Riven pov's on
I walked the big, busy streets of Piltover, looking at the tall buildings and all the other big structures around me. It might have been six months since we'd fled Ionia, but even after all this time, I still wasn't used to all of its grandeur and increasing technological advancement.
About five months ago I started working in a coffee shop on the outskirts of the city, it was a quiet place and had a good clientele. Yasuo had also got a job, today he had completed three months of service at a small bookstore a few blocks from our house.
Well, the house wasn't ours, it was borrowed so to speak. We lived with Caitlyn, Vi, and Jinx in the sheriff's spacious apartment downtown. Yasuo and I tried our best to be as discreet as possible, so as not to attract unwanted attention, and thus avoid problems for them.
I entered a small cafeteria that was in the neighborhood where we lived; I was waiting for my "husband" for our 4 pm coffee, a habit that had been present in our Saturday routine. This was probably one of the nicest places in town. I sat at the window near the end of the establishment and observed the yellow paintwork of the place, the well placed details, the old paintings and the rustic decoration were what most beautified the environment, thus making it welcoming.
-Will you wait for him? - The waitress Zaunita asked while collecting some dishes from nearby tables.
I chuckled and replied as I rested my chin in my hands.
- He should be coming soon, Janna. Go preparing the usual for us.
She chuckled and said as she walked towards the kitchen.
-I should have waited for this answer, you always say that! -And the sound of a door slamming was heard.
I laid my arms on the table and watched the movement through the large glass windows beside me. While we're coming to celebrate Yasuo's three months of work, we're also coming to celebrate the end of it all.
Six months ago, on this day, Yasuo and I hit it off.
You know, discovering someone's past had never been as painful as it was that day, but at the same time, it had never felt so good to know that. We trusted each other to the point where we told the terrible truth we held within ourselves.
I had assumed who I was, assumed what I did wrong and what hurt my heart the most.
I found someone to share my dreams and desires, someone who would carry with me the mistakes I had made; someone who accepted me even knowing what I did.
He had forgiven me and I had forgiven him. It was as if the storm that fell that day had taken away the hurts and resentments that inhabited our souls, not only in mine and Yasuo's, but in the souls of many people who witnessed that terrible occurrence.
About two months after the event, Syndra and Zed were married and had a beautiful union ceremony. The party had been held in the Dark Sovereign's garden, Zed's own idea to cheer his wife up. Both me and Yasuo and Akali and Shen were the godparents, and we gladly accepted the invitation as did the other couple. And well, even the shadowmaster's subordinates were present at the ceremony, along with Kennen, Ahri and Wukong.
After Zed and Shen met at the healing center, they saw how much they missed each other. Shen had a special love and affection for Zed, a feeling that came from two brothers of different parents. Despite Zed's mistakes, Shen was able to forgive him, he had already lost his parents, his son and a very dear friend, he didn't want to lose someone else special.
With the approach of the two older ninjas, Syndra had started taking care of Akali in the meantime, since as their husbands got back together, they ended up getting too close to each other. The boys were building a relationship based on trust and partnership, something lasting that can overcome the pain and loss of the past, something that has been lacking in their lives for a long time.
The Ionian ninja couple faced hard times after the loss of their long-awaited son, but thanks to Syndra, those times were turning out to be a good thing, a great learning experience. Akali and Syndra had bonded over their husbands' reconciliation, an event that had had a considerable impact on Akali's recovery process. Syndra's kind and impeccably calm aura helped the younger ninja not to have bouts of grief over the loss, the younger one was taking heavy medication while being accompanied weekly by Kennen in her office, little Yordle had made a point of treating personally from the case of the ninjas.
And Zed was increasingly satisfied and happy with his wife, she was improving her relationship with new and different people every day, the great and feared Dark Sovereign was helping the wounded and sick with a smile on her face that inspired and soothed her. all around you. And of course, helping him and Shen with their work.
Because of the whole set of events, Syndra had the idea of studying in her old books so that she could work as an assistant at the healing center in the Capital. It was a risky thing because she was who she was, but Kennen and Lulu were covering for her on the days she was working on some odd jobs at the site, the enclosure helped her to gather great information on how the city was working, and according to the status of patients , Syndra could find out what was going on in certain complicated locations across the country, even find out if the underworld was at work and bringing new problems to the Capital.
Zed and Shen have formed a partnership because of their work. Due to the upheaval in his life, Zed decided to revolutionize his ideals as there were now greater reasons for doing so. Shen had taken over as commander of the Ionian army because of his discipline and rigor towards himself and everyone around him, and with that, the ninja would have access to all kinds of files and missions to be accomplished. Because of this large network of information, Zed and Shen would work to regulate the life of the Ionian underworld, thus maintaining order within the country of Harmony. Zed would then be responsible for the "dirty" work under the hood of the council, solving issues and problems that could not be made public, so Zed and his group would not come out of the shadows, they would just change their focus. An idea that was accepted by the majority of his "compatriots", and those who denied such a proposal received a sentence so that no information could be leaked. And well, Syndra had also earned her title in this medium, being known now as "Lady of Shadows". She was as or more feared than Zed himself, and it was even funny that Zed's "boys" obeyed her more than Zed, something that made the ninja a little jealous for having lost his post, but he was happy to know that no one would contest his wife's orders, for they respected her more than anything.
This work was also only possible after studying and gathering information to present to the great Elder Kemha the advantages of such a partnership. The Elder was an old acquaintance of the boys on that street and had immense affection for everyone, but due to the change of monks and elders in the council, he had to remain silent and be impartial about all decisions involving them, attitudes that cut him off the heart, but they were necessary. But after the conflict in the capital and the revolution from the inside out that Zed and Shen were proposing, many of the monks and influential people who existed in the council were imprisoned for involvement with the underworld among other problems discovered after extensive investigations. The case of Zed and Yasuo was brought to the table again, cases that were studied in depth by Kemha, who found both were guilty, but understood their reasons, because despite everything, there were deaths on their part, something that could not be left out. Because of this, the great Elder preferred to keep such information confidential for safety, and also decided to partner with the ninjas behind the scenes to prevent civilians from creating turmoil because of this decision.
Yasuo would know that he must pay for his crime when he returned to Ionia, for he wanted to return to his homeland, and he was aware that we would be away for a while if necessary. But if that was his will, I wouldn't think twice about supporting him, as I know it would help him to overcome everything and move him forward, so that we could finally get to build what we wanted. I wish I could follow their attitude, but my home nation was extremist and they would kill me for deserting and running away in battle, not to mention that other nations would find me guilty of all the deaths I served or the deaths that the platoon on my responsibility performed.
The noise of the saucer being placed on the table was enough to make me blink and bring me back to real life.
- Here's your coffee. -Janna said while smiling. -He is taking longer than usual, so I decided to bring him a coffee to help pass the time.
-Thank you Janna. -I smiled while holding the cup that gave off the pleasant fragrance of coffee. -How much is this? -I spoke while admiring the beautiful blue eyes of the girl.
-This one is on the house. You are already loyal customers here, the owner likes to please your favorite customers. -She said while winking at me and indicating the place where I should look.
The girl with big blue hair looked at me and smiled. His own expression said, "Good profit with the pleasure."
The owner of the establishment was called Leona, she was usually quiet, but she was a lovely and dear woman. Her smile was as bright as the sun, when I heard her laugh for the first time, I had the feeling that everything around us had taken on a warm, cozy warmth.
The door bell made a slight noise when the door was opened, which made us all look at the door hoping it was him. As I closed the door behind him, I could watch Yasuo in her work dress while holding a bunch of daisy flowers.
It had been impossible for me to hold my laughter from there.
-How's my beautiful madam doing? -She said while laughing while saying my nickname.
-Your madam is doing very well, thank you. Fool. -I spoke while dropping the coffee cup.
-Sorry I'm late, the flower shop was a little further away than I remembered. -He laughed without grace. – I brought the flowers to make something beautiful this day. -He said awkwardly as he handed them to me and log turned to sit in his place.
-You don't need anything, you know. -Laughs. -Thank you anyway, they are beautiful. - I brought my face closer to them and breathed in their perfume.
-I still have the need to give my madam a treat from time to time. – He said while resting his face in his hands. – Six months then. -He sighed. "It seems like a lot more time has passed than that, even though those six months have taken a long time to pass.
-Really, I'm still not completely used to Piltover. But tell me, how was work today? Are studies in the middle of office hours flowing? -Laughs.
He chuckled along with me and said as he rummaged through his bag.
-They are flowing more than I expected, the bookstore is with little movement and service lately, so I have had time to study more. Well, I brought one more book to read at home, not for studies this time. -He showed the big book with a worn green cover.
-You must be careful, it's already starting to turn into a moth like that old man. -I spoke while taking a sip of my coffee.
-Don't say that Riven! -He laughed. – Old Zilean is not that old.
-Yasuo, he must be at least five hundred years old, not to mention how old that bookstore is. Putting the two together is about fifteen hundred years. -I said mockingly.
-You never change. -He said smiling. -I hope it continues like this, I will miss it if it changes. But you know, I still think you like that old man a lot.
-For the love of the Yasuo Gods. That guy sees me at least three times a week and still keeps calling me "River." In addition to falling apart it is also expired. -I spoke while staring at my coffee.
I just heard his good laugh.
-Finally arrived princess. -Janna said as she dropped her coffee and Yasuo's favorite pie. -I thought I wasn't coming today. -She completed while dropping my cake and another cup of coffee.
I hadn't even seen her leave here.
-I was late to bring her a treat. But she didn't care. -He made a sad face.
-Poor child, Riven. You should value the treats he gives you. -Janna said with a false voice of reprimand.
-Marry her then the fuck. -I spoke as I took the bouquet and threw it in his lap. -Abused.
He and Janna laughed at my reaction.
After this episode, we ate our snacks and talked a little about the banal things about our jobs.
We finished our meal and went to the cashier to pay the bill and then went back to the apartment.
We talked a little with Leona and then said goodbye to the girls so that we could leave for home.
The street was busy because it was peak hours throughout the city, the city lights would take a little longer to turn on, as it was close to summer, where the days are longer and the heat is infernal. The winter in Piltover was quite harsh, but luckily the girls had a large fireplace in the apartment, as it was on the top floor, this had been possible.
-How about we walk a little? -Yasuo suggested as we stopped on the sidewalk waiting for the traffic to stop.
-It's a good one, it'll make us wind up. -I spoke while admiring him. Each time he became more beautiful to my eyes.
We walked through the busy streets as we watched the movement. Piltover was inexplicable.
-Have you had more news from Ezreal? -Yasuo asked.
-Well just the ones from before, but from what Vi said a few days ago, he was coming back from Demacia today, with more information about Irelia's condition. -I spoke while holding tightly the bouquet of flowers. – I still feel angry at her, you know, a lot by the way. But at the same time I try to put myself in her shoes to try to understand what was going on in her head. A mentally healthy person wouldn't do all that, and well, she was visibly upset when she got to Demacia. As far as I was told, she had to be tied up in a straitjacket while screaming disconnected words during her rage. Apparently she needed to stay a few days on tranquilizers and strong drugs to sleep, but only after a long time she was able to sleep and eat like a normal person. So from there the training began. -I spoke as we walked. – Vi and Ezreal had told me after they returned from Demacia.
- And I saw how the good angel he is, he went to Demacia just to face Irelia, I assure you. - Yasuo gave a nasal laugh. – That Zaunita is a great affront to anything.
-I have no doubt that she wore a top in the winter just to show the scar on her stomach. -Laughs without humor. - Vi sometimes does not have an ounce of common sense, but I admit that I would do the same in this situation. -I spoke while giving a corner smile and stared at him. "Irelia must have had an epileptic fit when she saw Vi with that mocking face.
-I admire her self-control in situations like this, I would definitely go after her. -Yasuo scratched the back of his head. -You know, I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive Irelia, even if she comes to ask for forgiveness on her knees. She killed Akali's son, took my brother away from me at the time they got married, chased us like animals, and nearly killed Vi. I can't feel sorry for someone sick like her. Her situation was something that should have been dealt with a long time ago, since when she first freaked out from jealousy of Yone, the council should have intercepted her since that situation.
Yasuo was looking at me bitterly, his face drawn in disgust.
-I think you're right. I wonder what Zelos must be thinking when dealing with a situation as problematic as this one.
-I would be ashamed to have that woman as a sister. -Yasuo said with a bitter voice.
-I hope the Demacian army can fix it somehow. From what Ezreal said, she was being coached by Fiora and being looked after by Lux. His girlfriend always says how things are there because of that. Looks like she's undergoing psychological treatment along with heavy training. -I spoke while looking at a Zeppelin passing in the sky at this exact moment. - I hope this can have some positive effect, or she will have to be locked in a cage like the bitch she is.
Yasuo gave an embarrassed laugh and said.
-I hope the same. Zelos doesn't deserve to have to take care of an ungrateful person like Irelia. – Yasuo looked at the sky.
We waited for air mobile to fly over the city and then I looked at the big clock in the city center. He was already marking seven hours on his big golden hands. The central clock was a famous tourist and meeting place in the Capital of Technology. The clock was huge in height, but its difference was the glass front wall that showed all the gears and metal structures that were inside the machine.
-It's late, let's go back soon before Jinx gets worried. - I said smiling as I clasped my hand in
-You're right, soon it's time for her medications. -Yasuo said how much he held my hand.
We walked in silence for most of the way to the residence. The movement was progressively diminishing as the minutes passed and night began to settle in the skies.
A light refreshing breeze ruffled our hair as we approached the house, from the top floor of the building we could see Jinx hanging from a window waving at us.
-What would be the probability of her throwing herself from above? -I asked while squinting my eyes.
-High. -Yasuo said while doing the same.
We quickened our pace and entered the building with some prey, headed for the stairs and climbed awkwardly as we pushed and raced on certain flights.
When we went to open the door, it had been opened by the agitated girl with blue hair again.
-I retouched my hair today. -She said smiling as she shook the long and loose wood of her braids.
-That shade of blue is beautiful, it suits you. -Spoken Yasuo who entered the room while hanging his bag and keys on the mobile hanger next to the door.
-Your hair is very long, soon it will drag on the floor. -I spoke while playing the same.
-I know. But I'm sorry to cut him. - She said while pouting.
-Then let me cut it when I need it. -I spoke while patting his head. -How was your day?
Jinx had run to the couch while Yasuo locked the door.
-I painted and drew a lot today. I didn't have to go to the doctor and I took all the medications at the right times.
-Well, congratulations. - Yasuo spoke while sitting beside him and rubbing his fist on his head. The little one complained and moved frantically as she laughed.
-Vi told her that she and Caitlyn are going to be late and that she doesn't need to wait for them up. Looks like that blondie brought important information from the exploration.
The agitated girl got up from the sofa while she was still finishing her sentence and went to the kitchen. The tinkling of glasses denounced that the girl was going to take her medicine. The slamming of the glass and a disgusted grunt proved the suspicion.
She had come in sulking as she wiped her tongue on the glue on the shirt she wore.
-They could at least put a better taste in these things. -She complained as she went back to the messy room.
The slamming of the door told her that she had gone back to her drawings and paintings.
-She's doing so well. It doesn't even seem like she had that crisis a little while ago. -Yasuo said while settling on the couch.
-So it is. But at least now he's taking his meds at the right times and not complaining so much. - I said as I went towards the kitchen to put a kettle of water to heat.
I stopped in front of the room's glass window and watched the streets below us, at this time the city's avenues begin to take on yellowish tones due to the artificial lighting provided by Hextech technology. I leaned against the rustic wooden bench as I waited for Heimerdinger's newest invention to heat the water while I watched the first stars begin to appear in the black immensity.
I pushed myself away from the counter and set out some homemade cookies for us to enjoy while we drank our tea. I took the small glass pot to the table near the fireplace Yasuo was preparing to light. It might be late spring, but there were still nights that were a little chilly, and for our comfort, we read our books with cups of tea around the small fireplace in the house.
The sizzle of water prompted me to head back to the kitchen and prepare our drinks. I picked up the warm ceramic pieces that gave off the pleasant smell of chamomile and headed towards our resting "nest".
I sat down on the rug and handed Yasuo his cup of teddy bears.
-Wouldn't she want it too? -Yasuo asked as he indicated Jinx's room.
-I think not. Then I prepare something for her. -I spoke while I felt the aroma of my drink.
-It's nice to see how you treat her. Looks like you're Jinx's sister and not Vi. -He said while smiling.
-Vi doesn't know how to handle situations like hers very well. The big hand thought that much of it was childish of it, but the point is that the hole was lower, and that took a long time to surface. She only realized she was in trouble when Jinx committed the attacks, and let's face it, it was a lucky break that they allowed her to continue to live here. And this was all thanks to the proof that she had serious psychological disorders and problems due to the use of drugs of dubious quality.
-I'm glad Caitlyn encouraged her to draw and spend her energy and creativity with the paintings. This was something that drastically improved the evolution of your frame. And at the clinic she is at, she has the support of that teacher. From what she told me last time, he was encouraging her work a lot, he said she was improving her trait a lot. -He said while eating a cookie.
-That Professor Jhin is as crazy as she is. -I laughed together9 him. -But I'm glad she's okay, she's a person I've developed a lot of affection and a sense of protection. And you know, I think what she also needed in addition to treatment was someone who would sit down with her and treat her as an equal and not a distraught person, because that just showed her how complicated she was to deal with. Everyone around her treated her with extreme caution, and man, the tram doesn't run like that. She needed someone to give her the attention and affection like a normal person, and at least that Vi is starting to do. -I sighed. -It's okay that she has her problems you know, but hey, she's so happy and so stable. She is every day seeking her independence at home. I have been so proud of it. -I spoke while supporting the cup of animals on the floor. -I just want people to start looking at her differently. Just like Syndra. -Smiles when I remember my beloved friend. – I miss those people, it's been a while since we were last there.
- In a way, I understand a little Vi's side in this situation, as I think I would have difficulty adapting to this situation at first, but well, luckily I do better than I expected in this situation. She is also attached to me, just as I am to her. -He smiled. Sometimes I think Yasuo was taking on the role of father that she's been missing so much. - It's been six months since everything, and I think that from today we can really move forward. Since in a way we are stable in all ways here on Piltover but one.
-One less? What would be the missing form? The square? -I spoke mockingly as I adjusted myself on the rug we were sitting on.
Yasuo chuckled as he dropped his cup on the rug.
-Well, we went through many situations since we met until we got here today. And this was something that was already decided between us, but there had been no requests from either side for this situation.
My heart had started beating fast, I had a feeling what I was going to talk about, I wanted this.
-I don't want to go overboard, I want to get straight to the point, because I think there are no longer any obstacles that could impede these plans. -He sighed and looked into my eyes. – I want to marry you, I want to have a family with you. I don't care if we're going to have future problems or difficulties. What matters is that I want you by my side to experience all the good and bad that we can enjoy on this journey. So, Riven. Are you willing to be my wife even if we can't perform ceremonies now? -He said with some nervousness in his voice.
-How could I deny such a request? - I spoke through the tears that ran down my face. -Of course I accept your idiot.
I threw myself into his arms, not caring whether or not I turned our food and drinks on Caitlyn's rug.
-I love you so much Yasuo. So much. -I spoke while whimpering in his neck.
-I love you more than anything, ma'am. -He smiled as he let discreet tears run down his face. - If you do not want to have children, we can adopt Jinx. -He laughed in the middle of the hug.
- It wouldn't be a bad idea. -Laughs back
We hold each other until the moment we hear a door open violently.
-Riven! I had forgotten. -She came running with an envelope in her hands. -A girl came here this morning and brought this for you. -She said excitedly. -I had left it together with my drawings, so I ended up forgetting. -She looked suspiciously at the scene. -What are they doing? -I asked while laying his face to the left side.
- I'm getting married Jinx! WE ARE GETTING MARRIED! – I said excitedly as I saw a huge smile appear on the little girl's lips.
-FINALLY! -She came running towards us and threw herself into our embrace. –Congratulations suckers. -She said with a mischievous smile. -I'll paint a very beautiful picture as a gift for you. -She laughed. -All the letter.
I eyed the envelope suspiciously and then glanced at Yasuo and Jinx.
-You didn't open it this time? – I looked at her with a proud smile on my face.
-No. This time I think it's something important that doesn't involve me, so I chose not to know. -She said while rolling on top of Yasuo, who was thrown on the ground.
-What was the girl who gave you the envelope like? -I asked as I started to tear the packaging.
-She was redheaded, had green eyes and had a scar over one eye, but I don't remember which one. She didn't say her name either, but asked us to take care of you. -She sat on the floor and looked at me sadly. -I was afraid to open and read something I didn't like. I don't want something bad to happen to you. -She said while making a sulky face and kicking her legs.
-You don't need to be this silly. I will protect her, don't worry. -Yasuo spoke while moving the loose hair of Jinx.
-Then I'll also protect her if I need to. I've already done it once and I can do it again. BOOM! -She simulated an explosion with her hands.
-But not too many strangers, okay? Caitlyn and Vi will be mad at us if we set too much on fire. -Yasuo spoke low in his ear, as if it were a secret.
-Uhum! -She nodded. – I'll start your painting! I got a lot of ideas in my head with this news. -She got up and ran and rubbing her long hair on the floor.
Soon the bang of the door slamming was heard again.
I looked down the hallway and took a deep breath, anxiety and nervousness taking over my body. From her description, it couldn't have been none other than Katarina, I longed for news of her and Talon, but I was never able to get in touch. The fact that they found out I'm alive and where I am could only mean trouble.
I picked up the delicately folded paper and found Miss Du Couteau's perfect handwriting.
"Hello Nanica, how have you been?
I know you're going to be upset, thinking we're mad you hid from us, but you know, we're Noxians too, we understand how the rules of this world work, we know why you hid. We were very happy when we saw you at the Ionia festival, but unfortunately we didn't have a chance to get close. Talon cried like a child when he learned that his older sister was alive.
Well, if you still remember what we are like, you must know that sending this letter cannot bring you good news.
The black rose has come back to life in the underworld of Noxus, it is being sponsored by big names and people of great influence, Swain himself is involved in this. And that's our big concern.
The walls have ears and the trees have become our enemies, our hands are tied along with the rest of the rebellion. We're trying our best to keep our disguises inside the army, so we're going to have to pretend a lot more from now on. The fact is, we won't be able to contact you from now on, you know what's going on, but maybe you can't help us. This is something that must be destroyed from the inside out.
Swain has decided to play his chess with the other nations, and I believe Zaun is playing for the black pieces as well.
There are rumors around the barracks, I believe he knows of his existence and that of his "companion". Riven, you can't be too careful from now on, take care as much as possible and keep your eyes open, if possible change your appearance so that you can remain as invisible as possible. If I get official news and it involves you, go back to Ionia, that's the only place you'll be truly safe.
I wish you all the best my friend, Talon and I love you very much. I hope I can find you soon, I want to know what you've been doing away from me, you dog.
KC"
A mixture of information and sensations flowed through my veins.
-Is everything okay Riven? -Yasuo asked as he approached me.
-Read. -I handed him the letter.
I wasn't afraid, was I anxious?
We have Ionia and Piltover on our side, why not help the rebellion destroy old Noxus from within?
-Riven... what does that mean? -Yasuo stared at me fearfully.
-That means trouble! -I said laughing. -Isn't that amazing? -I spoke excited.
-What is your problem? -Yasuo said laughing. -Can't you think about staying away from this kind of thing? -He still spoke in disbelief.
-Yasuo, this is the chance we have to destroy Swain's empire. We can search for information, we have Ionia and Piltover on our side! This can work.
-Do you trust this can work? – Yasuo asked seriously while holding my hands.
-Yea. I trust the potential of these people. -I spoke while showing the letter.
-Then I'll go all the way with you. -Yasuo joined my hands and kissed her. -We will defeat Swain and his empire.
That day was where everything had ended for the first time, but little did I know that this would also be the day that would indicate a new beginning, the day our first sun would set, thus giving way to the dawn of hope, the dawn of a new story.
A request, a letter and the end of our beginning, a set of things that only indicated the beginning of a new trajectory, a trajectory called "we", with new goals to be conquered and new adventures to explore.
I looked at Yasuo and admired the sea from his eyes, took a deep breath and screamed.
-HEY JINX! WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT PAINTING MY HAIR GREEN!?
Exile First Sun: End.