CHAPTER V: Runeterra Awakens
Luckily, the week has been a lil chill so far. So, I'm sending out this chapter while I got the time. Goddamn, midterms are coming soon... Anyhoo, this chapter will serve as a "rain check" of sorts, for those who wonder what's been going on. Enjoy!
IONIA
Zhyun Island
Irelia still resented Karma a bit, though not as immensely as before, despite the fact that she broke her ethos of peace during the Noxian invasion, as she considered it still too late for the Enlightened One to make her move, even though she earned praise from Ionian society for taking action. But for this situation, they had to take action. They immediately took boats to Zhyun, where it was heavily reported a meteor crashed. Personal conflicts would be unwise in this current situation.
The port there was lively with said news. When they arrived, they were greeted per their reputation and societal standing. On the way, they asked for more information where the meteor might have landed.
An hour later, they got their closest estimate: near the Swirl Rocks to the north of the island. They immediately asked for a transport, which was a Worak, a goat-like buffalo creature well suited to the mountainous terrain awaiting for them. They then planned their provisions with the aid of a guide. On the way, Karma and Irelia further conversed on the vision they just experienced back in Ionia City.
"I have never witnessed such a vivid and horrible vision.." Irelia commented
"I say the same. To honor my word on honesty, I will tell you the full details on my experience. I was only in my usual routine of meditation, when I felt a tremendous force disrupt the harmonious balance of all energies flowing through Runeterra. When I ventured to Hirana Monastery in Ralin, I decided to enter the spirit realm consciously, as I felt that only the spirits could have the answers on what caused such a powerful surge." Karma answered
"As I said, I too felt it, but I suppose not as great as yours.."
"The spirits showed me six stones of varying colors. Just as you saw, they seem to represent a certain meaning we have yet to uncover. A gauntlet that seemed to contain all six gems, being wielded by one giant figure I have yet to know, with one snap of the fingers, sending this universe to oblivion.."
"If the visions are true, then such power is incredibly immense, even for the famed Aurelion Sol. Yet, it seemed the spirits showed us another fragment of their sights."
"Yes, the ten strangers that we have no knowledge of. I wonder what is the significance of such a band of strangers. It showed a golden crest bearing the eagle, with it shattering apart. The same color on one of those stones appeared to destroy the crest." the enlightened one thought
"What does Demacia's crest breaking is supposed to mean?"
"If I suspected earlier, the purple stone must be in its possession. If it is, then I can only assume what could happen. From the vision, the best assumption is that the green stone will be the one we will find."
"Karma, what do you really feel about all this? You're holding back."
"I feel that we are taking part of a grander plan that we have not fully realized yet, not one small bit. The stones and the strangers, I reckon, have a connection, as both do not belong to this world. The apocalyptic portion that we both have seen may only be a grim warning. I have yet to seek more information on these strange figures. If anything, they may be key to solving this problem."
"Why have you not appraoched Shen or even Yi and Lee Sin to accompany us?"
"I have decided that for now, it is best to limit involvement, as their absence could encourage Zed's forces to become more aggressive. And, the less know, the better. If the Order of Shadows learns of our mission, they may have followed us from the start. But, we will find out sooner or later."
Irelia listened intently, and was aware that everything going on can only be omens of an oncoming disaster. They would try to reach the Swirl Rocks as quickly as they can, as time was of the essence.
FRELJORD
Frostguard Citadel
Lissandra felt the force of something pound the icy lands. She became restless those following days. She wonders what such being or something felt so powerful to awaken her from her daily slumber. She immediately set her scouts to search for any sliver of information on that specific event. They spread out through the frozen wastes. She would stop at nothing to uncover the truth, and that it may serve her purpose. With a residual piece of hope that she may find a new font of power, a faint smile appeared on her lips, on the wish that she may finally rule over the lands of ice.
Across the frozen tundra...
Anivia, Ornn and Volibear had been alerted by the meteor that just crashed days prior, feeling a strange sensation of power from the impact, its energy spreading out. All three were still trying to figure out what powerful blast had just happened within the Freljord, with said event bringing them to action.
Sejuani and her Winter's Claw were trying to pinpoint the meteor's exact location, based on local reports and findings brought by her subordinates. The night it landed, the sky blazed blue, making it known to those still awake.
Ashe and Tryndamere started to receive more and more reports on the increased presence of the Frostguard. This naturally raised their vigilance, as they think that they're probably planning an attack.
SHURIMA
Xerath started to become more aggressive in his vigilance ever since something landed within the desert continent. Renekton, Nasus, and Azir were once more awakened from their slumbers due to the same thing, with them becoming more active.
Sivir, Amumu, Skarner, and even Rammus were perplexed by the surge of power they felt within the desert lands. Their attention then heightened, bringing them into motion. Taliyah felt a portion of the land crack, and had the same goal of finding the source.
IXTAL
The infamous Zyra had heard and felt the jungle's growing unease. Kha'Zix felt the disturbance, and so did Rengar. Nidalee did so too, from another section of the vast rainforests. A growing barren spot had started to encroach their territories, drawing their curiosity.
Zyra, Rise of Thorns, immediately headed to the area. She tried to grow the area over, but she noticed that her spawn immediately withered upon growing on the barren soil. She was visibly frustrated at the outcome.
PILTOVER
News of a rainbow meteor shower continued to intrigue the hextech-saturated city days after. Many adventurers were eager to try and find the locations each meteor had landed onto. Per the usual, Jinx was causing mayhem once more, needing the efforts of Caitlyn and Vi to quell her chaotic actions. Jayce was working on a new device just like always. Ezreal recently returned from an adventure in the Freljord, wondering what happened to the meteor that landed when he boarded a ship back to Piltover.
That renewed his interest despite the exhaustion. He then began to research for information on the whereabouts of the meteor back in the Freljord, and when he recently found out about the local news covering five more others, this finalized his decision to travel again.
SHADOW ISLES
Yorick eventually found the location of the source of unease from the souls he had been encountering. Karthus, Hecarim, Kalista and Thresh started to head to the same location as Yorick did, despite the fact that their encounter with each other may be unfriendly. Viego too was also given the same feeling, and he wondered what.
Elise started to take the same incentive as her spider god, Vilemaw, sensed the same thing the other denizens have. She then started to set out.
TARGON
Leona, Pantheon and even Zoe had sensed the growing unease of the energies coursing through Runeterra.
Nami too felt the unease, with her worry growing more than ever. She still had to search for the bearer of the moonstone, Diana, who had fled Targon some time ago.
Aurelion Sol had started to become more persistent in breaking free from the Targonian's leashing spells and rituals, especially the crown on his head, with the hopes that one day it will be broken so that he will have his vengeance on Runeterra.
BILGEWATER
The pirates and mercenaries were rather excited by the news of several meteors raining down on the planet. They assumed that those were prizes for the taking, and that they may contain great power or anything valuable.
Miss Fortune, Graves and Twisted Fate soon started to plan their trips. Tahm Kench didn't bother at all, neither did Pyke, who stayed for the moment. Fizz, however, swam out to the great seas searching for those fallen stars out of interest and his unexplainable feeling that they may be something.
BACK IN NEW YORK, U.S.A., EARTH
The Avengers Compound had been rather dusty and quiet with the Barn Protocol being frozen, leaving the blast doors still shut. Nobody knew what transpired within a day ago.
Finally. I got to release this chapter for y'all. I hope you liked it. Thank you!