An Angel's Thief.
Chapter 10: This is Harrowing (part 3)
~ ?, Harrowing night
A groan was audible in the darkness, my groan. I slowly came to after what had happened earlier this evening, still a bit dazed from whatever happened I tried collecting my thoughts on the situation.
''Cold… almost freezing… It's so dark in here… What happened? Why can't I move?! Am I bound by something?! Wha- No, just calm down Oliver, try to remember… I remember buying alcohol for Ahri and… Thresh! That's it! He was acting strange and… THE SHOVEL! Not my proudest moment, but at least I remember.'' I struggled to get loose from my binds but to no avail, whatever was binding me rattled, making a ton of noise.
''If only I had my goggles to see in the dark…'' I muttered, still struggling to get loose.
Footsteps could suddenly be heard, sounding like they were getting closer to the room I was in.
''HEY! IN HERE! GET ME OUT OF HERE!'' I began yelling at the source of the sound, trying my best to create as much sound as possible I started struggling more, making my binds rattle even more.
A loud creak could be heard coming from what I assumed was the door, multiple pairs of footsteps were heard entering the room, ranging from large and heavy to light steps almost sounding barefooted.
''Oh, would you just shut the hell up already!'' An unfamiliar voice ordered annoyed.
The lights flickered a few times before staying on permanently forcing my eyes to adjust to the light in the room with another groan, earning a chuckle from the voice.
In front of me stood, what I thought to be a Summoner. A thin, young man clads in a purple Summoner robe, surprisingly with his hood down showing off facial features. Black, long hair nearly reaching over the Summoner's shoulders and slim face with brown eyes.
''I see you enjoyed your little nap, you were out cold, bwahahaha!'' The Summoner laughed at its own joke, not earning any laughter from the other, unknown people in the room.
It took me a moment to realize what was funny about the joke. Until I noticed I was being held in a cold storage unit, a bunch of half-frozen crates stacked behind the Summoner and some frozen animal carcasses hanging around me, but one thing was more important than my surroundings.
''Why is everything upside down...? Or are you guys standing on the ceiling?'' I asked cracking a dumb smile.
''SHUT THE HELL UP!'' The Summoner ordered annoyed before swinging his fist into my bindings, attempting to hit my stomach. ''AUCH! CHRIST THAT HURTS!''
''Heh, not the brightest I see-'' I let out a chuckle before silencing myself as my binding began to turn in the opposite direction from the force of the punch, revealing a familiar face among the others in the room. ''Thresh! What's going on man?! Why are you doing this?''
''He's not going to answer you any time soon.'' The Summoner answered for him, stepping into my vision again, holding his hand in pain. ''You see, they'll obey every command I give them as long as I-''
''Ah, so you're the one who stole that summoning orb.'' I interrupted the guy's monologue, my interruption making his face go red in anger.
''Oh, you're so lucky I can't hit you with those chains around your-Ohohoho~'' The Summoner chuckled sinisterly.
He closed his eyes and focused, the grin that formed on his lips never fading. With a swift motion of his hands, he summoned the orb he had stolen earlier and turned to Thresh and the other Champions.
''You, robe and bones with the chains!'' He ordered, making Thresh walk forward a few steps and look down on him. ''Teach him a lesson! Choke the life from him!''
Thresh gently brushed aside the Summoner at the command he was given, making the Summoner glare at the specter who walked up and placed his gauntleted hand on my binds, which turned out to be Thresh's chains.
''Oh no.''
Within a moment of Thresh touching the chains, they started to tighten around me, quickly reaching uncomfortable levels of tightness.
''Alright you made your point…'' I muttered, trying to suck in as much air as the chains slowly started strangling me.
''That's enough for now!'' The Summoner ordered, the sadistic grin never leaving his face. ''That'll teach you to interrupt me.'' He said crouching down to where my face was as Thresh walked back the other figures.
''Alright… continue your monologue…'' I managed to get out in between gasps for breath. ''I'm... all ears.''
''You know it's nice to have an audience that actually; responds to you!''The Summoner said, turning around to face the figures who were all under his influence and started to yell at them.
None of the figures responded which seemed a bit strange. Never had I expected Thresh to be bossed around by anyone besides maybe Ahri, but an idiot like this guy? No way.
Besides Thresh, I didn't know any of the figures present, only that they, just like Thresh and I were Champions of the League.
What did stand out to me was their connection to the Shadow Isles. Every single one of them was in some way connected to the Isles.
With Thresh stood another ghostly figure, that of a woman wearing tattered armor and helmet, a spear going through her back and coming out of her chest.
Next to her stood a large man wielding the infamous shovel that knocked me out. His face mostly hidden underneath his hood only his cold, blue eyes staring forward as a few small undead creatures stood hidden behind him, snarling and drooling on the floor.
''Eghem, but as much as I would like to monologue some more and tell you all about how I stole the orb and plan to- Hold up a minute; where the hell is that walking piece of scrap metal?'' The Summoner asked annoyed.
His question was met with silence from the champions, annoying him even further. ''I said.'' He started his sentence by summoning the stolen orb and using his magic on it. ''Where. Is. He.''
The controlled Champions responded bit by bit, their faces turning to ones of displeasure almost like they were trying to fight the control the stolen orb had over them. ''He…'' The female specter started, making the Summoner turn his attention to her.
''Speak!'' He ordered, using less magic on the orb, making the other Champions relax yet still pressuring the female ghost's mind.
''He… is… out of range…'' She managed to get out, holding her helmet in pain.
''Then summon more sentinels to seek him, Kalista!'' The Summoner tapped his feet impatiently before putting less pressure on her mind.
With less magical power torturing her mind, Kalista did as she was ordered, raising her hand and summoning a dozen small ghostly heads from around her before sending them up, through the walls of the storage to seek the missing champion. ''Seek!'' She ordered them.
''What are you up to?'' I asked just loud enough for the Summoner to hear.
''I made a deal with someone, to exchange a Champion for control over the Institute. That bitch Kolminye is going to pay for banning me permanently from ranked matches!'' The Summoner began laughing loudly.
''So, let me get this straight… You're trying to take over the Institute because you were banned from participating in ranked matches by Kolminye?'' I asked the Summoner who clearly has more than one screw loose.
''I'll make a better High Counselor then that woman will ever be!'' He nearly screamed back in anger. ''Not that you would understand, you're nothing but a braindead Champion, nothing more than a puppet for us Summoners to play with!''
''Ouch, right in my feelings.'' I shot back sarcastically. ''So, who's coming to pick me up? I'd like to know who's going to attempt and kill me this time.''
''What? You? Don't make me laugh, the person wanted a different Champion, not you.'' The Summoner calmed down a bit and let out a chuckle, hiding his smug grin behind his hand. ''You were just in my way, a rat easily squashed by my undead minions.''
''Always better than being a spineless weasel cowering behind the undead…''I accidentally let slip out, making something in the Summoner snap.
''WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME!?'' The Summoner asked, clearly angered. ''I'll show you! Warden! Do your thing!''
Once again, Thresh walked forward. Slowly placing a gauntlet on my restraints.
''Oh, gods dammit, not again…''
Quickly the chains began to tighten once more until they began to hurt. ''Good, now slowly start making it worse! I want him to suffer!'' The Summoner ordered as Thresh complied, the chains slowly starting to choke me.
My vision blurred slowly, the smug face of the Summoner slowly beginning to fade as I started to once again gasp for air, savoring the little bits I managed to suck in.
''Someone is coming!'' Kalista suddenly spoke up, making the Summoner raise his hand, signaling for Thresh to stop the torture.
The Champions that weren't attending to the torture session both took up arms, the large man taking his shovel in two hands and his undead creatures becoming more feral as they impatiently danced around the man.
Kalista herself summoned a ghostly spear from thin air, holding it in one hand and pointing it towards the opening to the cold storage, summoning everyone's attention to the person walking in.
In walked a large figure wearing a hooded cloak with a black feathered scarf wrapped around its face and shoulder, hiding its facial features except for its animalistic, purple eyes which lit up from underneath the hood.
Unphased by the spear pointed at it, the figure nonchalantly moved aside the spear and walked up to the Summoner, not expecting one of the undead creatures of the shovel-wielding man to attack.
With blinding speed, the figure leaped into the air, avoiding its ankles from being bitten by the creature, drawing a large two-handed blade before landing and slamming the blade into the creature, cleaving it in two, coating the blade and the surrounding floor in dark blood.
''That all?'' The figure asked unmoved by the attack, its deep voice calm and collected yet still enough to come across as a mocking challenge to the two Champions.
In return the large man summoned a ball of mist in his palm and threw it at the figure who blocked the ball with its blade, making the ball of mist explode around him. The mist attracting the remaining undead creatures, making them all leap towards the figure.
The figure effortlessly slashed from left to right and managed to kill all the advancing undead with one swing from the large blade, cleaving all of them in two, splattering the ground and walls of the storage in dark red.
After the figure killed the undead minions, it let the tip of the blade hit the ground, carefully eying the two champions, two animalistic eyes moving from one champion to the other every so often.
Both Kalista and the large man attacked the figure simultaneously, attempting to take it by sheer force in number. ''Die!'' Kalista yelled, throwing her ghostly spear as the large man attempted to strike the figure down with his shovel.
Within the small timeframe, the figure managed to grab the hilt of the large blade and with an auditory *Click*, the blade snapped into two. The weight of both blades now only half of what it was before.
Once again, the figure leaped, this time backward before swiping at the thrown spear and deflecting it whilst also blocking the shovel coming his way. ''Hmpf, close…'' The figure muttered, adding the other blade to keep the large man's shovel in place.
''YORICK, KALISTA, HOLD!'' The Summoner ordered, using the stolen orb to get a hold of the two Champions before the fight between Champions and challenger could escalate any further.
The order instantly being followed by the Champions as Kalista was about to throw another spear at the hooded figure.
''You two stand down! He's supposed to be here you idiots!'' The Summoner scolded his two combat-ready Champions. ''I hope this doesn't affect our deal, good sir.''
''No worries boy, I can always use a good fight.'' The figure said, clicking his weapons back into one before stowing it back underneath his cloak. ''Did you do what my mistress asked?''
''Well… no, there were some… complications.'' The Summoner said looking over his shoulder, glaring my way.
''Hm? Oh good, this won't complicate things any further.'' The figure said, now also eying me. ''I'll take him as well, see it as a fee for attacking me.''
''I'm sorry have we met before?'' I asked a bit confused. ''You seem familiar…''
My question was left unanswered as the figure quickly broke eye contact with me, his focus again on the Summoner before him.
''What? What do you want him for? He's a nobody.'' The Summoner asked, making the figure chuckle under his breath.
''It would be convenient for my mistress if I took him off your hands, come I shall fill you in on the plans. Somewhere with fewer eyes… and warmer temperature.'' The figure carefully put his hand on the Summoners shoulder, turning him away from me and towards the door of the cold unit.
''Uhm… Sure but I'm still missing the other Champion you requested…'' The Summoner said being led by the figure who opened the door to the storage unit.
The comment making the figure stop in his tracks, slowly eyeing the Summoner. ''How did you let this happen?''
''I said there were some complications, didn't I?'' The Summoner said nervously playing with his thumbs. ''One of my controlled Champions hasn't shown up yet, but I do know he was last seen with your requested Champion.''
''Then I hope for you that she follows him to here before something goes wrong, my mistress was very clear on what to do, were your mission to fail.'' The figure warned, narrowing his eyes at the young man who gulped in fear. ''Now leave the undead to guard this one, he can be a tricky one.''
''Yes sir, I mean… uhm… Y-You three! Stay! Guard the prisoner!'' The Summoner ordered the three undead Champions who lined up as they did before.
''Kill him if necessary.'' The figure said, pointing my way before taking the Summoner out of the cold storage unit.
''Oh boy Oliver, what did you get yourself into this time…''
~ Institute of War, Post Pentakill concert
''There's so many of them! Are we ever going to lose them?!'' Kayle asked, doing her best to keep up with the rest of Pentakill as they were being chased by a horde of fans.
''Don't worry we'll lose them in a second.'' Mordekaiser huffed annoyed as the group of five ran from the horde. ''You know Maven, you could get off my shoulder and run for yourself…'' Mordekaiser huffed, sounding exhausted. Having to carry not only his heavy armor but also Sona who had taken a seat on his shoulder armor seemed to be taking a toll on the Iron Revenant.
In return Sona just looked at him sheepishly before giving him a thumbs up and sticking her tongue out teasingly, trying to tell the iron warlord that he was doing a great job.
''You're going to be the death of me woman…'' Mordekaiser huffed once more.
''Bro's, like, I don't think we'll make it to the passage this way…'' Olaf exclaimed as he looked back at the horde of fans closing in on the group. ''I'll do what has to be done.''
''Oh brother, here we go again…'' Karthus facepalmed.
''What is he talking about?'' Kayle asked confused, watching Olaf stop dead in his tracks leaving the group behind. ''Olaf what in Gods names are you doing?!''
''Don't worry about me dudette! I'll hold them off!'' Olaf yelled back, facing the horde of fans that slowly got closer, giving them a double sign of the horns and yelling ''WHO WANTS SOME OF THE BROLAF?!'' Before getting tackled by a ton of fans.
''Oh my…'' Kayle managed to get out, watching Olaf get pummeled to the ground before getting up again and again as the horde of fans just kept coming.
Thanks to Olaf's 'noble' sacrifice the rest of the band was able to reach the nearly empty food court of the Institute, still getting recognized by some of the people who were staying there the band decided to keep moving to avoid the rest of the horde to catch up too quickly.
''Where do we go from here?!'' Kayle asked her bandmates who all seemed to know the way to this so-called hidden passage.
''Can you stop worrying so much all the time? It's really unlike you!'' Karthus yelled at the angel as he motioned for her to follow him, Mordekaiser and Sona into a dimly lit hallway.
''Lich, you better watch your tone around the women or I'll show you that I don't need my mace to be manacing!'' Mordekaiser snapped at Karthus before coming to a hold. ''What happened here?''
The group stopped in its tracks, noticing some of the tiles and rug were ripped and torn. ''Looks like someone has been fighting here…'' Kayle muttered, landing and inspecting the damaged floor, getting the attention of both Karthus and Mordekaiser.
As the three inspected the damage done to the hallway, Sona got off Mordekaiser's shoulder and did some investigating of her own, finding a piece of torn fabric.
She picked up the fabric, feeling it between her delicate hands, taking a closer look at it she realized something, beginning to wave her hands in the air, trying her best to get the attention of the other Champions.
Sadly, the three Champions were too preoccupied with the battle damage in the hallway to notice her, it was times like these that Sona could get really frustrated at her muteness before quickly getting an idea to get the three to notice them.
''Morde, I think we both know who could have done something like this. These look like markings from a scythe being dragged over the floor.'' Karthus exclaimed.
''That's oddly specific Deathsinger…'' Kayle said, shooting the lich a skeptical look.
''As specific as it may be, he's not wrong,'' Mordekaiser said crossing his arms.
*Clap, clap*
The sudden clapping made the three Champions look away from the damage and face the Maven who was now violently waving her hands around.
''What is it, Maven?'' Mordekaiser made his way to the small frame of the woman, noticing the fabric in her hand. ''What do we have here…'' He thought aloud, kneeling to inspect the new clue up close before Kayle carefully took it from Sona.
''It looks like a torn piece cloth… but, not the same kind as the rug…'' Kayle said, taking a closer look at the fabric. Her analysis earning a few nods from Sona
''And you think these two things are connected,'' Karthus said, making Sona nod more. ''Clever thinking.''
''I think they went that way! Come one, hurry!'' In the distance, a voice could be heard, followed by a dozen more excited yells.
''Crap the fans! We have to hurry before they catch us! This way! I'll open the passage for you to escape through!'' Karthus yelled as the group reached a dead end.
''Are you sure Deathsinger? You know what will happen once the fans catch you.'' Mordekaiser asked, looking down at the undead lich.
''Just go! You'll all owe me one next time!'' Karthus said readying a spell from his spellbook on the wall blocking their path.
By doing so the walls slowly opened up, revealing a hidden passage lit by blue candles that not many Champions or Summoners knew of, giving the remaining three band members a chance to escape to the part of the Institute that wasn't meant for the public.
''Thank you for your sacrifice Death- I mean Karthus…'' Kayle said, resting her hand on the lich's shoulder before following Mordekaiser and Sona into the passage.
Once inside the passage, the walls quickly closed behind Kayle, locking the three remaining Champions in the passage, only able to listen to their fellow band member being caught by the horde of fans that finally managed to catch up.
Kayle took the opportunity to take another look at the piece of fabric Sona had found. The black design seeming somehow familiar.
''Are you coming Judicator?'' Mordekaiser's voice echoed through the passage, snapping her back to reality.
''Uhm, yes Mordekaiser, just a thought crossing my mind,'' Kayle said taking flight to catch up to the large figure with the Maven now on his shoulder once more. ''Who could have done something like that in the hallway? You two seemed pretty sure on who it was…''
''The Chain Warden.'' Mordekaiser's answer was direct and short with a hint of displeasure in his voice.
''Thresh? Why would he be all the way out here? Didn't he and Ahri host a party tonight?'' Kayle asked, wondering what Thresh was doing around a hidden passage.
At the comment; Sona gave Mordekaiser a serious look. At this, the Iron Revenant let a sigh escape him. ''Fine, I suppose she's trustworthy.''
''Trustworthy of what exactly?'' Kayle asked, squinting her eyes at the odd couple's back and forth.
''You see… When the Warden was rather new to the League, he, how do I explain it in a way that doesn't make him look like more of a monster then he already is…'' Mordekaiser attempted, Sona rolling her eyes before moving a finger along her neck swiftly.
''Thresh murdered people around the Institute?!'' Kayle asked alarmed. ''Does Kolminye know about this?''
''No, she does not, do I look like a person who can't keep his subordinates under control?'' Mordekaiser asked calmly, his eyes seeming to form a glare underneath his helmet. ''And he didn't murder them, just the souls he had taken.''
''That's the part that makes it acceptable?'' Kayle asked crossing her arms.
''Of course not! He left these old habits behind after meeting Ahri, and perhaps the meeting I had with him when I found out.'' Mordekaiser muttered under his breath.
''But here we are, finding a hallway all torn up and the clues pointing to Thresh,'' Kayle said accusingly.
''Which is exactly what makes me wonder what got him riled up to hunt once more,'' Mordekaiser said slowly. His large hand scratching where his chin would be were it not for his helmet.
At Mordekaiser's words, Sona tapped his shoulder a couple of times, getting his attention before making a cross with her arms and shaking her head with an angry look.
''What is it, Maven? You think he didn't do this?'' Mordekaiser asked the mute musician, making her shake her head again. ''What makes you think that?''
At the question Sona raised a finger, remembering Thresh should have been somewhere else tonight.
''You know where to go?'' Kayle asked Sona who nodded with a smile. ''Then please, show us the way.'' She said moving aside for Sona to lead the way.
Before Mordekaiser could object the Maven got off his shoulder and took the lead, swiftly moving through the corridors of the hidden passage, Kayle hot on her trail.
''Not like we had plans for tonight, but I suppose dinner can wait…'' Mordekaiser said, another annoyed sigh escaping him before attempting to keep up to the two women.
~ Ahri's dorm, Institute of War
''Hey, it's me again, sorry for calling you again, you two probably lost track of time; Oh, who am I kidding?! Pick up your phone! I know you're old, but you've had a phone for almost six years now and you know damn well how it works!'' With that, Ahri hung up for what felt like the hundredth time in an hour.
Without realizing it, the nine-tailed fox started to pace through her now empty living room, which was still made to look like a dance floor for the canceled party.
''Why would he do this to me? Did I do this? Was I too demanding about the drinks? Oh, sometimes that ghost drives me insane with his annoying behavior!'' Ahri screamed, kicking a party cup which spilled its contents onto the luxurious sofa. ''No! nononononono! Agh! Dammit!'' Ahri cursed trying to clean the stain.
*Knock, knock, knock*
''Go away, the party's canceled,'' Ahri yelled at the person at the door.
*Knock, knock, knock*
After the second wave of knocks Ahri let out an angry sigh before making her way to the door. ''Are you deaf!? I said; PARTY'S''
''Canceled,'' Mordekaiser said from behind Sona who was about to get yelled at. ''We heard you loud and clear.''
''I… I… ehm, excuse me… Sona, Morde and… Kayle?'' Ahri asked a bit surprised at the three champions, two who were clothed like Pentakill members. ''What brings you three here? And why are Sona and Kayle dressed up?''
''Not important-''
''Is the Warden here?'' Mordekaiser interrupted Kayle. ''I have some questions for him.''
''Thresh?! Mordekaiser please tell me you know where he is! I'm worried sick!'' Ahri's ears shot up at the mentioning of the Warden's name.
''We were hoping he was here…'' Kayle said, raising an eyebrow at Ahri's tense response. ''Did something happen?''
''He left a few hours ago actually, to buy alcohol for the party but he's been missing ever since I send him to show Oliver the way,'' Ahri said, her ears drooping again. ''I was hoping you'd seen him…''
''That means the damage in that hallway must have been his doing…'' Kayle said, shooting a glare at Mordekaiser before realizing something. ''You mentioned Oliver! Which could mean… Oh no, Mordekaiser you don't think Thresh would- Mordekaiser? What the-''
Mordekaiser was already making his way towards the stairs, his action being halted by Sona who held onto his cape for dear life, trying to keep him from moving, having to occasionally dodge an iron-clad hand from the Revenant who tried swiping her off him.
''What's ies going on here? It ies past midnight!'' An angry looking Fiora popped her head out of her dorm and into the hallway.
At this all women including Sona looked at the tired looking Demacian, which proved to be a bad move for the mute, who in return for her mistake got hit in the head by Mordekaiser, sending her to the floor.
''Sona!'' The remaining women yelled, rushing to the Maven's aid as Mordekaiser continued walking down the stairs.
''She's out cold…'' Ahri said inspecting the small wound on Sona's head.
''I wiell get a Summoner!'' Fiora said before rushing back into her dorm. ''After I get dressed of course.''
''Typical,'' Ahri said, rolling her eyes. ''Where do you think you're going? I could use your healing magic here.''
''I'm going after Mordekaiser he's the third Champion from the Isles who seems to be behaving strangely.'' Kayle exclaimed summoning her sword in exchange for her Pentakill one.
''Third Champion?''
''Alright look; first Yorick acts up and disappears, then Thresh goes missing for hours and now Mordekaiser harms Sona and walks away without even batting an eye? Something is going on here.'' Kayle said inspecting her weapon before taking flight. ''You look after Sona until the Summoners get here; I'll follow Mordekaiser.''
With that Kayle quickly flew down the now nearly destroyed stairs, following a trail of destruction left by Mordekaiser's too large body for the Institute.
~ Cold storage, Institute of War
''C'mon, stop giving me the cold shoulder…'' I joked, trying to get through to the Champions. ''So, you guys are just going to leave me hanging?''
It had been quite some time since the figure had taken the Summoner to exchange plans from his 'mistress'. ''Whatever that means.'' And in the meantime, I attempted different things to break the Summoner's spell on the three undead champions.
''Alright you guys leave me no choice, I'll have to hit you guys with the pinnacle of situational humor,'' I announced, not getting a response from the three undead Champions guarding me. ''So, Kalista… We never met before, but; it's 'Ice' to meet you, hehe.''
Once again there was no response from the Champions, all three just stared forward blankly, not even moving a muscle at my horrible attempt at comedy.
''Oh gods! What have I become? Ice puns? What am I? A nineteen-eighty-seven movie villain? *Gasp* or even worse? Ashe?'' I cried in anguish, not noticing a few fiery sparks appear behind me.
What I did notice was Kalista summoning a spear into her hands, pointing it at me without a word.
''Now hold on just a minute! I know the jokes are bad but do I really have to die for them?!'' I asked, closing my eyes, hoping she'd stand down.
''Oh, don't be such a crybaby, it's embarrassing.'' The grumpy voice of a man complained followed by heavy boots rushing towards me.
''Kill the intruder!'' Kalista yelled, throwing a spear as Thresh summoned his chains and lantern, Yorick taking his shovel in two hands.
Before I know it, I felt something heavy take cover against my chains, making them rattle and sending me swinging in random directions.
''What are you doing!? Who are you?!'' I asked the stranger, unsure how he got into the storage or what his motives were.
''Getting you out of these chains!'' I heard the stranger reply in a hurried tone. ''C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, this is why I hate magic!'' he cursed as I watched Yorick walk up closer with Thresh right behind him.
''You might want to hurry! These guys aren't in the best of moods!'' I yelled watching the three undead Champions.
The gravedigger raised one of his hands, summoning a large being enveloped in mist, accompanied by four of the small undead creatures from before. ''See the maiden? She comes for you!'' Yorick exclaimed, pointing his finger in my direction.
''Me?''
''No not you, he's sending those things after me, now hold on!'' The stranger said, followed by his hurried footsteps moving away from me.
'You're just leaving me-'' I cut myself off as I heard a sizzling sound emit from the chains around me. ''Ah I see, holy runes burning away the unholy chains, wait that means-''
Within a moment of my realization, the chains gave out, burned away by the holy magic residing inside the runes used by the stranger.
For the first time in hours, I could finally move my limbs again, although I didn't have much time to celebrate my release as Yorick now towered over me, ready to take me out with his shovel if he had to.
''Oh no you don't!'' I heard the stranger call out as a flaming blade landed between me and the Shepard, the heat of the weapon creating a barrier keeping Yorick and the other undead at bay. ''You alright bud?'' The stranger asked, offering his hand.
With the barrier up, I had a chance to meet my savior. I took his hand and with a bit of effort the man pulled me up from the ground, giving me a chance to inspect the mysterious stranger.
The stranger, who I almost mistook for a Summoner, were it not for Shuriman decorations on the stranger's attire, including his facial features being hidden behind a piece of cloth with an emblem of a Shuriman sun disk on it.
Instead of a regular hood, the stranger's hood was old and worn. Decorated with a golden headpiece resembling the beak of a bird, which like the cloth of the hood, had seen better days.
I could make out a worn chest armor hidden underneath the old robe which went all the way down to the stranger's old and dusty boots, almost dragging the decorative golden tips of the robe over the floor.
What stood out the most was the belt the stranger wore, it held a holstered weapon and three vials, two of them glowing, but no sheath for the blade the stranger used a moment ago.
''Is this how you thank all the people who save your ass from danger?'' The stranger asked, his tired eyes staring at me, inspecting me. ''By staring at them blankly?''
''Excuse me?'' I asked offended. ''I was handling myself out there just fine, I'll have you know.''
''Sure bud, you keep telling yourself that.'' The stranger chuckled reaching for his holstered weapon.
''What am I supposed to do with that?'' I asked watching the stranger place one of the vials into the weapon before offering the grip to me.
''Surviving these nightmares would be a good start.'' The stranger said, motioning for me to take the weapon from his hand. ''I bet you know how to use one of these.''
''I don't think I'll be needing it; I have my own- Where is- That Summoner must've taken the Rose when I was out cold…'' I murmured to myself, making the stranger chuckle.
''Don't worry, I'll get it back for you.'' The stranger said calmly. ''For now, just use this, there is no shame in using another man's weapon.''
With that, the stranger basically forced the ivory weapon into my hands before slowly walking over to where his blade was planted in the ground.
I took a moment to inspect the weapon I was given, it's lightweight gun design matching that of the Rose, but opposite of the Rose, this weapon had a far more elegant design compared to the Rose's dark and rough design.
''What is this stuff?'' I asked, opening the weapon up as the stranger did a moment ago. ''Ammunition? I've never seen anything like it…''
''Don't mess with things you don't understand.'' The stranger said, eyeing me over his shoulder. ''If you break it, we'll be in a lot of trouble.''
''Can't we contact the Summoners? I can literally get us out of here with a tear and-''
''No!'' The stranger said angrily. ''I… I mean, no we can't. We can't leave these Champions to a life of slavery under the command of that Summoner…''
''I mean you're right but it's two on three, not to mention that other… 'thing' that's with the Summoner…'' I said a bit worried about taking on the unknown creature.
''A hooded figure?! Purple eyes?! A special blade?!'' The stranger asked alarmed.
''That's him,'' I confirmed, slowly nodding. ''A friend of yours?''
''An… old friend, someone I lost a long time ago to vile magic…'' The stranger muttered looking at the ground. ''I must face him or else he will become not only my problem but also yours.''
''So, what's the plan?'' I asked. ''Take these three on and hope he comes out to play?''
''He will try to fight us both, but I must face him alone. You… stay out of that fight and cover me, got it?'' The stranger ordered.
''Got it.''
''Good, I need to lower the barrier…'' The stranger said, reaching for the fiery blade planted in the ground. ''I won't be able to control the barrier for much longer…''
With a bit of effort, the stranger took the blade from the ground and slashed sideways with it, sending the barrier towards the undead, knocking them back before taking a knee, panting heavily.
''Are you alright!?'' I asked alarmed, reaching for the weakened man who refused my help, slapping my hand away from him.
''I… need a moment, stick to the plan… cover us…'' He muttered. ''I'm getting too old for this…''
''Get down!'' I yelled, opening a tear to absorb a ghostly spear flying towards the both of us. ''Damn they're back up already…''
I looked up from the weakened man, seeing all three undead Champions already back up from the fiery attack, mostly unharmed. It looked like Yorick's undead minions had taken most of the blast for their master and his maiden, some of them having sustained severe burns on their rotting flesh, one of them dead on the ground, its body burned to a crisp.
''No time to stay here! We need to get some cover from those spears!'' I yelled at the stranger, trying to get him to move as another spear forced me to open another tear. ''Come on! I can't keep opening tears!'' I yelled, taking aim at Kalista, hoping to hit her with a well-aimed shot from the ivory weapon.
I took a quick breath before pulling the trigger, the lines between the ivory weapon lighting up with a golden glow as I pulled the trigger. A golden projectile flying from the weapon, heading straight for the Spear of Vengeance.
Before the projectile could reach its target, one of Yorick's undead jumped in to block the shot, the unholy creature screeched as the projectile pierced its flesh.
Its sacrifice wasted as the projectile shot straight through the creature and reached Kalista, sending her to the ground with a painful grunt.
''That's it, show them who they're dealing with.'' The stranger said as I felt his hand on my shoulder.
''Are you sure you can fight? It's not too late for me to open a tear to safety.'' I said a bit worried about the older man's fighting capabilities.
''It's alright now, I just needed to-'' Before the man could finish his sentence he shot forward, using his blade to block an incoming scythe thrown by Thresh.
The specter's weapon wrapped around the blade before the Warden pulled his chains back with a ton of force, yanking the blade from the stranger's hand with a sadistic laugh.
''Just as planned.'' The stranger muttered under his breath.
''Oh, come on!'' I yelled, not noticing the stranger's satisfied smile or his words, charging the Warden and the Shepard attempting to retrieve the weapon.
''Oliver, what are you doing! DON'T!''
Without ever seeing it coming a loud *BANG*, coming from the entrance to the cold storage followed by the doors flying off their hinges, sending one of the large doors and a bit of rubble into the two still standing undead Champions.
Before I could anticipate it, a figure flew into me together with the other storage door sending us both to the other side of the cold storage.
''KAYLE!'' The stranger yelled at the top of his lungs.
''Kayle?'' I asked as my vision slowly started to clear up bit by bit. ''What are you talking about old man-'' I cut myself off, hearing the sound of a large metal door being thrown aside followed by some shuffling beside me.
''Get up.'' A familiar voice interrupted with a serious tone. ''Here, take my hand.''
I looked up at the source of the voice, a small smile making its way onto my face as I was met with the serious expression of the angel, taking her hand.
''What sort of trouble did I get myself constricted in this time?'' Kayle asked, looking at the hole she created just a moment ago. ''And how did you get involved?''
''What can I say? Trouble seems to always find me.'' I replied with a grin. ''How did you get involved in all this?''
''Well-'' Kayle cut herself off, noticing the pile of rubble moving, revealing Yorick lifting the large metal door up for himself and his remaining two undead minions, his maiden crushed underneath the rubble.
The Shepard of Souls slowly stood up with a painful grunt, being followed by Thresh getting up with a maniacal laugh. At this, Yorick let out an annoyed grunt, grabbing his shovel before dropping the large metal frame on top of the Warden, silencing him.
''I'll give you the short version later, we got trouble,'' Kayle said, shifting her focus from the Yorick and his remaining two minions to the hole she was sent through.
The figure in black made his way through the destroyed doorway, the Summoner and his stolen orb remaining in the doorway, sending Mordekaiser after the figure.
''You two! Take care of the champions! I'll deal with the other guy!'' The stranger yelled at us, his blade appearing back in his hands before charging the figure.
''Crush that old fart!'' The Summoner ordered Mordekaiser.
During the stranger's charge, Mordekaiser pulled back one of his large hands, ready to send the stranger flying back into the storage.
''Are you trying to get yourself killed?!'' I yelled, watching Mordekaiser's fist shooting forward.
*CLANG*, right as the iron fist was about to hit the stranger, Kayle intervened using her strong wings to get between the attack, her blade stopping the large hand from the undead lord.
''What! DAMMIT! Mordekaiser! Crush that angel first!'' The Summoner yelled agitated before shifting his attention back to the summoning orb.
At the same time, the figure and the stranger locked blades. The thin, fiery blade with the heavy two-handed weapon of the figure in black.
''You have a lot of nerve fighting me in your weakened state, traitor.'' The figure said through gritted teeth.
''My weakened state was enough to bring you here... and it will be enough to take you back to where you belong!'' The stranger said with a cocky smile.
The figure and the stranger continuously locked blades, neither getting the upper hand in the fight even when the figure swept his legs with blinding speed to try and knock the stranger over, he failed as if the stranger knew what was going to happen.
At the same time, Kayle did her best to keep Mordekaiser from interfering with the two.
Flying around the warlord. Using Starfire Spellblade to keep her distance from Mordekaiser's attacks, the spell seemingly having no effect on the Iron Revenant.
In an attempt to aid Kayle in fighting off Mordekaiser, I took aim at the Iron Revenant, hoping the ivory weapon could put him down even if it was only for a moment, when out of the corner of my eye I noticed Yorick creating a ball of mist in his palm, ready to throw it at Kayle.
Instead of firing at Mordekaiser, I shifted my attention to Yorick. Firing a shot through the ball of mist in his hand, destroying it.
''Will you stop interfering with my plans for once!'' The Summoner yelled from the doorway. ''Yorick! Deal with that pest like you should've done before!''
At the order, the Shepard of Souls shifted his attention to me, creating another ball of mist in his hands and throwing it my way.
''Nice try, but I don't think so!'' I yelled cockily, opening a tear to absorb the mist, hopefully sending the undead minions through the tear as well.
Unfortunately for me, Yorick had learned from watching Kalista's spears and instead aimed for the ground around me. The ball breaking upon the ground, the mist coating the air around me, attracting the undead minions who both leaped onto me in one jump.
''Get off me! Agh-Aah! Dammit!'' I cursed in pain, struggling to get the small creatures off my body, biting and clawing into my armor and flesh.
''Oliver!'' Kayle yelled, my screams distracting her just long enough for Mordekaiser to get one hit off on her, sending her to the ground and forcing the blade from her hands.
Before Kayle had the chance to reach for her weapon and protect herself, the large foot of the Iron Revenant connected with her body, sending her through the storage and into a wall near me.
''You bastard! Get down here and fight!'' I yelled at the Summoner, reaching for the ivory weapon and shooting one of the undead creatures, the power of the point-blank shot tearing the creature in two.
Now armed, I grabbed the weapon by the barrel, struggling to get the last living corpse off me before slamming the butt of the handle into its skull. With a loud crack, the creature dropped to the ground, presumedly dead.
''Kayle! Kayle! Are you alright?'' I dropped the stranger's weapon and quickly helped the angel sit up, who reached for her side in pain. ''You won't get away with this!''
''Oh, I'm so scared, you managed to kill two of Yorick's Mist Walkers, but look around you! You're trapped; your angelic friend is unable to fight, and my undead Champions will overwhelm that old geezer soon, it's over!'' The Summoner laughed maniacally as Yorick summoned a wall of rotting flesh around Kayle and me.
I could only watch as Yorick and Mordekaiser slowly made their way towards the two equally matched combatants, ready to swing the battle into the figure's favor, giving him a chance to kill the stranger.
''Mordekaiser! Grab that old fool! Make sure I become the new high councilor!'' The Summoner yelled excitedly, not being able to wait any longer.
''I wouldn't be so sure of that.'' A strict voice announced from behind the Summoner.
''WHAT?!'' The Summoner yelled out in fear.
For just a split-second, the Summoner's yelling distracted the figure, giving the stranger the upper hand just long enough for him to disarm and grab the figure by his collar, the fiery blade pointed at the figure's neck.
''It's over, time for you to go back where you belong.'' The stranger exclaimed, fiery sparks forming behind the figure as a portal opened.
''If you're planning on leaving me to die again; then you're coming with me!'' The figure roared, mimicking the stranger and grabbed a hold of him, ready to pull both of them through the portal.
''Don't make me do this!'' The stranger yelled panicked. ''I don't want to kill you!''
''Still soft, after centuries of trying to fix your mistakes; you're still soft!'' The figure attempted to pull the stranger with him, only to receive the fiery blade stuck into its chest. ''What…?''
''You left me no choice…'' The stranger muttered before kicking the figure through the portal.
''NO! WHAT?! HOW!?'' The Summoner yelled, watching the figure be kicked through the portal before turning to the source of the voice, nearly falling over in fear. ''No! You can't do anything against me! I still have the orb! You can't-'' The Summoner cut himself off as the orb in his hands turned to dust. ''What?! What's going on?!''
''I'll explain it in a way you understand, you are hereby permanently banned from participating in any form of match involving the League of Legends and of course permanently banned from entering the Institute of War, but you were already familiar with a ban weren't you? Summoner Neos?'' The voice asked as the source revealed herself.
Vessaria Kolminye walked into the light, casting a shadow over the dishonorable Summoner. Her face showing no empathy for the Summoner before her.
''For all the rules you've broken and the damage you've caused tonight I should have you executed where you stand, but you seem to be unable to do even that.'' The high councilor narrowed her eyes at the young man before her before she spoke again. ''I will give you exactly fifteen minutes to gather your belongings and remove yourself from my Institute, after that the guards know what to do.''
At this the ex-Summoner quickly rose to his feet and ran away from the scene, removing himself not daring to speak a single word against the woman.
After the ex-Summoner ran off, all eyes fell on the stranger who blankly stared forward, reflecting on the choice he had made only a moment before.
''What happened here?'' Vessaria demanded but got no answer from the stranger. She waited a moment, expecting the stranger to answer her question. To her annoyance, she did not get it.
''Very well, Kayle I'll be expecting a report on what occurred here tonight within forty-eight hours.'' With the order out Vessaria turned around and walked away, leaving the cold storage.
The storage was completely silent, no one dared to make a sound, not that most of the Champions had the strength to do so.
Being under the influence of the ex-Summoner's magic took its toll on the affected champions, even Mordekaiser needed a moment to recover from the spell that clouded his mind.
''How are you feeling?'' I asked Kayle who stared at the ground, an angry look on her face. ''Something wrong?'' I asked placing my hand on her shoulder.
''I am fine, I've had more severe wounds in my time, this is nothing.'' Kayle huffed, removing my hand from her shoulder. ''I shouldn't have gotten distracted.''
''Alright Oliver, time to salvage this conversation. Just play it safe… Ugh, I hate playing safe.''
''Hey, look at it this way; you got distracted because one of your friends was in danger,'' I said with a friendly smile. ''That's not something to mope about, I appreciate your concern for my safety.''
''As do I.'' Kayle whispered underneath her breath, before facing me, a small smile finding its way onto her face.
''Playing it safe worked? I think it worked! Nice!''
''Oli!'' A voice yelled as multiple footsteps rushed into the cold storage, getting almost everyone's attention.
''Rose! Get back here! If you throw up in here, I'm not cleaning it up!'' another voice yelled after the female Summoner who seemed to have sobered up a little.
''Go! Down! You! Stupid! Flesh! Wall!'' I heard Rose yell as she kicked the other side of the cage Yorick put Kayle and me in.
''You know, you could just ask, lady Summoner,'' Yorick said as the wall began to dissolve at his command.
''Thank you Yorick, I appreciate the effort.'' Rose thanked the Shepard, being joined by Michael before throwing herself at us and locking both Kayle and me in a hug. ''What happened? You two look like hell!''
''That's a long story, Rose.'' I said.
''Let's just say it would have ended poorly for us if it wasn't for-'' Kayle suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
''Kayle? What's wrong?'' I asked confused. ''Rose? Michael?''
For a moment, I thought Kayle stopped talking but strangely enough, it wasn't just her speech. It was everything around us. The other Champions weren't moving, neither were the Summoners at the entrance of the storage. Everything had suddenly stopped.
''Don't worry, it's only temporary.'' The stranger said, walking up to me, using his sword for support.
''What? What did you do!?'' I asked in disbelieve. ''Did you-''
''Yes, I stopped time, well… not me but.'' The stranger looked down at an old stopwatch in his free hand. ''Ah before I forget.'' He tapped the blade on the ground, reshaping the weapon into a cane.
''What are you?'' I asked as the man put away his stopwatch. ''And how did you do that earlier? That portal! In the fight against that thing?''
''It's very simple, I am a chronomancer, like you.'' The stranger explained, reaching into his robe and pulling out a familiar box. ''I think you'll be needing this.''
''The Rose! But I thought that Neos guy-'' The stranger raised his hand, signaling for me to be quiet.
''I took it off his person before he could take it with him.'' The man explained. ''It took a bit extra out of me, but I suppose I need something to trade for my own weapon.'' The stranger chuckled, offering me the Rose.
I quickly grabbed the man's weapon off the ground, exchanging it for my own before noticing he also left his stopwatch on the Rose's box.
''I'll be back for that.'' The stranger pointed at the stopwatch. ''Someone very dear gave it to me once, so please don't lose it.''
With that the stranger turned away from me, opening another fiery portal and stepping into it, ready to leave.
''Wait! I have so many questions!'' I yelled, halting the stranger in his tracks.
''I know you do.'' The stranger chuckled. ''But I can't give you the answers you seek, you must find them yourself, when the time is right, we'll meet again.''
''C'mon, not even one answer? What does it even mean to be a chronomancer?'' I asked trying to get any information out of the man. ''I don't even know what a chronomancer is!''
''Maybe that's for the best, at least; for now.'' The stranger chuckled to himself. ''Everything happens for a reason Oliver; us meeting was not a coincidence; hence why I promise you that we will meet again.''
Before I could argue with the stranger he left, the portal quickly closing behind him. Within seconds of him leaving time began to move again, without me noticing.
''If it wasn't for… for… Say Oliver what did that old man call himself? And where did he come from?'' Kayle asked, snapping me back to reality.
''I'm not sure…''
TENTHOUSAND YEARS, gives you such a crick in the neck.
I bet you guys never expected to see this chapter getting released. To be honest I never thought I would find the time to either hehe.
A while back I released a chapter of my other story and in that AN I announced I was back to writing FF, but man was I wrong (not the first time)(nor the last). I tried, I really did but besides living on my own and my internship and essays I just didn't find the motivation to write anything, for that I apologize.
Not only that but with the Kayle and Morgana reworks released, so many changes had to be made to the story, literally everything I have been planning is just down the drain, I already found loopholes to go around said troubles but will have to rewrite a lot of previous stuff.
But because that involves writing and me being very slow I'll quickly list a very important note that pretty much fixes my personal problem with Kayle's reworked personality.
As some may have noticed the Champions are just a teeny tiny bit out of character, jk they are hella out of character and they will remain that way, Kayle is no exception
The solution to Kayle's justice boner and her bitchy attitude is actually very simple, she's trying to better herself, realizing her past mistakes and seeking redemption, not only this but she is also trying to fit in with some of the Champions of the League which requires her to be a bit more modern.
Don't worry this doesn't mean that Kayle will all of a sudden be super different from what she is in game, as much as I dislike Kayle her new personality, I will try my best to use as much of it in my writing as I can.
In future chapters I'll try to get things back on track so the story can remain mostly the same but it will require some time.
I can't make any promises on the next chapter but I'm going to try my best and not take another three months, sadly I've got a very busy life atm and as much as I want to update at least once every two weeks I just can't.
It feels good to be able to publish something for once, thanks to you guys I'm still willing to keep going. Thank you so much for reading the chapter and sticking with the story for so long, it means the world to me!
I hope this chapter wasn't too messy, (please give me feedback!) but there was a lot of time between writing sessions and I'm just now getting back into it after writing for almost 5 hours straight.
Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed this extra long chapter as compensation for my laziness and busyness.
Until next time, Emerald out.