PREVIOUS NOTE:
I want everyone to know that the way I see the Void is similar to the Nether Storm in Outland (World of Warcraft) with all those floating isles and dark colors.
(February 21st 2015 – 8:36 AM – New York, Earth)
A new day came and the little sister was still missing, the information Claire received from the mysterious figure at the morning was not confirmed, but it was the only lead and anything related to her sister was valuable. The brown haired Summoner needed someone to help her and thus she dragged Katarina and Matt, the former because her fighting skills would be effective in case that place would be a trap; the latter because it was the only one with a car that could drive them closer to inspect the place.
¨So let's me get this straight. You received a note from a stranger in your house that had an address, and behind it, it said sister¨ Claire and her champion nodded at the back ¨You believe this is where she is held. But you haven't stopped just to think that it might be a trap plotted by Ralzith just to get us all?¨ His eyes looked at the rear mirror where the two of them were looking at him with a boring look.
¨What would you do if the person kidnapped was Caitlyn or Vi? Liz is my sister and I don't expect you to understand how I'm feeling, but at least try not to tear down all of my ideas¨ Claire said with a nervous tone, she was looking at all the cars that were stopping by the traffic lights.
¨Ok. First, if someone tries to capture Vi, I'm sure they will end up with half their back broken. And second, I need to ask you something about Caitlyn¨ His eyes looked back at the road as he stepped on the gas.
¨Wait, did something happened yesterday?¨ Katarina asked, her face changed to a worried one.
¨It's not something about yesterday. It started this week, she's… I don't know… more affective towards me, more kisses, hugs… things like that and I thought you could actually tell me what is going on her mind, because after all you are all the same right?¨
¨Excuse me?!¨ Claire looked at the driver, her tone was now more violent.
¨Uh… I-I was just saying that maybe you could help me out! That's all¨ He turned to the right, they were now just a few streets away from the address.
¨You don't get it, don't you? She is giving you all the hints. I knew it, Caitlyn doesn't deserve a dumb person like you¨ Katarina mocked at the driver who turned his head at the redhead.
¨Hey! I'm not dumb, I may have some flaws but-¨
¨WATCH OUT!¨ Claire shouted at top of her lungs and pointed forwards, when Matt wasn't looking the car gave a slight turn to the right climbing onto the sidewalk and heading towards a lamppost. Hopefully the blonde looked at the front and managed to turn to the left getting back into the road.
¨You were saying?¨ The Noxian looked at the driver with a smug on her face. ¨As I was saying: she wants to take the next step in your relationship¨
¨Next step? You mean marriage?¨ Matt asked skeptical, the passengers made a facepalm, embarrassed of how dumb he was.
¨Not THAT step¨ Claire muttered. The car stopped moving, on the other side of the street there was an apartment complex in a good condition, quite odd for the neighborhood they were in.
¨This is It… to be honest it doesn't look like a criminal hideout¨ The blonde added.
The trio was now looking at the structure where Claire's sister was held, from the outside it looked like a normal building but who knows what was waiting for them on the inside, it was obvious that the three of them couldn't get in and extract Liz, they needed more people for this job and definitely a plan. The three floor structure appeared to be empty until someone left through the main door, someone familiar. They gasped and recognized the person wearing that hoodie, those cyan ponytails and pink eyes belonged to the Loose Cannon. She was walking away from the apartment complex, on her right hand she was playing with a pair of keys while whistling a peculiar song.
¨…Come on, shoot faster. Just a little bit of energy yeah…¨ Jinx whispered as she kept walking, behind her the group was following on the car slowly trying to not get discovered.
¨Should we call Nick and Marie?¨ Claire pulled out her phone but Katarina shook her head.
They kept advancing trying to have the Zaunite at a moderate distance but she suddenly stopped and pulled out from the hoodie's pouch what appears to be a cellphone, she was looking at it and immediately turned her head towards the car that was following her, the trio lowered their heads hoping that they were not discovered.
¨You think she saw us?¨ Matt asked as he rose up, and there she was, her psychotic grin, devilish eyes and crazed cyan hair. She was sitting on the hood holding what seemed to be plastic bomb.
¨Did 'ya miss me darlings?¨
¨But… how?¨ Matt started to move his hand slowly towards the gearbox, but she didn't noticed it.
¨You think we didn't notice you? There's cameras everywhere!¨ She pointed at the different locations from the cameras ¨Now, how about you get out of the vehicle and talk like sane people?¨ Her grin was scary.
¨You are anything but sane Jinx!¨ Katarina cried from behind, she pulled out a kitchen knife that was hidden within one of her boots.
¨Mhh, yeah, you're right. Might as well blow you up with the car¨ Her finger moved closer to the red button but stopped just a few centimeters of it ¨Unless… that pretty boy gives me a kiss just right here¨ Jinx pointed at her lips.
¨So, I kiss you and then we are free? That's easy!¨ He was confused, but it was understandable since she was crazy.
The Loose Cannon laughed ¨Don't be that silly! You will be unharmed, but then you'll have to go with me to a speeeeeeeeeeeeecial place¨ She stressed that E giving the trio even more fright.
Matt nodded ¨Alright. Let me just get my seatbelt off and- HOLD TIGHT¨ The blonde shouted at the people in the back seat as he put the reverse and drove back, making the Zaunite fall from the hood with the bomb still in her hand. The driver managed to turn around in 180 degrees and stepped on the accelerator.
¨Hey blondie boy, you forgot this!¨ The champion shouted at the trio throwing her bomb at them but hopefully her arms didn't have the enough strength thus making the bomb fall closer to her (Which explains why she cannot throw her flame chompers too far) ¨Shit¨ She whispered and jumped away from the explosion's radius leaving a hole in the middle of the street.
The Loose Cannon wiped the dust from her clothes, she didn't got hurt from the explosion. Something was vibrating inside of the pouch, she pulled out the phone she had earlier and saw someone was calling her.
¨Are you out of your mind!? Somebody might have heard that explosion!¨ The voice on the phone was from Richard whose tone was the one of an angry man.
¨Relax mighty leader, you told me this part of the city is the worst one, so I doubt anyone else will come¨
¨Look, if the cops come here-¨ The voice from the rooster got cut as Jinx threw the phone away.
¨What a boring dude. Where was I? Oh yeah¨ Jinx walked back to Richard's apartment grabbing once again the keys and played with them ¨It's such pathetic neatness. But not for long 'cause you'll get Jinxed!¨
Back on the vehicle, the trio was already far away from the criminal's safehouse and heading back to their homes. They were silent the whole trip, they never expected Jinx to be there neither having that close encounter.
¨What now?¨ Matt asked as he stopped the vehicle at a red light.
¨We must strike them as soon as possible. The less time they have to react, the better¨ Katarina suggested, however her Summoner was still silent ¨Claire, are you ok?¨
The Brown haired wiped the tears from her eyes ¨Yeah, it's just… I'm worried about Liz¨
¨We'll save her. I promise¨ The redhead hugged her Summoner whose eyes were dropping tears again.
(February 21st 2015 – 4:20 PM Earth time – Prison, the Void)
The Voidreaver was pushing the little girl through a hallway, even though the Voidborns did not need any luxury or comfort, the Overlord wanted to create his own domain and built himself a fortress where he could lead his army to other worlds. The champion threw Liz into a dungeon and closed the door behind her.
¨Enjoy what's left of your humanity. Soon the Overlord will have plans for you¨ He laughed making the little one cry from the inside.
Darkness was the only thing Liz was able to see, the bag over her head prevented the little sister from seeing anything beyond her feet, the hands were tied so there was no way for the kidnapped to escape.
Tears were coming down from her eyes and fell onto the bag soaking her cheeks ¨I want to go home¨ She sobbed and closed her eyes trying to get some sleep.
¨Seems we are in tough spot eh?¨ The voice of a man rang into Liz's ears, he was in the same room as her but far away.
¨Who are you? Help me get out of here, my sister must be looking for me!¨ She cried out to the voice, but he did not reply, instead footsteps were coming closer to her, once they stopped her bag got removed. Liz saw in front of her a man whose body got a lot of injuries, his face full of scars, the most noticeable thing was that both ring fingers were missing.
¨It seems we are now both prisoners from the Void¨ The black haired prisoner removed the ties from Liz's hands freeing them.
¨What's your name mister?¨ The little one sat at the side of the other person with curiosity on her face.
He scratched the back of his head ¨My name is… Ralzith, or Ral if you'd like¨
¨Ralzith? My sister talks a lot about you¨
He turned his head at her, surprise was the only thing that came into his mind ¨By any chance, does your sister have brown hair and is with a girl who has some fascination for knives and has red hair?¨
Liz gasped and nodded ¨You know Kat too? Are you three close friends?¨
¨Let's just say we met under some circumstances in which I was not happy about myself¨ He lowered his head as if he was embarrassed of what he did.
¨Well, then If we get out of here you can fix things with them. I'm sure they'll be glad to talk it over¨ Liz smiled at the prisoner and he returned the smile but not for long.
¨I doubt they'll be happy to see me. But I can't blame them, I did bad things in… I am a bad person¨ He felt the little one hug his arm.
¨That's not true, if you were a bad person then you would've tried to hurt me. Besides, my sister always said that there aren't bad people in the world, they just make bad decisions¨ She looked at the injuries Ralzith had in his arm as she felt a hand patting on top of her head.
¨Then I must be the king of bad decisions!¨ He chuckled
¨So how did you get here? Those bad guys kidnapped you as well?¨ She looked at the door, the small window was the only source of light that entered into the dungeon.
¨I already told you, I made bad decisions in the past. Plus, it's a long story and you might not wanna listen about it¨ He closed his eyes trying to get some sleep but the little one tugged his arm looking at him with puppy eyes.
¨Come on, I love stories. Yours surely must be interesting.¨
He smiled, it was obvious she wanted some attention and there was no way he could say not to those eyes ¨Alright just because you asked…¨ He turned his and looked everywhere into the room, he felt as if someone was watching them ¨… and the fact that I don't know for how long we are staying here¨ Ralzith whispered and turned his head back to Liz.
(June 6th 2012 – 3:37 PM Earth time – Institute of War, Runeterra)
After leaving the Reflection Chamber, a smile was upon his face since he has been approved to become a Summoner in the League representing the city state of Ionia, however no one was focused on him, instead the League was celebrating the arrival of a new member. The raven haired Summoner walked down the stairs and saw that a lot of Summoners and champions were around this particular person, he tried to get closer to find who the new one was.
It was indeed someone who caught everyone's attention, not only his hair and characteristic moustache were notorious but his weapons as well, two spinning axes that could cut through meat without any problem. But he wasn't alone in the Institute, along with his brother, Darius, they were called the Blood Brothers for their sole reason to enjoy seeing their victims bleed.
While most of the Summoners and champions were looking at the Glorious Executioner (Also known as Draven) with great amazement, the others looked at him with hatred, especially those representing Ionia and Demacia. The new Summoner got bored of the people idolizing him so he climbed back to the stairs trying to find his rooms
¨Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, Draven needs to go and relax for his first match in the League¨ Before getting to the stairs he saw the sole Summoner walking away ¨Hey, lone wolf, why are you leaving?¨ Ralzith turned and saw everyone was looking at him, Summoners and champions alike ¨Why didn't you admire the great champion that is me, Draven?¨ He grinned.
¨Because I don't want to be drowned in that noxian pool you call ego¨ He mocked at the Glorious Executioner and turned continuing to climb the stairs but someone stopped him once he got upstairs, it was him.
¨Listen here kiddo, I don't know who you are but if you don't show some damned respect to me, I'll make sure you enjoy your stay here¨ He looked up and saw that behind Ralzith the ionian champions and Summoners were backing him up, but Draven was not alone, all of the noxians came to help the Glorious Executioner ¨Oh? Look who it is! Shouldn't you be praying at an altar or something?¨
¨You shouldn't be harassing Summoners Draven, not even those who recently arrived at the Institute¨ The Will of the Blades spoke to the man with the moustache.
¨Don't dare to use your tongue you dog! Summoners like this are the ones who make Ionia look like a weak City State¨ Draven's older brother stepped forward with his axe in hand.
¨And what makes a City State strong? Spill innocent blood on foreigner's lands?¨ Varus, the Arrow of Retribution, summoned his bow as if he wanted to challenge the noxians.
And so the atmosphere became hostile, their words were louder and they seemed to start a fight right there by the stairway. From a balcony the High Summoner could see this conflict being developed and if he didn't make an intervention then worse thing could happen.
¨SILENCE!¨ The voice of Arlor echoed through the entire room getting the attention of everyone, even though the High Summoner was younger by that time he didn't change to what he looks like in the present ¨I understand you need to fight and protect for what you believe, but do that in the Rift. Understood?¨ The crowd on the floor below nodded as the Noxians left leaving Draven, Ralzith and the Ionians.
¨Next time, you won't have that old man protect your ass kiddo¨ The Glorious Executioner warned the newcomer as he turned following his fellow noxians.
Ralzith turned to his companions who were glad that he was safe ¨Thanks… for backing me up. I would've died if it wasn't for you¨ He smiled at them.
¨You are representing now Ionia as a Summoner, we would never let one of us get hurt by one of those invaders¨ The Duchess of Ionia, Karma patted Ralzith's shoulder returning the smile ¨Come with us, we'll show you where you will be residing¨
¨That will be not necessary Enlightened One. I need to speak to the new Summoner, after that I'll show him the Ionian residence¨ Arlor instructed Karma as he was walking down from the balcony.
¨Very well High Summoner. We shall meet again soon, Summoner Ralzith¨ The black haired nodded as the Ionians left to their residence area while he climbed up to where Arlor was waiting for him.
¨Let's walk, shall we?¨ The High Summoner guided the newcomer who was looking everywhere, amazed by the Institute's architecture ¨So tell me Ralzith, do you believe that your purpose in the League can be achieved?¨
¨I think that there can be peace between the City States, using less violent ways than invading other's territory. So yes, I do believe it¨
¨You must know that there have been many before you who had the same idea as you. What makes you think you are special enough to achieve this peace?¨
¨I'll be honest High Summoner, I do not consider myself special, but I am capable of making a change¨ Ralzith lowered his head, he was kind of embarrassed of saying that he wasn't special enough.
The duo stopped at the library where a lot of Summoners and champions were studying in silence ¨While your intentions are noble, you must understand everything that happened in Runeterra during the past. There is some knowledge that is kept away from most of the people outside of the Institute, because we fear that it could corrupt their minds. Now go, child. Grab a book and start reading. Knowledge doesn't come from nowhere!¨ The High Summoner left Ralzith alone at the gates of the library.
¨(Did I came here just to study some more?)¨ The black haired thought as he sighed and entered into the room.
(September 27th 2012 –11:35 AM Earth time – Institute of War, Runeterra)
Ralzith was looking for the High Summoner by the entrance of the Institute, while he was waiting a lot of Summoners and champions joined around the newcomer in the League however the black haired didn't heard any news about it. As he looked up, he noticed Arlor in the balcony overseeing all of the people below, Ralzith climbed the stairs and tapped the High Summoner's shoulder getting his attention.
¨What is it Ralzith? More fighting with the noxians?¨ He smiled and turned back at the crowd.
¨Not really, there's been some peace between us lately. I came here because I still have questions about the Void¨ Ralzith had a confused look on his face, a look that demanded answers.
The High Summoner turned back to his acolyte, this time anger in his eyes ¨Again with that? I already told you Ralzith, the Void is something that cannot be understandable, the reason we are accepting its members is because we can study them without risking our people going into their realm¨ He walked away but the Summoner followed him from behind.
¨I know, but most who summon them, they treat them as beasts who should be oppressed¨
´And you think that treating them like normal beings is going to change that?¨ His tone was getting higher but none of the Summoners and Champions that were going to the entrance paid attention to them.
¨No, but maybe they'll be more open if we wish to study them. I have a plan to do it, but-¨ Ralzith muttered but stopped since Arlor was now looking at him with a finger on his chin, thinking of an idea.
¨I am thinking of something… the new champion that arrived at the Institute is a member of the Void, however he is different.¨
The acolyte was now curious, maybe this time he would have the chance to see a Void champion closer than on the Rift. ¨How so?¨
¨My sources of information told me that he is a hunter, he is looking to become perfect by assimilating its prey. But unlike Cho'Gath or Kog'Maw, he can communicate fluently and can understand most of our language¨ He smiled at Ralzith as he scratched his beard ¨You will be in charge of this champion, you will be put in test for one month. If he needs to train, you will go with me, if he needs to fight, take him to any of the Fields of Justice¨
¨But… what if I fail?¨
¨Think positive, after all it's in our code¨ Arlor walked away but Ralzith was still in his place, thinking about how to take care of a Void monster ¨By the way, the champion's name is Kha'Zix¨ The Summoner nodded as he was walking back to the entrance.
After all of the crowd left the new Void champion was wandering through the hallways, but someone was following him from behind, when he turned the beast saw a human watching at him with a book in his arms and a smile on his face.
¨Who are you human?¨ The echoing voice of the beast was scary but for the Summoner, it wasn't.
¨I'm… I'm your Summoner, my name is Ralzith. You must be Kha'Zix¨ He walked towards the Voidborn but stopped as soon as the beast showed it's claws to him.
¨No Summoner shall control me. My brothers can easily be bent to other's will. But I will not! I am the ultimate hunter. I shall consume and devour all those who fall upon me!¨ Kha'Zix stood straight looking at Ralzith in the eyes, he was as tall as him now.
¨Without me, you won't be able to do much in here. You need me to summon you into the matches, to train. You need a Summoner¨ Ralzith said slowly.
The Voidborn stooped once again, they both were in silence until Kha grunted ¨Fine, but don't expect me to follow your orders¨
Ralzith nodded, smiling once again ¨Fine. Let me show you where the Void champions reside¨
¨I'll be the one doing it¨ Another echoing voice came from behind the Summoner, when he turned he saw a man in blue and purple robes floating, his eyes with a blue glow and behind him the two other Void champions, Cho'Gath and Kog'Maw.
¨The Prophet of the Void¨ He stood with his mouth open ¨It's an honor seeing you outside of the Rift, especially since you aren't seen in public that often¨ The Summoner was amazed.
¨And be proud young one. Not everyone has the privilege, but you are different¨ Malzahar said to the Summoner with his cryptic voice. ¨I heard you want to know more about our culture. Is it correct?¨
Ralzith nodded ¨I want to understand how the Void works, I want to prove everyone that you are normal beings, beings that can be reasoned with¨
¨Very well… I suggest you build your relationship with the newcomer in the League. Do so and we shall share our precious knowledge with you¨ He turned leaving the black haired Summoner alone.
(January 21st 2015 –9:35 PM Earth time – Institute of War, Runeterra)
A group of Summoners, including Ralzith were called to meet Arlor at his office, however only Kha'Zix was the only champion with all of them. Behind them the doors from the office opened as the High Summoner entered carrying a scroll.
¨Very well, I suspect you are asking yourselves why are you here. I chose you because you are the most capable Summoners in the Institute at the moment, and I do believe you are more than prepared for this kind of task¨ Arlor sat at his desk placing the scroll in front of him. ¨Without a further ado let me explain this job¨ The High Summoner opened the scroll, it was a map from the Void ¨I believe you already know something about the Void, that's why I also picked this candidate here¨ Arlor pointed at Ralzith who was smiling ¨You are going to be part of a recovery team, and extract an artifact. I sent a group of mercenaries a month ago but I haven't received any word from them¨
¨And what makes you think we are not going to end like them?¨ One of the Summoners asked skeptically.
¨I do believe that this champion will help you through your journey. Besides, Summoner Ralzith trained him well, so no need to worry if he tries to attack you¨ Arlor concluded as he stood up from his chair ¨There is a breach on an island near Bilgewater, take a portal to the city and use a ship to get to your objective¨ The Summoners nodded and started to leave the office but the doors closed ¨I will say this once: What happened in this very room, it must not be retold. You may leave¨ The doors opened again letting the Summoners leave.
(January 29th 2015 –11:00 PM Earth time –The Void)
The group of Summoners were lying on the ground, most of them were being devoured by the Void creatures, but only one was standing, it was Ralzith trying to defend his fellow companions. The Voidborns were surrounding the last man standing but they didn't attack him. From the distance someone was clapping.
¨You did well my puppet. You have passed your last test and so, you can join our ranks¨ That was the voice of Malzahar who decided to stay hidden in the shadows.
One of the dying Summoners crept towards Ralzith and grabbed his leg, his injuries were too severe and blood was falling from his mouth ¨You betrayed us Ralzith… w-why?¨
¨Arlor told us not to study the void, and now I understand the why. He wanted to hide this power from us. Power beyond our limits¨ His eyes were different now, instead of his traditional color, they were glowing like the ones from a monster from the Void.
Kog'Maw got closer to the almost dead Summoner, he looked at it for a few seconds before spitting his caustic acid onto his face, melting it and stripping his last moments of life. From the shadows the Prophet of the Void appeared, on his hands a wooden chest that was vibrating and emanating magical energy.
¨I have your first task as a Summoner of the Void. You must deliver this chest back to the Institute, it is the artifact the old one was looking for¨ He gave the chest to the Summoner, his eyes turned back to normal ¨Think of a story on how everyone died here. Try not to make him suspect Once he has the complete control of the artifact, leave… I'll do the rest of the work¨
¨Your will is my command… Overlord¨ Ralzith kneeled in front of his new master, at his side a portal opened leading the Summoner to the city of Bilgewater.
(February 21st 2015 – 4:50 PM Earth time – Prison, the Void)
The young one was looking at Ralzith with a scared face ¨That was… not a good story, it didn't have a good ending either!¨
The Summoner sighed ¨It wasn't intended to be. I already told you, I made bad decisions in the past and now I'm paying for it¨
¨That's sad. But I'm sure my sister and Kat will help you. Especially now since Claire can do many things like throwing fire from her hands, and… and… teleport, amazing things!¨ A smile was now drawn on the Summoner's face tapping Liz's head.
¨I'm sure they can fix everything… I hope¨ Ralzith turned his head at the door, from the outside there were sounds of fighting, however it appeared to be far away from the room they were in.
¨What is happening outside? I'm scared¨ Liz hugged Ralzith and he returned it trying to keep the little one calm.
¨I don't know, but at least we are not the ones out there¨ He whispered, the sounds of fighting stopped, someone was watching them from the other side of the door blocking the small window with its body. Suddenly a big purple blade went through the door cutting it in half, making it disappear in thin air, the mysterious person entered into the room looking at the two prisoners.
¨Who are you?¨ Liz asked to the stranger.
¨I am the one that will rescue you, for as I am the preserver of balance¨
How can this be? A chapter so early?
That's right peeps, I actually had part of this chapter already done (This one would've started with Ralzith's story) since I didn't thought it would fit in the last chapter.
So, I've been working on the new prologue, hoping to make it longer (may not go through a lot of serious changes) but my head is now burning after finishing this chapter. So it's gonna take some time.
On another note I've been thinking of translating this fanfic to spanish once it's over (some friends want to read it and they are not that good at english :C )
Third note thanks to everyone who's been following the story so far! Reviews are appreciated and will contribute towards the improvement of the story.
That being said, all notes mentioned, new chapter up.
Have a nice week and see you in the next chapter ;)
EDIT 5/1: Prologue has been updated (Yay!) There haven't been many changes but I managed to change it a bit.