//------------------------------// // Home, sweet home // Story: The collapse of the universe // by KRissCHu573 //------------------------------// The collapse of the universe Chapter 14: Home, sweet home After locating a secluded planet, the two parties landed to make the trade. On the jungle like surface the champions shared the company of Raynor, Swann, Tosh, Stetman, Anomandaris and two other zealots. “So, where’s the energy thingie?” Ezreal asked. “What?” The lieutenant was confused. “You said you were gonna give us some of that psy energy. Where is the container, artifact or what?” The Prodigal explorer explained. “I’m terribly sorry for that.” Heimerdinger said, before addressing the golem. “Blitz.” The grayish robot lowered his right hand. The yordle stood on it, and was raised to be a head taller than the mage in the energy suit. Then he smacked him on the head, after which he yelled. “Damn it boy! If you are only going to present yourself as an imbecile, then for all of our sakes SHUT UP!” “Okay, Okay. I’ll be quiet!” Ezreal quickly backed down. It wasn’t typical for the Revered Inventor to burst out like that, but when he did, it was not wise to provoke him further. The terran representatives’ eyes had widened slightly in surprise, with the exception of the specter leader. “Anyhow,…” Heimer continued calmly. “…how will the energy transfer proceed?” “Show me this rune of yours.” Anomandaris said. The yordle took the fore mentioned stone out of his pocket. Next the protoss reached forward with his right arm. His eyes began to glow brighter, as the rune was levitated from the Inventor’s palm, and blue energy started to swirl around it. In a few moments the item was freed of the protoss’s kinetic grip, and it was returned in the hands of the yordle. With his eyes now normal, Anomandaris stated. “I trust that that is enough?” Heimer brought out his hextech magnifying glass, and gave the rune a good look, before replying. “Yes. It has been reconnected with the mana flow. Thank you.” After a quick goodbye, Ezreal inserted a small spark of magic into the stone. It started to shine, and exploded in a bright flash. Once the blinding effect passed from everybody, they saw that the champions were gone, and replaced by four figures, one of which made the terrans either stare or gape in awe. The same effect could be described on the three zealots’ expressions as well. The awkward silence was broken by Raynor, who uttered the name of the said figure. “Zeratul…” “James Raynor?” The templar stated questioningly. Once his gaze met those of the three zealots, he sighted in relief. “We have returned.” “Returned? What do you mean by that?” The commander asked. “The Prelate has been missing for several solar days.” One of Anomandaris’s men said. “Where have you been Dark one?” The other asked. “We were sucked to a world near the center of the galaxy. Its inhabitants name it Runeterra.” Zeratul explained. The he pulled out a golden triangular device, with a crystal in its center, and said. “I’ve locked on the signal of psionic energy, emitted by a being on that world. We must establish contact with the planet as soon as possible. A new threat has been revealed to us.” “Yes, Prelate Zeratul.” Anomandaris stated, as he took the device, and signaled their ship to warp them on board. “Wait!” Jim exclaimed, before continuing. “What the hell is this all about? What’s with these new threats? Don’t we have enough of those? Answer me Zeratul!” He demanded. The dark templar looked with his typical all knowing and mysterious gaze, and said calmly. “We’ll meet again James Raynor. Then all will be made clear.” After that all of the protoss were recalled to the carrier in a flash of blue light, then the ship warp jumped away. Raynor bore an irritated look. He pulled out a cig from the pack on his shoulder, lit it up, and took in a breath. After he exhaled the smoke, still looking at the carrier’s previous position in the air, he stated to no one in particular. “I hate it when he does that.” -- Runeterra point of view: The three council members, Kassadin, Sona, Nasus and Renekton were gathered in the summoning hall, to send away the protoss. The champions present said their goodbyes, the Void walker did so for two, as Zeratul was presented with an engraved stone. Vessaria Kolminye explained that when triggered, the rune itself becomes a portal between worlds, and is destroyed in the process. The two immortal brothers had decided to stay for a while longer, to bond some more, before returning to their world. After a few additional settings, the selected level 30 head summoners cast the transportation spell. The rune shined brightly, before exploding in a blinding flash. Once it faded away, the protoss were gone, and in their place stood six familiar faces. “Sweet mother of everything that is holy and good, we’re back!” Ezreal exclaimed as he rubbed his cheek against the floor, with tears of joy dripping from his eyes. To that, his five companions facepalmed. Everybody else gaped at their new outfits, only Heimer hadn’t changed. The Prodigal explorer wore a blue energy suit with a jetpack, and his left hand was completely converted into a cannon. Caitlyn had a similar suit, only hers had red energy stripes. She didn’t have a jetpack, nor a cannon, and carried a very high-techy looking rifle. Pantheon and Leona’s armor and weapons had a more metallic look. And Blitz appeared to be covered with the same metal, and for some reason the palm of his grabbing arm had holes. “What happened to you?” Kiersta Mandrake asked. “Long story, I’d rather not tell it now.” The golem deadpanned. “Wow, you guys look mighty fancy!” Kassadin exclaimed with a bored look on his face. “Kass what the hell happened to you?” Ez asked. “I can read minds now, and Sona hired me to speak for her. By the way, those were her words.” The Void walker explained. “Read minds, eh?” The Prodigal explorer said smugly, before continuing with the same tone. “What am I thinking of right now?” Kassadin sighted, before replying. “You are thinking how hot it would be if Cait and Vi gave each other a thorough physical. Oh, and you better be careful with those colorful visual images flashing through your brain.” Everyone in the hall was dumbstruck. Ezreal’s face was a deep shade of red. All of a sudden, some kind of projectile flew right above his head, and left a hole in the wall. The mage slowly turned around, to see Caitlyn reloading the rifle, with a bull mad expression on her face. “No. No. Cait, let’s not do anything rash…” The mage pleaded, slowly taking a step back. Just then, another bullet whistled pass the left side of his head. To that Ezreal gave a loud ‘Eeep’, after which he blinked next to the door and ran out, with the Sheriff of Piltover giving chase. “Soo…” Blitzcrank tried to ease the pressure. “Did any interesting events happen while we were gone?” “Well…” Kassadin began to give sound to Sona’s gestures. “…while you were gone, there were four aliens here, and their matches in the League were amazing.” “What aliens?” Heimerdinger asked as he fixed his glasses. “Their names were Aramanis, Moradar, T’Nodan and Zeratul.” Sona-Kass replied. ‘Zeratul?’ The four remembered that the high templar Saranim mentioned someone named Dark Prelate Zeratul. “You’ve heard of Zeratul?” Kassadin said out of the blue, this time with his own words. “Actually yes.” The Revered Inventor began. “We found ourselves at the far corner of the galaxy, where we met with humans and a race called the protoss. Both do not use magic, but are millennia ahead of us in technology. From them my associates, plus the two who escaped, got their new looks, and I got the schematics for several different mechs.” He showed a folder with many stacked papers, bearing a proud grin. “You really went to the protoss’ home world?” Nasus asked. “No. We were sent to a space controlled by them.” The yordle explained, before continuing. “Our international struggles here are so miniature compared to them. They deal with interplanetary conflicts, and protect countless worlds, most of which worship them as gods. But just as wonders, we saw horrors.” His and the mood of the other three darkened as his next words followed. “Horrors, next to which the Void itself would pale up.” In a heavy moment of silence Heimer spoke again. “We need to quicken our progress, and establish contact with other world, if we are to survive the battles to come.” Quiet struck yet again. “But I highly doubt that that’s all you’ve got to share.” The Inventor stated cheerfully, as if the last few minutes didn’t happen at all. “As a matter of fact it isn’t.” Sona-Kassa started. “The annual bake off in Bandle City has been going for a while.” Pantheon perked up at the mention of a bake off. The duo continued. “The contestants have almost two days to complete their masterpieces, and deliver them to the yordle home town. Who knows, maybe this year Morgana will win. She has been working hard this past week.” At the mention of the Fallen angel’s plausible victory, the Artisan of war’s voice filled the hall. “Unacceptable!” He dropped his spear and shield. Then he tore off his body armor like it was cloth(no actual damage was done to it, it just came off easily), revealing a chef’s outfit. From his pockets he pulled out a chef’s hat, which he put on his helmet, a purple bandana, with which he tied the hat to the helmet, and a rolling pin. Then he squatted, and the ground began to rumble beneath him, after which he jumped out, leaving a wide hole in the ceiling, which revealed the starry night sky. Everyone stared up, before slowly lowering their gazes. Leona sheepishly smiled at the three council members. “We’ll send you the bill.” Heywan Relivash said. That made the champion of the sun’s head drop in a gloom and doom sort of way. Voices could be heard coming. In a few seconds the large doors of the hall opened. The big furry yeti Willump walked in. On his back were three figures, two of which were in a heated argument. “I’m telling you, Ez and Cait were sent to get Blitz and Pant, not Annie and Fid!” A boy in a red coat exclaimed. “For last time, I ordered the universe to bring them back first! It would not dare disobey me!” Another small being, yelled. He wore a bluish-purple robe, held a staff and had disproportionate metal hands. He appeared taller than his opponent because of his hat. “You don’t command the universe you dodo!” The first one shot back. “Yes I do ice brain!” The second returned, shaking his larger fist in the face of the red coated boy. “Um…guys, can you tone it down a bit?” The third figure sheepishly said. It was another short being, who was entirely covered n green bandages, leaving out only his mouth and yellow eyes. But his words were barely heard, as all of them got off the yeti, the two continued their squabble, which was becoming more of a power struggle. “Do not!” Nunu yelled. “Do to!” Veigar returned. Both were pushing each other, forehead to forehead, while attempting to out shout the other. Amumu made a few more attempts at shutting them up, but the noise both made shushed and annoyed him. In the end the mummy couldn’t take it, and shouted twice as loud as both of them. “QUIET!” At the same time a yellow circle appeared on the floor, and in the blink of an eye, both the Yeti rider and the Small Master of Evil were tied up and silenced by green bandages coming from the Sad mummy. Once he was certain that they would reduce their speech he said with an angry tone. “Thank you!” And let them go. That’s when they noticed the others who were there. The sight of Blitz brought disappointed expressions on Veigar and Nunu’s faces. “Told you, you don’t command the universe.” The red coated boy whispered. “Shut up.” The little mage returned. “What? You expecting someone else?” The golem asked as if he was offended. “Yes.” All three replied without even a moment of hesitation. Blitz grabbed his head with both hands, then gestured at them, and struck a pose to end his dramatic act, before saying. “Okay, that’s just plain mean!” “Any way, why was Cait chasing blondy back there?” Nunu asked confusedly. “When you’re older.” Kassadin deadpanned. “But…” The Yeti rider tried to object when the Void walker rift-walked right in front of him, stared him in the eyes, and said with an ordering tone. “Older!” “Ugh fine.” The boy sighted in defeat. “Sir, you can’t enter here! This area is restricted to those who are not summoners or champions!” Someone was heard talking in the hallway. His words were followed by a loud scream. All of a sudden the large doors of the hall burst open as a summoner flew through them, and smashed, back first, into the wall opposite of the entrance. Scorch marks could be seen on his robe. Next two figures in gray robes entered. One was a man with dark red hair and goatee, the other was a woman with black hair. The man eyed the council members with anger, then his right hand caught on fire, after which he slowly spoke. “Where. Is. My. Daughter?!” -- Equestria point of view The festivities had died down. Ponyville was quiet once again, but its streets weren’t empty. In the town’s square Celestia and the six Element bearers took their goodbyes with the champions. Rengar had made sure to tie up Kha’Zix good, who was now almost completely healed, and struggled to break free. Annie was already showing signs of sleepiness. “Thank you all for your courage and help.” The goddess of the sun said. “Think nothing of it.” Fiddlesticks replied. “I want you to have this.” Rarity said, as she levitated Tuxedosticks. “I can’t accept such a big gift.” The scarecrow tried to protest, but the fashionista cut him off. “Don’t give me any of that. Never say no to a lady. This is something to remember us by.” She gave him a sincere smile. Sighting in defeat with a smile of his own, the Harbinger of doom took the slender body. “Will we ever see you again?” Twilight asked. Fiddle chuckled, before speaking in a reassuring tone. “I promise that we will come visit again someday. Heck, we might even come back, before you can say tartar sauce.” “Pinkie promise?” Pinkie asked. He crossed his chest, then a ghostly crow came out of his hand, which he stuck in his face as he said. “Cross my soul and hope to fly, stick a crow in my eye.” That made the ponies and the little girl chuckle. After a warm goodbye, Annie set a little kindle on the rune. It shined, before exploding in a blinding flash, which lit up the night sky. When it ended, everypony went home, but Twilight and Celestia. The lavender unicorn wore a light frown as she sighted. “Tartar sauce.” The princess gently placed her wing over her student, who looked up at her mentor with saddened eyes, after which nuzzled in the warm embrace. -- Runeterra point of view. “Calm down.” Kiersta Mandrake said to the angry mage. “Calm down? You expect me to calm down when my little girl is lost in goodness knows where?!” He shouted. “Why were we informed with such delay?” His wife stepped in. “Sorry, but it’s not easy to send messages beyond the Great Barrier, especially in the Voodoo lands.” Heywan Relivash said. Gregori Hastur was about to speak his mind about that statement, when a dot of light appeared in the center of the hall. In a moment it expanded in a flash. Once it faded, eight figures appeared. Everyone looked at them in awkward silence, which was broken by the couple running at them. When they reached them, they kneeled and hugged their daughter, joy being obviously shown on all of the three’s faces. “My sweet little sunshine.” Amoline said. “Moom, not in front of my friends.” Annie blushed. Gregori’s expression changed from happy to angry, as he got up, and stared down the scarecrow with the words. “What have you done to her?” His hands caught on fire again. “She’s fine… no thanks to you.” Fiddlesticks shot back, as he returned the glare, and two purple ghostly crows showed their heads from his shoulders. The tension between the two rose, until they felt something pulling on their legs, and looked down. “Dad, uncle, don’t fight!” The girl exclaimed, and glared at both of them. The battle ready mages looked at each other, calling off their fighting force. “That’s better.” Annie cheered up. That made her mother chuckle, and give her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “ANNIE!” A loud double cheer was emitted by Nunu and Veigar, who had jumped in the air at her. All of a sudden, two lines of green cloth wrapped around their legs, and slammed to the ground. Amumu ran in front of them, and scolded them. “No! You are not going to act like the boneheads you are! Especially in front of her parents!” “It’s alright Mu.” The girl gave him a warm smile, before continuing. “I like them for the boneheads they are, and I like you for being so nice to me.” After which she hugged him. “I-ugh-well-uh, um…” The mummy stuttered. His attitude quickly softened, and a blush was becoming obvious over the wraps on his face. In the other corner of the room, Blitz was admiring Nocturne. “Wow, dude, sweet getup!” “I hope it was worth the acid bomb I took for it.” As instructed by the council, Rengar let Kha’Zix go, and went to find a place for his new trophies. After which the councilmen decreed for everyone to withdraw to their quarters. They also demanded that Annie’s parents follow them to the Council’s chamber, to have a word about entering restricted areas of the Institute. Which left Fiddle to escort the little girl to their room. It was rather spacious, with two distinct corners. While Annie was putting on her pajamas in her corner, the scarecrow was at his. It consisted of a chair, window, a big ice block, in which was stored a strange body made of candy canes and with a green vest. Next to it was a large pine made wardrobe. The Harbinger of doom opened its doors, revealing five different man sized dolls, the other bodies he used. He attached his new tux (Tuxedosticks skin Riot please) on a cliffhanger, and put it inside with the others. From a top shelf he pulled out a violin, removed the casing on the scythe’s handle, revealing the bow, and went to the girl’s part of the room. She was now dressed, and cosily covered in her bed sheets. The scarecrow pulled over a chair, sat comfortably in the pitch black of the room, and asked. “Should it be the usual?” “Hmm…” Annie thought, before answering. “Can you play something new, please?” “Sure.” Her uncle agreed, and began to play a fine snoozy tune. (yes I know there is a piano and other stuff in there, but couldn't find a suiting song with a violin solo, don't judge...please) In a few minutes the little one was asleep. He finished his play, and took the time to simply look at her. All of a sudden, several ghostly voices, caught his attention, making his eyes widen in frightful surprise. Fiddlesticks quickly got up, dropping his violin, holding his scythe with both hands. The same moment another scythe blade, connected to with a chain, tied itself around the wooden handle. In front of the Harbinger stood a figure, illuminated by the dim light of a lantern, and several soul wisps floating around him. The energy filled eyes on his metal face exchanged daggers with those of the scarecrow, who broke the silence. “So, you’ve joined the League as well?” “Surprised much?” Thresh returned. “Actually, when I heard that Elise was back, you showing up isn’t that surprising.” Fiddle admitted, before continuing. “What happened with the rule: ‘Whatever happens on the Shadow Isles, stays on the Shadow Isles.’?” “Well, that’s the problem. The thing left the Isles, before things could be…resolved.” The Chain Warden replied. “Seriously? Are you that contempt on getting my soul?” The Harbinger of doom chuckled. The soul keeper gave him a sly smile, before saying. “Actually, I think I found myself some more…worthwhile prey.” His gaze referred to the still sleeping Annie. In an outburst of rage, the scarecrow leaped at him, until their glares were but an inch one from another, and spoke with a vicious tone. “If you dare to even breathe against her scrap heap, I swear in all of creation, I will unleash upon you the misery and suffering of every soul you have ever, and would have ever tormented a thousand fold, and make you beg and pray for the sweet lustful embrace of death!” Thresh chuckled, a cocky grin coloring his face, after which he spoke. “I would like to see you try, while you are locked inside of my prison hay bag.” The next moment he summoned his box, blocking the door. Fiddlesticks was completely unfazed by that, and merely said. “Do you smell something burning?” The Chain Warden’s face took on a confused form. Two burning red eyes appeared a meter and a half above the soul keeper’s head. The spectral wall blocking the door, and the door itself, were shattered as he was hurled in the wall of the corridor, after which he collapsed on the floor. The sound startled and woke up Annie. Fiddle went out, followed by Tibbers. Thresh looked at them and started to laugh. All of a sudden a purple hole appeared underneath him and it sucked him in. Before it closed completely, the scarecrow managed to send one of his crows through. Annie ran next to her uncle, and asked. “Uncle Fiddle, what happened?” He still stared at the place Thresh occupied moments ago, as he replied with a serious tone. “Nothing. Just taking care of business.” That left the girl even more confused. -- Amongst the ruins of Icathia, was an altar, lit up with purple fire. Malzahar was uttering some sort of prayer, surrounded by the three hounds of the Void. Elise stood at the bottom of the stairs leading up the altar. All of a sudden a purple hole appeared behind her, and from it came the Chain Warden. The moment he stepped on the ground, Malzahar’s eyes opened, and he addressed him without turning around. “You just had to stir up a hornet’s nest, didn’t you?” “Relax, he has no idea that we are connected.” The specter deadpanned. “Yes, he doesn’t. But now that he knows you’re here, he’ll be on to you like a blood hound, which might compromise the whole operation.” The Prophet of the Void scolded him. “I was promised his soul, and I will deal with the scarecrow if he becomes a problem.” The soul keeper snorted. “Do not worry my love.” Elise began speaking with a seductive tone. “You will have his soul, and with the help of our allies here…” She gently placed her hand on his warm metallic cheek. “Both of us will bathe in power for eternity.” After which she passionately kissed him. Still gazing into the flame, Malzahar stated. “Yes. The fall of this world, has begun.” However, unknown to them, a certain purple bird was observing them closely. -- Equestria point of view. It was around 4 am. Twilight was in her room, and before she went to bed, she decided to write down some lines in her diary. “Dear diary, the last couple of days were pretty unusual. Equestria was once again threatened by great evils. We managed to repel them, only this time the thanks goes to our new friends – heroes from another world. Now, Discord and the changelings are imprisoned, and the terrors from space have been removed from our land. The other-worlders, who were lost and helped us, found their way back home… Still I’m sad, because I don’t know if they will ever be back.” She sighted, before the quill touched the paper again. “I just hope that someday, we will meet again.”