Runeterra: Alexander The Eternal

I adjust the black sword in the sheath, tying to my waist, its chaotic energy thrumming faintly beneath my fingertips.

'Slimecite is a fine weapon but, useless in Janna's illusion.'

My coat shifted as I moved, concealing the golden plating of my armor beneath.

'I have time before meeting the girl. Might as well check on what I've been postponing.'

. . .

The cave where Singed spent years chasing salvation for his daughter loomed before me—gray and weathered, carved by time and obsession. Light fell gently, revealing curved walls riddled with countless holes, illuminated by the eerie glow of purple, luminescent plants. The air smelled faintly of salt and decay.

I passed through a narrow arch near a still, dark lake, the air heavy with silence.

Inside, Singed's research awaited.

Scattered notes littered a makeshift table, pages yellowed by time. My gaze shifted to something grotesque—his pet, restrained and writhing.

What should have been a pale pink lizard was now a grotesque, writhing mass of corrupted flesh, purple lights coursing through tubes embedded in its trembling body.

'A giant gecko.'

It hadn't noticed me yet.

'Would Singed—Corin Reveck—expect visitors?'

I stepped closer, retrieving a vial containing the shimmering liquid, holding it up to the dim light.

"An early version."

From my pocket, I drew a hex crystal—the unstable variant, raw and dangerous. Its surface pulsed faintly, drawing in ambient energy from the air around us.

I studied the magical signals resonating between the crystal and the violet liquid. One was a patient, steady pull of energy, constant and unyielding. The shimmer, however, was a expanding volatile swirl, layered with chaotic traces of nature's defiance.

"While the blue crystal passively stores energy," I mused, "the green liquid—extracted from the violet plants in this cave—is mixed with additional chemical components."

I returned the hex crystal to my cloak and turned toward the suffering creature. Its body convulsed subtly, breaths uneven.

'The creature suffers.'

"The mixture within is different, it carries another signature," I said softly. "Something… another being forced into coexistence—incompatible."

I scanned the chamber, piecing together the remnants of Singed's madness.

'I understand now. Shimmer is a serum that allows genetic fusion through simultaneous cellular regeneration.'

My thoughts drifted toward darker truths, parallels drawn from forbidden knowledge.

"In a way, it's similar to the ancient rituals for absorbing death mana, his chemistry is a mere façade—a tool to extract the magical essence of nature."

The creature hissed, finally aware of my presence. Its movements became frantic, the tubes rattling against the stone floor.

I stared it, lips moving in command, "Silence." layered words reverberating through the cavern.

The lizard stilled, subdued by the weight of my will.

I regarded it dispassionately.

"Shimmer's effect is replicable," I said, more to myself than to the beast. "But merging my body with another being? A ridiculous notion. Once was enough."

My voice grew colder.

"Also being limited to compatibility is disappointing—there is no other like Alexander."

"This trait could be useful elsewhere."

I observed him, the pet.

. . .

Benzo's Shop

Powder fiddled with one of her contraptions on a workbench, her blue hair messy and uneven. Sparks danced from the device in her hands—a twisted amalgamation of gears and explosive intent.

I stood nearby, leaning casually against the edge of the counter.

'As the years pass, she'll lose everyone. Simply being someone she trusts will be enough to exploit her fragile state.' I studied her closely. Such genius, shaped by a chaotic, unforgiving world. 'Easier than I expected. What a problematic environment to grow up in.'

Her small hands moved deftly, completely focused.

A sudden smile from her caught me off guard, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she proudly showed off the completed device.

I gave a slight nod, offering silent approval. She beamed at the recognition.

The connection between us has grow stronger.

Vi had just returned from training, leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed, her expression sharp and openly judgmental.

"You've been hanging around her a lot lately," Vi said, her tone sharp and accusing. "Anyone with half a brain would figure you're after something."

I met her gaze calmly. 'Surely. I'm not enjoying this either.'

"I like her," I said simply, my hands moving as if to shape the words. "Powder has talent… and perhaps, in her, I see an echo of my younger self." I paused, letting the silence linger. "Helping her feels like a chance to face the shadows of my past—to repair what I once shattered."

The lie was seamless, delivered with perfect sincerity.

Vi's eyes widened, her body tensing—a mix of surprise and reluctant empathy flickering across her face.

Powder, oblivious to the weight of my words, frowned and spoke up.

"Geez, Vi. What's your problem?" she muttered, glaring at her sister. "Why do you always have to act like that?"

Vi's expression faltered, guilt creeping into her features.

I observed Powder's face carefully, thoughtful.

'Violet... Being a fighter alone won't serve me.' My gaze lingered on Powder, wondering about future events. 'Perhaps, your purpose was never meant to be me.'

"Hey," I gestured toward Vi, my tone light but challenging. "I hear you know how to throw a punch."

. . .

Vi stood before me, fists raised, feet shifting as she found her stance.

Her muscles coiled like a spring, lunging a fierce right hook at my jaw.

I moved with precision, a step to the side, fluid and effortless. Her fist cut through empty space, finding nothing but air.

Every strike was met with graceful evasion, almost playful. My feet carried me exactly where I needed to be.

Frustration flickered across her face as her blows grew more aggressive, each motion sharper, more reckless.

When her balance faltered, I flicked her forehead with a finger snap.

Ouch!

Her eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and indignation.

"You little—!" she snarled, redoubling her efforts.

Her punches grew wild, less coordinated, driven by sheer stubborn will.

Good. That's what I needed.

.

Eventually, exhaustion won out.

Vi stood panting, hands braced on her knees, sweat glistening on her brow. "You…" she gasped between breaths, collapsing onto her back with a heavy thud. "You're tough, huh?"

'As expected. She has the heart of a fighter, but unfortunately, also the mind of one.'

"You're… okay," I said evenly. "A few habits to fix, but keep practicing. Who knows?"

Her brows shot up. "Okay?" she scoffed, propping herself up on an elbow. "What do you mean okay?"

I didn't answer right away. Instead, I drew in a breath, letting the weight of the moment settle around us.

Sigh

"It's time for me to leave."

Vi stiffened, her voice sharp. "You what?"

Nearby, Powder, who had been happily at the side, was clearly unhappy.

"You're leaving?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But it's not even that late."

Vi's gaze darkened as she straightened, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "You're… leaving for good?"

"Not for good," I assured them, though my words held a finality I couldn't soften. "But yes, I'm leaving."

'Something bothers at me.'

'Since facing Janna, this world truth feels like a mocking whisper. I can't grasp it—but if answers exist, they await in Ionia.'

Powder's smile faltered, the realization sinking in.

"Y-you'll be back soon, right?" she whispered, her voice wavering like a fragile thread.

I shook my head gently, the truth resting heavy between us.

Vi clenched her jaw, masking unease behind a defiant scowl.

I stepped forward, extending a hand to Powder.

"Before I go," I said softly, "I have something special for you."

. . .

I walked ahead, holding Powder's small hand as I guided the sisters to a secluded spot away from the shop. The open sky bathed the path in a magical, serene blue. Silence hung between us, broken only by the sound of our steps and the weight of their thoughtful expressions.

Whistle

Upon arrival, I let out a sharp whistle. For a moment, nothing stirred—then the air trembled with the powerful beat of wings. The majestic Silverwing descended from the sky, its shimmering feathers glowing under the moonlight.

Powder's eyes sparkled with wonder, her expression pure and awestruck. Vi, ever composed, tried to maintain her guarded facade but couldn't fully mask her fascination.

The Silverwing performed elegant gestures—a rehearsed display, fitting for the moment. The sisters were clearly impressed. Powder's grip on my hand tightened, her mouth slightly agape, eyes gleaming with delight.

"Do any of you like flying?"

Their stunned silence kept them from speaking.

I guided the sisters onto the Silverwing, steadying them as they settled into place. Powder's eyes gleamed with wonder, and though Vi maintained a composed front, her fascination betrayed her. She wasn't as guarded as she liked to believe.

I mounted the creature last, ensuring they were secure before giving the command.

Flap

The Silverwing took off with a powerful sweep of its wings, lifting us into the star-strewn sky.

The flight was magical.

Powder, initially brimming with excitement, pointed at every shimmering river and moonlit field below. Her voice, filled with awe, carried through the night air. But as time passed, her energy faded.

Eventually, she curled into my lap, her head resting softly against my chest. Her breathing slowed, steady and peaceful, until she drifted into sleep.

I glanced down at her, feeling a strange, unexpected weight in my chest.

For a moment, the world faded.

Memories from a life long gone surfaced—two young sisters, victims of war. They had clung to me, needing protection, needing strength I hadn't always been able to provide.

The weight of that familiar responsibility pressed into me now, stirring something I hadn't felt in an eternity: Compassion.

It lingered, raw and unsettling, but undeniable.

My fingers brushed gently through her tangled blue hair, the strands catching the faint light.

Vi, seated beside me, was watching. Her gaze was steady, thoughtful, cutting through my silence.

"You're not as bad as you seem, Achilles." She spoke softly, as if to herself.

I said nothing, letting the words hang in the air.

The Silverwing glided smoothly across the sky, carrying us through that fragile, fleeting moment.

When it was time, I guided the creature down to a gentle landing. Powder remained fast asleep, her small form undisturbed by the descent. Vi, without hesitation, knelt to lift her onto her back, cradling her with surprising care.

Before they could leave, I flipped a golden coin, etched with the symbol of Demacia.

"Keep this," I said quietly. "A reminder."

Vi took it without a word, her expression unreadable, but her eyes held a newfound respect.

With a final nod, I took off.

The night sky opened before me, vast and endless.

As the Silverwing ascended, I cast one last glance back at them—Vi standing strong, Powder resting peacefully against her.

'To never be powerless.'