An Angel's Thief.

Chapter 9: This is Harrowing (part 2)


~ Pentakill concert, Harrowing night

Kayle circled above the stage once more as Mordekaiser and the rest of the band made their way through the portal that used to be a decoration on stage. She tried her best to spot someone in the large crowd, sadly without any luck.

''I suppose he left after I left… I hope he isn't too hurt about it…''

With the thought in the back of her mind, she turned around in the air and made her way towards the portal before going through it, transporting her backstage where she flew straight into Yorick, landing on the floor with a loud thud.

''My apologies mistress Kayle.'' Yorick quickly said as he offered her his hand and pulled her up from the ground. ''Everyone is waiting inside, I'll be right with you all.'' He said pointing to a door that was connected to the backstage room.

''Thank you, Yorick, and no need for formalities, Kayle is just fine.'' She said with a forced smile. Deep down the title made her feel a bit uncomfortable, but she appreciated the respect of the undead gravedigger.

''It is simply the order of the Isles, I serve those above me...'' He explained before slowly walking away.

''Alright… That was strange.'' Kayle said under her breath making her way through the door leading to the backstage room.

Kayle walked into the room the rest of the band had used for preparations before the concert while she was out on her short-lived date. The room had a few chairs in front of a large mirror, a large sofa build around a table littered with autographed photos and another set of tables filled with beverages behind the sofa.

As Kayle looked around the room she was met with a few glances from her fellow bandmates;

Olaf was busy chugging down a bottle of water at the beverage table, spilling half of it due to his greedy drinking, Mordekaiser (Who's body had shrunken down to its normal size to fit everything again.) was busy putting some of his armor back on while Sona sat on the sofa close to him brushing her hair and lastly Karthus was busy checking his make-up in one of the chairs.

''Ah, there you are.'' Karthus said turning his attention away from the mirror putting away the brush with make-up. ''You did better than I expected out there.''

''Are you kidding me, bro?! She did great!'' Olaf said sounding a bit offended before catching his breath and grabbing another bottle of water, ready to chug it down.

''Her vocals were good, but there's a lack of confidence.'' Karthus said making Kayle raise an eyebrow at the comment. ''Not that it was the major issue. The fact that you were late was rather annoying, occupied with 'other' interests I assume?'' The litch said with a toothy grin.

The comment caught Kayle by surprise, her face getting a bit red out of embarrassment. ''I-I… Well… Ehm… You see.'' She stumbled on her own words.

''What is your problem Deathsinger? Her performance was fine, you just feel threatened because she's a good addition to the band.'' Mordekaiser growled, grabbing a hold of his mace. ''Don't tell me you need another lesson in respect and discipline?''

''O-Of course not my lord! I haven't bothered Lady Sona nor will I bother Kay- I-I mean Lady Kayle.'' Karthus said, the last bit of color draining from his face.

''Hmpf, good.'' Mordekaiser said before sitting down on the sofa again with the Maven who patted him on the armor getting his attention. ''Hmm?'' He asked looking down at her. Sona pointed at the large weapon and then towards the ground. ''Do I have to?'' He asked, making her nod.

With a sigh Mordekaiser threw the mace over his head like it was nothing, crushing the table with drinks and food where Olaf was still busy stuffing himself, nearly crushing him with the large weapon.

''If you're trying to crush me Morde…'' Olaf said before taking a bite out of a piece of meat. ''Work on your aim! Wouldn't be a bad way to go actually…'' Olaf laughed, his mouth full of food.

''What was that all about?'' Kayle asked, taking an opposing seat from Mordekaiser and Sona.

''I promised Sona no weapons today.'' Mordekaiser said with a sigh. ''It goes for the both of us but she doesn't think it's such a large problem, but I do.'' The agreement between the two making Kayle chuckle lightly.

''Wait where did Yorick go? I thought he said he was going to take a smoke break?'' Karthus asked looking around the room.

''He said he would be right with us.'' Kayle said pointing at the door. ''He was outside a minute ago, acting a bit strange.''

''You've got to be kidding me!'' Karthus screamed out, his voice booming loudly.

''Morde this is like the third time he does this! He always tries this when it's time to deal with the fans!'' Olaf joined in on Karthus' frustration.

''What did he do? Did he leave?'' Kayle asked a bit confused.

''He probably went back to the Isles.'' Mordekaiser explained with an annoyed huff. ''Like Olaf and Karthus say, he tries this a lot, he doesn't like posing for pictures and handing out autographs... I don't blame him.'' Morde huffed again earning a pat on the back from Sona.

''I suppose there's nothing we can do about it anymore. Pentakill! Our fans await!'' Karthus said, getting up from his chair and grabbed some of the autographed pictures.

''For once the lich is right, if we handle this quickly we can still participate in our own personal Harrowing festivities.'' Mordekaiser agreed with Karthus, offering Sona his large armored hand with her nodding in agreement with her bandmates before taking the juggernaut's hand.

''Alright bro's, don't forget; hand out the pictures, smile, and wave for the camera and then leave as soon as possible.'' Olaf said giving both Sona and Kayle a small stack of autographed pictures before kicking open the door towards the stage.

Loud cheering and yelling could be heard from the other side of the door, signaling hordes of fans waiting for the band to show one last time before calling it a night.

Kayle grasped the stack of pictures closer to her chest nervously before slowly following Mordekaiser and Sona. A boney finger tapping her on the shoulder, getting her attention and stopping her.

''Wipe that nervous look off your face! In here you get to be yourself, out there you're a member of Pentakill, so act like it!'' Karthus said taking the stack of pictures from her.

''Is that your way of welcoming me to the band?'' Kayle asked, a small smile forming on her face.

''Hmpf, I just don't want the rookie to screw up the band's reputation that I build up over the years.'' Karthus said after a moment of thinking. ''Let's go! The fans await!'' Karthus said making his way through the door.

''Maybe he isn't as bad as I thought.'' Kayle thought to herself as she followed Karthus through the door with a newfound, confident smile.

A part of the stage was turned into a stairway down into the hordes of fans, barely being contained by fences and some security here and there.

With the last of the band walking down into the crowd, the cheers became louder and louder and the flashes from multiple devices seemed to increase with the band making their way through the large crowd, handing out signed pictures and posing for pictures every now and then.

''This is going to be the first of many long nights…''


~ Women's dorms floor, Institute of War

''Let's see… Aatrox, Ahri, Akali… So it should be the first room.'' I said making my way up the stairs towards the women's dormitories.

There was no doubt that it was the first room as it was open with changing lights coming from the doorway, a muffled 'unts' coming from the doorway every few seconds and a small hand-drawn picture of Ahri and Thresh next to the door, signed by Ahri herself.

'''Ahri and Thresh' annual Harrowing celebration party!''' I chuckled reading the text on the picture. ''Yeah, this is definitely the right place.''

I made my way into the room, passing through a strange bubble spell which blocked out most of the noise.

In the corner of the room was a huge unmanned DJ setup that seemed to automatically play music, multiple tables were setup with foods and drinks including lots of alcohol, some of the bottles seemed to be empty already.

The middle of the room was left empty to make for a makeshift dancefloor and the furniture (that I assumed would usually be in the room itself) was set up across from the dance floor, creating a small lounge spot.

''Seems like the part's been going on for a while.'' I told myself as I made my way towards the drinks to grab something for myself.

Before grabbing a drink I looked around the room, noticing a few people, not all of them champions but still mostly champions dressed up for the Harrowing party.

I spotted Nami, dressed up in a manatee onesie with a small golden crown on top of her head. She was lounging on a chair that was covered in protective plastic so it wouldn't get wet due to the constant flow of water around her scales.

Next to her on a larger couch lay Sarah completely stretched out with a few small shot glasses littered around the couch. She was dressed up in a white and red sailor uniform decorated with sparkling red gems shaped like stars. The two seemed to be chatting about something problematic, judging by Sarah's expression as she told her story to the Marai.

On the dancefloor were multiple people dancing to one of DJ Sona's popular songs. Most of them probably summoners but there were two figures that stood out on the dancefloor, a large centaur, and a horned celestial dancing together.

Soraka was dressed up in a green version of the usual attire she wore on the rift, the only difference being her hair which she dyed green with magic and the dress being decorated with emeralds instead of gemstones.

The both of them seemed to have agreed on a theme as Hecarim had his entire body enchanted, making it look like he was made of wood and stone and covered in leaves and moss. His usual flaming skull replaced with a tree bark covered face with two green glowing orbs for eyes.

The support on the couch seemed to have noticed me walking in and gave me a smile and a wave that I returned before grabbing the last party cup on the table, ready to pour myself a drink.

While pouring someone bumped into me with quite a lot of force, making me spill the contents of the party cup and turning to the person.

''Oh mah gash, I m so sarry…'' A clearly drunken woman said, before turning around and holding onto me for support. ''Oli! ~'' A auburn-haired woman with large glasses said hugging my form.

''Hey Rose,'' I said chuckling at her drunken slurring. ''How long have you been here?''

''Hey! I didn't hawve that much to drink!'' The drunken Summoner said, making me raise my brow at her. ''Sawwy I thought you were asking how much I'wve had.'' She giggled. ''Don't tell Michael ~.'' She said, slowly putting a finger to her lips.

'''Rose there you are!'' a large money wearing a red tie with ''DK'' on it yelled at the woman. ''What did I tell you about walking off without me?''

''To nhat do it?'' Rose half asked, her face turning mischievous before running out of the room, leaving the party. ''Catch me if you can Kong!'' She giggled loudly, running through the hallway of the women's dorms.

''Hey Wu. Rose giving you a tough time?'' I asked Wukong who was about to walk after the drunk Summoner.

''I should have never agreed to this.'' Wukong let out a sigh at the drunken woman who was now getting into an argument with a really annoyed looking Fiora in the hall and turned back to me.

''Why are you looking after Summoner Rose anyway?'' I asked crossing my arms with a smirk.

''Well… Originally Aurelion was supposed to look after Rose since he owes Ahri, something, something snow globe related and Ahri promised him she'd get a good word for him in with the skin team, who can probably bump him up the waitlist for a skin, but of course he found a way to pass it onto Zoe because let's face it, there's no way Aurelion is going to attend a party with humans.'' Wukong explained, taking in a large gasp of air before continuing.

''So Zoe comes up to me who then promised me a dozen banana mooncakes if I do this one simple task for her because she wanted to bother Kayn about something…'' Wukong explained. ''Damn you delicious banana mooncakes!'' He yelled before walking out of the room and after the escaped Summoner before she could get herself into more trouble.

''What an idiot.'' A new voice said, appearing out of nowhere. ''Everyone knows that looking after sweet, gullible little Rosie is a hell of a job when there's alcohol involved.''

I looked to my left and noticed my party cup was taken by a blonde woman dressed in a red tango dress.

''I'm sorry, have we met before?'' I asked confused with a hint of interest in my voice making the woman crack a playful smile.

''Don't worry love, we've met.'' The blonde said playfully. ''After all, I really enjoyed ripping you apart on the fields of justice.'' She said, her voice turning sinister before letting out a laugh that sends chills down my spine.

''Excuse me?!''

''I like her.'' Hush whispered in the back of my mind, making me roll my eyes.

After a moment of me staring at the woman with a bit of fear, she giggled into her hand before shadows began to envelop her entire body, two large, pink glowing horns now visible on her forehead and two large tendrils with pink tips coming out of her back.

She slowly moved one of her claws closer to my face, stopping the advance right before the claws could touch my face, and with a snap of two fingers, the shadows and the horns left her body covering only the more 'womanly features' of her body.

''Does that help freshen up your memory love?'' She asked, one of her tendrils creeping around my waist, holding me in place. ''After all Ad carries are my favorite playthings on the rift, so squishy and mouthy. Heehee.''

''Eh… heh… Hello Evelynn.'' I said nervously, noticing the tendril beginning to entangle around my whole midriff slowly making its way up, this forcing Evelynn to get closer to me with the second.

''You! Get out! Nobody invited you, you dirty succubus!'' A new voice called out from behind Evelynn, forcing the demon to face the source of the voice.

To my 'rescue' came the hostess of the party herself. Ahri, dressed in a school uniform with black stockings and pink hair, nearly throwing down a tray with drinks before rushing over to shoo Evelynn away.

''Hmmm, you should really work on your insults my dear, at this point you're getting me all hot and bothered with that pillow talk.'' Evelynn purred.

''Get out of my dorm right now! Or I'll scorch your ass so badly that no man will ever want to tap it again!'' Ahri yelled, her eyes beginning to glow a brilliant gold as she summoned a few Foxfires around her.

''Oh! That's it, sweetie, tell me the things you'll do to me!'' Evelynn said, throwing her arms around herself, shivering slightly in excitement at the thought.

I noticed the tendril around my waist slowly letting loose and making its way back to Evelynn's side, in case anything would escalate. Giving me a chance to step in and try to dismantle the situation. ''Ladies plea-''

''It's probably for the best if you take your leave Evelynn.'' A calm, ghostly voice said as a hand found its way onto Ahri's shoulder, making her relax slightly. ''You wouldn't want me calling a high Summoner to have you removed and punished now would you?''

''Thresh! I-I didn't know y-you were too-'' Evelynn began to stutter nervously at the presence of the Warden who narrowed his eyes at the demon. ''Tsk, skank.'' She suddenly growled at Ahri, knocking over the tray that Ahri put down before shadows covered her body and she disappeared from sight.

''Dammit! My Foxfire shots!'' Ahri yelled trying to salvage what was left of the drinks on the tray.

''Don't worry my dear, we can always make more.'' Thresh said calmly, still eyeing the direction in which Evelynn disappeared.

''No we can't because you chose to be a cheapskate and not buy another bottle of Liandry's whiskey!'' Ahri yelled, putting more attention on the two arguing champions.

''Let's discuss this in the kitchen, where our guests cannot overhear us shall we?'' Thresh asked, putting one hand around Ahri and turning her away from the staring guests. ''Doesn't that sound like a better idea to you?''

Ahri let out an annoyed huff and began to drag the ghostly warden along into the kitchen, leaving me at the table with spilled drinks.

After throwing a few napkins on the spilled drinks I decided I should go and check on the two and see if there's anything I could do to help since my 'date' had ditched me anyway and I felt guilty about the whole scene I helped cause.

I walked into the direction I saw Ahri pull Thresh into, hearing some muffled voices getting louder the closer I got to my destination.

''I'll just sneak out without anyone noticing and buy a bottle or two myself!'' I heard someone say.

''My dear this can't be this important can it?'' I heard a ghostly voice say.

''Definitely Ahri and Thresh.'' I thought, listening in on the conversation.

''I bragged to everyone about how amazing my Foxfire shots are! What will they say when I can't serve them up?!'' Ahri asked annoyed. ''I bet that thot overheard and came here to sabotage my shots…''

''Ahri I think you're over exaggerating this just a little-'' Thresh said before being cut off by Ahri again.

''Oh no I don't! She hates my guts! And you know I always talk big about things!'' Ahri said earning a deep sigh from Thresh. ''Fine, sigh at me! Ask literally anyone out there! They'll tell you they want to try those shots!''

''You guys alright? I could hear the argument getting serious from the other room.'' I said, quickly walking out of my hiding space.

''It's perfectly fine sir Oliver. Just a minor bump in the road, that's all.'' Thresh said quickly regaining his posture.

''Sorry about Evelynn bothering you Oliver, I already had a gut feeling that she was lurking around.'' Ahri apologized. ''Hey, where's Kayle anyway? I thought you asked her to come?''

''Long story, you'll probably read all about it tomorrow.'' I said laughing off the disappointment. ''Long story short, she had other plans tonight yet didn't want to pass on a date...''

''Aw Oli I'm sorry.'' Ahri said, suddenly hugging me, taking both me and Thresh by surprise. During the entire hug, I could feel Thresh' gaze on me, making me nervous.

''So eh… Eghem… What's all the fuss about? A spilled drink?'' I asked trying to change the subject as quick as possible.

''You see-'' Thresh raised a finger, about to explain the situation before being cut off by Ahri who butted in.

''This old pile of bones, who refused to put on a Harrowing costume may I remind you; refused to buy an extra bottle of Liandry's whiskey in case something like this happened.''

''Liandry's whiskey?''

''It's a special spiced whiskey that I use for my special Foxfire shots, and let me tell you; They. Are. Awesome!'' Ahri explained excitedly.

''I see.'' I said scratching my chin. ''Tell you what, I'll get you an extra bottle since it's kinda my fault anyway. That and the host and hostess of a party shouldn't leave.''

''See? Sir Oliver knows that you shouldn't leave your guests.'' Thresh said with a smirk.

''Alright, alright Mr. Etiquette I get it! You were right!'' Ahri said teasingly before turning back to me with a smile. ''Thank you, Oliver, you're a lifesaver.''

''No problem at all, I'll be back before you know it.'' I said with a smile, making my way out of the kitchen, leaving the hosts to their guests.


~ Institute of War

I walked aimlessly through the hallways of the Institute, not sure where to go to buy the whiskey. The fact that I didn't have much time to get to know the layout of the Institute that well just yet also didn't help at all.

''I should have asked for directions first…'' I muttered annoyed, making my way to the lobby of the institute, hoping to find a map or someone to ask directions.

''Heh you useless fool.'' Hush chuckled at my annoyance.

''I can't wait for the day where I find a way to either silence you or get rid of you entirely.'' I said getting more and more annoyed.

''As long as the artifact remains intact, I'll be here, feeding on essence and mocking you until the end of days.'' He said the chuckling slowly turning into a haunting laugh.

''Well that's just great.'' I said with a sigh before noticing the lobby of the institute at the end of the hallway.

A small layer of black mist hung on the tiled floor of the lobby, cobwebs with large spiders could be seen in the rafters and occasionally a ghostly figure flew through the lobby.

While taking in the spooky atmosphere that the Summoners had created I didn't notice multiple pairs of footsteps heading straight for me, before sending the both me and the unknown person to the ground.

After a moment of laying on the ground, I saw a robed figure shoot pass me as a new voice presented itself, yelling at the escaping figure.

''Get back here you blue-haired menace!'' I heard one half of Piltover's finest yell. ''Dammit Cait this is no time for lounging around, she's escaping to the second floor.'' She said.

I looked up with a groan and was met with the two Piltovan cops, the pinkette offering her hand to her partner.

''Vi we can't just assume that it's Jinx running around, dressed in a Summoner robe.'' Caitlyn said dusting off her regular sheriff's uniform before reaching for her hat on the ground near me.

''Well that doesn't matter any more thanks to… who anyway?'' Vi said turning to me. ''Of course, it's you.''

''Yeah, thanks for helping me back up by the way.'' I muttered getting back up without the help from either of the two cops. ''Sheriff, Pinky.'' I said taking off my hood and giving the two a formal bow.

''Quit messing around portal punk! What do you know about this stolen Summoning orb?'' Vi said grabbing me by the collar and holding me in the air. ''I bet you're in on this theft.''

''Vi!'' Caitlyn yelled at her partner.

''What? Wouldn't be the first time he got in our way.'' Vi said shrugging.

''Just… *sigh* put him down.'' Caitlyn ordered, making her partner let go at the order, dropping me to the ground.

''In on a theft? Me? I don't do organized crime, well unless I do the organizing.'' I said dusting myself off. ''So what's this about a stolen orb? Troubles at the Institute? During the Harrowing celebration? That's so unlike you two.''

''This is why you need to be more careful with your wording, Vi…'' Caitlyn said, rubbing her temples in annoyance. ''Now another champion knows… And of course, it's one that will manage to get in the way of things.''

''As nice as that sounds, I actually have other plans tonight.'' I explained before slowly turning around and attempting to walk away. ''So if you'll excuse me, I'm just going to-ACK''

I tried walking away from the two officers but the moment I took a second step I was pulled back by my hood by Vi, who held onto the piece of fabric with two gauntleted fingers. ''Oh no you don't!''

''First of all, you're going to tell me what you know about this stolen summoning orb.'' Vi said pulling me back into the conversation.

''I just told you I have no idea.'' I said massaging part of my throat with a scowl.

''You wanna do this the hard way, eh? Fine by me!'' The pinkette said cracking a smile as she pulled me back into the air by my hood. ''Not gonna talk? You have till the count of three!''

''Vi.'' Caitlyn said calmly as her partner pulled back her gauntlet.

''One!''

''This is police brutality.'' I gasped for air, trying to maintaining a grin.

''Two!''

''Vi!''

''Oh boy she's really following through with this… This is going to hurt.'' I closed my eyes and hoped for the best.

''Hahahaha!'' Hush laughed.

''Three! Time's up!'' Vi yelled excitedly.

''VI! STOP!'' Caitlyn yelled, sounding really mad at her partner.

''What? I wasn't really going to punch him… Well, at least not that hard anyway…'' Vi said letting go of my hood, dropping me to the floor before turning to Caitlyn and raising her hands trying to convince her partner.

''You can't just go around punching everyone that gets in your way! You know better than that!'' Caitlynn explained, matching the hand gestures coming from Vi.

''Yeah I know…'' Vi said rubbing her neck with one finger of her gauntlet.

''Alright… This is all very touching but can someone please tell me what's going on with this stolen orb thingy?'' I asked, slowly getting used to breathing again.

''No.'' Both officers said crossing their arms.

''Aw, c'mon I do a bit of good from time to time.'' I said trying to convince Piltover's finest.

''When did you ever do anything to help us out?'' Vi asked. ''All you ever do is get in the way of months of investigating!''

''Well actually-'' Caitlyn said before silencing herself.

''Let's count a few down, shall we? There was that small group of gangsters I delivered a few years back, the metalwork murderer (AN: The same guy from prison.), Hextech arms dealers, corrupt salesmen, oh and let's not-''

''Alright, alright shut it already!'' Vi said getting annoyed. ''I get it, you're not one hundred percent evil-''

''But vigilantism is still a crime Mr. Oliver, even if it's for a greater good.'' Caitlyn said breaking up the fight.

''What can I say? I've never been good with rules.'' I said shrugging.

''We've noticed.''

''Say Cupcake, this guy clearly doesn't know anything so we should probably get going if we want to search the second floor for clues on where our mystery person went.'' Vi said casually pointing towards the escalators going to the second floor.

''Mhm, right,'' Caitlyn said with a nod. ''The night doesn't last forever and neither will that orb.'' She said as the two slowly began to make their way towards the escalators.

''And you!'' Vi said turning around one last time. ''If we run into you again I'll be bringing you in for questioning myself! Not a single word from Cupcake will safe you then.'' She said pointing one gauntleted finger at me.

''Looking forward to it Pinky.'' I said waving off the two cops. ''A stolen summoning orb? Sounds like trouble.''

*BZZT* *BZZT*

I noticed my phone vibrating in my pocket before grabbing it.

Message received from: Ahri

''Hey, I just realized that I didn't tell you where to go to buy the whiskey so I send Thresh to meet you in the lobby of the Institute, he'll be there in a few.''

''Well, that'll speed up the process.'' I said taking a seat on the edge of the fountain spewing red liquid.


~ Institute of War, indoor food court

''So where are we going to get these bottles of liquor?'' I asked the specter that led the way through the almost deserted food court with the exception of a few Summoners manning the booths.

''Hmm… through here…'' Thresh grumbled some inaudible words while upping his pace, nearly beginning to float forward.

''Thresh slow down! I can't keep up with you! Hey! I can't fly you know!'' I asked going into a full sprint to catch back up to the warden. ''C'mon man, is this about Ahri hug-''

Thresh stopped dead in his tracks at me mentioning Ahri's name before turning around and grabbing me by my clothes and slamming me into a nearby wall.

''Let me make myself really clear boy, if you ever take advantage of her in any way or form, I will rip out your soul through your gut and make it my personal torture charge for eternity.'' He whispered into my ear before moving back slightly, showing his menacing glare. ''Do I make myself clear?''

''Heh, you really are a crazy guy.'' I chuckled.

At my chuckling, the Warden's expression changed from a hostile one to a confused one.

''What? How? Hmpf…'' Thresh huffed before letting me go, slowly putting me down on the ground. ''She told you I get a bit hostile didn't she?''

''Ahri most definitely did, the first thing she told me was to watch out with being too friendly.'' I chuckled as Thresh joined in with a grin.

''Just making sure my point gets across.'' He said beginning to laugh maniacally. ''Also what was that earlier? I zoned out for a moment…'' The ghostly warden explained, shaking his floating skull a few times.

''I asked where we're going to get the whiskey.''

''Excuse me Sir Oliver, I must be a bit tired because I completely blocked you out for a moment…'' Thresh said rubbing his eye sockets like he was rubbing the eyes he didn't have. ''We should try Gragas' bar first.''

''Alright good sir, lead the way.'' I said with a small bow, making the Warden chuckle.


~ Keg Breaker Bar

''This place is pretty nice.'' I said taking a look around the Freljordian bar.

A few sets of wooden tables and chairs were set up in the middle of the tavern, some of them still littered with a few beer glasses. Around the edges were a few more modern booths which still managed to match the style of the tavern.

''…Mhm.'' Thresh silently agreed, making his way towards the counter where Gragas was busy cleaning a couple pint glasses.

''Ava seat, I'll be right with ya.'' The large man behind the counter told the specter before putting away the pint glass he was cleaning and turning to the large wall behind him, filled with bottles of ales, wines, whiskeys, ciders rums and more.

Around the bar were a couple of stools set up where we both sat down, waiting for the barkeeper to finish his business.

''What's he doing?'' I asked Thresh who grinned at the bartender who was busy mixing different drinks, creating a mixed drink.

''I'm glad you didn't forget about our bet, good sir.'' Thresh said as Gragas handed the Warden a whiskey glass with a greenish liquid.

''What can I say? Didn't expect that scrawny Summoner to say that you'd be a top-tier support again.'' Gragas let out a hearty laugh.

''You two had a bet?'' I asked confused.

''I bet that Summoner LastShadow would mention me as a top tier support once more after the most recent balance changes.'' Thresh whispered into my ear. ''He owes me my favorite drink which happens to be rather pricey.''

''Yeah, yeah, rub it in some more.'' Gragas said. ''I'm guessing that getting your special drink isn't the only reason yer 'ere?'' He asked the both of us. ''Especially not while dragging a minor into my bar!''

''Hey! I'm old enough to drink!'' I said a bit offended, making Thresh chuckle and Gragas laugh.

''You know Sir Oliver, maybe if you grew out that sad attempt at facial hair he'd believe you.'' Thresh said just loud enough for Gragas to hear, earning more laughter from the Rabble Rouser.

''Very funny.''

''Alright enough joking around, yes we did come here for something else.'' Thresh said taking a sip of his drink before continuing. ''We need two bottles of Liandry's whiskey, I don't suppose you have that laying around Gragas?''

''I'll take a look in the back. Oi, you walking sack of potatoes look after the customers while I'm away got it?'' Gragas yelled at Bard who was dressed in a special tux with a bowtie, a few Meeps following him around (All of them of course also with even smaller bowties.) as he manned the bar and started to clean some of the pint glasses Gragas put away.

''So you're taking bets about your state as a support?'' I asked Thresh with a grin.

I didn't get a reply from the ghostly warden as he was staring into his glass with green liquor.

''Must have something on his mind…'' I thought as I turned away from the bar and took a look at the other customers sitting around the bar.

The bar was mostly empty because of the Harrowing celebration going on around the different city-states and around the Institute but of course, the Harrowing is not for everyone.

One of the tables was used by five men playing a game of poker. What stood out the most was that almost all of the gold on the table was on one person's side, needless to say, the man's name was Twisted Fate.

Another table, a bit closer to the counter was filled with empty pint glasses. The sources of all the empty glasses being Garen and Katarina. One of them planted face first into the table out cold and the other laughing at his defeat and slapping him on the shoulder armor.

''Ere ya go.'' Gragas said putting two bottles of Liandry's whiskey on the counter snapping me back to the bartender.

''Hmm?'' Thresh asked suddenly looking up from his glass. ''Ah, great.'' He said taking another sip of his green liquor.

''That'll be three hundred gold.'' Gragas said holding his hand up for the gold, making Thresh somehow spit up the drink.

''THREE HUNDRED GOLD?!'' He asked baffled. ''I'm a madman and even I wouldn't ask that much!''

''Three hundred G or I'll put them back where I found them.'' Gragas insisted, making Thresh grumble as he reached for a sack of gold.

''No wonder Ahri gave me this much gold…'' He muttered handing over the gold. ''Give me that.'' The specter said taking the bottles from the barkeep.

''Pleasure doin' business with ya.'' He said with a laugh as Thresh walked away grumbling a bit.

''I'll see you around sometimes Gragas.'' I said waving off the large man before noticing the almost untouched glass of green liquid on the counter.

''Strange… If Thresh likes that stuff so much then why leave it?'' I thought before noticing Thresh holding the door open for me.

''Any day now.'' Thresh said as I passed him and he closed to door to the tavern.

''Pretty pricey drinks if I say so myself.'' I said trying to get a conversation going with the Warden who suddenly kept to himself again, this time doing his best to not walk off without me.

''Indeed, why don't you hold onto them with one of those portals?'' Thresh asked, handing me the bottles.

''That's not how it works Thresh, it takes a lot of energy to open portals. I can't just open them for silly things like this.'' I explained to the warden who carefully eyed me.

''My, what would Lady Kayle say when she finds out about this lack of stamina?'' Thresh asked with a grin, knowing he'd get his way.

''*Sigh* Give me the bottles.'' I muttered, opening a small tear into the snowy tundra of the Freljord where the bottles would be safe and stay cold. ''Also I'll have you know I've been working really hard to raise my limit.'' I said stowing away the bottles.

''Heh, I never doubted that.'' Thresh laughed taking a sudden turn into a dimly lit corridor.

''Pretty ominous hallway… Nah Thresh might be acting a bit strange but he's mostly been friendly towards me. It's probably the Summoners their doing, trying to make everything extra spooky.''

''Uhm… Thresh? We didn't take this route last time.'' I said closing the tear and catching up to the ghost leading the way. ''Are we taking a shortcut?''

''A shortcut… Yes… A shortcut, indeed.'' He said summoning his lantern to light the way.

Within seconds of Thresh answering me, we reached a dead end. Thresh stopped, his back turned to me and staring into the wall, the only light coming from his lantern and flaming skull.

''Uhm… Thresh?'' I asked nervously. ''A-Are you alright? You've been acting strange for a while now.'' I asked the ghostly warden staring at the wall.

''Hmm… It seems my memory… Is failing me!'' Thresh suddenly turned around, throwing his chained scythe towards me, giving me barely any time to avoid it in the narrow space of the corridor.

The hook didn't reach its target and fell to the floor after a few extra meters before slowly returning to Thresh, giving me a moment to draw The Rose for self-defense.

''Don't make me use this on you!'' I warned raising the artifact towards Thresh. ''You don't want to be on the receiving end of this black magic.''

In response Thresh let out a maniacal laugh, hunching over a bit and pretending to gasp for air. ''Oh my dear boy it might sting but I'm already dead, more death won't harm me!'' He said slowly making his way towards me.

''Alright you've clearly lost it and I'm sure this isn't about Ahri hugging me or that liquor you drank!'' I slowly took a step backward, my grip on The Rose loosening a bit.

''Nowhere to run~'' Thresh' voice echoed through the halls as he attempted to flay me into his grasp with his scythe, barely missing and tearing a small hole in my cloak.

''Whoa-'' I yelled hearing the cloth tearing. ''Nowhere to run? We'll see what Ahri has to say about that!'' I said running away from the specter and focusing on opening a large enough tear for me to pass through.

I looked back one more time before opening the tear to see if Thresh was setting chase or not.

To my surprise he didn't, this at first bringing a small smile to my face which faded almost instantly as I looked on ahead, straight into a shovel, sending me to the ground.

''Restrain him, orders are to bring him in alive.'' I heard another ghostly voice say as I felt chains wrap around me before I lost consciousness.


Alrighty then, I'm back with a new chapter. It's been a very long time.. he he… I really lost my touch and motivation to write, which is strange since I keep getting idea's for both my stories and I do write them down. It's just converting a note into story seems harder then it seems…

But yeah, something strange is going on with some champions in the Institute and I'm not talking about Bard being a bartender I mean what does a celestial need with money anyway? Buy more Tuxes and bowties for his Meep friends? (PLS Riot if you're reading this consider Bardtender as a skin, I'd pay good money for that)

Anyway I'm sorry for neglecting the story for so long, Halloween is almost around the corner again that's how long it took LOL. I'm really sorry about that btw.

For those who don't read my other story which focusses around Project skins, I don't blame you (consider it tho, the beginning is really bad but it gets better haHA), but I basically explained that I'm back and will try to keep a decent update schedule.

The thing is that I graduated, I work two jobs as a full-time nurse and I don't have a lot of time and energy to do other things, I mostly sleep…

On the other hand, I will be going back to college next September to follow up on my degree and get a higher one to get better work! Which means I'll have a bit more time to write and brainstorm for upcoming chapters.

I'm really grateful for everyone that's been reading the story and I hope everyone will be patiently awaiting the next chapter! I'll do my best to respond to all the reviews I've gotten in my absence and of course to the ones in the future! So feel free to review!

Anyway I love all ya'll reading this and sticking with the story, I know it isn't the best but I appreciate every single one of you still reading this!

Until next time,

Emerald out.