Ch. 2: Old Friends and New Friends
"So, you're leaving?"
"Yes… are… are you sure you don't want to come with me?"
"Nah, I'm just gonna kick it right here where I'm comfy thank you very much."
"But won't you be lonely here by yourself?"
"…Yes, but I already know I deserve it after what I did… or rather what I didn't do…"
"Tammy… we both know that it wasn't your fault and Arty is just upset… he'll forgive you eventually."
"Perhaps… or perhaps he'll just blame me for the rest of my life for my sins."
"Well… in the end it's your choice I suppose…"
"…Don't you need to get going? You've got fans waiting for you."
"…Yeah… but at least think about this… you can either sit around and feel guilty about something you can't change or get up and do something about it… I know that better than anyone…"
"I know you do…"
"Ahri," said Tamarik with a grin.
"Aw you guessed too fast, that's no fun!"
With that light flooded back into Tamarik's vision forcing him to blink a couple of times to allow his eyes to adjust before turning around with his grin still present.
"What can I say? I know your voice anywhere!"
Standing before him was a beautiful woman with long black hair and a couple of fox ears pointing out from the top of her head. She had a pair of striking golden eyes as well as some whisker marks across her cheeks. Her skin was more on the pale side and a skimpy Ionian dress covered her private areas as well as her slim torso. What was really noticeable was the nine long, fluffy white tails that extended from behind her and spread out so that all could see them in all their majestic glory. The woman before him was none other than Ahri, the Nine-Tailed Fox, a former fox turned powerful (and sexy) succubus able to suck the life energy out of her foes. She was a powerful individual, powerful enough for the League of Legends to call upon her to join. But Tamarik simply saw her as that same little friend that he and his brother came across all those years ago.
Ah the memories… damn I feel like an old man reminiscing like this.
"Hellloooooo."
Tamarik was brought back into reality by a hand waving in his face. He looked back towards Ahri to see her pouting a bit at the fact that he was ignoring her. She crossed her arms over her ample chest.
"Sheesh, it's rude to be daydreaming while somebody is talking to you!"
Tamarik couldn't help but laugh at how Ahri's cheeks puffed up when she pretended to be mad. He also couldn't help but bring a hand up and pat her head.
"Still the cute and beautiful I see."
"Oh? Is that a flirtatious compliment I hear?" asked Ahri fluttering her eyelids at Tamarik.
Tamarik brought a cocky grin to his face as he took one of Ahri's hands and brought it to his lips with his other arm behind his back.
"But of course, for isn't it proper to compliment a beautiful woman about her beauty?"
"Oh what a gentlemen you are."
At this point the two were in full theatre mode knowing full well that there was an audience watching and Tamarik was pretty sure that they were flabbergasted. He had heard from both Ahri and Arty about how popular Ahri was due to her rather appealing appearance no matter the gender and not only that, but she also held a similar wit to Tamarik himself thus why the two bonded like brother and sister (Don't tell Arty!). Tamarik straightened up and turned around holding out an arm.
"Shall we m'lady?"
Ahri immediately latched onto the offered arm with hers smirked.
"But of course good sir, lead the way."
Tamarik nodded before the two simultaneously faced the crowd with their chins up and walked in a mock-aristocrat march through the crowd towards the center of the Institute. The whole way summoners gaped and continued to stare until Tamarik and Ahri turned a corner into an alleyway where they then sprinted to a place more secluded. Once they did they both broke down laughing.
"Huzzah! Uncle Tammy's still got it!" exclaimed Tamarik holding a dramatic pose.
Ahri simply continued to laugh while bending over and hugging herself. After what seemed like hours of just laughing, the two finally managed to calm down. When they did, Ahri immediately leapt into Tamarik's arms wrapping her own around his back and burying her head into his chest.
"I missed you Tammy," she said with her voice a bit muffled.
Tamarik returned the hug with a small smile on his face.
"As did I Ahri, as did I."
Ahri pulled back a bit so that Tamarik could see her mischievous smile.
"And now I can see you more frequently!"
"Heh, that you can, and I promise I will make myself more available than Arty has," said Tamarik, "Speaking of which how is the dunderhead doing?"
Ahri's cheeks immediately puffed out in indignation.
"He's doing fine, he's close to reaching the Platinum Division or whatever, but he doesn't summon me much on the field."
Tamarik chuckled.
"Well you probably don't fit his play style, last I heard he created bonds with that Noxian outcast and some insane guy that likes killing Voidpeople."
"Yeah… well at least Riven treats him right, I'm good friends with her, Kassadin is also a good person… when nothing about the Void is mentioned at all."
"Ah so those are their names… what were they again?"
Ahri giggled at that.
"Still can't remember names very well I see?"
"Hey, names are extremely fickle things, they're like little misbehaving children that seem to disappear every time you turn your back!" grumbled Tamarik in mock-indignation.
Ahri giggled again before jumping out of Tamarik's arms and looking towards the sky.
"Daylight still has quite a bit of time to burn, why don't I give you a tour?"
Before Tamarik could say anything, the girl had Tamarik by the arm and was practically dragging him to some destination.
"You can meet Leona and Soraka and Ezreal and Sarah and Nami and Teemo and Fizz and-."
"Ahri please, too many names! Oh gods the children are loose again!"
Ahri dragged Tamarik behind her as she headed to what she told him was Champion's Feast where all the Champions usually ate before, in between and after matches. There were of course other restaurants scattered around the Institute but usually the Champions either didn't have the time for it or were not really welcomed. The whole way there summoners gaped at the two running by mostly out of jealousy, not that either of the two cared.
"It's a great place to start since there are many Champions who hang around there!" chimed Ahri.
Tamarik chuckled at Ahri's flighty attitude.
"But Ahri isn't the place only for Champions?" he asked, "Because I'm a summoner… well actually I'm not even officially a summoner yet."
Ahri turned her head and winked at him.
"I'll figure it out."
Tamarik shook his head at that as he allowed himself to get pulled to the entrance of a decently sized building of simple wooden design making it look cozy and welcoming.
Reminds of home…
At the doors two guards were stationed at either side with the same lifeless looks on their faces that Tamarik saw on the guards at the front gates.
Are all guards this way? They look like statues!
As the two got closer, one of the guards stepped forward with a hand up.
"Hold there, only Champions are allowed beyond this point," he said.
Tamarik looked at the guard with a deadpanned look.
"Wow, so you guys actually are alive."
Ahri ignored the comment and stalked up the guard with a predatory look on her face.
"Well perhaps you can make an exception…" she purred in a low voice.
Tamarik had to give the guard credit, he was holding his professional face despite the alluring look Ahri gave, but he also knew that the man was struggling and Ahri hadn't even used her magic on him yet.
"I'm sorry Nine-tailed Fox but my orders state th-."
"Can you do it for me?" interrupted Ahri sliding a hand down the side of the guard's cheek.
The guard immediately went rigid before relaxing with his eyes glassing over. From those signs, Tamarik knew that the guard would not be arguing with Ahri anymore.
"O-Oh course… I suppose we can… ignore the rules for the time being…"
Ahri giggled.
"Thank you!"
She then turned to the other guard.
"And do you agree to this as well?"
The guard just nodded quickly most likely not wanting to follow the same fate as his comrade. Tamarik couldn't help but chuckle at their plight as he was dragged into Champion's Feast.
"You've really mastered the art of seduction Ahri," said Tamarik as they entered the lobby.
"Well it's useful and something that's useful is worth investing time in," answered Ahri.
With that they walked through another set of grand doors to the main part of Champion's Feast where all the food was served and also where all of the champions sat. The room looked large enough to fit an entire army in and still have plenty of space for everyone. Long tables lined the hall to seat however many patrons with tall windows at either side of the hall to bring in natural light. A row of large chandeliers lined the top of the hall to bring light when night fell. Then there was a buffet line that sat near the entrance of the hall where all the food was served to the hungry Champions.
"Wow, this is one large hall," muttered Tamarik.
"Tamarik?"
Tamarik and Ahri looked towards the source of the voice to see two women walking their direction. One of them had long, cobalt hair, striking emerald eyes and fair skin. Behind her floated four blades and a central energy source and she wore the garb of an Ionian officer. Tamarik recognized her immediately.
"Well, well if it isn't Miss Lito, Captain of the Guard here to grace us with her presence," he said with a grin.
Ahri on the other hand jumped forwards and threw her arms around the woman.
"Irelia!" she exclaimed happily.
Irelia smiled and returned the hug, but her eyes remained focused upon Tamarik. They seemed to hold that of joy, but Tamarik also saw the pity that lay subtly underneath. Tamarik simply smiled at her reassuring her with his own eyes that he was alright and moved on.
Kind of freaky that we're speaking with our eyes… and also pretty awesome.
Tamarik then turned to face the other woman. This woman had unkempt white hair that was pulled up in a messy bun, a pair of piercing red eyes, and pale skin that made her look almost sickly. She wore what looked to be the remnants of a full set of armor with bandages wrapped around her forearms.
"And who might you be?"
The woman studied Tamarik for a while before answering with a surprisingly soft voice.
"I'm Riven, the Exile," she said plainly.
Tamarik nodded.
"A pleasure to meet you Riven," he said tamely before suddenly striking a dramatic pose, "I am Tamarik Levant of Demacia moved to Ionia and now to the Institute of War… at your service."
From the corner of his eye he saw Ahri giggling profusely at his antics while Irelia smacked her forehead. Riven meanwhile looked a bit confused although she snapped out of it when she realized something.
"Wait… Levant?" she asked, "You must be Artemis' older brother!"
"That I am good madam!" remarked Tamarik with a grin, "And from what I've heard from Ahri (If I'm remembering your name correctly) you are quite closely acquainted with him, no?"
Riven nodded.
"Yes, your brother and I have been the best of friends, I'm actually scheduled to have another practice session with him soon."
Tamarik grinned widely.
"Good to know that my dunce of a brother has found such a capable woman to take care of him!"
After he finished that sentence, a hand smacked him upside the head causing him to stumble forward a bit. Tamarik looked to the owner of the hand who just so happened to be a rather irked Irelia with her arms crossed.
"Alright, alright, geesh can't take a joke, Lito?" grumbled Tamarik.
Tamarik looked at Riven thinking that she would be just as annoyed, but was pleasantly surprised that she was looking away with a light blush on her face.
Well what do we have here? It seems that my brother truly has gained some… special attention from a woman… Oh I'm going to enjoy this…
"Ahem."
Irelia's voice brought Tamarik out of his thoughts as he once again returned his attention to Irelia in a sloppy imitation of an Ionian soldier.
"Is there something you need ma'am?"
Irelia sighed before asking her question with an irked look on her face.
"So are you here as a Champion?" she asked, "Because I was under the impression that you were going to become a summoner like you younger brother."
Tamarik grinned.
"But Irelia I thought I was already a champ," he said, "No wait I'm not a champ, I'm THE champ."
"Ha ha ha you're hilarious," said Irelia sarcastically.
"Aren't I?"
"Tamarik…"
"Alright, alright I'm not actually here as a Champion, I actually came here as a summoner."
Irelia blinked at that.
"Wait… if you're not a Champion…"
Suddenly Irelia glowered at him.
"You aren't even allowed to be in here!"
Tamarik suddenly pointed a finger at Ahri dramatically in a childish way.
"It was her idea!"
Ahri immediately put on a look of indignation.
"Well you let me pull you here!" she exclaimed
"You were dragging me!" argued Tamarik.
"No I wasn't!"
"Yes you were!"
"No I wasn't!"
"Yes you were!"
"No I wasn't!"
"No you weren't!"
"Yes I was!"
"Glad you agree with me," said Tamarik with a smile.
Ahri blinked before realizing what she just said and puffed her cheeks out in indignation. She then pounced upon Tamarik childishly beating her fists against his chest.
"Mean! Mean! Mean!" she whined.
"Would you two immature idiots be quiet? You're attracting the attention of the entire room," grumbled Irelia.
Tamarik and Ahri both turned to Irelia with blank looks.
"And?" they both said at the same time.
Irelia groaned as she massaged her temples. Beside her Riven looked on with amusement.
"When Artemis told me that his brother was a bit out there, I never thought it be anything like this," she said.
Irelia shook her head.
"It's bad enough that I have to keep Ahri from causing too much mischief, now I have to deal with Tamarik too!" she lamented, "I guess hoping that he would mature a bit was asking for too much…"
After the shenanigans at Champion's Feast, Tamarik, Irelia, and Ahri continued to explore the Institute with Riven tagging along for a little while before branching off to get ready for her practice match. During the tour Tamarik learned from Irelia that the whole complex was divided in a way so that rival factions weren't next to one another and were piled up in separate fractions of the Institute.
Which is pretty stupid given the fact that this place is supposed to stand for peace and togetherness.
Still, Tamarik was impressed when he saw so many summoners from different parts of the globe gathered in one area.
I wonder who the biggest jackasses are, then again according to rumors every summoner is that way because bad community over powered.
Along the way the group ran into other Champions of various names that Tamarik didn't bother to remember.
Accursed children!
Most of them were yordles or Ionians due to the fact that Ahri and Irelia were both Ionian Champions.
"…and this is where you will be staying."
Tamarik brought himself out of his thoughts and saw Irelia gesturing to a decently sized building of Ionian design.
"Ah yes it looks like a rather lovely pe-," started Tamarik before Irelia slapped him upside the head.
"Don't you even think about finishing that sentence, Levant," growled Irelia.
"Che, alright then Miss Proper," jested Tamarik while rubbing his head.
Ow… that actually kinda hurt.
Ahri giggled before throwing her arms around Tamarik.
"It was good to see you again, Tammy!" she gushed, "We should hang out again tomorrow!"
Tamarik returned the hug with a chuckle.
"Aw, leaving so soon?" he asked.
"Yup! I've got plans with Wukong and Fizz tonight!" said Ahri with a mischievous smile on her face.
Irelia paled when she heard those names.
"Ahri… what are you three planning to do…"
Ahri winked at her fellow Ionian Champion with a grin.
"It's a secret."
With that the girl dashed off and disappeared around the corner. Irelia heaved a heavy sigh while Tamarik chuckled even more while patting Irelia on the shoulder.
"Fret not Lito, I'm sure she won't be causing TOO much trouble."
Irelia only slumped more with a groan causing Tamarik to laugh even louder. He then looked towards the sky to watch as the sun slowly disappeared over the horizon.
"Well, I'd best get settled into my new place," he said, "I've got a big day ahead of me tomorrow."
Irelia straightened up and nodded.
"Alright then… are you sure you don't want to go visit your brother before it gets to late?" she asked.
Tamarik could help the feeling of melancholy that rose from his gut, but he quickly masked it with a goofy grin.
"Yeah, that Piss-for-Brains won't be missing me."
Irelia however knew Tamarik all too well and looked at him with saddened eyes.
"Your brother loves you, Tamarik, no matter how he acts."
Tamarik slowly allowed his smile to ebb into more of a gloomy one.
"I know… but I think we both need a little more time before the inevitable confrontation."
Irelia bit her lip looking like she wanted to speak against that, but held herself back and instead nodded.
"Very well… good night then Tamarik."
"And good night to you as well Rey-Rey," answered Tamarik going back to full comedian mode.
Irelia immediately reddened at that name looking frantically around for any eavesdroppers.
"I told you to stop calling me that!" she cried in embarrassment.
"Aw but you look cute when you're embarrassed."
Irelia immediately turned even redder.
"S-Shut up!"
"Aw, I didn't know widdle Iwelia was still embawessed about her childhood nickname."
"I knew I should never have let my brother tell you my nickname!"
"Hey, it was bound to happen eventually!"
Irelia huffed before turning on her heels and marching away muttering insults under her breath.
"See you tomorrow Rey-Rey!" shouted Tamarik at the top of his lungs.
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!"
