Runeterra Ch1-10

 RuneTerra

Ch 1: Lessons

Jasper Trask walked down the hallway of the academy. Jasper was slim and had curly strawberry blonde hair and gray eyes. At 15 Jasper was self conscious as he approached the coming of age trials. “Hey Jasper” a voice cried out and Jasper turned smiling as Vander approached Vander was leaner and more muscular than Jasper and his hair was golden blonde with deep sky blue eyes. Vander was also 15 but he was much more confident and laid back than Jasper. Jasper had known Vander his entire life with both having grown up on the same street. “Hey Vander” Jasper responded. Vander smiled as he caught up with Jasper “So are you ready for the trials tomorrow Jasper? What rune do you think you will get?”. 

Jasper let out a breath as he continued to walk towards the classroom “I don’t know which I will get Van. I just hope that it is a good one”. Jasper looked at Vander's smiling face “Which do you want?”. Vander’s smile widened “You know me. I want one of the thief runes”. Jasper smiled and nodded. Vander had always been a mischief maker and a thief rune would be perfect for Vander. Jasper and Vander arrived at the classroom and they entered Jasper saw their other friends sitting near the top of the tiered student desks. Jasper motioned to Vander as they walked towards the stairs leading up to the top tier. They heard snickering and Vander stopped as he looked at a muscular boy with brown hair and hazel eyes. The boys name was Colt and he was a high born noble and he looked down them. Vander looked at them “Something funny Colt?”. Colt smirked “Nothing that a lowborn peasant would understand”. Vander looked like he was planning something when Jasper grabbed his arm “Leave him Van”. Vander looked at Jasper and nodded. They continued up the stairs and Jasper felt Colts eyes on him. 

They got up to the top tier desk and met their friends. One was a large boy with black hair and amber eyes. He was strong and well muscled and his name was Rikon and the other was a thin girl with silver blonde hair and violet eyes. Her name was Rose. They looked at Vander and Jasper as they sat down. Rose leaned forward “You guys okay I saw you talking to Colt”. Vander smirked and Jasper said “We are okay, nothing we couldn’t handle”. Rose look like she wanted to say more when the teacher entered the room. She was a sever looking woman named Mistress Abbott “Settle down” She said as she approached her desk “It is time to start the lesson”. Jasper, Vander, Rose, and Rikon all settled in as they fell into the familiar patterns of the lesson. 

After the lesson ended the teacher called them to attention “Hold on everyone, tomorrow is the day of the rune trial. You all know what a honor and responsibility it is to participate in the ceremony. You will report here for the journey to the tower tomorrow morning. Saying that for those that receive runes do not be discouraged if it is not the rune you desired. Each rune has power and you will learn to utilize it. For those that do not receive a rune that is okay you will return here after the ceremony and we will discuss your future. I do not want the hear that anyone from this class caused problems at the ceremony. That means you Vander. So be warned, now Dismissed”

Ch 2: Connections

Vander snorted as they packed their bags and prepared to leave class “You would think that I just spend all my time causing trouble”. Rose looked at him with exasperated amusement “But that is exactly what you do Vander”. Jasper laughed and Vander smiled as they left the class room and moved down the halls of the academy and turned out into the square in front of the academy. There was a fountain nearby and the group moved to the stone edge of the fountain. Jasper sat on the edge and his friends joined him and Vander looked at Rose and Rikon “So what runes are you two looking to get”. Rose smiled at Vander “I want a mage rune that is why I have studied magic so much”. Rikon stared in his silent way and then in a deep slow voice he said “Warrior”. Vander snorted “Well that makes sense you are one of the best in the class in the arena”. Then there was derisive laughter and the group saw Colt walking up to them with his gang of friends. “This oaf is far from the best in the arena” Colt said in a jeering voice. Rikon watched Colt his face still, Rose and Jasper frowned at Colt and Vander sneered at Colt. Vander voice took on a mocking tone “Yet Rikon still consistently kicks your butt every day in the ring”. Colt laughter stopped and his face became dark “You would do well to shut up you dirt grubbing peasant. You may pretend to high birth but we all know that you are the spawn of dung and filth who’s parents don’t even love him”. Vander rose quickly rage in his eyes and Jasper jump up grabbing Vander’s arm “Don’t Van he is not worth it”. Colt smiled again “There he is the high born who fell so low. You should be ashamed of your parents for letting you mix with such filth”. Jasper let the insults pass over him as he got even angrier and Rose and Rikon rose to hold him from attacking Colt. Colt jeering laugh continued as watched them try to hold Vander back and then a soft voice broke the noise “What is going on here?”. Jasper looked around recognizing the voice. The boy standing before them was slim and lean with  dark brown hair and the same grey eyes as Jasper. He was also the most important person in the school being the son of the local governor. “Euen” Jasper said and the boy smiled “Hey Jasper”. Euen looked at Colt “So what is going on and why are you laughing at my cousin”. Colt began to sweat “It was nothing” he said shiftily and he and his friends fled from the square. Euen smiled as he turned to stare at Jasper “Well that was unpleasant” he looked at the group as Vander had began to calm down and then Euen eyes came on Jasper “How are you Jasper?”. It has been a while since I have seen you. Jasper looked apprehensive “Yeah it has. How have you been. How are your parents?”. Jasper had not seen his aunt or uncle in years since his parents had chosen to live away from the luxury of the noble quarter. Euen smiled “They are still full of themselves” he said smiling “What about your parents”. Jasper smiled “They still enjoy living the lives of commoners”. Euen smiled “We need to catch up tomorrow Jasper. Lets meet on the train okay”. Jasper nodded as Euen left the square.

Jasper turned back to his friends and they continued talking at the fountain as they afternoon turned to evening. Rose and Rikon left for their home soon after and then Vander and Jasper were alone. Jasper looked up at the approaching sunset “It is time for me to get home. What about you Vander”. Vander let out a breath “Well I kind of don’t want to go home. My dad has been on a bender and he will be unbearable”. Jasper nodded he knew that Vander’s home life was unstable. Vander smiled ironically “I can of wish I could stay with you but they will notice If I don’t come home”. Vander and Jasper rose and Jasper looked at Vander “You know that you are always welcome at my house Van”. Vander smiled sadly at Jasper “I know Jasper and thank you”. They moved on to their street and Jasper watched Vander go towards his house before he went home. Jaspers parents welcome him and he setted in for the night. It was latter in the night and Jasper was laying in his bed dozing. He jerked away a book falling to the floor as he looked around for what had woken him and then he heard the tapping again and saw Vander outside his window. Jasper rose he was wearing only a linen undershirt and some breeches and he approached the window opening it so that Vander could enter.

Vander looked at him and smiled “I see your ready for bed”. Jasper smirked “I did not expect to see you tonight”. Vander entered the room and Jasper saw him clearly “Vander what happened to you” Jasper asked as he saw an ugly bruise across his face, a split in his lip, and a cut across his cheek. Vander grimaced as he held his side as he sat down on a chair “Oh I had an argument with my dad and things got out of hand”. Jasper sighed “An he beat you”. Vander nodded and Jasper turned to a desk he picked up a cream and waved his hand. The crystal lights grew brighter and he turned to Vander. “Let's get those bruises treated before bed”. Vander smiled as Jasper opened the cream and began to rub it over his wounded face. “Why do you let him beat you like this?” Jasper asked as he rubbed cream over the cut in Vander’s cheek. Vander shrugged “I don’t know he is my dad and he is not so bad when he is sober”. Jasper looked at Vander holding his side “Shirt off let me see”. Vander smirked and slipped his shirt off. Jasper looked at his lean chest and belly and saw the bruises running down his side and began rubbing the cream over the bruises “What did you argue about anyway”. Vander frowned “it was about the trials tomorrow, he thinks I won’t get a rune and I should go get a job and start paying him back. When I told him I was going with you for the trials. He got angry and told me that I did not deserve friends. That you would use me and abandon me. I told him you weren’t like that. That you would never abandon me. Then he beat me and told me that I was worthless and that I was never going to see you again. So when I could move I ran here”. Jasper continued to rub the cream over Vander’s wounds “I don’t know what to say”. Jasper saw Vander’s hand come over his stopping his rubbing and Jasper looked up. Vander’s eyes shone and where there was usually cockiness and mischief now there was only vulnerability “Is he right? Will I lose you one day because I don’t think I could handle that Jasper”. Jasper pulled his hand free and finished treating Vander’s bruises “You will never lose me Van. I will always be your friend and I will always be there for you”. He finished treating his bruises and Vander looked at him the vulnerability still in his blue eyes “No matter what?”. Jasper smiled and looked him in the eyes “No matter what Van. You are best friend”. Vander smiled and he was his old self again “Thank you Jasper”. Jasper went and put the cream away “Now we need to sleep we have a big day tomorrow”. Vander looked at him and smirked “Time for bed”. Jasper looked and saw Vander slip under the covers of his bed. Vander smiled and patted the bed “Just like when we were little”. Jasper snorted and went to the bed “don’t get any funny ideas or you will be sleeping on the floor Van”. He waved his hand and the lights dimmed. Jasper began to drift as he heard the deep even breathing of Vander as he slept beside him. 

Ch 3: The Train

Jasper felt himself coming awake as he heard someone enter his room and his mothers voice “Boys breakfast is ready and it is time to wake up”. Jasper had not opened his eyes yet when he heard Vander stirring beside him “You know most people would be surprised if they found their son in bed with another boy in the morning”. Jasper yawn but did not open his eyes “She is not surprised because she knew you were here Van. They both knew before you got to my window count on it”. Vander chuckled “Then it is a good thing I did not bring any girls with me”. Jasper opened his eyes and looked over at Vander who was smirking “You would not have made it through the yard if you had brought girls with you Van” he said smiling “She would have been hauling you into the house by the ear before you even knew she was there. Then she would have treated your bruises and she would not have been as gentle. She would have used the treatments that left your skin itching and then she would have put you in a spare room to sleep”. Vanders smirked again “That would have been cruel doing all that and not letting me see you. Besides I think I could have gotten past her with the girls”. 

“Is that so?” said Jasper's Mother had returned and she stood in the doorway. Vander and Jasper turned startled and Vander fell onto the floor. She was a slim and beautiful woman with auburn hair and grey eyes. She wore a dress with an apron and she was holding a wooden spoon and her left arm was laced with the intricate and glowing tracery of her Rune, a potion flask . She loomed in the doorway and gave the boys a hard stare “are you planning on bringing girls into my house without my knowledge Vander?”. Vander quickly got up a look of fear in his eyes “No ma’am absolutely not”. She looked at him while she held her wooden spoon and then she smiled “Good, now hurry up, get dressed and come down to breakfast  or you will be late boys”. Jasper and Vader got dressed in their school uniforms and Jasper looked over Vander’s quickly fading bruises before they went down to the dining room. Jasper's father was eating at the table. He was a stout man with defined muscles, his eyes were hazel and he had golden blonde hair on his arm was the glowing rune of a hammer and anvil. 

Jaspers Father looked up as they entered and smiled “Morning boys”. Jasper and Vander said good morning as Jasper’s Mother quickly brought them plates of eggs and sausage.They began to eat and Japser’s father asked “So are you boys excited to start you trials?” Vander nodded enthusiastically and Jasper shrugged. Jasper’s father smiled “What’s wrong Jasper?”. Jasper shrugged “I am not sure what rune I will get”. Jasper’s father smiled “Don’t worry son, it will all become clear in the tower”. Jasper’s mother came over to him “Don’t worry so much about what rune you will get Jasper. You will get the rune you are perfect for”. Jasper looked at his food “but what if I don’t get a rune at all. What if I fail the test”. Jasper felt Vander’s arm go over his shoulder “Is that what you are worried about Jasper you will pass and get your rune. If you are still worried then remember I will be there supporting you all the way”. Jasper smiled and finished eating. Then his parents were ushering them to the door “You don’t want to be late” Jasper’s mother said as she hugged each of them. They grabbed their packs and walked out into the early dawn.

Vander and Jasper walked down the dark street as they headed towards the academy. As they passed through a dark alley they heard laughter and several people blocked the alleyway forward “Well look who it is?” said Colt’s drawling voice “You know I have been thinking about you 2. I did not get a chance to teach you proper respect for your betters”. Vander stepped forward “You not better than us Colt”. Colt snickered “It looks like someone has already taught you a lesson dirtraker but I would love to teach you another one. Hold him down boy”. Vander turned as some of Colts friends moved in on him and Jasper spoke “That is enough Colt just leave”. Colt laughed again “Don’t worry you lowborn lover. I will take care of you after I take care of your little friend”. Jasper felt his anger rising as he saw Colts friends try to grab Vander and Colt began to advance. Jasper moved quickly he was slim and had the body of a runner but he was not built to go head on against a meat slab like Colt. So he used the element of surprise and struck Colt catching him with a fist across the Jaw. Colt fell back with a look of surprise and then he smiled darkly “Well now since you want to play the hero. I guess you can go first” Colt looked at his friends “Keep ahold of that one make him watch as I teach the lowborn lover his lesson”. Jasper saw them grab Vander and for Vander look over at him in desperation as Colt advanced”.

Jasper breathed evenly. His parents may not have behaved like nobles but that did not mean they were without wealth and his parents had paid to have a tutor teach him the finer points of fighting. He though back to his tutors lesson on fighting a opponent bigger than him. “Do not face him strength for strength. You are smaller so use your skill and natural abilities to defeat your enemy. Leverage is important, throw your opponent off balance and you gain an advantage. Target places of natural weakness like joints and the face and you gain an even greater advantage. You also have keen instincts Jasper learn to use them all in battle and you can defeat any opponent”. Jasper felt Colt move before he saw the movement and already he was moving in response. Time seemed to contract and Jaspers saw Colts fist pass his face and his hand shot out grabbing a hold of Colt’s wrist. Jasper pulled Colt’s wrist back and lashed out at his knee and Colt fell forward against the wall of the alley his wrist locked behind him. Jasper held the lock his face fierce and his grey eyes stormy. He pitched his voice low and menacing “You will not touch me or Vander”. Colt seemed shocked as Jasper held his wrist behind his back. Colt tried to push himself free but Jasper kicked out at his knees again and he slammed into the wall again “You will leave us alone. Say it”. Colt snarled and tried to break free again. Jasper yanked up his wrist and Colt screamed “Fine, I will leave you both alone”. Jasper nodded releasing him and letting him slump against the wall. Jasper turned towards the others and they let Vander go looking fearfully at Jasper. Jasper pulled Vander up and they left the alleyway moving towards the academy. Vander looked shocked and happy “What was that Jasper?” he asked. Jasper kept moving “we can talk about it later Van. We are going to be late”. Vander did not say another word as they moved towards the academy.

They found their classmates standing before the academy door. Jasper and Vander saw Rose and Rikon standing in line and they joined them. Rose looked concerned at them but was not given a chance to speak as the head master of the academy appeared. He looked around at the students the last of which were coming into the square and joining the class.

“Good Morning Students, you are all at the age where you can take the coming of age trial and must make the journey to the Tower to discover your rune. This is a solemn journey that you undertake and I expect each of you to treat it as such. Soon you will be embarking on the train to the Tower and the hopes and expectations of all of us go with you” he said smiling “but I know that you are all eager to start on your journey. Some of you think that being away from your parent you will have a degree of freedom. I fear I must disabuse you of that notion Professor Abbott has kindly consented to be the chaperone for this year's class”. From inside the Academy Professor Abbott appeared she looked around at the collected students and the head master continued “Now the train is waiting for you and we will all expect to hear great things on your return. Off you go”. 

Jasper and the others moved with the group as professor Abbott organized the students as they moved towards the train station. The train that was waiting for them was a marvel of design. The engine was a powerful magic steam engine and the class got an entire carriage to itself. As Jasper, Vander, Rose, and Rikon were preparing to board, Euen appeared and stood close to Jasper. Euen looked at him “Morning Jasper”. Jasper smile “Morning Euen, your ready for the journey. Euen smiled shifting his pack on his back as they boarded the train “Yes it should be exciting”. They found a group of seats and sat down stowing their packs in overhead bins or underseat and fell into small talk as they watched the rest of the class board and soon the train began to move and the journey began.

Ch 4: The Tower

The train chugged down the tracks and Jasper watched the town he had lived in most of his life move away giving way to forest and country. He heard the other talking before he register what was being talked about “What happened to you Vander? You look like you have beaten up and I saw Colt looking similar. Have you been fighting?” Rose asked. Vander’s responded amused “No my bruises were given to me by my dear dad last night. It was Jasper who was fighting with Colt” Jasper looked around and saw the others looking at him he saw Vander smiling “You should have seen him. He attacked like a wild animal. It was unlike anything I have seen from him in the arena”. Jasper gave a sardonic smile to Vander “Well perhaps you will remember that next time you annoy me”. Vander laughed and settled into his seat “So how long does that train ride take”. Euen looked at him “It will take several hours to reach the tower”. Vander looked at him “Why did you want to sit with us Euen? Shouldn’t you want to sit with the important people?” Vander’s voice held a hint of derision. Euen watched him but before he could speak Rikon spoke in his deep voice “That was rude Vander”. They looked at Rikon and Vander smiled “Your right Rikon, I am sorry Euen”. Euen nodded “It is okay and to answer your question I sat with you to spend time with my cousin who I have not seen in many years” he smirked as he looked at Vander “I also sat with you because you have shown to be infinitely more interesting than my of the Important people”. They all looked at Euen and Vander smirked “Why are we more interesting?”. Euen gave him a strange look “I have been studying the history and lore behind the Runes and I have noticed that in the last few generations fewer of the rarest and most powerful runes in history have largely disappeared”. Jasper looked at him “What do you mean by that?”. Euen smiled “In recent years most people are chosen by lesser runes. Basic elemental, smithing, alchemy, swordsman, archer. Each of the these runes comprise single skills they can be powerful but they are limited” Euen said looking at them “The histories tell us of more powerful Rune that incorporated greater powers but they have not chosen wielders in centuries”. Jasper nodded “It is interesting but why are you telling us this?”. Euen smiled “Because I think that some of these Runes might choose a new wielders”. Vander snorted “What do you think we have a chance of getting such a powerful Rune”. Euen’s eyes were enigmatic “There is always a chance but either way I thought you might share my interest in these histories”.

Jasper nodded “It is an interesting thought, Euen and It might be good to have such a powerful Rune but what are the odds that any of us might get them.”. Euen smiled knowingly “Actually quite good. The histories say these Rune often seek out unique individuals”. Vander laughed “So we are unique individuals”. Jasper deadpanned “Well you are unique Van”. Rose and Rikon nodded as Vander looked at them and then he laughed again. They fell into small talk as the country side raced by and the light grew and waned and soon the Tower came into sight.

The Tower was a monolith of back stones and the tower seemed to glow with power. The tower grew taller as they got closer and as the sun set the station appeared and the train came to a stop. They joined the crowd disembarking and they followed Professor Abbott to an assembly area and they saw a black bearded man dressed as an attendant. He called out “Students who are here for the coming of age trials. The trials will begin tomorrow and dormitories have been made ready for you for the duration of your stay. Each academy has its own dorm space that is divided by male and female and a common space. There is no mingling of genders outside of the common spaces. There are also communal recreation and arena spaces that all students have access to. No students may be in another academy's dorm space without permission and any mingling of Academies must be done in communal spaces. There is absolutely no fighting outside of the arena. Any violations of the rules will mean dismissal and automatic failure of the trials. Now go night”. The attendant passed a map to Professor Abbott and she led them to the dormitories set aside for them. When they arrived they were divided to the their respective dorms and Professor Abbott told them to go to bed and be ready for the Trials to begin. 

Ch 5: The Trials Begin

The morning came with fanfare to awaken the Students and Jasper, Vander, Rose, Rikon and Euen. Joined the crowds heading to the plaza in front of the Tower and when they arrived each academy was directed to a different section of the plaza. They stood in rows as a man wearing elaborate robes walked out of the tower onto a raised platform. 

“Welcome students to the Runic Tower” he said looking at the assembled crowd “Now is the time for the coming of age trials and you have all been  deemed ready to take these trials. In this trial you shall enter the tower and you shall be presented with the challenges that shall reveal your Rune to you. These challenges will take shape and form in accordance with your spirit, desires, and fears and the power that you will claim will form your Rune. We have several hundred students here for the trial and only 5 may enter the Tower at a time. Your chaperones will inform you of your groups and while the trials are in process you will return to the dorms. You are free to use any facility and we will send for your group when it is your time to enter the tower. You are dismissed”.

Professor Abbott began informing them of there groups and Jasper heard his name “Jasper Trask, Vander Kines, Rose Lumis, Rikon Stronghand, Ruen Farseer” she called “you are group 10”. Jasper looked over at Vander and Vander smiled “Well what a coincidence” he said as they moved back toward the dorms. Jasper smirk “Why a coincidence?”. Vander laughed “Because we got in a group with our friends”. Jasper smiled as they walked and Vander moved in front of him “Hey lets go to that arena”. Jasper looked at him “Why?”. Vander smiled mischief in his blue eyes “I want to see more of this hidden fighting style of yours. You have been holding back when we fought at the academy”. 

Jasper sighed “Are you sure about this Van?”. Vander smiled wider “Yes, lets go”. They moved through the communal rooms into an arena room. The room was wood paneled with a variety of weapons on display for fighters to use. The arena itself was a platform made of pliant materials that allowed fighters to slam others to the ground without serious injuries. Vander pulled off his shirt and put it on a bench and walked onto the arena. Vander looked at Jasper “Come on Jasper. No holding back now”. Jasper pulled off his own shirt the cool air touching his bare chest as he got on the platform. Vander smiled and moved in quickly to an attack. Jasper stood still for a moment and then moved aside letting Vander pass. Vander pull himself to a stop and lashed out again and Jasper evaded defending from Vanders attacks. Vander gave him a hard look “I thought I told you not to hold back Jasper”. Jasper let out breath “Fine”. Vander moved in again and Jasper moved quickly evading him and lashing out hitting him on the side of his body.along the bruises that his father had given him Vander hissed at the hits. Vander looked at him and Jasper smirked “You did ask”. Vander smiled and rose moving into another attack but Vander had been studying and when Jasper moved to evade. Vander pivoted and struck him square in the chest. Jasper gasped and smiled “NIce trick”. Jasper moved into the next attack and the two boys began a dance of attack and counter attack. Rose, Rikon, and Euen appeared as they fought and watched the two friends as the fought. Vander moved with a determined and almost playful grace and Jaspers attacks were almost predatory. Both boys were smiling and their bodies were sheened in sweat as they tested themselves. Then Jasper pivoted in an attack and drove Vander to the matts and laid over him holding his hands. Vander looked in Jasper’s eyes and smiled  “You win this time Jasper”. Jasper smiled and let Vander up as their friends clapped.

Vander and Jasper cleaned up and returned to their friends spending time in the communal areas until an attendant came and called for their group. The attendant lead them out to the Tower entrance and the doors open for them. Inside the entrance was a well appointed room and the man who had told them of the trials stood in the room “Welcome children, Now is the time for your trials” the man gestured around the room to various door situated around the room “These doors lead to paths that move through the Tower. You will each find yourselves drawn to a door. The paths all lead to the high room of the tower and as you go you will gather power in the form of rune orbs that will rest inside you. When you reach the high room these orbs will be condensed and form the power of your Rune.  After you enter you are on the path and there is no turning back. You must complete the trial or fail”. The man looked at each one of them “You may if you wish turn back now. There is no shame in realizing you are not ready for the challenge. You may return next year to try again but if you fail there is not returning. So step forward if you feel you are ready to take the trial”. Vander steeped forward first as though what the man had said had not fazed him. Jasper and the other followed soon after. The man looked at them and nodded “Then go children seek your door and follow the path to the high chambers”. Jasper felt himself pulled to the side and a wooden door. He felt something was waiting for him behind that door. Jasper reached out and touched the handle before he looked back and saw the others standing before the a door. Each of them looked reluctant to start and Euen spoke softly “On the count of three we all enter”. Everyone nodded “One” Euen said and Jasper grabbed the door knob. “Two” Euen said and Japer threw open his door revealing the dark passage. “Three” Euen said and Jasper walked through the door into the dark passage the door closing softly behind him. The trial had truly begun.  

Ch 6: Paths part 1

Jasper found himself in a strange stone corridor lit by shimmering light crystals. He moves through the corridor slowly; he does not see other doorways or stairs, just the corridor stretching unbroken and then he comes out into a large chamber. He looks around seeing other passages branching out from the central chamber and then he hears a voice “Jasper?”. He looked around and saw Vander entering the room. “Vander, I did not expect to see you again so soon,” Jasper said. Vander laughed “My thoughts exactly, have you found anything yet?”. Jasper shook his head and they both looked around the room. “Well lets go on together and find our runes” Vander said. Jasper nodded and they both moved towards an exit. Then a great darkness rushed into the room and towards the boys. Jasper cried out as he felt himself pushed and looking up he saw Vander being dragged away. 

Jasper rose quickly and rushed over trying to grab Vander to pull him free. Vander cried out as the darkness dragged him towards the door that he had come in from. Vander looked over at Jasper as he was dragged across the threshold of the door. Jasper reached out a hand to try and pull Vander free and Vander cry of “Jasper” was cut off as a stone door slid down sealing the doorway. Jasper slammed into the door screaming. He beat at the door, his frustration turning to tears and he slid down the stone door. His breath hitched as he fought his tears and he rose looking around try to figure out which path might lead him towards Vander. He jumped as he heard a howl and other animalistic sounds. He felt fear rise and he rushed through a door and down a corridor. He came into an identical chamber and he heard the animalistic sounds following. He rushed down another corridor and found himself in another chamber. 

Jasper felt his anger rise and he turned towards the animal sounds. The sounds stopped as a gloom filled the chamber and the animals appeared. The gloom was such that Jasper could not make out only shadowy forms circling him and then a great wolf shape approached him; it remained in the shadows, its eyes glowing as it looked at him. The wolf said “You have stopped fleeing, then that is good”. Jasper was shocked the wolf spoke but he put that aside “Why have you been chasing me?”. The wolf growled softly “We felt your power and came to investigate. Why are you here?”. Jasper felt confused “I am here for the trials and”. The wolf growled louder “No why are you on this path. Few enough find their way here. We have not seen one of you in an age”. Jasper breathed “I don’t know why I was drawn here” then a thought came to him “Can you help me find my friend”. The wolf stood considering “Perhaps we can but such power comes with a price. What are you willing to pay to save your friend?”. Jasper stepped forward “I will give you anything and everything you wish if you help me find my friend”. The wolf growled but this was not a growl of anger but of pleasure “Agreed”. The animals all began to hum and they transformed into orbs of energy and then the orbs flew at Jasper piercing his chest and nestling inside him. Suddenly he heard the growl of the wolf and felt its power rise. Suddenly he could smell almost everything and a faint smell of Vander came to him. He followed the smell down a corridor. 

Vander was surrounded by darkness. He did not know how long he had been dragged but know he sat alone. Vander had hope that Jasper was looking for him but he needed to escape his situation and get back to his friend. Vander walked through the darkness and he heard a giggle. He looked around “Who is there?”. He saw an indistinct figure though the darkness staring at him “I am here” The figure said. “Who are you?” Vander asked. The figure giggled again “I am the dancer in darkness, the one who laughs in shadows, I am harlequin”. Vander laughed “Nice names can you show me the way out. I need to find my friend”. The giggle came again “I could show you the way. This friend of yours is important to you and holds you to the light but I also see a shadowy figure in your future that will draw you towards darkness. You are such an interesting child more so than many I have met”. Vander felt uneasy “Can you tell me the way or not?”. The giggle began louder “I can do better my friend”. The figure shimmered and transformed into an orb and flew into Vander. Vander felt something shift inside his mind and a path through the darkness was revealed to him. Vander moved quickly across the path heading towards an exit.

Ch 7: Paths part 2

Jasper ran down corridors and through chamber chasing Vander’s elusive scent. In the chambers he moved through he faced challenges. One room was filled with crystals that drew at him and in another he saw wild animals that tried to menace him. But in each room he rushed past the challenges, his determination to find Vander overruling. As he moved past each chamber he felt something enter him and nestle in with the animalistic powers that he had already gained. In his mind Jasper felt the wolf whisper “You are getting close to your goal. What will you do when you find your friend?”. Jasper raced ahead his breath harsh and his heart racing “I don’t know but I will keep my word” he thought to the wolf. The wolf let out a low growl of approval as Jasper raced into a new chamber. This chamber was not like the others there were various paths leading out but in the far side of the chamber a golden flame was blocking an ornate door. 

Jasper looked around his senses tuned to his friend and then he saw him appearing from one of the other doors into the room. Vander was winded and then he saw Jasper and the relief was evident as he rushed towards him. Jasper and Vander embraced as they came together “I am sorry I could not protect you Vander” Jasper whispered. “I am sorry to make you worry Jasper” Vander whispered back. Then they heard movement from the other passages and Rose entered the room. She smiled as she saw them embracing “Hey guys did you make it though okay”. Jasper and Vander moved away from each other and Vander's cocky grin was back in place “Of course did you expect less”. Rose smirk “Well I expected to see Jasper but you are a surprise Vander”. Vander gave a fake shocked expression and then smiled and Rikon appeared out of another passage and Euen appeared shortly thereafter. Euen looked at them “well we are all back together has anyone found their rune?” they all shook their head and Euen asked “now where do we go?”. Jasper looked at the Ornate door and pointed “Through there but how do we get past the flames” He whispered. Jasper felt the wolf growl in his mind “You must pass through the flames. Now is the time to pay the price of our power”. Jasper spoke with his mind “What will happen?”. The wolf growed soft “You will not die child but you will be changed. This is the price”. 

Jasper looked around and saw the understanding growing on all their faces. Jasper looked at each of them “I will go first I guess”. Vander began to take a step forward but Jasper shook his head “We must pass through one at a time Vander”. He smiled “I will wait for you on the other side”. Jasper moved forward towards the golden flames before the ornate door. The golden flames did not give off heat but it flickered like any true fire. Jasper took a deep breath and stepped into the flames. He felt the flames engulf him and he cried out as the flames entered him and he felt it begin to gather all the powers that he had gathered. The flames seared his spirit as he felt the power being integrated into him and then he felt thread of golden flame begin to weave itself on his lower arm. Then he was through the flames he felt new, changed, charged with power. He did not hear the growls of the wolf in his mind anymore. He looked down a his arm and saw the rune engraved on his arm. A fanged animal maw consuming a crystal with animal claw marks below. 

Jasper looked around and waved to the others. He saw looks of relief through the golden flames and then Vander came forward. Jasper watched Vander walk through the flame. Then Vander was through his arm glowing with his rune. Vander moved close to Jasper as the others moved through the flames and their runes appeared. When each had passed through the flames they heard the creaking and they turned towards the ornate doors as they opened. The room revealed was cozy and comfortable made of soft woods and filled with trinkets on tables and books on shelves that line the walls. They passed into the room and the doors began to close behind them. They looked around the room in silence and then a soft voice broke the silence “So you have made it to the high chamber. Well done children”.

Ch 8: Runes

They looked around in the direction of the voice and they saw a man sitting looking at them from behind a large desk with five chairs spaced in front of it. The man had an ageless look about him “Come Children”. Vander stare at the strange man “Who are you?”.. The man smiled “I am the keeper of the tower child. I will answer any questions you have about your runes”. Jasper watched the strange man smile benignly as they approached the desk. The man looked at each of them as they each took a seat. “Well children to begin, let me see your runes so that they can be identified”.  Rikon raised his arm to the Keeper; his rune was a tower surrounded by a variety of weapons. The Keeper gasped as he looked at the rune “The Bastion, I have not seen this rune in many years” the Keeper said. Rikon looked at the keeper “What does it mean?”. The keeper smiled “The Bastion is a powerful rune drawing on the powers of the indomitable tower and the weapons specialist. The runes power is in the creation of an indomitable and perfect defense and mastery in a variety of weapons”. 

The keeper's eyes turned to Rose and she held out her arm and her rune was an intricate arcane array connecting a variety of lesser magical and elemental symbols. “The Archanist is another rune I have not seen in a long time. A rune of incredibly powerful magic rune. It combines a variety of lesser magic runes allowing for a greater control of forces than any lesser magic rune”. Rose sat shocked as the Keepers attention turned to Euen

Euen raised his arm and his rune was an eye surrounded by an array of strange symbols. The Keeper gasped “An even rarer rune. The Visionary is a powerful rune for knowledge and foresight.The Visionary incorporates power from runes of knowledge, prophecy, and a strong mind”. The Keeper gave a long look at Euen before he turned to Vander.

Vander raised his arm up showing a dancing figure surrounded signs of shadow and power. “A another rare Rune. “The Harlequin, drawing power from the shadows, the trickster, and silver tongue. The Keeper looked with interest at Vander before he turned to Jasper.

Jasper raised his hand and showed his strange animal rune. The keepers eyes widened “I have only seen this rune once before “The Beast Lord, incorporating power from the summoner, tamer, and the spirit runes. The Keeper looked around at them “All of you have had incredibly powerful runes. It is a rare group that can gain such powerful runes all together. I am expecting great things from this group. Now are there questions that you want to ask me?”.

Euen leaned forward and asked “In my studies I have been finding the there have been fewer occurrences of powerful runes. Do you know why, keeper?”. The Keeper smiled and gave Euen a measured look “The answer to that lies in the history of the Runes and our Kingdom of Runeterra. What do you know of those histories, child?”

Ch 9: History

Euen considered “The history of our kingdom is that before us this land was occupied by the tribes and they were menaced by monsters. Then an unknown mage came among the tribes and gave them the runes that they used to defeat the monsters and establish our kingdom”. The Keeper nodded “A simple retelling but essentially true. Our land was born after the cataclysm of the first world. After the cataclysm the land was overcome by the great beasts and other lesser monsters and the remnants of human civilization was under threat. Our ancestors relied on old sciences salvaged from the ruins of the first world to fight against the beasts. They were slowly driven back by the in battle with the beasts. They became tribes separated from each other across monster infested lands” The Keeper nodded and continued

“In that time a young man named Magnus went forth from one of the tribes. He went seeking to destroy the great beast and free the land of the monsters. He disappeared for many months and some thought him dead. Then he reappeared bearing strange knowledge and power When he returned he set the first of the great runes on to stone tables and gave them power. Then the runes were given to the people and they began to use them to empower their science. Then Magnus began to take the runes and to bind them to the our people. Certain of our people responded to these runes and onto their skin the runes were set and they were given power. The tribes used these runes and drove the monsters from the land and established our kingdom of Runeterra. We fenced our lands with protective runes so that no monster can enter and for many years champions went beyond those fences to try and defeat the great beast and finally end the monster scourge. The reason so many of the powerful runes have disappeared is because few and fewer over the years have chosen to venture beyond the fence. So with less need of them they wait until a time when their power is needed again”. The keeper ended his story and Euen sat back wondering at the story he had been told.

Then Vander leaned forward “I have been wondering on the path here I encountered a spirit and that spirit became part of my rune. Why is that exactly?”. The keeper smiled “Well that speaks to the deeper nature of the runes child. When the first runes were bound to humans it was a matter of Magnus giving them the runes but as time went on the runes began to grow. They took part of the spirit and nature of those who used their power. Soon the runes began to choose their own users and Magnus in his wisdom created this tower as a place to contain the spirits of power created by the Runes. That is why all new applicants are brought here to take the coming of age trials”. Vander nodded and the keeper looked around.

The Keeper smiled at them “Well children, I have enjoyed meeting you. Now it is time for you to return. Train hard for the trials to come and I hope to hear good things about you”. Jasper felt a bit panicked as they were being ushered to leave and he asked his question “Keeper can you tell us how to use our power?”. The Keeper gave him a mysterious look “That if for you to discover my child. Each rune is unique in spirit and its powers as much so. If you seek advice then try to commune with the spirits of your rune and they will guide you to better understanding of your powers”. 

Then the Keeper motioned them towards the door “Pass back through and you will return outside”. They nodded and passed through the doors again. They emerged outside and the attendance rushed over to them and returned them to their dorms.

Ch 10: Training

After leaving the tower they returned to the dorms. While they remained in the dorms they decided to begin training. In the common spaces they gathered “Does anyone know how to commune with our runes” Rose asked. Everyone shook their heads and Euen smiled “Perhaps we should try meditating first and see what happens”. Jasper saw the others shrug and start to meditate. Jasper closed his eyes and began to search for the strange feelings within himself. Before he could feel anything he heard Rose gasp. Jasper opened his eyes and saw her holding a magic flame in her hand. They all sat impressed as Rose began to manipulate the flames soon she left in order to begin exploring more of her new powers. Rikon shook his head “I can’t do it going to the arena”. Jasper was not surprised by this since Rikon preferred actions and He, Euen, and Vander were alone. Jasper closed his eyes again and searched for some impressions. He began to feel something inside his body still thrummed with power and he began to fell something near his chest. He began probing that area and began to distinguish different nodes of power there and as he felt them he became aware that they were like eggs in his spirit. He could distinguish about 8 to 10 different eggs inside. He sought to distinguish the types of these strange eggs each seemed to emit an animalistic power. Jasper began to understand what happened to the animal spirits that entered him. They had become these eggs inside him but he did not know how to make them hatch. He sat pondering the problem when he felt Vander stir. Jasper opened his eyes and looked at Vander. Vander’s eyes were shadowed and he looked like he had been shaken by some encounter. 

“I am going to the training yard” Vander said “You coming with me Jasper”. Jasper looked over at Euen and saw him deep in meditation and then nodded to Vander. They both went outside to the training yard then they saw Rose and Rikon. Rose stood with a group of others with Magic Runes they were engaged in an intricate dance of powers. Jasper gasped as he saw pillars of flame, spears of ice, and bolts of lightning fly and dance around that field. Then he saw Rikon in the arena. He stood before a large group of fighters and he stood like a great tower before a besieging army. He carried a quarters staff which whistled out to hit any fighter that tried to get close to him. 

Jasper marveled at their powers and wished he could use his powers like that. Then Jasper saw an attendant go to Colt and his friends leading them away. Colt saw him and gave him a malicious smile as he left with the attendant. “I hope he fails” Vander said angry. Jasper looked at him and nodded “Me too”. They turned back, watching the intricate battle of Rikon and the dance of Rose. 

The next day Vander and Jasper sat together they were trying to meditate to awaken the powers of their runes. When a voice broke into their meditations “Well lowborn scum, I have gotten my Rune and it is a powerful one “The executioner, you better be careful because I am going to be watching you and one day you might find my axe over your neck”. Jasper looked at Colt disdainfully but Vander rose his anger plain on his face. Jasper grabbed Vander's arm feeling him tense. Vander looked down at Jasper “Don’t do it Vander not now”. Vander sat still looking angry and Colt smirked maliciously at them as he walked away. Before the day ended professor Abbott came gathering them up she told them they were done and it was time for them to leave. They returned to the station and boarded the train home. The train traveled through the night returning to the station of their home at daybreak. After they left the train professor Abbott told them to return home and to meet again at the academy to learn about the trials to come.