(March 2nd 2015 – 11:30 PM Earth Time – Independent quarters, Institute of War, Runeterra)
With the moon already on the sky and most of the people at the Institute already asleep there was a small light coming from one of the bedrooms, inside Nick was looking at the ceiling on his own train of thought. With so many things going on it was hard for him to close his eyes and sleep, especially since tomorrow was going to be his first match and even if he played League for some time now he had a feeling that it was going to be different.
He snapped back into reality when he heard someone was knocking at his door, the black haired stood up and placed his ear by the door.
¨Who is it?¨
¨Open, it's Ralzith¨ The voice from the other Summoner was heard at the other side.
When he opened the door the Ionian boy walked in carrying a book in one hand and a leather bag on the other in which Nick could hear the rattling from the inside. Ralzith walked to the empty bed and dropped both items.
¨I thought this might be of help for tomorrow…¨ Nick was curious and opened the book, the first pages were just filled with words that he couldn't understand, as he turned the white paper there wasn't anything written in it, instead there were some empty hexagons.
¨This is…¨
¨A rune book. All of the Summoners must have one¨ Ralzith grabbed the leather bag and opened it, dropping all of the contents over the bed. It was just like the game; red, blue, yellow and brown stones that were engraved with different symbols, all of them fitted into the different hexagons that the book had. ¨This runes will empower your Champion during a match, all you have to do is-¨
¨Yeah yeah, I know how to do it¨ Nick proceeded to grab all the runes and place them back into the bag, he looked back at Ralzith, unlike him the Ionian was calm and didn't seem to be affected by tomorrow's match ¨Mind if I ask you something? Why did you help us?¨
Ralzith raised up an eyebrow ¨Because without me none of you would've gotten this far¨
¨It's not just that… but I have this feeling that somehow you are going to betray us¨
The Ionian Summoner sighed and shook his head ¨I would feel the same, I used to serve the person we are facing tomorrow but trust me, I am not gonna backstab you¨
Nick smiled and sat on the bed placing the book on his legs, the other Summoner started to walk towards the door but got stopped when the Solari one cleared his throat ¨How is it fighting in one of the Fields of Justice? Is it the same as in the game?¨
Ralzith looked at him with confusion as he stepped outside of the room, holding the door with his hand ¨Uh… the ga- yeah… it's kind of the same. Good night¨ He smiled and closed the door but opened it briefly once again poking his head out ¨Also, since I suppose you are going to take Leona with you to the match, I suggest you pick some runes that make her durable. And don't worry, the book will tell you which are the effects of each rune¨ After that message he closed the door, his footsteps getting quieter as he was getting away.
(March 3rd 2015 – 9:30 AM Earth Time –Summoning Chambers, Institute of War, Runeterra)
Their match was set at 10 in the morning but they all agreed to meet early in the Summoning Chambers to discuss their plan. The room was completely lit, the walls were white and the big columns just followed the same pattern, the Ionian Summoner told them that once a match started all of the white light turned off so it wouldn't affect the vision of the people inside.
They all seemed quite focused on their own rather than on the task; Irelia and Ralzith were talking about the Champion's transformation, Marie was on her own train of thought looking at her skeletal arm while the Chain Warden and the Treant were speaking in their native tongue, both Caitlyn and Vi were sitting on the left side of the chamber while Matt was on the opposite one, his head down rather embarrassed of what he did, Nick and Claire were walking back and forth, whispering things but none of them could hear the other one, their Champions looking at them while sitting on one of the benches.
¨We don't have much to choose from so I thought this: Irelia will go Top lane, Maokai on the jungle, I'll go mid, lastly Nick and Matt will go Bot lane¨ The brown haired Summoner looked at all of them who were silent, they all started to look at each other but none said a single word, it was probably their best option.
¨Have you had this feeling of Deja-Vu? Like, we already been through this?¨ Matt asked, as he stood up, stretching his arms.
¨Funny you ask, last month I was playing with Thresh and the next thing I knew he was about to kill me and reap my soul¨ The blonde chuckled, still looking at her unnatural arm.
¨That's right, a month ago every Champion from Runeterra transported to our world¨ Nick sighed ¨And look how everything changed in a single month… from normal people to Summoners¨ The black haired smiled and sat at the side of Leona ¨Who met the type of people who thought it only existed in a video game¨ Nick grabbed Leona's hand and gave her a brief kiss on her lips.
The door to the chambers opened revealing the Demacian representative, in his hand there was a scroll, all Summoners and Champion stood up and got closer to the newcomer.
¨I am glad you decided to appear earlier¨ The representative rolled the scroll, from the back it was blank but the Summoners were able to see that from his side it was written in the native tongue from Runeterra ¨Even if it is a challenge the rules are the same as a normal match in the Rift, two teams composed of five Champions will fight until one team surrenders or their nexus is destroyed, whichever comes first¨ He cleared his throat and kept reading ¨During this match the Summoners are allowed to use their rune books in order to empower the Champions¨ He rolled the scroll and gave it to Nick.
¨What does Malzahar demand?¨ Katarina spoke from behind her Summoner.
¨Oh, yes. If you fail to win the match you and your Champions are forced to serve the Overlord¨
¨What?! How can the Institute allow something like that?!¨ Matt shouted, his eyes widened not by what Malzahar's demands were but the fact that it was allowed.
¨I must remind you that you haven't demanded anything…¨
The Summoners and Champions looked at each other, even without saying anything they all already knew what they were all looking for.
¨We want Malzahar to give me back my sister¨ Claire said causing the representative to nod.
¨So be it, I shall inform him as soon as possible¨ The Demacian turned and headed towards the chamber's door that closed behind him.
The group was once again alone and the silence ruled inside of the Summoning chambers, they walked back to the same places they were before the representative arrived, it was better for them to be on their own train of thought so they could focus on the match.
¨What are you all going to do once everything is over?¨ They all turned at Ralzith, in his hands the rune book that belonged to him, it was torn and most of its pages showed that it has been used many times already.
¨Return to our normal lives I guess¨ Claire looked at Katarina who was sharpening one of her knives ¨But it will be hard to carry on, knowing that this world actually exists and the characters that we used to play in our favorite game are actually people with feelings and such¨ The redhead looked back at the Summoner and smiled before focusing once again on the blade.
¨Well I had plans…¨ Matt muttered and looked at Caitlyn who was also focused on him but as soon as both made eye contact they looked away.
¨Whatever happens now, I'm glad this happened to us… well except for the part of Liz being kidnapped, no offence Cl-¨ Nick got interrupted by the noxian Summoner who raised her hand.
¨It's ok, I got that¨
After those words from Claire none wanted to speak, and they all focused on just getting prepared, both physical and mental.
…
As soon as the bell was heard the doors to the chamber opened, and the demacian representative walked through it again, behind him five Summoners whose face was covered by the purple hood entered.
¨You already know the rules, no Champions in the Summoning Chambers until the match is done¨ The representative extended his hand and pointed towards the exit where all of the Champions in the room were already moving to, the demacian soon turned towards the Summoners with a smile on his face ¨We hope that the best team wins, you will know when you should go in¨ He bowed at all the ten people in front of him and walked away from the chambers leaving all of them alone.
The group looked at the hooded people and inspected them from afar.
¨I am surprised that Malzahar managed to find Summoners who were willing to fight for him¨ Claire crossed her arms as one of the hooded men looked up, his face still obscured by the hood but she could see a purple glow coming from the dark.
¨I am amused that my minions didn't killed you back at your world¨ The man spoke although it probably wasn't his voice as it was Malzahar the person who was speaking ¨You must understand that my power is limitless and I can easily manipulate this people's minds¨
¨I wouldn't speak too early Overlord, as soon as we destroy your nexus you shall be powerless and you will be stopped¨ Nick stepped forward, but the other four hooded man walked to the other side of chamber and positioned into the different runes that were engraved in the ground, they started to lit as soon as the Summoners stepped on top of it.
¨I don't think you get it¨ The last person slowly walked around the group ¨I have some tricks under my sleeves that I haven't played just yet, and this is the perfect time for them¨ The Overlord turned to his platform and stepped on the run that lit under his feet.
¨Alright, it is time for us to summon our Champions¨ Ralzith spoke as he walked to one of the platforms ¨Just extend your hands and focus on bringing your Champion towards you, the rune beneath you should empower your abilities¨
The Summoners did as told, and walked to their platforms, as they extended their hands a white sphere appeared in front of them, they closed their eyes and focused on the instructions the Ionian gave to them.
The room turned the white colors on the walls and columns to black, the only source of light was coming from the runes beneath them and the spheres they created, all of the Summoners were whispering some inaudible words and suddenly all of the balls they were in front of them changed colors. All of the hooded Summoners had purple spheres in front of them, resembling the color of the Void, on the other hand the group had a different glow; for Claire her sphere was red, Nick had a yellow almost golden sphere in front of him, Matt had a purple one although different from the Void as it was similar to Caitlyn's dress, Marie's was brown due to Maokai and Ralzith's sphere was blue, mostly caused by Irelia's transformation.
(March 3rd 2015 – 10:15 AM Earth Time – Summoner's Rift, Runeterra)
As they opened their eyes, the Summoners saw that they were no longer in the white chamber; instead they were greeted by the sun that hit in the stone structures that were standing in front of them and the sound of nature struck in their ears.
They were no longer at the Institute; it was Summoner's Rift, the legendary Field of Justice in which many champions battled in order to maintain the peace of Runeterra.
None of the group were able to get out of the spawn area because of a barrier that blocked their path, at their side an old female Yordle was looking at them with a smile on her face, behind this lady a huge beast was resting with a lot of cargo on top of it containing swords and magical staves.
¨If you give me the coins I can provide you with the tools of victory!¨ The Yordle shouted with its high pitch tone at the Champions standing in front of her.
¨Nick, can you hear me?¨ The Summoner was able to tell the voice in his head was from Leona.
¨Yes, so this is how it must feel when Sona talks to you... alright let's start, buy the support item, some potions and a ward¨ Nick ordered the Radiant Dawn but nothing happened.
¨What do you mean?¨ The Support asked, her tone was as if she was worried about Nick.
¨I mean, that we should-¨ He extended his arms to add some emphasis but he noticed something peculiar, on his left hand he was carrying the golden shield Leona uses, on the right hand the sword that belonged to her, he looked down and noticed that the robes disappeared and they were replaced by purple clothes and a golden armor covering his body. Nick looked up and saw that at his right Caitlyn was inspecting her body as well, although it was Matt the one doing it. ¨M-matt, is that you?¨
¨I guess…¨ That was the response the other Summoner gave to him, however it wasn't his voice, instead it was the one from Caitlyn. Matt looked up and eyed at Nick inspecting him as well ¨Yeah, I'll be moving in a bit, just… need to get used to be in a woman's body…¨ The piltovian said to the voice of the sheriff in his head.
The barrier disappeared and the first person who left the spawn pad was Irelia, it was obvious that Ralzith was a veteran in the Rift and none of this was new to him.
¨Let's move, you guys need to leash me¨ The deep voice from Marie, actually Maokai ordered the boys from the Bot lane as she started to walk towards the jungle with one of the saplings in her hand.
Both Nick and Matt were looking at the noxian who was looking at her whole body as well ¨So… Claire, or should I call you Katarina? How does it feel to be in the body of a sexy redhead assassin? The piltovian chuckled as he walked to the shop, looking at the items that were hanging from the hairy cargo beast.
¨Why don't you make those stupid remarks after the match you weakling!¨ Claire said with a violent tone but covered her mouth a few seconds later ¨S-sorry, I didn't meant to say that. I'm… I'll be going to lane, you should do the same¨
Nick walked to the shop and looked at the items as well, he grabbed a pouch from the golden belt and dropped it on the table. ¨I need… uh… the support item… the uh… Relic-¨ The little Yordle jumped on the beast and grabbed a small shield with a reddish tone and yellow details in it. The Summoner nodded and pointed at the green ward and the health potions that were at the side of the shopkeeper.
When the Solari proceeded to touch the Relic Shield it disappeared and around the Summoner two blue small spheres started to dance around him, he then touched the potions and the ward and immediately were placed in his belt ¨Hey I discovered how to…¨ Nick's voice trailed off as he saw that he was the last person in the spawn area ¨…buy items¨
THIRTY SECONDS UNTIL MINION SPAWN
¨You are right, the transformation makes you feel different¨ Ralzith was sitting in a tree, facing where the great golem appeared, with the blade at his side he was looking closely at the blue armor that was protecting his body ¨I still remember that Lissandra said that you were infected by the True Ice¨ He touched the crystal type hair, although his hand was protected by some gloves he felt the cold as if it was actually touching ice causing him to retract it ¨However you were the first one that survived¨
¨It is curious. I saw many champions trapped as well but none of them seemed to change when we got back here. Do you think this True Ice might kill me?¨ Irelia's voice echoed in his head.
¨I don't know Ire… but once this is done I promise that I will do whatever I can to return you back to normal¨ He looked both left and right but there was nothing, the monsters haven't spawned just yet nor did the minions. Ralzith smiled as he thought of something ¨Sorry if you misunderstand me but ever since I rescued you I can't avoid noticing that you have some more…¨ He coughed trying to not make what was going to say more awkward ¨…rear protection¨ The next thing he felt was that his right hand slapped him in the face.
¨Why don't you focus on the match rather on my `rear protection´? Apparently this transformation allows me to briefly take control of the body. So if you are going to make any mistakes be glad that I will be there to fix them¨ Although he wasn't able to see her, Ralzith imagined that Irelia was blushed.
MINIONS HAVE SPAWNED
The voice from the female announcer was the one who gave the signal for the match to start, the little blue creatures carrying weapons were still far away.
¨We could be going against Malzahar, if that's the case I have a lot of things to settle…¨ Claire was at the tower waiting for the minions to arrive.
¨Claire… I can read almost all your thoughts and what you said to Matt was intentional. But I can't find a how¨ Katarina asked to the Summoner who was juggling with both knives, she hasn't practiced doing it but being in Katarina's body allowed her to do it somehow.
¨That? Oh, I just wanted to feel like you for a moment. You know, being in your body and having all your skills¨ The noxian Summoner smiled as the little blue helpers walked to the frontline carrying their shields and scepters ¨Now I do wonder how am I going to last hit them¨ She whispered, looking at the red minions who were receiving damage.
¨Wait… who is that?¨ The redhead warned her as she looked up.
The person behind the red minions wasn't Malzahar; in fact it wasn't anyone that seemed to be from the Void. It wasn't a creature that was for sure as the figure was similar to a human but its skin was purple but some small parts of it still were pale, the chest was covered by a metal breastplate but the arms and legs were protected by a shell, like Rek'Sai. It was curious how the person's legs were able to hold all that armor that looked heavy and still not crumble. The left arm ended up in a claw type, just like Kha'Zix while the other one was human and allowed it to carry a double edged sword that had runes engraved on the metal.
¨Could it be that Malzahar brought someone not affiliated to the Void?¨ Claire was confused, she's been playing League for a long time to identify any Champion.
¨I can't believe that you are so easily deceived, my dear Claire¨ Katarina wasn't the one who spoke, this time it was Malzahar.
¨What are you doing in my head?!¨
¨Oh, do not worry child, I am here to show you the truth¨ Malzahar chuckled inside of her head, Katarina was still unable to communicate with the Summoner ¨Now my creation, why don't you show Claire who are you? I do believe you already know each other¨
The person behind the red wave just removed the headwear that covered its face, what happened next left Claire speechless. In front of her there was a girl with black hair and some purple strands, the face was full of bruises and cuts, and the only thing the Summoner could imagine was that the body suffered the same treatment. When both girls locked their eyes at each other, the noxian saw that one of the irises had a purple glow, just like Malzahar, while the other one retained a more human form showing the sapphire blue typical from Claire's family.
¨No no no…¨ That was the only thing the noxian Summoner was able to whisper constantly as she fell on her knees and dropping the daggers, from her green eyes tears were falling.
¨What is it? I was expecting more of a happy family reunion so I will let you catch up…¨ Malzahar chuckled once again, now maliciously.
¨Liz… can you hear me?¨ Claire whispered and extended her hand only to receive a grinning sister, her mouth was sharp and those fangs were able to just eat through meat like a wild animal. She was turned into a monster, a Voidborn. The little sister (although the transformation made her tall enough to be at the same size as Claire) walked with that grin on her face towards the fallen noxian, she charged her sword to the left, preparing to slice the Summoner's head.
¨Claire, move!¨ Katarina was heard once again in her head but it didn't changed anything, the Summoner was still stunned in place with her tears still falling.
¨Liz…¨ Those were the last words Claire said before the blade went from one side to the other killing the Summoner as the dead body was falling to the ground.
FIRST BLOOD
Sorry if people are going to hate me for the cliffhanger but that's how I wanted it to be.
Now comes the hardest part to finish the story and make an epic battle in the Rift. Will our group of heroes succeed and defeat Malzahar and it's goons? Will Claire be able to kill her sister in order to win the match? Will you forgive me because I HAD to make a joke about Irelia's frostbutt skin?
Everything will be answered in the next chapter!
KyuubiNoPuma: *fan girl squeals* That was so sad.. poor Matt, but bros over hos? (not that Cait is a ho, just saying that earth and saving is more important than romance at the moment..)
Something tells me that Matt doesn't think that. But for the best of the Earth (and his marksman abilities) he should not focus on his romance.
Chapter 26, man I never expected to get this far, and you know what? Next week I'll have to attend to university once again! Woohoo (Just joking I am actually crying in a corner with a Katarina plushie)
Next time is the last chapter and the great conclusion to this battle! But for the time being you already know what goes after his majestic A/N:
See you in the next chapter ;)