The Black Flame

by Cadhlar

When Gangplank hears rumors of a magical artifact, which might grant him the power to claim rule of Bilgewater, he enlists the help of Twisted Fate to retrieve the artifact. Meanwhile Jarvan III and Lux must ask Xin Zhao to cross a line and reveal a hidden darkness within him to combat a growing threat in Noxus.

1. The Fated Path

The Fated Path

"This is a bloody awful plan!"

Gangplank's voice boomed inside the metal walls of the thin corridor. Xin looked up at Gangplank from where he was kneeling.

"If you have a better plan, then speak."

Gangplank pointed at the crudely drawn map of the laboratory.

"I saw we burst in through the front, move fast and take them by surprise."

Fate looked at the Ace of Hearts in his hand and spoke.

"No my friend, they will be heavily fortified and expecting us to make a move."

Gangplank stared Fate in the eyes.

"What did yer cards tell you that?"

Fate let a cheeky grin slide across his face.

"No, my common sense did."

Gangplank felt himself boil up with frustration and grabbed the gun from his hip; only to find it was gone. A whistle brought his attention to Fate who was spinning the pistol around his finger. Fate spoke again, with all the smug attitude he could muster.

"And I didn't even need my cards to swipe your little toy off of you."

Lux decided to step in before the squabbling men broke out into a fight. She took the gun from Fate and gave it back to Gangplank who kept it in his hand but held down by his hip.

"Friends there is no use arguing, we will get nowhere and the Professor will complete his plan."

The words rung in the ears of the steamed up men who decided to back off. Lux knelt down by the map and spoke.

"What if you're all right? We could use Gangplank and Xin's plan together."

Xin frowned and pointed at the entrance.

"If Gangplank and I attack there…"

Lux nodded and spoke.

"Then Fate and I can stick to your plan."

Gangplank gave way.

"Fine if that's what it's gonna take to get you quivering wenches to move then let's do it."

Fate released his deck to fly around him and spoke.

"The plan has been settled on and our path awaits."

He held a hand out to Lux.

"My dear shall we depart?"

Lux pulled her wand from her belt and whisked it through the air. Fate's vision filled with spots of light and after a few blinks he saw Lux running off shouting back to him.

"Come on Fate we don't want to miss our date with destiny."

She followed this up by laughing a high pitched melody that echoed back down the corridor.

Fate looked at Gangplank and Xin before running his fingers along the rim of his hat.

"I do believe Lady Luck is on my side tonight."

With that he took off into the dark abyss of the metal walls. Xin and Gangplank looked at one another and Xin spoke first.

"Let's move; we don't have much time."

Gangplank felt himself getting worked up by the soldier in front of him.

"Ye don't tell me what to do Demacian."

Gangplank turned and jogged off into the corridor away from where Fate and Lux had departed. Xin shook his head in pity for the pirate and picked up his spear as he ran into the darkness.

Lux ran through the corridor, her steps barely making a sound as she glided across the metal floor. She saw the turn off to reach her destination. She stepped left onto a spiral staircase that rose high into the tower above her. It took only a few minutes to run up the metal stairs to the top where she found a hatch sealed doorway. She gripped the hatch and spun it round, unlocking the heavy door which separated the thick air inside and the pollution of the outside world. The pollution rushed in, making Lux gag and cough in response. Lux waved her wand up and bent the light around her mouth and nose. The air she breathed became clearer and Lux was thankful for the relief from the pollution. She looked through the thin haze and saw something that she hadn't expected.

Fate was leaning against the railing of the tower balcony flipping cards through his fingers. He tipped his hat up so Lux could only just see his eyes glinting out from underneath the rim. He spoke with a smug grin across his lips.

"My, my Lux what took you so long?"

Lux smiled and walked over to the gypsy.

"Well I was busy talking to a few of the locals, had to straighten a few of them out."

Fate grinned and turned to look over the city below them. Lux stepped beside him and leant on the railing to join him in their silent gaze. She looked over Zaun and its smog covered cityscape. The towers built from metal and machine rose above them into the Zaun Gray. The warehouses, laboratories and homes below were separated by thin alleyways and crowded streets. Lux couldn't help but feel disgusted by the chaos, the anarchy of this vile city.

She looked over at Fate who had a different look in his eyes, there was something deep in them like a fire had suddenly brewed within the typically flippant gambler. Lux broke the silence by speaking.

"How long has it been?"

Fate's attitude held and he left his hardened gaze over the city.

"Too soon, too long. Does it matter? Deep down I knew that one day destiny would lead me back here. Been running too long from this."

Lux felt a strange mix of pity and contempt for the man. She only knew so much about him and she knew a man like this did not fit into the Demacian code; and yet there was something else she felt. She shook the feeling off and looked at Fate before speaking.

"You ready?"

Fate's renowned demeanour returned and he looked at Lux with a smile across his face.

"Our date with destiny awaits us my dear," He put a hand on Lux's shoulder, "Let's begin."

With those words the pair looked at the rooftop below them and in a blink they vanished.

Lux collapsed to her knees when the pair reached their destination. She clutched at her heart and Fate chuckled quietly.

"Teleporting takes some getting used to."

Lux nodded in agreement and slowly stood. She shook off the pain easily and smiled at Fate.

"Well there's a first time for everything; and hopefully the last."

They looked around at the rooftop of the laboratory they had teleported to. They were standing in a space between two blocks, possibly rooms. The roof was otherwise occupied by pipes, smokestacks and hatches. Their attention was suddenly drawn to the sound of footsteps and talking coming towards them. They stepped back around the corner of a block and Lux, with a wave of her wand, bent the light around them. The talking became clear and they could hear the pollution scarred voices of Zaunites.

"I shwear I heard shomethin' from ova' 'ere."

"Ya jus' makin' shtuff up ya are."

The approaching Zaunites rounded the corner opposite and walked towards them. They were evidently mercenaries, dressed in mismatching armour and armed with different swords. One stopped and leant against a wall whilst the other walked closer and closer. He rounded the corner and stared right at Fate and Lux. He sighed when he saw nothing in front of him and turned back.

"Guessh you were righ'."

It was at the point Fate took the opportunity and threw a card. It silently slipped from his fingers and sliced across the mercenary's throat. As his body fell to the ground Lux stepped round and threw a beam of light at the second mercenary. The beam pierced the man's heart before he could even cry out. The two bodies crumpled to the ground within a moment of each other. Lux turned to Fate and spoke.

"Could you please warn me before making a move."

Fate spoke as he looked up that the tower they had been on a few moments ago.

"My dear in that scenario the opportune moment arose and I had to take it. I knew you were more than capable of handling him."

Lux sighed.

"Not the point Fate. You can't always take a gamble on these things."

Fate held up a card.

"I make sure the odds are in my favour. And I must say I'm surprised; death without trial? You say you're a Demacian?"

Lux wasn't going to fall for his mockery.

"They are guilty for collaborating with the Professor. Without the jurisdiction of the Demacian law I alone must hand down justice."

Fate chuckled to himself. Lux ran over to the edge of the roof and peered down. Below was the front courtyard; filled with mercenaries sitting around or patrolling. She looked over the courtyard to the locked front gate and past it to the alleyway opposite. She clenched and unclenched her fist making a small flash of light emit from her palm. There was a pause as she waited for a response. Still nothing came so she looked over at Fate who noted her concerned look and walked over. Lux whispered.

"They aren't responding. Do you think they're alright?"

Fate nodded his head.

"The Captain and Xin? Unless they kill each other no one else will."

With those words the pair received their response. A loud gunshot rang out and the lock on the gate was blown to pieces. A roaring Gangplank stormed from the alley towards the courtyard followed by Xin. Lux spoke.

"Okay that's our signal. We shouldn't have any problem with patrols now."

The pair turned and ran over to a hatch which Lux spun round with ease. She pulled it open and Fate slid down a ladder that was underneath. Lux closed the hatch and joined Fate. Even within the metal building they could hear the gunshots and fighting outside in the courtyard. Somehow Lux wasn't surprised by Gangplank's plan of action but decided to put her thoughts aside to attend the mission at hand. The pair ran down the corridor, moving as silently as they could. They reached a junction with three turn offs. They stopped and looked down each one, but each corridor appeared the same. Fate gathered the floating cards up in his hand, shuffled them and fanned them out to Lux.

"Pick a card."

Lux looked at him with a bewildered expression.

"Are you for real?"

Fate couldn't help but give a wink.

"What harm is there in a little luck?"

Sighing Lux randomly drew a card. She pulled it and flipped over the nine of spades. Without hesitating Fate turned left, the card in Lux's hand flying out to join the deck in circling around Fate. Lux ran after him into the gloom of the laboratory. Fate ran through a door when suddenly the floor fell open beneath his feet. A trapdoor had been sprung and Fate turned to grasp the ledge of the pit but Lux was quicker. With a flick of her wrist the light beneath Fate became a thin surface for him to land on; two feet above a pit of spikes. Lux lifted the platform and Fate out the pit. Fate spoke to Lux as she stepped across the pit to safety.

"Glad you have my back."

Lux smiled at his flattery but returned her attention to the pit.

"Must be to deter trespassers."

Fate peered closer and observed the mechanism, his eyes tracing the trigger back to behind the door he came from. He spoke with some consideration.

"But why have the safety catch on the outside if you want to keep people out, and why would you have the trapdoor inside, isn't there a danger of falling in if there's an accident?"

Lux knelt down next to him and responded.

"I've seen this sort of set up before. You don't use it to keep people out; you use it to keep them in."

The pair looked at one another and Lux mouthed counting up to three. When she finished the count the pair whipped round with their weapons drawn. Nothing moved or jumped out at them so they relaxed. The room was dimly lit by a lamp hanging from the roof so Lux pointed at it and the lamp brightened, illuminating the room. The pair could now see the room and what lay before them were horrors they would not forget. The room appeared to be a lab, with workbenches, boards, and alchemic, scientific and magical instruments. But the pair's focus was on the shelves that sat on the walls. Jars lined the shelves, filled with putrid masses of organic matter. They could neither be described as objects nor living creatures because some appeared to be alive whilst others appeared to be somewhere in between. Blobs of flesh quivered, coils of organs squirmed and with the new source of light, the creatures that had eyes shielded themselves beneath their deformed bodies. Lux spoke with horror lacing her words.

"Does this man's depravity sink any lower?"

Fate responded but there was that edge to his voice once again.

"What else would one expect from a Zaunite?"

The pair knew time was running out so they ran through the room to other end where another door stood before them. As Fate drew closer to the door, Lux laid down a platform for them to cross. They pushed through the door and continued down the corridor. They came to a T-junction but the direction to go was easy to discern. To their right they could hear the sounds of talking and working, as though a machine was being built with the aid of magic and science. As they ran towards the sounds they could make out the sounds of cogs turning, spells being enchanted and a man shouting orders. The pair stopped when the source of the sounds came into view. The walls on the right gave way, revealing a hall beneath them, occupied by sights that made them doubt if they would survive to see the end of this.

Xin ran quickly through the corridor after Gangplank. Ahead he saw the Captain standing outside of a door that was quickly closing. Xin jumped forward and jabbed his spear into the gap, stopping the door from closing. Xin left the corridor and recovered his spear before Gangplank could run off into the bustling crowd of the street. Xin had wrapped a grey cloak around his body to conceal his Demacian armour from the Zaunite eyes. Gangplank however boldly strutted through the crowd, pushing people out of his way whilst Xin slipped through unnoticed. Gangplank turned down an alleyway and started jogging. He stopped when he saw the alley was a dead end due to a wall. Xin joined him and spoke.

"The laboratory is on the other side if I'm not mistaken."

Gangplank responded abruptly.

"I know that, I'm just wondering how ye plan on getting there?"

Xin gave a simple answer.

"We could walk around."

Gangplank shook his head.

"No we don't know how long that would take. We need to go this way."

"What if we climbed?"

"Wait here Demacian, I saw a shopkeeper who was selling explosives. We can blow this wall to smithereens no problem."

Before Xin could tell Gangplank that was a bad idea the pirate ran off back into the street. Xin instead had another idea in mind. He walked back slightly along the alley and drew his spear. He took a quick run up and planted his spear near the base of the wall. The spear flexed and Xin jumped, rocketing up to the top of the wall. Xin landed cleanly on the top, perching himself on one foot. He crouched down on both feet and turned to wait for Gangplank. Xin breathed in slowly, the thin cloak only did so much to filter out the noxious fumes of the air that smothered him. He felt the longing to return home, to breathe the fresh air of Demacia again; to regain his honour. His attention was directed to the sound of heavy breathing and gruff mumbling at the end of the alley. Gangplank had returned with a barrel tucked under his arm. He looked up to Xin who was silently waiting.

"How the bloody hell did ye get up there?"

"I jumped."

Gangplank lifted his head higher and Xin saw there was blood on his forehead so he spoke.

"Captain why is there blood on your forehead?"

Gangplank seemed surprised briefly till he touched it and then cleaned it off.

"Oh well the shopkeeper and I had a mild disagreement about the price so I had to improvise. Negotiation is a fine art Demacian."

Xin was unsure if he was being sarcastic or serious but experience taught him not to bother questioning the pirate. Instead Xin held his spear down and spoke.

"Climb."

Gangplank grabbed the spear with one arm, keeping his grip on the barrel, and planted his feet against the wall. Xin started pulling the spear up as Gangplank quickly walked and pulled himself up. The pair were seated on top of the wall and from their perch they could see the laboratory. A heavy front door was guarded by a locked courtyard full of mercenaries. Gangplank spoke with an edge of excitement in his voice.

"Now that's what I'm talking about, a proper fight."

With that he dropped down to the alley floor. Xin jumped down and stopped Gangplank before he ran out into the street.

"Captain wait. We must first see if Lux and Fate are ready."

Gangplank waved it off.

"I'm sure they're fine."

"We are waiting for their signal."

Gangplank huffed and sat down on top of the barrel.

"Fine we'll bloody wait."

The silence gave them a moment to breathe and Xin took the time to think through a plan of attack. If he ran in and vaulted over the wall silently he could catch the patrols off guard and take them down. He could then draw attention as Gangplank cut through the gate and flanked the remaining mercenaries. Xin nodded, that plan would work well. He heard Gangplank whisper.

"Hey up there."

Xin looked up to the roof where through the thick smog they could see a light flashing. Xin spoke softly.

"That's the signal. Now here's the plan…"

Gangplank turned and looked at him.

"Plan? This was my bloody idea and I'll call the shots."

Xin couldn't restrain a frown.

"What is your plan?"

"We charge."

"That isn't a wise move."

"Well I think you can bugger off then if ye feel like being a knee wobbling scully maid."

With that Gangplank turned, drew his pistol and shot right at the gate. The lock exploded into pieces making every mercenary draw their weapons and eHe prepare themselves for battle. Gangplank ran out the alleyway roaring as he headed straight for the enemy line. Xin followed in suit and ran up alongside him. Gangplank fired a shot into the air and Xin felt the muscles in his body tighten, his steps quicken and arms become lighter. Xin stepped ahead of the captain and headed straight for the mercenaries who had formed a wall of swords and spears, a sergeant stood behind the line relaying orders. Xin planted his spear into the ground and flew straight over them. Most made the mistake of turning their attention upwards as a grey cloak slipped off the man's body, revealing the gold and blue armour of the Demacian warrior. A shot cracked out and the mercenary sergeant fell dead with a ball bearing lodged in his head. Before the mercenaries could reform their line, Gangplank dove into battle. The mercenaries fell swiftly to the Captains cutlass as he dispatched mercenaries around him. With their defeat imminent the mercenaries began to retreat but saw that their escape was blocked. Xin slew those who retreated with startling precision, each swing and jab of his spear claim another life. The battle was over as quickly as it had begun; every mercenary in the courtyard had been eliminated with ease. Gangplank looked at Xin.

"What did I say soldier boy? My plan was a sure fire thing."

Xin tipped his head to acknowledge the captain's success. Suddenly there was a noise from above and the pair looked up to see two windows open halfway up the courtyard on either side. A figure appeared in each window and jumped down into the courtyard, crashing onto the hard ground. The figures were bent over but as they slowly straightened up Gangplank and Xin slowly crept backwards till they were back to back staring at their new enemies. The figures were machines, nine feet in height, grey clockwork and metal substituting for limbs powered by a spinning orb where their stomachs should be. Gangplank spoke back to Xin.

"A bag of gold to the man who destroys his tin can first."

Gangplank took this as the mark to charge at the machine opposite him. He fired a shot straight into the machines head but the ball bounced off, leaving only a small mark. The machine retracted a scimitar from its right arm and swung at Gangplank who ducked, narrowly avoiding getting his head cut off. Gangplank grabbed the robots arm as it continued its swing. He easily swung himself onto the forearm, gripping the moving limb. His sea legs kicked in and Gangplank jumped with precision from the machines arm as it ended its swing over its shoulder. Gangplank flew through the air, brandishing his cutlass at arms-length. The cutlass rushed towards the neck of the machine, where the head and torso were connected by several bars and cogs. The cutlass lodged in and Gangplank braced his feet against the machine as pushed the blade across. The machine writhed and twisted, flailing its arms to grab its assailant but to no avail as Gangplank easily swerved out of the reach of the metal hands. A moment passed and Gangplank roared as he gave another mighty push and the bars snapped. The machine stopped moving and with one final push, the sword ripped through the neck, tearing the head away from the torso. The head crashed to the ground with a loud crunch and Gangplank rode the metal stature all the way down to the ground where he smugly turned to look at how Xin was faring.

Xin was sitting on a deactivated machine, polishing his armour. His spear was protruding from the machines core which sparked and fizzled as its power melted away. Gangplank grumbled and spoke out loud.

"Ye never agreed to the bloody bet anyway."

Xin stood up and retrieved his spear before walking over. He spoke calmly as ever.

"Now Captain, how do you propose we get in through those doors?"

Xin indicated towards the cast iron doors which now blocked their path. Gangplank gave a mighty roar of laugh as he sauntered back to the alleyway. Xin was momentarily confused till he saw a barrel being thrown from the dark alley across the courtyard. It landed with a thud near the door and Gangplank walked over to Xin, reloading his pistol. Xin looked at Gangplank.

"Captain if that barrel really has enough power to breach that door then perhaps we should get to a safe distance."

Gangplank looked at Xin.

"What ye afraid of loud noises?"

Without looking away he lifted his pistol and fired.

The explosion was colossal in magnitude. It sent the pair flying across the courtyard into the walls behind them. Gangplank groaned as he sat up and stared through the gaping hole that was once the front door. He knew he should be feeling boastful about his successful, instead he just felt the rage of battle start to burn.

Fate and Lux stared at the hall. It was filled with mercenaries, armed to the teeth with enough armour and weapons to supply an army. But that wasn't what troubled them. What made them fear for their lives were the four Champions below with their attention to the courtyard where silence had fallen. Below the noxious fumes of Singed pulsed out slowly as he talked to Warwick and Viktor.

"Be ready, any moment those four are going to come through those doors. You know what to do."

Twitch scurried about sniffing the air or fighting off a seizure. If Gangplank and Xin made their way in they wouldn't stand a chance then Fate and Lux would be left without a hope. They had to co-ordinate this attack but there was no way to make contact. They looked at each other; they would have to make a move as soon as those doors opened. Lux drew her wand and Fate flicked out a card from his sleeve. All they had to wait for was the doors to open.

They heard the faint pop of a gunshot but before they could tense up, the doors exploded open.

The noise was colossal and the force made the pair stumbled back. Fate pressed his ears as they rung and screeched. He looked at Lux who was shaking her head to clear the shock. Fate stood up and walked over to the edge to look down.

The destruction caused by the explosion made Fate wonder if the courtyard was still intact, or if Gangplank and Xin were alive after that. The mercenaries were strewn across the hall; the ones that were still intact were screaming for help. Fate watched as Warwick pulled himself out of the rubble, shrapnel protruding from his body. The wolf man pulled the shards of metal out of his body and looked around him at the dying mercenaries. A man reached out to him, begging for help so Warwick bent to him; and buried his teeth in the man's neck. Fate watched as the wolf's wounds closed up, stealing the little life the man had. A noise drew Fate's attention to where a pile of rubble was sliding away. A red shield emerged from the rubble and Singed stepped out, unharmed by the blast. The chemist walked over to another pile where a mechanical arm struggled to free itself. The noxious man easily parted the rubble to pull Viktor out. The pair looked at Warwick who walked over and spoke to them. With his ears still ringing Fate couldn't make out what they were saying. The trio then looked to a small grate on the floor which popped open and revealed Twitch, who clambered out. The four checked their wounds and then turned to the front door; only three hinges remained and swung loosely. They walked towards the opening and stared out. At that point Lux joined Fate, looking dazed but unharmed. She looked down and together the pair felt their hearts tighten.

Singed sculled a potion and Warwick howled to prepare for battle. Singed and Viktor charged out into the courtyard. Lux had to act now or Xin and Gangplank would be killed.

Lux waved her wand and a sphere of light rocketed out at Warwick and Twitch. The sphere bound the pair and slammed them into the wall across from Fate and Lux. Fate and Lux made eye contact and smile to wish one another good luck. Together they jumped from the balcony down to the floor. Lux threw her wand around the pair and they crashed down unharmed thanks to the barrier formed.

Warwick and Twitch had recovered and faced off against Fate and Lux. Twitch had a quick fit and suddenly vanished, a grate on the floor opened and slammed shut. Lux looked at Fate.

"I'll handle the rat, you can have the wolf."

Fate smiled.

"Would you like him mounted or skinned?"

Lux turned and ran at the grate. Warwick leapt at her so Lux dropped, sliding along the floor. She waved her wand and the grate opened.

Lux slipped under the wolf's body and into the darkness beneath the laboratory.

Lux crashed onto a floor she couldn't see. The darkness engulfed her save for the thin beam above her. She could the scratching of Twitch moving around in the dark. His raspy voice squeaked out from the darkness.

"Silly girl the dark is where I was b-b-b-born. Do you think you can beat me down here?"

Before Lux could respond or act she heard the crack of a crossbow firing but the crack was followed by another and another. Before Lux could raise a barrier she heard bolts slicing through the air around her. She felt them cut her face, her arms and legs; slicing through the skin. She knew she would be okay if she could last this out.

Then a bolt hit her square in the gut.

She cried out and crumpled to the ground.

It was critical wound and she felt the poison tipped bolt burning inside her.

Twitch taunted her from the shadows once more.

"It's over for you now. You have failed. In the darkness I am the king! The king! Oh yes, bow my subjects your king is here."

His incessant giggling echoed in the basement and Lux lifted her head.

"You know my brother once said something about me. My guiding light makes my enemies wary, but they should worry most when the light fades."

With that Lux waved her wand and she threw a singularity. It landed on the ground and illuminated the basement softly. She smiled when she saw that standing in the middle of the twisting light was a twitching rat. It stared at her with beady eyes and when Twitch saw the fire in her eyes he screeched in panic.

Lux pulled the bolt out of the gut.

She stood from the darkness and ran at Twitch.

Twitch tried to run but the twisting light slowed and pulled him down.

He threw a cask of venom at the charging woman who simply threw here wand and raised a barrier of light, deflecting the cask.

Twitch saw Lux and screamed

"Wait!"

Lux detonated the singularity, rocketing Twitch from its twisting grasp into the darkness.

Lux lit her wand up, filling her room with the bright light of her power and with a final swing brought the wand into the path of Twitch who was flying straight towards her.

Lux roared at the top of her voice.

"Demacia!"

The light soared out towards Twitch and exploded upon colliding with him.

The Rat flew away into the darkness and crashed onto the basement floor. His crown and pride toppled.

Lux breathed a sigh of relief and looked back to where she came from. The faint light emitting from the grate showed her the way to return. It was no problem to step up to the grate. She was about to push through it when it opened. She lifted her wand to ready herself.

Gangplank roared and charged forward. Viktor was charging straight at him, his robotic arm aimed right at Gangplank. Gangplank didn't have to worry about strategy, he could see the machine had dents and scrapes; it wouldn't take much to turn him into a pile of scrap metal.

Viktor stopped charging and took aim with his robotic arm, the long techmaturgy extending from his back, over his shoulder. It was an easy shot. The Power surged through his robotic arm and blasted through the air, across the courtyard. Gangplank didn't have enough time or space to react, instead the blast smashed into his body and rocketed him back into the metal wall of the courtyard. The already dented wall gave way and Gangplank flew out into the street. Gangplank dragged himself up, metal shrapnel invaded his body and he groaned as he moved to face off against the Zaun scientist.

Viktor analysed the situation, the rash pirate was going to be easy to finish off. He lifted and charged his robotic arm. Gangplank saw the action and lifted his cutlass to block the incoming attack. Viktor unleashed a death ray that soared through the air and collided with Gangplank's cutlass. The ray held and continued forcing Gangplank back. Gangplank gripped the sword as tightly as he could but the shrapnel snagged his arm and he lost grip. The ray pummelled into him and sent him into the building across from the courtyard.

The ray held up for few seconds, crushing Gangplank into the building.

Viktor felt the ray finish and observed the results. Clearly his design was more advanced than he originally suspected. He turned away to help his allies when he heard swearing from the building.

Gangplank chewed on the sour fruit and felt it give life back to his body.

"Bloody machine and yer bloody arm. Fight me like a real man!"

Viktor was disappointed, the design wasn't as efficient as he'd suspected. He aimed his arm at Gangplank again and shouted across the courtyard, an insult would undermine the pirates focus.

"You will die now sea rat!"

Gangplank's nostrils flared. He drew his pistol; he leapt through the hole in the wall and ran at Viktor shouting back.

"I am no rat!"

Viktor fired the singularity which missed the charging Gangplank and hit the courtyard wall behind him. The singularity started to pull Gangplank back into its ferocious centre. Gangplank knew he didn't have enough salt left in him to survive such magic.

He took aim.

The singularity pulled tighter.

He lined up the target.

His footing slipped.

Viktor focused

Gangplank roared.

"I am King of the Pirates!"

With that he fired his pistol straight at Viktor. The bullet flew straight at the machine. Viktor could just see the bullet had missed his head and knew the pirate's last hope had failed.

Suddenly the bullet rocketed through the Chaos beam and smashed into Viktor's robotic arm. He cried out as the arm whiplashed back and crumpled behind his back. The arm was destroyed and Viktor fell to his knees. His design, his development, it was still so flawed. He looked up and saw Gangplank standing over him. Viktor spoke.

"You have won Gangplank."

Gangplank nearly shook with rage.

"That's Captain Gangplank to ye!"

With that Gangplank smashed his head into Viktor's, dislodging a cog from the machines skull. Viktor fell back unconscious.

Gangplank smiled and looked over to the doorway where we saw two figures emerge from the debris. He lifted his pistol and braced himself.

Fate watched as Lux slipped into the grate, leaving only Warwick and himself. Fate spoke aloud.

"Missed her by that much."

Warwick stood up and snarled at Fate who put his hands up and responded to the wolf.

"Whoa, down boy."

Warwick peeled his lips back, revealing his fangs and growled. Fate turned his shoulder to Warwick and spoke.

"Well if that's the way you want it."

At that moment Warwick leapt forward on all fours and ran at Fate. The gypsy spun back to face Warwick, cards at the ready.

Fate whipped a card out, cracking loudly in the hall.

The card nicked Warwick's cheek but failed to stop the momentum of the charging beast.

Fate threw another card which sliced across the wolf's arm.

The space between them was almost gone so Fate quickly drew three cards and threw them at once. The cards cut wounds open on the wolf's chest and flew through him and away. The shallow wounds weren't fatal but enough to make Warwick stumble and crash to the ground. Fate breathed a sigh of relief and drew another card to finish the animal. He walked over and spoke to Warwick's still body.

"Time to put you down."

Suddenly Warwick's eyes shot open; the bright red eyes staring right at Fate. Warwick's grumbled as he spoke.

"Any animal can play dead. Only prey are fooled by it."

Warwick leapt at Fate who threw another, slicing open another wound. Warwick however was not hindered in his attack and clamped his jaws around Fate's shoulder. Fate roared in agony as the wolf took a bite out his flesh and stepped away. Fate watched as the wounds on Warwick's body closed bringing the wolf back to full strength.

Warwick returned his attention to Fate who drew his fourth card and prepared himself. Warwick lunged at Fate, closing the gap between them faster than Fate could react. Warwick landed on Fate and pushed to the ground. Fate was suppressed under the wolf's assault and when he looked up he saw Warwick's claw coming down.

Warwick hacked open Fate's chest.

He gouged open his arms.

He ripped in his cheeks.

Fate roared as the wolf tore into him.

Fate knew any longer and the wolf would kill him.

Fate raised his arm and with what strength he had, he threw the card at Warwick.

The fourth card hit Warwick square in the chest and exploded in a shower of cards. The force knocked Warwick away off Fate. Warwick slinked away into the darkness as Fate pulled himself up. Fate realised his hat had been knocked off and he saw it lying on the ground behind him. Before he could retrieve it Warwick leapt from the shadows and slashed at Fate.

The claws tore open Fate's side. Fate fell to his knees and listened as Warwick spoke.

"I can smell your blood Fate. I can smell your fear."

Fate stumbled forward and stopped himself before he landed on a pile of debris. He looked around him. Warwick continued talking.

"Sooner or later Fate. The wolf always catches his prey."

With that Warwick lunged at Fate. Fate had his back to the approaching wolf and had his eyes on the deck of cards.

He kissed the deck and whispered.

"Lady Luck be on my side tonight."

He picked a random card and turned.

Warwick was in mid-air only a few feet from Fate.

Fate threw the card.

The card hit Warwick, barely making a scratch.

But Fate smiled; as the card hit Warwick it erupted into a gold glow.

Warwick's body froze up and Fate easily rolled out of the way.

The wolf's body fell onto the debris, unable to stop himself.

The shards, spikes and bars ripped through Warwick.

Warwick howled in agony as he hung, suspended by the spikes.

Fate picked himself up and looked at Warwick.

"Never touch my hat."

He walked away and over to his hat which lay on the ground. He picked it up and flipped it over his head till it sat comfortably on him once more. He looked around to see if the Professor was nearby but all he could see was a large door. Fate groaned and decided to leave that be for now. He stumbled over to the grate Lux had slipped through and he knelt down.

He pulled it open and below him saw the lit up face of the Demacian warrior. He smiled and offered her his hand as he spoke.

"My dear it's a pleasure to see alive and well."

Lux pulled herself up and replied.

"Alive in a manner of speaking."

She indicated to the scratches and wound in her gut. She then looked at Fate and gasped.

"Fate!"

He had crumpled back to his knees and Lux saw what Warwick had done to the gypsy. Gashes and wounds marred Fate's body.

"Fate you need help. Have you got a potion?"

He shook his head.

"I'm fresh out. And don't worry. I've been through worse."

Lux bent down to him and propped his arm over her shoulder.

"I don't care. I need you at full strength when we kick the Professor's teeth in."

Lux giggled at her own dark humour and Fate couldn't but chuckle. The pair eased their way over to the front door to look out over the courtyard.

They saw Gangplank standing over Viktor and abruptly head butt the scientist. Gangplank saw the pair and lifted his pistol. Lux shouted out to Gangplank.

"Captain!"

Gangplank relaxed his aim. Suddenly there was a roar from a Demacian voice at the far end of the courtyard and the three Champions looked to see what was happening.

Xin shook his head and tried to clear the dizziness from his mind. That reckless pirate nearly got them both killed. He stood up and looked at the door. In the time that had passed to recover the doorway had been filled by four figures. Xin recognised Singed, Warwick, Twitch and Viktor who were staring at Xin and Gangplank with looks of anger on their faces. Xin breathed in and out. The tension was being drawn out and they were preparing to make their charge.

Suddenly Singed sculled a potion from his tank, his muscles bulging in response to the new chemical. Warwick let out a howl and a fire brewed in the eyes of the Champions around him. Xin whipped round and looked for his spear. He grabbed it up from its resting place on the ground and turned to face his foes. Singed charged forward with Viktor but Twitch and Warwick were suddenly blasted aside by a ball of light. Xin felt a wave of relief wash over him; Lux and Fate had joined the fray.

Xin grounded himself and prepared for Singed's attack.

Singed clear the distant quickly and leapt at Xin. Xin timed his attack and charged. Xin launched his spear at Singed who could evade in mid-air; instead he brought his shield up which caught the spear mid-attack. The spear pierced the shield but didn't touch Singed. Singed twist his arm and threw the spear aside. Xin managed to keep his grip but was thrown off balance. With this brief opening Singed made his move. He grabbed Xin by the neck and flung him up and over his body. As Xin hung in the air Singed turned grabbed him by the ankle. Before Xin could ready himself Singed used all the strength of his chemicals and body to slam Xin into the ground. The metal ground warped and dented under the immense force of Singed's fling. Xin lay on his back, pain wracking his body. But Xin wasn't done; he had lasted through worse and had overcome stronger enemies.
Singed brought his shield up over Xin's neck, ready to end the Demacian's life. Xin reacted quickly, jabbing his spear into Singed's bottle which caused the liquids to pour out. Singed let go of Xin and stepped away to repair the damage before he lost control of his precious chemicals. Xin stood up and rolled his shoulders to relax himself. He lifted up his spear and looked at Singed who had brought the damage under control. Singed set himself and spoke to Xin.

"You are a fool Demacian! The League will hear of this!"

Xin responded calmly.

"The League will hear of what the Professor tried to do and they will not forgive you or your Council."

Singed scowled.

"He is in his right to conduct his research. You have broken the oaths of peace."

Xin remained silent but Singed knew the League would not condemn Demacia. They had not declared war and all it seemed to be was a rogue Champion away from his home. Singed spoke.

"Enough. Let's end this."

Singed charged, Xin held his ground.

Singed closed the distance, Xin remained patient.

Singed stepped and swiped at Xin.

Xin lowered himself slightly, avoiding the shield. With his feet planted and gaze forward he thrust his spear.

The spear cut Singed across his face, Xin slashed across his chest and spun round to deliver a final strike.

Singed raised his shield as Xin made his third strike.

The spear pierced the shield but this time the force was too great for Singed and his arm buckled. The spear lodged into his side and with one step Xin launched Singed up into the air.

Singed flailed but it served the doomed man no good.

Xin roared at the top of his lungs.

"Now and forever!"

Xin brought his spear round and with the pommel end slammed the pole into Singed's body.

Singed smashed into the ground, the metal floor giving way and erupting open. Singed fell into the dark basement of the laboratory, leaving Xin the victor.

Xin knelt down to regain his breathe, that last strike had given Xin the life he needed. He knew Singed would live but was no longer a threat. Xin stood up and watched as his friends approached him. He saw that Fate was barely alive, supported by Lux and Gangplank. Xin walked over and nodded to Lux who nodded back.

Lux spoke first.

"Fate's not looking too good; we need to find him some help."

Gangplank grumbled.

"The man will be fine. We get the Professor and the Black Fire now."

Xin nodded.

"We must strike while we have the momentum."

Even Fate lifted his own opinion.

"I agree. Let's end this."

Fate stumbled forward and off the shoulders of his companions. His wounds were slowly healing, enough so he could stumble forward alone. He looked up and around at the other three. They drew their weapons and Fate spoke.

"It's been a long road friends. So come on, let's say hello to the Professor."

They turned and started to walk back towards the laboratory when a noise stopped them. A loud groaning echoed from the hall. Fate could see the doors were opening and through the darkness something was emerging.

The four readied themselves and lined up to face their foe. Fate breathed in and out, he kissed his cards and drew an Ace of Spades from the pile.

From the darkness something seemed to shimmer for a moment; then the courtyard was annihilated. A dark beam of black fire erupted out of the hall and smashed into the ground in front of the Champions. The explosion sent them flying back and onto the ground.

Fate's body was heavy and he could barely lift his head. But he didn't need to, someone was talking to him.

"Twisted Fate. This has been a long time coming."

Fate's eyes widened. That voice. He looked up and saw a black fire burning. The fire shimmered, there was the sound of an explosion and the world went black.

The voice spoke again.

"Twisted Fate."

He knew it. He knew that voice.

"Twisted! Fate!"

It was so familiar.

"FATE!"

With that Fate awoke from the darkness.

There was a gun in his face.

There was empty rum bottles on the table.

The sounds of Bilgewater filled Fate's ears.

Music played.

Patrons hollered.

A voice roared at him.

"Fate!"

Fate looked up the gun to the voice he recognised.

Captain Gangplank was staring down the barrel at Fate.

"So Fate, what's it gonna be?"