(March 2nd. 2015 - 9:13 AM – Claire's house, New York, Earth)
Everything was already prepared, the Summoners and Champions were gathered in the basement, except for Maokai which couldn't get inside the house and had to wait outside, they didn't care if anybody saw him since they would be leaving soon. The heroes were all around the crystal which was in the middle of the room, floating and emanating the evil magic coming from the dark realm.
¨Ever since we got down here, no one spoke a single word. Are you afraid that something might go wrong?¨ Ralzith asked to the rest of the people who looked unsure, the Champion will be able to return to their homes but the Summoners will have to leave their world, and it was not certain if they will get back alive.
¨What are we going to do once we get there?¨ Nick asked, while holding a small bag containing a few supplies for the new world ¨It's not like Malzahar will be there waiting for us to issue the challenge¨
¨Wait…¨ Everyone turned at Claire ¨Arlor is dead, right? Without a High Summoner there won't be a person in charge back at the Institute¨ The Summoners looked back at Ralzith who nodded, aware of the problem but instead he smiled.
¨In case the High Summoner dies or is not in good condition to overlook everything at the Institute, the representatives from each City-State will be in charge until a new person is chosen¨ The Ionian boy crossed his arms, his eyes looked to the ceiling as if trying to focus onto something ¨Last thing I heard from the Institute was that there wasn't any new High Summoner. So we'll have to speak to those representatives. I am sure they will hear their Champions, especially if it's a threat from the Void¨
¨It is not going to be that easy¨ Katarina muttered, looking at the crystal before turning her head at the rest of the group ¨Even if we tell them about the problem, we need the majority of the votes in order to approve our request, and let's just say that Noxus and Demacia are not in good terms at the moment¨
¨Well I'm sure you can convince a certain person…¨ Claire made a fake cough, while the rest tried to contain their laughs as they saw that Katarina's cheeks were as red as her hair ¨You know, a certain general…¨
¨Enough! We will get the approval… by any means necessary¨ Katarina growled, turning away until her cheeks were back to their original color.
¨So be it¨ Ralzith extended his arms towards the artifact ¨I need all of you to focus your energy into the crystal. I'll make sure we all get teleported right at the entrance of the Institute¨
The Summoners nodded and extended their arms, the purple gem started to glow violently. They all felt that the crystal was alive, beating like a heart and emanating pulses at them and to the ground, their ears could hear the whispering, speaking in a foreign language that only the Voidborns were able to understand. Even if they used all of their energy the artifact turned off, falling to the ground.
¨What happened? I thought we would be at the Institute by now¨ Marie looked at the Chain Warden who shrugged.
Ralzith kneeled, grabbing the crystal and inspecting it to check if there were any broken parts, thankfully there were none. He looked at the Summoners, his face showing some lack of confidence ¨We need more power¨ He shook his head ¨We need to find a place where we could do this ritual¨
They all stood for a second; thinking of possible solutions but none had an idea on where there might be a place in New York were they could gather a lot of power for the teleportation.
¨Maybe we can help¨ A high pitched voice came from the ground, when they all looked at it noticed it was a sapling from Maokai who came in from the small window that led to the front yard. It raised its arms asking for Marie to pick him up which she did by kneeling and opening her palm for the little helper to climb.
¨What do you have in mind?¨ Nick asked while leaning forward, getting closer to the small one.
¨The forest we established in when we arrived at this world contained a lot of magic. Maybe you can use it for your ritual!¨
¨You mean, Central Park? But that's just right under that Vortex!. We don't know what we could find on our way there¨ Matt shouted, he turned back throwing his arms in the air to express even more emphasis.
¨Wait pinkie, did you left your balls at home? This is no time for cowards¨ Vi placed her metallic glove over the Summoner's shoulder.
¨You calling me a coward?!¨ Matt turned at the enforcer with a frowned look on his face but Caitlyn stepped in between the two, separating before anything else could happen.
¨If you're done… I suggest we start moving¨ Irelia huffed while heading towards the staircase leading to the living room.
The rest shrugged as they followed the Ionian Champion outside of the house, however Ralzith felt someone tapping at his back, when he turned saw that Matt was still there with his arms crossed.
¨Hey Ral, I need to ask you this¨ The Ionian Summoner raised brows, wondering what he might ask ¨How is it to live in Valoran? I mean… is it safe for a couple to live there? Because when this is over-¨
¨You want to stay with Caitlyn…¨ Ralzith sighed, moving his hand over his forehead ¨Look, if I were you, I wouldn't get my hopes up. Just focus on the task at hand and we will talk later¨
¨But-¨
¨I don't know if you noticed but there is a huge vortex up in the sky¨ The voice from Claire coming from upstairs was calling them, they couldn't waste any more time. Malzahar wasn't going to wait them for too long.
Once outside, everyone was waiting on the two Summoners to come out. However before they could leave, they were ambushed by a group of kids who were amazed when they saw Maokai standing at the front door. The group looked at the little ones, their looks full of awe and a smile covering their entire face.
¨Can you kids leave? We are in a hurry¨ Leona guided the kids away from the house before going back with everyone else ¨Are we ready?¨
They all nodded, as they started to walk to the center of New York, however Claire and Katarina were still by the entrance of the house, the former looking at the closed door.
¨We are coming Liz… just hang on tight¨ The Summoner whispered, looking at the redhead assassin who smiled, giving her a tender hug as they ran towards the rest of the crew.
(March 2nd. 2015 – 10:20 AM – New York, Earth)
Surprisingly, the streets were empty; the fact that a big anomaly appeared in the sky and turned it from blue to purple was something no one dared to investigate. They were all walking together, close to each other and inspecting every corner in case any of the Voidborns appeared.
They didn't wanted to use Teleport, fearing that the vortex may affect their Spells. They were just a couple of streets away but the True Ice coming from the Chrysler Building managed to get to the area around their objective, probably due to the magic that still resided in the park and the Vortex speeding up the process.
¨This is not good…¨ Katarina muttered, her eyes focused on her surroundings, this caught the attention of Claire who was behind her.
¨We are almost there, this ice won't stop us now¨ Claire tried to motivate the redhead who shook her head.
¨I am not afraid about the ice, but we are advancing without any problems. Isn't that suspicious?¨
¨Kat is right, Malzahar knows we are holding the crystal, and we haven't seen any of the Voidborns ever since the attack on that rooster's place¨ Nick turned his head at the two noxians, then at Ralzith who was holding the crystal in his hands, protecting it ¨You knew how the Overlord worked. Shouldn't he be attacking us or something?¨
The Ionian Summoner shrugged ¨He knows all of you are harder to defeat, still, his entire army from the Void is more than enough to take us down¨
¨Maybe he is afraid!¨ The pink haired Summoner said, confidence in his words ¨After all, we haven't seen Cho'Gath!¨
They kept walking until they sensed something, the ground suddenly shook once, they all grouped up back to back trying to find where the threat was.
¨They found us¨ The echoing whispers from Thresh as he grasped onto his weapons.
Maokai, Leona and Vi positioned on the rear flank since the enemy was coming from behind, the rest of the Champions grouped in a circle around the Summoners, especially Ralzith who was the one carrying the artifact.
Birds were flying at full speed to the east because they knew what was coming from the opposite side. The ground shook once again, they still didn't have vision on what was causing it, but it had to be huge and they already knew what was it, considering it was Malzahar behind all this. From the farthest building, a red claw was grasping onto one of the corners, then the dark purple join that continued into an arm and then into the great creature known as the Terror of the Void, without the power from the Institute or the Rift to contain him, Cho'Gath could get as big as a skyscraper.
They all stood there, frightened that this time there wasn't any chance to defeat that monster, the frontline slowly turned towards the Summoners.
¨RUN!¨ Vi shouted at top of her lungs as another step from the mighty beast drew him closer to the group.
Without hesitating they all turned towards the park and started to move. Before they started to run they noticed that the rest of the Voidborns that appeared in the past were also there, surrounding them, however this time there was another one, more of a human covered in purple clothes, its eyes emanating a blue glow. He didn't wanted to miss this chance to meet his rivals, a good chance to finish this.
¨It is good to see some familiar faces once again, isn't it… my acolyte?¨ Malzahar chuckled, his eyes focused on the Ionian Summoner ¨And I see you brought something precious to me¨ The Overlord extended his left arm and opening the hand.
¨He is no longer with you! None of your tricks will work against us!¨ Claire shouted, all of the Champions were still all around the Summoners, protecting them.
¨Tricks? Why would I need them? You may be more than us but our power is bigger than yours! Now: Give me my crystal!¨ Malzahar was floating, at his left Rek'Sai and Kog'Maw, on the right Vel'Koz and Kha'Zix, all of them preparing to attack.
¨You speak too much but now you decide to show up? Such a coward!¨ The blonde girl shouted while everyone looked at her, it was not typical from Marie to say that, seeing as she used to be quiet after the three kids parted ways with her.
¨Oh? But I was always there¨ He summoned a purple flame in his hand that soon started to get bigger up to a point it was covering his arm, then the rest of his body, when the flame lit off there was someone different there, instead of the traditional clothes from the mage, he was wearing a purple robe, similar to the ones the Summoners wore but this one had black and white stripes, the face of the Overlord changed to an old one ¨Your eyes can sometimes deceive you… Summoners¨ His voice changed as well, this time matching Arlor's.
The group was now stunned, it was a ruse this whole time, they did all of the dirty work for him. They recovered the crystal, managed to weaken Ralzith and now they handed the crystal in a silver platter.
¨But… does this mean… it's over?¨ Nick whispered, he couldn't think of anything else but the fact that they had nowhere to go.
Claire stepped to the front, facing the Overlord itself for a second time, their eyes focused on each other ¨I don't care if we went through a big lie this whole time, but we know something is certain: We are Summoners and we will defeat you, we will bring Liz back to safety and the peace will be restored for both worlds!¨
The Overlord chuckled, transforming once again into its true form ¨Pitiful, even though none of you shall survive to issue the challenge, I will tell you that Liz is in a good place, waiting to meet her sister once again¨ Malzahar waved his hand, as he disappeared in thin air.
As soon as the master disappeared the Voidborns that were on the front stepped forward but they didn't engage just yet, from behind Cho'Gath was still a few (gigantic) steps away. The snow was falling and the cold winds were chilling their blood, none of the members of the group or the Voidborns dared to advance but the heroes knew that they couldn't wait any more time, their priority was to teleport to Runeterra as soon as possible but the only path towards the park was blocked.
¨Whatever happens, all of you must get to the park, we will hold them for the time being¨ Irelia whispered to the Summoners, she dragged Claire back with the rest while the Champions gave a step forward, facing the four Voidborns. ¨We will be the ones that will protect you and-¨
¨Silence! I didn't come along just to hear people talking¨ The echo from Maokai's voice interrupted the Will of Blades.
Without thinking the Treant was running at the Queen of the Xer'Sai who was crawling at him screeching, from behind Kog'Maw started to launch his Living Artillery skill, spitting to the sky and the targeted location was where the Summoners were standing but that green liquid didn't impact them as Leona was able to block it with her shield, however it staggered Leona, making her fall to the ground. The Voidreaver activated his camouflage, he was nowhere to be seen which meant he could appear from behind and stab any of them.
¨Get moving!¨ Caitlyn ordered as she pulled the Radiant Dawn up from the ground ¨We are not going to win this so try not to get killed and get to the park!¨ Vi, Maokai, Irelia and Leona stayed to fight the Voidborns while the rest of the Champions were escorting the Summoners to the park.
Every footstep the red creature made it created another crack in the ground. Once they arrived at the entrance for the park, they needed to find the exact place where there was a big amount of energy, which was located just under the vortex. Cho'Gath ignored the small fight that was happening right in front of him and kept advancing towards the crystal bearer.
The True Ice was already in the park and it covered just one small part of it, they had another question: Would Lissandra appear once again with her minions just to get the crystal. If that was the case then it would be quite hard to fight a battle where even more people would just go against them.
Ever since they got into Central Park the crystal started to react to the energy from its surroundings, the whispers were only heard by the bearer but the rest of the Summoners could feel that the artifact was trying to communicate with them as well.
¨I guess this is the place. The crystal seems to like it¨ Ralzith muttered, he released the grasp from the artifact and it started to float in front of him.
¨Like it? What, is it alive?¨ Matt looked behind and saw that Cho'Gath was outside of the park, advancing slowly.
¨Can't you ask everything AFTER we get to Runeterra?¨ Caitlyn said, quite annoyed that the ritual wasn't starting.
The Ionian Summoner signaled the rest of the group to repeat the same steps as before, they all extended their arms towards the crystal, the same whispers but this time they could hear what they were saying, whispers of agony and pain, it was like hearing what was in Thresh's lantern but unlike that, they suffered a much worse destiny than just having their souls trapped.
The ritual was going well, the crystal started to light up into a bright purple color, vibrating and emanating pulses went through the Summoner's bodies, but the Void had other plans. Kha'Zix appeared from above, his invisibility wore off as he landed in between the crystal and the kids, he grabbed the artifact and used his wings to push them away.
¨You shall not succeed¨ The Voidreaver muttered, the Champions and Summoners surrounded him, a smile appeared on his face as the ground below them started to shake; Kha'Zix flew away to the nearest tree and saw that the heroes also stood away from that area that suddenly got destroyed by spikes that rose from the ground, the same type of spikes that summoned Cho'Gath in the rift.
Before the Voidborn could fly once again he was pulled to the ground as one of his feet was held by Thresh's hook, with a smile on his skeletal face he started to drag Kha'Zix towards him, Katarina jumped on top of the beast trying to make his escape more difficult, the crystal that was resting in his claws was under the tree where the Voidreaver flew to. Nick walked towards the artifact and grabbed it, it felt heavier, as if the energy from the place changed its composition.
The black haired moved back with the rest of the Summoners as he let the crystal float in between all of them. Caitlyn was aiming her rifle at the creature who was still fighting, trying to get released.
¨Now, it's all on you…¨ Caitlyn muttered at the Summoners before turning her head back at Kha'Zix.
For the third time the ritual began, the crystal began to float even higher, away from the kids' grasp, their eyes were closed but their arms still extended and focusing the energy so the artifact could be activated.
The Voidreaver used all of his strength to flap his wings and send the noxians assassin and the piltovian sheriff away, with his claws he managed to break the chain that was embedded in his foot. Still injured Kha'Zix used his wings once again to fly towards the crystal and catch it in mid-air but a big pulse of energy pushed him away. The ritual was complete, continuous waves of energy were released from the crystal that kept extending farther and farther.
The Summoners opened their eyes and saw the crystal floating and shining like the sun. Suddenly they all felt weak, falling on their knees and then to the ground, their vision was blurred but they could only see darkness in front of them.
(March 2nd. 2015 – 11:15 AM Earth time – Institute of War, Runeterra)
When they were able to see once again, they stood up, however this was not Central Park, the snow falling over their heads and the chilly winds disappeared, they were replaced by a moderate temperature, similar to spring. What was more amazing was the fact that they were no longer wearing their clothes; instead they were replaced by Summoner robes, all of them purple except for Ralzith which had some white and red stripes representing the colors from Ionia.
As their vision got even clearer they noticed they weren't the only ones there, more people wearing the same purple robes were on the ground, some still unconscious, but that was not everything. The Champions were there as well, either in the same state as the other Summoners or just waking up. Above them more people were observing them, wearing the clothes of the Institute.
¨What the fuck just happened?!¨ Matt shouted, trying to help Caitlyn and Vi to get back on their feet.
¨We like to see new Summoners joining the Institute of War¨ The voice came from above, as the group look they noticed six people, all of them wearing different style of clothes, all human except for the Yordle who was donning a smile on its little face
¨Who… are you?¨ Marie tried to compose herself, both Thresh and Maokai were already standing at her side, the rest of the personal Champions were almost woke up.
¨We are the representatives from each City State in Runeterra: Demacia, Noxus, Ionia, Piltover, Zaun and Bandle City. Ever since the High Summoner disappeared we had to take control until a new one was chosen¨ The person speaking was wearing elegant clothes with a mixture of gold and blue, on the front the demacian crest was shining with all of its details carved with gems.
¨Wait¨ A woman bearing the Ionian crest on her kimono-style clothes looked at Ralzith ¨I remember you, Summoner of Ionia, we all wished that the rumors weren't true but I can see now. Your new title fits you well, Traitor of the Institute¨ The rest of the Summoners who were looking from above were muttering about him.
¨Can we focus on what matters now?¨All of the representatives turned at Claire who stepped forward, Katarina was behind her, she got injured trying to contain Kha'Zix before ¨We need to talk to you about the Void, we know how to defeat Malzahar!¨
¨That's impossible! There isn't any way to defeat the Overlord. Besides the experiments held at this very place proved us that the Voidborns are nearly unkillable!¨ This time an old man was the one who answered, his short hair and moustache were gray, almost white, the clothes represented that he was a wealthy person, he accommodated his monocle in order to inspect the noxians Summoner.
¨She is right! Even if we are not the most powerful Summoners we-¨ Nick began to speak but got interrupted before he could finish.
¨Then why should we listen to you?!¨ A person, not older than 50 years growled, the noxians crest was engraved in his armor with details in black and red, typical from Noxus ¨If we have to send someone to defeat the monsters from the Void we won't pick the most weak and vulnerable. We need the mightiest!¨
Ralzith sighed, stepping forward ¨Listen, I know what all of you might be thinking. But we know that we can defeat Malzahar and its monsters if we issue a challenge. But we can't give the next step if we don't have your approval. I don't care what you think of me right now but out there, there are many more worlds which are threatened by this dark realm¨ He kneeled, raising his head at the representatives ¨I am not asking for redemption or someone to thank me, I want to fix everything I destroyed in the past, and the best way to start is with this¨
All of the representatives grouped up, discussing something that the heroes couldn't understand, Ralzith stood up and did the same with the rest of the Summoners.
¨What happened? Why is everyone here, I thought only us would be teleporting to Runeterra¨ Nick was looking everywhere, not only them and their Champions were there, but more Summoners with their personal Champions.
¨I suspect that the crystal got overloaded and sent every Summoner and Champion from your world to the Institute¨ Ralzith looked back at the representatives who finished discussing.
¨We understand what you are looking forward to, but I'm afraid it is not that simple¨ The Summoners raised their brows ¨Before the challenge can be issued we need proof about your actions¨ The Demacian representative spoke.
¨Proof?! You all know what Malzahar is capable of, isn't that the enough proof?¨ Matt shouted.
¨We do know, but in order to issue this challenge you must get the majority of the votes from the representatives. If you could get the support from at least a Champion from each City State, we might consider our decision¨ The Ionian woman gave the group a solution, although their new objective was to find a demacian, a zaunite and a Yordle who could help them.
¨We shall meet once again in two hours. Good luck in your quest!¨ The happy Yordle representative waved his tiny hands as the group of six walked to the stairs, leaving all of the Summoners and Champions alone.
Goodbye Earth and hello Runeterra! 24 Chapters later our heroes managed to get to the Institute safe and sound (sort of). If my calculations are correct then Summoning Magic should have 3 more chapters to go.
Hold on tight peeps because the end is near. Have a nice weekend (or what's left of it).
See you next chapter ;)