(Marvel, DC, images, manhuas, and every anime that will be mentioned and used in this story are not mine. They all belong to their respective owners. The main character "Karito Josue Valdez" and the story are mine)
Besides a building, a quartet of children embarked on a vertical ascent. Hailing from the subterranean realm, these youngsters were bound by a mission born out of necessity. Constrained by their poverty, they had been driven to adopt a life of illicit pursuits. Their choices, though seemingly morally fraught, were a product of their circumstances. Limited opportunities and a stark upbringing left them with little alternative. Furthermore, their place of residence wasn't one to offer any kind of leniency. The disparities between Piltover and the underground city were stark and unrelenting. One city basked in affluence and success, while the other was condemned to subsist on meager remnants. The chasm between the two locales was akin to the contrast between night and day.
Piltover, the thriving urban expanse, symbolized progress and prosperity. An epicenter of Valoran's culture, the city thrived through an amalgamation of art, craftsmanship, commerce, and innovation. Its ascension was not powered by military prowess, but rather by the mechanisms of trade and forward-looking ideas. Conversely, Zaun existed as a sprawling undercity, nestled within the labyrinthine canyons and valleys that crisscrossed Piltover. The illumination that managed to seep into its depths was marred by the toxic emissions that leaked from the web of corroded pipelines. Light, when it did manage to break through, danced upon the stained glass of the district's industrial architecture. The connection between these two cities was far from harmonious; their relationship bore the weight of animosity and unease.
This serves as an origin story, delving into the League of Legends characters' early days, unearthing their paths before they became renowned champions. It's an exploration of their transformation and growth into who they're known as today. However, a complication has emerged in the form of the Infinite organization of Darks. Fixating on the popular animated series, they patiently awaited the ebb of its initial fame, seizing the moment when the initial fervor had subsided. Subtly infiltrating the show, a clandestine group of Darks entered the fray. The identities of these fictional interlopers remain shrouded in mystery. As the narrative unfolds, these Darks seem to gather strength, growing more formidable.
Thankfully, the Guardian, Karito, is keeping pace with their machinations. While he may not yet be equipped to face adversaries of supreme might, his strategic acumen enables him to contend with a substantial number of Darks. His approach often borders on recklessness, but his survival and the protection of the storyline necessitate such drastic measures. Adjusting to his new existence, Karito has maintained a discreet presence while vigilantly safeguarding the story's central figures. The seemingly eerie surveillance he conducts on the vital characters stems from his inability to identify the Darks that infiltrated the narrative alongside him.
Karito didn't waste time immersing himself in his new environment, seamlessly integrating into his newfound "family." His natural charm elicited swift appreciation and occasional envy. He navigates the dynamics of each individual adeptly, his understanding of their behaviors informing his interactions. With time, his acting prowess has only grown more refined. Although he dedicates most of his time to Piltover for enemy investigation and overseeing pivotal characters hailing from there, he patrols the city as part of his regular routine, ensuring its safety.
However, there's a persistent feeling of forgetting something, centered around Vi, the slightly older girl. Despite his efforts, his unmatched intelligence and combat skills seem to deter her interest. Similarly, the younger girl, Powder, is drawn to his intellectual side rather than his brawn, unlike her sister. Karito perceives this as an issue, knowing the narrative's trajectory and the importance of maintaining it. His resolve to keep the story on course is steadfast, with alterations being made only when the situation necessitates, particularly when the Darks are involved—as they invariably are.
Perched atop a tower, the arachnid hero surveys the sprawling expanse of Piltover with his enhanced eyesight. His gaze stretches across vast distances, an ability that proves exceptionally useful. Despite being in the midst of the castle, a site of significant meetings involving Piltover's influential figures, he's transformed the rooftop into his vantage point of choice. In this instance, he trains his observations on Jayce and Caitlyn. The duo appears to be in one another's company, with the hero speculating that it likely involves Jayce's penchant for discussing inventions. Sighing, he continues his vigilant watch, soon spotting a typical alleyway robbery. While not a pressing concern, given his primary focus on the unfolding narrative, he can't resist intervening ever so slightly.
With an almost supernatural precision, Karito fires a web. The web's trajectory spans an impressive four miles, deftly rebounding off alley walls and ensnaring the thief within a cocoon. Satisfied with his impromptu assistance, he opts for a round of web-swinging through the city. While his rocket boots could propel him with speed, he's keen on avoiding undue attention, considering Piltover's inquisitive populace. As he gracefully navigates through the air, he recollects Vi's invitation to join them on a mission. The memory elicits an audible grunt and a facepalm, a reminder that even someone as astute as him isn't immune to the occasional lapse in focus.
Tracking their location, he stealthily approaches, employing his camouflage skill to remain undetected. With their rendezvous point nearly within reach, he alights upon a nearby building, the quartet of kids awaiting his arrival. Another exasperated grunt escapes him as he observes Vi's visibly impatient demeanor, her tapping foot giving away her restlessness. Preparing himself mentally for a potential reprimand, he readies to face Vi's inevitable outburst.
(Karito) Makes his presence known "Sup, y'all?"
(Vi) Her next turns towards his voice "Where the hell were you? You're the last one here!"
(Karito) Looks to the side "Sorry, I had to kick someone's ass in an alleyway."
(Vi) Facepalm "You made us wait because of that...?"
(Karito) "Pretty ironic, ain't it?"
(Powder) "I think it's cool, you're like a superhero!"
(Vi) Just gives up "Let's just go, we need to hurry." Leads the way
(Claggor) "I still think this is a bad idea."
(Vi) "We aren't gonna get caught. We'll be in and out before anyone notices."
Vi smoothly touches down on the rooftop of the adjacent building, setting an example for the other four to emulate. Karito, on the other hand, intentionally lags behind, his attention keenly focused on Powder.
(Powder) "Karito, I did what you told me, and they work!"
(Karito) "See? You just needed that specific material and your grenades will function properly."
(Vi) "Guys, focus! Follow me down here. Just don't look down."
(Powder) "Karito!"
(Karito) "Yeah?"
(Powder) "Carry me like a princess and take me there!"
(Vi) "Karito, don't do it. She needs to lea-"
(Karito) Does it anyways
Karito scooped up little Powder in a playful, princess-like manner, eliciting joyful giggles from her. With graceful ease, he leaped from one building to the next, his landing causing no more than a faint sound. This feat left the other three still on the previous rooftop wondering in amazement how Karito managed such a seamless transition.
(Mylo) "I'm telling you, he's some sort of superhuman, that ain't normal!"
(Vi) "At least he doesn't whine as much as you."
(Claggor) "Your pointless competition with him isn't going anywhere, Mylo."
(Mylo) "Ugh... I know..."
(Vi) Rolls her eyes "Let's not keep them waiting."
Vi skillfully slid down the side of the building, deftly utilizing the pipes affixed to its exterior. Gently gripping the ledge of the rooftop, she balanced herself on the railings of a nearby balcony, demonstrating a mix of dexterity and precision. With a determined leap, she covered the distance to the rooftop where Karito and Powder were situated, though her landing emitted a distinct thud. Not far behind, Mylo and Claggor followed suit. Mylo attempted to showcase his abilities, albeit without leaving a significant impression, while Claggor indulged in a bit of mischief by snatching two cupcakes from the balcony they had just vacated. Offering one of the treats to Karito, Claggor's kind gesture was met with acceptance as Karito devoured it with equal swiftness to Claggor's own consumption.
(Claggor) "Couldn't we have a least just walked there?"
(Vi) "Gotta stay out of sight for this one."
(Karito) "Like every robbery, unless you're me."
(Mylo) "How do you do it?"
(Karito) Shrugs
(Mylo) "Ugh..."
The cohesive group pressed onward toward their intended destination, maintaining a low profile. Each member exhibited unwavering concentration, except for Karito. To the mild exasperation of the others and the evident delight of Powder, he effortlessly navigated the art of parkour, making it appear deceptively effortless.
(Mylo) "I've seen it over a million times and no matter what explanation he gives I can't understand how he does it."
(Karito) "Just pick up a parkour book and follow the instructions."
(Mylo) "Really?"
(Karito) "No dumbass, it takes practice and calculation."
(Mylo) "I don't need to be smart to do that!"
(Karito) "Unless you're Goku, then I would've accepted that."
(Mylo) "Who's Goku?"
(Karito) "A dragon."
(Mylo) "A dragon?"
(Karito) "Draggin' these nuts across your face! HAHA!"
(Vi) "Pff..."
(Mylo) "You mother fu-"
(Claggor) "Anyways! What if Vander finds out we're all up here?"
(Vi) "Claggor, look around you. Is there anyone around topside going hungry?"
(Karito) "Well if you guys don't mess this up then we won't get caught."
(Vi) "How are we gonna mess up?"
(Karito) "I don't know, blowing up a building?"
(Vi) "Tch, please Karito. Don't be delusional. We'll be fine, let's just keep going."
Continuing their careful journey along the building's ledge, they eventually arrived at their intended destination. Vi turned towards her friends, observing their expressions to determine if they were fully committed to seeing this mission through to its conclusion.
(Vi) "I'm going to continue till the end. Are you with me or not?"
Claggor glanced back at Mylo and Karito, both of whom simultaneously shrugged. With a reluctant sigh, he made up his mind to proceed as well.
(Claggor) "Vander's gonna kill us."
(Vi) "Only if we screw up. So do me a favor, and don't."
(Karito) Sigh
Vi grasped the edge of the roof with caution, smoothly swinging herself onto the balcony of the house. Karito followed suit with stealth, his landing completely soundless, unlike Vi's. She moved to check the apartment for any occupants, but Karito, with a quick glance, deduced that the place was empty. He signaled the others to join him, his voice not even needed to convey the information.
(Karito) "Don't worry, no one's home."
(Vi) "I wouldn't have listened if it was anyone else."
(Mylo) Tries to open the balcony door but it's locked "Who locks their balcony?"
(Karito) Opens the door with a single twist on the knob "What was locked again?"
(Mylo) "Okay, seriously, how did you do that?"
(Karito) "I just did."
(Claggor) Looks down at the edge of the balcony "There are tons of enforcers down there."
(Vi) "It means we're in the right place. Let's go, Karito opened the door for us."
(Karito) "You're welcome."
(Mylo) "You broke the knob! What kind of animalistic strength is that?"
(Karito) "Bro shut up. You wanna announce to everyone that we're here?"
(Mylo) "Do you even know how to pick locks?" The rest walk past beside him and Karito
(Karito) "I do."
(Mylo) "Then?"
(Karito) "I just didn't need to."
(Mylo) "Fuck it, let's just loot this place."
(Vi) "Can you two stop messing around and help us?"
(Karito & Mylo) "Bet/Fine."
The duo caught up with the rest of the group inside. The room they entered was brimming with machinery, gadgets, books, and a board adorned with intricate calculations and blueprints. It was unmistakably the abode of an inventor; though, the identity of this individual was known only to Karito, who recognized the dwelling as Jayce's.
(Mylo) "You know, Claggor, for once you're right. We are definitely not supposed to be here."
(Karito) "Just grab anything that looks of value, be quick with it."
The group began to systematically explore the entire house, seizing contraptions that piqued their interest. Amidst their pilfering, Karito headed towards Jayce's room, his steps measured. Powder, fueled by curiosity, trailed behind him, intrigued by his actions. Karito meticulously surveyed the room, his gaze scanning until it landed upon a prominent display. It was a weapon, unlike any he'd seen before – a golden mace, strikingly reminiscent of the one famously associated with a certain figure from Greek mythology. The recognition widened his eyes, and he silently hoped that he wouldn't have to cross paths with that legendary persona, for such an encounter would undoubtedly elevate the mission's complexity beyond his expectations.
(Powder) "Karito, what do you think owns this place?"
(Karito) "It's obviously an inventor..." Thoughts "But this mace... it was either gifted or..."
(Powder) "Woah, Karito, I think I found a real Valdiani." Inspects the box and presses a button making gentle music come out of it
(Karito) "That can be valuable, put it in the bag."
(Mylo) Speaks slightly louder from the other room "Uh, Karito? You're the tech genius here. What is this?"
As Mylo's voice rang out, Karito shifted his attention and began to make his way towards the laboratory section of the house. Upon joining the group, his gaze settled on a peculiar triangular contraption centered around a vibrant blue crystal. Claggor, Mylo, and Vi gathered around the device, their expressions curious and intrigued. Among them, only Karito possessed the knowledge of what this apparatus truly was.
(Mylo) "Do you know what this is, by any chance?"
(Karito) "Yeah, that's staying."
(Claggor) "Why? It looks valuable."
(Karito) "If someone doesn't know how to use that, it'll cause an explosion. Which can level this entire house."
(Mylo) "And you know this how?"
(Karito) "Saw it around, saw it explode. It was bad."
(Claggor) "Wait, hold on, Vi, how the hell did we find this place?"
(Vi) Looks at the device with confusion "It was a tip from Little Man."
(Karito) "Ekko really fucked us over with this. None of you expected this type of equipment from an inventor did you?"
(Mylo) "Um, so we leave it?"
(Karito) "Yeah, just leave it."
(Claggor) "How can anyone have so much stuff?"
(Karito) "An inventor."
(Claggor) "..."
(Karito) "Thought so."
(Mylo) "I was gonna say, get born lucky, but that's true as well."
As the group continued their search for valuable materials, Powder remained in the room, engrossed in her own exploration. Among the items she discovered was a tempting sandwich, which she happily devoured. However, her attention soon shifted to a peculiar blue chest that had caught her eye. Determinedly, she cleared away a few blueprints obstructing her view, revealing the chest beneath. She attempted to lift it, but its weight proved to be more than she anticipated. After a brief moment of tinkering, she managed to open the chest, revealing a radiant blue magical crystal exuding a powerful aura.
Just as she was about to reach for the crystal, her wrist was gently grasped by Karito. He advised her to leave it untouched, prompting her to inquire why. Karito's response mirrored what he had told Mylo earlier, and with his guidance, she chose to heed his warning and left the crystal alone. As the group carried on with their activities, Karito's heightened senses began to prickle with an unsettling feeling.
The sound of approaching footsteps caught both Karito's and Vi's attention, sparking a swift reaction from Karito. Without hesitation, he reached out and took Powder by the hand, leading her to the laboratory area of the house where the rest of the group had congregated. Observing the urgency, Vi directed Mylo to barricade the door using a chair. However, Karito took matters into his own hands, positioning himself to physically block the entrance, which left the others puzzled by his unexpected action.
Vi's curiosity got the best of her, and she wasted no time in voicing her inquiry about Karito's motives.
(Vi) "Karito, what are you doing?!"
(Karito) "Go! A chair isn't going to stop this man!"
(Vi) "How would you-"
(Karito) "Just go!"
Upon Karito's advice, the group of four swiftly reached a consensus and began to make their exit from the area. However, just as they were about to depart, Vi paused in her tracks and cast a serious gaze back at Karito, her expression betraying a depth of intention in her eyes.
(Vi) "You better come back, okay?!"
(Karito) "You know I will."
(Vi) "Good."
With everyone else having left the scene, Karito's tension eased somewhat. The forceful pounding on the door abruptly ceased, leaving him puzzled. Taking advantage of the moment, he swiftly shot a webline at the chest containing the blue magical crystal and managed to secure a few of them. Just as he was preparing to proceed, a pale hand abruptly burst through the door, landing a solid blow to Karito's cheek. The impact sent him hurtling across the room, crashing into a wall before he regained his footing. The door subsequently splintered into pieces, revealing the identity of the attacker.
(Karito) "Of course... fucking Morlun..."
(Dark Morlun) "I wonder why you still remain in this abode."
(Karito) "Why is Hercules' Mace in this house?"
(Dark Morlun) "To summon him, of course."
(Karito) "Fuck, I wish I was wrong..."
(Dark Morlun) "Don't fight this, I'm not as weak as my comic counterpart."
(Karito) "I am painfully aware of that."
(Dark Morlun) "Then let me eat you."
(Karito) "Fuck you."
(Dark Morlun) "You Spider-People always intrigue me."
(Spider-Man) Toxin envelops him "Shut the fuck up and fight, Dracula rip-off."
(Dark Morlun) "As you wish."
As Spider-Man had predicted, this version of Morlun proved vastly superior to his comic book counterpart. The space between them closed in what felt like an instant. A single punch from Morlun carried the weight of a Hulk-like force, launching Spider-Man out of the apartment. He slammed into the neighboring building's facade face-first, causing the floor beneath him to crack on impact. Shaking off the impact, the hero agilely evaded an axe kick from the vampire, which shattered the floor beneath them.
Harnessing his midair control, Spider-Man employed his lateral repulsion to counter-attack, thrusting Morlun back into the building they had just exited. The two collided with a window, crashing through it and tumbling across the floor. Swift to recover, Spider-Man used his mastery over magnetism to command the metal in the room, constraining Morlun against a wall. He intended to follow up with a venom blast, but Morlun surged in power, exploding into a swarm of bats.
Caught off guard by this unexpected display of power, Spider-Man found himself momentarily disoriented. The vampire's form coalesced from the bats, and Morlun launched himself at Spider-Man, crashing through walls into the building's hallway. Fending off the relentless bat assault with a protective barrier, Spider-Man's heightened senses alerted him to the presence of two pivotal characters within this world's narrative: Jayce and Caitlyn. Swiftly forming a defensive barrier around himself, he unleashed a Venom blast that dispersed the remaining bats.
The bats reassembled, reforming Morlun's shape. Seeing an opportunity in the hero's divided attention, Morlun made his way toward the plot-relevant characters. Responding swiftly, Spider-Man commanded the metal from the floors below, causing it to erupt from beneath Morlun. The resulting force propelled the vampire into the air and slammed him into another nearby building.
The scientist Jayce and his companion Caitlyn watched with a mix of fear and awe as Spider-Man regained his footing and approached them, ensuring their safety amid the chaos.
(Spider-Man) "Are you two okay?!"
(Jayce) "W-Who o-or what are you?!"
(Caitlyn) "We need the enforcers, Jayce!"
(Spider-Man) Instantly appears between them "I fucking asked if you two were okay."
(Jayce) Scared "Y-Yeah... We are fine... Don't hurt Caitlyn..."
(Spider-Man) "I'm not here to hurt anyone, I'm trying to save you all. Go! Before he comes back."
Jayce and Caitlyn offered no resistance; they heeded Spider-Man's advice and retreated to a safer zone. Spider-Man braced himself for another confrontation with Morlun, but peculiarly, nothing ensued. He maintained his vigil for a full minute, yet it appeared Morlun had withdrawn. The reason for this sudden change in tactics remained elusive to the hero, leaving him puzzled.
With a quiet sigh, Spider-Man acknowledged how the Darks' interference was already disrupting the course of events within this timeline. He held the hope that these complications wouldn't intensify as time progressed. Morlun's presence alone was a formidable challenge, and should he summon his kin or other associates, the hero anticipated an escalation of his troubles.
As his heightened senses tingled with awareness, Spider-Man recognized the imperative to assess the situation and depart from the scene. He complied promptly, using his camouflage skill to disappear from sight, all while keeping a watchful eye on the unfolding events and his comrades.
(Spider-Man) "Well, the penthouse looting. A plot alteration occurred, instead of Jayce and Caitlyn arriving, it was Morlun. He wanted Hercules' mace to summon him... Shit, I'm gonna be dealing with Gods now. Even though Darks can already be considered such because of their hax. But now? Even before they became Darks they were already Gods. Fucking hell, this mission is going to be a massive headache."
Moving away from Piltover, the hero swung his way toward the economically disadvantaged parts of the city. After arriving there, he ascended to the top of a tower and took in the view below. Among the scenes he observed, he spotted Vi and her companions, navigating through the area. Notably, there was another figure named Deckard, a blond youngster hailing from a similar impoverished background as Vi and her group.
However, what set Deckard apart was his sense of ownership over the neighborhood, an attitude the hero found problematic. Spider-Man pondered the possibility of providing a gentle reminder to Deckard regarding the true ownership of the neighborhood.
(Deckard) "Nice haul?"
(Mylo) Decides to show off "You can say that." Continues walking off
(Deckard) "I heard there was some action across the river. Tell me, was it you guys, by any chance? I heard crazy shit like it was "superhumans" or something. One with a red and blue liquified but also metallic suit while the other looked like Dracula."
(Vi) "Is that so?" Gets blocked off by 3 more kids
(Deckard) "I can't fail to notice that... Karito isn't among you? And you guys have a pretty good bag full of loot there, walking around with it through my streets."
(Vi) "Your streets? Do you remember what Karito did-"
(Claggor) Stops Vi "Listen, let us go. We don't want any problems, okay?"
(Thug 1) "Hear that, Deckard? They don't want any trouble."
(Deckard) "You know, in my experience, trouble finds you." Smirks "This doesn't have to get ugly. How about you share a little bit of your treasure there? Or..."
(Vi) "Or what?"
(Karito) Appears behind Deckard and his lackey "Yeah, Dickward. Or what?"
(Deckard) Flinches "AH! K-Karito?!"
(Karito) "Dickward, I thought I told you that if you started going off the line... I was going to break a part of your body. Do you remember that?"
(Deckard) "I-I wasn't doing anything! J-Just talking!"
(Thug 2) Whispers "C-Come on man... we can't just let him step on us like this."
Deckard mulled over the words his subordinate had spoken. As he attempted to project an air of confidence, Karito's swift response had deflated his efforts. All he truly yearned for was a sense of worth, a recognition that extended beyond the confines of his humble origins. He had grown weary of enduring the humiliations that Karito had subjected him to over the years. A determination was taking root within him, a resolve to prove his mettle and demonstrate that he couldn't be taken lightly.
Regrettably, the narrative of his existence didn't align with his aspirations. In this story, his significance was minimal, his value akin to discarded refuse—an expendable character existing only to prop up the more central figures and enhance their prominence.
(Deckard) "Fuck you, Karito!" Throws a punch at Karito's face
(Karito) "Oh, how you're gonna regret that."
The sight before them sent waves of discomfort through everyone, their faces contorting in a mixture of repulsion and terror. As his knuckles made contact with Karito's cheek, a collective cringe swept through the group, quickly replaced by an overwhelming fear that seemed to grip them entirely. The impact of Deckard's blow had devastating consequences—his bones shattered as though they had collided with an immovable fortress, piercing the flesh and jutting out like grotesque shards. The gut-wrenching sound of bone breaking was painfully audible, accompanied by the gruesome sight of blood spewing from his mangled hand. In a macabre twist, his hand seemed contorted, as if it had been through a blender for a torturous few moments.
The extent of the damage inflicted upon Deckard was a result of Karito's hacking skill, a power that rendered his own body akin to a lethal trap. The instant Deckard's hand connected with Karito's skin, it was as if he had struck a live grenade, unleashing a catastrophic explosion of harm.
Deckard's gaze dropped to his own mutilated hand, shock painting his features with a stark horror. The moment his eyes landed on the twisted mess that had once been his hand, he let out an anguished scream that reverberated with pure terror and agony. Collapsing to the ground, he clutched his damaged hand as if trying to hold the pain at bay, while the other members of his group could only stare on in disbelief and horror. A collective flinch swept through the onlookers as Karito casually wiped the blood from his cheek, his next words chillingly calm amidst the chaos.
(Karito) "You fucked around and found out, Dickward. Now get the fuck out of my neighborhood."
Reacting instinctively, Deckard's companions swiftly seized their injured friend, hurriedly pulling him away from Karito's vicinity. Meanwhile, Karito's attention shifted his focus now on Vi who was tightly clutching a bag. In a smooth, almost casual motion, he reached out and took hold of the bag. An uneasy tension hung in the air as all eyes were fixed on him, a mix of apprehension and curiosity etching itself onto their faces.
The atmosphere seemed to shift as Karito passed by them, his footsteps echoing with a confident rhythm. Just as the tension was threatening to settle back in, he turned around, the faint curve of a smirk gracing his features. The fear that had momentarily dominated the scene began to dissipate, replaced by a curious mixture of intrigue.
(Karito) Chuckles "You should all see you're faces, they're hilarious." Continues walking
Karito's composed demeanor and his measured words seemed to wash over the group, bringing a palpable sense of relief. As his voice resonated through the air, a collective exhale seemed to escape them, gradually easing the tension that had gripped the scene just moments ago. In the wake of the chaos that had unfolded, his presence acted as a stabilizing force, reminding everyone of the familiar Karito they knew.
However, even as the atmosphere began to shift, there was a shared understanding among them that the memory of this encounter would linger. The events were etched into their minds, serving as a stern reminder to tread carefully in their interactions with Karito. As they exchanged knowing glances, a silent agreement seemed to form within their thoughts: "Avoid provoking Karito at all costs."
The group proceeded with deliberate steps toward an aging house, their intentions guiding them through its threshold. Inside, they navigated their way to a section of the house designed as an elevator. Each of them took their positions within this makeshift lift, forming a silent assembly before Karito's hand reached out to grasp a lever.
With a fluid motion, Karito initiated the mechanism, setting the elevator's intricate workings into motion. The descent began, the platform moving downward with a steady rhythm. Amid this journey, Vi's inquisitiveness couldn't be contained any longer. An urge to unravel the events that had recently unfolded compelled her to speak up, allowing her curiosity to win out over her initial reservations.
(Vi) "Hey uh... Karito?"
(Karito) "Do you want to ask me about earlier?"
(Vi) "Yeah."
(Karito) "I'm assuming everyone is just as curious right?"
(Mylo) "You bet I am. Like, all Deckard did was throw a punch and the other second his hand is mangled!"
(Claggor) "Yeah... Honestly, that scared the shit out of me."
(Powder) "I could feel my throat getting warm. That was disgusting."
(Vi) "How did you even do that? Because we have all punched you before and that never happened."
(Karito) "That was because the moment you guys touched my face, I would turn to the direction I was being punched. So, every time you all thought you actually hit me, it was actually a slip."
(Vi) "Wait... So... every time we sparred... and every time I landed a hit... you would turn your face and my fist would just slip by?"
(Karito) "Yup."
(Mylo) "Bullshit! That's some superhuman shit!"
(Claggor) "Remind me not to mess with you."
(Karito) "Noted."
(Claggor) "But wait... we should be asking this instead. What the hell happened back at the penthouse?"
The group looked at Karito curiously.
(Powder) "Actually... yeah. What happened there? Didn't Deckard say something about... Superhumans?"
(Vi) "And that one had a red and blue suit and the other looked like... Dracula?"
(Claggor) "Yeah, what's up with that, Karito? I know you were the only one in that area."
(Mylo) "Are you... that red and blue superhuman? Because let's be honest guys. From the moment I saw Karito, I knew he wasn't normal."
(Vi) "So? Karito?"
Karito just looked to the side and whistled.
(Vi) "Hey! Pretty boy! Answer us!" Holds Karito's chin
(Karito) Sighs "Yeah... it was me."
(Mylo) "What?! I was just joking! Are you for real?!"
(Claggor) "Well... that... uh... would explain a lot actually."
(Powder) "Like?"
(Claggor) "Well, he's very good at fighting, like... he's better than Vander. And he's like... insanely agile to the point it seems like he's flying."
(Powder) "And the most recent incident..." Her eyes widen "Holy moly... Karito, you're actually a superhero?!"
(Karito) "It's impossible to be normal..."
(Mylo) "What you do mean? Your handsomeness isn't normal at all, we all knew from day one."
(Powder) "And you're very intelligent. You even made Mouser work and you fix everything in the house with no difficulty at all."
(Vi) "Karito, be truthful. How did you become... uhh... super?"
(Karito) Puts on his poker face and lies "Well, I think it was since Vander picked me up from that warehouse."
(Vi) "He told us, that it seemed like you fell from the sky. Because the roof was broken."
(Karito) "I don't remember anything before that. So I can't tell you."
(Claggor) "You're some alien or something?"
(Karito) "What the fuck? No."
(Claggor) "Had to make sure."
(Mylo) "Well, that checks out."
(Vi) "So if you were never serious in our spars. Can we do it for real when we return?"
(Karito) "No can do, Vi."
(Claggor) "You're seriously telling someone, who quite literally exploded Deckard's hand, by just standing there... menacingly?"
(Vi) "Yes?"
(Mylo) "I'm siding with Claggor on this one, that's not smart."
(Karito) "Yeah, I don't want to hurt you."
(Vi) "What? Too scared to hit a girl?"
(Karito) "Too scared to ruin a face full of potential."
(Vi) Blushes "W-What is that supposed to mean?!"
(Mylo) "Dude's game is immaculate."
(Claggor) "His superhero name is gonna be the Rizzalante."
(Vi) "Fuck you, guys! Shut up!"
(Claggor & Mylo) "Yes, ma'am."
(Powder) Pouts
(Karito) Chuckles "Hehe."
...
Navigating through the underground city, every set of eyes that caught sight of the group automatically swerved to Karito's direction. Though he continually debunked the notion, those who harbored resentment due to his perceived "perfection" attempted to put him in his place. Yet, as history recounted, Karito systematically triumphed over each challenger with minimal exertion. Within a single day, the message was loud and clear – his overwhelming strength, speed, and intellect prompted everyone to reconsider their approach. Despite Karito's efforts to uphold his reputation, his capabilities branded him as Vander's "Little Devil," a moniker he despised but couldn't shake. Although he tried to bury it, his talents defied dismissal.
Upon arriving at The Last Drop, the bar now sporting Karito's modernized upgrades, its popularity surpassed that of the original establishment. As Karito and his companions entered, a warm chorus of greetings enveloped him, treating him almost as if he were second-in-command. The attention weighed on him, but he acquiesced, offering friendly hellos in response. Vander, mid-resolution for a near-failed negotiation, detected his kids' presence and excused himself from the ongoing discussion, making his way toward them.
The group of kids made their way to their lodgings beneath the bar. Taking seats on their sofas, weariness was evident on their faces. Unbeknownst to the others, Karito discreetly stashed the bag of loot in his inventory. In a commanding tone, Vi then addressed her friends with a few words.
(Vi) "Vander learns none of this."
(Mylo) "The only thing we need to worry about is the evidence."
(Karito) "I got that covered, no worries."
(Claggor) "Where's the loot?"
(Karito) "Exactly."
(Powder) "How did you-?"
Just as the conversation was poised to resume its course, Vander made his entrance into the room. Awkwardness settled over the group, leading most of them to shift their gazes elsewhere, avoiding the tension. Meanwhile, Karito remained absorbed in his task, skillfully maneuvering a 100 x 100 x 100 Rubik's cube with deft movements.
Observing the unease that had taken hold of the room, Vander's perceptive gaze scanned the scene. Despite Karito's seemingly engrossing puzzle-solving, Vander recognized the tension that hung in the air. Sensing the need to diffuse the awkward atmosphere, he took it upon himself to breach the silence and address their collective unease.
(Vander) "Everyone all right?"
(Mylo) "Yup, all good. Just dandy..."
(Vander) Goes down the stairs "Good." Places his hands behind him "Are you sure, ya'll are alright? I heard that a big fight happened above and that you kids were spotted there. Four kids, fleeing the scene while two... superhumans battle it out." Looks at Karito "What the hell happened up there?"
(Vi) "We don't know what happened, it was just..." Looks at Karito
(Karito) Sighs "He already knows."
(Claggor) Shocked "W-Wait, Vander knew about you being... uh... super?"
(Vander) "Yeah, for a long time. Been keeping his secret ever since."
(Vi) "And you couldn't tell us?"
(Vander) "Don't blame him, I told him not to."
(Vi) "W-What? Why?"
(Vander) "Because if you all knew, you would use him for everything because you all would know that he would save your asses, each and every time."
(Vi) "You're saying that we would abuse his powers?"
(Vander) "Maybe, maybe not. You never know. A bit of power can change a person."
(Vi) "What?! And Karito agreed to this?!"
(Vander) "Actually, it..." Looks at Karito
(Karito) Pinches the bridge of his nose "It was my idea."
(Vi) "W-What?"
(Karito) "Look, before you get mad at me, please listen."
(Vi) "Y-You thought that I would've used you because you were powerful?"
(Vander) "Vi, it's not that-"
(Vi) "I want him to say it!"
(Karito) "We were just kids. And now we're in our teens, in this period of our youth is where we always fuck up."
(Vi) "I wouldn't have used you, Karito! I care about you too much to do that!"
(Karito) "You can speak for yourself, but what if I told the others? Huh? Wouldn't they be asking me for a billion favors a day? I already have people worshiping me or hating me because I seem to be beyond them!"
(Vi) "Vander hasn't used you!"
(Karito) "Because he understands what I'm saying! Power corrupts people, when you learn about the pain of having power, you will understand."
(Vi) "I thought you trusted us, Karito!"
(Karito) "I do!"
(Vi) "Then why?!"
(Karito) "..."
(Vander) "Everyone out, except you two." Looks at Vi and Karito
Claggor, Mylo, and Powder, already feeling uneasy due to the ongoing argument between Karito and Vi, wasted no time in heeding Vander's suggestion. Eager to escape the escalating tension, the trio swiftly departed the room, seeking a reprieve from the awkwardness.
As the three made their exit, the atmosphere within the room seemed to shift. Now only Karito, Vi, and Vander remained. The two contentious voices gradually settled down, and with a shared understanding, they each took a seat on either side of Vander, seeking a calmer and more productive conversation.
(Vander) "Look, you two, those kids look up to you two."
(Vi) "I know..."
(Karito) Nods
(Vander) "Karito understands because where you least expect him, he's always looking after you all. All that power and he wishes to remain grounded. You, Vi, you know, but you don't know. When people look up to you, you don't get to be selfish."
(Vi) "How am I-"
(Karito) "It's like before I got into that fight, I told you all to run, and you all did. If you have said, they dive in. If I said to light a fire, they show up with oil."
(Vander) "And the consequences are going to be put on you. Just like it's on me what happens to us down here. We make ourselves a problem for Piltover, and they will bring enforcers."
(Vi) "We have Karito! Why answer to them?! These are our streets. Someone should remind them of that!"
(Karito) Smacks the table "That right there! Exactly that is what I didn't want to happen."
(Vander) "You're not listening, Vi. The path of violence? It's not gonna solve your problem. Just makes more of them."
(Karito) "..."
(Vander) Notices Karito's silence "We clear?" Notices a drop of blood on Karito's neck "Did you get injured?"
(Karito) "No."
(Vi) "Some idiot was following us."
(Vander) "I pity the poor bastard. But from our side? Who?"
(Karito) Remembering the original dialogue "Don't know. He was just trying to snatch our stuff."
(Vander) "And where's the stuff?"
(Karito) "Oh, trust me. No one will find it."
(Vander) "Are you sure, Karito? Nothing can tie you to what happened up there?"
(Karito) "Positive." Thoughts "I can use the bit of money that'll make me when the time skip occurs."
(Vander) "You're gonna have to lay low for a bit, alright?"
(Vi) "Okay." Looks down
(Karito) "Understood."
(Vi) "We're gonna be fine, right?"
(Vander) "I'll take care of it. Karito will protect you all in the meantime." Walks towards the closet, grabs a few materials, and places them in a bag "By the way, just curious. What happened to the idiot?"
(Karito) "Shattered his entire hand."
(Vander) "Ha! Thought so, if your face was able to break my gauntlets, a fist will definitely pop."
(Vi) "It was a scary sight."
(Vander) "I can imagine." Starts walking to the exit
Carrying a bag laden with materials, Vander stepped out of the room. Observing the scene outside, he noticed Mylo putting on a facade of nonchalance, attempting to appear as if he hadn't been covertly listening in on the conversation. Meanwhile, Claggor stood by the stairs, displaying an air of patience. Vander's gaze settled on Claggor, and he beckoned both Claggor and Karito to join him, signaling their involvement in the forthcoming trade of items.
(Vander) "Get up, Claggor and Karito. We're going out."
(Claggor) "Wait, now?" Huffs
(Karito) Sighs "Alright."
(Mylo) Plays with a device that's for eavesdropping but gets taken away by Vander "Hey, hey, that's mine!"
(Vander) "You wanna be treated like adults, right?" Looks at Karito "Get the bag. At least ya'll didn't come empty-handed." Walks upstairs "I'm gonna have a little word with your informant."
Vander, Karito, and Claggor made their way toward the rear exit. Vander's demeanor remained steady as he turned his attention to Karito, posing a question about the recent events in Piltover.
(Vander) "All right, give me the details of exactly what happened up there." Looks at Claggor "And Claggor, I'm entrusting you with this information. No one but us three will be aware of what's actually happening."
(Claggor) "Wait, what are you talking about."
(Vander) "Just pay attention and don't be a snitch." Motions Karito to speak
(Karito) "You heard from people that I fought someone who looked like they were dressed like a vampire, right?"
(Vander) "So I've been told, are they actually one?"
(Karito) "Yes, kind of. He's a being called an inheritor and they are multiversal vampires that hunt for Spider-People like me, instead of blood he sucks your life force."
(Vander) "You mean your soul?"
(Karito) "It's called Life Force Energy Absorption. Morlun's main power is to absorb life force from other creatures, enhancing his physical abilities. He feeds on specific types of superbeings, like animals, insects, humans, and birds, which make up his unique DNA. Once he's touched a person, he can sense their life force from far away."
(Claggor) "Wait, wait, wait, Karito. What the hell where you dealing with? Am I going crazy? Are you two for real?"
(Vander) "Very. Since he told me about his powers and the types of enemies he faces, I knew it wasn't a laughing matter. It took me a while to accept it, but once he... "told" me about his life, I changed my mind."
(Claggor) "Life? What are you...?"
(Vander) "Forget about it, it's not important. What we should know is about Karito's new enemy. Also, please tell me I heard wrong, but the vampire... can track you?"
(Karito) "Unfortunately."
(Vander) "Please, don't tell me he's here..."
(Karito) "He won't, he's busy right calling for backup."
(Claggor) "Backup? You're telling me there's more like him?!"
(Karito) "Yes."
(Claggor) "I'm gonna have an anxiety attack..."
(Vander) "Were you able to get info on who he's gonna summon here?"
(Karito) "I know of one... but not the other."
(Vander) "Who's the second one?"
(Karito) "Hercules Panhellenios, the God Of Strength."
(Claggor) "What the..."
(Vander) "Fuck...?"
(Karito) "Yup... take it all in."
(Vander) Chuckles nervously "I must be drunk..."
(Karito) "Nope... I wish I was."
(Vander) "Fucking hell..."
(Claggor) Spaces out
(Karito) "And we lost Claggor."
...
...
...
Meanwhile below the bar.
(Mylo) "Who would've thought that Karito would have superpowers..."
(Vi) "I'm in no mood for talking right now..."
(Mylo) "Just think about it, if Karito had this much power, why didn't he do something about topside? We can show all of them that we shouldn't be looked down on."
(Vi) "Mylo, I don't know what's going through his head. He won't put his power to good use." Flops on the couch "It's like all these years of knowing him... it felt like I haven't even scratched the surface with him..."
(Powder) Enters the room "Guys... maybe we should just ask him why."
(Vi) "Why what?"
(Powder) "The only time he's used his powers, so far as we're concerned, is when we are in a danger that requires him to use his powers."
(Mylo) "Yeah... we have been with him constantly... And for the way, he's behaving, it's like he knew there were others like him."
(Vi) "The times where he wasn't with us... Where was he?"
(Powder) "Do you think he was looking for them?"
(Mylo) "Like going through actual superhero patrols?"
(Powder) "Yeah."
(Mylo) "Hmm..." Looks at Vi "If you were to talk to him, do you think he'll tell you why he doesn't use his powers more?"
(Vi) "I mean... I can try..."
(Powder) "Let me come along."
(Vi) "Why?"
(Powder) "Because I want to know more about him?"
(Mylo) "Who doesn't at this point?"
(Vi) "Let's just drop this, I'm tired... I'm overthinking this."
(Mylo) "Alright, noted."
(Powder) "Sure."
...
Benzo's Shop
Karito, Claggor, and Vander navigated the dimly lit streets of the undercity. They reached the trade shop and instructed Claggor to stand guard while Karito and Vander entered to discuss their business.
(Vander) "Nobody comes in, let's go Karito."
(Karito) "Yup."
Vander and Karito stepped into the establishment, their gazes falling upon a portly elderly man examining various items.
(Benzo) "We're closed."
(Vander) "Well, open up."
(Benzo) Notices Vander and Karito "Well, never mind. Karito always brings good stuff, what did you get this time?"
(Karito) "Got some items from a penthouse, you'll like what I brought."
(Benzo) "That's my boy. Also, can you help Ekko fix that thing?"
(Karito) "The cannon pinion?"
(Ekko) "Don't worry, Karito. Just a few more seconds and I'm done."
(Benzo) "Karito, help him out. We're gonna need a word."
(Ekko) "I said I could-"
(Karito) "Don't worry man, I got this."
(Ekko) Sighs "Fine." Grabs his materials and exits the door. He quickly notices Claggor and they start conversing "Claggor!"
(Claggor) "He-he-hey, Little Man."
(Vander) Closes the door
(Benzo) "You're a little early. My guys are almost finished roundin' up this month's collections. Won't have a number until next, um..."
(Karito) Empties the bag on the table
(Benzo) "Whoo... Where did you get this?"
(Karito) "Lucky pick, it was an inventor."
(Benzo) "This is some good stuff, Karito."
(Vander) "Guys, we need to talk about something more serious..."
(Benzo) "I'm assuming this has to be about what me and half the undercity already heard.
(Vander) "They were lucky they didn't get killed by that vampire or got caught by enforcers. They were being stupid. Karito, why didn't you stop them?"
(Karito) "Look, sometimes us younger folk think we know everything when we actually don't. We bite more than we chew and the only way that some of them learn is by getting roughed up and hopefully, that is more than enough of a lesson for them not to repeat it again. Pluss, Vi wasn't going to listen to me anyways and if I forced her, she'll have a grudge. "
(Benzo) "I sometimes wonder if Karito is actually his age."
(Vander) "I don't think he is."
(Karito) "It's best you don't think about it too much."
(Benzo) "Why?"
(Karito) "Because I forgot."
(Vander) "Anyways, enough about Karito. The kids were spotted while Karito was dealing with the vampire, unfortunately, it got away."
(Benzo) "Vampires, are a thing now? Everything did go bonkers when Karito came into the scene."
(Karito) "What we need to be careful is the enforcers that are gonna check on us, looking for the others and I hope that the supervillains don't get involved."
(Vander) "Karito, do you actually don't know who followed them?"
(Karito) "Deckard."
(Vander) "You don't think..."
(Karito) "Maybe your old friend is back in town. But I have a suspicion."
(Benzo) "You're not assuming that "he" is working with these supervillains?"
(Karito) "The chances are... very high."
(Vander) "If you're right about this, how in the hell are we going to beat this?"
(Karito) Thoughts "We aren't." Spider-sense "Enforcers are coming." Grabs his loot
(Vander) "Karito, disappear."
(Karito) Activates his camouflage skill
A squad of enforcers from Piltover, clad in heavy armor and wearing gas masks to shield themselves from the undercity's pollution, entered Benso's shop with determined strides. Their mission was clear: to locate the group of children who had been spotted fleeing the area where the two "superhumans" had engaged in combat. These kids were in close proximity, carrying a bag of stolen goods and appearing to be from a disadvantaged background — at least that's what the enforcers' report indicated. Connecting them to the recent events involving the superhumans seemed plausible, considering their abrupt departure from the battle site and their possession of stolen items. Given the questionable reputation of the undercity's residents, the enforcers saw fit to delve into this lead as they began their search for the group of children.
(Benzo) Sees two enforcers enter his shop while the rest stayed outside "Evening, friends. Something I can help you with?"
(Marcus) "Some trencher trash was spotted leaving one of the buildings in the Academy district, where the attack of those superhumans occurred. Our suspicion is that those kids are connected to one of the superhumans. But you guys already knew that."
(Grayson) "We're looking for the suspects."
(Vander) "Got a description?"
(Marcus) "Yeah, we both know it's the four you're picturing in that thick head of yours."
(Vander) "Mm. You think my head is thick?" Looks at Benzo
(Benso) "Uh, just past the average."
(Marcus) Agitated "Listen, you shady son of a-!"
(Grayson) "How about you go for a little breather, Marcus? Cool off a bit." Stares at Marcus "Go."
(Marcus) Scoffs and leaves the shop
...
The second floor of Benzo's shop
Ekko strolled toward a device, strategically steering clear of Marcus, a particularly ill-tempered enforcer. Choosing to evade any confrontations, he aimed to maintain his eavesdropping efforts. Ekko's well-crafted device, concealed discreetly behind a row of masks on display in Benzo's shop, became his tool of choice. With a simple activation of the device, he intended to continue gathering information clandestinely.
As the machine hummed to life, Ekko found himself unexpectedly joined by Karito, who materialized beside him. The sudden appearance initially startled Ekko, but his unease quickly dissolved as he recognized the familiar figure.
(Ekko) "Karito! You scared me!"
(Karito) "My bad." Holding his bag
(Ekko) "You brought the loot you stole?"
(Karito) "The enforcers were going to recognize the materials, so I took it with me." Thoughts "Even though the moment I sensed the enforcers I threw it in the inventory."
(Ekko) "When did you even get here?"
(Karito) "Well, I was here for a few minutes already. Since the enforcers got in. Felt awkward just standing there."
(Ekko) "...What?"
(Karito) "Less explaining and more eavesdropping. Let's hear."
(Ekko) "Oh, right." Smacks the speaker a few times and activates
...
(Grayson) "To be really honest, we are more concerned about those two... things, than the kids that were spotted. They might be our only clue to one of them, at least."
(Vander) "Was anyone hurt?"
(Grayson) "Two buildings were blown to bits, and a third one was blown in half. What do you think?"
(Vander) "I don't know, maybe they are too powerful for them to contain themselves? Are you sure these... "things" are stuff you enforcers wanna deal with? Have you heard of the reports of what those two could do?"
(Grayson) "Those two were a threat to Piltover by just fighting each other. And the Kirammans are on our asses to figure out who they are and get rid of them, but honestly, by how I was told how they fought, this feels like suicide. But the entire Council have their eyes set on those superhumans and those kids were the only clue we spotted. And with those superhumans? People don't feel safe."
(Vander) "Yeah, safe for topside people."
(Grayson) "We had a deal, Vander. You keep your people off my streets and I stay out of your business. Give me a name. We just need to question them. We'll do things quietly. No one will know you were involved." Sees Vander averting his gaze "You don't seem to grasp how serious this is. If I don't have question answered by tonight, the next time I come down here, I'll have an army of enforcers with me. We both know how that'll go."
(Vander) "I'm sorry, Grayson, but I can't offer up my own people."
Benzo observed the two individuals before him, attuned to the palpable tension that hung in the air. The situation appeared poised to escalate further, leading to a sense of impending trouble. Sheriff Grayson, aware of the gravity of the moment, let out a noticeable sigh before uttering her final words.
(Grayson) "If you change your mind, this will reach me." Places a scroll on the table "And only me." Leaves the establishment
Karito and Ekko exchanged a glance that clearly conveyed a shared sentiment of "Oh, shit."
(Karito) Thoughts "And once again I'm labeled a menace to society. This shit seems to follow me everywhere, huh?"
(Ekko) "Karito, we tell the others about this."
(Karito) Thoughts "They have to know anyways. But this time I'm the culprit, but they will also be punished for being associated with me. Shit, I don't know what to expect. I just have to hope that the plot remains somewhat the same. I need to expect the unexpected. Fuck, this is gonna get complicated. I rather see the Doctor Who Verse than deal with drama and emotion. But it's not like I can't avoid it. I need to fix it, if possible." Speaks "Yeah, not a bad idea." Starts walking away
(Ekko) "Where are you going?"
(Karito) "To find Vi and Powder." Disappears
(Ekko) "What the fu-?"
Karito swung through the undercity, using his camouflage skill to remain hidden. Lost in his thoughts, he was preoccupied with recalling Vi and Powder's whereabouts. He was keenly aware that there were around 8 minutes and 6 seconds left before the episode concluded. As he continued his search, his symbiotic partner, Toxin, alerted him to the sight of the girls conversing on a rooftop. Karito knew that the intended dialogue was now disrupted due to his interference in the story. He held onto the hope that the conversation hadn't deviated too far from its original course.
Thud!
(Karito) "Sup, ya'll!"
(Vi & Powder) Startled "Shi-, don't do that!/Karito! I told you to not sneak behind me!"
(Karito) "Damn, sorry. Can't even be funny for a moment." Looks around "What are you two doing here?"
(Vi) "Going down memory lane, you should join us."
(Karito) "Uh, sure." Sits in between them
(Vi) Points towards a specific location "You guys see that gutter running along the canal?"
(Karito) Pulls out binoculars for Powder
(Vi) "That's where Karito beat up an enforcer because Claggor got his foot stuck while running from them."
(Powder) "Karito always seems to be beating up someone, isn't he?"
(Karito) "Can you blame me? Everyone here just wanted all the smoke."
(Vi) "It's still funny how you made the enforcer quit his job when he returned."
(Powder) "Karito can be scary at times."
(Karito) "Well, he stopped being a nuisance, right?"
(Vi) "And that sign." Points towards another direction "You see it?"
(Powder) Looks through the binoculars "Uh-huh."
(Vi) "Mylo tripped over his own paint bucket and nearly fell off trying to draw a giant middle finger. Lucky for him, Karito was there. And the little daredevil, Karito found it hilarious to paint their own asses and press them all over the wall, leaving their ass cheeks imprinted all across it."
(Karito) "It was hilarious, we looked like Baboons."
(Powder) "Haha!" Laughs
(Vi) "Though, not gonna lie. Karito, you have one fine ass if that's the imprint it left."
(Karito) "What can I say? Squads."
(Powder) "Karito don't be so nasty! Haha!" Giggles
(Vi) "Hey, Karito."
(Karito) "Hm?"
(Vi) "You remember when some guy took my favorite toy and threw it in between those pipes up here?"
(Karito) "I remember dislocating his jaw and putting it back in place and getting it back for you."
(Vi) "I was very grateful for that. You really did look like a hero. You teaching that kid a lesson, checking if I was alright... getting the toy, which at the moment I was scared for you, but you got it back for me. We've all had bad days. But because of you, they became happy. You were almost constantly there, checking on us, and if you weren't you were out there stealing and grabbing food."
(Powder) "Karito..."
(Karito) "Is it your turn now?"
(Powder) Snorts "Well, Vi did it, so might as well."
(Karito) "Go ahead then."
(Powder) "You're the smartest person I know. You noticed that I was more inclined in using gadgets than my fist. So you helped me build things and improve them. You helped me more than you should... and for that... I'm grateful."
(Karito) "You guys want to me cry or something?"
(Vi) Giggles "It's not that. Just... that if you ever want to talk to us... about anything, just know that you can trust us."
(Karito) "Yeah, I know. And I'm sorry for keeping secrets."
(Powder) "I'm sure you had a reason too, so it's fine."
(Vi) "Yeah. I thought about it for a bit as well. So it's fine."
Vi rested her head on Karito's shoulder, releasing a sigh of contentment. Meanwhile, Karito affectionately petted Powder, their group forming a quiet tableau against the backdrop of Piltover's illuminated skyline. The city's lights cast a warm glow on the night, and while the girls wore expressions of happiness, Karito's countenance was marked by a profound seriousness. His gaze held tension as if he could sense the presence of his adversaries, yet the immense power they wielded prevented him from precisely pinpointing their locations.
(Karito) Thoughts "I'll make sure your stories are kept alive..."
...
...
...
Silko's base
Nestled within the depths of the undercity, a concealed stronghold, veiled even by water, served as the backdrop for the story's antagonist. However, he wasn't operating alone in this narrative. The Darks had formed a sinister alliance with him, transforming numerous members of Silko's militia into lesser Darks, while Silko himself underwent a transformation into a formidable Pure Dark entity. Despite the dwindling time of just 5 minutes and 10 seconds remaining for this episode, the Darks had no intention of adhering to the story's original course. Their sinister designs aimed to reshape the trajectory of events.
(Dark Morlun) "Deckard, prepare to summon Hercules."
(Deckard) "Y-Yes, sir!"
(Dark Silko) "Morlun, who else were you going to bring here?"
(Dark Morlun) "Three more are going to join us, I'm still deciding who."
(Dark Silko) "You're trying to make the reader curious about who's going to join us for this arc?"
(Dark Morlun) "Maybe, maybe not. It's always good to leave them in suspense. They can't help themselves but judge quickly. The readers are super judgemental and they just love to assume things. It's quite hilarious to see how stupidly wrong they are on how they assume this story will course through."
(Dark Silko) "The author barely has a grasp on it because we keep breaking it. And little do they know that any negativity they spread just gives us more power."
(Dark Morlun) "But let them be, they like to feel "smart". So let them. I got better things to worry about, like who should I cast into this story."
(Dark Silko) "Should we force a "To Be Continued" just to mess with the readers?"
(Dark Morlun) "Yes, I feel uncomfortable with their gaze on me. Their breath, their touch. It's discomforting. So let's just do that."
Snap!
To Be Continued...
IMPORTANT: Read the Authors note.