(February 22nd 2015 – 11:05 AM – Safehouse, New York, Earth)
Everyone were mourning over Nick's body, Leona hugged him tightly while her tears were staining the Summoner's clothes. Only their sobbing was heard in the room, even though Vi could only think on the injured sheriff her face showed that she was sad about Nick.
¨Leona… Nick is gone¨ Katarina tapped the Radiant Dawn's shoulder but the latter moved it violently forcing Katarina to step back.
¨No. He is still here. He's… he's not gone!¨ Leona almost choked while talking, the tears covered her face.
¨Sun lady, I know how you are feeling but you should keep calm. Your tears won't bring a person back to life¨ Teemo spoke to Leona but she didn't seem to pay any attention.
Kat, Claire, Matt, Marie and Thresh grouped out and gave the rest some space, in the meantime the first ones were thinking on their next move.
¨What are we going to do now? Without Nick, we have one less Summoner, plus we still need to find another person¨ Matt looked at Leona and his friend before turning back to the group.
¨I am sure you haven't noticed the status of your friend…¨ The Chain Warden's whispers echoed in their ears.
¨Thresh, I understand you don't speak too much, but if you are going to do it at least tell us something useful¨ Claire winced, there wasn't any more blood coming out her shoulder but if that injury doesn't get treated soon it would get infected.
¨No, he is right¨ Marie added and pointed at the ginger, still hugging the body of Nick ¨I didn't managed to see it until today, those dead bodies in the first floor, I could see their souls ready to be collected. But Nick is different, I see no soul this time¨ When the group heard that, they walked back to Leona, the Yordles were trying to console her.
¨So you believe he is…¨ Claire's voice trailed off.
¨All I'm saying is that we all saw weird stuff lately. So anything is possible¨
Leona gasped and place her ear closer to Nick's mouth, her eyes widened as she raised slowly ¨I… I heard him groaning¨
¨What? Even if he did groan, that doesn't mean Nick is alive¨ Claire walked to Leona and consoled her ¨Look, I know what you're going through, but we won't be able to defeat Malzahar if we don't get our shit together¨
Leona wiped the tears from her face and got replaced by anger ¨The only thing you care about now is Malzahar?! Your friend just died Claire!¨
¨I know, but we can't just give up on our main goal¨ Claire moved shook her back trying to remove the hand that was touching the lower part of it ¨I guess that if we defeat him, maybe we can bring Nick back and-¨ The brown haired turned her head slightly ¨Matt, stop.¨
¨I'm not doing anything!¨
Everyone looked at the Summoner's back and saw a hand touching it, as they followed they noticed that it was Nick's who was slightly moving his head. Both Leona and Claire stepped back making the dead body's head hit the floor.
¨There was a rumor around Noxus saying that if you get killed by a Voidborn you'll turn into one of them¨ Katarina pulled Claire away from the Summoner's body.
¨You mean… like a zombie?¨ Matt asked quite scared while pointing the gun at his friend.
The body started to move slowly and the groaning became more audible, the group readied up their weapons in case of the zombie theory. The dead body opened its eyes as the right hand was going to the back of the head.
¨Why does my head hurt so much?¨ Nick muttered, apparently he didn't remember anything after the fight, He turned his head and smiled at his friends, but that smile changed to a scared look ¨What are you doing?¨
¨Who are you?¨ Leona asked to the downed Summoner who was slowly standing back up.
¨Guys, it's me, Nick. I haven't changed¨
¨So that means you don't remember anything right?¨ Matt was the one asking this time.
¨Remember? What do you mean?¨ The Piltovian Summoner pointed at him but the dead man didn't catch up at first until he looked at his chest ¨What… how?¨
¨Kha'Zix snuck from behind and killed you. Although the real question is how are you still alive¨ Marie was perplexed, even though the claw didn't go through his heart, it would be impossible for any human to survive after the blood loss.
¨So basically I'm alive… sort of¨ He raised his left hand and noticed that the crystal that they stole from Richard. ¨This is it right?¨
¨The Summoning Crystal, a relic that only Summoner can use to boost their own powers¨ Thresh said with a grim look on his skull.
¨I guess we only need to find the last Summoner, right? I mean, after that Arlor might know a way to get Malzahar¨ Matt walked closer to Nick in order to inspect the crystal.
¨Aren't you forgetting something?¨ They all turned at Vi who was still holding the sheriff ¨We have injured people and someone who should be dead. Can't we discuss this further in a place where we can all feel safe, like our homes?¨ They all nodded as they were heading towards the stairs.
The group was slowly walking to the first floor, before reaching to the door where the pile of dead bodies were they found something, or someone. His skin had some scars in it, the clothes had some holes in it revealing more scars beneath them, the most characteristic feature was that his ring fingers were missing. In front of them there wasn't a stranger, it was a person who they met in the past and now it wasn't the right time.
¨You…¨ Claire whispered at the Void Summoner.
¨I know what you're thinking, but- Wait, you have the crystal? That means-¨ Ralzith couldn't finish his sentence as Katarina just punched him in the face so his head hits the wall making the rival Summoner go unconscious.
¨That's for kidnapping Liz¨ The redhead spat on the knocked out Ralzith, she crouched in front of him and inspected the body in case he was carrying any weapons ¨We're taking him with us¨
¨What?!¨ The rest of the group shouted in amazement.
¨The guy up there didn't knew shit about Liz, but I guess our little guest knows something¨ Katarina pulled Ralzith from the ground and carried him over her shoulder.
¨Just… no, we can't. The guy tried to kill us twice, and I bet he would do it again if he gets the chance¨ Matt shook his head, he and everyone else knew what Ralzith tried to do back at the Mall.
¨Alright, we'll leave him here. If you know a better way to get to Malzahar and recover Liz then we're aaaaaaall ears¨ Katarina stressed that leaving the pink haired in a tight spot.
¨Fine¨ Matt huffed ¨But you will be in charge of him¨
The group left the safehouse, the street was calm, Rumble turned off the invisibility of his robot, they decided to rest by the front door before leaving. Near Matt's car there was another one with some people inside, however before any of the Summoners could see who was inside they just made a U turn and left the area.
¨They were spying on us?¨ Nick was worried, it wasn't the time for more complications.
¨Meh, only a person came out of there and entered through the back door a couple of minutes ago, and you managed to find him¨ Rumble spoke on top of the machine as he was looking at the unconscious Ralzith.
¨So what now? It would be risky if we make two trips¨ Matt was tired as he leaned by the wall, at his side Vi was sitting on the ground while Caitlyn, still unconscious, rested her head on the enforcer's legs.
¨Let's make it fast. Marie, Kat, Thresh and I will be teleporting to our homes. The rest of you will use Matt's car¨ Claire grabbed her shoulder, the pain came back.
¨Wait, hold on. My car isn't precisely the type that can carry a shit-load of people on the backseat. Where am I supposed to place the dead body? In between the passenger and the driver?¨
¨Well, your car has a trunk right?¨ Claire smiled, the Shadow Isles duo were already walking away giving themselves some space to cast the teleport spell.
¨Wait, no no no, I'm not gonna turn my car into coffin¨
¨For the record, he is not dead…¨
¨Well we thought the same about Nick and he is safe and sound right now¨
¨Could you both please shut the fuck up?¨ Vi shouted at the two Summoners ¨Cupcake's got a fever and if we don't treat her in time she's not gonna make it¨ The enforcer stood up and grabbed Caitlyn once again carrying her in her arms ¨Dumb boy, your girl is not feeling ok and you argue about frivolous things. What kind of boyfriend you are?¨
Matt sighed, he lost again ¨Fine. Cait, Leona and you will go in the backseat¨ Vi nodded as she and Leona were walking towards the vehicle, the pink haired turned to his Solari Summoner ¨Nick, you're with me but first help me up with this¨
Matt raised Ralzith's legs while Nick the arms, they carried him to the trunk of the car and opened it. Before they loaded him inside Vi ran to the back and placed her gauntlets leaving almost no space for the body, with the enough use of brute force the unconscious body of Ralzith managed to fit in the small trunk. Before the two Summoners entered into the car the Yordles were standing in the hood angrily.
¨Aren't you forgetting your part of the deal?¨ Rumble crossed his arms.
¨I guess you didn't notice we were badly injured¨ Nick sighed and covered his face with his hands ¨I promise I'll take you back to your homeland. But now it's not the time to discuss¨
¨Then I guess we will have to stay in our hideout for the time being…¨ Tristana said with a sad tone on her voice as she jumped out of the car and climbed onto the robot, the other two Yordles followed her ¨Mister, hope you can help us the same way we helped you¨ The Gunner smiled at them as the cockpit of the robot got shut down activating it's invisibility.
They still had a long way until they arrived at their homes but it was necessary for Matt to step on the pedal this time. All of them remained silent in the car, their minds filled with their own worries, the driver turned on the radio and tuned in for some music but instead there were some news.
¨This just came in, we've received reports that the police are going to an apartment complex in Brooklyn where some gunshots were heard. Some people claim that it was the same people who pulled the bank robbery and the attack on the Mall a few weeks ago. Once we get more information we'll inform as soon as possible¨
¨Glad we left the place, wonder how the cops would react if they found us¨ Matt asked to the rest of the conscious people in the car but half of them were focused on their own stuff.
¨They could've helped us if we explained the situation, Cupcake and I are not the bad cops in terms of listening to someone¨ Vi muttered from behind as she placed her hand on Caitlyn's forehead.
¨And what are we supposed to tell them? We came to rescue Claire's sister and fought some demons from another world, then I get killed? Also you wouldn't appear on any database¨ Nick spoke while looking through the window all the police cars that were going to the safehouse.
¨Nick… how are you feeling?¨ From behind the passenger's seat Leona asked his Summoner with a worried tone, they could notice she was sad.
¨To be honest, I don't feel any different. I know I should be dead but… it's hard to explain¨ Nick placed some fingers around the hole that Kha's claw made ¨I could've sworn it was bigger when I first looked at it¨
¨How about the crystal? You were holding it the entire time, even after dead, and you look the same¨ Matt quickly looked at the crystal who was resting on Nick's right hand before turning back at the road.
¨Can't we just stop talking? We all had a rough day and the least we talk about this the better¨ Vi whispered from behind resting her head on the sheriff's shoulder.
¨Why can't I use Heal on her? Wouldn't make things easier?¨ Nick looked at the back at the worried girls.
¨It won't do anything, the Heal spell may close up some lesser wounds but the big ones will still remain. Unless we have some healing potions I can't do much here until we arrive home¨ Leona added while the enforcer nodded at the explanation given by the other champion closing her eyes for a quick nap.
(February 22nd 2015 –12:00 PM – Claire's house, New York, Earth)
The noxian duo arrived at their home, the silence was awkward as the house tends to be filled with sounds coming from Liz, but this was not the time. Katarina helped her Summoner sit on a stool while she headed towards the bathroom and grabbed a towel just to place it in the sink.
¨I need you to take off your shirt so I can see your wound¨ Kat walked back to the kitchen where Claire was sitting, her shirt was stained with her blood and where Rek'Sai struck its claw, a barely open wound. The redhead placed the wet towel around the injury cleaning a bit making the Summoner wince a bit in pain.
¨I've been thinking…¨ Claire said, the assassin raised her head looking at her ¨You are not the violent person that I see through my screen everytime I play. I always thought you were nice in the inside, but you are always portrayed as a bad girl¨
¨That is because I was born in a society where you must be strong. Showing your feelings was a way to tell the others you are weak. Even though my father was known in Noxus for not showing mercy towards his opponents, he taught me a lot¨ The redhead pulled another stool for her to sit next to Claire ¨He taught me that even the most gruesome person has a heart beating inside. That's when he introduced Talon to our family¨ Katarina smiled, trying to remember her time in Noxus ¨He told me that my father let him live, even if he served as an assassin for us¨
¨How was your relationship with the assassin? I mean Talon¨
¨At first he treated me like his superior and even addressed me as miss¨ The champion chuckled at her past ¨From time to time my father sent Talon to help me during my missions. That's when I get to know more about him and by the end of the month we ended up treating each other as brothers, although he still calls me as Miss Du Coteau¨
¨For a second I thought you two had something¨ This time Claire laughed but stopped because her shoulder was painful again.
¨Because I am a single woman doesn't mean I am attracted to every man Claire…¨ The assassin went to the kitchen's sink and poured the towel into more water before returning back at the side of Claire.
¨So I can safely assume you don't have any affairs with a certain demacian, right?¨ Claire smiled at the now blushed Katarina who kept cleaning the wound ¨It's not bad to love someone Kat. Your father loved a woman once didn't he?¨
¨I'm older than you Claire. Besides why you should be worried about who I'm going to be with in the future, how about you? You must have that special someone¨ This time it was Claire the person who blushed.
¨I don't have anyone… well actually… nevermind¨ Claire sighed.
¨Is it someone I know? Nick? Matt?¨
¨What? No! Those two already are busy, my man is… well not from here. But yes it is someone you know¨
¨You mean is it someone from my world? Some weeks ago that would've been impossible but seeing that we two are here… anything can happen¨ Katarina stood up from her stool and left the towel back in the bathroom ¨So you gonna tell me or do I have to guess? Is he from Demacia?¨ Claire shook her head ¨Maybe he is from Noxus¨
¨Alright, that's enough. We need bandages¨ Claire stood up from the stool and headed to the bathroom, she checked the cabinet behind the mirror but there weren't any more medical supplies in there ¨I guess I'm going to need your help now¨
(February 22nd 2015 – 1:15PM – Marie's house, New York, Earth)
The blonde girl was sitting in her backyard while eating the leftover from the night before, at her side the Chain Warden was standing while practicing his hook-throwing abilities, in front of them a big tree was rooted to the ground while a small group of saplings were playing in it's branches.
¨Ever since he came here he hasn't moved an inch¨ Marie was looking at Maokai who seemed to be asleep ¨Is he afraid of the sunlight?¨
¨Not at all, this is how he behaves. The only way to make him move is to be summoned for a match or put him and/or his children in danger¨ Thresh threw his hook at a sapling and made it fall to the ground, however the little creature did not suffer any damage but the tree made a grunting noise to warn the Chain Warden.
The Summoner looked at the lantern that was on the grass with great curiosity, the green glow it emitted was hypnotizing, she could hear the muffled screams coming from the inside. It was horrible to think that your soul would get trapped inside for an eternity ¨Thresh, I was thinking. How does it feel to be inside of your lantern?¨
After hearing Marie's question he turned and grabbed his artifact, when he touched it the glow become more potent making him smile ¨That is something I would never expect from you, do you want to see it for yourself?¨
Marie shook her head violently ¨I never asked that. Just… what do the souls see once they are inside?¨
¨It's a representation of their worst fears. Some see their most beloved ones being killed in front of them, others just see their death over and over again¨
¨What about Senna? Is she still trapped inside?¨
¨Ah yes, the preacher's wife. She has a special treatment, everytime I get to confront him in a match I let her see all of the action¨ He threw the lantern at Marie who grabbed, almost falling on her back ¨You still have to complete your part¨
¨I cannot, I'm getting along with my friends once again¨ She didn't wanted to lose her friends, however this time it would be permanent.
¨Must I remind you why you accepted this pact? I offered you the powers to become a Summoner, in exchange you would grant me the soul of your friends¨ Thresh raised his hand and the lantern flew back to him ¨Remember what you told me the time you discovered your friends were also Summoners?¨
¨But that was before the mall, before-¨
¨What did you said to me?!¨ Thresh flames exploded violently scaring the blonde, thus he had to calm himself lowering the intensity of the green flames ¨What did you tell me, child?¨
¨I… I said that they left me behind. They all started to go out without me, do stuff. But that was in the past!¨ Marie stood up confronting her champion.
¨And what do you think it will happen afterwards? After you defeat the Overlord everything will return back to normal and you will once again be left behind¨ The Summoner opened her mouth to talk but Thresh hushed her ¨So innocent, you wouldn't last a single day in the Shadow Isles. I am still surprised how you even were aligned with us¨
She remained silent, there wasn't any way to counter Thresh's argument. Even though she was getting along again with her former friends Marie was still unsure whether they might do with her ¨Then what should I do?¨
The Chain Warden grinned ¨Go with the flow for the time being. Once it's all done I will do my job and you will be free to go¨ Marie nodded as the Chain Warden headed back inside of the house, before she returned to the house the tree started to uproot from the ground, the saplings fell from the branches but the Twisted Treant used his overly sized arm to grab them.
¨Thresh is an expert of trickery, he is poisoning your mind and your body¨ The tree pointed at Marie's arm ¨He wishes to expand his power with powerful souls and mark my words Summoner, after your friends get abducted by him, I wouldn't be surprised if he backstabs you¨ He allowed the saplings to land safely.
¨This is blowing my mind right now! I don't want to betray my friends but I don't want to be imprisoned in that lantern forever¨ Marie was about to cry, she was confused as both champions gave her good arguments (and threats)
Maokai got his face closer to the blonde frightening her a bit ¨Tell your friends about him. The Chain Warden is a person who should not be trusted in its entirety. However his words are wise sometimes.¨ As he finished his words the tree walked back to where he was planted and started to root back in place.
¨So what should be my next step?¨ The blonde got closer to her champion.
¨Defend on what you believe, Summoner. If your friends are worth more than your summoning magic then go with them, however if you still hold some grudge, side with Thresh¨ Maokai rooting was complete and returned to the state he was before. The little saplings gathered around Marie who was still thinking on the tree's words.
(February 22nd 2015 – 4:30 PM – Matt's house, New York, Earth)
Since they arrived, Matt was forced to stay out of his room while Vi was working on Caitlyn's health, everytime he knocked or tried to enter his room the enforcer sent him back to the living room, he sometimes was tasked to go to a pharmacy and get some bandages and other medical supplies for her but when he arrived Vi was already waiting outside of his room not allowing the Summoner to check on the sheriff.
¨You got the stuff?¨
¨Yeah, I have it h-¨ Matt gave the bag to Vi who took it from his hands and went back inside and locked the door behind her ¨Hey! Open the door, it's my bedroom!¨ The Summoner knocked the door but there was no response, however he could hear the champion working inside.
After giving up Matt just went to the living room and sat on the couch. In his head a lot of thoughts were flying around and memories from the past days, the attack on the mall, his first kiss with Caitlyn and Vi, and now the fact that his girlfriend may be in a possible brink of death wasn't helping him getting calm. The door from his bedroom opened as Vi came out with the plastic bag in her hand, this alerted the owner who stood up and went straight for his room but the enforcer stopped him before going in.
¨She is fine, most of her wounds are closed while others just need some more time. For the time being Cupcake needs some rest and no one should bother her¨ The piltovian led the Summoner back to the couch where she sat at his side trying to calm him.
¨So this is how it feels…¨ He whispered to himself.
¨I no' what you're thinking: this is your fault because you couldn't save her in time. But that is a burden you must not carry alone. I was the one who should've saved her, but I failed¨
¨If it serves as a consolation, at least you redeemed yourself by being her medic¨ The enforcer smiled after the pink's compliment
¨I guess we are now in the deepest part of the pit, we got the crystal, Ralzith. Now he needs to tell us where Liz and Malzahar are and our jobs will be done¨
¨And you believe that once Malzahar gets defeated we'll be able to return to Valoran?¨ Vi seemed different, unlike the fearsome and ready-to-kick your ass enforcer, she was depressed, worried about her partner and the world they both came from.
¨I hope. I'm sure you don't like this place and you miss Valoran, but I'll try to do my best to help you get back¨ The Summoner patted the enforcer's back who gave her a brief smile.
¨That's the problem. Even though we would like to go back to Valoran, she doesn't want to leave you¨ Vi's answer left Matt confused ¨Cupcake likes Piltover but she feels better here with you. When she woke up the first thing she asked for was if you were alright¨
¨Still, this world is not suitable for her. If we could find all of your friends, maybe we can work out something, but in the meantime…¨
¨In the meantime you should spend most of your time with her. You said that we were in the deepest part of the pit¨ Vi hugged her Summoner ¨In my opinion you should take another step for her¨
¨Another step? Uh… Mind elaborate a bit?¨ The two separated from that hug
¨You know… Cupcake and you alone… make her feel comfortable… all that stuff¨ Vi winked at him but Matt was still clueless.
¨Is this some kind of police codes you are using? Because I don't get it¨
¨FUCK HER! I know she tells you are a dumb person but not that stupid for fuck sakes!¨ The enforcer punched him in the shoulder.
¨Alright, alright! Can you be a bit more subtle next time?¨ Vi chuckled as he walked towards the kitchen, from the fridge he took out a bottle of Vodka and grabbed two glasses ¨If things are going to be worse in the future then I want to enjoy this little bits of peace¨ Matt walked back to the couch and placed the glasses on the coffee table as he was pouring the alcohol on them.
¨I didn't knew you were into drinking¨ Vi showed him a mocking face while grabbing one of the glasses.
¨An old friend from school gifted me this bottle for my birthday, and I haven't opened until today¨ Matt proceeded to grab the second glass and raised it ¨For all of us¨
Vi raised her glass as well ¨For all of you. Who will bring peace to both worlds¨ The two of them laughed as they drank, forgetting about everything else.
(February 22nd 2015 – 6:50 PM – Nick's house, New York, Earth)
Nick stood there, looking at himself in the mirror, the hole in his chest was no longer there instead a scar replaced it. It was still a mystery how did his wound disappeared but most importantly, how was he still alive?
¨How are you feeling?¨ The voice from Leona snapped the Summoner back into reality, the Radiant Dawn was worried about Nick ever since he died and the fact that he revived was even more worrying.
¨Huh… what?¨
¨Are you alright? I don't understand, you died right there. You shouldn't be here right now¨ Leona walked at Nick's side who was still looking at his scar ¨Yet the Sun gave you another chance…¨
¨The Sun? I understand that I'm a Solari Summoner now but that doesn't mean that a huge star in the sky would bring me back from the dead¨
The ginger sighed ¨Whatever the case, we are reunited once again¨
¨Yeah. Now it's time to get some answers from Ralzith¨ He grinned as he crackled his knuckles.
¨What? No! You need to rest, or did you forget that you died?¨ Leona dragged Nick to the couch and sat at his side ¨You are acting in a very selfish way right now¨
¨No I'm not!¨ The Summoner grunted ¨I was given this second chance to fight Malzahar. So I should not waste it!¨ Nick felt Leona hugging him by the side.
¨The Rakkor train and fight each day because life taught them that you must fight, like animals. But a wise champion once told me that any warrior needs to rest from time to time to keep his body and mind pure, else we wouldn't be any different from an animal¨
¨I know… but my mind is not focused. I have many things around my head now…¨
¨Like me?¨ Nick turned his head at the Radiant Dawn who was giving him a cute smile ¨Sometimes dying like an idiot is a selfish move¨
The Summoner blushed as he didn't knew what to say afterwards. Maybe it was time for him go with the flow ¨So… what should I do now?¨
Leona moved one of her hands and started to caress Nick's cheek ¨Just shut up and kiss me¨ Leona moved her arms around his neck and pulled him in a passionate kiss.
This is it folks, new chapter up. Sorry if this is a filler type but I wanted to give a headstart for the next one. I promise that in the next chapter will be a lemon (I just hope for my creativity to light up like the sun).
Thanks again for everyone who reads, follows and favorites my stories. I will tell you a bit of my story with this: At the very beginning, after I wrote the prologue and the first chapter I always had this idea in my mind that Summoning Magic would end up being a bad story that no one would've liked, but then a lot of people showed their support with their follows, favorites, reviews and privates. Seriously I wouldn't have wrote up this far if it wasn't for you guys.
Chapter finished, weekend coming, however I'll be working now on Meeting the Winter's Wrath, and the same way as this story it will include a lot of champions (plus references related to SM). My time here is done, good luck in your rankeds and make your dreams come true (Damn, sound like Shia now).
Oh yeah: See you in the next chapter ;)