Chapter 35 - Noxus.
It was dark...
Vel'Koz was surprised how dark it was...
He was a creature of the Void, so this kind of darkness should mean nothing for him... But it was dark...
He had grown accustomed to the light... And now the darkness was something alien for him... He had grown weak... He had become a human... But no more...
The shadows began to dispell and he was able to study his surroundings, he was in a cell. He remembered the last time he was in prison, the memories only brought a bitter pain in his heart... He tried to move but found out it was impossible... A couple of chains were bounding his body... He tried to break them but it was impossible... Strange runes were carved on them... Strange... These runes seemed to glow with an unusual energy... Something familiar... But he couldn't remember what exactly...
He struggled once again to break free... But he failed... Unusual... How can that be possible? He should be able to destroy anything... Maybe he was weak, he remembered everything before he felt unconscious... Cho'Gath's mansion... Veliza's confession... Talon... The Noxians... The dark yordle... And her... Leblanc.
Leblanc.
The sole mention of that wretched human awoke the fury inside of Vel'Koz, he knew everything was her fault, his tragedy in Ionia, the Viktor incident and now this... He could feel how his wrath began to boil inside bringing forth the same powers he felt at the party... The room was illuminated by the purple light from the Void, in a few seconds, he will be free... And he was going to kill every single one of them...
"MONSTER!"
Suddenly, the light disappeared and he remained motionlessly... Monster... He completely forgot about that word... He had done everything in order tom protect them... And yet... This was his reward... Trapped, at the mercy of his enemies... Why did he even cared anymore? They would never forgive him for his actions... Even though he knew it was the only way, he knew he no longer had a place tor return to... He had nothing waiting for him outside of this prison... Then... Why? He could easily break the chains and slaughter every single human... But he couldn't... He foolishly believed in everything he learned in the past... He was a monster... But in the end... He still loved them.
-Rise and shine, my abominations!
Just what he needed, the bane of his existence came to mock his misery...
-Dear ma'am! - The voice of Cho'gath echoed at the distance - I would like to file an official complaint regarding the unsanitary conditions of this facility! How can someone even sleep with all the rats and bugs crawling at night?
-Yummy!
-Hush, Kog'Maw! You are gross! - There was a loud growl - No! You can't spoil him like that, Rek'Sai! He is growing into a pig! - Rek'Sai growled again - I don't care if it's cute! You are...
-Silence! - A squeaky voice chided - I had enough of your idiocies!
-Excuse me, Good sir, but my point stands! A gentleman such as myself cannot possibly live under these conditions! Perhaps you should re-evaluate the state of these chambers and allow us to have a bit of dignity in our imprisonment.
-Then... Maybe I can improve your experience here - The same squeaky voice said slowly - If I KILL you, you won't have anything to complain... FOREVER!
-Well... If you put it like that... I suppose... There is some charm in this depressing environment... I think I can learn to love it...
-I hope so - LeBlanc answered - Because you'll be spending quite the time here... And I won't lie... It won't be short.
-I heard that!
-Anyways, we have to attend some business with your other friend... So if you excuse us...
-No! Please, wait! There is no toilet in here! How are we supposed to do our necessities?! No! Come back! Please! At least give us some toilet paper!
-I'll be sure to toss some in a while - LeBlanc said appearing in front of Vel'Koz's cell - Hello, How are you feeling, monster? - LeBlanc mocked through the bars - I see you have settled down, you were such a bad boy before... I almost had to kill you - Vel'Koz simply stared at her with anger - Not talking, huh? That's fine, I hate your voice anyways...
-Where's Kha'Zix? - Vel'Koz interrupted her.
-I told you I hate your...
-Where's Kha'Zix?
-You insectoid friend is a cage below these cells, he is too dangerous we had to use some of the old levels of the castle... Only reserved for our most hated enemies... You guys sure made and impression here in Noxus.
-Noxus?
-Ah! That's right! You were unconscious! Allow me to explain... You are in the heart of the empire of Noxus! So, please... If you have any idea of escaping, I suggest you just give up... Even if you somehow manage to break the seals and escape the prison... Outside lies a city of terrible warriors who will rip your limbs apart... I suggest you simply give...
-Cease your mockery at once, Deceiver! - Veigar interrupted LeBlanc as he came into view - Your words are just a sad excuse to hide your failures! Should I not stepped in, you would have failed once again!
-You little mutt... - LeBlanc muttered as her hands trembled in anger - You dare insult me like this! Maybe you should remember who is in charge her... - Before she could finish, she fell to the ground as a circle of black magic appeared around her.
-Listen here, your worthless woman! - Veigar said not even looking at her - I may have accepted to work with you Master Tactician... But do not confuse who I am and where I stand... Swain and I may have a common goal... But you and every single Noxian in this accursed city can die for all I care... So watch your words, witch... If you anger me any further I will put and end to your pitiful life!
-Is that so? - Said a voice behind Veigar, a ring of blades danced around him as The Shadow's blade smirked at the yordle - Maybe I should end this little alliance Swain has.
-Are you sure about that, assassin? Maybe your skills are just a bunch of lies after all.
A black square of magic formed itself in front of Talon and hummed as it got closer to his face, Vel'Koz wondered how he was able to be defeated by these enemies... He also wondered why they haven't killed each other by now.
-All of you, stop your idiocies. - A powerful voice roared.
The man that appeared could only be described with a single word: Imposing. His large body frame was covered by a scared armor that had seen a hundred of battles, in his right arm he carried a humongous axe as if it was part of his body, his face was adorned by a long scar in his left eye, his eyes were filled with nothing but courage and resolve... If Garen, the Might of Demacia, was the definition of a Demacian, Darius, the Hand of Noxus. was the ideal Noxian in every way.
-Darius! - LeBlanc called from the ground - Kill this rodent at once!
-I'm sure you deserve this punishment, Deceiver. - Darius said as he glared at LeBlanc with disgust - And as for you, Talon... I simply don't like you and nothing would make me happier than seeing you brain spread across the floor... If you had one... But sadly, The Grand General wishes to meet the monsters in person... You were requested as well - He commented a bit sad.
-As you wish, general - Veigar said as the circle of dark magic and the square disappeared in the air - Let us go at once - He said before he left.
-Are you out of your mind? - LeBlanc complained as he got up - He could have killed me!
-Shut up before I finish the job - Darius warned lifting his axe - Swain might think you are somewhat important for our objectives... But if you ever show your weakness in front of me again... I will split you in half - He said before he left.
LeBlanc bit her lip in anger until blood began to fall, she gestured to Talon and left stomping, Talon simply watched her leave before he opened his cell and pulled the chains that bound him.
-I suppose it's time, monster - He said with a smirk - I hope you are ready to meet our great leader.
The procession walked with the Voidling at the center pulling from an apparently empty cage, the hooded figures did not spoke a single word as they followed Talon through the halls.
Vel'Koz looked left and right looking for an escape route... But it seemed useless, the grey walls adorned with ruby windows only brought dread and desperation, from afar, he could hear the distant sounds of screams and mad laughs, Cho'Gath muttered comments about the decoration but he was ignored, Kog'Maw walked under Rek'Sai as it whimpered at times, The Void burrowed simply moved her head when she detected some random sound... And even if he didn't want to believe it, Vel'Koz could feel a predatory pair of eyes glaring at him from withing the cage... Even if there was nothing inside.
The group finally stopped in front of a pair of big metal doors, in front of it stood Darius and an unknown soldier that was standing guard, Darius nodded and the soldier began inspecting the voidlings, Vel'Koz could see how the soldier trembled as he focused his gaze in each one of them... Until he stopped in front of the empty cage.
-General Darius? - He asked as he got close to the cage - Why is this...?
-YOU FOOL! GET AWAY FR... - Talon tried to warm but it was too late.
A flash of purple appeared and the head of the soldier was split in half, the body remained in that position not registering its demise... And then it felt in a puddle of blood... From within the cage, a pair of emerald eyes stared at the blood splattered on the floor, and then Kha'Zix materialized, he lowered his head and licked the blood.
-Stop that! - Talon roared as he pointed his blade at Kha'Zix, Kha'Zix stared at him before he grunted and laughed lowly - How dare you?!
-He was an idiot - Darius stopped Talon before he could strike - He deserved his death, now stop this unsightly behavior and let's go, he is waiting - Darius finished pushing the massive doors.
Talon looked at the body one last time before he grunted and sighed us to move forward.
The throne room was circular, above there was a sumptuous chandelier lighted with candles of different colors, on the sides, red flags with the emblem of Noxus were placed, there were a congregation of humans gossiping in the center of the room, they watched with wide eyes as the voidling made their way to the center of the room, one of them stood out... A young female with red hair and emerald eyes... Vel'Koz laughed internally at the irony... She saw him begin his journey... And now... She will see it end... How Poetic as Jhin would say.
-Well, well, well... Look what we have here - One of the humans said walking confidently towards the voidling - I see new additions to my show, huh? A little bit of exotic variety... I can appreciate that.
He was unusual human, Vel'Koz admitted, he never left his confident pose, not even when Kha'Zix growled at him, he was a man with a lot of scars on his face and a prominent mustache on his face, at his back he had a pair of sharp axes, he was light armored but Vel'Koz could see the experience he had... He was a warrior.
-Hello there! - He waved at Vel'Koz - I see you are marveled by my appearance, I can't blame you, even monsters like you and your friends should have heard about my feats, I wonder if you know my name...
-Kraven, the Hunter? - Cho'Gath asked shyly.
-Yes, Kraven the hun... No! Who the hell is Kraven?! I am Draven, the Glorious Executioner! Draven! Not Kraven!... Or, if you want, you can call me Draaaaaven.
-Shut up, Kraven, can't you see we are in an official meeting? - Darius scolded Kraven slapping his head.
-My name is Draven, not Kraven!
-It's always about Kraven - One of the humans on the back whispered.
-Yes, he is Kraven after all.
-I always said that Kraven guy couldn't be good.
-But he is Kraven.
-Yes, Kraven.
-I AM DRAVEN! - Kraven yelled desperately - I AM DRAVEN! NOT SOME ARACHNID'S ENEMY! DRAVEN! NOT KR...
He was silenced by a loud screech in the distance, a mass of black feathers flew through the hall and landed, the avian creature screamed as he lifted is horrendous beak, a flock of ravens surrounded is body as it walked towards the voidling, Kraven moved aside with fear in his eyes, the creature stood in front of Vel'Koz and yelled at him, the birds surrounding his body, the other voidlings trembled in shock... But he didn't move, Vel'Koz stared into the eyes of the creature with cold determination, the creature glared back as it extends its claws towards him... And then, the feathers, the birds and the creature are gone, in front of him stood and old man with a cane in his right arm, green robes cladded in golden armor, his eyes were crimson surrounded by black bags around them, his mouth was concealed by the high neck of the robe, the old man stared at him with no emotion on his face... A raven landed on his shoulder glared at the other voidlings... After a while, the raven shrieked and the man walked away.
-You are right, Beatrice - The old man talked to the bird - This is different... We did not expect something like this... LeBlanc! Come here!
-What are your wishes, Grand General? - LeBlanc said walking out of the crowd and bowing before the old man.
-I asked you to bring the voidlings in front of me...
-And here they are, Grand General.
-Lies...
-Excuse me?
-I see a voidling inside a cage... And four humans chained like beasts... I did not ask for any of this... You have failed me, LeBlanc.
-But... Jericho... Those are the voidlings... No matter how you look at it... They have the appearance of monsters...
-Appearance? APPEREANCE? - Jericho Swain screamed in anger - How you ever looked into their souls Deceiver? Do you truly believe that kind of souls could belong to a bunch of monsters?
-I... I don't understand...
-You never did... - Swain spat walking towards Vel'Koz and stood in front of him - I am Jericho Swain, the Master Tactician and Grand General of Noxus - He said as extended his hand.
Vel'Koz hesitated for a second... But manners were manners.
-Greetings, Jericho, my name is Vel'Koz, the Eye of the Void, It's... a pleasure to meet you - Vel'Koz finished as he held Swain's hand.
-Greeting, good sir! I am Cho'Gath! The Terror of the Void! The beautiful lady is Rek'Sai, The Void Burrower - Rek'Sai clicked softly and bowed - And the little guy is Kog'Maw, the Mouth of the Abyss.
-Birdman! Tasty! Want eggs! - Kog'Maw drooled as he watched Beatrice.
-And what about your caged friend?
-That's... Quite embarrassing... - Cho'Gath said lowering his head - Our friend Kha'Zix, the Voidreaver... Is not feeling okay... We wanted to flee and hide until he regained his conscious... But I'm afraid that might be... Impossible...
-I understand... - Swain turned around and glared ad LeBlanc with fury - See... What kind of monster could have a normal conversation like that?
-But... But sir!
-Shut up! - Swain groaned and he turned to Vel'Koz once again - They might look like voidlings... But something is not right... What is the meaning of this? The visions were wrong... This shouldn't have happened...
-Visions? - Vel'Koz asked curiously.
-Yes... His visions... His words... He whispered to me... He showed me the future... But this... This is wrong.
-Jericho... Could you please explain yourself.
Swain stared into Vel'Koz eyes one more time... His expression seemed to soften as he found something he did not expect, he sighed and placed one hand on his chains, the runes stopped glowing and fell to the ground.
-What are you doing, Swain?! - LeBlanc screamed as she began to channel her magic, but she suddenly fell to the ground as a circle of dark magic surrounded her once again - You... What are you doing?!
-So... You felt it too, Master Tactician - Veigar said ignoring LeBlanc and standing beside Swain - This... Is not what we saw...
-No... It isn't... Noble creatures... Would you please listen to my story? - Swain pleaded.
Vel'Koz looked at Cho'Gath, he simply shrugged and nodded... They were free and they could run away whenever they wanted... But they needed answers... And they both knew held all of them, so Vel'koz nodded.
-I see... Let me begin with a simple question... Do you know about Icathia?
-Yes, It's the place where the first portal of the Void appeared - Cho'Gath answered - Some of us came through that portal...
-Correct... Then... What if I told you... Icathia has disappeared from Runeterra?
-Disappeared? - Vel'Koz asked concerned - What do you mean?
-The ancient land of Icathia can no longer be reached by normal means... It's almost as if a dark will had separated the deserted city from the rest of the world... But that is not the worst part... Icathia was the first portal that appeared in Runeterra... But the portal was never closed... Some other portals from the Void close as soon as a creature passes through... But this one remains open... And no one can close it because no one can reach it...
-I... I don't understand...
-Let me tell you another story, Eye of the Void, dreams are peculiar events in the life of humanity, some of them are filled with our inner desires, some others are our insecurities eating us alive... And sometimes... Dreams are something else... Something more dangerous.
-What do you mean?
-He spoke to me when I was young... His words portrayed a single scene... Runeterra was burning... The purple glow filled the decaying skies... The City-States falling under the pressure of the Void... And five figures stood atop... Five creatures brought the end of everything... That was his prophecy...
-Wait! You never told any of this to us! - LeBlanc called from afar - What happened to our shared goal? What happened with the absolute conquest of Runeterra?
-Do you really think I cared a single bit about your foolish objectives? Why would that even matter if the world was on the verge of destruction? What kind of world could we conquer if it was consumed by the Void? - The voice of Swain boomed through the room - I tried to reason with the other city-states, warm them about the danger... But nobody listened to my call... Demacia ignored my pleas, Ionia ridiculed me, Bilgewater insulted me, Zaun was too busy with its own experiments, Piltover laughed at me, and Bandle City simple spat on my face... I tried to warm them, I tried to show them the truth... When the voidlings appeared I knew my visions were true... But they ignored me once again... The answer was simple... I had to destroy the threat... I had to destroy the voidlings... But these creatures in front of me... The are not the voidlings from my visions... Just... What are you? What happened to you?
-We... We don't know... - Cho'Gath asked with confusion in his voice.
-I see... This complicates the situation... I can't simply kill you all without and explanation... Veigar here also saw the same visions... We decided to work together in order to protect this world.
-But the sudden change could be a blessing in disguise -Veigar commented - If you are not the monsters from our visions... Then maybe... You can help us...
-How?
-We have found a way to reach Icathia... Jericho and I created a portal that will lead us to that accursed city... Swain sent armies after armies... But no one returned alive... We fear there is a danger lurking the city that humans can't defeat... But maybe...
-A monster can - Vel'Koz completed the sentence - I know what you mean...
-I know we have no right to ask you this after everything we have done... But please... Help us... - Swain bowed
The room was filled with whispers as everyone saw the Master Tactician beg for help, Vel'Koz glared at Swain, then at Veigar and then at Cho'Gath, he seemed confused and shocked, behind him, Rek'Sai looked at him with expectation, Kog'Maw felt the pressure and remained quiet... Honestly, Vel'Koz did not know what to do... Could he really trust the words of this man? The man that had tried to kill him and his friends along his journey... The man that was the cause of all his suffering... Could he really help him?
-Why are you doubting your resolve, huh? - Came a guttural voice from behind.
Vel'Koz watched as Kha'Zix struggled to keep his sanity, his twitched uncontrollably and he could see his scythes glow unnaturally... But he was looking at him with fire in his eyes.
-You and I know that piece of shit deserves to die - Kha'Zix continued -But we also know the dangers that lurk in the depths of the Void... The question is... Are those who left us behind worth the risk? Those who called us monsters... Those who were our friends... Those who we protected... Are they worth it?
Kha'Zix voice resonated in the hall, Cho'Gath smiled as he remembered the past, Rek'Sai roared and Kog'Maw screamed with her... Vel'Koz simply stared at his caged friend and looked for the answer to his question... But it was simple... There was one single answer.
-Yes.
With that, Kha'Zix cage was opened and he stumbled as he walked, but he was able to stand by their side... The gang was complete again...
-We will help - Vel'Koz stated as he glared at Swain and Veigar.
-I see... - Swain answered with a hint of relief - Veigar... Open the portal.
Veigar nodded as a cluster of dark energy began to form in his hand, the wind howled around the room as a black hole began to form at the center of the room, Veigar grunted as he raised his gauntlet, suddenly a lightning fell on the black hole and the portal opened with a loud explosion, from within, the voidling could feel something familiar... It was calling for them... Icathia was waiting...
-It is done - Veigar huffed tiredly - Hurry up... It won't stay open for long...
-Wait! - Vel'Koz stopped and turned towards Swain I'm not leaving without Veliza!
-Veliza? You mean... The Sheanely...
-Yes, I want you to free her and...
-Sadly, I can't do that.
-Wha...? Why not?!
-I have already called for her father, she will fetch her alive... or her corpse.
-You... Piece of...
-But... She can follow you...
-Follow us?! Are you insane?! She will die if she is exposed to the Void!
-If you close the portal successfully, Icathia will appear in Runeterra again... And she will be free to do as she pleases.
-You... You planned this.
-I did... Should you refuse my request I would have thrown her through the portal and you would have run to save her.
-And what if I didn't?
-Noble creature - Swain said with a smile - We both know that, after everything you've been through... After everything you have learned... We both know that possibility never existed - He snapped his fingers and a shadow appeared with Veliza in his arms - If you leave her here, she will die at the hands of his father... But if you take her with you... She might have a chance.
Vel'Koz glared once again at his crimson eyes... He hated the man in front of him... But he had to admit... He was good... Master Tactician was a fitting name for Jericho Swain.
-The Portal is closing! - Veigar warned - Hurry up and leave!
Vel'Koz nodded, grabbed Veliza's unconscious body and leaped through the portal with his fellow voidlings, the portal flashed and collapsed in a loud explosion, after that, there was nothing but dust falling to the ground, the humans watched flabbergasted as none of the could possibly understand what just happened, but when Jericho Swain moved towards the exit followed by Darius and Veigar, LeBlanc was the first to recover from the shock.
-What is the meaning of this, Swain? Explain yourself - She demanded furiously, but Swain ignored her and left her yell as the doors closed behind them.
-Prepare the army, general, we are going to war, and tell the Sinister Blade to deliver a message to Jarvan III, I want him to know the final hour has come.
Darius bowed and ran through the halls.
-If they fail... The portal with open completely and the Void will be unleashed... Even if Jarvan comes... Not even with the combined armies of every city-state... Not even with all the magic in the world... We can't win that kind of war... - Veigar whispered as Jericho stopped and watched the sky... The blue had changed into a purple and he could feel a chill running down his spine.
-I know... - Swain answered as he petted Beatrice - But I rather die on the battlefield than on my private chambers like a coward.
-I can respect that.
-I thought you hated Noxus.
-I still hate all of you... And if we managed to survive... I will completely obliterate you and become the ruler of this world.
-Of course - Swain chuckled as he watched Veigar follow the same path Darius took - If we survive... That is.
The uncertainty filled Jericho Swain's soul as he watched his troops march on the city... He wondered if Demacia would hear his last warning... But seeing as everyone could feel the incoming doom... He was pretty sure he would see that idiotic prince riding on top of his dragon yelling stupid things and charging to his dead... He couldn't really mock him, though... He was doing the exact same thing...
As the Exemplar of Demacia would say...
Today is a good day to die...
For a bleak second Jericho wondered what would have happened if he hadn't heard his voice... The recurring nightmares... and his dark eyes...
He, who whispers dark thoughts from within the shadows.