Variables and Constants

by thestripybag

Sometimes to gain inspiration, a new outfit, or because they're bored Caleb and Levia gaze into the Multiverse. This is a collection of snippets and stories from across different dimensions and timelines. Cross posted on Ao3. Chapter 4: Void Special Star Guardians edition Feel free to vote in the poll located in my profile for favorite OCs

1. First Glimpses

A/N I wanted to update this chapter for two main reasons. One was since this was more of a collection of shorts and I already updated them for the REbooted story I wanted to do the same here. Second was I wanted to tell people more about the current poll to determine the next Special I do because I hit a personal milestone thanks to you guys, gals, and other pals. Thank you all for supporting my stories and I hope to continue earning such devotion. After Special 4 and I finish updating the next few REbooted chapters, I will release a new chapter and use it to introduce our newest champion Claudi; we also might have a 13th champion riding in later down the track. Now for the cast list I hope I didn't miss too many, oh boi.

Starring: Arcade Neeko, Arcade Miss Fortune, The Legendary Arcade Cero, Dawnbringer Riven, Dawnbringer Nidalee, God King Garen, Dawnbringer Karma, Justicar Syndra, Angel of Death Karthus, Archangel Jax, Warrior of Dawn Pantheon, Arclight Brand and Arclight Yorick plus Nightbringer Yasuo, Nightbringer Lee Sin, Nightbringer Vladimir, God King Darius, Infernal Nasus, Demon Vi, Fallen Caleb, Jester of Chaos Zoe, Infernal Rakan, Demon Sett, Caleb, Levia, Head Maid Quinn, Gentlemen Caleb, Lady Sona, Masquerade Elise, Masquerade Evelynn, Aki, Cathy, Pool Party Riven, Lifeguard Sivir, Pool Party Jinx, Pool Party Vi, Pool Party Caitlyn, Pool Party Qiyana, Pool Party Neeko, Pool Party Ahri, Pool Party Cassiopeia, Pool Party Katarina, Pool Party Lulu, Xenoborne Kha'zix, CLAC Lucian, CLAC Caleb, Malza-Cathian Commander Graves and Headhunter Nidalee

Cameos and Appearances from: Arcade Riven, Arcade Sona, Angelic Artillery Quinn, Angelic Artillery Caitlyn, Infernal Shen, Infernal Galio, Infernal Varus, Pool Party Draven, Pool Party Darius, Pool Party Ashe, Pool Party Tryndamere, Pool Party Yuumi and Book, Pool Party Lux, Pool Party Garen, Rumble in the Jungle, Pool Party Galio, Pool Party Gnar, Pool Party Braum, Pool Party Crasher Sion, Pool Party Kled, Pool Party Rek'sai, and Pool Party Anivia

XxxX

RBGA

Alternate Universe Short: Arcade # 1

When Team RGB's chaperone left them to get lunch, the trio expected today to be relaxing. After breaking their weapons while grinding, Sona, Riven, and Sarah were dropped off at Neeko's Shop to get repairs. Before the destined goddess could even finish haggling though, a large explosion rocked the brickwork building. It would seem that they were followed and now the Battle Bosses are taking the chance to strike. With enemy soldiers and robots pinning down the girls with blaster fire, several gargoyles try to break in through the front door. The next ten minutes are filled with RGB desperately barricading themselves with furniture, Neeko's Neexie Gang evacuating with her wares and coins, and Neeko overseeing everyone. As the front doors begin to come off their hinges, being held up only by a couch and a fridge, Neeko decides to take a smoke. Wiping her forehead because overseeing is hard work, the merchant queen pulls out her lighter only for a blaster bolt to destroy it. Giving an exasperated sigh, Neeko begins to scavenge amongst the debris for her spare. Her last Neexie ends up bringing it to her before jumping into the sewers with the rest of its kind.

"Thank you tiny Neeko! Oh hey you three are still alive, that's good. Neeko expects compensation for damages." The lizard girl says before taking a drag from her cigarette. Looking at the lizard girl with pure spite, the team is reminded of their task as a hand grabs Sarah's arm through a gap.

"How can you be so calm?! They're either gonna kill us out there or bury us alive at this rate you stupid lizard wizard!" Sarah screams as she desperately pulls her arm away. Above the battlefield in a space fighter, Battle Boss Samira orders for more reinforcements. A demonic portal appears above the street to deploy a purple Zac, a Baron Nashor, and a walking portal aberration.

"Because Neeko knows that this is a survival type of mission. We should have lasted long enough for help to arrive, so get your panties out of a twist." As though to prove her point, they hear the sound of a motorcycle approaching as the Baron begins to melt down the door. Taking notice of the noise as well Samira looks towards the source.

Her scouter informs her that a massive power is heading towards her position and she comes to a conclusion. "Well, I may be reckless but I'm not stupid." The mercenary notes before dimension skipping away. The timing couldn't be any better either as Team RGB's knight in red, leather armor arrives.

RGBA

Using the lightning variant of his Coercion chains, Cero makes his presence known to the rest by slamming two drones together. {"Dope"- Rival Boss Quinn} At this point, a large robot walker with chaingun notices the fiend hunter and opens fire on him. Sliding under its hull, Cero transforms his motorcycles into a pair of Chain weapons. Cutting off the walker's legs, he then leaps into the air and with a cry of "Cavalier Kick!" cut it in half. {"Coooool."- Neeko} Quickly noticing Zac trying to slam onto him, Cero dashes out of the way in a blur of crimson light. Now wielding a pair of black and white crossbows, the hired gun unleashes their bolts into the blob creature. This attack hits with such force that it sends the slimey mass crashing into the remaining soldiers. {"Bold."- Riven}

RGBA

With the blaster fire dying down, the ladies of RGB peek to see what their op teammate is doing. Suddenly via a hole in the roof, a pile of pizza boxes, sandwich bags, and various other fast foods appear like a loot crate. After a moment, the group of colorful women realize it's the lunch Cero went out to get them. Backing away from the mostly melted entrance, the party takes a moment to relax and eat.

RGBA

Back outside, the Zac is trying to repeatedly grab onto the evasive hybrid but is finding little success. Dawning his flaming gauntlets and greaves, Cero delivers a devastating kick to where the blob's stomach would be. Grabbing it by its nucleus head tendril, he then begins to spin it around him before throwing it into the air. Chasing after it with a blink, the fiend hunter then begins to pummel the slime monster, and even its bloblets, out of existence. {"Awe inspiring"- Miss Fortune} Seeing the walking pile of tentacles with a portal for a back, the alternate Caleb rushes towards the enemies' escape route. Knowing it's their only quick way out of the Arcade realm, the gargoyles try to rush him. Avoiding a swipe, Cero lands on his back and begins to spin his legs to ward off his foes.

"Hahaha, I'm on fire! Now let me show you what a real boss looks like!" The veteran combatant taunts before becoming bathed in crimson energy and fire. Sprouting a pair of leathery wings, his body becomes covered in dark chitin and blood red scales. Growing over eight inches, he is now over six and a half feet tall. His once kind amber eyes now burn with a fiery glow, as his wings fold in and his clothes become stone like armor versions of themselves. {'Spectacular'- Sona}

With a simple wave of his clawed hand, Devil Cero summons his very essence to form a sword that carries his name. Using his enhanced speed, the half Battle Boss blinks out of the circle of foes and raises his blade in one hand. Gathering a massive blade of energy, he obliterates the stone constructs before they can even react to him missing. {"Smoke Show"- Jinx} As the explosion fades, the living portal begins to spawn weird elementals to defend itself. The teleportation is cut off though as the Cero blade flies at the creature and impales it. Blinking to the quadruped, Cero channels his power into his bastard sword and bisects the abomination; which slowly splits in two before exploding into pixels. {"Simply Sensational Styling!"- Morg}

"Alright, a triple S. Are you girls alright?!" Devil Cero asks before the Baron tries to crush him under a tentacle. The titanic voidborne fails though as the Legendary Cero casually catches the appendage with one hand.

"Traitor!" Is what the alien monster screeches at the hybrid before spitting acid at him. Dodging the attack, Cero grows annoyed as yet another enemy only recognizes him as his father. However his attitude quickly changes as he sees this for the opportunity it is; a chance to show the destined saviors of the Arcade what they can become, if not to show off a bit too.

"I didn't expect to go for a Quadruple S today, but for the big guy in the audience I'll make an exception. Make sure to save me some of that food ladies, not that this will take long. Sin Form go!" Cero commands before energy gathers into the Cero blade and he drives it into himself.

As he begins to transform once again, Neeko throws a curtain over the rest of Team RGB while shouting,"Don't look at it! You guys aren't ready for it yet! Oh but it's still so coooool!" Glimpsing up, Neeko gazes at what was once Cero after giving up most of the Player in him to ascend. An inhumane roar then heralds a bright flash of light reduces all nearby enemies to ashes. {"Super Smokin Sexy Style!"- Team RGB and FMC}

RGBA

Alternate Universe Short: Primordial Order VS Chaos #1

Amidst the vastness of the multiverse, a new universe is about to be born alongside two other beings of great power. One is a four armed, fiery, demonic knight who will be this world's incarnation of Hell. Her brother, Paradise, has already manifested in robes made of blinding light with clockwork angelic wings. Finding it odd that they're universe is taking so long to manifest, the two are greeted by the horrifying sight of their bound world suddenly blinking out and dying. All around the gigantic entities, streams of souls meant to inhabit this reality begin to wander aimlessly before being held back by the pair. Not willing to become laughing stocks of the multiverse, this pair of Paradise and Hell come together to form a plan; together they will form a new plane for these beings to inhabit.

OvsC

Eons pass and two massive armies are facing each other down before their climatic battle; on one side marauders and devils and on the other wardens and angels. Having gathered in a vast wasteland, both sides are unfazed as a massive meteor crashes behind the side of Hell. On the side of Paradise, rain starts to fall as light breaks gently through the dark clouds above. Both phenomena eventually create massive pools of either water or lava to form. From the inferno limbs of dark stone begin to form while light touches the waters and begins to coalesce. Soon two groups of ten emerge onto both sides of this newly christened battlefield. Ten warriors of Order by the names of Riven, Nidalee, Garen, Karma, Syndra, Karthus, Jax, Pantheon, Brand and Yorick rise from the holy pool as blue energy restores them. Meanwhile the ten warriors of Chaos by the names of Yasuo, Lee Sin, Vladimir, Darius, Nasus, Vi, Caleb, Zoe, Rakan, and Sett shake off what unwanted stone remains on them before red energy invigorates them. With both groups of demigods manifested and their respective armies gathered, two final entities approach to observe the fray. The remaining magma forms into a massive creature with four arms while at the same time in the heavens above an angelic being is formed from the clouds. Seeing their respective patrons watching over them, both sides begin charging toward the opposing one. Both parties of demigods enter the war zone as well but since it is the shortest path towards their true foes.

The Infernal one known as Nasus is effortlessly cleaving his way through the mortals he towers over when their broken bodies begin to rise again. Too caught up in smashing through their petty defenses to empower his halberd, the champion of chaos fails to dodge a globule of light. As the undead are now leaping at the dark ascended with feral abandon, Nasus summons a circle of hellfire beneath him before he is dogpiled. Turning to face his challenger, Yorick who is blessed by the Arclight, Nasus sees he is standing ready with even more corpses. Rushing to add another body to the stacks around him, the cerberus rushes at the Arclight only for a living ring of light and gold to surround him. Sending another wave of his army of ghouls to attack, Yorick already starts to look for another fight as Nasus struggles to smash the horde of undead. A charged corpse is sent flying past the Shepherd of Soul, and as he turns around, Yorick sees Nasus has unleashed his inner fury to grow even larger as well as sprouting two extra heads. With a sandstorm and hellfire surrounding him, it doesn't take long for the infernal being to break free of the obstructions around him. Realizing the fight isn't over yet, Yorick throws off his cape and summons the Maiden of the Mist to empower himself. With his Queen by his side and a new army of ghouls raised, Yorick's axe begins to glow before he personally leads his new army in a charge against the flaming cerberus.

CvsO

A circle has formed amongst the ranks of Paradise and Hell as two brawlers begin to duel each other. Armed with only claws and some obsidian gloves, Sett is bobbing and weaving as he attempts to punch Jax's head off. The Archangel meanwhile is proving more than a match for the beast man bastard as he Counter Strikes the Demon's blows. With a final parry he leaves the hybrid open and stuns him by smashing his bell staff across the man's face. Wings then sprout from Jax's back as he takes a might leap into the air to strike down Sett. To counter this Leap Strike, the Boss plants his feet and unleashes Haymaker that unleashes a blast of stored energy that grounds the angelic being. Pulling his opponent in for a Facebreaker, the demonic brawler then punches Jax in the face twice before picking him up. Rushing forward with his armored foe, Sett unleashes a Show Stopper and crashes the angel into his entourage. It doesn't take long though for Jax to recover and he quickly punches Sett away to make some space. Deciding his opponent is worthy of the Grandmaster's Might, the troll has six wings erupt from his back as his armor becomes encased in light blue flames. In a Relentless Assault that quickly puts Sett on the defensive, the Grandmaster at Arms begins to Empower his various attacks. Combining one of these empowered blows with his true angelic might, the Archangel smashes his bell into the demon's chest and with a loud toll sends him flying onto his back. Getting back up, spitting some black blood, and cracking his knuckles, Sett's fists become engulfed by crimson flames as he Knuckles Down. With their respective warm ups over, both of these warriors can only smile as this is a good fight.

OvsC

On the western flank of the battle, the marauders are trying to cut off a force of wardens but are suddenly consumed in holy flames. Peering into the golden blaze, the wardens are able to see that their savior is Brand before falling back as quickly as they can. With pure abandon, the Arclight begins to set his section of the battlefield ablaze; turning both ally and enemy alike to smoking husk in the ensuing inferno. Turning it's sights to a new group of warriors, the "holy" abomination aims to Sear them when a feather slams into it's head. Brushing off the attack, Brand instead summons a Pillar of Flame under the chaotic warriors; who seconds later emerge unscathed. Surrounding them are shields summoned by Rakan's Battle Dance before he himself turns into a ball of hellfire. Becoming like a comet for his Grand Entrance, the Charmer crashes in front of the Arclight before launching them both up in a burst of lava and flames. As the Infernal champion begins to use the Quickness to avoid Brand's retaliation, the mortal combatants are all glad a champion of Chaos has begun dueling the holy flame wielder.

CvsO

On the eastern edge of the battle several boulder sized chunks of earth are torn out of the ground. Syndra then hurls these at the demons beneath her and crushes dozens of them to death. One of them doesn't land however and is instead hurled back at her, when the Justicar looks to see the culprit she is greeted by Demon Vi juggling several stones. The smirking demoness then slams her gauntlets together and summons her wings before taking flight. With Vi flying towards her now, Syndra creates light orbs and more floating islands before launching a volley at her foe. Bobbing and weaving through the projectiles, Vi closes the gap by punching through one of the motes Syndra was using as a shield. Before she can lay a claw on the holy sorceress however, a Scatter the Weak forces her back. Her Justicar foe then sends her Unleashed Power at Vi and pummels the brawler straight into the ground with Light Spheres. Vi knows she was only able to survive the barrage of attacks thanks to her Blast Shield but this fact doesn't deter her. Holding her gauntlet out, the demonic Enforcer launches out a massive chain that eventually launches onto Syndra's leg. In desperation, the Order mage attempts to fly away but is quickly caught up to and body slammed into the earth.

OvsC

Casually floating through the warring hordes, Karthus begins chanting hymns to help ease the dying into their final rest. His work is then interrupted via a massive shockwave released by Lee Sin as he gets into the spirit of battle. Growing annoyed by the singing, Lee Sin throws out a Sonic Wave at the Angel of Death. As it connects, the confident monk flying kicks towards the passive angel who seems like easy prey. A simple flick of the wrist from Karthus though makes Lee immediately stop his kick as a wall of golden clouds and gates appears. Closing his good book, Karthus turns to focus on his bloodthirsty opponent before unleashing his inner light. As magnificent wings emerge from his back an aura of pure radiance begins to encircle the mage. Mortals all around stop to gaze at the holy being before having their life forces drained to join his radiance. Wanting to end this conflict as soon as possible, Karthus prepares one final song; a Requiem. Soon a gentle ray of light starts to envelope all of the champions of Chaos before a single angel feather begins to float down towards them. Lee Sin notices all of this begins to take immediate action. Safeguarding a nearby marauder, he then channels the Dragon's Rage before kicking away the holy creature. With his concentration broken, Karthus realizes that he will simply have to pacify each soul the long way; starting with this wild one before him.

CvsO

Whereas Karthus helps lead souls towards death, Karma is busy leading them towards reincarnation. Lady Karma currently finds herself moving towards the sounds of suffering souls when she comes across a grisly sight. It would seem that Vladimir and several demons are currently torturing several angels they captured. Driven to free the angels of their pain and punish her adversaries, the Enlightened One launches a massive fireball at the perpetrators. The self proclaimed "King of Night" barely notices this in time, and while his fellow hedonists are disintegrated, he merely sinks into his Sanguine Pool. Seeing the dark mass quickly undulating towards her, Karma uses her Inspire spell to envelope herself in energy and runs from it. Not one to let his foes escape so easily, the Crimson Reaper summons the Tides of Blood to him and forms an orb before exploding globules of death all around him. One of these hits the Dawnbringer in her back and slows her down; enough for Vladimir to casually walk up to her. This proves to be an underestimation on his part as when he starts to drain her life force, Karma's mantra kicks in. Beginning her Renewal binding, the Dawnbringer tethers herself to the Nightbringer. Despite his efforts to pool away, Vladimir soon finds himself wrapped in holy binds.

OvsC

Amidst the many roars of conflict two stand out the most, the roar of a majestic lion and the howls of the wolf of war. These two avatars are leading charges on both sides before they clash near their respective masters. Eager to prove his worth before the other godly host, Garen is attempting to end his rival with a Decisive Strike. His hopes of a quick resolution are just as swiftly stopped as Darius is able to Apprehend the orderly king before putting him on the defensive. Clashing weapons, Darius starts to gain an edge in their contest of strength before Garen splits his own blade into two. Forced to backpedal, the Hand of Hell is barely able to avoid the Might of Paradise's Judgment. Barely avoiding these spinning strikes, Darius takes a desperate swipe and, after he succeeds in deflecting one attack, has his ax blade twist back to smack away the next. Seeing an opening now, the wolf king draws his massive weapon back before he Decimates all those around him. While this effortlessly cleaves all of the surrounding mortals, Garen summons for his avatar and Cougar to shield the blow. With Darius now replenished by the carnage around him, and Garen by the Perseverance of his allies, the two God Kings stare each other down before reengaging each other.

CvsO

Prowling through the escalating conflict, Nidalee awaits her opportunity to pounce on an unsuspecting Chaos warrior. To her shock, it ends up being her who is ambushed as a chain tendril wraps around her and drags her to her presumably doom. Reeling in the cougar is Fallen Caleb but before he can strike down the Dawnbringer she transforms into her human form to escape the line. Rolling away from her prey, Nidalee launches a Javelin Toss at the constantly shifting being when he tries to jump onto her. Turning into flames and letting the spear pass through him, the lost soul then summons a bastard sword of obsidian to impale Nidalee with. Decides to take the initiative this time, the Bestial Huntress shapeshifts once more and Pounces onto Caleb. Tackling him to the ground, her massive teeth are only held at bay by the onyx blade before it disappears. In it's place is a pair of gauntlets that grab her by the neck before lifting her off the ground. Caleb, who was once an angel struggling with corruption, is now a full blown demon imbued with the powers of Hell. Wrapping his arms around the struggling cougar's form, he begins to crush her in a vice. Something inside of the Fallen being snaps however and he throws Nidalee away before shaking off this strange feeling. Shedding her bestial form, the huntress heals herself with a Primal Surge and grits her teeth for the fight ahead. Regaining his focus, Caleb does the same and begins to run towards the Dawnbringer.

OvsC

Thanks to the efforts of the other fronts, several squadrons of wardens have managed to penetrate past the marauder's lines and reach their rear flank. They then begin to think the battle is taking a toll on them as the force of wardens begins to feel exhausted. Soon they begin to fall asleep one by one before Zoe appears overheard. Summoning a ball of chaotic energy, the Jester of Madness tosses the red and purple orb at her sleeping playthings. Before her Paddle Star can detonate however a line of golden shields blocks the explosives. Emerging from the smoke and dust is the Warrior of Dawn Pantheon, ready to face this monster with the face of a child. Seeing more of the forces of Order coming, Zoe summons more Paddle Stars and bubbles around her. Starting to skip and cartwheel, the alternate Aspect of Twilight's magic starts to fly all around her at random. Blocking whatever flies his way with his shield, Atreus is only able to watch as several people around him are turned to ash. Vaulting forward, Pantheon tries to end the impish creature's madness but hits only air with his shield. Looking up, he sees Zoe returning via her Portal Jump and bringing a volley of Paddle Stars and More Sparkles with her. Calling forth his Aegis Assault, the Warrior of Dawn begins to rapidly stab at any of Zoe's magic that comes near him. When the barrage ends, Atreus slams out his shield to send a cone of energy which sends his opponent spinning through the air. He then tries to throw his Comet Sword Spear at the devilish terror but she dodges it by Portal Jumping away again. Reappearing on the now cleared out western front, Zoe decides to not return to her previous location and begins giggling at the chaos she caused. Her laughing fit ceases however as a familiar spear lands near her. Watching as a star rises above the battlefield, the terrified demon mage can only watch in terror as an angel of war, wreathed in gold and blue flames, crashes down towards her.

CvsO

At the center of this bloody confrontation are the two de facto commanders of both factions, Dawnbringer Riven and Nightbringer Yasuo. Hacking and slashing through the grunts around them, eventually both warriors dash towards each other and clash in a display of bladework. Riven then forces Yasuo to jump back when she unleashes a Ki Burst before he quickly counters by trying to cut her head off mid leap. The Nightbringer is then quick to recover as he manages to nick Riven's side after she ducks his previous blow. Dashing towards each other once more, both sides try to land a blow on the other only for it to be blocked by their respective shields. Trying to send the remaining energy of their shields into the opponent, Riven and Yasuo end up causing an explosion of holy and unholy energies. Being sent into enemy lines, Riven cuts down swathes of surrounding demons while Yasuo cuts to ribbons any nearby angel with his hidden claws. Needing a distraction, Yasuo summons several small flame elementals and flings them at Riven. While the Dawnbringer is able to easily smack them away, it does buy her Nightbringer counterpart enough time to ignite his blade with a spit of demonic brew. Slashing with all his might, the Chaos champion launches out a tornado of flames which grows until it catches Riven in the vortex. Now covering his face in a mask of flames, Yasuo flies after Riven to cut the Last Breath from her. Summoning clones of smoke and darkness to aid him, his newly formed companions take turns hitting the Dawnbringer before gathering into his blade. Before he can finish her off though, Riven's eyes glow an even brighter blue before she unleashes her true form. Catching Yasuo off guard, she uses this chance to grab her demonic foe by the neck and slams him into the guard. Floating above the crater Yasuo's impact made, Riven launches out a slash of holy energy towards him. Not ready to fall however, the alternate Unforgiven forces himself to move and summons a wall of darkness and hellfire to save himself. Getting back up, Yasuo sees a jet of golden flame careening towards him at the same time Riven sees a ball of wild magic doing the same. Before either projectile can hit, shields of both light and hellfire protect these warriors but not ones of their own making. Rallying to their respective commanders, both sets of champions line up with the few remaining mortal divisions. Feeling the blessings of their patrons empowering them with blue and red energy, each sides' demigods unleash their true forms. With feelings of zealotry and fanaticism to guide them, both armies begin charging and flying towards each other one last time to decide this destructive and bloody conflict.

OvsC

Hours later the clashing of blades ceases when Yasuo slides beneath Riven and cuts her across the back. With the last of the angelic host dead, the last of the demonic host looks around at the carnage. From the countless broken bodies of mortals, to the decimated supernatural creatures, and even his fellow champions that now lay still, the Nightbringer takes in the picture of death before him. As he begins to leave the battlefield, Yasuo stops as pain erupts from his stomach and he notices a deep wound. Letting go of his blade, the dark swordsman tries to walk away while holding in his guts but eventually collapses with too much of his black blood leaving him. Turning over with the last of his strength, the champion of this cycle tries to have one last drink when he notices that his blood has started to turn white and golden before it begins to rain and he dies as well.

CvsO

Time passes with the Primordial War ending with mortals able to live chaotic but free lives for a cycle. Eventually the bodies are all washed away with the rain before returning to the earth as even time forgets what has happened. A new age comes and with it two kingdoms arise from the ruins of this world; one living just but stagnant lives while the other is free but darwinistic. Inevitably conflict comes to these two factions as the harbingers of the wolf and lion firmly take the reins of them. From within a grand city by a lake, the people of Demacia pray for their gods to lead and protect them. Outside of its walls and preparing to siege them, the people of the Noxian wilds pray for the strength to destroy their oppressors from the Chaotic pantheon. Both sides have their prayers answered as a meteor begins falling at the time a gentle storm approaches. Forming faster than his siblings, a being of light is formed within the lake before he races to the surface. Without disturbing the surface, the swordsman walks onto land before turning to see his changed reflection. When he looks down however his golden hair gets in the way until he ties it up with a pair of silver bands. Pulling out his white katana made of pure light, the samurai in golden and blue robes turns to face the inferno in the distance. Amidst the blade he sees a giant, one that summons eight warriors of chaos before molding flames into three more Infernal beings; one with two swords, a bow, and massive wings respectively. Witnessing the dark champions moving to meet with the Wolf King, Yasuo is startled when a hand touches his shoulder. Turning to see his fellow champions of Order emerging alongside a new girl with a golden bird on her shoulders and a woman with a strange hat and rifle. Taking his hand off Yasuo's shoulder, Garen gathers his allies inside of the city walls to begin their defense.

As they enter the city walls, the champions of Order feel a familiar blue glow soothe them of pain. On the side of Chaos, a similar red glow rewards them with feelings of reinvigoration before they prepare to fight. Unbeknownst to both sides of the conflict, a pair of children are growing alongside this latest cycle of conflict.

OvsC

Romance Special: Main, Masquerade, Pool Party, Headhunters with a cameo from Crime City

(Main)

Deep within the Hooded Manor is a special study that contains several book shelves of ancient tomes. Despite this valuable literature, easily the most important aspect of the room is the large opaque glass in the back. This onyx slab is actually a portal connected to the chamber housing the Multiversal Mirror. Wanting to be surprised by Caleb's choice of outfit, Levia has spent the last half hour searching for hidden objects in the various books. Finding a switchblade in one of Nita's diaries, the serpent notices Caleb emerging and all of her high expectations are shattered. Emerging in a hot pink maid outfit with an open back and miniskirt, the Hooded adjusts his white long gloves and stockings before checking the matching ribbons covering his outfit. Once he is done fixing his hair buns, Caleb summons the Betwixt Saw and Levia instantly puts herself inside of the alternate weapon.

"So what do ya think? I've heard that dresses and skirts weirdly bring out my ass; not that I've checked or anything." Caleb asks while staring into the guide bar and watching Levia glare back. In that moment, the serpent can barely even begin to find the words to describe how disappointed she is in the Perfect Host.

'Okay, let me get this straight. You could've gone with Cero, Fallen, Revenant, or hell Courageous you! Instead you went with the skin that made you become an undead magic girl?! You don't even like Star Guardians but out of all the infinite versions of yourself you picked Cosplay Caleb?! You fucking nerd! This is why you're alone on Heartseeker's day.' Levia rants at her host and even manages to rev herself to show her frustrations. Taking the alone part personally, Caleb has the manor manifest him a beanbag chair to crash into.

"You just had to remind me of how I died before I could tell any of them how I felt in the last timeline. I've started to wonder if they even still feel the same as me in this one and if maybe they've moved on?" Caleb coldly remarks as he starts to sink even deeper into his chair and bout of depression.

"Maybe you can use the Multiversal Mirror to help cheer you up? Maybe it can even help to inspire you to come out to the girl or girls you like; or whatever you're into I don't care and no one with time or a life should." Levia suggests after noticing just how depressed her host has gotten. Of course if she were to be questioned about this the serpent would merely claim that Caleb's mental state aids in their mutual survival.

"I suppose it could work. Okay then, I will use the Mirror to peek at some other versions of myself and see how they handle their relationships with the various crushes I have. Maybe they've even made up their minds." A reinvigorated Caleb says before jumping up and heading through the dark glass again. Entering into a small dark room, the Hooded looks to his left and right to see reflections of himself before they begin to multiply all around him into infinite lines of alternate Calebs.

CRSN

(Masquerade)

The first world the pair get a glimpse into is one that is shaped by Piltovian, Zaunite, and demonic influence. While most people here live in the shining cityscapes, the richest and most prosperous members of society avoid the commotions of city life out in the countryside. It is here that a hextech horse drawn carriage pulls up to the Buvelle estate to deliver a messenger to Lady Sona. Stepping out of the white and gold box is a man wearing a blue waistcoat and trousers; all of which goes well with his silver bauta mask that is decorated with small intricate pigeons. This is the courier's soul mask and, as with every mortal in this plane, one's soul mask showcases their life, traits, professions and is fused to their face. Approaching the manor's main down, the messenger prepares to knock before he is greeted by Keeper Quin. Brushing some dust off her maid uniforms, fixing her black hair into a bun, and adjusting her thick glasses, Quinn receives the letter before handing the messenger his payment. Heading back inside, the head maid notices her azurite colombina mask is dirty and quickly polishes it enough to reveal a pair of copper crossbows with cracks over them. Lifting her skirt up, the servant moves towards the estate's menagerie fast enough to make the two feathers on her mask cling to her sweaty brow. Here she finds the lady of the house, Maven of the Strings, and matriarch of the Buvelle estates, Sona, helping some of her other servants in feeding her pet scaled snapper. Noticing her main servant's arrival, the mute woman claps her hands and dismisses her massive reptile.

MASQ

Receiving the letter from Quinn, Sona is greatly saddened to see it is a request from the king but not for entertainment; instead it is him requiring her aid in solving a crisis concerning deadly rogue automatons. Apparently the notorious Khada Jhin has managed to acquire a hidden factory to produce these lethal machines. Over the last week, these constructs have been sighted all over the world but no one has managed to find his location. With the assassin leaving a vague threat against one of the Demacian nobility, King Jarvan the Third has specifically requested for her thanks to her reputation for solving difficult cases. Despite having such a record, the young woman knows she doesn't and can't do such an act alone. Turning to Quinn, Sona signs for her to bring the Dark Mask to her before leaving to get properly dressed for her journey.

MASQ

A half hour passes and Sona finds herself standing in front of her mirror after finishing dressing herself. Picking a long sleeved, high neckline dark dress that ends around the ankles, Sona has also gone with a pair of brown tall boots. Adjusting her matching black shawl and bonnet, the mute answers the knocking on her room's door and lets Quinn inside. Laying down Sona's personal organ onto her bed, the maid turns to her mistress and holds out a small glass case. Opening the case, Quinn gently pulls out the right half of a soul mask leaking with corruption and dark whispers. Taking the fragmented mask, Sona partially overlaps her golden moretta mask circled in ivory symphonies with the demonic domino mask. All of the light in the sunlight room then flickers before a demonic creature emerges from her shadow. Shedding the darkness around it, the beast takes the form of a dapper man in a white suit and top. The demon's right eye is covered by a matching eyepatch and the other is covered by his scratched azurite and copper mask. Summoning his Betwixt Cane and using it for elevation, Caleb then blows into Sona's ear which causes the Maven to shudder.

"Hahaha. Thank you for summoning me once again, my lady. To what do I owe the pleasure?" The demonic servant asks with a gleam in his amber eye. Quinn is then quick to slap her brother in the back of the head which brings him back to his senses. "Pleasure seeing you as well dear sister." He adds while fixing his hat before summoning a breeze to ruffle Quinn's and ruin her bun.

'You two are ridiculous. Now then Caleb, I need you to take me to the daemon world. A killer has obtained a factory of automatons and we've been sought out to find it. Together I am confident we can find success as usual.' Sona telepathically tells Caleb with a smile that is so genuine it makes his demonic nature sick. Leaving Quinn in charge of the estate in her absence, the alternate Maven of Strings takes her place next to her partner before he stabs his cane into the ground and a portal of shadows swallows them both.

MASQ

The well dressed duo end up warping to one of the many dingy alleyways within the spirit realm. Being a reflection of the material realm, the spirit realm has long since fallen to demonic influence and twisted into a massive industrial cityscape. Smog and fog blend in these streets as imposing buildings stretch to impossible heights all around before colliding above. Despite lacking rain the cobblestone and brick paths are constantly soaked and pipes spreading all around cast shadows that give a constant aura of surveillance. If the mortal plane could be comparable to Piltover then this place is closer to Zaun; it is also just the place to learn about Jhin.

As Caleb and Sona begin looking for leads, she still can't help but wonder how Caleb can even stand living here. She does know however that each visit to this accursed realm reminds her to be grateful for the twin sacrificing himself to a demon lord to save Lestara. Though she can't help but wonder if the rat kings fighting each other, the acid leaking pipes, the imps gambling soul mask, or the various other horrors and debauchery surrounding them ever gets to the twin. Passing the upteenth husk of a mortal who lost their soul mask, becoming one of the Faceless, she can't help but feel her own mask for security. Sensing his lady's distress, Caleb pulls off his cape and puts it on her for comfort. Giving her a smile, he loops his arm around hers and they continue their investigation. Finding no leads in Demacia's domain, they decide to go to Ionia and make their way towards one of the Bandle powered train stations.

MASQ

Taking their seats on the Ionian Express, Sona can't help but feel something is wrong. Looking over the other passengers, she can't help but notice their eerily exact movements, mechanical even. Caleb, who can see out of her half of his mask, also notices what's exactly wrong at the same time as her and summons his cane. Reacting quickly, the muse is already using her organ to weave a shield as the first clockwork killer raises a gun at the duo. These automatons of Jhin's make resemble a massive faceless puppet made of woven metal and bronze spirals. Each has four lanky arms ending in a pair of revolvers and blades, a torso that is home to a hextech core with a lotus bomb on the front, and an opaque orb acting as a brain. As the twitching assailant fires it's first shots, Sona's devil has already Spectral Dashed and stabbed it in the head with his cane. While it crumples to the ground, dozens of other automatons across the thirteen carts rise up with guns ablazing and blades swinging. Unable to help the other passengers, the two survivors of cart nine make their way to the roof. Caleb then picks up Sona and starts to run towards the front of the train. Along the way they also make sure to cut off the carts they cross with sound waves and eldritch blast. Managing to make it to cart four, the pair soon become confronted by the remaining constructs once they are done massacring the other passengers. As dozens of guns open fire on the pair from below, Sona reacts quickly by making another bubble to protect them but finds it quickly losing strength. Not letting up their fire, the remaining dozen machines emerge from their carts and like spiders climb on top of the train as well. Several of the lethal automatons charge at the pair but are quickly smashed apart by Caleb's cane. Backing off, the automatons start to reload when Sona notices the upcoming station has a bridge over the tracks. She then tugs on her servant's leg and he understands what she wants from him. The demon lord quickly turns them both Spectral before Sona unleashes a mighty Crescendo that lifts up the assassins. Forced into the air and stunned, the robots are helpless to save themselves as the train pulls into the station. Hearing the crashing of metal, the Demacians emerge safely from the blood soaked cart and notice other immaterial entities leaping onto the tracks. Instead of running from the wreckage or investigating it, Sona watches as the various demons begin to harvest fragments of soul masks from the scrap. Seeing her disappointment, Caleb quickly wipes any blood from his lady's form before guiding her out of the Ionian station.

MASQ

Arriving outside, the two find a figure waiting for them by a carriage and they immediately draw their weapons. Taking note of the stranger, they notice her dark amber eyes are obscured by a mask made of granite and steel shards in the shape of a half skull. A tight dark gray coat over a red shirt is wrapped around her body and a large collapsible blade is on her waist.

"I take it you two are the emissaries from Demacia looking for Khada Jhin? My name is Riven Konte and I'm a spirit under employment here in Ionia. We received a message that you two would arrive and my employers sent me to assist you." The warrior spirit informs the travelers before entering the carriage. Seeing a potential partnership, Caleb assists Sona into the carriage before entering himself as the clockwork horses start to move.

"If you don't mind madame Riven, I will act as translator for my lady Sona. You may not be aware of this but she is mute and can not communicate as easily as we'd wish." Caleb tries to tell Riven before she signs her understanding. Part of why the Council of Ionian Enterprises sent Miss Shonte was due to her knowing sign language.

(So lady Riven, are you able to tell us something of value in regards to our investigations? We have already looked everywhere in Demacia but no one was able to tell us anything.) Sona asks the Ionian enforcer before feeling a pinging in her mind. Caleb is sending her a telepathic message asking if they should just use telepathy with the skull-faced woman; Sona replies to hold off on it.

(We have been able to find out a place he frequents here in the spirit realm. It is an exotic "entertainment" building named the Widow's Web. From what we've gathered, he often requests a demon named Evelynn but this is all we know so far. As I'm sure you two can understand, the good people of Ionia would love nothing more than to see Jhin stopped. He is seen as a threat by most here and is wanted for a plethora of crimes. The most recent of which may include child abduction.) Riven grimly informs the pair of the last part. When pressed about it, Riven tells them that recently children across Ionia have gone missing and it coincides with Jhin attacks.

MASQ

As the carriage pulls up outside of the Widow's Web, Sona's mind is already racing toward one dark conclusion. While Riven leaves them to try gathering more information, Sona and Caleb enter the den of debauchery but not before Caleb gives her a business card with a rune on it.

The three story building they enter is divided into a different section for each floor. The base floor is mostly a lounge decorated in plenty of plush furniture, where patrons wait to be served drinks and their turn. It's upper floors are separated via several elevators with the top floor being where the more exotic girls' rooms are. Red lights envelop the interior of the building with a soft pink glow as men and women perform stripteases on stages. The reasoning behind the building's name soon becomes clear when a foot tall spiderling approaches the two investigators with a tray on it's back.

"If you'd like to get something out of your system while we're here my lady then I suggest taking the arachnid's offer. You see that drink is a special potion that allows one to alter their soul mask for animity." Caleb explains about the purple brew before they head to the reception desk by the elevators. Curious about how such beverages are made, they ask about it to the madame, Elise, who is currently working the desk.

"Evening lady and gentleman. I can't tell you much myself since my friend Eve is the one who makes the concoction. If you'd like I can try to book you a quick opening but you'll need to wait about half an hour as she is currently with a client." The pale woman informs the pair before a man's screaming is heard from the speaking tube leading to the succubus' room. Not wanting to risk losing their only lead, the Demacians quickly make their way up on one of the webbed lifts but not before Elise warns them that Evelynn might just be extra "feisty" now.

Bursting into the expensively decorated room, the pair find Evelynn is dropping an assassin who was impaled from behind on her lashers. All they can gather from his body is that he had taken an animity potion to turn his mask into a plain white volto mask. Stepping over the fallen man's bloody body and tricone, Eve casually approaches her two newest visitors. When the demoness has her lashers try to touch Sona's mask, Caleb smacks them away with his cane. Upset at being denied, Evelynn starts to flail her lashers to get past Caleb who keeps blocking them. Tired of the demon's interference, the Widow Maker tries to use her Lust Dust on the two only for that to fail as well.

"Well, that hasn't happened before. So what do you two sticks in the mud want?" Evelynn asks before going back to lounging on the bed. Pushing the still bleeding corpse under the bed, Caleb then materializes a chair for Sona to sit in next to Eve.

"My lady would like to ask you some questions about your recent dealings with Mr. Khada Jhin. We have good reason to believe you have been aiding him in his recent activities. If you would be so kind as to point us in the right direction, we would be grateful." Caleb both requests and demands of the demoness. After doing some gratuitous and sensually stretching, Evelynn crawls over to where Sona is sitting. Caleb starts to bare his teeth and flare up as Eve then takes a seat in Sona's lap. When the demoness starts to get touchy with Sona's mask, dark ooze begins to pool at Caleb's feet.

"I'll tell you what you want to know, if she gak!" Evelynn can't even finish her request before she is lifted by a transformed Caleb. His previously white outfit has now turned into shadows and flames he begins choking the succubus. Using only one hand, he then slams Eve into the nearby wall and smashes her head against a wall lamp.

"She doesn't have to do shit for you whore! Now stop fucking around before I tear you apart!" Dark Caleb roars at Evelynn before skeletal wings erupt from his back. Evelynn is unable to respond though as she's become paralyzed by fear at the sight of the demon lord before her. She would have even passed out soon if not for Sona getting behind the balrog of a man and hugging him.

'Caleb! Come back to me. You are not like this. Calm down my shadow and let the harlot speak.' Sona telepathically pleads with Caleb. Seeing what he currently is through her sad eyes, Caleb calms down and reverts to his normally gentlemanly self.

"I'm so sorry my lady. It's just everything this woman does makes my skin crawl. Do forgive me for my outburst Miss Evelynn but we are in a hurry." Caleb tells the Widow Maker while dusting himself off. She eventually recovers with some help from Sona's music and gets back up with some help from the visitors.

"Ouch, I'm normally the one doing the choking around here. I suppose it also really should've realized why my dust didn't work earlier. Anyways since you let me keep breathing and Jhin was willing to send a friend of his to try killing me, I'll talk." With that Evelynn starts to tell Sona and Caleb what she knows. Jhin had recently made contact with the succubus and started to receive large quantities of her animity potions so he could travel with ease. He also requested some of her Allure so it could be used as a sedative; at the time Evelynn didn't care what or why he used it for since she was being paid. Recently though some people had started to ask around for the deranged artist and Eve started to grow nervous. She soon started to question what exactly the killer was doing and in response Jhin sent an assassin after her. Having all that they need for now, Sona and Caleb depart but not before Evelyn teaches them the runes needed to reach the factory.

MASQ

While the pair are arriving at the factory hidden in the Ionia mountains, Jhin has sent an unwelcome surprise to the Buvelle manor. In retaliation for trying to stop him, Khada has sent over sixty of his automatons to destroy the mansion. As they start to shudder and creep across the front courtyard, three are quickly taken down with head shots. On the roof of the manor, dozens of single shot rifles and crossbows can be seen lining the rooftop walkways. A blur then moves between the various firearms, taking down five more of the automatons before they can blindly return fire. Standing on top of the central spire as the machines miss her is Quinn; wielding a rifle and crossbow in each hand and without her glasses. A brass eagle then lands on her shoulder with a letter tied to it's leg. She reads it and it says that Caleb's Order will be arriving soon to help. Quinny can't help but chuckle a bit at this, after all she's fairly certain that she can clean up this mess before they can arrive.

CRSN

(Main)

Back at Caleb's manor, Caleb is wearing a blue gambeson with plate armor on his limbs and torso. He is also taking his golden glowing Betwixt Sword and using it to spread mustard on his turkey sandwich. Not long afterwards he gets a call from the Sleipnir Squad in Zaun and answers it.

"Heyo! What's up you guys? You get revenge for that time Hoss' boys tried to harvest Aki's organs?" Caleb asks while hearing massive amounts of screaming and gunfire. Aki himself can soon be heard grumbling on the other end after DAHN shouts at him to hurry up since the rest were busy.

"Hey boss, could you do me a favor? You see the others are being massive assholes! Saying shit about how I'm too young to be killing people so they won't let me." Aki requests of the Hooded before Cathy can be heard laughing and countering with "Don't let him since he's still a teen."

"Aki please listen to your elders because they care about your well being. After all, killing a man is a big responsibility and burden to bear." Caleb responds back with as much trolling, yet good willed, energy as possible. "Are you high right now?! I've been in the Ionian war and…" Is all Aki can rant about before Caleb hangs up on him.

'You know he might come back and kick you in the face. Seriously, why the hell is Aki so tense? Maybe he should go on vacation or through a pool party, better yet get him a Pool Party outfit.' Levia suggests which gets Caleb thinking a bit. "I guess we could look there next."

CRSN

(Pool Party)

Due to someone saying his name elsewhere, Aki sneezes a bit before going back to sunbathing with his drink. He got said drink earlier from the Graggy Cabana, which is currently suffering some issues due to Gragas starting to sober up. Apparently someone managed to steal his keg of infinite Graggy Ice while he slept. Because of this he is no longer at worst an angry drunk and is instead just angry. To remedy the situation so the fat man can get back to making drinks, Riven and Caleb have volunteered to try and find the keg. It doesn't take long after that for them to find it though, seeing as it's being offered as a prize for today's competition. Realizing they are going to have to swap from their street clothes, the two go to change at a booth.

"Hey Riv, I don't mind helping people and hanging out with you in the process buuut I was kind of planning on going snorkeling later with Nidalee. So maybe we could just ask the winners to hand it over?" Caleb asks while adjusting his wetsuit and shades. The purplette has decided to wear it underneath a pair of black trunks and a purple and white Hawaiian shirt.

"Come on Caleb, it'll be over quickly before you go diving later. Besides, it'll be fun right?" Riven adds while trying to convince Caleb to help her. She then comes out wearing a creme bandeau two piece swimsuit and an emerald sarong around her waist. With both of them properly dressed for the beach and pool, they pick up their respective "weapons". For Riven she has gone with a massive chilled watermelon sword that is filled with ice cream and regenerates to sate her sweet tooth. Caleb meanwhile has brought with him his weird transforming parasol with a slitted eye on top. It's capable of giving him water guns, pool noodles, webbed gloves, or can just be used to smack people.

POOL

Ready for combat and a day of beach fun, the two head towards the beach where the Shurimans are organizing the day's events. They then approach Lifeguard Sivir who is currently sitting on her tower taking names of the pairs present that wish to compete. She quickly stops for a second though in order to throw out her lifebuoy to Amumu who started to sink a little. Picking up a radio from her tower's equipment box, Sivir makes a call.

"Nasus can you cover me while I handle this? Okay thanks. Alright everyone we've got some fun planned ahead for you all. Usual rules apply here which means no killing, no maiming, no being a simp, no flashing, no inting, powers are allowed, avoid any angry crabs and have fun." Sivir tells the gathered contestants, because if not then Renekton might yell at her. With that she then throws a green smoke bomb in the air and soon afterwards a loud rumbling is heard. Taliyah then nearly kills all sixteen contestants when she forms a circle of eight massive sand castles. Each one of these fortresses is twenty feet in all dimensions and fifty feet across from it's opposite.

Each of the eight teams are then given a castle that they must each defend until four others are completely toppled. One player is allowed to attack freely while the other is tasked with defending and can only attack the castle across from them. The teams competing today consist of Caleb and Riven, Vi and Caitlyn, Garen and Lux, Ashe and Tryndamere, Ahri and Yuumi, Qiyana and one forced Neeko, Darius and Draven, and finally Katarina with Cassiopeia. Each of the teams then universally agrees the more melee focused champs should be on the attacker. They are then given five minutes to prepare their defenses and make a battle plan.

"Hey Caleb, I know earlier I said it would be quick but now it's looking like it'll take a bit. I don't wanna hold you up or anything so we can drop out if you want." Riven adds while she finishes drawing up their battle plan. Caleb, after finishing up their secret culvert, then simply walks up to Riven and puts his hand on her head.

"I knew what I was getting into with this. Besides, I'm the one who put the idea of getting a Blue Buhru in your head, so I figure I'll take responsibility and help you." Is the answer Caleb gives Riven before she starts laughing. When she then tells him, "That's very honorable of you.", he then tells her he is also doing it because, "You look good when you smile and I love seeing it.", which immediately makes the platinum blonde go quiet while blushing. She then punches him in the arm before they turn to the sound of a voice being broadcast.

"Oh cool this thing is on. Welcome to today's games which are sponsored by Burger Emperor, Burger Emperor 'The order is given!'. Hahaha you know what's funny is I'm not actually the announcer, I just walked in here. By the way, Fat hands and Hat Lady I have a bomb next to me so get used to the sound of my voice. You've all now got ten seconds to begin and Go!" Jinx shouts from the broadcast booth. Taking the cackling woman's word for it, the attacking contestants begin to race towards each other under a torrent of water and pool toys.

The chaos begins with Vi knocking Darius with her massive pink and yellow boxing gloves. With the older blood brother on his back, he is soon bombed by one of Neeko's water balloons. Seeing how destructive the axolotl's Blooming Burst are, Yuumi messages Ahri to hurry over to their rival's castle. Ahri, summoning jets of water around her, Spirit Rushes past Qiyana and throws her volleyball at Neeko's head. Taking the lizard girl down with a bonk to the head, Qiyana summons a massive sea breeze to shove everyone away. The "Empress" day quickly gets worse though as a geyser of water surrounds her. Riven and Vi are also impeded by Yuumi's Final Chapter but only Qiyana gets hit by Draven's axes. Seeing what his brother is going for, Darius drags the Ixtal royal to him before slamming her with the blade of his ax. She winds up being hit hard enough to be sent crashing into her own castle which promptly comes crumbling down.

While the little empress starts to chase Not Neeko for "costing them the game.", everyone else refocuses their efforts. Ahri tries to fall back to help defend her castle but is then sniped in the back by Caitlyn. The fox's castle is then quickly set upon by Tryndamere and Garen which sends Yuumi and Book into a bit of a panic. Luckily an orb of water blows up between the spin artists as Caleb decides to lend a hand. The cat's smile quickly evaporates though as a massive arrow of water smashes into her castle and sends it crashing down.

Caleb, who feels like he could've helped more just now, quickly gets a chance at redemption since his partner Riven has unfortunately gotten caught in Cassiopeia's sand trap Miasma. He is able to quickly fish her out with a Coercion line just in time as Garen was about to slam his great pool noodle onto her head. The Demacian captain then changes targets and gets to work on destroying the Noxian nobles' castle. Katarina Shunpos her way back in order to help her sister but finds her pool toys blocked by a Prismatic Barrier from Lux. Knowing she can't break it in time, Katarina takes a different and more unique approach. She quickly leans in close to the Crownguard and quickly whispers something into his ear. No one knows what she said to get Garen to stop but everyone sees it works; though it doesn't matter as Vi soon slams them both into the Noxian's castle.

With Vi taking out one more castle, Caitlyn soon sets her sight towards Caleb but doesn't see him on the ramparts. Instead the drawbridge to Riven and Caleb's castle comes crashing down and standing there is the alternate Hooded; surrounded by water and with his pool noodle raised high. Putting his team's final battle plan into action and yelling "Pumpkin Slash!", he slams down a massive blade of water into Caitlyn and Vi's castle. As the sand settles, our remaining teams in the competition consist of Ashe and Tryndamere, Darius and Draven, Caleb and Riven, along with Garen and Lux; each of them are then granted one hour to prepare for the next challenge.

POOL

"Wow that was an awesome ending Caleb! Anyways the next challenge is a game of kibasen but with a twist! You will all have to make a third friend from outside of the competition and carry a yordle. So try to avoid anyone with murophobia or zoophobia or xenophobia, kay? Now then if you all don't mind I'm gonna go get a hot dog and nevermind I'm going to be barricading the door. So while Fathands tries to break it down, let's check in on the losers. Take it away Koggy!" Jinx shouts into the mic before shoving a desk in front of the door. We then cut to Kog'maw, who is scratching under the belt keeping the camera strapped to his head.

Pool

"Come out, come out wherever you are? I just wanna talk to you, dumb lizard." Qiyana mumbles while stalking through the beachgrass but fails to notice Neeko camouflaged on the nearby tree. The last anyone sees of the two, Neeko is leaping onto Qiyana while repeatedly whooping, shouting freedom, and stabbing the royal with a popsicle.

"So what did you say to Garen to get him to stop Kat?" Cassiopeia asked while returning to her lounge chair. "None of your business, besides I only said I'd do it if we moved on." The redhead tells her sister before a glare is enough to make her part sea snake sibling drop the subject for now.

"It's okay Yuumi. We tried our best and that's all that matters." Ahri tells her teammate while petting the sleeping cat. Book however feels differently and proceeds to teleport Ahri several feet above the filthy pool Twitch is swimming in.

"She's dug in there like a tick. Cupcake we're gonna need a blowtorch or something because apparently fucking space dwarves built this door." Vi informs Caitlyn after punching the reed door for several minutes straight. At that moment Kog'maw runs up and starts scratching the door to get his promised treats. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking of Vi?" Caitlyn asks her partner before they lift up the Voidborne and start to drag his acid dripping tongue on the door.

POOL

All over the beach random yordles begin to approach their respective carriers for the upcoming event. In the case of Riven and Caleb, despite being on land, a squid crawls up to them before turning into a kid. Before Lulu can even announce she is on their team, Caleb is already squeezing the small yordle girl in a hug.

"Oh my gods! Oh my gods! Oh my gods! I love it! I love it! I Love it! She's so fluffy and cute. What? Oh don't look at me like that Riven. I lose it over innocent, cute things and you go crazy over sweets." Caleb plainly states while shooting Riven an unamused look. Lulu gets a little scared that a fight might start before suddenly Riven starts laughing.

"Hahaha Oh my gods. You flipped so many switches just now. Oh man, I can't breathe. Hahaha, we still have a problem though Caleb. We need to find a third person. Also I kind of feel like you carried me in the last game and I didn't do anything." Riven notes that last part with a depressed look on her face. Caleb puts down Lulu and picks up the depressed swordswoman in an equally big hug.

"You drew attention to yourself and bought me time to build up a big Pumpkin Slash. Don't forget we're always here to pick you back up and that's because you'd do the same for us. Now about the whole needing a team problem, I've got a plan and I think I know who can help us. Quick question, how long can you two hold your breaths?" Caleb asks while looking between the two confused women. Riven answers with a minute and a half while Lulu says two minutes, Caleb then answers the pair with a simple "Perfect."

POOL

When the time comes all the remaining contestants gather back on the beach for the second competition. Garen and Lux have brought Galio with them to help protect Rumble, who has managed to turn Tristy into a palanquin for easier movement. The brother and sister are glad that for anyone who brought a friend who was too big a special magic field was placed on the beach. With it beings, like Galio, have been shrunk down to a more medium sized version of themselves. Darius and Draven meanwhile have managed to secure Sion and Kled, High Major Commodore of the First Legion Third Multiplication Double Admiral Artillery Vanguard Company, on their team. Ashe and Tryndamere for this event have gotten their close friend Braum to aid them and Gnar, who was lured into working with them using donuts.

"Hey Caleb, are you sure about this plan of yours? I am with you if you think it'll work but I'm a little worried if "it" even understood you." Riven inquires of Caleb before turning to their final teammate. Behind them with Lulu clinging to her dorsal fin is Rek'sai, who managed to get bribed by the duo's stash of rare ice creams.

"Alright nerds get into positions and go! Wait, why is the door smoking?" Are the last words Jinx says before a loud crashing noise and some screaming is heard over the microphone. Nobody goes to investigate the commotion though as the contestants all start to charge each other.

All except one, Lulu's team instead becomes enveloped in a crystalline blue and purple energy before sinking into the ground. Team Rumble and Gnar don't pay much mind to this though as the quartet of noxians slam into them at high speed. Before Kled can use his ax to rip the headband off of Rumble, Galio puts a wing in the way and saves the mechanic. Rumble then makes some space for his team by using Tristy's water thrower to push the other teams away. Gnar, who dislikes getting wet, then throws his boomerang at the mech riding yordle but Draven manages to hit it midair with one of his axes. The younger blood brother doesn't get to laugh for long however before Ashe shoots him in the face with a water arrow. Pissed at the fact his hair just got ruined, Draven tries to charge towards Team Gnar but this doesn't work though since Sion wants to charge Team Rumble. Darius quickly finds himself struggling to get his team back under control and his situation isn't helped by Kled's yelling crazily over his orders. This mess of a team even manages to fail at feeling the sand rumbling underneath them until it's too late. From beneath the sands Rek'sai burst forth and the already disorientated Noxians are further thrown into disarray via Lulu casting Wild Growth on herself. As the sand and water around them forms an enormibus avatar of Lulu, Riven uses a burst of ki and sand to help stun the Noxians even further. All of this leads up to a now hyperventilating Caleb using a Coercion sea slug to pull off Kled's headband.

The other two teams are so stunned by the coordinated attack before Team Gnar, via noticing a suddenly heavier weight on their shoulders, snaps out of it. Using this split second head start, the Freljordians manage to get the edge over Team Rumble. Lux is then barely able to put up a Prismatic Barrier before Mega Gnar Boulder Tosses a sand castle at them. As the Demacians try to fall back, Tryndamere shouts insults at them which ends up hurting Galio's feelings and slows them down. They then notice that the ground is starting to swallow them once Ashe douses the beach in water arrows. Garen tries to spin away the makeshift quick sand but Team Gnar is quickly on top of them. In a last ditch attempt to win, Lux fires off a Light Binding to root the Freljordian champions but Braum puts his tiki bar in the way and blocks it. From there it doesn't take long for an enraged Tyrndamere to push his way to Rumble and tear off his headband.

POOL

With that the second competition ends in Ashe and Tyrndamere moving on to the finals to face Caleb and Riven. The participants' celebrations are cut short however when a gust of warm wind rolls over the beach. From the air a massive blue and white seagull appears and Anivia starts to flap her wings which violently blows air around the Coalitionists. Caleb then tries using his parasol as a shield to protect his team but ends up instead being lifted away by the extreme winds.

"Caleb! Anivia what the fuck are you doing?! Oh shit! I-Is he going to be alright up there?!" Riven begins to panic as Anivia roosts herself in the nearby trees. This wasn't a personal attack for the phoenix however as she would've done the same to the other teams if they won. Still, she can't help but look at the former Noxian with some sadness

POOL

As several champions run to see Caleb floating away on his parasol, Lee Sin doesn't follow the commotion and instead tries to focus his attention back to the woman who was near him. Instead of finding the husky sounding woman still with him, he finds out that both her and his coconut drink are missing. As the blind man stomps off to get a new drink, Neeko then emerges from the bushes covered in a red liquid.

"Jungle cat Nidalee! Neeko needs help buying a new popsicle! Her old one melted and she can't remember if it was cherry or strawberry! Also Neeko is free again! Jungle cat Nidalee?" Neeko stops her shouting when she sees a quadrupedal catfish creature leap into the water. The orange aquatic being is last seen making a beeline towards where Caleb is floating off to. Following as close as she can, Nidalee can only hope that she can get him back before the final contest starts and before anything nasty in the ocean can.

CRSN

(Main)

Taking another break, the main version of Caleb is now dressed in a brown leather jacket, dark fatigues, dual pistols, and a red visor attached to his hood to cover his face. He's currently inside one of the manor's training rooms and practicing with akimbo pistols when Levia brings something up.

'Hey Caleb I'm glad you're not crossdressing anymore but why'd you go with the Red Hooded look? Couldn't we have gone with the Crime City look, I rather enjoy being a tentacle that eats our enemies' hearts.' Levia questions as Caleb kicks down a dummy. She then savors some of the ferocity he displays when he unloads bullets into the downed model.

"Because then that's Crime City and not Cosplay? Oh and before you ask, we aren't gonna change it for a Hellborne look." Caleb preemptively responds to the serpent's next question. When she asked her following question of "Why not?", he simply responded back with "I don't wanna risk messing up and ruining her image."

CRSN

(Crime City)

In an abandoned church, located on the poor side of Valoran City, an argument is currently occurring between it's two supernatural occupants. To those capable of seeing the supernatural, the more talkative of the pair is a fat, short, and ugly looking clown in a poorly fitting suit and hat with a southern accent. The other is obscured by the shadows but her piercing green eyes and red cloak show immense anger and annoyance.

"Enough you little bitch! I'm not the biggest or baddest demon but I'm not to be messed with! I'm not just going to sit back on a bench and take this disrespect because I'm Tahm fucking Kench!" The slimy dwarf roars before reaching back and tearing off their own skin with a laugh. What's revealed to be underneath is a gray, tall, and obese creature. Despite it's heavy weight, the demon's ribs are still showing and some of it's other "human" traits have been retained but transformed to their true nature. What hair it used to have has turned into a trio of horns, the buttons over his stomach have parted to reveal a burning hole in Tahm's stomach, and it's torn suit strings have changed into charred and broken chains; the demon's pure red eyes however have stayed the same. with a large curved horn, blood red eyes, a burning hole going through it's stomach, burned and broken chains on it's limbs, and a pair of mandibles covering it's mouth, filled with razor sharp teeth and a long tongue covered in the faces of the damned.

"I fucking hate clowns." Hellbourne Nita says in her usual state of tranquil fury as Tahm opens it's mandibles and teeth. Revealing a long tongue covered in the faces of the damned, the revenant woman responds simply by spinning her revolver's cylinder and summoning her Coercion chains.

MDDC

(Headhunter)

In a Malza-Cathian lab located on the jungle plant of LV-572, a man's body on an autopsy table starts to spasm. From his chest burst forth the head of a xenoborne warrior known as Kha'zix. The alien infant is barely outside of it's host when the room starts to fill with gas. It first tries to crawl up towards the vents, but the company has learned from their previous experiments to prevent such escapes. A minute passes and two mercenaries in white body armor and purple hazmat suits enter the room. It doesn't take them long to find the infant creature lying under the table. As one of the soldiers tries to grab it, Kha'zix rears his head and opens his mouth to spit acid. Hitting his target over the eyes and causing them to flail in agony, the small creature uses this opportunity to quickly escape the room. Climbing into the first unsecured vent it sees, the xenoborne has it's escape interrupted when the vents begin flooding with nerve gas. Quickly noticing a fan leading to the outside, Kha'zix leaps through it and manages to avoid being cut apart by it. Over the next few hours, by eating the locally imported Ionian giant squirrels, Kha'zix is able to grow into a more mature form. Telepathically receiving a signal from deeper into the jungle, Kha begins to make his way towards it. Eventually the monster arrives at a pyramid surrounded by Malza-Cathian mercenaries and scientists. Blending in with the shadows all around, the alien assassin makes it's way deeper into the stone structure; incapacitating any humans along the way and impaling any androids or machines as well. Over ten thousand humans live on this world and within a week less than a hundred have survived.

HDHT

Not long after Specimen K-6 escaped a distress signal was released which was intercepted by multiple groups. One of which are the Colonial Landing and Assault Corps, who after disasters on various other worlds, are looking heavily into the Malza-Cathian Corporation's operations for crimes against sentient life. After establishing a base camp on LV-572 at the planet's landing station, six hundred of two thousand troops are dispatched to investigate the signal's location. Dozens of UD-4 Dropships take flight before landing close enough to the ground to deploy M577 APCs. In one of these troop carriers is somewhat of a celebrity amongst the marines inside. His name is Caleb and he has both the honor and horror of having survived a previous xenoborne outbreak. He is simply sitting in silence in his M4X armor, which comes with long armored sleeves, thick gloves, a full face mask with ballistic shielding; all of which is resistant to xenoborne blood, when some of his fellow marines approach him.

"Are you alright sergeant? You did so much to survive these freaks last time and already let yourself be deployed again." Colonel Lucian asks Caleb before he is quickly answered back with an "I'm fine sir." Before the Colonel can further press the twin about his recently cagey behavior, the conversation ends as the marines come under attack.

The armored carrier Caleb and Lucian themselves are riding in is soon crashed into and flipped upside down by an enemy Herald xenoborne. A minute then passes before Lucian and Caleb manage to recover enough to emerge from the downed vehicle. All around them squadrons of marines begin engaging with various xenobornes monstrosities; their guns, flamethrowers, and explosives clashing against the aliens' acid, spikes, and claws. Lucian is quick to join the fray and lead his fellow marines with M4A4 machine pistols ablazing, while Caleb sneaks off during the conflict. Quickly forming a firing line to hold off the alien menace, the marines begin to wait for new information from base before making their next move. Over the comms they begin to hear screams and chatter about xenobornes managing to infiltrate the base. Apparently not too long after their inquisition began, a new breed of xenoborne capable of evolving on the spot managed to create an opening in their perimeter. Realizing the need to fall back immediately, Lucian's troops begin a tactical withdrawal back to base.

HDHT

Upon seeing a lone marine, several Zix attempt to ambush Caleb but are cut down by pulse rifle fire. After finishing off the last of the deadly aliens, the rogue trooper receives a transmission from Lucian.

"Caleb, where the hell are you?! Everyone else is falling back to base and we have your signal nearing the pyramid." The colonel demands over the comlink. Caleb then quickly lies that he was pushed this way and got cut off. Before Lucian can question him further, the line ends and isn't able to be reopened. Having smashed his communicator, Caleb then pulls out a recorded message and listens to it again.

"Hello Mr. Caleb. As you already know, we have your two close associates under lock and key with us. Just a reminder though, Quinn and Sona are safe with us but they won't stay that way for long. Hehehehe especially since one of them has a nasty parasite and the other is considered both company property and a traitor. So listen up "hero", unless you want Quinn to become a mom then you'll bring us a queen egg along with any tech you can find on LV-572. While you're at it make sure to destroy anything that could be considered evidence, got it?" The voice of Malza-Cathian thug and PMC leader Malcolm Graves can be heard. Caleb's brief self-reflection is quickly interrupted when all over the jungle loud howls and roars can be heard. He knows that this can only mean one thing, the Headhunters have arrived.

From her perch in the trees, Nidalee sees a lone marine surrounded by Zix bodies. Her green eyes then notice another Zix getting close and she blows into a special whistle. As the evil creature leaps towards the lone marine, two massive alien cats with deadlocks and covered in armor burst from the brush. By the time the soldier has his rifle raised, both cougars have already ripped in half the xenoborne. At this moment Nidalee breaks her camouflage and leaps down to impale her prey. He quickly rolls out of the way on pure instinct and opens fire on the huntress, which works at making space but not in harming the Headhunter. Alyx and Ryo, her cougar companions, then charge the marine and each grab an arm which disarms the target. Luckily for him, his armor protects his limbs enough that he is able to reach for his belt and tosses down a flashbang. This manages to shake off the beasts but ends with him being kicked squarely in the chest by the masked huntress. Watching him falling over a tree root, Nidalee tosses a net onto him afterwards before it starts to constrict and cut into the soldier. Rather than packing, the CLAC soldier instead grabs his combat knife and cuts his way out of the netting. Upon seeing this, Nidalee realizes that this must be the human that survived BV-558 and grins at the prospect of his trophy. She proceeds to try and skewer the man with a thrust from her spear but has her attack redirected into a tree instead. While her mask gives her protection from the punch that follows, it doesn't help as much when she gets suplexed. Shaking off their daze, her cougars siblings would like to help their huntress sister but know how Headhunters get their kills. So instead they start to patrol the area for marine and xenobornes threats; confident Nidalee can get the kill. The marine attempts to put the huntress into a chokehold but has it broken when she slams her head back. This shatters the prey's shielding but not before he blinds Nidalee with mud. After both combatants take off their mask and throw them at each other, they can't help but find the other is attractive; even if Caleb is covered in bruises and cuts. For the next twenty minutes they continue to try beating the other into submission but eventually succumb to fatigue.

"Getting tired sexy, I mean crazy cat lady?" Caleb taunts Nidalee while avoiding a wild swipe from her spear. He then picks her up and slams the woman into a tree but gets kneed away afterwards.

"Not yet, soldier boy." Nidalee counters before slamming her combistaff into his head. Shocked that the predator can speak common, Caleb is unable to block the next attack which stabs his shoulder.

"Fine, kill me if you can but promise me something. There are two women that need help, I need you to save them." Caleb requests of the huntress before ripping out the spear. It then becomes Nidalee's turn to be surprised, from both being headbutted and caution for the hunter's code. The "blooded" woman then puts her spear in the ground and demands the marine explain. He takes this chance to sit down before pulling out the message he received from the Malza-Cathian PMC leader.

"This will help. Be strong though because this will hurt." Nidalee mentions before calling one of her cougars to her. She removes a tube device from a pouch before snapping it in two. Before Caleb can question her actions, Nidalee injects him with the healing shards. Caleb is barely able to bite onto his glove before a searing pain consumes his body. "I can't let you take our technology. But I would like to help you, Mr. Caleb."

"Just Caleb is fine. Also I didn't plan on giving them it, only fooling them into thinking I was. By the way, what's your name?" The marine asks as the last of his wounds heal. As he stumbles up, Nidalee introduces herself and her companions, Alyx and Ryo. When Caleb asks why alien cougars had Runeterran names, Nidalee simply responds that she was born there.

HDHT

Several years ago, Nidalee was the main administrator for a colony when it came under attack by xenobornes. After helping get everyone off world, she joined with the Headhunters that arrived and helped kill a Gath queen. From then on she was marked as a blooded hunter and pointed towards her forehead scar.

The Headhunter is then treated to a story from Caleb, about what exactly happened on BV-558. He tells her of how it was his first mission and how a Headhunter ship attacked them. The CLAC were scattered from there but despite that, with extreme luck and skill, Caleb managed to survive. Nidalee even tells him it's okay when he mentions how he had to kill Headhunters to live. Afterwards his ship was captured by Graves himself and from there he made his deal.

The huntress then hugs him, as soon he starts to cry at both his weakness and Quinn's plight. Soon the tears stop and Caleb's last words before passing out are "So beautiful.". Nidalee then gently places the exhausted soldier onto the darker alien cat's, Ryo's, back.

(Can we eat this one sister?) Ryo asked while pawing at Nidalee's arm. She manages to stifle a laugh before disappointing the alien cat with a no.

HDHT

By the time Caleb finally reawakens it is already night and inside of a cave with Nidalee and the cougars on watch. She has even found the time to scavenge for him an extra pulse rifle, several grenades and flashbangs, a M39 submachine gun, a M4A4 pistol, and a new helmet to replace his old one.

"Thank you Nidalee. Though I still can't quite figure out why you're helping me or being so nice." Caleb notes while checking his ammunition. Nidalee then takes a seat next to him and the two stare into the fire before them.

"At first I tried to hunt you because I saw easy prey, then I saw worthy prey, and after that I saw someone who needed to live and had a nice face, even if it was busted. It's also nice to have someone around who compliments you. A lot of the other Headhunters don't even see me as equal." Nidalee adds with a hint of sadness before curling up her knees to her chest. Caleb scoots in a bit closer and when he asks, "Why is that?", she simply answers, "Because I'm human.", before putting her head on his shoulders. The twin gently responds to this with a simple, "Is that really such a bad thing?", as they get back up to prepare.

HDHT

Once Caleb is finished putting on his new helmet and gear, Ryo and Alyx roar into the darkness as a small horde of Sai charge their camp. Between the net traps, massive amounts of gunfire, and cougar claws, Nidalee and Caleb are able to easily push back the invaders. With their position secured for now, the huntress then pushes a few buttons on her wrist and afterwards a Headhunter ship appears. Flying to the overrun pyramid, the pair disembark but decide to leave the cougars onboard. This serves a dual purpose as Nidalee wishes to keep them safe and the pair wish to travel stealthily inside. Making their way inside of the ancient structure, they find that the interior has been outfitted with a gratuitous amount of electrical equipment and amenities. Despite the dim lighting and human machinery, the nest of pure evil still exudes an aura of fear within it's wall; this sense of danger is only worsened by the seeming lack of xenoborne encountered so far. The only two explanations the huntress or marine can come up with are that either the hoard is deeper in the hive or attacking en masse somewhere. Eventually the pair are able to locate the power grid that the corporation installed and turn it back on. While this illuminates the temple, it also turns on the emergency security protocols and causes sections to become shut off. This proves to be a boon however as the intruders start to hear a buzzing and growling sound approaching them from the other side of the nearby blast doors. At first they think the acid-proofed doors might hold out for a while, until a pair of scythe-like claws start to pierce them.

"Damn it! We need to get out of here quickly. Nidalee come here and I'll boost you into the vent." Caleb tells the huntress before they manage to escape the room at the last second. The last thing he sees before they leave is a massive purple and black xenobourne with insect wings and razor sharp claws enter the room.

After crawling around the vent for a minute or so, the pair come under attack as those same claws that tore open the blast door begin to stab into the vents near them. Eventually the xenoborne grows tired of taking blind stabs and rams it's head into the path of the pair. While Nidalee holds it back with her spear's shaft, Caleb unloads an entire clip of his pistol into the monster's face. This dazes the beast enough that it falls back out of the ventilation but doesn't seem to kill it. With their pursuer deterred, the soldier and Headhunter continue crawling to a new location. However the commotion they caused doesn't go unnoticed and soon another Zix appears in front of them to block their path. Nidalee quickly kills this one but it's blood causes the section she was on to fall. Caleb is then forced to watch his companion fall into an abyss but nevertheless jumps in after her. He winds up going down a slide-like passage and soon arrives at the center of the pyramid. The marine's timing couldn't be more perfect however as he arrives in time to shoot off a facehugger from Nidalee's still form. Before he can properly check the huntress' vitals, a loud roar shakes the chamber. This manages to snap Nidalee awake and draws their attention to the source of the noise. Flickering spotlights reveal a twenty feet tall xenoborne queen with an extra set of pincer ended arms and spikes jutting from her shoulders. She raises her seven pronged crested head high and roars again at the intruders. Apparently upon crashing into the room, Nidalee accidently destroyed several eggs. Knowing the danger they're in upon seeing the queen, the huntress tries to get up but finds a shard of metal in her left thigh.

"It's okay Nidalee, I've got this one." Caleb says before giving her a thumbs up and a smile. He then takes the chance to note the various large machines serving to hold back the queen once the lights flicker back on again.

"No. I trust you and like you Caleb but I'm not letting you do this alone. I'm just as good a Headhunter as the next, no matter my species; now let's do this." Nidalee proudly declares before tearing the piece of metal out of herself. From the ceiling, Zix lurkers begin to crawl down from the ceiling to protect their queen.

"Ha! Well then, let's squash some bugs." Caleb confidently announces before checking his rifle. With the limping huntress by his side and thirty nine rounds left in his rifle, Caleb simply notes that, "He likes their odds.", before opening fire.

CRSN

(Main)

Caleb is now relaxing on one of the manor's many balconies, drinking some iced tea while watching the sunset. He is now in a modified school uniform with a long jacket that has a chain on the shoulder, a peaked cap with a golden badge that has an eagle and serpent on it, and an armored, humanoid version of Levia beside him. The Hooded yawns a bit and barely catches sight of the Roc flying in from a distance. Finishing his tea in one chug, Caleb returns to the Multiversal Mirror chamber.

'Well my whiny bitch, have you decided? Which orphan girl or girls with issues will you try to woo? Shouldn't be too hard right? After all, I hear that meeting the parents is the wor.. Ahk!" Levia is quickly shut up when Caleb punches her in the face. She then starts cursing for a solid minute, both about Caleb's lack of humor and how the room lets him touch her in this skin.

"I know you were joking but that was a very weak joke. Also I think I need a bit of time, especially since they're all so amazing. Nidalee is just so nice to me despite the fact I'm no one to her. Yet we both just instinctively have to take care of all the innocent creatures we see from animals to children to Neeko. Not to mention she has a tendency to somehow show up when I need her most. As for Riven, we go back to the Ionian war and share an unspoken battle sync. She also promised me then that if we both survived then in time she'd show me how to live. But I'm willing to put that aside for a bit if it means I can help her find peace. Oh but Sona, she is able to find the humanity in me and bring me back. Plus it feels like we were meant to meet since I was the one who gave up everything to save her dad Barrett and Lestara's connection to Quinn. I've even given her the ability to get past my mental barriers and touch my mind whenever she wants. Seriously fuck me because it doesn't help they're all great and total bombshells." Caleb lists off before leaving the Mirror in his normal look. Eventually he decides to leave it to future Caleb before going to bed. Meanwhile, sneaking into the manor is the Sleipnir Squad who have a special and small someone with them. After surviving a jigsaw style trap building, the four champions have taken it upon themselves to care for a brown and puffy bat vastayan baby they found.

As for the other multiverses, we see Riven nervously waiting in a large pool on the opposite of Ashe and Tryndamere. The judges are about to disqualify her when from the high diving board a gurgling roar is heard. It's quickly followed by a splash as Caleb, with the sun at his back, dives into the pool to finish the competition with his partner.

Inside of the xenoborne temple, a loud whining noise is heard throughout it as well as a massive explosion. Kha'zix quickly makes his way into the queen's chamber, only to find her head netted to what was once a flamethrower turret. While the huntress and the marine have disabled every other xenoborne in the area due to their victory, Kha'zix is not done evolving yet.

On the masquerade plane, Jhin and his automatons are opening fire on the demonic gentleman and Lady Sona; the latter of whom is taking in the view of dozens of faceless children near her. Caleb, while able to sense her anger, can only hold her since he can not truly act on the mortal plane without orders. Wiping away her tears with a handkerchief while he shields her from bullets, the woman snaps and gives Caleb new orders; 'Cut his head off and tear out his guts!' are the final words before Caleb goes into his Dark form for her.

XxxX

The Romance storylines are continued in Chapter 3 of Variables and Constants. AO3 has a link to the Strawpoll and FanFiction can check out the poll in my Profile for which do you want for Special 4.