In the night, the stormy night she closed her eyes~ In the night, the stormy night, away she flies... Rip yearly updates. Kek. Anyway not much to say here other than Thresh is a creepy dude. OoooOOOoooo.
~All characters unless otherwise mentioned are property of Riot Games(I just mess with 'em o.o)~
Chapter 37: The Warden and the Broken Mind
"Whoa you're like green as fuck. Like Sooooo fucking green! And is that fire!? Your hair is on freakin' fire-wait! Your hair is made of bones! Fuckin'...bones! That's awesome! And you have no neck? That's cool! Do you have guns? Can you conjure guns? You're ranged right? So you gotta have guns. Holy shit is that a dog!? And it can walk!? HAH! This place is the shit-wait holy fuck! They have Vi! And we get to kill her!? Over and OVER!? FUCKIN' SWEET! When the fuck do these minions spawn, I can't move but holy fuck I just gotta shoot something. Can our summoners hear us? I mean I'm talking but my mouth ain't moving...HEY DIPSHIT LET ME SHOOT THINGS ALREADY. Oh here they come. Come on fire face lets shoot some-HOLY SHIT IS THAT A GOAT!? A fuckin' goat with a-"
The warden mentally pinched the bridge of his nose as he and his carry walked behind minions to begin laning. The loose cannon continued to question and prod at every action that took place. When she wasn't trying to get his attention, she was laughing wildly.
YOUR TEAM HAS DESTROYED A TURRET
"Yo wait. The fuck? Why aren't we chasing Vi!? I got my passive shit up! Hey summoner I don't need to back!" Jinx yelled. The warden let out a sigh as his summoner had him recall as well. After they bought their items, the proceeded to walk towards the top lane, while Nasus made his way bottom.
"This is a ranked match, Little One. I believe somewhere around Platinum...or something or other. The summoners tend to use their heads a bit more than usual...For the most part..." He would have smirked were it not that he couldn't control his body.
"Who you calling 'little'?"
"You."
"You wanna meet Fishbones bitch!?"
"You're welcome to try, Little One. When you figure out how to move your body freely within a live match, do tell."
"Gah! If we weren't fucking puppets I'd make you explode so much!"
"...Riveting thought, Little One." The loose cannon continued her tirade as they pushed the outer turret. It fell with ease and continued their advance to the inner turret. Unfortunately they were caught off guard by a gank from the enemy Vi, Soraka, and Lucian. Jinx's summoner tried to walk her back but Vi ulted her to about 10% health.
" Dammit..." Waiting for her vision to go grey, Jinx mentally closed her eyes. When she realized her body was still moving she saw Thresh pulling a 20 hp Soraka towards Jinx's Q range. Changing to her canon launcher, she shot one and killed the star child. Her speed boost allowed her summoner to run her towards the unwarded topside tri-bush. Lucian flashed over the wall and started ulting but Thresh was able to hook him, pull himself over and kill him with a flay. Vi started charging her Q towards Jinx, but Thresh was able to flash in front of it and killed her with an empowered auto. The duo then went back to the inner turret, took it and proceeded to recall. "...Holy shit."
"Rather." Thresh said calmly when they arrived at the fountain. "Tis always rewarding to have a summoner with some sort of common sense, is it not?" Jinx didn't say a word. "Is something amiss, Little One?"
"Oh uh...Nah, HAHAHA! I was just wondering how I should kill Vi this time!" There was a strange crack in her voice.
"...There are only so many options on the Rift, Little One." Both champions started on their way towards the mid lane, but the loose canon remained silent. "Jinx?"
"She's such a loser, always ready to cry- cha cha cha cha!" I suppose shes finally done...Hmm. For the remainder of the match, whenever the warden was near Jinx, he heard nothing but her pre-recorded lines.
VICTORY!
~.~
The champions slowly were transported to the main waiting room once the match was over. Looking behind him, he noticed that the kumiho's game was still running. 37 minutes...Gods help her. Well break has just started. Might as well wait-The warden's train of thought ended when something grabbed his left arm. It seemed that whatever did so was trying their hardest to pull him down to their height, to no avail. Looking down he was greeting with the manic smile of the loose canon. Wonderful...
"...Yes?" The warden said trying his best not to have her cause a scene.
"Heh-heh, hi!" Jinx said, unable to hold in her giggles. The warden paused for a few moments and slowly looked around. He was garnering more stares than he was comfortable with.
"...Good afternoon."
"Top o' the mornin'!" She said with a small curtsy, but still had an arm around his.
"...As interesting it would be to see how many greetings you are familiar with. I must be on my way." He easily released himself from her grip, which was rather strong for someone her size, and began to walk towards the glass corridor. But he was soon stopped again by the blue haired girl. Keeping a calm expression, the warden crossed his arms."...I'm not in the mood to entertain at the moment, Little One..."
"How about a date then? Lunch? Your treat? Huh, huh?" She said with a smirk as she elbowed his stomach. The wardens calm stare slowly molded into a cold glare.
"No." He said immediately as he gently, yes assertively, moved her from his path.
"Fine then, I'll just follow ya. I ain't got shit to do till break's over." She said as she trailed behind him. "So where we goin'!?"
"..." Pinching the bridge of his nose the warden stopped once again and faced the blue haired menace below him. Opening his mouth to respond, he stopped when he noticed a familiar set of tails being teleported into the waiting room. Finally...His mood brightening slightly he made a beeline for the kumiho. Slightly confused, Jinx followed all the same.
"Ugh...I hate silver matches..." Ahri said as she rested her head on Soraka's shoulder.
"Least you all won." Pantheon said from the side. "My summoner wouldn't stop making me run down middle. I swear I haven't seen my sight turn that gray in so long..."
"Least you were moving. I didn't even leave the fountain..." Tristana said.
"Classic 4v4. Sometimes I wonder if this was really the career path to go down..." Ahri said. The champions waved their goodbyes and started to go their separate ways. "Oh hey you." She said with a smile.
"Good day, vixen." Thresh said offering his arm. "The bistro in town today? The bird says their soups are divine."
"Didn't she also say that the bathrooms were way too big?" She said taking his arm.
"And that, my dear, is the part we ignore." The two chuckled and began to walk towards the glass corridor. "Lengthy match today, no?"
"Uuuugh don't even get me started...So first our Trist disconnects and NEVER comes back, then-"
"Hi there!" Yelled jinx.
"Holy shit!" Ahri yelled as she let go of Thresh's arm to hide behind him. After catching her breath, a small scowl forms on her face. "Oh...it's you...Jinx right?"
"Ehy, it only took you a week to remember my name. My name's awesome isn't it!?" She said happily with a small bounce. The two of them just continued to glare at the girl in front of them. "Soooo, where we headed?"
"WE," The warden said sternly. "Are headed into town. If I remember correctly, you and Ziggs hit it off quite well when you first arrived. He should be in the cafeteria at this time. If not ask one of the yordles for his number. Now if you would excuse us." The warden started once again towards the corridor but noticed the Kumiho hadn't moved an inch. "Vixen?"
"The fuck? Bro my name is Jinx!"
"He wasn't talking to you..." Ahri said blankly.
"Well he sure as fuck wasn't talking to you either, Cherry!"
"Its Ah-...you know what. Thresh could you come here for one second?" Ahri used her finger to gesture him over. The warden acquiesced and they both walked to the connection between the corridor and the waiting room. The loose canon stared at them with a wide toothy grin.
"I assume you've dealt with her more than I." The warden said in just above a whisper. Ahri nodded sadly.
"That bitch is literally crazy..."
"I suppose its also safe to assume that the girls night out that you all invited her two went awry."
"She nearly stabbed the chef at the hibachi place and broke the karaoke machine at the arcade...And Soraka has banned Quinn from being alone with her." The warden raised an eyebrow. "She thinks Quinn is cool. Quinn want's Valor to eat her liver..."
"Ah." The kumiho sighed and pulled out her phone.
"Anyway, sorry thresh, but I think I'm just gonna go check up on Irelia and me and her can have soup together or something."
"I would be more than-"
"Yea, I know you'd be more than happy to join us but..." She took a glance at Jinx, who was still staring at them and bouncing in place. "That thing has you in her sights. Trust me. She followed Soraka around all day two days ago. And apparently followed Kassadin on her third day here. And she followed Vi on her first day. If she wants to stalk someone, she'll sure as hell stalk them. Sooo..." She stood on her tiptoes and gave the warden a quick peck on the cheek. Immediately after, she started on her way back to the waiting room. "Later!" After the realization that he had just been abandoned, the warden sighed and gave her a small wave.
"Tell lady Irelia I wish her well..." Ahri simply gave him a thumbs up and disappeared through the door to the dorms. He glanced towards the loose canon she wiped a fake bead of sweat from her brow.
"Whew, I thought she'd never leave!" Not responding, the warden proceeded once again down the glass corridor. Jinx promptly followed. "Sooooo about that lunch date-" THUD. The warden slammed his hand to the right side of Jinx's face causing her to gasp. "Uh...th-the walls made o-of glass so I mean-"
"..." He narrowed his eyes and leaned down slightly. The small girl audibly gulped but her look of fear was soon replaced by her usual manic smile.
"Watch it hot-shot. I don't kiss on the first date until after I eat~." She purred, tip-toeing her index and middle finger up the warden's chest. She started to reach into the vacant area of his neck when he swatted her hand away.
"Oh hey glowstick you wanna-oh..." The warden turned towards the fountain and noticed the fae sorceress with a conflicted expression. Rubbing the back of her head she started backpedaling. "Uh...ahaha, I forgot me and Pix are having tea with Urgot today. BYE!" And soon enough she was out of sight. The warden leaned up and noticed a few summoners and champions staring at his current situation.
"Pff, rude much? Hey! Want me to put a bomb in her hat?" Jinx asked gleefully.
"...Come." The warden said curtly as he walked toward the fountain area. He and the loose canon made their way towards the elevators and rod it a few floors down in relative silence. They walked through the Institutes main entrance, ignoring the confused stares and awkward gestures. Heading through the right side ode of the entrance, a myriad of eateries were located.
"Whoa. I didn't know this place basically had a mall inside it! I thought It just had that huge cafeteria. Is there a pool too!?" Jinx turned and found herself alone. Grumbling to herself she walked through the various stores and stalls. After a few minutes Jinx's patience gave out and she settled on a burger. As she looked for a seat she noticed some glass doors that led to a large grassy hill. To her surprise, A familiar patch of green fire sat underneath the tree at the top.
~.~
It was warm for October, though the effects of the season were obvious. The cinnamon tree's leaves were sharp shades of red and orange. The grass, though freshly cut, was slowly dying. The skies as well were clouded more often than not. The warden took a sip of his coffee as he looked down towards the Institute. The dorms to the left, the main entrance to the right. Shops, gyms, and whatever else the summoners saw fit to include in-between the two main sections. Not to mention the dubious things hidden underneath. Leaning back Thresh closed his eyes and took in the sweet smell of the wind.
"You've found me..." He said after hearing some grass crunch behind him.
"Why the hell is there one tree here. Hell, What the hell is there even a hill here? Makes no sense like...there's another field behind this and then behind that there's- HOLY SHIT IS THAT THE RIFT!?" Jinx yelled as she nearly dropped her food.
"I would eat if I were you. There's barely an hour left before we're to be called upon..." Thresh said taking another sip.
"What kind of accent is that? We're you Demacian or some shit when you were alive?"
"I would hope not..."
"Wait so you don't remember?"
"Are you always so inquisitive whilst on a date?" This caused Jinx to smile even wider. She plopped herself down next to the warden and place her elbows on he knees.
"This is a shitty as fuck date."
"Why thank you, Little One." Taking another swig of his coffee, the warden took the burger Jinx had set down and placed it in front of her face. "Eat."
"Daw you feeding me? How romantic~" She purred as she took a large chomp. She coughed slightly and chugged some of her soda until she could breath again.
"Don't kill yourself..."
"Ooooh, you worried about me huh? Tough guy~?" She said as she poked his bony cheek. Placing the sandwich into her lap the warden resumed his survey of the Institute.
"'Twould be a bother if the summoners thought I was the culprit." The loose canon took a much smaller bite and leaned back herself.
"So, would you kill me if you had a chance?" Jinx asked with a smirk. The her eyes widened in shock. Her food fell to the ground and she slammed her back to the tree, but it was for naught. She was pinned. The warden narrowed his eyes and gave her a dark grin as he slowly moved the sharp edge of his scythe towards her neck. Jinx could hardly breathe. Against her better judgment she swallowed, causing her skin to meet the blades edge. She felt something warm flowing down her clavicle.
"In..." The warden whispered as he used his left index finger to wipe some of the trickling blood. He held it in front of her before bringing the stained finger to his lips. "...A heartbeat..." He brought out his tongue and licked his finger clean, leaving a small spot of red on his lips. Ah, delicious...but...The warden withdrew his scythe back into the ether and moved himself back slightly. The loose canon still sat in shock...but there was something else. There was fear, oh yes, but she wasn't looking at the warden...It seemed as if her mind was elsewhere. "Hmm..." The warden took in a breath and the tips of his right hand began to glow white. Placing his hand on Jinx's neck, the wound slowly began to heal until there was no remnant of the cut. He returned to his seated position and flexed the hand he used to heal the loose canon. After a few moment she felt her neck and noticed there was no more blood or pain, and then noticed that the tips of the wardens fingers were deteriorating.
"Holy shit..y-your hands..." She tried to reach out to him but he grabbed her hand, causing her to gasp.
"'Tis what happens when something unholy uses a holy spell." He said with a bored tone as he released her. "Of course with practice and perhaps a spoken verse I could prevent this in the future...but the arcane was never my forte..." Jinx for the first time in a while was lost for words. She curled up into a slight fetal position and stared at her feet.
"So where did you learn how to do that?" The warden let out a chuckle. "...The fucks so funny?"
"One would think you would be more concerned with the fact that you were nearly decapitated." His grim smiled returned but the loose canon just stared back. After a while she shrugged and looked back towards the Institute.
"Eh, whatever. I'd be fine in a day or whatever." The warden paused. ...What? "What?" She asked when he saw his confused expression. "Do I got ketchup on my face?"
"...Little One-"
"Could you stop with that?"
"What do you mean by...you'd be fine in a few days?" She gave him a bored look and rolled her eyes.
"People die all the time! Then their fine. No big deal. Whats the problem?" Oh dear...The warden felt something. Something extremely intense from the loose canon. Something she had hidden away so deep...that it seemed that she was deluding herself. ...But why death? "Yo! Whats the problem?"she repeated. He sat up and looked her in the eyes.
"When people die...they don't come back."
"Then what the fuck are you, bone boy?"
"I'm what happens when things don't take."
"Yea..." Jinx said as she rolled her eyes and folded her arms behind her head. "Not buying it." ...Curious, hmmm. Then something sparked within the warden and he couldn't hide his grin. "Nice face."
"How about I prove it to you then?" This piqued her interest.
"Prove it? How?"
"Your choice, Little One."
"Hmmm..." The loose canon was deep in thought but the a toothy grin graced her lips and she couldn't contain her giggles. "Ooooo yea I got it! Ok there's this new office building in Piltover that looks fucking sweet. Lets blow it up!" He bounced in place with a pleading look in her eyes. The warden let out a grim chuckle.
"Perfect."
"Alright! Ok but like, I don't drive and we'll need a shitton of explosives...wait! We get paid in a few days right?" The warden nodded. "Nice! Ok! This Saturday, you me and explosions! Nonononono! Friday night! We'll set everything up the boom happens on Saturday. Oh yea This shit'll be wild! I bet it'll be all over the news! I can't wait to see Cait and Vi's face when-" The warden slowly tuned her out as he focused on the true implications.
This girl was manic, completely and utterly. Something was wrong with her. Something the warden did not know. But what he did know is that he's seen her situation many a time before. A horrific event, something that breaks a person spirit. Something so painful that they bury it so far in the recesses of their mind that they forget it ever happened. That is, until they're faced with it once again.
To remedy such trauma, most would tackle it slowly but surely. Going through memories and trying to pinpoint when the event happened. Then trying to figure out what it was and why it hurt. Once found, aid was given and the person would be freed of whatever dread they had hidden away.
But the warden wasn't here to aid a lost child. It has been long since he had witnessed pure agonizing dread. He wanted to show her what she hid away...and he wanted it to break her. If the summoners wanted, they could pick up the pieces. He would just be there for the experience, and he would enjoy every second of it.
Not to mention a building full of souls was but a bonus.
"-a guy who sells the good shit. Could you take care of the car? You drive right?" Jinx said enthusiastically.
"Leave it to me, Little One."
"The, well this is looking to be the start of a fun as fuck relationship!" Jinx held out her hand. After a few moments, the warden grinned slightly and shook it. Jinx continued to babble on about the operation, every so often texting her supplier in preparation. The warden merely listened with his back against the cinnamon tree for the remainder of the break. The clouds drew darker and both champions lost track of time. It wasn't until Jinx had a timer over her head that they realized break was over. The was a faint roll of thunder as the loose canon was teleported into her game. The warden was soon summoned himself before the rains began to fall.
~.~
"I saw you with the bane of Piltover during break yesterday." Karma teased as she and Thresh walked towards the dorms. It was Thursday night and the final live matches were wrapping up as the Institute closed for he day. The warden pinched the bridge of his nose. "A ball of energy isn't she?"
"It would do the summoners well to at least have some sort of filter for their collection a ne'er do wells..." He said as they made their way to the female dorms. Climbing the stairs and walking down the hall they soon reached the Ionian's room. "At least barring the further entry of children..."
"She turned 19 on her first day here." Karma said with a smirk as she opened her door.
"Lies and slander." She giggled and bid him come in.
"Tea? I have some lavender and cinnamon earl gray I gave to Irelia to make her feel better."
"Ah, well who am I to refuse?" He said with an overly enthusiastic bow. Rolling her eyes, she stepped in and the warden closed the door behind them. He switched on the lights and made his way over to a bunch of ornate sitting pillows. As Karma stepped into the kitchen, the warden glanced around the dorm. Next to the flat screen on the wall near the door was something new. "That painting wasn't here the last time I was." He said referring to a small yet vibrant painting of a clear night sky. The only discerning feature was that their were two moons, with the one of the left being slightly smaller than the other.
"You like it?" She chirped from the kitchen. "Me and Syndra found it while were in Demacia."
"Ah, was that the reason why you were scarce after the summer break?" She took a seat next to him and placed a platter of tea and fruit in front of them.
"Yep. The Summoners wanted information about her and J4's engagement, and she volunteered to to an impromptu reporter." She blew on her cup and took a sip. "Mmm...Shyvanna is actually taking being a consort pretty well."
"Hmm hmm, of course." He said taking a sip of his own tea. He reached for a grape and popped it into his mouth before taking out his phone. Karma raised an eyebrow.
"Who're you talking to?"
"The Vixen." The Ionian shook her head and chuckled.
"Of course you are. Speaking of which..." She switched her seated position from cross legged to on her knees and look straight at the warden. The warden paused with a strawberry in his hand and his mouth ajar in surprise. "Why didn't you wait to walk her home like the loyal knight you are?" The warden let out an exasperated sigh and she laughed at his expense.
"My dear, please, we are having such a wonderful time. No need for name calling." He said with a smirk as he plopped the the strawberry into his mouth.
"Hmph, fine." She said as she ate a strawberry of her own. "But seriously. I do enjoy you're company...But it's not like you to just come to me unless u need a favor."
"Hmm..." The warden looked forward towards the painting. "...Do you find that aspect of me cruel?" The sudden change of attitude caught Karma off guard.
"W-what, no I-"
"You should..." Emptying his cup, he placed it back on the platter. In a swift motion he removed both of his gauntlets, revealing stubs for fingers, and singed ethereal flesh. Karma gasped.
"Oh Thresh!" She placed her cup down and took both of his hands into hers. After a few seconds, the onces white scorched nubs were turning back into their usual green. A short while later, the wardens fingers started to reform, though they were a much lighter green. Letting out a sign of relief, she shot a glare to the warden. "..."
"..." He slowly brought his gaze to hers. After a few moments with his countenance calm, he spoke. "...Go on."
"...You told me you wanted to learn that in case of an emergency..." She slowly let go of his hands and crossed her arms. "So what was the emergency?" The warden continued to stare for a few moments, until the Ionian's eyes narrowed even harder. He moved his hand up and surveyed them, grasping at the air every so often. "...Thresh, answer me." Her voice was sharp.
"My thanks my dea-"
"What. Happened..." Hmm... The warden put his attention back to her and felt something more than concern. He felt anger. ...That's new.
"...I have a favor to ask, if you would indulge me." The two stared at one another for a few moments. Finally, Karma exhaled and closed her eyes. The warden took this as her agreeing to at least listen to his request. "I need a holy mote."
"..." Karma started rapping her fingers against her crossed elbows.
"...My dear-"
"Thresh...Why can't you use the other basic healing spells?" She said looking at him with both disgust and concern. "And if they aren't strong enough, why not just ask for a mote from a different school? You know how much this magic hurts your kind!"
"Yes, but it is also the only magic that won't leave a trace." She raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"W-what-"
"All beings align with something...wasn't that what you taught me?"
"...Yes...and no matter what magic you use-"
"A tiny bit of 'you' can be found within it."
"...Unless you're aligned with an opposing force...of the school you're trying to use." Then everything clicked. She looked up to the warden with shock and cover her mouth. "What did you do to Lucian!?" The warden was taken aback, but soon after he registered what she said he let out a dark laugh. "Thresh tell me!"
"Ha...my dear, that poor specimen is the least of my concerns." She let out a relieved sigh and ran a hand through her hair. But that still left the question.
"...So...who are you planning on hurting then?" This time when she looked up at him, her eyes showed nothing but deep concern...with the slightest glimpse of fear. Grinning slightly, the warden stood up and walked towards the door. Karma hurriedly got up as well. He placed his hard and the doorknob. "Wait!" She turned his head slightly. Karma palmed both of her hands together and slowly opened them to reveal a small white orb that hovered above her hands. She held it out to the warden, who accepted it and opened the door. "Can you at least tell me why you didn't go to Soraka, or, Nami, of Taric- hell even Ahri can make these...Why me?" Closing the door so it was only slightly ajar, the warden turned to the Ionian. He gently took her chin in his hand and looked into her eyes.
"As fine of a gentleman he may be, I would prefer if sir Taric did not treat me with too much familiarity. Or anyone one else for that matter. We both know why the Vixen is out of the question. As for lady Nami and Soraka..." He glanced to the orb floating in his hand. "Though they may accept my presence, it is rather obvious they don't trust as easily as say oh...the bird does." He said with a slight chuckle. "...Before you jump to conclusions, which I doubt seeing as you're of the few in this hell hole with any semblance of sense. I truly value your company. You being useful as well is merely a boon that I do not take lightly. But I would stress my dear..." He slowly swept his thumb over her cheek. "The marai and starchild are wise to distrust a monster..." He let her go and reopened the door. "Till tomorrow, my dear." And with that he closed the door, leaving a stunned Karma to contend with the implication of her actions.
~.~
The night was cooler than most. Even cooler to those whose inhibitions were low, and sensitivities high. Two champions walked through the crowded streets, reveling in the brightness of the streetlights, and the chaos the cities nightlife brought.
The warden was not one to get drunk often. With being a specter, if he did not wish it, he could have easily stopped himself from partaking in such a demeaning stupor better fit for mortals. But a warm maiden, whose tails were making it even harder to walk straight, gave his all the coercion he needed. The day had not been kind to either of them. Losing nearly all their matches left them in state of unrest. The warden could care less of the results of a match, but seeing his vixen in such disarray effected him more than he would have liked to admit.
So, as per usual, he suggested they eat out. He treated her to dinner, he treated him to some drink at a bar he hadn't heard of. Some champagne here. Some whiskey there. Cinnamon stick and a few olives. The night would have probably progressed to experimenting with how many shots of bourbon the duo could imbibe, but the warden remembered, even in his clouded state, that there was another event he had to attend to. An event he had every intention of attending...even if he had three tails wrapped around his left leg as they approached the Institute's entrance.
The pair walked (though it seemed like the kumiho was tastefully dragged) through the empty entrance and entered the escalators.
"Threeeeeeesh...happy hour w-washent eben done yet..." The kumiho slurred as he wrapped her remaining six tails around his waist. The warden chuckled, even if it felt slightly empty, and wrapped his arm around her waist in kind.
"Aye." He said, trying his best to stay steady. "But 'tis better we left before we did something we ought not to have done." The elevator doors opened and the warden dragged them both out. Ashe tried to make his way past the fountain the kumiho wrapped her arms around him, causing them to stop. She snuggled against his chest and smiled at him with lidded eyes.
"Ooooo, like wat~" He noticed her rear give a playful shake as she released him from her tails. It would have been so easy...if his soul did not prize this temptress as much as it did. Sighing to himself he placed a hand underneath her knees and swiftly brought her up bridal style. She began to giggle, poke, and babble as he led them around the fountain, through the glass corridor, and to the dorms.
To his benefit, the kumiho had fallen asleep halfway up the stairs. With a little bit a finesse, and being thankful she had made him a spare key, he was able to enter her room and place her comfortably in her bed. He steals one more glance at her sleeping form before sighing and exiting her dorm. Once outside, he made his way back to the stairs en-route to the Institute's entrance. His head was clearing, but there was still some warmth from the alcohol permeating through him. He left the institute and crossed the still busy street. Finally, his phone rang.
"Aye?" he answered.
"Did you forget about tonight!? I mean of course you didn't forget about tonight. But I mean you did leave with foxbutt earlier...Wait, shit-are the rumors true!? OOOOOOOH SHIT! Dude did you get some tonight!? Broooooooooo-wait-how the fuck does that even work!? I mean you're like...green and shit, and she's like...not...Wait...Bro ur like 6'5'' or something right? You're like huge! How the fuck did you fit!? Bro how big's you di-" The warden dropped the phone to his side as he walked to the parking lot reserved for champions.
When he first asked for a car from the battle mistress, he made sure to ask for one she wouldn't miss. He also made sure to let her know it was likely she would not get it back. He also requested something nondescript...She obliged him somewhat. The car she had given him was one of a former...'liaison' as she called it. The man it once belonged to borrowed a large sum of money from her during their...'time together' and he never paid her back. Sivir had no use for it but she would have rather have it rot in a garage then let him have it. It was a black car thankfully, but it was still rather excessive. Three tiers of head and rear-lights. Two doors with retractable side mirrors. The interior was pure navy leather and a digital screen that displayed front and rear view cameras. Not to mention the chairs themselves had gratuitous massage functions. It was much more than he wanted, but who was he to complain.
There was one other thing he had requested of the battle mistress. Though this was not a gift. In exchange for this, the warden had retrieved a wisp for the battle mistress. What did she want with it? The warden didn't care. Was a quick and easy deed for what he required. From his pocket he puled a small pulsing purple shard. It was a round-trip teleportation crystal with one use. Remote teleportation, unless you were a skilled mage, was not cheap to come by, let alone remote teleportation of a living being and a large inanimate object. Or in this case, a specter and a small car. According to Sivir, the shard was just some plain crystal, it was the hextech charge it contained that made it cost a little more the 230k gold. The wisp was in no way a fair deal, but the warden was not going to question the woman's priorities.
She entered the car, with the loose canon still rambling away on his phone. Hmmm...He was sobering up now and glanced at the stone. Just squeeze this and- Before the warden could react, the crystal broke into floating shards, and bright purple light encased the vehicle.
~.~
The warden shook his head. It took him a few moments before his vision cleared, but when it did, he was in an unfamiliar alley. Looking down at his hand, the once purple crystal pulsed a deep blue. I suppose that's our getaway. Grand-ah. Looking forward he saw two familiar pigtails strutting back and forth under a blinking streetlight.
"-was that light? Purple shit nearly blinded the fuck outta...whoa..." She stopped her pacing and stared in the wardens direction. "Was that you?"
"Aye..." The warden said quickly as he hung up and got out. He watched as she ran towards the alley, with two duffle bags over her shoulders. He took both large bags from her small frame and put them in the trunk. "Was the costume necessary?" He commented as he began to drive off. She was wearing a black sweatshirt and baggy sweatpants with black shoes.
"Hey, at least I'm not wearing my normal League crap!"
"Whilst I understand the want to disguise oneself...Blue hair isn't isn't the most stealthy." Jinx instinctively grabbed her head.
"Fuck..." The warden gave a small chuckle as they rounded the next few corners. "Ok ok ok! There's the place!" The warden back up into an empty alley about a block form the four story building. It was a rather new looking office building with a few rose bushes at its entrance, and an ornate awning over the glass revolving doors. Across the street of the building seemed to buy its private parking lot. All of the cars inside looked rather pricey. "Oh my god this is gonna be the shit!" The warden noticed that she was shaking...more than usual.
"Are you alright, Little One?"
"Me? Pfffff, yea. I-it's just-I-I've never blew up a building with people still in it before. This is gonna be great!" She hopped out of the car and grabbed the bags from the trunk. ...She only knows destruction...not its consequences...Interesting. She tossed him a bag and they walked to the side of the building.
"I assume there are multiple cameras..."
"Yea, but we're in a blind spot right now." She whispered. The warden raised an eyebrow.
"And how would you know that?"
"I know a guy! Anyway-" She pulled out a very large orange bulb and turned it over revealing a flat bottom and a red switch. "See these?" She shook the bulb a little. "Hextech charged liquid nitroglycerin...or some shit. Basically, if these babies weren't in these capsule thingies, one small shake and BOOM." She said with a giggle.
"...So what's the plan?"
"Ok, the building is a perfect square so," She flipped the switch behind the tire sized bulb and placed it on the wall near the ground. "Easy as that. See how those two cameras look like their placed in a triangle?" The warden looked in the direction she pointed and nodded. As long as you stay in the same position as we are now, they can't see shit!" She hiked her bag over her shoulder and started to walk as calmly as possible to the other side of the building. The warden, not wanting to exert anymore energy than needed simply went invisible, flipped the switches of both of his bulbs, and placed them where needed. Once done he returned to the front of the building and saw Jinx was in the alley.
"What of the inside?"
"I told you...I know a guy~" She said with a shrug. The warden crossed his arms. Signing she raised her hands in defeat. "Alright alright. There was some weird dude that wouldn't stop following after I thrashed that one back about a month before I joined the league. So not my type tho. His mom's rich, his dad's richer. He doesn't even know how to hold a gun, I mean, can you imagine me with someone like that ugh!" The warden rolled his eyes. "But he was all like, 'oh gimmie a chance!', so I'm like, your parents are making this new building right help me blow it up and I'm yours for a week."
"..." The warden gave her a weary look.
"Oh come on I'm not a slut. I mean like...I'll let him buy me dinner or some shit. What, you worried about me? Huh, huh~?" She latched onto his arm and he merely rolled his eyes again.
"So how do we activate the-" Jinx gasped suddenly and jumped up and down. From the top of the building was a light blue light that flickered. Though not fluent in it, The warden recognized a letter or two of the morse code. "...Was there a 'w'?" She grabbed a large remote with a single red button on it and yelled.
"That's him he said 'NOW'-lets goooooo!"
"WAIT!" Before the warden could stop her her fist slammed the button.
~.~
Her head hurt...alot. It didn't help that there were sirens as well. As she tried to stand up another, a thunderclap roared and her head ached even more. When she finally opened her eyes, she had to squint when they were assaulted with copious amounts of green.
"The..fuck...where...?" As she slowly sat up, she recognized the bones and see though walls. But this time there was also a roof to this Box. "Why am I in the League-ow..." Her voice was small and weak as she grabbed her right arm. The sleeve to her sweater was torn clean off. Her pants had multiple tears in them, and it was obvious that she was badly bruised all over.
"This isn't the League." Jinx gasped as she looked up to find the warden. The back of his cape was more tattered than she remembered, but besides that he looked fine. "We're still in Piltover." She looked down and tried to remember. And that's when it hit her. With a smile and a few winces of pain she jumped up.
"Oh fuck yea!" She punched the air with her good arm and ran to the front of The Box. "Ah shit the cops are here, but whoa look at all that rubble!" A bit away, what was once a pristine, well-to-do building, was nothing more than a pile of metal, cement, and glass. The two buildings to the side of it, while not completely destroyed, also sustained major damage to their side walls. After gazing in awe at her handy work, the loose canon turned her head and gave the warden a smirk. "Welp, as you can see, I think I've won. I mean I sill gotta date that creep for a week but-"
"No." The warden walked over and stared her down. She tried to back up, but The Box prevented her from doing so. The warden grabbed her shoulder causing her to jump. He didn't know why he felt the need to take this little excursion further than it needed...He had already collected more than 100 souls. But he needed her to see what she had wrought. She has never killed...only destroyed...Suddenly they were both transparent and The Box dissipated. "Come..." She said while leading her towards the wreckage. Witness the carnage you have wrought...
Though taken aback, Jinx grinned as they walked past the police, EMTs, and Firefighters unseen. After making a few unruly gestures to the authorities she happily spun around to take in her handiwork...Her expression dropped. In between the broken brick and cement, the shattered glass windows and strew out file cabinets, the disheveled computers and torn metal supports...were bodies. Shredded flesh, torn limbs, caved in heads, and burnt faces. She slowly walked backwards and slumped to the ground.
"W-why..." She looked up to the warden, with a pleaded voice she screamed. "Why aren't they moving!? Why!?" The warden stared back at her. Tears started welling up in her eyes and her breathing became shallow. "T-t-they're supposed to j-just head to the h-hospital and...Fuck just make them move!" Tears started to fall as she tried her best to control her breathing. The warden walked towards her and squatted down. Just then, a person in a hazmat suit started collected a few of the limbs in front of them. Then another...and another. She grabbed her chest and her eyes grew wide. She swallowed multiple times as if to help her breath easier.
"This..." The warden whispered as he pointed towards the wreckage. "Is what death is..." Jinx shoot her head furiously and stared at the clouded sky. "To snuff the life from someone broken body...To bring and end to what a person was, is, and would soon be...They won't come back. They will never be fine." He turned back towards the loose canon and whispered. "All because..of you." Jinx let out a loud gasp and fell backward grasping her neck. He felt it. She remembered what death was. And she was horrified. But he still felt confusion. She doesn't remember why it horrified her... But she never wanted to see it again. It terrified her so much that she could no longer breath. Her face was turning paler by the second until she eventually passed out. Reaching into his pocket he withdrew the holy mote. He placed it above her head where it floated. Removing his gauntlets he placed his hand gently on her neck. The tips of his fingers glowed white but also started to disintegrate. The holy mote began to pulse, quickening the spells effect...and his hands' destruction. Realizing one hand is better than none, the warden switched to using only his left hand. By the time the mote disappeared, all of the warden's left had was gone, leaving only a white stub...but at least the girl was breathing again.
The warden lifted her up and walked back towards the car. He reclined her seat back and gently placed her down. Taking one more glance to confirm she was still alive, he then took out his phone and made an unpleasant call.
"Whoever this is, do you know it like freakin' 1 A.M!" Ziggs yelled.
"Listen well, bomber." The warden said as he took out the blue pulsing crystal. "You are to go the the women's dorm and unlock the loose canon's room."
"Oh yea? Who says I have her key, huh? And whose gonna make me-" He stopped once he heard the warden growl slightly.
"Do not make me repeat myself, bomber..." The warden threatened as he hung up. Without wasting a second, he made a second call. "Pardon the disturbance, my dear."
"Mmmm, Thresh?" Karma mumbled sleepily. "It's like...its way past midnight.."
"My dear I require your aid in the Little One's room..."
"Hmm Jinx? But wh-" She gasped. "No...THRESH WHAT DID YOU-" The warden let out a exhale.
"My dear please. After you've helped the girl." He said as he squeezed the crystal. "I shall be at your mercy..." The care was then enveloped in a blinding blue light.
~.~
Jinx laid in her bed, sleeping peacefully. Her bruises were all but healed, and her breathing steady and strong. Outside of her bedroom, The Ionian was glaring daggers into the specter before her.
"Why..." She asked darkly. Her arms were crossed and she made it clear that she had no intent of helping the warden regenerate. Though that was no matter as he had souls in abundance at the moment. It warden searched her eyes for any source of fear or doubt. He found nothing but rage. And as mush as he did not like to admit it...it excited him.
"You must have felt it too my dear. Could you blame me for my curiosity?" The warden said with a slight shrug and a plain face.
"Well unlike you-" She said shoving him backwards a little. "I both understand how to deal with someone whose sick in the head, without nearly killing them first!" She nearly yelled. "If the mental shock didn't kill her the bombs would have!"
"Which were not my doing..."
"Don't you dare try to-!" The warden took a step forward.
"Were it not for me...The Little One would be one of the bodies currently being identified...And I did try to stop her." Karma narrowed her eyes. "You know I'm not lying..."
"..." She looked behind the warden towards Jinx's bedroom door and sighed.
"Noone knows we participated in the tragedy...That is, unless you would like to alert 'Piltover's Finest'." He said with a smirk. Karma was at a loss for words, so she elected to just turn away from the warden.
"I don't even know anymore..." She said as she flopped her hands to her sides, slightly distraught. Seeing as it didn't see as if the Ionian was in any mood to scold him further, the warden walked past her towards the door. He opened the door and glanced back at her. She spared him a small look of hurt. Of course...Feeling a small twinge of guilt, the warden gave her a small bow and silently exited the room.
~.~
The air was heavy with a murky mist upon the Shadow Isles. Though for the occupants of the warden's manner, it was hardly a deterrent. In the large kitchen, Lulu, Karma ,Quinn and Talon were preparing breakfast while Syndra, Thresh, and Ahri waited in the attached living room listening to the news.
"My head..." The kumiho groaned. Chuckling, the warden gently rubbed her head as she laid on his lap. While they were seated on the large couch, Syndra was checking her phone on a smaller love seat to the left.
"Hmph, if I remember, Vixen, someone wanted to to stay until happy hour was over." The kumiho playfully cover his face with her hand.
"Don't spout your logic at me!"
"We made waffles!" Yelled Lulu as she and the other came in with plates of food. The meal went on without a hitch, with slight banter as they prepared for the start of the weekend.
"So Nami and Raka will meet us at the movies?" Talon asked, finishing his coffee.
"Yep. Hecarim said he can't come tho." Quinn said laying back on the love-seat.
"Why's that?"
"He, myself, and the rest of the denizens here shall soon become scarce." He made a small glance towards Syndra, who nodded knowingly. "Sometime in the middle of this month. For three days. 'Tis nothing to worry about but lets just say, our favorite horse has an essential role." Lulu and Quinn tried to get more out of the warden but he just smiled in silence.
"Oh...It's that building from Piltover again..." Quinn said sadly. Talon groaned.
"Fuck man that's like the third time I've seen this shit today...Can they go back to hyping up what kind of socks Shy like to wear again?" Quinn raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you hated that two."
"I do...least its less depressing than this shit..." The news story went on to reveal that 127 people were killed in the wreckage and it caused the owners millions. But the worst cost of all was their only son who, from a note they found in his room, was the sole perpetrator of the explosion in a suicide note. Thresh glanced over to Karma who returned it and sighed. Removing the kumiho from his lap he got up.
"We'd best be off, no?" He said offer both arms to the fae sorceress and the kumiho.
"What are we even seeing?" Talon asked as they started on their way back to the treeline.
"Wasn't it Pacific Rim?" Quinn said. "I swear these earth movies have such shit names." The group continued their chatter while keeping their wits about them on the marked path.
~.~
Jinx was wrapped up in a blanket sitting on her couch as she watched Ziggs...attempt DDR.
"Heh...you fucking suck." She said weakly.
"Well sorry if my legs are short!" This got a small laugh out of her before she grew silent again. Once his song was over, as he was selecting his next song, her turned and saw her somber expression.
"...Hey man...you sure you're ok?" He asked.
"..." Jinx blinked a few times. They will never be fine. Taking a deep breath she put on her best toothy grin. "Yea!" All because... "I'm fine!"
...of you...
. What are descriptions...I'm a dialogue writer . Legit one of these days I wanna at least make a couple of simple maps so ya'll know how 'my' Institute of war is structured since I can't describe to save my life...ugh..anyway~ LETS GO UPDAT WOOOOO So, will Jinx actually be ok? What does Karma think of Thresh now? What will the shadow Islanders be doin'? And when the heck is the actual ThreshxAhri gonna happen!? These will all be answered...eventually! Stay squisy~