Chapter 11
The Voodoo Lands has been home to the Dark Child for many decades. The last know activity the inhabitants of the marsh lake witnessed was the arrival of Vladimir. His encounter with Annie established a new alliance between the two. Vladimir had planned this event and predicted this outcome. His intelligent mind makes him one of the most feared tacticians Runeterra has ever seen, besides the notorious Swain. Vladimir just sparred with Annie as both equal in power forfeited the duel. Vladimir had explained his plan to dominate the North and place it under Noxus control, but there for he needed Annie's help.
Vladimir approached the lake his new ally was glancing upon "I need your help, with your abilities we will scorch the north and lay waste to Frel Jord once and for all " Vladimir explained. Annie dark hearted by nature, her mind twisted by the traumatic events of her youth. Being distracted by the glistering lake , Annie barely heard a word he said. "Annie! Pay attention, this is a serious mater" Vladimir said with while raising his voice. "I heard you, but the north is no place for me" Annie softly answered. Clutching his fist Vladimir carefully approached. Annie stretched her hand, her palm opening; a flame ignited. The eyes of Tibbers visible within the flame, scaring Vladimir for a mere instance. "Listen carefully Annie, the world will soon bare witness to darkness like never before. We need to create one united Runeterra under one leader. We both know Noxus would create a strong military army. That is what we need, but we need your help in this." Vladimir explained.
Twirling around she quickly reached Vladimir, coming to a stop as she nearly bumped into him. Her eye's locked dead into Vladimir's purple pupils, she smiled demonically "Then let them come, I shall burn them to the grounds" Annie whispered. Reaching for his pocket Vladimir revealed a scroll he had hidden. Grabbing Annie's hand he placed it safely in her possession. Examining the sealed scroll before burning open the sigil. Revealing what was a letter left to her by her Father "This scroll was left to us by your father when he died. It was his last will, naming you heir to his rightful place under the Generals Mages" Vladimir explained. Annie's face boiling red "Noxus exiled my father! What right does the General have to claim his daughter". Vladimir turned his gaze to the east "It was not the Generals order, he simply acknowledges that you are heir to your father's military branch. He grants you immunity and safe passage back to Noxus" Vladimir said. Annie laughed faintly " The Voodoo Land is my home now, I do not need Noxus."
Vladimir feared his plan might not go as planned. Step by step Vladimir walked eastwards "Please think about this, we need you in the upcoming battle. We do not want you as a foe, but ally." Vladimir said while walking away. Annie remained in her position as she was letting the entire event sink in her mind. Looking up and seeing Vladimir in the distance she quickly came to the conclusion that this might be a way to take revenge on the general of Noxus. It would be her own dark plan to lay siege to Noxus once and for all. The game of minds was being played from all directions, it was merely a matter of time before they would all betray each other. Catching up to the slow paced Vladimir, Annie held his hand as she bunny-hopped her way along "I will only come with you to honor my father's wishes. When Runeterra is restored I shall return to the Voodoo Lands." Annie said. Vladimir couldn't help grinning at his mental victory, his pride always got the better of him "Of course young child. Your contribution shall not go forgotten." Vladimir answered. Staring at Annie's face he could already tell she had some kind of plan to betray Noxus. This didn't matter as he planned to dispose of her afterwards.
"Why are we not going North to Noxus?" Annie asked. Before them laid the great Sablestone Mountain. The mountain peak stretching to the clouds, Vladimir pointed to a secret passage that was barely visible "There" He said. Annie loosened her hand, stopping in her tracks she asked it again "Why are we going in the wrong direction?". Sighing Vladimir came to a stop "On my way to meet you, I came across some bandits at the Mogron Passage. Our battle has collapsed the entire way, making it impossible to travel North". Rubbing her cheek she looked doubtful "Than how are getting to Noxus" she asked. Vladimir started climbing the stale mountain as he came closer to the secret passage "This passage leads to Bandle City. An old friend there might help with clearing the passage" Vladimir said. Snapping her fingers Annie cheered for a moment "I know! Bandle city! Yordle land lays beyond here"
"Exactly." Vladimir said. A period of silence followed were the both started making their way to the passage. It was narrow barely fitting Vladimir through, Annie on the other hand found it more comfortable as her height managed to provide her a clear path. The path was long and dusty, nearly entrapping Vladimir multiple times. Moment later they found the exit, upon exiting a breeze of air rushed through the passage knocking both of them off their feet and down the mountain foot. It was a long way down, but they weren't harmed. Vladimir landed first, his head bouncing off the ground he exclaimed in pain. Being her size, Annie landed afterwards right on top of Vladimir. It caught most of the pain. Being undamaged by the fall, Annie quickly got up to examine the landscape. Yordle land was beautiful and untouched. In all of Runeterra Yordle Land was unharmed by the terrors of the past, being one of the few that maintained peace.
"Why is everything so small" Annie wondered. Vladimir needed some more time to recover from the fall, rubbing his head he turned around to view the land "Yordles are short by nature and so is their habitat. Compared to Vladimir the surrounding was also miniature, trees barely as tall as Vladimir himself. The two soon made their way further east. It would prove to be a hell of a adventure for the two new allies, one filled with deception and betrayal.