Welcome back ladies and gentlemen! I, your host HeartRemedy, am honoured to present you my sixth fanfiction in League of Legends setting. It was heavily influenced by canon lore, mostly Nasus' and Renekton's stories. Of course I made some alterations. As I said, I'm against incest, so I made them close friends, but you can refer to them as brothers if you really want to, it's your call. This chapter is like a TL;DR of their story combined with my fiction. I recommend a YouTuber Necrit (not sponsored advertisement :D), he narrates League's stories and comments them, that's how I learned about Shurima overall and these two. But without further ado, enjoy :D

Chapter I - Prologue

"I gotta return before the classes end…" the young, brown-haired boy said to himself as he was hurrying home. He was wearing simple, light trousers and sleeveless shirt of the same colour. Because of his fondness for book, he was often bullied and picked on by other kids. He turned to the left and then to the right, ending up in a wider alley. Good, they weren't there. Wanting to go back as soon as possible, he quickened his pace. The sand was getting in his shoes, but he didn't care about it at that moment. Then he turned left once again and entered another alley, but he bumped into someone. He fell down on his butt and a book he was holding tightly fell off his hand. He rubbed his head and looked up, just to sigh in defeat when he realised it was those three kids that would always find the time to pick on him.

"Just look who we found! Isn't it our little crammer Nasus?" the bigger boy exclaimed with malicious smirk on his face. He picked up the book and inspected it closely, "Another history book? How can you even read this? It doesn't have any pictures in it." he chuckled and passed the book to others just so they could laugh as well.

"Give it back! It's not mine!" Nasus shouted. He stood up and tried to grab it, but the bully blocked his way and shoved him away.

"And why would we do that? There's a lot of paper, maybe we should make some boats out of it?" he took a quick glance at his friends.

"Yeah! That's a great idea Darok!" one of them said and glanced at Nasus just to see him suffer, but the boy was persistent and once again tried to get past, but to no avail. Darok, getting annoyed, tripped him and placed his foot on his back.

"Listen now, you dipshit. We're going to have some fun with that book, and once we're done, we'll deliver it to you." he said and laughed out loud, making the boy start to shed tears.

"Oh, look! He's crying! What a crybaby!" another kid said and chuckled.

"Okay, so, where are we gonna-" Darok said, but then something happened. Nasus heard a loud thump noise and stopped feeling pressure on his back, so he looked up and saw Darok land on his face right in front of him. He quickly turned around and looked behind. He didn't expect to see another kid. He looked younger and was bald, but definitely more scary than these three kids.

"What are you looking at!? You want some, too!?" he shouted ferociously at the other two kids. They trembled, startled by how easily he managed to take their friend down, and then they picked him up. Nasus was shocked when he noticed Darok was bleeding from his mouth and nose. Whimpering and crying, he quickly took off with his friends. Then the bald kid smiled widely and reached his hand towards him. Nasus accepted his help and got up.

"I...thank you." he said grateful and smiled faintly. The other kid just chuckled in response and smiled even wider.

"Not a problem! Have you seen their faces? They almost shat themselves!" he said and started laughing even more. Nasus just chuckled nervously and nodded. He looked around and noticed that his book was lying just beside, so he quickly picked it up before something dirtied it. He sighed in relief when after further inspection he didn't find anything out of ordinary.

"Hey! Are you looking for a friend? To be honest, everyone is scared of me, but you seem cool and stuff. Wanna hang out from time to time?" the bald kid asked again with his arms behind his head. He was the most optimistic looking kid he's ever seen in his life. After hesitating for a moment, he thought that maybe having a friend like him would keep the bullies away. Besides, he really did seem rather okay besides his noticeable violent tendencies. He reached his hand and offered a handshake.

"Sure. My name is Nasus. You?"

The bald boy smiled widely, happy that he actually accepted his proposal. He shook his hand vigorously and replied, "Renekton. Nice to meet you!"

Nasus was waiting for Renekton to tell him great news. They haven't seen each other in a while because Nasus got accepted to elite collegium of the Sun and had to move out, though he would often visit his friend. But recently it changed. Nasus couldn't visit Renekton in months because of something important, and that's exactly what he wanted to tell him. His knowledge and intelligence paid off and he became a general of Shuriman army, the youngest one in the history of Shurima on top of that. That was indeed something to brag about.

As he was waiting, he leaned against a wall and started humming a jumpy song Renekton taught him as a kid. They spent wonderful time together throughout all those years of friendship. Nasus would help Renekton with studying, and Renekton would protect Nasus, but only his presence was necessary actually.

Nasus sighed, he was late, as usual apparently. He got used to that, so he waited a little bit more, but irritation gradually started to change into worry. It was weird, Nasus thought. Renekton hasn't seen him in three months or so, then why would he be so late?

He got his answer faster than he expected. He looked at the end of the alley, just to see something terrifying. Renekton was slowly walking towards Nasus, limping beside the wall not to trip. Nasus immediately ran towards him and ordered him to sit down.

"For fuck sake, Renekton! I told you to stay out of trouble!" Nasus said angry, but also upset at the same time. He pulled a bandage roll out of his bag. To be frank, it wasn't the first time Nasus found him like that, so he decided to keep at least some bandages on him, but this time it was worse.

"Sorry Nasus, but this time troubles found me instead." Renekton replied and smiled just as usual. Nasus growled and slapped his head, but then Renekton made a grimace out of pain.

"Ahh! So sorry!" Nasus apologised in an instant. Renekton couldn't help it and laughed out loud.

"If you meant to hit me, then don't apologise. Besides, since you're already bandaging my head, would you care to tell me those 'great news'?" Renekton asked and sat more comfortably.

"I was absent for so long because I've become a general, Renekton." Nasus said to him and tied a knot, securing the bandage on his head. Renekton smirked and chuckled under his breath, but then he realised Nasus wasn't kidding.

"No shit...a-are you for real?" he asked, but he already knew the answer. Nasus just nodded and sat beside him. Renekton stared into the sky. His best friend achieved so much, he was happy. He was glad he decided to befriend him, thanks to that he could focus on studying and nobody dared to distract him. But he would be gone soon. Renekton sighed and looked down. He smiled faintly, but in reality he was sad. Nasus knew what was going on in his head, he knew him too good.

That's why Nasus thought about something. He turned to Renekton and asked, "Renekton, would you like to join my army?"

Renekton was stunned by this question. Join the army? His army? Was that even possible?

"I guess I would, but I'm dumber than a shoe and I'm definitely too young." he replied, glad Nasus was still taking care of him.

He just smiled and continued, "Nasus, you're talking to a general. I have one of the greatest authorities at the moment. Also, aren't I a little too young to be a general as well?" Nasus asked his friend. He thought about it for a moment and decided. He happily nodded. With that settled, Nasus helped Renekton get up and they went to his home to treat the rest of his injuries.

"Another great victory, general Nasus." a soldier said in a really deep, fake sounding tone and saluted. Nasus just rolled his eyes and smiled at Renekton.

"I see you have great humour today, I'm glad." Nasus replied and offered him a glass of wine.

He happily accepted the gift and grinned widely, "Of course I do! They didn't stand a chance! And guess what, none of us died!" Renekton said cheerfully. Nasus was actually surprised. The last time a battle like that happened was five hundred years ago.

"That's...wonderful!" he replied and took a sip. They were in a tent where nobody would interrupt them, so Nasus used the opportunity and hugged his friend.

"Hmm? And what is that for?" Renekton asked while trying to take another sip.

"I'm glad you're safe, that's all." he replied and released him.

"Have you ever doubted me?" Renekton asked and drank the rest in one sip. Nasus just raised a brow and folded his arms, "Okay, nevermind. But you should give me better rewards for my prowess. I mean, I am your best soldier, aren't I?" Renekton said and leaned forward.

Nasus giggled under his breath, "And what kind you rewards do you expect?"

"Oh I don't know. Maybe more wine, maybe a kiss on a cheek…" he said and smirked. Nasus rolled his eyes and shook his head, "I'll take that into consideration the next time I decide to reward you." he said and made his way out of the tent.

"Hmm, fair enough." Renekton replied and shrugged. Then he left the tent with Nasus.

Renekton was dashing through the corridors as fast as possible. The moment he heard of Nasus' condition, he excused himself and just ran. He didn't even bother knocking which was considered extremely impolite, especially when a general was inside, but everyone knew how close the two were, so no one said a word.

"Nasus! What's going on!?" Renekton asked gravely worried. Nasus tried to sit upright, but his muscles refused to work properly. He was too tired.

"Hi Renekton. I'm sorry for calling you during your duty, but I'm afraid we might not have any more time later." Nasus said and forced a little smile. Renekton kneeled down beside his bed and shed a tear. Why Nasus? He should be the one lying in bed, not him, he thought. Such a brilliant mind should lead Shurima for all eternity, not rot in bed.

"It's so unjust. Why? Why you?" Renekton questioned the world. Nasus wanted to reassure him, but a sudden coughing attack stopped him from doing so. Renekton frowned upset, it seemed that those really were his last days.

"Sorry for that, I couldn't resist." Nasus said and chuckled, but then coughed once again.

"Don't strain yourself, please…" Renekton asked and held his hand. He didn't want to show Nasus how devastated he was, but he knew he would cry all night and day once he's gone.

"So, since you're here, I-" Nasus said, but then Azir's advisor rushed inside gasping.

"Lord Azir declared that...the ascension ritual...shall take place today…for general Nasus..." the man said while breathing heavily. Both Nasus and Renekton were surprised. Renekton looked at Nasus and couldn't hide a smile. Nasus would become ascended, he would live.

"That's amazing! Nasus, you knew about it!?" he asked, but judging from his expression, he didn't. Then he turned to the advisor, "Hey, tell me. When will it start?"

"In two hours...when the Sun reaches the highest point…" he gasped. Renekton nodded and dismissed him. Then he looked at Nasus once again and grinned widely.

"I wonder how you'll look like. Maybe on owl?" he wondered.

Nasus thought of it as well, "Well, it is the sign of wisdom. Who knows." he chuckled, but then he looked slightly worried.

"What is it?" Renekton asked. Nasus looked at him with reassuring smile.

"Nothing. I'm just a little bit worried. Ascended beings slowly lose human emotions. What if I forget about you and get consumed by the burden of being a general?" Nasus asked, but Renekton shook his head and put his hand on his shoulder.

"I'm not worried about it. I'm sure you won't stop caring about me, and believe me, I won't stop caring about you." Renekton replied. After those words Nasus stopped feeling uneasy.

"Dammit, I can't walk up…" Nasus said while lying on the stairs leading to the sun disc. Renekton ran up to him to help, but he would just collapse again.

"Nasus, please! You've got to do this!" Renekton begged him, but Nasus shook his head.

"I'm sorry Renekton, but I just can't. I-" he said and started coughing violently. When Nasus calmed down, he looked at Renekton and forced a smile, "I'm sorry, but I guess I can't do it…" he replied defeated. Renekton didn't know what to do. He feared he would die that day if he didn't ascend. But then he thought of something reckless, maybe even stupid. Yeah, it was definitely stupid, but what other choice did he have? It was his time to shine, at least once in his life. He wanted to repay for everything Nasus gave him. Without thinking twice, he picked Nasus up in his arms and started walking up the stairs.

"What are you doing Renekton? You will die!" Nasus said and tried to wiggle, but he was too exhausted. Renekton just chuckled and looked at him with a warm smile.

"I know Nasus, I know." he replied and proceeded to walk up. Nasus desperately tried to convince him, but he just ignored him. The moment they were all the way up, they started feeling extreme warmth. The sun rays were blinding them. Then Renekton helped Nasus stand.

"Renekton, I beg you, get the hell out of here…" Nasus cried, but Renekton couldn't do that. He couldn't risk Nasus falling off the platform.

"You saved me many, many times in the past. Let me return the favour." he replied and hugged Nasus. Before he could say anything, the ascension ritual had begun. Wide sunbeam completely covered their bodies. For a second Nasus felt his flesh being consumed by flames, but he felt no pain. Then, he felt something indescribable. He felt his body reshape, change. It didn't take long before it was over. Nasus slowly looked down at his hands which now were covered in short, dark brown fur. He investigated his body and discovered he had a tail. Then he touched his face. It was unnaturally long, it had to be a snout. It was enough information. He ascended into a jackal.

But then he gasped. Renekton! How could he forget about him? He looked around, the vision was still slightly blurry, but he could see things close around him. Nasus didn't expect to see anyone else beside him, especially another ascended. He covered his mouth and started crying when he realised it had to be Renekton, who was now looking like a crocodile. He rushed towards him and hugged his friend.

"Hey, calm down buddy! You were dying just a second ago!" Renekton said, but Nasus ignored him. He was happy Renekton didn't die, furthermore, ascended with him.

"Don't you dare do something like that ever again...that's an order!" Nasus said while trying to hold the tears. Renekton just held him tighter and nodded.

"Yeah, yeah. Sure."

"Those bodies are awesome!" Renekton exclaimed joyfully while they were away from the capital on a mission. He kept punching the air and doing weird poses.

"Renekton, we've been ascended for weeks now, haven't you gotten used to it by now?" Nasus asked his friend, who clearly didn't get used to it yet.

"Blah, blah, blah!" Renekton made a hand gesture imitating mouth and mocked him. Nasus smiled and shook his head.

"I guess ascension didn't get rid of your childishness." he said and stretched his hands a little. Renekton just stuck a tongue out at him, but he forgot how long it was and accidentally licked his nose, which made Nasus laugh.

"Fuck, I keep forgetting about it!" he said and looked slightly embarrassed, but then laughed it off along with Nasus.

"It's okay. You don't even know how many times I hit myself in the face while trying to wear glasses." he admitted.

"I guess you haven't gotten used to your body as well, you little liar." Renekton replied, but Nasus just grinned.

"I never said I did, you just assumed it from the context." he replied with a smile and booped his nose. Renekton glared at him, but not in a menacing way, but then he looked forward with a proud smile.

"But not only my tongue is longer, you know?" he said and looked at Nasus. As expected, he was both partially surprised and flushed.

"And why would you tell me that?" he asked confused.

"Dunno. To make you jealous? Maybe curious?" Renekton admitted and smirked. Nasus rolled his eyes and patted his back.

"Congratulation on being the most gifted crocodile around, Renekton." he said and quickened the pace. Renekton didn't know how to react to that, but just smiled and caught up to him.

"None of this is working!" Renekton shouted to Nasus. They were back from the mission, just to face destruction and chaos. The sun disc collapsed, Azir was dead, and Xerath betrayed them all. He shoved Azir away during the ascension ritual and stole the power meant for him, escaping his mortal body and becoming a being of pure energy. Not even an ancient sarcophagus capable of sealing magic was able to contain him. Instead, it merged with him and became one with Xerath.

"What's wrong general? Out of ideas? What a shame." Xerath taunted Nasus and discharged electricity at them, but their weapons absorbed the attack. Nasus looked at Renekton and glanced towards the tomb. He got what he meant and ran there with him. Xerath, not knowing about the tomb, followed them, causing havoc around. Inside they were trying to push him in, but he wouldn't allow them. That's when Renekton thought about yet another stupid idea. He charged at Xerath and swung at him, but then released his weapon and grabbed the floating pieces of sarcophagus and proceeded to drag him inside.

"Renekton, stop! He's too fast!" Nasus yelled, but Renekton shook his head.

"I know." he replied and looked at him upset. He shed a single tear and replied, "That's why you have to close it now." he said the moment he crossed the door. Nasus' eyes widened. He couldn't agree to that, but was there any other choice?

"No! There must be some other way!" Nasus shouted devastated, but Renekton yelled back.

"Even if there is, there is no time! You'll figure something out, but until then you've got to do it!" Renekton insisted. Xerath has started to burn his flesh, but Renekton ignored ignored the pain. Nasus didn't know what to do, tears were welling down his face. He quickly ran up to the door and looked one final time at Renekton.

"Please, forgive me! I'll return as fast as possible, I promise!" he said and started closing the door.

"I know you will! Just close it already, dammit!" Renekton yelled, the pain has started to get unbearable. With one final cry, Nasus shut the door and kneeled down. He looked up, he heard nothing, almost as if he closed the door to another dimension. Nasus was broken inside, he wanted to open them and free him, but it wasn't what he wanted. He sacrificed himself for the time being, now it was up to him to save Renekton.

One week later…

Nasus returned to the tomb where he sealed Xerath and Renekton with some news. He doubted he would hear him, but he felt better this way.

"Hey, Renekton, it's Nasus. I've gathered a lot of information from libraries and I might be able to free you real soon! I just need to find or ask someone to do new sarcophagus, but from different material. I hope you're doing fine in there. You're tough, don't let some kind of fake sorcerer best you!"

One month later…

"Renekton, I'm so sorry!" Nasus said upset and sat against the door, "I learned a power like that cannot be simply contained in a vessel. I need to find something else. Don't worry Renekton, I'll find a way!"

One year later…

Nasus entered the tomb and looked at the door. He had under-eye bags from the lack of sleep and unhealthy lifestyle. He put his forehead against the door and sighed, "Renekton, it's me. I have bad news. Nobody in Shurima knows anything about how to save you." he paused and started crying out of helplessness, "I won't be seeing you for a while. I'm going to leave Shurima and find answers elsewhere. I hope that other civilizations know more about magic and will help me."

Ten years later…

Trying to find any kind of information was tough for Nasus, but he didn't give up. He kept on looking and searching for clues in hope of saving Renekton. He started feeling lonely at some point. He preferred being alone as a kid, even as a young adult, but now he wanted company, he needed company. He felt he would go insane if he didn't, but everytime he felt his sanity cracking, he thought about Renekton. He couldn't just abandon his mission, he had someone he cared about, someone to save. Holding onto hope, he carried on.

Five hundred years later…

It was pointless. Nasus couldn't find anything. He spent all this time on trying to find a way to help Renekton, but no previous or current civilization had any knowledge regarding magic or rituals. He cursed himself for damning his friend to darkness. Nasus didn't want to give up, but he was exhausted.

Thousands of years later…
Present times

"Another round? You look like shit Nasus. Get some rest." the man behind the counter said to drunk canine humanoid. His attire looked like something a typical bartender would wear on his shift, and he had very short, dark hair, something common in Shurima, even these days.

"You're cruel Bartley, you know that?" Nasus mumbled and drank the rest of his beer. He was in a bar on the eastern part of Shurima. Bartley's clients were already gone, sleeping on the first floor or were on their way back home. Only Nasus would stay that late. Bartley didn't mind that, he was the only person knowing about Nasus' true identity, though he would often question if it wasn't just a drunk vastaya's story. People wrongly mistake him for vastaya, but it was for the better, Nasus thought. He carefully got up and threw some coins to Bartley and then turned to the exit.

"You know, I could lend you one of my rooms, even for free if you help me from time to time." he suggested, but Nasus just waved indifferently.

"Fuck that, my tent is good enough. Also, I already have a job in Piltover. Good night Bartley." Nasus managed to articulate himself clearly and left. It was cold outside, but Nasus was used to that. Alcohol was helping a little bit as well, even though Nasus knew his body was probably freezing, despite his clothes. But the temperature like that wouldn't kill an ascended being. Throughout all those years fashion and style changed many, many times, so even he had to adapt. One day he found himself nice, brown trousers, linen shirt, and leather-like jacket. He made his way towards his medium sized, light orange tent some distance away, and when he was inside, he lay down and covered his eyes, trying to fall asleep.

He was a literal wreck of a person. He spent his whole life trying to achieve one thing. He obtained all the knowledge of both old and new world and none of that helped him save Renekton.

"Damn, now I'll start tormenting myself once again…" he said to himself quietly. Almost every time he got drunk, all memories, everything was returning to him, preventing him from falling asleep. Over time it would go, but he had to calm down first in order for it to happen, which wasn't particularly easy. This time, though, it was different. That ugly, shameful feeling wasn't going away. He sighed and crawled out of his tent to breathe some fresh air and walk a little. His fast metabolism has already managed to make him somewhat sober, but he would still lose balance from time to time. After his short stroll around, he sat down on sand and hid his face in his hands. He wanted to cry, but he cried all his tears out long time ago.

After he calmed himself just a little bit, Nasus got up and was ready to return and attempt to sleep, but just as he was turning around, he noticed a dark figure in a distance. He squinted his eyes trying to see a little more and then he noticed a person in question collapse on his face. Nasus gasped, worried someone must have been lost and lost consciousness. Being kind, but tired soul at the moment, Nasus started going in their direction. After a short moment, he was near that person. The clothes worn by that person weren't looking very good, he didn't even know if he could call that clothes. It was a huge rag, which covered every part of the body, so he didn't even know what race or gender that person was. As he kneeled down beside and started reaching out to uncover the face, he felt a firm grip on his wrist. Nasus looked at the bandaged hand, it definitely belonged to a strong man, but the moment he raised his head, he noticed that this person has been looking straight at him, face still covered by long, dirty looking, shattered piece of cloth.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I already have written the next one, but you'll have to wait a week too see it. I'm actually quite excited about it, because they have very interesting and sad story. Writing a fanfiction about them feels like rewriting history, allowing them to reach happier ending. Also, a little info: near June, late May, I'll have another series of exams, which may delay chapters near that time, so you already know. With everything covered, see you next Sunday.