Author Notes:

Hello readers! My name is Araulen and I just started writing on this site for the first time. I've always been a huge fan of many literary works on this site, and when I ran out of long stories to read, I thought, hey why not right my own. Ionia has always been an interesting spot for me, and I feel like I can do my best while writing about it. Also the fact there aren't a lot of Irelia and Karma stories O_o.

Anyways, just wanted to say welcome, and if you enjoy, please leave a comment, or pm me on how to make the story better. I will try to update as often as I can, but I've got a lot of school work to do.

Thank you!

Note: I don't own Riot, or League of Legends, or its characters, but I own my OCs.


Paving a New Road

Chapter 1

The trees flew past him as he dashed through the forest. Rain drenched him and impeded his progress as it turned the dirt into mud. The mud seemed to cling to his feet and shoes as he went on. His shoes were torn and his feet were sore from the rugged terrain. His grey shirt was torn in many places from the grasp of vines and branches, seeming to grab at him as he flew past. Multiple cuts and scratches had found themselves on his face as he raced ahead, seemingly oblivious to everything around him. He heard bushes being crushed behind him as someone or something chased after him. His pursuer's footsteps could be heard faintly behind him in the roaring of the rain and wind. So it's a person that's after me. At least that's something normal… unlike some of the other hell-beasts they've sent before.

He put on a sudden burst of speed and jumped over a rock into a clearing. Charging down the field, the man tried to make it to the other side and try to lose his pursuer in the overgrowth. The rain lessened as he made his way across the field. Almost there, I'll make it, he thought, gasping for breath, already half way there.

Suddenly, behind him, a shout rang through the clearing.

"RYKER!" his pursuer yelled.

Ryker abruptly stopped, his wet face in shock as he slowly turned around. At the edge of the clearing, stood his old friend, Jordan. Ryker's tried to regain his breath as he faced his opponent on the field. Their eyes locked onto each other as they stared across the field. For a few moments, all they did was watch each other. The grassy turf was slick with water and was empty of life save for the two men standing in the field. The rain had finally stopped and nothing could be heard. The tension was so thick, Ryker thought he could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his chest. The clouds cast a gloomy shadow over them as Ryker finally shook himself out of his stupor.

"Why are you here Jordan?" Ryker asked.

"You know why," Jordan said in a somber voice.

"You saw what they did. You know why I left. I should ask you why you're not leaving with me."

"Ryker, I saw what happened, but they rebelled against the master. He couldn't let something like that go unpunished. I know that what he did was unorthodox, but come back with me. The master will forgive you and explain what he did, but only if you come back. This is the last time he will extend this graciousness. We both know that the price for deserting is death. He's given you many opportunities to—," he explained before he was cut off.

"Jordan, if you're going to say, 'return peacefully with him,' then you can stop right there. Do you know what he has sent after me? What kind of beasts and monsters I've had to deal with? Because I'm pretty sure you start peace talks with words, not 6 inch claws," Ryker said disdainfully.

"But—," he tried.

"Shut up Jordan. I know you don't believe the shit that's coming out of your mouth right now. We both know he's going to kill me if I return with you 'peacefully'."

Jordan was silent for a moment. He seemed to be trying to think of something to say and he opened his mouth and closed it a few times before looking at the ground. Finally, after a pregnant pause, he looked up.

"Ryker…"

"What?"

"Did you know he would send a person after you?"

"After all the fucked-up demons the so-called 'master' sent to me? Well… let's just say that I thought he would try to use something more familiar to me to use my emotions against me. It doesn't surprise me he took this long, though. After what he did to the Ionian village, I didn't think he thought humans were useful." Ryker said, looking away from his friend.

"So you knew." It wasn't a question.

"Yes."

"Did you know he would send me? You said you knew that he would send someone that was familiar to you. Do you how deep a hole I'm in? I'm already suspected of helping you escape the camp. I'm not the only one either. He suspects the entirety of Cabin 14. I volunteered for this mission to protect them and because the only way to prove myself innocent was to go and find you. You're right, he doesn't care if you are brought back, just as long as you're dead. And what do you think happens if I just let you go and return all the merry way I came with you still alive? The master knows if we lie to him, every time. If I lie to him, you know the punishment he has set aside for a someone who displeases him. If I return back to him without you dead, in his eyes, that's a clear sign of treason. On the other hand, if I run with you, he'll kill everyone from our cabin, not to mention the fact that he'll know where I am," Jordan lifted his neck and showed a band of light made of runes grasping his throat, "So you see, my options are pretty limited. You put me in this mess, and I have to get myself out of it."

Ryker didn't respond. Instead he drew his sword and pointed it at his friend-turned enemy.

"Leave and I won't kill you. Tell the master that I bested you and fled at the first moment to gain some ground. You could never beat me in sparring, so he wouldn't suspect a thing. Out of respect for what we once were, I will give you this one chance to leave. I won't give you another chance," he said, his voice hard.

"I'm sorry, Ryker, I can't leave. I have to kill you to regain my status with the master," as he shook his head sadly.

He pulled out his sword and walked a few yards away from Ryker and pointed his sword in a familiar stance. The sword swished through the air as he pulled it out of its sheath. Jordan's sword was a one-and-a-half hand hilt with a 4-foot double-edged unbreakable blade with runes carved onto either side. The steel blade was a masterpiece, made from the finest Kashuri smiths in Ionia centuries ago. It was the same sword he had used when they last sparred.

Ryker pulled out his own sword and lifted it into a basic sword stance; sword behind his head, pointed towards his opponent. His sword was a two-handed steel death bringer. The blade was like Jordan's, double-edged and runes carved onto either side, and indestructible as well, but that was where the similarities ended. Unlike Jordan's, Ryker's was 5 feet long, 2½ inches across and way thinner than the other sword. In fact, it was so thin that without magic, the sword would have waved in the air and smashed from the first strike. But magic played a crucial part in the making of the sword. Ryker's sword was forged from a steel not known to Valoran, and with magic lost a millennium ago. When Ryker's sword was found, no one knew where it was from, but a force around the sword prevented anyone from taking it, except for Ryker. Even though it was two-handed, Ryker could easily hold it in one hand. That was the first time, and only time since, that the sword's runes glowed with a light blue energy as it seemed to accept Ryker's touch. It had been Ryker's closest companion ever since.

The air between them was thick with tension as they analyzed each other's stances and shifts. They circled each other unconsciously as they watched each other like hawks. The sun peaked over the clouds above and filled the area with light.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Jordan set his feet firmly into the ground and motioned for Ryker to make his move. Ryker dashed forward with a lunge, getting parried by a slash from Jordan. Jordan countered with a low sweep of his blade. Ryker jumped over the slash at his leg and switched to a reverse grip and slashed at Jordan's neck while spinning. Jordan brought his blade up at the last second and was sent staggering backwards from the momentum of the blow.

Ryker's movements were flowing and calculated, while Jordan moved around in an uncoordinated daze, trying to stop Ryker's relentless strikes. Their dance of blades moved seemed to cut the air itself, their movements pressing them within a hair's breadth of each other before momentum pushed them away from each other. Their bodies were slick from the sweat of their exertion. Jordan came again with another overhead slash, and Ryker motioned to block it again, but feinted a block while turning sideways to avoid the blow. He grabbed Jordan's sword arm and kneed him in the stomach. He used the hilt of his sword to smash Jordan's head. Jordan was sent reeling as Ryker moved away from Jordan, hesitant to kill his former friend.

Jordan shook his head, clearing the blood from a cut on his head, and shut away his dizziness from the blow. He yelled as he jumped towards Ryker with a lunge. Ryker slashed it away from his body and punched Jordan in the nose while he was off balance. Jordan staggered back and allowed Ryker to launch into a series of blindingly fast strikes that were dazzling to the eye. His sword flashed around in the light like a prism, seeming to magnify the intensity of the light.

Jordan tried to defend himself but couldn't keep up with Ryker's furious onslaught. Jordan stuttered slightly in his defense and Ryker punished him mercilessly for the opening. Not 10 seconds passed before Ryker smashed the hilt of Jordan's blade and knocked the sword out of his hand. Ryker slashed his unarmed opponent from the shoulder down to his hip, the sword biting deep into bare flesh as blood spurted from the opening. Jordan gasped in pain before falling to the ground. He lay still as Ryker dropped his sword and rushed to his friend. He got on his knees and propped Jordan's head up against his legs.

"Why did you come for me? You knew you couldn't win, yet you still came. WHY?" Ryker asked in despair.

Jordan raised his hand to his shirt pocket and pulled out an envelope. With shaking hands, he handed it to Ryker.

"I… took the job… so I could give… this to… you… I've always been on… your side… deliver this… to the Institute of War… this… was… the only way… I could get… you to… listen…stubborn bastard…hehe…" he laughed weakly before wet coughs racked his body.

"I smuggled this letter… out of camp… it contains… information… regarding… an… attack the… master… created… to subjugate… the… world… to his will… this… was the only… way… I could… get it to… you… and you are… the… only one… prepared… for this quest," he said, his breaths becoming shallow and erratic.

With effort he spoke words that Ryker would remember forever.

"When you deliver this… don't forget about us… Cabin 14… save them from… the master… promise me…"

With those last words and a ghost of a smile still etched upon his lips, Jordan's eyes closed for the last time and his breathing ceased. Ryker let out a roar of desolation and cradled Jordan's head against his own. His tears dripped down onto Jordan and dampened his already wet face. After holding his oldest friend for what seemed like hours, Ryker stood up and buckled his sword back on and carried his friend in his arms. Ryker walked for good distance before reaching a glade and laying his friend in it.

He grabbed Jordan's sword and laid it in his hands, blade facing towards his dead friend's face. With his hands, Ryker filled up the glade with dirt and smoothed the ground until it was more or less flat. He searched around and found a big stone from the forest; about the size of a headstone, and laid it in the traditional position for a burial. Then, he took out his sword and pointed it at the headstone. He chanted in an ancient language and words began carving into the stone.

A STONEMASON CAN BE FOUND IN A WORKSHOP

A COOK CAN BE FOUND IN A KITCHED

A SCHOLAR CAN BE FOUND IN A LIBRARY

BUT A FRIEND, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE FOUND

THAT IS SOMETHING TO BE MADE

With his job finished, he picked up the envelope his former friend gave him and gave it a hard look. He stared back at the headstone and spoke the words that would begin his journey.

"I promise you, Jordan, on my life, and on my honor, I will deliver this letter for you and will not stop until I do. I will honor your memory and friendship that I did not deserve."

He then turned around, and began his long journey to the Institute of War.


The room looked like any other room, this being so for the privacy of the Elders' council. Elegant, thin doors made of mahogany sat on either side of the room. The walls were made of wood as well, using oak and fir to complement each other in a more natural feel. The contents of the room were mostly plain, save for the teak clock on the wall, made to be symmetrical, sophisticated, and smooth so to not provide a distraction. The middle of the room held five plump, green cushions. All of them were occupied as people were sitting on them, holding papers and leaving even more on the ground. Its simple design isn't to be mistaken for unprotected, for there were spells to keep it soundproof, damage resistant, and spy proof.

Karma sighed as she read the reports given to the council. The other Elders were trying to discover what happened to Xo Lan 2 weeks ago, but the reports from around the area were unreliable, most seeming to think the once lively city suddenly became an inferno of flames in the blink of an eye. Irelia sat to her right, her famed blades lacking their usual liveliness.

"Duchess Karma, I propose we send a team to the site to investigate further. We can't just rely on reports from peasants. We need concrete details," a male Elder said.

"Yes, I say we move to accept a notion to probe deeper into the disappearance of Xo Lan," agreed a female Elder to Karma's left.

"I agree, but can't we be a little more… discreet about this venture? The culprits might still be in the area and sending a large party to the area MIGHT attract attention, don't you think?" Karma asked.

"Yes… we could ask the Kinkou to assist us. They operate with discretion," the female Elder proposed.

A new voice entered the discussion.

"They care about the balance. If we ask them, they will most likely say no, because it wouldn't fit with their order. They don't accept common requests, only ones that will assist the balance. And besides," Irelia said, "The only ones I trust to do the job correctly are Shen, Akali, and Kennen, but they're at the Institute."

"That leaves us to send someone that sympathizes with Ionia itself, someone trustworthy, someone with combat skills if the enemy is still here," she said.

"What enemy? How can we in good sense send someone to a recently destroyed city without knowing who did it? It could be a massive force, or it could be a monster. We simply don't have the information to send someone to investigate," the fifth and final Elder argued.

The occupants of the capital city meeting room went silent at the voice of reason. The room was quiet for a few moments as they tried to think of a solution. Karma glanced at the clock lying on the wall. It showed 8:00 PM. She was surprised. It hadn't been that long since they'd started. Had it? They had been at the meeting since noon. She rose up and everyone turned their attention to her.

"I think we've been at this meeting for too long. We should continue this some other time. For all we know, this could have been an accident. Maybe a forest fire surrounded the town and didn't let anyone out. After all, there were burnt corpses. For now, I say we double the watch and remind city patrols throughout Ionia to stay extra vigilant. If we get word of a plotted attack, then we will take the necessary action. Does this meet the council's requirements?" she asked.

"Hmm… I suppose so… but to sit and wait while twiddling our thumbs…" the first Elder grumbled.

Other than him, the rest of the council agreed to Karma's proposal without protest. They each stood up and bowed, then left to their respective quarters. Karma walked out with Irelia and they strolled silently through the halls.

They had been friends since childhood, while admittedly different in many ways. Karma was always the more cool-headed, more apt to listening to reason. Irelia, on the other hand, was a tad impatient and didn't like the waiting game of snakes that was politics. Irelia was a master with her four detachable blades, using them in the famed Hiten style she learned at a young age. Unlike the Wuju style of Master Yi and Wukong, the Hiten style is a strict weapon style. Wuju style is a spiritual form of understanding, allowing many practitioners to study it. The Hiten style, on the other hand, is very specific. Irelia learned it from her brother, Zelos, and her father, Master Lito.

Karma was a more spiritual person and was taught the ways of benevolent magic from her elders at a young age. She had one of the strongest connections to the spirits and had powerful magic. The elders of her village implored the concept of peace to Karma and taught her that peace was always better than violence. When Noxus invaded, though, the elders' downfall came from their ways of peace. The elders were slaughtered. While Karma's village was ready to surrender, Karma used her magical powers offensively for the first time and repelled the Noxian invasion. She became a respected Ionian leader throughout the war and passed her "Distinction" to become an Elder.

Irelia had a similar story of defense, when she lifted her father's blade and repelled a Noxian invasion at the Placidium. She became Captain of the Guard for turning the tide of the battle, and was made an honorary council member for her defense of Ionia. Eventually, their similarities outweighed their differences and they became, and still are, great friends.

"Thank gods you ended that meeting. I felt as if I had been there for days," Irelia said thankfully with a light smile on her face. She was wearing a classic green Ionian kimono, different from what she usually wore. She also walked barefoot, as was her preference while in Ionia.

"You know why I ended it," Karma said exasperatedly, rolling her eyes, "It is unhealthy for us to be cooped up in a room for so long. That and we need sleep."

Irelia gazed at her friend with a knowing smirk, "That and you were bored."

"I am ashamed that you would suggest such a thing. It is our duty to the dead of Xo Lan to find out who destroyed their village," she scoffed.

"AH HAH! So you don't believe it was an accident!" Irelia said triumphantly.

Karma sighed and shook her head at her friend's outburst. "To be honest… no I don't believe it was an accident. A city just doesn't disappear suddenly from a 'fire' as they put it. That being said, I don't believe the citizens are lying, just misinterpreting the information."

Karma thought for a moment, before nodding as if agreeing with something in her head.

"Irelia, meet me tomorrow at the dock. We should go check the records of the Institute. Our vacation is almost over anyway. Might as well go spend our remaining time trying to discover any patterns with the damage done to Xo Lan than sitting and doing nothing."

Irelia nodded and went to her room.

"Goodnight, Karma," she said tiredly.

"Goodnight Irelia."

The next morning, Karma walked down to the port of the Ionian capital and found Irelia already sitting on a bench, beside the ship Karma had bought tickets for, eating a customary dish of tang yuan, or sweet rice balls.

The ship itself was masterfully crafted. It was one of Ionia's first Hextech-powered cruises. It was lean to the point where it looked as though the water parted around it, rather than it parted the water. The aerodynamic design allowed it to reach speeds of around 40 knots per hour. It was one of the fastest ships and should have been a real price to pay for, but because the captain was generous, he allowed first time passengers to have a 50% discount.

Every other captain slammed their head into a pole for his idiocy.

"You didn't eat breakfast before you left?" Karma inquired.

"I did, but I thought to myself, 'This is going to be the last REAL Ionian food I'll have in a while' so I stopped by a café and ordered this to go."

Karma shook her head and sighed as well, but agreed with what Irelia was saying. Nothing was like Ionian food in her eyes.

"Come on, finish eating when we get on the ship" she ordered in a playful voice.

"Yes Mom," Irelia said, keeping a straight face.

Karma smacked her lightly as they entered the ship.


The ticket master sighed as he locked away the booth for what seemed like the last time before the ship left. What a day so far… wait… what was that? He turned to his right as he squinted and saw a man racing towards him and shouting.

Ryker sprinted towards the dock, huffing as he raced towards the ship he bought a ticket for, the Ionian cruise ship, Voyager. The ship let out a loud blast, signaling its exit from the dock. The ticket master was bewildered as he saw a young man race towards him with a ticket in his hand.

"Sir-," the official tried to say before he was interrupted.

"Not enough time, gotta get on the ship!" Ryker said, slapping the ticket onto the pile and jumping over the gate and onto the railing. He pulled himself over and sank into a deck chair with relief, closing his eyes to rest.

Hmmph, the ticket master thought, what is it with the young folk and their lack of propriety? No respect.

Earlier this morning.

Ryker awoke in his room wishing the sun would go away.

"Let me sleep, stupid sun…" he mumbled.

Wait… morning… something important was happening that he was supposed to remember. He thought for a minute before bolting up and grabbing his things. THE SHIP! I FORGOT ABOUT THE SHIP! FUCK! After he finished packing his things, he ran out of his room and down two flights of stairs before placing his key and money on the hotel desk. The attendant looked bemused as he asked, "Um, Sir? Does this mean you are checking out?"

"Yes, not enough time, gotta make it to the ship!" he said hurriedly as he dashed out of the hotel and towards the dock. He encountered a problem right as he exited the building. Morning traffic. Ryker looked around to try and find an opening in the crowd of people walking to and fro. "There!" he said to himself, as he noticed a slight parting in the crowd. He rushed through it startling many people as he apologized profusely while running through. Dock, dock, dock, where is the dock, he thought distractedly as he lost sense of direction. Through the distance, he heard a faint fog horn, signaling the exit of a ship. Following his ears instead of his eyes, he sprinted blindly in the direction of the sound. Moments later, he burst through the crowd and found himself at the entrance of the dock. He saw the ticket master and shouted, "WAIT!" as he put on a burst of speed towards him.

Ryker opened his eyes and thought about what had transpired so far in the morning. Well, at least that's over, he thought. Ryker walked up and went inside the ship.

He was surprised that there weren't many passengers on board. He understood that he had to go to Bandle City first, unless he wanted to traverse through the killing ground of Noxus, which he didn't, but he thought that there would be more people than on board, considering the discount. He took a quick headcount and counted 20 people. A few couples here, a few families there, some yordles, and two lone women sitting in the back, seemingly having a deep conversation. He walked up to the receptionist and asked for his room number. The receptionist took his ticket stub he tore off his ticket and told him that he would stay in Room 20. He thanked the receptionist and trudged off towards his room when he heard the receptionist behind him, "Oh and hon? Try to get here on time next time. Most captains don't appreciate passengers jumping onto the railing and climbing over it like a monkey."

"Oh… yeah, sorry about that…" he said, embarrassed. Everyone in the cabin was looking at him now. He quickly moved out of the main area and went to his room.

As the man clumsily shuffled away, Karma and Irelia both hid their smirks while trying to fathom what could make him late for an 11:00 AM departure.

"Oh, if the council could see us now," Irelia laughed.

"Shh, don't disrespect the council!" Karma scolded, but her smile ruined the impression.

"Besides, he reminds of someone who used to like running in the halls, laughing and barging into my room every day," she said pointedly.

Irelia blushed, looking away before saying, "I was never like that. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh really? What about the time when you sprang through my window and smashed into my lamp? Does that not count?"

"I already told you then, and I'll tell you now. I was practicing my Bladesurge and miscalculated the trajectory and conveniently landed in your room, and the lamp was in my way," she said, trying to regain her dignity.

"Anyways," she said, trying to deflect her friend's attention to another topic, "When was the last time you visited Bandle City? I haven't been there in years."

"Hmm? Oh, well I was there just last year on a diplomatic mission. But things change, so the Bandle City I saw could be different than the Bandle City of today."

"Well… that place IS kind of eccentric… I wonder if we'll see any of the yordle champions there, like Rumble, or Tristana," Irelia said thoughtfully. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the man from earlier slinking back into the room, head down, seeming to try and hide his entrance from the passengers. Irelia turned to watch him as he sat down in a chair, not far from her and Karma.

Irelia turned to him and bluntly asked, "Why were you almost late?"

The man jumped in his seat a little as he was addressed unexpectedly.

"I kind of… slept in," he said bashfully, scratching the back of his head.

"Irelia, that is very rude of you!" Karma told Irelia.

"Hey, I'm not the only one that's curious, don't bother denying it!" she retorted.

"No, no, it's fine," the man said with a soft smile.

"We don't mean to intrude, and I apologize for my friend's actions. My name is Karma," she apologized as she held out her hand.

"No, really, it's fine Miss Karma. My name's Ryker," he said as he shook her hand. He turned towards Irelia. "So you must be Irelia? Pleasure to meet you," he said.

"Likewise Ryker," she said as she took his hand and shook it as well.

"So, if you two don't mind me asking, what leads two young ladies such as yourselves off towards Bandle City?" he asked.

Irelia looked at Karma before answering.

"Well, Karma wanted to go to the Institute to search over some records. Our vacation is almost over and we'd like to check them for some information," she explained, trying to hide the fact that they had a problem.

"Really? I'm headed there too!"

Karma entered the conversation.

"Really? What for? Are you going to become apply to become a champion?"

"A what now?"

Irelia and Karma stared at Ryker for a while.

"You're joking right?" Karma said.

"No… sorry, am I supposed to know what 'champions' are?" he asked.

Irelia leaned towards Karma, whispering, "You know, I don't think he's lying, because he doesn't even recognize us from the council."

Karma nodded once before saying out loud, "Well… really everyone knows about champions…"

"They're figures from all across Valoran that come to represent their nation, city, or country, and fight for them."

Ryker looked at her with a peculiar expression, "So it's a battle arena for people to kill others with absolutely no reason at all?"

"No no no," Karma shook her head saying, "The Institute provides a great service to us. It implements so-called 'matches' between champion to settle their disputes without having war. So individuals holding a grudge could fight, or whole city-states could fight for their right to land. We did that once and won back our Southern Provinces."

"The Institute's official name for the champions is the League of Legends. Before you get all tied up in the concept of fighting, let me tell you now that, yes champions do die, but they don't die permanently unless outside of the specified battle fields. They are the Howling Abyss, Twisted Treeline, and by far the most popular, the Summoner's Rift," Irelia put in helpfully.

"The Institute seems like it has a lot of influence. There is a saying that states that a good compromise leaves everyone unhappy. There probably are a lot of just factions… but what about the ones with malicious intent. What keeps them from overtaking the Institute and controlling it?" Ryker asked.

"Well, if a faction attacks the Institute, not only will most just nations defend it, but the summoners there use extremely powerful magic. They are the epitome of magical skill. They would be able to hold back any army with ease. I mean, if a simple spell from them prevents us from dying permanently if we are stabbed or beheaded, imagine what they could do with no restrictions," Karma explained.

"We?"

"Oh yes, Irelia and I are already champions in the League, representing Ionia."

"Wow. What is it like? Fighting there? How do they manage people who are too powerful? Like creatures from the Void?" he asked.

"Particularly hostile champions most likely have been captured and contained with heavy magic. At least powerful enough to contain Brand," she shuddered.

"They also restrict out powers on the Rift, so that everyone starts off basically equal in power. As the battle goes on, we gain more 'experience' allowing us to unlock other abilities," Irelia said.

"They can probably fill you in at the Institute about the specifics of it. But enough about us, tell us about yourself," she prodded.

Ryker thought for a moment, thinking about what he should divulge and what not to. For some reason, he seemed to trust these two ladies. He didn't know why, there was just an unmistakable feeling in him. The one thing he had learned in his escape was to trust his gut.

"I… was a former mercenary," he said at last, "I haven't found much work, but I sold a few things, so I'm not out of money, yet. I traveled the countryside wandering everywhere and having no real purpose, until I overheard a couple of travelers talking about the Institute and how it could help most anyone. I thought to myself then, that maybe that could help me find a meaning to my life." It wasn't a lie, really.

"Wow, I've always dreamed of walking around the country with no responsibilities and just enjoying the peace and calm of the outdoors," Karma said, seeming to be lost in thought.

"Say, you say you were a wanderer? Do you know of what happened to Xo Lan?" Irelia asked.

Ryker tensed, looking Irelia in the eye for just a second before replying, "No, why do you ask?"

"The city was destroyed just a few weeks ago and there hasn't been any shred of evidence to point at the culprit. Karma and I are both on the Council of Elders, so we have to do this for the dead of Xo Lan. Since you said you were a wanderer, I thought maybe you knew something about it."

Ryker relaxed a little bit, staring at the ground, while thinking about his master's decision to destroy the town, and the look on his face while he did it.

"No, I haven't heard anything about the city, but I wish I could be more help to you," he replied slowly.

"No worries, just seeing if anyone has heard anything at all," Irelia sighed, "I just hope we can find out who did this before the situation gets out of hand."

It was silent for a bit as the three of them turned over their thought.

"What about family? You've gotta come from somewhere right?" Irelia asked, curious.

Ryker saddened a little bit at the mentioning of his family.

"I'm was born in Ionia, but I never knew my family," he said quietly, "I was told that my parents left me at a young age and that I was lucky to be alive at all."

Irelia and Karma looked stricken as they watched Ryker sulk in his seat.

"I'm sorry, I never meant to intrude-," Irelia began.

"No, it's fine, it's just a little hard to talk about it. Besides, I need to get it out eventually in order to try to move on, right?" he tried for a smile, but it came out as a sort of grimace.

"Wow… I could never imagine not knowing my family…" Irelia said sadly, remembering her life before Captain of the Guard.

"My dad died from an unknown disease when I was 12. I loved him so much, because he was there for me and taught me about the Hiten style. I love my brother as well. His name is Zelos, and he went to Demacia for help in the war, but he hasn't returned yet. And when he does, I'll be there to slap him for making me wait years for him," she said in an attempt to cheer Ryker up.

Ryker smiled a little.

"I'm sorry about your dad, and I hope your brother comes back soon."

"I do too. Things are never the same without Zelos," she sighed.

Karma watched the two of them for a moment, before saying, "My parents weren't famous or anything like that. They were just regular townsfolk who tried to make an honest living. When I first showed that I had an aptitude for magic, my parents and I moved to a small village run by peaceful elders. The elders trained me in magic, but I was always free to visit my family. When the Noxians came, though, the elders were slain. I tried to get to my parents, but found their house burning, and two bodies on the ground. The Noxians killed my parents. I went to the Noxians and used my magic offensively for the first time and repelled their attack, but not before their damage was done."

"I'm sorry Karma, you are such a nice person, and to go through that, well… I couldn't imagine it," Ryker said consolingly.

"Thank you Ryker, and I see you are a nice person as well," she said with a smile.

"What about me?" Irelia asked.

And just like that, they were all laughing together and releasing the tension from their stories.

After a while, Ryker asked them, "How did you meet? You two seem thick as thieves."

Karma smiled as she remembered the fateful day.

Karma was strolling through the gardens, enjoying the light touch of the sun and the aromas of the flowers. She stopped to pick up a lotus and put it in her hair. "What a beautiful day," she said out loud to no one in particular.

As she walked out of the gardens, back to her room with the elders, she heard the ringing of blades in the trees. She followed the sound and saw two people sparring in the middle of the clearing.

"Good—a little faster—yes, that's it—in order to master the Hiten style, one must be as quick as the blade that strikes," the man said to the girl.

"Yes father. Am I improving?" the girl asked.

"Yes Irelia, you are definitely improving from when we first began. You might even be able to out match me soon," the man said, ruffling the girl's hair. The girl squealed with delight and tried to break out of her father's embrace and they both fell backwards laughing.

"Irelia, I'm going to go back to our house and help Zelos with his numbers. You know how he hates learning them. In the meantime, while you wait for me, why don't you go play with the girl over there behind the tree?" he said with a tiny smile.

Karma froze at her discovery.

"Come out little one, don't be shy. We aren't going to bite, right Irzy?

"Don't call me that father! I'm too old for that now."

The man chuckled as he replied, "You'll never be too old for me."

Karma walked slowly to them as she said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spy on you. Honestly! I was walking in the gardens, when I heard your blades ringing and decided to see what was happening. When I saw you two sparring, I kinda… stopped moving and watched you guys," she said bashfully.

"Well, there's no harm done," the man said kindly, "I'm Master Lito, and this I my daughter Irelia. May I ask what is your name?"

Karma put her hands behind her back and swiveled back and forth on one foot.

"I—I'm Karma," she said lamely.

"Well, Karma, I have to go, so do you think you can keep my daughter out of trouble?" he asked jokingly.

"Hey!"

"I can try to, sir," Karma replied.

The man smiled at the use of 'sir'.

"There's no need for formalities, just call me Lito, or Mister Lito if you like. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be off. Have fun!" he said as he made his way back to the village.

Karma and Irelia looked at the ground, trying to think of what to say.

"So… your name is Karma, like the bad and good karma?" she inquired.

"Yes…" Karma said timidly.

They stayed silent for a minute as they ran out of things to say.

"I see you sometimes walking through the gardens," Irelia admitted, "I've never been there before. For me it's mostly work, work, work, training, training, training."

Karma looked at the other girl, apparently thinking hard over something.

"Umm… I can take you sometime if you want…" Karma offered.

"Really? Are you serious? That would be great! Can we go now?" Irelia asked excitedly.

"Sure," Karma said, a bit confused at the other girl's exuberance.

"Let's go!" Irelia exclaimed, grabbing Karma's hand and dragging her behind her.

"Wait!" Karma said.

"Here," she said, giving the lotus she had in her hair to Irelia.

"It's so pretty," Irelia said in awe. Karma helped Irelia put it in her hair and then Irelia jumped up and gave Karma a huge hug.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she profusely thanked. Karma wanted to reply but couldn't get a breath in to do so.

After what seemed like forever, Irelia released Karma and apologized for almost squeezing her to death. They both started laughing and from then on, built up a great friendship with each other through good times and bad.

"So you see, we became great friends and still are today," Karma finished.

Ryker stared at them for a moment, then began chuckling a bit.

"What's so funny?" Irelia asked, confused.

"Oh, nothing, I just find it funny, that Ionia's own Captain of the Guard, savior of Ionia, would be awestruck by a flower," he joked.

Irelia seethed. "Watch it," she said warningly.

Suddenly, an announcement was made from the overhead speaker.

"Attention passengers, please be advised that we are now passing the pirate nation of Bilgewater. Please stay inside the ship for your own safety."

"…Oh…"

"Don't worry Ryker. Those pirates never really want to waste the time to after one small ship. They usually seek bigger ships, with loads of cargo," Karma assured him quickly.

"I knew that, but I wasn't expecting us to get there so quickly…"

"This is the fastest ship in Ionia, if any ship could get us to a place with speed, then it's this one" Irelia said with pride, her earlier embarrassment seemingly forgotten.

With that said, the three Ionians sat and watched the waves glide past the ship, the waves not interfering with their progress. In the distance, they could see the island of Bilgewater and the Flaming Islands. The water glimmered in the late sun's light. The water flowed past, as did a school of fish, jumping through the air before landing with a splash, like a grasshopper on water. Their shimmering scales looked beautiful in the orange light of the sun. They seemed to be flawless in every way, carefree, full of energy, and most of all, they were a family.

Ryker sighed. He hadn't had a family. The closest thing he had ever known to a family was Cabin 14. There was Mika, who was an excited girl, Jason, who was stoic and silent, and countless others with whom he'd made friends with. It seemed kind of ironic that even fish seemed to have more of a family than he did. He could always count on Jordan to lighten his spirits in the past when he thought about his family.

But with Jordan gone… he didn't know what to do. He was always the one with a plan, if not the best fighter.

Ryker fingered the letter in a hidden compartment in his jacket. He remembered the vow he'd made over Jordan's grave, and he intended to make good on that promise.

He stood up and told the two ladies, "Have a good evening, I'm a bit tired and want a little rest. It was a pleasure meeting you two."

The two women responded with a smile and said, "Likewise."

And just like that, Ryker felt as if he had made new friends all over again.


Back on Ionia, a solitary man sat alone in his giant of a tent, with a fire roaring inside and a cotton cot adorned with the best blankets and feather pillows. The desk in the corner was cluttered with papers and other mish-mash strewn about. Next to it, lied two swords in a cross, each one overlapping the other. Outside, the bustling of others gave the place a nice, friendly sort of air.

The man looked up and smiled, a fierce, cold thing it was.

"So, Jordan is dead and Ryker is alive."

The man stood up, taking something out of his pocket.

"Keep on running little boy, I've always loved it when you tried to outrun me."

His hands glowed with a dark and powerful energy. In one hand, he held a tiny wooden box that Ryker left behind. It held nothing, but it was the one thing Ryker chose, the one thing all new members were allowed to keep from where they were from.

The hand that held the box suddenly clenched, and the box exploded, scattering into tiny purple sparks from the force of the man's focused power.

"Keep on running, for I will be waiting for you at the end. I will ALWAYS be there."

With that, the man went to his desk and started formulating his next plan.


So this chapter is finished... took longer than I thought. Around 4 days to complete this, 2 hours each day. It's over 7,600 words and I'm reasonably happy about that.

I will start working on the next chapter on Sunday.

Thanks again!