Chapter 32 - Vel'Koz Resolve
-I seriously want to know... Are you two retards or what?
-Come on, Professor, I'm sure there's a good reason for this...
-Yes, they are stupid! honestly, who the hell stays in the middle of such downpour? Well, at least they are here for the test...but listen here, you redhead demon, if I see you loitering around in my lab, I will turn you into a robot!
I barely heard the professor, my mind was simply clouded by the recent events, Sarah's actions still resonated in my mind, and every time I looked at her I could feel a strange feeling in my stomach, I was sure it was the same feeling I had with Vi and Soraka... My confusion was growing as I had no idea of how to deal with these overflowing feelings, I tried to logically solve my problem... I failed and ended up more confused than before.
Luckily I had more things to think about and forget about this problem for a while, apparently, Heimerdinger had an important announcement for us, the Voidlings, Cho'Gath was notified and immediately made departed taking Kha'Zix with him, on the way the found Sarah and me looking for cover, they kindly invited us into the limousine, of course, Cho'Gath scoffed since his precious baby was getting wet, right now, the professor was running some test on Kha'Zix, he hadn't said a word about this new discovery, maybe he wants to make sure his conclusions are correct.
-Hey, Let me help you with your hair. - Sarah said slowly, placing her hands on my shoulders.
The simple contact with her skin made me shiver in delight, she also noticed the blush in my cheeks and giggle playfully, she took off my jade hairband and began brushing my hair with her hands, the sensation was gentle and enjoyable, I found myself wanting to just lay down on her lap and take a nap ... but sleeping is bad, nightmares are awful... I'm never sleeping ever again in my life... especially since in my nightmare, the girls were ...
-ABSOLUTELY NOT! - Kha'Zix rushed towards us, fright filling his eyes and hiding behind Cho'Gath - LIKE HELL I'M DOING THAT!
-What's wrong, Kha'Zix? - Cho'gath asked concerned.
-THAT MAD FURBALL IS TRYING TO STAB ME! HE IS CRAZY!
-Oh! Come on, you dipbag! It won't hurt! Stop being a pussy and come here!
-Professor, What's wrong?
-That Scaredy cat is afraid of a tiny needle.
-I'm sure it can be that... - and then Cho'Gath saw the syringe in Heimerdinger's hand, suddenly the color left his face and he backed towards the exit - ...Yes! I see the problem here... you see, professor... we are actually ... uh... allergic! Yes, that's right... allergic to needles... I'm afraid that this test will have to wait...
-Are you serious? - Heimerdinger asked skeptic - Vel'Koz, is that true?
-No.
-YOU TRAITOR!
-Alright! I get it! You guys... Are a bunch of cowards! But I'm pretty sure Mister Vel'Koz won't be afraid of this tiny little thing.
-I... I think it looks... quite big for a syringe...
-Just come with me and let's get this over with...
I shiver in fear for a brief second and I heard a giggle behind me, Sarah had finished braiding my hair and was now looking at me with a smirk, he patted my back and pushed me gently... She can be so cute sometimes... And quite evil as well... I walked slowly into the house of nightmares... Shit, I hate needles as well...
The professor took me to a room inside of the workshop, there was some sort of table in the middle of the area surrounded by several machines I haven't seen before, some of them made quiet beeping sounds while the others showed schematics of the human body and... My own body in some sort of equation.
-Professor, What's all of this?
-Something has drastically changed in the situation of the voidlings, I'm not really sure the consequences of this event but if I'm correct there is a change you and the other voidborns will suffer a drastic event.
-What do you mean?
-I don't know, I really don't know... That's why I called you here... I need to run some tests on your body... For now, all I have are the hypothesis, so please, lay down on the table and let me run some tests on you.
I obediently followed Heimerdinger's commands, once I was on the table a small drone appeared above me and started shooting blue beams of a blue light scanning my body, the machines around me came to life and began making working sounds as my data was being processed, the professor looked at the monitors muttering to himself.
-Vel'Koz... How do you feel about your human life? - The professor asked without looking at me.
-It was sudden, nothing prepared me for this... But I can't say I dislike it.
-What about the others?
-I'm not sure... But they don't seem displeased... Why are you asking?
-Because of this - he said showing me the syringe - Please, take off your hoodie and remain calm, this won't hurt...
I took off my hoodie and waited, I saw the needle press my skin... But all I could feel was a faint pressure in that place...
-Your skin is rougher than I thought... I will need to be a little forceful... Please remain motionless.
I breathe slowly, feeling the pressure increase and finally a sharp pain in my arm, I flinched and looked at what the professor was doing, the syringe was being filled with a crimson liquid coming out of my body...
...
A crimson liquid?
But... That was... Blood... Human blood.
-As I expected - the professor said inspecting the syringe - It's red... Your blood is red...
-Professor... Why is my blood red? What's happening to me?
The professor looked at the ground... Trying to find a good explanation... He sighed in defeat and stared at me tired...
-Vel'Koz... When the first rumors of strange monsters appearing around the world came... The mayor and the council formed a secret group scientist tasked with the mission to create a machine that could track down these strange creatures... We've been aware of both Cho'Gath's and your presence here in Piltover... But your behavior was... Inconsistent with the rumors... So we decided to simply monitor your situation... But recently... Ever since you all took that human form... We have noticed your signals disappearing for shorts spans of time... Vel'Koz... Your signal has been gone for forty-eight hours...
-You mean...
-Something else is happening... Not only your appearance changed... Your psyche... Your body... Your... Soul... Is changing... I think... You guys are becoming full-fledged humans... Your powers will disappear... You will never be able to return to your original form... I don't know how or even why... But is happening...
Me? A human? Impossible... I am a powerful entity of the Void... The magic of this realm cannot possibly affect me... My body was designed to be completely immune to any sort of unknown power... This has to be a lie... And yet... I feel... Reassured... Even happy... Is this... What I wanted all along? No longer a monster... Just a simple human being... A human with a future in this world... It's too good to be true.
-Are you sure, professor?
-No, this is a mere hypothesis...For now, I can predict all of you will be incredibly long-lived, almost immortal, your physical abilities will be over the top, the current evidence would suggest this... For now, wait here and let the drones scan your body some more... I'll run some tests on your blood and see if my theory is true, I'll be back, just stay here and let the drones do their job - he said turning around a left.
Small drones hovered above me, scanning my body, I watched them distracted... The possibility of being a human clouded my mind... I never actually thought I would remain like this... I simply knew my powers would break through and I would return to my normal life... But now... Visions of the future began to haunt me... I had a chance to remain in this world forever... I could do all the things I humans did... I could have a place I could call home..., And a family...
-I hear soft things...
The door of the room opened and I jumped out of surprise... In the doorframe was... A flying sphere? The object came into the room, scanning its surroundings then it focused on me and hummed, behind it, something came in, it looked like a human. but its skin was made of metal, her hair was a shaped into a golden short hairstyle, her eyes seemed to shine with a strange energy, I could hear ticking sounds coming from here and there was some sort of artifact in her back.
-Is that him, Ball? - Her voice was cold and completely devoided of emotion - Is that our objective? - The ball hummed - Understood, Command: Attack.
-Excuse me but who are...
I didn't have time to finish my question, the strange object rushed towards me and smashed itself on the table I was before, I managed to dodge the attack at the last second, the "Ball" hummed and charged against me again, although its power was incredible I was sure I could catch it mid-air so I prepared myself to d...
-Command: Dissonance.
The ball shone with a bright light and I felt a sharp pain in my hands as a field of shockwaves emerged from the ball, unable to stop it, the ball hit me in my chest tackling me until I crashed into the wall, I grunted as I felt the wall crumble behind me. I moved to the left and avoided another strike.
I tried to summon the energy of the void but nothing happened, the situation looked dark for me, I was unable to get close to the enemy, and since I couldn't use my powers, I had no mean to fight this danger, all I could do is run away and hope for a miracle, if only I could get closer... The ball once again rushed towards me... But suddenly a projectile flew above me and knocked down the ball... it was a bronze fist with a metal cable... It began retracting
-ORIANNA. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Behind me came a hulking machine, the giant robot was cladded in bronze armor, steam coming out of a reactor in his back and an electric field surrounding his form, crackling every now and then, he walked slowly towards the other machine, and stood in front of me, protecting me from the Ball.
-Blitzcrank - The machine called Orianna chimed - Why are you protecting him? He is the enemy.
-HE IS NOT.
-Yes, he is, he is a creature of the Void disguised as a human.
-I CAN NOT DENY THAT. BUT HE IS NOT THE ENEMY.
-Then let me eliminate him
-I WILL NOT MOVE.
-Then, I have no choice but to destroy you as well.
-YOU CAN TRY, UGLY.
I could see the steam of Blitzcrank leak through his body and feel his electric field quiver in anticipation, Orianna called the ball to her side and began walking slowly towards us.
-STOP RIGHT THERE!
A sudden burst of rockets flew between them and several turrets began shooting aginst them, both of them backed up and waited, Heimerdinger appeared inside of the room accompanied by Sarah, Cho'Gath, and Kha'Zix.
-Professor - Orianna spoke slowly - Why are you stopping me?
-BECAUSE YOU ARE DESTROYING MY LAB, YOU USELESS TOASTER!
-I am not a toaster, I am the Lady of Clockwork.
-I DON'T CARE! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
-He is the enemy.
-What do you mean? - I asked getting up.
-Father said voidborns are evil, they must be exterminated, they are a danger to this world, they will consume everything.
-We have changed! - Cho'Gath stated stepping up - We are different now! We... - The ball hovered around him and he hid behind Heimerdinger - We are good now! - He says behind the professor.
-Irrelevant - Orianna said without looking at him - You are monsters, Father said monsters must be killed, you are a danger to this world.
-We are not planning to destroy this world - I tried to reason with her - We just want to live peacefully here...
-That is impossible - She said harshly - You are monsters, and that won't change.
It has been a while... I've been surrounded by people who understand me... Who are willing to listen to my wishes and desires... It's been so long I almost forgot how the rest of the world viewed us... I almost forgot what I really am... The sad and bitter truth none of us could avoid...
We were monsters...
But...
-Am I wrong for saying that I'll choose another way?
-There is no other way...
-Am I wrong for thinking that we could be something for real?
-All of you are monsters, there's nothing more...
-Am I wrong for thinking out of the box where I stay?
-Everyone says voidborns are monsters filled with nothing but hunger...
-I ain't trying to do what everyone else is doing just because they say that's what I do.
-Then, are you denying what you've done so far?
-I will never forget what I've done, but I'm done looking back, I'll do what I decide, I won't let them control my life.
-And what exactly did you decide? the domination of this world?
-No, I won't be able to be at the top of this world... But I'll be part of it, I'll fight for what's mine and I will never let go, I won't let you compare me with what I used to be, I've grown, I'm different now.
-And how are you different from before?
-I'm not alone anymore.
-And who's by your side?
-I am.
Sarah walked towards me and stood by my side, Orianna twitched at her actions and the Ball chimed furiously.
-You are making a grave mistake - She said as the Ball emitted a dangerous energy - He is a monster, you don't understand...
-Am I wrong - I interrupted her - for trying to reach the things I can't see?
-Yes, You are wrong.
-If you tell me I'm wrong then I don't want to be right.
The Ball squealed and dashed towards me, but this time, I was ready, and I caught it in mid air.
-Useless, Command: Shockwave.
A sudden burst of energy exploded from the ball, I could feel it passing through my skin, it was painful, but I didn't let go, I could hear Sarah yelling something but I couldn't tell what was it, and suddenly the Ball stopped and remained still in my arms.
-I am different - I said walking towards Orianna - I am not alone, this world gave me a chance, I had hope in the denizens of this world, I will always believe in them, I will always forgive them... I want to be part of the human race... But... That's just how I feel - I finished handing over the Ball.
Orianna stared at me with her blank eyes, somewhere within I saw a small spark as if she was remembering something long gone.
-That was stupid - She finally said hugging the Ball - You could have died... That was stupid...
-HUMANS ARE STUPID - Blitzcrank said walking towards the exit - I THINK THAT IS ENOUGH PROOF, ORIANNA.
-For now - Orianna said following Blitzcrank - I hope one day you can tell me what are those things you couldn't see...
Slowly and without a sound, she was gone, I sighed and fell to the ground, I was tired, I wanted to sleep... But I won't... I'm not ready yet...
-Those... Those stupid robots... THOSE STUPID ROBOTS DESTROYED MY LAB! - Heimerdinger snapped - AND NOW, THEY ARE GONE! JUST LIKE THAT?! WHAT THE ACTUAL F...
-I think we should get going - Cho'Gath whispered quietly.
-Yeah, we should leave already - Sarah said helping me up - While furball is distracted...
-But... The professor said he had the results... And we have to help him clean this place since it was my fa...
-Hush! You see, Vel'Koz, A gentleman... huh?... A gentleman needs to... Look, I'll invent something once we are out of here.
-What do you mean you'll...
-ONCE I GET MY HANDS ON THOSE STUPID ROBOTS, I'LL TURN THEM INTO PAPERWEIGHT! I'LL LET THEM KNOW WHAT PAIN IS! IN FACT, I WILL UNLEASH MY WRATH IN THE FIRST POOR SOUL THAT DARES TO STEP IN FRONT OF ME!
-On second thought, I think we should leave at once.
All of us and we left quietly while the professor planned his revenge...
Outside the rain was gone and a shiny sun greeted us with his warm smile.
-Now that I think about it... Where is Kha'Zix?
-He ran away as soon as he saw the robots - Cho'Gath explained -Can't really blame him, after dealing with Viktor anyone would be scared for life of robots, I'm surprised you stood against them... How did you even survived that attack, Vel'Koz? I'm pretty sure we have lost our powers...
-Heimerdinger said might be a bit tougher that normal humans, so maybe that's why...
-Vel'Koz... You are Vel'Koz? - A quiet voice called behind us.
I turned around and saw a small hooded figure a few meters away from us, the figure was just a bit taller than a yordle, the figure walked slowly towards us, her limping for tripping at times, and I couldn't tell... But I was sure its eyes focused on me.
The figure finally stood in front of me, I could hear its ragged breath she lifted its head a little trying to see my eyes, but there was something wrong, it twitched slightly and the hood fell down, I was greeted by a pair of deep purple and tired eyes, a child-like face crowded by light purple hair, her skin seemed transparent in the light of the sun, small hands grabbed my shirt and desperately tried to pull me down, the young girl huffed as she tried to say something.
-Help... Tomorrow... Evil... Please... Jinx... He... - she tried to explain but she fell to the ground.
-Wait... Jinx? You said... Jinx? What's wrong with her? - I asked, holding her in my arms - hey, are you okay?
-Is she a friend of yours? - Cho'Gath asked concerned - She looks sick, I think we should find a doctor for her.
-I know, but there's something I must ask her... She knows one of my fr... - I was interrupted by a loud growl - ...Seriously, Cho'Gath?
-What?! How dare you, Vel'Koz?
-I mean... That definitely sounded like you...
-Are you implying I can't control my urges? You... The one who goes after anything that resembles a woman?
-What is that suppose to mean?
-Don't act like a fool, you womanizer! Maybe you don't crave for the pleasures of good food... But I can see what you hunger for... You crave for women, you beast!
-That makes no sen... - The growl was heard again - What were you saying?
-That wasn't me!
-Then who...
I heard the growl again, the figure in my arms shifted uncomfortably as she rubbed her eyes.
-Hungry...
-Can you repeat it one more time, Malzahar?
-At once, lord Cho'Gath... Mister Kha'Zix is hiding in the basement... He said he won't come out until the... "Governator" has finally returned to the future...
-Remember me to never give him coffee again... And no more movies for him after dusk... And bring more food... Our little lady has quite the appetite...
The young girl ate like a voracious beast, in a couple of seconds, she had cleaned her plate completely... And she wanted more... But aside from her void-like stomach, she looked like a normal human being... Now that I had a closer look, she was heterochromatic, her left eye had a light red shade, her hair was waist length with a straight clean cut on her bangs, she was wearing a purple overcoat with soft black attached cotton making it look like a scarf, underneath she was wearing a short sleeveless purple dress with high knee socks and high heeled boots... Quite the outfit for a child...
The young girl noticed my stare, she scoffed and grabbed a cup of tea...
-You are staring... - She said taking a small sip.
-I apologize...
-It's fine... At least you know you are doing wrong... But your redhead friend over there... She is quite rude...
Sarah remained on the doorframe, glaring at the young girl... I couldn't tell if she was mad or something else... But clearly, she had some conflict with the girl.
-Who are you? - The young girl asked me softly.
-Greetings, my name is Vel'Koz, The eye of th... - I couldn't finish because she threw me the cup of tea, Malzahar was kind enough a caught it - What was that for?
-Because you are an idiot.
-Excuse me?
-You cannot be Vel'Koz, Vel'Koz is a creature of the Void... You are just a simple pretty boy... Extremely pretty... But a human...
-Hey, brat - Cho'Gath scolded her - What are those manners? A young kid such as yourself should not... - The kid threw him a cup of tea - Stop that!
-For your information... I am not a child! I'll have you know I am sixteen years old!
-That flat chest cannot possibly belong to a si... - Malzahar was interrupted by a flying cup of tea, I was able to catch it before it hit him.
-I'm still growing! Look... I don't have time... You are Vel'Koz, aren't you?
-Yes, my appearance may have changed... But I am the Eye of the Void...
-Then... I will be blunt... Jinx is dead... She was ambushed by the slavers...
A mortal silence filled the room, my mind rushed through everything the little girl said... It was impossible... Jinx couldn't be dead... She was strong...
-Jinx told me if something ever happened to her... You would help me... - the little girl continued - The slavers are planning something big in Piltover... And I need your...
She was interrupted by a loud crack, the tea cup in my hand was now just a bunch of sharp pieces tearing through my skin, my blood fell on the carpet... But I couldn't feel it... My mind was clouded with a feeling I thought I forgot a long time ago... Wrath...
-Malzahar, please, bring the first-aid kit - Cho'Gath ordered calmly, Malzahar bowed and left - Vel'Koz, I've never seen you act like this... This Jinx must have been someone important for you... Miss, please, explain.
-The web of Zaun is corrupting Piltover - the young girl said as Malzahar returned and began healing my hand - Jinx discovered a link between the slavers and the mayor of Piltover... I don't know what exactly happened but it was an ambush... She never came back... I've been looking for you, Vel'Koz... I need your help... You need to h...
-No, he doesn't - Sarah voiced from the doorframe - No one in this house is going to help you.
-Excuse me? I don't think you understa...
-Sheanely - The little girl flinched at the name - Does that family name ring a bell, Cho'Gath?
-Let's see... - Cho'Gath said scratching his chin - No, I don't know any family named like that...
-I wouldn't be surprised... - Sarah said standing behind my chair and placing her hands on my shoulders - On the surface there is nothing about that particular family... But in the underworld, they are known as the ruling family of the slave market, it is safe to say they founded the system in Zaun, they began the relationships with Noxus and are, above everything else, the most powerful family Zaun has... And probably, the most ruthless this world has seen...
-Okay... I admit it... - The young girl said looking at the ground - Maybe we are going against some strong enemies but I have a plan, we can do...
-But the tragedy doesn't end there - Sarah continued - The current lord of the Sheanely family is, by far, the biggest piece of shit of them all... He had a daughter, young Veliza Sheanely, she was kidnapped a few years ago... can you guess what his father did?
-He... saved her - I said gingerly.
-No... He put a bounty on her head... To show he didn't care about anything else... So tell me, Velisa Sheanely... How are you still alive?
-You... You know me?! - The little girl called Veliza said with horror.
-I am a bounty hunter... I made a small research on you... And got rid of a few nuisances that were getting close...
-Then... Are you my ally?
-No, I simply don't want to have anything to do with your family... Besides... you were never kidnapped... It was a setup... To stop your dad...
-You... knew?
-Of course, I did... And I'm sure your father knew as well... He simply chose to get rid of you on your own game...
-That... That is awful! - Cho'Gath voiced punching the table.
-I told you he was a piece of shit...
-Then we have to help her! We must sto...
-Cho'Gath! You don't understand anything at all - Sarah said harshly - She came here looking for monsters of the Void...What are you right now?
-I am...! I am... I... I am a human...
-Exactly, these guys are no joke... Maybe you survived Viktor... But these guys can, and will, create ten times what Viktor had... You are humans now... Sadly you can't fight this war... Nobody can...
-Look... - Veliza began slowly - ... My father... Is a piece of shit... and he has to be stopped... I can't do it on my own... I'm nothing for him... Tomorrow there's going to be a party at the ministry to celebrate the alliance between Demacia and Piltover, there's going to be an attack planned by my father, I don't know who's the one behind this but he is close to my father... If I can take him down I will...
-You would just kill another pawn in his game - Sarah interrupted - I'm sorry... But we can't help you... I'm sorry...
-We could call the police... - Cho'Gath suggested quietly.
-They wouldn't listen, those guys are pretty deep in the government, No one will do anything... Just accept the truth...
-Mister Vel'Koz, your hand is healed - Malzahar said showing me my bandaged hand.
Veliza looked at Sarah in disbelief, her purple eyes began to water, she looked at the ground as the tears began to fall... And then she muttered something...
-You promised...
...
...
...
I did...
-Veliza... I will help you...
-What?! Are you crazy?! - Sarah asked shocked - You can't do this... they will kill you...
-I don't care...
-But...
-I made a promise, Sarah, I made a promise... I may be a human now... But those promises are all I have left from those who I've lost in the way... I'm sorry... But I have to do this...
-What could you possibly do? You're powers are gone... You can't do anything...
I stared into Sarah's green eyes, she wouldn"t yield... She was determined to stop me... I looked at Cho'Gath... He was confused and nervous... He never expected this dark side of Piltover... Malzahar remained quiet... But Veliza was a different story... Tears were rolling down on her cheeks, her eyes were filled with sadness... And then I looked at my wounded hand bandaged, a single cup of tea damaged me to such extent... But...
I squeezed my hand, feeling the pressure and the pain grow, a red stain began to form in the bandage... And then a purple glow surrounded it... There was no pain... Just the well-known feeling of my burning magic awaiting to be unleashed upon my victims... I am the Eye of the Void... I am an entity of unlimited power... I am a being that can turn armies into dust in the blink of an eye... I am a monster... I am a seeker...
I am Vel'Koz...
-How did... How did you do that? - Cho'Gath asked flabbergasted.
-I was always able to do it... I just needed a reason... - I turned to Sarah - I'm sorry... But as long as I have this power... I will fight for those I care... If you don't want to follos me... At least accept my desicion...
Sarah sighed in defeat, she shook her head and looked at Veliza.
-What's the plan, midget?
Veliza's face lightened with a smile.
-It won't be easy... I'm not sure how are they planning to attack... I stole the blueprints of the ministry from the library a few days ago... So I suppose all we have to do is...
-You could die here... - Sarah whispered in my ear.
-I'm used to that...
-I don't want to see you die...
-I won't do it...
-Promise?
I chuckled quietly... Promises... What a concept...
-I promise...
Am I wrong - Nico & Vinz.