Author's notes:

2021-09-12: Hey, a short preview of the next chapter is here. I wanted you to know what I'm currently working on. I originally wrote this text in Polish in the middle of 2017/2018.

2021-09-16: Hey, the chapter was released finally. I have decided to split it into two parts. Due to the shortage of free time as of recent, I prefer to write/translate shorter texts. I hope you understand that :)

Don't forget to comment. I really appreciate your feedback.

Note that the dialogues written in italic are thoughts.

As always, I would like to thank you for everything. See you soon :)

Changelog:
[2021-09-12]: A preview was released.
[2021-09-16]: A chapter was fully released.

Info: The exact results of the last poll:
Service: strawpoll
Hash: h5q1ebwe6

Info: I will be trying to focus on finishing some of the stories, rewriting some parts.

Schedule for the nearest future:
1. My home is where my heart lies.
2. Family tree.
3. The rise of the Blood Moons' servants.
4. Fully original story.
5. Story of one lost soul.
6. Will you look past my mistakes?
7. Last Christmas.

Bonuses' section:
A new story taking place in the Warhammer 40k universe.
A story regarding KaiKali (aka Akali x Kai'sa) (Will you look past my mistakes?).
Sometimes it's just better not to know (possibly rewrite).
Kiss the rain (more than likely rewrite).
Whispers in the Dark (extending beyond 2 chapters story).
Story of one lost soul (translation of 2 of my old texts - previously written in polish).
Story of one lost soul: The war call: rewrite.

*bonuses will be worked on when I don't feel like writing the chapters pointed out in the schedule :D

** It is possible for me to change the schedule a little. So stay tuned for the upcoming information.

End of author's notes.

The top levels of the Institute of War had been massively changed, adjusted for tonight. They were reformed into smaller or bigger arenas. In the air, an enormously large display was hanging, supported by powerful magic. Currently, its surface was of a snow-white colour, but it was evident that it would be used to present something or someone soon.

Tonight had been announced as a special day for the Institute and the heroes living and fighting there. After all, only a couple of hours ago, the final day of the league's current season was concluded. Even though it was not the first season that had come to pass, the champions never had been rewarded with something special. However, it had not been revealed what would be a reward. Still, everyone was happy; the change was wordlessly welcomed.

The decision to celebrate the final day of the competition was said to be lurking in summoners' private conversation for quite some time. But, unfortunately, there was no way to prove or disprove that statement. So, most of the heroes had given the summoners the benefit of the doubt.

That being said, the current scenery could not have been named impressive. Quite frankly, there was nothing there. Aside from the nearly unlimited free space, of course.

All of the Institute's champions gathered on the largest of the platforms. They were scattered all over it, divided into smaller groups. But, of course, the reasoning behind such behaviour could be revealed nearly instantly. Even though they were fighting and living here, their origins were different. The majority of the heroes had opted to name themselves as the citizens of their nations. Only after that label they would accept being called the champions of the league. And... it was not a secret that there was no love between nations.

In most cases, it would have led only to vulgar verbal conversations, arguments. However, it could not have been called a rule. Sometimes, the situation had got out of the hand quite quickly, and the steel had been drawn. It was fair to say that the blood had been spilt inside the Institute's main building.

The moment everyone had been finally gathered onto the platform, the display began flickering. Finally, after only a couple of moments, the face of the High Councilor showed. Vessaria Kolminye was rarely seen in the Institute. So, the current situation must have been regarded as a top priority.

"Welcome, the champions of the league," she greeted with respect filling her voice. "It has been an unusual year for all of us. We - as the community - faced many problems, misfortunes. However, we have dealt with them as one. As a result, our roster has been expanded significantly. It pleases me to see our work flourishing, thriving. It has always been the primary goal of the league to unit all possible nations. We seek peace when the others seek war. We are the guardian of this realm. And... I will be damned if I let it crumble on my watch," she finished her lengthy speech.

Frankly, all of the champions looked at the Councilor. They were confused; after all, they had expected something entirely different.

"Ahhh," the Institute's leader sighed heavily. "I beg your pardon, champions. I have an awful habit of making pompous speeches. It is like a frenzy of sorts; it is challenging to regain control over myself once it begins," she explained. A hint of guilt and embarrassment could be heard in her usually stoic tone.

"What I have truly wanted to say," the leader resumed after a couple of moments of silence. "I wanted to thank you for your cooperation, dedication toward our goals, values. So, we - as summoners - have decided to reward you a little. You fought teeth and nails for the entirety of the season. Now, it is time for you to relax. So, let us do at least that," she added.

Without uttering a single word more, her face faded away, leaving the display in its original state. It would not have been an understatement to say that everyone was confused. After all, the Councilor had not even mentioned what would the reward look like.

Within the next couple of moments, the platforms started to shake visibly.

"Gather at the very centre of the platform. We need space to build the stages," the voice of the league's leader sounded again.

The request was followed without a moment of hesitation. Right before the champions' eyes, the dozens of boxes began pilling up. Then, the walls started to be built. In any other situation, it could be considered an incredible display of magical prowess. However, currently, no one thought about it in such a category.

It was honestly amazing how fast the free space was being divided into smaller chunks and then prepared. The whole process might not have taken more than a couple of minutes. It was incredible.

Soon enough, the heroes were faced with reality. Before each of the divided sections, the gate stood with a sign. The summoners decided to reward them with the musical performances apparently. Each box was reserved for a different genre, so everyone could find something for themselves.

Within moments, the utter chaos erupted. The champions started to run back and forth, seeking the box with the most relaxing music for them. Still, a decent portion of the heroes decided to refresh themselves before they would search their place for tonight.

It was already a late night before everything was truly prepared. A warm wind was occasionally blowing, bringing some needed cooling. Even though it was already past midnight, the heat of the day had not faded away entirely. The temperature was still high and mixed with high humidity; some of the champions were sweating intensively. The dark skies were clear. Not even a single fluffy cloud could be spotted all over the visible horizon.

Quinn did not like the weather that much; however, thankfully, it was not affecting her that much. It seemed that spending years of her life behind the enemy lines and mainly living in woods could make the body resistant to some inconveniences. Even though she would not have said it aloud, she was thankful for that little side park connected with her previous job.

For tonight, the ex-scout decided to dress up casually. After all, it would be a weird experience to go to the metal section dressed like a doll. Her black as night leather jacket had seen better days. After a moment of thinking, the red-haired woman could not say with certainty how long she had it. Underneath it, the plain, casual grey tee was presented. It was possibly one of the oldest pieces of clothing she possessed. So, she would have been okay with it not making it through the night. The skin-tight pants matched the jacket's colour. The scout was not entirely sure what the hell had come to her to wear it in the very first place. Of course, it was exposing and highlighting her long legs, but it was so uncomfortable at the same time. Still, it was a far better choice than her current boots. A quick, silent prayer was offered to some gods residing in the heavens above. Out of all miserable decisions she could have made, the redhead had chosen the worst possible one. She had decided to wear heeled boots in the colour of the blood.

Quinn's makeup was light. It was nothing more than a couple brushes to highlight her beautiful face. But, frankly, she would not have got any further. She was a woman, yet she disliked interfering with what nature had in store for her. The ex-scout just did not want to look like some doll. Still, it was sad that many women tried to enhance their look far too much, in her honest opinion. Her long hair of bloody-red colour was put into a high ponytail. That way, it did get caught into zippers far rarely than otherwise.

Her go-to zone was the box specifically reserved for the heavier sounds, so to speak. In the so-called 'metal zone', the Pentakill's gig was planned. Or… at least, she learnt that much from the scraps of information she had been able to obtain. It was said that the band would - of course - perform their own songs; however, there might be some covers in the store for tonight. Another rumour that had caught her attention had stated there would have been some changes within the band. Apparently, Pentakill had picked up or was about to pick up a female vocalist. But, it would not be the end of the roster changes. Some people had been talking about Mordekaiser leaving the group, leaving a place for two new members. In the original squad, Mordekaiser had been responsible for both lead and backup guitar. Even though it might have been a really challenging and taxing task, he had performed phenomenally. His riffs and solos – at least in Quinn's mind – had been the clue that had made the band successful. It would have been an unfortunate moment if that rumour had turned out true.

However, nothing was set in stone as of now. Therefore, these might have been rumours amongst the community with little to no truth inside them. After all, there had been no Pentakill's concerts within the recent months. So, it would be the safest bet to just wait for the band to clarify the situation.

The ex-scout was brought into the realm of the heavier sounds many years ago. She remembered playing the drums when she was younger. However, it had been many years since she was regularly practising. Currently, all she could afford in terms of time was a short weekly session, at most. Sometimes, crazy ideas were coming to her mind. For example, there had been a time when she had been so frustrated with her lack of time. She had been so upset with that that she had nearly quitted her job. All she had wanted back then had been to play the drums for the living. Thankfully, the more realistic part of her subconsciousness had reacted in time, preventing the imminent disaster.

A heavy, extended sigh was allowed to leave her slightly tightened throat.

On her way toward the so-called 'metal box', she had met many of her peers. Still, it must have been admitted that seeing so many league champions gathered in one place was a rare sight. It seemed that everyone needed a moment to catch their breaths. Some even forgot about their nasty daily image, choosing to cloth entirely differently. Even more so, some of the champions forgot – at least for tonight – about their quarrels. So, they decided to have a bit of fun. The perfect example of it would have been Lissandra. Quinn would have had a tough challenge ahead of herself if she had to name a single day when the ice-witch had not tried to kill Ashe. But, currently, she was dancing alongside the archer queen in the so-called 'modern music' zone. The amount and intensity of bass coming from there could have easily stunned a person who was not used to such loud intensive rhythms. However, it must have been acknowledged that the dancefloor seemed to be on fire.

After a couple of prolonged minutes, the redheaded woman reached her destination. And… frankly, she could not have been surprised more. After all, there were many champions that the ex-scout would have never expected to find here. On top of that, it might have been safe to state that this particular zone was slightly overcrowded.

It took her only a couple of moments to spot the very first of jaw-breaking surprises of that night. No more than a few steps away from her, Leona and Diana were hugging each other in a very intimate manner. Even though they were usually pretty hostile toward one another, now, they were touching, flirting, enjoying their time. The outfits of the women were pretty much identical. Both were wearing a full set of skin-tight leathery clothing with a quilted jacket to top them. Within mere seconds, the ex-scout lost sight of them. Of course, it was caused by the overcrowding, yet she wanted to say 'hi' at least. With the occasion gone, she was forced to follow the stream of people going back and forth inside the zone.

"Sheesh! Some many people are coming for the Pentakill gig," Quinn uttered in her mind. "I guess… it's the right time for me to find someplace to settle in, maybe down a beer."

Whilst wandering around the zone, she had plenty of opportunities to look around. She had seen Katarina hanging out with her stepbrother – who happened to be her boyfriend as well – and a few other tough guys from Noxus. Truth be told, Talon did not look pleased with the current situation. On his handsome face, the grimace could be spotted easily. Just a couple of steps away from them, the Demacians stood. Amongst many others, there was Garen. There was a rumour that something had been going on between the redhead and the guards' captain. Maybe… just maybe, there was more truth in that than everyone had anticipated.

Once again, she got surprised when she spotted Sejuani standing right next to Sivir and Miss Fortune. The bulkiest of the women was gesturing something extensively. Whilst the warlord from the North had decided to follow the common clothing standards of the metal genre, the other two had opted for something else. The mercenary and Sarah had tight long dark dresses on themselves. Even a single glance was enough to say that they looked phenomenally in these clothes. Without anything better to do, the ex-scout thought it would be a good idea to hang out with them. After all, it was the reasoning behind tonight's celebration – to have fun.

"Hello," she greeted three women whilst still approaching them. Unfortunately, due to the already loud noises ruling in the zone, she needed to almost shout to be heard. "How are you?"

"Wow… just wow!" Sivir uttered, omitting the greetings. She whistled a moment later. "Damn… Quinn, you look hella hot tonight," she commented, lustring her from her boots to her head. An unpleasant shiver ran down the red-haired woman's spine. She did not like the hunger and lust hidden inside that gaze. "But… you could still do better, I guess. You could just reveal a little more, expose more flesh. I'm pretty sure no one would be upset if you did," she added with a small smile playing on her lips.

"Sivir! Don't look at her like that!" Sarah reprimanded her friend. "And… I mean it, you keep doing so, and in no time, you'll start drolling. You're trying to devour her with your eyes, silly," she added playfully.

"Did you hear they have a second vocalist? To be more precise, a female vocalist?" Sejuani asked, trying to salvage an embarrassing situation.

"I heard rumours," Quinn replied immediately, thankful that the warlord had decided to act. "Have they confirmed that?" she asked curiously.

"Nah," the white-haired woman responded, shrugging nonchalantly. "However, some of my sources are giving these gossips around 90% of positivity. So, I'd bet quite a lot for that. Frankly, even more, she's so good at singing that she's scattering the weak. First, though, don't ask me how did they obtain these pieces of information," she explained briefly.

"Hey, it's seems that the show is about to begin," Sivir uttered, pointing out on the stage.

Within moments, the sole attention of all the gathered people was set on the stage located on a small elevation. The white thick cloudy fumes began pouring through the thick dark curtain. The only way in and out of the zone – the gate – closed itself, sealing everyone in. Slowly, the vapours started to climb up their legs, filling the space. Once it reached Quinn's tights, the curtain began its way up. The thick fabric of the cover was slowly being lifted up. All the gathered people held their breaths. Finally, the utter silence fell upon the zone.

It did not last long, though. Finally, after maybe a couple of prolonged moments, the curtains reached the of their journey. As soon as it happened, the Pentakill's members appeared on the stage. All five of them were there, the original lineup.

"Welcome, welcome, my dear friends," the band's leader greeted everyone with his usual rich and hoarse voice. "We have gathered here to celebrate the end of the tiring season together. Of course, it is an initiative of the summoners. But… if you asked me, screw it. It is a time for us to have some fun," he added, grinning slightly.

When the man stopped, the gathered supporters began chanting, cheering, shouting. They pretty much did all they could to show off their support toward the band.

"As much as it pains me, it must be announced finally," Karthus resumed his speech after a few moments of silence. "We will no longer play in our original lineup," he announced.

The dead silence fell upon the crowd. If someone had dropped a nail currently, its fall down would have been heard loud and clear. Even though most if not all of them had heard the rumours, it was still a shock. After all, it was the end of the era, to some extent.

"I know that it sucks," the vocalist uttered confidently. "However, in life, not always everything goes according to the plan. And… we need to accept some outcomes and adjust to them. We wanted to greet you one last time as the original band. Keep in mind, we will go forth; but, not in the same lineup. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the neverending waves of support. Though, I suppose, it is a time for us to bid farewell to the leaving members and greet the newcomers," he added.

"I guess… it's my turn to carry on the speech," Mordekaiser stated. "I'm the one leaving. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but in the end, it's the end of the line for me. I want to thank you for these months and years that we shared, to some extent. However, it's my farewell as the Pentakill's guitarist," he uttered confidently. "I had a lot of fun whilst rocking with you guys. I really had. Still, I thought that it was high time for the young blood to have the opportunity to prove themselves. These youngsters are freaking badass. It won't be an understatement if I say they're way better guitarists than I'll ever be. So, I wanted them to continue the show instead of me. Ughh… let this nonsense be over with already. I'm very happy to present to you the first of the guitarists that will replace me. Move your ass down here, Talon!" the bulky artist shouted, chuckling a little.

Once again, the complete silence fell upon the zone. The eyes of everyone were fixed on the Noxian assassin slowly making his way toward the stage. He was wearing a white, hooded coat, a dark shirt and matching elegant trousers.