Before I start to work on Wrath of the Shadow Isles, I've been completely split by two decisions. I don't know if it should be an Artrix sequel or starring a fresh new champion. I've really liked the idea and Artrix's character but at the same time I also want something fresh. I'm curious to see how people like my OC/Riven.
If you guys got any flavours and might want to help me tip the scale, please do. Message me, review whatever. But in the meantime, read on!
Chapter 15
Artrix the Redeemed. That was his champion title. Alongside with Riven, this doublet of the exile quickly became the spotlight for the viewers of Valoran. Many had already heard of the rumors and whispers of two champions, both exiled from Noxus and now bonded with each other against impossible odds. Something along the lines of star-crossed lovers, this was what the League had unintentionally promoted. Now, as an official champion, Riven although reluctant, had all but completely given up on her efforts to mask their relationship. She had grown to accept it as the League and its champions welcomed them with open arms.
Tomorrow was to be Artrix's prime match however he was to first go through a field orientation, a sort of a practise. Just before that, many inquisitive Summoners had already inspected him and his prowess.
"So, Champion Artrix, what can you really do?" a Summoner named Pills asked him. He was surrounded by his similarly robed Summoners in an entourage, who were all curious to this new champion.
"I fight," Artrix blandly replied.
Artrix had never really liked the Summoners, nor did he despise them either. However, he had felt best just to plainly avoid them as much as possible, save for the times when he would actually be summoned.
"Can you be a bit more specific? What are you specialities?" Pills further probed.
Artrix gazed at him for a second, then unsheathed his blade and did a simple flourish. "Swords."
The Summoner sighed and shook his head to his entourage.
"Well, be that way then. However, I would like to inform of you your practise match scheduled this evening and that I shall be your first Summoner. There, you will learn the basics of Summoner communications and the Fields of Justice."
With that, the group left Artrix to himself. He quickly began his tread back to his room, earlier Riven had told of him a surprise that awaits him. During his silent walk, the lack of perturbations allowed him to deeply and clearly ponder. Artrix was split, unsure of whether to be happy or sad at the fact that he was now a champion. Yes, he felt accomplished and was delighted to see Riven's cheer for him yet the thought of having to continue his Noxian lie for god knows how long is truly worrisome. It was also combined with the fact that Heaven is now in total chaos under his uncle's tyranny had made it feel like a train wreck piled up inside him.
When Artrix had arrived at his door, he noticed soft thuds from within. Curious to see what Riven's surprise was, he quickly opened the door and was indeed met with a surprise. At the moment of his entrance, a blast of glitter and and a hefty welcoming from an array of champions inside greeted him.
"What's going good my Artrix!" Vi, one of the champions, loudly announced.
Besides Vi's was a party of other champions who all seemed to be in a cheery mood, contrasting Artrix's gloom just moments ago. They were all stuffed into the decently sized room, which was lightly decorated to suit the atmosphere. It had two floors to accommodate two champions but Riven and Artrix barely used the upper floor. The party included Riven, the three Piltoverans, Annie, Sona, Soraka, Lee Sin, Irelia, Udyr, Sivir, Lux, Ezreal and surprisingly King Tryndamere and Queen Ashe.
Riven who was holding a box wrapped in a bright red layer, walked over to Artrix as the rest of the champions made welcoming gestures and noises to greet Artrix.
"For you," she said, holding out the mysterious box towards him.
Artrix accepted it. "Is this the surprise you've told me of?"
"Well, we are just throwing a little party in quick celebration of your successful judgement," Riven replied with a shrug.
"And I thought you didn't like others coming into our dorm."
Riven smirked. "Things change."
The champions had spread themselves out in joyous laughter as the commotions of the mini party began. Artrix, who was eager to unravel the mystery of the box, was halted by a light slap to his hands by Riven.
"Not yet."
The blithesome sounds of the champions animated the normally bland and mundane room. In the centre was a large, wooden table set up with trays of snacks and food. However, the prime attraction for most of the champions was the fountain of Graggy Ice situated in the middle, towering over all others. Glass mugs lined the edge neatly, prompting the champions to ready themselves to get drunk during day. Annie had tried to reach up for a glass of her own but Caitlyn had carried her away to a corner with Tibbers. Sona was responsible for the party's music, masterfully playing her etwahl in constant shifting waves to follow the mood with Lee Sin sitting patiently at the side, enjoying the melody. Lux and Ezreal seemed to have contented with themselves, often giggling and laughing at things unknown to others.
The more surprising guests, namely the Freljordian royal couples, had come to Artrix to bid them their congratulations. They were dressed in their casual attire, free from their royal garbs.
"We've come to greet and congratulate our newest member of the League," Ashe said with a cold and decisive voice.
"It is an honor to meet you, perhaps we can find ourselves soon in battle and bloody," Tryndamere boldly said. He seemed to contrast his wife; he was more lively and barbaric than Ashe.
Artrix set his red box of mystery aside and accepted the couple's greetings.
"I've heard many great things of you, and your strength to unite the people of the north,"Artrix said, firmly shaking Ashe's hands. "I'm flattered at the thought that you had decided me important enough for you to set aside your regular day's work for this gathering."
Ashe gave out a light sigh as though Artrix's mentions were disheartening. Tryndamere, sensing this walked up to Artrix and explained their dilemma.
"There has been troubles brewing in the Freljord, namely a certain somebody named 'Liss', but that isn't why we came today. We have come exactly in hopes to avoid the troubles and take a light break for ourselves," the Barbarian King said.
Ashe nodded her head. "Yes, that is unfortunately the case. However, since we are here, let us for now wash away our worries with a bit of the ale."
Artrix understood their worries and led them to the fountain where Jayce and Vi were already getting drunk, emptying mugs after mugs.
Riven had left their current presence and out to the balcony, enjoying some time with the Ionians and Sivir as they sought out peace. Overlooking the green lush of a forest afar, they had sat in a circle upon fluffy cushions and conversed under the brightness of the blue sky which had approached evening.
"Irelia, Udyr, thank you for coming today, I thought you would have rejected the offer," Riven said. Sivir was too busy downing mugs of ale as the three talked.
"It is absolutely our pleasure, isn't it Udyr?"Irelia softly spoke. She was free from her regular armor and was instead dressed in a brilliant white komodo with laces of red here and there. Her famed blades were also absent.
Udyr nodded. "We are most pleased to have a little break time for ourselves. We are still impressed with your communications with the Spirit of Boar and have decided to title you brave and courageous."
"I thought I would've never been able to even talk to Ionians ever again, but…" Riven began but could not found her words.
"But you've met someone who helped you change, did you not?" Irelia knowingly asked, completing Riven's sentence for her, "Everyone is very, very happy for you two. This is a positive relationship that the League has not seen in a while."
Riven's face blushed just slightly, but had learned to accept it. "Thank you."
"That's just what we all need now, a happy happy time to be free of all of Valoran's ongoing bullshit," Sivir said, raising her mug into the air. Everyone else followed suit and clung their glass lightly and drank some of the land's most refreshing and best ale.
Inside the dorm, the thuds of the party roared on loudly. Artrix had sat on his couch, pleasantly enjoying himself and occasionally greeting a few champions. Then, Soraka the Starchild approached him as though she had something on her mind.
"Champion Artrix of Noxus," she gently addressed him, "Congratulations on your successful entrance to the League."
Artrix did his routine nod and smile however Soraka lightly tapped her hands on his shoulders. "Do you have an extra moment, I have a few words I would like to say to you."
Not expecting her gesture, Artrix agreed as Soraka led him upstairs where it was much more quiet and allowing for a deeper conversation. It was smaller area than downstairs but was cosily lined with dusty wardrobes and carpeting. The only source of light that lifted the area of complete darkness was that of a large, round window fixed high on a wall, shining a beam of the setting sun's orange light through it.
"Do you know who I am Artrix? Or who I once was," Soraka began.
Artrix squinted his eyes at the Starchild and inspected closely, but he could not find a single remnant of memory for her. He shook his head, signifying his lack of knowledge of her. He had not familiarized himself with her story, as he has been too buzy lately with many other things, namely his worries and whatnot.
"Of course you don't, I was but a lowly Celestial under you," Soraka said, "Under the dome of Heaven."
At the mention of Heaven, Artrix felt alerted. How did she possibly know?
"You must be mistaken, I do not know what you speak of," Artrix lied.
Soraka faintly grinned as she summoned soothing green magic from her palms. "Please Artrix, I know everything. I was a Celestial, a child of the very stars. I was a cosmic being, like you. I had seen you walk down the aisles upon Heaven proudly from the seats of the servants below."
Then, Soraka conjured images of Artrix when he was a god, adorning his pearlescent armor and cape and strolling down a hall as the nobles sat high in their chairs. Down below were the servants of Heaven, and the lower order beings. In the images, there seemed to have been a celebration of sorts as a chromatic shower of glitter and confetti rained down Heaven accompanied by an endless wave of cheering crowds. Then, with a whiff of her hands the magic dissipated.
"This was your coronation as Prince, back when I was still a cradler of the stars," Soraka said.
Artrix sighed, now at the worry that his secret was even weaker than he had thought.
"Please do not tell anyone who I was, especially Riven."
"I have no reason, nor do I understand why you lie but that is none of my concern. However, I asked to come here because I had something I've wished to tell you for eons yet I never had the chance."
Soraka then invited Artrix over to a set of tables and chairs. She cleaned off the dust with a mighty blow as they both sat down, preparing for the conversation. Soraka breathed and remained silent for a moment as she prepared her words in her mind.
"I had hated you," Soraka bluntly stated. "We all did."
Artrix was slightly taken aback by her words but then he remembered his past. Now that he had looked back, he was nothing but a foolish, arrogant boy thinking that only power had mattered. It felt almost disgusting; he knew that he would've hated himself too.
"You had not only ruined the many lives of those we had watched over but you had also harmed the balance of many stars. Your reckless destruction has desecrated many worlds and its mortals. Your arrogance had blinded you, you were but a brat," Soraka continued.
Soraka's eyes burned with a seeming passion of truth. They were bursting out any burdens they had once held, like a kettle under fire for too long.
"We were the guardians of those you had destroyed. The thing that pains us most was not the fact that we had failed, but rather because we could not do a single thing. Not revenge, not to ask for aid not anything for it wasn't an outer evil, it was you. You thought that as a god, you had inherent rights over us. You were wrong."
"Was I really that terrible?" Artrix asked.
Soraka casted her gaze at directly into Artrix's eyes, "You had treated us Celestials as nothing but worthless specks of dust. You would not even talk to one of us or care to think about your actions which affect us. When your coronation came, my heart was filled with burning hatred for you."
Artrix looked down in shame. "I'm so sorry for what I had done, I did not know."
Soraka turned her austere gaze into a light smile of reassurance. She laid one hand in Artrix's and the other onto her own heart.
"Your heart changed, otherwise I would not have be here today. After I was casted down to Runeterra, I had many moments to wonder in peace. I knew hatred was not the answer but faith, faith that you would one day learn from your mistakes."
The sun outside had now continued to set with half of it already vanishing below the mountainous horizon. The orange tainted sunlight had become darker and redder as evening fast approached.
"What I wanted to tell you, I will do so now. Artrix, I am so happy that you are you now and you understand the errors of your past. Now, I can finally be at peace with my worries of Heaven and most of all, you."
"Riven had helped a lot, she gave me a path to follow and a guiding light," Artrix said.
Soraka's grin widened at the prospect of love between those two. "Now that you can love even a mortal, I believe your father would be proud."
Artrix leaned over on his chair and gazed out the window. Directly below he could see Riven along with the Ionians and Sivir laughing and chattering in the setting sun. The drowsy forest scenery outside was fascinating, it was these small details that one person would never paid much attention to but when you do, the world will look to you much brighter and more beautiful.
"Well, I suppose I shouldn't keep you much longer from your practise match. What needed to be said has been said, good luck Artrix and may Heaven prevail," Soraka said.
Artrix and Soraka returned downstairs where many of the drunkards had already fallen fast asleep in the dying light, littering his dorm with snoring bodies. Vi was sleeping heavily, upside down on his couch with her pink hair turned into a wild tornado. Surrounding her were the other participants. Artrix thought that they surely must've had an exciting time.
Riven and the clear minded Ionians had went back inside, leaving the incapacitated Sivir outside surrounded by a mountain of emptied mugs.
"Let's go now, wouldn't want to keep the Summoners waiting," Riven suggested.
Artrix pointed to the sleeping champions. "What do we do about them?"
Riven lightly shrugged and smiled, "Might as well leave them here. They can't go anywhere."
With that, Riven and Artrix along with the Ionians had left for the summoning platforms.
"Alright Artrix, the first time you will experience a summon will be relatively uncomfortable but you will quickly learn to adjust to it," the Summoner Pills said.
Artrix found himself to be in a completely dark room except for a strange spotlight shining over him. He now wondered when he even got here, was he asleep similar to the magic Vessaria had used. No matter, he felt prepared and readied himself. Before the match Riven had almost obsessively dressed him in his best. He had decided that his official appearance was to be the same as when he was still a god. Donned in his brilliant golden white armor, Artrix himself was reminded of his past title.
"So what am I to do?" Artrix asked.
"Follow the light. We will need to connect our minds. Right now only I can see you but you cannot see me. Follow the light," Pills said.
Suddenly, a pulsing orb of brilliance exploded in front of Artrix then quickly died down into a faint dot into the distance. Follow the light, Artrix repeated the instructions in his head. He chased after it but it seemed to have no end. The more he ran, the further it went away from his grasp.
"Hmmm…. There seems to be a little bit of difficulties. Something or something had planted a shield in your mind, although it is old and fading. Must've been residue magic from the champion judgement, give me a moment."
The light disappeared and Artrix was left in the darkness again. He waited for a brief moment when Pills' disembodied voice returned.
"Alright, we have taken it down. Let's try again."
The burst of light and the dot repeated itself again but this time, it came closer and closer to Artrix as he after it. When close enough, the pulsing orb floated gently above the ground. Artrix reached for it and grasped it tightly in his hands, not letting a single beam escape. As he closed his fingers, a shower of distorted images and senses bombarded him. His stomach churned and he felt sick, as thought something was trying to turn him inside out. He collapsed to the ground, holding in what he believed to be vomit.
"Just hang in there, we are now synchronizing our minds, this will be a little bit of a rough ride," Pills said.
The daunting artillery of images and sensations continued to rip at his mind and very soul. He could not tell between scent and sight, feel and hearing. They were all mixed into one pot of confusion as his head spun wildly. Just as it had reached a climax, normality began to return slowly. His dazed eyesight started to craft out coherent images that resembled the Summoner's Rift. The greenness of the grass and trees began to distinguish their colors from the others and soon, the remainder of his 5 senses crawled back into his mind.
"Nice, we are now connected! Here is how it works Artrix, when you are summoned are minds meld into one body, and in this case it is yours. We think alike and share thoughts and our actions controlled by either you or me but most of the time it is actually you. Only when needed or an emergency occurs does the Summoner take complete control of the body, so far so good?" Pills instructed.
Artrix nodded, clutching tightly onto his recuperating stomach. He was now teleported onto the champion platform in the purple base of Summoner's Rift. It was as he had prepared it to be, all the matches he had watched and observed had given him a sense of what it would be like. He had essentially understood the basics, objectives and ultimate goal of a league match which was the prized nexus.
"Okay, let's do a few basic movements so that you can become accustomed to sharing your mind and body," Pills' voice sounded in Artrix's head.
Artrix felt a peculiar tug on his body, as though his arms were not under his regular sovereignty. He lifted his right hand to his face, albeit with strained effort. His whole body felt numbed, poisoned but an unexplainable sense had kept him going. He then forced his left leg out and proceeded to walk off the platform. Gradually, his motor functions eased their way back into him. He strolled towards the large structure of the nexus and laid his hands on the smooth, purple crystal which pulsated with energy.
Then, a sudden feeling of life vivaciously surged through his body. He clenched his fist and slightly hunched over at the raw power and then, as soon as it had begun it was over. Artrix felt normal now as the final synchronization has been completed. He could feel his own body and kind just fine, albeit the presence of his Summoner lingered inside his mind. Artrix drew his blade as the practise match began with the roar of a loud horn.
"Alright, everything is in check Champion Artrix. Because it took us a little longer than expected, most of your allies has already arrived at their respective lanes."
For this match, Artrix's teammates were the robots Blitzcrank and Orianna, the strange but amusing Armordillo Rammus and Riven, while his opposing team consisted of Ryze, Lux, Ezreal, Rumble and Cho'Gath.
Riven was sent to the top lane, Rammus in the jungle, Blitzcrank and Orianna at the bottom while Artrix was instructed to go mid. Many Summoners have now been tuned to the practise match, curious at what Artrix's prowess was. He was deliberately sent mid so he could display the most of his abilities.
Artrix's lane opponent was the yordle sitting on an interesting mechanized suit known as Rumble. He was a peculiar opponent, unlike any he has ever faced before. It felt like as if Rumble was blend of both laidback work and ingenuity, scrappy yet effective.
"Alright Artrix this is Rumble, the Mechanized Menace. He's got nasty tricks up his sleeves but otherwise he should be fine. Just be a tad careful," Pill's voice suggested in his head.
Rumble's jittery suit spewed out black smoke and the occasional sparks. Its motors roared loudly as it thundered its way into the lane. Then, it raised one of its scrap appendages and primed its flamethrower, spitting out an inferno orange which decimated the minions. With the path clear, Rumble readied its other arm and launched out a harpoon at lightning speed. Artrix's honed reflexes however, allowed him to swiftly roll to the side, dodging deadly impalement from the projectile.
Artrix wiped a bead of sweat off of his forehead. The heat from the constant flames has affected him even from a safe ange under his own tower.
"Show him what you can do!" Pills said.
Rumble's suit made a loud clanking noise as its gears worked ferociously, sparking and grinding to reload its weapons. During this time, Artrix saw a slim but powerful opportunity. He readied himself into an attacking stance and dashed nimbly at Rumble. With blinding speed, Artrix was able to catch his opponent unprepared. Rumble tried frantically to force his weapons back into action however Artrix's speed did not allow it. With his rockets and flamethrower down, Rumble had to resort to melee combat against Artrix. Using its menacing mace, Rumble torqued and swung it at Artrix. However, to the yordle it felt like he was trying to strike the very winds itself as Artrix seemingly slithered around the large machine, avoiding its field of vision.
Artrix's flexible body bent in ways Rumble did not expect as he hopped clean over the yordle and in process severing a pressure pipe with his sword. Slick oil vomited from the damage, causing the machine to shake and jitter even more.
"You annoying human! I will get you for that," Rumble said as he desperately demanded more than his suit could handle. His fast, furry hands punched buttons and forced levers as more smoke bellowed from his suit. Then, an aura of heat consumed the robot structure as it went into overheat mode.
Artrix, cautious as to what new powers it brought, kept his distance and placed himself in a defensive stance. Rumble, who seemed angry, now pushed forward as his mechanized beast went into overdrive. It thundered towards him with frightening speed and left trails of flame behind it on the field's grass. It charred everything in its wake in its thirst for the first blood.
However, Artrix's expressions gave not one sign of fear but that of steadfast sureness. In his mind, he only saw a tumbling, aimless beast. In these mere split of a second, his eyes completely scoured his opponent and fully understood his weakness and strengths already. He spotted a vital mechanism, a cooling tube located on its flamethrower that separated the flames from its fuel tanks, strategically placed hidden in its back. If he were to sever this safety net, he knew what it would be like. Fuel. Fire. Catastrophe. It was only natural.
Taking advantage of the blinding rage which consumed Rumble, Artrix kept his mind cool and clear unlike his adversary. Waiting for the perfect moment, Artrix stood still. It was almost as if he was taunting Rumble, further adding fuel to the fire. When his chance arrived, Artrix dodged a swing of the mace which would've turned any other man into a bloody pulp. Then, he swooped down to the ground and grabbed a handful of sand and threw it into the yordle's eyes. With agonized screams, Rumble temporary relinquished control of his machine as he desperately attempted to wipe the sands off. Using Rumble's disorientated state, Artrix took this moment to hack off the cooling tube and sliced open the fuel tank. He then immediately distanced himself from Rumble and waited for the fireworks.
"That's it! Taste fire!" Rumble angrily yelled. Not realizing Artrix's sabotages, he unknowingly readied the flamethrower and aimed it at Artrix.
"You sure you want to use that?" Artrix said with a grin.
This was the last straw from the puny human for Rumble. He lifted his furry hands and smashed the fire button. The flames leaked from the weapons and quickly combined with the exposed fuel which then blazingly transformed into a fiery tornado that devoured Rumble whole. The mere heat melted off the armor and gears, rendering the whole machine destroyed. In a split-second, the hurricane of inferno blasted out in a shower of sparks and flaming debris. The roar of the explosion roamed across the Summoner's Rift, accompanied by a female announcer declaring First Blood and sending Rumble back for a lengthy revive timer.
"That was very impressive Artrix, this lane has been won. The bottom seems to be faring quite well but top is not," Pills said.
Artrix thought to himself, and then he realized that top lane was where Riven is. Pills read his worries through their connected soul.
"Hold on there, do not make decisions based on your emotions," Pills began, "In a match, we must all cooperate as a team and not as individuals."
"I must go help her, after all is this not what we need to achieve victory?" Artrix questioned.
Pills relented for a second, but knew that he was right. All the lanes have already been won except top, flanking it and allowing Riven to triumph for ensure for a quick victory.
"Fine, let's go. But beware, for it is Cho'Gath, the Terror of the Void. He is a massive beast capable for tearing even a tower down in mere seconds, lest consuming you whole with ease."
Artrix left his lane and traversed through the thick jungle. There was an aura of magic pulsing from the very woods as critters and other ambient creatures roamed through the fields. When he was close enough, he could hear the efforts of battle coming loudly from the lane. From above the tree line Artrix could see a gargantuan reddish beast towering over everything. It was unlike any creature from this mortal plane. Boasting numerous claws and appendages capable to tearing through the thickest of armor, let alone flesh, Cho'Gath was truly a terror. Artrix was well aware of the Void and its creatures. He knew what abominations that the evil realm were capable for producing.
Near their tower Artrix spotted Riven, who was almost like an ant when in comparison to Cho'Gath. She bared minor injuries, most notably cuts and scratches across her body as she leaned onto the tower, resting for the moment. The only thing keeping the beast at bay was the magically enchanted towers which were capable of firing blasts of energy dangerous even to Cho'Gath.
"Riven!" Artrix called out. This attracted the attention of both her and Cho'Gath as he made his way into the lane.
"Artrix! Watch out!" Riven screamed as the Terror of the Void thundered with surprising speed towards him. It pulled one of its many claws back and then smashed it into the ground. Artrix, catching a glimpse of it in the nick of time, was able to roll forward and dodged the attack which left a 5 feet deep crater as a result.
Cho'Gath roared loudly and flailed its arms into air. Then, it spoke in an eerily intelligent yet demonic and inhumane rasp.
"You will not forestall her demise, mortal."
Artrix rushed to Riven's side. "We will defeat this beast together."
"He is truly a dangerous opponent, we cannot fight him directly," Riven said. "His size will render all our attacks useless."
Artrix took a glance at Cho'Gath, who had begun to make his way towards making the two his feast. The very grounds shook and quaked as the beast's steps stomped the land.
"Then we will just improvise," Artrix confidently said with a smile. Seeing this, Riven returned the gesture with her own smile and held up her runic blade which pulsed with green energy. She was ready to take on the monstrosity with her most trusted companion.
The two then turned to face their foe. When Cho'Gath was within sufficient range, he lifted one of his massive feet and stomped the ground. For a second, all seemed normal when suddenly an earthquake shook the whole lane. The ground rumbled and its very structure seemingly buckled under a mysterious force. Then, otherworldly spikes began to rupture out from the point where Cho'Gath stomped and begun to spread like a disease from its origin. It picked up tremendous speed as it raced hungrily towards Artrix and Riven.
Without saying a word, they dashed in opposite directions and avoided the spikes just barely. One of them had nicked the side of Artrix's shoulder, causing a line of blood to trickle down the wound. He quickly inspected it before returning his focus to the beast. With the assault over, Riven and Artrix began their own in retaliation. They lifted their blades and charged from left and right towards Cho'Gath.
"You think this will stop me?" Cho'Gath rasped.
The beast then unleashed a scream that could cause the unprepared to fall and die from just the mere sound. It rippled across the air, shaking the very leafs off the trees and the ground to vibrate. The vorpal scream blasted into Artrix and Riven, immediately halting their advance and then throwing them back onto the ground. Artrix's ears ringed for the moment as all sounds were drained from him. He was temporary disoriented but was able to catch glimpse of Riven who was already back up. He then climbed to his knees and inspected Cho'Gath once more. Its massive size was discouraging at nearly 10 times his own height, and skin thicker than steel; a sword is no more effective than a pin against it.
"What do we do now?" Riven asked.
Artrix pondered for a quick second before his responding confidently. "Plan B."
"And that would be?"
Artrix smirked, and held out his burnished steel. "A beast is no beast if it cannot see."
"You've got to be kidding."
Artrix just shook his head before returning to battle stance. Riven sighed and reluctantly accepted his plan. This time, Artrix led to way as Riven trailed slightly behind. Cho'Gath, acting more amused than alerted and waited for what these two mortals can do.
Then, just as Cho'Gath was about to unleash another scream, Artrix arched his body into that of a form ready to throw a ball expect this time it was a sword.
"If we cannot get to you," Artrix said, springing his body, "then we will just have to improvise!"
With calculated precision, his threw his sword at Cho'Gath. It spiralled smoothly in the air, not faltering for one bit as it quickly found its path into its target. It buried painfully into one of the beast's eyes, causing black blood to ooze out from the wound. The beast hollered thunderously in agony and it shook its body uncontrollably. Its claws scratched uselessly at its eyes as more and more of the black liquid spilled out.
Riven took this only chance and rushed forward with all her speed. She summoned her hidden power as her blade reformed, completing her once again for a few short moments. Intense energy rippled from her radiating body as she lifted her sword high into the air, preparing to slice right down the middle of the beast. Suddenly, when she was within a fist's range, Cho'Gath anguish seemingly disappeared as it stared down at Riven, the sword still stuck in his eye. Artrix realized that it was all a muse and tried to call out to Riven but it was too late. She was already in the grasp of the Terror of the Void.
Then, Cho'Gath summoned a single, hidden spike from the ground which shot up and knocked Riven back to the ground with her barely hanging onto her consciousness. Her blade then immediately shattered, returning to its broken state.
"Foolish mortals, your plans were but your own undoing," Cho'Gath said as he prepared to feast on Riven.
Artrix saw this and an indescribable sense of power suddenly surged through his body. His desire to protect, to see Riven alive and unharmed consumed him whole as he breamed with strength. Time seemingly stopped for him as Cho'Gath's atrocious jagged fangs closed in on Riven's disabled body. Artrix's mind screamed for her protection. In this very moment, all else had mattered not for him. It was as if a seed had hatched within, granting him new strengths to achieve his goal.
Suddenly, the skies above him darkened, much to the surprise of the Summoners. A terrifying aura of magic hovered over the field, it was far more powerful than the magic used by the Summoners. Supernatural lightning arced from the clouded skies as it charged Artrix with powers beyond any anyone has ever seen. He then blitzed forward, blindly rushing to Riven with the purest, most simple desire in mind; to protect her. This notion was enough for him to sacrifice his own life if need be, all to ensure her safety. He did not know what was happening, but he did not need to.
Artrix's fist was supercharged as the thunder above seemingly connected with him. He wielded the very awesome power of natural itself as he soared into the air and plummeted towards Cho'Gath. With all his might, he fired his fist at the beast's armored head which resulted in a blinding explosion that matched even the primordial burst. A thunderous crack which was louder than the earth splitting, roared across the Summoner's Rift as the glory of Artrix's light bathed the fields. It would seem from a distant that Cho'Gath was just struck by divine lightning as the searing brightness could be seen from miles away. The lands quaked, the skies crackled and all creatures bowed in this boundless display of strength.
Cho'Gath, who was instantly killed by the strike, was flung back several feet and crashing into his own tower. The granite structure collapsed along with the broken body of the slain beast. Then, the skies above cleared and soon the field returned to normality, save for the speechless gazes of many Champions and Summoners.
Artrix helped Riven back to her feet.
"That was… Amazing…" Riven said, herself too speechless.
Artrix stared unbelieving at his own hands. For a moment, he felt as if his godhood had returned. However, the energy that he had had not left his body. The weak static cackled around him before too finally dissipating.
"I didn't know I was capable of that."
The match was over, which laid the way for the night. Artrix stood in silence outside on his balcony as he gazed into the weary moonlight which cascaded across Valoran. The soft brilliance of the lunar had gently painted the lands in light bleach. He then looked at his hands, and clenched a fist. What had happened back in the match, had he regained his former power? But why, why did it happen? What does it mean?
Then, Riven came outside and joined him. She held two cups of warm tea and offered one to Artrix.
"Thank you," Artrix simply replied.
"That was very interesting, what you did," Riven said.
Artrix shrugged. "That struck me as a huge surprise. That was one part of me I did not know about."
Riven smiled. "It seems like you don't know a lot about yourself."
"I think you know more about me than I do."
Artrix counted, that was another lie. He had really wished he could finally break to Riven of his true past but sighed and forced the idea from his head. He then took a sip of the tea, which soothed his body as the two looked onto the night.
The row of chained citizens was grimly lined up for one final destination, the Gallows of Heaven. Thousands upon thousands of people were round up and sentenced to death for opposition against the King, most of them innocent. The houses of those condemned were burned to the ground, turning Heaven into something that resembled a chaotic battlefield instead of the ultimate peace that many had believed it was to be.
Women, men, the elderly and even children were not spared as they lined up for their fate.
"For committing treason, or conspiring to commit treason against the Lord and King of Heaven, the punishment shall be death," the governor announced loudly.
"By suspension." Then, a group of prisoners' neck were tied to thick, menacing nooses. The executioner stepped to the side and promptly pulled the lever. The sounds of broken necks, and sometimes choking filled the dreadful day. Their bodies were then taken down and piled onto the ground. By now, there were countless mountains of lifeless bodies as the guards ushered the prisoners one by one, row by row and line by line to their end.
A young boy, who was chained with the others, looked grimly forward and saw the noose waiting. His dull eyes had glittered with hidden hope, hope that even through his end would peace return to Heaven one day. He then reached into his pockets and took out a small, runic replica. It had the symbol of a mighty Eagle clutching onto a bolt of lightning. The boy then looked up again as the line grudgingly moved forward, each time with the sounds of bodies dropping and wood cleaking.
"When the light fades, and all justice lost, only faith will remain in the hearts of the people. When the skies darken, and righteousness taken, only faith will remain in the hearts of the people…" the boy began to sing softly to himself, the words allowing him to not completely despair.
Then, one of the prisoners noted and too joined in the forbidden song.
"We shall not falter, nor shall we fail, in the face of evil…"
Soon, more and more prisoners joined and they then stomped their chained feet in perfect unison while still moving forward towards the gallows. This was a final act of defiance of them, the little they could do yet it was an act of pure bravery and faith.
"We shall bring the light back, through our undying hopes…"
The whole of the courtyard began to shake and rumble as the prisoners now all unite in a chorus. Their voices reached even the outer reaches of Heaven in symbolic unity. The guards, now uncertain of what is happening, looked to each other. The prisoners showed no signs of restraint, each of them still accepting the gallows and their fate but now, their passion and desire to be free burned brightly along with their hopes and faith.
From a distance in the Royal Palace, Othrius observed the event high above in his Throne. His advisor then kneeled and reported to him.
"My Lord, they have started singing."
Othrius' face was austere and grim. "I know that, but it matters not for they are perished, useless. It is nothing but false and pathetic hope, they will pay the price for they dared questioned royalty."
Inside the Royal Court, the very same room that Artrix was banished from, two tables lined the sides as nervous nobles and lords were seated. Beside Othrius stood Kayle, who was ever watchful for anyone daring to assault the King.
"Isn't this madness, Kayle? What is the point of being King if no one listens? They are but ruthless anarchists, trying to plunge Heaven into chaos. Do you not agree?" Othrius asked her.
Kayle nodded. "Yes my Lord, we shall find and prosecute any traitors of Heaven."
Othrius's sinister smile returned. He then held up his hand and gestured the servants to begin the feast. Quickly, a professional line of servants entered the court with trays of various types of food as they set the tables for the nobles and the King. In front of Othrius, several of his favourite dishes were placed neatly across him. Without waiting, he began to gluttonously dive into his feast, indulging himself with the food. To many, it seemed like a strange contrast. Othrius' thin, snaky structure combined with his devouring of many substances were a peculiar sight. The nobles saw the king begin and did so as well.
Othrius' advisor then approached him. "Shall I bring on the entertainment, my Lord?"
Othrius nodded, his mouth filled with chewed food. The advisor waved his hand as the doors opened and a young boy, impeccably dressed to impress the King entered.
"And what do you do, my child?" Othrius asked.
The boy confidently bowed before the King and brightly responded. "I sing, my Lord."
"Oh?"
The advisor stepped out and nodded his head. "Go on then, sing for your King."
The young's glittering eyes shifted from the advisor and back to the King before clearing his throat. Then, he began a soft humming which slowly escalated into a louder, yet soothing tune. It serenaded the court as the nobles and Othrius ate in the sound of perfect music. Even Kayle was swaying lightly from left to right.
Then, the boy's opened and he began his lyrics.
"When the light fades, and all justice lost, only faith will remain in the hearts of the people. When the skies darken, and righteousness taken, only faith will remain in the hearts of the people…"
The nobles' eyes widened and so did the advisor. He gulped as Othrius stopped eating.
"We shall not falter, nor shall we fail, in the face of evil…"
Othrius turned his head to his advisor and casted an accusing gaze at him. The advisor's mouth opened as he quickly gestured guards to remove the boy from their presence. Two guards then grabbed the boy, who was kicking and screaming now in clear defiance of the tyranny.
"You killed my brother! You killed us all! The people of Heaven will not accept your tyranny!" the boy screamed as he was dragged from the court.
Kayle was slightly shocked at what she saw, but she refused to believe the boy's words. The King was absolute, he was just. There is no conceivable way that Othrius would betray them. The boy was but a mere traitor, she thought.
The advisor stumbled in front of Othrius and kneeled for forgiveness.
"My Lord, I'm so sorry for what had happened. I honestly did not expect…"
Othrius stood and calmly placed his hands on his shoulders. He then reassuringly smiled as if nothing was wrong.
"Relax, friend, we all make mistakes at times do we not?" the King rhetorically asked.
The advisor, sensing his forgiveness, nodded and wiped the sweat off his forehead. Othrius then turned and strolled down from his table as the feast was halted.
"Just not in my realm…" the King muttered. He then gestured for Kayle to take him away as a prisoner and eventually the gallows. She then locked the advisor's arms who then kicked and attempted to resist.
"No my Lord! Please, spare me, I promise I will not do this again. Please, I am no traitor!" the advisor screamed, but his efforts were sung to deaf ears as he was forcefully dragged from the room. His voice could still be heard hollering for a few moments down the halls.
Othrius shook his head before turning to the nervous nobles.
"I've lost my appetite. He had dared entered my realm in a feeble attempt to advocate his heretical revolutions. The gallows, is what he will get and if any of you dare the same thing, then so shall your results. Death. Do any of you here dare?" Othrius said, casting his snake-like gaze across the court.
All the nobles nervously shook their heads in forced loyalty to him. Othrius then eased up and returned to his table.
"Hmm… It would seem that I would require a new advisor, one that is not a traitorous rat. Do any of you here wish to uphold that prestigious title? Hmm?"
Othrius' petrifying eyes surveyed the room as all the nobles attempted to avoid his gaze. Only frightened silence came from them.
"How about you there?" Othrius said, pointing to one of the unfortunate Lords.
"If… If you wish my Lord, then I shall comply and obey," he stuttered.
Othrius grinned, revealing his fanglike teeth. "Good, good to see that there is still such a thing as loyalty in these times. Your job starts… Today."
Othrius then dismissed the court as many of the nobles quickly fled the scene, leaving almost all of the food wasted. The unlucky noble who had been summoned as advisor, took out a handkerchief and swept the controllable sweat off his shaking forheard.
Back in the gallows, it was now the boy's turn for the noose as he bravely stepped onto the creaking platform. The song was still being sung in relentless defiance. The executioner then wrapped the thick noose around the boy's neck before taking off his restricting chains. The boy then glanced at the rune one last time before tightly closing his fist around it.
"We are the loyal servants of Heaven, forever ready to fight. When evil comes, we shall die as the sons of the one, true King…"
Then, with a pull of the lever, their bodies dropped as the rune fell, spinning several times before lying flat on the ground.