Zero: Hello League of Legends fans! Zero here, with a new story out for your reading and entertainment pleasure. This is the first collab project I have done with my brother, Bi-PolarBear. Its rough and we will edit it as well as our writing process over time. In the meanwhile, we hope you enjoy the story and humor we put in. Which will be copious in later chapters.
Disclaimer: Bi-PolarBear and Zero612 do not own anything besides their original characters Delta and Jack. The Institute of War, Summoners, and champions are the property of League of Legends and Riot Games.
The Precursors Arrive
The Institute of War. A grand stone building that reaches the tip of the stalactites hanging from this giant cavern in the side of a mountain, one easily able to host a town of dragons, if their society had evolved to such a standard. It sits dark and looming with great power radiating from its walls, yet awe-inspiring and inviting to all those who seek peace. The only route to the Institute that doesn't require scaling rocky, jagged cliff sides is a single long bridge, preceded by over a hundred and fifty steps and followed by a flight of thirty or so more before reaching the grand enchanted double doors that grant entrance to those deserving. At the end of each staircase and along the bridge, ornate bronze braziers with magical purple fires provide light to all who pass.
Perched upon a stalagmite half a kilometer away from the doors, shadows reach out from the cavern's darkness at the edge of the magical lights and slowly mesh together until they merge into the form of a humanoid being. Its eyes open slowly, a bright deep brown piercing the shadows as they gaze out upon the Institute. The shadows forming the being morph and shift until the silhouette finally resembles that of a Runeterran male, with a cloak swaddling his shoulders that gently sways, its frayed edges billowing out, breaking apart, then reforming.
"The Institute of War. It's always so very interesting to see what the humans come up with over the years, isn't it brother?" The shadow asks, a soft deep voice made loud as it echoes from the beings entire body rather than just its head.
Looking back briefly with a large smile another figure appears on the steps before the Institute's doors with a swirl of snow and ice, frost forming and reaching out briefly from where he stands. Another Runeterran male, this ones features are clearly displayed. His skin is a pale bluish white that seems to glow and reflect all light that passes over it, like the glare of ice. Frozen blue eyes sparkle in mirth and mischief as he looks back at the shadow hidden so far away, yet almost obvious to him and clearly heard. An ice blue cloak covers his body from shoulder to ankle, his feet surprisingly bare and seeming to have no concern for the frigid ice and frost that grows from where he steps. He turns back to look at the door, smirking as his eyes settle on and glaze over the plaque above them.
"Seems a little too big for my tastes. And a bit warm." He answers.
Floating beside him the silhouette steps into the light, dark brown skin uncovered by the cloak of shadows he wears, lower body dressed in smooth black pants decorated by red stripes, and black boots covering his feet. On his chest rests a shining onyx orb that flashes white, red, and blue pinpricks of light randomly across its surface. He reaches out a single hand, pushing a door and causing both to swing open as the brothers walk into the dark hall that spans before them.
"I can already tell. This will be fun." The shadow being chuckles as the doors close behind him and his frosty sibling.
Nearly an hour later, the two brothers walked through a smaller set of double doors, emblazoned with the golden artwork of a pair of coiled serpents, ready to strike. The low evening light of candles littered the halls inside the Institute, with signs and arrows serving as directories towards nearby buildings.
"And just like that, we are in." The dark-skinned one says. "This next period of time will be an entertaining one. I can already detect some beings of interest. Like the young woman walking towards us now."
Flanked by 3 other summoners with deep purple robes and gold trims, denoting their ranks as councilors, a tall female summoner in white and gold robes with a purple sash and hood trim walks over and stands before the 2 brothers.
"Delta. Jack. Welcome to the Institute of War. I am Vessaria Kolminye, a member of the Institute's High Council of Equity. I've come to personally discuss your…terms of stay." The woman speaks.
Delta smiles, folding his arms across his chest as the onyx orb flashes several bright blue lights. "Well met, Kolminye. I look forward to our time here."
"This'll be a nice playground" Jack says, his blue eyes looking around and sparkling with excitement.
Delta glances over at Jack and smirks while Vessaria watches him for a few seconds, warily. "Yes, I too hope you will enjoy forwarding the purpose of the League." She pauses before looking at Delta. "If you'll follow me, I'll guide you to the main areas of note."
Nodding Delta watches and follows Vessaria as the 3 accompanying summoners spread themselves to flank the group, the man only pausing to grab his brother by the arm and yank him after. The groups of 3 walk a short distance from each other but seemingly close enough for the summoners to act quickly if the two guests proved to be hostile. No such actions prove to be as Vessaria leads them all down the hallway before pausing at a set of wide doors.
"This is one entrance to the League's cafeteria." She begins, opening the door and stepping inside a short distance while followed by Delta and Jack. "As you can see, it's quite a large facility as we have many with high metabolisms and diverse palates."
The Cafeteria was a grand hall of smooth gothic architecture. The ceiling rose to a height where only a fully grown Cho' Gath would be brushing the top, decorated by arching support columns, murals of battles or notable heroes of every city state, and large crystal chandeliers that shone a calm but revealing yellow light across the space. Down below, tables, seats and benches were arranged and organized to provide plenty of seating for people who preferred to stay with those of their factions, or mix between comfortably. Along the walls of the cafeteria's west and east areas were open windows that had boxes or trays open with many different types of food. Noxian and Zaunite cuisine were available to the east while Demacia and Piltover had their own signature dishes presented to the west. Arranged around their cuisine were the actual city states themselves. The cultural personality of Noxus shone through as their area was quieter, little idle conversation working its way from the direction as everyone either ate their food quickly or slowly while glaring at someone. In almost direct contrast, Demacia and Piltover was more lively, the champions of the city state loud and pleasant as many conversations floated through the air and made an almost indecipherable buzz of chatter.
"Wait… where did Jack go?" Vessaria suddenly comments, looking around slowly. Delta blinks and looks to his side then sighs, immediately searching by the Freljordians and sighing. He taps Vessaria on the shoulder as he slides away.
Jack meanwhile, stands by the Freljordian food stall grabbing pieces of roasted pork and herbs. He grins as he bites into a piece and shivers, turning around slowly to find himself face to face with the Boar of the Winters Wrath, Bristle. He stares at the giant pig then looks to find its owner looking at him in confusion. He stares back at the pig, who snorts, then stares back at Sejuani. His eyes narrow and his smirk regrows on his face as he shifts his gaze between the two while quietly saying "So…is it true pig orgasms last 30 minutes? I just thought you'd be the best to ask." He chuckles, looking at them both.
Delta pauses, a mere meter away from his brother and having been poised to grab him before he heard the declaration. He quickly retreats to behind the Demacian table and back to Kolminye with a low mutter "Already causing trouble…"
Sejuani yells out loudly, drawing attention from the entire cafeteria as she throws herself forward with her fists clenched and aimed at Jack's general area. The first punch catches him on the jaw, sending his head turning to the side while he tucks it in almost immediately. The second swings into his cloaked chest and sends him stumbling back a half-step while the third punch hits his ribs from the side. He steps back once, twice then jumps, creating some distance between himself and Sejuani as her charge ends with a near collision into an enraged Bristle. Relocating her target and snorting in anger, almost in sync with her hammy mount, Sejuani winds a fist back to charge and beat Jack once more before large furry paws grab her by the shoulder and stomach and pull her back. Her fist blindly swings into the side of her captor, bouncing off the thick muscle and fur of Volibear, who glares down at her briefly before shifting his gaze back over to the entrance of the cafeteria, looking at Vessaria.
Kolminye notices the altercation and immediately grumbles under her breath while stepping forward. She also notices that Jack seems to have disappeared once more with the distraction.
"Champions. I did not mean to interrupt your off hours but it seems to be out of my hands. So I will take this time to inform you that two new champions have joined the League. The first is Delta here."
Upon hearing his name Delta tilts his head back to a normal angle and looks out among the champions, eyes roaming from face to face quickly but measured. Within a couple seconds he's met eyes with everyone gathered.
"and the second is Jack, who is currently unavailable. They will have an official introduction tomorrow during our monthly League Assembly, however for today I would prefer for them to learn a few things before mingling with the veterans. That is all, you may return to your meals." Kolminye nods at the champions before turning to the doors. Delta meanwhile looks at Sejuani, noting the angered tint of red on her cheeks and the slow to calm huff of breath. The two lock eyes for a long second before he notices Vessaria leaving. With a small smirk he breaks contact and follows the High Councilor out, knowing he's left the woman in a slightly confused state accompanying the anger at his brother.
Yep. Already causing trouble. Delta thinks as the doors close behind them and they continue the tour. It takes a bit before Delta convinces Vessaria to not bother grabbing his brother. After a promise of him rushing off to contain him should a situation potentially occur, and explanation of the futility of grabbing the sibling who loves to wander. In reality they both do, but one of them has to be the responsible one and unfortunately he IS the elder, so it falls on him to ignore his desires while his brother impulsively follows his for now. The group of 5 visit the League's Library and Archives where a pleasant meeting between Delta and Nasus; the League's official Head Librarian and Archivist occurs, and the main Summoning chambers where champions are brought to for their transport to the Rift and battle. The tour is concluded by reaching a dormitory like building adjacent to a peaceful plaza and park area.
"And this concludes our introduction. If you have any questions Delta, alert any of the senior summoners and they can quickly teleport you to myself." Vessaria says.
"I'll bear that in mind. Thank you." Delta responds. The two shake hands and VEssaria depars with 2 of the council summoners. The third lags back from his comrades and hands Delta two keys.
"These are the keys to your apartment. Room 306, so 3rd floor, room 6. One key is for your brother. I would normally advise against losing your keys, but I highly doubt you or your brother will even use them." The summoner quickly tells him, a gravelly voice rolling out from his hood.
Delta chuckles "You're about 98% right. Thanks." The summoner merely nods before walking off after the others. Delta turns, regards the building briefly before stepping inside to the empty lobby and going up a nearby stairway to the third floor. He approaches and opens his room to view the place.
Not of a shabby design it appears the brothers got a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. The door opened into a simple hallway that ran forward to the kitchen. 3 doorways were on the right side of the hallway with a meter or so between each one. The first opened to a sparse bedroom with a queen bed, mahogany dresser, and a simple bedside table with a lamp on it. The door next to it had a bathroom. The door after that opened into a small living area with a couch and crystal screen placed a comfortable distance from each other and adjacent to a large window that showed a good view of the park/plaza area. Looking out Delta saw a couple groups of people meandering around the plaza. The final two doors housed another bedroom and bathroom, both bathrooms containing a laundry chute. Unimportant to him, he ignores the chute and returns to the first bedroom, lying on the bed and thinking.
"First day. Tomorrow we're introduced. Then we hit the Rift in practice matches for "Balance tests". Not a bad startup." He turns on his side and lifts up a hand. The Onyx orb embedded in his chest trembles, shaking hard until it pops out and floats before him. A dark thick mist slowly expands in all directions, creating a cloud of Darkness. "More importantly… I can't wait to see what else these mortals do besides tear each other apart." He chuckles, gazing into the ball as the Darkness expands and slowly overtakes the entire room, rendering it pitch black to the point of the light outside the closed door and covered window seeming to be drawn in towards the utter blackness.
