"Thresh," Quinn repeated, immediately understanding.
Caitlyn nodded. "You and Lux are the only two people who've fought him before, and successfully, at that. We don't know exactly why he's supporting Zaun, when he's ignored other opportunities, but he hasn't appeared on the Rift yet, so it's unsettling for a lot of us. Considering the importance of the match, it would be invaluable to have you and Lux to counter him."
"And Lux already agreed to this?"
"She did, yes. If you accept, it would really bolster our team's morale. I wouldn't say we're scared or anything, but fighting an unknown enemy can be challenging. Just knowing Thresh's captors were on the Rift would really help the team. We want to put both you and Lux together in the bottom lane. Considering your experience fighting together, I think it would work very well, and your opponent would be Twitch, so it would be a very similar experience to last time."
Quinn raised her eyebrows.
"Not like that," Caitlyn rushed to assure her upon realizing her blunder. "I mean, the environment and expectations."
"Sorry, but I'm not interested."
Noxus had got their message across last time, so she was pretty sure it wouldn't be nearly as bad if she did accept – not to mention it was too important of a match for Zaun to throw – but she had no reason to accept. Aside from, perhaps, the opportunity to fight with Lux. If there was one person she wanted on her side on the battlefield, it was Lux, but willingly subjecting herself to the magic of the Rift just didn't seem worth it.
"I did say to hear me out. I'm willing to make this worth your time. I'm the sheriff and representative of Piltover, so it's not like I'm expecting you to do this for free. Piltover has plenty of valuables. Magical trinkets, weapons, and money, if it interests you. We have property on the waterfront that's set aside for these sorts of deals. If none of this appeals to you, remember that I'm the law in Piltover. If you ever need us to turn a blind eye, then this is one way to make it happen."
That didn't sound very ethical, but Quinn kept silent.
"And that's just beginning to scratch the surface," Caitlyn said. "You would get to meet Orianna – she's really nice, but somewhat of a recluse. Heimerdinger and Lee Sin too, I don't think you've met. There's all these political advantages, too. We'd be in your debt and you would be strengthening ties between Demacia and Piltover, not to mention there are lots of people who are curious about you, and another appearance on the Rift would answer some questions."
Quinn was reminded of Lux's words, at their interrupted dinner the other day. Being a champion meant many people were paying attention to her. In fact, in this very moment, Quinn was suddenly aware that Lux, even though she wasn't present, would be watching closely. Did Quinn even want to represent Demacia? Vessaria had even offered to make her independent, and if it hadn't been for Lux, she probably would have went ahead with it.
They passed through a muddy patch on the trail, and turned left onto the bridge. Caitlyn stopped halfway across the bridge, and Quinn did too, resting her arms against the railing and watching the stream.
A frog on a rock among the reeds drew her attention, and she watched it watch the flies. It was missing a back leg, but its body was smooth where the leg should have been protruding, meaning it was born with the mutation rather than it being an injury. Even without four legs, the frog seemed to handle itself fine, camouflaged in the mud and reeds on the riverside.
"Really," Caitlyn said, "I think the value of me owing you a favour would be enough, and I don't mean to sound conceited by saying that."
Quinn sighed. "You can't seriously expect Thresh to pose a problem, can you? If he's never fought on the Rift before, then why would you expect him to be able to take you on? You're a veteran, Caitlyn. Why don't you just fight him?"
"Since I've already participated in more than half of the battles on the Rift this past week, they'll be expecting me – not to mention I'm tired of the Rift and need a break. If you refuse, the only other option we have, on such a short notice, is Ezreal. Of course, he would be happy with that development, but I don't think he would have the same impact as you would."
The frog turned its head to look up at her, and she glared at it until it jumped off its rock and disappeared into the reeds.
Ezreal fighting instead of her? An image easily formed in her head of him and Lux laning together – of fighting together. Were they a couple? Quinn hadn't seen Ezreal since she'd arrived in town, and Lux hadn't mentioned anything about a boyfriend, but still, Quinn didn't like the idea of letting them fight together. It wasn't that she didn't trust Ezreal – though she didn't – but rather it was an uneasy feeling in her stomach, which she tentatively labeled jealousy. That, in turn, meant she wanted to be on the Summoner's Rift, next to Lux.
And maybe Quinn was feeling a little cooped up, spending so many days trapped in the city. The prospect of fighting Thresh, again, didn't appeal to her, but if she was going to be spending any longer in the city, it would be best to spend the time wisely, and earning a favour from Caitlyn didn't seem like a bad investment. Though in reality, people owing her did no good – she already had Janna bothering her about equalizing a debt, which had made Quinn realize nothing she wanted could be attained from befriending people.
"If you accept, we'll be allies. And any friend of Lux is a friend of mine."
They began to walk back to the blacksmith's. Quinn walked through the muddy part of the trail, but Caitlyn circled around it, going through the untamed weeds on the side of the path.
"I'm not sure," Quinn said slowly as Caitlyn rejoined her side.
"Take some time to think on it. We have to announce our pick at five pm tonight, so there's still some time. If you're interested, drop by our headquarters and give us the word."
Lux saw them approaching from down the path, and waved.
Caitlyn frowned. "I was actually expecting this to be an easier sell. Lux seemed very enthused by the idea. I don't know how close you two are, but I think she would be disappointed if you don't accept."
They left the blacksmith's and Quinn wasn't sure where they were going, but she was content to follow. Lux was acting odd, though. She was usually the one who created conversation, but she'd been silent since they'd said goodbye to Caitlyn. Initially, Quinn took it as Lux wanting silence, but after Lux stole a third look at her in one minute, Quinn realized it was something else.
She cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to ask me?"
"What?" Lux said, trying yet failing to look innocent and unconcerned. She was intentionally avoiding the subject.
"If I accepted her proposal?"
Lux gasped. "You're going to marry her? No way!"
"I'm being serious here."
"Fine, fine, I'm sorry. Did you?"
"Do you not care?" Quinn said. "You don't sound very interested."
"Answer the question. You're the one who made me ask it."
"I haven't decided yet. She told me I have until tonight, so I'm still thinking on it."
"I see, I see," Lux said, staring forward.
"Aren't you going to tell me I should?"
"Should what?" Lux said with a coy smile.
"Never mind, then," Quinn sighed. "I just thought maybe you would try to convince me or something."
Lux shook her head. "Fine, fine, you want to know what I have to say? I know how much trouble the Rift causes you, so I'm not going to tell you to do it, or otherwise. It's your choice."
"That's it? You're remaining neutral?"
"I'm a Demacian," Lux laughed. "What'd you expect?"
"Okay." Lux was supposed to give her the final push she needed, but the mage chose not to. "Where are we going?"
"There's this cool restaurant near the Institute of War that I've always wanted to check out."
"Does it have salad?"
"You eat salad for breakfast, too?"
Quinn gave her a stony stare.
"Fine, fine. I'm sure it does. Every restaurant does."
Quinn realized she was no longer conflicted. It was childish, but she had wanted to hear Lux say she wanted Quinn by her side on the Rift. If Lux didn't care, then Quinn wouldn't bother.
Besides, earlier she had recognized the similarities between the Rift and killing. Killing might have been worse, but just because she could desensitize herself to fighting on the Fields of Justice, didn't mean she should. If it helped her hold onto her humanity – or, rather, sanity – then she wouldn't visit the Rift ever again.
"Excuse me!" someone shouted.
Quinn ignored the voice. There were other people on the street; it probably wasn't directed at them. Lux, however, reacted immediately, and a moment later Quinn was forced to follow suit, turning around.
"Miss Quinn!"
A breathless girl ran up to them, and Quinn recognized her as Karma's assistant. What was her name?
"Good morning, Misa," Lux greeted. "What's the rush? What's wrong?"
"Oh, Miss Luxanna, too. Excellent timing. Nothing's wrong," Misa assured them. "I come bearing a question – and request – from the Duchess."
She took a second to catch her breath, her face red from the effort of running. Quinn and Lux waited patiently. When she looked up, her gaze travelled between the two of them several times, seemingly unprepared for two people, and unsure of who to look at while she spoke. She settled on Lux.
"The Duchess wishes to know if either you or Miss Quinn have chosen your seatings for the upcoming banquet," Misa said, her words sounding measured, as though she'd practiced them a thousand times in her head.
"Upcoming banquet?" Lux said with a puzzled expression.
"The Freljord banquet. All the champions have been invited, except of course those in category 'K'. Even with High Summoner Irvin's death, it's been taking everyone's attention."
"I haven't heard a thing about it," Lux said. She sounded tired, and Quinn suspected it was because of all the banquets the Demacian army held. Even a banquet exclusively for champions of the League of Legends couldn't interest her.
"It was only announced recently," Misa explained after a pause. "This morning, the Duchess told me, and with such a short notice, people are scrambling to get organized."
"Freljord banquet... that's an odd theme, no?"
Misa looked over her shoulder and leaned in. "There's a rumour that the final Freljordian princess has arrived, and the battle for Freljord will be announced at the banquet."
"That's quite a rumour." Lux hummed. "Ashe and Sejuani are already members of the League, so does that mean Lissandra?"
Misa shrugged. "A rumour, as I said. Returning to business... the banquet seating?"
"We haven't made any decisions on it. I assume Prince Jarvan will handle organizing all the Demacians."
"The Duchess requests you allow her to arrange your seating. Prince Jarvan has been contacted already, and he has given his consent..."
Lux and Quinn exchanged glances.
Did they risk being pulled into political games, if they accepted? Quinn didn't know, and didn't want to think about it.
"Your call," she told Lux.
Lux nodded. "When is this banquet?"
"The banquet is in two days' time."
"Fine, fine. Go ahead and tell Karma we accept, providing she doesn't seat us next to – no, never mind. Anywhere is fine. I trust the Duchess."
Misa nodded. "Thank you for your cooperation. The Duchess will be pleased."
She bowed and took a few steps backwards, before quickly turning around and scurrying off.
"Freljord," Quinn said. "You think the rumour is true?"
"Why do you have to ask such difficult questions?" Lux whined. "Come on, come on, I'm getting hungry."
They didn't make it far, before being interrupted again.
Someone fell in step beside Quinn and Lux, and it was so casual that Quinn took a few seconds before noticing the new arrival.
"Uh – Akali?" she said.
"Hi," the Ionian responded, keeping pace with them. "How's it going?"
Quinn let out an inaudible sigh. "Fine, I suppose. Is there something you needed?"
"A couple things. I wanted to apologize for the other day. I left rather quickly because I didn't want to get involved in Irelia and Janna's fight."
"Oh."
"Did Irelia try to bring you into the argument? She likes to do that, and I've heard them go at it a thousand times, so I've taken to just disappearing whenever I see the two of them together."
"Irelia left right after you did."
It might have been because of High Summoner Irvin's death, but people seemed more focused on themselves. Usually three members of the League walking through the streets would draw more attention and everyone would give them leeway, but Akali was forced to dodge around a group of people and then a caravan, as they passed onto a busier street. She rejoined them in a quick step, almost making a dance of it all, before bringing up a hand to muffle a yawn.
"Sorry, didn't get much sleep last night. Shen was convinced a follow up attack was going to happen. " Akali scoffed. "Shows what he knows."
Lux coughed overtly.
"Oh, sorry Lux," Akali said, before trying and failing to restrain another yawn. "I didn't mean to intrude on your conversation. Everything going good with the Crownguard family?"
"Sure," Lux said.
"Garen in good health?"
"Mm hmm." Lux nodded, and it was obvious she was harboring some enmity towards Akali.
"Good. Well, I don't want to take up too much of your time. Karma doesn't seem to realize I work for the Order, and not her, so she sent me on an errand. Quinn, she wants to know when your birthday is."
"What? Why?"
Akali shrugged. "She wouldn't tell me why, exactly. She gave me a cryptic message that you're supposed to understand, though." Akali cleared her throat, and took on a high pitched, girlish voice that didn't sound like Karma in the least. "'It has to do with your tea'. I don't know if she wants to make you some specialized tea, or what, but she said it was important."
It was obviously referring to the broken tea cup. Hadn't Karma said it wasn't important, and she shouldn't worry about it, because prophecies were so fragile?
"It's some time in late August," Quinn said. "I'm not too sure of the exact date."
"August. Alright, thanks. I've got to get back, now. Shen is still being paranoid, and we've got this banquet thing upcoming – anyways, see you later."
"Right. Bye."
"Quinn!"
They both stopped, Lux shooting her a dirty look, as though it were her fault they were being accosted for the third time on their walk.
Across the road, Prince Jarvan was waving to her, fully dressed in his royal armour. He had three accompanying guards, two on either side of him and one following behind. They stopped, planting their pikes on the ground and standing tall.
"I'm glad I caught you," he said, crossing the road. "I'm heading back to Demacia for a couple days."
"Oh. What did you want?"
She knew it wouldn't be good. They were still waiting on the king for her courts-martial.
"I want you to come with me. We'll head out in an hour, taking a carriage which will bring us to Demacia in two day's time. The capital is currently experiencing... difficulties. Some of the commoners have organized protests and things are threatening to break out of control. Having an extra hand in sorting the matter out would be tremendously helpful."
"Protests," Lux said, "why?"
Jarvan shook his head. "The king hanged Dart."
"And you want Quinn to come?"
"Wait a second," Quinn said. "Who's Dart?"
"It's a little complicated," the prince hedged.
"Tell me."
"Dart was the leader of a grassroots movement. He condemned the king's economic choices and inter-kingdom policies, and manipulated the general discontent of the public. His movement grew out of control, and a riot broke out where some nobles were badly injured. The Dauntless vanguard swept in, arresting Dart and some of his close allies. Dart was the only one executed, but it appears his faction is continuing, almost seeming stronger than before. We need to head things off before more people die, and hunt down whoever is causing the trouble."
Quinn hesitated.
He didn't say it, but she was still suspicious. Was she wanted because of her abilities, or what she stood for? What he described was almost a rebellion in the making, and since commoners were the backbone of the kingdom, it directly threatened the king's position.
If the citizens wanted change, they could make it happen, and Quinn was known for coming from a commoner background. If they saw her patrolling the streets, it would break the morale of the faction. People would be less likely to support it – especially now that she was known for being a champion of the League, too. Simply put, all they needed was her presence.
She would be used, by Demacia, again.
"That – I can't do that," Quinn said.
Jarvan frowned. It was clearly not the response he expected. "Why not?"
She made an on the spot decision. "I've got a battle on the Summoner's Rift. Piltover just recruited me."
"We've got a battle," Lux corrected with a wide grin.
Jarvan sighed. "I suppose I misread you, Quinn. When Caitlyn came by asking for permission to make you and Lux an offer, I give her the go ahead, assuming you wouldn't accept. She must have been really convincing, or else offered you something valuable."
Quinn shrugged. If an excuse to not be used was valuable, then yes.
"Well, I suppose there's nothing I can do about your decision, then. The problem in Demacia must be addressed as soon as possible, so I'll be leaving town. There's a champion's banquet in three days' time, which I won't be attending-"
"We've heard, we've heard," Lux said.
"And the Duchess of Ionia wanted to put together a table-"
Lux nodded. She seemed impatient. "We know, we know. We've already accepted."
"Ah." The prince paused, as if searching for more to say. "Listen, since High Summoner Irvine's death, things have been very fragile. Try to keep away from the Noxians, and don't start any world wars, no matter how much the banquet bores you."
Lux shook her head. "I won't, but do you really think you should be leaving, at a time like this?"
"I'm leaving exactly because it's a time like this." Jarvan frowned. "Remember our priorities, Lux."
"Fine," Lux said after a moment of consideration.
"Good, then I need to head out now. If you have any concerns, direct them towards Taric. He's in charge while Garen and I are in Demacia. And Quinn, best of luck on the Rift."
Quinn nodded and watched as he left down the street, civilians stopping to watch him with wide eyes. Even if champions of the League weren't drawing their attention, a prince still did.
"He didn't wish me luck," Lux whined as they resumed their walk. "Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?"
"I'm sure. What was that about, remembering your priorities?"
"Demacia, obviously," she said. "Anyways, you made up your mind quickly. I thought you weren't interested in Caitlyn's offer. Maybe you had an alternative motive?"
Quinn shook her head. Lux was too astute, but Quinn wouldn't admit it. "What can you tell me that Jarvan didn't? Do you know anything about this Dart guy and his following?"
"You say 'following', but everything indicates it was a genuine insurgency in the making. The king squashed it before it could get off the ground. I thought things were done, but it sounds like they don't need a single man to hold things together."
"So it's bad?"
Lux shrugged. "I can't say. There have been people who opposed the king before, and nothing has ever come of it. I don't see why this time will be any different, but I really don't know. Oh, here we are. Our destination."
"This is?" Quinn said, taking a step backwards.
"The restaurant I wanted to check out. Last week, Nidalee was raving about it to anyone who would listen, and since she isn't the most friendly person, I became kind of curious."
They had entered the city's inner district, along the route leading towards the Institute of War, but had veered off onto a different street before the path started sloping upwards to the plateau where the Institute was. A large door was embedded within the cliff's side, held ajar by a doorstop. Above the door, a cyan sign was nailed into the stone, and in flowing cursive letters, Meer-Grotte was written.
In theory, if the tunnel went far enough, they would be travelling under the Institute's buildings, but for safety reasons, Quinn didn't think any tunnels would go that far.
In any case, it was undoubtedly a cave.
"I'm not going in there," Quinn said, her heart speeding up just at the prospect.
Lux frowned. "What's wrong? It's just a restaurant."
She scrambled down the rocky mountain face, using roots where she could, and scraping her hands on the stones when there was nothing else to slow her descent. A snake tried to slither past her, but she saw it too late and crushed it with her foot before slipping on the scales and guts. The rest of her descent into darkness went by quickly, with a scream and flailing arms.
"I can't go in there," Quinn said, rubbing her elbow subconsciously.
"Are you claustrophobic?"
When she came to, she thought she had somehow been blinded, but then she looked around her surroundings. A few rays of light broke through the incomplete, rocky roof. Caleb's body was resting several meters from her, and she crawled towards it.
"No."
"Then don't be silly," Lux said, reaching forward and grabbing her hand.
Blood, a viscous river soaking the stones flowing out of the patch of sunlight and into the darkness. Her brother's eyes were unmoving, looking upwards with a shocked, terrified expression on his face. She wished he would blink, or move his hands, but she knew the truth. Quinn opened her mouth to inhale, to scream-
"No!" she shouted, ripping her arm free and stumbling back.
Lux's shocked face brought her back to reality.
"I - sorry. I – I'm not feeling well. I've got to go."
"Wait!" Lux called after her, but it was too late.
Quinn was already running down the road, and paid the girl's cries no heed.
It had been twenty minutes, and she had come to the conclusion that it wasn't a dream, nor was Caleb going to magically come back to life. Even if they had an all-powerful village mage, Caleb's soul had probably left Runeterra forever. Her brother was dead, and all that she could do now was bring his body back home.
She experimented with the cave walls, trying to climb to freedom. The last few meters of the drop were solid stone walls, and she couldn't make any progress upwards. Her brother weighed much more than her, so it would be impossible. There was only one route left – going deeper into the cave, hoping another exit might exist.
Quinn turned the page of the book, without having read a single word.
Somehow, she hadn't developed a fear of snakes. Maybe because it had been too dark, in the cave, so all she had been able to hear were the hisses and scales against stone. She hadn't seen a single one, but knew there had been thousands.
Quinn closed the book, pushing it aside.
Abandoning Lux at the restaurant left her feeling guilty, but she had needed to be alone for awhile. The first place that had come to mind was the Institute of War's library. It was both a quiet place, and one that had been in the back of her mind since she'd received a tour of the place.
It hadn't taken her long to find books and research on immortality, but her mind kept drifting to other places when she tried to read them. She came across a surprisingly large book which documented all known methods of obtaining immortality, but most required powerful magic or rare artifacts. Those which required neither were generally dark magic, or required the sacrifice of a soul – the latter apparently not a subset of the former.
It was still early, some time around noon, when Quinn left the library to return home – though the place she was renting didn't quite feel like a home, and she didn't know if it ever would. As far as she was concerned, it was a temporary stay, until things had settled down and she could decided what she wanted to do.
Normally, she wouldn't hesitate at the thought of returning to the forest and taking her chances with any enemies hidden within, but now Lux was a problem. Caitlyn's offer was still available, and if Quinn left, it would very possibly destroy her friendship with Lux – if her earlier freak-out hadn't already.
Valor found her outside the Institute, and they walked home together. He must have noticed her melancholic mood, because he kept silent.
When they were just about to cross the street to her front door, Quinn saw a shimmer of air. She stopped to watch.
The shimmer brightened, in front of her door, and Lux appeared, mid stride. The girl hesitated a moment before knocking on Quinn's door. For some inexplicable reason – curious as to what Lux would do, perhaps – Quinn stayed silent, deciding to watch. Valor perked his head up, attentive, but he, too, remained silent.
Quinn expected Lux to give up and turn around, but the girl was patient. She took a few steps back, then stepped off the path and onto the grass and peered inside through the window. The spying fruitless, she returned to the door, brushed a lock of hair behind her right ear, and knocked again. A minute passed, and by then Quinn was confused by Lux's determination. Then, perhaps remembering their conversation from the other night, Lux tried the door. It opened with a creak that Quinn could hear from where she stood, and Lux peeked in.
"Quinn?" she called.
She stepped inside, and then she shifted into a combat stance, her body language changing in a moment. Reacting to something unseen, she brought her hands up.
Valor spread his wings, and with a force beyond what Quinn thought possible from the bird, his claws tensed and he launched off her shoulder like a bullet, racing towards the house.
In front of Lux's hands, a layer of some bright, gaseous substance appeared. It was defensive magic that Quinn had never seen before, and she watched as Valor rushed towards the house, and Lux took a step backwards in retreat, before stumbling and then beginning to move forwards again.
If Quinn had had a second to react, she might have begun to say something or even move forward, but it all happened too quick. She knew something was wrong, but the world left her behind, and she could only stand and watch, hopeless and helpless.
Her house exploded in a brilliant fire of red and orange. The windows shattered outwards, a firestorm rushing out onto the street to consume the broken shards of glass before they could fall to the ground. The path of least resistance, the open door, erupted like a volcano, and Lux, who had been standing at the entrance a microsecond ago, was erased from sight as the explosion swallowed her whole. The roof splintered and chunks of it skyrocketed upwards, not capable of withstanding the intensity of the explosion, and the structural supports of the house, simple wooden beams, were ruthlessly blasted away.
The firestorm didn't stop at the yard's limit though, and Quinn began bringing her hands up to protect herself, but she didn't have time. Without warning, the shock wave hit her, and it lifted her off her feet, throwing her backwards. She had only time to think of one thing, before she hit something solid.
Lux.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who has left a review, it means a lot to me. Monthly yuri recommendations: 'Penguin Underwear' and 'falling in love at a coffee shop' from the Sound! Euphonium fandom (you can find the stories on my favorites list).
As for this chapter, with a growing cast, I'm finding it difficult to have unique character voices. Something to work on, I suppose.