The sound of happy laughter filled the tavern. Dozens of different conversations floated in the air. Many of the champions were in the biggest tavern in Zaun. Viktor was also invited and decided to come here since he wanted to take a break from researching. Not that they had anything to do, they just had to wait for the next attack. Then they could track down the source and close the Arclight Portal. But this, this couldn't be called a break! Any second now, and he would go mad by the laughter and loud noises. He opened his eyes and looked around. Not much special, the Noxian champions were having a fight with the Demacian champions, the Zaunite champions and the Piltovians were discussing who was better. He let out a deep sigh. He wanted to do something but there wasn't much to do. He saw Jinx talking with Ekko. Viktor looked better at Ekko. He had heard of his device that could send him back in time. Surprising, for his age. Viktor thought about himself when he was Ekko's age. Then he widened his eyes and looked at the pair again. They didn't have a romantic relation now, did they? Well, at least he wasn't some random thug, or was he? Viktor shook the stupid thought out of his head. This wasn't the time to think about something like that! A loud beep was heard. Viktor looked at his watch. Heimerdinger's picture was on his watch. He clicked on the green button and a hologram of Heimerdinger came out of his watch. ''Good day, professor Heimerdinger. What is it?'' He was hoping Heimerdinger would ask him to help him with something, that way he had something to do. ''Actually, it's very bad.''
''Is that so? What is it?''
''Please get over to the lab, ASAP. Please warn the champions to come over to the command room too.''
''Very well. I will be there.'' Viktor clicked on the red button and the hologram disappeared. The lab was 15 minutes away from his lab, assuming you would walk. Viktor had a floating car. He had made himself one when he had time. He never used it, but now he was human again he could use it. He got in the car and hologram screens filled his vision. He clicked on the microphone button. All digital devices in the tavern turned on and Viktor appeared on the screens. Grabbing all the attention of the champions. ''Fellow champions of the League. This is an emergency, please head to the command room immediately. I repeat, immediately!'' Viktor clicked again on the microphone button and the screens disappeared. And he drove back to his lab.
When he arrived Jayce, Heimerdinger and Veigar were already waiting for him. Viktor took off his coat and got up the platform. They all had very serious looks on their faces. Silence filled the room. Viktor decided to break the silence. ''What is going on?'' They didn't look up the screen and Heimerdinger pointed toward a sum. Viktor approached the screen and looked at the sum. His eyes widened in shock. Dread filling his mouth, making him unable to say something. ''Zaun is next isn't it?'' Veigar said looking at Viktor. Viktor looked at the ground and closed his eyes. ''We need tactics. We need Swain!''
''I am already here.'' A sound of a walking stick filled the room. They all looked at the door and saw Swain coming up the platform. ''I knew this would happen.'' He approached the four and put a map of Zaun on the table. ''Tactics you said?''
A foul smell filled the basement. Green smog filled the room. It was dark, there only was one little lamp on the roof. Singed was brewing a green liquid while Mundo was shaking a few bottles with the same liquid. When Mundo was finished he poured the liquid into a big barrel made of glass. The green liquid reached 80%. ''Mundo sees the barrel is almost filled.'' Singed looked up and nodded. ''Excellent. It's nearly time.'' Singed poured his potion into the barrel and a hissing noise was heard. The liquid started to make strange sounds and bubbles could be seen in the liquid. After a few seconds it stopped. Singed nodded. ''Good. It is finished. Now we have to see Corki and his squad of bombers.''
Silence filled the air. Only the slow ticking noise could be heard of the clock. The 5 looked at the map. Until Swain broke the silence. ''I have a plan. Zaun has 3 possible entrances. The main gate, the southern gate, and the sewers. We will have 3 squads. Squad 1 will be defending gate 1, since they will break the gate and we will need to hold them off. All the remaining champions will be in squad 1. Squad 2 will be including 3 people, including Heimerdinger. His 2 bodyguards will protect Heimerdinger as he places an 'Apex Turret'. Squad 3 will also be including 3 people. This time including Twitch, since he know the sewers better than anyone else. There is an abandoned engine room in the sewers and they will close the sewers via that room.'' Swain looked at the other four. They nodded. Then the door opened and champions filled the room. The silence was soon replaced by joyful laughter and conversations. Viktor waited for all the champions to come in the room and then started to talk. ''Champions of the league. The Void will be attacking Zaun. We do not know exactly when, but we do know it can happen any second now. We will have 3 squads. First, squad 3. They will be closing the sewers via an abandoned engine room in the sewers. Champions in squad 3 will be: Twitch, Jayce and Zilean.'' Viktor cleared his throat. ''Squad 2 will be protecting Heimerdinger from Voidlings. Heimerdinger will place a turret to defend the Southern gate. The champions protecting him will be: Luxanna and Quinn. The remaining champions will be protecting the Main gate with the Zaunite military. Dismissed.'' The champions started talking again and walked out of the room. Lux and Quinn waiting for Heimerdinger and they exited the room too. Swain and Veigar exited the command room and Jinx waited for them to exit. ''Swain, why do you come with us? You could help Viktor.''
''No, I will command the military.'' Veigar nodded and followed the crowd.
Viktor sat down and looked at the screens now filled with street camera's all over Zaun. Jinx then approached Viktor. Viktor turned his chair around so he could see Jinx. ''What is it?''
''I will stay here to protect you.''
''I didn't know our roles were reversed.'' Jinx let out a smile and leaned with her back to a wall. ''Just do your thing, dad.'' Viktor's face grimaced. He stared at Jinx. Since when did she call him dad? ''Dad?''
''You raised me, protected me, that sounds a lot like a dad to me.'' let out a smile. Then he turned around and put on his headset. Time to work.
Quinn and Lux approached the Southern gate. Everybody was ordered to stay inside their home's basement, so nobody were in their way. ''Go survey the area, come back and warn us if there are Voidlings.'' Valor let out a SQUAWK sound and flew away. Quinn grabbed her crossbow and loaded it with bolts and leaned against a wall. Heimerdinger was out of breath when he caught up with the two. ''Maybe you two shouldn't run so fast.''
''Maybe you should work out.''
Heimerdinger shot a glare at Quinn but the sighed. He placed a box and started to do his thing with it. Valor then returned to Quinn. ''Voidlings rapidly charging in!'' Quinn nodded to Valor and took cover behind a low wall. ''Incoming!'' Lux too, took cover behind the wall and charged her laser. ''Hurry up, professor!'' Heimerdinger shot a glance at the two. ''I am trying my best!'' A loud sound came around the corner from the gate. Then rapidly a large group of Voidlings came into view. ''Gouge 'em, Valor!'' Valor charged into the group pushing Voidlings and robots alike away. Quinn shot out a barrage of bolts into Voidlings and killing many. But the swarm got bigger and bigger. Valor flew back to Quinn. ''Demacia!'' Lux shot out a giant beam of light into the swarm killing all of them. They let out a sigh. ''Good job, Lux.''
''You too.'' They let out a smile but their faces grimaced when a second swarm came.
Squad 3
''Dammit, Twitch! How long until we arrive at your 'home'?'' Twitch frowned at Jayce when he heard a sarcastic tone in Jayce's voice when he said home. ''It isn't that far anymore.'' Jayce looked at his boots. His nice Piltovian boots were green of the sewers of Zaun. Jayce looked at Zilean. Zilean was floating in the air, so he didn't touch the water. Zilean seemed to notice Jayce staring at him and let out a chuckle. ''You want to float too, don't you young man?'' Jayce sighed and looked forward. ''Yes, yes I do. You have to teach me how.''
''I am afraid now it's not the time.''
''Can't you let the time go faster?''
''I am afraid I can't do that.''
''You are the Chronokeeper! At least you should know what will happen in the future. Do we die?''
''I am afraid I can't tell you that either.'' Jayce let out a sigh and walked faster to catch up with Twitch. He could see Twitch's home, A.K.A the engine room. He couldn't see much trough in the darkness, but he had a torch, so it wasn't that bad. They stopped at the entrance of the room. Twitch opened the door and they entered. A foul smell filled the room. Even the sewers themselves smell better! Jayce covered his nose. ''How can you resist this smell?''
''Hm? Oh, I made this perfume. Doesn't it smell perfect?'' Jayce rolled his eyes and looked around. There were a few tables. They looked really old and so did the rest of the little furniture. There were bolts and bottles all over the place. The only thing that didn't seem broken was an armchair. Twitch sat down on the armchair. He pointed at something behind Jayce. Jayce turned around and saw a table with buttons on it. Jayce nodded and looked at the buttons. ''They are here.''
''Hmm?''
''They are here in 23 seconds.''
''Who?''
''The Voidlings.'' Jayce dropped his mouth. Shit! Jayce quickly looked back at the buttons and saw a red one. He already heard sounds of the Voidlings. He quickly clicked on the button and iron walls came down from the ceiling in the sewers. Jayce let out a smile. ''We only have to deal with a handful of them!'' Twitch stood up and grabbed his crossbow. They walked out of the room and prepared to shoot the monsters since the walls would take a few minutes to get down. ''Young man, I wouldn't be so happy if I were you.'' Jayce turned around and faced Zilean. His smile disappeared. There was more than 1 wall. There were dozens of them. They were not only blocking the Voidlings, but also themselves. Shit! ''There must be another way out, right?'' Zilean shook his head. Jayce dropped his mouth in disbelief. ''Hey, done talking? We got Voidlings to fight!'' Jayce turned around. He nodded. ''Zilean, please slow the Voidlings down with your time magic!'' Zilean nodded and his hands started to glow. Voidlings started to come down and ran to them in rapid speed. ''Fire!'' Jayce's hammer turned into a crossbow and started shooting and so did Twitch. ''Sewer skewers for everybody!'' The Voidlings got a yellow aura and walked slower, no, everything about them was slower. Jayce looked at Zilean. He seemed to be in big concentration. Jayce turned around and started to shoot again. This was the last thing he would do, and he better made it a good one.
Squad 1
The Zaunite Shock troopers were readying their guns. Swain was standing next to the commander. All the champions seemed to be ready to fight. He noticed Katarina was secretly staring at Garen who was doing push-ups. Swain shook his head. I bet he is doing that on purpose to show off. Swain nodded. Indeed he is, Beatrice. Indeed he is. A loud sound transmitted in the air. ''Squad 1. The Voidlings are incoming, they are coming with a large group. Prepare!'' Luckily Viktor had warned them, otherwise they wouldn't be ready on time. ''All units! Get into defensive formation!'' All the soldiers obeyed and the champions did so too. But not much to his surprise, the Demacians didn't move an inch. ''You think I, Jarvan Lightshield the Fourth, exemplar of Demacia will follow orders of an Noxian swine?'' The Demacian champions nodded their heads. Swain could feel the other champions were also losing their moral. Swain shook his head. ''You do not have to obey me, but if you do, you will have a bigger chance of surviving. And I doubt you have even read a single book about tactics.'' Jarvan gulped. Upon hearing the sound Swain chuckled. Then a large group of Voidlings could be seen and stopped a few hundred yards away. A loud voice thrilled through the air. ''The Void's invasion is already in motion, mortals! Stop resisting! Do not challenge fate's will!'' The Voidlings started charging. You should see those Demacians. Swain looked at the Demacians and saw Jarvan readying his weapon. Swain rolled his eyes. ''DEMACIA!'' shouted every Demacian and charged toward the army of Voidlings. Some of the other champions charged with them and other didn't know what to do. They are already charging, why not support them?
My thoughts exactly. It was a calculated risk this would happen. ''All Shock units, open fire! And the rest of the champions, charge!''
Squad 2
Quinn was firing with all her might. But still the Voidlings were rapidly advancing. Lux was shooting more light projectiles, but it only slowed them down. ''Professor Heimerdinger! Hurry up!'' shouted Lux. ''I am trying my best, lady Luxanna. Please be patient!''
''Time isn't on our side right now!'' interrupted Quinn. She started shooting again but the crowd of Voidlings were just a few dozen yards away. ''Rise, my creation!'' Lux and Quinn turned around to see Heimerdinger standing next to a giant turret. The turret aimed at the crowd. The turret had machine guns and rocket launchers on it. It seemed it also had grenade launchers. The turret let out a sound and the machine guns started firing. The sound of guns filled the air. Soon after that rockets could be seen exploding the crowd. And grenade fell into the crowd to slow them down. ''How long will this thing hold them off?''
''With my current calculation, it says 23,56 hours!'' Lux nodded. 1 day then. ''Come on, let's get to squad 1!''
Squad 3
The iron walls were half their way down. Just a few more minutes and they would be safe, well, if could call it that way. The crowds of Voidlings was slowly getting bigger and were pushing their way to them. Jayce looked at his pockets. He could use that. Jayce searched through his pockets and got two small spheres out of his pocket. He threw them in the air and they made a bit distance between each other. A thin blue line appeared between the spheres. ''Accelerate!'' Jayce shot a shock blast through the acceleration gate. The orb got bigger and was going faster. It exploded in the group of Voidlings, and destroying them all. ''We can go, since the gate is almost closed and there are no Voidlings anymore,'' said Twitch while he put his crossbow on his back. Zilean shook his head. ''Look there.'' The two looked back at where the swarm was supposed to be. Only bodies and purple 'blood'
''What do you want us to look at?'' Twitch snorted and walked toward the pile of bodies. ''No, do not do that!'' shouted Zilean. Twitch turned around and let out a smile. ''You think I can't defend my-''A loud sound and smoke filled the room. The grey smoke disappeared slowly and revealing a giant battlecast Cho'gath. A loud robotic voice echoed through the sewers. ''Initiating battle sequence: Annihilation.'' Twitch shot a glare at Cho'gath. ''Nobody interrupts me!'' Twitch grabbed his crossbow and aimed at it. ''Twitch, no! Come back!'' shouted Jayce. Twitch however, didn't move and only stared at Cho'gath. It didn't respond. ''Hey! Look at me when I'm talking! Didn't you learn manners? Not that I have any.. But who cares!'' Twitch fired a barrage of bolts at the robot. The bolts, however just reflected from the armor. ''No..'' Cho'gath moved his head closer to Twitch and opened his mouth. And closed it. Blood spattered around the area. Each drop filled with fear. Each drop increasing Jayce's rage. ''Repurposing consumed materials.'' Echoed the voice. Jayce tightened his grip on the hammer/crossbow. ''Calm down, Jayce.''
''How can you be so calm!'' Jayce's hammer started charging. It went brighter and brighter. ''Hello? Do you read me? Viktor here. What's happening over there? Twitch just disappeared from the radar!''
''Jayce here…. Twitch just got eaten.''
''What?'' Jayce, however, didn't respond. The giant robot walked closer. The wall nearing the floor, was stopped by his arm and pushed back up again, like it was nothing. ''Oh, no. No, don't. Just, don't you dare!'' Viktor shouted. Jayce looked at Zilean. Zilean nodded. ''Thanks, Zilean. I am sorry.'' Zilean shook his head. ''Don't worry, I have-'' A giant explosion filled the sewers. Taking everything with it including the battlecast Cho'gath.
HQ
Dreaded silence filled the room. Viktor dropped his headset on the table and slumped over. ''That fool.'' Tears filled his eyes. He wasn't sad. No, not because of that fool..! He started to sob. Silent sobbing. He may be a rival, but deep inside, he couldn't help but admit they were friends. He stopped when he felt a hand resting on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Jinx with a weak smile. ''It's fine! He did something good. Right?'' Viktor looked her in the eyes. ''I am sorry you have to see me like this.'' Viktor rubbed his eyes and sat straight again. Jinx put both her hands on Viktor's shoulders and looked over Viktor's head. ''Let's blow something up!''
Squad 1
Swain looked at the battlefield. Most champions were charging, and the others were supporting the shock units. It was going well. Too well, like they are planning something. Don't you think?
Indeed. It's too obvious.
''All units! Get to defensive positions, now!'' The shock units obeyed almost in a flash. The Demacians however, didn't listen, as expected. ''Shut up, swine! We are winning!'' The people near him cheered. Swain shot a glare at Jarvan, who was smiling. Ignore him, Jericho.
I know, Beatrice. ''Very well. Don't come crying to me when something bad happens. Brainless fool!'' Jarvan shot a glare back but continued fighting. The other champions seemed to be troubled which side to choose. The Ionians, of course, didn't listen either. Your left. Swain raised an eyebrow and turned left. Oh dear. ''All shock units facing the south! Get in square formation!'' (Square formation was a tactic used by infantry to prevent being exposed in the flank.) The Demacians and the Ionians weren't listening, but the other champions were getting into defensive positions as well. Loud stomping was heard, making everyone stop in their tracks. It was getting closer, and was coming from the south. A large legion of battlecast Urgots were coming closer. The Voidborns retreated, seemingly letting the battlecast units finish their work. Why are they retreating? The Battlecast units won't be able to break through our defenses.
Only one possibility. A trap. The Urgots started firing at the Shock units, but were rapidly losing. ''Grand general, may I have your attention?'' Swain turned around to see Darius standing next to him. ''Darius? Shouldn't you be in the field?''
''My sincere apologies. But this is too obvious. Even I can figure out something is wrong here.''
''Indeed. I am thinking the same, but no back-up has arrived so far.''
''Maybe they are buying time?'' Swain raised an eyebrow. It was so obvious, that he didn't even think of it. Maybe it was too obvious?
''If what you assume is correct, what do you think they are waiting for?''
''I am not sure, grand gen-'' A loud cheering was heard as Swain turned around to look. It seems the enemies retreated. But why? Their numbers aren't that low. Swain looked at Darius and he nodded. ''Prepare.'' Swain was about to call the units but was interrupted by the ground that was shaking. ''What the?'' In front of the units the floor revealed a small crack, slowly getting bigger. A purple light getting out of it. The units ran back, but it was too late. A loud cracking sound filled the air and the crack opened. A big worm like monster came out. ''No.. Impossible.''
''I am afraid eyes do not lie, Darius.''
''But they said it went missing.''
''Exactly. Missing. Not dead.'' The monster let out a terrifying scream that filled the whole sky with fear. Baron Nashor… Why, didn't see that coming.
I must admit, even I didn't see it coming, Beatrice.
How are we going to kill it? You must have a plan, right? You always do.
I am afraid, I don't have a slightest idea.
HQ
Viktor looked at the monitors with shocked eyes. ''Baron. He's back.'' Jinx wasn't as shocked as Viktor. She released her grip on Viktor and walked back a few steps. ''C-can we kill it?'' Jinx didn't have many things she feared, but that terrifying purple beast would do anything to fulfill its wishes. In this case, probably his hunger. As they were shocked, purple smoke appeared behind them. ''You and your 'science'. You cannot resist any longer!'' echoed the voice. The voice continued echoing in his body. They turned around to see Malzahar. ''Why, you!'' Viktor stood up and aimed his wand at Malzahar. ''I think not.'' Malzahar raised his right hand and aiming at Viktor. Suddenly he got a headache. Not just a normal one. It was breaking his head. He put his hands on his temples and fell on his knees. Malefic visions filling his head. Memories about the incident with Jinx and Vi. Blitzcrank getting stolen from him. He bit his lips in order to not scream. Pain filling his body. He fell on the ground. Jinx rushed to help Viktor but got blasted away by Malzahar into the monitors. Destroying some of them. Jinx got out 'Zap' and shot at Malzahar. Malzahar clapped his hands and a purple portal appeared before him, absorbing the shot of 'Zap'. Malzahar clapped his hands again and the portal vanished. ''Witness your demise!'' His eyes sparkled purple and getting brighter every second. A thin laser beam came out of both of his eyes, into Jinx. Jinx screamed. Pain filling her eyes, like bullets piercing through her eyes. Malzahar let out a sly grin. ''Die!'' Screaming filled the room. Viktor looked at Jinx. Anger and fear both filling him. He tried to stand, but his bodie would not obey. He raised a hand. ''Please… Jinx.. don't die.. not again…'' Pain filling his brain, and ultimately, losing consciousness. Jinx, was the same case. However, hers was more painful, and was losing mortality. She could feel her soul being sucked away from her body.
''No.. not yet…''
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Sorry, about the long time you have been waiting. I am sorry, I got sucked into LoL. I just bought Zac and he is so fun to play! Sorry, I know it isn't a good excuse. But school also started and that is also taking time. I do know I won't stop until this story is finished, so don't worry! I also wanted to thank everyone for their continued support. It means a lot to me, really. Thank you for waiting. Have a Jinxed day!