#V: “I am everywhere. I am everyone!” (Default verse)

[blackrosesmatron]

Plotted starter to @jynxd

She had been observing the boy for some time now. He was one of many orphans left behind after the failed riot on the bridge that connected Piltover and Zaun. Orphaned twice, in fact—his last caregiver had been murdered the previous year, leaving the poor child to fend for himself in the undercity.

Zaun showed no mercy to anyone, and it could be especially cruel to the young. Yet, the way this boy navigated the lanes, slipping past danger without ever being caught, piqued her interest. He had potential. What he needed was someone to guide him, to refine his raw skills and give them purpose.

With this in mind, LeBlanc came up with a simple plan to lure him closer. Disguised as a gang leader, she strolled through the lanes, she was the personification of confidence and danger. She wore a sleek leather jacket, skin-tight black leggings, and thigh-high stiletto boots. Her neck gleamed with silver and gold chains, which matched the earrings dangling from both ears, shimmering with every step.

Stopping at a random food vendor, she ordered something to eat, her movements casual yet calculated. The Matron didn’t need to glance over her shoulder to know the boy was watching her every move. All she had to do now was wait for him to make his.

[blackrosesmatron]

"You don't need to wait for my permission, Briar. This house is yours as much as it is mine, and you are free to enter or leave whenever you wish." Still, she waved her hand, and the doors opened on their own, welcoming the blood golem back after a long time away.

On the other side, a butler and three drakehounds awaited them. LeBlanc exchanged a few quick words with the butler before leading the way toward the dining room. "They'll bring your food shortly. In the meantime, why don't you tell me what you've learned during your time away?"

With the sudden mention of food, especially food made the way she likes it, made her ears perk up! Straightening her back she turned towards the indoors area she referred to, and then back to LeBlanc, then back to the area, and then once more back again to her. As if she was asking some unspoken permission to go running inside.

Bouncing eagerly from one foot to another she couldn't contain her excitement! Briar looked so happy to be hope, and while her physical body hadn't changed much if any at all, she looked to be renewed with a boundless energy.

[blackrosesmatron]

@hemoplagued cont from here

As the shadows dissipated, falling on the ground as a thick layer of black dust, her full figure came into view, pale as moonlight, with golden eyes and lips painted a deep shade of purple. “If it comes from a vine, then I’ll gladly have a drink, thank you~” she hummed, her wicked smile curving delicately.

“I must apologize for arriving unannounced—And as a gesture of contrition, I must share with you that I am not truly here.” A confession that the woman Vladimir saw before him was nothing more than a clone of the original Matron. “As it happens, I’m still in Piltover, keeping a close eye on General Medarda and her lovely daughter, he Councillor Mel Medarda.”

"Ambessa continues her usual arrogance," LeBlanc said with a playful roll of her eyes. "She’s 'adopted' a Piltovan girl, one that seems to fit more what she expected of her own blood. But it’s not Ambessa who truly caught my attention this time. There’s a certain scientist in Piltover I believe would pique your interest as well —particularly his… creation. That is why I’ve come to extend an invitation for you to join me there."

LeBlanc’s golden eyes sparkled with mischief as she conjured an illusion to accompany her words. The room shifted, the atmosphere growing dark and suffocating, as if submerged within the damp confines of Stillwater Prison. From the shadows, red eyes flared ominously, and a monstrous figure—half human, half beast—lurched forward with inhuman speed, tearing through Noxian soldiers and Piltover enforcers alike.

“This,” LeBlanc purred, her tone equal parts intrigue and menace, “is but a glimpse of the creature this scientist, Singed, has created. I have yet to uncover its name or glimpse its full face, but its abilities are… remarkable. It is fast, immensely strong, and maddeningly difficult to kill. Even our rune-infused weapons left little more than scratches on its hide.”

The illusion of the creature loomed closer to Vladimir, towering over the hemomancer with an almost predatory presence. Its breath seemed to ripple the air, the illusion crafted with unnerving precision.

“It appeared to be following a trail,” LeBlanc continued, “I haven’t yet determined what it’s tracking, but my guess is something subtle, almost imperceptible—perhaps… blood?~”

"Whatever was the trail it was following, it broke into the Stillwater prison, killed dozens on its way in, and more dozens on its way out. The place was, however, nearly empty of prisoners already, and only the scientist remained there and it seemed to be by his own choice. That was how I caught his name, and I know Ambessa is keeping him close. She also seems interested in the thing he had created."

[blackrosesmatron]

“Let's be honest. You have a crush on Ambessa."

Based on this meme: Accepting

It would be a bold lie to claim she hadn’t expected someone to bring up that name, even in a game as silly as this.

“I must admit, under different circumstances, I wouldn’t have minded a few… intimate moments with her.” She paused, a hint of a smirk playing at her lips. “Ambessa has all the qualities I desire in a partner—beauty, power, ambition, and just the right touch of danger.” She sighed then, rolling her eyes as if the thought itself was tiresome. “But unfortunately, she chose to cross me in the worst way possible, and I simply cannot forgive her transgressions against my cabal.”

[blackrosesmatron]

Closed starter | @jynxd

Briar was possibly the most unstable of Vladimir's experiments, yet the time they spent locked away seemed to have triggered a change within the living weapon. A lower member of the Black Rose was sent to keep an eye on them and bring news of any and all evolutions they may present over time. Once LeBlanc heard they were developing a conscience, she decided to give this experiment another try.

But of course, things would go astray when it came to Briar. The man was killed when he let them go, as well as many others. The living weapon was leaving a trail of blood that led the Matron all the way to Piltover, the last place the airship landed. As there was no news of other deaths after the landing, she could only guess Briar took refuge in the undercity.

Her appearance changed from a lady of Piltover's high society wearing a long purple gown with a small hat resting more on the side of her head to one of the street rats of Zaun, with torn black trousers, a denim jacket with a black tank top underneath it, and military boots 'stolen' from the enforcers. The change was seamlessly done while crossing the bridge, after she had made sure nobody was looking that way.

"Now, where are you, my child...?" She spoke to herself while venturing through the lanes. Violence was all around, and hearing shoutings and fights happening was just expected, which made the search for Briar a bit harder. Unless...

Whispering a few incantations and drawing some sigils in the air, LeBlanc created a weak line that would lead her straight to the Pillory. The sigils on it responsible for holding Briar from going into a frenzy were hers, so she just needed to follow her magic signature to find them. Took her a bit; they had hidden themselves quite well in the deepest corners of the undercity. But at least, she found her living weapon.

"Well, hello there." She spoke from the entrance of the alley. "I've been looking for you." There was a smirk on her lips, malicious but not threatening.

[blackrosesmatron]

“Hush, my dear… everything’s alright now. I’m here,” Emilia murmured softly, her voice gentle as she reserved it for only a selected few. She cradled Jinx close, one hand resting on her back, the other brushing tenderly through her hair as if the girl were made of the most delicate material in the world.

The sharp edges of Jinx’s claws bit into Emilia’s skin, but she paid them no mind, the dark, almost inky blood of her wounds trickling without complaint. “I know, my beloved. I know who shot him.” Her tone was measured and careful—she wanted to avoid any unnecessary lies, though deceit had become her second nature. But Jinx… Jinx was different, no longer just another piece on Emilia’s chessboard, but someone precious. For her, Emilia held back the lies as much as possible.

Shut up, Vi, shut up, shut up, shut up. The voice of Jinx’s older sister seemed to echo within her broken mind. Emilia sighed, feeling the sadness for her daughter settle in her chest. “Don’t listen to her, Jinx. She abandoned you, remember? So why should you listen to anything she says?” She cupped Jinx’s face in both hands, lifting her gaze to meet her own and offering a soft, encouraging smile.

“I have good news,” Emilia continued, her voice brightening ever so slightly. “But we need to take care of a few things first, alright?” She pressed a gentle kiss to Jinx’s forehead in motherly gesture. “We need to get out of here—and then, I have a surprise waiting for you. I know you’re going to love it!”

It was always difficult before all of this to tell whether what she was experiencing was real. Whether it be when she was a child hearing the gunshots everywhere she went, to the way Vi would always whisper cruel words into her ears. Even her parents would chime in, say their peace. No matter the source it had always felt real, even then, and she had reacted as such. Only Silco had been there to comfort her then, when the words her sister spoke became too much, and told her that none of it was true or real. That he would always be there when she needed him.

Only that wasn't true, was it? Because here she was, only without him. And the voice she had just been hearing? The hand she had nearly felt? Even in her broken state she knew it wasn't really him. The sight of the woman who had quickly become her mother, too felt like the same illusion. After all, whose to tell her broken mind didn't conjure this up too?

"I want to believe you, I wish it, but I've already lost Papa..." Jinx stopped immediately as Leblanc stood in the very place that Silco had been standing second prior. Her body instantly tensed up at touch, only to instantly relax at the realization that this Leblanc wasn't lying. "You... You're actually really here..."

Tears of shimmer welled up and soon emotion came pouring out once more as she wrapped her arms tightly around Leblanc. "Papa was just standing where you are now, but he wasn't real, because a piltie killed him. I tried to save him, but I was too late." Jinx's body started to shake violently as the memory the tea party flooded her mind. "Papa is dead, You're here and he's dead. It's all my fault, because I could't stop her..."

Wolverine like claws dug into Leblanc's arms as she spoke, pulling her in closer and closer. 'You're right, it is your fault. You were careless, you let my girlfriend shoot him, and couldn't even kill her for killing him. What kind of daughter are you?' Vi whispered from behind her, resulting in her nails sinking further into skin. "Shut up, vi, shut up, shut up, shut up."

[blackrosesmatron]

She was exhausted in ways a mortal could never begin to understand.

"I need a break..."

[blackrosesmatron]

@piltover-sharpshooter cont. X

The Matron only realized her lack of proper clothing after her unexpected guest arrived. It was swiftly fixed with a snap of her fingers, as a black dress seemed to materialize over her body. "It's a day mostly for people in romantic relationships, and since I'm not in one, I do enjoy spending it alone. Especially because I'm not asked why I am single." she spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I still haven't met my other 'self,' but I must admit I am quite curious." Would it disrupt the universe to encounter oneself from another reality?

A small smile tugged at her lips as she picked up the cupcakes Caitlyn made for her. "Thank you, they look quite nice. I didn't know you were a baker too." The sweets were placed on the kitchen countertop. "And no need to worry, I'm hiding because I'm avoiding other people. I don't mind your company - I just don't have a nice gift to reciprocate the beautiful sweets you brought me. However, I do have a good Demacian wine that we could share."

[blackrosesmatron]

@jynxd

Blows a kiss at Vi, "I hope you enjoy the view~"

[blackrosesmatron]

"Yes, Lord Xerath," Fikri replied, swallowing dryly, his eyes fixed on the ground as shame washed over him. He felt relieved to be dismissed after his failed attempt to impress the Magus. With a bow of his head, he turned on his heels and headed outside, searching for where the other acolytes were gathered so he could join them.

The young man knew he had a long road ahead of himself, but he was determined to impress his new overlord.

Days turned into weeks, which became months, and before long, Fikri felt like he was ready to show his progress to Xerath. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he made his way to the temple. The place was improving each passing day, resembling more of what it once was during its golden age.

He had a plan for what to do and how his powers could be of use to Xerath and his new world. "My lord, may I have a word with you?" His voice sounded more confident this time, believing his new tactic could be useful in different situations.

Xerath watched as Fikri performed his magic, though perhaps calling it such was being generous. He at least seemed to be versed in runic tongue, though the display that followed wasn't overly-impressive...

The Magus turned as he saw the illusion covering the room, recreating the image of a bygone era. Less of a spell and more of a parlor trick; the only thing remotely impressive was the scope of the illusion itself. "You have a great deal to learn."

Xerath returned his attention to Fikri. "Though from your expression, it seems I hardly need to tell you how woefully underwhelming this is... No matter. I do see within you a spark of potential... It is only a matter of drawing it out." The Magus hovered closer. "Go then. Rejoin your fellow acolytes. Rest and recover from your travels. Tomorrow, you will begin your training in earnest."

[blackrosesmatron]

Name one (or a few) people in your life whose death would ruin you.

Who do you think would miss you most if you were gone?

Name one person you’d protect even if it meant sacrificing yourself.

From this meme: accepting

10. Name one (or a few) people in your life whose death would ruin you.

Swain (@dolls-runeterran-dollhouse): My dearest Grand General. I am aware of her mortality, and as age begins to take its toll, our time together grows ever shorter. I do try to prepare my heart for the inevitable moment when she departs this world, but I know, with certainty, that it will shatter irreparably upon her passing.

Morgana (@veiled-lady, Coven verse): My dearest Queen. I doubt that the Gods would subject her to the same fate as mine; she is destined to outlive me by many years. However, if tragedy were to befall her, and I were powerless to prevent her demise, it would utterly devastate my heart and soul. My affection for her rivals even that which I hold for the deities we serve, despite the potential blasphemy inherent in such devotion.

Kayn (@wayfaringstrangxr, both default and modern verse): My most lethal assassin, who may be cocky but is undeniably effective. Losing him would mean losing a vital asset to my plans—or at least, that's what I used to believe. Nowadays, things changed and so did my feelings towards him, and it pains me deeply whenever he returns from a mission wounded, even if the injury is not life-threatening. Despite his mortality and the inevitability of his demise—whether in battle or old age—I fear the day I will ultimately lose him.

My rock star; Gods, I can't believe one would bring me close to my father's band again, but his presence in the Pentakill alone made me forget Mordekaiser is also a member of the band. I value more being around him than avoiding my father, so that alone should speak volume about how much Kayn means to me - which also means how much his death would utimately devastate me. I hope he won't have a crazy fan like John Lennon had!

11. Who do you think would miss you most if you were gone?

I can think of a few names of people with whom I have built real bonds, so I suppose they would be more likely to miss me. They are Veigar, Evelynn, Briar, and Jinx.

Evelynn (drinkthepain) is my long-time friend. In the same way I trust her entirely, I also know she trusts me with all her dark heart. Plus, not too long ago, Fiddlesticks decided to attack us both, and I learned that he used her fear of losing me to cause her pain.

Then there is Veigar, my little duckling. We have been through hell and back together, with me being partially responsible for freeing us both from Mordekaiser. I know he gets nervous when I go too long without sending news, despite his attempts to conceal it.

Briar (restrainedhungr) and Jinx (jynxd) both chose me to be their mother, so I believe this speaks volumes on how much they would miss me if I were to die.

There is one last name, a certain hemomancer, who is a huge maybe in this list. Considering how complicated our relationship is, I cannot tell for sure if he would miss me or celebrate my departure from this world.

I can think of other names as well, but all of them are not certain to miss me much. Perhaps on the first moment, but soon to not be affected anymore.

12. Name one person you’d protect even if it meant sacrificing yourself.

The same names as before. I do not love often, but when I do, it is in the most intense way possible. I would kill and die for Evelynn, Veigar, Briar, Jinx, and that awfully annoying blood diva.

[blackrosesmatron]

△ + "But why not allow him to know, even if just a little fragment, of the vast ocean of feelings you cradle beneath?" She would ask from the Mirror as if nonchaotically drinking a glass of wine. A couple of Pixies fluttering out, carrying a glass & a bottle with impressive strength given their little shapes. Like dutiful maids, they would also serve the glass for their Enchantress' twin with precise skill.

"... Is our dear Hemomancer not meant as romantic material on your side? You actually spoke truly fondly of him, & after centuries of cradling so much, I can't help but wonder what stops you." Now she wondered, given their experiences differ despite parallels.

"He would be beyond foolish if he didn't reciprocate your sentiments... Look at you, the absolute Epitome of Beauty, Power & Intelligence."

Was it Narcissistic to speak this way? Well, none said she couldn't pay compliments to herself in the middle of this sudden novela~

Send me a △ and ask a really invasive question aimed at my character: accepting

She didn't need to be a seer to foresee that question being asked right after the previous inquiry on whether Emilia thought her longtime ally attractive or not. Yet, that was worse - far worse than the previous one. Raising a hand, she signed to the pixies stop before they could approach the sorceress and serve her anything, as she was not feeling like joining her dear twin on a drink.

Her expression also changed to a more somber one. "On the contrary, he knows quite well how to be romantic and insistent. He does seem to have a foolish hope that I will eventually change my mind and give him a chance, no matter how many times I have turned him down through the centuries." The statement alone already told a lot about the current status of their relationship.

"As for why I do not share my feelings and thoughts, well, because I am a coward." There was nothing else to say about it. "I am a coward and I am absolutely terrified of loving anybody - for emotions are prone to cloud one's judgment, leading to vulnerability. Emotions are a poweful tool to be exploited, and I know it for I do it on a daily basis with others." That was not all, and she knew she had been hexed to tell the truth and further share what went through her mind and heart.

"I am afraid of loving and losing, for love is nothing but allowing others to hurt you. To allow life to hurt you. Everybody I held dear was taken from me by the Kindred, with only two exceptions until recently, and one of them not being able to actually die." Having such a reassuring thought on the Demoness of Agony did help Emilia to feel without the fear of losing. "I already fear for my dear duckling every day, and that was the reason why I turned against our former Master, as well as the reason I don't disclose the fact we know one another to anybody but Evelynn and Vladimir." Veigar was far too precious to her, and the mere thought he could be in danger was enough to make Emilia panic.

"Briar is nearly indestructible, so it is easy to allow myself to love and show it to her. Plus, my mentality changed a lot since the last time I had to mother anybody." Her brothers, the ones she should have protected and raised. The images of their corpses on their house flooded back to the front of her mind, forcing LeBlanc to actually put her acting skills to the test as to not show how much that question was affecting her.

She was disclosing a lot until that point in hopes to avoid the main topic, but alas, there were no more names to be listed but Vladimir's.

"I have loved Vladimir for over a thousand years now. I hated him when we first met, thought of him to be too vain, annoying and short-sighted. He could have much more than just a few small tribes adoring him as a God. How wrong I was, but I learned quickly he was not what he seemed to be. Before I knew it, I had fallen for him, and with the love came the fear. We would face Mordekaiser together and I knew his set of skills were not the best against him. Hemomancy does not work on someone who has no flesh and bones that can be manipulated. Still, against all odds, we won, and I had to push him away because I knew more would come our way and I could not bear the idea of losing him to the Kindred again. I know he is quite capable of defending himself, but fear does turn us irrational." She sighed, already feeling herself growing emotionally exhausted in sharing so much.

"I know now how foolish I was, because pushing him away only served to hurt both of us and did not make me love him any less. And after so long avoiding him, I feel like I am finally about to lose him. We are slowly drifting apart and I don't think I should try to change it. I don't even think I could change it and make him believe me again even if I tried to be honest and share all of this." There was something about knowing your end was approaching. It put things into a new perspective and it was forcing LeBlanc to reevaluate everything she had done with her life until that point.

"Perhaps it is better this way." She concluded, hand going to the nape of her neck, where Mordekaiser had branded her with his Sigil. She still could feel it, as a constant reminder that his return was near. "He will suffer less when I'm gone, and will have the empire all for himself, without me trying to hold him back from openly ruling Noxus." One last gift to her loved one.

"As for how uncomfortable that question made me on a scale from 0 to 10, it was a solid 12." With that, Emilia stood up from her chair in front of the mirror, covering it with a black velvet cloth, and leaving the room.

[blackrosesmatron]

The confusion was understandable, as the Matron herself had never given the blood golem much attention until recently. It wasn't until Briar managed to escape her enclosure and demonstrated her evolution during her time confined that LeBlanc regained interest in her.

"You are a living weapon, which means you are both the weapon and the wielder. As a weapon, you are as deadly as they come; your teeth can pierce and tear nearly anything, not to mention your physical strength. Plus, I honestly haven't seen a sword, spear, or spell come close to causing you actual harm, so you are virtually indestructible. Those two factors make you the perfect weapon." Hopefully, that would help Briar understand how one could think of her as 'perfect'.

"Your failures are mostly our failures. As a weapon, you have always been perfect, but as the wielder, you still lacked proper training. You were not ready to be sent on the missions you were assigned." In a way, they all knew she would fail, but cared little for it at the time. Perhaps LeBlanc would continue to care little for it if she hadn't decided to go after Briar herself and ended up bonding with the girl—her daughter now.

Hands cupped Briar's face gently, golden eyes looking at her with a tenderness she scarcely showed others. "We are going to fix it. You are not the same as you were before." Her attention switched to the Pillory. "And as a beginning, we should probably give you something that allows you more freedom of movement."

Briar freezes. Stares at her in complete, unblinking, silence.

She personally asked for her to be made? She asked dad to make her? Furrowing her brow in confusion, Briar wasn't sure how to feel about it. Conflict behind large eyes, why would Emilia not tell her? Why would she leave her alone all those years? If she was so perfect why did she fail so much? Why was every mission she do a failure? These things didn't bother her, but it made her curious. How was she anything but a failure?

A small smile drags her out of the spiraling thoughts at the small kiss. An affection she craved for dearly, yet she couldn't stop those thoughts. " How? " Came her only inquiry. How was perfect? She couldn't do anything the way others wanted- She was locked up, they attempted to destroy her, she remembers so many people calling her as such. But she was perfect? The contradiction was beyond her.

[blackrosesmatron]

👄 + "Our Dearest Hemomancer, if you will, dear twin?" She can't help but chuckle beneath the mirror's surface.

‘👄 + character name’ and my muse will say if they find them attractive : accepting

The question was expected, and yet, Emilia still clung to a frail hope that her dear 'Twin' would not ask it.

With centuries of practice in masking her true feelings and thoughts, the Matron offered a sly smile before speaking, "Well, aren't we one and the same, sister? So why ask questions you already know the answer to?" Despite her attempt to evade the inquiry, Emilia knew it was futile to deny her other self an answer. She sensed that her 'Twin' would discern the truth regardless of how well she concealed her reactions. Trying to mislead herself was both silly and futile.

"I've been told multiple times that I do have a type, and he fits the bill: ambitious, powerful, and handsome." However, that was only a superficial answer.

"May he never uncover my true thoughts and feelings for him, or else I will never know peace, as his ego will likely be overinflated for a century or so, and my patience can only endure so much of it." A sigh escaped her darkly painted lips as her mind grappled with where to begin. "I admire how ambitious he is and how he refuses to diminish or constrain himself for the comfort of others. He was born to lead, and despite my preference for remaining in the shadows, I know he would thrive if given the opportunity to ascend the throne of Noxus and rule as its rightful Emperor." Indeed, Noxus owed much of its identity to Vladimir; he had been there from the very beginning.

"I also admire and love his determination—bordering on stubbornness. His perfectionism may drive him to madness at times, with every setback bruising his pride. What surprises me, even troubles me, is that many of those 'failures' were still remarkable creations that I cannot envision any mage or sorcerer, no matter how skilled, coming close to replicating. I know what the Darkins were capable of when they ruled Runeterra, and Vladimir is not far behind that level of power—or so I believe."

Her list omitted physical attributes, for now. "If you must know what I find most attractive about his appearance, though, I would say I quite love his hair and hands." There was another aspect she found extremely attractive, but she opted not to share it with her Twin, in case she wasn't already aware.

"In short, yes, to my misfortune I do find that blood diva attractive."

[blackrosesmatron]

What Emilia was about to do was far from saving a man's life from a demon. No. She was defending her own interests.

With a magic-imbued arrow, the young sorceress shot right between the Demon of Agony and the poor villager who thought he was about to have some good times with a beautiful woman. The arrow was not there to hurt but to force the demonic creature to back up.

"Before you complain, I'm saving your life. Now go." She had already picked another arrow and had set herself prepared to shoot again. The man stuttered, the spell on him being broken with all the adrenaline suddenly pumping through his body. His pupils were dilated, his breathing, once hot and heavy with desire, was now shallow with panic. "I told you to GO." Her voice sounded imposing enough to set the guy in motion, getting his legs to finally work and rush away from the scary woman clad in black and pointing an arrow in his direction.

"I would much appreciate it if you left the villagers alone. I need them alive until the next full moon." On that night, they would be holding a very special celebration. Emilia wanted every single one there for it, nearly eighty villagers. Removing all the elders and the childlings, she would be left with roughly forty people, between men and women. She preferred there were more, but she would play with the cards life gave her. Those forty people would have to do it!

@drinkthepain

[blackrosesmatron]

She may or may not be glad in co-parinting Jinx and Briar with Silco. At least he isn't prone to panic like Emilia.