League Of Legends/Arcane: Earthbound

Adam crouched by the riverbank, his boots sinking slightly into the mud. The map lay spread out on a flat rock in front of him, lit by the faint moonlight filtering through the dense canopy of trees above. He chewed on the inside of his cheek as he traced the routes with his finger, muttering to himself.

"Okay, so... Noxus is a bad idea unless I suddenly grow an army overnight. Piltover? That's weeks of walking and probably a boat ride I can't pay for. And going back to Freljord is basically the 'I give up' option." He sat back, exhaling sharply. "This is like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube with one hand tied behind my back."

Sylas, leaning against a nearby tree, rolled his eyes. "You talk too much, boy."

Adam looked up at him, scowling. "And you brood too much. What's your point?"

"My point," Sylas said, stepping closer, "is that sitting here second-guessing yourself won't get you anywhere. Pick a direction and start moving before Demacia's dogs catch up with us."

Adam jabbed a finger at the map. "Do you see this? These aren't just directions; they're death traps. Noxus will skewer me for breathing wrong, Piltover will probably try to dissect me for science, and Demacia… well, we both know how that's going."

Sylas crossed his arms, his chains clinking softly. "And yet, staying here isn't an option."

Adam sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Piltover it is. Happy now?"

Sylas smirked. "I'm not the one who needs convincing."

Grumbling, Adam folded the map and shoved it into his bag. "You're lucky I don't have a better plan, Chains McBroody."

"Chains McBroody?" Sylas repeated, arching an eyebrow.

"Yeah, because you're all chains and doom-and-gloom vibes," Adam said, shouldering his bag. "If you smiled more, you might scare people less."

Sylas chuckled dryly. "And if you talked less, you might live longer."

The river was louder than Adam had expected, its rushing waters echoing through the trees as they approached. When he finally saw it, his stomach dropped. The water was wide, dark, and churning violently, like a living thing intent on devouring anything foolish enough to cross it.

"Yeah, this looks safe," Adam muttered, hands on his hips.

Sylas came up beside him, unimpressed. "You didn't mention crossing a raging death trap in your grand escape plan."

Adam shot him a look. "It's a river. What did you expect? A bridge with a gift shop on the other side?"

Sylas ignored the comment, scanning the far bank. "How do you plan to cross? Swim?"

"Do I look like Michael Phelps to you?" Adam said, pulling an arrow from his quiver. He tied his bag securely to its shaft, aiming for a sturdy tree on the opposite side. "Watch and learn."

The arrow flew true, embedding itself in the tree with a satisfying thunk. Adam smirked, pleased with himself. "Boom. Step one, complete."

Sylas frowned. "And step two?"

Adam grabbed a nearby log, pushing it into the water. The current immediately tried to drag it away, but he managed to steady it. "We ride the log across. Simple."

Sylas stared at him. "That's your plan?"

"Unless you've got a boat hidden somewhere, yeah," Adam said, climbing onto the log. "Come on, old man. Adventure awaits!"

Sylas sighed but followed, his expression a mix of annoyance and resignation. "If we die, I'm blaming you."

"Noted," Adam said, using a makeshift oar to push the log into the current.

The river was relentless, the log bobbing violently as Adam and Sylas navigated the treacherous waters. Adam fired an ice arrow into the river ahead of them, creating a small patch of ice to stabilize their path temporarily.

"You've got a talent for this," Sylas admitted grudgingly.

"Yeah, well, don't get used to it," Adam said, his tone strained as he fought to keep the log steady.

Then he saw it—a dark shape moving beneath the surface, faster than the current. His heart sank.

"Uh, Sylas?"

"What now?"

"There's something in the water," Adam said, his voice tight.

Sylas followed his gaze, his expression hardening. "What is it?"

Before Adam could answer, the creature surged out of the water—a massive river serpent, its scales shimmering like polished steel. Its roar was deafening, and its eyes glowed with an unnatural light.

"Are you kidding me?!" Adam shouted, drawing his bow.

The serpent lunged, jaws wide. Adam fired an ice arrow into its mouth, freezing its jaws partially shut. The creature thrashed, shattering the ice, and nearly capsizing the log.

Sylas leapt to his feet, his chains glowing faintly. "Hold it steady!"

"Hold it steady?!" Adam echoed, barely managing to stay upright. "What do I look like, a circus performer?"

The serpent struck again, wrapping its massive body around the log. Adam slashed at it with his sword, but its scales were too tough. Sylas swung his chains, landing a heavy blow on the creature's head, momentarily dazing it.

"We need to kill it!" Sylas yelled.

"Oh, really? I thought we could just ask it nicely to go away!" Adam shot back.

The serpent reared back, preparing to strike. Adam waited for the right moment, then drove his sword into its eye. The beast roared in pain, thrashing wildly and sending Adam flying into the water.

"Adam!" Sylas shouted, his chains lashing out to keep the serpent at bay.

Underwater, Adam struggled to hold his breath as the serpent circled him. He grabbed an ice arrow, stabbing it into the serpent's mouth as it lunged. The ice spread, locking its jaws in place.

Adam surfaced, gasping for air. "Sylas! Now!"

Sylas didn't hesitate. He swung his chains with all his might, striking the serpent's head repeatedly. The creature's movements grew sluggish, and Adam seized the opportunity. Climbing onto the serpent's back, he drove his sword into the base of its skull.

The serpent let out one final, guttural roar before collapsing into the water, its massive body floating lifelessly.

Adam climbed back onto the log, drenched and exhausted. "Okay," he panted. "That was… the worst idea ever."

Sylas smirked, though he was equally drenched. "You survived. Barely."

"Yeah, no thanks to you, Chains McBroody," Adam muttered, hauling himself back onto the log.

Once they reached the far bank, Adam collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving.

Sylas stood over him, wringing water from his shirt. "You've got guts, boy. I'll give you that."

Adam looked up at him, his expression serious. "Thanks for the help. I wouldn't have made it without you."

Sylas waved him off. "Don't get all sentimental on me. I've got my own plans to take care of."

Adam hesitated, then extended a hand. "Good luck, Sylas."

Sylas eyed him for a moment before clasping his hand firmly. "You too, Adam. You've got potential. If you ever change your mind, there's a place for you in my army."

Adam shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "I appreciate the offer, but I've got my own path to follow."

Sylas nodded, releasing his grip. "Then keep moving. This world won't make it easy for you."

With that, Sylas turned and disappeared into the forest, his chains clinking faintly as he walked. Adam watched him go, a sense of finality settling over him.

He adjusted his bag, took one last look at the river, and set off toward Piltover. The road ahead was long and uncertain, but his resolve burned brighter than ever.