Mending Broken Wings

by KibaElunal

After years of pleading, Yi has finally agreed to take Riven under his tutelage to help her overcome the troubles of her past. However, she's not the only new student of the wise swordsman, and she soon finds herself with a rival that may be her match. However, neither students know that something from their past is stalking them, simply waiting to show it's ugly head once again.

1. Chapter 1

Mending Broken Wings Ch. 1

Author's Note: So I've been struggling a bit with finding inspiration as some of you may have noticed. After a very long time of consideration I realized that I'd lost something important: the reason why I write fanfiction in the first place. When I started ABAHF, it was because I wanted to write a story about a summoner and his champion falling in love. But when that became so popular, I started being more concerned with what would please the most people rather than what I wanted to write. Despite the fact that the advice I give every up coming author is to write for themselves, it is sad how little I considered it for myself. I love my fans, don't get me wrong, but if I'm going to keep being able to write, it'll be because of something I want to do. I want you to like what I write, not for me to write what you like. Thank you all again, so much for your support. I hope you enjoy this new story. - Kiba

As I made my way up the temple steps, the sunlight filtered through the trees just as a dark brown blur darted through them. I sighed; already the day was starting out this way. Gripping the handle to my blade tightly I quickly turned, raising it upward and blocking the incoming attack from behind.

The staff slammed hard against it, causing the monkey to grin at me. "Good morning." He cackled just as I kicked him in his chest before moving my blade to block another attack from behind.

"Speak for yourself. You've attacked me so many times on my way to morning tea I know what you're going to do before you do it. Don't you ever get tired of this?" I asked, just as the illusion in front of me disappeared. Turning back I quickly swung my blade in a quick circle lashing out with a force wave that not only banished the secondary illusion but knocked the concealed monkey king on his rear, causing him to frown.

"No fair!"

I smiled to him, sheathing the half of a sword that I kept on my person and offering him my hand to help him up. As he stood I looked up to the small dojo that overlooked the mountain. "So...is he awake yet?"

" I'll go check!" He chittered, and before I could stop him, he swung into the window before the door slid open, revealing a very frustrated Yi holding him by the scruff of his neck. "He's awake!" Wukong informed me as Yi's gaze met mine.

"Is this thing yours?" He asked playfully.

"Thank Gods, no." I answered, bowing to him honorably. "I came to meet you for tea again this morning Master Yi. I do hope I'm not too much of an inconvenience." The goggled swordsman beamed at me, dropping his friend and ushering us both in.

"It hasn't been an inconvenience since the first day you came Riven, it shant start to be one now." He assured me as I entered, my eyes flowing over the quaint monastery. It was mostly bare save the small table that held three cups of tea, steaming from having just been poured and a side room that contained a bed. It always surprised me that he seemed to have everything ready just as I got there.

Wukong swung agily to his pillow as Yi took his own seat and waited patiently for me to take mine. Just as I bent my legs to sit he held up his hand, giving me a reminding nod towards my weapon. "Oh, apologies. I guess I'm still tired." I chuckled nervously, slinging it from my shoulder and setting it carefully against the wall.

See, after a while Yi managed to dig me out of this dark pit I'd fallen into, and part of the agreement in exchange for him continuing to see me was that weapons were not allowed at the table. Sitting with them, we all bowed politely as my hands grasped the warm porcelain and brought the herbal remedy to my lips.

No sooner had its soothing heat reached my throat that I felt at peace with my surroundings. This was the drug that I sought here on a daily basis. The serenity that came from the tea, the mountain, and most importantly the companions I'd discovered since my self-imposed exile from my home. My previous home, I reminded myself. Things had changed since the war, and I was an Ionian now.

No words were shared between us. Often we could sit here for hours and say absolutely nothing. It was as if the world itself were playing music, and that music was so beautiful and important that any sort of speech would ruin the experience. Outside the window, cicadas hummed as birds chirped affectionately to one another. The summer had just begun it seemed, and now the music was more beautiful than ever.

"More tea Riven?" Yi's deep voice snapped me out of my trance as I smiled at him and nodded.

"Yes please. Thank you."

He returned my expression as he slowly poured from the small clay pot. As I watched the translucent beverage, my eyes went through it to the odd master. When I'd first met him, he told me that he'd once had the same sort of problems I did, a struggle to control the urges of his heart versus the urges of his mind. It was hard to believe he was ever out of control. If not for one odd monkey, he wouldn't be the sort of person I sought out so often. "Did you have something you wished to speak about?" He asked. "You seem to be staring rather intently."

"Sorry Master. Was just lost in thought is all. Today is such a nice day, it's perfect for losing myself in it." I reached for the tea, but his hand softly rested on mine, his expression stern.

"Riven; I know you are enjoying yourself. There is nothing wrong with taking a rest, but you mustn't let your guard down. To lose one's self is to lose one's life. People often assume meditation is to escape from our problems, but remember the truth. Meditation is meant for introspection, not idle day-dreaming."

I swallowed nervously before nodding my head. "Yes Master Yi. Sorry, I won't forget." I replied. His expression softened as he reassuringly pat my hand, and as it left me, I could sense something was still amiss. "Master, is something bothering you?"

He seemed taken aback by my question. "You could tell my concern? You've gotten better at this Riven." At first I feared he would try to dodge the question, but his eyes simply glanced towards the door. "Someone is coming this way." He explained. "I can feel their presence climbing the steps, but I'm not sure if he's friend or foe. Knowing him, it could be either."

So that's how he knew to make tea. I shook the new epiphany from my head. Bigger concerns Riven, bigger concerns. "Him?" I asked. "You know this presence."

He nodded solemnly. "He was my pupil once, just as you are now."

I beamed proudly. "You see me as a pupil?" I asked, causing his stern expression to focus back on me. "Sorry. Why don't we just talk to him? Perhaps he's not here to cause trouble."

Yi took a deep breath before nodding. As he stood, Wukong looking from me to him slowly standing up as well. "So it's him?" Wukong asked.

"Yes, I'm fairly certain of it now. He always seems to have that scent on him." As he opened the door and stepped out, the monkey king trailed after him. Sniffing the air, I couldn't smell anything but the tea that sat on the table. Walking to my sword, I grabbed it and hoisted it onto my back.

Whoever this mystery man was, if he put Yi on edge it was best I be ready for a fight. I closed the door behind me, proceeding down the mountain, still a ways behind the two martial arts masters.

It didn't take long for me to catch up however. The two of them were speaking with the man they spoke of. He was young, roughly the same age as myself. I crept around along the edge of a cliff above them, getting into position so that I could eavesdrop and prepare to attack if I needed to.

"Why are you here?" Yi demanded of the man who seemed to lower his head.

"I think...I think I've been gone long enough now. It's been a long time, and I'm tired of being away from home." He explained solemnly. Despite the gentleness of his words, I could see his fists starting to clench in evident fury.

Wukong crouched down to look into his face before the man turned it away indignantly. "I don't know Yi." He chortled. "He looks a little broken down. Is it even worth keeping him around anymore?"

As the monkey king's hand reached for the stranger, there was a quick blur of movement and the man had managed to grasp Wukong's wrist. Using his left hand he struck him hard in the chest and slammed him against the cliff I was standing on. "I'll show you broken down!" He growled, loud enough that I could hear it from above him.

Leaping from the precipice, I slammed downward towards the man who managed to dash my strike just in time to avoid being split in two. Leveling the tip of my broken sword at him, I hissed. "You will not lay your hands on him again."

Yi's eyes widened beneath the goggles. "Wait, don't…"

"Noxian!" The man declared. "I will put you in your place."

"My place is here!" With that, I lashed out, using the Noxian rune magic to propel me forward with the wind.

Ducking my strike he spun behind me and raised his hand, a ball of water forming seemingly from the air before freezing solid. As I turned to see what he was planning he struck the ball hard with his fist, causing a concentrated pillar of razor sharp slivers to race towards me. "Your place will never be here." He growled as I managed to raise my sword up enough to block the main brunt of his attack.

I could feel the sting of his technique as the icy splinters managed to slice at my cheeks, a small bit of blood bubbling on to my pale skin. As soon as the ice stopped, I twirled my blade again, lashing out with my ki in a forceful wave, but he simply struck out with his fist, our energy colliding with one another in the air. The resulting concussion caused us both to slide back a foot before Yi quickly leapt in, raising his hands. "STOP!" He barked, causing both of us to freeze.

"But Master…" I began.

"I said 'stop'!" He repeated, taking a deep breath. "Lower your sword Riven, it is time you met my other pupil."

"A Noxian?" The man asked incredulously. "Of all pupils to take, you took a Noxian?!" I could see his fists tightening again, but Yi gave him a glare that silenced him.

"Arashi, if you truly wish to return to my tutelage, then you will drop the subject this instant." He stated coldly. The fighter slowly uncurled his fingers, letting his hands drop beside him. "Let's talk elsewhere; it is best that we keep silent until we reach my home."

Wukong followed after us, but I could see the irritation in this 'Arashi's' eyes as the monkey king took to prodding him with his staff. I had to resist smiling at his antics, things were tense right now and it was not the time for games.

True to his word however, Arashi said nothing until we were all sitting around the table. "Your weapon." He stated, indicating my blade.

"What of it?" I shot back, before he nodded with his head.

"Put it elsewhere. We are not allowed to have weapons at the table." Arashi gave a wry smirk. "Unless Master Yi has taken to teaching uncouth barbarians."

I snarled at him, wanting desperately to put him in his place, but instead I begrudgingly removed my sword and tossed it out of arm's reach. "Satisfied?" I asked through gritted teeth.

Wukong noisily crunched on some popcorn he'd dug up around the house as he watched the two of us with interest. Yi, however, was not amused. "She simply forgot Arashi. And I'd appreciate it if you would stop tormenting her. Neither of you have a right to judge anyone, especially after what you've been through."

"But she…"

"Is a Noxian, I'm well aware Arashi."

"And he…" I argued, but he again interrupted.

"Is obnoxious. Believe me, I know. The two of you however will get along in this house, or neither of you will be welcome here." I immediately fell silent and lowered my gaze to the cup before me. The tea inside no longer seemed to offer me the peace I wanted. "Now then, first things first. Introductions."

When he said nothing else, the realization dawned on me what he was wanting. Filling my air with lungs, I turned to the man, my eyes meeting his as I extended my hand to him. "Riven, it is nice to meet you." The words felt alien in my mouth, and to make matters worse he just sat there staring intently at me as I waited for him to shake my hand.

"Arashi." Yi warned, causing the man to let out a disappointed groan.

He reached out his hand and took mine. His strength became evident as he squeezed my hand tightly, to the point where it felt like it was in a torturous vice. I refused to give him the satisfaction of showing him I felt it however. "I'm Arashi, the pleasure is all mine." His words were even less convincing than mine were.

As I began squeezing his hand harder in return, Yi continued. "Riven was once a general in the Noxian military."

"Is that so?" Arashi wondered. "Why is she still breathing then?"

Yi groaned impatiently.

"Probably because I was a good Noxian general." I retorted, his pressure increasing more as both of our hands began to tremble.

He scoffed, though it was evident by it that it was also meant to mask the pained grunt from the tightening of my grip on him. "The only 'good' Noxian General is a dead Noxian General."

Before I could offer a rebuttal, a painful slap across both of our hands forced us to release one another's. "Children, please." Yi pleaded. "Arashi, you are the last person to have the right to judge her on her past actions. And Riven, you'll have to excuse Arashi. He lost a lot in the Ionian Conflict. I fear it's made him rather…" The man gave Yi a fierce glare. "Sensitive." The swordsman finished.

'Gods damn that infernal conflict." I whispered, causing him to cast me a sideways glance.

"What's wrong Noxian? Upset that we kicked your butts back to where you came from?" He asked, his voice dripping with an uncredited glibness. I didn't even respond, simply lifting my tea and draining the cup before signaling to Yi that I'd like another.

Thankfully, he obliged but Yi then turned to Arashi. "Riven lost people too Arashi. Both side of the war suffered casualties. Do not forget that."

I smiled softly at the way Yi was sticking up for me. I knew I wouldn't be able to make Arashi understand my feelings even if I did feel like indulging him. He however, did not seem to share the same sentiment. "So then Riven, you do know the war ended right?"

"Yes, I'm well aware." I whispered. "But I can't go back to my homeland, alright. I'm exiled."

"Doesn't mean you should stay here. Besides I'm sure you're bad guy buddies are just waiting for you anxiously back in that cesspool city."

"It is not a cesspool." I hissed, growing angrier by the second. "And I lost my friends the day Noxus marked me as dead."

"Oh, so you're a deserter. Even better." He mused sarcastically. "Combat too much for you your royal highness, or were you afraid your automatons would get oil on your pretty white skirt?"

"I've been soaked in more Noxian and Ionian blood than either side would care to have on their hands!" I finally roared, slamming my fists down on the table. "I watched as those bastards in charge fired not only on the enemy but on our people as well and I immediately left the military and faked my death. I've spent years trying to redeem my past, but what about you huh? Do you not have some sort of blemish on your record, or do you just like bringing up other people's worst memories?"

Yi rested his hand on my fist, causing me to relax. "As a matter of fact, he does." Yi assured me, sending a glare at Arashi as he looked away.

"You said you wouldn't tell anyone." Arashi muttered.

"And I've kept that promise for a long time now and I won't be breaking it so long as you treat Riven with respect, do you understand me?"

"Yes master." Arashi replied, as I slowly pulled back my hand from the table. "But about what we discussed earlier master."

"Do you really think you deserve what we discussed earlier?" The man turned to look at me, his stormy eyes holding a kind of sadness in it.

"No." He admitted finally. "But you're the only one I have to turn to."

The swordsman nodded. "Very well. Then, so long as you ensure you grant my requests without question, you will be permitted to stay here."

"What?!" I demanded causing him to let out a sigh of relief and place his hand on his chest.

"Thank you Master. I will not abuse this gift."

I stood up. "Now hold on a minute, why the hell does he have to stay here?!"

"Did you not just hear him Riven? He has nowhere else to go."

"Yep. Sorry milady, looks like you're stuck with me. I can understand if you don't want to visit him anymore, I mean we'd be more than happy to set some tea on the front porch for you so you don't have to come in." He smirked. "It'll be fun, like having a porch dog."

"What did you call me?!" I demanded as he simply shrugged.

"Oh look, it knows two tricks: whine and speak."

Wukong laughed hysterically as he slapped his knee at Arashi's joke. "Don't be so smug Arashi." Yi replied, lifting the cup to his lips to sip his own tea. "After all she'll be staying here too."

"What?!" The both of us answered in unison.

"Do you really mean it Master Yi?" I asked excitedly, my chocolate eyes gleaming as I waited for his answer.

"I was about to ask the same question." Arashi joined in.

"You've been asking for it for a while now Riven, and I see no reason to make you climb the mountain every day just for a cup of tea. Besides, it'll be good for the both of you to spend time together."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I cried excitedly, coming to his side and hugging him tightly as he tried not to cough on his tea in surprise. "I promise, I won't let you down Master, I'll be one of your brightest pupils."

"I believe it." He agreed, as Arashi watched speechless.

"I'm going to get my things and I'll be back soon!" I promised, running back down the mountain so quickly that I'd forgotten my blade.

"Talk about a psychopath." Arashi muttered as Wukong swallowed another handful of popcorn.

"She's fun once you get used to her." He replied. "She's really nice, though for you she'd probably make an exception. I expect you guys to argue a lot. Too bad she doesn't know how to roll over." He howled with laughter as Arashi let out a frustrated grunt and laid his head on the table.

"Can I please just go to bed and pretend this is all just some stupid nightmare?" He pleaded. "Where am I sleeping anyway?"

"You and she would be sharing a futon obviously." Yi stated.

"Are you freaking kidding me?!" Arashi shouted. "You've got to be doing this on purpose. Ugh, you're always doing this sort of stuff. Why the hell did I ever think this was a good idea to come back here?!"

"Because you've nowhere else to go, isn't that what you said?" Yi asked with a knowing grin.

"Gods I hate you so much." He muttered. Standing up as Yi chuckled, watching him leave.

Wukong watched him curiously. "Where's he going?" He asked.

"Most likely? To punch a tree."

"...seriously?"

Yi chuckled again before walking towards the door and peering out. Sure enough there was the repetitive thudding of his fists against the thick bark of the tree. "Seriously. And I suggest not interrupting him while he's training. Or else…" Without warning there was a sizzling sound followed by the loud crack of thunder as the tree fell over, a wisp of smoke showing where it'd been charred.

"Sorry." Arashi called as he began dragging the tree towards the firewood pile. "I'll chop it up though okay?"

"He seems a lot more helpful than last time." Wukong noted. "Maybe he really did turn over a new leaf. I was a little concerned when he met Riven but…"

Yi seemed to already know the end of his sentiment before he finished it. "All we can do from here is move forward. How ironic it is that these two should meet under such circumstances."

Arashi began working to cut the tree into smaller pieces but after the third one or so he heard a weak chirp come from the plant's canopy. Walking closer he was shocked to find the source of the noise and reaching down he scooped up the crumpled pile of feathers.

Once again, his lack of control had injured someone he lamented as he walked slowly towards the house where Yi and Wukong waited. "Master Yi, this bird was injured when the tree fell. What do you think?" Opening his hands, Yi scratched his chin.

"It's wing is broken. I think we can mend it though. It'll be a while so I'll count on you to make sure it gets its strength back." He stated matter-of-factly and carefully placed the injured bird in a basket and bandaged it's wings.

Just then, I returned to the temple to see Arashi bent over the bird. "What happened?" I asked curiously.

"Arashi broke a bird's wing." Explained Wukong causing me to frown.

"You broke it's wing?" I asked. "Why would you do something so cruel?"

"Does it matter?" He whispered. "It doesn't change the fact that I did it." He turned back to me before standing and walking past. "By the way, we've got firewood to chop. Once you set down all your baubles then you can come out in help."

"Ugh...he is such a jerk." I muttered to myself, placing my belongings down. "How long will he be staying?"

Master Yi just shrugged his shoulders. "As long as he needs to, same as you."

"Need to?" I asked confused. "But, I thought you were tutoring me."

"No two people learn the same way. Meditate on that...after you help chop firewood."

"Yes sir." Solemnly, I walked beside Arashi and began chopping wood as well. For a while it was just the two of us remaining silent as we hacked our way through each piece. My eyes went to the man who stood beside me. He was young, about my age and dressed in a rather ragged looking gi. His short black hair was cropped as if it was cut with a straight razor. Everything about him shouted no nonsense, and I had to admit that I at the very least admired that about him.

"Look it was an accident alright." I blinked for a moment, having just realized he was speaking to me. "I didn't hurt the stupid bird on purpose. It was an accident."

"Oh." I responded.

"So will you please stop staring at me like that? I didn't go out of my way to hurt the bird, so there's no reason to keep glaring at me." With another loud whack the log was split.

I was puzzled by his statement. "I'm not glaring at you. I wasn't even thinking about the bird."

"Well you haven't stopped looking at me yet. I don't imagine it's a look of admiration. So unless you're trying to stare into my brain, I'm just going to assume that you're glaring at me."

I smirked. "I can't stare into what you don't have." I replied coyly. He may have had jokes earlier, but I wasn't going to just let him get away with that.

"Is that a challenge?" He asked, his eyes gleaming mischieviously.

"And what if it is? What are you going to do about it?"

"Show you up of course. First person to finish their stack of wood wins."

I laughed. "You're on! I'm far more proficient with a bladed weapon than you." Just as I held up the axe to swing he stopped me.

"Wait. Let's make things interesting."

"How so?"

He pondered it for a moment before grinning. "Whoever loses isn't allowed to take a bath tonight."

"Deal." I laughed. I spent weeks in muddy trenches without so much as a latrine to use. Going a night without a bath was easy."Ready, set, go!" Immediately we began hacking away at our logs, working hard to cut the wood as quickly and efficiently as we could.

The best part was, I was winning. For every log he chopped, I'd chop two and soon my entire pile was gone and his was dwindling about half way. "Alright, you win." He admitted with a shrug. "I suppose you'd have to be good at something."

I raised my arm in victory before realizing how much of a sweat I'd worked up. "Oh man, thank goodness I'm getting that bath tonight." I smirked at him. "Have fun sleeping in your own stench."

"Oh, I will." He chuckled to himself.

That night, as I soaked in the warm waters, my fingertips ran along my pale arms where my muscles were sore from today's race. It'd been awhile since I'd 'fought' with such passion, but that smug prick needed to be dropped a few pegs.

I couldn't help but feel uneasy however. He'd seemed to given up way too easily. He'd even taken a break to watch me chop more wood while he was losing. And there was no 'You got lucky!' No accusations of cheating, but I couldn't fathom how he could be so calm about losing. He seemed the type to want to win everything.

Standing from the sudsy water, I wrapped a towel around myself and ensuring all were asleep, I went to the room and dropped it on the ground. Stretching in the pale moonlight, I thought I could hear the soft sounds of someone snoring, but I just assumed it was due to the thin walls. Once I'd changed into my sleep clothes, I slipped into the futon only to feel a warmth against me. Just as I turned to escape I noticed the dozing monk before the horrid stench of today's exercise wafted over me.

Bastard! So that's why he let me win! He knew he could sleep through his own stink. I grunted, holding my nose and walking outside of the temple. How could he have tricked me so easily. As I sat on the front porch, the door slowly shut behind me on its own. When I stood up to get it again, I found it to be locked and I realized he'd tricked me once more.

I had half a mind to wake Yi so that I could get back in, but on the other hand I knew that this would only cause more problems. Well I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of giving to me, I decided. And so, I sprawled out along the ground, using my arms as a pillow.

I had to admit the night air was refreshing, especially in comparison to the stink that was currently in our room. As my eyes closed, I began plotting my ways to get him back for this slight. I'd come up with something, something that'd be so bad he'd be the one who rolled over like a dog.

To be continued...