Boys and girls of every age, would you like to see something strange? O.O Getting tired of seeing me yet, heheh. You may notice that this chapter has a different title format that all the others. Lets just say, that I'm finally getting into the part of the story where major climaxes will start occurring. Case end point, if a title is named differently, NONSENSE ABOUT TO GO DOWN. So ye, take that how ye will :3. Now leggo~
~All characters unless otherwise mentioned are property of Riot Games(I just mess with 'em o.o)~
Chapter 38: The Coming of Anima
The mist sat thickly in the air above the treeline. A cloying darkness spread through the distance rendering any vision impossible for more than a few hundred feet. The shambling dead, once rattling across the cursed grounds lay motionless. The myriad of wisps wafting through the air, were hidden in what remnant of life could be found within in flora. The waters were still and the skies were bleak and devoid of stars. One would think it a normal sight upon the Shadow Isles, were it not that even its denizens were wary.
In the empty bleachers surrounding the treeline, the starchild sat with the centaur. Live matches were no longer held here due to lack of summoner interest, but holograms were still present for the few who wanted to spectate any replica games.
"I still find it funny that you enjoy watching this." Chuckled Hecarim. Soraka smiled and gave a small shrug.
"I think I like it more than the summoners."
"You come and watch at least one match every weekend. So I would hope you at least enjoy it."The two shared another small laugh as they continued to watch the game in silence. A gust of wind petered through, whipping a dark purple mist through the bleachers. Hecarim turned his gaze to the horizon. "..."
"Has...has there been any progress since last year?" Soraka asked, a hint of dread in her voice. The centaur stood and let out an exhale. "...I thought not."
"Damn earth summoners..."
"We don't know for sure if they're the reason why-"
"Then it's way too damn convenient!" He roared. "And why the hell can't they just stop this anyway!? Hell with whatever magic they have they could eviscerate half of Runeterra with an arm-wave!"
"And they just want to watch us fight..." She said as she rose to her feet. The blue nexus had just exploded and a notification had gone up signaling that no more matches were to be broadcasted. "That's all they've ever wanted since they took over..."
"And the Isles have nearly been destroyed every year since..." They stood in silence for a few moments. Shaking her head, the starchild walked through the bleachers to the exit, the centaur following close behind.
They arrived at the empty entrance to the treeline. Once upon a time this entrance was nearly as busy as the Institute's main entrance. But as interest in the location waned, the summoners stopped staffing and organizing events. Leaving all of its faculties running, but bare and unattended. They walked to the left of the entryway and stopped around the floating crystals of the Institute portal. After a few moments, the starchild turned around slowly, searching the centaurs eyes. She found nothing, but hate...and uncertainty. Finally she lifted her arms up, knowing he would know what to do. Walking forward, Hecarim reached under her arms, carrying her to his chest in a tight and desperate hug.
It was times like these where Hecarim cursed his undeath. Were he not of the damned, this would not hurt as much as it could. Were he not a monstrosity, he would have probably had a chance. If he did not hide his frailty behind brute strength...maybe he would not doubt these feelings he felt when with the starchild.
Unfortunately, these doubts held no weight against what was soon to come.
"You need to leave..." He said flatly, but made no effort to let her go.
"Yea..." She said as she nuzzled his neck tighter. "I should..." Through the narrow walkway to the portal, another gust of thick mist permeated through the air. "I'll see you in three days." She said firmly and he pushed herself back to look at him. Hecarim shook his head.
"Raka...I can't promise you that."
"No need to promise something that's a fact..." Groaning he placed her back on the ground and rubbed the back of his head in frustration.
"Soraka...I'm a denizen of the Shadow Isles. If anything this world would be better without the likes of-" She held up he hand the stop him, to which he reluctantly complied.
"You're not Thresh." She said with a slight smirk as she placed a hand on his cheek. "Speeches aren't your forte." He let out a defeated sigh as she suddenly gave him another hug. Before he could reciprocate, she released him and approached the portal. "Three days..." She took one final glance at him. "..." Both looked at each other. Hecarim tried his best to speak but his mouth held shut. Closing her eyes and nodding, Soraka left through the portal.
If this was to be the last time he ever saw her... he would pretend those weren't tears in her eyes.
~.~
"...You weren't in any games today." Ahri said as she leaned against the cinnamon tree.
"Yea...You weren't." Lulu echoed, seated to the kumiho's left. Between them the warden sat, arms around them both, gaze focused on the gray clouds that hovered above them. Both women exchanged looks as they waited for the warden to respond. For a while, the trio sat in heavy silence as rain began to beat down at a steady pace. "Glowstick?" the fae sorceress said quietly, not being able to wait any longer. The warden did not respond, electing to slowly his thumbs along the their arms.
"Thresh...come on." The kumiho said raising her face up to look at him. The rain began to hide the tears that have been falling ever since they found him up here. Once again, the warden said nothing as the rain did not deter his scrutiny of the skies. The kumiho let out an exasperated grunt and shot to her feet, Lulu following her lead. "Dammit Thresh, you're about to go and do god knows what for the next two days and you didn't even think about letting us know!? Seriously all you said was you guys had something 'important' to do like a week or some shit ago. Next thing we know, you Hecarim, Eve-all of you guys don't show up till after the Institute's closed today. But you know, at least everyone else had the common courtesy to meet up with people before they left again! If Karma didn't mention she saw you walking up the hill like an hour ago we wouldn't have even seen you!" Though both women stood slightly above him in his seated position, his gaze never met any of their eyes. "Don't you even fucking care about us!?" She said, voice beginning to crack.
"Glowstick...why..." Lulu also began losing her composure. "Why were Elise and Karthus...saying 'goodbye' to everyone?" Upon hearing this, Ahri's ears flicked to attention. "And...Sona gave me a hug before leaving through the portal to the Isles with Morde...why?" The silence returned until the warden closed his eyes and let out a breath.
"...'Tis unfortunate you both forgot an umbrella." When he opened his eyes, he met the gaze of two distraught yet aggravated women. He looked over to Lulu and smirked. "Oh what would Pix think? And vixen-" He turned towards the kumiho. "Your hair is ruined." After the initial shocked passed, the kumiho's hands tightened into fists and she grit her teeth. Before her tirade could begin, the warden got to his knees and immediately pulled both if them into his arms.
"..." Ahri hugged back in earnest, trying her best to ease her sobbing.
"Thresh-" Lulu began.
"At ease ladies..." He said over their shoulders. He felt them tighten their hold on his body, to which he returned in kind. "You both know of the occurrence taking place, yes?" He felt them both nod. " 'Twas not till the last year or so that we of the Isles have bothered to garner allies of the living...save Mordekaiser." He began to run his hands through their wet hair. "Because of that...Instead of waiting out the preparation period within our abodes on the Isles, we returned to make amends..." He let go of both of them and stood up. "...And say goodbye."
"But wh-" he stopped the kumiho.
"Because we may not return..."
"What do you mean?" Lulu asked.
"Every year everyone else came back!" Ahri yelled.
"Aye, and every year has had the same risks..." He took another glance towards the the sky. "But now it seems we have even more at risk." He looked back down at their questioning faces. Letting out a sigh, he began again. " I cannot say that I will return to aide you in your shopping escapades vixen. Nor may I be able to have our weekly tea time with the starchild, my dear." Though still distraught, the small recounting of their normal activities was able to pull some semblance of a smile on both of the women. "...But know this." He placed a hand on each of their shoulders and said in a low voice. " Let not the end of my existence deter you from moving forward. I have not the words to convey what you insolent mortals mean to this incorrigible monster..." Letting a small smile grace his countenance, he placed a slow, gentle kiss to each of their cheeks before taking their hands in his. "Now come. Let this monster return you to you're rooms lest you both catch a cold. I would prefer return to the Isles in one piece tonight without the starchild's wrath." Though weak, the warden took solace in the giggles that the girls let out.
'Tis better you remember an aloof specter, than a love-struck fool. Take care vixen...
~.~
Strangled breathes echoed in the dark room. The curtains were pulled pulled down off their hinges and the moonlight seeped into the room as the sound of steady rain did little to muffle their gasps. The once cold glass of the window was quickly warmed as the card master pressed his demoness against it. Evelyn's nails raked through his long tresses as his hands found purchase on her right hip and the back of her neck. Though seemingly pinned, she grinned against his lips as he began to shiver in slight asphyxiation. She finally released her grip and his lips moved just far enough to allow him to gasp for air.
"So...about me being the death of you." She said, voice thick and teasing. Still slightly shivering, TF rested his forehead on her shoulder. "Hmm hmm, you poor baby."
"Hmph, its not fair you know..." He said slowly, pulling himself up and repositioning his forehead against hers. "I was still slightly conscious." He said with a chuckle.
"This is supposed to be a goodbye, not our usual." She said playfully pushing him gently away and walking towards the main room. He followed suit. She walked towards the door to his dorm and stopped in front of it, hanging her head and crossing her arms. She felt him wrap his arms around her from behind. She also felt a little something extra on her thigh. Giving a slight snort, she felt the card masters face heat up slightly on her shoulder.
"It's your fault you know."
"I didn't create you with so many kinks..."
"Yet you indulge me in...most of them."
"Hmph...I know a certain ex-criminal who'd be more than happy to-"
"No..." Evelyn let out a sigh. "You know that's not what I want."
"...He wants it tho."
"He also hates me."
"Hate sex is one of your many kinks..."
"Which we've never had." He felt her stiffen.
"...We never even-"
"I know..." He turned her around. "I know. And darlin' I'm fine waiting." Sighing, she shook her head.
"You still don't even know what I am."
"Besides a virgin?" This earned him both a light punch to the side, and a smirk from the smaller woman.
"...You mortals are so sad."
"You're mortal too, and you keep coming back to this one." She saw the twinkle in his eye and shook her head once again.
"Well, that's because you're the most interesting one."
"Stop it darlin' your makin' me blush."
"In more places than one..." She laughed as his expense as he let out a pained grunt. Once the laughing stopped she placed a had on his cheek. "I'm off...try and take care of yourself?" He claimed her lips once again.
"Can't make any promises." She suddenly pulled him into a hug, to which he returned. "I love you, darlin'" After a few moments, she released him and opened the door.
"Hmm, of course you do." With a wink she closed the door behind her. Once her footsteps became to distant to hear, TF went to his bedroom. He made a beeline for the tub and let the tub fill up as he looked at himself in the mirror. Cursing, he brought a hand over his eyes. The rain was but a light mist now, so nothing could muffle the sound of tears hitting the marble sink.
~.~
Soraka was sitting on her couch within her dorm coming her hair as a movie played. Suddenly there was a heavy knock at her door. She looked at he time and it was just past midnight.
"Who the-" She whispered. "Coming!" Setting her brush down and patting down her nightdress, she walked towards her door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see no one there. But when she looked down, she saw a small chocolate cupcake with a purple rose at its side. Picking up the plate the small tokens were seated on, she noticed a card underneath. It said nothing more than 'Farewell' in a typed font. Looking down the hall both ways once more, and sensing no dark magic or poisons within the confection, she shrugged and re-entered her dorm with the gifts.
At the end of the hall, the gravedigger peeked though the door to the stairs. Seeing the floor bare he nodded and walked back towards the main atrium.
~.~
Elise walked through her domain, taking stock of the remaining cultists she had. Karthus was nearby reading a few tomes, audibly sighing every so often. Exasperated, the spider queen turned towards the wraith.
"You know, you didn't have to come back with me." She said.
"Not my fault you cut your goodbyes short." He said curtly while licking a finger and turning a page.
"Not my fault you had no goodbyes..." She said, hoping it stung.
"No need to say goodbye when the only one that matters will be here till the end." He said with a smirk.
"I'm surprised Morde hasn't offed you yet..."
"Likewise."
"Ugh, you know Hecarim is aiding Morde with the wards around the Institute portal. You could help him if I can't be entertaining enough." She said while ordering a few of her number to tasks needed to prepare Vilemaw for what was to come.
"Ilk! As if any of us are suited for such...remedial labor. Except I suppose the lumbering hulk of a gravedigger..." Elise shook her head and turned away from him. Noticing this he let out a quiet sigh. "And if I can't spend the last few moments of respite with my heavenly muse, I suppose 87th best will have to do." He said with a smirk. She returned it.
"You flatter me, darling." Rolling her eyes she returned to her work.
~.~
"So...you guys don't even know what they're doing?" Quinn said with a small voice. She was seated on Talon's bed clutching the bear that the warden had won for her. The assassin was leaning against the door to his bedroom looking at his feet.
"Nah.." He said "Mordekaiser doesn't tell us why and if he doesn't no one else does."
"B-but...they could die?" She asked, bottom lip quivering. He shot he a quick glance before returning his gaze to his feet.
"Apparently..." They remained in silence for a few moments.
"You haven't seen him today?"
"Trust me, he'd see you before he'd see me."
"...Sona said goodbye to me today...So did Elise and Eve."
"Same..."
"...So why did you call me here?"
"I assumed no one bothered to tell you about the ghost club meeting they have every year. Didn't want you getting banished by the summoners for asking too many questions after you found out too late." He said with a small chuckle.
"Hmph, I guess." He looked up, expecting so see some dried tears, but Quinn's face was merely lost in thought.
"You're taking this well. Thought you'd be pissed he didn't come see you."
"Well...I'm not Ahri." It dawned on him.
"Fuck you're right. You think he finally-"
"You know he didn't." She said with a small smile. He smiled as well. Then there was a knock at the door. Talon went to answer it.
"He-oh shit."
"Good 'morrow, assassin." The warden said with a dark grin. "I've come to see the bird." After gawking for a few seconds, Talon regained his composure and gave a cool glare.
"And why would she be-"
"Let's not prolong this any longer than needed, hmm?" Talon's glare remained. "And I doubt the ninja would be in the mental state to get our little bird all caught up." The assassin was about to retort when Quinn slowly walked into the main room.
"Thresh?" Talon glanced her way, then back towards the warden. Sighing he backed out of the doorway. "Did you say bye to Ahri?"
"Aye." He said as he walked towards her.
"Hmmhmm, you didn't have to come see me y'know?" She said crossing her arms with a smile on her face.
"Noted." Her took her cheek in his hand and before she could react he placed a chaste kiss on her lips that lasted but a moment.
"Thresh-"
"Take care of this one." He said to the assassin as he pulled the girl into a quick embrace. He released her and walked back towards the door. He placed a had on Talon's shoulder and whispered. "Farewell assassin." With that he closed the door behind him. Hearing a small thud, Talon turned to find Quin laughing with tears in her eyes.
"Heh...I hate that fucker..." He wrapped an arm around her and chuckled despite himself. After a while, both champions stared at where the warden once stood, the weight of his actions finally setting in.
~.~
As he exited the assassin's room he rolled his eyes and let out a sigh.
"Is there a reason why you don't even bother masking your presence?" He said with an annoyed voice as he began walking towards the stairs. Evelyn faded back into vision and smiled.
"Doesn't matter as long as the humans can't see." She said with smile. They walked side by side as they reached the glass corridor. "How's it feel to have people who would miss you?" The cheshire grin never leaving her face.
"Feels like this year shall be an interesting fight." He said as they approached the portal. Evelyn placed a hand on his back. He spared her a passing glance and she nodded towards him. With that, they both entered the portal.
Being the last denizens to return to the Isles, the stones surrounding the portal stopped floating and their glow dimmed as they became inert. The portal then flickered out of sight.
~.~
"Report." Mordekaiser boomed from atop his throne in the study of his abode. Sona sat to his right in a throne of her own, a white rune circle at her feet. Within the moderate sized room, the other denizens stood.
"My what is left of my order has been dispatched to the corners of each of the Isles." Hecarim said.
"Each accompanied by no less than five of my banshees." Karthus added in a bored tone.
"Your orchestra is ready I assume?" Mordekaiser stated more than asked.
"Yes yes, a positive ballad to drive back the rancor to be followed by a, eugh... jocund melody."
"Hopefully neither are a Capella, darling..." Elise chided with a smirk. They began to bicker among themselves. Shaking his head, Mordekaiser turned to the warden.
"Soul count?"
"12-1300, my lord." Drolled the warden.
"12-13?"
"...It seems that the vagrant souls are becoming aware of the end. Even of the ones I could round up, they have already been enthralled...They are not but vessels of energy now." Mordekaiser let out a sigh.
"On my order, siphon those to my domain." The warden nodded. "Gravedigger?"
"An army of 5098 dead are encircled around the main Isle, my lord." The master of metal gave a small grunt in confirmation, returning his gaze to the squabbling pair.
"What of Vilemaw." Still smirking at the lich's expense, Elise cleared her throat.
"He's within your domain, whatever you say, he will do. There are 47 cultists to tend to his needs." Mordekaiser nodded once again and rose from his throne.
"Alright. Elise, aide the lich in the upkeep of his ballads on the furthest isle. He shall need protection of whatever ire Anima wishes to enact." Karthus opened his mouth to argue but he was met with nothing but a glare. "You both are dismissed." Elise gave a small curtsy and practically dragged the lich with her. "Hecarim, you and your order are the front line. You know your place." Hecarim gave a confident nod. "Dismissed." Hecarim have the rest of them a hearty pound of his chest and left. "Evelynn-"
"Am I to stay here or?" She asked blankly.
"Begin your casting one Hecarim's line is breached." He turned to the gravedigger. "Provide her with whatever she needs. Take 1000 shambling dead. If the bindings do not hold..." Both Eve and Yorick exchanged quick glances. "Dismissed." Letting out a small sigh and shrugging, Evelyn left, followed by the gravedigger. "Warden?"
"Yes, my lord?"
"Once it is time, order the lost souls to Anima. I shall proceed from there." The warden merely bowed and left the muse and the master of metal. Once the final denizen had left Sona got up and took her hand in his. "..."
'...You're still scared aren't you?' She said.
"I fear nothing..."
'Except losing me.' He let out a amused grunt and gave her a look. 'Not all mortals are weak.'
"Weakness or not, what is happening here cares not for strength or origin..." Mordekaiser led her or of the study, through the ornate entrance hall, and to a set of stairs below. In this room was a myriad of floating crystals and a large rune circle that pulsed red light every few seconds.
'...You never explained what Anima is to me." In the far corner was a plush love seat surrounded by blue wisps and a stone faerie circle. Motioning her to sit, Mordekaiser walked towards the center of the red rune circle. Suddenly, he stomped on the ground and red ethereal chains wrapped around his arms and legs and began to pulse, just like the circle around him. Sona gasped and lept from her seat. But when she tried to leave the faerie circle, she was met with an invisible force field. 'What?'
"I am fine." Mordekaiser said without a hint of strain to his voice. "This is but a necessary preparation for what is to come."
'What's happening to you?'
"I am the most powerful being on the Isles. That said, it is only fitting that I am its anchor..." He glanced over to her confused face. "Anima...brings the end."
'The end?'
"Of all things." Trying once again to leave her plush cell, the muse gave up and sat back down. After a few moments, the pulsing light given off from the crystals soon began to pulse in unison, as if they were a heartbeat. " Four years ago, there was a mass disturbance in the ether of the Isles. There was a mass exodus of spirits, dead, ethereal beings...The one day, the skies grew black and the Isles began to sunder. The northernmost Isle was gone within hours. Once we were able to find the source..we were met with she who wants for not...but the end of all things. Life, land, and whatever lies beyond. The ancients of old called her Anima. It is a being devoid of anything, siphoning all existence in its wake. Legends have said she would only appear when the world cried out for her. When man, beast, angel, and demon alike grew tired of strife, war...pain."
'So...what happened to her?'
"We were not prepared for the destruction she wrought. All of the Isles quaked and what beings remained on the Isles fled as far mainland as they could. In our haste, half of the remaining population was suffused into the chains that currently bind me." He said lifting an arm and furrowing his brow. "With no time to reference any greater magicks, I merged my very existence with the Isles. What remained would not be eviscerated so long as I still walked about this realm. The remaining lords of the Isles commanded the lesser spirits to protect my form not unlike a lich protects his phylactery. Evelyn, Elise, and Karthus did what they could to bind Anima. Hecarim sacrificed most of his order to sate her hunger and slow her advance. As did the gravedigger. The warden captured as many souls as he could before they could be enthralled by Anima...thus accepting the end and adding to her strength. With what souls he had at his disposal, he used them to bolster my strength. In the end, we were only able to banish her after a full day of binding spells. It would be foolish to think that we were truly the reason she retreated. Rather it seems that once realizing that she was called upon to soon, she would finally disappear...and leave us to contend with the wreckage...Anima has returned every year since then." Sona's gaze was locked to the ground, lost in thought, when she realized something.
'Four years...wait isn't that when-'
"We don't think its a mere coincidence that her arrival coincided with theirs. But the earth summoners have refused to aide is pushing her back. What we do know is...If Anima takes the shadow Isles, then the tie between this realm and the ethereal plane will all but close. There are other areas where the dead coalesces, but the Isles are by far the largest...Without them, schools of magic will be rendered useless, and those who pass this life with regrets tying them to the realm of the living...will stay as soulless ghouls until eradicated. No chance at redemption, no chance for eternal rest. Worse still...If we fail the Isles...Anima will move to the rest of Runeterra. And once she has gorged herself and made this world no more...the stars are next." Sona took her time trying to process all that was being told to her. The literal end of life as she knew it was approaching...and she was bound to a couch. Steeling her nerves, she looked up.
'What can I do to help you?' Mordekaiser turned to her. Though his helmet obscured his countenance, she could recognizes the warm look in his eyes.
"Other than returning to the Institute, as you have done in previous years?" Sona puffed out her cheeks, eliciting a dark chuckle from the revenant. "Do you remember the incantation I told you?" She nodded. "As I said before, if I fall and you call for me and I do not respond. Recite that incantation." Raising her arm to her chest, she nodded again. "If Evelyn fails to bind Anima, and the rest of the lords fall protecting me...Recite the incantation." Both confused and slightly worried, Sona began to ask why. "Sona...Do you promise to recite the incantation?"
'I don't even know what it does-'
"It will aide me when the situation is at its most dire." Still unsure, but trusting, Sona nodded once more. "Until such a time comes, your presence is all I require, my love." A genuine smile spread across her features as Mordekaiser focused on maintaining the Integrity of the Isles with his very soul.
~.~
"Anything else, mistress?" Yorick said as he finished preparing the wards, stones, and ether receptacles. Evelyn sighed and looked around her. They were on the beach of the west most Isle looking toward the mainland. The shambling dead filled the shallows, in essence becoming a walking wall of flesh. A large ten pronged star was drawn further inland in hallowed ether. Wisps were being contained in crystal circled around the start, ready to be released when needed. Evelynn herself had wards made of enchanted ink and parchment floating about her person as she walked to the center of the star.
"All we can do now-" She then slumped to the ground propping her hands behind her. "Is wait..." Yorick gave a small bow and turned towards the wall of shambling dead. Rolling her eyes, Evelynn made a few inert crystals float from one hand to another. Though she has had this responsibility since the beginning, fear always raked through her being. Yet today, her breath did not hitch, and even with the end not even an hour away, the thought didn't even make her flinch.
Unbeknownst to her, the gravedigger had a invisible wisp floating around her, specifically tempered to her being. Draining all negative thoughts, and bolstering her vitality.
If no one would remember him, he hoped that his actions would be.
~.~
A wave a soothing notes careen across the Isles as the lich began to guide his chorus. His arms and fingers guiding his banshees, sirens, and lesser liches to emit sonorous melodies that were to resound upon the isles. Behind him, the spider queen had just finished getting her spiderlings into formation. A cavalry of about 1000 arachnids formed a protective formation in front of the massive orchestra.
"Having fun, darling?" Elise said with a smirk.
"Boat-fulls..." The lich said flatly as he continued his ministrations. As she watched him work, she notices a slightly red aura forming at the feet of her spiderlings. The lich glanced at her and noticed her slight confusion. "This is a battle melody. I'm not hurting you little ones...unfortunately."
"Hmph, oh I know darling, I know." She walked to his side as he paused his orchestrating, but his chorus still sang. "Taking a break are we?"
"They know the tune..." Karthus gave her a slightly dark glance.
"Ah..." They both sat on a stone bench near a decrepit brick home near a beach on the south most isle. "...You know darling, I don't think I've ever heard any other song besides this one during this." She motioned to the purple-gray sky with a weak gesture of her hand. Karthus rested his elbows on his knees and placed his chin on the back of his hands. Elise gave him a confused look.
"Theres no need to change the tune...not yet."
"I suppose, 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' applies here as well?"
"No..." He said heavily as he rolled his shoulders and began guiding his chorus again. "Because the only time we'll ever need a new tune...is the same time Hecarim and his army dies."
~.~
On the Isle furthest to the east, a phalanx of warriors, both centaur and specter on horseback were charging into a wall of darkness. The air about them stood still, and not a sound was too be heard as their weapons clashed with what felt like an abyss. Towering over them, with two specks of white orbs hundred of thousands of miles up, stood the being known as Anima. Surrounded by a red aura at their feet, and the melody of the lich bellowing in their souls, the warriors resisted being swallowed by the embodiment of nothing...for now.
About 50 lines behind stood the centaur as he watched the first of his ranks seemingly push back the darkness. His men had been locked in this position for about three hours and the situation had not changed. Good, Hecarim thought as he turned towards his lords abode. The once empty sky now had a dim red beam that pulsed every few seconds. They just had to hold until the incantations were complete. He hasn't lost any men in the last three years...he hoped he could add another year to that number.
~.~
About a mile or so from his lord's abode stood the warden. Around him floated over 1000 enthralled souls souls, weeping and begging for the end. He stood on a rune circle similar to master of metal's but without the anchoring chains. This was but a way to siphon the souls energy directly to his target easily. Where he stood was but a nondescript field with a few tattered stone arches that fell upon marshy grass. The distance between him and his lords abode was to ensure no excess energy was siphoned until needed.
The warden gazed to the sky. The whole operation had been going on five hours and the light pulsing from his lord's abode was nearly solid now. Nearly time...Pushing the bottom of his cloak back a little, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a short stick of cinnamon. He took a small bite and continued his vigil, waiting to play his part.
~.~
The maven's eyes were heavy, but she couldn't bring herself to sleep as she watched the master of metal heave and pull at the red chains that bound him. In the the hours before, binding upon Mordekaiser began to spark and grow brighter as time progressed. It had been over 15 hours and now, the master of metal was engulfed in a globe of red light and the crystal around him spun with a fervor. Suddenly, his eyes sprang open and he said.
"Hecarim..." He voiced boomed throughout the room, slightly knocking the maven back into her seat. "It's time..."
~.~
Upon hearing his lords command, Hecarim rallied his men, and as one the remaining lines, including himself charged towards Anima.
Karthus' voice roared alongside his chorus as a large and solid red beam of light began to pierce the thick clouds in the sky. Elise placed a had on his back and joined in the melody.
Evelynn plucked one of her floating wards and pressed it to the center of the ten pronged star she stood on. Once the ward touched the rune, it ignited and the demoness ran out watching as the star began to pulse red.
"Come on..." She whispered as she watched the beam in the sky begin to branch towards the hulking dark being to the north. Yorick silently dismissed the wisp around her and readied his ghouls for whatever may come.
Taking one soul and igniting the circle below him, the warden watched as it began to pulse red. Once the connection was steady he began to file souls into the circle one by one.
Mordekaiser slowly stood, bucking against the chains that held him until they finally broke. Outside, the tendril that had branched from the red beam had reached Anima. Large runes began to encircle the enormous mass of darkness. Undettered, the equine warriors continued their assault on the being.
"Do not falter!" Hecarim roared as they continued their attacks. Slowly the runes began to fully encompass the wall of darkness. Soon, the warriors began to tire as the strength was sapped from there. There was a pulse of grey smoke that spread throughout the isles. All of the lords and the maven faltered to their knees .
Mordekaiser looked at Sona, who was hunched over within her protective barrier. Raising his arms slowly, he then slammed them to the ground, the circle beneath him radiating a blinding white light. The beam within the sky echoed the shining color and soon, the clods began to thin.
Anima moved her white orbs towards the source of the light, watching as the runes began to piece her being. After a few moments, with a large gust or chilling purple smoke, she disappeared. The warriors fell to the ground as their target dissipated and with what little strength they had left, let our roars of triumph. Hecarim collapsed on the ground, his strength all but exhausted, and the remaining purple mist sapping whatever energy he had left. As he lost consciousness, his men carried him back to their barracks, slowly, but with pride for their leader.
The lich and the spider-queen had been drained of their energy as they expended what they had within themselves to conjure a protective shield from the purple mist around the orchestra. As the threat of the end was finally gone, bone fell unconscious from the strain of their combined spells. The banshees carried Karthus to his abode within the mainland as did the spiderlings with their queen.
Yorick slowly limped towards his lords abode with a few of his ghouls for protection. He was immensely weak and the fact that he could even move was a miracle, but he still had work to be done. Slightly behind him, being guarded by more ghouls than his person, was Evelynn. Her limp body being carried by his maiden. He was within a mile or so of Mordekaiser's abode, and the white beam of light had all but dispersed. He stopped and motioned his ghouls towards his quarry. The warden was picked up and carried by about seven ghouls. Overlooking the bodies of both of his superiors one last time, he instructed his maiden to take Evelynn to the spider queen's quarters, and the warden to his home. Once they were out of site, Yorick teleported the remaining souls within the area to the warden's personal quarters. Letting out one last breath, the gravedigger crumpled to the ground in exhaustion, finally able to rest.
Mordekaiser began to stir when he felt a light weight on his arm. Slowly rising from the floor, he noticed the maven's chair empty. Looking towards his arm he saw a pale Sona weakly clutching his arm, dried streaks of tears down her cheeks. She was breathing, steady and strong, but she was obviously slightly rattled. After orienting himself, he brought them both to his bedroom. Carefully laying her on the bed. He removed his armor. After carefully placing his helmet on a side table he carefully took his place st her side. He tried his best to wrap an arm around her, but he succumbed to exhaustion, as soon as his body hit the sheets.
~.~
It was a dark and rainy October night. A few blocks from the Institute was a high end bar run by Gragas under the name of, The Leaky Cask. On one of the stools by the bar sat a slightly buzzed TF. He was current nursing him third margarita as a smug voice behind him started guzzling down their fifth shot of whiskey.
"I fucking told you man..." Graves said as he waved down a bartender for a sixth shot. "Just 'cause the summoners force you to get a matching skin don't mean shit. You barely even knew her before that."
"You've been saying this every time for haw many years now?" TF said with a slight slur.
"And I'll keep saying it till you fuckin' listen"
"And I thought you didn't care, I'm touched." He said with a smirk. Graves scoffed. "...She'll be back."
"But one day she won't-" Before he could down his current shot, he noticed the card shark cast his gaze down towards the bar table. His teeth wedged shut. "Fuck I mean..." He shakily placed a hand on shivering mans shoulder. "Tobias-"
"Bloody Mary Ludwig." Came a happy voice from behind the men. Both turned in shock. " And put it on his tab." Evelyn said as he pointed to Graves and taking her seat at a stool next to TF. "What's wrong boys?" She said with a smirk and she took in TF's teary smile and Graves' look of contempt. The Bartender gave her her drink and she took a sip. "You both look like you've seen a ghost."
~.~
"I don't understand how you can watch this..." Karthus whined as he inhaled another fist-full of caramel corn. He was seated on the spider queen's large purple could in her dorm as Monster's University played on the big screen in front of them. "How is that orange abomination a pig anyway?" Elise curled up into her blanket as she sat to the opposite side of him on the couch.
"Who was the one texting me and Evelynn for help after Mordekaiser cracked your jaw...again." Karthus let out a huff as she giggled. "Well we did fix you up. You're free to leave whenever, darling." Karthus shifted under his own blanket and silence descended upon them.
"Misery loves company I suppose."
"Oh I'm not miserable darling." Elise said with a smile.
"True...Though I was talking about myself." He grabbed another fist full of popcorn. "But Evelynn isn't here and we both know-" He gave he a slight smirk. "You do get lonely." Chuckling to herself and taking a sip of her wine she replied.
"Whatever you say, darling."
~.~
"I told you." Soraka said as she balanced her phone on her shoulder while making some tea for herself. "No need to promise when facts are facts." A heavy chuckles came from the other end of the line. "So, you're pretty messed up huh?"
"I recovered mostly, I'm just making sure my order is at full strength." Hecarim said.
"Ah ok. Oh yea! Apparently-" They're idle conversation continued on.
Outside of the starchild's door a figure stood with a purple rose and a well printed card. Before they placed the gifts down at her doorstep they hear muffled laughs and joyous talks. Pulling the items back to his chest. He sighed and gave her door a light touch before walking towards the stairs.
~.~
The rain that had started at the beginning of the night just got heavier. The cold and raging waters beat down on the nearly bare branches of the cinnamon tree. The Institute had long closed and the lights illuminating from all parts besides the dorms were dimmed. The warden looked out towards the near empty building and the gilded lamps that adorned to bottom walkways.
He bit off a piece from his slightly wet cinnamon stick and rested his head back against the drenched bark. He was still very weak, like the rest of his brethren, but he was calm. The worst, for now, was over. He was still walking amongst the living. He could still perform his craft. And best of all-
The squelch of grass and hurried steps filled his ears. After a few moments, he no longer felt the heavy patter of rain upon his skull. Looking up he couldn't help but smirk at the five pairs of angry eyes bearing down upon him. He barely had the chance to laugh as he was pulled from the ground and assaulted with question after question while also being pushed down the hill towards the dorms. His steps were full of limps, his green glow dim, and his trains of thought fleeting. But the rowdy bunch never let him falter.
Oh yes, best of all...
"So when the actual fuck were you gonna tell us you were back!?" Ahri yelled as they placed thresh onto her couch. As they all stared in anticipation, anger, and a bit of relief, the warden couldn't help but let out a weak, yet slightly manic laugh.
..He got to see his vixen, and their band of misfits again.
Legit...I wrote the first 5k words of this months ago and when I reread this to restart writing this...i choke up...The heck is wrong with me!? Anyway...Whose ready for an arc? :3 Soooo, Why is Graves so mean? When will Karthus stop giving Morde a reason to punch him? And what about Christmas nonsense? All these will be answered...eventually! Stay squishy~