#nightcipher

[kilobytten]

Vote for which comic you’d like to see the finished scene of! 

The top two will be done! Probably will have a max of 4~6 pages total (including the page that was originally done). Please note that the pages shown aren’t necessarily meant to be the first page, so they could very well be page #1 or page #4 in the scene I had planned for each one. 

Let me know what you think!

[theshieldsummoner-blog]

Future’s Hope

((This is a companion piece to Night’s posts (Read in order: 1, 2), set in the future he’s mentioned. The read more is for length.))

((Night has also kindly provided some music to go with the post. Thanks for the feels Night. I knew I could count on you XD))

((Please let it be noted that this is canon to NIGHT’S BLOG ONLY. I’m still set on having my Alexandra living happily ever after with his.))

Alexandra signed the letter with a finality that weighed heavy in her heart. Standing, she crossed the room for an envelope. Though she knew she had to make haste, everything seemed to be in slow motion as she crossed to the door, paper in hand. A glance out the window revealed the same thing she saw yesterday: the ruins of a city and the extinction of a civilisation.

Well, not extinction. Not yet. After all, she and a small group of others had survived - thus far, anyway.

The Void, though, had been brutal in its attack, the first monster taking hundreds of lives in its entry and subsequent rampage over the whole of Piltover. Alexandra had been one of those to orchestrate the escape - fleeing through the city and vanishing into the Ironspike Mountains.

Night had also been a key instigator of their escape plan-

She clamped down on the thought, though it took a great deal of effort to do so. She could not afford to think about him now, his actions against the invasion that had saved so many - but at the cost of himself...

Letting out a soft, shuddery breath, the woman left the room, striding down the hall. Her journey took her to another part of the building - a room where something momentous was about to take place.

She was greeted by several children and a few other mages - former summoners and Champions alike. One might've found it surprising that Lux and LeBlanc numbered them, but hard times had forced every city-state into a temporary truce. It was in fact Lux and LeBlanc who had together orchestrated the illusion that stretched over the location where the few survivors had taken refuge, with Alexandra coordinating a comprehensive network of defensive spells.

The main person in the room, however, was neither of them. Today, like Alexandra, they were just other mages, here to contribute their magical strength to a spell of epic proportions.

On the side stood Zilean. While he hadn't suggested the idea of a sending back in time, he was certainly the expert to turn to on such matters, and so had been intimately involved in the creation and casting of this spell every step of the way. It was he that many turned to for possible outcomes of this spell, he that had had guided the spell to send their subjects the right way - or, at least, attempted to guide them, for time was a fickle subject that even Zilean had been reluctant to meddle with. In the end, however, necessity had demanded it.

A glance was all that Alexandra shared with the Chronomage before she stepped forward to kneel before one of the children. "Syarri."

"Mummy?"

"Mummy needs you to take something with you." It took a great effort to not let the tremors show in her voice. Alexandra exhaled, then gently slid the letter into her hand. Not only did it carry the explanation of a sudden appearance of nine children, but it carried the details of how such a spell had been carried out - and hopefully, mages of that timeline would be able to replicate it one day. "I need you to give this to Daddy."

"But Daddy's...you said he was gone."

"...Where you're going Syarri...you will see him again. One day, you will understand. And-" a sudden thought as she reached for the back of her neck. There was a soft click, and then Alexandra was lifting a necklace from herself, gently fastening it on her daughter. "-take this with you. Daddy will- he'll need that too." It pained her, to give up something so special, but she knew that Syarri would need it more.

"What about you Mummy?"

"Mummy...mummy has to stay, dearest. She has to help the people still here."

"...Okay."

The simple affirmation broke the woman's heart. She swallowed hastily, then rose, looking down at the girl. "Mummy will...she'll always love you, okay?"

"I love you too Mummy." And suddenly, a hug, her only daughter wrapped around her leg, clinging like a limpet to a rock. Alexandra gently disentangled the girl's arms before stooping again, lifting her in a proper embrace. It took her but a moment to bury her nose in her daughter's brown hair - Night's hair - and inhale deeply. As usual, it elicited a soft giggle from the girl.

She'd never hear that again, Alexandra knew - but then, she also knew she'd never see Night again either, and that was a price that she had to pay.

The moment was gone, and Alexandra dropped Syarri back into the middle of the room. She turned, stepping out of the spell, and nodded to Lux.

The light mage stepped into her place, as Alexandra stepped into hers - and suddenly, the circle was complete.

There were no words to describe the buildup of energy that raced through the group of mages. It was, to say the least, exhilirating. Magic tingled from head to toe, growing growing - and suddenly, Alexandra knew that the death warrants of everyone remaining at this complex had been signed. There was no way that any illusion could hide the power in this spell - more than enough power to send a group of children through time, and to meddle with others in another time. A lapse in thought was enough - and she felt a small slip as two were torn from her grasp, sent spinning across the void of timelines out there.

No!

Focus!

With an effort, she wrenched back to the spell - and suddenly there was pop and a great flash of light. The growing tension snapped and the group was standing alone in a room with a smell of smoke and lightning.

The children were gone.

At least that had worked.

Alexandra suddenly became aware of just how exhausted she was. Even as she swayed, others rushed around, propping up the working mages, or chattering with others. No doubt they were excited about the success, and hoped to replicate the procedure. Alexandra only looked up to smile her reassurance at someone who offered assistance - and then her eyes met LeBlanc's across the room.

For once there was none of the trickery or deception - only a gentle and honest truth, and the gaze they shared was nothing more than a connection between two people. It rocked her world upside down.

"Sit down. You look exhausted."

It was that exhaustion that had Alexandra replying frankly to the Matron. "I'd forgotten your speed of movement."

"That's not a smart thing to say to someone like me, madam."

Alexandra chuckled softly. "With the way things are going, I don't think it matters." As she spoke, she met the Deceiver's eyes again in a simple show of trust and truth. The woman's gaze back was dark - dark with knowledge and comprehension. She knows too. She knows we've doomed everyone here to the Void creatures.

"Perhaps not," the other finally conceded, "but that doesn't mean it's over." She offered an elegant hand.

Somewhere, Lux was already sitting, deep in meditation as she inspected the intricate lattice of spells layered over the building. Zilean, lost as he was in his condition, was confirming the arrival of a group of children in another time, and the consequent vanishing of several adults - as well as a pair dropping into a completely different timeline (the latter of which relieved Alexandra, as at least they hadn’t been entangled in time itself). Xerath was already blustering off about how he was fine - and though everyone could see that the spell had taken a toll on even him, they chose to humour the Ascendant. A former Summoner helped another to her feet

Alexandra reached up for LeBlanc's hand. "You're right, Matron," she said quietly, displaying the gentle strength that had allowed her to mourn her lover's death while fighting on. Already she could feel the tremors in her mind as the first few Voidborn began to trip alarm spells on their journey to locate the delicious source of such power. And while Alexandra had no doubt they'd fall in the end-

"...The war has just begun."

And they would go down fighting.

[theshieldsummoner-blog]

You do know Night is writing something, right?

((Yes, I am aware that Night is writing something. He wished to do so because then he could develop his own character without getting tied down by me as I’m leaving. By writing this he can therefore provide some canon explanation as to his relationship with Alexandra, and at the same time push on with his own muse. He asked me beforehand, and we had a good discussion about it. Everything that has thus far happened is approved by me.

I appreciate your concern anon, I really do. Rest assured that Night is in no way godmodding or messing with Alexandra. I allowed him to do so. I have yet to decide if this impacts my own canon. 

Don’t worry. As far as I know, our ship still sails and will continue to do so after he finishes. 

but be careful how you tread night because if you use too much angst I will show you the true terror of the original angry birb))

[theshieldsummoner-blog]

summoner-nightcipher replied to your post:((Boycott This Is War IV for not including Anivia...

((WHYSOSALTY.JPG))

((BECAUSE LEGITIMATELY ANIVIA HAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS TO BE IN THIS VIDEO BUT SHE’S NOT??????))

[theshieldsummoner-blog]

"Mommy? Why don't we see Daddy so much? I know he's busy with his police stuff...but I miss him..." The little child gripped her mother's shirt, a bit teary-eyed "Does he love us?"

“Syarri...”

The woman bent to scoop her child up. “Your father aiding the Sheriff in a manhunt for a trained serial killer across Lower Piltover. He does not normally work this late, but just for this he must, so people like us can sleep a little easier. He does love you very much. He loves us both.”

Silently, Alexandra resolved to take their daughter into work one day in the near future and show her the photo of them that had held pride of place on his desk.

summoner-nightcipher

[theshieldsummoner-blog]

youcannotaffordme replied to your post: Aegis

[ YAAAAAAASS OH MY GOD THIS WAS REALLY CUTE im so glad something I contributed made for something so adorable????? holy crapola ]

[4:33:22 p.m.] Civilian Leader Cipher: nOW ITS MY TURN TO CALL YOU A SHIT [4:33:24 p.m.] Civilian Leader Cipher: YOU SHIT [4:33:27 p.m.] Civilian Leader Cipher: MAKING ME GRIN LIKE THIS [4:33:32 p.m.] Civilian Leader Cipher: I AM AN ANGSTY PERSON [4:33:35 p.m.] Civilian Leader Cipher: HAPPINESS BURNS ME [4:33:41 p.m.] Civilian Leader Cipher: GRRRRRR [4:35:11 p.m.] Biscuit the Original Angry Birb: I LOVE YOU

[theshieldsummoner-blog]

Aegis

((Referencing Night’s post. youcannotaffordme summoner-nightcipher I TOLD YOU I WOULD WRITE THIS))

They are curled up together on the couch, watching the credits of a movie, when she bounces up from his embrace and darts out of the room. He watches her go, bemused, his expression of confusion growing as she returns to thrust a brown paper package into his hand. He looks down, his confusion transforming into a fond chuckle.

“My dear, you shouldn’t have.”

“You haven’t opened it yet,” she fires back with all the energy of a five year old, breathless with anticipation.

Another chuckle leaves his lips as he sits up properly, turning his attention to the small wrapped box. She sits next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder in an unconscious gesture of affection. Her ease of this motion speaks of time and faith, and it never fails to make him breathe.

Inside the box is a chain.

On the chain is a shield.

It looks rather like the Aegis item from the Institute- oh.

Night knows exactly what he holds now, for he can see her name carefully etched into the back, as can he see the symbols for protection and defense carefully inscribed into the front in such a way that they only show under a certain angle of light - symbols that no doubt Alexandra had carved herself. The item glimmers with a faint emerald sheen, and he knows it’s not just the sigils in the object, but her magic as well.

This custom is not something he has personally shared with Alexandra, but-

“I learnt about this when I asked Iris, a friend of mine, what I could get you. I needed to-” her voice wavers, and for once, Alexandra looks uncertain. She has no idea how to explain.

That’s okay, though, because Night knows, and so he unfastens the clasp with great ceremony, offering the necklace to her and turning so she could put it on. She goes still, and for a while there is only silence as she hangs the chain around his neck where it should be.

When this is complete he sweeps her into his arms, gently confessing his love for her with a kiss. She returns it, and it is only then that he feels the wetness from her cheeks as he cups them. Without answering he pulls away, wrapping his arms around her. She buries her face in his shoulder and exhales deeply, and he feels her tears as they dampen his shirt.

I love you too.

He had indeed been planning to do some paperwork, but tonight he’s sure that it can wait.

This was far more important.

[theshieldsummoner-blog]

Note.

My love.

My light.

My shield.

It is the last with which my fingers pause and I struggle to find words. After all, in all my lifetime, while I wished for companionship, never did I think I would get this granted. That I did is a wonder beyond my wildest dreams.

I have never asked much from you, only that you be mine - but perhaps that in itself is a tall order to fulfil.

So, I would ask something from you, that is just as tall, for I fear it not happening just as I’ve feared it after catching glimpses and hints throughout our years together.

I ask only that you feel.

Whether happy or sad matters not. To feel is a human emotion. It is something precious and special. You will need it to remember the right and the wrong, the boundaries in every grey area - but not just for that. You will also need it for a girl that needs her father right now.

One day you will no doubt tell Syarri about the war you were and still are fighting, and the people that fell beside you - people like me. Crime is far-reaching, and there will always be collateral damage. But you must remember to be more human than the ice you carry within, or you will destroy what is left of the fragile family that remains.

Do not worry, Night Cipher. We both knew my injury or death was inevitable. Would you rather have me caged, or lost in the happiness of flight?

One day, I hope you are able to answer correctly. Perhaps that day is today and perhaps it isn’t.

I was happy to continue strong and proud, despite the threats. Whatever you think of my confidence, I would not bow to those kinds of people. And yes, we did tell each other ‘I love you’ before you left for work that day. All precautions were as you checked them, and all was in order.

Perhaps this note shows a semblance of foresight. It is not magical, but rather of practicality - that which I learned from you. After all, neither of is expected these criminals to be lying.

But, whatever the case, in war there are losses. To win a chess game you must sacrifice valuable pieces. That is the same in any war, my love, and I begrudge nobody for it.

For now, tomorrow, and ever after,

I love you.

The happy-ever-after did no last as long as I could’ve hoped for, but I am content to have lived it with you.

Andra

summoner-nightcipher