[Fan Fiction] Witch Hunt- Part 2
###Part 2
"I hope you are aware I hate horses quite a bit," Vayne called from behind Lucian. For what seemed like days the two had rode from Demacia astride horses, galloping through daylight and night sky. They'd occasionally stop to make camp but neither got a full night of sleep. Always sleeping in shifts, the other standing guard. A precaution but one that had to be taken, especially considering the fame (Infamy?) the two had.
"Not a fan either, but we're almost there," Lucian called back. He wasn't joking either: Lucian always hated horses. Senna didn't, however, and she had always tried to persuade him on how cute baby horses were or how they should one day retire and open a ranch. It stung to ride horses now, his thoughts plagued with Senna's image and how he'd build a thousand ranches, even if it meant spending a day with her.
Thankfully for both, the ride was over. The guild's center had been reached...and it was about as impressive as Vayne had expected it to be. A decrepit, shabby, broken down church. Cracked mosaics, worm-infested pews decaying by the minute, ratty books, melted candles. "And people question why I would deny the order my services..." Vayne muttered. Lucian seemed unfazed, walking over to the podium and grasping at a holy tome. Old and dusty, he slowly flipped through it, looking for just the right page as Vayne continued to look at the decaying place of holiness.
Lucian paused as he reached the page he was looking for. The Purifier began to read out-loud, although he probably could have done it from memory: "As the darkness fell over the land and the sun was smote from the sky, many lost hope. Yet, even in the darkness, the bravest of us lit matches, lanterns, whatever we could. We would bring light to the world, even if we were to immolate ourselves doing it." As he finished, the floor began to shake under Vayne, causing the huntress to roll backwards. One wrist-mounted crossbow aimed at the floor, the stone tiles sank away magically. Blue torches lined the passage downward, a spiral staircase leading beneath the church.
"C'mon. This entire land and the walls of the church are consecrated. Anything with even a thimble of evil in it's heart will die in searing agony," Lucian said, beckoning Vayne to follow. While she did follow, the huntress refused to lower her weapon. Down and down the two went, the only sound the footfalls of boots upon stone. After a few minutes of walking Vayne finally stowed her weapon, sneering a bit at Lucian.
"Fine. It's safe."
"Told ya'."
As the two reached the bottom, Lucian grasped the handle of a door that sat there, forcing it open with a gentle shove. Beneath the church was the guild. No title, no name, no secret handshake, just "The Guild". Vayne looked at these blue lights, the holy symbols that lined the walls, the sounds of chattering slayers talking amongst themselves. "Let's get to the heads of the guild, they're the ones waiting for us," Lucian spoke as he continued walking, not even giving acknowledgement to the few hunters who lined the walls. Most wore dark leathers and had "holy" weapons. Whips, crossbows, throwing weapons in the shape of crosses, warhammers. There were a few priests and clerics, even a paladin or two from the look of that heavy plate.
Of course Lucian wasn't the interesting one today. All eyes fell on Vayne as she walked beside Lucian. Whispers where shared back and forth, asking if that was the "real" Night Hunter or if that was actually -the- Shauna Vayne. "I don't suppose there is a less populated path we could take to avoid all these dimwits eying me like I am some sort of legend?" Vayne questioned, peering at Lucian through her crimson goggles.
"Nope. Besides, you -are- a legend whether you like it or not. Cleaned out nearly all of Demacia in a few years and one of the few "light bringers" who work outside of the guild and are successful," Lucian added. Vayne huffed, aggravated that her presence was something of a commotion. "Don't get too pissy, I'm sure they-"
"Do not refer to me by whatever rank or title you just gave me, -Purifier-. I am Vayne. Not a light bringer, not a purifier, even the damned night hunter title is something I did not choose to have bestowed upon me."
"Suit yourself, Vayne," Lucian grumbled, leading Vayne to a large door. He gave it two swift knocks before a small section at eye level was opened. "It's Lucian. I brought Vayne," he said, the section closing before the whole door opened up. Passing right by the tall fellow with the wide-brimmed hat and the long coat, Lucian and Vayne stand before a small table with all manner of seasoned hunters. It's clear they're all quite old, whispering to each other. Lucian nods in respect to them. "Council, I brought Vayne as you requested."
All the council members, however, look disturbed. "...This is what you all wanted right? Because, right now, seems like you're all scared to hell of her." Lucian continued. One of the council members cleared his throat and stood slightly, shaking. Just why was he so disturbed by Vayne's presence? Even the Night Huntress was curious, one ebony eyebrow raised upwards.
"She...she escaped..."
Lucian was surprised. Vayne, however, was furious. "You god damn IDIOTS. People question why I ignore you all and this proves why: You did not take into account Bandora's power. For a sullen old lady she-"
"Bandora, when she was captured, was wearing the flesh of your mother."
Vayne froze. She seethed angrily, but didn't say a word. That standing member continued to explain: "Bandora lives by moving from body-to-body, tearing out the souls of her victims before inhabiting their bodies. Your family was her last target and, as such, she had been using the shell of your mother."
"Guess you weren't aware, huh?" Lucian asked. Vayne shook her head. Every word stung and filled her mind with fury. "We weren't aware either, if it makes you feel any better. Probably doesn't but we were just as shocked when we saw Lady Vayne-"
"Shut up."
Lucian shrugged, keeping quiet. "If you are willing to cooperate then we will both give you the means to slay Bandora as well as give you the body of your mother for a proper burial. Your father and any other family members are...not known of, however," spoke the member of the guild. "If you do, however, Lucian will still be joining you. As well as another member of our order."
Vayne nodded once. "Fine. But you answer me this: Why do you need me, hm? Seems like you were able to catch her on your own just fine," She sneered, pointing a finger accusingly at the member of the higher order who stood. Lucian didn't say a word but he too was curious about just why Vayne was so desperately needed for this assignment. He figured the guild could handle it, especially if he was going to be partnered with who he thought they'd choose.
"Because we fear what you would do if you were denied your vengeance," spoke the elder. Vayne stared in surprise, taken aback by just how to the point they were.
She did not like the guild, that was true, but to slay them or attack them because Bandora had been killed without her hand in it? "Do you really think...do you REALLY think I am capable of such a thing?"
"Why else would we send Lucian? We feel he's the only one who could have brought you back without risk." Now Vayne turned to Lucian, who sighed and nodded. She sneered angrily before crossing her arms. "If you do not have further questions, you leave tomorrow evening. For now, Vayne, we have prepared temporary quarters for you. Lucian, your quarters are the same they have always been. You are both dismissed."
Lucian nodded in respect, Vayne just turning and leaving. To think that they would say she is capable of such a deed is shocking...at least to Vayne. She left the chamber and leaned on the wall, bottling all her anger. Even with all this, isn't this what she wanted? Wasn't this exactly what Vayne had hoped to happen? To be feared? Well, by those of the night. She didn't want to terrorize those who were pure of heart, even if they were idiots who couldn't handle even one rogue witch.
"Bastards," Vayne muttered.
