#Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-Storm Hi-jinks: Rumors

ZAC: My parents told me that all folks are human, but then I'm reminded that chem barons exist and they do pretty bad things. Makes me angry thinking about them.

Ekko: Yeah..... Barons suck

ZAC: I heard a rumor that they are heartless aliens taking over Runeterra. Do.. you think they're aliens?

Everyone: (glances at ZAC)

Blitzcrank: You should stop listening to rumors

ZAC: But it could be true! It explains why they're heartless!

Ekko: Ziggs might as well be an alien, doesn't he have a heart?

ZAC: Uh.. I guess

Ziggs: Buuuuut yordles aren't aliens! Maybe they're the really bad ones from those movies!

ZAC: Yeah! Exactly!

Ziggs: Soooo it's justified to blow up their mansions and everything, right? To save the... uh....... human/yordle race!?

Everyone: ......

Ekko: I'm up for blowing things up. Both of you are still crazy though.

Ziggs: Exactly! (smiles)

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Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Temper Tantrums

ZAC: How does a fella deal with big anger issues?

Ekko: Kick a pile of stuff?

Ziggs: Or blow something up!

ZAC: (Looks at pile and then slams his fists on it. The earth rumbled and everyone gazed in their direction)

Ziggs: Uhhhhhh.. That's not gonna work. Can't you do it in the sewers with Mr.Tails?

Ekko: Only if you want the entire Zaun infrastructure to go down..

ZAC: Ok... Blitz? Any idea?

Blitzcrank: The most foolproof way is to undergo my creator's surgery for an emotional implant to ensure tha-

All: NO!

Blitzcrank: (sad beep)

ZAC: Maybe I should stick to relaxing in Cultivairs then.

Nearby News: Breaking news! Because of the warden riots, the chem baron's Cutivairs have been shattered with all exotic plants stolen. The Chem Barons now threaten to use force by shooting down civilians..

ZAC: (Walks to a trash bag and screams into it. The earth rumbled again. More people notice)

Blitzcrank: Maybe we should take this emotional reaction to my creator's house

Ziggs and Ekko: (Glares at Blitz)

Blitzcrank: Just a suggestion

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Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: The Fleshling Compatibility Service

Blitzcrank: Ziggs I must talk to you about an urgent matter.

Ziggs: Sure thing, pal! What is it?

Blitzcrank: My records of news report on the new crime wave have me pinpointing a lot of the crimes to the person known as "Jinx". Jinx is also your friend.

Ziggs: Whaaaaaaaat? Ha ha.. Jinx would NEVER do something that big. Hehe.. (Sweats)

Blitzcrank: I believe it's now essential that we turn her in for the safety of everyone.

Ziggs: Blitz! No! You don't understand! hehe.. She's the only one that gave me a home and let me be who I am!

Blitzcrank: (Puts hand on Zigg's shoulder. Zigg's just shaking) I know it's hard to let go of someone close, especially someone of a different sex.

Ziggs: Uh.. Blitz-y. We're not like that! Heh. What'cha doing?

Blitzcrank: That's why I made the Fleshlings Compatability Service! You can join and find another. I can register you in. We already have 5 people!

Ziggs: Uh.. do they include Ekko, ZAC, and Viktor?

Blitzcrank: Yes! And 2 fleshlings that are the pre-teen ages! How did you know?

Ziggs: (Looks down on the floor) ...just a hunch.

Blitzcrank: Don't worry about "breaking up" with Jinx. I know how difficult making that talk is, so I'm planning to have the Wardens have that talk with her for you.

Ziggs: What!? NO! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! YOU STUPID ROBOT! DON'T DO IT! (Slams fists on Blitz's chest)

Blitzcrank: It's for the greater good Ziggs. I calculate that it would greatly improve your safety and Zaun's. Besides, you 2 were never a good match according to my databases. (Happy Beep)

Ziggs: YOU CAN'T DICTATE WHAT I DO! I'M. AN. ADULT! AND WE'RE NOT DATING!

(Ziggs raises bomb)

Viktor(Far away in his house): (Reads newspaper in his chair before standing up abruptly) I sense something wrong.

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Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: The Anti-ZSTORM

Viktor: Our 4th member should be arriving soon. Before we get started, I believe it is right to say our reasons for coming here. I-

Twitch: You don't get to tell me what to do herald! I'm Twitch! Also, I believe this stupid hero team has become a bad influence.. Stupid hero stuff grumble. Grumble.

Jinx: Ooooooooh! Same! Ziggs was so cool before, but now he's so lame. Always lecturing me why it's not good to have fun. I wonder how the booger was before the lame-o team.

Twitch: Don't call him a booger! The Goopy One was a loyal subject to my kingdom and then his hero antics started drifting away..

Viktor: Was he even loyal to begin with?

Twitch: OF COURSE HE WAS! SHUDDUP!

Jinx: Aww.... Is the great sewer king being toyed with? It's so obvious you're being used.

Twitch: SHUDDUP! (Throws cask at Jinx) Don't make me skewer your insides!

Jinx: Oh I can enjoy that! (Gets rocket launcher ready)

Viktor: ENOUGH! No violence in MY house! I worked hard to clean it. As for my reasons, I had Blitzcrank get disassembled and almost blown up MULTIPLE TIMES!

Twitch: ....what's the problem with that? More metal scraps means more rust pops. Oooooooh... Rust pops.. (Slurps mouth)

Viktor: (Growls) Would you eat ZAC if he was blown up to pieces?

Twitch: Hmmmmmmm... That's a hard question... 🤔

Jinx: Ok. As much as I like you losers to fight, I thought we had a fourth member, Vikky. You said so! How could we be the anti-ZSTORM if we don't have equal members. Who's Ekko's guy?

Mysterious Member: I just arrived. Are you talking about him, psychopath? (Glares at Jinx)

Jinx: Uh.. What's this granny doing here?

Viktor: Hello.. Inna. Everyone, meet Inna, Ekko's mother.

Jinx: (Gasp) 😲

Twitch: ...what's a mother?

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Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Upper-Class Education

Ekko: Hey Blitzcrank? I know you've been at those lame piltie universities? What are they like?

Blitzcrank: Well.. according to my databases, these schools give the most success to its students and allow them to change th-

Ekko: I don't want the propaganda BS, Blitz. I just want what you think. Or even that crazy lunatic you call a father.

Blitzcrank: He's not a lunatic, but he is mentally ill with depression.

Ekko: Makes sense if his "Glorious Evolution" failed so many times.

Blitzcrank: ...anyways, I have old records of Viktor's claims of plagiarism to the Piltover Academy (Plays records)

Viktor, Recorded: I'm sorry but Professor Stanwick has stolen credit for the research on Blitzcrank! He has, by all accounts, broken the rules of conduct of this academy, and now you'll let him exploit students for his fame!

Blitzcrank: (Stops recording) I can confirm that this is all true.

Ekko: Then that settles it. I'm never going to the dumb Piltover academy. As much as my parents try to persuade me.

Blitzcrank: But.. won't it logically give your parents a better home? If you take it, there's a significant chance that they wouldn't have to work as much as they do now.

Ekko: I.. I know, but you know it! That academy just exploits others. Piltover exploits others. The machines they make, they're only for Piltover and the barons, never down here. I'm not gonna be part of that.

Blitzcrank: Well if you're not going to Piltover, what about the Zaunite College of Techmaturgy or have my creator teach you.

Ekko: They're the same, Blitz. Have you heard of the college's "test subjects"? Do you expect me to change my brain for some bot's? They're all the same, Blitz. All of them.

Blitzcrank: That is an inaccurate statemen-

Ekko: (Not listening) Doesn't matter, I can just teach myself. Screw adults. I've always learned through trial and error already, and now I can control time.

(Ekko pats his Z-Drive)

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: The Sector Rally

Hack Politician: I believe the cause of severe street violence in Zaun is... violent media.

Crowd: What!?

Hack Politician: There are many idiots that like to blame our embrace of individualism and hard work. We must know that's what makes Zaun, Zaun. We cannot allow the damned Pilties to regulate us with their strict laws!

Crowd: NO!

Hack Politician: This.. THIS is how they regulate us! Corrupt our youth's minds! (Holds up radio)

Crowd: (Gasp)

Hack Politician: Are you with the Pilties or are you with Zaun!

Crowd: ZAUN!

Hack Politician: Then vote for me, as sector leader! (Slams radio on the ground)

Crowd: (Wide cheering and piltie threats)

Ekko: Is everyone an idiot!?

ZAC: (On emotional high) WOOOOOOOH! Screw Pilties! Maybe I should destroy that radio in the lair.

Ekko: Hey! Knock it off! Don't be fooled! Zaun literally has NOTHING in place to stop the violence! Use your head!

ZAC: But if everyone says it's right, then it's gotta be the truth, right? Everyone's so sure! I feel it!

Ekko: No!

ZAC: Well.. maybe you're corrupted. (Suspicious look)

Ekko: You slam my radio, I'll pummel you until you're nothing more than ooze.

ZAC: Jokes on you, I AM OOZE! YEEEAH!

Ekko: Will you shut up! You're supposed to be laying low! Ugh.. How much are the chem baron's paying this tool?

Blitzcrank: The report I researched says.. 500,000 cogs

Ekko: Figures... Guess I'm gonna keep stealing from rich brats then if this guy gets re-elected. It's my "individualism"

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: League of Inventors

ZAC: Hey fellas! Guessed what I made! (Little crumpled metal windmill. You could see hand marks)

Ekko: Hey! That's cute. (Blows wind on the windmill)

Ziggs: Yeah! It didn't blow up so it must be way better than my stuff!

Ekko: (Elbows Ziggs)

Blitzcrank: Oooh. (Touches fan) Good job ZAC. (Stretches arm to pet ZAC's head)

Ziggs: What are you doing?

Blitzcrank: Kids like this, right?

ZAC: Uh..... (Steps away from Blitzcrank) Well. That's what I worked on all weekend, what did you guys do?

Blitzcrank: I made impressive updates to my frame and vision. I can now grab any target I see now. (Eyes light up red)

Ziggs: I worked on a black hole bomb! Sucks everything to make the biggest explosion! Hehe..

Ekko: Isn't that dange- Ugh. Well. I just created hextech augmented bats and slingshot balls for the gang! Eh.. Nothing special.

ZAC: Oh.. hehe.. Nothing special, huh? (ZAC looks at the windmill and sheepishly puts it back in, blushing) I can see that!

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Trip to The Sumps

ZAC: I wonder why people would fight for ideals when it just leads to violence and sadness. Just makes everything worse

Ekko: Well.. maybe its because the system kinda sucks and everyone wants to rebel! I mean, you've seen the sumps.

Blitzcrank: People do irrational things when they disagree with something or want something. This may be another outlet

Ziggs: Yeah.. I wish people stop caring about stuff and just had a bit of fun!

Ekko: But what if they don't even have the time to "have fun". C'mon! I'm showing you all to the sumps!

ZAC: Uh.. Do we have to? I mean.. I've already scouted that area and..

Ekko: (Glares)

ZAC: I just.. feel a bit.. uncomfortable there? It's so dreary and it just.. makes me feel bad. (Avoids eye contact)

Zigg: Pfft. Don't be a baby ZAC

Blitzcrank: I must agree. You want to be a superhero, and as such, we must relate to others. That way, we can save everyone

Ekko: Yeah. I need you to see this. If you guys don't, count me out of this team. This is the only way we're actually helping Zaun What do you say?

ZAC: ...ok. If it makes me a better hero, I'll get through this easily! Just watch!

(An hour later)

ZAC: (Goes rampaging, destroying all the mean thugs, slamming their faces on the pavement) STOP! STOP KILLING FOLKS! I won't let you do that again.. Why do I still hear screaming? There must be more..

Ziggs: Stop! He's already dead! The villains are dead! You did it! Just.. stop! (Slams on ZAC's back to no avail)

Ekko: (Turns knob constantly) How.. did this happen? (Groans as Z-Drive doesn't work) Ugh.. How could this get worse..

Wardens: FREEZE! HANDS UP!

Blitzcrank: I have a 99% chance that our odds of success have lessened.

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Future Conspiracy

ZAC: Aw... Why do the new heroes have to be so complicated and sneaky to each-other? Just to trick those evil news outlets and villains in power..

Ekko: Uh.. Because the writers need to make it interesting and make money? A lot of loons down here like their conspiracies

ZAC: Yeah.. But I don't think heroes would try to deceive each-other... For principle purposes and... playing each other as cards... It's just not what heroes do!

(ZAC throws the comic book in the garbage)

Ekko: Hey.. I'm sure those heroes will get back together. They always end in happy endings. Usually

ZAC: But I wanted heroes... Not.. complications...

Ekko:........

ZAC: Ekko, will we be like that? That's a lot of folks in power that don't like us.. I don't want our answer to that to be.. dishonest.

Ekko: Heh. I think we're too simple to come up with elaborate conspiracies like that. We're just a bunch of dorks.

ZAC: And in the future?

Ekko: We'll probably still be dorks. I promise. (Sigh) Wanna go to the candy shop with me before you head to Mr.Tail's lair? I wanted to get a taffy bar there.

ZAC: ...yes please. I thought... you weren't a fan of that candy stuff.

Ekko: Well some days I'm not, and some days I am.

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Political Debate

ZAC: Ekko! How many times have I told you? Stealing is wrong, no matter who the victim is!

Ekko: Even though they have everything and we have nothing? Not my fault they're being stingy. I'm just getting them to share.

ZAC: Oh. And making yourself a villain?

Ekko: Dude! Life isn't a comic book! Then again, I wouldn't expect a blob living in the sewers to get th- Blitz!

Blitzcrank: (Looks at their stressed and angry faces) I have to leave. I have maintenance curfew. (Tries overdrive out)

ZAC: No! (ZAC jumps on Blitz, keeping him pinned) Blitz. This is just a small thing. Since you're the most logical, do you think stealing from folks is wrong?

Ekko: Nice to keep it vague, blob-butt! Blitzcrank, according to your data, if the barons actually shared, how much positive impact would that cause?

ZAC: Oh? And that framing is correct? You thief!

Ekko: You and your stupid comic-book morality, "Green Giant"! You want your cape too?

(Both keep barking at each other, screaming while Blitz is held hostage)

Blitzcrank: (Light voice, oil leaking from his eyes) I'm confused and I'm unsure of your queries. let me ask a better source..

(Blitzcrank shines a projector through his eye, showing static. Both were silent. A dark room came up, with 2 glowing yellow eyes..)

ZAC and Ekko: Wait! Blitz! Stop!

Viktor: Blitzcrank? Where are you? You're supposed to be here for maintenance! And.. are you crying?

Blitzcrank: No. I'm leaking. Robots can't cry. Now.. ZAC and Ekko have questions they want to ask an- they already left.

Viktor: This whole idea was a mistake. I'm having a meeting with your "hero team".

Blitzcrank: Oh. Maybe there you can answer their questions then! ....can you pick me up?

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Friends' Night at Emberflit Valley

Ziggs: Blitz!? Why do you keep avoiding me all of a sudden, pal! We're teammates!

Blitzcrank: Because my chances of being functional after the meeting are very slim.

Ziggs: Oh.. wow. Blunt and direct. I like it! But come on.. When have I EVER been threatening. Does this yordle face look scary to you? (Smiles a big smile)

Blitzcrank: Yes. (Plays recording)

Ziggs Recording: How about.. we use Blitzcrank as a bomb! It would be great!

(Blitz stops recording)

Ziggs: THAT WAS A JOKE! Ugh... Tell you what. How about we do a guys night! Just me and you! And it can be whatever you want! How about it!

(Later that day)

Ziggs: uh.. This house is really creepy. Hehe. There's no one around.

Blitzcrank: This is where I live. Viktor doesn't like company much. We're gonna help my creator with making some toys for the hospital!

Ziggs: C-C-Creator? V-viktor!!?

(Emberflit valley door opens, revealing 2 glowing yellow eyes looking down at Ziggs)

Blitzcrank: Nice to meet you, creator! (joyful beep) What did I tell you about working with no lights.

Viktor: (Still glares down at Ziggs)

Ziggs: Uh.. h-hi uh.. Viktor? (Leans to Blitzcrank) He's not gonna.. make my brain into metal, yeah?

Viktor: Says the guy who wanted to blow my son up.

Ziggs: (Gulp) ...b-but that was a joke.. Hehe... I didn't mean it...

Blitzcrank: I'll go get the toys! Just sit in the sofa. I'm sure you and my creator can ease tensions. (Beep)

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: The School Theatre

ZAC: Come on guys! Why can't we go to the musical for Z-STORM night? It looks so good! I hear so many great things about it.

Ziggs: Because... I don't have that type of money? 70,000 cogs is a lot for a simple show.

Blitzcrank: I don't think my creator has that amount..

Ekko: That and Piltie created stuff is like the lamest thing ever.

ZAC: But.. we don't have to pay! I watched all of these shows all the time!

Ekko: Through cracks? Alone?

ZAC: ....yes. But Alfred was so good. You guys have to see it! Maybe I can get some tickets..

Ziggs: Well. That's great, ZAC-y, but you don't have to snatch it from some folks! We normal poor peeps are probably gonna do normal poor peep things. LIKE PAINT-BOMB!

Ekko & Blitzcrank: NO!

ZAC: Well.. Guess no musical today then. (Disappointed)

Blitzcrank: Uh.. I believe Ekko's school is having a musical. Scheduled tomorrow if my records are correct

Ekko: WHA- SHUT UP!

Ziggs: Oh yeah! He said he's going for some girl.

Ekko: (Tries desperately to rewind it, but he didn't set a point to rewind to)

ZAC: Huh! Cool! Should be a fun thing to go! I wonder how Sump plays are compared to Promenede ones..

Ziggs: ...you haven't been to a school play. Haven't you?

ZAC: Should be an experience! (Smiles)

Ekko: (Internally screaming, slamming at his knob)

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Dinner Date

Ramen Shop Owner: Uh.. so you want a small bowl of miso and an XX-Large bowl?

(Looks at glamoured Ziggs, holding a large test container with a green liquid)

Ramen-Shop Owner: Where's the other guy?

Ziggs: Oh! I'm eating both of them!

Ramen-Shop Owner: (raises eyebrow)

Ziggs: I have a big stomach! Hehe.. (Smiles nervously)

(Ziggs take the take-out ramen and goes to a back-alley where no one can be seen)

Ziggs: (Takes the container and opens it, revealing ZAC) Well.. That was easy! Eat up, big guy!

ZAC: Wow.. Thanks a lot, pal! For these dinners..

Ziggs: Don't mention it! Jinx got herself caught so dinners get lonely. I just want a good ol' friend!

ZAC: Well.. uh.. yeah.. (Slurps noodles)

Ziggs: Oooh! Maybe you, me, and Jinx can be dinner pals! It will let you get to know her better!

ZAC: I dunno.. I still think you shouldn't be around her..

Ziggs: and you and Twitch? Get a grip, Daddy-Blob. Give her a chance! You only hear her from those rumors you keep listening to in your stalking hideouts!

ZAC: It's not stalking! I-I-It's scouting! And I've seen what her explosions have done, pal. It's pretty bad!

Ziggs: well.. it's not like that anymore. (A slight smile) Come ooooooon! Jinx can be good like Twitch! Apparently! How is she supposed to play nice if you don't want to? (Pouts)

ZAC: But I tried this already! And I'm not doing it. (crosses arm, turning around to not look at ziggs)

Ziggs: ...is this about the "Mama's Booger" thing she said?

ZAC: ..yes..

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Dating Advice

Ekko: Man. I dunno how I feel about this one girl. It just makes me feel.. queasy in the stomach.

Ziggs: Ooooooooooooooooh (Trying to contain his excitement)

ZAC: Is it cooties?

(Everyone looks at ZAC)

ZAC: What? I keep hearing about it from folks in all levels. Must be big..

Blitzcrank: That's not in my encyclopedia of diseases. Is that real? I must update my info and alert my creator on thi-

Ekko: It's not real. ZAC's just a kid who's never met a girl. Weird for someone who lives with a guy with every disease known to man to worry about a fictional one.

ZAC: Hey! I'm just worried, ok!

Ziggs: Don't worry about it Daddy-Blob! You should let the adults handle this! You too Blitz!

ZAC: But I'm bigger than you.

Blitzcrank: and I have a database.

(Ziggs pushes them out of the room)

Ziggs: Don't worry chronoboy! I have a 6 step plan!

(Opens up blueprint)

Ekko: Step 6: host a mega infernal firework show?

Ziggs: Hey! This is full-proof! I'll have you know I tried this with a friend in Bandle! To.. mixed success.

Ekko: You sure this won't blow up in my face? I don't want to be in a cannon with this girl..

Ziggs: Oooh! Maybe I can get Jinx to help! More folks helping is always good!

Ekko: LET'S NOT!

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Ditching

Ekko: Yo Ziggs! Can I ask you something? You're technically an adult, right?

Ziggs: Well.. To the regular human yes! Especially with the whole glimmer thing on. Why you ask?

Ekko: (Very quietly) I need you to sign this sick note. I don't wanna go to school.

Zigg: Wait! You want me to help you dit-

Ekko: (Puts a finger to Zigg's lips) Shhhhhh. Not so loud. Daddy-Blob's watching.

(Both look over to see a ZAC glaring suspiciously)

Ziggs: Well.. Sorry to ruin the mood, but you shouldn't throw away your education pal! That's how you learn and be a good inventor! You can do better than a Z-Drive. (Taps Z-Drive)

Ekko: Says the guy whose professor literally ditched him.

Ziggs: Ouch! Harsh...

Ekko: Besides... It's the last few weeks of school. All we're doing is sitting on our butts and watching movies.

Ziggs: Well.. they're probably educational!

Ekko: I saw "Atomic-Man" twice... and a weird animated movie that's like a black and white fever dream..

Ziggs: Uh.. Yeesh. Are humans really that dumb? (Takes sick note and signs it) Y'know. ZAC would kill to see Atomic Man twice!

Ekko: Well.. that's ZAC. (Stares at ZAC; he's still glaring) He's not gonna barge into this right?

Zigg: he probably will! But don't worry, I'll cover ya! (Smiles)

Ekko: Well.. Worth a shot

[a-rat-and-a-blob]

Team Z-STORM Hi-Jinks: Gooey Bungee Jumping

Blitzcrank: I'm not sure about this.

Ziggs: C'mon Blitz! (Ties a harness of ZAC's skin around him) Live a little! Everyone needs to go bungee jumping at one point!

Blitzcrank: But I'm not sure if ZAC's arms and substance is a good latch. I have not had enough cases to see it measure up.

Ekko: Well.. there's only one way to find out, bud!

ZAC: I dunno.. I think I agree with blitz on this one.

Ekko: Don't be lame! Think of it.. as a trust exercise! Every teammate should trust each other, so this is how we're testing ZAC!

ZAC: Wait I'm being tested!?

Ziggs: We're counting on you to hold on to us tight! Just have faith in yourself, ok buddy!?

Ekko: And if things go wrong, I have this baby (Pats Z-Drive)

ZAC: ............

Blitzcrank: What's my test?

Ekko: I dunno. We'll think about it when it comes. LET'S GO!

(Ziggs and Ekko lets go of the ledge)

ZAC: Huh! WAIT!

Blitzcrank: (Lost in thought, calculating all possible tests that he might have to do)