The League of Legends Valentine Holiday Special
(Author's note, finally completed!)
Greetings Summoners. Welcome to the League of Legends Valentine Holiday Special.
Sit back and relax. Enjoy the candles. Turn down your computer's brightness and snuggle up with someone special.
https://cdn.shutterstock.com/shutterstock/videos/8471185/thumb/1.jpg
For you see, the champions in League of Legends are not all about competition and battles for glory. No, they have hearts as well.
So we have a collection of four short and sweet romantic stories to warm your heart on this lovely day.
We have included a special soundtrack you may listen to for mood setting, here. We will change it periodically, so follow the prompts for the best experience.
Not to worry, you may listen to whatever you like, the mood should remain the same. Unless perhaps it's Pentakill.
Now for the first story; he's a Purifier with a pure heart. A man having lost his heart long ago to a monster, but can he find it again?
#Lucian, starring in: #She's worth the wait.
He walked slowly down the petal-laden street, in a suit the color of the finest rose. His usual weapons were nowhere to be seen; his hair was slicked back and he wore a quiet smile on his face. It was a stark contrast to his demeanor a few short weeks back, but it was a special day, and she was worth it.
How long as it been? Since he allowed himself to feel? Since he allowed himself to love again? Lucian didn't know, but he was glad for the change. He felt like his old self again.
He strolled down the wooden streets of Bilgewater, and stopped at a flower shop. The sweet scents floated through the air, and beckoned him to enter. He walked to the counter and spotted the perfect gift right away. A bouquet of roses, of the deepest scarlet. They were her favorite.
"The roses, please." Lucian asked, fishing in his jacket pocket for some gold.
The elderly man at the counter beamed as he reached for them. "Got someone special?" He asked in a voice, but whether it quavered with emotion or age, Lucian couldn't tell.
Lucian nodded. "Yes, she's very special. In fact she's my soulmate." He said as he handed over the money.
"I remember my love well. She was the love of my life." The man said, his voice drowning in heartache as he rang up the transaction and handed over the bouquet. "These were her favorites as well. I wish you two nothing but the best."
"Thank you." Lucian said somberly as he sauntered out of the flower shop. However on his way out, he ran into a familiar face.
"Lucian!" Sarah Fortune said in pleasant surprise. "That's a new look for you, looks good." She looked him over and a smile played across her attractive features. "Did you get all dressed up just to say hi?"
Lucian gave a charming smile in return. "You could say that, but it's a special day today. I figured I'd be festive."
"Oh really?" Sarah asked, her smile shifting from playful to seductive ever-so-slightly. "Who's the lucky lady? Is it someone I know?" She knew who it was for. They didn't exactly meet on the best of circumstances, but Lucian was drawn to her. It wasn't anything new for Sarah, she often attracted attention, but what was fascinating about the Purifier was that every time he came through the area on his quest of vengeance, he would stop to visit. At first he only came to ask about the spirits who had arrived during each Harrowing, trying to see if Thresh had resurfaced since his defeat. However eventually the talks grew to other subjects, and soon Sarah learned of his lost wife, Senna. It was only a matter of time, Sarah was certain.
Lucian however shook his head, in response to her question. "Sorry Fortune, I'm afraid not."
Sarah Fortune did a double take. It took her a second to comprehend. Her smile turned to a frown, awash with disappointment. "I see." Was all she said.
Lucian took a deep breath. "Sorry, I should go."
"When you come back, you better make up your mind." Miss Fortune said as he walked away. A single petal fell from the bouquet as it started to sprinkle.
Lucian had everything ready. The flowers, the banquet, all that was left was the single crimson candle. He lit it at last, its soft light bathing the room. He took a seat on one side, and looked across the table at the empty seat.
He took a shaky breath, the memories flooding as they usually did on this day. But he couldn't move on. His resolve hardened as he started to eat. Senna was alive, and he was going to rescue her from Thresh. No matter how long it took.
She was worth the wait.
Welcome back summoner, you may pause the music now.
This story has ended on a sad note, as some stories must, but there is hope for him yet.
In the meantime, we must learn from his story, and not allow lost loves and heartbreak to keep us trapped in the past.
But now, let's go to the subject of the next story... This deadly ninja turns out to have killer pick-up lines as well! Just check out his luck with...
http://pre10.deviantart.net/3422/th/pre/f/2015/180/f/0/fifty_shades_of_zed_by_ptcrow-d8z6yjo.jpg
######Awesome pic by ptcrow
Oh my... Unfortuately my dear summoners, due to the early hour of this showing, we will have to skip this one. We will cover this in the late-night edition.
But not to worry, I have found a suitable substitute.
Now, don't let his appearance deceive, his cold and blackened heart of metal is not without feeling. A special tale crafted for a rather popular summoner in these parts, a 'Malicious Metal'.
Now, sit back and hear his tale. For maximum experience we recommend this song, you may find it a little more... Lively. ;)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZOhA7MMoJs/U4ePtq7rn-I/AAAAAAAAQpY/Fsbh2TdgV98/s1600/Mordekaiser_3.jpg
#Mordekaiser, starring in: #The Maven and the Master of Rock n' Roll.
The harsh lights were my heavenly audience, the melody was my ever beating metal heart.
This was the most important performance of my life. Soon Sona would see.
Karthus was killing it with the vocals, the only thing louder than the music and the screaming crowd. He sang with a fiery passion, but he had an edge to his movements that likely only the rest of us noticed, like he was expecting something.
My guitar was a extension of my soul, spitting fire and heavy metal across the stadium as I once spat destruction and suffering. I never would have changed if it wasn't for Sona, so it only felt right to do something for her.
When my riff came, I killed it. The crowd rocked along to it as I strung out the howls of the accursed. I held the final note a full second longer than normal; it was the signal.
Karthus understood, and stopped singing.
Yorick got the message, and sent a quick message to the Maiden in the VFX and mixing booth to kill the heavy strobe lights and to get the smoke machine going, and swap the floorlights to a soft blue and focus them on Sona. Yorick himself stopped playing.
Olaf understood and moved to soft beats with his drums.
Sona saw the swift change in song, and transitioned smoothly. We had told her about the impromptu change beforehand, we just didn't tell her about the rest.
We all started into a slower melody, Orb of Winter. The crowd was surprised but took the change in stride.
Karthus then surprised them by singing. He turned to Sona and then sung the words I wrote for her.
Maven of the night, maven of the light,
You have saved this dark soul from the blight.
A tyrant no longer, a enslaver of souls no more,
your presence makes my heart soar.
You have shown me the real you as you showed me the path.
Your beauty and musical talent is not all that stopped my bloodbath.
You're a sweet flower in the orchard of life, and I want to pick you.
You're a great companion, friend, and a good listener, hue.
So my Maven, my muse, I have one plea.
Will you marry me? I took the last line myself as I stepped forward. Yorick's ghouls operated the crank that lowered a banner with the question. I reached in my guitar and pulled out a small box.
This entire time Sona was speechless. Her hands went to her mouth, and she was trying hard not to cry.
Then it happened. One of the cables that held the metal banner up broke, and the slab decorated with lights dropped with a loud grating sound; the sudden weight straining the other. It swung on it's only rope and smashed into the wall in the side of the stage. We were going to have to pay a pretty penny for that. But then it sparked, then lit on fire.
My heart stopped as the electrical fire spread and the emergency foam dispensers came on, drenching everybody on stage. Due to Yorick's ghouls not properly plugging in the equipment, they sparked and fizzed out. The acrid stench of burned wires made me feel very small. To add insult to injury, one of the spotlights blew, but whether it was from the sprinklers that came on later or something else, I didn't know. I couldn't even think.
Everything was ruined spectacularly. Everyone was speechless. The audience seemed to be okay enough, but a blood pool gathered under the slab when it fell over after smashing the wall. All we could see was a single tiny hand sticking out in a green glove.
I turned back to Sona, tripping over my words in an effort to apologize. But Sona ignored my attempts to apologize and put a hand on my cheek. Before I could protest she kissed me, and mouthed the word yes.
The disaster of the stage suddenly didn't matter. I opened the box, and slid the ring on her finger.
The audience let out a ragged cheer despite the events of the evening, and Karthus spoke across the whole stadium, even with a broken mic. "I suppose Morde's proposal was so profound, it brought the house down!" We let out a chuckle at that, and as emergency crews started to pile in, Sona and I left the stadium. There was a really neat place I always wanted to take her.
Well, that was quite the proposal, eh summoner? You can pause the music now.
Now our next story covers a champion from our very own Institute of War, Vladimir. This story was also a specially crafted one, this one is for our resident Vladimir Main and memelord, soon to be bloodlord, a 'Tides of Blood'.
Now you may be thinking this is a simple story, as his dashing good looks practically guarantee women, correct? Well summoner, I'm afraid it's more complex than that. You have only seen him on posters, but run into him in the halls of the Institute of War, and you will be assaulted by a variety of puns and jokes. With not a single one funny.
I'm afraid it is thus. Vladimir's sense of humor is incredibly awful, and that is a major deal-breaker on his dates. It has gotten to the point where the other champions from Noxus refuse to sit with him in the cafeteria.
But all hope is not lost for our dear hemomancer, as there is one champion who may just get along with him. We have heard Vlad's a fan of the violin, so switch your music to this at the signal, summoner.
http://ddragon.leagueoflegends.com/cdn/img/champion/splash/Vladimir_1.jpg
#Vladimir, starring in: #A Blood Moon.
Vladimir picked up the last of the blood orange slices and tossed it on his tray. The Institute cafeteria was a decent place to pick up a bite, assuming of course you didn't get sick of the food. The food was good but predictable, stale. Vladimir sighed as he reached for the last honey biscuit, wishing that they would do something to spice up the menu.
A manicured hand reached for it at the same time as him. Unfortunately for Vladimir, he left his claws in his room, and her nails clasped the fluffy treat first.
Vladimir turned his head in irritation, and tossed his head back to move a stray strand of snow-white hair from his face.
Ahri stared back at him. "Sorry Vlad, ladies first." She said with a smile as she moved around him. "They'll make more eventually."
She did her best to move away quickly before Vlad could think of a reply, but she was too slow. "I thought I had that, guess I was just out_foxed_." He said dramatically, ignoring Ahri's groan and subsequent facepalm. "Come now Ahri," Vlad said, catching up to and putting a hand on her back in mock support. "I know it's a draining experience for you to hear me talk about myself. I apologize for being so vein."
"Just take the stupid bread!" Ahri snapped, taking the prize from her tray and chucking it at his.
Vladimir grinned. "What's the matter Ahri? Did I get under your skin?"
"OKAY! TAKE THE REST OF MY FOOD TOO! GODS, JUST SHUT UP!" She nearly screamed, shoving the tray at him. She then stomped away in a huff.
Vladimir's grin grew wider as he surveyed his prize. An Ionian dish made primarily of potatoes and cheese that he didn't recognize, and a dessert that consisted of a pastry stuffed with jelly. "Works every time." He said as he moved the food onto his plate and left the extra tray at a table he passed.
He walked over to the table where his comrades sat, hoping that he'd be allowed to sit there again.
Katarina, Darius, Draven, Swain, Talon, and LeBlanc sat at the circular table. Sion never ate, and nobody knew what Kled ate besides tacos, so they were almost never there.
"Hey guys," Vlad said, spying an empty seat. "You think I can--"
"Sorry Vlad." Draven said, stretching out and occupying both seats. "There's barely enough room for Draven as it is."
"Come on guys." Vlad said, irritation starting to creep into his voice. "This is getting old. When are you letting me back here?"
"When your pathetic excuses for jokes stop making my blades rust." Katarina said, twirling one of her prized blades in her hand lazily.
"This is incredibly petty." Vlad spat. He turned to Swain for help. "Grand General, please--"
"Your last few jokes caused Beatrice great distress." The General cut in, patting his familiar with emphasis. "Until she's fully recovered and no longer molting prematurely, you are not permitted to sit here."
Vlad pouted, but left without another word. He had half a mind to crack another joke and make the stupid bird go into shock, but the other half wanted him to stay alive. The summoners were powerful, but even they couldn't stop Katarina and Talon from killing him in a split second.
Dejected, he looked around for an empty table, and found one. Well, it was almost empty. A young woman with hair almost as beautiful and as white as his sat there. She wore clothing more comfortable than her usual armor, and Vlad suddenly felt overdressed.
He recalled playing a match with Diana earlier in the day, where they steamrolled the enemy team to victory, but didn't know much about her.
He coughed and ran a hand through his hair self-consciously. As far as he could remember, she was the only woman at the Institute he hadn't hit on yet. Last chance, He thought as he approached.
Diana's meal was simple and elegant. Bread and a meat Vlad couldn't identify at a glance. She looked up as he approached, her fair face unreadable."What are you doing?" She demanded as Vlad got closer.
A pick-up line bubbled to Vlad's mind, but for once he swallowed it down and replied, "Just looking for a place to sit, you seemed lonely." He gestured to the table. "May I?"
She looked at him intently, then silently nodded.
Vlad slid next to her and watched as she closed her eyes and spoke a few words softly. He started to ask what she was saying, but a hand from Diana silenced him.
After she finished, she opened her eyes and looked at him. "Vladimir, right?"
He nodded. "Yes. We were in a match earlier today. I was mid."
"Ah yes, you were the one that kept asking for ganks."
Vlad grinned sheepishly. "Azir was really hounding on me during laning. As if it wasn't bad enough listening to him prattle on about Shurima, his soldiers hurt."
"Even after the summoners weakened him in the rift once again?" Diana asked.
Vlad shrugged. "I didn't feel it. They better hit him again, just to make sure he's fair."
Diana didn't reply, and reached for a piece of bread.
Vlad sat silently for a moment, contemplating his next actions. "So, what were you doing earlier?"
"I was praying to the Moon." She replied matter-of-factly, with a hint of bitterness. "It's the only reason those jerks at the Targonian table won't let me sit with them."
Vlad leaned to look at the mentioned table. Leona, Pantheon, and Taric sat eating and chatting. "Let me guess, Leona?"
Diana nodded once again. "She labels me a heretic and now I'm barred from sitting at a table!" At the word heretic, she slammed her fork into the table. She let it go, but the fork stayed stuck in the table. "And the other weak Targonians just follow her lead, like she controls them."
Vlad raised an eyebrow. "They ignore you too? Honestly surprised Taric does."
"You have no idea." Diana nearly snarled.
Diana was walking to the training room when Taric crossed her path. The man stopped her, and offered a charming smile as he produced a pair of tickets. "Diana, would you like to go with me to the Sun Festival coming up?" Diana growled and shoved past him, continuing on her way. Taric was stunned. "Did I say something wrong?"
"They all hate me just because Leona does." Diana said, reaching for her cup and drinking.
"Hmm." Wit came to Vlad's mind, and he just couldn't keep it to himself. "And here I was thinking Leona had a sunny disposition."
Diana spit out her drink and nearly choked laughing. She recovered swiftly enough, but Vlad was too stunned to notice. Did she actually laugh? He thought unbelieving. At one of my jokes?
She looked at him, a little friendlier. "That was a good one." She admitted.
Vlad grinned. "I have a lot more where that came from." He turned and leaned in the direction of the Ionian table. "Hey Jhin! I hope you have the _four_tune to win the next game!"
Jhin's only response was to bury his head in his hands and to slump in his seat with a long groan.
Diana nearly howled with laughter. Vlad laughed as well, taking great pleasure at finding somebody to laugh with. "Do you know any Diana?"
Diana gave him an actual smile and replied, "Yeah, here's one. A yordle and a human walk into the sun. They die! Get it? Since the sun's made of fire!"
Vlad was on his side laughing as everyone in earshot had varying reactions. None of them positive.
When he finally got up, he wiped his eye and looked at Diana. "You're the funniest person here, hands down."
(Cue music!) Diana flushed. "Thanks. I can't believe we haven't talked before."
"Well, I'm glad we did now." Vlad said as he pushed his tray between them. "Here, I have extra. Let's pool our efforts and finish this meal."
Diana let out a slight giggle and stabbed at a potato chunk. "You're bloody awesome, you know that?"
Vlad chuckled at the wordplay. "Well, I don't want to be vein, but you're probably right."
Diana couldn't even take a bite, she was laughing too hard. "You know we should get into more games together, together we'll be the vessels of our enemies' destruction."
Vlad stood up and held out a hand for Diana. "Do you want to go now?"
"I'm still hungry." Diana replied as she reached for more food.
"Then we'll stop by a restaurant on the way to the sign-up booths." Vlad offered. "I just want to get out of here. Being here is just draining at this point."
Diana snickered and stood up. "Alright, it's a date."
"Great, it's settled, let's--" It took him a second to realize what she said. "Date?" He repeated, turning to her.
"Yeah, date." She said, standing up and abandoning the half-finished meal. She walked to the exit while Vlad just stood there, stunned by his good fortune. "You coming?" She asked.
Vlad nodded. He went to follow, when Diana's face suddenly twisted into a venomous sneer. He turned and saw Leona at the Targonian table, returning a similar expression. The two locked stares for a minute, then Diana pointed to Vladimir, showing him off for Leona's displeasure. She grabbed Vlad's hand hard enough for him to nearly crumple to his knees in pain, then pulled him along. "Come on." She said as she nearly dragged him out of the cafeteria.
Vlad was still looking backwards, so he saw Leona scowl and grab for Pantheon's hand to equalize the playing field, but the Aspect pulled away. Vlad shrugged at the companion-less Solari and gave a smug smile.
He then turned around and walked with Diana, eager to leave before Leona flared up.
I am so sorry you had to endure that summoner, rest assured the puns and jokes were reduced in their bite as much as possible. You can pause the music now.
While painful to read, Vladimir's story helps to assure us that no matter who we are, there's someone for us out there. These two bonded over their humor, or lack thereof. Who knows who's out there for you, summoner?
Anyway, time to leave on a more... unique note. Our final story features a young explorer that knows what he wants, and much like the treasures he finds on a regular basis, he knows how to get them.
http://www.legendsbr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Ezreal_Splash_7-300x300.jpg
#Ezreal, starring in:
#Never Skip It.
The Citadel of Dawn was the largest palace that Ezreal had ever seen. At least in Demacia. Shurima had mere tombs that dwarfed it.
He tossed a pouch between his hands as he walked up the steps leading into the palace; inside was a Demacian artifact. He was promised a good amount of money for it, but he made up his mind to refuse it. He didn't need the money, he was rich enough. What he wanted was a statue of himself put in the Plaza of Demacia City, right next to the previous kings of the nation.
He figured he was important enough.
The guards let him past without a word; he had come often enough for them not to bother questioning him anymore.
He walked through the halls of the great palace, admiring all the art and treasures he had found now being displayed proudly in cases of flawless glass. He glanced at the plaques and made sure he was credited with the discovery. At this rate he was certain he would be let into Demacia's history books.
He didn't travel two halls before he ran into Lux. "Ez!" She squealed. "What a surprise! I had no idea you were coming! I found this great place in Demacia City, do you want to go with me?"
He grinned smoothly and passed her. "Sorry Lux! Maybe another time! I gotta get this to Jarvan the Third!"
"King Jarvan the Third!" Lux called after him in a chipper tone. "Good luck!"
Ezreal wouldn't say that he didn't like Lux, she was a hottie. Unfortunately she could be very annoying at times, and he didn't have time to talk about theoretical magic or rainbows with her every time they met. Not to mention that laugh. Gods, that laugh. Ezreal cringed as a fresh memory sprang to mind. He was fairly certain she could kill animals with that laugh. Which was a problem, as Ezreal made her laugh often, inadvertently of course, but still.
He made it to the throne room, and as Ezreal walked up to the door Taric walked out.
"Greetings, Ezreal." Taric said in greeting as they approached each other, hand outstretched.
Ezreal had his hand out to shake, but pulled it back at the last second and moved around him. "Sorry Taric, can't talk, got treasure to deliver." He said over his shoulder. He turned back to the door before he could see Taric's reaction.
He reached for the door and was stopped cold by an arm blocking his way. "Stop right there. What's your business?" The harsh female voice demanded.
Ezreal rolled his eyes. Not this again. He muttered under his breath. "Shy, I don't have time for this. Let me through and we can skip this whole process, sound good?"
Shyvana wasn't having it. "Then make time. My king's life is more important than your petty deadlines." She said as she moved to completely bar his way.
Ezreal considered using his gauntlet to simply teleport to the other side of the door, but then remembered that there were armed guards on the other end of the door. If a guy suddenly appeared on the other side of the door, they may stab first, ask questions second. "Look Shy, I know--"
"Shyvana." She corrected, her voice tinged with anger. "My name is Shyvana. Get it through your thick skull."
Ezreal shrugged. "Whatever, just tell me what I have to do."
"Hand over the pouch. I need to inspect it."
Ezreal rolled his eyes, but surrendered the artifact. "Now watch it, dragon girl. If you break it, it's coming out of Demacia's pockets."
Shyvana raised her golden eyes from the pouch and only replied with a growl. She then returned to her inspection.
After fifteen minutes he was sure she was taking her time just to spite him. His eyes started to wander, and then he saw them, for what seemed the first time.
Long, lean, and amazingly smooth for a half-dragon. Ezreal's interest was piqued.
Lux had nice legs, to be sure. But Shyvana's were on a whole other level. He started to flush, and pulled at his collar. "Did someone turn up the heat?"
Shyvana ignored him.
"Oh, it's just you." Ezreal continued nervously, turning his question into a rather poor pick-up line.
This time Shyvana didn't ignore him. "Somehow your attempts at 'charm' are more annoying than your gloating." She remarked before she went back to her "work".
Ezreal tried to tear his eyes away, but they kept wandering back to her legs. Sometimes to steal glances, other times to drink in the sight. His face grew hotter, and words tumbled from his mouth. "You have n-nice legs." He immediately felt like he wanted to disappear.
To his relief, Shyvana didn't attack him or laugh at him. She merely stared at him in confusion for a few seconds, then replied, "Thanks?"
Ezreal caught the slight flush in her cheeks. This was his chance. While she was off balance. Perhaps she would say yes. "Hey Shyv, you think I could maybe... kiss your leg?"
If Ezreal had the foresight to prepare his guantlet for a jump, he might have escaped unscathed. The last thing Ezreal felt before dropping unconscious was a gauntlet to the face with the force of an enraged and embarrassed half-dragon.
To be completely honest summoner, who expected a different result? At any rate, this concludes the holiday special! Have a wonderful Valentines Day and make sure to spend the final hours with your loved ones!
As a final piece, we have here a tale of Garen and Katarina, what a couple. It's too long to feature here, but perhaps the author wouldn't mind if we linked you to her story here: http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/skin-champion-concepts/49xvwvt9-beyond-the-lines-a-story-of-love-and-league-katarinas-legacy-part-1
With that final note, once again have a happy Valentines day and see you all on the Rift.
