Piltover - The Memorial Ceremony - [Continued]

Caitlyn sprinted through the narrow space between two black containers, clutching an Enforcer's rifle tightly in her hands. Her sharp eyes scanned her surroundings, but before she could react, a hulking Chemtank crashed into her, slamming her against the cold metal of the container. Its right arm pinned her chest, and pain shot through her body as she let out a scream. The Chemtank's left arm, ending in a glowing, jagged sword, rose high, ready to deliver a killing blow.

Suddenly, from above, Vi leapt into action. She had climbed to the top of the container and now hurled herself onto the Chemtank. Her hands gripped its head as she swung her body with all her strength, forcing the mechanical giant off balance. With a thunderous crash, the Chemtank slammed face-first into the ground, its helmet cracking under the impact.

But the Chemtank wasn't finished. It swung its massive arm, hitting Vi and sending her sprawling to the ground. Gritting her teeth, Vi pushed herself to her feet, unarmed but undeterred. The Chemtank's glowing sword whirred ominously as it prepared to strike her down.

Caitlyn's shot hit the blade mid-swing, deflecting it just enough for it to miss Vi and embed itself in the side of the container.

Seizing the opportunity, Vi leapt onto the Chemtank again, her hands gripping the valve on its helmet. With a fierce cry, she pulled with all her might, her muscles straining until the valve finally gave way. Purple fumes hissed and poured from the breach as the Chemtank staggered before collapsing lifeless to the ground. Vi landed in a crouch, breathing heavily, her eyes fixed on the downed enemy.

She turned to Caitlyn, her expression softening slightly as she extended a hand to help her up. Caitlyn, still catching her breath, hesitated before taking it. For a moment, their eyes met in silent understanding.

The moment shattered as a loud thud echoed nearby. Three more Chemtanks landed heavily in their path, their glowing eyes glaring with menace. One roared, its mechanical voice reverberating through the area. Vi gasped, instinctively raising her hands defensively, while Caitlyn raised her rifle, positioning herself close to Vi.

Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass pierced the air. A figure crashed down between Vi, Caitlyn, and the advancing Chemtanks, the ground trembling under the impact. The figure straightened, towering and imposing, revealing Master Chief, his armor gleaming in matte black, carrying his MA40 Assault Rifle held at the ready. His aura was commanding, his presence turning the tide of the moment.

Above them, another sound rang out—the unmistakable hum of an energy sword igniting. One of the Chemtanks looked up, but it was too late. A blade sliced clean through its head, sparks flying as its lifeless body crumpled to the ground. Landing gracefully across Master Chief was the Arbiter, his armor clad in Piltover's colors, his every move precise and deliberate.

Vi's eyes widened in astonishment, her jaw dropping slightly. Caitlyn recognized them instantly, relief washing over her.

Master Chief didn't spare a glance at the two women, his focus entirely on the two remaining Chemtanks. His voice, calm and commanding, cut through the chaos. "Get the councilors to safety."

Vi grabbed Caitlyn by the arm, urgency in her movements. "Go," she said firmly. "Find the councilors."

Caitlyn hesitated, glancing at Vi. "Where are you going?"

"I have an idea," Vi replied, her voice steady despite the chaos. With a determined nod, they split—Caitlyn moving toward the councilors while Vi disappeared into the fray.

Master Chief and the Arbiter, their imposing figures encircled by the remaining Chemtanks. The Arbiter held his energy sword, its glow illuminating the battlefield, while Chief aimed his rifle, his finger hovering over the trigger.

The Chemtanks roared, and the battle erupted anew.

The two remaining Chemtanks stood between Master Chief and Arbiter, their glowing eyes scanning for weaknesses. Master Chief, steady and composed, called out, "Cortana, weaknesses."

Her voice crackled through his visor, precise and confident. "Caitlyn mentioned their vulnerabilities—the valves and tubes. Be careful. They're fast."

Master Chief didn't respond, his silence indicating he'd already locked in his strategy.

One of the Chemtanks roared, and both charged simultaneously, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground as they closed in from opposite sides. Master Chief raised his MA40 Assault Rifle, unleashing a controlled burst of fire. Meanwhile, Arbiter sprinted toward the other Chemtank with deadly precision, his energy sword gleaming in the chaos.

The Chemtank targeting Arbiter leaped into the air, its glowing sword poised to strike. Arbiter glanced upward, his sharp instincts assessing the trajectory in an instant. He sidestepped smoothly, the Chemtank's blade smashing into the ground where he had stood moments before. Sparks flew as Arbiter countered with a swift strike of his energy sword, shattering the Chemtank's weapon into useless fragments.

The Chemtank didn't relent. With its remaining sword, it swung furiously at Arbiter, its speed ferocious. Arbiter ducked under the wide arc, the blade missing him by inches. Seizing the opening, he moved with precision, his energy sword slicing through one of the exposed tubes on the Chemtank's side. Purple fumes erupted from the breach as the mechanical beast staggered, its movements faltering before it collapsed, lifeless.

Across the battlefield, Master Chief faced the second Chemtank. His assault rifle barked as he fired relentlessly, but the Chemtank deflected the bullets with its dual swords, moving with unnerving speed. In one fluid motion, the Chemtank swung its blade, shattering Chief's rifle in his hands. The weapon broke apart, but Chief remained unfazed, his composure unshaken.

The Chemtank roared as it lunged with its left arm, its sword arcing toward Chief. Reacting swiftly, Chief grabbed its wrist, halting the attack mid-swing. The Chemtank snarled, striking with its other arm, but Chief caught that wrist as well, locking the mechanical beast in place. The Chemtank struggled violently, unable to free itself from Chief's iron grip.

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With a calculated move, Chief reared his head back and delivered a powerful headbutt, the impact shattering the Chemtank's visor. Glass fragments sprayed outward as the Chemtank staggered, roaring in pain. Chief didn't hesitate—he drew his M6G Magnum sidearm and aimed with precision, firing directly at the exposed tubes. The bullets pierced the valves, and purple fumes hissed out as the Chemtank let out a final groan, collapsing in a heap.

Master Chief straightened, his visor reflecting the carnage. He glanced across the battlefield to Arbiter, who stood over the remains of the other Chemtank. The Sangheili's imposing figure, clad in Piltover's colors, exuded quiet confidence. Their eyes met briefly, and they exchanged a subtle nod—a silent acknowledgment of their efficient teamwork.

The battlefield was momentarily quiet, save for the distant echoes of chaos, as the two warriors prepared for the next wave of threats.

Meanwhile,

Enforcers Maddie and Steb, along with Tobias Kiramman, worked quickly to secure the councilors. Mel Medarda Cassandra Kiramman, Shoola, Salo, Bolbok, Hoskel, and Terrance Hood were ushered into the back of a dark blue and gold van. The atmosphere was tense, their movements swift as they prioritized the councilors' safety.

As the councilors climbed in, Maddie turned sharply, her eyes scanning the area. With haste, she swiftly grabbed a canister from her belt. With practiced precision, she fired a round of smoke towards them. Thick gray clouds erupted, billowing out and covering their escape. The haze obscured the van, buying them precious seconds.

Steb slammed the rear doors shut, his gaze darting around the area, scanning for threats. Maddie climbed into the driver's seat, her hands gripping the wheel tightly. The engine hummed to life as she pressed the ignition, the Hextech systems powering up with a faint glow.

Steb slid into the passenger seat, nodding to Maddie. She returned the nod, her focus sharp as she shifted the gear into drive. "Go!" she ordered, her voice steady but urgent.

Before the vehicle could move, a massive shadow loomed overhead. The ground quaked as a massive figure crashed into the side of the van with terrifying force. The impact sent the vehicle rolling violently, its occupants thrown around as screams erupted from within.

The van came to a halt on its roof, its wheels still spinning uselessly. Smoke billowed from the engine as sparks danced across the crumpled Hextech plating. Inside, chaos reigned. Maddie groaned, her hands fumbling for the seatbelt release as blood trickled from a cut on her forehead. "Everyone okay?!" she called out, her voice strained.

Steb nodded towards her, disoriented but still conscious, as he braced himself against the upturned dashboard.

In the rear compartment, Tobias and the councilors struggled to regain their bearings. Cassandra, her hair disheveled, reached for Shoola, who was clutching her arm in visible pain. Bolbok groaned, his large frame awkwardly wedged between the overturned seats. Beside him, Salo grimaced, his voice strained and filled with fear. "I—I can't feel my legs!" he gasped, his breathing ragged as he struggled to comprehend his condition.

Terrance Hood, ever the composed leader, raised his voice to cut through the chaos. "Stay down!" he barked, his tone sharp and commanding. "Everyone, stay calm and stay low!"

Mel turned toward Salo, her expression filled with concern as she tried to assess his injuries. "We'll get you out of here," she said firmly, despite the tremor in her voice. Her hands trembled as she checked his legs, trying to determine the severity of the damage.

Shoola winced, clutching her injured arm tightly. "What's happening out there?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as the sound of the Chemtank's mechanical steps drew closer.

Terrance's gaze shifted toward the front of the van, his expression grim. "We need to hold on and stay quiet. Help will come."

Outside, the massive figure that had struck the van straightened, its towering form illuminated by the faint glow of the wreckage. Another Chemtank, larger and more heavily armored than the others, roared as it approached the overturned vehicle, its mechanical steps shaking the ground.

Maddie and Steb sat in the overturned front seats of the van, Maddie clutching the dashboard as she struggled to catch her breath. Her heart pounded in her chest, and the metallic groaning of the van's frame filled the air. Suddenly, the driver's side door was torn away with a screeching crash, and a massive hand shot inside.

The hulking Chemtank, larger and more imposing than the others, grabbed Maddie by the leg, yanking her out of the van. She screamed, her body swinging wildly as she dangled upside down in its iron grip. The massive figure roared, its glowing eyes fixed on its prey.

Steb gasped, scrambling out of the vehicle with his weapon drawn. He aimed and fired, the bullets bouncing harmlessly off the Chemtank's reinforced armor. Maddie yelled for help, her voice trembling with fear as she twisted in the air.

Before Steb could do more, Arbiter leapt onto the flipped truck with precision and grace, his energy sword igniting with a distinct hum. With a powerful lunge, he drove the blade through the Chemtank's massive arm, severing it at the elbow. The Chemtank roared in agony, releasing its grip on Maddie as its severed fingers twitched and fell to the ground.

Maddie tumbled, but before she could hit the ground, Arbiter was already there. He caught her mid-fall, lowering her swiftly but gently to the ground. "Run!" Arbiter commanded in his deep, resonant voice, his tone firm and unwavering.

Maddie hesitated, her eyes wide with terror, but before she could react, the massive Chemtank swung its remaining arm with brutal force. Arbiter attempted to sidestep, but the attack clipped him, slamming him into the ground with a heavy crash. His shield shimmered on impact as the Sangheili warrior winced, his hand gripping the hilt of his energy sword as he tried to push himself upright but was unable to.

At that moment, Ezio Auditore arrived on the scene, his movements fluid as he sprinted toward the flipped van. He quickly assessed the situation, his sharp gaze locking on Terrance Hood as he emerged from the wreckage. "Councilor," Ezio said, his voice calm but urgent. "Get everyone to safety. I'll hold this thing off for as long as I can."

Terrance nodded grimly, his resolve unshaken despite the chaos. He drew his M6G Magnum sidearm with practiced efficiency, aiming it at the Chemtank as he motioned for the others to move. "Go, now! Hurry!" he barked, his voice carrying over the noise of the battle.

Behind him, the councilors began to climb out of the van, their movements panicked but focused as they followed Terrance's orders. Hoskel, his face pale but determined, stayed close behind Terrance, keeping an eye on the group. Tobias and Bolbok worked together to support Salo, who groaned in pain, unable to walk on his injured legs. The two men held him firmly, their combined strength ensuring he didn't fall.

Meanwhile, Cassandra carefully guided Shoola, who winced with every step as she clutched her injured arm. Cassandra's voice, calm despite the fear in her eyes, reassured her with quiet words of encouragement as they moved as quickly as they could.

The Chemtank, still raging from its severed limb, turned its glowing eyes toward the retreating group. A guttural growl rumbled from deep within its frame, its intent clear—it wasn't finished yet.

Ezio stepped forward, his movements deliberate and precise as he placed himself between the massive foe and the councilors. His gaze was sharp, his body coiled like a predator ready to strike. The faint glow of his Sword illuminated the determination etched across his face.

"Keep moving!" Ezio commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. The councilors pressed on, their pace quickening. Ezio stood firm, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to intercept the colossal machine.

"Come forth, monster," Ezio taunted, his voice cold and cutting. He raised his sword, aiming it with deadly precision. "Let me send you back to where you came from."

The Chemtank roared in response, its charge gaining momentum as it barreled toward Ezio. Undeterred, he held his ground, every movement calculated as he prepared to intercept the colossal beast.