An Angel's thief
Chapter 3: A caged rose
~ Piltover, main park.
''So you're telling me that you've fallen in love with a vigilantly thief from Piltover?'' Ahri asked confused, walking next to Kayle.
''Maybe, I'm not sure what I'm feeling when he's around…'' Kayle said hesitantly. ''I… haven't really had a serious relationship in years.'' Kayle said rubbing her arm nervously.
''Wait. So you're not sure if you love him? Atleast tell me you like him.'' Ahri asked with a skeptical look on her face.
''Believe me, my dear. Sometimes it's hard to tell if you're in love or not.'' Thresh said putting one hand on Ahri's shoulder.
''Oh please, you weren't in the same spot as she is right now.'' Ahri said turning around to face Thresh. ''You were just a grumpy old ghost back then, and that hasn't changed one bit.'' She said giggling as Thresh petted her head. ''But seriously Kayle, why do you have doubts about your feelings? This doesn't have anything to do with your past relationships does it?''
*Sigh* ''No, it hasn't.'' Kayle said looking down at the keycard she got from Oliver. ''He has a strong sense of justice, and he really wants to do the right thing. But he… his methods are wrong.'' She let out a huff before continuing. ''Looking at it as a judicator, I shouldn't fall in love with someone like him, but he…'' Kayle stopped talking, carefully biting her lip, searching for the right explanation.
''So what if your job doesn't let you love this guy? Who cares? As long as you-'' Ahri started ranting but was quickly interrupted by Thresh, who covered her mouth with his hand, pointing at Kayle who was having a small dilemma with herself.
''Let me do the talking, my dear.'' He whispered, earning a confused look from the Nine tailed fox. ''Lady Kayle, what is troubling you?''
''I… I shouldn't have feeling for him Thresh… But why?'' Kayle asked with a hurt expression on her face. ''I shouldn't have hesitated, I should have struck him down yesterday after he told me what he is. Why? Why couldn't I bring myself to do it?'' Kayle asked, as Thresh put a arm around her, motioning her to come sit on a bench the trio was passing.
''Come, sit.'' He said pulling her along, Ahri following close. ''Please start at the beginning, you two met last night, correct?'' Thresh asked earning a few nods from Kayle. ''Start there.'' He said getting comfortable on the bench, pulling Ahri closer to his person.
''Well, I did as you said, enjoy Piltover's nightlife, loosen up a bit, maybe even find meet some people. I just enjoyed it a bit too much as I didn't pay attention to my drink and well…'' Kayle said embarrassed.
''Happens to the best of us.'' Ahri said poking her head pass Thresh with a large smile. ''Oh right, sorry.'' She quickly added, silencing herself.
''This disgusting little man going by the name of Oswald Goldheart had my drink drugged. As he started sweet-talking me, I noticed something was off. I told him to get lost, but he kept pressing on, so I drenched him with my drink, infuriating him.'' Kayle explained, earning a few giggles from Ahri and making Thresh grin.
''That's what I like to hear.'' Ahri said before quickly covering her mouth again, managing a muffled. ''Sorry.''
''It turned out that this Goldheart guy is one of Piltover's most infamous gangsters.'' Kayle said as she looked down at her red heels. ''He send his Zaunite bodyguard after me. That's when I ran into Oliver, literally.'' Kayle said with a smile. ''He stared at me with this look, I've never seen anything like it. It made me feel… special.''
Kayle stopped talking for a moment, looking towards the pond across the bench. The smile never fading as she looked at a bunch of ducklings and their mother. The reflection of the last few rays of sun, glimmering over the water, making her smile even more as she enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her wings.
''That Zaunite thing grabbed a hold of me and well that Goldheart guy was going to drug me again.'' Kayle continued her story, earning worried glances from Thresh and Ahri. ''Oliver stepped in and fought that monstrosity at the cost of a few broken ribs, afterwards I fainted only to wake up in his apartment.'' Kayle said, getting up from the bench.
''So what happened next!?'' Ahri jumped up from the bench excitedly, following Kayle closely. ''Please don't leave it to my imagination, please, please, pleaseeeee.'' She pleated.
''We wouldn't want that now would we?'' Thresh said with a devilish grin. ''We all know where your imagination goes, when left unchecked.'' Thresh said laughing maniacally at his own joke, earning bored looks from both ladies.
''You too Thresh? Really? I expected better from you.'' Kayle said with a huff. ''Very well, no we didn't go that far. We just talked over a glass of wine or two, or three, or four, or more… I let myself go, ok?'' Kayle explained embarrassed.
''Oooh drunken love, just because you don't remember doesn't mean that it didn't happen you know?'' Ahri said with a grin.
''No! Ehem, we just kissed…'' Kayle said, making strange motions with her hands, her face taking on a crimson shade out of embarrassment. ''I-I tried to press my luck with him, trying to go even further in my drunken state, but…''
''But what!?'' The two champions asked, their voices filled with excitement.
''He stopped me.'' Kayle said. ''That's when I realized that he's special, any other man would have taken advantage of me, I'm sure, but he… he didn't, he saw that deep down, I didn't want it.'' She said with a slight pink blush finding its way onto her cheeks. ''There's something about him that makes me feel something… I don't know what it is… Maybe it's the way he looks at me or the way he talks…'' Kayle said, a hint of insecurity in her voice.
''I'm no expert on love lady Kayle, but it sounds like you're at a crossroad.'' Thresh said thinking about what Kayle was telling. ''If I were you, I'd get to know this interesting fellow, you never know what could be, if you don't give it a shot.''
''You should totally try and get him drunk! See what he does! Maybe he'll spill some sweet thieving tricks or something!'' Ahri said joining in before walking into Thresh' back. ''Hey! Why did we stop all of a sudden?'' She asked rubbing her nose.
''We're here.'' Kayle said using the keycard to open the door to the apartment building. ''Nice place isn't it?'' She giggled as Thresh and Ahri looked around the lobby wide eyed.
''Thresh! Thresh! Thresh! We should totally get one of those chandeliers aswell.'' Ahri yelled as she pointed at one of the crystal chandeliers excitedly.
''Next thing you're going to tell me that you want a gargoyle above your door aswell.'' The warden said, letting out a sigh with a smile.
''You could always ask Galio for a good sculptor.'' Kayle said hiding a smile, while pressing a button on the elevator. ''I'm sure he'll knows someone who can make a nice gargoyle for above your door.''
''Well either that or he'll tell me that he's a colossus and not a gargoyle for the millionth time.'' Ahri said with a scowl. ''Anyway… This place is beautiful! What floor does he live on?'' She asked, standing next to the warden.
''Penthouse.'' Kayle said quickly, ignoring the surprised glances from her fellow champions. ''It's a long story, I guess he'll tell it again once we're there.'' She added after a moment of enjoying the surprise of the duo.
As the elevator opened, the trio walked out on the crowded elevator. (Due to a pair of wings and nine tails.) Kayle noticed the door to the apartment was open and increased her pace, opening the door. ''OLIVER!'' She yelled as she found the vigilante on the floor, out cold.
''Leave this to me.'' Thresh said with a sigh, taking a look at him before picking up the unconscious form of the man. ''You two sit down, I'll see what I can do.''
~ Institute of War, Keg breaker bar.
*BZZZZT* *BZZZZT*
''I think you just got a text.'' Riven said, pointing at the pink phone on the table. ''Vi? Hey pinky get up.'' She said nudging the pinkette.
''Whaaaa?'' Vi asked sleepily lifting her head from the table.
''Cait's been bombarding you with paperwork again?'' Riven asked nudging the pinkette in the side. ''Or have you two been doing other things again, late at night?'' She asked, letting out a laugh.
''Ugh, I wish. It's that whole museum theft thing. Cait's been stressing about it. The fact that such a deadly artifact was stolen from the Institute is just problematic.'' Vi said rubbing her eyes before taking another swig from her beer. ''Not to mention that Kolminye wants the artifact back, so she's all over the case aswell.''
''So what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be helping Cait out or something?'' Riven asked, raising an eyebrow.
''Hell no! I've been busting my ass off. I deserve this time off.'' Vi said putting down the beer glass with a loud thud. ''That and Cait thinks I'm digging for information right now.'' She said with a grin.
''And instead here you're drinking and passing out.'' Riven said with a sigh. ''Sometimes I wonder if you even care about keeping your job.''
''Hey! You're running from your responsibilities too! I haven't seen you talk to paintbrush yet! You got no right to call me out.'' Vi said, pointing her empty glass at the white haired woman, who was rather flustered by the comment.
''I don't know what you're talking about.'' Riven said hiding her blush by looking away. ''He's just an asshole.''
''An asshole who's live you've destroyed and fell in love with.'' Vi said nudging Riven. ''C'mon let me help you out with that one sometimes.''
''And how will you help me with my little problem, hmmm?'' Riven asked annoyed.
''Well… I know a couple of nice restaurants in Piltover.'' Vi said, trying to come up with more things to say. ''Uuuuuh, minus the seafood restaurant, that place got wrecked.'' Vi said laughing.
''So I've heard. What happened?'' Riven asked, quickly changing the subject and ordering herself another drink. ''Something with a Zaunite monstrosity right?''
''Yeah, lucky us that a few champions were having dinner at the place. Who knows what could have happened if it was just civilians in there.'' Vi said letting out a sigh of relief.
''Well as nice as your offer sounds, I couldn't pay for a meal at such an expensive place anyway, let alone for two.'' Riven said letting out a long sigh. ''Anyway enough depressing talk, you got a text on your phone. That's why I woke you up.''
''Aw, you're going soft one me aren't you little bunny.'' Vi said taking a look at her phone.
''What's that supposed to mean? And don't mention that skin please, it's awful enough that I have to wear it so much, damn perverted summoners.'' Riven said with a scowl. ''So what's that message about anyway?''
''Oh it's just Ahri teasing Kayle about some guy they met in Piltover over the weekend.'' Vi said typing away at her phone. ''Nothing important, have a look.'' She said sliding over the phone to Riven.
''Wait there's a girls group chat and I'm not in it?'' Riven asked, reading some of the messages. ''Vi you should have told me!''
''Wait you have a phone?'' Vi asked, earning herself a punch to the shoulder and a few laughs. ''Alright, alright, I'll do a good word for you with Ahri.'' Vi said brushing her shoulder.
''Well he seems like a nice guy.'' Riven said handing the phone back to Vi.
''Wait they send a picture!? Show me!'' Vi said snatching the phone back from Riven. ''Well if that's what Kayle's into.'' Vi said putting her phone away.
''Officer, I thought I would find you here. May I ask for a moment of your time?''
''Sure Morgana, what can I do for you?'' Vi asked confused. ''We haven't really talked outside of Rift matches have we?'' Vi asked, raising an eyebrow.
''Well I had someone tell me a little something about that thief you've been looking for.'' Morgana said, her eyes never meeting Vi's. ''Are you interested officer?''
''Depends who told you.'' Vi said uninterested. ''I've been on a wild goose chase before, not that I don't trust you or anything.'' She said trying to take another swig from her empty glass. ''Damn could have sworn that I had some left in there.'' Vi said, pouting slightly.
''Officer, this is a video of what really happened at the restaurant this evening.'' Morgana said taking out her phone. ''Notice how that thing charged into the restaurant with someone else?'' She asked giving Vi the phone. ''Just look for yourself.''
As Riven and Vi looked at the fight between the Zaunite giant, a hooded figure and the Chain Warden, Vi's eyes went wide as she noticed the weapon of choice, chosen by the hooded figure.
''Wait isn't that the artifact you've been chasing?'' Riven asked looking at the video. ''Morgana where did you get this?''
''I have my ways.'' Morgana said, inspecting her nails before getting up from her seat at the table, taking back her phone. ''Now officer I am willing to share my finding here with you, but you will have to do something for me in return.'' She said with a malicious smile.
''Uhm, sure… What do I owe you? And don't say a night out because cupcake would kill me.'' Vi said with a sly smile.
''I wouldn't dare get between you two.'' Morgana said hiding her smile behind one of her hands. ''I need you and you're 'cupcake' to check out the nightclub district in Piltover tonight, you'd be surprised what you'll find.'' Morgana said before taking her leave.
''You're not actually trusting her right?'' Riven asked, her eyebrow raised in disbelief. ''I mean sure that video was legit but we both know she can't be trusted. Vi? Pinky?'' Riven asked looking around, noticing the pinkette was already paying for their drinks. ''Are you kidding me?''
''What? I paid for the drinks this time, no need to thank me.'' Vi said trying to walk off before being stopped by Riven. ''Wha? Riv, let go of me.''
''Vi, she is playing you, I can feel it.'' Riven said, giving the pinkette a worried look.
''C'mon she's just trying to help, for all I know she only hates her sister. And last time I checked, I'm not her sister.'' Vi said freeing herself from Riven's grasp.
''Well suit yourself, but don't come crying for help once things go south.'' Riven said shrugging off her suspicion.
''I suppose I don't have to get you and a curtain living paintbrush reservations for a fancy dinner either?'' Vi said, catching Riven off guard. ''I'm just kidding, I'll see what I can do.'' With that the pinkette took her leave, running out of the bar, leaving a flustered Riven behind.
''Living paintbrush? I hope that wasn't about me.'' A voice asked coming from behind Riven startling her.
~ Institute of War, woman's apartments.
*KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK*
''CUPCAKE WAKE UP!CUPCAKE, CUPCAKE, CAIT WAKE UP!''
*KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK*
A door down the hall opened revealing an annoyed Fiora, clothed in shorts and a top with a Demacian logo on it. ''Can you kiep iet down? I need my sliep!'' She yelled down the hall.
''Don't worry about your beauty sleep, you don't need it.'' Vi said calmly. ''No one thinks you're pretty anyway.'' She snapped back.
''Ugh.'' Fiora managed before sticking up her middle finger before slamming her door shut behind her.
''Heh, that'll show her.'' Vi said crossing her arms, turning back to the sheriff's door, which was now open, revealing an annoyed Caitlyn with bags underneath her eyes. ''Ah, shitake mushrooms.''
''Where have you been?'' Caitlyn asked, tapping one of her feet impatiently. ''You were drinking again weren't you? Don't try to lie, I can smell that you reek of alcohol.'' She said getting mad.
''Well… for the longest time yes.'' Vi said nervously, making Caitlyn sigh loudly as she slowly closed the door. ''But!'' Vi yelled, stopping the door with her foot. ''I got some information that might interest you.'' Vi said taking out her phone, showing Caitlyn the video.
''Oh my, Vi where did you get this?'' Caitlyn asked, opening the door for her partner, letting her into her messy room.
''And I thought my room was a mess…'' Vi whispered, looking around Caitlyn's room, picking up a stack of clothes and putting them in a closet. ''Cait how long have you been up for this room to be such a mess?''
''Since the museum got robbed.'' Caitlyn said inspecting the video.
''Damn, how many times did you go undercover? Look at this place, there's clothes everywhere.'' Vi said picking up a bra which was laying on the bed, with a grin.
''You put that back where you found it.'' Caitlyn said, not even looking into Vi's direction. ''I am surprised you managed to get something like this. Where did you get it?'' Caitlyn asked.
''Morgana came to me with it.'' Vi said, quickly putting the bra back on the bed.
''The Fallen Angel?'' Caitlyn asked confused, earning a nod from the pinkette. ''I suppose you owe her one now?''
''Yup, but she cashed it in instantly. That's why I'm here.'' Vi said taking her phone back. ''She wants us to patrol the nightclub district in Piltover, said something about finding something interesting there.'' Vi explained, shrugging off the strange request.
''The both of us?'' Caitlyn asked, getting more and more confused by the minute.
''That's what she requested.'' Vi said, stretching her arms. ''So can I get my gauntlets from the safe or what? I know you have the key.'' She said grinning.
''Fine, let's get going. I don't like being in debt.'' Caitlyn said picking up her rifle.
~ Piltover, high-end apartment complex, penthouse, bedroom.
''Ugh… looks like I've found my limit.'' I said, holding my head. ''WOAH!'' I yelled, nearly jumping out of my bed as a blue orb floated near me, tethered to my body.
''Calm down Oliver. You're going to be fine. It's me Kayle'' A friendly voice said as a hand found its way onto my shoulder, holding me in place. ''You're save.''
''What is this… thing tethered to my body?'' I asked alarmed, trying to touch the orb.
''Don't touch that, it's mine.'' A voice said. Coming into the room was Ahri, The Nine Tailed Fox followed by the man that helped me fight Lobo, Thresh, The Chain Warden. ''It's been feeding you magic energy, enough to get you up and running again I see.''
''Oh boy more magic, just what I needed.'' I said annoyed, getting out of bed.
''Care to explain what happened to you? It isn't normal for people to pass out due to depleting their mana.'' Kayle said, avoiding looking at me. ''And please put a shirt on or something.''
''Remember when I said that I didn't know the limit of my powers?'' I asked, taking a shirt from my closet and putting it on. ''Well it seems like I found it.'' I said, letting out a groan while holding my head.
''You should take it easy, my orb might have given you back some energy, but it's definitely not enough to go around opening those tears everywhere.'' Ahri said, making the blue orb disappear with the flick of her hand.
''How do you know that I call my portals tears?'' I asked, giving Ahri a questioning look, making her giggle.
''I told them ofcourse.'' Kayle said, getting up from her seat on the bed. ''Everything.''
''Oh, well that's just great.'' I said, getting annoyed. ''What's next? You know what? Why don't you just tell everyone at the League about me? I'm sure the PCPD would just love to hear about my whereabouts aswell.'' I snapped at her.
''Oliver, please. Thresh and Ahri are my friends, they can be trusted!'' Kayle defended the other champions standing in my bedroom. ''It's not like we're going to tell everyone about your secret identity!''
''You- you're right… this isn't me… It's like-Nggn.'' I cut myself off, grabbing my head in pain, falling to my knees. ''What's going on?'' I whispered to myself as the champions began to surround me.
''Oliver! Look at me!'' I felt Kayle's hands grab a hold of me. ''O-iv-r wh-t's hap-en-ng?'' I looked up at her, noticing Thresh running out of the room as a voice screeched through my head.
Feed, I must feed. I hunger for their essence.
''Get out! Get out of my head!'' I yelled in pain.
Kill them, let me feed upon their essence. Sate my hunger! AAAAGH
As the pain in my head faded and the voice with it, I looked up from my collapsed form. ''What- what was that?'' I asked weakly.
''That, was the artifact.'' Thresh said, walking into the room once more, this time with The Rose trapped inside a magical bubble. ''It seemed to talk to you, no?'' He asked dropping the artifact to the ground in front of me.
''Thresh! Keep that thing away from him! Who knows what it's doing to him!'' Ahri yelled reaching for The Rose, only to have her hand slapped away by me.
''Don't. Touch.'' I managed as I moved my hand away from The Rose, revealing a set of deadly thorns withdrawing itself from its rough form. ''Those are extremely toxic.''
''Wew, close call.'' Ahri said smiling at me. ''But if that 'thing' talked to you, what did it say?'' Ahri asked as The Rose let out an eerie green glow, like it was angry. ''Uhm… Does it do that often?''
''It's a living artifact, it gets angry just like everyone else, I guess you hurt its feelings.'' I said carefully picking up The Rose from the ground, making the voice return in my head.
Their essence. I hunger for their essence.
''Shut it you.'' I said annoyed as The Rose let out a screech, startling everyone in the room. ''Well… That's enough time outside of the box for you.'' I said walking out of my bedroom, like nothing happened.
''Oliver! Come back here! Clearly something is wrong with you!'' Kayle said, walking after me, the other champions close behind her.
''It's fine, see.'' I said raising The Rose with trembling hands. ''Ok, you might be right.'' I said quickly walking towards the antique box, trying to put The Rose in, my hands refusing to put the artifact away.
''What are you waiting for Oliver? Put that thing where it's supposed to be!'' Ahri said, watching the scene playing out in front of her with fearful eyes. ''Thresh do something!'' She yelled, holding onto the specters form.
''I can't interfere, this is his fight.'' He replied, summoning his scythe, earning a confused look from the seductress. ''Just in case.'' He said giving her a crooked smile.
''Oliver, put that thing away!'' Kayle yelled through the room. ''If you don't want to do it for yourself… Do it for me! Show me that you're stronger!'' She pleated.
Feeeeeed me their essence, how I hunger…
Put it away Oliver! Dammit don't let this thing control you! You're stronger!
How I long for the essence of the angel…
''YOU'RE NOT TOUCHING HER! YOU SON OF A-'' I yelled forcing The Rose closer towards the antique box, my hands covering it as if my life depended on it.
After a moment of screaming and yelling in the apartment, I managed to lay The Rose in the box with trembling hands. Another furious screech filled the room as I closed the antique box, sealing it.
''There.'' I said, catching my breath. ''It's *pant* fine.'' I said, giving the champions a forced smile.
''That thing is not ok.'' Ahri said, pointing at the antique box. ''Maybe we should take it back to the institute, you know just in case.''
''We really should.'' Kayle said, taking a look at my trembling form. ''Come, sit down for a moment.'' She said, supporting me towards the couch.
''I can't let you take it back, not after all the trouble I've been through to get it back.'' I said, giving Kayle a saddened expression. ''It belongs with me.''
''You can't be serious! This artifact nearly took over your mind! We can't let something like that happen!'' Kayle said, scolding me.
''Actually he's right.'' Thresh said inspecting the antique box. ''We can't take it back, it is bound to his mind.'' He explained, carefully running his scythe over the box, making the weapon emit smoke.
''What are you talking about? This thing is dangerous! It belongs in the institutes vault!'' Ahri said, giving the warden a look filled with disbelief.
''My dear do you know what this is?'' He asked, showing her his damaged scythe.
''A holy spell? Casted on the box? Why?'' Ahri asked confused, while inspecting the warden's damaged weapon.
''It seems that this box is blessed, keeping the artifact's corruption from taking over his mind. But the blessing has a lasting effect, it needs to be refreshed and judging by the fact that our friend here is already hearing its voice crying out to him, I'd say they are bound to one another.'' Thresh explained. ''Not having the artifact around might have problematic consequences.''
''So you're saying I might go crazy if The Rose isn't around?'' I asked worried. ''That's just great.'' I said as my stomach started growling. ''Wow, how long have I been out for?'' I asked embarrassed.
''A good two hours.'' Kayle said, giggling softly.
''Well, how about I treat you guys to pizza or something?'' I asked, earning confused glances from the champions. ''I did kinda screw everything up.'' I said rubbing my neck.
''I won't turn down free food!'' Ahri said cheerful, like nothing ever happened.
~ Piltover, high-end apartment complex, penthouse, living room. Two hours later.
''Not really a successful date, but maybe next weekend? If you're free that is.'' I asked, giving Kayle a weak smile. ''I mean if you're still interested! I'd understand if you'd like to forget about me! I don't blame you!''
Stupid! Why are you putting idea's in her head! You totally had that…
''Sure Oliver, you have my number.'' Kayle said, giving me a smile.
YES! YEAHYEAHYEAH!
''And are you sure you're going to be ok? The Rose gave you one hell of a time.'' She asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Crap…
''Uhm, sure. Like Thresh said, as long as I have it locked in the box for a few hours a day, I should be fine.'' I said giving her a bright smile.
''Well then, I suppose I have nothing to worry about.'' Kayle said, standing in the doorway. ''I suppose I'll get a text from you or something?'' She asked, looking down at her red heels.
''Yeah, yeah for sure. I'll make reservations later next week and I'll make sure to not go out looking for trouble. I promise.'' I said, making her giggle, which quickly turned into laughter coming from the both of us.
''Just make sure you stay out of trouble.'' Kayle said moving a bit closer to me. ''I wouldn't want anything to happen to you.'' She said, her face inches away from mine.
This is it Oliver! Don't screw this up!
I closed my eyes, moving in a bit closer as Kayle did the same. I gently grabbed her hands, holding them in my own, the both of us readying to kiss until. ''Hey lovebird hurry up will ya? I want to go back to the institute and change into something more comfortable!'' Ahri yelled, poking her head around the corner. ''Oh, I screwed the moment up didn't I?'' She asked, receiving death glares from the both of us.
''I- I guess I should get going.'' Kayle said, her face getting more red with the second. ''Take care Oliver.'' She said as I let go of her hands, letting her go into the elevator with the other champions.
So close…
After a moment of disappointment and cursing at myself for not making a move I began to think. Thinking about what I should be doing for the rest of the night, especially after my two hour nap. I looked at the sealed box with The Rose inside.
I shouldn't… But it has been in there for quite some time. It shouldn't hurt, using it a bit… Right?
''Well… I might aswell take a look around the city, maybe I'll find out what Goldheart's doing.'' I said, arguing with myself as I opened the door to the hidden room in the apartment.
~ Piltover, nightclub district.
''Heehee Oswald you're such a tease.'' A woman in a skimpy outfit said, clinging to Goldheart's side as the two made their way down the street, away from the nightclubs.
''Oh but my lovely, you haven't seen anything yet.'' Goldheart said, grabbing her backside, making the skimpy woman yelp and slap his hand playfully.
''Oswald contain yourself, teehee.'' The woman said fixing her way to short skirt. ''I really like your new hand by the way, have I said that already?'' She asked, running a hand over the pure golden hextech claw.
''Yes dearie, a lot of times already.'' He said, moving the golden fingers. ''You know I used it earlier to fight off a thief trying to steal from me.'' Goldheart said with a cocky smile.
''Oh wow! The infamous thief that steals from the corrupt? That one!?'' She asked in disbelief. ''What did he have to search at your place? You aren't a bad guy are you?'' She asked skeptical.
''What!? Ofcourse not dearie, ofcourse not.'' Goldheart said, waving off the comment from the woman. ''It was a misunderstanding. I just had to make that clear to him.'' He explained, opening the claw.
''Ooooh did you kill him?'' The woman asked as she clung onto Goldheart's side once more.
''Ofcourse not, that wouldn't make me any better than him.'' Goldheart said, flashing his sharp teeth.
''Is that so? Last thing I remember was you sending that Zaunite monstrosity after me, through a portal I created.'' I said annoyed, dropping down from my hiding plate, startling Goldheart and making the skimpy woman scream out of fear.
''Last time I checked, you were the one fleeing the scene.'' Goldheart said, opening the palm of his claw, revealing the same small barrel from before.
''How childish.'' I said dodging bolt of magic shot my way. ''Let the girl go, you most likely drugged her just like you did with the last.''
''Goldie what is he talking about? Did you drug me?'' The woman asked in disbelieve. ''How could you do something like that?''
''Raaaaaaaaaaagh! YOU DAMN RAT! Always getting in my way!'' Goldheart said, grabbing a hold of the woman. ''I'll snap her neck! You know I can!'' He said panicking.
''Oswald don't make me do this.'' I said raising my hands. ''You don't want to get your hands dirty, do you?'' I tried to reason with the crazy man.
''Please don't kill me!'' The woman cried, her make-up running over her face.
''Shut it, wench!'' Goldheart said holding her in a lock, using his normal hand. Keeping his hextech hand focused on me. ''If you do as I say, she'll walk. You're right about one thing, I never get my hands dirty.''
''That's what your goons are for right?!'' I asked getting angry, throwing a smoke pallet down into the street, coating it in a smokescreen.
The moment the smokescreen opened three bolts of magic were shot through the streets, hitting random targets. ''Where are you rat!? Show yourself!'' Goldheart yelled as the smokescreen began to lift.
''There's one difference between you and your goons though.'' I said popping up from a tear behind Goldheart. ''They have a general idea-'' I said kicking him in the back, taking him by surprise. ''Of what-'' I continued as I elbowed his arm, freeing the woman and protecting her by getting inbetween her and Goldheart. ''They're doing.'' I finished my sentence, pointing The Rose at him. ''Yeah, you know what that is don't you.'' I said with a grin.
''Fight like a man!'' Goldheart said, losing his cool after recovering from the quick combination of attacks. ''Filthy rat!'' He began swearing more insults as he fired another set of magic bolts my way.
''Go run!'' I said, giving the skimpy woman a push, making her run off as I opened a protective tear, making it absorb the shots fired by the hextech weapon. ''Well Oswald? I'm wide open. Hit me with your best shot.'' I said, balling my fist, making the protective tear close.
''Big talk for someone who hides behind magical shields and portals.'' Goldheart mocked, running up to me, his golden hextech claw extended towards my face.
''Not the smartest move.'' I said rapidly firing The Rose. The thorn like bolts finding its way into the golden hextech hand. One of the bolts knocking off one of the fingers, and another one blocking the barrel of the build in hexgun, jamming it.
This however did not stop the small man's advance. ''Die you rat!'' He screamed, as the hextech claw extended, grabbing a hold of my middle, making me drop The Rose.
''You know what your problem is boy?'' Goldheart asked as the claw formed a lock around me, holding me in place. ''You talk with too much confidence, you underestimated me and that's going to cost you your head.'' He said, throwing me into a parked hextech powered car, making the alarm go off.
Oh great, that's going to attract attention. I began punching the small man, hoping to break the hold of the claw, my attempt making him laugh.
''Is that desperation in your eyes boy?'' Goldheart asked, flashing his animalistic teeth. As Goldheart began to monologue, my mind began to drift off, as something stood out to me.
Wait… Something's off…
I looked at the small man, inspecting his form. Anything, anything that seems off about him…
His fighting style? No, I haven't seen him fight before. He only hides behind cheap tricks…
His confidence, maybe. He seems really sure about his case…
His form? No… My thoughts were interrupted by Goldheart noticing me not paying attention and getting annoyed with me.
''Are you even listening to be boy!? You're going to die here!'' Goldheart yelled, slamming his golden claw with me, into the hextech powered car making me groan loudly. ''Look at me when I kill you.'' He said, pointing his face closer to mine giving me a good look at his face, his long pointy nose nearly poking one of my eyes out, as he flashed his sharp teeth again.
His face… HIS EYES!
Goldheart's eyes were emitting a purple glow, the magic running pass his eyes, small tendrils of magic running out of the edges of his eyes.
''You poor bastard, you're not even in control, although you think you are.'' I whispered to myself as Goldheart picked up one of the severed golden fingers from his Hextech arm. ''You think this is your doing, Oswald? You're being controlled!''
''Sure I am, don't make me laugh!'' Goldheart said sarcastically, cutting off part of the golden claw, leaving me trapped in the wreckage of the car. ''This'll make sure you stay out of my business for a while.'' Goldheart said, beginning to slam his fist into my face repeatedly before taking his leave into the night.
''Well… *pant* this can't get *pant* any worse…''
''Well what do we have here?'' I heard a voice say before losing consciousness.
~ Piltover, police department, interrogation room.
''Aha, look who decided to wake up.'' I heard a voice say as I let out a groan of pain, holding my head with my hand. ''Cait come on in here, I think he's ready to talk.'' The voice said as a door opened and shut a moment later, the sound sending a wave of pain through my head.
''Mr. Oliver, how nice of you too finally grace us with your presence after all this time.'' The sheriff said, taking a seat on the other side of the metal table.
''The honor's all mine.'' I said sarcastically. ''Would you mind keeping it down, my head's killing me.''
''WHAT WAS THAT? I THINK I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND YOU.'' The sheriff yelled through the room, making another voice behind me snicker as I held my head in pain, the echoes of the yelling sending another wave of pain through my head. ''Please keep it professional Vi.'' She said, silencing the snickering.
''So, how much do I need to pay to get out of here?'' I said, a bored tone marking my words.
''I don't think you understand what you did Mr. Oliver.'' Caitlyn said, playing around with a stack of paperwork and clearing her throat. ''Grand theft, theft, extortion, destruction of public property, destruction of private property, breaking and entering and injuring an on duty policewoman.'' Caitlyn read the paperwork before looking up from it. ''To name a few of your more recent acts.''
''Yeah, but your active policewoman was just a teeny tiny bit corrupt, not to mention that most of the things on that list helped you expose some of Piltover's most corrupt millionaires.'' I said with a bored tone.
''What are you expecting? A medal?'' The other voice asked.
''Vi, quiet.'' Caitlyn said calmly. ''Mr. Oliver you are not walking out of here, the moment you chose to steal from the Institute of War, that was when you sealed that fate.'' Caitlyn explained, her sharp eyes aimed at me.
''Don't I get a fair trial or something? Not that it's going to take long to prove that I am who you say I am, but you know jurisdiction and all that.'' I said jokingly.
''No, the Institute has made sure of that. Your arrest and imprisonment will go under the radar, no one will miss you after all.'' Caitlyn said, a small victorious smile creeping onto her face.
''Fine, take me away.'' I said accepting my fate, not a hint of regret in my voice.
''Are you not interested in a special offer the Institute of War has made especially for you?'' Caitlyn asked confused. ''It would mean that you'd be free to go.''
''Hell no, I turned down the Institute's offer before. That hasn't changed one bit. I am not a product to be sold to those idiots, unlike you two.'' I snapped at Piltover's finest.
''Fine, it is your decision after all.'' Caitlyn said calmly, getting up from her seat, taking her paperwork and leaving the room. ''Vi get him ready for transport.''
''With pleasure.'' The voice behind me said.
''So now what Pinky? You're going to knock me over the head with one of your gauntlets or are you going to ask me to come with you?'' I asked as I felt a needle sting me in my neck. ''Ah, getting sedated. Classic.'' I said before passing out, face first into the metal table.
Unknown high security prison facility
*BZZZZZZZZZZZT*
A buzzer went off as the giant concrete door opened, revealing hundreds of small holding cells. ''Move it inmate.'' One of the prison wardens said as he gave me a push into the cellblock.
''Yessir.'' I said, mimicking his hillbilly accent. In return the man pressed a button making my collar shock me, dropping me to my knees. ''Pfff, what was that?'' I asked, tugging at the collar around my neck.
''That's an obedience collar, specially tailored for you and your powers, created by some Yordle professor in Piltover.'' The prison warden explained, giving me another push. ''On your feet, inmate. NOW!''
''Yeah, yeah, I'm going, I'm going.'' I said, getting up as I tried to hide the annoyance in my voice.
As I walked pass the cells, I noticed some familiar faces, and in return so did they. ''Well would you look at that, new blood is an old friend.'' One said as others just glared my way or made gestures of slitting my throat or coking me.
''Yeah, that's not going to happen.'' I said with a grin.
''Here we are, you're lucky inmate, you're just in time for your first lunch with the boys. I hope you're hungry.'' The prison warden said as he gave me a push into the cafeteria.
What stood out wasn't that horrible state of the room, the cold metal benches with dents in them or the fact that a ton of the inmates in the cafeteria were past targets of mine, but it was the circle in the middle, making it look like one of the most unpleasant welcoming party I've ever seen.
That better not be what I think it is.
''Well? Didn't you hear me? Get to eating.'' The prison warden said, unlocking the chains around my feet and hands. ''And don't think that you can leave, just because I undid your chains, that collar stays on at all times.'' He warned as he walked up a set of metal stairs.
Welp, this sucks. I might aswell make the best of it and get some food. I thought to myself as I readied myself for the disgusting food.
If you can even call this food.
I took a seat at an empty table on the far side of the room, as far away from my welcoming party as I could. I know exactly what they want and I'm not planning on giving it to them.
''You mind if I sit here?'' I huge man asked, already taking the seat. ''Ofcourse you don't, you have nothing to say here.'' He said, putting his hands together, cracking his knuckles. ''Do you know who I am?'' He asked.
''Hmmm, Yeah I do.'' I said taking a bite of my… well whatever it was. ''Clark Davis, the previous owner of Piltover metalwork's on the outskirts of Piltover. Great place for covering up dead bodies, especially if you drop it into the molten metal.'' I said casually. ''You had it coming Davis.''
''A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Especially if he wants to survive in Piltover.'' Davis said giving me a glare.
''Sure you do, it must be hard working an honest job. Didn't it pay enough Clark? Did you have to stoop to a life of crime?'' I asked calmly, still not meeting the mans' glare.
''I didn't have a choice.'' Davis muttered, folding his hands. ''The mafia had me by the balls.''
''There's always another choice.'' I said dropping my cutlery and pointing a finger at him. ''You could have turned to the police and don't give me the typical 'I have a wife and children crap'. The police have protection Clark.'' I said, meeting the man's infuriated eyes with one of sympathy.
''You have no right to say that, you filthy, thieving rat!'' He said shooting over the table, grabbing me by the shock collar. ''You dare talk to me about turning to the police? You!? A damn thief!?'' He said throwing me into the middle of the cafeteria.
''What does everybody have with calling me a rat? Is it like a thing you all agreed on or something?'' I asked getting back up, noticing a crowd forming around me.
Damn this is getting out of hand.
''We're just all stating the obvious kid.'' Davis said, walking into the circle, ready to beat the crap out of me. ''It's just good business.''
''Kill the rat! Kill the rat!'' The crowd started chanting as Davis threw his fist forward, slamming it into me.
''Should we intervene?'' One of the guards asked his colleague as I was being pummeled into the ground.
''Nah, new blood needs to learn his place.'' The other said, leaning against the wall. ''We'll stop them once it gets way out of hand.'' He said, laughing as the other quickly joined in.
Aaaaay, what's up peeps? Emerald coming at you with another chapter of An Angel's Thief. Just like last week, I decided that I should probably get another chapter of this fic out because HOT DAMN you guys just keep coming in waves. We've officially passed PROJECT: Earth's follower count in just two(?) weeks! You guys are amazing! But I do apologize to all the PE fans out there who are waiting on another chapter! I'm looking at you Lehnox and King Rude, so sorry ;-;
Anywho After the chap goes up I'll most likely look for typo's that made their way into the fic and who knows maybe I'll add some more detail here and there, like I always do! This chapter could have been out a bit earlier, I do apologize for that aswell but I've been having trouble dealing with migraine. Also I have summer vacation! Well mostly, still need to go one more time because something went wrong at school *Sigh*
Welp, it looks like Oliver is in deep. Like in DEEP. Hella deep. Will he manage to find a way out of this one? Or will he need a bit of help from the outside? Who knows? Me, HA. Sorry bad habit of mine. Now that he also has to deal with The Rose tainting his mind and his old 'friends' in prison, what will happen next? Who knows? Me, H… No once in a few chapters not more than that sorry. Also just who might this living paintbrush be? Shouldn't be to hard to guess...
Ok enough of me being weird and annoying, how about some good old fashion advertisement. For what you ask? The Discord server ofcourse! Do you have questions or requests for me? Maybe you'd like your summoner name to be featured in one of the upcoming chapters? Or maybe you just want to have fun somewhere with other people who read/write fanfics?
Join us! At The Big Club! Enter the Discord channel by typing in: Discord dot gg /BWpaKr9
Just remember to be respectful towards others and don't be racist so we can all have a good time, k? It's seriously a blast in the server right now with all the peeps that just keep coming and coming! So what are you waiting for? Come join us! Tell your fanfic loving friends and let's have some fun together! No need for hesitation!
Now before I go I just want to thank everyone for following or adding the fic to their favorites but most of all the reviews! Those are the best to get! But all of it means the world to me! Thank you all for showing your love and support for the story and I will try to keep up the chapters! I never expected An Angel's Thief to do this well, but here we are. So one more time, Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it,
I hope to see all of you in the next authors not of the next chapter of any of the fics I write,
Unitl next time,
Emerald out!