Author's Note: Days turn to weeks, turn to months, and holy crap I've been a lazy prick. There are no reasons, no excuses, I've just sucked at focusing on enjoying my writing. But enough of that, please enjoy.

League belongs to Riot, as do their characters, original characters belong to me, usual disclaimer stuff.

Chapter 6: Recovery

The room looked like it was once an observatory in the past, meant for peaceful learning under the stars. But in reality, the walls held many restraining devices, caked with dried blood and other substances. In the center of the cylindrical room, a very crude symbol, a three-eyed skull with a grid covering it, was drawn in the middle of the floor.

No. Not here again.

Bane's eyes were locked on the aged form of Val Nero, the sorcerer who adopted him and his brothers and sisters. His skin was cracked and dark now, burnt in the dark flames that surrounded the now destroyed study. But it wasn't the body that Bane looked at, but the soul of Val Nero, held in a pair of massive jaws just above the soul's body.

Bane looked down briefly, seeing his much younger and smaller hands. While still worn from his life on the streets, they were a reminder to Bane that this was no dream, but a memory.

"No...you are mine...my power..." the soul of Val Nero said in a low moan, the pain of his sudden death apparent on his ghostly face.

No, you're dead, I killed you!

"One soul is not enough tribute. I demand MORE!"

Bane awoke with a start, causing the naked form of a woman to roll away from him with a sigh. Bane took a couple of deep breaths before realizing that he was in his room, naked, and very much hungover.

Man, I hate that dream. Bane thought, holding his head as he tossed the sheets off of his four-poster bed. He grabbed a pair of boxers from his nearby dresser, stumbling into them while searching for a pair of jeans to put on over top. A contented sigh from his bed caused Bane to look back, catching sight of the woman he had slept with the night before.

At least she's good looking this time around. Bane shook his head, trying to piece together what had happened the night before. A sudden growl from his stomach pulled him from the memory, which involved bright lights, a packed dance floor, and a crazy amount of alcohol. Making his way down from his loft bedroom, Bane passed the lounge area and entered his kitchen.

Grabbing some eggs and bacon from the fridge, Bane set about frying himself some breakfast, although it was now closer to noon than he'd like to admit. Once he got the eggs started, Bane leaned forward slightly, closing his eyes as he steadied himself.

"You had that dream again," the voice of Nine whispered in Bane's ear, startling him.

"Damn it Nine, you spooked me," Bane whispered back, "besides, you know I have company upstairs, wouldn't be good to be heard talking to myself."

"Do you remember her name this time?"

"...No, it was one of my bad nights, I don't remember much..." Bane muttered angrily, flipping his eggs, breaking the yolk. Bane cursed, changing his plans from over easy to an omelet with the bacon.

"I hope you remembered lil' ol me," came a sultry voice from the doorway. Bane turned to see a short, beautiful woman leaning back against the doorframe. Her shoulder-length black hair was highlighted with a deep red and framed around her face. The main thing that Bane saw was that she was only wearing one of his large graphic t-shirts, the hem barely reaching to her bare mid-thighs, and pulled tight across her generous chest.

Bane grinned slightly as the woman made her way over to him, holding the bottom of the shirt she was wearing to maintain an appearance of modesty, but the look that Bane saw in her bright, brown eyes told him all he needed to know.

She came up behind Bane, pressing her barely covered breasts against Bane's bare back as she wrapped her arms around Bane's neck, laying her cheek against the base of his neck. Bane casually flipped over his omelet, the bacon crisping within it nicely.

"Hmm, I certainly remember them," Bane said, rolling his shoulders slightly, causing the woman to gasp slightly before smacking him on the shoulder lightly. "No, that was lower," Bane retorted, reaching his left hand back to smack her on her now slightly exposed butt.

"Ooo, you do remember," she purred before peering around Bane to see what he was cooking. "Looks tasty, but I could use something to drink first."

"Check the fridge, should have something in there,"

The woman slid her way past Bane, trailing a hand across his back and right arm, before opening the fridge and grabbing a can of juice. She pulled Bane's head down, placing a kiss on his cheek, before turning and slowly walking toward the doorway again. She paused, placing her left hand on the door frame above her head, peeking under her arm at Bane, who had watched her the whole way.

"When that's done, why don't you bring it in here? I want some sausage for breakfast," she said, disappearing around the corner with a wink. Bane heard the can crack open as her footsteps faded up the steps.

"Her name is Gwen, just so you know," Nine whispered behind Bane's neck, startling him again.

"Damn it, stop that," Bane muttered angrily. "Thanks though, I had no idea,"

"I know, now you better fry some sausage for her already,"

Bane chuckled as he turned off his oven and scooped his omelet onto a plate. "Geez Nine, I don't have that kind of sausage," he said quietly, before he followed the path Gwen had taken back upstairs.

Unbeknownst to Bane, having watched the entire scene from the comfort of a deck chair, Dini was sitting, drinking some lemonade. His iconic helmet sat next to him, the front polished to a sheen, as he placed his glass on the table next to it and the pitcher. He sat like this for almost an hour, occasionally drinking more while watching the clouds drift by overhead.

"Looks like you picked out a good one last night," Dini said aloud, brushing some of his long blonde hair out of his eyes from an errant breeze.

"Thanks, I do what I can to help, just like you guys," Nine's voice whispered behind Dini.

Dini sipped from his glass, swirling the ice cubes gently before speaking again. "Well, I do my best, but you're the one that knows when Bane's at his limit. I'm just looking for more information on what Val Nero was trying to accomplish."

"That and saving him from Noxus, bounty hunters, mercs, Jackson..."

"To name just a few," Bane's voice came from the doorway. Dini tilted his head to see Bane leaning against the far doorframe, holding an empty glass in his hand. He had apparently just cleaned up after his debauchery with Gwen, his hair wet with water, but he was wearing a pair of faded blue denims and a loose fitting, cream coloured shirt with a sword design on it in black.

"Done so soon?" Dini asked with a grin.

"Please, it's been about an hour since I went back upstairs. Besides, she's showering and I'd be there if I wasn't looking for something to drink," Bane replied, shaking his empty glass in his right hand as he walked up and grabbed the pitcher of lemonade from the table with his left. After pouring some into the glass, he placed the glass on the table before bringing the pitcher to his lips and chugging from it.

Lowering the pitcher from his mouth after a few seconds, Bane gave a slight belch into his empty hand before setting the now half empty pitcher on the table and grabbing the glass once more. "Ahh, much better," Bane said, whipping his mouth off on the back of his right hand. "Now, what brings you here Dini? You're welcome to visit, but you normally don't during working hours."

"Nine said you were still on suspension for the Noxus Embassy incident and said you were working through a few things, figured you'd be here," Dini said, placing his now empty glass beside the pitcher. Dini placed his helmet on his lap and slowly drummed his fingers on top of it, looking down at the steady motion. "There's a person who has information on the Hexiles."

Bane slowly placed his glass beside the other one and stepped closer to Dini, arms crossed in front of him. "Why didn't you say so earlier? Nothing is more important to me than figuring out what they supposedly are," Bane said tensely, his hands griping his forearms tightly.

Dini noted the sudden change in Bane's attitude, looking up to see Bane's eyes had narrowed and the area around his right eye was starting to glow. "Take it easy, you had company. I know a few things about you, and one is not to disturb you when you're getting nasty."

"I'm about to if you don't tell me who knows about the Hexiles," Bane practically growled.

Dini sighed, looking back down at his helmet. He gripped it once, before placing it on his head, covering his features. "I don't know the person myself Bane, but I know who does,"

"Enough with the mystery talking crap, just tell me who..." Bane trailed off as Dini stood up and turned away from Bane. "Dini, if you're saying Jackson..." Bane looked down, his arms and fists at his sides, trembling slightly.

"I knew you wouldn't be happy about this, but he refuses to tell me about the guy," Dini said, still not looking at the seething Bane. "He said he would meet you at the Pit at two, usual table,"

Bane clenched and unclenched his fists a number of times, breathing heavy. How dare that oaf do this to me? He had better have the name of a Hexile himself for this! Bane thought as he tried to bring his anger under control. He finally started breathing normally when he walked up to Dini and put his hand on the smaller mans shoulder.

"Thanks man, I'll be sure to meet with him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should see Gwen out," Bane said, pulling back and walking back into his kitchen.

Dini let out the breath he had been holding in. "You were right Nine, he didn't get the anger out of his system at the Noxian Embassy like was planned. He's going to need an outlet within a day or he's going to go on a rampage again."

"It'll work out, it always does,"

"Only because he's got you to keep him in line. But meeting with Jackson could be like shifting a tectonic plate under a dormant volcano. One thing goes wrong and all Hell will break loose."

"Nice work today everyone one, and thanks for inviting me to team with you guys," Summoner Amaryllis said, nodding to Summoners Arrow, Vriska and Dispanic. "It's been a while since we've worked together, but why wasn't Bane ruling the jungle? Liliana wasn't bad, but it's not her forte."

"I was wondering the same thing," came Vi's voice from right behind Amaryllis. Amaryllis gave a small gasp of surprise, before turning around and glaring up at the Enforcer.

"Huh, like you should talk, you were with him when he went to the Noxian Embassy last week, yet you won't tell us what happened," Amaryllis crossed her arms and jutted out her chin. "If you really cared, which I doubt, you'd explain what happened that night."

"Can't, confidential," Vi replied, not even looking down at Amaryllis, which only seemed to anger her more. Vi looked over to Vriska, who was silently sniggering into his sleeve. "If you see him, tell him I'd like him to crystal call me. Thanks," Vi turned to leave, but Amaryllis grabbed her by the sleeve, stopping her movement.

"Now hang on a minute! Why should we tell him that, when you won't tell us anything? Why are we being left out of this?!"

"Ask Bane, it was his request that I don't include you guys," Vi answered, looking between Arrow, Dispanic, and Vriska in turn, before shrugging off Amaryllis's grip and headed down the hall.

Stomping in anger, Amaryllis turned around to find that Arrow, Dispanic and Vriska were halfway down the next hallway, talking with Vayne, Garen, and Shyvana about the match they just finished. Cursing slightly, she jogged after them.

Unbeknownst to Bane's friends, Vi had stopped and looked back over her shoulder. She watched Amaryllis yell at Vriska, probably for another snide comment, and shook her head. "The guys are cool, but that bitch isn't worth his concern. He owes me for-"

"Oof!" came Lux's voice as she walked into Vi, who didn't budge, but Lux fell to the ground holding her arm. "Sorry Vi, didn't see you there."

Vi offered Lux a hand up, which Lux accepted gratefully, but Vi didn't let go. "Hold on Sparkles. I can't talk to Bane's friends about what happened, but I can question you about being there."

"What, me? I don't know anything about Bane's problems," Lux replied, tugging on her hand slightly. Vi relented, releasing her to nurse sore arm.

"Don't play coy with me, that was your Final Spark that blinded us before with left! What do you have to do with Bane?"

Lux placed both of her hands on her hips, looking up at Vi with disapproval. "What does it matter to you, is he your boyfriend?"

Vi started, caught off guard, crossed her arms defensively. "What, no! We're friends, and we work well together."

"Good, that's something I didn't know before, thanks," Lux said, turning and walking away. Vi, too flustered to respond, shook her head angrily before heading in the opposite direction.

The Pit is a decrepit stone building in the lower-earning district of the League's city. Situated near the river, the exterior is well worn and always has some vines growing over it. It's only a one story building, but it covers the end of the alleyway that it calls home.

Inside isn't much better, with shady lighting and a humid atmosphere, coupled with various acrid smelling smokes. The walls are covered with a couple of layers of different coloured paints and patches, the floors are dark hardwood boards that creak and moan, and the windows are always broken. But to the regular patrons, it is a sanctuary, where the drinks are cheap, and good if Duke is on shift, and no one bothers anyone else.

Unfortunately for some, the Pit's owner, a harsh overbearing man that went by Chad, was working the day shift, so only the stronger willed regulars were in attendance. And for early afternoon at the Pit, that was about a dozen or so people. So few people even noticed Bane walk through the front doors, the floors creaking under every step from his heavy steps. Chad didn't even look up from wiping out the inside of a beer stein, only gesturing to the back corner of the bar with a tilt of his head.

Bane nodded before dropping a small bag on the counter with the chink of several coins. Chad pulled out a much cleaner looking rum tumbler glass with a cardinal nine drawn in an ornate, golden script. Filling the bottom eighth with golden rum, then quarter when Bane tapped the table, Chad dropped in a pair of ice rocks, instantly cooling the liquor, before filling the rest of the four-inch high glass with a golden coloured soda.

Grabbing the glass with a slight nod, Bane made his way over to the back corner of the bar to where the hulking form of Jackson sat, spinning his empty beer stein faster and faster. Jackson had a large cloak over his regular attire of white t-shirt and brown khakis wrapped with metal bands, the cloak being a metallic blue that shimmered in the faint light. Bane watched the glass spin for a while, drinking about a third of his drink before grabbing a chair and sitting in front of the behemoth.

"What do you know?" was all Bane asked as he resumed drinking, not looking as Jackson's glass fell to the floor with a crash.

"I'm doing great, thanks for asking. I've recently been slaughtering people for fun and for your stupid goose chase," Jackson said angrily. "A little gratitude goes a long way, especially after I got you that little gif-"

The sound of glass shattering cut Jackson off as the larger man slowly looked up at Bane, pointed teeth in a nasty grin. Bane was clenching and unclenching his right hand, shards of glass visibly stuck to his now wet combat gloves, and breathing hard.

"Gratitude? You should be grateful for the chance to pay me back for what I've done!" Bane yelled, slamming the glass shards into the table top with a crunch. "As for your fucking gift, quit reminding me of-"

"Of what, of what you did to Nine?!" Jackson snarled back, standing up and flipping the table to the side. Bane quickly got to his feet as well, staring up at Jackson as the bigger man reached for the chainsaws strapped to his back.

The sound of a shotgun being pumped drew their attention to Chad at the bar, a riot pump in his left hand. "Out back," was a Chad said, pointing to the back door of the Pit with his free hand.

Bane and Jackson both glared at each other, then at Chad before Bane shoved past Jackson and slammed open the door to the back alley. Jackson growled slightly before following Bane out back, slamming the door shut and causing it to tilt to the side slightly.

Jackson barely moved five steps past the door when Bane decked the larger man across the jaw, the hardened metal in Bane's gloves breaking bone and knocking Jackson to the ground. Jackson grabbed his jaw, slurred cursing coming from him as he held it in place.

"Oh shut up for once!" Bane snarled, shaking his right hand from the impact. "I, we, had no choice! Val Nero, he saw us as tools, expendable to the end!"

Jackson, his jaw having healed, laughed in response. "Ha! That's rich coming from teachers pet!" Jackson roared, grabbing one of his chainsaws from across his back and swinging the chain out at Bane, who dodged underneath. "You just wanted more for yourself!"

Bane crossed his arms across his chest, the shadow behind him shifting to a dark crimson shade. It rippled as Bane whipped his right arm to the side, a small shockwave radiating out from him that knocked Jackson's chain back to its holster.

"More? I'll show you more!" Bane dove after Jackson, driving his shoulder into the larger man's gut and forcing him to the cold cobblestones. "More pain, more suffering, everyone shall get more!"

Jackson only grinned as Bane's fist, glowing in the same dark crimson as his shadow, caved in Jackson's jaw. Bane, panting hard, readied another fist, only for Jackson to slam the handle of one of his chainsaws into his ribs, forcing him to roll off and avoiding the rotating chains. The chains gouged into the stone walls, churning up a cloud of dust that made Bane cough and take a step back.

"Heh, that's all?" came a slightly slurred taunt from Jackson, who waved the dust away from him with his right hand, setting his jaw back in place with a sickening crack with his left. "I've seen bigger fits from a sick cat!" Jackson yelled, bringing both of his chainsaws over his head, the chains beginning to spin at incredible speed. The eight and infinite symbols upon Jackson's forehead were glowing a light green through the bandages, as was his jaw and the chains spinning through their boxes.

A sudden stomp from Bane cracked the ground around his feet, the dark crimson of his shadow swirling around him. Jackson could hardly see red glow from Bane's face as he was shrouded in the growing dark crimson "shadow" as it filled the corridor behind Bane.

"You had your chance to run." Bane voiced echoed through the corridor as his "shadow" continued to grow above and to his sides. "I will pick your body apart, piece by piece, and as you try and heal through it..." Bane paused as a red flare burst behind him, illuminating the growing shadow.

"I'll kill you!"

"Time to go," came a faint voice, as Jackson saw two wispy embrace Bane, as Bane began to flail.

"Fuck off Nine, I'll tear him a new one, then watch you-

"Bye Eight."

Jackson watched as Bane faded from sight and sound, still writhing in Nine's grasp. Jackson breathed heavily, the rasping gasp sounding clearer as his face and jaw repaired themselves with a green light. He stood up with a groan and walked over to wear Bane had been standing. The ground was cracked and slightly charred, the same dark crimson glow of Bane's 'shadow' infusing the shattered stones. With a sigh, Jackson slammed the middle of the corruption with a glowing green fist.

The green aura washed over the dark crimson, diluting it and making the stones repair themselves. Releasing the breath he had been holding, Jackson rose once more, grabbing his chainsaws and strapping them across his back.

"Thank you," came Nine's faint voice behind Jackson. He spun around, but there was nothing there.

"You know better Jack," Nine said, again behind Jackson's head. Jackson growled slightly.

"Now, now, no call for that. I just wanted to thank you for provoking him."

"Fight wasn't over. Where did you take him?"

"He's in the Tempest Flats, not far from our old hideout."

Jackson whirled around again, only to see no one behind him.

"Stop doing that, or I'll just leave."

Jackson stopped, looking up into the cloudy sky. "I just want to see you again."

"You know I can't, not while I'm like this."

Jackson exhaled slowly, dropping his head down. "Have Six look into a Dr. Pratcher's estate in Zaun. Rumours say he has many ancient texts."

"Thanks. Bye Jack."

Jackson turned around once more, catching a faint wisp in the corner of his eye. With a sigh, Jackson whispered something that no one could hear.

"Fayde."