Next Day / Piltover

The trip back wasn't an easy one for Dom as he so much going through his head right now, various attempts were made by Jayce, Vi and Cait to convince him to get out of the lower deck for a bit, only to be rejected. His mind was going so fast at the moment, past and future were mixing themselves as a barrage of thoughts bombarded him constantly, ¿What's going to happen? ¿Will his father survive? ¿Will he see Irelia again? Each and every second hurt as fear assaulted his mind without mercy, his chest felt heavy, and anxiety filled his whole body.

*Knock

"Dom we are about to reach the city, can you come out?" asked Caitlyn in a soft tone.

He didn't want to, not yet at least, but he had to be strong, no matter how much he doesn't want this day to continue he has to be ready. He smiled at that remark, something he admired about Irelia, was her disposition to face anything with a brave front, so he had to do the same, it's no longer about just him, he must be strong for everyone, for her.

"Yes, I'll be out in a moment" he said prompting Caitlyn to leave the door.

With a bit of hesitation Dom opened the door and began taking slow and steady steps as he climbed up to the main deck of the ship. He still didn't dare to step close to the edge but he felt now more comfortable than before leaning against a support pillar on the center, be it that he was conquering his fears or there was something heavier on his mind, he didn't know or really care, as the city began to show itself on the horizon.

There was a sense of dread in the ship, not even Vi was acting as herself, everything was silent as the crew was expectant to survey and check the damage the city had suffered, to which at their current distance seemed not that bad, as only some craters and explosion marks showed themselves on the neighboring mountains. Dom could see from his position how Vi and Cait were scouting the area with binoculars on the front of the ship, talking and examining every single detail they could see, making him even more nervous as to what the extent of damage could have been, something that apparently showed in his face as the next thing he felt was Jayce's hand on his shoulder.

"Relax Dom, the damage is not that great, the city is safe" he commented in an attempt to brighten his mood. to which Dom simply nodded and continued to look to the distance. "It's not about the city is it?" Jayce inquired with a hint of sorrow in his voice.

"I… I don't know Jayce" Dom said in a pained voice as he tried to look at his eyes. "Sometimes it feels like it's too much, I don't know what I should do, what's going to happen?" Dom ended his sentence as if demanding an answer from the inventor.

Jayce thought for a moment, about what to say, he was older yes, but even he with his knowledge and intelligence could not predict the future, "I don't know what is going to happen" he stated as Dom casted his eyes on the ground, "but… it doesn't matter at all" suddenly at this remark Jayce regained all the attention of the lightning warrior as he continued. "I know for a fact that the future's not set in stone, every single one of us is in charge of changing its course. Just look at me, will I be here if I hadn't fought my way up? I am here because I believe, I believe that technology is capable of helping every one of us, that someday we will all be able to enjoy our lives to the fullest, at peace. I believe therefore I conquer, it wasn't that I was intelligent, it wasn't that I had the resources, what brought me here was the decision to pursue my belief, my dream, and forge it every way I could come up with, with everything that I am, because it's the future that I want for myself and for others." Finishing his speech Jayce felt lighter, all these years he had fought to maintain that which he deemed true and could now see a bit of clarity in Dom's eyes, which made him feel oddly satisfied.

"Thanks Jayce" Dom followed as now those words were engraved in his mind.

"No problem kid" he added patting Dom's back a few times. "Stay strong ok?"

"I will, thanks again" Dom said as Jayce nodded and proceeded towards the two officers in front of the ship.

Finally, a bit of fresh air he thought, For the first time this whole day he regained the ability to calms his nerves letting the intense ache in his chest calm for a bit. He stood there calmly looking at the approaching city until a question popped into his head, one that will not leave him no matter how hard he tried. "What do I want for my future?"

Upon arriving everyone setup on going to check everything with Heimerdinger and the city status, everyone except Dom, as he had an urgent business to attend at the hospital. The city was still recovering from the previous fight so deciding that waiting for a transport was going to take some time, he began running towards the hospital. His run was a welcoming change for his mind, not focusing in anything but a destination allowed him to calm a bit before entering the building and asking for the room where Ryze was being kept.

"Room 307" said the receptionist letting Dom continue towards the room.

Once he opened the door things seemed to be rather calm as he could see Ryze in bed breathing quite heavily, a great number of bandages were covering his torso and abdomen as his face also supported a cut on the left of his forehead. Mixed emotions ran through him the moment he saw him, sadness, worry, fear, but they all dissipated when he saw Ryze open his eyes and look at him. Never had Dom seen him so badly injured but for some strange reason he calmly proceeded to sit by his side, action that seemed just right at the moment, as silence reigned by them until he decided to speak.

"You look tired" Dom said casually not even looking at him but hinting a playful tone.

"More like bored out of my mind" the mage answered quickly, making Dom smile as he looked at the mage.

"Are you ok? I mean I thought that…" Dom continued in a weak tone before the mage interrupted him.

"I'm fine…. Everyone… tends to overreact when suddenly a beast… opens you up a little" Ryze said between breaths making clear talking was difficult, but Dom could identify a certain mocking tone which made him feel more secure about his wellbeing. "Also… don't forget that I'm stronger than you" he was now smiling something that rarely occurred.

"Ha, as if, I think that hit on your head really messed up something" Dom said as he laughed now a bit more comfortable.

"Well enough of that… now that you are here, I want to hear about your stay at the institute"

Dom proceeded to talk for two hours detailing as much as he could to Ryze who listened very attentive to his adventures, how he managed to become even faster and stronger thanks to a girl that could wield eight blades, how they managed to withstand the barrage of enemies just like in Piltover. After Dom was done speaking Ryze took a moment of silence to sink everything in, Dom could see on his face, concentration and a bit of annoyance which made him think that maybe he said something out of the line.

"Help me sit up" the mage demanded as Dom obliged and began to move him and the bed so he could be adequately supported. "Caitlyn showed me an image a while ago, it was you with a girl, I'm guessing she is the warrior that you mentioned was with you all this time".

As Ryze spoke about her Dom could not avoid feeling his heart pound hard against his chest as he exhaled deeply "Yes, she is" he said in a melancholic way as his eyes darted to the floor.

"Tell me about her" the mage added as he looked at Dom.

"Well, what do you want to know?" Dom asked a bit perplexed at Ryze sudden interest.

Ryze exhaled as he looked to Dom, "Look Dom, this is important, I don't want to know anything specific… I want you to tell me how was the time you had with her, through your eyes I think it's important, so I want you to refrain of looking for a reason and just let your mind speak without thinking".

Dom took his words as an order, never had he doubted Ryze and today was not the day, so he began talking, as the mage instructed.

"I remember when I first met her, hehe, I kind of acted out a little bit rude towards her" Dom remembered how he had ignored her presence at that time. "I know that I couldn't stop looking at her smiling through the whole battle, it really was cute, not to mention that after we left the arena, she looked even more stunning" Dom was smiling now, as Ryze nodded at him to continue. "The first weeks were just amazing, it's hard for me to say, but I couldn't manage to beat her for at least a week, she was that awesome" he said now visibly excited.

"Where was the image taken?" Ryze asked so he could continue.

"We went to a festival, with Jayce and a companion of her's called Karma, it was honestly almost a perfect day".

"Almost?" Ryze said as Dom scratched his cheek.

"Well there was this guy who started calling me and here some really nasty things, I got really angry and emmm broke his nose, sorry". Dom apologized immediately knowing well that Ryze had always taught him to only use his powers towards good, a teaching that without a doubt he broke that day.

"Never before has some words really affected you" said Ryze asking for an answer.

"It wasn't towards me, he insulted her, and my blood started to boil, I couldn't think straight".

"Indeed, you couldn't, so what else?" Ryze urged him to continue.

"Well after the festival, we were almost all of the next days together, be it training, eating, or talking, she got along fine with Cait and Vi, just before the void attacked" Dom ended at a low tone making Ryze a bit worried about the outcome.

"Did she survive?"

"Yes, she is fine, was with me the whole time, we even took out a giant monster" Dom smiled.

"So, what's it that has you so… sad" Ryze asked knowing well something was up.

Dom's eyes never left the floor as he thought about what to say. "We found out that… the void it's making its way to Ionia, they should be preparing to face them" Dom dread that he knew was coming as it was clear that fear cursed through his veins as his hands were now clutched into tight fists.

All Dom heard the next instant was a grunt coming from the mage on his side, as then the pack of his palm crashed against his nose with all the strength the mage could muster given his limited movement, but it was enough to make him look at him with perplexed eyes.

"You are an idiot" Ryze said with a serious look, looking at the now confused Dom.

"What? Why?" Dom raised his voice being more confused than angry at the current situation.

"Why are you here? Tell me, what made you come back?" Ryze demanded in a strong tone.

"The city was attacked! You were injured! Of course, I had to come back, it's my job to protect the city!"

"ENOUGH OF THAT!" Ryze shouted as he ignored the pain coursing through his body. "You knew that the city was safe, you knew that I would survive. Why are you here?" Dom was at a loss for words as nothing came out of his gaping mouth. Eyes darting everywhere as he tried his best to come up with an answer that never came. Ryze noticing this relaxed a bit his posture and eased into the bed as his long exhale was the only sound that filled the room.

"Tell me then, why you look and sound so miserable?" Ryze spoke again looking at Dom not with anger but with something akin to empathy in its eyes.

"I don't… I… am afraid" Dom said with pain in his eyes.

"I can see that, and you know well of what you are afraid. You know that you are going to lose something really important".

Dom knew what he meant, he always knew it, ever since leaving the institute his transmitter had been on, and he waited anxiously for something to come out of the machine.

"Since you were little, I tried my best to teach you the values and morals of justice and honesty, I think I did a pretty good job, too good of a job sadly" Ryze had now a frown on his face as sadness enveloped him. "You grew up to become someone who will always help others, it didn't matter if they asked for it or not, it's in you to help them because you believe that is right to be there and comfort everyone with your presence." Dom listened quietly as Ryze looked at him intently. "My boy, you have become that which we all need, but in doing so you have neglected your own will. I send you to the institute in hopes that you would understand that you have the power to decide and choose for yourself what makes you happy, to create a desire for your needs, not those around you". Finishing that sentence was harder for him that he would have ever anticipated, Dom's eyes shined as Ryze could see he was on the verge of breaking. He then reached his hand closest to him grabbing the nape of his neck and giving it a tight squeeze. "It's time for you to take a choice, for yourself, I see you have been holding a transmitter, does she have one?"

"Yes, she has one, but there's been no answer yet" Dom said with a broken voice.

"Good, you need to speak with her, but from the heart, not from the mind" the mage added as Dom nodded in agreement. "I may have been rough Dom, but I want you to know, I am proud of the man you've become." Ryze said still holding his neck. "So I'll ask of you to start choosing for your happiness and come back in front of me when you have accomplished it. Will you help me with that?" he ended smiling at Dom, as now tears were rolling down his face.

"Yes… I think... I can help you with that" he said between sobs as the hand of his father never left his head until it was time to say goodbye.

Night / One day After / Dom's POV

Dom stayed up the night before waiting for a signal of hen on his transmitter, but to no avail, he asked Vi and Caitlyn for some time, he needed to be alone, they of course agreed sensing that it was the best for him. he had waited all day on top of a hill hoping that maybe then a signal would be able to reach him. It was almost midnight as he paced anxiously in the tiny space, waiting, hoping, wishing for her to reach out, as a swirl of thought raced through his mind saying that maybe it was too late, but he always fought it he had to believe. Until suddenly static began to be heard on the device, prompting Dom to, without thinking, scream at it.

"Irelia, is it you there? Can you hear me?" Silence, reigned for a few seconds, making Dom think that what he heard was an illusion, until an answer came through.

"Hi, yes I can hear you" escaped from the transmitter, making Dom almost jump from happiness.

"I missed you so much" Dom said without hesitation, he promised himself he would speak from his heart, and damn right he was going to do it. he was sure he could hear the smile from her at his remark

"I've missed you too. Everything is chaos here." she said softly making Dom a bit nervous.

"Tell me what's happening, please" he demanded as silence reigned until Irelia spoke again.

"We send a search party down the volcano yesterday, they didn't come back", she said in a sad tone. "We don't have enough ships or anywhere to evacuate so we are preparing everyone who can handle a weapon as fast as we can".

Dom was left speechless his heart pounded hard in his chest as Irelia stopped talking. "I need to know" he exhaled, as then continued "Tell me the truth, how are you?" It was such a stupid question to ask, he knew that, but he somehow knew she would understand him.

"I'm scared Dom! Everyone is scared! This is not fair, I don't want this to happen!" she screamed now, Dom knew she was crying nothing has ever felt this wrong in his entire life, his whole being was now consumed by a sadness so great that he could barely breathe. "I… I must be strong… I have to save them… I have to be prepared…" she finished breathing through sobs, as if she knew she had to calm herself.

"I made a terrible mistake" Dom said as he was now on his knees. "I should be there, not here" he added absentmindedly as he could only hear Irelia's breath on the transmitter.

"That time in the institute, was the happiest of my life, I made some amazing memories, I made new friends, I met you" she was crying again, "Thank you for everything, I will keep you close at all times" she said as she began to calm herself again. Dom then could hear distorted noises on the transmitter. "I have to go I was supposed to take a quick break"

"Wait Irelia, don't go" he pleaded not knowing what to say.

"I have to be ready Dom, I won't turn it up again until everything is over. Thank you and goodbye" was the last he heard as suddenly the communication ended.

"Wait Irelia! Aaaaa!" Dom began to furiously slam his fist to the ground, as he screamed to his heart's content for a couple of minutes finally succumbing flat on the ground still holding the device tightly.

He was angry, sad, fearful, as his eyes began closing. Then a simple phrase came to his head making him open his eyes and stand to his feet, "What do I want for my future?" He now knew, and truth be told he was going to pursue what he wanted, no matter what stood in front of him, as he began to run as fast as he could with a face full of determination.

Piltover / Caitlyn's Office

Caitlyn was going on through the information Heimerdinger had compiled, things were amazingly great right now, as the genius yordle was able to minimize damage to the city and now had a plan and complete control to repel any further attacks of the monsters thanks to the city's position.

"You should calm yourself, breathe a little cupcake, we are safe right now you should rest"

"We are safe thanks to others, we should be prepared for whatever happens next" Caitlyn said as she continued to examine the plans.

"You've barely slept come on just take a cup of tea and seat a little" Vi suggested

"Ahhh ok, fine" Caitlyn agreed as she approached Vi and sat across the sofa she laid on, she could see that she was playing with the device Jayce had made. "What are you doing?" she inquired as she sank a bit more on the sofa.

"Jayce told me this thing not only takes a picture but a sequence of them, something like that, I'm trying to figure out how to do it" Vi explained as just as she finished, she grinned and pushed a button. "I think it's on, hey Cait say something funny"

"I'm not in the mood Vi" she said quite annoyed until a sudden noise brought her attention towards the entrance of her office.

There was Dom standing and panting as sweat covered his face and body, just before any of the two girls could ask what was happening, he got to his knees and laid his forehead on the floor.

"PLEASE, HELP ME"

I've been checking for errors the past chapters and made the necessary corrections, I also changed some dialogues from last chapter, I think the next chapter will be the longest one yet, I will try it to get it out as soon as I can.