Arcane: Red Sands

------the past, 8 years ago-----

The plains stretched endlessly before them, golden and dry under the merciless sun. The Third Company of Noxus moved as one, a black-and-red tide cutting across the landscape. Their footsteps left scars in the earth, as relentless as their mission.

At the head of the company, Captain Rictus rode in silence, his massive frame armored in black steel that bore the dents and scratches of countless battles. He spoke little, but when he did, his words carried the weight of iron. The soldiers under his command knew better than to seek his approval—it was earned, not given.

In the middle ranks, Sergeant Su'Rhaal walked with steady purpose, his scarlet eyes scanning the horizon. At sixteen, he was the youngest in the unit to hold such a rank, but his victories in prior skirmishes had silenced any doubts about his capabilities.

Beside him was Zanaiya, now a Corporal, leading a small squad under Su's command. Though older and more experienced, she deferred to his rank without question, her loyalty forged through years of battle.

Behind them marched Titus, another Corporal, his broad shoulders and booming voice making him a natural leader among the troops. Despite his occasional grumbles about Su's youth, he respected the sergeant's judgment in the field.

The Third Company was part of General Ambessa Medarda's eastern campaign, tasked with securing the plains so that General Darius, now Hand of Noxus could turn his attention to the northeast and the icy wastes of the Freljord. For weeks, they had marched from village to village, crushing resistance and pacifying the region.

By dusk, the company had made camp atop a gentle rise, its fires casting long shadows over the dry grass. Soldiers moved with precision, setting up tents, sharpening weapons, and fortifying their position.

Su stood near the center of the camp, his arms crossed as he watched the activity. Despite his youth, the soldiers under his command followed his orders without hesitation. His scarlet eyes seemed to see through excuses, and his measured tone left no room for doubt.

"You're settling into the role," Zanaiya said as she approached, her spear resting on her shoulder.

"It's not about settling," Su replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's about making sure we're ready for whatever comes next."

Zanaiya smirked faintly. "You've learned how to sound like a captain."

Su glanced at her, his expression softening. "Maybe because I had a good teacher."

Before Zanaiya could reply, Captain Rictus approached, his heavy boots crunching against the dry grass. His presence immediately silenced the soldiers nearby, their postures straightening instinctively.

"Sergeant," Rictus said, his voice low and gravelly. "Report."

"We've fortified the camp, sir," Su replied. "Scouts report a village to the northeast. It appears abandoned, but there are signs of recent activity."

Rictus grunted. "Send a squad to investigate. I want answers by sunrise."

"Yes, sir."

Without another word, Rictus turned and walked away, his massive frame disappearing into the shadows.

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Later that night, Su gathered his squad around the fire—a mix of hardened veterans and younger recruits. Among them were Zanaiya and Titus, their expressions calm but focused.

"The captain wants the village scouted by morning," Su said, his tone measured. "We'll move under cover of darkness and return before first light."

"What are we looking for?" Titus asked, his tone blunt.

"Signs of activity," Su replied. "Supplies, tracks, anything out of place."

"And the people?" one of the recruits asked hesitantly.

Su's gaze sharpened. "If they attack, we defend ourselves. But we're not here to butcher villagers. Keep your weapons ready, but don't strike first."

Zanaiya gave a slight nod of approval, while Titus muttered something under his breath about "soft orders."

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The village was shrouded in silence, its crumbling walls and darkened windows giving it an eerie, abandoned feel. The squad moved through the narrow streets with practiced caution, their weapons drawn and their eyes scanning every shadow.

Inside one of the houses, Su found remnants of a hurried departure—half-eaten bread, spilled water, and a child's toy left on the floor. His jaw tightened as he scanned the scene, imagining the fear that had driven the family to flee.

In another house, Zanaiya discovered a makeshift barricade near the door. "They were defending this place," she murmured. "But against what?"

Titus, standing near a broken cart in the street, grunted. "Us."

The words hung heavy in the air, the unspoken truth settling over the squad. These weren't rebels or soldiers—they were farmers and laborers, people trying to defend their homes against an unstoppable force.

In the village square, the squad found a small shrine dedicated to a local deity, its offerings scattered and broken. The sight stirred something in Su—a faint memory of his tribe's sacred grounds and the duty they had left behind.

"They knew we were coming," Zanaiya said, her voice low.

"Maybe," Su replied. "Or maybe they're just afraid of what happens when Noxus comes knocking."

Before Zanaiya could respond, one of the younger soldiers called out from a nearby barn. "Sergeant! Over here!"

Inside the barn, they found a cache of weapons—crude spears, axes, and bows. It wasn't much, but it was enough to confirm the villagers had been preparing for a fight.

"This isn't a rebellion," Titus said, his tone grim. "It's survival."

The squad returned to the camp at dawn, their expressions weary but determined. Captain Rictus awaited them, his cold gaze scanning the group as they approached.

"Report," he said.

Su stepped forward. "The village was abandoned, but there are signs of recent activity. We found a cache of weapons—makeshift militia equipment. They were preparing to defend themselves."

Rictus nodded once. "Any resistance?"

"No, sir," Su replied. "The area is secure."

"Good," Rictus said. "Prepare your report for General Medarda. She'll want the details."

"Yes, sir."

As Rictus turned to leave, he paused briefly. "You did well, Sergeant."

The words were brief, but coming from Rictus, they carried the weight of a thousand speeches.

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As the fires of the camp flickered in the cool night air, Su stood alone at the edge of the hill. Below him stretched the plains, dotted with the faint outlines of villages—silent, empty, and fearful. The weight of the past day hung heavy on his shoulders.

He barely heard the soft footsteps approaching behind him, but he knew who it was before she spoke.

"You're restless," Zanaiya said, her voice steady.

Su turned slightly, his scarlet eyes meeting hers. "Zanaiya, I have need of your counsel."

Zanaiya stepped up beside him, her spear resting against the ground as she leaned on it lightly. " What's on your mind?"

Su hesitated, his gaze returning to the horizon. "These people… they're not soldiers. They're just trying to survive. And yet, here we are—tearing their homes apart, scattering their families."

"You're questioning the mission," Zanaiya observed, her tone neutral.

"I'm questioning myself," Su admitted. "I know what we're doing is wrong. But I also know that I can't stop. I can't afford to stop."

Zanaiya studied him for a moment before speaking. "What do you want my lord? Not just from this mission—from all of this. From Noxus."

Su clenched his fists at his sides. "I want to go back to the tribe. I want to show them that I'm not a disappointment. That I'm stronger now. Better. That I'm worthy of leading them."

Zanaiya nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "And you think this is the way to do that?"

"I don't have a choice," Su said, his voice firm. "Noxus is strength. If I can prove myself here, if I can build a name that echoes across the empire, they'll have no choice but to accept me."

Zanaiya's gaze softened, but her tone remained sharp. "You're not wrong, Su. The tribe respects strength above all else. But strength is more than just power. It's knowing when to endure, when to stand firm, and when to adapt."

Su's jaw tightened. "I can't waver. Not now. If I let myself feel sympathy for these people—if I start hesitating—I'll never be strong enough."

"That's what you think?" Zanaiya asked.

Su turned to her fully, his eyes burning. "I know it. The elders sent me here because they didn't believe I was ready. I have to prove them wrong."

Zanaiya tilted her head, studying him. "Then do it. Become stronger. But don't lose yourself in the process, Su. Strength without purpose is just destruction."

Her words lingered in the air, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke.

The wind picked up, carrying the faint smell of smoke from the campfires below. Su exhaled slowly, his hands relaxing at his sides.

"I will become stronger," he said quietly, more to himself than to Zanaiya. "Stronger than anyone in the tribe. Strong enough that they'll have no choice but to see me for what I am."

Zanaiya nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Then keep moving forward. But remember—your strength isn't just for you. It's for the tribe. For our duty."

Su glanced at her, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. "Thank you, Zanaiya."

She smirked, stepping away and hefting her trident onto her shoulder. "Don't thank me yet. You've got a long way to go, my Lord."

Su watched her walk back toward the camp, her silhouette fading into the firelight. Alone again, he turned his gaze to the distant horizon, where the faint outlines of villages dotted the plains.

He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "I'll become the weapon they need me to be. No matter the cost."