Night Air, Afternoon Sun
Shen stared up into the night sky, filled with bright, shiny stars. The night sky always calmed him, maybe even comforted him, if he knew how being comforted felt.
Sounds of celebration played in the back ground, the other champions were celebrating an Ionian-Demacian victory. Yes he was pleased they had won as well, but he felt no need to celebrate the victory.
He didn't understand people, or any living being for that matter.
What is happiness? Sorrow? Depression?
What is Fear? Courage? Good and evil? Right and wrong?
What is Love? Attachment? Affection? He can't remember.
Did any of it matter? Was he truly balanced?
What is balance? He believed he was balanced, since he could not feel any emotion, he couldn't tip towards either extreme. Since he could not be happy or sad, he was right in the middle. Completely neutral.
However, two people's influence caused him to start questioning himself.
People who had completely different views on life and everything in it.
Pantheon and Kayle. His two closest- Acquitances? Friends? He wasn't sure. Since he did not know the difference between them.
Both believed that true balance in any one person, was being able to feel every emotion equally, and in Kayle's case- justly. Were they right?
Or were they just like everyone else, under the illusion that emotions were a good thing.
Not that it mattered, it was too late for him anyway. He knew enough to know the world had not been kind to him, it had done things to him he believed irreversible. But he was not angry at the world, no, he believed they did what was necessary. Now he could keep the balance without any bias towards anything or anyone. This made him that much more effective during his missions.
"I see you're stuck out here, yet again, while everyone else is busy celebrating and having fun. Don't you think you should at least try to be more social?" A powerful-feminine voice tore him out of his thoughts.
"Good evening Kayle." He gave a simple answer, not seeing the need for excessive conversation.
It went quiet for a while. Neither of them said anything, both peacefully stared up at the stars for an unknown amount of time.
"You know they look up to you." The Archangel broke the silence, knowing if she did not, it never would be.
Shen blinked. "Who would you be referring to?"
A sigh escaped Kayles lips, a sad look took the place of her usually grim and serious expression.
"You know who, Akali and Kennen. The two of them care about you. They're attached to you, I know for a fact they love and care for you. All of your friends do, but they do even more so. Doesn't that make you feel something? Don't you think it would be more balanced to return their feelings?"
He did not expect her to come out with such a strange question. It was random, unexpected, and took him by surprise.
Shen tried, he really did.
He tried so hard to understand, to know what it means to love and be loved. At one point he wanted to return it, he wanted to be able to experience these amazing things called emotions. However, no matter how hard he tried, or how much he wanted it, he could not reach it. So the man gave up, and became content and comfortable with his situation.
"Kayle, you need to understand. I have already tried what you have asked, I personally attempted to force my feelings and emotions back into being. I failed. I do not believe they will ever come back, this was how it was meant to be." The Eye finally looked away from the sky and towards his companion instead.
Kayle moved her hands in random motions as she replied. "That doesn't make any sense! It's wrong! And needs to be made right!" Her voice rising with each word.
"I, am sorry. I believe this is one 'wrong' even you cannot fix. Perhaps it is for the better. It has served me and the world well, so far." He continued, this was one of the rare moments he let his thoughts be known to another.
Kayle straightened up, regaining her former conviction.
"I do not believe that I cannot at least help fix this wrong. I swear to you Shen, one day, even if it's while you lie dying on the field of battle, or of old age, I will make sure you experience what it is to feel! Now come, join us in the celebration, perhaps being more social will be the first step in helping you." She pushed him inside, he did not object.
Maybe she was right.
Maybe she was wrong.
In the end, balance is all he could care about.
Riven woke with a start, unsure of where she was.
She remembered, she retired to her room late last night when the celebration ended. She met so many other champions and summoners, it was hard to remember them all.
Well, not really, but there were more friendly people compared to what she is accustomed to.
There were champions such as the stunning Miss Fortune, Lux the Lady of Luminosity, Kayle the Judicator, Lee Sin the Blind Monk, Teemo the Swift Scout, Soraka the Star Child, and Irelia the Will Of the Blades. All of whom had been the most welcoming out of everyone besides her teammates, and the people she met on her first day.
Why? Why were they nice to her? She was a Noxian, She participated in the Noxian invasion for heaven's sake.
Well at least part of it.
Did they pity her? Or did they just not know?
It was no use thinking about it. It's time to get up and get started on her daily training.
There was just one problem.
She needed to find somewhere to train. Guess she would have to start a conversation with someone again. But first, Riven wanted a shower.
When she emerged from the bathroom, there was a knock at the door. Now who could that be? It was only-
' It's twelve in the afternoon! Why did I wake up so late?! Damn it all!"Riven thought, disappointed in herself.
"Hold on a second!" She threw on some clothes before opening the door, revealing her visitor.
"I see you have finally decided to emerge from your cave. Having a hangover or somethin'?" Miss Fortune joked.
Now this was unexpected. Why would Miss Fortune be knocking on her door?
"No, I am not. You need something?" Riven wanted to get to the point, it might possibly be something interesting or important. Or just a waste of time.
"You don't have to be so pushy. People were wondering why you haven't shown your face all day, and I being the wonderful person I am, decided to come check on you is all. Since everyone else is so busy right now." The red headed woman leaned against the door frame, her lips forming into a playful smirk.
"Well, as you can see, I'm fine. I was about to head out before you came knocking on my door actually." Riven struggled not to blush, Fortune had moved too close for comfort.
"Ah, of course you were. What are your plans today, if I may ask?" Her smirk never left.
" Eat breakfast and then go from there. Why?"
" Well, if you don't mind, I will accompany you to your afternoon meal." She backed away, giving Riven some breathing room.
Riven stepped out, closed and locked the door, then began down the hallway with her current companion.
Both walked in silence for a while, content with the lack of dialogue, at least the Riven had been. Miss Fortune on the other hand, decided to start up a conversation.
"Riven, I need to talk to you about something sort of important. It won't take long." Sarah Fortune stepped in front of Riven as she spoke. Stopping her from walking any further.
"Okay. What is it?" Riven fought back another blush, with each passing minute, it grew harder to not have a couple dirty thoughts involving this woman.
The pirate shifted , apparently a bit unsure of what she was about to say. "You see, you seem to be putting too much trust in Shen. He is not someone you want to get involved with, if you value safety." Her smirk disappeared, making her point feel a little more valid.
Riven blinked. "What are you implying? I don't trust him much. Besides, why should I trust him any less than I trust you? Or Akali, Kennen, Pantheon, Kayle, Sona, and anyone else around here?"
Fortune sighed. "You see, he is, an unpredictable person. More so than anyone else in the League, or anyone that I know of. He could be on Demacia's side one day, the next he could be the one who assassinated the king. If you get what I mean."
Riven sighed as well. "Still, so far I have no reason to believe any of you are any more trustworthy than he is. At least he isn't a coward who talks behind your back, or plan your fall when you aren't looking," Riven crossed her arms in defiance.
Sarah face-palmed. "That's just it though! He won't speak of anything he plans, except to Akali. He just goes and does it if he thinks it necessary. What I mean is, He doesn't care who he is killing, punishing, or whatever if he thinks they upset the balance! That is all he cares about!" Fortune took a deep breath to calm herself.
"How do I know you aren't telling me this just to get on my good side? Why do you care about someone you met yesterday?" Riven narrowed her eyes and leaned forward, challenging the beautiful red head in front of her to just try and tell her she didn't have a good point.
The more veteran champion of the two pouted, admitting Riven made a fair argument. "Whatever. You don't have to trust me, however I am being completely honest with you. I'm concerned for you, since you are a Noxian in the midst of a crowd of still bitter Demacians, and hateful Ionians." The two of them continued on their walk immediately after the conversation ended.
They arrived at the dining hall, Riven went up to get something to eat and Sarah got a table for them. She got a simple bacon, eggs, and orange juice breakfast. Looking forward to her meal, she quickly sat down and began to eat.
"By the way, I was impressed with how well you did yesterday. Seven kills, four deaths, and eight assists in your first match. Better than most other new Champions." Fortune complimented.
Riven finished chewing before answering, remembering her manners.
"Thank you, I'm happy I had such great teammates. Wouldn't have done that good without them."
Fortune giggled. "You are too cute. Although what you say is true, you had some incredibly skilled, veteran, champions on your team."
The exile blushed and mumbled something indistinctly before stuffing her mouth full of food.
"Hmm? I couldn't hear you clearly, could you speak up?" She teased the white haired woman sitting across from her.
Before she could talk back Akali appeared next to her, surprising both of the champions sitting at the table.
"Oh- Hi Akali!" Riven greeted awkwardly.
Miss Fortune waved, Akali returned it.
"Good afternoon Riven. Are you feeling alright? Took you awhile to show yourself." Akali Inquired.
"I'm fine, just woke up late, probably cause of how late the party went last night. Hope this doesn't happen often." She stared straight into Akali's eyes, Riven did not want to make staying up late a habit.
Besides, she hated socializing.
"You do not have to worry. This was the first one in weeks." Akali assured her, sensing her distress.
"You see, the past few weeks have not been good for the Ionian and Demacian Champions. They were on a losing streak, Garen of course was pissed off and annoyed the fuck out of the rest of us, including the Noxian Champions." MF went off on an explanation Riven found interesting And funny.
"Yes. Yesterday's victory saved me the trouble of having to cut that man's jaw off." Riven almost spat out her food, trying to hold in a laugh.
Miss Fortune giggled at Akali's comment, and Riven's actions.
'Wasn't that excessive Akali?'
Said Ninja became confused as to why Riven found it so amusing.
" I should go exercise or something. Don't want to get fat or anything, you know?" Riven announced, putting her plate on the counter for the kitchen staff to wash.
"That would be a good idea. You don't want to be fat in the League, you'll be out performed, and not too popular with the Summoner's."
"Unless you're Gragas,"
Miss Fortunes smart ass comment confused Riven, and earned a smirk from Akali.
"Correct."
Before Riven could ask any questions, Kennen came running in, nearly slamming his head into the table.
"Akali, have you seen The Eye? I do not believe he is in the building. Has he said anything to you? Did he go somewhere?" His big, shining eyes stared straight into Akali's, she patted his head before she replied.
"I believe he left late last night, he said he needed to be somewhere. He will be back later today." She smiled at her younger comrade.
Kennen looked disappointed for a moment, it quickly evaporated.
"I see. He is on an important mission, no?"
Akali shook her head yes.
"Hmmm... Ah, hello Miss Fortune, Riven. I was impressed with how you performed." The small ninja turned his gaze towards the new champion.
It was hard for Riven to not laugh at how serious this cute little Yordle acted.
"Thank you. Like I told Sarah before, I got lucky. My teammates took great care of me. Akali got so many kills, it was very impressive!" A faint blush spread across Akali's face after hearing the compliment.
"Yes. Your entire team was filled with skilled warriors. Not only that, they all knew how to work together. That is the biggest reason you guys won."
It felt weird to have an adorable little dude lecture her on the magic of teamwork.
Wait, why did she word it like that?
Not like it matters.
"So, we just gonna sit around in the dining hall the rest of our lives, or are we going to do something other than eat?"
" We could leave I guess." Riven rubbed the back of her head.
She stood up abruptly, and started walking towards the door. Akali appeared next to her, with the other two following close behind them.
After a few minutes of idle chatter, Sarah said her goodbyes and went off on her own.
Kennen followed the remaining two along silently, they entered the garden and took a seat. Still deciding whether they should train now, or later.
"So uh, don't you two have missions to be doing? Not that I don't want you here, it's just Shen seems a lot busier than you two."
"We do receive missions from our Clan, and we are a team. It's just Shen can act as an Independent agent. He gathers information, then acts based on what he knows. He does not need the Kinkous' consent like we do; I will admit, Kennen and I have not been assigned any missions for the past week, which is abnormal,"
"Yes, the Eye makes any judgment he sees fit. All for the balance. Besides that, he is also older and more experienced than either of us. For example, while we had to stay safe at home during the Ionia-Noxus war, he participated in it." Kennen joined in on the conversation.
Rivens face became confused when she heard what Kennen said.
"Wait, so he was in the w-"
"HEY! HEY GUYS!" Teemo ran up to the trio, interrupting their conversation.
The three of them stopped immediately, and gave him their attention.
"Someone tried to assassinate the King!"