- Pronouns
- He
Man I finally find a good LOL fanfic and I'm already caught up to it
I hope you don't drop this
I hope you don't drop this
Scrapyard Angels [League of Legends Insert]
- Thread starter SirBearington
- Start date
- Mature Fantasy
Act 1 Epilogue
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
Act 1 Epilogue
Jinx
Sometimes I wonder if the last few months have been all a fever dream and I was still in that alleyway but here I was in my bed, staring up at the painted ceiling of my room as I woke up from a long night's sleep.
I rubbed the sleep off my eyes as I slowly sat up and stretched. Mr Floofington started stretching as well as he got up from his simple bed near the window. He loved it there because he could bask in the sunlight in the morning.
"Morning, Mr Floofington." I greeted my companion. I got a yawn in response as he plodded towards the light and laid down. I spent some time staring at him, observing his grey fur under the bright light of the morning sun.
Sunlight, actual sunlight as the smog was lighter up here, was streaming through the window of my room while the sound of the busy street below filtered in. It almost felt unreal yet the rays of light illuminating my room was as real as it could get. I could hear the hustle and bustle of the city, how the people in the crowd talked to each other as well as the pneumatic hiss and whistle of the machinery that powers the city.
I could hear Ark and Vi teasing each other again from the kitchen of our little apartment. They're being all lovey dovey again. One gross, why do they have to be so icky about it?, and two… "I can hear you two!". I shouted as I threw my pillow at the door to emphasize my point. The muffled thump of my soft pillow against the wooden door only made them laugh.
Mr Floofington jumped in surprise before he gave me a look. Don't give me that look, you can clearly hear them, Mr Floofington. They keep going on and on and it's just… argh!
I groaned as I covered my face before slumping down on my bed again. Even if this was just a dream, I hope I never woke up from it. We were happy here, I was happy here… well mostly but that's for future me to consider as I need to get up.
"Breakfast's ready, Jinx!" Shouted Vi as I sniffed at the clean air inside our home. I could smell… sausage and tomatoes from here. Maybe they bought some eggs as well.
"Eat it while it's hot." Ark said soon after. I really need to get up now
Slowly, I sat up and looked around my room. Saying those words, "my room", felt weird but I love it. The soft blue poster I chose for the room brightened the place up. There on my desk was Princess Pow and beside her sat Mister Sparkles. I still needed to tune her up, make her spin faster and fire faster as you can never have enough firepower. There was also a large wardrobe in my room but it's mostly empty because it's not like I have much to wear. I mostly keep my other stuff there to keep the place mostly clean.
Getting up from bed was a chore on its own as well. I had a bed of my own with a wooden frame and a soft mattress which makes waking up harder now. I just want to lay down and sleep and eat here but food is not going to walk to me. I jumped from my bed and landed on the cold wooden floor. It took me a while to figure out where I tossed my boots but I found them soon enough before I headed out to clean myself with Mr Floofington right behind me.
I looked at my reflection as I washed my face. I combed through my knee length locks of blue hair while blue eyes stared back intently at me. My hair was getting absurdly long but I kinda liked it. I shuffled to our kitchen before plopping down on one of the chairs.
"Had a good night's sleep?" asked Ark as he placed a plate of eggs, sausage and bread along with some slices of tomatoes in front of me. My mouth watered at the sight. Vi was gulping down her meal while Ark was busy cleaning the kitchen area. Mr Floofington sat in front of his bowl while Whump was busy chowing down on a plate of young Puffcap Mushrooms.
"Yeah, it's good. Weirdest dream though. There were two monkeys that kept grunting and jumping on the bed. The squeaking noise was annoying." I replied as I started eating, taking out large bites out of my meal. I tasted a lot of garlic in my sausages and the eggs were just cooked right with the yolk perfect for dipping.
Vi and Ark started choking, coughing as both of them downed a glass of water. I stared back at them feeling all confused. What was that about? Eh, probably just the two being weird again. The meal was mostly uneventful.
"So, we're going to go somewhere-" Vi started, trailing off as she looked towards Ark as if asking him to explain. I cut them off and replied
"If you two are going somewhere where you're going to be lovey dovey, can you atleast give me the choice to stay home?" Having to watch them go to a temple all for Ark to give Vi a stupid ring was bad enough. I do not want a repeat of that. "Come on, I'm already 12 and you two are like… 15 right? I have my wants and you have yours so why don't you go out while I have my own fun here!"
The two looked unsure but old tricks should help here. "Pretty please? I'll behave and clean my room."
Vi was the one to relent as she shrugged. "She is old enough."
"Are you sure Jinx? We could go somewhere else. It is the weekends" Ark said. The two really wanted to go out right now.
"I'll be fine. When was the last time I got in trouble?" I asked, my innocent angelic voice in no way faked.
"When you punched this one Piltovan kid" Ark said with a deadpan look
"He was asking for it!" Stupid prick being all high and mighty
"And when you made graffiti and were caught by the enforcers." Vi added.
"Ok… that was on me. I should have known they were faster than me but can you give me another chance? Please?" I begged them, just wanting out right now.
Ark sighed as he looked at Vi who nodded at him. "Fine but if we have another Enforcer knock on our door again, I swear to Janna..." The threat was made clear and I wasn't one to try and break it.
"Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye." I was going to be a good girl… mostly but they don't have to know. The two nodded before they gave me a pouch of coins to spend things on.
"We'll be back before sundown. Here's some money in case you want to buy some sweets. Make sure to avoid the bakery at the corner." Ark stated seriously.
"Because they add plaster in their cake. I could taste it, it was horrible" I shuddered at the memory. All that money down the drain.
A few kisses and hugs later, much to my disgust, and I was left to my own devices. I stared at their retreating form from the window of our home. The two were holding hands while Vi had her arms around Ark's shoulder. I want to be honest, I kinda wanted to be with them.
They looked like they're having fun and it's not like hanging out with them isn't half bad. It's just they're too icky with how close they were. I'd rather hang out with either one of them than both of them at the same time. I might be a bit biased but I kinda want to hang out with Ark more. Vi's my older sister and all but Ark's fun to be around with. He tells better stories, knows a lot of things and he doesn't smother me as much as Vi does.
I shook my head out of my musing as I got ready to head out on my own. "Whump, Mr Floofington, I'll be going out. Keep the house safe while I'm gone ok? I'll bring some treats!"
I slipped out of our home, making sure I had a copy of our key and door locked nice and tight before I went out to the streets below.
It was perfect up here... almost perfect rather, because I was lonely up here. Who knew moving away from the Sumps meant I had to say goodbye to some friends. I tried to make friends here but… it didn't go well. I saw one of the kids running away from me and I winced at the sight of the bald spot in his hair. It was just a simple alchemic fire, who knew their clothes were far more flammable than I was used to. At least I had Cindy to talk too but Cindy's down at the Sumps helping the kids there with her father. Someone had to help people there.
I pouted as I headed to my favorite bridge. They had all sorts of stalls and shops here plus the street performers were leagues better than people below. People actually smiled here for once. Buying some candied apples, I sat down in one of the benches and watched people walk by.
The sun was out, the wind felt cool to the skin and people were having fun. It was a nice day today, I just wish I had someone to talk to.
"Hey…mind if I sit with you?" I blinked as I turned to a girl with bubblegum pink hair shyly smiling at me. I tilted my head.
"Ummm… sure?" I wasn't quite sure how to respond. She doesn't look shady but never know
"Sorry, I just keep hearing this new song and I wanted to listen." There wasn't any musician out here right now which is kinda weird
"What song?" I asked
"Well, your song. It kinda goes like this." The girl hummed where I sat while hearing this beautiful chaotic tone yet bubbly tone that just made me want to blow stuff up. She stopped soon after as she added, "My mom said I shouldn't talk about it but your song's just so loud and fun I can't help myself babble and talk and… I'm going to shut up now."
I stared at her for a bit before replying "You're weird but who am I to judge. You're weird but in a good way."
"Thank you?" She started, a confused look on her face.
"Name's Jinx, what's yours?" I asked I scooted over to the side to give her space to sit down
"Seraphine." She replied as she sat down.
"Wanna spray paint some walls?" I asked, grinning on the inside.
"...Sure?" I smirked as I felt this was going to be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Jhin
I sat silently in the middle of my prison. It's four corners a comforting sight as I sat there, meditating and in peace. This prison was here to contain me and my wardens sought to cure me yet I do not see any reason for intervention. What use is a doctor if there's nothing to cure. I was both healthy in mind and in body. I was merely an artist expressing his art. It's just that my canvas can be a bit unorthodox.
I often pity them, wondering how they could live such dull imperfect lives. I could free them yet I held my tongue, knowing that they didn't see things my way. How can they when they're blind to their own imperfection, their senses numbed and their minds unable to comprehend how utterly flawed they were.
There was nothing I could do however. I neither have the tools nor the freedom to cure them. All I had was the mattress I was given bundled safely in the corner as well as a simple mat for me to meditate on. At Least they didn't deny me such comfort when I was willing to entertain their song and dance.
Why do they think that I do not meditate? Meditation allows me to visualize my art and allows me to finish it to perfection. The silence along with the darkness helped me lose myself, the soft steady light of the crystal lights the only illumination I had in my cell.
I counted down, waiting for my warden to come to my cell to deliver my daily meal. They always come down the same time and the same day with the same meal. A simple bowl of rice, some tofu, some vegetables and a cup of tea. The perfect amount yet lately the portions had been getting smaller.
Right on cue, the heavy footsteps of my warden echoed down the hallway yet something was odd. There was another set of footsteps following my heavyset warden, a much lighter foot step. They didn't have the gait of a woman, no, the visitor was a man and probably bent with age thanks to the cane I hear along with their footsteps
"Are you sure you want to stay with the prisoner? I mean no disrespect counselor, but I fear for your safety." I was flattered by my warden's concern.
"It's fine, Master Warden. I want to talk to the prisoner alone." Replied the old raspy voice of a wizened man well beyond his prime.
There standing in front of my cell was quite the important man and it would be rude not to bow. Standing up slowly, my legs almost having fallen asleep in my meditation, I gave a low bow to the old man. My eyes wandered over his cane, marveling at the deadly implement hidden in plain sight
"How can I be of service, Councilor? For such an esteemed statesman to visit me, it must be quite the occasion" I greeted the old man as I straightened up. The man was short, old and wrinkled yet there was fire in his eyes and steel in his hands
"Have some respect for the Council representative of Kashuuri!" Shouted the warden as he jabbed me with his heavy staff. I was almost bent over by the pain of the staff hitting my ribs as I stumbled back.
The council member merely stared as he commanded "Leave."
"But Councilor-!" The warden protested, anger in his voice clear but not directed at the old man.
"I do not need to repeat myself, Warden." Replied the old man and the warden shut his mouth as he bowed before leaving little old me and the councilor in front of me. There was a heavy bang as the door leading to my solitary cell closed behind the warden.
"So, the Golden Demon. Mass murderer and Assassin." the man in front of me said, as he stared at me.
"I prefer the title of artist, councilor." I replied. It was what I was after all. There was no need to
"Ah yes, you do have a penchant for turning your victims into an art piece." I heard a certain tinge of disgust in his tone but rarely do people appreciate the macabre.
"Aren't they beautiful?" I asked, already knowing the answer he would give.
"...yes." Liar liar yet I do appreciate how they try to compliment my work. Still, this must be more than just a regular visit. There must be something they want
"So I'll ask again, councilor, how may I be of service?" I asked, voice aloof and far from interested. More than one of us could lie.
"Ionia needs your services, demon." The counselor replied, voice hard as onyx.
Oh that cracks me up. I chuckled, wondering if this was just a joke yet the serious look on his face only made me laugh out loudly. "I'm a threat to "balance" of the spirits and humanity. I'm not sure even a councilor like you could free me when the Kinkou's the one that imprisoned me." The shadow order that helps maintain "order" in Ionia. While others see the Kinkou's as heroes, all I see are a bunch of idiots running around with inelegant weapons while trying to hide in the shadows.
"I might not be powerful enough alone, but a cabal of like minded people might be." That got my eye brow rising, piquing my interest.
"You must be quite desperate seeking help from me." It was the truth. Only a desperate man would grab the edge of the blade and the frown on his face all but confirmed my suspicion
"Things... have become difficult in the past few months. The Noxian embargo is a tightening noose around Ionia. Their armies march across our lands and even if our people deny them of every opportunity to gather food from the land, it seems that they have other sources, sources that aren't so easily spoiled or destroyed." He explained as he paced in front of my cage
"The army might be powerful but its head isn't invincible. We need someone… of your talent to infiltrate their lines and… perform. It won't just be their commander's Khada Jhin, you'll also be sent to other places like Bilgewater and Zaun. Chaos needs to reign in Bilgewater while Zaun needs some of its best and brightest dealt with." The old man explained, fire in his eyes.
"Tempting, tempting." I hummed, all too happy to how things were going but it seems that old man still had more to say
"We also heard of your need for perfection. The armory of Kashuuri is at your disposal." I smiled, I truly smiled at that point. Finally, a patron for my art despite their… lack of understanding.
The smile stretching across my face must have been terrifying as he backed away in shock. My answer was simple. "When can I start?"
Zilian
Some call me a prophet, a charlatan, a mad magician, a fool, For me, I am simply Zilian and I see countless realities. I don't often get things right because one's fate is ever changing. It never sits still, never having one true path, and there are those times when reality throws a proverbial wrench into the river of time.
Time is a fickle thing and even the tiniest of changes can cause ripples across time. Time is fluid, ever changing and ever flowing. It's no wonder that a single lost soul in Zaun could alter so much. If one stone could change a river, how much more if one would throw a boulder at it?
I watched in rapt attention as a tragedy between two sisters became unmade and in place a future where the possibilities are brighter than what they were heading in my original vision. It was a touching sight, one that my dear friend Ekko might find better even though he would be but a stranger to the blue haired one.
Tragedies averted, Families remaining whole and entire futures changed but is it for the better?
Ahh yes, let's go to Ionia to see the changes.
Oh my, while one war ending factor was removed, another was added. I see a hundred ships fed by food that could last for years. While a hundred tragedies were averted, what would a fed army do in turn. An army marches on its stomach after all and it seems that Zaun would be more than happy to keep Noxian troops fed if it means more coins for their coffers.
A soldier that would have questioned their loyalty to Noxus remains loyal as her troops remain whole and hale. Her fate remains unshaken and her sword unbroken. Without Singed in Noxus employ, such loyalty would need something else to break it
The absence of these very same weapons allowed a swordsman village to have a chance to live. A tragedy averted for now as a Master and his village joins the fight to free their lands. Without such terrible chemical weapons in Zaun's hands, the Noxian commanders are unable to deal a decisive blow to the swordsman's village.
Then there's this tiny little boat in a port in Ionia. It's burning wreck was watched by a group of monks while a girl sat in despair. A boat that was supposed to head to Ionia to deliver precious cargo to Demacia was delayed. By the time they reached Ioania, the Zaunites would find them and delay them for… two years or so it says. Looking that far in the future can get a bit hazy with how easily things can change between those time
So many changes have happened yet. Some would say that the future was unmade and fate was broken but all I see is just another path taken. People often forget that as much as time is an illusion, fate is as well. What happens next would be entirely up to decisions now and while I see a bright present thanks to subtle choices made across a period, who knows if the path they thread would remain bright and full of promise. For every happy ending, there's a hundred tragedies. Let's just hope that the decisions of today would help the future decide what fate they would want to have.
A/N:
First part done. Ark, Vi, and Jinx are now living in the Promenade level of Zaun. From rock bottom to near the top. Quite the journey for these three but its quite the end since there's still so much things that they'll have to face. One of them even makes an appearance here heh.
Well, thats the end of this Act. It was a fun journey. I'd like to thank vyor for helping me on this one. Without him, my work would be a mess with all those missing punctuations
. Sorry for the late post btw. Wasnt feeling all to well after posting the last chapter. Hopefully, this makes up for it
Jinx
Sometimes I wonder if the last few months have been all a fever dream and I was still in that alleyway but here I was in my bed, staring up at the painted ceiling of my room as I woke up from a long night's sleep.
I rubbed the sleep off my eyes as I slowly sat up and stretched. Mr Floofington started stretching as well as he got up from his simple bed near the window. He loved it there because he could bask in the sunlight in the morning.
"Morning, Mr Floofington." I greeted my companion. I got a yawn in response as he plodded towards the light and laid down. I spent some time staring at him, observing his grey fur under the bright light of the morning sun.
Sunlight, actual sunlight as the smog was lighter up here, was streaming through the window of my room while the sound of the busy street below filtered in. It almost felt unreal yet the rays of light illuminating my room was as real as it could get. I could hear the hustle and bustle of the city, how the people in the crowd talked to each other as well as the pneumatic hiss and whistle of the machinery that powers the city.
I could hear Ark and Vi teasing each other again from the kitchen of our little apartment. They're being all lovey dovey again. One gross, why do they have to be so icky about it?, and two… "I can hear you two!". I shouted as I threw my pillow at the door to emphasize my point. The muffled thump of my soft pillow against the wooden door only made them laugh.
Mr Floofington jumped in surprise before he gave me a look. Don't give me that look, you can clearly hear them, Mr Floofington. They keep going on and on and it's just… argh!
I groaned as I covered my face before slumping down on my bed again. Even if this was just a dream, I hope I never woke up from it. We were happy here, I was happy here… well mostly but that's for future me to consider as I need to get up.
"Breakfast's ready, Jinx!" Shouted Vi as I sniffed at the clean air inside our home. I could smell… sausage and tomatoes from here. Maybe they bought some eggs as well.
"Eat it while it's hot." Ark said soon after. I really need to get up now
Slowly, I sat up and looked around my room. Saying those words, "my room", felt weird but I love it. The soft blue poster I chose for the room brightened the place up. There on my desk was Princess Pow and beside her sat Mister Sparkles. I still needed to tune her up, make her spin faster and fire faster as you can never have enough firepower. There was also a large wardrobe in my room but it's mostly empty because it's not like I have much to wear. I mostly keep my other stuff there to keep the place mostly clean.
Getting up from bed was a chore on its own as well. I had a bed of my own with a wooden frame and a soft mattress which makes waking up harder now. I just want to lay down and sleep and eat here but food is not going to walk to me. I jumped from my bed and landed on the cold wooden floor. It took me a while to figure out where I tossed my boots but I found them soon enough before I headed out to clean myself with Mr Floofington right behind me.
I looked at my reflection as I washed my face. I combed through my knee length locks of blue hair while blue eyes stared back intently at me. My hair was getting absurdly long but I kinda liked it. I shuffled to our kitchen before plopping down on one of the chairs.
"Had a good night's sleep?" asked Ark as he placed a plate of eggs, sausage and bread along with some slices of tomatoes in front of me. My mouth watered at the sight. Vi was gulping down her meal while Ark was busy cleaning the kitchen area. Mr Floofington sat in front of his bowl while Whump was busy chowing down on a plate of young Puffcap Mushrooms.
"Yeah, it's good. Weirdest dream though. There were two monkeys that kept grunting and jumping on the bed. The squeaking noise was annoying." I replied as I started eating, taking out large bites out of my meal. I tasted a lot of garlic in my sausages and the eggs were just cooked right with the yolk perfect for dipping.
Vi and Ark started choking, coughing as both of them downed a glass of water. I stared back at them feeling all confused. What was that about? Eh, probably just the two being weird again. The meal was mostly uneventful.
"So, we're going to go somewhere-" Vi started, trailing off as she looked towards Ark as if asking him to explain. I cut them off and replied
"If you two are going somewhere where you're going to be lovey dovey, can you atleast give me the choice to stay home?" Having to watch them go to a temple all for Ark to give Vi a stupid ring was bad enough. I do not want a repeat of that. "Come on, I'm already 12 and you two are like… 15 right? I have my wants and you have yours so why don't you go out while I have my own fun here!"
The two looked unsure but old tricks should help here. "Pretty please? I'll behave and clean my room."
Vi was the one to relent as she shrugged. "She is old enough."
"Are you sure Jinx? We could go somewhere else. It is the weekends" Ark said. The two really wanted to go out right now.
"I'll be fine. When was the last time I got in trouble?" I asked, my innocent angelic voice in no way faked.
"When you punched this one Piltovan kid" Ark said with a deadpan look
"He was asking for it!" Stupid prick being all high and mighty
"And when you made graffiti and were caught by the enforcers." Vi added.
"Ok… that was on me. I should have known they were faster than me but can you give me another chance? Please?" I begged them, just wanting out right now.
Ark sighed as he looked at Vi who nodded at him. "Fine but if we have another Enforcer knock on our door again, I swear to Janna..." The threat was made clear and I wasn't one to try and break it.
"Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye." I was going to be a good girl… mostly but they don't have to know. The two nodded before they gave me a pouch of coins to spend things on.
"We'll be back before sundown. Here's some money in case you want to buy some sweets. Make sure to avoid the bakery at the corner." Ark stated seriously.
"Because they add plaster in their cake. I could taste it, it was horrible" I shuddered at the memory. All that money down the drain.
A few kisses and hugs later, much to my disgust, and I was left to my own devices. I stared at their retreating form from the window of our home. The two were holding hands while Vi had her arms around Ark's shoulder. I want to be honest, I kinda wanted to be with them.
They looked like they're having fun and it's not like hanging out with them isn't half bad. It's just they're too icky with how close they were. I'd rather hang out with either one of them than both of them at the same time. I might be a bit biased but I kinda want to hang out with Ark more. Vi's my older sister and all but Ark's fun to be around with. He tells better stories, knows a lot of things and he doesn't smother me as much as Vi does.
I shook my head out of my musing as I got ready to head out on my own. "Whump, Mr Floofington, I'll be going out. Keep the house safe while I'm gone ok? I'll bring some treats!"
I slipped out of our home, making sure I had a copy of our key and door locked nice and tight before I went out to the streets below.
It was perfect up here... almost perfect rather, because I was lonely up here. Who knew moving away from the Sumps meant I had to say goodbye to some friends. I tried to make friends here but… it didn't go well. I saw one of the kids running away from me and I winced at the sight of the bald spot in his hair. It was just a simple alchemic fire, who knew their clothes were far more flammable than I was used to. At least I had Cindy to talk too but Cindy's down at the Sumps helping the kids there with her father. Someone had to help people there.
I pouted as I headed to my favorite bridge. They had all sorts of stalls and shops here plus the street performers were leagues better than people below. People actually smiled here for once. Buying some candied apples, I sat down in one of the benches and watched people walk by.
The sun was out, the wind felt cool to the skin and people were having fun. It was a nice day today, I just wish I had someone to talk to.
"Hey…mind if I sit with you?" I blinked as I turned to a girl with bubblegum pink hair shyly smiling at me. I tilted my head.
"Ummm… sure?" I wasn't quite sure how to respond. She doesn't look shady but never know
"Sorry, I just keep hearing this new song and I wanted to listen." There wasn't any musician out here right now which is kinda weird
"What song?" I asked
"Well, your song. It kinda goes like this." The girl hummed where I sat while hearing this beautiful chaotic tone yet bubbly tone that just made me want to blow stuff up. She stopped soon after as she added, "My mom said I shouldn't talk about it but your song's just so loud and fun I can't help myself babble and talk and… I'm going to shut up now."
I stared at her for a bit before replying "You're weird but who am I to judge. You're weird but in a good way."
"Thank you?" She started, a confused look on her face.
"Name's Jinx, what's yours?" I asked I scooted over to the side to give her space to sit down
"Seraphine." She replied as she sat down.
"Wanna spray paint some walls?" I asked, grinning on the inside.
"...Sure?" I smirked as I felt this was going to be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Jhin
I sat silently in the middle of my prison. It's four corners a comforting sight as I sat there, meditating and in peace. This prison was here to contain me and my wardens sought to cure me yet I do not see any reason for intervention. What use is a doctor if there's nothing to cure. I was both healthy in mind and in body. I was merely an artist expressing his art. It's just that my canvas can be a bit unorthodox.
I often pity them, wondering how they could live such dull imperfect lives. I could free them yet I held my tongue, knowing that they didn't see things my way. How can they when they're blind to their own imperfection, their senses numbed and their minds unable to comprehend how utterly flawed they were.
There was nothing I could do however. I neither have the tools nor the freedom to cure them. All I had was the mattress I was given bundled safely in the corner as well as a simple mat for me to meditate on. At Least they didn't deny me such comfort when I was willing to entertain their song and dance.
Why do they think that I do not meditate? Meditation allows me to visualize my art and allows me to finish it to perfection. The silence along with the darkness helped me lose myself, the soft steady light of the crystal lights the only illumination I had in my cell.
I counted down, waiting for my warden to come to my cell to deliver my daily meal. They always come down the same time and the same day with the same meal. A simple bowl of rice, some tofu, some vegetables and a cup of tea. The perfect amount yet lately the portions had been getting smaller.
Right on cue, the heavy footsteps of my warden echoed down the hallway yet something was odd. There was another set of footsteps following my heavyset warden, a much lighter foot step. They didn't have the gait of a woman, no, the visitor was a man and probably bent with age thanks to the cane I hear along with their footsteps
"Are you sure you want to stay with the prisoner? I mean no disrespect counselor, but I fear for your safety." I was flattered by my warden's concern.
"It's fine, Master Warden. I want to talk to the prisoner alone." Replied the old raspy voice of a wizened man well beyond his prime.
There standing in front of my cell was quite the important man and it would be rude not to bow. Standing up slowly, my legs almost having fallen asleep in my meditation, I gave a low bow to the old man. My eyes wandered over his cane, marveling at the deadly implement hidden in plain sight
"How can I be of service, Councilor? For such an esteemed statesman to visit me, it must be quite the occasion" I greeted the old man as I straightened up. The man was short, old and wrinkled yet there was fire in his eyes and steel in his hands
"Have some respect for the Council representative of Kashuuri!" Shouted the warden as he jabbed me with his heavy staff. I was almost bent over by the pain of the staff hitting my ribs as I stumbled back.
The council member merely stared as he commanded "Leave."
"But Councilor-!" The warden protested, anger in his voice clear but not directed at the old man.
"I do not need to repeat myself, Warden." Replied the old man and the warden shut his mouth as he bowed before leaving little old me and the councilor in front of me. There was a heavy bang as the door leading to my solitary cell closed behind the warden.
"So, the Golden Demon. Mass murderer and Assassin." the man in front of me said, as he stared at me.
"I prefer the title of artist, councilor." I replied. It was what I was after all. There was no need to
"Ah yes, you do have a penchant for turning your victims into an art piece." I heard a certain tinge of disgust in his tone but rarely do people appreciate the macabre.
"Aren't they beautiful?" I asked, already knowing the answer he would give.
"...yes." Liar liar yet I do appreciate how they try to compliment my work. Still, this must be more than just a regular visit. There must be something they want
"So I'll ask again, councilor, how may I be of service?" I asked, voice aloof and far from interested. More than one of us could lie.
"Ionia needs your services, demon." The counselor replied, voice hard as onyx.
Oh that cracks me up. I chuckled, wondering if this was just a joke yet the serious look on his face only made me laugh out loudly. "I'm a threat to "balance" of the spirits and humanity. I'm not sure even a councilor like you could free me when the Kinkou's the one that imprisoned me." The shadow order that helps maintain "order" in Ionia. While others see the Kinkou's as heroes, all I see are a bunch of idiots running around with inelegant weapons while trying to hide in the shadows.
"I might not be powerful enough alone, but a cabal of like minded people might be." That got my eye brow rising, piquing my interest.
"You must be quite desperate seeking help from me." It was the truth. Only a desperate man would grab the edge of the blade and the frown on his face all but confirmed my suspicion
"Things... have become difficult in the past few months. The Noxian embargo is a tightening noose around Ionia. Their armies march across our lands and even if our people deny them of every opportunity to gather food from the land, it seems that they have other sources, sources that aren't so easily spoiled or destroyed." He explained as he paced in front of my cage
"The army might be powerful but its head isn't invincible. We need someone… of your talent to infiltrate their lines and… perform. It won't just be their commander's Khada Jhin, you'll also be sent to other places like Bilgewater and Zaun. Chaos needs to reign in Bilgewater while Zaun needs some of its best and brightest dealt with." The old man explained, fire in his eyes.
"Tempting, tempting." I hummed, all too happy to how things were going but it seems that old man still had more to say
"We also heard of your need for perfection. The armory of Kashuuri is at your disposal." I smiled, I truly smiled at that point. Finally, a patron for my art despite their… lack of understanding.
The smile stretching across my face must have been terrifying as he backed away in shock. My answer was simple. "When can I start?"
Zilian
Some call me a prophet, a charlatan, a mad magician, a fool, For me, I am simply Zilian and I see countless realities. I don't often get things right because one's fate is ever changing. It never sits still, never having one true path, and there are those times when reality throws a proverbial wrench into the river of time.
Time is a fickle thing and even the tiniest of changes can cause ripples across time. Time is fluid, ever changing and ever flowing. It's no wonder that a single lost soul in Zaun could alter so much. If one stone could change a river, how much more if one would throw a boulder at it?
I watched in rapt attention as a tragedy between two sisters became unmade and in place a future where the possibilities are brighter than what they were heading in my original vision. It was a touching sight, one that my dear friend Ekko might find better even though he would be but a stranger to the blue haired one.
Tragedies averted, Families remaining whole and entire futures changed but is it for the better?
Ahh yes, let's go to Ionia to see the changes.
Oh my, while one war ending factor was removed, another was added. I see a hundred ships fed by food that could last for years. While a hundred tragedies were averted, what would a fed army do in turn. An army marches on its stomach after all and it seems that Zaun would be more than happy to keep Noxian troops fed if it means more coins for their coffers.
A soldier that would have questioned their loyalty to Noxus remains loyal as her troops remain whole and hale. Her fate remains unshaken and her sword unbroken. Without Singed in Noxus employ, such loyalty would need something else to break it
The absence of these very same weapons allowed a swordsman village to have a chance to live. A tragedy averted for now as a Master and his village joins the fight to free their lands. Without such terrible chemical weapons in Zaun's hands, the Noxian commanders are unable to deal a decisive blow to the swordsman's village.
Then there's this tiny little boat in a port in Ionia. It's burning wreck was watched by a group of monks while a girl sat in despair. A boat that was supposed to head to Ionia to deliver precious cargo to Demacia was delayed. By the time they reached Ioania, the Zaunites would find them and delay them for… two years or so it says. Looking that far in the future can get a bit hazy with how easily things can change between those time
So many changes have happened yet. Some would say that the future was unmade and fate was broken but all I see is just another path taken. People often forget that as much as time is an illusion, fate is as well. What happens next would be entirely up to decisions now and while I see a bright present thanks to subtle choices made across a period, who knows if the path they thread would remain bright and full of promise. For every happy ending, there's a hundred tragedies. Let's just hope that the decisions of today would help the future decide what fate they would want to have.
A/N:
First part done. Ark, Vi, and Jinx are now living in the Promenade level of Zaun. From rock bottom to near the top. Quite the journey for these three but its quite the end since there's still so much things that they'll have to face. One of them even makes an appearance here heh.
Well, thats the end of this Act. It was a fun journey. I'd like to thank vyor for helping me on this one. Without him, my work would be a mess with all those missing punctuations
. Sorry for the late post btw. Wasnt feeling all to well after posting the last chapter. Hopefully, this makes up for it
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- Location
- Nantes
The "grunting monkeys" ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Hello Seraphine! As long as you don't start obnoxiously singing at random times, I like you!
Jhin will be the big bad for theFourth Second Act, meaning Camille shouldn't be too far behind.
First mention of Ekko, though of course Zilean would know of him even now. Will we see more of Zilean? I guess he works pretty well for Act Epilogues, to show the changes that Ark is causing.
I dimly remember a mention of a time skip, will it happen now? A short overview of the more immediately noticeable changes from Ark's PoV could be entertaining.
I'm excited for more
Hello Seraphine! As long as you don't start obnoxiously singing at random times, I like you!
Jhin will be the big bad for the
First mention of Ekko, though of course Zilean would know of him even now. Will we see more of Zilean? I guess he works pretty well for Act Epilogues, to show the changes that Ark is causing.
I dimly remember a mention of a time skip, will it happen now? A short overview of the more immediately noticeable changes from Ark's PoV could be entertaining.
I'm excited for more
- Pronouns
- He
Thanks for this amazing fanfic my dear author can't wait for more
Erithemaeus
GWS Recipient
- Location
- Around Dover Street
Sona, most likely. She was sent to Ionia to study how to pluck her ethwati, and to avoid the anti-mage purges going on in Demacia.
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
Zilean will be a sort of regular in the Epilogues since he seems to work well there and you guys like him there. That's not to say though that he'll only be in the Epilogue. He might drop in in the future. For now though, he remains in his home watching and waiting.The "grunting monkeys" ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Hello Seraphine! As long as you don't start obnoxiously singing at random times, I like you!
Jhin will be the big bad for theFourthSecond Act, meaning Camille shouldn't be too far behind.
First mention of Ekko, though of course Zilean would know of him even now. Will we see more of Zilean? I guess he works pretty well for Act Epilogues, to show the changes that Ark is causing.
I dimly remember a mention of a time skip, will it happen now? A short overview of the more immediately noticeable changes from Ark's PoV could be entertaining.
I'm excited for more
I have plans for Camile and with Arks knowledge on what Hex crystals are... There's bound to be some fireworks in the future~
As for the timeskip, it'll be around 2-3 years. Keeping things a bit vague to give my self some leeway and its not like anything important happened around this time aside from that guy
That's supposed to be Sona.
It's supposed to be the other way around now... League Lore can be confusing at times due to retcons. She came from Ionia and was raised by monks there but thanks to the Noxian invaders, she was sent to Demacia... Yeah, the monks sent her to Demacia hahah then again... Wasn't the mage purges more of a recent thing? Like the really violent inquisition type purges
Erithemaeus
GWS Recipient
- Location
- Around Dover Street
I think the mage purges stretched farther back, and it only went all fubar when Jarvan III got assassinated. After all, the dude was advocating for removing the Mageseekers, which meant that they've been operating for longer than he's ruled. All we know about Jarvan II is that he got into a mutual kill with Sion, so... *shrugs?*
- Location
- Oklahoma
TBF, Sion was, and still is I suppose, an absolutely beast. Alive and in undeath, so I think it speaks volumes that J2 dueled(assumable) him to a mutual death
EDIT: It was Jarvan the First who Sion killed
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- Pronouns
- He
Damn this was good
loving the relationship of Vi, monkeys in the bed
So, Jinx and Vi won't be becoming seperated according to Ekko, Yasuo and Riven would be where they are, loyally serving their lands.
I hope Ark would reach chem-baron level of power rich, would be very helpful in uplifting Zaun peoples.
Guess an Ionian assassins' gonna be coming here
loving the relationship of Vi, monkeys in the bed
So, Jinx and Vi won't be becoming seperated according to Ekko, Yasuo and Riven would be where they are, loyally serving their lands.
I hope Ark would reach chem-baron level of power rich, would be very helpful in uplifting Zaun peoples.
Guess an Ionian assassins' gonna be coming here
Interlude 4: The Mentors
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
Interlude 4: The Mentors
Miss Irine
Irine stretched as she finished the last of her work for today. The budget for the month was finished, things were scheduled and letters to the parents written in advance. The small pile of paper and stack of letters littering her heavy iron desk was illuminated by her trusty desk lamp, the only source of light in her cold dark office. Placing down her pen, she flexed the aching joints of her wrist as she sighed out in relief. A nice relaxing cup of tea should help keep her awake as there were still a lot of things to check.
She leaned back against her swivel chair, loving the soft padding and the comfortable armrest, as she turned to the table beside her. It was filled with trophies and nicknacks from various other places yet the one that always catches her eyes was the broken shell of an orb sitting just beside her teapot.
Making sure her tea was still warm, she poured herself a cup of the wonderful fragrant drink and added in a very generous helping of milk and honey. She breathed in the scent, letting it fill her lungs before taking a sip. With how sweet it was, it was better described as milk with tea rather than tea with milk but that's how she liked things.
Her eyes wandered back to her table, seeing a letter from one of her favorite students. The image of the boy's distinct long locks of hair still filled her with amusement with how silky and shiny it was. It seemed that he was looking for more lessons concerning his magic. It was fun teaching someone so eager about it. The lack of fear and the sheer wonder in their eyes, though their damn consequence free attitude about magic should be fixed. There was no restraint there.
She felt a yawn bubble up from her chest, eyes feeling heavy. Glancing at the clock, she only noticed now that it was already getting quite late. It was difficult to tell what time it was in the undercity with the near eternal night shrouding Zaun.
The shadows of her office danced as the lights of her desk lamp flickered for a bit. She needed to get that one topped up lest she'll be forced to use the lights from her office. The school's budget was already strained enough, best not to waste more money lest she had to contact the main office. Speaking to the main office meant that she needed to speak to Her.
It was then she smelt an ever so familiar scent of fragrant smoke of a pipe spreading across her room. Speaking of the devil, here she comes. Turning back to her desk, she reached down and pulled on the lowermost cabinet to reveal an ornate mirror inside. Retrieving the object, she held it in front of her and looked back at her reflection.
Unlike the other more magical things in her office, the mirror lacked any hint of magic. Neither spark nor glow emanated from the object and not even a hint of mana could be discerned but that didn't stop her when she wanted a chat. Slowly, her reflection was obscured by a fog and nothing but the outline of her face could be seen as the fog rippled and swirled inside.
Before long, her benefactor finally arrived. Like curtains parting, the smoke revealed a familiar face within. Her infuriating, taunting smile greeted her as she looked into the mirror. "Irene! It's been so long, how's Zaun treating you my dear?". Mistress Leblanc was still as flawless as of the day she left the academy. She was the envy of all the students of the Black Rose academy.
Irine was many things. To her students she's the scary principle that all delinquents learned to fear while to her student's parents, she was a hard working immigrant who strived to give their children a future. In truth, she was more than your average educator. While she was all of the above, she was also an agent of the Black Rose.
Being an educator was merely a role she became accustomed to. It was a useful facade, a relaxing one even for there was barely any mask to hide her true self. Maybe it was her true face, yet things could get blurry after growing up in the snake pit that was the Black Rose academy.
"It's been only a week since I had my last report, mistress…" She replied exasperatedly but her mistress acted as if it's been ages since they last talked.
Mistress Leblanc chortled at her reply. "Oh don't be like that dear, you know you can always call me Leblanc."
"Of course mistress." Seeing her mistress pout was always jarring despite how often she does it. It was always unnerving seeing her like this.
"Then again, you were always the responsible one. Being an educator does seem to suit you well..." She added as Irene felt her superiors eyes on her, judging her. The oppressive weight of her stare was soon lifted as her mistress then asked, "Well enough chit chat for now. What's the current situation in Zuan and Piltover?"
"Zaun has been restless ever since the Vereza's made a move against one of the young upstarts Barons. The uncovering of illegal void research only further justified their act."
"Illegal void research you say? That is quite juicy gossip." Irene's brow twitched at that. She was intel gathering, they were not gossip mongering…
"The Piltovan's, of course, are getting a bit nosy about it but they didn't pry into things with how swiftly the incident was resolved. A void monster was unleashed in one of Zaun's districts but it was swiftly taken care of." Irene felt the ghost of a smile on her cheeks at who exactly killed the beast.
"Ohhh, is that a smile I see~? Come on, spill! You know who this hero is don't you~?" Her mistressed asked as she leaned in closer.
"It was one of my students. You might remember him from my report several weeks ago."
"Nooo, you're not suggesting it's that boy are you? The one you mistook for a girl?"
"That would be him, mistress." Irene replied with no small measure of pride.
"It's such a shame that we moved far too late on that one. Still, the situation can be salvaged. From what you've sent last time, you've only taught him the basics. Make sure you teach him some of the Academy's techniques but don't go overboard with it." She replied. It was times like this that Irene questioned why Leblanc wanted reports when she had this uncanny ability to know things before she even tells her.
"Yes mistress." I was already going to teach the boy. This only made it more official.
"Hmm, you said he had sisters right dear?" Irene frowned a bit but she merely nodded as she couldn't lie to her. She wanted to, but it was an exercise of futility. "Be sure to keep an eye on them. I have a feeling that we might have some use of them in the future. Maybe one of them is just as gifted as he is."
With those words, the image on the mirror faded away leaving Irene alone once more. It was only then that she could finally breathe out a sigh of relief. Turning her attention to the boy's letter, she leaned back on her chair as she opened it and read it once more. "You sure do live in interesting times Mr. Ark."
Vander
Vander stared back at the scarred reflection as sweat dribbled down his form. His hands clad in iron as he raised his guard high. Rapid jabs, hooks and crosses shot out to an imaginary enemy. He weaved against the imaginary claws of his opponent, almost feeling the razor sharp claws up against the old scars running from his shoulders and down his biceps with each punch.
He kept going, pushing himself until the ringing bells of the clock ran out. It was only after the timer rang did he finally eased up and let his hands down. The heavy weight of his gloves never get lighter, all he can do was keep himself in shape so he can raise them up when he needed too
"Milo, get some fresh towels will you?" He asked as he pulled a hand free from his glove and grabbed a bottle of water to drink.
"Can't Claggor do it?" Milo asked as he went off to fetch some. Even facing away from the two and amidst the cacophony that was his gym and the bar connected to it, he could still hear the two bickering. Why it's not that hard to imagine them already making faces at each other. They'll grow out of it… eventually.
Vanders ears perked up as he heard the bell attached to the door rings. Turning to the door, he greeted the couple that entered his gym. There entered a blonde kid with wings? And a redheaded girl with tattoos of roses in her neck. What a curious pair he thought to himself.
"Welcome to the Till the Last Round gym, what can I do for you?" The momentary flinch by the two made Vander blink.
The momentary look of fear was all too hard to miss. They were looking at the terrible scars on his face and body but at his face. He snorted at that as he then asked them. "I guess you met my brother?"
"You can say that." The redhead replied as she absent mindedly reached for her stomach. Vander nodded, as he gestured for them to follow him to the desk at the back of the gym. The two followed suit.
"Did you kick his teeth in when you last met him?" Vander asked jokingly as he placed down his heavy iron gloves on the old scratch up wooden desk before sitting down. He reached for his pipe as well as the forms for them to fill up for a proper membership. "Now where are those forms…" he muttered as he rummaged through the drawers.
"He's... dead" The blonde replied as he and the girl sat down in front of him. That got Vander to pause for a bit just as he was about to grab the proper forms. He looked back at them, his eyes gazing at the two before he focused on the blonde one before he looked away. The hardness in eyes told him all he needed to know. Vander took in a deep breath as he leaned back on the chair and grabbed a match for his pipe instead.
Lighting his pipe, he took a light puff before letting it out. "It… was bound to happen. Don't blame you on that one. He can be a right prick…" He sighed out as heavy weight seemed to set on his shoulder. His hands tracing at the scars in his forearm
The girl snorted at that as she said "You can say that. For someone related to him, you don't sound that upset." All Vander had to do was point at the scars running across his face, the ones that almost took out his eye. "Point." she conceded.
There was silence between them for a while as Vander took his time to process it all in. The frown on his face soon gave way to a sad smile as he then asked. "Well, let bygones be bygones. I assume you two want a membership?"
"Well, it's more my girlfriend here but I wouldn't mind one as well." The boy replied as he reached out for the redhead's hands.
'Kids these days' Vander resisted rolling his eyes at the too lovey dovey couple as he reached out for the forms and gave them. "Now, that'll be a fee of…" he made his usual spiel about the price as well as the perks, "Membership would entail you access to the heated showers as well as a 10% discount on my other shop, the Till the Last Drop bar just beside here."
The two looked at each other before nodding. "Heated showers?" The girl asked as the two started filling out the forms. The golden glint of a ring on her hand was not too hard to miss. He had to reiterate things. 'Kids these days indeed.'
"That makes the membership worth it." Vander smirked at that. Nobody could resist the heated showers. While he was waiting for them to finish things, his attention was called by Milo who finally got the towels he asked for earlier
"Umm, Vander… there's an old lady asking for you. She has scary guards." he said. Vander looked at the door behind the boy and found himself looking at an old familiar face.
"Excuse me for a second, an old friend of mine just visited. This shouldn't take long." Vander excuse himself as he wiped away the sweat from his brow. Exiting the gym and entering his bar, he was immediately greeted by the raucous atmosphere. Making his way past the new bartender he hired, Thieram, a good Zaunite lad if a bit skittish, who was busily making a drink for the old chem baroness, he greeted her as old friends do.
"Corina! Still as lovely as the day I left your district!" The woman smiled as her entourage stared at him for his gall.
"Vander, still as cheeky as ever I see." Thieram poured her a drink as he sat down beside her. The elderly baroness then gestured for her entourage to go outside. One of them looked like she was about to protest but a stern look from the older woman had her remaining quiet as she and the rest of the guards went outside.
"That one needs more training." Vander pointed out with a puff from his pipe.
"She'll get used to it. She's one of my newer enforcers." Corina replied as she swirled her drink.
"You're burning through them quite fast eh?"
"It's not my fault they're not made of sterner stuff. Lost her predecessor to that fight a few weeks ago." She took a sip from the drink before nodding. "Not bad, here go get yourself something nice dear." She took out a gold coin before tossing it over to Thieram. The boy was all too happy to accept the very generous tip as he pocketed it.
"Ahh yes. It caused quite the ruckus last time I heard about it. The lanes kept talking about it for almost a week. People do love a good story, especially of monsters and heroes. All I could hear was Owl this, lightning that." Vander complained, throwing up his arms in exasperation.
"Saw two of your little flowers in my gym just now. Thought you only accepted girls but then again, that boy could pass off as one." He joked, making her laugh out loud.
"Don't let him hear that, he gets all pouty about it and no, he's not one of my flowers and neither is the pink one. Far too crude that one is, but just the kind of crude that you could polish into a gem." She replied with a chuckle before she looked back at him.
He grinned as he took a puff from his pipe. "I'll see what I can do. It's not every day you send a wayward charge to my gym." His playful smile soon gave way to a more easy going and relaxed one as he leaned back.
"Chit chat aside, what brings you to the lanes. You know how people here like to remain neutral." He replied as he gestured at some of the patrons who were scowling at her. Some looked away but others remained angry.
"The Barons are holding court about the recent incident. The lanes need a representative." Corina downed the last bit of her drink before getting off her chair. As if on cue, her entourage came back.
"We'll send someone there," Vander replied with a shrug.
"We both know who'll they send. They look up to you after all. After all, people do love the hero."
Vander frowned as he looked away. "I was never the hero, just a poor bloke who had to do what he had to do."
"I'm sorry for your loss by the way." Corina snapped her fingers and her enforcer pulled out a box from her pack. She laid it down on the table. The arm length box laid there innocently, hiding a weapon he thought would never be parted from its owner. He took the heavy box, feeling the weight of it in his arms. With it in his hands, he stood up and the two parted ways.
Returning back to his gym, he was soon greeted by the sight of the pink one knocking a tooth out of Milo's jaw in the ring. "You really need to stop flirting with every girl you see, Milo." Clagor said with a grin on his face. "Who knows, they might be a boy!" He added with a laugh causing the blonde on the ring side to groan.
Vander sighed, rough indeed.
Viktor
As a Zaunite, Viktor learned from a young age that life is often full of disappointments. Things as they say can happen and not everything goes accordingly. One such instance of it was the letter in his hand. It was the last letter he received from his correspondence with a professor from above. They were promises of a post in the prestigious post in the University of Piltover, the home of progress itself, but they were merely promises.
It'd been months since they last wrote back. He wasn't sure if they'll ever write back at this point. Still, it was merely a setback. One must learn to push themselves back up after every fall and it's not like he was out of options. Even if they called back, he wasn't going to even bother. The papers of his students towered above him and they need grading after all.
Opening the fire box of his office's heater, he tossed in the letter and watched it slowly burn to naught but dust and ash. Fitting with how his hopes turned to ashes in his mouth. Still, it was a reminder to him that not all promises would remain true.
"Skye, is there anything else on my schedule today?" He called out to his secretary/close confidant. She was the one that kept his schedule running perfectly while he devoted his time to tinkering and improving the various experimental designs he had on the lab.
"You have a meeting with your new apprenta and Viktor, please don't scare them off this time." Viktor rolled his eyes at the reminder.
"It's not my fault they couldn't handle a little blood." He replied a bit weakly. It wasn't that much blood in Viktors opinion
"Viktor, it was one of your experimental eyes. You were cutting a man's head open while the man was still awake."
"John was perfectly ok about it. He was even telling jokes to the class while we operated on him." Viktor chuckled at the memory, remembering the jokes the factory worker told. "But I'll make sure to handle them a bit more carefully this time . The Fredersen and the Vereza's recommended the boy after all." He added with a bit of distaste.
When his sponsor and a friend of theirs were pulling the strings, he couldn't say no. He was treading on thin ice all of the sudden which was making him leery about this potential Apprenta. Zaun's academy wasn't so isolated from politics as they claim to be.
Now, it's merely a matter of knowing what this apprenta would be like. "Do you think this Apprenta would be a pampered brat?" Viktor asked as he looked at the barebones files he had of the boy. He started reading it once more.
Ark of Clan Vereza, one of the Flower Baroness's wards. No records of formal schooling yet scored a decent score in the entrance exams. Viktor frowned at that. Something wasn't adding up. Was this boy homeschooled? He had asked around and he couldn't find any rumors of bribery. It honestly rankled him. It was like one of those problems that one just couldn't solve
Before his thoughts wandered off too far, he was soon notified that the source of his headache this morning finally came. "Viktor, he's here." Skye's voice called out as he heard the door close behind someone.
Placing the letter down, he sat up and went to greet this boy. What he found honestly made him all the more confused. The image of a pampered brat was torn down by a kid that looked more at home in the sumps than anywhere else. He also briefly questioned if the gender written on the boys files was wrong and what he got was in fact a girl.
The boy… wore ill-fitting clothes held together to his body by belts and buckles. His shirt and skirt? Were laundered and iron but there were still obvious signs of oil stains along with various signs of repairs. His boots were also a bit too big, probably something you can buy off a bargain bin. Then there were the boy's wings. He knew Zuanite fashion could be wild but wings?
Viktor's eyes were soon drawn on the boy's cheap prosthesis. They were barely functional ones though the lower part of his legs were of a weird design. They were not pillar like but curved. It was like he took a piece of metal and fashioned it in the shape of a bow and used it as a leg instead. It looked counter intuitive but there was a method to this madness as the prosthesis flexed and stretched as he shifted his weight from foot to foot.
"You can run with those, can't you?" Viktor said as he gestured at the boy's foot.
The boy blinked as he replied, "Most people often asked me about my wings but yes Professor." He then proceeded to demonstrate the freedom of mobility he had with it. Sure the thighs were a bit stiff considering his prosthesis was for his entire left leg but it was far superior than the plodding and heavy footed stomps of most prosthesis. Skye clapped at the display and soon enough, Viktor finds himself clapping as well.
"I must say that is quite ingenious." Viktor said, appreciating the work on the device.
"It's not really anything special. Just simple biomimicry, that's all." The boy said with a shrug.
Viktor had to admit, maybe he was wrong about the boy. Maybe there was potential in this one. "Ark, was it? Would you like it if I built you a replacement arm?" he asked. The boy's legs seemed to have gotten much of the boy's attention. It would be a shame if he had to be slowed down but something as simple as shoddily built arms.
"Yes but can I have one request for it, Professor?" The boy asked.
"I don't see why not?" Viktor cautioned. Customization wouldn't be a problem and might even better serve the user.
"Can you attach a retractable knife to it Professor?" As he asked that question, Viktor couldn't help but laugh. It was honestly refreshing hearing such a childish request. People here forget that a child's mind can be quite a potent force.
"Yes Mr. Ark, we'll give you a retractable blade. Before that, however, let me introduce myself." Viktor said before extending his left hand. "My name is Viktor, Head of the Robotics division of the College. You can call me by my name inside my office but you must call me Sir or Professor outside."
"Yes Si-Viktor." He replied as he shook Viktors hand with a firm shake.
A/N:
Annddd done. It took me a while before I got this done but I really needed this written. Things were a bit hectic on my end… things kept me occupied. Personal things as well as Arcane which was god damn good. Sorry for the late post but here we are.
Well, since Arcanes lore is different from the old one I'm operating on, so yeah… I'm not sure if this counts as AU or if Arcane is the AU. I'll be mixing and matching lore from both ends cause I do love the characters from Arcane.
So non crippled Viktor is a thing now. Also, Warwick is Vander's biological brother here. On other things, I think I had hinted that Irene worked for the Black Rose and here we are. Heh. From what I've been planning… I think there's one or two more Interludes after this before I go on to Act 2. Hopefully, I wouldn't go off on extended hiatus like this again… hahah…yeah. One last thing, I'd like to thank my Patrons for their support as well as Vyor. Without Vyor, the chapters would be a mess with all the missing punctuations.
Shameless Patron link here. A new mouse would be nice
Miss Irine
Irine stretched as she finished the last of her work for today. The budget for the month was finished, things were scheduled and letters to the parents written in advance. The small pile of paper and stack of letters littering her heavy iron desk was illuminated by her trusty desk lamp, the only source of light in her cold dark office. Placing down her pen, she flexed the aching joints of her wrist as she sighed out in relief. A nice relaxing cup of tea should help keep her awake as there were still a lot of things to check.
She leaned back against her swivel chair, loving the soft padding and the comfortable armrest, as she turned to the table beside her. It was filled with trophies and nicknacks from various other places yet the one that always catches her eyes was the broken shell of an orb sitting just beside her teapot.
Making sure her tea was still warm, she poured herself a cup of the wonderful fragrant drink and added in a very generous helping of milk and honey. She breathed in the scent, letting it fill her lungs before taking a sip. With how sweet it was, it was better described as milk with tea rather than tea with milk but that's how she liked things.
Her eyes wandered back to her table, seeing a letter from one of her favorite students. The image of the boy's distinct long locks of hair still filled her with amusement with how silky and shiny it was. It seemed that he was looking for more lessons concerning his magic. It was fun teaching someone so eager about it. The lack of fear and the sheer wonder in their eyes, though their damn consequence free attitude about magic should be fixed. There was no restraint there.
She felt a yawn bubble up from her chest, eyes feeling heavy. Glancing at the clock, she only noticed now that it was already getting quite late. It was difficult to tell what time it was in the undercity with the near eternal night shrouding Zaun.
The shadows of her office danced as the lights of her desk lamp flickered for a bit. She needed to get that one topped up lest she'll be forced to use the lights from her office. The school's budget was already strained enough, best not to waste more money lest she had to contact the main office. Speaking to the main office meant that she needed to speak to Her.
It was then she smelt an ever so familiar scent of fragrant smoke of a pipe spreading across her room. Speaking of the devil, here she comes. Turning back to her desk, she reached down and pulled on the lowermost cabinet to reveal an ornate mirror inside. Retrieving the object, she held it in front of her and looked back at her reflection.
Unlike the other more magical things in her office, the mirror lacked any hint of magic. Neither spark nor glow emanated from the object and not even a hint of mana could be discerned but that didn't stop her when she wanted a chat. Slowly, her reflection was obscured by a fog and nothing but the outline of her face could be seen as the fog rippled and swirled inside.
Before long, her benefactor finally arrived. Like curtains parting, the smoke revealed a familiar face within. Her infuriating, taunting smile greeted her as she looked into the mirror. "Irene! It's been so long, how's Zaun treating you my dear?". Mistress Leblanc was still as flawless as of the day she left the academy. She was the envy of all the students of the Black Rose academy.
Irine was many things. To her students she's the scary principle that all delinquents learned to fear while to her student's parents, she was a hard working immigrant who strived to give their children a future. In truth, she was more than your average educator. While she was all of the above, she was also an agent of the Black Rose.
Being an educator was merely a role she became accustomed to. It was a useful facade, a relaxing one even for there was barely any mask to hide her true self. Maybe it was her true face, yet things could get blurry after growing up in the snake pit that was the Black Rose academy.
"It's been only a week since I had my last report, mistress…" She replied exasperatedly but her mistress acted as if it's been ages since they last talked.
Mistress Leblanc chortled at her reply. "Oh don't be like that dear, you know you can always call me Leblanc."
"Of course mistress." Seeing her mistress pout was always jarring despite how often she does it. It was always unnerving seeing her like this.
"Then again, you were always the responsible one. Being an educator does seem to suit you well..." She added as Irene felt her superiors eyes on her, judging her. The oppressive weight of her stare was soon lifted as her mistress then asked, "Well enough chit chat for now. What's the current situation in Zuan and Piltover?"
"Zaun has been restless ever since the Vereza's made a move against one of the young upstarts Barons. The uncovering of illegal void research only further justified their act."
"Illegal void research you say? That is quite juicy gossip." Irene's brow twitched at that. She was intel gathering, they were not gossip mongering…
"The Piltovan's, of course, are getting a bit nosy about it but they didn't pry into things with how swiftly the incident was resolved. A void monster was unleashed in one of Zaun's districts but it was swiftly taken care of." Irene felt the ghost of a smile on her cheeks at who exactly killed the beast.
"Ohhh, is that a smile I see~? Come on, spill! You know who this hero is don't you~?" Her mistressed asked as she leaned in closer.
"It was one of my students. You might remember him from my report several weeks ago."
"Nooo, you're not suggesting it's that boy are you? The one you mistook for a girl?"
"That would be him, mistress." Irene replied with no small measure of pride.
"It's such a shame that we moved far too late on that one. Still, the situation can be salvaged. From what you've sent last time, you've only taught him the basics. Make sure you teach him some of the Academy's techniques but don't go overboard with it." She replied. It was times like this that Irene questioned why Leblanc wanted reports when she had this uncanny ability to know things before she even tells her.
"Yes mistress." I was already going to teach the boy. This only made it more official.
"Hmm, you said he had sisters right dear?" Irene frowned a bit but she merely nodded as she couldn't lie to her. She wanted to, but it was an exercise of futility. "Be sure to keep an eye on them. I have a feeling that we might have some use of them in the future. Maybe one of them is just as gifted as he is."
With those words, the image on the mirror faded away leaving Irene alone once more. It was only then that she could finally breathe out a sigh of relief. Turning her attention to the boy's letter, she leaned back on her chair as she opened it and read it once more. "You sure do live in interesting times Mr. Ark."
Vander
Vander stared back at the scarred reflection as sweat dribbled down his form. His hands clad in iron as he raised his guard high. Rapid jabs, hooks and crosses shot out to an imaginary enemy. He weaved against the imaginary claws of his opponent, almost feeling the razor sharp claws up against the old scars running from his shoulders and down his biceps with each punch.
He kept going, pushing himself until the ringing bells of the clock ran out. It was only after the timer rang did he finally eased up and let his hands down. The heavy weight of his gloves never get lighter, all he can do was keep himself in shape so he can raise them up when he needed too
"Milo, get some fresh towels will you?" He asked as he pulled a hand free from his glove and grabbed a bottle of water to drink.
"Can't Claggor do it?" Milo asked as he went off to fetch some. Even facing away from the two and amidst the cacophony that was his gym and the bar connected to it, he could still hear the two bickering. Why it's not that hard to imagine them already making faces at each other. They'll grow out of it… eventually.
Vanders ears perked up as he heard the bell attached to the door rings. Turning to the door, he greeted the couple that entered his gym. There entered a blonde kid with wings? And a redheaded girl with tattoos of roses in her neck. What a curious pair he thought to himself.
"Welcome to the Till the Last Round gym, what can I do for you?" The momentary flinch by the two made Vander blink.
The momentary look of fear was all too hard to miss. They were looking at the terrible scars on his face and body but at his face. He snorted at that as he then asked them. "I guess you met my brother?"
"You can say that." The redhead replied as she absent mindedly reached for her stomach. Vander nodded, as he gestured for them to follow him to the desk at the back of the gym. The two followed suit.
"Did you kick his teeth in when you last met him?" Vander asked jokingly as he placed down his heavy iron gloves on the old scratch up wooden desk before sitting down. He reached for his pipe as well as the forms for them to fill up for a proper membership. "Now where are those forms…" he muttered as he rummaged through the drawers.
"He's... dead" The blonde replied as he and the girl sat down in front of him. That got Vander to pause for a bit just as he was about to grab the proper forms. He looked back at them, his eyes gazing at the two before he focused on the blonde one before he looked away. The hardness in eyes told him all he needed to know. Vander took in a deep breath as he leaned back on the chair and grabbed a match for his pipe instead.
Lighting his pipe, he took a light puff before letting it out. "It… was bound to happen. Don't blame you on that one. He can be a right prick…" He sighed out as heavy weight seemed to set on his shoulder. His hands tracing at the scars in his forearm
The girl snorted at that as she said "You can say that. For someone related to him, you don't sound that upset." All Vander had to do was point at the scars running across his face, the ones that almost took out his eye. "Point." she conceded.
There was silence between them for a while as Vander took his time to process it all in. The frown on his face soon gave way to a sad smile as he then asked. "Well, let bygones be bygones. I assume you two want a membership?"
"Well, it's more my girlfriend here but I wouldn't mind one as well." The boy replied as he reached out for the redhead's hands.
'Kids these days' Vander resisted rolling his eyes at the too lovey dovey couple as he reached out for the forms and gave them. "Now, that'll be a fee of…" he made his usual spiel about the price as well as the perks, "Membership would entail you access to the heated showers as well as a 10% discount on my other shop, the Till the Last Drop bar just beside here."
The two looked at each other before nodding. "Heated showers?" The girl asked as the two started filling out the forms. The golden glint of a ring on her hand was not too hard to miss. He had to reiterate things. 'Kids these days indeed.'
"That makes the membership worth it." Vander smirked at that. Nobody could resist the heated showers. While he was waiting for them to finish things, his attention was called by Milo who finally got the towels he asked for earlier
"Umm, Vander… there's an old lady asking for you. She has scary guards." he said. Vander looked at the door behind the boy and found himself looking at an old familiar face.
"Excuse me for a second, an old friend of mine just visited. This shouldn't take long." Vander excuse himself as he wiped away the sweat from his brow. Exiting the gym and entering his bar, he was immediately greeted by the raucous atmosphere. Making his way past the new bartender he hired, Thieram, a good Zaunite lad if a bit skittish, who was busily making a drink for the old chem baroness, he greeted her as old friends do.
"Corina! Still as lovely as the day I left your district!" The woman smiled as her entourage stared at him for his gall.
"Vander, still as cheeky as ever I see." Thieram poured her a drink as he sat down beside her. The elderly baroness then gestured for her entourage to go outside. One of them looked like she was about to protest but a stern look from the older woman had her remaining quiet as she and the rest of the guards went outside.
"That one needs more training." Vander pointed out with a puff from his pipe.
"She'll get used to it. She's one of my newer enforcers." Corina replied as she swirled her drink.
"You're burning through them quite fast eh?"
"It's not my fault they're not made of sterner stuff. Lost her predecessor to that fight a few weeks ago." She took a sip from the drink before nodding. "Not bad, here go get yourself something nice dear." She took out a gold coin before tossing it over to Thieram. The boy was all too happy to accept the very generous tip as he pocketed it.
"Ahh yes. It caused quite the ruckus last time I heard about it. The lanes kept talking about it for almost a week. People do love a good story, especially of monsters and heroes. All I could hear was Owl this, lightning that." Vander complained, throwing up his arms in exasperation.
"Saw two of your little flowers in my gym just now. Thought you only accepted girls but then again, that boy could pass off as one." He joked, making her laugh out loud.
"Don't let him hear that, he gets all pouty about it and no, he's not one of my flowers and neither is the pink one. Far too crude that one is, but just the kind of crude that you could polish into a gem." She replied with a chuckle before she looked back at him.
He grinned as he took a puff from his pipe. "I'll see what I can do. It's not every day you send a wayward charge to my gym." His playful smile soon gave way to a more easy going and relaxed one as he leaned back.
"Chit chat aside, what brings you to the lanes. You know how people here like to remain neutral." He replied as he gestured at some of the patrons who were scowling at her. Some looked away but others remained angry.
"The Barons are holding court about the recent incident. The lanes need a representative." Corina downed the last bit of her drink before getting off her chair. As if on cue, her entourage came back.
"We'll send someone there," Vander replied with a shrug.
"We both know who'll they send. They look up to you after all. After all, people do love the hero."
Vander frowned as he looked away. "I was never the hero, just a poor bloke who had to do what he had to do."
"I'm sorry for your loss by the way." Corina snapped her fingers and her enforcer pulled out a box from her pack. She laid it down on the table. The arm length box laid there innocently, hiding a weapon he thought would never be parted from its owner. He took the heavy box, feeling the weight of it in his arms. With it in his hands, he stood up and the two parted ways.
Returning back to his gym, he was soon greeted by the sight of the pink one knocking a tooth out of Milo's jaw in the ring. "You really need to stop flirting with every girl you see, Milo." Clagor said with a grin on his face. "Who knows, they might be a boy!" He added with a laugh causing the blonde on the ring side to groan.
Vander sighed, rough indeed.
Viktor
As a Zaunite, Viktor learned from a young age that life is often full of disappointments. Things as they say can happen and not everything goes accordingly. One such instance of it was the letter in his hand. It was the last letter he received from his correspondence with a professor from above. They were promises of a post in the prestigious post in the University of Piltover, the home of progress itself, but they were merely promises.
It'd been months since they last wrote back. He wasn't sure if they'll ever write back at this point. Still, it was merely a setback. One must learn to push themselves back up after every fall and it's not like he was out of options. Even if they called back, he wasn't going to even bother. The papers of his students towered above him and they need grading after all.
Opening the fire box of his office's heater, he tossed in the letter and watched it slowly burn to naught but dust and ash. Fitting with how his hopes turned to ashes in his mouth. Still, it was a reminder to him that not all promises would remain true.
"Skye, is there anything else on my schedule today?" He called out to his secretary/close confidant. She was the one that kept his schedule running perfectly while he devoted his time to tinkering and improving the various experimental designs he had on the lab.
"You have a meeting with your new apprenta and Viktor, please don't scare them off this time." Viktor rolled his eyes at the reminder.
"It's not my fault they couldn't handle a little blood." He replied a bit weakly. It wasn't that much blood in Viktors opinion
"Viktor, it was one of your experimental eyes. You were cutting a man's head open while the man was still awake."
"John was perfectly ok about it. He was even telling jokes to the class while we operated on him." Viktor chuckled at the memory, remembering the jokes the factory worker told. "But I'll make sure to handle them a bit more carefully this time . The Fredersen and the Vereza's recommended the boy after all." He added with a bit of distaste.
When his sponsor and a friend of theirs were pulling the strings, he couldn't say no. He was treading on thin ice all of the sudden which was making him leery about this potential Apprenta. Zaun's academy wasn't so isolated from politics as they claim to be.
Now, it's merely a matter of knowing what this apprenta would be like. "Do you think this Apprenta would be a pampered brat?" Viktor asked as he looked at the barebones files he had of the boy. He started reading it once more.
Ark of Clan Vereza, one of the Flower Baroness's wards. No records of formal schooling yet scored a decent score in the entrance exams. Viktor frowned at that. Something wasn't adding up. Was this boy homeschooled? He had asked around and he couldn't find any rumors of bribery. It honestly rankled him. It was like one of those problems that one just couldn't solve
Before his thoughts wandered off too far, he was soon notified that the source of his headache this morning finally came. "Viktor, he's here." Skye's voice called out as he heard the door close behind someone.
Placing the letter down, he sat up and went to greet this boy. What he found honestly made him all the more confused. The image of a pampered brat was torn down by a kid that looked more at home in the sumps than anywhere else. He also briefly questioned if the gender written on the boys files was wrong and what he got was in fact a girl.
The boy… wore ill-fitting clothes held together to his body by belts and buckles. His shirt and skirt? Were laundered and iron but there were still obvious signs of oil stains along with various signs of repairs. His boots were also a bit too big, probably something you can buy off a bargain bin. Then there were the boy's wings. He knew Zuanite fashion could be wild but wings?
Viktor's eyes were soon drawn on the boy's cheap prosthesis. They were barely functional ones though the lower part of his legs were of a weird design. They were not pillar like but curved. It was like he took a piece of metal and fashioned it in the shape of a bow and used it as a leg instead. It looked counter intuitive but there was a method to this madness as the prosthesis flexed and stretched as he shifted his weight from foot to foot.
"You can run with those, can't you?" Viktor said as he gestured at the boy's foot.
The boy blinked as he replied, "Most people often asked me about my wings but yes Professor." He then proceeded to demonstrate the freedom of mobility he had with it. Sure the thighs were a bit stiff considering his prosthesis was for his entire left leg but it was far superior than the plodding and heavy footed stomps of most prosthesis. Skye clapped at the display and soon enough, Viktor finds himself clapping as well.
"I must say that is quite ingenious." Viktor said, appreciating the work on the device.
"It's not really anything special. Just simple biomimicry, that's all." The boy said with a shrug.
Viktor had to admit, maybe he was wrong about the boy. Maybe there was potential in this one. "Ark, was it? Would you like it if I built you a replacement arm?" he asked. The boy's legs seemed to have gotten much of the boy's attention. It would be a shame if he had to be slowed down but something as simple as shoddily built arms.
"Yes but can I have one request for it, Professor?" The boy asked.
"I don't see why not?" Viktor cautioned. Customization wouldn't be a problem and might even better serve the user.
"Can you attach a retractable knife to it Professor?" As he asked that question, Viktor couldn't help but laugh. It was honestly refreshing hearing such a childish request. People here forget that a child's mind can be quite a potent force.
"Yes Mr. Ark, we'll give you a retractable blade. Before that, however, let me introduce myself." Viktor said before extending his left hand. "My name is Viktor, Head of the Robotics division of the College. You can call me by my name inside my office but you must call me Sir or Professor outside."
"Yes Si-Viktor." He replied as he shook Viktors hand with a firm shake.
A/N:
Annddd done. It took me a while before I got this done but I really needed this written. Things were a bit hectic on my end… things kept me occupied. Personal things as well as Arcane which was god damn good. Sorry for the late post but here we are.
Well, since Arcanes lore is different from the old one I'm operating on, so yeah… I'm not sure if this counts as AU or if Arcane is the AU. I'll be mixing and matching lore from both ends cause I do love the characters from Arcane.
So non crippled Viktor is a thing now. Also, Warwick is Vander's biological brother here. On other things, I think I had hinted that Irene worked for the Black Rose and here we are. Heh. From what I've been planning… I think there's one or two more Interludes after this before I go on to Act 2. Hopefully, I wouldn't go off on extended hiatus like this again… hahah…yeah. One last thing, I'd like to thank my Patrons for their support as well as Vyor. Without Vyor, the chapters would be a mess with all the missing punctuations.
Shameless Patron link here. A new mouse would be nice
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- Location
- Oklahoma
Warwick confirmed dead?! Feels bad man, mah wolfie boi was a tough nut. We knew ye not well at all.
Mc should mıdify and upgrade his arm and leg prostethics with most modern technologies and with his brackern crystal and other hex crystal to enhance them with hextech with viktors help!!!!!!!!!
Cutting edge it is honestly I hope mc ushers a era of biopunk and cyberpunk tech alomg with movments of transhumanism and posthumanism aided by genetic,biochemical,cybernetic and nanomachine augmentation movments!!!!!!!!!
Sure the cities of zaun and piltover are advanced but mc cam push it even further with his own knowledge of electronics , electric computers knowledge about energy systems şike solar,thermal,hydro dam fisson ext and more
Cutting edge it is honestly I hope mc ushers a era of biopunk and cyberpunk tech alomg with movments of transhumanism and posthumanism aided by genetic,biochemical,cybernetic and nanomachine augmentation movments!!!!!!!!!
Sure the cities of zaun and piltover are advanced but mc cam push it even further with his own knowledge of electronics , electric computers knowledge about energy systems şike solar,thermal,hydro dam fisson ext and more
- Pronouns
- He
This is the first time I've ever joined a Fanfics Patreon, but it's worth supporting you for this amazing fanfic
I've always been searching for a good LOL fanfic so when I found this I was really happy
Keep up the great work
I've always been searching for a good LOL fanfic so when I found this I was really happy
Keep up the great work
Snowdown Special
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
Snowdown Special
It was once again winter time in Zaun. Fresh snow fell from above, piercing even the ever constant veil of the Grey that hung over Zuan. With the snow, came the cold and frost that saught to snuff out every last bit of warmth there was in the city. Still, not even the miserable weather could bring the spirit of Zaun down any further.
The cold only brought communities closer as they huddled among shared fireplaces, sharing tales and eating meals. Everyone gathered together in their own little groups, not wanting to spend the winter alone and miserable. Only the most miserly of chembarons would want to spend their time alone, not that the people were complaining as celebrations were often much more joyous without them. In one such gathering, there upon the heart of Zaun itself, was where the most unlikely legend began.
The people inside the bar of Till the Last Drop were having a merry time. The adults were sharing drinks among themselves while their children gathered around a boy who told such fantastical stories that he had his audience listening in rapt attention. No one could leave their children at home at this time of year and the bar had a massive fireplace to keep them all warm. The fact that one of the bar patrons was a decent story teller was only a bonus.
"And thus concludes the Tale of the Two Brothers. No matter how Volibear tried to ruin Snowdown, Ornn will always be there to foil his brother's dastardly tricks." Said Ark as he turned the page of a massive pop up book. His audience giggled at the amusing scene that popped up from the books pages. There on the next page was the comical image of Volibear swearing atop a mountain of stolen presents while Ornn was carried atop Anivia with an equally comically large bag of gifts upon her talon. They were guided across the night sky by none other than Janna herself who called upon the north wind to help Anivia with her impossible task.
The children cheered while Jinx scoffed at the tale. "Again! Again!" Shouted the kids as they clamored for an encore of the tale and Ark could only grin as it seemed even Jinx wanted to hear it again as she glanced at him. Vi could only shake her head in amusement while she sat down beside him sipping some eggnog.
"Now now, that was the third retelling and my voice is getting a bit sore so it'll have to be next time. It's already getting late so we'll have to go for now but I promise you, we'll be back." Ark replied as he closed his book of stories. Various awws and groans filled the bar but the kids were soon fetched by their parents who thanked the trio for keeping their children entertained even for a little while. The small pile of bronze and even some silver was also a much appreciated tip.
As the trio headed home, passing by other groups who huddled close together, Ark asked "So how did you like my Snowdown Special?"
"It was ok I guess. It's a good story for children" Jinx replied as she looked away.
"Oh come on, don't tell you didn't want to join those kids when they asked for a second and third time." Vi teasingly said as she poked a sputtering Jinx.
"I did not!" replied an indignant Jinx as she denied it vehemently. All she received for her effort was having her hair ruffled by Vi and Ark chuckling at her expense. Jinx pouted as she finally caved it. "Fine, fine, I kinda liked it. Volibear was silly and I liked how Ornn saved Snowdown" she said with a faint smile on her lips.
"Hey, maybe Ornn will send you a gift this Solstice." Ark then said, making Jinx snort in amusement.
"And Vi gets a sock of coal." Jinx teased back to her sister whose turn it was to be indignant.
"How am I the Volibear here all of a sudden!?" Vi shouted to which Jinx replied with a raspberry
"Cause you're a big meanie to me right now." Jinx said just as she ducked under a grab by her older sister. She sprinted off ahead as she shouted "Catch me if you can!" and off the two chased their wayward sibling as they raced back home. They did manage to catch up to her just before they got home thanks to a snowball.
Jinx skidded to a halt as she felt the snowball hit her in the back of her head. She turned back to see a panting Vi and Ark floating with wings outstretched beside her, each with a snowball in hand.
"Oh it's on!" Jinx shouted as she ducked under the next volley and scooped up her own snowball. The return fire was as accurate as it was deadly as it flew straight at Vi's face. The redhead wiped her face clean as Jinx laughed at the look she had in her face. Even Ark joined in but this only made Vi throw a snowball at his face.
"Traitor!" Ark howled out in glee as he fired back making the snow ball fight a three way one.
"You started it!" Vi shouted as she hid behind cover and started gathering a large amount of snow.
"It was only a chuckle!" Ark shouted back as she dodged the manic firing of Jinx. The bluenette proved to be an endless well of boundless energy as she threw small yet numerous snow balls.
"You were laughing! Now it's my turn!" Vi shouted as she stood up from behind her cover as she carried a massive snowball above her head. Vi laughed out loudly as she threw it half heartedly making sure not to be that accurate with her aim, yet it still sent Ark and Jinx scrambling. The ball of snow sailed across the air and exploded when it hit Jinx's cover.
The snowball fight just outside their home would go on for hours leaving Jinx spent by the time they finished. The howling winds didn't bode well, so they headed inside where it was warm and cozy. Jinx fell asleep almost as soon as they settled in.
Vi and Ark tucked in Jinx for the night while they stayed up for a bit longer. There in the kitchen, they sat together with Ark on Vi's lap. Ark remained diminutive even as both sisters grew which made him the smaller spoon when it came to cuddling, not that he minded.
"I think we should decorate our home for the Winter Solstice." Ark suddenly said as he sipped a cup of warm milk
"Like in your story earlier?" Vi asked as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Yeah. It'll be fun." Ark replied as he snuggled in closer and enjoyed her warmth. It was cold, far too cold for his taste. He wished he wore more socks right now.
"Hah, you're always looking for an excuse for a celebration." Vi poked at Ark's cheeks to which Ark simply smiled back.
"Like I said.~ Plus, I'm sure Jinx would love to decorate the Solstice Tree. 'And thus the children of the world erected a tall tree with a shining star of gold on top to guide Ornn on where he should drop his gifts for the world'. " Ark said, quoting a line from his work
"She'll stay up all night guarding that tree from Volibear." Vi then said, making Ark laugh at the image it brought up in his mind.
"Yeah but it'll be worth it to see her face if she suddenly wakes up to a gift on her bed." Ark started before his mind wandered off as he looked outside. It was snowing pretty hard and he remembered the times he was alone and trying to keep himself warm underground. Making some extra gifts to drop around wouldn't hurt.
And so, Ark got to work. It was still a week or so before the Solstice. He spent his time making and buying gifts for Vi and Jinx. For Vi, he bought several sets of clothes, some of which was for both of them to enjoy in private, along with a pair of sturdy and stylish(in his opinion) new steel toed boots.
As for Jinx, he also bought some sets of clothes, a box of tools for her tinkering; which he made all on his own to make sure they were as good as they could get with current machining technology; and a knife. A knife was always a good thing to have.
On the extra gifts he was making, he kept making toys as well as warm articles of clothing. The toys were nothing special but they were sturdy and much better to look at than any scrap toys out there. As for the articles of clothes, he kept it with scarves and gloves. He wished that he knew how to make nylon and polyester but that was a long way off. This was all he could think of for now and cheap enough he could make them en masse.
Sometimes, he would find himself falling asleep in front of his desk or the mechanized sewing machine he had just bought. 'Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to keep working on these gifts with all the responsibilities I have,' he thought to himself.
"Hey Ark, I know you're trying to make gifts but don't wear yourself out ok?" Admonished Vi as she gave him a cup of hot milk to keep him warm while he worked on.
"I'll be fine, just need to do some last minute gifts." Ark yawned as he pulled the blanket over himself a bit closer.
And so the days passed and the toys and clothing piled up until his and Vi's room was brimming with them. Every nook and cranny was jam packed with simple toys. From rubik's cubes to dolls and from chess boards to simple snakes and ladders, such a variety of toys now lined his workshop.
The actual day of the solstice was a joyous affair. It was only the three of them but it was a big enough crowd to celebrate in Arks opinion. With their room bedecked in Christmas decorations along with a tree made from painted bottle brushes. Food aplenty was placed upon the table while gifts were placed beneath the tree.
Much to Ark's surprise, there were a duo of roughly wrapped gifts, one for him and another for Vi. With the glitters and liberal use of pink paint, he knew exactly who made those. It was long and cylindrical and Ark had no idea what was inside with how much wrapping was used.
"Who could that be from? That wasn't there just a minute ago." Jinx said as she whistled innocently. Ark couldn't help but pull the younger girl into a hug.
"Less touchy feely!" Jinx shouted but her actions betrayed her thoughts as she pulled herself into the hug.
"Group hug!" Vi's bone crushing hug only made it more cozy despite the bruising.
The trio spent the rest of the night talking and just spending time with each other. Ark pulled out the pile of cookies and warm glass of eggnog for Ornn as midnight approached. Vi meanwhile tended to the fire in the oven as she readied it for a certain ritual Ark thought would be appropriate as he wrote those in the story he had for Snowdown.
"You sure you don't want to read this?" asked a bleary eyed Jinx as she looked at the letter in her hand.
"Yup. Off it goes to Ornn but maybe I could have a little peek? I wonder what embarrassing things you wrote in that letter?" Ark replied with a grin to which Jinx replied by tossing the letter to the fire in haste.
"Too late." She yawned as he tossed the letter inside the oven. Vi and Ark's letter followed soon and thus their request to Ornn was sent on its merry way.
"So Jinx, you sure you want to stay up for the night?" Ark asked as he sat down on the comfortable chair. The cushioned seat and backrest was making his eyes a bit heavy but he could last a bit longer. He still had some deliveries to make after all
"Yeah… just need to have a few minutes of shut eye… can you wake me up mmmkay?" Jinx asked as she yawned. She curled up beneath the large Snowdown tree and dozed off. The two waited for a few minutes before she started snoring away, having gone to the land of sleep and oblivious to the world around her.
"I'll carry her to bed. Going for a trip tonight right?" Vi asked as she lifted her younger sister up.
"Yeah. Going to rest for a bit. It's been a long day." Ark replied as he yawned.
Vi rolled her eyes as she teased "Don't go sleeping on me ok?"
Vi came back to Ark dozing off on his own, drooling a bit as he failed to remain awake. Vi smiled as she shook her head. This was exactly what she warned about. Still, she could always wake him up. It was so warm and comfortable beside him. Sharing a blanket with him, she kissed him on the forehead before snuggling up beside him. She soon dozed off as well.
It was only at the crack of the new dawn did Ark bolt awake. Vi was jolted awake as Ark realized how he missed his delivery. Ark groaned at the ruined surprise he could have done.
"We could always do it today. Besides, I think the kids down at the Sumps would like it better to see the gifts coming from you." Vi said, trying to cheer him up, as she led the way to their room
"Yeah, it's just I've been planning this for so long and it gets ruined." Ark replied with a defeated tone before he opened the door to their room. For a brief second, Arks' heart froze as he saw naught but a room devoid of presents. For a hot second, he thought they were robbed but it was only the presents that were gone.
The two searched the house, trying to find where the presents went. Even Jinx joined in as she woke up
"Umm… Urk, honey, I think you should see this." called out Vi from their room.
Ark found her holding a metal plate with glowing letters. It was quite the peculiar message if he was to be honest. There written on the tablet was these words:
GOT YOUR LETTERS. DROPPED BY TO GIVE YOU PRESENTS. REQUEST VAGUE, MADE YOUR PRESENTS BETTER iNSTEAD.YOU STILL HAD PRESENTS TO DELIVER BUT YOU'RE ASLEEP. DELIVERED THEM FOR YOU. BE GOOD BOYS AND GIRLS
-ORNN
"Ok… I know you like pulling off elaborate stunts but I didn't know you'd do this. Nice touch on the letter though. Feels warm like it came fresh from a forge." Jinx replied as she inspected the letter and marveled at the craftsman ship.
"I didn't do this… Vi and I were planning something else." Ark said to which Vi nodded in agreement
"This… 'Ornn' said he left presents" Vi said. Ark had a feeling that he knew what gifts were tampered. He and his family went off to go to the tree to find three wooden boxes. He found his presents looking like someone pulled out items from inside them without unwrapping them. Jinx looked pissed as her present for him was unwrapped.
Still, they had Vi pull out her crowbar to open the boxes and out came three items. A boot, a pair of daggers and a blue sword. The boots were for Vi, the daggers were for Jinx and the sword was for Ark.
"A Mercury Tread?" Ark said as he recognized the boots he had made. They were still the materials he used but this Ornn remade it into a game item he still recognized after all these years. He was starting to believe that he might have just contacted another supernatural being.
"I like them. Feels like I could kick a wall and it'll be the wall that's going to be dented instead of the boots" Vi said as she tried them on and tested them.
"Wait, if that's what that is called then what are these? Woah, they're very light." Jinx said as she lifted up a pair of yellow daggers. Despite their size, Jinx wielded them like they weighed as much as a feather.
"Those are called Zeals…" Ark said in disbelief at the second item but it was the third item that caught his attention the most. He grabbed the blade and lifted it up. The blue blade was almost unmistakable but It wasn't quite like the Sheen he knew, it looked more like…
"Sting!" Jinx gasped.
"Wait, you made that sword for me?" Ark asked, amused at what blade she tried to copy.
"What? It was a Solstice present and and I want to make it pretty." Jinx replied
Their day would get a whole lot weirder as cries of surprise and joy filled the halls outside of their apartment and even the streets outside. People were celebrating as they found themselves with gifts. Children run around with their new toys while the adults wore new gloves and scarves. Ark couldn't help but laugh. It was a miracle.
"Did Ornn did this?" Vi asked a bit dumbfounded at what happened
"I think he did… I think he did…" Ark said as he closed the window and decided today was too weird of a day to go out
While Zaun celebrated, a certain being sat beneath the mountains as he feasted on a huge plate of cookies and a mug of eggnog. He snorted in amusement as he watched his brother having to deal with being buried by an avalanche of coal.
A/N:
If you can, please take your time to visit the kink below and take you time to read it. Got a friend in need and this is the best that I can do for now:
https://gogetfunding.com/pandemic-and-flood-lifeline/
On the chapter above... Suprise? Its a late Christmas special. A very late one... Haha, yeah sorry about that. This was supposed to be written before Christmas but was having a hard time starting this one. It kinda got put on hold for later again and again until I decided to just sit down and finish it. Well, it came out in one go.
This was a fun thing to write. Threat this as either canon or non canon on your discretion. Tis a silly chapter but a warm and fuzzy one. Kinda my take on how Snowdown in Runeterra gets more gift giving with Ornn as the Gift Maker spreading joy to the people of the world. Also, Volibear the grinch cause he's an asshole lol. Hope you had a merry christmas and a happy new year.
Shoutout to my newest Patron Roman Torchwick. Thank you. Also, I'd like to thank Vyor once more for Beta'ing this chapter. Without him, thjs would be a train wreck of a chapter
It was once again winter time in Zaun. Fresh snow fell from above, piercing even the ever constant veil of the Grey that hung over Zuan. With the snow, came the cold and frost that saught to snuff out every last bit of warmth there was in the city. Still, not even the miserable weather could bring the spirit of Zaun down any further.
The cold only brought communities closer as they huddled among shared fireplaces, sharing tales and eating meals. Everyone gathered together in their own little groups, not wanting to spend the winter alone and miserable. Only the most miserly of chembarons would want to spend their time alone, not that the people were complaining as celebrations were often much more joyous without them. In one such gathering, there upon the heart of Zaun itself, was where the most unlikely legend began.
The people inside the bar of Till the Last Drop were having a merry time. The adults were sharing drinks among themselves while their children gathered around a boy who told such fantastical stories that he had his audience listening in rapt attention. No one could leave their children at home at this time of year and the bar had a massive fireplace to keep them all warm. The fact that one of the bar patrons was a decent story teller was only a bonus.
"And thus concludes the Tale of the Two Brothers. No matter how Volibear tried to ruin Snowdown, Ornn will always be there to foil his brother's dastardly tricks." Said Ark as he turned the page of a massive pop up book. His audience giggled at the amusing scene that popped up from the books pages. There on the next page was the comical image of Volibear swearing atop a mountain of stolen presents while Ornn was carried atop Anivia with an equally comically large bag of gifts upon her talon. They were guided across the night sky by none other than Janna herself who called upon the north wind to help Anivia with her impossible task.
The children cheered while Jinx scoffed at the tale. "Again! Again!" Shouted the kids as they clamored for an encore of the tale and Ark could only grin as it seemed even Jinx wanted to hear it again as she glanced at him. Vi could only shake her head in amusement while she sat down beside him sipping some eggnog.
"Now now, that was the third retelling and my voice is getting a bit sore so it'll have to be next time. It's already getting late so we'll have to go for now but I promise you, we'll be back." Ark replied as he closed his book of stories. Various awws and groans filled the bar but the kids were soon fetched by their parents who thanked the trio for keeping their children entertained even for a little while. The small pile of bronze and even some silver was also a much appreciated tip.
As the trio headed home, passing by other groups who huddled close together, Ark asked "So how did you like my Snowdown Special?"
"It was ok I guess. It's a good story for children" Jinx replied as she looked away.
"Oh come on, don't tell you didn't want to join those kids when they asked for a second and third time." Vi teasingly said as she poked a sputtering Jinx.
"I did not!" replied an indignant Jinx as she denied it vehemently. All she received for her effort was having her hair ruffled by Vi and Ark chuckling at her expense. Jinx pouted as she finally caved it. "Fine, fine, I kinda liked it. Volibear was silly and I liked how Ornn saved Snowdown" she said with a faint smile on her lips.
"Hey, maybe Ornn will send you a gift this Solstice." Ark then said, making Jinx snort in amusement.
"And Vi gets a sock of coal." Jinx teased back to her sister whose turn it was to be indignant.
"How am I the Volibear here all of a sudden!?" Vi shouted to which Jinx replied with a raspberry
"Cause you're a big meanie to me right now." Jinx said just as she ducked under a grab by her older sister. She sprinted off ahead as she shouted "Catch me if you can!" and off the two chased their wayward sibling as they raced back home. They did manage to catch up to her just before they got home thanks to a snowball.
Jinx skidded to a halt as she felt the snowball hit her in the back of her head. She turned back to see a panting Vi and Ark floating with wings outstretched beside her, each with a snowball in hand.
"Oh it's on!" Jinx shouted as she ducked under the next volley and scooped up her own snowball. The return fire was as accurate as it was deadly as it flew straight at Vi's face. The redhead wiped her face clean as Jinx laughed at the look she had in her face. Even Ark joined in but this only made Vi throw a snowball at his face.
"Traitor!" Ark howled out in glee as he fired back making the snow ball fight a three way one.
"You started it!" Vi shouted as she hid behind cover and started gathering a large amount of snow.
"It was only a chuckle!" Ark shouted back as she dodged the manic firing of Jinx. The bluenette proved to be an endless well of boundless energy as she threw small yet numerous snow balls.
"You were laughing! Now it's my turn!" Vi shouted as she stood up from behind her cover as she carried a massive snowball above her head. Vi laughed out loudly as she threw it half heartedly making sure not to be that accurate with her aim, yet it still sent Ark and Jinx scrambling. The ball of snow sailed across the air and exploded when it hit Jinx's cover.
The snowball fight just outside their home would go on for hours leaving Jinx spent by the time they finished. The howling winds didn't bode well, so they headed inside where it was warm and cozy. Jinx fell asleep almost as soon as they settled in.
Vi and Ark tucked in Jinx for the night while they stayed up for a bit longer. There in the kitchen, they sat together with Ark on Vi's lap. Ark remained diminutive even as both sisters grew which made him the smaller spoon when it came to cuddling, not that he minded.
"I think we should decorate our home for the Winter Solstice." Ark suddenly said as he sipped a cup of warm milk
"Like in your story earlier?" Vi asked as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Yeah. It'll be fun." Ark replied as he snuggled in closer and enjoyed her warmth. It was cold, far too cold for his taste. He wished he wore more socks right now.
"Hah, you're always looking for an excuse for a celebration." Vi poked at Ark's cheeks to which Ark simply smiled back.
"Like I said.~ Plus, I'm sure Jinx would love to decorate the Solstice Tree. 'And thus the children of the world erected a tall tree with a shining star of gold on top to guide Ornn on where he should drop his gifts for the world'. " Ark said, quoting a line from his work
"She'll stay up all night guarding that tree from Volibear." Vi then said, making Ark laugh at the image it brought up in his mind.
"Yeah but it'll be worth it to see her face if she suddenly wakes up to a gift on her bed." Ark started before his mind wandered off as he looked outside. It was snowing pretty hard and he remembered the times he was alone and trying to keep himself warm underground. Making some extra gifts to drop around wouldn't hurt.
And so, Ark got to work. It was still a week or so before the Solstice. He spent his time making and buying gifts for Vi and Jinx. For Vi, he bought several sets of clothes, some of which was for both of them to enjoy in private, along with a pair of sturdy and stylish(in his opinion) new steel toed boots.
As for Jinx, he also bought some sets of clothes, a box of tools for her tinkering; which he made all on his own to make sure they were as good as they could get with current machining technology; and a knife. A knife was always a good thing to have.
On the extra gifts he was making, he kept making toys as well as warm articles of clothing. The toys were nothing special but they were sturdy and much better to look at than any scrap toys out there. As for the articles of clothes, he kept it with scarves and gloves. He wished that he knew how to make nylon and polyester but that was a long way off. This was all he could think of for now and cheap enough he could make them en masse.
Sometimes, he would find himself falling asleep in front of his desk or the mechanized sewing machine he had just bought. 'Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to keep working on these gifts with all the responsibilities I have,' he thought to himself.
"Hey Ark, I know you're trying to make gifts but don't wear yourself out ok?" Admonished Vi as she gave him a cup of hot milk to keep him warm while he worked on.
"I'll be fine, just need to do some last minute gifts." Ark yawned as he pulled the blanket over himself a bit closer.
And so the days passed and the toys and clothing piled up until his and Vi's room was brimming with them. Every nook and cranny was jam packed with simple toys. From rubik's cubes to dolls and from chess boards to simple snakes and ladders, such a variety of toys now lined his workshop.
The actual day of the solstice was a joyous affair. It was only the three of them but it was a big enough crowd to celebrate in Arks opinion. With their room bedecked in Christmas decorations along with a tree made from painted bottle brushes. Food aplenty was placed upon the table while gifts were placed beneath the tree.
Much to Ark's surprise, there were a duo of roughly wrapped gifts, one for him and another for Vi. With the glitters and liberal use of pink paint, he knew exactly who made those. It was long and cylindrical and Ark had no idea what was inside with how much wrapping was used.
"Who could that be from? That wasn't there just a minute ago." Jinx said as she whistled innocently. Ark couldn't help but pull the younger girl into a hug.
"Less touchy feely!" Jinx shouted but her actions betrayed her thoughts as she pulled herself into the hug.
"Group hug!" Vi's bone crushing hug only made it more cozy despite the bruising.
The trio spent the rest of the night talking and just spending time with each other. Ark pulled out the pile of cookies and warm glass of eggnog for Ornn as midnight approached. Vi meanwhile tended to the fire in the oven as she readied it for a certain ritual Ark thought would be appropriate as he wrote those in the story he had for Snowdown.
"You sure you don't want to read this?" asked a bleary eyed Jinx as she looked at the letter in her hand.
"Yup. Off it goes to Ornn but maybe I could have a little peek? I wonder what embarrassing things you wrote in that letter?" Ark replied with a grin to which Jinx replied by tossing the letter to the fire in haste.
"Too late." She yawned as he tossed the letter inside the oven. Vi and Ark's letter followed soon and thus their request to Ornn was sent on its merry way.
"So Jinx, you sure you want to stay up for the night?" Ark asked as he sat down on the comfortable chair. The cushioned seat and backrest was making his eyes a bit heavy but he could last a bit longer. He still had some deliveries to make after all
"Yeah… just need to have a few minutes of shut eye… can you wake me up mmmkay?" Jinx asked as she yawned. She curled up beneath the large Snowdown tree and dozed off. The two waited for a few minutes before she started snoring away, having gone to the land of sleep and oblivious to the world around her.
"I'll carry her to bed. Going for a trip tonight right?" Vi asked as she lifted her younger sister up.
"Yeah. Going to rest for a bit. It's been a long day." Ark replied as he yawned.
Vi rolled her eyes as she teased "Don't go sleeping on me ok?"
Vi came back to Ark dozing off on his own, drooling a bit as he failed to remain awake. Vi smiled as she shook her head. This was exactly what she warned about. Still, she could always wake him up. It was so warm and comfortable beside him. Sharing a blanket with him, she kissed him on the forehead before snuggling up beside him. She soon dozed off as well.
It was only at the crack of the new dawn did Ark bolt awake. Vi was jolted awake as Ark realized how he missed his delivery. Ark groaned at the ruined surprise he could have done.
"We could always do it today. Besides, I think the kids down at the Sumps would like it better to see the gifts coming from you." Vi said, trying to cheer him up, as she led the way to their room
"Yeah, it's just I've been planning this for so long and it gets ruined." Ark replied with a defeated tone before he opened the door to their room. For a brief second, Arks' heart froze as he saw naught but a room devoid of presents. For a hot second, he thought they were robbed but it was only the presents that were gone.
The two searched the house, trying to find where the presents went. Even Jinx joined in as she woke up
"Umm… Urk, honey, I think you should see this." called out Vi from their room.
Ark found her holding a metal plate with glowing letters. It was quite the peculiar message if he was to be honest. There written on the tablet was these words:
GOT YOUR LETTERS. DROPPED BY TO GIVE YOU PRESENTS. REQUEST VAGUE, MADE YOUR PRESENTS BETTER iNSTEAD.YOU STILL HAD PRESENTS TO DELIVER BUT YOU'RE ASLEEP. DELIVERED THEM FOR YOU. BE GOOD BOYS AND GIRLS
-ORNN
"Ok… I know you like pulling off elaborate stunts but I didn't know you'd do this. Nice touch on the letter though. Feels warm like it came fresh from a forge." Jinx replied as she inspected the letter and marveled at the craftsman ship.
"I didn't do this… Vi and I were planning something else." Ark said to which Vi nodded in agreement
"This… 'Ornn' said he left presents" Vi said. Ark had a feeling that he knew what gifts were tampered. He and his family went off to go to the tree to find three wooden boxes. He found his presents looking like someone pulled out items from inside them without unwrapping them. Jinx looked pissed as her present for him was unwrapped.
Still, they had Vi pull out her crowbar to open the boxes and out came three items. A boot, a pair of daggers and a blue sword. The boots were for Vi, the daggers were for Jinx and the sword was for Ark.
"A Mercury Tread?" Ark said as he recognized the boots he had made. They were still the materials he used but this Ornn remade it into a game item he still recognized after all these years. He was starting to believe that he might have just contacted another supernatural being.
"I like them. Feels like I could kick a wall and it'll be the wall that's going to be dented instead of the boots" Vi said as she tried them on and tested them.
"Wait, if that's what that is called then what are these? Woah, they're very light." Jinx said as she lifted up a pair of yellow daggers. Despite their size, Jinx wielded them like they weighed as much as a feather.
"Those are called Zeals…" Ark said in disbelief at the second item but it was the third item that caught his attention the most. He grabbed the blade and lifted it up. The blue blade was almost unmistakable but It wasn't quite like the Sheen he knew, it looked more like…
"Sting!" Jinx gasped.
"Wait, you made that sword for me?" Ark asked, amused at what blade she tried to copy.
"What? It was a Solstice present and and I want to make it pretty." Jinx replied
Their day would get a whole lot weirder as cries of surprise and joy filled the halls outside of their apartment and even the streets outside. People were celebrating as they found themselves with gifts. Children run around with their new toys while the adults wore new gloves and scarves. Ark couldn't help but laugh. It was a miracle.
"Did Ornn did this?" Vi asked a bit dumbfounded at what happened
"I think he did… I think he did…" Ark said as he closed the window and decided today was too weird of a day to go out
While Zaun celebrated, a certain being sat beneath the mountains as he feasted on a huge plate of cookies and a mug of eggnog. He snorted in amusement as he watched his brother having to deal with being buried by an avalanche of coal.
A/N:
If you can, please take your time to visit the kink below and take you time to read it. Got a friend in need and this is the best that I can do for now:
https://gogetfunding.com/pandemic-and-flood-lifeline/
On the chapter above... Suprise? Its a late Christmas special. A very late one... Haha, yeah sorry about that. This was supposed to be written before Christmas but was having a hard time starting this one. It kinda got put on hold for later again and again until I decided to just sit down and finish it. Well, it came out in one go.
This was a fun thing to write. Threat this as either canon or non canon on your discretion. Tis a silly chapter but a warm and fuzzy one. Kinda my take on how Snowdown in Runeterra gets more gift giving with Ornn as the Gift Maker spreading joy to the people of the world. Also, Volibear the grinch cause he's an asshole lol. Hope you had a merry christmas and a happy new year.
Shoutout to my newest Patron Roman Torchwick. Thank you. Also, I'd like to thank Vyor once more for Beta'ing this chapter. Without him, thjs would be a train wreck of a chapter
- Pronouns
- He
Great chapter, i think that is totally canon just to give the world the sweat drink that is eggnogg
- Pronouns
- He
Santa Ornn, huh. There's that skin for Gragas and Zilean I believe.
Interlude 5
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
Interlude 5: The Court Beneath the Earth
Deep within the blackened heart of Zaun, The Chembarons have gathered in force. All the movers of the City of Iron and Glass along with their entourage have now gathered to call in session a court to decide matters that would shake the very foundation of the city. It would not only decide the fate of the single district which was now up for grabs but the very future of the undercity as well as they decide what to do with what they've found in the labs of the district that they were debating about.
"Order! Order in the court!" Shouted a mountain of a man as he slammed the gavel down on the podium in front of him. His jowls along with all the rolls of fat in his mighty frame jiggled underneath his fashionable coat as he tried to bring order to the gaggle of barons but to no avail as the crowded brayed and bellowed at each other, threatening violence and speaking insults about one's mother to each other.
"It's been fifteen years since we've last held court and to think we haven't learned anything from the last session on the matters of order and civility." Whispered Corazon to her granddaughter as they looked down upon their fellow barons from their seat near the podium. Singed stood behind her along with Vi and Jinx.
"You expect too much from these pigs in human clothing." answered the modulated voice of the woman beside her. Dressed in an exquisitely designed white suit and accented with a black vest and a purple shirt , Reneta Glasc was quite the striking figure. Her prosthetic arm and graying hair didn't mar her mature beauty with her well groomed and slick black hair and her confident and relaxed posture in her seat. Surrounded by her own guards, she sat among her peers while she looked down upon the less affluent and more eccentrically dressed barons beneath them.
While they were all barons here inside this hallowed hall, it was clear that not everyone was equal. The wealthier barons with their large entourage positioned themselves in the upper seats while the less affluent barons had to contend with what's left. People jockeyed for their position and one fight just so happened to be starting just across the opposite end of the circle of seats.
"You're sitting on my seat!" Shouted a man who wore an expensive yet ill fitting suit for his willowy frame as he jockeyed for one of the higher seats. He towered over the delicate looking woman as he tried to intimidate her. Unfortunately for him, he just so happened to pick a fight with a certain baroness with a fiery temper.
He was quickly silenced as the man was knocked off his feet by a terrifyingly fast left hook. The woman's manic smile was more than enough for the unfortunate man's guard to do nothing but drag their boss away before things got messier
"God damn it Voss! Stop punching people in the face!" shouted the fat man on the podium.
Corazon snorted in amusement as she and Renata watched the whole debacle from their seats. "I wouldn't want to be in Eramis' position right now having to bring some semblance order to this lot." she replied motioned for a drink. Vi, while looking uncomfortable wearing a suit, was there to attend to Corazon's requests with Jinx following nearby. The two were visibly uncomfortable with all the barons nearby, but they kept things to themselves as they tried to remain calm and dignified.
"Your new flowers?" Renata asked as she looked upon them ascessingly, her eyes roving over them and judging them like one would access a particularly expensive breed of dog.
Vi's jaw tensed at this but she kept shut as Corazon answered "Oh no, nothing of that sort. They're just the sisters of my newest inventor. He's been quite the promising young man. Passed the College's stringent exam recently and little Jinx over here's quite eager to follow in her big brother's footsteps. Come on girls, introduce yourselves"
Jinx blushed under the attention as she held onto the hem of her cute dress before curtseying to Renata. Vi merely gave Renata a quick bow as she eyed the woman with barely veiled indignation.
"Adorable. If you ever want a scholarship, just know that Glasc Industries is open to support young talents'' Renata blatantly offered to which Corazon rolled her eyes
"Bah! You and your thieving ways. Go get your own talents." Corazon huffed light heartedly.
"Whatever you say old lady." Renata replied smugly at the much older woman.
"Says the spinster." Corazon cheekily replied much to Renata's annoyance.
Before the two baronesses could banter any further, the round hall was momentarily silenced as the back door was opened for some of the late comers.
"Does my eye deceive me or is Silco late?" Taunted a random baron as Silco walked to one of the seats in the upper deck, the one further away from the podium and right beside the man who represented the lanes.
"No, I'd say I'm fashionably late. It seems that the session was just about to start, isn't that right Eramis?" Silco replied as he leaned back against this seat. The fat baron spluttered a bit before he gathered his composure to finally start the session.
Clearing his throat, Eramis started "Quite so. Anywho, as you've all heard by now, one of our ranks broke from the peace we've established since the Times of Trouble and openly declared war upon another."
The barons shouted in anger, voicing their displeasure with the actions of one of them, but Eramis powered through as he spoke louder. "The accord we've made amongst ourselves to rid us of Piltovers influence and show a united front to the world was broken and not just that but to have the target be to the grand old lady of Zaun is a testament to their greed and short sightedness."
"You're too kind my dear." Corina replied as she thanked her fellow baron much to the cheers of her supporters and some of her fellow barons
"Now, we've gathered here so we could talk like civil men and women about the fate of this now leaderless land. I for one would like to motion for the creation of another seat for a new family as this baron's family ended with him and good riddance I say!" The Baron added before the gathered mass once more exploded into arguments with various sides approving and opposing the motion while others argued on who should the district be given to.
"This will take a while. Wine?" Corina said as she offered her neighbor a glass.
"Hmm, I'd rather have some Brandy." Renata replied as she pulled out a flask from her vest and took a swig. Swirling it, she glanced towards the elderly baroness before asking "Where is your little inventor? His sisters are here after all, I'd assume he's around."
"Oh he's around. Keeping him as a surprise for the party later." The elderly Vereza enigmatically replied, smiling as she watched the proceeding unfold.
And so what was a long and arduous argument soon began. While most barons voiced their opinion, some noticeably kept quiet. Silco among them even as Vander voiced his opinion, that the streets be given to the Vereza's which was something that could only empower his competition. In the end however, a decision was made. "And so it's decided that these districts shall be divided among the Vereza's and their neighbor." Eramis declared, though not too enthusiastically as his motion was defeated.
Corazon smiled as the baron all voiced their agreement though in various levels of enthusiasm. While the matters of land were settled, there were still some things left to be discussed.
"Now that matter's settled, we could now move on to another point in our agenda for today." Eramis paused momentarily as he read some notes before asking "What do we do with the contents of the lab? Based on the reports kindly provided to us by the Vereza's alone, truly heinous things were happening inside there. Whatever research was going on inside seemed to have created the monster that was unleashed upon our streets. While they are Corazon's property now, there are rumors that there was research into the void resulting in such monstrosity. It wouldn't be unreasonable for us to ask for something to be done with what clearly is a threat to our community?"
There were murmurs across the crowd as they digested this new information. It wasn't everyday that something so intriguing was brought up. Such tantalizing yet forbidden knowledge being researched right in this very city was something that caught everyone's attention, more so than the land that they had just decided upon earlier.
"I say we burn it. That thing reeks of the void and nothing good ever comes out of those pits. Just look at Icathia and tell me that it'll bring nothing but harm to us all. Listen to me when I say that that research is worse than what my prisoners could come up with." Declared Voss to which her neighbors seemed to agree.
"I do have to agree with Voss over this. Research on the void is restricted for a reason. Not even our unreasonable neighbors above dare disagree with this." Eramis admitted as he leaned forward.
"Yeah! Burn it!" agreed one from the crowd.
"Destroy it." piped up another.
"Only a fool would use such research." Added Voss as she worked the crowd into a frenzy. There was a general sentiment of their dislike for the void but there were some who kept quiet as the other barons worked themselves up.
"And only a bigger fool would destroy such research." spoke up a voice amongst the crowd, catching everyone's attention. Heads turned as Silco spoke up for the first time since he entered the room. Even Vander looked shocked at what Silco just said. There were varying looks of shock and incredulity in their looks and then there was Voss who fumed at the insult.
"Say that again I-!" Voss growled out before she was cut off by the man.
"A fool. A head strong fool that's giving up the chance of a lifetime. Do you even know what you're planning to burn, girl?" Silco asked without a care for her.
"Now things have just gotten a lot more interesting." Renata said as she leaned forward. Even her rebreather couldn't hide her amusement.
"You don't say?" Corazon replied as she watched Voss turn red in anger.
"Now listen here, fishmonger, do you have any idea what you're talking about!? This is the void we're talking about, for crying out loud!" Voss tried to reason, gritting her teeth as she tried to be reasonable.
"Hearsay at the very least." Silco replied dismissively, waving off her concerns and her insults. "Even if it's the case, what about it? We've already pushed science and magic to its very limit since the earliest inception of our city so why stop now? Why waste such an opportunity where everyone can benefit. Just think of these monsters, they were mere prototypes but look at what they could do." and what we could have was left unsaid but it was clear to everyone else. Even Voss was getting a bit hesitant as she thought about it.
"While I often disagree with Silco over some matters, I think I might have to agree with him on this one." Renata replied as her gaze was locked on to Silco, eyes narrowed as if trying to figure out a puzzle.
Silco smiled as he continued on. "Still, it's not up to us to decide. I'm sure we could all use some professional knowledge. Someone we could say might know more about the situation than we know so far. Why, I think the new owners of the lab might know more about it. After all, isn't that Singed beside her? Why, the opinion of the most renowned researcher in Zaun should hold some weight and isn't it her property now? She should have the last say."
The attention that was once on Silco now turned to Corazon. She frowned a bit but didn't let anything else show as she leaned back against her seat. She let the crowd stew in their anticipation before she looked up to the ceiling. The crowd looked up and there sitting above the rafters with his legs was a winged figure with a mask akin to that of an owl.
There was a sign of recognition among many as some of the twitchier guards pulled out their guns as the boy waved at them rather cheekily.
"Ark dear, would you be kind enough to explain our stance on this matter?" Corazon asked as Ark nodded before he slipped off his seat from above and slowly glided down the center of the room. With wings spread wide, he floated above them, demanding attention as the harsh light from above bathed his white cloaked form. With the eyes of everyone in the crowd on him, he started to speak.
"In the ancient deserts of Shurima, there exists a tale of a fantastical creature known among the locals as a genie. Spirits of untold power yet trapped in innocuous little objects such as bottles or lamps. Legends goes that whoever frees these creatures gets to have whatever they wish to come, but elders often warn that the genies are not often as magnanimous and generous as they appear. They can twist your very words and intentions against you if you wish and once they're out, there's nothing you can do to put them back in. Be it a good spirit or a bad one, whoever frees them must realize that they have just released something they cannot control.
This is exactly what we've found inside that god forsaken lab. The progress they've made in the field of science and techmaturgy is undoubtedly great and just as equally horrifying to behold. I've been inside that lab more than once. Once as an avenger looking to seek justice and another time as a researcher picking up what's left of the place.
The cages and blood inside still haunts me from time to time. Their methods were undoubtedly cruel, yet they had results. Their actions were those of monsters but they've produced a wonder that even my teacher, the esteemed Doctor Singed, would find to have untapped potential and all of it written down and noted for us to study.
We've seen the results, fought it up close and it was a terrible thing to behold. Whatever they fielded was merely a prototype, a mere fluke after hundreds of failed experiments but we all saw the results.
Ladies and gentlemen, while we abhor the monstrosity of these experiments, we cannot burn what they've made and forget about it because sooner or later, we might just have another. Human curiosity will not allow us to rest until we know what it can do. Best to see the research in the light of day rather than be hidden in the deep darkness where researchers grope out in the shadows and unwittingly have something grab back and take them down a road of madness.
We ask those who's going to pursue this knowledge to be not as cruel as the ones before us and let this shimmering light in the dark be a beacon of power for us all."
Ark bowed once before flying up Corazon's side. There was silence for a while as the barons digested this information before it was cut short as Silco clapped.
"Well put." Silco replied as this seemed to snap people out of their little spell bind with Eramis blinking and clearing her throat.
"That's one way to put it. It seems that we'll be seeing the fruits of this research, as tainted with tragedy as they be, in the future. Now, with that out of the way, let's move on to other issues. It will be a while since we have a gathering of this scale so I'd like to bring up..."
Things went on till it was already late at night. The barons and baroness who attended finally grew tired of the meeting and called it a day so that they could finally party. While the rest socialized, Corazon sat beside Silco. Their bodyguards were off to the side leaving them in relative peace and privacy.
"What game are you playing at, boy?" Corazon growled, clearly pissed at what Silco did earlier.
"Oh, I just thought it be a waste if I let Voss and her little toadies have their fun." Silco replied as he took a sip from his glass of wine, savoring its taste as he watched the party unfold before them.
Corazon glared at Silco before downing her drink. "Do it one more time and you'll find out why I stayed in this game far longer than anyone else."
"Of course. Now excuse me while I introduced myself to your little owl. Nice catch by the way. A thinker and a fighter? Why, I think I might just try and steal them away."Silco replied as he got up, giving her a small bow before leaving. He headed towards the little star of the show earlier and his sister.
"Ah, you must be Ark. I've heard wonderful things about you." Silco replied as he extended an arm out towards the smaller boy. The boy and his little girlfriend looked up to him a bit warily while the blue haired girl between them looked a bit curious
"... Likewise Mister Silco." the boy replied.
"Oh nothing so formal. Just call me Silco. I have a feeling that we might just be meeting a lot more in the future" Silco said as they shook hands.
A/N:
Welp, this is back in action. Haha... It's been a while hasn't it? While I could have written this earlier, I wasn't quite confident enough to give it a go. Needed to make sure I still got it so I wrote a chapter for my other fic for practice. As you can see, I'm once again confident enough to wrtie for my first successful fic. Hope nothing major hapoens on my end that would really put a crunch on my schedule. As for that story, thats in a certain questionable site
So back to story. The movers of Zaun! It took a god damn while to write this cause show don't tell made me rewrite some stuff. Lot's of things here has purpose and this chapter is really needed for Act 2 for reasons I wouldnt be touching upon till later cause it'll he spoilers
Finally, I'd like to thank vyor like always cause I'm a goof who makes lots of mistakes in my writing as well as my patrons: Phillip Nguyen, Nick P, Anon, Rashomon, Evil_Bob and Brandon Pittman. Wouldnt have half the motivation without you guys.
As always, from here on out, I'd like to remind you that I have a patreon page! I also have a Ko-Fi page! There's also this discord page. I'd really like to have people to talk to about this fic. Also, this money is going tp upgrading my laptop...dead battery is a bitch. No power means no writing.
Deep within the blackened heart of Zaun, The Chembarons have gathered in force. All the movers of the City of Iron and Glass along with their entourage have now gathered to call in session a court to decide matters that would shake the very foundation of the city. It would not only decide the fate of the single district which was now up for grabs but the very future of the undercity as well as they decide what to do with what they've found in the labs of the district that they were debating about.
"Order! Order in the court!" Shouted a mountain of a man as he slammed the gavel down on the podium in front of him. His jowls along with all the rolls of fat in his mighty frame jiggled underneath his fashionable coat as he tried to bring order to the gaggle of barons but to no avail as the crowded brayed and bellowed at each other, threatening violence and speaking insults about one's mother to each other.
"It's been fifteen years since we've last held court and to think we haven't learned anything from the last session on the matters of order and civility." Whispered Corazon to her granddaughter as they looked down upon their fellow barons from their seat near the podium. Singed stood behind her along with Vi and Jinx.
"You expect too much from these pigs in human clothing." answered the modulated voice of the woman beside her. Dressed in an exquisitely designed white suit and accented with a black vest and a purple shirt , Reneta Glasc was quite the striking figure. Her prosthetic arm and graying hair didn't mar her mature beauty with her well groomed and slick black hair and her confident and relaxed posture in her seat. Surrounded by her own guards, she sat among her peers while she looked down upon the less affluent and more eccentrically dressed barons beneath them.
While they were all barons here inside this hallowed hall, it was clear that not everyone was equal. The wealthier barons with their large entourage positioned themselves in the upper seats while the less affluent barons had to contend with what's left. People jockeyed for their position and one fight just so happened to be starting just across the opposite end of the circle of seats.
"You're sitting on my seat!" Shouted a man who wore an expensive yet ill fitting suit for his willowy frame as he jockeyed for one of the higher seats. He towered over the delicate looking woman as he tried to intimidate her. Unfortunately for him, he just so happened to pick a fight with a certain baroness with a fiery temper.
He was quickly silenced as the man was knocked off his feet by a terrifyingly fast left hook. The woman's manic smile was more than enough for the unfortunate man's guard to do nothing but drag their boss away before things got messier
"God damn it Voss! Stop punching people in the face!" shouted the fat man on the podium.
Corazon snorted in amusement as she and Renata watched the whole debacle from their seats. "I wouldn't want to be in Eramis' position right now having to bring some semblance order to this lot." she replied motioned for a drink. Vi, while looking uncomfortable wearing a suit, was there to attend to Corazon's requests with Jinx following nearby. The two were visibly uncomfortable with all the barons nearby, but they kept things to themselves as they tried to remain calm and dignified.
"Your new flowers?" Renata asked as she looked upon them ascessingly, her eyes roving over them and judging them like one would access a particularly expensive breed of dog.
Vi's jaw tensed at this but she kept shut as Corazon answered "Oh no, nothing of that sort. They're just the sisters of my newest inventor. He's been quite the promising young man. Passed the College's stringent exam recently and little Jinx over here's quite eager to follow in her big brother's footsteps. Come on girls, introduce yourselves"
Jinx blushed under the attention as she held onto the hem of her cute dress before curtseying to Renata. Vi merely gave Renata a quick bow as she eyed the woman with barely veiled indignation.
"Adorable. If you ever want a scholarship, just know that Glasc Industries is open to support young talents'' Renata blatantly offered to which Corazon rolled her eyes
"Bah! You and your thieving ways. Go get your own talents." Corazon huffed light heartedly.
"Whatever you say old lady." Renata replied smugly at the much older woman.
"Says the spinster." Corazon cheekily replied much to Renata's annoyance.
Before the two baronesses could banter any further, the round hall was momentarily silenced as the back door was opened for some of the late comers.
"Does my eye deceive me or is Silco late?" Taunted a random baron as Silco walked to one of the seats in the upper deck, the one further away from the podium and right beside the man who represented the lanes.
"No, I'd say I'm fashionably late. It seems that the session was just about to start, isn't that right Eramis?" Silco replied as he leaned back against this seat. The fat baron spluttered a bit before he gathered his composure to finally start the session.
Clearing his throat, Eramis started "Quite so. Anywho, as you've all heard by now, one of our ranks broke from the peace we've established since the Times of Trouble and openly declared war upon another."
The barons shouted in anger, voicing their displeasure with the actions of one of them, but Eramis powered through as he spoke louder. "The accord we've made amongst ourselves to rid us of Piltovers influence and show a united front to the world was broken and not just that but to have the target be to the grand old lady of Zaun is a testament to their greed and short sightedness."
"You're too kind my dear." Corina replied as she thanked her fellow baron much to the cheers of her supporters and some of her fellow barons
"Now, we've gathered here so we could talk like civil men and women about the fate of this now leaderless land. I for one would like to motion for the creation of another seat for a new family as this baron's family ended with him and good riddance I say!" The Baron added before the gathered mass once more exploded into arguments with various sides approving and opposing the motion while others argued on who should the district be given to.
"This will take a while. Wine?" Corina said as she offered her neighbor a glass.
"Hmm, I'd rather have some Brandy." Renata replied as she pulled out a flask from her vest and took a swig. Swirling it, she glanced towards the elderly baroness before asking "Where is your little inventor? His sisters are here after all, I'd assume he's around."
"Oh he's around. Keeping him as a surprise for the party later." The elderly Vereza enigmatically replied, smiling as she watched the proceeding unfold.
And so what was a long and arduous argument soon began. While most barons voiced their opinion, some noticeably kept quiet. Silco among them even as Vander voiced his opinion, that the streets be given to the Vereza's which was something that could only empower his competition. In the end however, a decision was made. "And so it's decided that these districts shall be divided among the Vereza's and their neighbor." Eramis declared, though not too enthusiastically as his motion was defeated.
Corazon smiled as the baron all voiced their agreement though in various levels of enthusiasm. While the matters of land were settled, there were still some things left to be discussed.
"Now that matter's settled, we could now move on to another point in our agenda for today." Eramis paused momentarily as he read some notes before asking "What do we do with the contents of the lab? Based on the reports kindly provided to us by the Vereza's alone, truly heinous things were happening inside there. Whatever research was going on inside seemed to have created the monster that was unleashed upon our streets. While they are Corazon's property now, there are rumors that there was research into the void resulting in such monstrosity. It wouldn't be unreasonable for us to ask for something to be done with what clearly is a threat to our community?"
There were murmurs across the crowd as they digested this new information. It wasn't everyday that something so intriguing was brought up. Such tantalizing yet forbidden knowledge being researched right in this very city was something that caught everyone's attention, more so than the land that they had just decided upon earlier.
"I say we burn it. That thing reeks of the void and nothing good ever comes out of those pits. Just look at Icathia and tell me that it'll bring nothing but harm to us all. Listen to me when I say that that research is worse than what my prisoners could come up with." Declared Voss to which her neighbors seemed to agree.
"I do have to agree with Voss over this. Research on the void is restricted for a reason. Not even our unreasonable neighbors above dare disagree with this." Eramis admitted as he leaned forward.
"Yeah! Burn it!" agreed one from the crowd.
"Destroy it." piped up another.
"Only a fool would use such research." Added Voss as she worked the crowd into a frenzy. There was a general sentiment of their dislike for the void but there were some who kept quiet as the other barons worked themselves up.
"And only a bigger fool would destroy such research." spoke up a voice amongst the crowd, catching everyone's attention. Heads turned as Silco spoke up for the first time since he entered the room. Even Vander looked shocked at what Silco just said. There were varying looks of shock and incredulity in their looks and then there was Voss who fumed at the insult.
"Say that again I-!" Voss growled out before she was cut off by the man.
"A fool. A head strong fool that's giving up the chance of a lifetime. Do you even know what you're planning to burn, girl?" Silco asked without a care for her.
"Now things have just gotten a lot more interesting." Renata said as she leaned forward. Even her rebreather couldn't hide her amusement.
"You don't say?" Corazon replied as she watched Voss turn red in anger.
"Now listen here, fishmonger, do you have any idea what you're talking about!? This is the void we're talking about, for crying out loud!" Voss tried to reason, gritting her teeth as she tried to be reasonable.
"Hearsay at the very least." Silco replied dismissively, waving off her concerns and her insults. "Even if it's the case, what about it? We've already pushed science and magic to its very limit since the earliest inception of our city so why stop now? Why waste such an opportunity where everyone can benefit. Just think of these monsters, they were mere prototypes but look at what they could do." and what we could have was left unsaid but it was clear to everyone else. Even Voss was getting a bit hesitant as she thought about it.
"While I often disagree with Silco over some matters, I think I might have to agree with him on this one." Renata replied as her gaze was locked on to Silco, eyes narrowed as if trying to figure out a puzzle.
Silco smiled as he continued on. "Still, it's not up to us to decide. I'm sure we could all use some professional knowledge. Someone we could say might know more about the situation than we know so far. Why, I think the new owners of the lab might know more about it. After all, isn't that Singed beside her? Why, the opinion of the most renowned researcher in Zaun should hold some weight and isn't it her property now? She should have the last say."
The attention that was once on Silco now turned to Corazon. She frowned a bit but didn't let anything else show as she leaned back against her seat. She let the crowd stew in their anticipation before she looked up to the ceiling. The crowd looked up and there sitting above the rafters with his legs was a winged figure with a mask akin to that of an owl.
There was a sign of recognition among many as some of the twitchier guards pulled out their guns as the boy waved at them rather cheekily.
"Ark dear, would you be kind enough to explain our stance on this matter?" Corazon asked as Ark nodded before he slipped off his seat from above and slowly glided down the center of the room. With wings spread wide, he floated above them, demanding attention as the harsh light from above bathed his white cloaked form. With the eyes of everyone in the crowd on him, he started to speak.
"In the ancient deserts of Shurima, there exists a tale of a fantastical creature known among the locals as a genie. Spirits of untold power yet trapped in innocuous little objects such as bottles or lamps. Legends goes that whoever frees these creatures gets to have whatever they wish to come, but elders often warn that the genies are not often as magnanimous and generous as they appear. They can twist your very words and intentions against you if you wish and once they're out, there's nothing you can do to put them back in. Be it a good spirit or a bad one, whoever frees them must realize that they have just released something they cannot control.
This is exactly what we've found inside that god forsaken lab. The progress they've made in the field of science and techmaturgy is undoubtedly great and just as equally horrifying to behold. I've been inside that lab more than once. Once as an avenger looking to seek justice and another time as a researcher picking up what's left of the place.
The cages and blood inside still haunts me from time to time. Their methods were undoubtedly cruel, yet they had results. Their actions were those of monsters but they've produced a wonder that even my teacher, the esteemed Doctor Singed, would find to have untapped potential and all of it written down and noted for us to study.
We've seen the results, fought it up close and it was a terrible thing to behold. Whatever they fielded was merely a prototype, a mere fluke after hundreds of failed experiments but we all saw the results.
Ladies and gentlemen, while we abhor the monstrosity of these experiments, we cannot burn what they've made and forget about it because sooner or later, we might just have another. Human curiosity will not allow us to rest until we know what it can do. Best to see the research in the light of day rather than be hidden in the deep darkness where researchers grope out in the shadows and unwittingly have something grab back and take them down a road of madness.
We ask those who's going to pursue this knowledge to be not as cruel as the ones before us and let this shimmering light in the dark be a beacon of power for us all."
Ark bowed once before flying up Corazon's side. There was silence for a while as the barons digested this information before it was cut short as Silco clapped.
"Well put." Silco replied as this seemed to snap people out of their little spell bind with Eramis blinking and clearing her throat.
"That's one way to put it. It seems that we'll be seeing the fruits of this research, as tainted with tragedy as they be, in the future. Now, with that out of the way, let's move on to other issues. It will be a while since we have a gathering of this scale so I'd like to bring up..."
Things went on till it was already late at night. The barons and baroness who attended finally grew tired of the meeting and called it a day so that they could finally party. While the rest socialized, Corazon sat beside Silco. Their bodyguards were off to the side leaving them in relative peace and privacy.
"What game are you playing at, boy?" Corazon growled, clearly pissed at what Silco did earlier.
"Oh, I just thought it be a waste if I let Voss and her little toadies have their fun." Silco replied as he took a sip from his glass of wine, savoring its taste as he watched the party unfold before them.
Corazon glared at Silco before downing her drink. "Do it one more time and you'll find out why I stayed in this game far longer than anyone else."
"Of course. Now excuse me while I introduced myself to your little owl. Nice catch by the way. A thinker and a fighter? Why, I think I might just try and steal them away."Silco replied as he got up, giving her a small bow before leaving. He headed towards the little star of the show earlier and his sister.
"Ah, you must be Ark. I've heard wonderful things about you." Silco replied as he extended an arm out towards the smaller boy. The boy and his little girlfriend looked up to him a bit warily while the blue haired girl between them looked a bit curious
"... Likewise Mister Silco." the boy replied.
"Oh nothing so formal. Just call me Silco. I have a feeling that we might just be meeting a lot more in the future" Silco said as they shook hands.
A/N:
Welp, this is back in action. Haha... It's been a while hasn't it? While I could have written this earlier, I wasn't quite confident enough to give it a go. Needed to make sure I still got it so I wrote a chapter for my other fic for practice. As you can see, I'm once again confident enough to wrtie for my first successful fic. Hope nothing major hapoens on my end that would really put a crunch on my schedule. As for that story, thats in a certain questionable site
So back to story. The movers of Zaun! It took a god damn while to write this cause show don't tell made me rewrite some stuff. Lot's of things here has purpose and this chapter is really needed for Act 2 for reasons I wouldnt be touching upon till later cause it'll he spoilers
Finally, I'd like to thank vyor like always cause I'm a goof who makes lots of mistakes in my writing as well as my patrons: Phillip Nguyen, Nick P, Anon, Rashomon, Evil_Bob and Brandon Pittman. Wouldnt have half the motivation without you guys.
As always, from here on out, I'd like to remind you that I have a patreon page! I also have a Ko-Fi page! There's also this discord page. I'd really like to have people to talk to about this fic. Also, this money is going tp upgrading my laptop...dead battery is a bitch. No power means no writing.
- Location
- Hong Kong
Hmm. Worrying, but I suspect that Corazon will warn Ark away from Silco. Then again, he may try to get to Ark through Jinx…
To keep it simple, Silco is a radical Zaunite-independence megalomaniac who will say and do anything to break Piltover and Zaun apart.
To keep it simple, Silco is a radical Zaunite-independence megalomaniac who will say and do anything to break Piltover and Zaun apart.
It would be amazing if later on he can travel to İonia and learn that god like martial arts from master yi
True but it seems like zaun is much more independent amd goverment wise orgonised in this timeline compared to arcane hopefully this means a much tamer silco
True but it seems like zaun is much more independent amd goverment wise orgonised in this timeline compared to arcane hopefully this means a much tamer silco
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- Pronouns
- He
Great to see you back, and thanks for the chapter