Chapter 8: Creeping Malice
Irelia stood outside Lady Kolminye's quarters and waited for Reina to finish her meeting. She wasn't willing to let her friend go just yet. Reina entered the room and immediately felt an incredible change in the atmosphere. The room was massive, far larger than her room or Soren's. It was strange to her. The door to this large room was the same size as all the other doors but the room itself was indeed at least the size of three champions quarters in one.
She wondered if Kolminye used magic for this effect. The room felt breezy and comfortable. As Reina looked around she saw that the ceiling bore chandeliers and was mostly lit by candles. There were also two summoners in the room. Or Reina thought they were summoners. They looked like some kind of body guard for the lady.
Reina made her way pass the two guards and saw Kolminye sipping tea on her patio. The table was covered in a beautiful white colour that seemed to reflect the moons glow.
"I love nights like this. I can always relax and drink some tea to wash away the stress." Kolminye said catching Reina off guard.
She then made a gesture and one of the guards brought a chair for Reina.
"Thank you..." Reina said as she sat, taking in the night sky as well.
"How are you feeling?" Kolminye asked politely.
"A little weird...and quite relived to be honest." Reina replied.
"Relived that you were able to meet your best friend again?" She hinted.
"How did you?"
"Darling there isn't anything that happens in this building without my knowing. I know she is the one that lead you to my quarters." Kolminye said in a relaxed and laid back state. "Would you like some tea?" She offered.
"I wouldn't mind." Reina accepted.
With a snap of her finger one of the guards moved to get a tea cup. He would return a few seconds later.
"I've been meaning to ask you, my dear." Kolminye said as she poured the cup of tea. "High Summoner Soren said that he had to cast a magic suppression spell on you before entering the chambers yesterday. I've been meaning to ask...why?"
Reina couldn't find an answer. She was confused as to how or why she suddenly has these powers. "To tell you the truth councilor."
"Just call me by name dear." She interrupted. "There is no need to respective titles when we are alone."
Reina gave a weak smile. "Well I don't really know how or where I got these powers. When I was born all I had was foresight. But even that I can't control. This sudden power...i don't even know why I have it...or if I even want it."
"Having power is not a choice." Kolminye countered. "Most people with power didn't even know they had that power. It's given to you for a reason. How you use it, is up to you."
Reina seemed to nod at that. Kolminye had waved her fingers over Reina's cup before she took another sip.
"How much have you remembered?" She asked.
"Mostly everything about my life. Where I came from, who my parents were. I also learned the I used to be a singer. Though I don't remember singing. Though according to Irelia, I had a voice that would rival angels apparently." Reina giggled a bit at that last part.
"Well it'll take some time. What can't you remember?" Kolminye asked as she looked at Reina from the corner of her eye.
"Well, I can't remember anything that happens between when I got on a boat to Piltover and waking up in fathers lab." She explained.
"If it helps you sleep tonight, I sent some scouts to investigate to area where the ship you were on was said to ha disappeared. Hopefully good news returns." She informed her. She turned her head to Reina, surprised that her spell isn't working as fast. 'Whatever kind of magic she has...it's stubborn.' She thought to herself.
"Can I ask you a question Kolminye?" Reina turned to her.
"Of course dear."
"Why go so far to help me. I figure someone as important as you would have better things to do that worry about me." Reina asked.
Kolminye put down her cup and sit up in the chair. "I'm helping you, because you're dangerous. You're and enigma to everyone in the institute except for Irelia and Viktor. Normally we treat everyone a certain way depending on there power whether it's a common psychopath or a powerful magic user. We know next to nothing about you, that's why I've placed an interest in discovering what power you may possess."
Reina wasn't sure if that was the answer she was looking for. She stood up and rested her palms on the balcony as she stared up to the starry sky. At that point Kolminye stared at her. The spell she casted on the tea worked. Slowly Reina's aura started to seep flooding the patio and half of the living room in a dark shade of blackish purple. Kolminye's eyes opened as she saw the true form of Reina's powers.
A black image formed next to Reina...appearing from her shadow next to her. Reina could not see what was happening for some reason. It seemed to only be visible to the spell caster. Kolminye couldn't respond due to a sudden feeling of malice and despair. She started to sweat and her knees started knocking together. She was so struck be fear she could move from that spot.
"I'm glad you asked me to visit. I think I learned a bit about myself from you." Reina told her as she started off onto the distance.
Kolminye tried to stand or at least move but the moment the black shadowy figure turned and looked directly at her, she felt as if something was holding her in place.
This was new for Kolminye, as one of the big three, she has never felt fear like this before. It wasn't just fear she felt, the aura Reina gave off seemed to also make her feel incredibly overwhelmed by mental pain and malice and a sudden almost blinding surge of anger.
Slowly she opened her jaw, her muscles shaking with fear. She then snapped her jaw biting down hard on her tongue. The lain from this snapped her out of her fear and whatever else was plaguing her. She could still see the shadow, but it started to fade away. Soon it was just Reina standing there.
Reina turned to face Kolminye. Are you alright, you went silent all of a sudden.
"I spaced out." She replied and normally as she could. 'Who are you?' She questioned in her mind.
"It's getting late. I have work to do. I suggest you get some rest as well. My guards will escort you." And with that Kolminye disappeared in a particle show of magic. The guards would escort Reina to the door where Irelia was waiting.
Kolminye was in her bedroom she sat at a small desk, opened a scroll and grabbed a quill. The moment she placed the quill on the scroll she made squiggles. She didn't realize it at first but she was still shaking. Her body didn't seem to want to calm down after what happened. She closed her eyes and relaxed in the chair, chanting in rune language for a few seconds she seemed to return to normal. Double checking herself her body seemed to stop shaking. She let out a sigh of relief then held her head looking at the blank scroll.
"What are you?!" She asked herself as she pondered about Reina. "What was that thing...that had more magic coming from it than Xerath when he's in the sarcophagus. Whatever it is...Reina clearly doesn't know the danger she bring to herself and the people around her. I'll need to notify the other two of this."
Reina and Irelia walked along the halls as they got closer to Reina's temporary quarters. "That meeting ended quicker than usual..." Irelia stated.
"Really?"
"Yes, when I had my meeting with her it took almost an hour. Though I think she just wanted my company." She scoffed.
"Maybe she was admiring your butt. I remember pulling at it when I lived with you." Reina giggled.
Irelia laughed a bit at it too. She remembered the times that they would often enjoy each others company whether it was to go shopping or bathing together. Reina was like a sister her. And often times she would treat her as such. Reina seemed to recall memories of waking up beside Irelia in the living room couch or bed. Most people thought them a couple because of how often they would be seen together and how often Irelia would be having lunch or spending time with her by the pier. Though it was always a family relationship. Irelia was a sister to Reina as well though sometimes Irelia would come off as the mother type.
It wouldn't be long until they got to Reina's room. Irelia then gave her a loving hug and made her way back to her quarters. Reina was exhausted, the moment she left Kolminye's quarters it felt like a massive amount of energy left her body. She didn't understand why, she held her head as she stumbled to her bed flopping down on it and immediately going to sleep.
Irelia was making her way back to her quarters when she felt as if she was being watched. She always traveled with her weapon, the weapon itself seemed to behave cautiously as Irelia got the ominous feeling.
She stopped and looked around for a bit. Peering into the dark halls as she walked to her quarters. Sge wasn't too far away from Reina's room as most of the Ionians rooms in that particular wing were a few minutes apart from each other.
After a few more steps she felt something brush pass her making the hair on the back if her neck stand up.
"Who's there?" She called out in the empty hallway as she held her weapon in a guard stance ready to defend from any attack. After a few seconds she didn't see nor hear anything. The moment she turned around she heard laughter. A small but ominously creepy laughter. She started to back up watching the direction the laugh was heard. Then as if she was standing next to a loud speaker.
"Irelia..." A voice went directly in her head. It was as of the voice was in her mind and amplified. It gave her an instant headache. Holding her head in pain she leaned against the wall. Still trying to be aware if her surroundings. Then as soon as she turned around she saw a black face right it front of her. It was completely featureless all she could see was it's glowing purple eyes. Immediately Irelia fearlessly swung her weapon at it but only managing to hit air. The face disappeared ran back to her quarters which was only a few feet away. She slammed the door behind her, facing the door she held her weapon in a fighting position. Ready to fight whatever it was if it came through the door. Though Irelia seemed to have gotten away. Though she was scared of it, the image of its haunting face was still in her mind. She decided to sleep facing the door.
Morning hit the sky's of Runeterra. The birds sang, the rooster crows the sun fills the rooms of champion and commoner alike. Irelia woke up from the feeling if heat on her face from the sun shining through her bedroom window. Her weapon still close by from last nights events.
"What was that..." She questioned herself out loud. She would get ready for another day.
Tachi awoke and immediately headed for the bath. He had already planned to spend the day training his swordsmanship as he would be om his own today. Normally Irelia would be teaching him but she had champion duties for a while. He vowed that he would be better when she returned.
Though in the back of his mind he prayed for Irelia's happiness. He had hoped that she had found her friends killer and that the person was dealt with accordingly.
Kolminye had made a visit to the other two councilors before making plans of her own. She had notified them on what transpired the previous night.
"So...it's just as we feared." One of the said.
"There is something possessing that girl...or should I say, preparing to possess her. We should prepare a magic nulling sarcophagus." She insisted.
"Not so fast, Lady Kolminye." The eldest of the three spoke up as they discussed what should be done. "We must be patient with this one. I fear that by putting her in the stone prison may not be the best course of action. Aren't you aware that we do not have anything strong enough to properly suppress her powers?" He stated.
"Are you saying we just leave her be?" The youngest opposed.
"Well simply put? Yes!" He countered with confidence. "Think about it. The only reason we are able to keep Xerath and Malzahar in the stone prisons is because they have complete control over their powers and that they aren't unstable. However if what Kolminye said about this girls power is true. Then putting her in a sarcophagus will not only destroy the prison, but may well in fact attract void creatures here. We all know that Malzahar's power alone is what attracted the other void entities here in the first place. Though this girls power seems to be based off both her own...and some new kind of void energy. One that we don't yet know how to deal with. I say we watch...for now. We should find a way to suppress her power without locking her up and potentially dooming this institute."
Kolminye thought about it with the younger councilor. "You may be right...but still. I've been scared before...but I've never been so scared to even move. I don't k ow what that...thing was. But whatever it is...ut seems to feed off fear. Like some kind of...magical vampire or something. I was completely immobilized, I couldn't even speak." Kolminye still shook when she thought about it. But she agreed with the plan.
"I'll pay a visit to Nasus. I'll look for information on her bloodline or anything that we may have on her." She said.
"Say hello to the curator for me." The youngest said.
"Hmmm, young man." The oldest said catching his attention.
"Yes?"
"How powerful must someone be if their aura alone causes lone of the big three to freeze with fear and make you fear it after it's gone?" He asked.
"I'm guessing a lot more powerful than even Syndra. Or perhaps Xerath or Kassadin." He guessed.
"You are correct. For every strong being, there will always be something stronger. This has been the rule of nature in Valoran for a long time now. Long before the time of the void portals there existed powerful mages that fought in the times before and after the Runewars."
"I've heard the story before. But what does that have to do with Reina?" He interrupted.
The older one continued. "Who knows? Maybe we ought to revisit that story. You never know what we might've missed. Though, I'm sure that young woman will figure it out before we do." He responded.
Reina finally arose to the glorious sunlight as it splashed her on her back on her bed. Groggy and stumbling. She makes her way to the shower, stripping as she slowly and groggily walks to the bath. A few minutes passed and Reina emerged wrapped in a towel. He hair wet and heavy. She turned on her small television-like device while she prepares breakfast. And then dries off. After an hour or so she decided to do some more exploring of the grounds. She ate her breakfast, grabbed her map from Soren and left her room.
She decided to go into the gardens which was in the Ionian wing. While there she watched as the butterflys and humming birds flocked to the flowers. Reina had always enjoyed nature and often tended to Irelia's garden at the mansion as her memory serves. Reina continued to be amazed at the sheer size of the garden as well as everything else. There were others in the garden as well. Just as Reina sat down, a few seconds later she was accompanied by Karma.
The champion sat beside her and fed the doves quietly. Reina watched her as she fed them, the birds seemed to gather around karma as if she was some sort of beacon. As Reina looked at her she could see the jade dragons on Karmas back that seemed to give off a slight glow. Without a word Karma handed some seeds to Reina offering them to her gently. Reina smiled and took them. Sprinkling some seeds on the ground before they jumped into her hand.
"You've changed a lot since I last saw you. Especially in your aura." Karma said catching her attention.
Reina took another look at her, wondering maybe if she had forgotten this woman too. "Forgive me if I don't remember you. Some of my memories are temporarily missing." Reina explained.
"I see...but you don't know me. I am Karma. I'm from Ionia and just like you. I'd like to consider myself a friend of Irelia as well. Not nearly as close as you too were though." She explained.
"I see. Nice to meet you Karma." Reina replied brightly. "I just wish I knew her like I did back then. I feel like I'm missing out. I'm only going along what she told me."
"I'm certain that you are still just as close in her eyes." Karma supported. "I'm sure that you'll be back to normal soon. Though I could hardly recognize you a moment ago..."
Reina looked at her confusingly. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"Your aura has changed since I last saw you...it's alot more um...well how should I put it. Scary." It wasn't the exactly word she was looking for but it meant the same.
"I don't know what you mean." Reina responded.
"I'm sure there's nothing to worry about." She quickly retracted.
Karma got up and was leaving the garden. Turning her back to Reina she waved at her. "Say hi to Irelia for me." And with that she disappeared around the corner. Reina wondered what she meant by "Aura". Though only a select few of magicians can actually see the aura of others without the use of spells, maybe Karma is one of them. Eventually Reina left the garden after feeding the birds. She would return to the training area which she was at before the day of the interview with the council.
There she found a young man training amongst the champions and summoners. He appeared to be wearing track clothes. She went for a closer look only to see another champion having a sparring match with him.
The wooden swords collided with each other, making a loud wooden clanking sound. Reina knew nothing of sword play so all she could do was watch in awe of how fast they were moving.
As she got closer, she saw other champions and summoners along with some citizens watching the sparring match. Among them was Garen, Reina decided to ask him what was happening.
Approaching Garen the older swordsman got disarmed but quickly stepped into the younger person punching him and knocking him off balance causing him to stumble. Giving him just enough time to pick up his sword.
"Sir Crownguard." Reina called out as she stood by his side.
"Lady Kissryil. It's nice to see you're doing well. I trust the meeting with the council was a pleasurable experience?" He gave a smile as he asked.
"Yes, it was. What's happening here?"
"Tachi, challenged Master Yi to a dual. I must say, the boy is quite good. His teacher taught him well." He complimented.
"Tachi?" Reina questioned. As she looked on. As Garen and Reina looked on the younger swordsman Tachi seemed to be pushing back Master Yi, to Reina I looked like he was going to win.
"Looks like this is Master Yi's victory...as expected." Garen said.
Reina looked at him confused. "What do you mean, the he's being pushed..."
At that moment Tachi's sword goes flying upward with Master Yi standing behind him with the wooden blade pressed against his back. The wooden sword hit the ground on its point remaining upright.
Master Yi gave a happy smile then shook the young guys hand. "That was a splendid fight. She taught you well. Though it doesn't seem like you've finished training as yet. Come back and fight me again when you've gotten stronger young man."
Tachi turned to face him and gave a deep bow. "Thank you for the privilege Master Yi, I've learned alot from challenging you. I'll be sure to win next time."
"If you win next time I'll be sure to give you a personal viewing of some of my techniques." He replied to him. And with that the two grab some towels to wipe off their sweat.
Tachi put the wooden sword back onto the sword rack and turned around. Only to see the back of Reina as she walked with Garen.
Tachi couldn't really see her face, but he saw her augments. And just like that his expression changed from happy to a subtle anger. He walked in the opposite direction gripping his sword sheath tightly.
"How did you know that Master Yi was going to win?" She asked Garen as she sat with him.
"When you've been fighting for a long time, you tend to see things before they happen. And as a swordsman myself, I had to adapt that skill in order to survive and win lethal battles." He said. "Speaking of which, your augments seem to be much more advanced than most augmented Zaunite that I've seen besides Viktor. Have you fought anyone as yet?" He asked curiously.
"Well, I don't really want to fight any one. Which isn't really something I look forward to. Though I'm aware that if I am selected as a champion, I'll have to bare with it as I'm picked to fight in the rift." She responded with some acceptance her possible future.
"If you are picked though, a word of advice. Fighting, killing, it's not easy. I'd prefer at least a few years of peace in this world, but sadly that seems to be a future that I'll never live to see. Once you start fighting, you can never stop. It's up to you to keep your mind away from the violence and death should you be away from the fight. Even if we champions are revived constantly after dying in the Rift. It's never easy, simply put...it hurts. I can't tell you the amount of times I was stabbed to death, clubbed, exploded, cut in half by your fathers laser. For someone your age, it'll be difficult to watch."
Reina was a little scared after his explanation but she wasn't even sure if she wanted to be a champion or not.
"Unfortunately I must cut our conversation short. I am needed in Demacia." He said as he swung his massive sword on his shoulder and made his way to the stairs.
At that time Viktor also entered the training grounds. "Ahh my child, I've been looking for you." He greeted her in a seemingly pleasant state.
"Father!" She said surprised. "I didn't know you wanted to see me."
"Yes. I have a device that may help you to stabilize your flying." He said as he sat down next to her. Reina backed him and pulled her red hair in front of her to allow Viktor room to work.
"How have you been since the meeting with the councilors?" He asked.
"I've been ok. I got to meet with Irelia and most of my memory has returned."
"Good, good. I'll come by later to process the information." Reina could hear and feel him tinkering around with her back piece.
"Almost done..." He said. "Soren told me that you had a meeting with Lady Kolminye. I won't ask what you spoke of, but I will say that you can trust her. Out of all the summoners, she seems to be the most understanding, and the most powerful."
"She said that I'm dangerous." Reina interrupted.
"I'm sure she's not the only one to believe that. All of the champions are dangerous, though each champion has a specific danger ranking system, I don't know how they use this system or why, but each champion is selected based off that ranking." He explained.
"Should I be worried then father?" She asked.
"If I do become a champion...should I be worried about what side I'm on? I...don't know much about the world. Since my memories returned the only place I've known is Zaun and Ionia. I..." She stopped.
Viktor closed her back piece as he was finished making his alterations. He then stood in front of her with his scepter to the floor, palms resting on its hilt.
"You will learn eventually. You are young and inexperienced in both mind and body. But you are intelligent. I have no fear that you will learn things fairly quickly. Also to tell you the truth my child. You are the only one of my creations that is still more than eighty percent human. Fir years u have been modifying human body parts, including my own. And unlike you, I am only fifteen percent human. Majority of my creations were either full hextech or mostly cyborg. But because you are so incredibly different I have no fear that you will be the greatest among my creations." He spoke with such sincerity in his words one wouldn't believe that it was indeed Viktor under that mask. Reina hugged him tenderly, though Viktor never really hugged her back, he always accepted them.
"Thank you father." She said with a loving tone.
'Love.' A word that Viktor had never used in his life. But one that he never really disliked either. Since Reina came into his life he's been becoming more and more human. More and more caring. Though he seems to only show this kind of attitude towards Reina. Though Viktor is known for his...less than decent past, most people hold a grudge against him. For very good reasons, but will their feelings towards Viktor change because of Reina? Or will they attack her instead.
"I've tweaked your flight stabilizer, flying and high speeds should be much easier now. Though I wouldn't recommend going into sonic levels of speed as yet. I've yet to test it." He stated. "Why don't you try flying around. I'll put down and Zero gravity field in case you fall."
Reina stopped hugging him and stepped off of him making at least a few meters from him. Extending her hextech wings they locked into place as the small but very powerful engine fired up. Soon Reina started hovering off the ground.
"Good, now slowly gain altitude." He commanded her.
Reina nodded gaining meters upward slowly, being careful not lose control. Soon she was at least 50 feet in the air. The higher her altitude the harder it seemed for her. At that moment Irelia had returned from her morning jog. Seeing Viktor standing in the training area she opted not to talk to him, but decided against it when he called Reina's name. Curious she approached him.
"Nice of you to join us Irelia." He greeted.
"Viktor..." She returned. She looked up to see Reina flying around slowly .
"Ok you can come back down." He ordered.
Reina slowly returned to the ground only just noticing Irelia there.
"Oh, good morning Ire." She greeted.
Irelia wanted to hug Reina but chose not to due to being very sweaty. "I didn't know you could fly." She said surprised.
"Ehehe...more like hover." She returned with a joking manner.
"How did that feel Reina?" Viktor asked.
"A lot better than the first time around. Though I think I should be able to be flying around within the week if I keep at it." She motivated herself.
"Excellent, just remember that your hextech augments aren't that much different from your regular muscles, keep working at it and you'll be zooming around at Mach speed."
"Mach speed? Can she actually go that fast." Irelia asked.
"Yes, unfortunately she can only go that fast when airborne. Though at this current moment its dangerous for her and others around her. She can even steer herself yet. But I have confidence that she'll get better quickly." He complimented.
Irelia couldn't believe what she just heard him say. This man that only thinks of himself, this man that built weapons of war for Noxus, this man that toys with peoples lives, just complimented someone not only that he's behaving like a father to Reina. Never before has Irelia seen Viktor this way. She's only known him for the evil he's done. At least what she deemed as evil.
"Well I'll be taking my leave. I've been requested to fight in a ranking match today. Hopefully the summoner that chooses me actually knows what he's doing this time." And with that we made his way to the selection hall.
"Have fun!" Reina wished him.
Irelia could see nothing hut happiness of Reina's face as she was with Viktor. She wondered if she was completely clueless about what he has done in the past or if she does know and simply doesn't care. But incase she doesn't know, Irelia could never tell her. She could never look herself in the mirror if her words broke her best friends happiness.
End of Chapter 8