(Original) Aria of Isolation

by Soojimasu

This is the tale of two, young yordles destined for greatness…and each other. But will they live long enough to see this future? Only time will tell.

14. Monochrome into Kaleidoscope

A/N: Boop.

---

Aria of Isolation

Chapter 14: Monochrome into Kaleidoscope

It was T minus ten when he called from the helm,

The other in shock and overwhelm.

Fastening his cap,

And a click of his strap,

Ready to blast out of this realm.

.

They peered into the sky way high above them,

He looked back with a smile bright as a gem.

All systems green,

To the sights unseen,

Away from the world that could only condemn.

.

Up above the clouds and straight through the stratosphere,

"Don't look down! We're not stopping here!"

They held on tight,

The stars in sight,

The vast sea of space now crystal clear.

.

They traveled past comets and onto the Moon,

Fighting aliens and pirates like their favorite cartoon.

Waving Martians on Mars,

Grazing those golden stars,

Then back to Runeterra like a plunging harpoon.

.

They fell and fell at an alarming rate.

"Step on the brakes before it's too late!"

A crash and a bump,

A skid with a jump,

An adventure to remember that none could equate.

.

In a fit of laughter they fell out with a tumble,

Falling atop each other in a small, yordle jumble.

Small and puny,

But crazy and looney,

Ziggs and Rumble.

---

"Up, up, now. We have little time for you to lie around. After all, the future you seek is just within your grasp. Don't mess it up now. This is the last I'm helping you. Understand, young man?"

---

"Ugh…nnngh…" Ziggs groaned as his eyes opened just a tad. Then a little more, blurry until he could muster focus. "Wha…?"

He couldn't tell if the ground was peculiarly soft today or if he was back in Rumble's bed as if everything had been just a bad dream…again…again. He felt linen between his fingers and a pillow cradling his head. A bed, yes, but where? Sitting up slowly, he expected to feel the brutal retaliation of fresh wounds. Much to his surprise, however, he felt mere aches along his shoulder muscles and a waning lightness in his head.

Shrouded in confusion, the yordle sat up straight, holding his forehead. His eyes scanned what they could without moving; a log cabin-like room with candles and other assorted lightning. There were beds much like his evenly assembled around him with their own small nightstands, unidentifiable yordles slumbering in a few. Each new sight, a mystery.

"Where…?" he spoke up to himself.

"Morning, sleepy head." A soft, feminine voice greeted at his side. Ziggs turned his head, the familiar figure lying in the bed next to him. A wrench twisted his heart.

"Tristana…?"

She gave a troubled smile and a small wave. She appeared in much better condition than when he last saw her at Dewnut Falls. Her azure skin was much cleaner, her hair less mangled and clean bandages around her torso and arms.

"Say, are you feeling any better?" she asked.

"I…am," Ziggs stated uneasily. "I was trashed though! What happened when I was asleep!?"

"Yeah, okay. This is definitely weird. Look." Tristana extended her arms, spreading them apart to show her mangled clothes but only slightly marked skin. She had horrific burn marks last he had seen her. Now, she looked almost as if the battle never happened; mere scratches compared to gashes.

"No way…" Ziggs' voice trailed off into disbelief.

"What about you?"

He hadn't noticed his own body's appearance before; kept too busy with the other thousand questions he had brimming. When he did, he saw that his jumpsuit had been zipped down to his waist, most likely by the medical scouts to tend to his wounds. He had bandages that seemed to match Tristana's, wrapped around his torso. Yet his fur was cleaner, his headpiece completely missing and, most of all, his laceration nearly tamed.

"Check it out," Tristana urged.

Cautiously, Ziggs pulled the bandages down enough to reveal a brown-red scar running across his external oblique, the fur nonexistent in that area. He grazed his fingertip against it, running along the almost numb line of scar tissue.

"But…how? I should be in pain! Agonizin' pain! No way could I heal up that fast!"

"It was probably Zilean." Another voice spoke up. The two hospitalized yordles looked over at the doorway to find Teemo standing with his arms crossed, a mix of disappointment and empathy in those closed eyes. "You were both brought here to start recovering properly from your little bouts. You guys happy about what you did?"

The two looked down and away in shame, as if scolded by their mothers. Teemo sighed, taking a few steps in.

"After you guys were settled down and resting, Zilean came by and asked to see you two."

"Ain't he a little too…big for these places?" Ziggs asked quizzically.

"Nothing a little bobbing and weaving can't solve in tight spaces. You're forgetting that other humans have visited the city."

"Can't argue with that! Then what!?"

Teemo shrugged. "I don't know. He was only in there for a few minutes before he came back out. When I checked on you guys myself, I saw your wounds mostly healed which is something that should take…months!"

Ziggs thought about this for a moment, piecing his words together. Somewhere the story made sense, though, he couldn't let go of the word "months." Months… Could he mean…? As if all the fur on his body stood on end, Ziggs became overwhelmed with fear.

"…AAAHH!" he screamed suddenly, startling the other two.

"W-what's wrong!?" Tristana looked over with wide eyes.

"Zilean! Oh no… Are we in the future!? What year is it!? Do I still got my job!? Is Rumble alive!? Where's Rumble!?" Ziggs clawed down his face, gritting his teeth tightly. Teemo let out a breath of annoyance and relief.

"Calm down, Ziggs!"

"HUH!?"

"We're not in the future! You've only been passed out for a few hours."

"Oh... Whew~! So I still got time. And what about Rumble?"

Teemo's face fell. That was an entire discussion on its own and one that he couldn't muster to tell. He recalled the orders given to him. Tristana felt the same concern; worried of Rumble's safety, his rationality and his degrading reputation in Bandle.

"…" Teemo was silent for a moment. He remembered how Rumble looked when he was thrown into the cell with his wrists tied behind his back; a fierce, caged animal.

"…c'mon Teems." Ziggs' voice simmered down. "Don't do this to me. Where is he? …Where's Rumble!?"

"The mayor instructed me to take you to City Hall! That is, when you were able to walk. He's got a lot to talk to you about. About everything you've done since you got here."

"The mayor? Aw jeez…sounds like I'm in trouble with the big cheese, huh?"

Teemo's mouth skewed a tad. "He just said it was…urgent. You think you can walk?"

Ziggs bent his legs in place, feeling only subtle aches from the lack of movement.

"Uh…yeah. Think so. If I can't, you'll see me on the floor face-first beggin' for a wheelchair! Hahah!"

"That's probably not something to laugh about, Ziggs…" Tristana said wearily.

"It's not!? Oopsies. Ehehe!" He couldn't help but chuckle at even that, prompting Tristana to roll her eyes.

"Whenever you think you're ready to go, I'll be waiting by the lobby, okay?"

"You got it, Teems!"

The scout nodded before looking over at Tristana. "I'll come back for you! Okay, Tristana?"

She passed him a small smile. "I'll be waiting~."

Teemo couldn't help the warmth that rushed to his cheeks and the fluttering in his heart. He turned to exit the room but stopped in his tracks.

"Oh, and it started to rain. But don't worry, I have an umbrella for both us."

"D'aww, Teems! Givin' me the Trist treatment?" Ziggs playfully asked, holding his cheeks and fidgeting around like schoolgirl with a crush.

"J-just come out when you're ready!" Teemo shouted before closing the door behind him. Ziggs let go of one last giggle before an odd silence bounded between the two.

A cleared throat, rustling of sheets, ambient sounds from the creaking of wood intermingled with the miscellaneous voices outside. Their competition seemed like a blur; happening in such a short duration. Here they were, paying the, although odd, price of their misdemeanors as the two scrambled for just the right words to say. It was only a shame that by the time those words reached their tongues, they dissolved into mush.

The two spoke up simultaneously.

"Trist-"

"Ziggs-"

"…"

"…"

Maybe another go.

"Listen, I-"

"Look, I-"

"Ngh…"

"Ahm…"

This wasn't going to be a cakewalk.

"Maybe we could-"

"Let's just-"

They looked away from one another, knowledgeable of the grief that came with the unfolding events. Ziggs allowed Tristana the floor.

"Ziggs…I just wanted to say that…I'm sorry."

"Huh?" He looked over with his jaw hanging loose. "Sayin' sorry? For what? I was the one that caused all those fires. I'm the one that's sorry!"

"But none of that would have happened had I just believed you from the get-go! I called you crazy, Ziggs…and I didn't think a word out of your mouth was true."

"Wouldn't be the first person to do that. Ehehe!"

"I mean, the story seemed pretty farfetched no matter how you tell it." She looked down at her blanketed lap, gripping the sheets. "Until he showed up. At Rumble's garage."

"Old man Zil?"

Tristana nodded. "He told me just about everything. And before I ever got a chance to fix things, you and Rumble were…" She stopped herself.

Playing around? Fighting? Killing each other? Wreaking havoc? Destroying their own home? Nothing the two yordles did was near acceptable even by their unruly standards. He understood why she had a hard time talking about it.

"Yeah. I know." Ziggs said quietly.

"I'm just surprised. The Chronokeeper himself is helping you, Ziggs! This has got to be pretty important if he's sparing time for yordles like us."

"Aaahh I'm sure he's got plenty of it! Haha! But hey! If he's still in Bandle I'll ask 'im!"

"Thanks. I'd sure love to know myself."

"Yeah…"

Tristana kept her gaze down, the corner of her mouth mustering a half-smile. She knew what the big picture looked like now and it was her turn to play the part.

"Oh, and Ziggs…"

"Yeh?" He looked over at Tristana, finding her appearance depressed and almost forlorn as if she was the only one in the room.

"You're gonna help get Rumble out of trouble, right?"

"…" Ziggs didn't want to bring back the faded visions of Rumble's apprehension, fearful to know Bandle's response to borderline terrorism. "…any way I can."

She bobbed her head before looking over at the other. "Good. When you do…I want you to take good care of him for me. You got that?"

Startled and unexpected, Ziggs felt the words taken right out of his throat. Did she mean what he thought? Was he taking it the wrong way?

"Wha-…what're ya talking about, Trist?"

"You were right. Rumble is supposed to be with you. I can just tell. Everything you went through…your Judgment…all of the things here... I haven't seen someone so determined since Teemo entered the League. To be honest…I'm not sure if I'd even go through all that. I think it takes someone like you to be there for someone like Rumble." Tristana tucked her knees in as she wrapped her arms around them. "I'd be the worst kind of yordle to take that away from you."

"Trist…ya don't mean…"

"Hey. After all, you did win the fight. You deserve him, Ziggs. And I'm glad Rumble has someone as strong and gritty as you."

"Trist…" Ziggs couldn't hide his elation. Finally, after all he had struggled through, real and not, he finally felt like a winner charging his way through the red ribbon. He held himself back from leaping out of the bed knowing he might just end up kissing the floorboards. "Do ya…do ya really mean that!?"

She gave a reassuring nod.

"You bet. I want you and Rumble to be as happy as when we were all little. I know you of all yordles would want that the most, wouldn't you?"

"M-more than ever!"

This made Tristana chuckle. "And besides, I think I know someone who's been at my side for longer than I've been giving him credit for."

"Good ol' Teems~! Ehehe! Told ya you two were Bandle City's 'Love Birds'!"

"Oh, stop it! Heheh! Just keep it hush-hush for now. Don't want to rush things and all."

"Yeah, yeah! 'Course! And uhhh…Trist."

"Hm?"

"…thanks. I'll still always feel kinda bad for what happened. I mean, I said some pretty nasty things to ya! Real bad things! And almost killed ya!"

"Yeah, well, so did I! I said my fair share of hurtful things, too. I even faked my own death just to get a clear shot of you."

"Don't remind me. Ya don't understand the kinds of thoughts that went through my nogginstuffs!" He poked his head.

"Were you actually…digging a hole to put my body in?" Tristana snickered with a cocked eyebrow and skewed smile.

"A-ah…well…I mean! …listen, I was gettin' desperate, okay!? I thought I was gonna be Bandle's next Most Wanted!"

"I'm pretty sure Bandle doesn't have one of those! Hahahah!"

"Yeesh. And the forest… That's gonna be on my record for a while."

"Our records. I was just as much a part of all this as you were! Y'know, I thought you were dead when we fell down that waterfall!"

"Say, me too! I got lucky on that one!"

"You sure did. I don't know if I could have lived with myself knowing I killed you."

"…"

Their minds played back the heat of battle as the thought of becoming enraged to the point of murderous intent sunk their hearts. That sort of destruction was one only typically seen on the Fields of Justice, not along the borders of their homeland.

"…Y'know," Ziggs spoke up. "…ya gotta admit. That was actually kinda fun~."

He passed over his smile to Tristana. It took a minute to sink in before even she could find the humor in it all. The contagious smile appeared on her, as well.

"…okay! Okay! Hahah! It was pretty fun... Running through the forest, down the hill, into the sunflower field!"

"Into the river and down the falls! Waaaaaahhh!" Ziggs flailed his arms around.

"We were screaming so loud! Ahahah! I can't believe we really did that! Heheheheh!"

"HAH! HAHahahaaaah! HahaHAH!"

Ziggs joined in the laughter. The two bed-lain yordles sharing a bout of snickers and chortles, giggles and gurgles. Knee-slapping and teary-eyed, they couldn't find anything to be sad about anymore. This is how it all started, the very foundation that kept their friendship alive so many years ago; the humor in a good battle. After all, it was only in their nature to fight for what they wanted and laugh no matter what, even in the face of danger. Friends through thick and thin.

Tristana and Ziggs eased to a steady halt as they wiped their wet eyes and rubbed down their sore cheeks.

"Ahahahah…aaahhh. Ack! I should probably get goin'. I'm gonna be in deeper scrap if I'm late for the Big Cheese!" Ziggs flipped off the covers from his lap and zipped up his ragged jumpsuit the best he could. Holes, tears and all, he'd have to present himself just like this. Fitting for the felonious, he thought.

His feet touched the ground as he looked down at his body, spreading his arms out. His legs would need a good stretch.

"So, how do I look?"

"Through your eyes, dummy!" Tristana joked.

"Yeah! But how do I look!?"

She sighed. "Just like me, Ziggs!"

"Y'know, I know we both have flat chests and all, Trist, but ya gotta give yourself some credit!" he grinned her way as she crossed her arms.

"One more time about my chest and you'll be heading over with MORE bruises!" she threatened.

"Woho! Just look at the time! Gotta jet! Ehehe!"

Ziggs backed away as he opened the door behind him, slipping through and waving Tristana off with an enthusiastic arm.

"Tell the mayor I said…uhhh…'hi' or something!"

"Sure, suuuure!" He closed the door. 'Don't think he'll be in the mood but I'll try…'

---

The walk was a peculiarly silent one as the only sound that followed was the pitter patter of raindrops against their surroundings. Ziggs could almost feel the scorn radiating from Teemo as they approached City Hall with umbrella overhead. It was no easy feat apologizing for humiliating him in front of countless trees and his new water-savvy friend. It was worth a shot, however.

"…say, Teems-"

"Shut up, Ziggs."

"Okay." Ziggs looked away. 'That went smoothly…'

Up the steps and into the lobby, Teemo folded the umbrella that dispersed the defeated moisture. An informed staff member was at the ready to escort them up to the mayor's office and the closer the doors reached, the more anxiety set in. Ziggs wouldn't have been surprised if there were twenty law enforcers waiting to pounce and detain him just beyond them.

Teemo was the first to step up and part the two large, brown doors to the round office. Adjacent to Teemo, Ziggs could see Major Jadefellow with his hands rested on his cane, staring out the picture window at the showery show that panged against the glass. Towards the side of the room was the almost displaced looking Chronokeeper whose head nearly touched the ceiling and beard nearly the floor; any taller and he'd have a bad back. Or a worse one. He kept his legs crossed in the air, hover over the blue rug.

"Mayor Jadefellow." Teemo spoke up with profession in his voice. "We're here. I've brought Ziggs with me."

A long, subtle breath escaped the mayor's lips before he lifted his cane to turn in place. A face mixed with disappointment, anxiousness and regret looked back at them.

"Zigmund, I'm sure you know the reason why you're-"

"YOU!" Ziggs shouted spontaneously as he pointed directly at Zilean.

Before another word could be uttered, he ran up to the collected Chronokeeper, stopping just before his robe and angrily peering up to his face and down to his toe. Frustrated, the yordle didn't know where to start first and mindlessly began pounding his hands against Zilean's leg, grumbling fluently

"You! Hngh! Ngghh! Geh!"

"…" He looked down at Ziggs' both futile and pointless efforts at stress relief; it came to no surprise for the foreseer.

Soon enough, Ziggs took hold of the dark robe and began to bite and tug at it like a teething pup.

"Gnnnrrrrr!"

"…" Zilean looked towards the mayor and him back. Behavior not too unlike the manic yordle, however, for someone like him, it was best to let him blow off steam. With enough time, he calmed himself enough to speak coherently.

"YOU!"

"Me?" Zilean responded.

"You…ya were here the whole time!?"

"Indeed."

"…w-well! Why didn't ya tell me all o' this was gonna happen!?"

"I did."

"…y-yeah! But why didn't ya do anythin' about it!?"

"I did."

"…Gaaaahh! Why am I so mad at ya right now!?"

"You are still a child, despite your age; throwing tantrums when you haven't gotten what you wanted. But what you have gotten yourself is in quite the pickle, haven't you?" The old man chuckled. Ziggs couldn't fathom how someone could be so collected after everything that happened to him.

"You KNEW I'd mess up! You KNEW I'd fight with Trist AND Rumble! And ya KNEW that I'd be HERE, RIGHT NOW, YELLIN' AT YOU…" He took a deep breath. "…RIGHT. HEEEERE!"

His breaths weighted, Ziggs snarled up at the Chronokeeper.

"Three for three. But is that any way to thank someone for helping you? After all, had I not intervened, you would be in a much worse situation."

Ziggs went quiet in an instant. Although Zilean's help was from the sidelines, he couldn't deny that his words were both invaluable and true. Who was he to yell at someone as powerful as the Chronokeeper himself? He peered down to his feet, feeling almost ashamed.

"So then…you were the one that fixed me and Trist up?"

"And four for four."

"But how!?"

"Let's just say that some parts of your body are…older than others. Hmhmhm."

"If you were gonna do THAT then why didn't ya just do some reverse time-y wime-y thingy so that the wounds never happened!?"

"Call me mean, but, I found it only appropriate for you to bear the scars of your actions. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, yes? I won't have you burning down forests and property just to run off clean as a whistle. You can save that for the Fields of Justice."

"I guess…" Ziggs rubbed his arm, submitted to the other's logic. Was this his third parent or just an unlikely mentor?

"If I may," the mayor spoke up.

"Of course." Zilean let him have the floor.

"I won't beat around the bush with this. You gotten yourself in quite a mess of trouble, Zigmund."

"Ghh…yeah, well…I….aahh…"

"I believe it's about high time you explained yourself. This was your birthplace! You've lived here for most of your life! Why desecrate it so?"

"…" Ziggs' ears fell beside his head. He was cornered and undone with no chance to retreat this time. He had to come clean and he could only hope that Zilean would agree to this.

"Well?"

"Because… Because…!"

"Hm?"

"…Rummbrbrr…" Ziggs looked down, muttering almost inaudibly.

"What was that?" the mayor leaned in against his cane.

"…Rermbllll…"

"Come again?"

"…I like…Rurmgjihsduofvousovh-…" He casually and messily rubbed his palm against his mouth.

"What!?"

"I like-! ...Rumbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbr-!" Ziggs strummed his lips.

"Enough! Speak up, Zigmund!"

"IT'S 'CAUSE OF RUMBLE, OKAY!?" he finally blurted out. "My Judgment! Me comin' here! Everything I did! It all had to do with RUMBLE!"

"So you're pinning the blame on Rumble, now?"

"What!? No! Nothin' like that! What I'm sayin' is…is…" Ziggs took a deep breath in and out, taking a few steps forward, his shoulders sinking. "…I'm in love with Rumble…Mayor Jadefellow. And I came here so…I could be with him."

"…" Dennison adjusted himself on his cane, waiting for a more adequate enlightenment.

"When I left Bandle, I left Rumble. I left him behind and…and it tore the little guy apart. Even when I thought I'd be happy in Piltover…I wasn't. I was anythin' but! I couldn't get 'im outta my head. We'd been friends almost our entire lives…and I just dipped. And the more I lived without the little guy the more I knew I needed him! My Judgment…it was all about him! He came to Piltover just for me! Ahaha! And it was great! Until…until bad stuff happened."

"Zilean has informed me." The mayor nodded.

"R-right…so, after that, I booked the earliest ship to Bandle! I tried so hard…to be with Rumble like in my Judgment and to stop him from even thinkin' about headin' in Piltover's way! But the more I tried…the more I messed everythin' up." He held the sides of his head. "All this is my fault…'cause I made all the wrong choices. Right, old man?"

"Just remember," Zilean stroked his long beard, "there were always worse decisions to make."

"Thanks…I guess."

"I see now. You have let your gut speak for your mind. A terrible practice. I'm sorry to inform you that Rumble will have his fair share of legal issues to deal with here despite your departure. Tristana will receive her share as well."

Ziggs' chest tightened in response to mayor's words, still unbeknownst to Rumble's whereabouts and status. If he were to make things right, he might as well start here.

"Where's Rumble!?"

"He is currently being held within temporary confinement until we are certain of his justified sentence."

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" Ziggs mindlessly cried out, his short fuse beginning to reach its end.

"Rumble is charged for willful destruction of several citizens' and the city's property as well as disobeying his exclusive rule that he signed off to: never to bring his contraption through Bandle City's main roads and plazas. Ever. It is this sort of situation I wanted to avoid."

"But…but it wasn't his fault! Really! I provoked the little guy! Ya can't lock him up! Take me instead!" Ziggs held his wrists out together, ready and willing to get tossed into a cell.

While Ziggs' admiration was seemingly limitless, it wasn't enough to sway the mayor as he shook his head in disagreement.

"No. For you, Zigmund, I have a separate punishment."

He gulped, as anxious and helpless as an ant underneath the shadow of a gavel. Teemo kept quiet behind Ziggs. Although he was thoroughly upset with him, regret sunk into his heart knowing the harsh repercussions of his friends' actions, even Tristana's.

"I am ordering you to leave Bandle City. Immediately."

Mayor Jadefellow's words shook Ziggs right to the core; his own home banishing him.

"But…but-"

"This will be effective once you leave this building. I want you to pack up your belongings and return to Piltover for a good, long while. I will decide when you're permitted to return to-"

"I WON'T LET YA!"

"…"

"I don't care what ya do to me… I won't let Rumble sit behind bars. I'll break him out myself! Banished or NOT! I did it before in Zaun and I'll do it again here! Especially for him!"

"Ziggs! You can't just say that!" Teemo urged, reluctant to see the other's grave dug deeper.

"You would threaten that against me? Against Bandle!?" Jadefellow pounded his cane down.

It was one confrontation after another, it felt for Ziggs. Heimerdinger, Tristana, Rumble and now the mayor of Bandle City himself. The figure was intimidating and pushed his courage's limits to stand his ground against Jadefellow.

"…yup. I won't let ya take Rumble away from me. I won't let ya take the only damn reason I came back here away from me!"

The mayor took a moment of frustrated thought, the betrayal not unlike what he's seen before in another individual. The eldest spoke up, clearing his head.

"Dennison, you know this to be true. As you have witnessed…his destruction knows…no bounds."

"But Zilean! He's threatening warfare against his own birthplace! This is madness and I won't stand for it!"

"Then what will you do?" questioned the Chronokeeper.

"I'll-…I will-…" Even he found himself at a loss for words. He could administer harsher punishments but to what avail? It seemed the more he wished to punish to more he would be punished in turn. A smile curled up ever so subtly on Zilean's face.

"Will you truly risk more property and even lives likes this? Dennison, you must know who your client is~." He gestured a hand towards the fuming yordle in the center of the room.

The mayor followed Zilean's hand to the still fuming Ziggs who balled his hands into fists as if he was ready to jump over the desk and tackle him through the window. In a position of power, one was to be resolute, unmoved by a perpetrator's words. Yet, he found himself cornered by the maddened yordle, fighting threats with threats. How long would it take for City Hall to burn in flames and the city and shambles?

"…then what, Zilean? You know more than me," his defeated voice looked down at the aimless work on his desk.

Perhaps reading the future was an entertaining ability to have as Zilean couldn't keep that humble smile off his face.

"This is the part where you…negotiate, isn't it? In the back of your mind you know full well that something must be done. You wouldn't be a mayor if your decisions weren't favorable, hm?"

"Negotiate, you say?" Jadefellow hummed in contemplation. Sure he could administer a lesser punishment, however, what would the masses think? Letting them get away with what they've done for what reason? Because they're champions? No, it would have to be agreeable and equivalent. What else could he take away that they would find of value? Then it occurred to him.

"Very well, then. Zigmund, I will give you a proposition." The mayor glided his hand along the edge of his desk as he limped around it.

"Shoot, Jades."

"An exchange of severity for longevity, if you will."

"…I'm listenin'," Ziggs crossed his arms feeling as though he was conversing with a mob boss rather than a high political figure.

"I will not banish you from Bandle and I will not hold Rumble in temporary confinement."

"You won't? I'm likin' this already! …what's the catch?"

"The price of property repairs and especially forest restoration can be quite burdensome. I am placing that burden on yours, Rumble's and Tristana's shoulders."

"What!? That's like-…" Ziggs began to count his fingers.

"A few thousands of gold, yes."

"But…I ain't got that kinda money!"

"Not now, you don't. But when you return to Piltover, which will be very soon, you will send some of the funds you make to the city to help repay the debt that you have caused. Tristana and Rumble will make their own contributions here."

Ziggs scrunched the side of his face before turning his head towards Teemo.

"Rumble's got a job?" he asked in a loud whisper. Teemo shrugged.

"Once the debt is repaid you are free to return to the city."

"Please, Mayor Jadefellow, let me take Tristana's share of the debt! I'm sure the Scouts can think of something!" Teemo elected. Another disagreement.

"No. I will not see a single nugget from you, Captain Teemo. This is not your debt to pay and you are in no way responsible for what has happened."

Teemo's ears bent down, feeling like anything but.

"So the deal is…you release Rumble and we gotta pay up for a while, right?"

"Precisely. He may still be called upon for battles regarding the League. That much will not change. Of course, the city's trust in him will be tried, I'm sure. And trust in you, for that matter. Please, don't give us a reason to isolate you, Zigmund. You are a representative of Bandle. We don't want to take that away." He stood in front of Ziggs, his weight against the cane in one hand as the other was extended out. "Now, are we in an agreement?"

"…" Ziggs looked at the hand gestured his way. Sealing the deal here meant emptying his pockets and no hopes of moving into a better place in Piltover. Yet, the money didn't scare him nearly as much as losing his blue bomber and with all the poor decisions he made since sailing here, he was just about ready to finally make a good one. His eyes lied on Zilean for reassurance. The wrinkles on his face seemed to agree so that was good enough for Ziggs. He turned back to the mayor and slapped his palm against his, giving a hearty shake.

"Fine! I'll pay up! Just as long as ya get Rumble outta there!"

"You have the city's word. Of course, it will take some time to do the paperwork necessary to finalize his release." He took his hand back. "Until then, he will be kept where he is."

"He better be out before I leave tomorrow. That's all I'm askin' for!"

"Tomorrow?" Teemo questioned.

"Ayep. Gotta set sail tomorrow mornin'! Gonna get there in a day in a half, pull an all-nighter to get that fireworks show up and runnin' for the tour and NOT repeat my Judgment! …unless I'm in another dream again." Ziggs looked around him skeptically. "Geh…"

"Now look at you," Zilean's aged voice scratched out. "Finally making a wise decision. I can feel time itself thanking us."

"Hey! I gotta be thankin' you!" Ziggs looked up at the Chronokeeper the closer he got. "I mean…without ya I woulda been…in real big trouble! A-and Rumble woulda been a goner! And…and Tristana woulda been-"

A scraggly hand rested atop Ziggs' head softly, tenderly, rubbing the fuzzy head side to side between his long ears. His green eyes trailed up his beard. He was still smiling. That was a good sign.

"Hush. No need for thanks. Just promises. A promise that you will be good to time. Do not waste it, do not abuse it. Care for it as you would him. Take no moment for granted. And most of all…" He patted the much smaller one's head. "…think before you act. Got all that, young man?"

Ziggs let the words of seemingly the world's wisest man set in. He wouldn't take these moments for granted, not by a long shot. Especially this one. His smile widened as he nodded.

"Hah. You bet, old man! Don't worry, I got this now!" Ziggs began to back away from them towards the large, brown double doors. "I won't letchya down! Nope! Not this time! HaHAH!"

And just like that, the energetic yordle flung open the shifting doors and ran off. It did not go without the scream of a secretary whose papers were sent flying. "Sorry!"

"Wait! Ziggs! Where are you going!?" Teemo called out to no avail.

"Let it be, Captain Teemo. My assumption is that he is on his way to the confinement center. Though, I'm not sure why he's running when we offer transportation even in weather like this…" The mayor tapped on his chin.

"He's been running everywhere, it seems."

"Quite so. Now that that business has been taken care of, let us discuss the status on the bazaar and the Bittleroot Forest restoration, Captain Teemo."

"Right!" Teemo stood at attention before saluting. "The air tankers were deployed shortly after smoke signals were seen rising up from the Bittleroot trees. The fire's been doused and the city is at no risk."

"Good, excellent."

"We're dividing into squadrons to help skim over the soil and wildlife and make sure there isn't any chance for another wildfire to break out. We're also accepting any volunteering that can help us out."

"Right, of course. You are taking good measures, as always."

"Thank you, sir!" Teemo nodded.

"Once we know the soil is safe and able to hold water, we can focus on reestablishing the forest's biodiversity and take steps towards fire prevention. It will take a few years before…"

Teemo kept his attention directed on the mayor intently. At least he tried to. From the corner of his vision he could see an odd figure reach up just under the picture window's sill. An arm. Then another arm. Was that a…tentacle? His waning attention switched his focus from the mayor to the window as the bluish figure began to crawl up the window into view. Teemo's body grew hot in an instant, sweat forming along his brow and anxiety fueling his adrenaline. Fizz.

The happy and excited figure, which clung onto the window glass with his hands, feet and tentacles' suction cups, smiled and waved at Teemo, unbeknownst to the mayor. The scout's jaw dropped as he kept as composed as possible in front of his superior, however, he couldn't let the other just roam around like this. Why was he here? What business did he have with City Hall? How did he get up here, for that matter? He completely lost his train of thought and Jadefellow's words were falling on deaf ears as Fizz pointed at himself, making odd casting motions with his hand. Was he trying to cast a rod? Why was he imitating a fish now?

"…sufficient funds to supply the collaboration. In some years we will surely be back to a climax forest. Don't you agree, Captain?"

"…"

"Captain Teemo?"

"Wah!? Huh!? I-I'm really sorry, sir! I didn't mean to-… What were you asking!?"

"I just wanted to make sure that you were in agreement regarding particular seed usage."

"Seeds? Yeah! Of course! Seeds! Seeds! We got plenty of those! Yup!" the swift scout scooted towards the window as he spoke before breaking into a sprint and hurling the curtains over the left half of the picture window, concealing Fizz. He raced over to veil the other side before Fizz could peek over.

"Captain Teemo, I was planning on keeping those open to enjoy the rain!" the mayor exclaimed as he turned in place.

Teemo pressed his back against the window with his arms spread. The mayor's eyebrows furrowed while Zilean could only smile. Oh, foresight.

"Y'KNOW…rain is really overrated! This window would definitely look better open with some sunlight! Uh huh!"

"What's with this now? Are you feeling unsafe?"

"YES! Yes, VERY unsafe! What if…what if VEIGAR knows we're in here talking about fixing the forest!? Then he'll want to stop our efforts and we'll be in big trouble!"

"Erm…that seems a little far-fetched…but I suppose there's always the possibility-…"

"Exactly!" Teemo stepped around the mayor cautiously, stepping back towards the door slowly just as Ziggs did. "Don't worry, Mr. Jadefellow! I'll make sure to stop Veigar in his tracks and foil his dastardly plans!"

"But we haven't finished discussing citizen property reinstatement…"

"Sounds like a great idea, Mr. Mayor! I have to run! Urgent business!" Teemo swung the doors open behind him, picking up the pace. "Captain Teemo on-! NGH!" He tripped over himself momentarily. "C-Captain Teemo on duty, sir!"

Just like that, he sprinted away, another sound of screaming and paper flinging.

"S-Sorry, ma'am!"

"Why does this keep happening to me!?"

This left the two older gentlemen to themselves. Mayor Jadefellow shook his head and sighed.

"Hm. Is it me, Zilean? Am I scaring these young ones away?"

"I cannot say, Dennison. Their actions are a mystery even to me. Hmhmhm," the old man chuckled.

"Somehow I doubt that. No matter." He groaned with a slow, limping stride back over to the curtains. "I should thank you, however. Someone of your stature helping such small ones as us. Sometimes I question your ways."

"To protect the integrity of the League. If I could not stop tragedy to befall upon my own city…I could at least try to stop another…" Zilean held his forehead as his eyes faded in and out of blueness. "…somewhere else…ah…"

"The displasia?"

"Mm." He nodded. "I must go…lest my mind wander elsewhere."

"Yes, I see." The mayor looked down at the curtains' bottoms. "I suppose you must take your leave."

He waited a moment.

"…I know you're not one for goodbyes, but…" he chuckled. "…I suppose I'm talking to myself right about now…"

The mayor turned round. There was nobody to be found.

"…aren't I?"

With a huff, he walked to the far end of the curtains, taking the string into his hand and beginning to tug it down.

"Honestly, ever since that Zigmund arrived here in the city, everyone's been acting quite-…"

As the curtain retreated to the side, Mayor Jadefellow looked upon the clear window that revealed much more than just dreary weather. There, clinging to the window, was a struggling Fizz, attached by all of his appendages. Just behind him, hooking his arms underneath Fizz's and pushing off the windowsill with his feet, was Teemo thrusting in and away in an attempt to pry the sticky fish off.

"FIZZ! GET OFF THE WINDOW!" Teemo shouted, the sound somewhat muffled through the glass pane.

"I-I can't! I'm stuck! The rain is making me sorta clingy! Ehahaha!"

"You can't just be DOING these things! You're gonna get us in trouble! RNNGGHH!"

"I didn't mean to get stuck! Honest!"

"YOU shouldn't even be here in the first place! What is wrong with you!?"

"But I found ya, didn't I!? Hehehahahah! Oh! Hi, Mr. Mayor~!" Fizz waved happily, looking through the window.

"Mr. MAYOR!?" Teemo looked over in a guilty startle. This was the last situation he expected to be caught in and he couldn't have felt worse as Fizz's sticky body was beginning to turn into a slippery one. "W-WAIT! THIS ISN'T-…"

"…"

"THIS ISN'T WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!" Fizz's suction on the window suddenly popped off, sending the duo falling back.

"Hey! I'm unstuck now!"

"WHAT!?" Teemo shouted as they plummeted to the ground, both screaming, one for joy and the other in fear. "AAAAHHHH!"

"…" Mayor Jadefellow found himself caught in silence as he looked down until the yordle and fish were out of view.

The aged yordle simply turned back around on his cane and held his head against his palm, letting out an exhausted breath.

"Oh…I need an aspirin…"

---

The yordle and sea creature joined the reckless rainfall in their several-story plummet with a mix of screams, jubilant and otherwise. With an instinctive roll just after the impact, the yordle's body was blotched with mud and soreness as Teemo staggered back onto his feet slow and steadily. All the while, Fizz seemed to fall a tad more gracefully, landing on his palm before standing on his two feet.

"Oh, man! That was fun! Hehuh! Let's do that again!" Fizz cheered happily, beginning to grasp at the side of the building to climb up.

"NO!" Teemo lunged for the slippery fish, tugging him off by his sides. "No, no, no, no! No! No, no! No!" He took a deep breath. "NO!"

"Aw…" He looked away before turning back with eyes only a puppy would give. "Please~?"

"No! Fizz! What're you doing out here!? It's raining!"

"Hahah! I know! Isn't it great!?"

"Not for us! I ran out without my umbrella, too…"

Teemo raised his arms, watching his clothes and fur drip with rainwater. It trickled down between his eyes, onto his nose and around his eyes. Then, it didn't. Teemo looked up, wondering if the rain was easing up just for him. It was Fizz holding his hand above Teemo's eyes like a visor.

"Huh…?"

"I'm no umbrella but this is the best I got!"

It would have left him thankful if he wasn't so distraught. He brought Fizz's hand down with his own.

"You don't have to do that." Teemo retrieved his tumbled over hat, shaking off the clinging grass. "Listen, why did you come here? Couldn't you just come in through the front door?"

"I heard people on land don't like water in their houses. So I decided to stay outside! I followed you to this big place and lurked around. But ya can't hide from me! Heh!"

Oh, how proud he was. And oh, how confused Teemo would be.

"But…why? Why did you come all the way out here? In the rain, for that matter. And scale up this whole building? Just to find me?"

Fizz nodded happily.

"You bet! I know you're more of a land guy, but…" The exuberant fish took Teemo's hands into his own, bringing them up to chest height. "Did you wanna go fishing with me!?"

"F-fishing!? While it's raining!?" He was taken by surprise at the unexpected invite yet it was behavior not unlike the blue sea creature who nodded with a grin.

"Yeah, yeah! This is the best time to catch some bass! C'mon!"

Teemo looked all across Fizz's face for a sliver of jest; he wasn't really inviting him to an outdoor activity in this weather, was he? He had to consider, however, this was Fizz after all; the incarnate of oblivious here on land. And although that never stopped him from playing tricks on others before, there appeared to be nothing but sincerity in those large greeneries.

"Fizz, I don't know…" Teemo almost groaned with uncertainty in his voice.

"It'll be great! I promise you'll catch at least one! If Ziggs can do it, you can do it with your eyes closed!"

"…"

"…oh! Right. Uhm…one hand behind your back? Hehuh!"

"I really don't think I have that kind of time…"

The scout was grasping at whatever excuse he could find, soaked to the brim by now. He had responsibilities and there was much work to be had; he didn't have time for the young fish's games. Yet, when he saw his face slowly transform from a hopeful smile into empty sadness, something squeezed his heart tightly.

"O-oh…I get it." Fizz said solemnly, releasing Teemo's hands and taking a few steps back. His head bent down as his tentacles dangled beside with their own tiny streams of rainwater running down them. "Really, it's not a trick this time. I'm sorry for stealing your clothes. I betchya hate me now."

"Wha-…no, Fizz, that's not-…"

"Maybe I could bring some bass back for you and the other scouts instead." Fizz walked over to his trident he stuck into the ground, holding it in both hands close to his chest. "Would that make up for it? I promise I'll bring a bunch. I'll be just like one of the scouts! Y'know, if you let me…"

Teemo could hear Fizz's voice breaking, could see his trident almost hugged close, and worst of all, could feel his chest tighten up more and more. He never had any intention of scolding or sending Fizz away; he was but an innocent bystander caught in the mix of Ziggs' shenanigans. He served as an opportunity to gain insight of what lied in the depths beyond Bandle's shore. Teemo wouldn't deny that Fizz could make a very effective scout apart from his sneaky moniker. Yet, there were plenty of scouts and Teemo was acquainted with many others. Why did he feel his worst whenever Fizz did?

With hardly enough time to sort his emotions, he heard the sharp intakes of breath from the other. The sniffling, the whimpering. "Oh, great…" Teemo thought. Now he was upset.

Fizz wiped his eyes with his forearm, not that that was very effective in this situation.

"I just… I just wanted to be…really good friends with you, Teemo… I'm real sorry…"

Any more of this and Teemo's heart was sure to break into pieces. With something needing to be done, Teemo approached the weeper with a palm against his back.

"No, Fizz, please don't cry! I'm not mad at you. None of that stuff was your fault!"

Fizz tightened his grip around the trident's shaft. "Really…?"

"Yes! Really! And…and…" Teemo gulped. "…I'd love to go fishing with you! I want to be really good friends with you, too! I want to bring the scouts back some fish to eat! It all sounds like a great idea!"

After another sniffle or two, Fizz eased up. "…it does?"

Teemo nodded. "Yeah…it does. I don't go out towards the sea a lot and, to be honest, it sort of scares me. But…I guess as long as I'm with you, you won't let me drown, ri-…"

"Great! Let's go! C'mon!"

As if in a single frame, he was recuperated and back to his normal self, taking hold of Teemo's wrist and dragging him away as he ran out of City Hall's back courtyard. The scout's mind took more than a moment to catch up.

"W-wait! What!? Already!? We're just going to run there!?"

"Yup, yup!"

"But we have transportation! We don't need to run anywhere!" Teemo shouted through the rain, looking around as his body could do nothing but comply and tag along with the rejuvenated sea creature. "Why are we running everywhere!?"

Fizz's giggled in his head behind that pearly smile. Nothing a little trick couldn't solve.

---

Dirt-crunching steps, the clanging of a barred door locking in place. Ten minutes, he was told. The lighting could have been better but walking down this almost ominous, narrow hall of silent cells was almost fitting to him. With the way he presented himself, it would have been even more fitting if he were to be locked away as well. No time for that, though.

Ziggs kept his head down for most of the walk, looking on occasion into the dark cells that were uniformly furnished with a chain-mounted, wooden bench and toilet. Some even came with their very own emotionally-scarred yordle bunched up in the dusty corner. It was typical of yordles to react this way to isolation; the company of others was a much more vital requirement than one may believe.

Cell #14, he was told. He could see the numbers spray painted atop each cell doorway.

Seven, eight. What would he say to him?

Nine, ten. Would he even want to see him?

Eleven, twelve. Turning around and swimming straight back to Piltover was just short of consideration.

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Ziggs stopped at the front of the cell's door, looking in. It was just like the others, yordle and all. His eyes trailed down from the dim light between the bars to the scrunched up convict, knees against his chest, arms rested on them, back against the wall near the door's bars, head turned away in absolute disgust with himself. Rumble. Was he mad that Ziggs wasn't a smoldering pile of ashes? Or that he was still in Bandle? It didn't matter all that much to him now; he'd dismantle anything that came between him and Rumble even if it was Rumble himself.

He took a loose grip around the cold steel.

"…hey," Ziggs nearly whispered.

"…" Rumble's ear twitched subtly, aware of his presence. Aware but not relieved. He gave no response otherwise, not that Ziggs could blame him.

Ziggs sat on the dirt ground.

"What's goin' on? They feedin' ya in this joint? Ahaha…" Still nothing. "…aaahhhm."

He scratched the back of his head. Jokes were anything but effective.

"S-say! Look at me! I'm okay!" He spread his arms out, trying to show off his mildly repaired body and damp jumpsuit. "Zil did some crazy, whacky time-y stuff and I'm good as new! Well, not exactly. But ya get the point! Look! Look!"

Rumble didn't budge. He was a statue much like Ziggs at the docks just before Fizz's arrival. The more he was ignored, the worse he felt and the further his ears dragged down. A bar in each hand now.

"C'mon, Rumble…talk to me. We ain't gotta fight anymore. It's all over now! I talked to Mayor Jades! I got him to let ya out easy! We just gotta pay up for the stuff we wrecked. Not like that's never happened before, right!? AHAHahahah!"

"…"

If Rumble could, he would have just curled into a tighter ball and died there and then; this limbo of emotions was torture in what felt like its rawest form. He dared himself to look over at the face he wanted to see so badly. The face he wished he'd never have the agony of seeing again. The face he couldn't live without. The face he almost disposed of. But each time he fell short, too scared of what it looked like.

"…hey. Check it out, buddy." Ziggs unzipped his jumpsuit enough to peel it down to his hip, carefully tugging down the bandage wrapped around his torso down his side. Rumble moved his head ever-so slightly, his dull eyes rolling over. Then he saw it. The red, furless scar that streaked down Ziggs' side. Like a knife in his heart, the middle of his eyebrows curled up. He did that.

Even so, Ziggs smiled with a giggle.

"We match now."

And he was right. It looked just like Rumble's own, the ones he kept tucked away; scars of questionable decisions and rash words. His head dipped into his arms, shaking side to side. Seeing that he wasn't helping cheer the other one up even in the slightest, Ziggs sighed and repositioned his bandages. With a zip of his jumpsuit, he lifted himself back to his feet, brushing off the dust.

"I'm, uh, sorry. When they're all done with the stampin' I'm sure they'll let ya out. Don't worry. I'll try to hightail it outta here as soon as I can. Sorry for…everythin', buddy. I screwed up."

He was starting to choke on his own words with a deep breath.

"Yeah. Yeah. I screwed up big time…"

He took another look at the mortified yordle before turning back down the hall. Hardly a few steps later, Rumble finally spoke up.

"Wait."

He stopped in his tracks, walking backwards until he was in the same position as before.

"It's about time…you filled me in. About everything. No more secrets. I gotta know."

Ziggs took a deep breath, knowing this would be a mouthful. He mentally organized the words in his head, knowing they'd sound like anything but believable.

"Okay, okay. I'll come clean with ya. Now where do I start…? Well, y'know how they've got those 'Judgments' over at the Institute?"

Rumble nodded, remembering the strife he shared with those.

"Welp, I got one o' them, too!"

"I know that." He rolled his eyes. "How else would you become a Champion? Jeez…"

"Yeah! Exactly! But mine went like…all weird-like. Y'know?"

"…"

"…okay, okay! It was like…I was in Piltover, right? And everythin' was goin' hunky dory and all that jazz. I was supposed to be helpin' out with the Academy's tour and stuff until…you showed up!"

"Me?"

"Yeah! Yeah! Ya came from Bandle to Piltover just to see lil' ol' me~! Ya wanted me to come back to Bandle real bad…"

Rumble took a moment. It sounded pretty spot-on for him.

"I always did."

"Huh?"

"I always wished…that one day you'd just come back for good and I'd never have to be stuck in my garage alone again. Every time a ship reached the docks…a part of me was always hoping I'd see you walk off…and run straight home. Back to the junkyard…back to all the projects we had planned…"

"…" Ziggs looked down solemnly. In the back of his mind he knew he had the same wish sometimes.

Rumble shook his head, knowing he had stolen the words from Ziggs' lips.

"Keep goin'. What happened next?"

"U-uhh…well, after that, ya ended up stayin' with me in my lab and my apartment!"

"Really? An apartment? I thought you'd be rolling in it by now."

"Nu-uh! I'm poor as dirt! Probably 'cause I can't get any projects out of the shop…" Ziggs tapped his chin. "E-either way! We built this big, hollow bomb that I stuffed ya in so that no one could figure out I was totin' ya over to the Academy to help me with my research!"

"You stuffed me in a giant bomb?" Rumble's eye twitched a bit with a happy nod from the other. "…I shouldn't be surprised about this. Not the craziest thing you've done."

"Exactly!"

"Then what?"

"Well…"

Ziggs found himself flustered for words. If he was going to come clean, he'd have to tell Rumble everything. That meant everything.

"One night at the lab…we got a little…frisky…" He could feel his face tingling a bit.

"Frisky …?"

"Yeah, y'know…one thing led to another and we sorta went back to my place and…and uuhhh…" He tapped on his knee.

"…And…?"

Without the nerve to actually enunciate the right words, Ziggs resorted to hand gestures, making a ring with one hand and poking his finger in and out of it. Rumble received the messaged loud and clear, wide-eyed and facing away, the blood rushing right up to his cheeks.

"You gotta be kidding me…"

"Yeah, ya said that too when we woke up naked in bed."

"Okay! Okay! Maybe less details, yeah!?"

"Sorry! Ya were a freak in the sheets! What was I gonna do!? Ehehe!"

"Will ya just junk it and move on!?" Rumble tried covering his eyes as if it would have taken the information right out of his head.

Ziggs couldn't help but to recall the events of that night. Out of anything, that had to have been the most enjoyable part of his Judgment. He shook his head out of those thoughts.

"'Course, after that is when the bad stuff happened…" His tone changed dramatically.

"Bad stuff? Like what?"

"…" Ziggs looked around the ground for just the right way to go about explaining that part, hoping it would just sprout out from the dirt. "You died…"

It was best he didn't know a thing.

"…it's got to do with Heimerdingbat, doesn't it? I mean, who else grinds my gears more than him?"

Ziggs kept silent. Rumble was on the right track.

"Listen, all ya gotta know is that bad stuff happened. Capisce? And that's the end of my Judgment!"

"We fought, didn't we? What? Did I lose!?" Rumble pressed on.

The other simply crossed his arms and cocked his head away. "Hmph."

He knew Ziggs' stubbornness was unimpeded and an answer wasn't easing out between those lips anytime soon. Rumble's shoulders sank with his ears in a soft sigh, resting his head on his arms again.

"Whatever. Doesn't matter now, I guess."

With Rumble's shift in tone so came Ziggs' shift in body language. He wanted to put his imprisoned friend at ease, if only a little. He spun himself around and lounged back against the barred door.

"So, after all that I woke up. Summoner-guy told me that my whole dream was gonna happen a week from then. So I jet all the way back to Bandle and tried to stop ya from goin' to Piltover! Guess it worked…kinda."

When a response wasn't heard soon after, Ziggs faced the door again. It looked as though Rumble reverted back to his silent figurine, keeping his sights away from Ziggs. Of course, there was one key note he forgot to mention. He had to keep reminding himself. Everything.

"Y'know, before all that bad stuff happened…ya filled me in on a little somethin' else, buddy. It uuhh…took ya a bit to say it but ya looked like ya were gonna bust a gut if ya didn't! Ehehe!"

"…" While Rumble's gut wasn't exactly busting, it knew exactly where this was going.

Ziggs brought his face in a tad more.

"…ya told me that ya loved-…"

"I love you." Rumble uttered in time with him.

This made the other fall silent. It wasn't as if his Judgment was a lie; any and all of it would have happened. It only made sense that Rumble was still harboring those feelings. Yet the words coming from Rumble still came as a shock and a good reminder that his efforts, while extremely questionable, were not for naught.

A stilling quietness.

"I figured. That's the only reason I'd ever step into that shit city."

"…then why didn't ya tell me earlier, buddy? Huh? Ya coulda told me that a long time ago. Why didn't ya?"

Rumble's mouth curled up with a small exhalation, almost laughing at the question.

"Heh. Yeah, sure. How easy is it to tell the only real friend you have that you love him without risking everything you had? I was scared. I still am." He turned his head, his eyes confronting the other. "What we are is…wrong, Ziggs. A guy isn't supposed to like another guy. That's not how these things work."

"Oh yeah? Says who!?"

"Says…like, everyone! It's one of these reasons I was gonna ask Tristana to be with me in the first place."

"Ya mean…you were actually gonna go out with Trist!?" Ziggs bared his teeth.

Rumble nodded. "Of course I was. I was hoping that if I did stuff with her it would take my mind off of you. And then I'd be happy. Then you left…and I was in more pieces than a scrapped engine."

"Sounds like ya were just gonna use her."

"I like her. I really do. I knew if I risked anything with you I'd probably find myself even more beat up than I already am."

"C'mon, don't say that… We can keep it on the down-low! Hush-hush, y'know!?"

"You're talking like this is actually a thing."

"Huh?"

"There's no point in investing time into me, Ziggs. I'm damaged goods…and I'm no good for you…or anyone, really. Not even Tristana now."

"…"

Ziggs looked down Rumble's body. It wasn't the first time he was reminded that Rumble was beat up both mentally and physically. An annoying go-getter to some and a nervous wreck to others. Yet, everything about him, notable and not, is what kept him close to Rumble; an odd sort of attraction that not even he could not explain. That never stopped him from trying, though.

"…SAY! Okay, okay, okay, okay! WHAT happens when there exists a…carbocation in a methylcyclohexanol ring AFTER it's been dehydrated!?"

Ziggs' body bobbed up and down in excitement, quite different from Rumble's groan as he rolled his eyes and head back.

"Ugh…really? Chemistry? Right now?"

An overenthusiastic nod elicited another groan as Rumble worked his mind around the hazy memories of past lectures.

"Jeez, I dunno, Ziggs! It…it shifts around and stuff?"

"RIGHT! Ehehe! But WHY!? Why's it gotta do all that hydride shiftin', huh!?"

"Because…because…!"

Rumble eventually stumbled upon the answer which sounded as boring as the associated subject, however, he knew it wasn't the one Ziggs wanted. No, there was a distinct reason the manic yordle was bringing up intermediate chemistry. He thought harder, his eyes darted from one part of the opposite wall to the other.

"Because…it's not stable. It keeps on working. Reacting…and reacting…doing whatever it can until it's finally stable. Until it's something…anything…" Rumble looked over at the anxious Ziggs beyond the cell door. "…like it used to be."

An agreeable nod from Ziggs was confirmation enough. Even more, he pointed to himself if it wasn't obvious enough already for the other.

"Alright, alright, I get it. You're the methy-cyclo-whatever, Ziggs. But that doesn't change anything. Just look at me. Look at where I am!" His head dipped between his knees. "I'm nothin'… nothin' but a runt…"

"Yeah."

"…a junkyard rat…"

"Yeah."

"…just a little, annoying punching bag…"

"Yeah."

"…and now almost a friend-killer."

"Yeah."

Rumble bared his teeth, suddenly twisting from his positing and hurling himself at the bars, a rough grip around them as he snarled in anger towards him.

"Then why me, HUH!? Why of ALL the better, smarter, more attractive-looking yordles in ALL of BANDLE would you choose some worthless piece of shit runt like me!?"

He should have been taken aback. He should have been hurt. He should have been the last one on Rumble's mind to spare the world of such a horrific pair. But he smiled as one who took pleasure in demolishing the walls of normality. Though his look fierce and his teeth sharper than the edge of his ears, it did not deter Ziggs from leaning in, almost nose-to-nose.

"'Cause…that's everythin' that makes ya Rumble. And ya know what little runt stole my itty, bitty heart?"

The blue yordle's muscles relaxed, lips concealing his teeth again. Ziggs poked Rumble's chest through the space between the bars.

"Rumble did~. Heck, if I were ya, I would've pummeled the livin' gears outta me, too, for doin' all that stupid stuff! Hahahah! I get ya, buddy. And if there ain't anybody else out there that does…"

Ziggs placed his hand atop Rumble's, wrapping his fingers around the ones already fastened around the cold metal.

"…ya can bet on me. Ehehe!" He pointed to himself.

A little dot. A speck amongst mountains. Yet he wasn't alone. Not by a long shot. No, he wouldn't let him be alone. No matter how convincing he wanted to believe he was, no matter how subtle he sung his aria of isolation, Ziggs would slide in for a duet. Always by his side and never letting that toothy grin go. If he could, he would have jumped straight through those bars and hugged Ziggs as tightly as he could.

"Ziggs…"

"Wrap it up, Mr. Quark!" one of the guardsmen shouted down the hall.

With a sigh of disappointment and hands on his knees, Ziggs lifted himself back onto his feet.

"Sorry, buddy. Looks like they're givin' me the ol' hook. I promise ya won't be in there for very long."

From his knees, Rumble could feel the full extent of his captivity as the inability to walk beside him was eating him from the inside out more than he would have ever imagined. He wanted Ziggs to stay; this place was horrid. More importantly, he didn't want to be alone again.

"You'll be outta there in no time!"

Ziggs gave one last wink as he backed away from the cells. Rumble's eyes trailed him until his confinements wouldn't allow him. He could hear the far off speaking and the echoing clanks of a closing door. He fell on his bottom. That familiar isolation.

It would be a few more hours before his eventual release.

---

Tapping her finger, impatience crept up her body until her mind finally gave in. She was finding this bed routine getting old with the occasional scout making their rounds to check on those in the infirmary. After another nap she felt just fine and, had it not been raining, would have stepped out to find Teemo herself. Instead she chose to wait around for the next one that entered.

A crème-colored scout, adorned with a messenger bag carrying a red cross, stepped in quietly, humming an inaudible tune.

"Hey, you!"

"Oh. Me?" he pointed to himself.

"Yeah. Have you seen Teemo around at all? He said he'd come back to get me when he was done with the mayor. Any…word?"

The medical-savvy yordle shook his head.

"No, ma'am. He hasn't been back since he last left with uuhhh…" He reached for a paper inside his bag, squinting at the letters. "Mister…"

"Ziggs." Tristana sighed, falling back onto the mounted pillow. "Thanks, anyway."

She left herself to her own thoughts and theories. Perhaps it was a case that required a much longer discussion. Perhaps they got lost or yordlenapped. Perhaps Ziggs tied Teemo to another tree. Whatever the reason was it was running her patience thin.

---

Shivering, shaking and holding his elbows as his teeth began to chatter. The wet leaves smooshed and twigs crunched under his struggling steps as his dampened jumpsuit only served to help the hypothermia crawling up his spine. How long had he been walking in this weather? With how soaked he was, the rain itself was hardly the issue now. If anything, it appeared to ease up after a while, though, anyone sensible would still opt for coverage. The canopy above would do. Thankfully, this part of the forest wasn't desecrated, yet just the sight of one tree would serve as an ugly reminder of his destruction.

Where was it? It didn't move, did it? He had only been gone not even a year and taking the dirt path always gave him the feeling of getting caught.

With how long he'd been looking down, it was hard to tell if he was making any progress at all.

A hand came to rest against the soggy bark of a tree as a clearing in the woods came into view. The thunder rolled above and lightning like sparks veiled behind thick clouds. He pushed himself off the trunk and shifted through the tall weeds.

He took a few steps around the metal fencing before stopping, turning and looking up. The drops grazed by his eyes, trickling off the ends of his ears and drooping fur. His hands were clutching at his sides.

And like most of his meetings since he arrived it was a terrible reunion as he read the metal words that arced above the tall gate.

Bandle City Junkyard.

Another roar of thunder. There was nothing for him here. Nothing but long-lost memories and a firmly locked gate with a sign. Ziggs didn't remember that sign and walked over with a slight hunch.

Closed. For good.

He shivered in place, the black bars much taller than he remembered. He could only imagine how tall they looked when he was child.

A child. He could see one just beyond the gate. Running around, playing and stacking parts on top of mismatched parts. Then another one. He was laughing along as if the world around them wasn't the mere waste of their kind but rather treasures left behind for them.

With a flash of lightning, it was all gone. It made him flinch, the rumbling reaching deep inside him. He was right there, less than an arm's length away from reliving those memories and yet so far away. This pesky lock, though simple in design, kept him away from it all as if the city itself was punishing him.

Ziggs grew angry as his grip became more assertive, shaking the gate back and forth again and again.

"C'mon… C'mon! Let me in!" he yelled, the metal and chains clanging in response. "Let me in! Let me in! Let me in! Let me in! Let me in! Let me IN!"

His voice cracked as the gut-wrenching feeling of futility set in, his subsequent tears joining the rainfall. Knees on the wet grass, his hands sliding down with his body, clenching his eyes shut with short intakes of breath. How could they be so cruel? Didn't they know what this place meant to him? To them?

"Please…just let me in." He gasped. "I don't wanna do this anymore! I just want it back… I just wanna go back to the way things were!"

Banging against the gate, he knew it wasn't the only one responsible for taking away his happiness and only frustrated him more knowing who was to blame.

"Why, why, WHY!? Why did I have to leave like that…?" He threw both fists at the metal. "WHY DID I HAVE TO THROW IT ALL AWAY!?"

"The money? The fame? The respect? The desire to be more than just a laughing lunatic in the eyes of everyone?"

His subconscious tried to answer the riddle for him. Maybe it would put the rest of him at ease knowing why he made that fateful decision so many months ago. However, that wasn't the only voice that would speak up.

"They closed this place down while you were gone."

Ziggs' eyes shot open, looking back as if caught red-handed. Wiping away the tears and rain from his eyes he could make out the figure that emerged from the thicket of trees. He wasn't sure if his heart was sinking or elated.

"Rumble…" he muttered. The other walked closer, unfazed by the rainfall.

"Once they started catching on that kids like us were trespassing into the junkyard…they thought the stuff was too dangerous to be playing around and started using the Industrial District instead."

He stopped just beside Ziggs, looking up at the towering bars before turning and holding his hand out.

"Took 'em long enough, right?"

With almost unbelieving eyes, Ziggs took his hand as he was helped up. It seemed like only a little while ago Rumble looked like a prisoner with a life sentence on his shoulders. But that hanging jaw soon closed into a small smile.

"Can't say the same for you, buddy. Ya musta been right on my tail."

"When they said I was free to go…I couldn't tell ya how fast I bolted outta there. They probably still had some business with me but hey," he grinned. "Fuck 'em."

"So…how'd ya know I was here?"

"Heh. I don't need a Chronokeeper to tell me where you of all yordles'll be. You're so predictable."

Ziggs couldn't help but chuckle through his sadness that seemed to slowly lift away.

"Ain't that right?"

"Y'know…I was thinkin' about what you said before…" Rumble's arms were limp at his sides, looking at the grass flinching at the steady rainfall.

"Yeh?"

"And I don't care."

Ziggs was taken aback by this.

"W-wha?"

"I don't care…about what other people think. So long as I've got you…a-and you've got me, right? I mean, who really gives a rat's ass!?" Rumble placed a palm on Ziggs' shoulder. "I'm ready to not care, Ziggs."

That sadness that kept a vice grip on his heart loosened up tenfold. Even with the rain, his tears dried. His eyes darted around Rumble's face as if confirming reality. He wasn't ready to wake up in another haze again. He wanted this, all of this. Yet a part of him still felt uneasy.

"Ya…really wanna give this a try, buddy? Who knows what could happen, yeah?"

A smug look curled on the other's face.

"Never know until ya try. Isn't that what we said before all of our projects? Heheh."

"Sorta like…the rocket-propelled scooter?"

"That…crashed into a wall and blew up."

"And the makeshift jetpack!?"

"That flew around for a while…then crashed into a wall and blew up."

Rumble scratched his cheek and looked away, remembering how many failed experiments would, quite literally, blow up in their face. But they were all worth it...

"Gyaahahahaahhaah~!"

…all to hear that same laugh again.

After his bout of laughter, Ziggs' hands found their way to Rumble's hips. This made him look back up at the tan yordle. This intimate touching was something he wasn't used to especially from Ziggs. The rain wasn't enough to cool down his burning cheeks as their bodies shortened the gap between them.

"Y'know…loooootta people ain't gonna like this." Ziggs warned.

"Oh yeah? Well, I hope they've got somethin' to say. Tristy or not, I'll make 'em eat those words!"

"Now ain't you just the little rebel? Heheh." A finger under Rumble's chin kept their eyes locked onto one another. "C'mon, buddy. I want that spark back…just like we had before. And…maybe even…a little more than that?"

Rumble smiled, bringing his palms to rest on Ziggs' shoulders. The way things were before? He could recall each of their shenanigans, failed experiments and innumerable explosions both intentional and not. There was always a common saying Ziggs would bring up whenever they delved into the unknown. The recollection was enough to make him chuckle softly.

"Heheheh. You know what they say about those fuses, right?"

After a few blinks, Ziggs caught the message loud and clear. He hadn't said it in what felt like years. Maybe he was saving it up for this very moment.

His face neared Rumble's as his hands cupped under his chin. A thumb caressing Rumble's warm cheek and their dripping foreheads coming together. He would never grow tired of this face. Not in the slightest.

"Even a fuse…that ain't got a clue where it's goin'…" Ziggs started.

"…can burn the brightest." Rumble finished.

That familiar rush of valor was back, yet this time for both of them. They took comfort in knowing this feeling was mutual and there was only one last way to prove it. Closing their eyes and leaning forward, their heads tilted ever so slightly.

Their lips met, rough and quivering with nervousness. An explosion of blue as the fireworks flew inside their minds.

The trickling rain against the metal and soil. An explosion of green.

The pungent smell of the damp fur on their faces. An explosion of purple.

The soft, warm skin beneath traced by their fingers. An explosion of red.

The bittersweet taste as they took each other's breaths away. An explosion of yellow.

And finally, the sight as they opened their eyes with the most miniscule smack of their lips parting. An explosion of orange.

Their glossy eyes looked in disbelief. What was there to do? What was there to say? Except…

"Wow…" Rumble huffed out. "…you're pretty good at that."

With a small chortle, Ziggs spoke subtly as if the passing raindrops themselves were eavesdropping.

"Promise I ain't drunk this time~."

"Heh. You better not be or I'll-…" A crash of thunder and lightning illuminated the dark clouds above. "GYAD!"

Rumble clutched at Ziggs' jumpsuit, digging his face into his chest as if to hide away from the weather. "Nnngghh…"

He never did change. Not that Ziggs ever minded that. Out of instinct, he wrapped his arms around the smaller one in protection, patting and rubbing the back of his head. Just like before, Rumble eased back into calmness.

"Rumble, Rumble, Rumble. Don'tchya remember what I told ya before?"

"Yeah, yeah. You can only imagine how hard it was getting here in the first place," he muttered.

"All that for big ol' me, eh? Heheheheh. …not that there's much for us here now."

Ziggs looked up, the gate firmly locked and no hopes of climbing over or slipping through the space between the bars.

"Oh yeah?"

Rumble, comfortable enough to back away from Ziggs' arms, faced the hulking gate and took the lock into his hand. He tugged on it, rotating it as much as the chains would allow him. By the looks of it, it was no different than before. He held up a finger up at Ziggs as he dug into his right pocket.

"Once they let me out, they gave me my stuff back. One sec."

He slid what appeared to be a short tension wrench and a small pick out of his pocket.

"Watch this!"

With pride, he took the lock into his hands, fumbling around with the wrench and pick inside the bottom.

"Nghf. Just need a little…torque here."

Ziggs looked over his shoulder. He had almost forgotten how handy Rumble was. You needed it fixed? Rumble. You needed it dismantled? Rumble. You needed a war machine capable of unfathomable destruction? Rumble. Nothing was short of the blue yordle's wrench.

"Y'know, they spent a shitton of gold on these big, new fences…"

Click! Holding up the now detached and dangling lock with his finger, Rumble passed over a smug grin.

"…10-gold lock~."

As the chains fell, Rumble pushed the gate open with a load creak. With nothing left to separate him, Ziggs slowly walked past the barrier. The mountains and mounds of tossed junk, random parts littered across the ground, trenches made of iron coils, pistons and spark plugs and the musty smell of oil and rust. Their old stomping grounds. With the sights and the smells, he took a long sniff of the cold, brushing air, looking up as his shoulders sank. He let the rain run off his face, lifting his arms up and a heart full of content. It was much more than he could have said since he arrived.

Another bolt of lightning. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

Looking over, Ziggs saw Rumble just as close as before. Ever the typical.

"Ya still scared, buddy?"

The hand squeezed.

"Ghh…n-not so much. Not when I'm with you, I guess," Rumble said, smiling up at him.

It wasn't out of his nature to think such mischievous thoughts and when he did, Ziggs put on that toothy grin on and took Rumble's hand into his own.

"Then let's test that, shall we? Ehehe!"

With a stern tug, Ziggs stole the yordle from his spot and delved into the deeper parts to the junkyard.

"H-hey! Where are we going!?" Rumble asked frantically, keeping up with Ziggs' pace as countless parts passed by in blurs along their path.

"Where!? Hahaaaah! Aaahh…up there!"

Ziggs stopped suddenly and peered up at the tallest mountain of discarded equipment he could find. Without another moment to waste, he grasped at every pipe and fuel rail manageable and began to scale up it.

"C'mon, c'mon, buddy! Don't be slowpoke!"

"You don't waste any time, do ya?"

Rumble followed in suit, careful not to get nailed in the face with any debris Ziggs might accidently kick down. It wasn't unlike their own little adventures all those years ago; the mounds of junk grew along with them. They dared not to look down and the water along the metal was making it difficult to get a good grip sometimes. Sure, Ziggs was always the hyperactive, run-off-and-go-get-'em kind of guy, yet no matter how behind Rumble felt he'd fall…

"W-whoaaa!" Rumble's hand slipped from the edge of the sleek metal, feeling himself unsupported and falling back. Then he wasn't, feeling the hand gripping around his own and tugging him up. He looked up, seeing Ziggs grinning down at him.

"Better watch your step there, buddy! Hahah!"

…Ziggs would never leave him in the dust.

"R-right…"

Slow and careful progress led the two up the hill as they left behind tumbling parts with each step. With a forceful grunt, Ziggs hoisted himself onto the spacious, albeit somewhat pointy, apex of the mountain. He used both hands to pull Rumble up with him and from there the two small yordles could gaze at the sea of junk below. They could see everything; from the mound of appliances that they would crawl through to the steel piers they'd balance on. From the pipes they'd poke their heads out of to the pile of springs they tried to attach to boots. Bandle may try but they could never take away these memories.

As the two stood like kings at the top of their castle looking down on their kingdom, Ziggs couldn't help himself from laughing out loud.

"Heheheh… Hahahahahaaahahaaah~!"

Rumble couldn't help but laugh himself.

"What's so funny, huh?"

"R-Remember when we took a whole bathtub down one of these hills!? Aaaahahah!"

The blue yordle smacked his forehead in joy.

"We even made it all the way down after we lost half the thing!"

"Minimal injury, too!"

The thunder's roaring did nothing to drown out their laughter. It scared him no longer. There was nothing past this sea of junk; just Ziggs, Rumble and a realm of immortalized memories with the hope of even more to be made.

Rumble watched Ziggs walk to one end of the top, standing resolute and unintimidated by his altitude. He cupped his hands around his mouth, leaned forward and drew in a deep breath.

"…I'M THE LUCKIEST YORDLE IN THE WORLD!" he shouted. Rumble's ears moved back.

"Why're you shouting!? Hahahah!"

That never stopped him falling on his bottom and leaning against his arms, laughing and laughing at the manic yordle's spontaneous ways.

Ziggs moved to another edge.

"I'M THE LUCKIEST YORDLE IN THE WORLD!"

He wanted the world to know. To know just how lucky he was to have his little buddy back. His dynamic duo. His one and only.

"I'M THE LUCKIEST YORDLE IN THE WORLD! HAHAH!"

"Ziggs! Quit it! Heheheh!"

He shouted and shouted until he made sure, from the Shadow Isles to the Plague Jungle, they knew.

"I'M THE LUCKIEST YORDLE IN THE WOOOORLD!"

---

It was clear, blue skies the next morning as the aftermath of the rain left shimmering drops along the grass and leaves. The waters were lively with the early sea breeze brushing along his fur. With his luggage in one hand and ticket in the other, Ziggs stared out from the base of the docks, the distant figure of the ship approaching. On schedule, as always. But would he be?

"Tryin' to sneak off again?" a voice called from behind. Guess that answers that.

Ziggs smiled. "Well, well," he turned to see Rumble with his hands in his pockets walking over casually. "Lookie who decided to show up this time!"

"Yeah, yeah. And look at you! Better than yesterday, that's for damn sure."

"Yep! Nice and dry and a change o' clothes! Ehehe!" Ziggs giggled, stretching his jumpsuit out before snapping it back into place.

"You…literally just put on another jumpsuit."

"You'd be surprised how many of these things I got!"

"Yeah, I probably wouldn't."

"They're just so comfy and just soooo easy to peel off~!" Ziggs turned around, wiggling his rump in Rumble's direction, half to show the back zipper and half to tease him. Feeling his face heat up, Rumble crossed his arms and looked away.

"S-So!? What does that have to do with anything!?"

"Haaaahahah! C'mon, buddy! Last night ya were just one more snuggle away from a good time!"

"What!? That wasn't my fault! You're just a bad…" he began to mumble. "…big spoon."

"And you're no fun! Ehehe!"

Rumble groaned.

"Whatever." He walked up to Ziggs enough to need to look up at him. "I'm…gonna miss you, Ziggs. Y'know, again." He rolled his eyes.

"I'm sorry, buddy. You know I'm the last one to wanna leave ya, but…"

Rumble waved a hand in front of him. "You don't gotta explain yourself. I know you've got responsibilities up there."

"I mean, can ya tell?" Ziggs spread his arms out, pointing to the other yordles waiting for the same ship. These were the ones that were heading to Piltover for the Academy's tour. They'd stay the night up there and then start the tour the following morning. Funny enough, Ziggs was heading over with them despite having a large part in it.

Rumble looked at a few of them and sighed.

"Just…remember to keep in touch this time, alright? If I'm not supposed to head over with you then at least write back. I mean it!" He gave Ziggs a playful push.

"I promise! Honest! I'll write back to ya every day! Every hour on the hour!"

"I asked to hear from you, not get my mailbox spammed." he said with a titter.

They could hear a bell ringing from the sea as the boat was approaching the docks and getting prepared for loading and unloading. Others stood and doubled-checked their supplies before their voyage.

"Ah…guess that's my cue, buddy." Ziggs picked up his luggage.

"Wait." Rumble looked at either side of them before beckoning the other over with a subtle finger.

With a cock of his eyebrow, Ziggs leaned in with his ear towards Rumble.

"Yeh? What's up, buddy?"

"…" Rumble rubbed his forearm and scooted over before planting a swift kiss on Ziggs' cheek.

"Ah-…" Ziggs rubbed his cheek. "Ehehe!"

"Don't forget me while you're over there…got that!?"

"Me!? Not for a single day!"

"And don't forget us, either!" A familiar voice sounded.

They looked behind Rumble to find Tristana and Teemo walking over with just about half of Bandle City behind them, carrying signs and banners. They all read along the lines of wishing good luck and inspirational messages for his trials during his time in the League. Yordles of all shapes, sizes and colors formed a thick crowd of cheering and shouting. This morning seemed to be full of surprises.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What's all this about!?" Ziggs had to take a step back, feeling as if he'd almost get trampled over had he not.

"We came to say goodbye to you, Ziggs!" Tristana held her hands against her hips. Up close, she appeared to look much better than before with her trusty cannon strapped to her back; a possible outcome to Teemo's care or her own.

"As a new champion of the League!" Teemo gave a scout salute proudly.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait," Ziggs shook his head and hands. "Ya mean you…ALL of you…came out here to see me off…after everything I did!?"

"Despite your transactions here, Zigmund…" the excited crowd stepped aside to allow the slow-striding mayor walk over with his handy cane. "…we, the city of Bandle, still wish you all the best with the League. You are still a representative of this city. That much as not been taken away from you."

"Besides, you know us. We're yordles! We can't exactly stay mad at each other for that long! 'Cept you." Tristana pushed against Rumble's shoulder.

"Hey! That was different!" he barked back.

"D'awww…you guys! And humans think we're just a bunch o' dumb rats! Ehehe!" Ziggs waved at the many yordles who cheered him on as if it was his Induction Ceremony all over again. Maybe he wasn't leaving on the worst note after all.

"I wouldn't say that too loud on the Fields…" Teemo advised. "Twitch might get offended."

"Who?"

"Ah, don't worry about that!" Tristana patted Ziggs' shoulder. "Just have a safe voyage, don't get attacked by any pirates. All that fun stuff."

"Pirates!? HAH! They ain't got nothin' on my bombs! Hahah!"

"I think you already used them all, Ziggs…" Teemo pointed out.

Ziggs raised a finger for rebuttal but quickly found himself at a loss for words, tapping his chin.

"Either way, Rumble here will be just fine until you get back! Riiiiight…?" Tristana passed over a solid glare at him.

"Yeah, yeah…" Rumble rolled his eyes.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to keep an eye on him for you while you're gone."

"…" Ziggs crossed his arms with a look of obvious skepticism on his face.

"N-not like that! Really! Besides…" She walked over to stand next to Teemo with a smile and girlish giggle. "I already found my perfect partner~."

Tristana winked as she nudged Teemo's shoulder with hers, holding his hand. Flustered, the scout captain looked around, scratching his head with a silly smile.

"Ahaha… I mean… Well… Y'know…I uuuhhh.."

"Say! Me too!" a somewhat raspy voice chimed in. Immediately, Teemo felt his other hand grabbed and raised up. Everyone looked over at the figure that seem to just appear from thin air. Ever the slick, ever the spontaneous. Fizz.

"Oh, man! You shoulda seen Teemo yesterday! We caught so much fish together like he was a real pro! Then we went back to…"

As Fizz went on and on about their previous escapades, Tristana slowly looked over with an expression that could only be described as a mix of both shock and pure revulsion. Teemo, the middle man, looked back and forth between them, just as startled.

"Instead of checking up on me at the medical ward…you went…fishing!?" Tristana erupted.

"A-ah…I can explain this!" Teemo fumbled his words around in nervousness.

"You told me you were still at City Hall the whole time! I can't believe you!"

"…" Ziggs looked back at Rumble while she went off. "Welp! All's well that ends well, right!?"

"None of my business, heh." Rumble shrugged.

"ALL ABOARD! NEXT SHIP TO PILTOVER!" a loud voice called from the ship.

In turn, passengers gathered their belongings, said their goodbyes and handed in their tickets before crossing the bridge onto the deck. Seeing this, Ziggs finally felt the anxiety of leave home behind again. More importantly, however, Rumble.

"Well…I'm off, buddy. Don't know when I'll be back but…I promise this won't be the last time ya hear from me!"

Rumble knew he was leaving on better terms, yet a great sadness still lingered inside him. The two had only spent one night of intimate closeness and now, just the next morning, Ziggs would be gone again for who knows how long. He always wanted to feel that warmth at night and that same snoring when the sun rose up; reassurance that someone truly did love him for every part of who he was.

"I…guess this is goodbye for now…huh?" Rumble muttered, not wanting to admit that he was looking for every excuse for Ziggs not to return to Piltover.

In a way, he was thankful that last time Rumble wasn't present for this; it saved him from seeing that look of regret and sorrow. His career, his research, his inventions that gave him the feeling of self-worth, they were all beckoning, whispering that harsh reality in his ear. He wouldn't leave without one last memento, though, as he spread his arms out for the other.

"Just one more for the road, buddy?"

Hesitantly, Rumble looked around. He was never one for any sort of PDA but knowing this would be the last time he would have this feeling in a long time made his arms wrap around Ziggs without a second thought. With an embrace in return, Ziggs ran his fingers through Rumble's Mohawk, savoring the touch of his fur and his unique scent. He felt Rumble's hands clutch at his jumpsuit. Tighter and tighter as he dug his face into Ziggs' chest.

"C'mon, buddy. You ain't slick. Don't think I don't know what you're doin' down there," Ziggs said as he brought Rumble's face up by his chin.

He could see the beads of tears along the corners of his eyes. Trying to keep his face collected, not wanting to draw attention with an outburst of crying. Ziggs couldn't help giggle at this, always knowing that Rumble wanted to be tough and strong on his own but aware of his soft center. He brushed his Mohawk back.

"Hey, now…you quit them teary eyes, will ya? You're gonna embarrass yourself in front of all your…" Ziggs looked over at Tristana flailing her arms around and yelling at the scared Teemo while Fizz was nowhere to be found again. "…friends. Ehehe."

"ALL ABOARD!" the voice called once more.

Ziggs sighed. "I gotta go, buddy." He planted one last kiss on Rumble's forehead before moving back and reaching for his luggage again.

Behind Rumble were all the countless, joyful ovations the city could offer, yet, as the most important person to Ziggs, he could give none. He stood there watching him back away to the docks, waving everyone off with that same, fateful ticket to Piltover.

"I promise! I'll come back for ya, buddy! PROMISE! Goodbye! Ehehe! Bye-bye!" Ziggs smiled for everyone as he turned in his ticket and crossed the bridge onto the crowded deck.

Tristana stopped pulling on Teemo's cheeks long enough to see the ship finally ready to turn and sail away, running up to the base of the pier and waving her arm around.

"Catch ya later, Ziggs! Come back soon, okay!? We'll get everything settled over here!"

From the edge of the bowsprit, Ziggs could see everyone gesturing their farewells; the mayor, Teemo, Tristana, even Fizz who popped out of the seawater atop Chomper with that same, wide grin of his. Amidst them all, Rumble gave his own meek goodbye. It was all he could muster, not that anyone could blame him.

"See ya, Ziggs… Kick some ass up there for me, will ya?"

For a second, Ziggs could see someone behind the crowd from his height and when he leaned in further, he could have sworn he saw Zilean himself waving him off. Yet, when he so much as blinked, he was gone. Time magic would always be quite the complex and funny thing to him.

With a nod, Ziggs knew his objective now: pay off his debts to Bandle City and rush back home in record time. Not only that, but to be the strongest champion the League, or any Summoner for that matter, has ever seen. Everyone was counting on him. He was counting on him.

As the ship steered its turn away from the docks, Ziggs looked towards the endless horizon of the Guardian's Sea. This would not be his last journey across these waters, he vowed to himself.

He wouldn't rest until Rumble was back in his arms once more.

.

- The E…

.

"WAAAIIIITTTT!" Ziggs yelled at the top of his lungs, tugging his ears down as his knees bent.

"Heimy still has Tristy's schematics! If he takes that machine out to the Fields, Rumble'll think I helped him make that and hate me again!" he mentally shouted. "What do I do!? What do I do!?"

His body shook in place as the ship was inching further and further away from the docks. He began pacing around, going over any and all workarounds. All fell short of the possible, however, as he grew more aggravated by the millisecond.

"Think, Ziggs! THINK!"

He dug his nails into his head. Then suddenly, his body froze as his eyes opened in a snap. With that, there was only one logical thing left to do.

Flailing his arms, he ran by the many waving yordles until he ran to the edge of the ship's stern which now faced towards land. With a deep breath, he shouted as loud as he could.

"RUMBLE! RUUUMMBBBLLEEEE!"

Cocking an eyebrow, the blue yordle could see the other's urgency. What could be the problem now?

"Uuhh… YEAH!?" he shouted back.

"GET ON THE…BOOOOAAAATTTT!"

With wide eyes and a hanging jaw, Rumble couldn't believe what he was hearing. One minute, Ziggs spends his time in Bandle to avert him away from Piltover and the next he's shouting for him to jump on the boat? Both illogical and possibly illegal, he took a moment to process those words.

"…WHAAAAT!?"

"GET ON THE BOAT! GET ON THE BOAT RIGHT NOOOOOOOOOOW!" Ziggs shouted back, pointing down.

"ARE YOU NUTS!?" Rumble ran down the pier to keep up with the ship. "WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO YOUR ORIGINAL PLAN!?"

"SCRAP IT! JUST LIKE ALL MY OTHER ONES!"

"ARE YOU CRAZY!?"

"YES! NOW GET ON THE BOAT ALREADY!"

The crowd cheered behind them.

"Get on the boat~! Get on the boat~!"

"You're all mad!" Rumble pointed at them fiercely. A whistle called his attention away from the boat.

"Hey, Rumble~!" Tristana unstrapped her bazooka in front of her with a smirk. "You heard the man! You're missing your ride!"

"But…I'm not supposed to get on that ship!"

"No way!" Fizz snuck up behind Rumble and lifted the smaller yordle up by the underside of his arms. "Don't let Ziggs get away like a slippery fish~! Hehahahah!"

"Hey! HEY! You put me down! Let me GO!" Rumble struggled in the sea creature's hold as he kicked his legs around. "Nnnnggghhh!"

"In ya go~!"

Placing him over the large weapon, Fizz dropped Rumble into the cannon until only his head was visible. He continued to wiggle around.

"Are you kidding me!? This CAN'T be safe!"

"Don't worry," Tristana took the trunk of the cannon into both hands, arcing it up towards fleeting ship. "If Ziggs can handle this, you'll be just fine!"

"Don't do this, Tristana! This is suicide!"

"Firing in 3…" Tristana began to count down as she adjusted her aim.

"I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO GO TO PILTOVER!" Rumble yelled in rebellion to no avail.

"2…"

"TRISTANA! DON'T!"

"1…"

"NO, NO, NO, NO, NOOOO!"

"FIRE!"

BOOM!

Rumble's body launched off the pier and towards the ship, leaving behind a trail smoke.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Ziggs squinted for a moment before holding his arms open with a big smile.

"Rumble~! OOOF!"

As the passengers parted for Rumble's trajectory, Ziggs' body was struck with the blue bullet hard enough to lift him off the ground, the two yordles' bodies tumbling back onto the deck before dragging to a stop. With his partner lying on top of him, Ziggs took a moment to take back the air that was stolen from him.

"Hah…hah… hey, buddy! Ehehe!"

Rumble promptly lifted himself up.

"What is WRONG WITH YOU!?"

"Don't worry! I got a plan!"

"ARE YOU JOKING!?"

He stumbled back onto his feet before sprinting to the end of the stern, leaning over the rail and extending a helpless hand out.

"WAIT! THIS IS ALL WRONG! TAKE ME BACK!"

But his pleas fell on deaf ears as the ship was a formidable distance away from the end of the pier and onlookers were merely sending their farewells.

"NOOOOooooo… DAMN!" Rumble cupped his hands over his face, groaning in frustration.

"Oh, c'mon, buddy!" Ziggs walked up to him after brushing himself off. "It ain't so bad!"

"Ain't so bad!? Ziggs!" He lunged for the grinning yordle's suit, shaking him violently. "This is the exact thing you were trying to avoid! Why NOW of all times did you decide to drag me to Piltover!? You know how I feel about that place!"

"Because!" Ziggs held Rumble's forearms in place. "This is me makin' things right, Rumble!"

He huffed and puffed, looking around Ziggs' face. No jokes here. No jokes there. The more genuine he found him to look the more scared he was.

"Rumble…there ain't gonna be anythin' right unless you're with me! I was crazy to think of leavin' ya behind!"

"But…but what about your Judgment!?"

"This time, I'm doin' things right! Trust me on this one, buddy!"

"…"

Rumble shook his head and lowered his arms, defeated. Whether he liked it or not, he had to swallow the simple fact that he was now en route to Piltover and there wasn't much he could do about it. His head sank, heavy with terrible thoughts of every bad outcome that could take place up there. With a sigh, his eyes trailed back up.

"You're…really that certain? No 'bad stuff' is gonna happen?"

"Nope! Nada! 'Cause I know just what to do now when we get there!"

With a giggle, Ziggs stood next to Rumble, bringing his arm behind and pulling him in close. The two looked out towards the Guardian's Sea, the future became more and more unpredictable. The worriment wouldn't leave his heart alone as Rumble sighed once more.

"…I still think you're crazy."

"Good! Ehehe!"

---

A/N: Hey there! Sorry this took a long time to write and post. If you're wondering what the holdup was it was due to me spending a solid 4 months moving out of my old house on top of college and work. I apologize for any mistakes you may have found while reading this as well, I tried to use the nifty "Track Changes" on Word and...well, that didn't translate too well onto the site. So...yeah.
Anyways, next chapter is NSFW. So, y'know, hide yo kids, hide yo wife.