8. The Flight of Viscero

Viscero sped along the road at full pace. A week of running had done nothing to strain his stamina so he continued onwards. The cracked stone underneath his feet guided the way north-east from Demacia and Viscero's steps furthered the deterioration of the road. He pressed on but suddenly came to a halt. His keen senses detected eyes were watching him, ears listening to his every step. He shifted his spear into his hands and bent his knees to enter his battle stance. The bushes on either side of the road rustled as the tall grass parted. A dozen armed people emerged from the bushes and surrounded Viscero. A man stepped forward and spoke.

"Xin Zhao. You got a price on your head."

The man was bald with a large scar running across his nose and eye. The group of people were mercenaries whom Viscero did not have the time to deal. The man continued speaking.

"I suggest you come with us quietly, the reward is significantly higher for you alive."

The man grinned and glanced at his friends. It was at that moment that Viscero leapt forward at the mercenary. Before he could move to block or evade Viscero slashed his spear across the man's face. Viscero spun to face the group with his back to the man. The group watched as their leader touched his scar which suddenly opened; blood oozing from the wound. The man crumpled to the ground. Another man screamed and aimed his crossbow.

"Get him!"

The crossbow let out several bolts in short succession and they sailed at Viscero. He leapt at another mercenary and sliced his neck open as the bolts whizzed past. Another mercenary charged with his axe about his head. Viscero launched his spear into his raised hands. The prongs shot through his wrists and kept his arms suspended above his head. Viscero then grabbed him by the shirt and spun him so his body became a body shield for the crossbow bolts that had been fired. The mercenary's body shuddered as the bolts struck him in the back. Viscero retracted his spear and the corpse collapsed to the ground.

Viscero's body suddenly locked up as several opaque chains rose from the ground and wrapped around his body. He looked up and saw one of the mercenaries had their arm outstretched. The young woman had a ball of swirling light in her hand and she was murmuring to herself to sustain the spell. The crossbowman reloaded as the other mercenaries aimed their weapons at Viscero and approached him till they were only a few feet away from him. The crossbowman aimed his weapon at Viscero before speaking.

"We're gonna put you in the ground Zhao and then collect the reward!"

He began to pull the trigger and Viscero prepared himself for the incoming assault. The bolts sailed through the air and Viscero pushed his arms out. The chains snapped and faded away as Viscero ducked. The bolts sailed over him and he heard the grunt of a mercenary as the bolts struck him in the chest. The mercenaries screamed and charged at Viscero. He lifted his spear above his head and swept the spear round in a crescent. The spear whipped through the air in an instant and sliced open the throats of the advancing mercenaries. All seven mercenaries crashed to the ground, some even grasped at their cut necks. Viscero finished his spin and looked at the mage and crossbowman who were left. They stared at him, wide-eyed and terrified. The mage tried to conjure another suppression spell but her focus was broken and Viscero descended on her in a moment. His leap through the air guided his spear through the mages chest and he lifted her up on the spear, the prongs and spike protruding from her back. He flung her across the road so her corpse rolled on the stone. Viscero turned slowly to the crossbowman who was quivering where he stood. The mercenary spoke, his voice shaky and stuttered.

"Xin please, let me go. I'll make sure no one else follows you."

Viscero walked over slowly to the mercenary, looked him in the eyes and spoke.

"Is there anyone else on the road?"

"Not… not that I know of."

Viscero turned away and began walking, stepping over the corpses. He reached the edge of the battleground and for a moment he faltered.

Xin hung his head and took a deep breath in. He whispered quietly to himself.

"Death is inevitable."

Viscero lifted his head and began running at full pace back on the road. His steps crashed into the ground and his speed grew as he carried onwards. Time passed quickly as Viscero made steady progress.

Suddenly Viscero stopped, peered into the distance and then knelt down to the ground. He placed his hand on the stone and closed his eyes to focus on the sensations underneath his palm. The road was vibrating with a growing intensity. Footsteps were drawing closer and from the feel of it, it was a group of people. Viscero stood up to run off the road and into the tall scrub along the side of the road. He crouched down and made himself invisible to all eyes that would pass by. The approaching group soon came into view and Viscero tightened the grip on his spear. A patrol squad of Demacian soldiers were moving at a steady pace back along the road. The squad came to a halt as a lightly armoured soldier put up his hand to halt. The soldier knelt down and looked at the road, observing it closely. The soldier then spoke as he continued studying the road.

"Sergeant!"

A large soldier at the front of the squad stepped forward and knelt down next to the tracker to reply.

"What is it corporal?"

"Tracks, they're fresh."

Viscero frowned, how could the tracker see tracks on a stone road? The tracker shifted his hand slightly and in it Viscero saw a tracking orb scanning the ground.

"How many?"

"Just one set."

With those words the sergeant waved his hands for the squad to fan out and establish defensive formations. The tracker continued speaking.

"Sergeant I can't tell who they belong to."

The superior officers response was abrupt and direct.

"Xin was last sighted moving in this direction from the capital. If it's a single track then it's his. Private Selasa call this in!"

Another soldier nodded in reply and retrieved a communication orb from his backpack and began talking.

"Tower, this is squad Serpentine five do you copy?"

A voice replied through the orb.

"Copy Serpentine five what's your status?"

"We have a sighted a possible trail of the fugitive Xin Zhao, do you copy?"

"Affirmative Serpentine five, hang tight and await reinforcements. If you see Xin do not engage I repeat do not engage. The Lady of Luminosity is en route to your location now. Tower out."

Viscero breathed in deep to focus his thoughts. He needed to escape the patrol now before Lux arrived, she would only be a distraction to him. The communication orb went silent and Selasa began talking.

"They're sending Lux? I heard on the line that Xin took down Garen and escaped whilst the entire city was on lock down. Lux won't stand a chance against him."

The sergeant glared at Selasa and spoke.

"Shut your mouth private I won't have any words against another Demacian soldier. She will take down Xin and recover the Measure Tread. Remember; for justice in the name of Demacia! Now hunker down and keep your eyes open!"

Viscero crouched lower into the bushes to shield himself from the Demacian eyes. He then slowly stepped sideways, shifting through the shrub but keeping his eyes on the soldiers. Suddenly a soldier close to him peered from the road into the thick growth. Viscero stopped moving and dropped down to his chest so that he was lying in mud and dirt. The soldier walked close to the shrub but stayed out of its dense grasp. Viscero braced his arms against the ground ready to pounce and ambush the unsuspecting soldier. He peered into the shrub but its thick tangle of plants and leaves gave him no sight into the shrub. Evidently the soldier was not willing to risk walking into the shrub for fear of an ambush so instead he retreated and fell back into the defensive formation.

Viscero knew if he was going to escape the hunting parties of Demacia he could not afford such a delay. He turned around and left the shrub with his back to the road. He entered the jungle and began navigating his way through the trees and bushes. He waited till he was further in from the road so that even when he moved at full pace he would not be detected by prowling eyes. Viscero then resumed his sprint north-east through the jungle. His progress was considerably slower but he was relieved to be putting distance between himself and the soldiers.

Viscero continued running parallel to the road for a period of time that he lost track of. He noticed the setting sun had begun to peek through the trees in front of him so he continued forward at an immense pace till he halted to make camp. Viscero climbed up a tree that was sheltered by others and when he found a branch comfortable enough to sleep on he lashed his legs to the branch, making sure the Measure Tread was in his arms. He let his eyes close and sleep took him.

Xin tossed and turned under his restraints as nightmares tore at his mind. A sudden shudder awoke Viscero from his slumber and he looked around to assess the situation. He untied himself from the branch and fastened the Measure Tread back to his belt. Above him he saw that the midnight moon was peeking through the leaves. He leapt down to the ground and peered into the forest. The shudder came again but this time a slow rumbling followed it. Viscero walked slowly towards it, darting from tree to tree in order to remain hidden. The shudder came again but louder; and closer. Viscero then caught a glimpse through the trees and saw the origin of the disturbance. Viscero's eyes widened and the grip on his spear tightened. Viscero knew the best strategy was to hide and slowly retreat. Instead panic froze his train of thought and without hesitating Viscero stood up, turned and ran away from the approaching calamity.

He knew his choice was the wrong one when a colossal roar shook the forest around him. Viscero had not planned for this; he was not prepared. His feet carried him at a soaring pace as he sprinted from the forest and back onto the road. The freedom of the road gave him unhindered speed but he knew that his pursuer was much faster than he was and soon Viscero would have no choice but to fight. There was however the slightest hope. If Viscero could reach the borders of Noxus soon and make contact with a Noxian patrol they could buy him the time he needed to escape.

His pursuer was on the road behind him and Viscero could feel the stones underneath his feet rumbling. Viscero ran as fast as his legs could carry him but they began to burn and weaken as they flew over the road. However relief washed over him when he saw a glint of hope drawing closer. Along the road a bridge began to come into view and Viscero knew he was nearing the Serpentine River. It would only be a manner of minutes till he reached the bridge but from behind the rumbling had grown louder and had become a thunderous crashing sound in his ears. Viscero flinched with every crash as the noise threatened to deafen him. He ran faster into the night as the thunderous stampede drew closer. Viscero saw that he was almost at the bridge; a stone's throw away. If could just make it.

A sudden force smashed into Viscero from behind and he felt intense pain as he was lifted off his feet and sent flying forward. Viscero crashed to the ground and spun as his body rag-dolled. He slowly picked himself up as he retrieved his spear from the ground.

"Xin!"

Viscero turned his head to look at his assailant. The chains jangled around his wrists and his nostrils flared as the Minotaur reared his head towards Viscero. The bridge was lit by torches on either side and the bright moon gave the Demacian perfect view of Alistar whose voice boomed across the bridge.

"Xin! What is the meaning of this!? Explain yourself!"

Viscero stood in silence so Alistar continued.

"Word came to the League that you had stolen the Measure Tread and attacked Garen! What is going on!?"

Viscero knew if there was a Noxian patrol nearby they would've heard the noise made by Alistar and would arrive soon. Viscero shifted his spear into his hands and aimed it at Alistar. The Minotaur's voice rumbled softly as he spoke.

"I came as fast as I could the moment word reached us; against the League's wishes. Come with me and we can reconcile this."

Viscero began to run as he started a charge towards Alistar. The Minotaur spoke once more with his head hung low.

"So be it, my old friend."

With those words Alistar bellowed a mighty roar and began his attack. Viscero was at full pace with his spear aimed forward and was had covered half the distance between him and Alistar. Alistar's momentum built up quickly and within ten metres he had accelerated to nearly top speed. Viscero nearly faltered in his advance out of fear to confront the charging beast; but he knew to do so would mean death. Alistar's speed was immense and the gap between them closed in a blink.

Viscero leapt forward, roaring as he did so. He thrust his spear out to strike Alistar but the charging Minotaur countered by lowering his head and catching the spear in his horns. With power and momentum pressing forward, Alistar rammed his head in Viscero. The spear warped and smashed back into Viscero who only just kept a grip on it as the blow sent him flying backwards.

Viscero crashed onto the stone bridge and barely managed to recuperate himself in time to see Alistar bearing down on him.

Viscero had no time to initiate another attack but instead rolled out of the way, narrowly avoiding Alistar's fists that smashed the stone underneath causing them to rupture and crack. The force of the attack sent Viscero spinning up into the air. He attempted to recover but before he could position himself correctly Alistar had made his move.

The Minotaur brought a mighty swing round and with Viscero mid-air there was no chance to defend or evade. The punch made contact with Viscero's chest and the force was devastating. Viscero felt the punch smash into his chest, the armour plating buckled under the force and at least three ribs cracked. Viscero was sent flying backwards and he tumbled onto the stone. Viscero picked himself up from the ground to look at Alistar who had halted his attack.

"Xin! Enough of this! Come back with me willingly, the Council will hear you speak and you will have a just hearing!"

Viscero stood and spoke to Alistar.

"My name is Viscero."

And that gave Viscero the opening he needed. Alistar's fury and determination had melted away to become fear and pain. The Minotaur whispered to himself as Viscero began his attack.

"No Xin, not there. Anywhere but there."

Viscero closed the distance and began his attack. He roared at the top of his voice and he felt his arms burn with the power granted by the magic. He leapt at Alistar and thrust his spear into the beast's chest causing him to recoil and roar in pain. Viscero then followed up with two swift attacks that gave life back to his body, he could feel the ribs beginning to shift back into place. On the third attack Viscero thrust the spear into Alistar; the prongs lodging into the Minotaur's thick hide.

Viscero then bent the spear and launched himself into the air. He withdrew the spear from Alistar and spun round in the air. He brought the spear round and down onto Alistar who shifted his own weight to brace for the attack.

The spear sliced across Alistar's chest and opened a gaping wound across the flesh. Alistar didn't stumble back but instead held his ground. Viscero landed on the ground and looked up at Alistar. The Minotaur bellowed out a mighty war cry and Viscero saw the wounds begin to close. He had to press his advantage whilst Alistar was wounded. Viscero moved in for another attack when suddenly Alistar gave a colossal roar, nearly deafening Viscero. The Traitor continued his advance and struck at Alistar. The spear struck Alistar but it barely made a scratch, the thick hide was now like steel and Viscero felt panic enter his mind. Alistar drew back his fists over his head so Viscero yanked his spear out and rolled away. He narrowly avoided the crushing blow that shook the bridge and sent chunks of debris flying out from the impact. Viscero knew if that attack had landed it would've pulverised him.

Alistar's fury and will was unbreakable and Viscero's advantage was now lost. Alistar suddenly began running at Viscero who turned and crouched prepared to avoid the impending head-butt. Suddenly Alistar lifted his head and brought his fist up. Viscero tried to step aside to avoid the blow but his stance left him unprepared for the attack.

The punch collided with Viscero's face, his features slowly contorting around Alistar's fist and all the Traitor saw was white. Within a fraction of time Viscero's body was sent flying across the bridge. He crashed and rolled along the ground. Viscero groaned as he picked himself up and clutched his face. He was getting the life beaten out of him but Alistar had barely taken a scratch. He knew he couldn't take the Minotaur by himself. He looked at Alistar who was bleeding from several wounds in his chest but otherwise appeared to be at full strength. He puffed out his nostrils and a loud breath emitted from them as he rolled his shoulders, readying himself for another charge. Viscero made sure the Measure Tread was still intact in its case, glanced at the bridge and then at Alistar.

Viscero spoke softly to Alistar.

"Farewell; old friend."

Viscero turned and broke into a sprint towards the edge of the bridge. Alistar roared and began running towards Viscero.

"Xin, wait!"

And with that Viscero jumped onto the edge of the bridge and over the side. He pulled his spear into his side and closed his feet together as he fell towards the black waters of the Serpentine River. His breath was sucked from body the instant he crashed into the river. His body was swallowed by the icy water and the strong current pulled him under the surface. Viscero churned about in the darkness; his strength was useless as his body was tossed about by the force of the river. Viscero struggled to breach the surface of the water and when he finally did the gulp of air stung his lungs.

He used his fading strength to remain afloat, even against the weight of his armour and weapon. Down the river Viscero was carried without guidance or objection; he simply stared up at the night sky. The river began to calm and Viscero let it carry him further and further from the bridge. He hadn't the strength to pull himself ashore. It wouldn't be long till he floated down to the border of the Institute of War. Once there he could seek refuge with the Noxian Summoners who would pass him on to the Noxian military. Viscero drifted along with the river further on into the night. His breathing was shallow, his muscles sore and his life fading. His eyes felt heavy, as darkness ebbed in and out of his view.

Suddenly his floating body ground to a slow halt as it caught on the bank of the river. He tried to budge himself back into the water but his body had no energy or strength to call upon. Tiredness and pain took Viscero and he fell into sleep.

It was a strong shake on his shoulder that woke Viscero from his sleep. His eyes squinted as they took in the morning sun. He heard faint shouting around him and did his best to focus on the words.

"Commander he's over here!"

Viscero struggled to turn his head to find the source of the voice. He saw a soldier kneeling next to him, his armour was thick plated, with dark colours adorned by small badges and trophies from spoils of war. He was a Noxian soldier. Viscero let out a sigh of relief and let himself relax in the shallow water.

"Pull him out."

The voice was stern and rigorous; it was familiar. Viscero felt arms grip him under the shoulders and pull him onto shore from the water. He looked around to see a squad of Noxians with their weapons aimed at him. The voice continued speaking.

"Bind him and bring him with us."

Viscero was roughly pulled up, his hands forced behind his back and bound with rope. He turned his head and saw a long dark cape set behind thin pale legs. He followed the legs up till his eyes met those of LeBlanc. She looked down upon him and spoke.

"You will come with us Viscero and we'll see how far your deception reaches."

The soldiers picked him up and they fell into a line as they began a march onward to their destination. They walked through the forest and soon found themselves on a road. Viscero looked back down the road and far in the distance he could see the dark outline of the Howling Marsh behind them. LeBlanc was next to him and she spoke softly.

"Our scouts have informed you had an encounter with The Minotaur at the Serpentine crossing."

She gave him a look up and down before continuing.

"Evidently you were not the victor."

Viscero gave no reply instead he continued walking in silence. LeBlanc was not one to indulge in small talk so she moved to the front of the line and continued marching onwards. Viscero walked on, head hung low. His body was tired, his mind weary but despite the pain he was certain he could hear the faint sound of a roar on the wind. They were being hunted.