Variables and Constants

by thestripybag

Sometimes to gain inspiration, a new outfit, or because they're bored Caleb and Levia gaze into the Multiverse. This is a collection of snippets and stories from across different dimensions and timelines. Cross posted on Ao3. Chapter 4: Void Special Star Guardians edition Feel free to vote in the poll located in my profile for favorite OCs

4. Void Special Star Guardians edition

A/N Hey everyone I just wanted to put something out since I haven't so far because I've had a lot of things happen. Basically for those who don't know, I recently hit some personal milestones with my stories and to celebrate we had a poll last year with the winner being the Anti-Void multiversal special. I chose Star Guardians and the Grimdark Future to represent it and I severely underestimated how long this could get and I don't even think I put in everything I wanted just for the Star Guardian part. For those just looking into this series for the first time check out REbooted for the main storyline and the others are more so side stories. You might also notice I don't normally make giant chapters like this and usually when I do it involves multiple storylines instead of just the one which could also be expanded on like what is the Bonds for Rengar and Akshan like? Anyways, enough waffling around from me I just wanted to upload something, this isn't really the final product as I still might add some more details and it's mostly a quick check for anything openly wrong .Hope you all enjoy and I hope I can see you all soon.

XxxX

(Main)

Setting out a bowl of popcorn, a bottle of Noxian Cabernet Sauvignon 609 AD from San's collection, a few bars of bitter chocolate, and some Rocky Road ice cream, Caleb is ready for another session of binge watching other versions of himself going on adventures. Before he can pick one however Levia comes out and makes a request.

'Caleb can we go back to watch the Project universe? I'm now curious how it got to that point because from my faint memories of our travels we were told differently.' Levia requests her host as he pops the cork on his wine bottle. Pouring out a glass for himself, the Hooded considers her demands before shaking his head.

"Sorry Levia but I wanted to try taking a break from watching that place to check out some other timelines. I remember liking when Quinn, Sona, Rell, and some of the others took up the path of the Star Guardian. Also after watching the Anima universe, I wanted to check out the Grimdark Future. Plus San has been wanting me to check out these places since she wants to see Voidbournes dying en masse. I think the fact we still haven't located Xolaani's Bloodletters is starting to stress her out; hopefully this session will return her to her usual relaxed self." Caleb confesses to Levia who nods her head in solidarity with him. He does promise to look into some worlds she wants afterwards however as San walks into the Multiversal Mirror Room to join them.

XxxX

(Star Guardian)

(Bond Level 0, March 28, Night)

For the Star Guardian teams of Valoran City tonight has been going rather terribly. As though it isn't enough that school will be starting again soon for them, a new Star Nemesis by the name of Malzahar arrived. The villain's current objective is to attempt to summon what he refers to as the Magnum Opus of the Dark Star. To aid him in this evil plan he has managed to reopen the old Void rifts in the city park and is using the hordes to buy himself time. Deciding that the best way to handle the situation is to divide and conquer, Ahri leads the veterans in fighting off the alien monstrosities while Kai'sa leads her team to assassinate Malzahar. Anticipating such a rudimentary tactic however, the Prophet of the Dark Star has created a barrier around himself that halts the Star Guardian's attacks. The young party isn't able to think of any new attacks however as more rifts open and the area is flooded with Voidling swarms. Their failure to stop the Star Nemesis is only made more evident soon as all the color drains from the area at the conclusion of his ritual and a new portal forms.

"Damn, we're too late. Quinn I need you to hurry back to Ahri and tell everyone…" Is all Kai'sa can say before she gags from the smell of dead Voidbournes consuming the area. Quickly turning towards the source of the smell, she along with everyone else watches as the portal soon releases a flood of eldritch ichor and cluster of body parts.

"What, what is this?! What did you mortals do? No, this is merely another test of the Dark Star. Clearly I need to dispose of you all myself and, oh never mind." The man with a silver crown remarks as he begins to laugh maniacally and the mass of chitinous flesh begins to move. His laughter soon ceases however as color returns to the area and a cloaked figure emerges from the pile of chitinous limbs.

"Phew! Praise the First Star but we're finally out. Oh my stars it's all so beautiful, the colors, the lights of the city and stars, even the glup chagh smell. Oh, oh wow, it's bad but I'm still glad to be able to smell it. Yep, even if it's terrible…" The mystery blue cloaked figure continues to rant about the joys of existence while everyone else looks on in confusion. Taliyah actually snaps from her confusion long enough to notice how the Voidlings have also stopped attacking them; it's as if they have been consumed by fear.

"Caleb, is that you?!" Quinn and Rell both shout out to the previously missing twin after snapping out of their shock upon hearing his voice. Taking a closer look at the pair of magical girls, next to their equally shocked glasses wearing friend, Caleb tilts his head and reveals he is wearing a black domino mask that matches his sister's.

"Oh hi, I mean oh wow Star Guardians. I bet your guys' whole group have gone on some crazy adventures while I was gone. Wait, how long was I gone? Ticky you're good with time, how long do you think we were, well yeah Tan Tan I know you were in there for quite some time before me but, okay now I don't see what that has to do with anything Sali. Hey, is Burger Emperor still a thing? Tai wants to know." The seemingly mad boy asks after holding an entire conversation with himself. His answer is soon answered as a paper wrapper for the popular food chain floats past before getting sucked into the portal he emerged from.

"Umm Kai, if you've got a plan right now I'd really like to hear it. To be honest my brain is starting to fry a bit. Also we might wanna hurry because I don't know how long these things are going to stay feared for." Akali asks her more tactically inclined friend before stabbing one of the Voidlings in the back of the head. Her fellow captain soon snaps out of her daze but before her orders can be heard, Malzahar opens another portal in a fit of frustration.

The ensuing tear in reality quickly converges with the original he created and causes a silencing explosion. Waiting for the dust to settle, Quinn quickly takes flight with Valor to survey the battlefield and to her relief everyone seems to be okay but she can't tell how. Using her Heightened Sense to look more closely, the ranger spots what looks to be a purple mist receding into Caleb. Before his Hallowed Mist can fully recede, the boy in a blur appears before Malzahar and punts the Star Nemesis away from the city. He then flies after the displaced foe at such speeds that Quinn is blown back from him passing her. She contemplates chasing after her twin's rainbow trail but is barely able to stop herself when she recognizes her friends are still surrounded by voidbournes.

STAR

Sensing that they've made enough distance from the other Star Guardians, Caleb and his familiars catch up to Malzahar and slam him down several miles away from the city limits. Arriving in a rock quarry, the twin's mind becomes flooded with the memories of dozens of previous Star Guardians who met their end at the hands of the Prophet. Feeling almost overwhelmed by the increased amount of anger in his now boiling veins, Caleb starts to cough before spitting some blood nearby. Feeling a spasming and numbing sensation across his body, the teen boy puts his hands into a triangle shape before taking some deep calming breaths.

"You do realize it is suicidal to fight me alone, especially since you seem to have caused yourself damage just bringing me here. Still, I suppose you'll die braver than more." Malzahar gloats as he lazily observes the decimated quarry around them. His complete assurance at victory however is slimy reduced however upon noticing a crack in his Void Shift barrier.

"Oh what no. Sorry but you don't get credit for this. I will tell you though that some of us are more than a bit excited to see you again. Now then, in the name of the First Star and those you've made lost, we will punish you." Caleb declares to the silver and purple clad cosmic villain. Taking a moment to plant his feet, the recently returned twin begins to charge his aura. This serves two purposes, to intimidate anyone from interfering with their duel and to rouse even the most minor fragments housed within him.

"Your little flash of rainbow colors won't yield you much… hmm what do I call you? You're clearly not your average Star Guardian fool. Tell me young one, so I may let your allies know who I broke here and who will be greeting them in oblivion. After all, if their combined attacks couldn't break my barrier, what chance do you have?" The Prophet brags before stopping upon feeling pain in his right arm. Screaming in pain, the Star Nemesis looks down to see a needle stabbing into his arm and sees a thread going through the small hole in his barrier. Tearing the magical tailoring tool from his body, Malzahar sees two familiars appear from behind the boy's back.

One of these is what can best be described as a purple, silver, and white caterpillar. Despite innocently clinging to her Guardian, the familiar radiates an aura of power and gives the ancient foe of the First Star a moment of doubt. The other companion is some form of purple and white sheep minus the Star Nemesis ascetic of the caterpillar. Instead it possesses a sort of doll-like appearance with blue Xs for eyes and some stuffing coming out of various stitches on it's body.

"Huh, looks like your shield isn't as impregnable as you thought. Now shut up and fight, you talk too much." The mysterious combatant advises Malzahar before a third familiar appears next to him. Taking the form of an orange and ivory elephant with bandaging around it's head, little Joraal then transforms into a might shield to go alongside Tai's giant pair of scissors. It doesn't take much of a keen eye however to notice that both weapons are cut, chipped, and dulled but it does take experience to realize they are still just as deadly to any foe of the First Star.

Charging forward, Caleb fires several more Needleworks in hopes of creating a bigger breach in Malzahar's barrier. While the newly created projectiles manage to pierce the shield, they fail to truly penetrate it and instead stick into it like a pin cushion. This gives him an idea but he has to put it on hold as a beam of dark energy is heading towards him. Raising up Joraal to block it, Caleb then kisses the little shield on it's guige before slamming him onto one of Tai's needle to push it fully through the Void Shift. Screaming in pain, Malzahar's focus falters and so too does his barrier. Using the brief opening to his advantage, Caleb yanks the Dark Star's minion to him via his purple undersuit's collar before punching him in the teeth, stomach, chest, throat, and then the nose. Feeling humiliation from being forced to endure such primitive combat, Malzahar floods the young hero's mind with Malefic Visions before summoning his barrier once more to push him away. The Prophet then Summons Voidlings to attack the Star Guardian who shakes off his visions before summoning a teal robotic monkey. His new primate companion then transforms into a shoulder mounted arm that is bandaged together before firing a Death Ray into the approaching chitinous group. Hitting the young man with more visions of the Dark Star, Malzahar hopes to slow him down but it proves futile as Caleb has already personally seen such horrors and such an attack won't work a second time. Calling upon two splint wearing pink dragons to create a shield of Defiance, the amalgamation of past Star Guardians starts to run into the air as the Star Nemesis opens another set of portals to explode. Releasing the spell once he's over the silver maniac's head, the young hero summons an orange weasel that turns into a hammer before he comes crashing down on the sorcerer's shield. Embedding the man into the ground but failing to break his shield, Caleb's hammer opens it's head and fires off a point black Empowered Shock Blast; the resulting explosion creating a crater with Malzahar at the epicenter.

Riding the blast away from the mage, the twin feels a surge of power from within and starts to scream as a chromatic aura consumes him. Soon the fire within becomes an inferno and his aura pierces the heavens in a beam of power. As the light dims he is left without his tattered cloak and instead is in a magic girl ensemble of white, black, pinks, and gold. Looking down on Malzahar with his now gold lined mask Caleb suddenly feels a breeze on his thighs. Seeing he is now wearing a white miniskirt with black lace and pink bows covered in golden stars, the boy quickly crosses his legs to avoid giving any unintentional fan service to the Star Nemesis. Floating back onto the ground and keeping his skirt down, Caleb takes a moment to appreciate the softness of his silky opera gloves as well as how well they go with his mismatched knee high boots; each pair having one that is black and white as well as a twin that is pink and white. He also wonders if it's the power boost speaking but he feels good about his new black sailor blouse; the centerpiece of which is a golden ribbon with a star shaped brooch made of several black gemstone fragments with lights moving within them.

"Phew, sorry about that. I'm not exactly experienced with transformations but even I felt like that took a bit. Oh wait, it's still going." Caleb notes before laughing awkwardly as a pair of star shaped hair clips attach to his magenta hair. Feeling the transformation truly ends with his hair clips sprouting pink ribbons, Caleb summons Levia who turns into a pink chainsaw; he also internally notes to hurry his transformations from now on.

"Oh you crossdressing fool, did you think your light show would oh my Dark Star!" Malzahar briefly lets his facade slip as Caleb jumps onto his barrier and starts to cut through it with Levia's chipped teeth. Feeling true panic as the revving weapon gets closer to him, the sorcerer unleashes his ultimate attack by pulling down his scarf and locking the Star Guardian in a Nether Grasp. "I have personally shattered dozens of Star Guardians you imbecile! The Dark Star will not be stopped by you no matter how many tools you use because every one of them was broken by the Dark Star!"

"You… talk… too much. Hermes, Mer now!" Caleb commands before a pair of silver snakes stab him with a stick and cleanse him. Freed of Malzahar's Nether Grasp, the Guardian leaps forward and punches the sorcerer across the face. "Belle let's end this!"

The boy shouts before his caterpillar companion appears once more to give him a pair of knuckle dusters with plates in the shape of chromatic moths. Empowered by his little Belle, Caleb goes into Overdrive and starts to relentlessly give Malzahar a Belle Beatdown; all while the little familiar mimics her "papa" with her little arms. Even with the Void Shift shielding him the blows from the Star Guardian still impact the Prophet and this says nothing once it shatters. Caleb's assault only stops once he sends the Star Nemesis flying into the walls of their shared crater with a hook to the face. Flying after the broken foe, Caleb grabs him by the hand before ripping him out of the dent he ended up in. Looking into the eyes of the warrior who just easily bested him, Malzahar sees not a lone star. Instead he sees a cluster of smaller stars forming a galaxy before he is thrown into the air and the Prophet thinks he sees a few that look familiar.

'Oh right. I remember now, I used to be one of them before I looked into the Dark Star with my powers. { "Die!" Well at least I can rest knowing my brothers and sisters made it out of that alien hell. Still, I can't help but wonder what became of the Empress of the Void it wanted me to summon to this world?' Malzahar wonders in his last moments before a beam of chromatic light consumes him. All that remains of the man is a crystal ring that falls into Caleb's hands that he feeds to Belle.

STAR

"And that's the last of them, now Quinn can you… Quinn? Did anyone see where she went?" Kai'sa asks her teammates before Ahri and the others arrive after clearing out their portion of the enemy. At that moment a bright beam of light appears in the distance and everyone notices the immediate drop in corruption.

"Damn Caleb, what did you do while you were gone? Anyways if we're done here I'm going to see if I can catch up to Quinn; maybe even before she catches up to him." Rell informs everyone before mounting up to go chasing her best friend. Seeing no reason to not follow, the rest of the Star Guardians fly after her.

"Hey Rell wait up! You just said Caleb right? Isn't that the name of Quinn's brother? I thought you ladies said he disappeared during Zoe's attack, how can you be so sure this is him?" Seraphine asks her girlfriend while trying to enlighten the others. Watching the Iron Maiden thinking about it for a bit, the other Star Guardians almost collectively face-vault when she just shrugs.

"It's just a hunch, also his voice sounded way too familiar to be a coincidence. Even if it's an imposter or someone else we won't know unless we find him. I hope it's him." The girl bluntly tells her friends before Kai'sa fills in the veteran Star Guardians about what happened when Malzahar opened the portal. Hearing about how this stranger came from the Dark Star's realm visibly disturbs most of the Star Guardians before Rakan lets his annoyance take over.

"What are you all looking that way for huh? He just solo'd a Star Nemesis and you all are thinking that he might be evil? A trick? Plus even if he's somehow trying to lure us into a trap we need to help him, not put him down. { "Babe…" } No! Xayah you all didn't give up on me. I didn't give up on you, how is it fair that we judge her brother before we even know anything?! We came back." Rakan rants to his friends before they see Quinn flying in the distance. From the quarry outside of town a massive blob of colors rises before it soars past the assembled Star Guardians in a blur of colors.

"Thanks Rakan. Besides, I don't think Star Nemeses, Voidbournes, or anything evil comes out of a portal to an alien hell and starts talking about enjoying light, smells, and colors." Rell adds before turning around to chase after the dissipating mass of colors heading towards the city.

STAR

(Bond Level 1)

"Just… a bit… more oh." Caleb is barely able to mutter before exhaustion takes him and his transformation ends mid-flight. Reverting back to just his cloak, the teen crashes down into an alley, hits a fire escape, and lands in a melting snowdrift next to a dumpster.

Half an hour passes before Quinn flies overhead and she spots her brother's unconscious form. Swooping down to his side the scout checks on his form before he snaps awake and vomits. Ignoring the various fluids now touching her feet, Quinn picks up her brother and flies him back to her apartment. Using a window to slip into her room, the younger twin puts her weak sibling down in her bed before she starts to check him for wounds. Despite seeing him having a vomiting fit earlier, Quinn can't see any holds in the clock he is wearing and decides to strip him for a better look. Apologizing before taking off his fur cloak, which she could have sworn flinched at her touch, the girl makes a shocking discovery. All over her naked brother's body are the shattered gemstones and fragments of Star Guardians. The crystalline scars upon full inspection seem to completely cover his lower back, right calf, left shoulder and right ribs. Noticing him start to shiver and feeling her own weariness, Quinn curls up close to him before pulling the blanket over them. Feeling Caleb calming and his breathing steadying, the ranger soon falls asleep to the sound of his heart.

STAR

The following morning Kai'sa and Rell are outside of Quinn's apartment after the latter heard some retching noises earlier. Knocking on the door, the pair are quickly greeted by a disheveled looking Quinn wearing her pajamas. Her familiar Valor meanwhile is pecking away at a bowl of Star Guardian cereal on the nearby kitchen counter and trying to get all the marshmallows.

"Hey Q you okay in here? Anyways I heard a lot of gagging and stuff earlier so I wanted to check on you. I would've come earlier but I felt like maybe I might need some backup." Rell inquires of her friend before as if on queue the sounds start again. Ignoring Quinn's pleas to wait, Kai'sa and Rell march towards her bathroom and find a cloaked Caleb bent over the toilet bowl gasping for air.

"Sup Rell. Hey Quinny your friends are here. Also can you get me a sports drink or some water please because oh god ahk ahk ahk! { "Here you go onii-chan" } Thank… you. Oh wait, this is new." Caleb notes before Joraal manifests near him. Shaking off it's little head wraps, the familiar soon starts to toot it's trumpet in joy before fading into stardust and floats towards the sky. "You were quite the brave little elephant. Good luck little dude."

"You good now? { I can woah! I can move. } Okay sure you are. Now come on, let's get you back to bed and I'll bring you some oatmeal. Sorry gals but I need to focus on helping him right now and I can't really pay attention to guests. You can make yourselves at home though but if you want answers from him can you at least wait until he's lying down again. It took all he had just to move to the bathroom earlier on his own." Quinn explains before helping Caleb back into her bed. Trusting her best friend to keep him company, the younger sister heads to make her brother the promised

"Sorry to interrupt Rell. { "Go ahead Captain, ask away." } Hello Caleb, I'm going to go ahead and assume you already know about Quinn's "extracurricular activities" since you've been missing. My name is Kai'sa and as one of the Captains of the Star Guardians on Runeterra I'd like to know what you remember since she last saw you." She kindly requests of the now coughing man while Rell holds his hand. Feeling his temperature starting to rise, Rell grabs a cool rag from a nearby bucket to help his fever.

"It was the night Zoe attacked. I remember I was here in town getting a lay of the land and the high school for Rell's move when everything went crazy. While I was running for cover I saw a girl who wasn't moving; I think she was too scared. Suddenly this star was falling towards her and I moved before I could think and pushed her out of the way. That should've been it for me but instead I woke up in this strange place. I couldn't breath, move, see, smell, or anything so I figured I was just dead; until I saw this little light nearby. Even though I couldn't feel my left arm I still reached for that little light and after a bit it came to me. Turns out it was this cat looking thing I call Tan Tan and he helped me feel a bit better. After that we saw another light in the distance and we kept following them. Eventually I could move around without any effort and we found some floating islands. { "Islands in the Dark Star's realm?" } I know, right? Anyways we felt something big nearby and decided to check it out. Found this spire thing made of gemstones held together by some weird purple stuff and this blue thing trying to latch onto it. I could hear them all you know, all those fragments screaming. So I ate it. { "You are it? The alien pillar?!" } Yeah, just said that. Felt like the right thing to do, plus the familiars I had agreed with me; I even got that blue thing as a neat cloak. Weird thing is even though it made me feel hidden a bunch of those monsters showed up. Pretty sure they were pissed I took their stash of gemstones. Didn't take long before they started swarming me and all the fragments inside of me got scared. Couldn't even think straight with all of them screaming at me to run or fight so I froze up. Thought it might be game over for me until my little Belle spoke up and made them all go quiet. Got her knuckle dusters after that and started punching away; must've been awhile too because next thing I know some portal opens up and I get spat up near you guys." Finishes the twin before he begins to feel a fit of chills coming as Rell finishes wiping his brow. Stepping out as Quinn comes back with her brother's oatmeal, Kai'sa process everything she was told before texting the other Star Guardians to meet her at their usual training spot for a meeting.

STAR

"So that's what he told me. It also seems that he has a cluster of fragments infused with his body and they've formed a symbiotic relationship." Kai'sa finishes explaining to the others before taking a seat on the hillside. Considering the subject of the meeting, the Star Guardian leader can't help but feel a bit bad at the absence of Rell and Quinn from the meeting.

"Ahhhh-hhaaaaaa, sorry Kai'sa but can we have this meeting later? I've been trying to shift my sleep schedule for when school starts next week and I'm kind of sleepy." Taliyah requests of her captain before nodding off. Looking around and seeing several of her friends agreeing with the sleeping Stoneweaver, Kai'sa can't help but pout in annoyance.

"I'm with Taliyah on this one Kai. Besides, some of us already agreed if he was actually evil he wouldn't have saved us last night." Akali tells her best friend while stretching to shake off her sleepiness. This response doesn't go over well with some of the others who believe the boy could be a part of a long con style threat.

"Captain Kai'sa is logical in her suspicions as are the rest of us. Beings don't typically escape the Dark Star uncorrupted. There is also the matter concerning his main familiar, subject Belle, and her origins." Orianna cooly explains her and the others' concerns. This leads to a show of hands on who believes Caleb could be an agent of the Dark Star; those who believe this theory consist of Kai'sa, Ahri, Sarah, Nilah, Ekko, Senna, and Orianna.

"Ugh I can't believe you guys. Either way we're split down the middle about him so how about this; you guys can try to actually get to know him and keep an eye on him, just don't get carried away. If he's clean then no harm and he's actually evil then we can wait to see if he burns himself out again and try to take him down, even if that would be lame to do." Xayah throws out as a compromise to the Star Nerds around her before she leaves with Rakan. Realizing it wouldn't be good to continue their meeting without the couple, everyone starts to slowly depart as well.

STAR

Returning to Quinn's apartment, Kai'sa notices Sona rounding the hallway corner and slows herself down to spy on the girl. Luckily for her friendship with the musician, the Star Guardian Captain quickly realizes how messed up what she's doing is and instead she makes her presence known to the mute. Getting a shy wave in return, the two are let inside of the apartment by Rell who is leaving to get something for Caleb. Heading into Quinn's room the pair find the elder twin asleep with Quinn watching over him.

"You two don't need to worry about waking him up. Caleb tends to be a bit of a deep sleeper, unless you try to do something to him. So how did the team meeting go huh? Should I expect everyone else to burst in at any moment and jump him in his sleep or are you all going to be reasonable about this?" The scowling ranger questions her fellow Star Guardians before holding up seven fingers. This shocks the Captain who wonders how she could know such a detail until she spots Valor at a nearby window.

"Okay Quinn I will admit it was unfair of us to not include you or Rell but you have to admit you would've been biased. { "Biased about my brother's fate oh I wonder why?" } Yeah it was definitely a bad move but you don't have to worry about anything. We decided that we'll give your brother a chance. Anyways I'm going to go now because this is only going to get more awkward feeling for me if I say so bye." A nervous Kai'sa admits before she runs away from the apartment as Caleb stirs awake. Hitting her elbow on the door as she leaves, the model student rubs her wound and briefly wonders why Sona came here alone.

"Hello Miss Quinn and Mister Caleb, Sona wanted to be sure that it was oh never mind she wants to ask herself. (Thank you Chiizu. Caleb I heard in your story that you said you went missing because you saved a girl. I'm fairly certain that the girl you saved was me and… and I wanted to say for so long, thank you and I'm so sorry. I-If I hadn't frozen up that night then.) She's felt bad about what happened for the past couple of years and Sona felt that she needed to apologize to you for what you went through because of her being scared." Chiizu finishes for his companion who prostrates herself in apology and to hide her tears. Hearing the springs of the bed creak, the green haired girl looks up to see Caleb standing up with some help from Quinn.

"I made my choice that night Sona, I don't regret it and you shouldn't feel sorry about it Sona. If I did regret anything it was for putting you, Rell, Quinn, and everyone else I care about through that kind of pain. By the way if you think I'm sounding a bit too eloquent then you should know I've got a familiar named Cramble helping me think right now; he's very good with words. Hey Quinn, what time is it? { "Just turned to ten twenty, why?" } Can you call Rell, and tell her that I'm sorry for adding to her task, but could she please also get Sona something when Burger Emperor starts serving lunch? Wait, Sona, do you want something from there?" Caleb asks their guest before extending his hand down to her as she wipes away her tears. Before she can answer though, an enthusiastic Chiizu says yes for her and gets his cheeks pinched for it.

STAR

( April 5, Morning)

As with any vacation before the Star Guardians knew it, school was back in session for most of them. While most of them are settling into their respective classes, the youngest Star Guardians are waiting for class in room 2-A when their teacher starts to greet everyone and welcomes them for their new year school.

"Okay class while most of you are returning from last year we also have a new student. His name is Caleb Fleetfoot and I'd like you all to welcome him. Now then Mr. Fleetfoot, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself to the class while I get the orientation pamphlets handed out." Ms. Campos tells the sickly looking second year. Rell, Ekko, Taliyah, Quinn, and Sona all watch as Caleb takes a moment to gather himself while going umm.

"So umm my name is Caleb and yeah my sister is Quinn. I recently got out of the hospital after I got hurt really badly during the Night of Falling Stars. I'm actually still hurt pretty badly so I sometimes need to leave to throw up a lot but it's not anything contagious I swear! I just hurt my back really badly helping someone during all that craziness is all. Anyways my hobbies are painting, games, and playing music a bit. Wouldn't say no to some karaoke either. Anyways I hope to get to know you all and stuff." Caleb succeeds in dragging himself through his introduction before quickly fleeing to his seat behind Quinn. Knowing he's never been the best at public speaking, the younger twin comforts her ill brother by patting him on the shoulder and adjusting his scarf.

STAR

(Bond Level 2)

(Ekko bonding, May 8, Afternoon)

Over a month passes by and Ekko eventually is pushed into inviting Caleb over to his house to play some Super Arcadia Brawl Fighters Melee Two. Seeing the twin approaching his shed with a bag of Defensive Curl chips in one arm and Belle latching onto the other, Ekko takes a breath before reminding himself that the other second years wanted him to give the boy a chance. Opening up his workshop so the supposed "Galaxy Guardian" can get inside, the tinkerer goes to sit down and set up the console for them to play.

"Hey thanks for letting me come over, I haven't played this one yet and Belle has been growing curious about video games. Now then little lady you just sit here and get comfy, oh you like the bean bag chair don't you. Alright let's start." Caleb enthusiastically tells his fellow Star Guardian before handing him the corn chips he brought. Putting his jacket over the caterpillar to help keep her warm, the magenta haired boy turns to see Ekko rummaging through a box of controllers.

"Alright let's play a few rounds, let me just grab you a control. Ah ha, here you go, player two." Ekko tells the newest Star Guardian before handing him a strange looking controller. Instantly dropping it upon feeling some kind of slime on the grips and, upon closer inspection, Caleb also notices an obscene amount of buttons.

"Sorry but do you have anything else? Seriously, that one had some weird slime on it and I think way too many buttons. { "Alright fine, I didn't realize you were so picky so you can use this." } This is a guitar controller, are you fething with me right now? { "Well if you're gonna be so picky about it then you can use what's on the table." } Those are the Wuju Kong Bongos! Do you wanna play or not?!" Caleb questions the time traveler before he notices him rummaging some more. Despite his annoyance so far with his teammate, the twin is still glad he can control himself enough to not properly swear in front of Belle.

"I really wanna play, I truly do but since you need the best controller possible here. { "This is a form to become forklift certified!" } What was that?! I couldn't hear you! Only the best for my new friend!" Ekko shouts at his unwanted guest while operating a crane on his shack's roof. Taking it all in, the older brother of Quinn can't help but feel like maybe he and Belle should leave.

"How did you even get a crane operating on top of your shack?! You know what I think I'm just gonna go. { "Alright. Still I think the real question is why are you so afraid to play against me? Afraid you'll lose?" } Oh you did not just, you know what, get me the bongos." Caleb instructs Ekko before throwing down the form and picking up the unique controller. A few minutes later, Ekko is panicking as he is being trapped in the corner and rapidly losing health. "What?"

"I don't understand, how are you doing this?"

"What did you think I'd be scared to lose to you you little bit-punk!" Caleb tells the boy while rapidly slapping the controllers. After ten and zeroing his host, Caleb receives a text from Sona asking how he's doing. { Crushed him. }

STAR

(Sarah Fortune bonding, June 8, Night)

While the younger generation of Star Guardians are still dealing with high school, the veterans have either taken up random jobs across the city or are taking college courses. In general they also tend to have more free time and use such time to patrol to ease the burden of their human counterparts. Tonight in fact Ahri, Sarah, Rakan, Xayah, and Seraphine are currently battling a minor incursion consisting of dozens of voidbournes and a Dark Herald spotted by the western city limits. Sending Seraphine and the couple to handle the massive songstress, Ahri and Sarah float down to deal with the marching horde. As they touch down a whining noise is heard overhead and the two look up to see a strange biplane with a snake's face and covered in crudely welded scrap metal emerging from the clouds. On top of the colorful aircraft is Caleb wielding a glowing center stick like a baton in one hand. Using the makeshift command rod to trace a yellow W in the air, the eyes of Yipsnake flare a bright yellow before it flies over the approaching enemy in a blur of starlight and dropping small orbs of light beneath it. It is at this moment the instincts of the two veteran ladies kick in and they fly away just as the orbs touch the ground below. Their quick decision is soon validated as the spheres quickly erupt and leave a trail of burning starfire, limbs, and hydrogen in Caleb's wake.

"Good job Yips, you sure showed those pesky whiskey deltas what for didn't cha? Wait a second, oh charlie foxtrot, are you two okay?" Caleb shouts to the Ahri and Sarah via Yipsnake's radio which magically transmits his voice to them. Coughing from the smell of burning alien monsters and dusting themselves off, the pair look up to see Yipsnake flying circles above them and patrolling for any remaining enemies.

"Can you even hear us? { "Yes." } Good because what are you doing?! You just carpet bombed the enemy when they were practically five feet away from us!" Sarah screams at the newest Star Guardian who visibly loses altitude from the scolding. Flying up higher as the flames around them start to die down, they also notice that a few of the larger and more durable voidbournes have begun to crawl out of the bombed zone.

"Tsk, Caleb can you connect us to the others using your radio? { "I can try Ahri." } That;s all I ask of any of you. { "Try it now." } Xayah can you hear me? Do you copy? It's me Ahri and I'm using Caleb's magic to talk to you guys. { "Are you guys okay? We heard a bunch of explosions and saw fire all over the place." } Yeah we're fine Caleb just carpet bombed the place and almost hit us but we made it out in time. How are you three doing against the Dark Herald? { "You're surprisingly calm for someone who almost got bombed. Also Rakan is drawing it away from the city while Seraphine is countering it's singing with her own." } That's good to hear also hel… umm heck no I'm not okay about almost being blown up. Anyways I'll be there soon. Sarah, you stay with Caleb and clean up the place. Make sure he doesn't leave before I can wring his little neck." The foxy Star Guardian captain tells her lieutenant before going to help her fellow veterans. Flying onto the airplane's wings, Sarah sees Caleb plotting out his next attack run with a forced smile on her face and a cross on her temple.

"Oh hey Sarah. So how do you ahk! What are you doing? { "I'm just getting my turn at choking you out before Ahri does. Seriously, what were you thinking back there?!" } I ahk swear I didn't know you two were down there. Please let me go or Yips might crash. { "Fine!" } Okay Belle she let go, don't blast her." Caleb tells his familiar who was charging a beam in her little mouth. "Anyways I'm really sorry about that. I sort of rushed my attack because I was worried about everyone else's fun tonight. They decided to go to that one Hydrangea Festival or whatever while I stayed home sick. Funny enough despite Tai leaving me just now he didn't really fade away like the others and just flew off. { "Stay on track." } Right, right. Anyways, I was about to go to bed when I felt the baddies show up and I decided to stop it myself. Suppose I jumped the gun thinking you guys were hanging out with everyone else?" The young man confesses to the duel wielder while rubbing the back of his head. Seeing the still struggling void monsters below start to stumble instead of crawl, Caleb finishes them off in cold blood by dropping a Nebula Bomb onto the field below.

"Good job. Look kiddo I get you're young but just be more careful from now on okay? You've got a lot of power in you and people get scared by that easily. Now come on let's go help the others. { "On it." } Great woah! Hey try to keep her steady, { "Him." } okay him steady." Sarah orders with a roll of her eyes before Boki and Baki start to chatter with Yipsnake.

"Hey so why don't you guys trust me? You mentioned it was my power just now but it's gotta be something else, right? Like I'm fine with at least some distrust from time to time but even after almost two months you guys are still giving me a hard time."

"Look kid, we've been in this fight for a long time and you're just one big unknown, okay? { "Okay? Okay?! I'm an unknown who just bombed a small army of monsters. You think I would've done that and not made sure to take you two out with it? How does that make sense for me if I was a double agent or whatever you guys think?" } I suppose woah! Baki, Boki to me! Where are you going? You better not be trying anything!" Sarah yells at the boy as he hops down into the cockpit and starts fiddling with some switches.

"Nothing nefarious ma'am, just had to check on the Gatling Guns. Figured since we're closing in on the big boss fight ahead I'd do a run down on weapons. { "This thing has even more guns? How in the name of the First Star did it's user go down?" } He was strong but he got cut off if Yips remembered correctly. Apparently he was a good pilot but without Yips he wasn't as strong plus again he got snuck up on." Caleb explains while he tinkers beneath the astonished dual wielding girl. Climbing back up top with some new grease stains on his cloak, the two passengers see the others up ahead.

"Hmmm, hey Caleb you do realize you might have accidentally killed someone back there right? Like civilians. { "Oh no! Belle, did you see anyone get caught in all the explosions? What about you Yips?" } Huh, guess you might not need to be watched over after all. { "What was that?" } Nothing, now come on kid, let me show you why revenge is one of my specialties. Oh and if you do a good enough job flying me around that thing I'll think about putting in a good word for you to Ahri alright? { "Yes ma'am!" } Okay then let's send this thing out with a bang." Sarah orders with gusto before feeling her perception slowing down. Using her increasing reaction speed alongside Yipsnake's Gatling Guns, the redhead unleashes her Bullet Time to help shred the eldritch musical horror.

STAR

(Nilah bonding, July 14, Evening)

Time passes by quickly and it is almost time for the Star Guardians to go on summer vacation. Wanting to make sure they're organized, Kai'sa has invited her fellow high schoolers to her house for a brainstorming session. Convincing her dad to get them some pizzas, the Co-Captain of the newest generation of Star Guardian finishes moving a large white board into her living room when the guests start to arrive.

"Okay everyone once you've taken a seat we can begin discussing this matter of utmost importance, summer break. It is the duty of all teens to plot a course through these trying times and the fact we're also Star Guardians means we must be exemplars in this situation. Now then, does anyone have any suggestions because I have no idea what to do?" Kai'sa asks her surrounding teammates while trying to rally them. Despite her seriousness being a joke, she is still a little happy that Belle has started applauding her speech.

"Hmm what about a camping trip into the mountains? I heard the old Star Guardians did something like that plus we could maybe do some hardcore training." Rell tosses out to the groans of some of the others. Sticking her tongue out at them before stuffing her face full of Nacho Flavored Tri-Forces; the calvary girl's idea is shot down on the basis of not wanting to go camping, it's a cursed activity for some, and mosquitoes.

"What about the beach? It's a classic choice for any aspiring vacationer and I'd like to work on my surfing, my water surfing I mean." Taliyah suggests and manages to get the approval of most of the group. With the majority approving of a trip to a beach, Kai'sa and Akali manage to calm everyone down to plan it out properly.

STAR

(July 28, Afternoon)

Two weeks later and the Star Guardian's plans come to fruition as they've managed to book a stay at a beachside onsen. Flying a few dozen miles east of Valoran City to the spot, the group is able to find a nice secluded beach nearby. Setting up some wards around them to hide any overtly magical activities they might do, everyone splits up to enjoy the day in the sun. Taliyah is catching some waves while Rell and Caleb sit under an umbrella with looks of pure desiderium. Quinn, upon seeing this, has Sona help her bring the two some ice cream cones while petting them and telling them Zilean will probably save the day in the Mana the Convergence storyline. Ekko and meanwhile is building a Demacian sand castle to compete with Akali's Ionian inspired one. This of course leaves Kai'sa to once more watch over the familiars and be the pseudo life guard of the group.

"How come I got stuck watching the babies again? Oh no I don't mind guys, it's at least a lot less lonely this time." Kai'sa adds on when some of the familiars look at her sad. Distracting the small creatures by letting them play in the sand, the Captain makes sure to pay special attention to Belle who is being buried alive by Valor and Sebastien.

"Hey Kai, do you mind if I take Belle into the water with me? I promised her that I'd teach her how to swim today and I need a heartwarming distraction." A sniffling Caleb asks of the team's Co-Captain. Answering the call of her bond, the caterpillar emerges from her tiny grave and crawls over to hug his leg before being picked up.

"Hmm Hey little guys do you all wanna go swimming too? What? No Umi I'm not just looking for an excuse to spy on them. Now who wants to go? Okay so that's Ina, Aru, Chiizu, and Dahlia who wanna go, wait Dahlia?! What are you doing here?" Kai'sa questions the mystical dog before looking around for their master. Looking into the woods behind the beach she notices a poorly disguised Nilah with a comically large sun hat amongst the branches. Upon realizing she has been spotted the veteran briefly panics and falls out of it.

"Oh Hello there Kai'sa, fancy seeing you all here. I thought only I knew about this beach miles away from home. { "Nilah what are you doing here?" } Umm Well you see Dahlia really wanted to see the ocean and… is Caleb watching us?" Nilah inquires of her protege and causes her kohai to realize she's here to spy on the twin. Looking back at the water, both their paranoia is seemingly unfounded as they see him playing with Belle, "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands." , while helping the familiar clap along..

"Sensai Nilah I understand your concerns about him but you didn't need to come out here since Ahri has me on watch duty. Besides, you should be enjoying your own vacation, have you read any good books recently?" The teen asks her mentor while Dahlia runs up to them after getting soaked. Shaking itself dry, the eager puppy starts barking it's little heart out and alerts everyone to Nilah's presence.

"Oh hey everyone it's Ms. Nilah! Alrighty then Belle all you need to do now is move your little legs. Good girl, now I'm going to let you go and now you're swim-woah!" Caleb shouts as his little caterpillar's mighty paddling creates a wave that pushes him away as she zooms towards deeper waters. Laughing at what just happened, the boy's euphoria quickly turns to shock as a Void Shark comes out of nowhere and swallows Belle whole. "My baby! Bi-fish powers activate!"

Just as no one is prepared for the sudden attack, no one is equally ready for Caleb's retaliation. Summoning a staff into his hands and transforming, the Galaxy Guardian parts the sea until the aquatic monster is left flopping on the ocean floor. Summoning a Tidal Wave underneath his feet, the boy summon's Belle's knuckle dusters and punches into the alien predator's stomach. Feeling around the creature's insides for her, the twin eventually pulls out what he believes to be her head and finds something strange. His initial curiosity is soon answered as the crystalline bundle opens it's "eyes" and a pair of "arms" snap off from it's sides to hug him. Summoning some water to wash Belle of various voidborne entrails, he is able to see her new chrysalis and returns the hug. Closing the sea around them, everyone else notices the various fragments covering the caterpillar's form shining as they walk to the surface.

"Hey guys look at Belle's new transformation! Wait, where's Taliyah?" Caleb asks after his triumph. As thought to answer his question the stoneweaver washes up next to him and he is forced to remove the water from her lungs with the Tidecaller's Staff.

"Such reckless use of power, to think Sarah talked about it as though it somehow showed his loyalty. Kai'sa I'd like some alone time with Caleb tonight so I need your help to do it. Please convince him to come wearing his cloak and make sure he wears it when he comes to meet me. I have some suspicions about what it truly is and I intend to find out, I've even called an old friend to help." Nilah informs her kohai before skipping away from the beach alongside her dog. Despite respecting her mentor's plan and request, Kai'sa can't help but feel like she should stick close to their confrontation later to make sure nothing goes wrong.

STAR

Later that night while everyone is relaxing in the hot springs together, except Ekko who is alone on the men's side with a family of capybaras, Caleb goes to meet Nilah in the nearby woods. Having a good idea about what the Outer Guardian wants to talk about, he goes with his blue cloak just as Kai'sa recommended. Making his way deeper into the forest, the boy feels a presence following him but ignores it for now. Unsuspecting of the boy's instincts, Kai'sa sneaks her way behind a tree as the pair meet and watches Nilah summon Dahlia in whip form.

"I have been a Star Guardian for ages Caleb Fleetfoot but I always doubted I would ever meet someone else like me. Now tell me, what demon inhabits you or rather your attire?" The ever joyful warrior asks her younger comrade right away. Needing a moment to think about his answer, Caleb feels another new presence nearby but chooses to ignore it as well.

"I don't believe it has a name. While it does sometimes give off emotions I've never really felt it speak to me in a way I could understand either. Sorry Nilah, I wish I could tell you more but I don't even have answers besides it helped hide me in the Void after I found it. Maybe it doesn't have a name and that's the point?" Caleb suggests before using his cloak's ability to make his presence fade away. Seeing Nilah starting her mantra, Kai'sa considers intervening when suddenly a hot blade touches her neck and a hand firmly grasps her shoulder.

"Don't move young Captain, this is for them to settle. Our's is to serve as witness for what is about to happen." A deep voice growls into the teen girl's ear before she turns to see a large feline man overlooking her. Standing in an azure male Star Guardian uniform, Kai'sa can tell from the various voidborne and scraps of Star Nemesis clothes decorating it he is a hunter. Putting away his knife that is giving off mini flares, the man has to endure his azure turtle familiar barking at him for his overly aggressive introduction.

"Wait, I think I know who you are, you're Nilah's old team member Rengar. It's an honor to meet you sir." Kai'sa tells the gray furred veteran before a pulse of power pushes her into him. Nearby Caleb and Nilah have locked themselves into a clash of wills using energy barriers.

"Hold on tight, young one! Knowing how Nilah is she's going to test his will and knowing how much weight she can punch with it'll be over shortly. One way or another." Rengar warns Kai'sa who has started being lifted off of the ground by the fight. His assurance is soon proven true as the pair take a step back before rushing each other, clashing once more, and then calming down.

"Well then I can certainly see at least part of why you managed to survive inside of the Void. Caleb it's of utmost importance that you give me that demon before that will of yours potentially runs out however. It's currently weak from lacking a name but I don't wish to risk you or Belle getting hurt if that changes." Nilah tells her kohai before dismissing Dahlia from their weapon duties. Before she can get an answer however a small ball of light comes from the onsen and slams into her.

"No, Belle, bad! I know you did it to protect papa and he loves you but you didn't have to worry, we weren't fighting for real. As for your offer Nilah but I have to refuse at the moment. The cloak helps to hide not only me but also all of the shattered fragments within me as well as Belle. Until they are healed and Belle can defend herself I'm afraid I'll need it to hide us from the Dark Star." Caleb reasons with the Outer Guardian before noting how wet Belle is. Drying her off with his cloak, the boy expects a response but only finds Nilah foaming at the mouth on the ground.

"Grrrrrrrrrrr… { "Forgive my associate, young one but it appears that your familiar has knocked the wind out of her based on the foam coming from her mouth. As for your situation I can understand your concerns and we're willing to concede to your reason. However the moment the fragments and Belle meet your conditions we will need that cloak from you. Until the day comes we can seal it however we hope your will last." } Where am I?!" Nilah screams after regaining consciousness and her partner explains their shared thoughts. Seeing Rengar standing near her, and having the situation explained, the two Outer Guardians head back to the onsen with Caleb. Kai'sa meanwhile tries sneaking back using a different route not realizing everyone there already knew about .

STAR

(Senna and Orianna bonding, October 14, Afternoon)

Almost a couple months after Summer break, Kai'sa is leaving school when she sees Senna and Orianna pull up on the former's motorcycle. Before she is able to properly greet the pair, Lucian rushes past her to greet his girlfriend. When he gets close however the former clockwork girl punches him after being startled.

"Oh I'm sorry Lucian but you startled me. { "Ouch! This is like the third time today. I'm not even that sneaky to begin with." } Logic says otherwise since Rell and Taliyah did it as well if our messages are to be believed." Orianna cooly counters the downed teen's response. Getting helped up by Senna, the veteran Star Guardian makes sure he's okay, with some subtle healing powers, before they drive off to the city park.

"Well Ori I can only assume you're here for the after school gaming club? { "Correct Captain Kai'sa." } Wow I sound like a cereal mascot, anyways I'll walk with you the room since I forgot to get my notes back from Akali." Kai'sa tells the former mechanical girl. The walk back to the classroom is a bit awkward for the teen, partly because of the silence from not knowing what to talk to Orianna about but also from the bluenette's robotic habits

"Awkwardness detected. Calculating solutions. If you are curious about my personal status Co-Captain Kai'sa then know that comrade Seraphine suggested I visit the club to learn more about human behaviors and to spend time with our "kouhais" as she puts it. Apparently she is playing Grimdark Future today with them as well. Some of the others have gathered here to do the same." Ori explains before they round the corner and see Belle chasing some of the other familiars with plastic tentacles and a fake stringer. Wondering what might be happening in the group's games, the pair walk into the classroom and are greeted by an explosion followed by the sight of everyone in various cosplays unconscious with various models scattered on the table.

"Oh my stars what happened here?! You all were just supposed to be playing a… why is everyone… Akali, explain!" A horrified and confused Kai'sa screams while looking around to see if everyone is okay. Her concern is quickly rewarded with the whines and complaints of her friends about her shouting while they played dead.

"First of all, ouch my ears, Kai. Secondly we were just finishing up an epic campaign battle that ended in the planet exploding so we thought it would be a good idea to replicate that. Thirdly, ouch my ears. Fourthly uhhh surprisingly no one in the game died from that blast except Nilah and Rell but the former is just banished for a bit and the latter wants to die anyways; clone bastards." Akali sums up as everyone gathers their respective models. Once everyone is done cleaning up the table, the familiars return to the room and Belle flaps her way into Caleb's lap using her little arms.

"Hey guys I think I'm going to leave early today; I kind of promised Belle I'd take her to the park. See you guys later." Caleb tells the club and guests before he finishes packing up his red, black, and gold Astral Knights. About forty minutes later Sona packs up her Sand Guardians and leaves as well, signaling she has to be somewhere.

"Comrade Sona, allow me to leave with you. { Why? } No particular reason, also I think I left my new model at home anyways and don't want to play without it." Orianna explains to the mute girl after doing some mental calculations. As the two leave, Kai'sa puts away the bluenette's models and takes a seat across from Xayah.

"So do you think Orianna left to go spy on Caleb of her own free will or because Ahri told her to do it? { "What do you mean Xayah?" } Really? You're smart aren't you prep girl? It's obvious they don't trust him still or at least want to keep an eye on him for whatever reason. Both wouldn't surprise me at all since the bushy tailed bit-er Ahri might be getting a bit desperate for volunteer spies. Isn't that right Nilah? { "I'm not a part of this quarrel. If he gives up the demon once he's ready then I'm fine no matter what.." } True that, though the cheerleader getting proven wrong makes me a bit happy. Now then, Navori needs more slaves and Death God needs more Vastarians following him. Going to be easier without golden clad men deep striking or teleporting onto now that those two are gone." Xayah jokes before her and the eternally joyful woman starts to roll for initiative. Kai'sa however excuses herself from the club as she is now concerned about her friends and wants to make sure nothing happens; this is also in spite of Akali jokingly calling her a busy body as she departs.

STAR

Arriving at Valoran City Park, Kai'sa wonders where everyone could be when a prismatic light hits her eyes. Putting a hand over them, she is able to spot Belle sitting on Sona's lap as Caleb pushes them both on the swings. Seeing her kohai's together, Kai'sa knows Orianna can't be far away and her observations are rewarded when she spots the girl in a nearby treat. To her surprise the robotic girl isn't spying on Caleb and Sona but rather Lucian and Senna nearby. Curious now about what she's doing, the Co-Captain floats up to sit next to Ori.

"Umm Orianna, aren't you supposed to be spying on Caleb? { "Negative." } Oh, I had no idea that you had come to terms with him. { "Negative." } What? Okay then what are you doing here exactly? { "I am using this time to plan around any long term plans he might have. Also I seek to learn more about romance and why organics are seemingly obsessed with it." } Not the answer I was expecting but well good luck I guess." Kai'sa tells the girl before she looks behind her and sees Caleb excusing himself. Seeing him head towards the bathrooms, the girl prepares to check on how he's doing when Orianna stops her.

"Tell me friend Kai'sa what is love? { "Excuse me?" } First Star has gone so far as to say it is a power force in the universe and yet it has so many different forms. Akali loves to eat at Noodle Bill's stand. Star Guardians typically love their familiars as though they are pets or friends yet Caleb treats Belle like a daughter. Rakan and Xayah are openly affectionate with each other but Seraphine and Rell seem so much more tame; Lucian and Senna seem to be leaning towards the latter style as well. There are so many types and I have so many, oh wait a second they're moving." Orianna finishes her lecture as she notices Lucian and Senna leaving their bench. Hopping down to pursue them, the bluenette leaves Kai'sa to go check on Caleb. Nearing the restrooms she hears some retching sounds and prepares to check on the twin when she hears a feminine voice coming from within.

"Thank you for purifying us young ones. While she might not have had a chance to say it, my battle sister and I are grateful you were willing to talk with us so frequently once we regained consciousness. May fortune and the First Star favor you both always." A woman with an armored kitten tells Caleb before her spirit returns to the First Star. Hearing the twin scoff a bit at the fierce but grateful sounding woman's words, Kai'sa quickly runs to the girl's bathroom entrance to hide her spying.

"Oh Hey Kai'sa I didn't realize you decided to come to the park too. I guess all the tricky BS that Rakan and Akali's armies bring got you huh? { "Ugh tell me about it. I hate playing with shooting armies against them. You okay? You sound and look kind of roughed up." } What? Oh yeah I'm fine. I felt sick but it passed but I was feeling a bit down from having to say goodbye to a pen pal I made. Selpae was cool and I'm glad we were able to leave on good terms." Caleb lies to the Co-Captain before they start to head back. He has to stop by a wall to relax though and Kai'sa offers to buy him a drink from a vending machine. Turning down her offer, the pair soon arrive at the swings to see Sona pushing her mouse wizard and Caleb's crystallis brawler on the swings.

"Oh Hi Kai'sa. Hey Caleb, Sona wanted to know if you had a movie picked out for later or if…" Chiizu lets slip out before Sona chops him gently on his little head. Picking up her fainted familiar, the mute girl quickly motions her goodbyes before running away.

"What was that all about? { "Oh well Ms. Kai'sa since you've started trusting me more and earned a high enough bond with me I can tell you a secret. Sona and me have been dating for awhile now." } Wait what?! Really? How come no one told me? { "Well we wanted to keep it a secret until people calmed down about me. Also we're not dramatic about things unlike some of you so it was easy." } If that's true then I feel bad it took so long for you to trust me. I suppose that's my fault for being so distant until Summer break but I still demand proof." The senior requests before Caleb pulls a charm bracelet from his back pocket. Recognizing the charms as matching on that Sona has on sometimes she realizes he is telling the truth.

"I'll text her to come back and that you're in the clear. Oh and don't tell anyone about what you heard. I really have been feeling better these past couple months but that one took a bit out of me. She might actually be reincarnated into a new Star Guardian already and just needed the last few bits to completely come back. Seriously, you kind of suck at lying." Caleb bluntly tells Kai'sa who hangs her head in self disappointment. Patting her on the back, the boy internally acknowledges that it's untrue and that he has just learned too much from keeping secrets.

STAR

(October 24, Morning)

After a successful date night Rell, Seraphine, Sona, Caleb, as well as Belle and Quinn are relaxing in the twin's apartment. While sitting on the couch watching some morning cartoons the first four soon receive a group text from Senna. Apparently due to a certain robotic girl's antics all of Senna's dating friends now have to go on a group date to Cafe Cuties later. It doesn't take long before the rail gun wielder is bombarded by text ranging from "What?!" , "Why didn't you ask us about this sooner?" , "Why does it have to be us?" , and "What the feth Senna?!" before the girl can explain more. She goes on to tell them how Ori let her curiosity get the better of her and she started to bombard Lucian with questions. In order to get the bluenette to stop Senna arranged for them all to play a Newlywed style game show later at Cafe Cuties; she also went ahead and added that the four of them were her last options.

"Well that's kind of rude. So what do you all think? { "Come on Rell let's help her, besides it's not like we had much of a plan for today." It's called a lazy day Sera but sure I'm in if you are. What about you two?" Rell asks Caleb and a visibly unamused Sona. Handing the girl Belle to cuddle while petting her head, the pair soon come to terms with Senna's plan; as long as she pays for everything.

From there all of the Star Guardians head to Cafe Cuties and are able to convince the shop owner, Atreus, with their schemes. It then takes them all day but by the time the last of the regular customers leave Cafe Cuties has been prepared for a special Couples' Night. The baker then surprises some of the group by asking for Soraka or if they've heard from here. Caleb mentions that he doesn't know of her, which briefly worries the man before Ahri hits her kohai in the head and explains she's just off-world on a mission still. Ahri then explains to the younger Star Guardians how Atreus is similar to Noodle Bill in that he knows about their secret.

"Hey so since you know about how we help save the world can I ask a favor? Can you maybe wave some of my tabs? How was I supposed to know last week the Volcano Cakes would be laced with wasabi?! { "Sorry little lady but no refunds." } Oh that's just cruel." Taliyah whines as she fails to convince Atreus to forgive her bet with Rell. Everyone doesn't have long to pay attention to the Stoneweaver's misery as Orianna arrives with news.

"Greetings friends and allies, I would like to inform you all that Senna and Lucian are approximately four minutes and thirty six point two hundredths seconds behind me; given an error of five minutes and fifteen point six repeating seconds based on traffic lights, accidents, and monster attacks." Ori informs the group who are more concerned about why she has a black eye forming. When asked if Senna hit her, the girl is quick to correct the group by claiming it was from hitting a door.

"You do know that's the most textbook excuse for abuse victims right? Orianna if she hurts you then you can tell us, team mates shouldn't hurt each other. { "But Captain Xayah I did in fact hit a door." } Explain how that happened then. { "Senna was closing the door to her apartment when I remembered my note cards inside and when I turned to get them I slammed my left eye into the door." } Oh, well then I'm sorry for doubting you both but yeah if anyone does feel threatened by anyone else they should just say it. We've gotta spend eternity fighting evil, we don't need to be fighting ourselves." Xayah announces to the room before everyone takes their seats. Watching Rakan and Xayah taking their seats at one of the contestant booths, Rell asks them how Senna roped them into this. "We said no at first but then we got word that Senna would be paying for any orders we made and Rakan wants to try some of the menu."

Accurately arriving in time with Orianna's initial estimate, Lucian enters ahead of Senna while wondering out loud if the bluenette was okay after hitting that door. Greeting everyone already inside, the two quickly take a seat before each booth is handed a whiteboard. Across from the four booths the other Star Guardians have set up some tables together to act as judges. The lone exception to this is Orianna herself who stumbles out of the restroom now wearing a cheesy blue suit and bowtie. Playing some cheesy game show music on her phone, the formerly metallic girl welcomes the couples to the Newlywed Game; also known as Orianna's advanced dissection of relationships.

"I will now go over the rules of this contest. I will draw a random question from the deck at the start of each round and depending on the type of question you all will be given points based on your speed, truthfulness, and satisfactory rating. All of which will be judged by our judges table and myself. Based on their being four couples you will be given points anywhere between three and zero. Now then onto the first question for the ladies, Rell and Seraphine decided in this case it will be Seraphine, write down what you thought when you first met your partner in one word." Orianna instructs the couples before taking a seat at the judges table. Being the oldest couple in the game, it is no surprise to anyone when Rakan is the first to answer.

"Hmm, between my good looks and cool attitude my guess is handsome? {Buffoon} Oh… damn that kind of stings babe." Rakan incorrectly guesses before slumping a bit into his seat; luckily Xayah is there to pat him on the back.

"Oh please be cool, no wait, Tsundere. {Tsundere} Yes! I mean of course I could guess what you were thinking Sera." Rell mumbles out in hopes of everyone ignoring her happy little outburst before smiling anyways.

"Ghost? {Ghost} Hey just because you… thought I was pasty doesn't mean it was that bad right? Hehe." Caleb nervously laughs off his bad joke and cover up story when he notices Lucian giving him some curious looks about their answer.

"Umm let's see. If I'd have to guess it would be cheesy since I did leave you a love note as a confession. {Classy} Oh, well I'll take it." Lucian admits while nodding to himself with a newfound pride.

"That's round one. While Team RS answered first the judges have decided team CS will be getting the most points this round for being confident with their answer. Rell you get the two points this time but your fumble cost you. LS you get one point for being closer than team RX. Now then gentlemen, write down your ideal date and your partner will guess it." Orianna tells everyone while drawing tally marks on a nearby white board.

"Oh this one is easy because we did it last night. Chilling at home watching Ghibli movies with pizza. {Vibing at home with Ghibli movies and pizza.} We also avoided overpaying at that one fancy place because of that. Thanks Quinn." Seraphine genuinely thanks her girlfriend's best friend. Getting some looks from the other judges, Quinn explains she was supposed to be watching over Belle last night and the two couples abandoned their original plan upon hearing her's.

"Fufufu, lots of girls wish they could get with Rakan but only I know how to handle him. Shopping date at the mall ending with a stop at Sugar Rush to get Chocolate Bomb Bombs. {Shopping date at the mall ending with a stop at Sugar Rush to get chocolate Bomb Bombs.} I knew it, also I'm not sure if I was allowed to say the other option which I will say involves chocolate." Xayah quickly mentions before a blushing Lucian interrupts the eldest couple's musings.

"That's more than enough please and thank you! My guess is Senna wants to read a good romance novel after a candlelit dinner. {Romance novel after a candlelit dinner.} Huh I guess we get along so well since we're both classy huh?" Lucian jokes and even manages to earn a giggle from his older girlfriend.

"Hey guys I don't think you all thought this out too well but how is Sona supposed to answer or get your attention when she's I don't know, mute!" Caleb announces to the room after being ignored for a bit. Realizing their mistake, a few revisions are made such as each table getting two white boards and a bell being added to each to act as a buzzer; team CS is also awarded a point for the lapse in planning.

"Well that was certainly awkward. Now then onto the next question, is your partner more like their mother or father? Now if you'll excuse me." Ori tells everyone before rushing to the bathrooms to quickly review her questions upon realizing her latest mishap.

"Yeah umm F that question. Sorry Sera but I'm going to just say neither and leave it at that. { "I understand Rell, we'll drop out for this question." } Thanks, Quinn and Caleb know what I mean too." Rell explains a bit while calming herself down as best she can at the thought of her parents.

"Yeah I'm not going to touch that landmine. Sona I would have to say Lestara because she shares your passion for music and while she's nice enough she also doesn't take anything from anyone. {Mom} Knew it, but I can see some of Mr. Barrett in you too." Caleb adds before he takes a bite out of a chocolate chip cookie he got during the break.

"Oh that's cute. Xayah I'd have to guess it's your dad you relate to the most. I remember he was a solid leader and he wanted what was best for people from what you've told me. {Dad} Alright now come on in, I know you miss him." Rakan tells his girlfriend before they get close together and cuddle.

"Huh actually Senna you haven't told me much about your parents so I'm going to guess Dad? {Mom} Damn, hey does anyone know when Orianna might be back?" Lucian asks just as the blue haired girl returns to her spot.

"That's what we're doing? Okay. We're going to award Lucian and Senna the singular point for that round since they at least participated. Now onto the next question, what is your partner's favorite music genre or type?" Orianna informs the teams before two dings almost immediately go off. To no one's surprise the first two to ring their bells are Seraphine and Sona but the latter is just a tad faster.

{Background music and classic rock.} "She's right. Also that's why you beat me last week! I was too busy listening to the fight theme." Caleb declares with a look of strange intensity towards his girlfriend who sticks her tongue out at him.

"You'd think that Rell would have a preference for metal, wouldn't you guys? In reality her favorite themes are OSTs and Background music too. I even caught her singing the Battle Academia theme in the shower last Tuesday. {Anime themes… SERA WHY?!} Metal is in the top five though." Seraphine adds with a laugh before Rell starts chasing after her.

"Oh it's gotta be ummm something fast. Oh I know, salsa. {Salsa} Yes, although if I recall correctly you started listening to it because you thought it was related to the condiment." Xayah adds when Rakan starts to dance in place and accidentally hits her knee under the table.

"Shoot we're last again, I've heard you listening in on me beatboxing sometimes so hip hop? {Synthwave} Oh well I guess it was the beat you liked." Senna realizes as Lucian's phone rings with the Demacia Vice theme before he puts it away.

"Are those two coming back? Oh here they are. Take your seats, Seraphine and Rell. Now then, name the place where you both shared your first kiss." Orianna asks before Rakan starts to wildly ring his table's bell while bouncing up and down

"It was on Stygia Six and we were both covered in Voidborne guts!.{Stygia Six} Your lips tasted really citrusy because of that." Rakan adds before Xayah puts her hand over his mouth before he can let out the more raunchy details.

"Stygia Six? Which of the games in the arcade has that as a level or is it code for something? Anyways Senna and I haven't done it yet." Lucian confesses after getting over his initial confusion about the veteran couple's answer. It;s at this moment everyone's suspicions are confirmed; Lucian doesn't know anything about the Star Guardians.

"Oh yeah I remember now. Yeah that level was a real R Dungeon, I even thought we weren't going to talk about it after how bad it went. By the way, our first kiss was in the park. {Park} Hey Senna when we get a break do you mind helping me with something?" Rell asks her friend with a strained smile before getting a nod from the Captains around the cafe.

"Do we get bonus points if we give details? { "No." } Okay then, outside of Sona's house on the fourth date. {My house} Sooner if you count indirect kisses. Hey Lucian I don't see you often at school so I was wondering if you wanted to join the game club?" Caleb offers as a means of distraction before Orianna announces they'll be taking a break. Whisking away Senna to the girl's bathroom, Ahri locks the door behind before turning to see Senna already cornered by Xayah, Rell, and Seraphine.

STAR

"Senna we're all put up with enough silliness for one day because of you, so quick question, what and why the feth haven't you told him you're a Star Guardian yet?!"

"Okay first of all don't you yell at me like that Xayah. Second, I was planning on telling him later, maybe." Senna tells the scowling faces around her while rubbing the back of her neck.

"You have to tell him Senna, oh wait no wonder all of your answers came off as a bit strange. Are you leading him on or something?" A now mortified Seraphine suggests before she is slapped by the rail gunner.

"No! { "Senna, not cool!" } Of course I'm not leading him on but do you all suggest I even do that huh? Oh hey Lucian I wanted to tell you how I'm a Star Guardian. P. S. I'm also an alien. I mean if you all have any suggestions I'm all ears so please tell me how." An extremely agitated Senna questions her friends before she tries to leave and Ahri stops her.

"You just do it! You just tell him the truth. If you can't do that knowing that our time can end at any moment and his life is finite then you shouldn't even… look Senna he needs to know otherwise he's living a lie. Just make sure that neither of you will have regrets about your relationship, okay?" Ahri firmly tells the girl who can see what the fox girl means in her own eyes.

"I'm just worried, I also don't know if I have the strength to do it either." Senna confesses to her fellow guardians before leaving the washroom. Realizing she may need a push and some proper inspiration, Ahri texts Caleb to tell everyone outside of the Captains and his immediate circle what he told them before texting Orianna to rig the next question.

STAR

"Okay everyone is ready for the game to continue? Good. Now this one is for the guys to guess, what do you think your spouse's biggest secret is?" The blue haired girl asks and this alarms Senna. Mouthing her concerns and begging the panel for mercy she knows from their looks she'll have none.

"Oh I know one, Xayah has a plush toy collection in her closet. { Plushies are awesome } Actually I don't know if it's a secret since I think Sarah saw them last time." Rakan teases his girlfriend into blushing and ruffling her feathers.

"Seraphine likes to be spanked! { True. B-Butt I mean but only a little, damn it RELL! } What? It was the first thing to pop into my head and you thought of it too since you wrote that. Plus you picked the Rhaastian forces as your Grimdark Future army, wanting to roleplay as the bad guys my butt; can't do that when everyone is evil in that setting." Rell counters Seraphine before she can even come up with any excuses and instead chooses to just melt into her seat.

"Okay to be fair that is a meme that is overused to the point people think it's true. Anyways Senna my guess is that you like to read trashy romance fan fictions in your free time. { Trashy Fan Fictions } Ah don't worry love, I heard it's a perfectly valid form of expression and reading." Lucian comforts Senna who is clearly disturbed by something and can't look at her friends right now.

"Alright, everyone, I've got something to tell you all and it's about my condition. As you all know I've been recovering for a while but soon I'm going to be completely healed. The problem with that is once Belle moves on I won't have any magic and I'll become mortal again. I'm, I'm going to die one day. I'm sorry it took so long to tell you all." Caleb announces to the room before a teary eyed Sona, Rell, and Quinn confirm his statement. Ahri then gets up from her seat and walks over to Senna and Lucian's booth before transforming and giving Senna a single look so she knows what to do.

Transforming before her stunned boyfriend's eyes, she is soon joined by her friends and comrades in revealing their true nature to Lucian. To her embarrassment Lucian becomes overwhelmed by the ongoing revelations and faints. Falling from her seat in shock, the supportive shooter quickly recovers and makes sure he's okay. Fixing his glasses, Senna actually becomes startled when he wakes up afterwards.

"Huh, I guess it wasn't just a dream. There isn't a chance this is just some elaborate prank right? { "No." } Figured. I've got a few questions though. If you guys are so worried about your identities then how come none of you wear masks except those two? Wait, do you guys have animal parts?! { "Yeah you xenophobe. Just kidding besides you should see the cat man." } There's a cat man?! { "Hey Lucian my familiar is called Belle and she's sleeping right now so could you be quiet? Also yeah his name is Rengar, you kind of sound like him actually." } I doubt that." Lucian deadpans before Quinn slams her hands down on the judges table. Jumping onto the furniture, she quickly runs on it towards Kai'sa and Akali.

"I told yall. What did I tell you? Didn't I tell you? Cause I told yall. Mhm and when did I tell yall, a long time ago. And what did I talk about when I told yall, exactly what just happened." Quinn starts before devolving into an uncharacteristically tangent about her being right. After a minute of this she then returns to her seat and calmly starts eating some omurice she ordered.

"Uh what was that all about? { "Oh she's been waiting a while for someone unbiased to help validate something she said a bit back." } Uhuh, so Xayah called me xenophobic, which of you are aliens? Holy cra… { "Language!" } Okay, okay, I was just surprised how many people I knew weren't from this world; including you, Senna. Why didn't you tell me?" Lucian asks his girlfriend while trying to ignore the crossdresser in the room's violent stare.

"I-I was scared, that's why. The life of a Star Guardian is terrifying with all the things we face and to top it off I've lost so many people already during my time. I should've told you sooner though and I'm sorry for misleading you. Not to mention I was always so nervous around you since I've never been in a relationship like this before. Plus I was a bit worried about the age gap between us and…" Senna's rambling is then cut off when Lucian kisses her. Ignoring the whoops of the others, the rail gunner breaks away to grab onto her shark familiar Giru when it starts to head butt the boy; this results in Lucian basically receiving some repeated light wet smacks to the forehead.

"Ouch, okay I get it. No kissing unless we go on more dates. Still it's kind of cute, ow!" The young man whines after trying to pet Giru only to receive a bite for his trouble. Pulling out a mango smoothie bottle for her familiar, she stands up and summons her gun before shooting her boyfriend. Eventually the game resumes and while they don't win, Senna and Lucian feel like they've gotten to truly know each other better. Unbeknownst to all save Belle, a malicious presence started to observe them outside of the cafe before disappearing.

STAR

"Where am I? Oh I know this is a dream like papa says. Papa?! Where are you? Oh wait, I am papa. I'm in pain, what is this?! Who hurt you?! Why is it dark? No, I'll save you papa."

STAR

(October 25, Afternoon)

The following day after school, Kai'sa is walking with Ahri and Senna to the Game Club's room when they hear shouting. Realizing the stupidity about to occur, the Captains run to the room and arrive just in time to see Orianna throwing Tocker into a chip bowl before a Shockwave shakes the floor they're on. Waiting for the dust to settle before she declares an attack with her artifact creatures, Ori is the only one still standing to celebrate her team's victory.

"What did I tell you all about blowing up the classroom?! Anyways, what was it this time?" Kai'sa asks while rubbing her temples to calm down. Before the formerly mechanical girl can explain her victory, Caleb frantically bursts into the room and starts opening everything he can.

( Caleb what's wrong? Did you forget something?)

"Have you seen her, Sona? Have any of you seen Belle?! I woke up this morning and my wounds were finished healing and now I can't find her anywhere or sense her or anything! I've looked everywhere I can but I can't find her, can you all please help me?" Caleb begs his friends and even peels up his shirt to show the lack of fragments to further prove his story. Just seeing the red eyed and desperate boy however is enough to make them stop what they're doing and organize a search all over town and even to other places they've visited. No matter how much they search however the Star Guardians are unable to find their friend's insectoid familiar.

STAR

(Bond Level Max, January 15, Evening)

In the months since Belle's disappearance Caleb has been dragging himself through the days since. While the others wish they could help him more they've been forced to deal with increases in Void activity since that day. It grows so bad that the group has even resorted to using magic to influence those around them to hurry through the day. This causes Caleb's mentality to grow even worse having to helplessly watch his friends and family's own conditions degrade. Tending to an exhausted Quinn, Sona, and Rell one night he slips away and starts to cry; knowing that it wasn't too long ago he had the power to crush any foe. After the group barely scraped by the year's finals, Seraphine suggests that perhaps she could take some of the group out to have fun. Only Taliyah, Kai'sa, and Rell decide to go along with the diva's idea while everyone heads off to sleep in until the next attack. Seeing just how truly miserable her kohais have become, Ahri and Xayah decide alongside the other veterans to let them rest when some kind of draconic Void monster emerges from the nearby ocean. They have barely left for a couple hours before a snow storm moves in to blanket the city, the street lights come on, and the sky falls.

STAR

"Valor to me! Caleb, quick take my hand!" Quinn yells to her brother before transforming and flying them out of their now crumbling apartment complex. Forced to gain altitude afterwards as a massive Dark Sphere comes by to completely consume the remains of the building, as well as the unfortunate souls trapped within, the twins look at the path of the sphere and are appalled at the path of nothingness it leaves in it's wake.

To make matters worse, the pair are able to spot two similar orbs converging with the third towards downtown and several Paddle Stars beginning their descent. As the blast of chaotic magic begins destroying the city as they did several years earlier, the Dark Spheres flash faces in agony across their surfaces before hordes of Voidbornes begin to pour forth from them. Snapping out of her shock, Quinn flies down to leave Caleb on a roof nearby before spotting flashes across the city where the others are attempting to now stem the monstrous tide. Her main focus goes to Rell however as she sees the calvary specialist riding out towards Zoe's location.

STAR

'This is crazy. This is crazy! This is crazy!' "Zoe, come out and face me!" Rell shouts out to the purple and blue star she is racing towards. Her declaration does catch the attention of a nearby swarm of Void Locust which she prepares to engage before a Paddle Star destroys the eldritch creatures.

"Oh hey I remember you, you're the one Star Loser who manages to be slightly less lame than the others. Why'd you come here?" Zoe asks upon emerging from her sphere of power.

"That one's easy to explain, I'm here to get in your way. { "Pfft hahaha, you think you're strong enough to do that?" } Ha! Feth no, I'm just going to keep body blocking your attacks so you won't hurt anyone. { "You what?" } When we last met you promised me you would kill me last. I figured that if I get in your way the others won't be able to die." Rell reason with the being of chaotic energy.

"Hahaha, you're way too funny Star Loser. Alright I'll play along with your dumb idea. { "Sure, laugh it up all you want. Let's see how long that last." } Oh you're cocky aren't you. Tell you what, I won't even teleport to make it easier on you. Ready? Go!" The Twilight Star incarnate yells before launching a Paddle Star straight down.

Quickly dismounting and using gravity to her advantage, Rell proceeds to Crash Down into the overrun streets below. Managing to use this momentum to get under the magical projectile, the calvary specialist barely has time to stand her ground before the Paddle Star flies off. With the weaponized star leaving, the purple haired teen remounts Sebastien and goes Full Tilt in chasing it down. While her wild chase has just begun, Rell already knows that those around her are relying on her to keep the manic girl busy; even if it takes eternity, she thinks to herself for dramatic effect.

STAR

Several hours have passed since the invasion started before Rengar and Nilah return to find the cityscape changed. Coming back to request reinforcements for the Void Kaiju, the pair find themselves returning to a city with all the color drained save the fighting Star Guardians, the sky transformed into a storm of Void energy, and monsters running rampant in the streets not too far away from the roof they land on. It is here they find Caleb collapsed onto the ground having a panic attack as he is reminded of his time in the Void. Nilah goes to comfort the boy but is quickly ambushed by a stealth slasher variant. Leaping into action, Rengar throws his Bola Strike at the creature before Nilah cuts it in half with her whip.

"Caleb, listen to me. This isn't the Void but you aren't safe if you stay here. Now tell us what happened." Nilah requests the boy while trying to comfort him after his PTSD issue.

"Y-Yes ma'am. Not long after you all left Syndra and Zoe returned but I think Syndra is being empowered by the Dark Star directly. Quinn left me on this roof but I haven't seen her flying around much. Rell is trying to stall Zoe for as long as she can but I'm not sure how long she can last. As for the others I haven't seen Akali's light much but I keep seeing Ekko and Quinn near his house. The others are all trying to contain it to downtown and they're holding out on a bridge but that's all I know." Caleb explains to the two Outer Guardians before he manages to stumble to his feet. "Please Nilah, can you give me back the cloak? At least then I can sneak around."

"Absolutely not. { "Nilah we can't stay here. Give him it." } No Rengar he's just a child. He shouldn't have to bear that thing. { "I'm not helpless damn it!" } No one said you were Caleb, but as much as it pains me, we need to reach the others and we can't stay so I'm going to give it to you one more time. Just promise me you'll make sure to focus on escaping and not losing your soul. I'm taking quite the risk but it's not one I take lightly. Now take it, Rengar, we go." Nilah tells the boys before leaping into the streets below to begin clearing them out.

"Be careful young one. { "I want to help." } You can help us by keeping yourself safe and helping to direct any civilians sent this way, can you do that? { "Sure thing Rengar." } Good. Now then, the hunt begins and I am needed. If we're fortunate enough, the others will return soon after defeating the Void Kaiju." He comments before putting up his hood and cloaking himself in invisibility. Watching the two leave, Caleb dons his demonic cloak once more before quickly overcoming his guilt and fear before leaving.

STAR

"Ekko look out below!" Is the only warning Quinn gives before she rains down bolts all around Ekko's house as he starts to become overrun by a hoard of burrowing variants. Landing in a torrent of starlight, the ranger watches her friend pick himself up before he runs over to a nearby computer panel.

"Quinn, good you came back, that means after I turn on the barrier to my house again you can head to Ozzi's place while I head to Ajuna's. If we finish saving them within the next four minutes and fifty two seconds then we should be able to help Shomi before their house is destroyed. Unless maybe I, no wait, did I forget to calculate the slashers no it was burrowers this time so that means it has to be spitters right… right?" Ekko manically mumbles and calculates to himself before Quinn leaves to save Ozzi. She also hopes that she can help save the boy's fracturing sanity and ignores his early words concerning her arrival.

Arriving at Ozzi's house shortly later, the magenta haired girl arrives in time to see various monsters starting to pour inside. Shooting the ones still in the doorway, Quinn runs inside and almost gets her head taken off by an awaiting slasher variant. Vaulting off it and in the process kicking it through the kitchen wall, she double taps it with her crossbow before hearing a noise coming from the basement. Running to the source of the sound she finds a burrower sniffing around Ozzi's room and lines up her shot. To her surprise an acid spitter variant actually crashes on top of her all the way from the second floor. Recovering first, the creature tries to live up to it's name when Valor rushes at it and gouges out the beast's eyes. Hearing the commotion, the burrower leaps at Quinn who turns over and holds it off with her legs. Unloading a trio of bolts into it's snapping mouth, the Star Guardian kicks it off her and into the wildly flailing spitter as it starts to fire at random. Hearing a sound from the nearby bed, Quinn turns her head to see the boy emerging and she runs out of the house with him. Telling the civilian to run to Ekko's house as fast as he can before having Valor pick her up to fly. The girl heads towards Shomi's house as the acid spitter in the basement self-destructs and she looks back briefly to see the house exploding.

As she flies towards Shomi's house Quinn is suddenly swarmed by a school of Void Remora and forced to land in the streets below. Firing blindly around her to try and clear the creature, she is soon saved by one of Ekko's Timewinders. Before she can thank him however, Ekko is already running towards Shomi's place. Taking back to the skies, Quinn makes it there before him and finds his friend trapped on the roof of their house as a Big One emerges down the street. Rushing towards the heavily armored beast, she then opens fire on it to gain it's attention. Seeing the ranger acting as bait, Ekko arrives and catches Shomi after convincing them to jump to him. Catching his friend however leaves Ekko vulnerable and causes him to be hit in the back with Caustic Spittle from a group of approaching spitter variants. Dropping his adrenaline junkie friend, the Star Guardian tells them to run to his house before it phases out of time again. Turning to face the approaching Voidbornes, Ekko only hopes he can buy Shomi time to escape before her Phase Dives away from a Living Artillery strike and crushes one of the beast heads. He isn't able to evade it's self-destruction however and is knocked onto his back. Waku then attempts to motivate him to stand back up but is forced to flee as the remaining quartet of spitters crowds around him. Before he can be eaten however several cutting sounds are heard and he is quickly dragged away as the beasts explode. Thinking it might have been Quinn to save him, Ekko recovers enough to crane his head to see Akali standing nearby.

"Just hold on Ekko, I'll help Quinn and then we'll get you to Seraphine or Sona. Damn it we need a full time healer for these injuries but they'll have to do it for now." Akali notes before leaving Ekko behind some hedges.

Seeing Quinn floating around the Big One and firing bolts of star light that plink off the creature's carapace, Akali takes a moment to get behind it. Her patience is rewarded as after spreading it's arms for a sweep attack, the monstrous crustacean reveals a large eye on it's back that the Co-Captain identifies as a weak spot. Quinn then gives her superior a knowing look before landing and tricking the creature into charging after her. Leaping out of it's path before it levels several cars and a house, the two rush it together. Akali is the first to reach it but as the creature tries to grab her in it's claws she does a Shuriken Flip out of the Quinn flying behind the Big One, Akali charges the monster once more only to then embrace her inner darkness and create a Twilight Shroud to hide from it's counterattack. Wildly slamming around the veiled area, the beast leaves itself open to a volley of kunai, bolts, and shurikens from behind.

As the two girls finish off the herald variant, Shomi arrives at Ekko's house and hears a door opening. Despite everything tonight, the teen goes to look up the driveway but only sees Ekko's shed open. Figuring it's nothing, they quickly head inside before the computer outside of the residence runs out of time and phases the building out to safety.

STAR

Hours have passed since the attack began and Kai'sa's group is starting to lose control of the bridge they are holding. When the attack began and Voidbornes started spawning from the trio of Dark Spheres above, the Star Guardian Captain ordered Taliyah to form defensive measurements around downtown. Taliyah then went above and beyond in her mission, forming a massive wall around the inner city and setting up Unravelled Earth traps everywhere. Seraphine and Sona meanwhile used their abilities to hasten the evacuation of whoever they could before the auras of the Void started warping reality around them. As the last of the civilians escaped Kai'sa saw that they were quickly being pursued and cut down by the now approaching hordes of Voidbornes. Flying into the air, she fires off an Icathian Rain upon all the bridges connecting to downtown except the Sun Gate Bridge where the others have regrouped. At first the plan worked well as the hordes were being funneled into the lone choke point. However as time passed things started going more and more wrong. While Taliyah was setting up her initial defenses only several Voidbornes were able to get past in time but then new burrower variants with thicker armor and horns appeared. Tunneling underground they were able to create new passageways around the Star Guardian's barriers and now have the group surrounded. Not long after a massive shaking began but the Stoneweaver was barely able to warn everyone it wasn't an earthquake before a pulse erupted from the Dark Spheres and gravity distorted. Watching entire skyscrapers lifted into the air, the girls then had to deal with it raining glass and steel beams afterwards. But no matter what they held on, no matter how many spitters rained Living Artillery upon them or burrowers flanked them the Star Guardians kept control of the lone bridge. Even so they are growing exhausted from the nearly nonstop waves and their wounds are starting to pile on. Meanwhile the latest fresh wave of slasher, spitter, and stompy variants are marching towards them over mounds of their charred and crushed fellow invaders.

"Kai'sa we need to get off this bridge and make a break for it. We're just four against a legion and we can't oww!" Taliyah screams out after her exhaustion leaves her vulnerable to a Void Spike hitting her arm.

"Get up Taliyah, get up or we all fall. Don't give up Star Guardians. I'm sure the others are on their way because Akali texted me before our electronics got fried that she was going to gather the others. Once we're all together we can make a push and; Gravity shift! Brace!" Kai'sa warns her team before another pulse of energy signals the incoming wave of zero gravity before it then doubles and then reverts to normal moments later.

(Come on Taliyah let me see that arm before any poison gets too bad. Seraphine the rear flank!) Sona calls out in time as a squadron of stealth slasher variants appear from their cloaked state only to then be blasted by Beat Drops from Tremble and Bass.

From up above, a swarm of Void Remoras appear and begin to fire bolts of Void energy alongside the incoming Living Artillery as Kai'sa engages the frontal approaching slashers and stompy variants. Combining their abilities as well, Seraphine and Sona raise up a musical shield around their team. The quartet's saving grace soon comes in the form of Quinn who flies in and shoots down the swarm above. Taliyah then uses a Seismic Shove to rip out a gas line near the spitters so Kai'sa can fire out a Void Seeker into it, setting off a massive explosion, and clearing out the long ranged monsters. Without their long ranged support and everyone able to focus on them the remaining Voidbornes are crushed in time for Quinn to land.

"Sorry we're late everyone, Ekko had us in a time loop until we could save all his friends and neighbors. Speaking of Sera, Sona, he's badly hurt and needs you two to help him. Kai'sa have you heard from Rell? Is she okay?" Quinn asks her Captain after updating everyone on their status before Akali arrives carrying an injured Ekko. Setting him down gently so the two musicians can heal him, the ninja throws out a kunai in time as a stealth slasher emerges to try and pick off her best friend.

"Alright that's all of here except Rell and the veterans, Kai'sa do you have a plan? Cause the way I see it unless we close those Dark Spheres off these things will keep coming and the Void Rifts are only going to get worse. Speaking of the old guard, any idea when they might get back here?" Akali inquires, hoping that someone will have an update and they might be able to make a push.

"As far as I know we're on our own for now Kali. Hmm I can feel Nilah and Rengar fighting though so they must be covering the evacuation routes. This means we just need to worry about holding her until, oh no." A demoralized Kai'sa let's slip out as in the distance she sees the Void Kaiju approaching the city in a trail of fire and destruction. Seeing the others flying around it and struggling to even put a scratch on it as it also nears one of the evacuation routes out of the city, the young Captain starts to fall into true despair.

"My house! Does anyone think they could get back to my house? { "Don't move just yet Ekko." } Not much of a choice Seraphine. Anyways I can fight again so thanks, sorry for losing my mind back there Akali and Quinn; I just couldn't stand to lose anyone else. Now does anyone think they can get to my shed? I've been working on some experimental stuff since we started being Star Guardians and one of them is called the Star Bomb. { "Did you build a magical nuke?!" } Basically, now if we could get it I don't doubt we could bring down that Kaiju." Ekko suggests as he struggles to get back up on his own.

"Sona thinks it can work but she also thinks Ekko has the wrong target in mind. Earlier when everything started she saw some faces on the Dark Spheres and Syndra floating overhead. She believes that if we want to end this we need to target Syndra." Chiizu tells everyone for Sona as she moves up to heal Kai'sa and help fend off the next frontal wave.

"Hehe, this actually reminds me of a story that, Caleb?! { "Quinn what's wrong? Is he okay?" } No, look up there near Syndra. Caleb!"

STAR

Just over a minute before Quinn's observation, Rell once more stops Zoe's attempts at destruction and finds herself back where they started. Taking this moment to catch her breath, she turns and sees the manic spellcaster doing the same but with a smile.

"What? Are you getting tired already? Ready to stop being such a twatwaffle?" Rell asks before realizing she is starting to smile too.

"No, I just wanted to give you a break so this wouldn't get boring too soon. { "Hehe, sure kiddo." } I'm way older than you." Zoe counters before she starts to giggle a bit and wiping off her sweat.

"Zoe, cease your childish games and continue with the plan. I need you to handle the other Guardians while I finish opening the tears in reality." A transformed Syndra chides her childish associate. Now missing her signature eye patch, Rell can see the elder Star Guardian's missing eye has been replaced by the Dark Star. The rider's horror only grows as she sees the woman has been completely corrupted by the eldritch power.

Watching as the woman's seemingly living hair slowly writhes around her, Rell can see the obsidian and purple glowing chitin spread across her tresses. This same chitin has consumed her body as well with little of her uniform peaking out. As though to cement how far gone Syndra is, the oppressive gravitational field around it pulls a nearby chunk of building towards them before it reveals a third eye on it's forehead that shoots a destructive beam that destroys the debris.

"Aww but Syndra we were having fun. Besides, it's not like they can beat all of these monsters you brought." Zoe confidently counters before a simple look from the creature wearing Syndra's face silences her. Seeing a familiar fear of authority in Zoe's eyes, Rell gets an idea to try and run away with the smaller girl before it's too late.

"Hey don't just ignore me Syndra, or whoever you are. I mean just who the hell do you think I am? Come on Zoe let's leave this oof!" Rell isn't able to finish her sentence to bait Zoe away before "Syndra" slams a chunk from a nearby skyscraper into her. Floating back to it's previous spot, the creature stops momentarily when Zoe grabs it's hand.

"Hey! Syndra she was going to be my kill once, look at me! Grr that's it! If you're going to keep ignoring me while we destroy the Star Guardians then this isn't fun anymore and I'm o…" Zoe isn't able to finish her complaining before she finds herself consumed in a sphere made of the sheer Force of Will from whatever has consumed her star sister.

"Enough of this charade. We were content to let you do as you pleased Twilight Star but only as long as it benefited us. Now you are no longer useful, begone." The Dark Star tells it's annoying beneficiary before launching a smaller Dark Sphere into the stasis bound girl. Acting on instinct, Ran manifests itself in front of it's friend and takes the brunt of the attack before both the squishy squid familiar and it's partner are launched into the ruins below.

Believing itself to be free of distractions now, the Dark Star soon receives a warning in the form of a terrified scream of "Caleb" and turns around. Seeing just in time the twin floating towards it via a gravity anomaly, the eldritch power envelopes him in it's Force of Will before he can attack.

"Oh what's this you're holding, thief? Some form of makeshift superweapon we see. No more of that, or you." The Dark Star declares before it forms a black hole in it's hand that disintegrates the Star Bomb. To the horror of everyone watching below, the powerless teen is then flung into the ruins below in the same manner as Zoe. Breaking away from their stronghold on the bridge, Quinn and Sona both try to fly to the plummeting boy but are swarmed by Void Remoras and slasher variants possessing wings.

STAR

As though to just be cruel, the distortions in gravity managed to slow down Caleb's fall but only so he could be impaled through his back on several pieces of rebar. Crying from the unbelievable pain he is in, the boy is only somewhat comforted by the fact his childhood friend Rell finds him before any monsters can. With his mind consumed by searing pain, witnessing the horror on his now depowered friend's face only serves to hurt his soul as well. Suddenly feeling warm, Caleb's fading consciousness at first believes it to be just the warmth leaving his body, his blood, a Void anomaly, or all the above. It is in his dying moments that he realizes that the warm feeling is comforting and coming from within him.

Helpless to do anything as one of her best friends and someone who has been like a brother to her dies, Rell can't do anything but break down into tears. Consumed by grief the girl tries to focus on anything else and chooses to look away, not to avoid the scene before her but to channel her rage. Looking towards the skies her spiteful and tear filled gaze is soon met by not an apathetic alien enemy but instead hope. Watching the distorted sky writhe in distorted pain, it is soon filled with stars once more. Soon these stars begin to move and new colors appear amongst them as they now begin to cover the sky in streaks of colors; soon some of them even begin to descend.

STAR

Snapping wake after regaining consciousness, Quinn quickly tries to aim her crossbow only to realize she was knocked out and depowered. She then feels a hand gently grab her shoulder and turns around to see an unfamiliar face. Kneeling next to the girl is a woman with green hair and a large horn sticking out of her head. Feeling the last of her wounds healing, the teen quickly realizes that she is being tended to by Soraka herself and the surprises only keep coming as she turns to the sound of rockets and laserfire nearby.

"Hey Raka, have you woken up the noobs yet? What? No Kuro I don't think it's rude to call them noobs. Oh hey bird girl you're up right? How long have you been a Guardian for?" An ever-hyper Jinx asks from the top of one of Taliyah's barricades. Ignoring her senpai's question and any lingering pain, Quinn transforms and starts heading towards where she saw her brother fall once more.

"Be careful! Jinx, Light Cannon combination attack. { "Oh yes masta, right away masta." } Why are you like this? Nevermind, this isn't the time for doubt. We've got a crisis to stop so no more holding back! { "Combo platter!" } Good luck Quinn." Lux wishes to the younger Star Guardian after using her Final Spark along Jinx's Super Mega Death Rocket to briefly clear the skies for Quinn. The legendary protector of Valoran City then briefly wonders what became of her own brother before the whistle of Living Artillery snaps her out of her thoughts. Looking back at the forms of those that defended the bridge she raised up a Prismatic Barrier to protect them just as fiercely.

STAR

"Xayah we've gotta go now! { "Not yet, I can still fight." } Now you beautiful ass! If you depower here then I… I don't want to lose you again." Rakan pleads with his lover as she continues to channel magic into her feathers to keep the Kaiju rooted. Her efforts eventually drain her enough that it snaps free anyways and she passes out. Catching her depowered form, the redeemed man quickly takes her to the same roof an unconscious Orianna is being protected by Senna.

"Sarah, go to them now. { "What are you planning to do?" } I'm going to go supernova. { "Ahri no!" } We aren't slowing this thing down otherwise and the others will need someone to rally them. { "This is stupid, don't waste your life like this." } Sarah, we need time and we're running out of options. Now go, that's an order." Ahri finishes before her best friend leaves her side to get the other ready to move. The pair are so focused on their debate that they fail to notice the sky changing. "Alright you bastard come on! Even if it takes me with you I won't let you hurt anymore people, I will defend the stars!"

"Friend Ahri no! You donating the ghost isn't worth it!" A familiar voice tell the fox woman before a pink and green frog crashes into her face. It is quickly followed by Neeko flying in to glomp her Captain and ceasing her self destruction.

"That's not even how that saying goes, Neeko. { "Neeko may not be good with words but you still know what she means." } Fine but we still need to stop this thing and let me go already. { "Not until you say sorry to Sarah now." } For what trying to win us the battle? Ugh fine I will and I promise I won't blow myself up either but we've still gotta stop this thing and we're running out of options. Ori and Xayah are already down and everyone is split up." Ahri explains to the lizard girl after peeling her off. Seeing a shadow cast over them, the pair quickly fly away as one of the Kaiju's feet stomps near them.

"Oh Neeko wanted to tell you about her space adventures. She met this really tall queen lady who brought her here but even better she met this cool cat she met in space." The somewhat airheaded girl tells her superior before her point is made as a spear flies through the air and embeds itself into one of the Kaiju's eyes. Looking around to see where the spear came from, Ahri notices how more stars are coming towards them.

"Okay Neeko I trust you sister. Now come one, you've gotta say hello to everyone and I need to get healed so I smell less like blood. { "And apologize." } Yes, and apologize." Ahri admits with a smile on her face before the two fall back; the Captain's confidence in their victory growing with each Star Guardian descending to help them.

STAR

"Don't worry Nilah I've got you. I won't let you fall like the others, you should look at the sky right now. I think help has come at last but we need to just hold out ahhh mother fu-raaawr!" A now furious Rengar roars out as a slasher variant appears from stealth and stabs him in the eye. He is quick to repay the creature by breaking the offending claw and stabbing it through the bottom of it's skull with his knife.

Despite this grievous injury, Rengar still stands defiant atop the mound of bodies he and Nilah have created. But even so flesh tires and another hoard approaches seeking the Star Guardians heads. Looking down at his unconscious sister, the Pridehunter doesn't regret abandoning his solitude to come to Valorant City. His last stand will have to wait for another day however as several stars land near him. From beams of light Death Rays, Shock Blast, and Soul Flares greet the foul creatures as Star Guardians arrive to save the Outer Guardians. While he prefers to hunt alone, Rengar is still glad that the Star Guardians greatest strength of teamwork even after centuries still stands. Carefully picking up Nilah and tying her to his back, the warrior leaves to find a healer for his ally.

STAR

'So this is how I die. Huh, pretty boring to be honest. Guess I just lived so long that I didn't think it would happen to me. Sorry Ran, you got hurt because of me; everyone does. But maybe if you leave me you can run to some far off corner of the universe. If I help you though, promise me one thing. You won't leave me alone until the very end my squishy squid. I don't want to die alone, okay?' Zoe thinks to herself as she lays broken, buried, and with the sound of approaching Voidbornes getting closer. Her thoughts are soon interrupted by the sounds of nearby laser fire and snipping as the rubble around her starts to loosen.

"Gwen I think I've found her but there are some beams in the way. { "On it." } Thanks, hurry while I cover you two." A man's voice says before Zoe starts to feel the weight on her chest becoming lighter. When it finally disappears she looks up at two faces she never thought she'd see again; Akshan and Gwen. Unable to find words for what she is feeling, the Twilight Star begins crying as Gwen creates a barrier of Hallowed Mist around them to hide them.

STAR

'Oh hey Q-Quinn, the sky looks a lot less gross now h-huh? { "Rell, where is Caleb?" } Q-Q-Quinnnn you don't { "Don't what?! Rell please bring me to him. Let me see my brother!" } Just don't… just don't get yourself hurt o-okay? He wouldn't want that." A whimpering, barely held together Rell tells her best friend before guiding her down a flight of crumbling steps. When they reach the bottom, Quinn feels herself grabbed from behind; not so Rell can keep her bound via her depleted strength but to keep Quinn from leaving her as the twin sees her counterpart.

"No, noooo! Rell, let me go! Let me go now!" Quinn screams out as she sees her brother's impaled corpse and starts to struggle against her friend's loose grip. Eventually her anger turns to tears as the two collapse together and start crying over their shared loss.

The sound of their misery soon attracts a nearby laser eye variant which sneaks up behind the broken pair. Before it can fire at them however a fist with an iridescent moth shaped knuckle duster punches it through the back of it's form. As the creature burns away, the girl's savior gracefully floats down to where the girls are and looks towards the source of their grief. Moving past them, the pair look up to see a woman wearing a jūnihitoe kimono of dark lavenders, pinks, and covered on the outside with moths of warm blues, whites, reds, yellows, and oranges. On each of these moths is a crystal of various colors that they realize are lost Star Guardian fragments. Looking back to face the two girls, the tall woman's face is framed by a white headscarf with an iridescent moth pin on the crest of her head. Smiling at her aunts with a face that takes after Quinn's, the elegant savior simply flicks her wrist and a blade of prismatic energy cuts free Caleb's body. Despite their enhanced sense as Star Guardians, the teary eyed pair are unable to follow the woman's moments as she catches his broken form. Kneeling to hold the boy in her lap, the regal lady wipes his face before beckoning Rell and Quinn closer.

"I have you now, father. Forgive me for coming so late, for you should not have been forced to fight alone. Forgive me for leaving you along, for that left you with only tears and pain. Forgive me for breaking your heart, for you gave me it unconditionally. But hear me and know this, this is not the end. Not for you or this reality. Let me fight your battles now, allow me to protect everyone as you protected me. Let me heal your wounds, allow me to take away all our tears and pain. Let me show those without a heart the strength of your's, I will show the worthy kindness to match my fury for those who prove unworthy. Now, rise! Rise so I may protect you and this new age of light we will enter together!" The woman commands before several of the moths fly right off her dress and come to rest on her father's wounds. Giving his mending form to her aunts, the Galaxy Guardian stands up to leave her loved ones when Caleb wakes up.

"Belle? Belle, wait! Belle, come back please! Belle, ahk, come back! Bel.. come back. Bel, co ba… Bel, ve…th. Bel, veth!" Caleb cries out as his lungs start to flush themselves of blood and spittle. His weakened form is unable to chase no matter how much he tries, both because he is still recovering and because he is held tightly by those who thought he was lost to them. Realizing this he begrudgingly accepts their love but can't help but worry for his little Belle's safety.

STAR

"Hmm we knew that other Star Guardians existed beyond this world but for so many to arrive at once so quickly is unexpected. No matter, the consumption of this reality will continue…" The Dark Star is unable to finish it's musings before it is punched in the face. Sent flying through the ruins of a floating building, the embodiment of nothingness emerges to see Bel'Veth staring at them. "Ah, my magnum opus has come to us. Tell me, are you here to fulfill your true purpose or be a complete failure?"

"Neither, I am here to save this world and protect all in it."

Pointing a hand in the air, a shooting star descends onto Belle and a warm blue light consumes her just as the Dark Star launches a Dark Sphere at her. Smacking the projectile away with a gauntlet-covered fist, the light soon disperse in a swarm of moths and reveal Belle's panoply of war. Standing proudly in her lavender and black Star Guardian uniform with white and blue stripes, her outfit is soon layered by a battle ballgown of silver with a cuirass shaped like a monstrous moth. The swarm of magical moths then gather behind her to form into a set of pink and white fae wings with blue "eyes" on each. By the time the transformation finishes she has but one magical construct left which lands on her face to create a mask like her father and aunt's.

"Rude, attacking someone during a transformation feh. Then again I've done the same, or well with the exception that I actually do damage." Belle snidely remarks before summoning her knuckle dusters and roaring. Flexing her might alongside a roar, the woman's armor begins to glow with iridescent light all over her abdomen and in between the plates of her armor.

"Then reality truly has corrupted you. { "I prefer to see it as enlightened." } At least through this vessel I can at least comprehend disappointment. You were meant for so much more than playing this silly act. Your purpose was to help us end this universe and it's petty resistance. Now all the effort put into those Star Nemeses and experiments with Star Guardians fragments but go to waste. Perhaps once you are unmade we can { "Shut it." } stop doing that!" The normally cool Dark Star demands of the failed project after it punches them in the face again. Launching a new Dark Sphere at the moth themed woman, they are both apathetic to her punching a beam through the orb and destroying it with ease.

"You talk too much. Now then, in the name of my father Caleb and those you've hurt, I will punish you." Belle declares before she Star Surges forward and knees the possessed Syndra. Going in for a double ax handle, her attack is blocked by the Dark Star catching her fist with sheer Force of Will.

Releasing a wave of energy, the Dark Star forces Belle away before grabbing onto a nearby floating ruin with it's Force of Will. Seeing it hurtling towards her, the Galaxy Guardian punches it into dust with another beam punch. Using the cloud of dust to their advantage the Dark Star launches a barrage of Dark Spheres at a blinded Belle. The Star Guardian's battle instincts prove well honed however as soon as she senses the deadly projectiles she instantly Star Surges out of the way. She quickly learns however that these Dark Spheres have been imbued with the Dark Star's Unleashed Power and are following her. Flying around to see how strong the ability pursues her, she then Star Surges into the hordes below. Landing with a crash, the Galaxy Guardian briefly takes satisfaction in the surrounding Voidbornes being incinerated before waiting for the projectiles to follow her. It isn't long before the Dark Spheres come down in force and Belle picks up several monsters that charge her to throw in the way. Seeing that the orbs have a physical presence, the protector of this reality notices the Dark Star preparing another volley overhead and gets ready to move when she stops. Noticing her aunts carrying her father out of the nearby ruins, the Galaxy Guardian realizes she was chased here intentionally as the Dark Spheres start to fall. Panicking for a moment, Belle quickly takes a moment to gather herself and takes a breath. When she is done the Empress of the Stars plants her feet and forms a golden barrier and aura around her with her wings. Letting out another roar to declare her might once more, she unleashes a Royal Maelstrom and in a blur of punches, beams, and shooting stars Belle destroys the Dark Star's display of Unleashed Power. Feeling a bit exhausted from the battle of powers, the rogue magnum opus is quickly ensnared in the eldritch horror's force of will and brought into the air. She is then spun to gain momentum before being thrown at one of the few standing skyscrapers. Breaking free of the grab by focusing herself, the Galaxy Guardian is unable to stop herself from crashing through the building and into an awaiting Baron Nashor below. The variant refuses to let her escape and constricts around her before bringing Belle towards it's maw to devour her. Star Surging upwards and with an uppercut, the Galaxy Guardian briefly escapes before the Baron retaliates by snapping it's jaws around her waist. Driven by predatory instincts, the monster then smashes her through the ground and starts to drag her around. It refuses to stop until she summons a blade over her fist and cuts it across one of it's many eyes. The monster then rears it's body out of the ground and back to the surface when she then takes a bite out of it's other eyes.

'Mmm yummy. But I've gotta think of a way to end this fight before anyone gets hurt. At this rate I'm getting nowhere and the Dark Star isn't letting me get close enough to beat it down. What would father do right now? Oh wait I've got it. he would focus on the objectives. But what could I even target that would force the Dark Star to meet me head on? Wait a second, Syndra had a bunch of familiars named Multi. Those three giant portals must be them and they must be something directly corrupting them for them to get that big. If I had to guess the sources must be inside of each Multi but if I dive inside of them and I'm wrong, no! My father would risk everything he had if it meant the others could live and I have a chance to achieve victory or at least ease their suffering. I just hope I'm still his little cater-baby by the time I'm done.' Belle thinks to herself as she continues to chew off the Baron's face. Feeling full and being finally released into a nearby horde of monsters, she spins around herself to unleash another Royal Maelstrom and have some fun clearing the path to her goal.

Taking flight once more, the lavender dressed woman flies herself straight into the nearest transformed Multi dominating the skyline. Appearing inside of the miniature Void, Belle looks around for the corrupted familiar but only sees various ruins and people that were absorbed in the initial attack. Not long after she floats around looking for the Multi she begins to feel everything starting to destabilize. Needing some form of way to organize her surroundings, the Galaxy Guardian uses her powers to reform the surrounding motes into a pathway. Sifting through the destruction, she eventually feels her goal and starts to clear towards it. Before her eyes is the apartment that served as her home alongside the twins. Floating inside, and even taking the still operational elevator, the Empress of the Stars already knows where to go and hits the floor which once contained her home. It is here that she begins to feel her environment shift around her and start to close in. Running out of time before she is crushed, the woman Star Surges towards her apartment and opens it. All around the residence are tendrils of Void Coral and in the center is a Multi barely showing signs of life. Realizing what she needs to do, Belle unleashes a Royal Maelstrom to free the creature at the cost of having to destroy the place she called home. She takes extra care however to make sure the area directly around the multi isn't destroyed before grabbing onto it. Experimentally tapping and then licking the eldritch material, the Galaxy Guardian realizes it can't hurt her and that it's just as delicious as the Baron earlier. Knowing just what to do, she begins to consume the Void Coral until eventually the Multi is freed before flying back out.

STAR

"Oh my stars, Akshan look! That one rift is starting to shrink. Wait, something is coming way oof. Multi?! What happened to, oh wait I see now you were trapped in there. That powerful Guardian must have done this, Akshan we need to help her save Syndra's… Akshan?" Gwen calls out after noticing her teammate has gone missing and left an unconscious Zoe next to her. Taking a moment to be grateful for the girl being light, the Hallowed Seamstress lifts her onto her back before continuing towards the bridge stronghold.

STAR

Seeing that the Multi she threw made it inside of the cluster of starry mist, Belle starts to fly towards the next rift when a skyscraper crashes into her. Flipping around midair inside of the lobby, the Empress of the Stars finds herself facing an army of various Void monsters. Summoning her knuckle blades once more, the Galaxy puts them in front of her and Star Surges forwards in a drill motion. Boring her way through the structure and foe alike until she comes out the roof, Belle takes a moment to realize it was too easy. Turning around the remains of the tower are still being flung but towards a new target, the bridge stronghold. Quickly Star Surging to catch up with the building, she uses her super strength to grip onto it and begins to hold it in place. Viewing with disappointment it's former magnum opus has fallen into the trap of caring for others, the Dark Star prepares to send more Dark Spheres to destroy the converted Void beast. The Dark Star's focus is then interrupted when it sees a volley of red laser bolts flying towards it. Catching the attacks with another display of sheer Force of Will, the eldritch corruptor of reality looks around and sees a grappling hook made of stardust Heroically Swinging away. Now fully distracted by the cowardly attack, the monster wearing Syndra's face falls for Akshan's plan. Turning to face Belle once more, the Dark Star is greeted with the hollowed out building batting it away into a Multi before the Galaxy Guardian flies into the other one.

This time finding herself on an alien world, Belle looks around the fields of purple reeds until she spots a twisted tree sticking out against the pink sky. Seeing one of the Multis infused into the side of it she begins to carefully float her way towards the familiar. As she gets closer however a pressure begins to permeate the air around her. This pressure then starts to intensify until she is forced onto the ground. Pushing herself up, and taking a moment to realize the trap, Belle starts to crawl towards the imprisoned Multi. She actually starts to giggle a bit since it's been so long since she had to crawl around. Feeling another increase in the pressure on her, Belle channels power into her armor to have it grow an extra six legs to help claw her way forward. Now nearing the hill housing the tree she begins to feel a shaking beneath the ground. Ignoring this insulting attempt at a threat, the Empress presses forward and in response the ground erupts with roots. Becoming entangled by the tree, Belle struggles to even keep her head up before they force her to flatten herself. Roaring in frustration and anger at the petty delay, the Galaxy Guardian uses all her strength to lift her head before breathing a beam of starfire to free her arms. Continuing to use her breath attack to attack from above, she then slams her fist into the dirt to attack the roots with beams from below. Once her Above and Below combination attack is finished, Belle Star Surges towards her objective and starts to devour the tree upon sensing it is made of Void Coral. Emerging several minutes later with the Second Multi, she barely has time to throw it towards the Star Guardian's bridge before the last rift rams into her. Not sure what the Dark Star is planning, Belle prepares to enter the final Multi when she feels herself grabbed onto. Barely failing to break free, her questions are soon answered when the eldritch being emerges.

"Cease this pointless struggle. Are you truly so truly so infatuated with existence you can not see how { "I said you talk too much." } we are…" The Dark Star is unable to finish before Belle breaks free of it's hold and slaps the corrupted Syndra. Growling in annoyance, the Void incarnate decides to pull it's foe inside of the rift instead of pushing her away to Belle's surprise.

Inside of the final rift, Belle finds herself inside of the last place she would want to see again; the Lavender Sea. Ignoring the disturbing feeling this place instills in her, the Galaxy Guardian begins her search for the last Multi. As the feelings of disgust reach their peak within her, the Empress recalls the story of her father's time in this accursed place. She recalls how he would describe how the smallest of stars stood out in this place and almost as if on queue a faint trail of stars appeared. Cautiously following the wisp of light, Belle finds what appears to be an island with a crystalline spire in the middle containing an egg. Hearing the sounds of footsteps nearby she turns to meet them when her father emerges to make his way towards the spire. Thinking she is going to witness her moment of liberation, Belle's joy quickly turns to horror as a burrower variant emerges and tears Caleb's throat out. Crying out for her fatally wounded bond, the Empress Star Surges forth and tears the beast apart before realizing the island has moved. Gazing towards it's new location she sees the same scene play out except Caleb is ambushed by a slash variant. Once more on instinct she goes to protect her father and avenges him with a breath beam. As before the island shifts once she finishes, and the scene plays out in countless horrible ways. Forced to watch as her dearest caretaker is impaled on spikes, disintegrated by lasers, eaten, ripped apart, douses in bioplasma, and so much more eventually takes it's toll on Belle. Breaking down into tears, the woman turns to see not only another death scene but also a nearby crystal acting as a mirror for herself. In another way to push her over the edge the Dark Star shows her what she should've been. Seeing her face peel away to reveal a mass of tendrils and teeth, the image then shows a great winged beast destroying worlds with beams of purple Void energy as stars rain fiery death below. It is at this moment Belle's mind comes to an epiphany of sorts. Be it from a place of love or madness she now sees her false father's plight as a lesson in endurance; for no matter how much he suffers her father always tries to save her. She remembers that no matter how much he suffered in the Void he always held onto the hope of escape. Taking a moment to think, the Galaxy Guardian vows to not fail anymore before Star Surging to where she predicts the island will move to next. Guessing correctly, Belle arrives just in time to intercept her father's next would-be killer but nothing happens this time. Instead he reaches the egg just fine and it even begins to hatch. Realizing too late what would happen, she is helpless once more and sees her evil self kill Caleb. Roaring in frustration and rage, the Empress Star Surges forward and punches away her intended self before her vision warps. In this new vision she is the one that has just killed her caretaker.

"No, this is wrong. { "Belle, why?" } You're not really him. I would never do this. { "The others were right about you… monster." } Hahahaha! Oh Dark Star you almost had me but that lie just proves how desperate and weak you truly are. You don't know me and you don't know my father, he would never judge me for what I was meant to be!" A now irate Belle declares with utmost confidence before punching the illusion of her father into pieces. Feeling the tendrils of the trap releasing her, she isn't prepared for the sneak attack from behind.

"Look at us! Look at who we are! What we are meant to be!" The illusionary Bel'Veth demands of her counterpart as she shakes her with it's chitinous limbs. Forced to look upon the monstrous creature before her made of crystalline fragments and sinews, the Empress gently removes her doppleganger's hands from her neck.

"It's okay. Yes you are what I was born to be but we were raised to be better than that. While I saw in space do you wanna know something I saw? I once thought father was just telling us a myth but I saw black hole traveling through the cosmos. In it's path stars were being made and I realized we can be just like that. You're a manifestation of what the Dark Star thinks I fear but I'm not afraid of myself. I know who I am and I know what we can be." Belle tells her alternate self before the doppelganger's form shifts. Now standing before her true self in a kimono of blacks, reds, purples, and yellows, the two become one before the last Multi appears before the Galaxy Guardian. "I will create but I won't be afraid to destroy for I am loved."

With that decree the Empress absorbs the final piece of Void Coral before sending the familiar off to safety. Channeling her power, as well as the power of those she has consumed, Belle unleashes her final form.

STAR

The destruction of the final Void rift can be seen by all the Star Guardians across the warzone but those on the bridge are forced to shield their eyes from the brilliant orb that erupts afterwards. All of the remaining monstrous hordes in the downtown area soon begin to feel themselves slowed to a crawl. Roaring and screeching in futilely at the oppressive aura and the searing light, the beasts are then lifted into the air before being absorbed by the sphere of starlight. Consuming the essence of her foes and adding it to her own, the Empress of the Stars' final form is heralded by earth shaking chirps and healing solar winds.

Towering over one hundred and eighty meters in length and two hundred and fifty meters in wingspan, the Empress has fully embraced her monstrous nature to protect her domain. Now a large moth kaiju with magenta fur and iridescent white armor, Belle now dominates the skies. Spreading her wings made of the night sky and filled with Star Guardian fragments acting as stars, four large "eyes" of blue, orange, yellow, and red appear on each wing and begin to shine. Before she goes to confront the Void Kaiju, the transformed Galaxy Guardian spots the Dark Star rising from the nearby ruins with her golden eyes. Star Surging in a blur of shooting stars and stardust, the Star Kaiju materializes in front of it's foe and unleashes a deafening chirp. Belle's golden laurel-esque antennas and four mandibles then start to glow before they channel a prismatic beam from Above and Below to launch the possessed form of Syndra into orbit. Sensing that the fight to free Syndra is about to begin up above, the Empress of the Stars leaves to confront the towering beast approaching the evacuation zone.

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Spinning it's way out of the atmosphere, the Dark Star snaps out of it's flight path and begins to feel resistance. Sensing that Syndra is starting to vie for control it tries to push her further down. It's barely able to do this in time as two stars are rising to meet it from the world below. The faces it sees are familiar to both the parasite and it's host; the First Star Guardian team members Gwen and Akshan. From what it recalls about the girl it remembers that she was broken by the losses of her teammates before being consumed by a cursed monster. While she seems to have stepped out of a time capsule, Akshan more clearly is showing his age. His gaudy cape, hood and uniform are all worn and tattered in some spots. Despite remembering his younger self to have blue hair, the Dark Star sees that he has been artificially aged by his encounters over the years. Akshan's now white hair is matched by his facial hair and it would seem his crimson vulture familiar takes after him in all ways. Taking pride in causing the original Star Guardian so much stress that he superficially aged, the eldritch horror takes a note from it's failed creation in skipping formalities. Creating a Dark Sphere and launching it at the pair, they prepare to dodge but find no need as it veers off course.

"Oh young one, even now with victory at hand you still resist us? I just wanted to be free and see them again. Yet now they stand in our way, please avoid making this difficult; after all we'd hate to have a cliche internal struggle in the eleventh hour as they say." The Dark Star and Syndra converse with each other as Akshan and Gwen start to circle around them. Watching as Gwen enters her Hallowed Mist and the other Going Rogue to disappear into the aether, the entity's patience draws towards an end. "Really now? Just you two? You had five Star Guardians face me in an old avatar and I crushed you all. Hahaha, yet the weaklings wonder why Syndra crawled back to me for power. Haa!"

The fiend yells out before summoning an army of Dark Spheres all around themself and launching them everywhere. This tactic serves to force Akshan from his stealth and singles him out as the Dark Star's target. Not deterred by the foe before him, the Rogue Sentinel's vulture turns into a three headed blaster before he aims it at a star far in the distance. Tethered to the distant celestial body by a line of stardust, he uses it to Heroically Swing around his possessed teammate and peppers her with rapid shots. Tanking all of his blaster shots, the Dark Star sends out a pulse of energy to Scatter The Weak and stuns the rogue. Turning it's attention now to Gwen, the Hallowed Seamstress finds her Needlework ambush stopped by the entity's Force of Will. It then launches the enchanted projectiles at their owner with utmost malice. Sensing the approaching danger and snapping awake from his nap, Gwen's familiar, Tai, jumps in the way of the reversed Needleworks. Flying away bleating after being turned into a living pin cushion, Syndra actually briefly regains control at the sight of the panicking creature. Her moment of joy and humor are ended swiftly by both the Dark Star seizing control once more and Akshan's Avengerang hitting the entity in the back of the head. Realizing his mistake too late, the Rogue Sentinel isn't prepared for the Dark Star grabbing onto him and to start trying to pull him apart. Sensing Gwen approaching, the eldritch power throws the Rogue Sentinel towards the move and turns to face the living doll. Dodging the incoming volley of Dark Spheres by Skip n' Slashing her way into melee where she is superior, Gwen begins cutting away at the chitin clinging to Syndra's body. Seeing what the Star Guardians are trying to do, the Dark Star summons two handheld Dark Spheres; one to parry away her next strike and the other to hit her in the stomach. Scattering the Weak lifeform before it, the embodiment of the Void's will starts to choke Gwen with it's Force of Will and prepares another Dark Sphere to finish her off.

It is at this moment that the Dark Star is hit by a Reaping slash of starlight that stuns them into silence. Turning to see a unicorn covered in black and white checkered barding approaching from the surface of the world, the eldritch parasite grabs onto a nearby comet and hurls it at Harp's steed. Expecting to crush the faded girl's steed, the entity doesn't expect however for Zoe to suddenly reveal herself from Geist's flank and throw Ran at them. Using the incoming comet as improvised cover, the squid familiar begins to dart all across and through the piece of celestial ice. Trying to track the erratic familiar's movements , the Dark Star's task is made all the more difficult when a recovered Gwen flies into it's face and almost Snip Snips their head off. Roaring in frustration at the persistent pests, it seizes Gwen with it's Force of Will and hurls her towards the comet. Taking advantage of the entity's hasty decision, the living doll releases as much Hallowed Mist as she flies through the upper atmosphere of the planet. and gives Ran a smokescreen. Unable to see now because of Gwen's makeshift smokescreen, the Dark Star simply releases it's Unleashed Power into the mist to hit everything. To it's horror a storm of chess pieces, cards, and puzzle pieces made of starlight charges forth from the mist around Geist. Grabbing a hold of the equine familiar, the master of nothingness is once more surprised when it's victim dissipates into a pawn chess piece. Seeing it's window of opportunity now that the Dark Star is truly distracted, Ran takes it's chance. Flying forward as fast as it can, the squid is almost spaghettified from it's high speeds before hitting Syndra's head. Feeling the effects of Zoe's Sleepy Trouble Bubble, the eldritch master tries to feel but isn't able to escape before the real Geist appears. Collecting herself to do what must be done, Harp manifests on top of her familiar's before jumping onto her possessed sister. Wrestling with the struggling monster, she is able to hold open left eye as it drifts from consciousness. The last thing it sees as it loses control of it's body is a nebula forming on Runeterra's moon.

For ages Akshan has been forced to travel the stars alone, the last of the original Star Guardians. After their first battle with the Dark Star so long ago their kinship fell apart, Harp falling to become Fiddlesticks, Zoe going mad afterwards to become the Twilight Star, Syndra abandoning them to obtain more power, and with Gwen being devoured he was all alone. Left as a Rogue Sentinel the man wandered helping anywhere he could, hoping that one day someone would come along to save his sisters. To think that it took one defiant world to do just that makes him almost laugh at his own self-pity. Now however isn't the time for reminiscence or doubts, he has a Comeuppance to deliver on the being that caused it all.

"Thank you Zoe, Harp, Gwen, and Syndra. Thank you all for waiting so long for someone to save you. Forgive me sisters, it should've been me. I was your brother and leader. Ready scoundrel? Here comes the 'uppance!" Akshan yells as he releases his fully charged ultimate attack. Thanking the Galaxy Guardian for this chance, the Eldest Guardian watches as the chain of crimson shooting stars head on a direct course for the source of his eons of pain.

STAR

While the Original Guardians are in orbit battling for their sister's soul and Belle is unleashing her power, Ahri has gathered as many Star Guardians as possible to combat the Void Kaiju. Together the might of dozens of Star Guardians has started to wear at the monster's thick skin but it's still steadily approaching the evacuation routes. The vesani then has to shield her eyes before covering her ears as a loud chirping shakes her to the core. A blur of light then passes her and pushes her as well as the other Star Guardians away. Being blown towards the evacuation route and stopping just above the traffic and panicking crowds fleeing the city, the Star Guardian veteran catches a glimpse of two stars fighting in orbit and another pair gaining altitude.

'Forgive my sudden forcefulness Miss Ahri but I needed to clear you all from the area. I will handle the Void Kaiju, you all need to help the others downtown or protect the people running away. Either way the remaining hordes are rushing to swarm their prey and I can handle this. Ahri help me by helping the civilians and my father, please.' A voice telepathically tells Ahri as well as the other Star Guardians before a Guardian Kaiju engages it's Void counterpart. Seeing no reason to argue with the Galaxy Guardian, Ahri's forces mobilize to split up between the two tasks; as Ahri is heading towards the bridge she hears one more message. 'Good luck, little lights. Come! Face me fiend!'

Belle telepathically challenges the Void Kaiju trying to reach it's dark master before charging it. Star Surging to evade it's breath attack, the Galaxy Guardian gets into it's face and channels her power into her fore legs. Swiping at the beast and cutting through it's armor with ease, she has to Star Surge backward to evade a retaliatory bite and once more upwards to avoid the followup breath attack. Spreading her wings, the eyes on them glow even brighter as a Royal Maelstrom of shooting stars and spectral fist rain down upon the Void Kaiju. Concentrating it's fire breath, the Kaiju turns it into a beam of Void energy and fires it at the Star Kaiju. Countering with her Above and Below laser attacks, the two giant's beam attacks clash before detonating. Rocking the world itself, the behemoth on the ground isn't able to see it when it's counterpart Star Surges past it in a blaze of starlight. Now ignited and with it's armor falling away, the Void Kaiju can't stop Belle when she unleashes her Savior in Starlight empowered attacks on it's back. Cutting her way past the last of its armored skin, the Empress of the Stars fires her antenna beams directly into the monster causing it to detonate in a massive explosion.

'Rest now great beast, your presence will not be missed. It would seem above your master's presence is about to… no. Everyone be prepared, the Dark Star is coming!' The large moth communicates to everyone before a living void descends from the sky. Despite her wounds, Belle rises to meet the sphere of evil but isn't able to stop it from passing her and entering the Kaiju's broken remains.

All color and light in the world vanish, save that of Belle and her entrance earlier, and the lights of even the Star Guardians feel isolated and flicker. To make matters worse, while the mortals have all fainted from the entity's overwhelming presence, most of the Star Guardians have become paralyzed by fear. The only exceptions to this are the Original Guardians in orbit which were designed to face this being and Caleb from his time in the Void as well as Belle's influence. It towers above all after using the Kaiju's remains to craft it an appropriate form. Indifferently gazing upon the existence around it, the Dark Star stretches it's six human-like arms and touches the skies around it. With it's pulsating eye the lingering abyss casually erases all it touches leaving nothing in it's wake. Like a conductor of a symphony of silence, the entity conducts it's chitinous creations to begin striking down the helpless Guardians and civilians near them with perfect synergy. Using it's draconic centaur lower body to march forward, the consumer of reality seeks to do just that and it will start with the embers gathered on the bridge.

'No! I will not allow the end of our world to happen! No more phases, I am ending this now! Father, Akshan, Harp, Zoe, Gwen, and Syndra, help me punish the source of your pain while I seek to heal this reality of it's cancerous nature.' The Empress of the Stars pleads, commands, and declares of those able to fight still. For her part the Galaxy Guardian begins to race across the skies, gathering clouds overhead, and hoping that her plan will work as the others rush to slow down the master of nothingness.

To the best of their abilities the remaining Guardians attempt to buy time against the force of entropy before them. Syndra tears what few skyscrapers remain from the city and throws them at the being that stole her face. It simply raises it's hands and the creations of mortals wither to dust before they can touch it. From those hands also come swarms of Remora which swarm the girl and drag her into the earth below. Harp summons her Effigy clones and rushes the eldritch fiend in a Storm of Games. The Dark Star gazes at the flock approaching it and beams of nothingness decimate each until Harp is forcefully dismounted from Geist's back. Watching his sister fall towards the hordes below, Akshan Heroically Swings in and fires every laser bolt and shooting star he can at the lingering abyss' purple eye. Flicking it's hand, the dream eater cuts the man's line and as he falls opens a tear in reality to devour his light attacks. Those same attacks are then sent back to their owner via that same portal. Zoe summons let's go of her form to unleash the full power of the Twilight Star and sends a volley of Paddle Stars down onto the Watcher's physical form. As it uses it's arms to dissipate the aerial assault, Gwen emerges from her Hallowed Mist and begins to bind the reality disposing entity in place with Needleworks. For the first time in this battle the towering monster feels disgust at being physically contacted; it is this sensation that truly binds the Dark Star to our reality. Recalling it's hordes of twisted creations, Gwen and Zoe are both swarmed as the butcher of stars' minions cut away at it's bindings. Akshan who has recovered from his reversed attack quickly abandons his sneak attack attempt to save his little sister. Harp charges once more but knowing her attacks are futile against the Dark Star instead leads a desperate rescue of Gwen. They both succeed at their goals but only after Zoe and Gwen are left unconscious with the seamstress even reverting to her doll state. It is also a trap as the four Original Star Guardians are now lured together for a beam of nothing to finish them. Seeing this attack coming, Syndra rushes in front of her allies and summons a barrier to protect them.

While the Dark Star and Eldest Team clash once more, Caleb has been going to each Star Guardian not engaged and taking their magic into him. It is as he finishes with Quinn that he feels something on his cheek. Hearing a cacophony of Voidbornes in agony as the rain picks up, the twin looks in the distance and sees them writhing all over their creator's form. Knowing the source of it's minions distress is coming from above, the Dark Star turns from finishing the Original Guardians to the skies above. It is there that Belle finally slows down enough to be clipped on one of her wings and sent crashing down. Fearing for her demise, the teen flies to her as she reverts to her human form. Catching the three meter tall woman, Caleb looks to see the Voidbornes begin changing form. The most obvious is the Baron Nashor Belle bit into earlier as it is the largest of it's lesser kind here. He watches as the monstrosity's purple chitin and blue scales turn white and pink respectively. It's eyes once dead and green suddenly begin to shine with life and turn blue with the smaller heads even growing their own pairs. Once the Baron's horns turn into a brilliant gold, the rain coming down upon it ceases and congregates on it's forehead. Caleb then watches as a similar phenomenon happens to all the Voidbornes before each gains a Star Guardian gem on them. Wiping some from his cheek, the twin is able to spot scales from Belle and crystalline bits in the droplets,

"Belle what did you do?"

"It's okay father. But we need to hurry while they get their vengeance." Belle tells Caleb as the chittering masses roar in fury as the souls now within them cry out. The horde turns on their master and, having already been all over it freeing the Dark Star of Gwen's bindings, they are in prime position to strike the Watcher. "Quickly father, transfer everyone's power to me before it's too late."

Not needing to be told twice, Caleb takes the energy he has been gathering and gives it to Belle. Watching her stumble on two legs from inexperience before taking flight in her Kaiju form once more, he feels great fear about what she might have to do. Crying out for her to make sure she returns, the boy can do nothing more as his child goes to meet her destiny. Star Surging once more, Belle grabs onto the struggling Dark Star and binds it with her Coercion silk. Entombing the great threat in unbreakable threads, the Galaxy Guardian starts to lift it and all of it's possessed creations into the sky.

"I'm glad we bonded my little moth, now make sure you come back to your papa."

STAR

"We can't understand how this happens so much. How can we fail to make reality stop in almost every timeline it seems?" The shackled Dark Star ponders as it travels with Belle towards a distant star. Sensing her intent, the First Star empowers the celestial body she plans to dive into with it's magic.

'It is because existence wants to do just that, exist. As long as something lives it will continue to try and do so no matter how self destructive it may seem. I find that very nature of theirs to be so beautiful in their paradoxical nature. Fighting despite being scared, forgiving those you hate, empathizing with those you don't know, loving freely despite the pain it may bring… existence is so full of wonder." Belle lectures it's former creator as they now dive into the mystical blue flames of the star before them.

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(Epilogue)

Back on Runeterra, and all across the Star Guardian universe, all feel when the Dark Star is destroyed and most collapse in relief and exhaustion. One of the few still standing is Caleb who looks to the afterimage filled sky for the return of his little Belle. Eventually the sun rises and the land around him begins to repair as the First Star rewards those that defeated it's ancient foe.

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Regaining control of herself, Kai'sa feels something coming from the ruins of downtown. Sitting in the middle of the empty place that the city once stood is a crystal. Touching it, the Captain is able to learn it's purpose and how Belle during her liberation of the Multis also saved the people consumed by the rifts. Despite her exhausted state, the girl channels her relief and whatever little magic she can spare to unseal those within.

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"Syndra, Zoe, if you two don't wish to face retribution from the others we need to go now."

"But why?! We helped save the day,"

"Zoe, we're the reason it got so bad to begin with. Besides, Akshan will need us when he runs off again."

"I suppose that leaves me to watch over this place then. I-It was good to see you all again my friends and siblings." Gwen tells her fellow Star Guardians as they leave for the skies above and exile.

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"Ring, ring. Ring, ring. Hello this is Lulu, oh hi First Star. Oh Ahri, Lux, he wants to talk to you both." Lulu informs the two heroes before she opens her mouth wide.

"Can you both hear me? ( "Yes First Star." ) Good, I trust you all see my reward for a job well done. I was able to heal even those grievously wounded and repair for the city but you will have to move everyone to their rightful places." The First Star informs it's followers who realize they'll need to make sure as many people are back where they were last night manually.

"First Star, I'm not sure many of those not a part of our group can handle the things they witnessed last night. Is there anything you can do?" Lux asks before a soft but booming chuckle can be heard.

"The supposed Galaxy Guardian raised the same concerns. Don't worry, they'll know a great battle happened with the Star Guardians victorious but they won't know the exact details. Simply place them back in their beds and they will awaken with the knowledge needed to continue unhindered." Aurelion Sol assures his Star Guardians before he ends his communications with them. "We even made a bit of a deal in exchange for her help in doing all of this."

STAR

(February 2, Night)

Almost three weeks have passed since the great battle and while everyone is still celebrating, Caleb finds himself standing in the quarry outside of town. Every night after everyone has gone to bed he flies out to this place and waits for Belle's return.

"You're back out here again. Are you going to be okay if she doesn't come back soon?" Quinn asks her brother as she arrives to join him in the spot he defeated Malzahar almost a year ago.

"Yeah, it's because I know she'll be back soon. It's just I wanna make sure I'm around for when she… Belle." Caleb says as he sees a prismatic shooting star coming down to meet him. Flying up to meet his familiar, the boy catches it but underestimates the momentum of her and they end up crashing into the quarry below.

"Papa I did it! I beat the Dark Star like we wanted, can I sleep now? Space is pretty big and I'm tired." A now meter tall child asks her papa after clinging to him harder.

"Sure thing Belle. You made me very proud. Come on Quinn, Belle, let's go home."

"Oh wait papa I need to tell you something from the First Star. He says more "weird" Stars are coming to be with us soon. He says that we need to teach them like Miss Nilah did for Kai'sa. Also, can we watch some anime?" The little girl in an oversized fluffy kimono requests before turning into an equally fluffy moth.

"Of course he did. Sure thing sweety, you know while you were being a hero I heard that one song from Auntie Rell's game in my head. The one from Three Tribes." Caleb tells her as the twins and the lost familiar return to their repaired apartment.

STAR

(March 28, Morning)

While everyone gets ready for Belle's birthday party, the familiar and her bonder head to the Star Guardians' usual training spot on the edge of town. Waiting on top of the hill in his Guardian uniform, Caleb hears a familiar voice approaching and sees Lucian approaching. Wearing a purple and turquoise Star Guardian uniform, the teen is followed by a pair of hummingbirds with matching feathers; their names are Ardy and Slinger.

"Hey Caleb, so what are we going to do for our first day? Are you going to teach us how to do some trick shots or ultimate attacks?" Lucian asks his senior Guardian after changing his familiars into pistols. As the initiate starts to pose with his pistols, Belle sends a strong gust of wind to knock him down after he accidentally points the weapons at Caleb with a severe lack of trigger discipline.

"Yeah the first thing we need to do is get you and everyone else on even terms with each other. I know Senna has been training you recently but that isn't an excuse for complacency. You're still just a noob you know." Caleb joshes his new trainee and friend while helping him up.

'Papa you need to go easier on them. They aren't as awesome as us, also that's a bad word. I think.'

"Oh Ha! Ha! Ha! Really funny dude, next thing you're going to tell me is I have to wear a skirt like you." Lucian jokes as he dust himself off, his hummingbird companions actually acting as dusters.

"Dude that counter was weak and yes. However while I am confident enough in my masculinity I don't you're ready. Speaking of, have you kissed Senna yet?" Caleb asks while noticing a shine appearing in the sky.

"As a matter of fact we… tried. We tried, at Cafe Cuties last week. But Gwen kept checking on us and interrupting, I mean she's still getting used to the job but it's a good thing Soraka was there to drag her off." Lucian admits as the new group enters orbit but Caleb notices something is wrong. Their flight path being jitter means they've lost control of their entry and so the Galaxy Guardian phases out both him and his friend before the new team crashes into the nearby field.

"Umm Belle, I probably should've asked you this sooner but did First Star tell you what these new Guardians were like? { 'He said they were troubled or was it trouble makers?' } Well, we handled the Dark Star and won the Battle of Dusk and Dawn, so how bad can they… wait no, not going to jinx it." Caleb catches himself before another explosion rocks the field and kicks up another cloud of dust.

As he brushes down his skirt, Caleb finally gets a look at the dysfunctional group before him. It would seem that the shortest, a new yordle if he had to guess, is trying to sleep in her own shadowy bubble while a tomboy is fighting another girl with wings. All the while a gyaru from space somehow already has a phone out and has an effeminate cat boy cowering behind her. The chaos only grows however when a lamb girl and girl with wild pig tails scare the frightened boy before a wolf familiar is sent chasing him in circles.

"What is my life? Of course this has to be after Ahri and the veterans left to make sure the Original Team is okay. At least Kai'sa willing to let us gather at her place for study sessions because this is going to be a lot of work. Hey! Hi, my name is Caleb. I'll be your instructor while here on Runeterra. Can you all introduce yourselves, maybe also your detectives so I know why you're here." The Galaxy Guardian introduces himself while approaching the rowdy group.

"Huh what? Oh hey you must be the guy First Star sent us to meet, you're kind of cute. Your skirt does a lot of favors for your { "Please focus on my leadership and not my assets." } oh sorry. So my name is Nidalee and I'm considered a bit unfocused or whatever. I've actually had my power for a few months at this point and I was here during that big fight. Some lizard girl met me in space and asked me to tag along." Nidalee explains to her superior while twirling her mint colored ponytail. Stretching a bit, the girl summons a spear of ivory and green ribbons to help her before it transforms into a familiar emerald armored pink kitten.

"Thank you for answering Nidalee, you can go up the hill and meet Lucian. You two stop fighting! You two, stop chasing the boy!" Caleb orders the chaotic beings around him loud enough to awaken the sleeping yordle.

"Ugh! Who's yelling this early in the morning, oh you're the guy in charge right? { "Yes, I am your sensei." } Ugh, you are way too bright. Why did he have to take away from the sweet quiet of the Great Darkness? { "Hey do you think I wanna mentor a bunch of crazies for some space dragon I don't care for." } Woah, I didn't realize you were cool like that. My name is Vex, have you got a bed or food or something?" The purple and golden Guardian asks before being pointed towards the tree like Nidalee was. Giving another exasperated sigh, the sleepy girl drags her reluctantly sparkly sleeves and matching living shadow along with her; Caleb could have actually also sworn the familiar was waving to him as it left.

"Huh you got her to actually do something, neat. Name's Riven Konte. I heard you and your familiar sent that Dark Star thing running right? Which means you've gotta be one tough cookie. { "What?" } Fight me Galaxy Guardian, show me what I've gotta strive for. { "Oh you're one of those fight addicts aren't you?" } It's not an addiction and why does everyone say that?" Riven asks while Caleb ponders how it started off so well with the yellow armored girl. Pinching his nose, the boy simply directs her to the hill which she eagerly charges towards with her wolf themed sword drawn.

"Hmph, that girl is nothing but trouble. I'm sorry sir that these delinquents were sent to a hero such as yourself. However I must note that your skirt is too short by several centimeters. It is allowing for too many borderline scandalous moments. Oh forgive me for not properly introducing myself. My name is Kayle of the Melira systems, unfortunately I am related to the Star Nemesis known as Morgana so if you desire retribution for her crimes { "I don't." } … please let me finish next time sir. I will now take my place by the waiting tree." The heavily armored but, in a clunky sense, informs her superior before marching towards her spot by the tree Riven is trying to get a duel going under. Looking back, the skirt wearing boy is able to catch a glimmer of an orange skirt under the strict, rule lawyering girl's attire.

"Lamb, I caught him!"

"That's good Wolf."

"Put him down now! Alright you two explain yourselves." Caleb orders the trouble making Lamb and her familiar; put his foot down literally as well to shake the ground and knock her down.

"We were simply playing Galaxy Guardian. { "Claudi makes the best prey to chase." } He is good at running, also Wolf is a canine. Canines enjoy chasing felines. { "Okay what's your guys deal?" } We were born of a binary star system after the main one split in two." Lamb elaborates while petting her familiar's wild red mane. She then does a small courtesy with her blue uniform before skipping away.

"Come on Claudi it was just a joke. Oh hey boss man, name's Zeri. I'd shake your hand but I might also zap you. Brr, you got EMP proof stuff on this planet cause I'm going to need a lot of it? { "We'll stop by a store and pick you up some aluminum foil." } Thanks." The somewhat jittery girl says before unzipping her long blue and green gradient coat, Shivering with stored up power from her feet to her violet hair once more, Zeri sneezes and discharges a lightning bolt into the ground.

Her accidental discharge of power further frightens her feline companion who pulls up his hood and tightens it. Seeing the scared boy and feeling sympathy for him, Caleb walks up to him and sits down.

"Hello there, my name is Caleb Fleetfoot. I wanted to get to know you all since I got asked to mentor your new team. Now do you wanna tell me about yourself? All of your new teammates told me about themselves and they're waiting on you so we can go hang out." Caleb tells the chartreux looking boy before helping to open up his hood. Unexpectedly the cat boy then throws himself onto Caleb and starts crying.

"M-M-My name is Claudi. It's a pleasure to you even if you're already regretting teaching us. I'm sorry I'm defective so First Star had to dump me onto you and that I'm a coward. B-But I promise to try and I'm ready to be a Star Guardian just like my dad sir!" The crying boy confesses between sobs before covering his mouth. Returning the very expressive boy's hug, Caleb comes to a bit of a realization. Sprouting his wings, the twin slowly starts to lift himself off the ground but before Claudi can let him go he takes his hand to bring him along.

"You're right about me not wanting to mentor you folks. But I suppose if you're willing to try and be brave then I can try to lead. Then we can both be heroes, right?" Caleb asks the newest Star Guardian as they ascend with a gentle smile. Wiping his tears away, Claudi nods in agreement and the two fly to be with the rest of their team.

Landing amidst his new proteges, the Galaxy Guardian wonders what they should do first. Transforming into his street clothes, he quickly realizes that they probably could use alternatives to their uniforms. Declaring they're going to be stopping by Taliyah's place, Caleb starts herding the equivalent of magic girl cats while wondering how he's going to make it through the next year. Feeling Belle nuzzling his cheek, he sighs and tosses her into the air to catch her. Approaching the first crossing walk, Caleb has to stop Kindred from walking into the street and comes to terms that this next year will at least be something else.

STAR

(January 16th, Deep Space)

"This isn't the end you know."

"There will be remnants and I don't doubt at least some Star Nemeses out there."

"Then you know some of those threats are gestating right now as we speak. They were among the first to fall to it's power. They're not Star Guardians or even Nemeses I'd wager. Just Dark Kin that are now each their own God Shattering Stars."

"We can deal with these new weapons when they arise, until then, how would Caleb feel about a teaching role?"

XxxX