odd door. Rivel stopped at one of the doors, holding up a hand. Then, he pushed it open and entered, gesturing that Aiden should do the same. He obliged. Aiden found himself in a moderately sized but not very well lit room. Three plain chairs and a couch were scattered around the center area, where a very large circular device attached to the floor sat.

"Where are we?" Aiden wondered aloud.

"This is the Map Room…or the commons area, if you prefer. This is where the team gathers to map out plans of action or just discuss a topic. Recently, the topic and plan of action had been your extraction."

"That's been bugging me."

"What?" Rivel asked, turning to face him.

"Well," Aiden began, "why did you sneak into the Institute and take me and Lux back here? Why not just walk in and tell me? I would've remembered Losfar's face."

"Personally, I think it would've been best to just let Exavier do the job, but the General insisted. Do you know what's happening in the League of Legends?""

"Other than what happens every day? No."

"Take a seat. This may take me a little while."

Aiden nodded, walking over to one of the unremarkable chairs and sitting down.

"Over 300 years ago, a being by the name of Gorgreth rose to power on the eastern edge of Valoran. His goal was to conquer the entire continent and become the supreme overlord. The first few kingdoms he attacked fell like weeds before his power. Two beings…I forget the names Loafer told me…rallied other kingdoms from across the continent to fight this power. Even they, immortal beings, weren't sure what power the Overlord possessed. All they knew was that he knew exactly how to use it.

"Some of the rest is fuzzy…well; eventually the kingdoms rallied and pressed the offensive. The Overlord's dark army was eventually pushed back to the lands where they had originated from. Then, a massive battle was fought at the Overlord's stronghold. The leaders of the armies and the two immortals fought their way to Gorgreth's throne room, and there they battled him. After a long and bloody battle, with many of the human kings slain, Gorgreth was defeated. Powerful spell-casters from each kingdom were called to eradicate him. And, for a time, it seemed that the Overlord was truly dead and gone."

"What do you mean 'For a time?'"

"Over the past 100 years, sightings and reports have been pouring in to the Institute and other major military forces that a 'dark force' is terrorizing towns and cities to the North. Based on what Losfar has told us, I'd wager a guess that the dark force in question is actually Gorgreth, or a manifestation of his power."

"So," Aiden said, leaning forward, "is that what Losfar has gathered you all for? To combat Gorgreth?"

"Actually, the General recruited me over 50 years ago. Exavier and Sypher came only around 10, and Lyle has been a member for maybe 6 months. Gorgreth is a new thing for us. The General briefed us all this morning."

"I slept through an entire day?"

"Yeah. Worried your girlfriend half to death."

Aiden chuckled.

"Sounds like Lux. But, uh, how exactly does this tie in to the League of Legends?"

"When you got there, did you notice any champions acting odd, perhaps giving you sideways glances? Acting the opposite of what they normally would?"

"Now that you mention it, everyone on my team was acting weird around me."

Rivel nodded.

"I snuck into the Institute a few months back and took blood from 7 subjects. Sypher ran the blood samples through a machine. The results showed that 6 out of the 7 champions had the same form of enchantment on them. Lyle, who has a high magic affinity, inspected them himself and confirmed for us that dark magic had tainted them. Funny thing is: I took samples from champions who had no prior connection to black magic."

"So the champions at the Institute are under a spell? Shouldn't that be impossible, with the security standards they've set?"

Rivel shook his head, crossing his arms.

"The problem didn't start with champions; it started with high ranking summoners, and spread like the plague from there. We have reason to believe that Gorgreth now has the League in all its entirety under his control. It wouldn't have been safe for you there."

"Wait, so shouldn't an enchantment have been placed on Lux and I?"

"You're exactly right: one should've been placed on you and Lux. However, your power resisted the enchantment and protected Lux."

"I thought I felt someone trying to get inside my head when I arrived on the summoning platform. Lux said that they'd replaced the summoner with her because they couldn't get in my head."

"I'm guessing that they managed to get Lux under the spell for a little bit, but as she entered your mind, she was cleansed."

Aiden nodded, leaning back in the chair. He took a deep breath then let it out again.

"So have you come up with a plan to stop Gorgreth?"

Rivel chuckled, shaking his head.

"The General knows something that he hasn't told us yet, but I'm not going to be the one to press him."

"Maybe I'll have to…"

"Good luck. The General only shares information when he feels like it, and that's honestly not very often."

Aiden sighed, standing up.

"I think I'm going to at least try and get some sleep. See you when I wake up," Aiden said, moving towards the door.

"There's another guest room right across from the one you broke into. Feel free to take it. Door's unlocked."

"…Thanks," he said hesitantly, walking out the door.

Once outside, Aiden paused for a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the gloom. Once everything had become a little clearer, he made his way quickly back to where Rivel had led him away from, relying more on his gut feeling that memory. After several turns and loops, Aiden made it back to the two doorways, this time heading for the one on the left. As promised, this one opened without resistance. Aiden inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent that still lingered in the air. Then, he went inside, closing the door.

However, he could instinctively tell something was off. Like the other room, there was a small hallway to where the actual bed and window were. He moved cautiously, gliding like a phantom across the floor. Pausing at the corner, he slowly peered around the corner. His eyes widened. Laying in the bed was none other than…Lux. She was in the exact same position she'd been in when he'd left.

"Just a heads up, those two rooms are actually just one room. I've been messing with your head this entire time." the voice of Rivel echoed tauntingly in Aiden's mind.

"You cheeky…why?" Aiden said, almost feeling angry about it.

"It keeps me busy. Not much to do at night when everyone else is asleep, you know?"

"Oh, and how the hell are you speaking through my head?!"

"Blood sample, remember? I'll explain more later, just get some sleep. Sweet dreams."

Rivel's laugh echoed in Aiden's mind. He shook his head. There wasn't much he could do about it now. Not wishing to disturb Lux, Aiden simply sat at the foot of the bed, making himself as comfortable as the position would allow.

"Night, Lux," he whispered before closing his eyes. Surprisingly, he fell asleep almost immediately.

. . .

The next morning, Aiden, awoke with a start. Yawning, he raised his arms above his head, stretching. Then, shaking his head to clear the fog of sleep, he opened his eyes. Sunlight streamed in through the small window, lighting the room with a golden color. Aiden blinked a few times, staring directly ahead. He heard a slight rustling from above him before all went silent again. As he went to look up, he grunted. During the night, his head had tilted to one side, giving him a kink in his neck. His left hand began to massage his neck as he looked fully upwards.

Staring down at him was a familiar tangle of blonde curls and bright blue eyes. The two stared intently at each other for a few seconds before Aiden smiled.

"Hey Lux."

"Aiden!" she shrieked.

She practically leapt out of the bed to hug him, burying her head in his chest. Aiden wrapped his arms protectively around her, closing his eyes. For the moment, he was content. They stayed like that for a few seconds before Lux broke away, frowning. Aiden tilted his head, puzzled.

"Something wr-ow!" he exclaimed as she slapped him across the face, "What was that for?!"

"Don't you EVER do something so reckless!" she shouted at him.

"I-I don't know-."

"Losfar told me what he guessed had happened! You could've killed yourself!"

"Heh, I suppose I could've…"

"I just...I just don't know what I'd do without you…" Lux said, her voice trailing off. Aiden smiled.

"I'll always be here for you Lux, and you know that."

"Yeah…I do…" she mumbled, hugging him again.

Just then, a series of sharp knocks came from down the hall to the door.

"Hey you two, the General wants you both in the conference room soon. Wake up or wrap up whatever it is you're doing and get out here," came Rivel's muffled voice.

"Just a sec, Rivel," Aiden called back, looking down at Lux. She flashed him a quick smile before standing up and heading towards the adjourning bathroom.

Aiden stood as well, but instead headed toward the door.

"So Rivel, I think it's time we…" his voice trailed off as he pulled the door open.

Standing in front of him was a cloaked figure of smaller stature than Aiden, holding a kneeling Rivel using a leash that appeared to have been locked around his neck. Rivel was choking and pulling on the chain, but the strange figure had a grip of iron. Aiden was unable to see under the cloak's hood, but by the way the figure looked, he assumed that it was in fact a woman. He swiftly drew the longsword sheathed on his hip, pointing it under the stranger's chin.

"Release him now, or I end your life," Aiden commanded, voice full of malice.

"Wouldn't it be tragic," a dark and very feminine voice remarked, pulling on the chain a little harder, "if your friend here got a spike pulled out of his throat?"

It was then that Aiden noticed Rivel's full disposition. What he had originally mistaken for a collar was, in fact, a moderately sized spike shoved through his throat. It was masterfully done; if the spike had been maybe an inch or so higher, he would've been dead.

"So," the woman continued, shrugging, "I suggest you put down the sword. Accidents happen so easily."

Aiden tightened his grip for a second, grimacing. It wasn't to be said that without the sword he was completely defenseless, but if the girl was a mage… he released his hold, the sword clattering to the ground.

"Good boy," the mage said, tilting her head up enough that Aiden was able to catch a glimpse of a purple iris and white hair, "now, SUBMIT!"

With the last word she swung her right hand around to rest on Aiden's cheek. A burning sensation exploded across his face, forcing him to one knee. The girl's voice echoed in his head, growing louder with each passing second. Her power worked to dominate his mind! He gasped for breath, forcing himself to look up. With a clear view into the hood, Aiden could see that the girl had a smug grin plastered all over her face. His vision darkened. He had just been reunited with Lux, and Losfar, who was more like a father to Aiden than anyone else.

Aiden began to shake. His arms, which had previously been unresponsive to him, began to move. His right hand, burning with energy, gripped her right arm, bringing it slowly away from him. To his great satisfaction, the smug look had been replaced with a mix of confusion and horror. He slowly got to his feet, holding her arm as far away from his face as he could.

"No…" Aiden said, bringing his left hand up.

"W-what are you doing?!" she shrieked, redoubling her efforts to free her arm.

"You will submit to ME!" he yelled, thrusting his left hand onto her cheek.

Immediately, he felt his power flowing into her, bringing the girl to her knees. She cried out in pain, letting go of the chain to weakly grasp his arm.

Let go. You have conquered her mind. She possesses valuable information you and your friends will need.

A voice in his mind...complying, Aiden ended the flow of power, yanking his left hand back. To his mild surprise there was a red hand mark where he had grasped her cheek. The girl fell to her hands and knees, panting. Aiden, stumbling backwards, managed to catch himself, looking at his hand. Shaking his head, he moved towards Rivel's prone form. To his horror, the spike was lying out of his throat on the ground next to him. There wasn't any blood on the spike or around where he was lying, however.

"Rivel?" he asked. A low groan came from his body.

"I'll…*cough* be fine…*cough* just…just take care of the…" he broke out into a coughing fit. After a few seconds, he settled down.

"Take care of the girl…I can recover from this…she didn't know the…human anatomy as well…as I do."

"Alright," Aiden said, turning towards where he had left the girl.

She was on her hands and knees in the same position where he'd left her. Picking up his longsword from where he had dropped it, Aiden walked to the girl.

"Stand up," he ordered.

She immediately scrambled to her feet, the hood falling off in the process. At a different time, Aiden could've considered her attractive. The girl had a tangle of white hair that hung down to her shoulders, a soft pale complexion, and bright purple eyes that burned with power.

"Y-yes, master," she said as she straightened, much to Aiden's surprise.

"W-what?" Aiden stammered.

"I…" she began, her voice trailing off.

"What is taking you slow pokes so…" Sypher began angrily from behind Aiden.

Peering over his shoulder, Aiden found that Sypher was standing there, eyebrow raised in question.

"What's taking us so long, Mr. Extraordinare, is I've just had a spike shoved into my throat and am currently waiting for the wound to heal," Rivel spoke up, still not moving from his position on the floor.

"Ah, I see. Or rather, I don't, but I get what you're going for. So this girl is ah…?" Sypher continued, looking at Aiden.

"I…actually don't know. She's the one who stabbed Rivel, if you're curious."

"Hmm, yes, well I guessed that much. She is a mage, if I'm not mistaken?"

"Yeah, tried to overpower my will."

"So you aren't the thrall for some mage-girl now?"

"About that…I did something to her and I think she's...uh…what title would you prefer?" Aiden said, looking at the girl.

"Whatever you desire, master," she replied quickly, nodding her head.

"Riiiiight…we'll just say you're my slave, for now."

"I like the title already, master."

"Anyway," Sypher spoke up again, "we're having a meeting in the conference room. Everyone is required to attend, like always. However, I'm not sure how Losfar will react to this…slave…of yours, so tread lightly on that particular subject. In the meantime, Rivel, stand up and Aiden, get your girlfriend and your slave ready. We meet in 10 minutes tops."

With that Sypher turned away, striding back the way he'd come. Rivel placed both his arms under himself and pushed himself into a sitting position.

"Aiden?" Lux called from inside the doorway.

"Yeah?"

"Did something…um…" Lux said, stepping through the doorway.

"Long story short, miss: I got stabbed, Aiden got attacked, and then he turned this girl into his slave," Rivel said, getting to his feet.

"Aiden, explanation right now," Lux demanded.

"She threatened to kill Rivel, so I dropped my sword and she tried using magic on me. I guess I somehow copied her magic and used it on her. She calls me master now, so I'm fairly certain that she's completely under my control."

"I'll do anything for you, master," the girl said, speaking up.

"Uh…yeah. Also, what's your name? We can't just keep calling you 'slave' or 'girl.'"

"My name…Syndra, master."

"Syndra?" Lux asked incredulously.

"Yes," Syndra said, turning to Lux and smiling.

"Wait, isn't she a champion in the League?" Aiden asked.

"Yeah! Her and I are really good friends," Lux said enthusiastically.

"Lux! I remember you now!" Syndra said, rushing forward to embrace Lux.

Rivel walked up to Aiden, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Be careful with women, Aiden. They're more deadly than Ul'grŭks."

"What-nows?"

"A creature I hunted. Long before your time. Point is; women must be handled with care. Not that I'd know," Rivel shrugged, taking his hand off Aiden's shoulder.

"Syndra," Aiden said once the two girls had finished embracing, "can you remember everything up to this point?"

"Just…fuzzy images, master."

"Hmm…"

"Alright you three! Let's wrap this up and get to the Map Room. Losfar doesn't like waiting."