Heroes and Champions
"My friends, my comrades. For years now we have stood at the pinnacle of our world, trying to lead the wounded to salvation. But for as long as we have worked to save this world there have been those who seek to destroy it. So did we lie down and allow our world to be corrupted? No! We took a stand and so we found ourselves at war. But too long has this war gone on. Too long has the fight gone on. Too long have we been tired of our campaign to bring this land under control. It seemed all hope was lost as we watched our beautiful country fall prey to magic and war. Till finally there was a way out! The League brought us a new war, a war where we can live in peace and be victorious in battle. No longer can we storm this world with armies and lay waste to our foes upon the battlefield. Now we must watch on as the Champions of our great nation stand for us. They must fight in our name! Fight for our glory, for our honour! Every time they step into that League for us, they face dangers beyond our world. Every time they win they remind this world of our power, of why we are the chosen people to lead this world! My friends, my brother, my sisters! Once again our Champions were chosen to answer the summons of the League! Once again did they march forward for our nation! Once again did they step forward to bring justice to our enemies! And once again they were victorious! My people I give you your Champions!"
Jarvan III's voice boomed from atop the marble balcony across the cheering crowd that stood below. Beneath the balcony, on a stage overlooking the crowd stood four figures. Fiora had her hand on the hilt of her rapier and stood boldly with her chest puffed out. She made no movement to wave at the crowd but instead smirked as she soaked in the roars and cheers of the crowd. Jarvan smiled as his gaze passed to the person right of Fiora. His son, Jarvan IV, was standing still with his arm outstretched, gripping his Demacian Standard. The Gold and Blue flag fluttered in the wind and Jarvan IV remained vigilant, watching over the masses who screamed and roared for their prince. A hand suddenly landed on Jarvan IV's right shoulder and his head turned to look up at Garen. The Might of Demacia had a strong expression of pride on his face and he nodded to his friend. Together Jarvan IV and Garen drew their weapons and raised them into the sky. They roared out into the crowd.
"Demacia; now and forever!"
The crowd chanted back to them.
"Demacia! Demacia!"
The chanting continued and the pair held their weapons up to continue with the crowd. Jarvan III then looked to the end of the stage where Garen's sibling stood. Lux was busy waving to the crowd, a joyful smile beaming across her face. Jarvan III felt a tap on his shoulder and heard the voice of a Councillor talk, it was Mervan.
"My king is this truly necessary? It cost us an awful lot to put on these shows, what with decorations and extra guards…"
Before he could continue Jarvan III interrupted.
"Mervan with all due respect this is absolutely necessary. The people need to see their Champions, to hear their voices. It boosts the morale of every citizen. Might I remind you that a city cannot stand without its people to support it?"
"And a city cannot run without gold."
"We'll talk about this later Mervan, do not politicize the celebrations."
Jarvan III heard Mervan grumble and step away. The king returned his attention to the stage where the four Champions were beginning to depart, slowly walking back into the Royal Palace. Just before they were within the Palace's grand doors Lux waved her wand up into the sky, sending a ball of sparkling light which exploded and showered the crowd with soft, sparkling lights. The crowd cheered even louder and Jarvan III took the opportunity to leave. He turned around and looked at the still figure to his left. Xin Zhao had remained silent and still throughout the entire proceedings, watching vigilantly over the crowd. Jarvan III then looked to his right where Mervan and several other Councillors stood. He spoke to them.
"Now we may depart."
The Councillors departed from the balcony swiftly leaving the king and seneschal in peace. Jarvan III smiled at Xin and walked back inside the Royal Palace. Xin followed quickly, his steps just behind his king. Once they were inside, the noise of the crowd dimmed down and Jarvan III found he could speak normally once again. He spoke to Xin as they walked through the marble hallways of the palace.
"Xin my friend why weren't you down there on that stage? You were once again the unstoppable force of Demacia in that last battle. You deserve to have your name shouted from every rooftop."
Xin looked at the gold and blue decorations of the halls as they walked: tapestries, banners, carpets bearing the colours of Demacia. The answer was easy.
"Because my place is beside my king."
Jarvan III laughed.
"Xin you are a steward not a slave. You deserve more than you ask for."
"I have what I need your majesty."
Jarvan III stopped and turned to Xin.
"Then give the people what they need."
"What is that your majesty?"
"Hope Xin. They need to see the champions, know that the champions are one of them. That the champions fight for them."
Xin breathed in deep.
"If I might speak freely your majesty?"
Jarvan III laughed again.
"Don't you always."
Xin didn't react to the simple joke but instead continued.
"Your majesty, Demacia has champions and the people have their heroes. Both are necessary for different purposes. Let the people have their heroes. I serve Demacia."
Xin's face had remained as fixed as ever and Jarvan III smiled a content grin.
"You're right my friend. But just between you and me, you are the greatest hero this nation has ever had."
Xin bowed.
"Thank you your majesty."
Jarvan III waved his hand.
"And for the love of Demacia you don't have to call me your majesty when we're alone. You're my friend Xin, and never forget I am in debt to you for saving my father's life."
"I saved his life because he saved mine. He then took me under his name and banner. If anything I am in your debt."
Jarvan III smiled at Xin, they both knew there was no debt remaining. There was only the unbroken honour between two friends. Jarvan III gestured back to the end of the corridor.
"Come, we can't allow that unruly lot to begin the celebrations without us."
The pair resumed their journey back towards the entrance hall of the palace. They walked down a flight of stairs which took them onto a walkway overlooking the entrance hall. Below they saw Lux, Garen and Jarvan IV talking and laughing amongst themselves. Fiora was standing off to the side doing her best to ignore the others. Jarvan III and Xin walked along the walkway and down a flight of stairs into the hall. Jarvan III's voice echoed in the hall.
"Friends, my congratulations on your victory."
Jarvan IV turned and walked over to his father. He stopped in front of him and held out his right hand. He opened his palm in which was a glowing green orb. Jarvan IV spoke.
"Father I present to you Urgot's eye. I tore it from his skull when I defeated him on the field of battle."
Jarvan III reached out his hand and took it.
"A trophy to commemorate another victory against Noxus. Very good my son, you must keep it. Let it remind you of your strength on the battleground."
"And your foolishness!"
The voice echoed from behind Jarvan III who turned and looked up the stairs where the councillors were walking down towards them. The voice had come from the shrill voice of Tetshi, a thin, gaunt woman who towered over the other councillors. She continued speaking.
"The recovery of that eye was an unnecessary risk especially seeing as you had to dive beyond a tower to recover it."
The councillors had reached the bottom of the stairs and fanned out to look at the king and champions. The dozen councillors were dressed in long white and gold robes with hoods drawn back to reveal their faces. Jarvan III saw Jericho step forward, his round, mocha features supported the regal tone with which he spoke.
"Your majesty the council has engaged in discussion and concluded we have some concerns with the champions."
Garen's voice boomed through the hall as he walked over to join his friends.
"Is this truly necessary? We were victorious, what more is there to discuss besides the celebrations for this evening?"
He followed this up by cheering and slapping his hand against Jarvan IV's back which made the prince stumble forward.
Jericho continued.
"Well there is you Garen."
Garen frowned and spoke.
"Take care with what words you speak Jericho."
Jericho was flustered by the challenge.
"You dare to threaten a councillor?"
Garen narrowed his eyes.
"I dare to threaten a rival."
Jarvan III intervened before the situation escalated.
"Garen, allow the councillor to have his say. He may provide us with insight."
Jericho bowed his head to Jarvan III and continued.
"Well Garen the council noticed that during the battle you engaged with Katarina on five occasions. And yet every time you were unable to strike her down."
Garen gripped his sword hilt.
"And neither did she strike me down. She is a competent adversary."
Jericho tilted his head.
"You say your adversaries. We hear admirers."
Garen stepped forward and roared at Jericho.
"Are you daring to question my loyalty!?"
"Brother stop."
Lux had stepped forward, with her back to the councillors and a hand on Garen's shoulder. She continued.
"Let them have their gossip brother. You have your honour, they cannot taint that."
Garen's fury quelled under the calm gaze of his sister and he stepped back, taking his hand off his sword. Tetshi nodded at Jericho who stepped back to join the line. She then spoke but this time to Lux.
"Lux my dear if you only you had such patience and teamwork on the field of battle."
Lux turned and looked at Tetshi.
"Have I done something wrong now?"
Tetshi lifted her head to look down on the small woman.
"Not just you. You and Fiora."
Fiora, who had previously been leaning against a wall behind the champions, suddenly stood up and spoke.
"You have a bone to pick with me Tetshi."
Tetshi hardened her gaze.
"That's Councillor Tetshi to you Fiora. And yes I do."
Fiora started walking towards the Councillors slowly as Tetshi spoke.
"You and Lux engaged Viktor and Riven on a number of occasions and yet when the opportunity arose to work as a team and strike them down. One of you would steal the first kill from the others grasp and the second enemy champion would escape."
Fiora had stepped forward from the line of champions to meet Tetshi as she replied with a ferocious tone.
"With all due respect Tetshi. You are a fool."
Jarvan III groaned and raised his hand to his brow as the other champions, except for Xin, rolled their eyes. Fiora continued as Tetshi maintained her composure.
"You sit up here in the palace or council hall, watching on as we risk our lives for this nation. You scrutinize and criticize but the truth is; you haven't the faintest clue what you're talking about. You don't know what it's like to be in the heat of battle, where a split decision can mean life or death. You can spectate and tell us what strategies we should have used. But you don't know what it's like to make that choice, to leap into the fray with only a blink to pass. And you can either live or die."
Tetshi remained silent so Lux spoke confidently from Fiora's side.
"I think what the councillor was trying to say was…"
"I wasn't asking for your opinion fairy."
Fiora's interruption was met by Garen stepping forward once more and placing his hand on his sword. His fury was held at bay by Lux once again calming him. She spoke to Fiora.
"Well maybe a little patience and teamwork would make us more successful on the battlefield and a little less arrogant bravado."
Fiora whipped round and faced Lux.
"If you think I'm working with you fairy then think again. I'll just trip on you or get you stuck on the bottom of my shoe."
Jarvan IV could see the wand in Lux's belt begin to glow so he decided to intervene.
"How about we cool off and take it easy."
He turned his attention to the Councillors.
"If the Council wouldn't mind, the champions would like to rest in preparation for tonight's festivities. If you wish to discuss strategy further we will do so in preparation for the next league match."
Tetshi and Jericho made eye contact and nodded. Tetshi spoke.
"So be it young prince. Have a pleasant evening."
With those words the councillors began to peel away, heading upstairs and off to their individual errands. Only three councillors remained behind; Suere, Merlai and Renee. Suere stepped forward and spoke to the champions.
"My apologies champions. It wasn't appropriate for the council to ambush you like this, especially on such a joyous occasion. We did our best to try and convince them otherwise but Tetshi and Jericho can be very stubborn."
Jarvan IV spoke for the champions.
"It's alright Suere; we welcome any improvements to our strategy and warfare."
There was a huff and Fiora whispered to herself.
"Speak for yourself prince."
Garen stepped forward and placed a hand on Jarvan IV's shoulder before speaking.
"Besides their words have no way of dampening our spirits. Not after such a glorious victory."
Fiora once again had to speak up.
"On the topic of dampening spirits, why wasn't Xin put on the chopping block?"
All eyes turned to the Seneschal who had remained still, at attention throughout the altercation. Garen spoke first.
"Because old teacher here was by far the best out there today."
Fiora huffed again and shook her head as Garen continued.
"The man got twenty-four kills and only two deaths"
Xin spoke calmly.
"Twenty-six kills. I eliminated Viktor and Katarina after the fight at the mid second tower."
Lux spoke with awe in her voice.
"After they retreated into the jungle?"
Xin nodded as Lux continued.
"Both of them? By yourself?"
Xin nodded again which caused Lux to bounce up and down clapping as Garen burst into laughter. Jarvan IV smiled at his steward and broke the moment by speaking.
"Well I say that's enough talk of battles and deaths. Let's think only of victories and celebrations."
Lux spoke with an uplifting tone.
"Yes, Garen and I must be off. The family will be so anxious to see us."
Jarvan IV looked at Garen.
"I'll see you tonight in the feast hall?"
Garen again slapped Jarvan IV on the back and spoke.
"And we'll see if you really do have the liver of a dragon."
With that Garen and Lux turned and walked back to the main doors. Fiora turned and walked away without saying a word; clearly with her own intentions in mind. Jarvan III looked at his son who in turn looked at the three councillors. Suere nodded and spoke.
"We'll leave you be now my lords. Have a wonderful evening."
The councillors walked away, leaving the king, prince and steward in peace. Jarvan III looked at Xin and spoke.
"If you don't mind Xin I would like some time alone with my son."
Xin bowed his head.
"Of course your majesty. If you require me, I shall be in the palace barracks."
Jarvan IV sighed and spoke.
"Xin you work too hard. Relax, tonight we celebrate."
Xin gripped his spear and spoke.
"As you say my prince."
With that Xin left the company of the father and son. He walked up the stairs and made his way through the white stone corridors till he found himself on the outside of the east wing. He looked around the courtyard outside the palace, it was a grey stone courtyard surrounded by an armoury and sleeping quarters on either side. Against the exterior wall were targets installed for the practice of archers. Xin heard the prince's order in his head but his heart did not know how to obey. Instead Xin walked over to the armoury. He walked inside and found his practice spear mounted on a wall. The spear was made from steel, with a lead core running up the centre. It was far heavier than his regular spear which made it ideal for training. Xin felt the colossal weight shift into his hands as he walked back outside. He found himself standing on the grey stones of the practice square so he walked over to the summoning orb. He tapped the floating orb and rotated it till he found the icon he was looking for. Tapping the icon on the orb caused the grey stones of the square to shift and move. A stone fell away and a wooden pole rose out from the ground. The pole was three feet in diameter and made from hard, compact wood. Xin walked over to it and lifted his training spear. He spun the spear round in his hands and felt the weight shift as it picked up speed. He lunged forward and rocketed the spear out so it struck the wood. The spear lodged into the wood, removing a shallow chunk from its structure. Xin easily twisted the spear away and began moving around the pole, spinning the spear and striking the pole with every ounce of power the momentum and his muscles would give. As he weaved around the pole, small chips and chunks fell away. Xin continued striking, moving, weaving. Rehearsed actions and movements to help quell his mind, but even the familiarity of the actions did little to calm the storm inside his mind. The councillors had nothing to say to him; had they not noticed? Had no one seen or heard?
Xin Zhao looked down the lane past the tower as it fired at the wave of minions coming towards him. Xin leapt at the minions, piercing their forms with his spear. He roared as he slashed and sliced through the wave, keeping them at bay till reinforcements arrived. Half the minion wave was still remaining when Xin heard the comforting sound of footsteps behind him. He turned and saw ally minions advancing into the fray. Xin stepped aside as the small figures leapt into the fray to defend their tower. Xin knew that once the enemy wave was defeated he could mount an assault on the enemy tower and push up. Suddenly Xin saw a figure behind the wave; Swain. The Tactician was standing right behind his minions, sending his raven into the fray to defeat Xin's allies. But it wasn't enough for the Noxian champion as his wave fell. Suddenly the tower fired at him and the surge of magic blasted into him, opening wounds on his body. He turned and fled into the jungle, his hard expression unchanged by the evisceration the tower had dealt him. Xin knew this was a chance so he chased after Swain into the jungle. Xin leapt through the tall grass and out onto the path. He looked around for a sign of Swain, possibly the blue light of a recall or the green glow of healing but Xin couldn't see anything. Instead a voice whispered to him.
"Come to kill me Viscero?"
Xin froze. That name. He found he was rooted to the spot, unable to think clearly.
Suddenly the ground shook and three talons erupted from the ground. The sharp talons ripped through Xin's shoulders and lifted him off the ground. He struggled to get free from the grasp but found he was held fast. Xin saw Swain emerge from the tall grass to his left. Swain approached Xin and stood in front of him. The Tactician tilted his head towards the bird on his shoulder. He whispered quietly.
"Yes I know. Of course I will; it's him after all."
Swain returned his gaze to Xin and spoke.
"Viscero it's so good to see you again. It's been far too long. I've always wondered how you've held up living alongside the Demacians. Must be awfully boring, all those rules. So strict."
He seemed to be half talking to the bird and half to the suspended Demacian.
"You must miss that feeling. That sound. You know the one I speak of."
Xin felt the talons beginning to lose grip, the magic was wearing off and in a few moments Xin could tear Swain apart. However the Noxian had other ideas.
"It seems time is running out. Goodbye Viscero, hopefully I will see you soon."
Suddenly Swain's body was wrapped in darkness and from it emerged a large raven flying in the air. The raven opened its mouth and screamed. The coils of darkness around its body took shape and became dozens of smaller ravens. The ravens descended on Xin and the last thing the Demacian felt was the agony of the birds tearing his flesh apart. Xin awoke within his sanctuary. He was alive but those words were in his mind.
Viscero.
The sound.
Xin knew what sound it was.
It was screaming.
It was cheering.
It was his fury.
Xin spun round once more and roared at the top of his lungs.
The spear swiped at the pole at a colossal speed and with Xin's fury guiding its path the sight was astounding. The spear smashed through all three feet of the pole which exploded into splinters and chunks. Xin caught the spear as it ended its swing and watched as the splinters flew through the air. His body was so fast and finely tuned that the world appeared to move slower. Fragments soared across the square, scattering over the stones. The top half of the pole crashed to the ground and brought Xin back to reality.
Footsteps came from behind so Xin whipped round and held his spear out to confront the person that charged. His face was warped by anger and all that had just occurred was reason enough for Sona to be afraid. Xin realised his mistake, the sounds he had exaggerated in his fury. He calmed himself and stood upright. He spoke softly to Sona.
"My apologies my lady. I should not have drawn my weapon on you."
Sona walked over the grey stones to Xin and looked him in the eyes. She bowed and turned to leave but Xin stopped her by speaking.
"There is no need for you to leave."
Sona stopped and looked at the Seneschal who continued speaking.
"What is it that brings you here?"
Sona had a worried look about her and she looked at what remained of the pole. Xin bowed his head as he understood what her actions meant.
"Thank you my lady for being concerned about me. But there is nothing to worry about. I was simply training to relax my body after the long battle we had today."
Sona again looked at the pole. She chose the action carefully to let Xin know what she meant. Xin contemplated his answer before giving it.
"Will you be attending the feast my lady?"
Sona smiled and Xin smiled back at his pupil.
"Then I will see you tonight after your performance."
Sona blushed and Xin continued.
"Or before."
Sona nodded and Xin felt himself smile so he bowed his head.
"Of course my lady if that is what you wish."
Sona smiled at the seneschal's formality.
"Then I will see you tonight; Sona."
Sona smiled and bowed her head at Xin. She indicated back towards the palace. Xin spoke calmly as ever.
"Of course. Farewell."
Sona turned and walked back inside the palace leaving Xin to his racing thoughts. He had never calmed down so quickly after a training session, was Sona using a spell of some kind? Xin looked back at the wreckage that was once the training pole. He walked over to the summoning orb and tapped the icon to clear away the debris. The stones shifted and the pole fell away along with the splinters and fragments that were scattered across the square. Xin felt the momentum and energy of the fighting had faded so he decided to turn in for the day. He returned the training spear to the armoury and retrieved his spear. He walked back inside the palace and made his way over to the private quarters. As a steward he had been granted a modest room within the palace walls, despite stating he was content with the barracks sleeping quarters. He reached his room which was two-thirds of the way up the palace on the north side. The royal family lived on the floor above him and above them was the most precious treasure of Demacia.
Xin stepped into his room and walked over to his weapon rack on against the wall opposite the door. He placed his spear down and began to take off his armour. He placed the blue and gold plates on the armour mount. He was left in his plain clothes which were comfortable for the time being. Xin's focus however was on another cupboard at the end of the wall. It sat in the corner facing out into the room. It was locked shut and Xin did what he could to avoid looking at the steel box but ignoring it was just as haunting.
A knock on the door broke Xin's thoughts and he turned to answer the call. He opened the door to see a guard, which Xin recognised as Desmond, standing in front of him. Desmond's young boyish face was covered by a Demacian helmet which appeared a size too big for him. Desmond bowed his head to Xin and spoke.
"Seneschal. His majesty the king has asked for you in his study."
"Thank you Desmond. I'll head there now."
Desmond returned to attention and stepped aside. As Xin left the room Desmond spoke.
"If I might speak freely seneschal."
Xin turned.
"Of course Desmond."
"I just wanted to say you did an amazing job in the league today."
Xin bowed his head.
"Thank you Desmond. Would you mind staying here, in case anyone comes looking for me?"
Desmond stood at the side of the door and puffed up his chest; evidently overjoyed at being asked for help by a champion.
"Of course Seneschal I'll let you know if anyone comes by."
Xin left the beaming boy and walked towards the stairs. He ascended them till he was on the floor of the royal family. He passed by guards on every corner till he came to the study. Xin suddenly felt nervous when he saw no guards posted outside. He slowly crept up to the door and pushed it open slowly. He peeked inside and saw Jarvan III standing behind his desk looking down at it. Across from him was Lux. Xin breathed out a sigh of relief, his duties left him paranoid of every detail. He entered the room to hear Lux talking.
"Your majesty my contacts are reliable I have no doubt in this information."
"I have no doubt in the information. It just the plan. Isn't there another option?"
Jarvan III looked up and saw Xin walking standing by the door. He called out to his steward.
"Xin good to see you. Come over we need to talk."
Xin walked over and stood beside Lux. He spoke to the pair.
"Why is that you've summoned me your majesty?"
Jarvan III nodded at Lux who looked at Xin and spoke.
"Xin did you notice something wrong with the battle today?"
Xin remained still and replied.
"We were victorious or was there more to it than that?"
"Look at their line-up Xin. Urgot, Swain, Katarina, Riven…" She paused to let Xin catch on before she continued, "and Viktor."
Xin spoke somewhat confused.
"My apologies but I am a warrior not a strategist. What is the concern of Viktor's presence?"
Lux leaned on the table and answered.
"Why would an all Noxian line-up choose a random Zaun champion to fight with them?"
Xin did his best to provide an answer.
"The Noxians and Zaunites are allies; it may have been a show of good faith. He may have helped to balance the team."
Lux shook her head.
"Noxus have any number of champions to fill Viktor's role and do you really think the Noxians would share glory, even with their allies?"
Xin remained still but looked at Jarvan III who was deep in thought as Lux continued.
"Recently espionage has taken on a new form. It's hard to trade information and secrets out in Valoran without someone stealing it. But there is somewhere where no one can infiltrate to steal those secrets."
Xin's mind clicked and he finished the next sentence.
"The League."
Lux nodded.
"Precisely. Ten champions in. No one else. If two champions happened to be in the tall shrub together for even a moment; we would have no way of knowing what information they could share."
Jarvan III spoke now and looked at Xin.
"Lux's informants in Noxus have told us there's been increased traffic between the information networks of Zaun and Noxus. They're working on something big and I don't like it."
Xin spoke to Jarvan III.
"Your majesty, information and secrets pass through those networks all the time. Is there any need to be worried by them?"
Lux spoke to Xin with an intensity that Xin had rarely heard.
"This is more traffic than ever before and from what scraps my informants can get, it has something to do with a weapon."
Xin questioned further to unravel the mystery.
"You mean like a new champion, like Zac?"
"No. An item, something that they could use in the League."
Xin looked at Jarvan III.
"Then if you suspect something why not deploy an agent your majesty?"
Jarvan III threw up his hands.
"If the agent was uncovered then Noxus would have grounds to have us suspended from the League and we can't allow them to get a foothold."
"Then your majesty why have you summoned me to this meeting? Why haven't the council been informed?"
Lux and Jarvan III met one another's gaze and Lux felt her heart sink. Jarvan III stepped away from his desk and met Xin's eyes.
"The council would do nothing and we cannot allow Demacia to fall to Noxus. We cannot send an agent to infiltrate per chance they be caught. We need to find a way for a Noxian to tell us what is happening; willingly."
Xin spoke to his king.
"How do you propose we do that your majesty?"
Jarvan III breathed in deep and tipped his head forward. Xin had never seen shame on his king's face so the king wore it like an unfamiliar mask when he spoke.
"We need you to betray Demacia."