A/N: I haven't died yet guys- i know this chapter is long overdue I've been extremely busy with work and university. Life sucks when you're a writer- but anyways, here's the next chapter enjoy! (I'll finish this story I promise guys so don't fret-let's hope i have free time soon 3)
"Must we continue to bear with this foolish plan? We've been walking countless hours with no luck" a metallic and gruff voice would speak out. With each step the male took along the grassy forest could be heard a stomp that left behind a foot mark due to how heavy his augmented body was. With a sigh, the female deceiver would turn her head back to gave at her lover. Raising an eyebrow at the sight; Leblanc couldn't help but smirk. For someone who claimed to want to eradicate humanity, he sure loved to complain.
"Dear, you speak as though your body can tire at all. May I remind you that you aren't the mortal one here?" Leblanc scolds him as she wagged a finger at him seductively and gave a playful wink. Though she was teasing Viktor, it wasn't a lie that she was definitely starting to grow tired of their long walk. The simple reason that prevented her from saying anything was that she didn't want to worry the mechanical man. As rude and brash as Viktor was, he always did seem to care a bit too much for her and bringing it up now would only slow them down.
Scoffing, Viktor waves her off and continues onward as he held his staff and trudged through the forest of Ionia that seemed to have no end with its vastness. "Doesn't make this any less bothersome. Besides, these twigs and leaves may get in my gears-have you any idea how annoying its going to be to get those out?" the mechanical herald would retort as he eyed the area and sighed heavily. "Besides, isn't it a little odd that not even a single Ionian troop has come along to stop us? Nothing at all has tried to kill us for the past four hours!"
The female mage would furrow her brows as her lips pursed. It was extremely odd indeed that not a single living thing had come their way since leaving Bilgwater and entering Ionia. Leblanc's eyes would scan the area searching for any nearby threats yet somehow she couldn't see anything. But that's when it hit her-her staff! How could she have forgotten!
"Hold on just a second dear herald, allow me to check our surroundings" the raven haired female boasts in her confident tone as she lifts her staff up and it began to glow a faint green. It wouldn't reveal any enemies that had no magic capabilities but anything with even a hint of mana would be caught in her sights.
Immediately after having cast this spell, Leblanc could sense the presence of someone nearby-behind them to be specific. So someone's been stalking us this whole time? Damn...is it Swain? Has he finally caught up?
"Viktor! Watch yourself, someone is behind us!" Leblanc calls out and lowers her staff, aiming it in the direction she sensed there was a presence. As Viktor turned his head back however-it would be too late. Realizing that they had been found out, a shadowy figure hiding behind a tree would fling out a magical projectile that came forth in the shape of a glowing pink heart.
Heading straight for Viktor and without time to react, it would hit him right in the chest and cause him to grunt and stagger back. "Viktor..!" the female Noxian gasps out and rushes to his side, crouching down to look into his face. "Are you harmed? What was it?"
With a groan, the herald shakes his head and touches where the heart had hit him. "Some sort of energy went through me just now...it had some pressure but it didn't actually hurt at all. Strange." Letting out a groan, the shadowy figure from the tree would slowly come forth to reveal itself. "Awe man...I was hoping that was all just armor but if its your real body, you don't have a heart or soul do you?" the Ionian stalker would speak and in fact it was a woman. Or to be more specific...it had feminine features such as a face and body but maintained fox-like ears and had several white furred tails behind her back.
A Vastayan female with nine tails and fox ears...? You're Ahri, aren't you?" Leblanc would ask bitterly since she knew enough about the Vastayan to know that she was a master seductress. The fox-like female smiles as her ears perk up, almost as though giddy that she was known. "Oh so you've heard of me~? Am I that popular?" Ahri purrs out as her tails wag with excitement.
"Don't flatter yourself. All in Noxus are aware of the manipulation and whoring around you do" the female deceiver mutters flatly as she crosses her arms across her chest. Hearing this, Ahri frowns a bit and puffs her cheeks up-it was clear she didn't like that one bit. "First off, I only take a portion of someone's soul to remain human and its not like anyone gets hurt! What's wrong with pleasure?"
Viktor would watch the scene with displeasure, letting out a heavy sigh. As much as he loved Leblanc, he knew when it came to disputes among women he had no part in them-besides, his lover wasn't one to easily lose arguments and he knew from experience. It was in the midst of this arguing however that another individual decided to join the fray. Storming ahead from behind the herald, a proud and definite female voice could be heard calling out, "Alright that's enough from you two. Enough bickering-it is my duty to Ionia that I capture you; Leblanc."
Turning their heads towards the female, everyone could now clearly see the shining armor that seemed to almost give off a gold tint, not to mention that her long red hair almost matched perfectly with the fabric of the armor. The stranger was indeed none other than the radiant dawn-Leona.
"Charming, the whore brought a friend" Leblanc would utter curtly as she merely gave an eye-roll. Before Ahri could make a remark regarding the comment, Leona opened her mouth to speak. "By decree of Ionia and as the current commander of the vanguard, I hereby declare that for being a conspirator and notable ally of Noxus, you are under arrest and will come with me."
"What a way with words you have" the female mage would snicker and fold her arms across her chest, making no effort to move from her spot. Sighing, Leona shakes her head and takes a step forward though as she did-Viktor would step in front of Leblanc defensively. "Touch her and I'll blast that pathetic armor of yours to bits" the mechanical male would snarl lowly. For a moment, the redheaded female didn't say a word but then she sighed and drew her sword. "You're the machine herald aren't you? So the rumors about Zaun allying with Noxus wasn't a lie..."
"You think that puny sword of yours will do a thing? Don't be ridiculous" Viktor boasts as he aims his death ray at Leona though before he could fire it, a blue flame would blast him from behind causing him to reel forward and stumble downward. "Viktor-?!" the female deceiver would cry out in surprise seeing her lover fall face-first and as she turned around she would hardly have time to react as Ahri dashed forward and another blue flame came hurling forward that would hit Leblanc and force her tumbling down in pain. "Why you...!" Leblanc would hiss out, slowly getting to her feet as her face seemed contorted in a scowl. It was clear she felt utterly humiliated from being caught off guard by such an attack and her full attention was now on Ahri.
Raising her staff, Leblanc keeps her narrowed eyes on the nine tailed fox who seemed to be smirking playfully. "Don't get cocky just because you got one hit in! I'll blast through your little whore mouth!"
"You will do no such thing!" Leona snaps as she lunges forward, swinging her sword at Leblanc from the side. Though before the blade could even as much as touch the master illusionist, Viktor would grab hold of the sword with his own metallic hand. Had the male been a second early or late, the blade would have torn through the augmented hand with ease so in a way Viktor was rather lucky. Obviously, the mechanical male cared little for his own safety however considering the rather cold stare behind his glowing eyes. "So much for arresting us-damned Ionian scum! I'll crush your miserable skull for even trying to touch my lover" the male snaps harshly as he pushes Leona back, letting go of the blade as he readies himself for battle.
Raising her shield, the red headed Ionian would ready her sword and cry out, "In the name of Ionia, I cannot allow your evil to continue! If you continue to resist I'll have no choice but to end your lives!"
Viktor could feel his entire augmented body twitch in annoyance. Just who does this broad think she is to make claims like that?
Meanwhile in the background-Leblanc would fire off rays of energy from her staff towards Ahri though the Vastayan female seemed to dash away with ease. Letting out a giggle, the female Ionian felt her fox ears wag with anticipation. "Haven't had this much fun in a while! You're a fun playmate~" Ahri purrs while she tauntingly winks which seemed to infuriate Leblanc as her face went red with frustration. "Don't you dare look down on me. I am an esteemed and all powerful mage! One of the grandest and most trusted servants of-" she began to boast but would stop midway as she realized that she was no longer associated with Swain or Noxus; let alone a member of the Black Rose. In that moment's hesitation, Ahri would shoot out the same projectile she had attempted to use on Viktor-this time however as the glowing pink heart rammed into Leblanc, the female deceiver could feel her mind spinning.
"What's happening...? My head is...throbbing! Why do I feel so...different?" Leblanc would utter softly to herself as she swayed side to side rubbing her forehead as the sight of Ahri grew hazy. Seconds later however, Leblanc was suddenly overcome by a burning passion that filled her body and made her tingle all over. Gasping, the mage would gaze at Ahri with awe as though she was in love. "What's with that look~? Its almost as though you're...charmed to see me" Ahri would purr out and her tails would sway with amusement.
Having heard commotion nearby and noticing that Leblanc was no longer attacking, Viktor would tense up and make the mistake of turning his back to Leona. "Leblanc! What's wrong? What are you doing, have you forgotten-" he'd begin to say before Leona aims her sword at the sky and channeled her energy to force a shining yellow beam to come straight down directly at the augmented male.
Though Viktor did manage to see the attack since it was a rather loud one, he hadn't been quick enough to dodge entirely so as he moved back, the blast would still manage to toss him several yards back as his staff was flung the opposite direction and his right leg would come off with its wiring sparking in that instant. "D-Damn it all..." the machine herald groans as he struggles to sit up and he looks down at himself to see his chest armor was dented rather badly though thankfully his core had remained uninjured.
Lowering her sword, Leona sighs and slowly approaches the herald. "This battle is over. You have lost, so please don't try anything unnecessary. I'll carry you if you require assistance" the Ionian warrior offers as she knelt and offered her hand. "To hell with your damned help, I want you to fix my woman!" Scoffing, Viktor smacks her hand away and gazes past her towards Ahri who seemed to have Leblanc on her lap.
Still under the effects of the charm, the female deceiver seemed to take a rather...romantic fondness to the nine tailed fox since Leblanc would continue nuzzling up to her and affectionately embracing her. "Oh don't you worry, the effects of the spell should be wearing off any-"
"What the fuck...?" Leblanc spat out curtly as she saw how close she was to Ahri, her eyes returning to their usual cold state as she gazed upon the Vastayan.
"-second now~" Ahri finishes her sentence and giggles, putting her hands to her hips. "You damned whore, how dare you put me under your seduction spell!" Leblanc yells in anger as she readied her staff to attack though furrowed her brows in confusion as Ahri pointed behind them as though signaling her to see what had happened.
Turning her head, the female felt her entire body tense up at the sight of Viktor. She hadn't expected to see him in such a damaged state, especially not from someone like that Ionian warrior whom she had assumed wasn't all that strong. "Viktor..? What the hell did this wench do to you?" Leblanc uttered in worry as she ran over to the herald, ignoring both Leona and Ahri just to get to the male's side. Grunting, the mechanical-like male shakes his head as Leblanc held him up. "You're one to talk, woman. I'm not the one who was drooling all over the enemy."
"Oh shut up or I'll blast your hideous face off" Leblanc jokes as she shakes her head and sighs. "You rather enjoy my face, I don't think you'd do such a thing" Viktor replied smugly and would slowly reach for Leblanc's hand and taking notice, the female places her hand over his. Standing behind the pair, Leona and Ahri nod as though prepared to take the two into custody. "If you're both finished...I'll have to ask you to come with me."
Surprisingly, Leblanc offered no resistance on the walk to Ionia. Whether it was because she knew she was outmatched or because she didn't want to abandon Viktor, it wasn't certain. To many, the sight of Ionia may have seemed beautiful, but from the eyes of Leblanc it was just another dump that she was passing through. Even so, the female mage had to admit that once they reached the cells in the prison-it was most definitely a lot more comfortable than a Noxian cell.
"You first" Leona orders Leblanc as she motions to a rather large cell that had no windows and only a chair at the center. Though she had been told to move, the female deceiver didn't seem too enthusiastic to take a step and instead would speak, "What about Viktor?"
The redheaded woman didn't speak at first as though debating whether she would reveal the information or not. After letting out a sigh, she glances at Leblanc and decided to tell her. "He won't be in the same cell as you. I'll be asking you both different questions and I'd like to start with you."
Exchanging looks with the augmented male, Leblanc would furrow her brows when Viktor nodded as though telling her it was okay to obey.
"Tch...fine, so be it. Just don't expect much from either of us" Leblanc would mutter bitterly as she made her way into the cell and sat down in the chair, crossing her left leg over her right. Twirling a strand of hair between her fingertips, the female mage rolls her eyes and sighs, "Let's just get this over with...ask me your stupid questions."
Nodding, Leona motions for Ahri to escort Viktor outside so she could commence her questioning and once the pair left the room, the Ionian female wasted no time turning her attention to Leblanc.
"What is a Noxian mage doing all the way out here in Ionia with someone like the machine herald from Zaun?" the redheaded female asks sternly, her eyes narrowed since she knew full well the time for games was over. Giving Leona a rather blatant stare, Leblanc snickers and glances off to the side as though uninterested. "That's what you wished to ask? That's the most demanding question you have for me? Please, its hardly worth giving me such a serious look..."
"This isn't a game, Leblanc. I need you to quit your stubborn act and talk. The fate of Ionia and many other factions are at stake-"
"What the hell has Noxus or Ionia done to deserve my gratitude? Why should I care about this foolish war with no end?" the mage would snap harshly, forcing Leona to stop talking in an instant. It would be nearly two minutes of silence before the radiant dawn would finally open her mouth to speak. "Just now...you spoke of Noxus as though it meant nothing to you. Why is that? Do you mean to say you're no longer affiliated with them?"
Clenching her jaw, the deceiver would swear under her breath in realization that she had given away that she wasn't in any way associated with Noxus anymore. There again, for what seemed to be an eternity-the two women would remain sitting in silence waiting for the other to speak. Growing frustrated, Leona sighs heavily and shakes her head in annoyance. "Fine...it seems you have no interest in talking about such matters..."
"You're damn right. I won't tell you anything...the only person I trust is Viktor" Leblanc mutters quietly as she folds her arms across her chest. "So...does he know?" Leona would ask in a much more gentle tone that seemed to catch Leblanc off guard.
"Huh...? Know what?" the female mage asks in confusion as she frowns and gives the redhead a bewildered look that showed she had no clue what the context of the question was. Though the Ionian female didn't say a word, her eyes seemed to speak for themselves and Leblanc immediately shivered in place as though she seemed to finally understand what the question had been based upon.
"Now you know what I mean don't you?" Leona would sigh and shake her head as she crossed her arms and leaned back against the cell bars. "So...does Viktor know? You speak so highly about trusting him and all..."
"No," the Noxian mage would state bluntly as she shut her eyes as though ashamed she hadn't told the man whom she'd come to love. "He doesn't know yet...I'm still shaken about this. I don't know what he'll think if I come clean."
"You'll have to tell him eventually. A woman simply can't keep a secret like that forever-literally. You know what-"
"Shut up, what are you-my mother?" Leblanc snaps as she scoffs and avoids eye contact with the Ionian woman. Another brief moment of silence passes before Leona again is the one who decides to keep the conversation going. "How far along are you?"
With a sigh, the female mage slowly traces her hand over to her stomach as though expecting at some point to start feeling a kick. "Almost two months..."
Closing her eyes and nodding, Leona would slowly turn away to face the iron bars of the large cell area. "I see. If you wish for some time alone, I can grant it for now. I'll question the machine herald in the meantime." With that, the redhead opens the cell to exit before closing it on Leblanc as she headed for the only door that lead to a way out. Before she left however, the female decided to say one more thing. "Don't worry. I won't tell him about our conversation here. Its up to you when you decide best to tell him...I'll return shortly and lets hope this time you'll answer my questions."
The door would slam shut afterwards, leaving Leblanc alone to think to herself as she considered her options. "Viktor...you're going to be a father..." she'd utter lowly to herself in disbelief, praying her voice didn't echo through the walls.