Time to head to the Institute! We've got humor, some sadness, maybe someone remember...and we learn why ticking Helios off is a bad thing...

Chapter III

Janie anxiously paced across the room in Jarvan's palace where she and Arthur had been told to wait by Vesper. Dianne, the one the two had learned to follow wasn't there and, though incredibly similar to their own Runeterra, it wasn't their home and they had nothing to do except wait for the Aspect of Twilight to come get them.

"She didn't just leave us here, did she?" The chosen of the sun murmured, more to herself than Arthur, who responded anyways.

"Vesper brought us here to try to help her Aspects. She wouldn't just leave us here." He sighed and leaned back in his chair, tapping a foot against the ground. "I'm sure she'll be here any minute now-"

Giggling erupted from the hallway and Vesper, followed by three smaller children, bounded in.

The taller of the three other children, a red-haired, golden eyed girl...almost a spitting image of Janie or rather Leona…looked up at Janie and frowned quizzically.

"Mama was in the other room wasn't she?" she asked slowly.

The smaller girl, blonde and blue eyed...looked like a mix of Cira and Arthur...just broke out into a smile as she started towards Janie.

"Mama's fast though!" She beamed.

"I don't believe I'm your Mama," Janie laughed.

Arthur saw the children and offered them a smile. "And who would you be?"

Heavy footfalls thundered through the marble halls, a red-haired woman bolted through the door, her gold and scarlet armor clinking as she came, flanked by a man in Spartan-like armor.

"Zoe Eos, Artemis Athena, Apolla Helia, Ares Leonidas! What have I told you about running off in random places!" The other Radiant Dawn scolded,

picking up the red-haired child.

"To...not to?" The boy, Ares, asked, grinning.

The other Leona's storm blue eyes narrowed slightly.

"...I swear this child is your son…" she grumbled, glaring at Pantheon.

"What? He had to get his good looks from someone!" He protested.

She drove her elbow into his side, getting a pained yelp from him.

The other Leona looked up at Janie and Arthur apologetically.

"Sorry, they…" she stopped, looking at Janie, "Oh. So you two are the ones my daughter yanked out of their world,"

"I would assume that would make you this world's Leona and Pantheon," Arthur mused, while Janie nodded, still smiling at the children.

"You'd be right," Pantheon chuckled, "So...since we have multiples of us...mind giving us your names? Vesper never told us,"

"I'm Arthur," the man obliged, before his eyes flashed brown, "And Lucian."

The Chosen of the Sun smiled brightly, "I'm Janie and well… you probably know Leona as well."

"Quite well," the other Radiant Dawn chuckled.

"Well, coincidence here I suppose," Pantheon smiled, "My name is Arthur too. This is my wife,"

"My name is Cira," she smiled, "it's nice to meet you,"

The two pause, and suddenly, Janie drops her sword. "Ci...ra?"

"Cira Jonson," she nodded, "used to be Cira Noble before Arthur asked me to marry him. Are you alright?"

Arthur's projector flickers and he curls up on himself. Janie walks towards him and places a hand on his shoulder, a few tears streaming down her own face.

The other Leona, Cira's, face fell.

"I didn't say something wrong did I?" She asked softly, "I'm sorry if I did,"

The two stayed in the corner, curled up, comforting each other.

"Mama...Dianne is the First Chosen for them," Vesper said.

"First...but then…" Cira's frown deepened, "What...happened to me then?"

"There's a reason their Arthur is Lucian," Vesper muttered, "Mama, their Cira said no to Leona...she got taken by Thresh. She's like Sienna,"

Cira's face went white.

"I...I...I'm so sorry…"

A new figure stumbles into the room. "You couldn't have known how it was for them," Dianne said quietly. "We'll hopefully get her back eventually." The girl leaned against the doorway and let out a nervous laugh. "Sorry 'bout earlier."

A shudder went through Cira's frame as gold started to flood through her eyes, the bare outline of a sword glimmering...before fading away as Cira reasserted control.

"Stop it Leona," she hissed softly before looking up at Dianne, "I'm glad you're back to normal...I just hope we can get that way as well,"

"Let's just say… I had no idea of what was happening around me and I could barely hear Lamb in my own mind, let alone anything around me…" she sighed. "Should've stayed a bit longer to listen, huh, Vesper?"

Jane slowly looked over to Cira again and then at herself before moving her lips, mouthing something. Arthur's projector kicked back in his eyes shining brown. "He'll still be out of it for a bit."

Vesper nodded.

"Probably woulda been a good idea,"

Cira looked at Janie, pain clear on her face.

"I always wondered what would have been if I had said no," she admitted, "Now especially. I've caused so much pain and suffering with this Curse on me that I wish I had. But the pain I'm seeing right now...makes me realize I'm glad I said yes. Because I'd be with my little sister…"

She came up to Janie and smiled, putting a hand on the younger woman's shoulder.

"But, my little sister makes a pretty good Radiant Dawn," she smiled, "We Nobles are a tough bunch, right lil' sis?"

She looked up at the woman, her sister, and gave a small smile. "We are." Suddenly, she hugged Cira tight. "I miss my sister and I won't make you replace her, but thank you for understanding what happened for us."

"You'll always be my little sister, no matter what world you come from," Cira told her, "Always wondered what would have been if Leo Chose you, haha. Now I know. Always figured we'd be like her two sides. You'd be her fighter, her sword...I'm more of a protector, so her shield,"

She turned to Lucian's Chosen and her smile dimmed slightly as she came to him.

"Lucian...will he let me talk to him?" she asked.

"He's listening, currently. He's upset but aware of what's going on around us." The project responded.

"I know he's upset," she sighed, "I don't blame him at all. Arthur, I know you think that she left you because she didn't know how much everyone loved her. That's not true. If she's anything like me, and I'm pretty sure I know me...she loved you dearly. Believe me, when Leo came to me I thought I was being tricked, that some cruel joke was being played on me. Honestly, I half accepted because I figured 'hey, I'm gonna die anyways, so what's the difference'. But never think she didn't love you. Because she did...so, so much,"

She hesitantly put her hands on his shoulders.

"She wouldn't make the same decision twice if she had the chance. Hence why she became Senna's Chosen is my guess," Cira told him, "She'll come back to you. Senna and Lucian here have...heck they've got a sweet little boy who's only a couple months old already. Hold your faith, keep it because your Sun...no, your Light, will shine for you again. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"

His eyes faded back to blue slowly. "You mean this, right? That she knew we wanted her to stay? That we loved her? She was just confused and scared?"

"So is everyone who thinks they are about to die," Cira said, "I don't think she wanted to leave you. But she had no choice. She knew she was dying. Her one wish would be to tell you that she loved you...something I was afraid I'd never get to tell my Arthur. But like I said...she'll come back to you. Just keep faith and keep going for her. We Projects tend to be strong...she'd want you to be that for her,"

He gave a small nod. "Thank you."

Dianne smiled at Vesper, then at her two fellow Chosen.

Cira tapped her chin, humming slightly.

"Since there's two of us...it'll be hard for people really to tell us apart," she stated, "Maybe…"

Her form flickered as the hologram died, sending her now ivory locks tumbling down her back.

"There," she smiled, "Now they'll be able to tell us apart,"

"Ugh, are you guys done in there?" Helios smirked from his position in the doorway, leaning against the frame with Selene behind him. "I felt like I was going to vomit."

"You can't handle family reunions then?" Cira teased, her visor flickering, "Janie here is just an alternate version of my little sister and this Arthur is an alternate version of my husband so…"

"I know. I was watching the whole time. Like a stalker." His mirth briefly faded as he mumbled "And for the love of gods I hope I never have to have my family reunion, either." under his breath, just so that no one could hear.

Dianne tilted her head at Helios, but said nothing.

"So, you're Leo's Chosen from the other side of the interdimensional fence, huh?" He asked Janie. "She's not, uh...by any chance….?" He twirled his finger in a circle next to his head, whistling simultaneously.

"No curse here," the girl, with now golden eyes laughed. "And my Chosen and I are good for it. No offense."

"None taken." He replied. "Nice to see you with a clear conscience for once, Leo. It's a nice change, compared to what I've had to deal with in recent years."

"It's nice to see you as well though, is there a reason you haven't appeared before?" Leona tilted her head.

"Morbid curiosity, I guess." He cracked a grin. "I have a bit of a fascination with mushy moments, even though it's not necessarily good for my health."

"You're just irritated because then you get too emotional to meme for a while." Selene said.

"I-" He opened his mouth, then blinked, squinting as he processed her statement. He begrudgingly shut it, folding his arms. "I want to deny that, but…"

"You can't." She finished.

"Sadly."

"Well at least one Leona is sane," Cira chuckled, "Maybe you can help me keep her under control. Sound good lil sis?"

Leona's eyes flashed and Janie nodded, smiling. "Sounds good to me."

Artemis came up to her mother and pulled on the flexible metal that was part of her 'skirt'. Cira knelt down to be eye level with her daughter, the slight hissing of hydraulics accompanying the move.

"Oh...I forgot...you've never seen me like this," she apologized, "Sorry if I scare you…"

"You look cool Mama!" Ares chirped coming up as Artemis put her hands on her mother's cheeks.

"But I can't see your eyes…" Artemis protested, patting her mother's visor.

Cira gave a smile and reached up, struggling slightly, but managing to pull off the helm with a slight hiss of pain.

"That better?" Cira asked.

"Mhmm!" Artemis hummed, hugging her mother around the neck.

Dianne very carefully poked Helios' shoulder. "Hey, question?"

"Hm?" He said. "Yeah? What's up?"

"It would probably be best if I didn't ask it in here." She motioned towards the hallway before walking out of the room.

"Wait here." Helios told his sibling. He checked to make sure that Cira and Janie were still engrossed in their conversation, then followed Dianne out into the halls.

"Okay, so...this is unexpected." He said, when they were out of earshot. "Don't get me wrong, it's nice that you want to talk, but I didn't think you'd be the one to initiate."

"Well before I was Chosen I wouldn't even been able to really talk to you," the girl admitted. "But I overheard you say something about you having your own family reunion? Do you have family here or something?"

Helios stiffened with a start.

"Uh…" He sweatdropped. "Noooooooooo…..? I have no idea what you're talking about….?"

The girl's eyes narrowed. "That's definitely not suspicious and I could just ask Lamb…"

"Lamb, if you tell her, I'm docking your pay." Helios replied. "You won't have any way to pay for those midnight churro runs of yours."

"So you do have family here." Dianne stated, an amused tone in her voice. "You're trying way too hard to cover up not having family. So who is it?"

"You can pry the answer from my cold dead hands." Helios sniffed, turning his head up haughtily.

The girl went quiet for a moment, then yelled, "SELENE?"

"SISTER NO!" He shouted.

"I'm not going to say anything this time!" She called from down the hallway. "This is a personal matter, and I'm not feeling inclined to get in the way of his responsibility! He'll get to it when he gets to it, don't pressure him about it!"

The reaper huffed and leaned against the wall. "Fine."

"Is there...anything else you'd like to talk about, maybe?" Helios asked. "That preferably isn't extremely uncomfortable for me to answer?"

The girl tilted her head. "Well… is there a way for you to help our Cira? It would help Janie and Arthur. Leona too, seeing as how she was going to choose our Cira and got denied, and then the girl was immediately snatched up by Thresh…"

"I...really have no idea." He grimaced, scratching the back of his head. "That's why we're going to the Institute, isn't it? Once we get Andrew to remember, he can start pulling some strings to get us the help we need." His expression hardened. "Plus, there are a few champions that I'd like to have some very choice words with. They'd gotten off the hook when I was banned from making contact with them, but they're not getting away from me this time."

"Okay. We might as well head back then. That's all I really wanted to ask you," she mumbled.

"Look, I get that you're curious, but…" He sighed. "I'm not really ready to talk about it."

"I didn't realize it was a topic you would rather not discuss, so I apologize for trying to force it."

"You'll find out eventually." He huffed. "It's probably going to be all kinds of fun, but that's what I get when I've put it off for so long, I guess."

"Well according to Lamb and Wolf you're our employer so I suppose I'll be on your side when the time comes," the girl smiled beneath her mask.

"I appreciate that." He replied. "Remind me to give the three of you a raise when I've got the chance."

The girl laughed. "Well, I would be off to get Marks but… that isn't my job here, huh? It's the other me's."

"Guess that means you get a vacation for a bit, ah?" He said, folding his arms behind his back as they walked. "You should ask Lamb about those churro runs. They'd be a good way to spend the time, and you'd be surprised at what she'll tell you." He raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Assuming, of course, that your Lamb acts the same as mine."

The girl tilted her head, "About those... Wait Lamb you actually did that before you Chose me? We could go do it… Churros are good…"

"Something you should keep in mind, Dianne." Helios said, as they neared the doorway. "Runeterra's divine world? It's a lot zanier than most people think."

"I'll keep it in mind," the girl laughed.

"Are we all ready?" Cira asked, picking up Artemis as the little girl nuzzled into her mother's shoulder armor.

"Just about." Helios said, as the two of them reentered. "Are we taking Janie and Alternate Arthur with us?"

"I don't see why not," Cira shrugged, "they'd be bored just waiting here I believe,"

"We ready to go, then?" He asked. "I've got a lot on my agenda for the Institute. Things to see, friends to meet up with, heads to smash in, that sort of thing."

"Patience, Helios." Selene lightly chided. "Going in 'guns blazing' won't make a very good first impression."

"I'm sorry, but that's impossible." Helios replied. "I always make a good first impression. Who could resist a face like this?"

"I can probably think of one," Cira chuckled, "but depends on how badly the Curse hit him…"

"Challenge accepted." Helios said, cracking his knuckles. "Gods forbid that people don't find my charisma attractive."

"Still wonder how Andrew is going to react to you," Cira grinned, "he…"

Her face fell slightly.

"Ah...right...he doesn't care for Leona much now…" she sighed, "Well, here's hoping we can break this Curse and get back to normal,"

"Guess that means we should get going then, eh?" He replied.

"Agreed," she nodded, "Oh...how in the world are we going to get all of us there? The stones only transport about two people. And I doubt Janie and her Arthur are able to use theirs,"

Arthur shook his head. "Got bored waiting for Little Vesper and tested it. No result."

Dianne walked over to her two Chosen and leaned against the wall. "You could go and get some more people to come help transport us…"

"I believe that Zack, Sonja and Hailey will be able to help us," he said.

"We should probably go outside to meet them then," Cira suggested, "Since Hailey is ah...a bit too big to come in here and I seriously doubt that Jarvan would like her messing up this place,"

"Mkay," Dianne smiled and walked back out the door. Arthur and Janie looked between each other and shrugged before following her.


Hailey was currently lying curled up in a 'ball', laying her massive head on her paws. Her tail twitched slightly as she gave a soft snort, sending steam billowing.

"Patience much?" Sonja chuckled as she leaned against the wall.

"I envy you for being able to take human form," Hailey huffed, lifting her talons and letting a tiny star play around them, "Least you can actually go inside…"

"You're stronger than me though," came the reply, "You'd trade your power for size?"

"...Sometimes I wonder,," she said.

"You two arguing over who the better dragon is?" Zack asked, walking up.

"No," Hailey snorted, "But you all know that I'm the better one,"

"Sure you are," Sonja grinned savagely, bearing her teeth, "But at least I don't hit my head on ceilings,"

Hailey gave a low, rumbling growl right as a high-pitched soundpierced through the air.

"'lioooonnnnnn!" a little boy's voice squealed happily as something rammed against Hailey's foreleg.

The Star Forger's Chosen looked down just to see the little, black-haired form of Ares.

"Ares," Aurelion purred, leaning his head down to gently prod the little boy.

Ares giggled and reached up, hugging Aurelion's muzzle.

"I miss you, 'lion!" the boy chirped, "But I back now! We gonna go stargazin' again?"

"Perhaps," Aurelion hummed as the other Chosens, children of Chosens, and deities came up.

The Star Dragon glared at Helios, almost daring his heart to say something about the little boy hugging Aurelion's muzzle.

Helios didn't say anything, getting the message.

Instead, he grinned, pulled up his phone and took a picture.

Aurelion rolled his eyes as Ares let go and bounded back towards his parents, laughing as his father swept him up.

"So," Cira started, "Who is going with who?"

"Mama," Artemis immediately stated, hugging her mother tighter.

"I goin' with Daddy!" Ares called.

"I'll take Apolla!" Vesper beamed.

"...I'll take, Janie was it?" came Diana's low voice, but when Cira looked back...the Scorn of the Moon's eyes were a deep brown.

"Mir!" She cried, hugging the Chosen, "it's good to see you!"

"Good to see you too," Mir chuckled, hugging her 'sister' back.

"I'd be glad to take their Lucian," Zack said, "Didn't catch your name…"

"He's my counterpart," Arthur stated.

"Ah, I see,"

Aurelion looked the gathered group. Seeing that only the other Dianne, Selene and Helios were left.

"Seeing as how I almost bet Dianne will take her counterpart…" Aurelion started, "I will take Selene,"

"Which leaves Helios, Sonja and Shyvana to take the last stone." Selene finished.

Helios blanched.

Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit. He thought, sweating profusely.

"Everything alright, brother dear?" Selene asked, knowing exactly what made him so nervous.

"Fine, fine, just fine!" Helios nearly squeaked, his voice strangled. "Why?"

"No special reason. Just checking." She replied.

Sonja extended her hand to him.

"Shall we go?" She asked, revealing the violet and scarlet stone, "or is there something else you want or need to do?"

Helios sucked in through his nose, then sighed, deflating. "No, not really." He took hold of the stone. "Let's just go."

Sparks of light shone throughout the courtyard, obscuring the Champions, deities and three children from view. When the world faded back in for them all, they found themselves standing in a marble hall with high ceilings and large windows that let the sunlight pour in.

"...Feels good to be back here," Cira said, looking around at her surroundings.

"Agreed...and not have it muted because you're locked in the trunk of a car while a crazy person's at the wheel," Arthur nodded.

"Guess I got the better end of the deal," Mir chuckled, "Mine at least was sane!"

Cira lightly shoved her friend, shaking her head.

"Hopefully, everything will go back to normal soon enough,"

"So, this is the Institute, huh?" Helios placed his hands on his hips once he'd materialized, taking in the sight of the room. "Gotta say, the decor's nice. Might make some good inspiration for renovations back at the Solari temple."

"The temple's fine," Cira shook her head, "It's just got a lot of crazy in it now,"

She pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Yes, I'm talking about you. You'd think you'd learn that by now!" she grumbled.

"Mama?" Artemis blinked, "Who you talkin' to?"

"Don't worry about it, Sunshine," Cira told her, "Not anyone I want you to meet...at least not now,"

"It'll be pretty soon, though." Helios replied. "Right! Where to next?" He gestured towards the door at the other end of the hall. "Care to act as our tour guide for the occasion, Cira?"

"Best bet is probably to see Andrew," she said, starting towards the old, familiar route to the Summoner's office, "But...I don't really think that he'll be too happy to see me…"

"Good thing I'm here then," Mir grinned, putting a hand on Cira's shoulder, "He likes me. I'm his favorite,"

"I used to be his favorite!" Cira retorted, "Hence why his Summoner Name is Daybreaker,"

"It's still Daybreaker...but he likes to break you," Mir chuckled.

"...I swear Diana's sense of humor is rubbing off on you," Cira grumbled.

Mir gave a bark of laughter and the 'sisters' kept going towards the office. As they reached it, Cira put a hand on the door, only to freeze.

"...I dunno if I can do this," she admitted, "He…"

"You have to," Mir told her firmly, "If you want to get Leo back to normal...even if it's for a little while,"

"And what about you?" Cira asked, "Do you want Diana going back the way she was?"

Mir gave a sigh.

"Yeah, I want the old Diana back," she said, "This...this isn't her. This is Leona in Lunari form. I like Diana for who she is...otherwise I would be Leona's Chosen, not hers,"

"Fair enough," Cira chuckled before looking at the door again, "Well...here we go…"

She knocked on the door and it swung open due to Andrew not being busy and allowing it to. Mir went in first, giving a smile as she saw the blond Summoner sitting at his desk.

"Ah, Diana, nice to see you," he smiled, "What brings you here? Leona didn't try to attack you again did she?"

"No," Cira said, walking in only to wince at the sudden change in Andrew's demeanor, "But then again...she's been kinda crazy for a while now,"

The warmth in Andrew's face suddenly went cold as he got up from his desk and the rest of the group came in.

"Leona," he greeted tersely.

"Cira, actually," Cira corrected, her heart aching as she watched her friend's face change upon seeing her, "Leona's Chosen? First Chosen? Ring a bell, Andrew? I was the first one you came to,"

"Dianne was," Andrew shook his head, "Honestly...Cira, was it? I'm sorry. Honestly I pity you for getting her. I'm surprised she has a Chosen to be honest...because I don't ever remember coming to you or have Leona come to me and ask for one,"

"Andrew, she's telling the truth," Mir told him, "You just...don't remember because of the Curse,"

"Curse? What Curse?" Andrew demanded.

"The one they put on Targon," Arthur said, "Who turned Leona into a religious tyrant, Pantheon into a soulless shell of War and Diana into a 'pacifist',"

"That's not true, you've always been like…"

"Please," Cira begged, coming forwards only for Andrew to step back, "Andrew, this is not normal. You were a Support Summoner. Not an Assassin. Don't you remember?"

He shook his head and Cira turned to the others.

"I don't know what to do…" she whispered, a defeated air in her voice.

"Welp." Helios flexed his fingers outward, cracking the joints. "I guess that means it's my turn, then."

He walked over to stand in front of Andrew's desk, staring at him blankly. The summoner awkwardly stared back, unsure of how to respond.

Helios continued to stare.

And stare.

And stare.

And stare.

"What are y- "

"SLAP OF RECOGNITION!"

Without warning, Helios suddenly backhanded Andrew across the face, sending him to the floor with an angry red mark on his cheek.

"What was that?!" Selene briefly lost her composure, gesturing erratically to the scene with both hands. "Helios, what the hell was that even for?! Just- ...I...why?!"

"What?" He turned the palms of his hands upwards in a shrug. "I thought it would work!"

"You thought it would-" Selene groaned, facepalming. "I...I don't even have the words. You've once again left me completely and utterly appalled."

"Before you get angry, Lady Selene…" Mir started, pushing back Andrew's sleeve, "look,"

The Assassin role 'tattoo' on Andrew's forearm seemed the fade, inverting and changing…

To what looked like a winged ward. The Support brand.

"I think he's back," she stated.

"Wait. That actually worked?" Helios looked down at his hands, stunned. "What sorcery is this? I don't recall that being in the instruction manual."

"Instruction manual, huh?" Arthur grinned, throwing a look at Cira, who glared at him, "Wonder if you come with one,"

"I will put you through a wall," she threatened.

There was a light smack on her shoulder piece, getting a light clanging noise as Artemis's hand pinged off the metal.

"No hitting Daddy!" She scolded, "No hitting! It's bad!"

Mir bit her lip and tried to refrain from laughing...only to give a rather unladylike snort. Cira gave a sigh and looked at her daughter, closing one of her stormy blue, glass eyes.

"...Sometimes I think you listen to what I say a little too well," she muttered.

A faint groaning noise came the floor where Andrew was stirring.

"What hit me…" he asked, sitting up.

"Andrew?" Cira asked, cautiously walking up to him.

Andrew's ice-blue gaze cleared and his eyes widened as he saw Cira.

"Cira...you need to get out of here," he started, panicking slightly, "there's a Cur-"

"It already happened, Andrew," Cira interrupted, "Why do you think it's me talking and not Leo?"

She gave a violent shudder as Leona tried to reassert control, but Cira fought her down...barely.

"...I was too late…" Andrew sighed, putting his head in his hands, "I failed,"

Janie and Arthur peeked past the rest of the group. "But they're okay. For… now at least," the man murmured.

Andrew looked up at the voice...then frowned.

"Whoever hit me...how hard did you do it? Because I'm seeing two Diannes and two Ciras…"

"No you're seeing normally," Cira chuckled, "they're from a different version of our universe...where I kinda said no to your offer,"

"...So why are they here?" Andrew asked.

"You can blame my daughter for that,"

He pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head.

"Zoe...why does that not surprise me?"

"It shouldn't!" Vesper grinned, "I mean, I am the Aspect of Twilight…randomness is kinda my thing,"

"If it's a problem to be here, I'm sure Vesper could take us back home," Dianne told the summoner. "We don't mind being here but we wouldn't want to cause issues for you."

"No it's fine," Andrew said, "just a shock is all,"

He turned back to Cira.

"How bad…" he started.

"Bad," She shuddered.

"She just started a war with Demacia is all," Mir shrugged, "And Panth helped her,"

"...What was the Institute doing?!" Andrew demanded, "Didn't we try to stop you?"

"Nope," all four Targonian Chosens deadpanned.

"I think it was Ezekiel's orders," Arthur hummed.

"...I'm going to have a little chat with the tribunal about him and his shenanigans," Andrew hissed, violet sparks spitting and snapping from his fingertips as he got up.

"Now Andrew," Cira warned, though she was grinning, "Murder is a federal crime…"

"So is letting two nations under our protection start a war with each other," He growled before looking at Helios and Selene, "You two I don't recognize. Who are you?"

"Gods. Literal, actual gods." Helios smirked. "Helios, the sun." A bowler hat crafted from solidified light formed in his hand, and he tipped it politely. "At your service."

"Selene, the moon." She dipped her head. "A pleasure."

"Gods, that is a new one," Andrew blinked, before shaking his head, "Andrew Summers, High Summoner of the Institute of War. Nice to meet you both,"

"Now that we all know each other," Cira said, "Is there any way that we can get these four back to normal?"

"I agree!" Vesper nodded, "I want her to remember all the mischief Artemis and I caused!"

Artemis giggled while her and Vesper's parents did not look amused.

"I mean, I could try slapping them." Helios offered.

"No." Selene deadpanned.

"But-"

"No."

"Alright, alright, geez." Helios huffed. "Just saying, is all."

"You just want another excuse to slap someone." She drily replied.

"Hey, I need to warm up for the main event." Helios cracked his knuckles. "Got a lot of people on the hit-list, remember? Need to get my fists prepped."

"Anyways," Selene rolled her eyes. "Frankly, the two of us are at a loss for what do. The Curse is a rather...unique situation, one we can't say we've dealt with before. If we knew how to find a solution, we would have done so already."

"If anything, I can try to get a hearing with the Tribunal," Andrew admitted, "Powerful mages that might be able to at least lessen its grip for a little while. But this was forged on Earth…"

"Somewhere we can't get to," Cira sighed.

"The problem is that they don't exactly take random requests," Andrew warned.

Helios chuckled, dark undertones belying his humor. "Well. I guess it's a good thing that I'm here then. They'll listen to me."

"As long as we get a hearing, without killing anyone," Andrew pointed out, "I don't care. This Curse hurt my Champion. Altered myself as well. This is something that is wrong and should not be allowed,"

"And how long should it take to get a hearing scheduled?" Helios asked.

"Who knows," Andrew sighed, "And I doubt that you all want to stay here, or able to keep control for too long,"

Cira held her arm, a faint tremor running through her.

"I hope it's quickly," she whispered, "I don't think she likes being in the back seat…she's fighting even harder to get back in control,"

"Leo," Helios growled. "Make one move out of line. I dare you. See what happens."

Another shudder and Cira set Artemis down.

"She's easing up...but she's currently cursing y-LEONA! Where did you learn that! No you can't talk to people like that!"

She looked at Andrew.

"Please tell them that this is important...it's not fair. Not to me, not to her, not to any of us,"

"I sent the message," Andrew said, "but again, I don't know when we'll get an audience…"

The scrying glass flickered and Andrew's gaze snapped to it in surprise.

"...that was far quicker than I expected," Andrew hummed, looking at the glass.

"Well? What's it say?" Helios asked.

"It is later today. So you'll have to hold a little while longer," Andrew told them.

Cira nodded and Arthur wrapped his arms around her, sitting his chin on her head.

"So basically we're free until you call us," Mir stated.

Andrew nodded.

"Just...don't break anything or anyone," Andrew deadpanned, looking at Cira.

"You think I'm going to move from this office. That's funny," Cira chuckled, "No I'm staying here in case she gets out and you can restrain me. You all can go explore…"

"Ooo!" Apolla squealed, "I wanna see my pony! An' my fluffy goat!"

"I'll take her, Mama," Vesper smiled, "Don't worry, we won't get into too much trouble!"

"Just...stay away from the Shadow Isles wing, alright? Unless Kalista is there," Cira warned.

"Promise Mama!" Apolla chirruped, "C'mon Ares!"

"You can go too," Cira told Artemis, who gave a soft whine, "Maybe you'll see Vasher and Torin…"

"But don't wanna leave you…" Artemis whispered.

"I'll be fine. Go see if you can find them," Cira nudged, getting Artemis to let go finally.

"Hey, Andrew, are there spots where the champions just hang out in general, by any chance?" Helios asked. "I have some business I need to take care of."

"Yes...but don't kill anyone…" Andrew warned, "You're meeting with the Tribunal in a little while, don't do anything to get them to not help us,"

"Fine. Just point me in the right direction." Helios replied, his annoyance clearly visible.

"Down the hall, follow Vesper and her siblings," Andrew sighed.

Artemis reached up...and tentatively took Helios' hand, her glow surging brilliant gold as she made contact.

Helios smiled.

"Lead the way, kiddo." He said.

She gave a slight smile but gently tugged on his arm, leading him out.


The little group of children and deity walked through the halls. Apolla was constantly chattering about seeing her 'pony' and her 'fluffy goat' and Annie and many other champions. Ares followed his twin, expressing his want to see his 'puppy'. Vesper skipped ahead of them, watching and smiling happily as she was just with her family while Artemis quietly walked beside Helios, a faint sputter going through her form before settling as she kept looking back behind her.

"We're heeeeeerrrrreeeee!" Vesper beamed as they came into a more open area, where several Champions with their Chosens were milling about.

"Is that who I think it is?" a female voice asked, sounding as if many were speaking at once.

The area cooled as a spectre in archaic armor came forwards, a smile on her glowing face while her silver eyes shone.

"It is!" the spirit smiled, kneeling down in front of the twins, who immediately hugged her.

"Hi Kalista!" Apolla beamed, "Missed you!"

"We all missed you as well," the Spirit of Vengeance replied, "It's been dull without you three,"

She looked up at Helios, curiously cocking her head to the side.

"Who's your friend?" she asked.

"Technically? Your boss." Helios smiled, extending a hand. "I'm Helios. I'm also the sun. Nice to finally meet you in person."

"...Kalista, you never said you…" the Chosen muttered softly before shaking her head and taking his hand, albeit a bit warily, "I don't really think introductions are in order for me then...since apparently you're my 'boss',"

"I should probably get in touch with my employees more often, yeah." Helios smiled sheepishly. "You'd be surprised at how hard it is for me to juggle everybody. I've got a lot of people working for me."

"So does the moon work for you as well…?"

"She's my sister." Helios explained. "She, ah...eh-heh...actually has to rein me in when I go overboard."

"Well then," Krista blinked, "What about Tahm or some of the other embodiments of something or other?"

Helios started. Then, his expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as his fingers curled into fists. He looked over to where the River King was attempting to woo a Summoner into a deal, offering him gods-knew-what in exchange for a favor.

"Kench." He looked down at Artemis, Ares, Apolla and Vesper. "Kids, you might want to hang back here. It's about to get ugly."

"Kalista. You're the Spear of Vengeance, aren't you?" He asked. "Because I've got a very personal score to settle with that bloated bag of lard."

"Not allowed to kill/hurt Champions off the Rift," Krista grumbled, leaning on a spear as Artemis held tighter to his arm, "Artemis dear, why don't you come with me…"

The little girl gave what seemed to be a metallic whine before grudgingly letting go of Helios' arm and taking the Spear of Vengeance's.

"Your loss, then." Helios said. "Cover your eyes, kids. You're really not going to want to watch this."

He left the Spear of Vengeance with Cira's children, who looked nervous, fascinated and terrified all at once.

"KENCH!" He yelled.

The River King looked up at his name, his eyes flickered as his Chosen came into control.

"Can I help you?" Agus asked, "Sorry, don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you before. You have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, I don't know…"

Agus froze.

"Tahm...what is wrong with...oh," the Chosen blinked, "Well this isn't good,"

Helios couldn't have agreed more.

Before Tahm Kench could react, Helios's boot slammed into his chest. The force was so great that the catfish was flung all the way across the room, smashing into the wall. Summoners and champions alike cried out in alarm, startled by the sudden display of violence.

Helios's hands burst into flames, his footsteps leaving behind melted puddles of slag as he advanced. His expression displayed nothing but unparalleled rage, manifesting in the heat that scorched the ground and singed the air.

Tahm Kench groaned as he tediously picked himself up, his coat and hat shredded from the impact of the collision. He'd left a gigantic crater in the wall and floor from his momentum and weight respectively, and a trickle of grey-green blood was already running down his forehead. He realized that Helios was still coming, and instantly panicked.

"Lord Helios…" He stammered, "I do so deeply regret all of those things I did to incur your ire...I promise I will never do it again…"

The children either covered their eyes or stared in horror at what was happening. Krista's grip on Artemis' arm went slack as she dropped her spear.

"Don't you bullshit me!" Helios drew his arm back and threw a left hook straight across the demon's face. The blow was powerful enough to send a shockwave rippling through the air, staggering everyone else present.

He grabbed Tahm Kench by the collar of his coat. "We both know that you'll do it again." He hefted him up, then swung him overhead and face-first into the floor, cracking the marble.

"And again." Helios latched onto Kench's leg, then whirled him around and threw him into a table. It snapped in two, splinters digging into the catfish's skin. It hardly hurt the River King however, due to the unnatural thickness of the membrane.

The River Demon's eyes flickered as his Chosen came into control, trying to get up.

"I know he deserves this but…" Agus started only to fall silent as he figured his words would fall on deaf ears.

It was, after all, one of the hazards of being the Chosen of a Champion few liked. He could now sympathize with Caleb.

"And again." Helios stomped down on Tahm's head, forcing it into the floor. "You just can't get enough, can you? Oh, sure, you'll pretend to turn over a new leaf, but the second you think I'm not looking, you'll go right back to eating people."

"And that's the thing that pisses me off." He remarked, lifting him up by the scruff of his coat. "You're nothing but a liar and a cheat, Kench. You don't do anything useful, gods no. You just eat whatever you're entitled to eat. But it never mattered, did it? Oh, no, so long as you get to eat, you wouldn't care if your appetite ended the whole damn world, would you?"

"So here's a sample of all the pain you've ever inflicted over the years." He snarled. "You'll find that it's a bit of an acquired taste."

Helios connected an uppercut with the river demon's mouth, knocking out a tooth. Then his form blurred, and he was to Tahm Kench's left, delivering a series of sharp jabs to his side. He moved again, this time striking at the back of his head.

He changed his position again and again and again, moving faster and faster each time. Eventually it was almost impossible to see him, nothing short of a blur as he delivered blow after blow after blow.

"Holy…" Krista whispered, "and I thought you were bad when it came to getting even, Kalista…"

"It's almost like watching Mama beat up Kayn when he killed me in my first match…" Vesper whimpered, backing up.

The twins hid behind Krista while the Summoners and other Champions just stared, frozen in shock and terror.

Except for one person.

"STOP!"

Artemis broke free of Krista's grip and stumbled forwards, tears streaming as she watched Helios beat the tar out of the River King.

"STOP IT!" She screeched, "MISTER HELIOS! PLEASE! STOP HITTING HIM! YOU'RE BEING A BULLY!"

But Helios didn't hear her. He'd waited far too long for this moment.

He stopped moving, finally moving at a more typical pace. He had, at one point, grabbed Tahm's own tongue and tightly wrapped it around his neck, and was now attempting to strangle him with it.

"Oh, quit whining." Helios said. "I know for a fact that you can take more than this."

A flash of blue-green light lanced past the two, embedding a spear of cold fire in the wall next to Agus' head.

"Artemis is right," Krista growled as Black Mist started cooking around her feet, "That's enough. I don't care if Tahm deserves it. You're hurting an innocent Chosen. Agus didn't do anything,"

Artemis came up to Helios and grabbed at his armor, yanking and trying to get him away.

"We don't wanna make those guys mad!" She protested, "Don't you wanna help Mama? We need them to help us and hitting him isn't gonna make them like us!"

Helios looked down at the catfish, who was barely conscious, hands sluggishly groping at his tongue. His scowl didn't leave.

"One million. Eight hundred seventy-nine thousand. Nine hundred fifty-three." He said. "Do you know what that number means?"

Artemis shook her head and Krista's hand lowered, the spear in the wall fading.

"The number of lives," Krista said, "the souls crying out for Vengeance to come for him but we weren't able to...we can't touch Champions,"

"All those innocents." Helios continued. "All those lives gone, and only because he felt like he needed a snack."

His grip tightened on Tahm's tongue.

"After everything he's done, after every single life that he's ever ruined, he gets a free pass?!" He said. "The Institute of War provides justice, right?"

His hands started to smolder. Tahm Kench visibly cringed at the feeling.

"I should just kill him right here, right now." He growled. "And the only reason that I haven't…"

He tensed up, breathed in...then sighed.

"Is because he's bonded to a man who's done nothing wrong."

He let go of the demon's tongue, allowing him to fall to the ground. The air temperature lowered, returning to normal as the celestial deity's rage dissipated.

"Sorry, Agus." He said. "You didn't deserve that. I should've considered your involvement first."

"I know...how Caleb feels now…" came the Chosen's raspy reply, "I didn't…ask to be his Chosen...he threatened to eat me,"

"I know. I was there." Helios said, chuckling awkwardly. "Being bonded to a malevolent entity can't be all that fun, can it?"

"Only good thing...I get where I need to be…pretty dang fast…"

"Well. There's that, I guess." Helios replied.

"But don't think that I'm letting you off the hook, Kench." He told the River King. "I'll be watching very closely from now on. You're going to spend the rest of your life eating like a normal person, and I don't really care how much you eat. But if I see you take a nibble at someone's leg…" Helios swiftly drew a line across the space in front of his neck.

"Get the picture?"

"He hasn't since he Chose me," Agus stated, "I made sure of that. My cooking, Cira's cooking, Panth's cooking, and Nick's cooking help put a dent in that desire,"

His eyes narrowed. "Fine." He said. "You survive, Kench. For now."

"Who is this?" one of the Summoners demanded, "Who are you that you can just barge in here and beat up one of our Champions?"

"Whoever he is," Tryndamere's Chosen, Matthew Hodges, growled, "I don't think you'd be able to stop him if he tried it again, Summoner,"

"That outdid your own temper," Ashe's Chosen, Amelia Hodges, agreed.

The Summoner started sputtering indignantly.

"But that still doesn't condone what he did!"

Vesper, Apolla and Ares came out from behind Krista, who hadn't moved from her position. Artemis however had let go of Helios, but the fire in her eyes was as fierce as ever. No fear.

"On the contrary, Summoner." Helios replied. "I'm only taking responsibility for Tahm's behavior." He cast one last sneer at the demon before walking towards the door. "And really? You can't figure out who I am?" He asked, turning around to walk backwards. "Flames, light, golden armor, really? Ask Cira and Leona if you want, I've got places to be."

He snapped his fingers and transitioned to pointing them at Amelia. "Also, Ashe, Amelia: nice job sticking it to Lissandra. I'm rooting for you."

He moved to turn around, then realized he'd forgotten something.

"Ah, Artemis?" He asked. "Would you...maybe come with me?" He looked over the rest of the present Summoners and champions. "Alone? I need to talk with you in private."

She gave a short nod and walked towards him, anger still in her eyes, though they still streamed with tears.

They walked out the door, and Helios steered the girl down the hallways and into a small corner tucked away where no one would see them.

Helios sighed. He squatted down, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I'm sorry that you had to see that." He said. "I'm...not a very pleasant person when I get angry."

"It's just…" He trailed off. "It's my job to look after Runeterra. I should be taking care of everyone as best as I can. So when people like Tahm Kench start popping up…" He shrugged with a grimace. "Well, I can't interfere, so that builds up a lot of resentment."

His mouth curled into a bitter smile. "I'm probably just trying to give an excuse for what I did, aren't I?" His smile became a bit warmer, as he reached up to ruffle Artemis's hair. "I've gotta say, kiddo - you've got some nerve, making demands of me like that." It widened into a grin. "Just like your mom. That's a pretty good quality to have."

"...It's ok to be mad," she mumbled, "I get mad too and I...kinda break things because I'm strong...but we gotta be good and not break things now. Because they won't help us if we do,"

She broke.

"I just want to save Mama and Daddy...I want to stay with them…" she sobbed, swiping at her eyes as her form sputtered and glitched, the projector failing, "I don't want Mama to be angry at Aunt Di-Di, I want to play with Zoe, and Vasher, and Torin...I'm bein' brave for Apolla and Ares like Mama told me...I...I…"

Her words dissolved into heartbreaking sobs as she fell to her knees.

"I just want to be home," she finally wailed.

"Hey, hey." Helios drew her into his arms, smothering her in a hug and falling back on his rear. "It'll be okay." He gently shushed her as she cried, placing his chin on her head as he rocked back and forth. "Everything will be fine. We'll get through this."

Helios was aware that her projector had failed, but now wasn't the time to tell her. Now was the time for comfort. He held her there, muttering reassurances as the projector gradually rebooted.

"Feel better?" He asked, once she'd finally quieted down.

"Mhmm…" she sniffed, wiping her eyes on her sleeve, "You not gonna hit people any more?"

"Well…not when it's an inappropriate time." He replied. "It wouldn't surprise me if someone needs hitting in the near future." He smiled. "But regardless, no. I won't be hitting anybody else today."

"Once Mama, Daddy, Aunt Di-Di and Zoe get fixed...you can go," Artemis compromised, "But we want to get them back...and we wanna keep these people happy and like us,"

"Go? Why would I want to go?" Helios asked, quirking an eyebrow with a smirk. "I plan to stick around for a while, kiddo."

"Not go as leave but…" she seemed to search for the word, "get even I think is right?"

"That's the one." Helios confirmed. He hummed, considering something. "Still. I'm gonna need something to do while I wait."

He thought for a while.

Then, a lightbulb went off in his head.

"Say, Artemis, can you go fetch your siblings for me?" He asked.

"Why?" She asked.

He slowly grinned, a sinister gleam in his eyes.

"Your mom might want you all to grow up to become law-abiding citizens," He said; "but I think it's about time that Uncle Helios teach you how to have some real fun."

Well...this will end well.

Chosens Used (We Are Warriors)
Leona- Cira Noble (Jonson)

Pantheon-Arthur Jonson

Jarvan- Zack Turner

Garen-Kaiden Darkhound

Lux-Amelia Pond

Lucian- Jonathan Cross Jr. (Senna-Sienna Cross)

Quinn- Seluna Russignol (Armstrong)

Vayne- Valencia Storm

Fiora- Victoria Meraux

Galio- Stan Jackson

Shyvana- Sonja Chadayev

Xhin Zhao- Lex Fuller

Taric- Ruben Synne

Kayle-Ryo Kaida

Zoe- Vesper Jonson

Kindred-Dianne Faye (Diamond)

Aurelion Sol- Hailey Cannon

Tahm Kench-Agus Bukalow

Tryndamere-Matthew Hodges

Ashe-Amelia Whitworth (Hodges)

Kalista-Krista Rhon

Sion- Nick Diamond *mentioned*

Chosens Used (We Are Chosen)

Kindred-Dianne Faye

Lucian-Arthur Jonson (Senna-Cira Noble)

Leona-Janie Noble

...And then there are Helios and Selene.

Anyway, hope you liked it. If you did, please let me know!

Qui vállë tóquetë, ván tecë (If no review comes from y'all; no story comes from me)

Máriessë ar mára tecië

Farewell and fair writing

Elhini Prime signing off.