Hey Guys! Sorry about how long it took for this chapter to come out. It was very difficult to continue with the story where I left off, mainly, because of how unsure I was of where I wanted to take it. Personally this chapter is one of my favorites that I have written, and I'm very proud of it. I hope you all enjoy! Remember to leave a review, I would love to hear some feedback! 3 Thanks again
Also a special shoutout to galio for reading and editing my chapters! Without you, I'm not sure if this story would be where it is now haha.
God, she is strong. Her blade came down on my face and I side-stepped it. I tried to slow her down by throwing blades into her shins, but she only dashed towards me to avoid it. Her continual onslaught didn't seem to tire her at all, and I had to choose a different approach. I retreated into the shadows, disappearing from her sight. Riven grew still and searched around herself, trying to see through my veil. I jumped from the shadows, grabbing her from behind, and placed a blade at her neck.
"Dead," I said. Forcing a sigh, she pushed me away.
"Again," she insisted. Her blade's runic lettering illuminated, and it made me chuckle at her determination. Ever since waking up this morning, she had been practicing her footing. She had been banging her sword against a fallen log, chopping it to pieces. I suggested that we sparred, and she agreed quickly, but now I was feeling the consequences of this decision.
"Again?" I was exhausted, and I could feel my muscles ache in protest. She only nodded, and came at me again, I dodged her swing and we continued our dance. The snow under our feet only made it harder to move and I was beginning to lose steam. As her blade came down again, she landed a hit on my shoulder. The weight of the blade shocked me and I was sent to the ground. Pouncing on top of me, sword raised over her head, her eyes had the same look they did when she was in Noxus.
"Dead." She whispered, on top of my chest. I looked up at her and she didn't show any sign of tiring.
"How are you not tired?" I asked, regaining my breath.
"I don't need energy to use my blade. All I need is to be alive." Her gaze traveled to her blade and the runes glowed along the shank, as if to prove that they responded to her.
"While it has been ages since you've practiced, you are still the great fighter I know and love," I affirmed, sitting up. Holding her hips down onto my pelvis, I eyed her closely. She was guarded by instinct, careful not to show any emotion that might give away her plans, but slowly the reserved expression melted away to show her smile.
"We have to keep practicing." Riven's smile was electric to me. I couldn't help but feel a smile spread across my lips.
"We just found this cave, can't we enjoy it?" I asked, motioning to our new-found home. Her gaze drifted to the blanket covering the entrance. She seemed to be looking past it, though, and I knew she was thinking of Freljord. I had been thinking about it all morning as well. The village we left behind in ruins, and the villagers we left to a life of torment. With any luck, Ashe would come and rescue them, but a war would be inevitable between the two factions now.
"We have to keep going," Riven said, her voice full of resolve. She stood up, sword in hand, and her eyes guarded once again. As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel reminded of when I first met her. She had the same stance, and the same fierce look in her eyes. The only thing she craved back then was the blood of those who rose against Noxus. She was one of the General's favorites. He admired her dedication to the city-state, and often reminded Katarina of her greatness.
"Do you see her, Katarina?" The General said, pointing to Riven out in the arena. Katarina was only sixteen at the time, and would do anything to impress her father. Back then, her hatred for Riven was stronger than ever. It was obvious she was envious of the attention her father gave the other girl, but she always pretended to be indifferent about it.
"Yes father," she'd replied, jealousy seeping from her voice like venom. Her bright red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, her body covered tightly in black leather. She was constantly ready for battle, as if at any moment the General would test her strength. While she was an excellent fighter, she was too focused on impressing those around her. Maybe, at some point, she would look past those goals and aim to be an attribute to Noxus.
"She is a true warrior of Noxus. Riven fears nothing, not even death, and because of that, she can't be killed." The crowd's cheers rose up as Riven shredded her enemies into ribbons. From the arena seats, I couldn't see much of her. It was the first time the General had taken me to Noxus' Academy, and so far, it'd been pretty boring. All of the students I had met were far beneath me in terms of skill, and the General made it his duty to confirm that. So far, the only students worth mentioning were the ones who had won in the arena. The General suddenly stood and began walking out. Katarina and I followed him in suit.
"Did you think she was good?" Katarina asked me. I could hear the insecurities hidden in her tone, but I didn't mention it to her.
"I wasn't paying attention," I shrugged. Katarina went back to looking at her father's heels. We walked down some corridors for a while, and I took note of the art featured on the walls. The art featured a myriad of strong warriors, blood soaking their various weapons, and a field of fallen enemies surrounding them. Underneath each portrait was a plaque stating their names, the date of the battle, and, of course, the body count.
"General Du Couteau," a female voice cut in. I turned my head to see a girl with short white hair, brown eyes, and a porcelain complexion. Her stance was one of respect towards the General, but she didn't look eager or even bored. Her face was blank of expression, which was almost unnerving.
"Ah, Riven, you were excellent out in the arena today," The General greeted her, nodding to her in approval.
"Thank you," She replied curtly.
"This is my daughter, Katarina, and my new apprentice, Talon," The General stood aside for Riven to greet us. Katarina and I nodded to her as well.
"Nice to meet you," she said. Looking back towards the General, he gave her a dismissal and we kept walking.
"I didn't think she was so tiny," Katarina remarked, once we were out of earshot.
"A person's size doesn't determine the sword they hold." Wisdom always seemed to flow through the General. Every time he could, he would always lecture Katarina, or give her advice. She took every one of them to heart as well, reciting them as she walked.
I will admit, my first encounter with Riven wasn't exciting, and it certainly didn't make me think twice about her. Even now as I spar with her, our first fight doesn't come to mind. But now that I think back on it, Riven in those days was the perfect poster child of a Noxian soldier.
"This afternoon, you will fight in the arena," The General announced at breakfast one morning, scrutinizing me from the dining table. I nodded, chewing on a piece of bacon. "I have arranged a few fights to see how you'll do. I hope you won't disappoint me."
"I won't," I said, meeting his gaze. I saw the slightest cringe at the edge of his eyes. Katarina sat to his right and seemed to look dejected that she had not yet won his attention. She had been asking to be put in the arena for some time, but yet her father had ignored her pleas.
Walking on to the school grounds that morning felt different. The air was more brisk and the sun was shining more proudly despite the smog in the sky. I kept my hood on tightly as I walked through the grounds. In the warm-up area, I spotted Riven again. She was dressed in a white tunic, shoulder plates, leg guards, steel gloves, and other armor varieties. Her battle sword was at her waist and she was standing near the arena gate.
"Is this your first time in the arena?" I turned to see a boy standing beside me. He looked like he was about fifteen- fairly young- and it seemed that his preferred choice of weapon was a sword by his side. I nodded in response. His face was already dressed with scars and he seemed to have an injury on his shoulder. "Good luck out there. If you get paired against Riven, you can kiss becoming an elite soldier goodbye." By the looks of it, it seemed that he paid that price himself.
I sharpened my blades as I waited for my name to be called into the arena. Several people were called ahead of me, and soon there were only a few of us left in the room. Riven continued to stand near the wall, staring at the door. Feeling my glance, she turned her gaze meet mine. Her expression was one of alienation, but I assumed she was merely bored as she began to strike up conversation.
"So you're the new prince of the Du Couteau's?" Her tone wasn't condescending, just very… blunt.
"I guess."
"What do you do?" I shrugged. "What do you use in combat?"
"Blades." I held one in front of me so she could observe it. Walking closer, she took the blade I had and held it in her hands. The light from the shank reflected onto her face and I observed the light scars that adorned her cheeks, but other than that her complexion was perfect.
"These are good," she said.
"Can I see yours?" I motioned towards her battle sword. Removing it from its harness, she handed to me. The weight was unexpected, and I almost dropped it. The sword was a rather basic one, and didn't have any special markings like the one she had now.
"I was told that the armory was making a new one for me. The General requested that I have a new one, a sword fit for Noxus." Her tone was noticeably proud, but she still seemed bored as far as her body language was concerned. Suddenly her name was called from the speaker, she took back her weapon and began walking to the door.
"Good luck," I said.
"Thanks," she called back to me. I waited for a while longer, before being called out into the arena. Placing my blades back in my sleeve, I walked out, my cloak billowing in the wind. The crowd was cheering for Riven while I adjusted to the scenery. Riven stood before me. Her platinum hair was fixed in a tight bun and her sword was now wearing blood. She stood proud and callous, and for a moment I felt a knot of fear in my heart. Not a moment later she was running towards me, and I swiftly dodged her attacks.
She didn't hold back. I felt small cuts opening in my skin each time she swung and I was beginning to have trouble keeping up with her onslaught. Finding my footing, I went back into it, throwing blades at her feet or arms to slow her down, and once I felt that I could go in for the kill, I jumped to her side and cut down at her armor. She didn't once grow weary, and seemed to only gain strength from our fierce dance. She met each of my advances and shoved me back. Using her blind spots, I danced around her, and whittled away at her defenses. At one point she startled me and jabbed at my stomach, which forced me to the dirt. I saw her coming for the kill, and I quickly melded into the shadows. I dashed to the other side of the arena, hoping this would give me enough time. The crowd murmured confusion, but Riven didn't hesitate.
Dashing forward, I came at her again, blade in hand, and aimed for her throat. The sound of steel on steel echoed throughout the arena. Her battle sword and my dagger met in perfect unison and I couldn't help but admire her in front of me. Not one drop of sweat developed amidst our battle, and she looked as if she could go on for hours. I felt my heartbeat pounding in my chest, but I wouldn't dare show my growing fatigue.
"You're good," she said.
"Same to you," I returned. She smirked, and it was then I think I liked her. Riven may have been just a Noxian warrior, but she was the best one I had ever met. Moving quickly, she went back to strike me, but this time it was more than a competition. I had to beat her, or else I would be shamed. So I went in harder, my attacks became faster, and soon it was Riven who was having trouble keeping up with me. She left herself open and I kicked her down. She fell to the ground, and I pounced on top of her, holding my blade against her neck. Her mouth hung open and I could hear a quiet panting. The apathetic look in her eyes had burned in the fire now taking its place.
"I'm-" I started. She pushed me off of her and walked quickly to the arena gate. The crowd was silent, but then erupted in excited cheers. I felt my pride rocket to the sky, absorbing the energy from the onlookers. A victory it was, but watching Riven walk away so dejectedly put a damper on it all.
"Riven, focus-" She missed me again with a sloppy swing. She glared at me and I could see that familiar fire burning in her eyes. Suddenly, her sword assembled its broken pieces. At first I thought it was trick, but I recognized the ghostly fragments easily enough. I felt her rage again, and the pride welled up in my chest. She was still the infamous warrior I knew she was, a champion of Noxus. I felt a smile pull at my mouth, but she didn't hesitate. Coming at me full force, the blunt of her sword hit me in my ribcage and sent me spiraling back into the mountain. My cloak fell from my shoulders, and I could feel my ribs beginning to bruise.
"Atta girl." I said, struggling to stand, but as soon as I made it to my feet, a gale force had me back on my ass. My winter clothes were torn, and luckily only a shallow cut was left on my chest. Looking up at her was a rush of déjà vu. With her completed blade in hand, she stood exactly as she did the day she received it- standing exalted.
It was the graduation ceremony of Noxus Academy, and many of the student soldiers would receive squadrants, titles, or even military status. The main attraction to this particular ceremony was to award those who would rise to become commanders. Riven sat in the front row, classically dressed in full battle armor. The master of ceremonies called her first, and the crowd cheered, knowing she was the best. Riven dropped to one knee before him.
"It is my honor to award Riven the highest title of our newest commander, may she lead many Noxian armies to glory." The crowd roared in approval, and I also gave a round of applause. Riven started to rise, but the master stopped her. "I would also like to reward Riven, with a special sword." The master turned and motioned to the other side of the stage. The crowd watched curiously as two men carrying a massive bundle emerged. The men both knelt in front of Riven, and she ripped open the package. Inside was a massive sword. It was as tall as she was, and probably just as wide. The men carrying it seemed to be struggling with its weight, but Riven lifted it with ease, as if the sword intended to be held by her alone. Her eyes lit up and as she swung it experimentally, the runic lettering on the blade glowed softly. The crowd was in awe of such a gift.
"Thank you," Riven said, unable to peel her eyes away from it.
"For Noxus!" The crowd cheered. Riven held up her blade and the look on her face was one of pride and dignity. Katarina, a new healing scar on her eye, clapped slowly next to me.
"I hope she's as good as everyone thinks she is." The flush of jealousy in her tone was notable, but I wasn't concerned with Katarina. In that moment, watching Riven, I found myself craving all of her. It wasn't greedy, like the way the General admired her, but more like yearning. She looked so perfect standing there that I couldn't help but imagine her by my side in battle. And here she was, her sword against my throat, eyes lit up. Her position over me was one of a lioness and I couldn't help but let my body react to her. I wrapped my arms around Riven, surprising her and pulling her to my chest.
"Talon," she giggled, trying to push me away, but I only held her harder. "Come on, I need to keep practicing."
"We are practicing," I whispered in her ear, and rolled over until she was on her back. Pinning her hands above her head, she became deliciously vulnerable. "Escape me." My body went rigid and I leaned in to kiss her. She kissed me back enthusiastically, her lips keeping time with mine. I was taken aback by her ferocity, but I was all too willing to let her take control. Her leg slowly lifted up wrapped itself around my back. Easing my grip, I kissed her deeper. Smiling, I moved my hands slowly down her arms, only to feel a sharp pain in my lower back. In the next moment, she flipped over, and held one of my own daggers at my throat.
"Dead-!" she grunted, straddling my hips. The throbbing in my lower back dulled and I was breathless once again, not from the pain, but from Riven. In the Noxian underbelly, I never really saw beautiful things. In the house of Du Couteau, I started to believe that it existed in objects like paintings or sculptures, or even in nature, in the flowers, in the sky. Nothing took my breath away as she did. Even now, covered in sweat and in an awkward position, she was still the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Men in Noxus would always remark about how I had the two most desirable women by my side, Katarina and her sister Cassiopeia, but they didn't have what Riven has. She possessed a soul that shone through her armor. Her dedication to the ones she loved proved more evident than their dedication to Noxus. There was also an underlying grace in the way she fought. Riven was never deceitful to her enemies. She charged at them, blade in hand. I was able to see past her battle worn figure as she pinned me to submission, to the woman who fought for herself and the ones she cared for.
Her face was framed by her snow white hair, shining even in the wintry sky. Her eyes were large and bright, ferocious and commanding. She hunched over me, blade still pressed into my neck. Her lips were poised and a light pink.
"You have me," I surrendered quietly. Her expression faded from battle, relaxing. Removing the blade from my neck she straightened, and began to remove herself from me. Instinctively, I grabbed her hips and held them against my own; I couldn't let her go just yet. She looked down at me, raising a questioning brow.
"Talon?" I dismissed her question, and pulled her closer. She positioned herself over me, and our eyes met. I'm not sure what she saw in mine, but in hers I saw the fire smoldering. I kissed her then, and she finally gave into me. I hadn't known true beauty until I met Riven, and even now, she was still expanding my definition of the word. I would follow this woman wherever she went.