KG: Damn, I'm late on this. I dunno what stopped me.

Wifey: You were playing Little Nightmares again.

KG: IT'S A GOOD GAME!

Wifey: Idiot.

KG: Har har har

Music of the Week: Nerevar Rising by The Elder Scrolls 3 Morrowind

Quote: "Your soul knows the geography of your destiny. Your soul alone has the map of your future, therefore you can trust this indirect, oblique side of yourself. If you do, it will take you where you need to go, but more important it will teach you a kindness of rhythm in your journey." by John O'Donohue.

Given her background, Riven understood the consequences of prying into the affairs of others. When she had parted ties with the Noxian ideology and its military, she had always hoped to not have her secrets uncovered as well. Perhaps it was thanks to the caution which always surrounded her and the kindness of her adopted parents that she was capable of coping with such notions. However, even as she watched Naruto and Irelia work through their sparring sessions, she felt a rather unorthodox feeling of restraint between them. An underlying tension which not many could take part in.

The Ionian Captain was not known for holding back. It was what had made her guardsmen such a formidable force. Riven had the honor of fighting with and against many of them. To learn that a groupful of them had been disarmed by a young boy was within a realm of reality that she could not comprehend. Yet, as she watched him fight, she had begun to understand why he had handled them so well. Just like her, from a young age, he had been shaped in the art of combat.

So when the Ionian Captain and the young dragon were...unable to follow through with several incapacitating strikes, Riven could not help, but have her suspicions roused. For the past three suns, ever since both had returned from their walk, the two were so unlike themselves that Riven was sure even the horses, which pulled the carriage, could see it.

Naruto kept taking glances towards the captain, which didn't go unnoticed to others. On the other hand, Irelia seemed much more concerned over the blonde when he had become injured during practice. Riven remembered when she had managed to capitalize on an error the jonin had made and buried her fist in his stomach which sent him to the floor. Just as she was instructing him on not leaving himself so exposed, Irelia had come upon them like the very essence of the wind itself and tended to him. It was...not something Riven was used to seeing.

When Riven had inquired as to the nature of Irelia's concern, the Captain would suddenly claim she would need time alone. No one was sure what to make of this. However, it did not interfere in matters too important so the unspoken word was to merely accept what was transpiring.

Over the course of another week, this activity was normal. However, one thing which was even more surprising than this was Naruto's sudden control over the magical forces that be. His proficiency seemed to have accelerated itself in transcendent ways. Where he had been taking magical lesson in familiarizing himself with the energy and the spirits, he now seemed almost...adept at calling them. It was as if they had come to recognize even more of the hidden runic powers which laid within his body.

He trained these powers diligently and Ko'Ka matched such diligence with his notes. He had already completed one book's full of knowledge which he had observed from Naruto. By the end of the week, for how long they had traveled, Naruto must have improved just like so many believed he would.

The journey continued well into time when the sun reached its zenith. The carriage continued moving over the dirted streets which led into regions unknown. Irelia pulled out her map. "The next providence will soon appear at the end of the hill. Perhaps we might have better results within this area," Irelia spoke. Her eyes drifted to Naruto for a moment.

The jonin exhaled. As told by Karma, and Irelia, those of the Kinkou Monastery held a differentiating aura in comparison to those of non-magical descent. The ability to perceive this difference was something they wished him to strengthen. This was...kind of difficult. It had given him a headache the first time he tried it, and the second time had nearly made him pass out from spiritual exhaustion. He hadn't even been aware that he could have that, but it was an unwelcome experience nonetheless.

Naruto closed his eyes and everyone watched the white magic flourish from his body. He could feel the very room he sat in fade away. Like a vivid dream of unparalleled imagery, his senses expanded from mountain to mountain. He could see the sense the trees. Just as he had learned, he was able to perceive how they related to him depending on the psychological factors he had developed. The spirits which the trees that respected him, embraced him, and exalted him where those of no threat. Their color of blue seemed so similar to that of his own.

The animals around him, those he was not familiar with, glowed with a dark yellow color. He had been instructed by Karma that this perception was not something everyone could learn. Even one with such ancient, spiritual magic as her was only capable of having limited perception. Through the centuries of wisdom passed down, Karma explained that such perception was through divine ability. If humans held such perfected perception then either war would not happen, or humanity would go extinct from misinteraction. She did not expect Naruto to know what she meant, but it seemed that he was aware that she was claiming something important.

As Naruto understood it, perception seemed similar to sensor shinobi. Karma explained that limited perception of human was shown in various forms of the human conscious, the ability to tell truth from lie, and the ability...to understand the intent of others. It was a lesson which Naruto also took to Yozora. The young woman explained that such a lesson was similar to that of understanding the killer intent of your opponent. Needless to say, but the dragon received a lot of lessons on intent that day.

It was these lessons that forced him to open his eyes.

"Stop!" Naruto called.

The coachman slowed the horses until they stopped and Naruto opened the door. Everyone's attention was upon him. He gently woke Mei from her sleep and stepped out of the carriage, but worry was among the group when he asked for Ko'ka to stay with Mei. He then walked out into the plains along with Irelia and Riven.

The carriage had stopped over the hillside allowing for a look into the Horizon. The next providence was just below them. Naruto frowned. "What's wrong? If you wished to take a break then we could have entered the nation before…," Riven paused when she looked down at the providence as well. Irelia's gaze hardened. It was clear to them both why the blonde had stopped. For they could sense it as well, a foreboding feeling of anxiety.

The Province of Garthi'ok, labeled one of the busiest and wealthiest provinces in Ionia for its healing springs, therapeutic instructors, and wonders in the art of natural exercise, was...silent. Every building, every structure, and every testament to the bond between human and nature laid standing, but...the spirits of the deceased cried out from below.

"It's quiet. Why would it be quiet in at such a time of the day?" Riven asked. Neither responded. Naruto could feel the aura of the province. As it related to him, the surrounding red aura did not fill him with the serene feelings he had come to relate with Ionia. Even its magic which flowed through him sent shivers through his spine.

The blonde bit his lower lip. He took a step forward and his body found itself running down to the nation below before the two ladies could stop him. "Naruto, wait!" Irelia called, but she watched the blonde blasted his wings from his back and fly off. The captain sighed and turned to the white-haired woman next to her.

"Go secure the carriage. Bring it slowly in. When it's clear, we'll be back. If we're not back in an hour then turn back to Navori," Irelia said. Riven immediately agreed. Irelia chased after Naruto on foot down the hill. Riven watched them go. She stared at the barren providence once more. They say that when a warrior is trained hard enough, they can tell danger is coming just by looking at the way the grass moves. Currently, the grass seemed as still as the city which laid below. The wind, once warm, was cold. Riven turned around.

Away from the hill, Naruto flew towards the nation. He stopped a place where he could land. He opened his wings and they slowly stopped his descent. The air which blew from his glowing appendages kicked up dust until his feet returned to the ground. His lighted wings slowly disappeared. Here, he stood amongst nothingness. Not a single soul was present. Even the spirits which inhabited the trees seemed disturbed.

Each step the blonde gave it felt as if the magic around him was attempting to suffocate his body. It was as if...he had walked into a literal ghost town. He opened one of the wooden doors to a store, but it was empty. His feet stepped through merchant huts, and and herbal sites. There was not a single Ionian present. No, perhaps it was better to say there was not a single...living thing present. "Where is everybody? I know I'm new to Perception, but the fact that no one's here is...odd. Plus, I have a bad feeling about all of this," Naruto said to himself.

For twenty minutes, he observed the deserted streets. Schools, homes, medicinal structures, there was not a single soul around. It was as if the whole town had been...abducted. Try as he might, he could not refine his perception enough that he could separate non-threats in the nation from the threats. The aura of the entire providence was setting his runic spirit aflame.

A cough alerted him and it quickly sent him running down an alleyway. As soon as he got there his feet slowed until he stopped. There was a lone man. Only his head, his torso, his left arm, and right leg remained. However, the sight the blonde bore witness to was what made him take a step back.

Dark, purple veins circulated the man's body. Like a slow moving poison, it crept up his torso which seemed to cause him even more pain. Inside of him, Naruto could see something growing, glowing, festering, feeding. It...reminded him of his dream. The same dream of...the Icathians. "P...Please...lad, send me….t-t-to my...ancestors," he begged, blood slipped from his lips and to the earthen ground.

Naruto quickly remembered himself and straightened his stance. This...was Void energy. The same Void which his father had fought against. If that was the case then it might explain why the entire town had gone missing, but...if Void energy was here then why hadn't it begun to spread yet? There should be no shortage of material for it to work with. However, he slowly and cautiously stood before the Ionian. The man groaned when he exhaled.

"T-T-They...appeared...out of nowhere. I...I remember screams….and t-t-t-terror the likes of which...not even Noxus could b-b-b-ring. My heart-light. My son. B-B-B-Both taken from me. Not even their bones to be buried. I-I-I tried my best, but...I was not enough. I-I am the last. Please...do not allow mine chest to breed destruction upon these lands which my ancestors founded," He said.

A frown to picture his face, Naruto coated his hand in white magic. He then placed it on the man's forehead. In an instant, what had occurred over the past couple of days fell into the blonde's head. Screaming, destruction, and a battle, but...then there was naught but a purple light. It drew all to it, except for this one who could only hide. Even then, it was not to be as he was attacked without mercy…

Xhai Kan gasped as he heard people scream. His chest burned, and his throat caught the air into his lungs. Sweat poured down his face. He ran down the dusted streets. He pushed people out of his way. The guardsmen who strived to uphold the values of Ionian strength screamed in his ears. A flash of purple, and the sound of unholy screeching came forth. No one was safe. From their bodies came being which only could be formed from the nightmares of men.

Xhai Kan ran. He ran as hard as he could. "Kafa, Chi'rin, spirits wish you well! We must flee!" He claimed. He feet took him to his home...however, he could only stand outside of his housetree, tears upon his face when he heard the screams.

"MOTHER!"

"RUN KAFA!"

Xhai could only cry. He could only stand. He could only watch. He could...only hear as the screams of those within his heart fell into silence while those same screeches overpowered the air of tranquility that had been his home. By the gods he wanted to go and protect them. By the gods he wanted to take up arms and pass away with his family in his arms, but...his spirit was weak. He ran away from his home. He ran back into the providence and hid in a ruined storage room.

There he stayed. He grabbed his knife which had been passed down from the spirits of his ancestors. He kept his head down and his arms close to his chest. There he hid, and he did not move for what must have felt like hours. He covered his ears from the screams outside. He closed his eyes from the skittering beyond the wooden doors. He clutched his knife when he heard the skitters scratch the wooden doors of his room. He closed his eyes. Spirits...be with him.

Naruto withdrew his hand. He couldn't stand to witness the rest. His eyes stared at the man in pity. Yes, he had forgotten about it upon coming here to Ionia. He had forgotten about the horrors of those creatures which the Icathians had used upon the overwhelming army before them. The Void, the Icathians, and...the dark energy which seemed to clash with his own. What...could he say? He could feel the depths of his runic heart call to destroy this abomination of life which fell before him.

"Do not...make me...a monster," he pleaded one last time. Naruto growled and raised his hand. He...would have preferred Irelia to perform this act. Not because fear covered his spirit, but because...this would be his first kill...of a person in a world that he did not belong to. His hand covered itself in white fire, the fire of his people, the flames of his lineage. He pointed it at the downed man.

The Ionian stared at the flames, his eyes purple as if to reflect the growing infestation inside of him. He smiled. "Kafa, Chi'rin. I will join you both in eternity soon," He said. Naruto closed his eyes. Yet, as a Dragon of Light, he felt no stronger duty and no greater burden. He lighted flames exploded over the man. He could hear the loud screech of an unnatural being inside of the man's rib cage. Naruto knew what he was destroying. He knew what he was burning. He knew…what he was extinguishing. His flames burned even hotter and stained the ground with spirit rising burns. Perhaps, he wondered, if the group had taken no breaks...would they have made it in time to see this?

Though he did not see the creature, in his heart of hearts he knew that he would meet the Void some day. He only hoped...he would be strong enough to survive it. Even as the screeching inside stopped, he did not rest for another two minutes until he was sure that there was nothing left. His flames settled and he staggered back. He gazed at his work. Nothing remained. No corpse, and no purple magic inside of it.

Naruto exhaled and turned around. He was ready to meet the wrath of Irelia for rushing off on his own until he heard the topple of trees and a thunderous crash of wind. He cursed and climbed to rooftops of one of the buildings. The spirits which laid within the trees helped him do so.

Once he was there, in the distance he saw another tree topple over. Naruto growled and dashed off to search for the cause of the destruction. He left the desolate nation behind for its worries would be for another time. Yet, for a time...it would be.

-x-

"Aseryo!"

Ahri smirked as she watched a slicing maelstrom of wind pass her by. With a graceful flip through the air, she landed in the meadows away from the man who had just swung at her. She frowned as she watched him stare at her with earnest fire.

"I'm going to make you tell me what transpired in that village, Vastayan. Whatever crimes you committed against the people shall be answered," He said. His blade, as long as a Sdva branch, pointed towards her. Ahri brushed the blood which stained her cheek with her finger. Her orb of magic rested in her opposing hand. Her yellow eyes glowed with acquired strength.

"And I have told you, Ionian, that what I know of your nation is as much as you know. While you waste your efforts refusing to accept the answers you are given, you true culprit escapes. I don't have the time to deal with your investigation," Ahri claimed. The swordsman glared at her.

He then held his blade with both hands. "I had walked that city of nothingness. Only your life was found amongst the drifting sand and the echoless air. If what you claim is true, then let me take you to Ionian authorities. They will question you," he said. His gaze left no alternative to the order that me made.

"And trust a human like you? So you can shackle and chain me along with the rest of my kind? I don't see the need to risk my life as such. I gave you your answer. Now leave before I don't feel so generous," Ahri explained. She cursed within her thoughts. She had arrived in the providence just a bit ahead of Naruto and his had been hoping that it would give her the time to observe. She was not in the mood to battle, but this man with a blade of wind did not seem like the type to stop in his pursuit.

Even now, she could feel the wind drawing to his steel as if gravitating towards it. She took a deep breath. The magic which swarmed inside of her was close to exploding. Whatever magic she shared with Naruto had her ready to partake in this battle. She could feel the spirits drawing into her orb. She could feel the ground shake beneath her feet.

"Heh, I appreciate your gratitude, but I do not accept your suggestion. You will be coming with me, one way or the other," He said. He dashed at her with surprising speed. Ahri, prepared to defend herself, tensed her body for the rest of combat.

"HASA…," The man and Ahri gasped as a blast of white fire splashed between them. The swordsman quickly jumped back in shock while Ahri smiled. Once the flames settled both watched as Naruto slowly descended to the ground. The man did not seem pleased, but neither did Naruto. The Nuibari in his hands, he steadied his blade.

"I thought foxes run at the first sign of danger, not be in the middle of it," Naruto claimed. His gaze stared at the woman behind him. Ahri, despite the mood which the situation demanded, couldn't help the smile which crept to her face. She relaxed her stance, but her eyes did not turn away from the warrior who still had his palm rested on the handle of his blade.

"You would make it sound like I intentionally seek the downfall of all men. I was content to not pursue these matters. You may address my host for current displeasures," Ahri replied. She watched as her blonde summoner turned back to the one who had currently been assaulting her. No doubt Naruto was taking in the man's features and the man was easily doing the same.

"A dragon child? First time I have seen one in person. I thought it rumored that just seeing one is a sign of great change. It might be possible he is the cause," The warrior said. However, he was surprised when Naruto pointed his weapon towards his face.

"Since I've been in this world, I don't think I've had the chance to meet a samurai of Ionia. I'm…,"

"Naruto Uzumaki, a dragon-borne. You fit the many images which have begun flowing around Ionia. A name which has come from the lips of many. The last dragon of an ancient lineage. It's obvious the tales are not mere folklore. However, I must ask that you step aside. Something happened to that providence and I desire the knowledge to know. The one behind you seems to have that information. Out of honor for what you have done for the Placidium and my countrymen, I ask that you stand aside," Yasuo replied.

Naruto stared down the blade. His mind remembered the brief life of Xhai Kan. He released a deep growl which scattered the energy within him. Ahri was quick to notice this. She was still when her summoner looked upon her. She had not spent too much time in the abandoned providence to sate her curiosity before she had been attacked. She did not know what he had seen, but...it did not make her happy.

The blonde then turned back to the wielder of the blade. "What you ask does not concern me. If you want to find out then go conduct your own theories. The woman comes with me," Naruto said. Try as he might, he did not trust the Ionian enough to tell him what he perhaps should have told him. Perhaps that was conceited of him, but...from what he had seen, he didn't feel the need to send another Ionian to his death. Maybe, it would be better if he spoke with Irelia about this and she would handle this better than he.

"I see, then I suppose that is your answer. I cannot accept that! Please move aside. I do not wish to cut down a child," He spoke, yet his grip on his blade was tight. Naruto scowled. He raised the Nuibari in defensive.

"And you will not act upon that wish if ever within your life cycle, Yasuo. Stay your blade. I will take responsibility for them both. Fighting amongst common allies will not give us the results which we need," Irelia said. She glided between them both, her blades ready in case anyone dared show resistance.

The one named Yasuo quickly withdrew his blade into its sheath. "If that is what you suggest then I will abide. I hope you will be able to shed light upon this disturbance. Spirits wish you well, Elder of Navori," Yasuo said and, just like the wind, he was gone from their view. His steps were naught by the sound of a blade of grass which moved upon the ground.

This left the three alone for a time. Irelia turned around. "Please do not charge recklessly into the unknown like that again. I'd rather not see you get hurt. We've already had enough disturbing occurrences. It would not do well to have more," she said.

Naruto quickly agreed. He knew he had been in the wrong to charge as he had. No doubt Kakashi would have reprimanded him to. "And, on the way back, I wish to ask about...the Vastayan next to you," Irelia said. Naruto rose an eyebrow at her sudden shift of tone.

"I can speak for myself, Navori Elder. I am quite capable at the human tongue as well," Ahri replied, her tone not as cooperative as her smile was. Her eyes stood in direct defiance of the Ionian Captain. She could feel Irelia's gaze burn into her own.

Ionian and Vastayan stood apart from each other. Naruto found his eyes examining them both. Upon the surface, this was most likely what Irelia had been referring to when the blonde had asked why she had not enlisted the help of the Vastaya in the defense against Noxus. He could tell there was...something between them both that he could not get around.

However, he also noticed something below that. He noticed the way they stared at each other. The blades which formed the crest of the Xan had not dropped from their place around the young elder. The orb of magic had not faded from the hands of Ahri. Naruto could feel this growing pressure. Perhaps, when he got back to Konoha, he would treat Shikamaru to lunch. He was starting to understand the notion...of troublesome women.

"If you're both done with your staring contest then we can go back. I don't want to be in this provence anymore. I still have to find your little group after all," Naruto claimed. He began walking back in the direction from which he had come. The two women released their intense gazes from each other to watch him leave. The smirk upon the fox woman's face did not feel Irelia with joy, but she put off any further complaints for another time. She watched the woman...Ahri walk in the direction of their carriage along with Naruto. They began speaking with each other and Irelia...did not know how she was supposed to make sense of this interaction.

Explaining the situation to Riven and the others had proved unsettling. There was not a single living person within the providence and Naruto had claimed he had given the last person a swift end due to him not living for much longer. However, as much as they tried, they could not get him to say what had been the cause of the providence's mysterious end. It was as if the very light which echoed power around his body had dimmed if only for this moment.

Naruto did, however, explain his relation to Ahri. To say that Ko'ka was filled with shock was not to do justice to his expression. Most Ionians had never seen a Vastayan before and he was privileged to be one of the lucky few. His thirst for knowledge held no chain when he asked if he could observe the fox woman as well. It filled Ahri's spirit with humor to see Naruto so...unfastened by the man's exuberance.

Granted, she was a bit guarded in what he wanted to...observe as if to say she was some sort of performance animal put on display for a crowd to pay their coin to see. However, Naruto eased her worries and he claimed that the man could be trusted. Ahri's mouth thinned, but she found herself releasing her tails for the group to witness. Her ears twitched at the top of her head while she watched Ko'ka write in his notepad. Ahri was beginning to feel like she had been in a situation quite similar to this one. If she recalled...a man of science from Piltover had...happened upon her while she had been...occupied.

Nevertheless, Ahri was decided to join with the rest of the carriage. Guarded though she was, as long as Naruto sat with her then she did not mind this. THough she did have to say, that auburn-haired woman clung to the young summoner a bit too much.

Soon, night came to rest over Ionia once more, and while others sat around a campfire sharing stories of past adventures, Naruto sat in one of the trees staring at the moon. He hadn't been able to partake of his favorite hobby in awhile. It also helped him...center himself from the images and events he had experienced that in the day. He closed his eyes.

The Void. He did not know where the name came from. He was not even sure he understood why he could understand its name, but as if a strike of thunder had filled him with knowledge, his mind seemed to recall what those horrific beings were, and what you could do. He had born demonstration to it. So many questions, and only a few answers. His father...or his memory of his father had saved him during his vision. Did that mean that Minato had some connection to the Void as well?

"The woods are dangerous at night. Full of terrors and monsters. Should a young boy be outside so late?" the melodious voice of Ahri asked as she appeared on the same tree branch as him. He stared at her. Her eyes shined like wonderful yellow orbs under the moonlight. He then turned his gaze towards Ionia. He stared upon the lands below.

"Very funny. I never did have parents telling me to go to bed. I could stay up as long as I wanted, eat what I wanted, do what I wanted, and no one, as long as it wasn't too outrageous, could stop me. Most children would relish that kind of life. A life where no one bosses you around, where you can make your own future, and where every decision you make isn't challenged by someone better than you…," Naruto paused.

The smile which had rested upon Ahri's face slowly vanished under the weight of her summoner's words. She saw his memories. She saw the loneliness which he had endured coupled with the resentment from his fellow nation members. This...Kyuubi No Yoko, The Nine-tailed Fox Demon, seemed to be housed within this boy. Ahri had understood why Naruto had asked that she discard her features when she journeyed around the village. Such fear, such hatred, and such inability to discern logic from feeling, no doubt she would have had him killed and his nation thrown into panic if she had revealed herself.

"...however there is joy to be found in those to welcome you home after a long day's work. There is joy to be found in sharing woes and tales with those who care to listen. There is comfort is knowing that to other people...you exist," Ahri returned softly. There was no doubt that Naruto heard her words. The calmness of the moon washed over him, a soft reassurance of his melancholy.

"We all want what we don't have. However, there is balance which must be found between the needs and desires of many. Does one's desire circumvent another's need? Such a line to be drawn and not crossed," another voice came. Ahri and Naruto glanced down to see Irelia walking towards them. Behind her was Riven slowly bringing Mei with her.

"I believe she might be concerned that you were gone for so long. I thought to calm her that it wouldn't be a cause of concern to her spirit, but I suppose I could not do so. I brought her along," The elder said. In response, Naruto jumped off the tree branch and landed on the ground.

"Sorry, Mei-chan. Didn't mean to worry you. You're feeling sleepy?" He asked. She shook her head. Though rather tired from the exercises which he had tasked her to do as per the doctor's orders, she was still a Kage. She was used to late nights filled with mountains of paperwork. However, the thought of sleep did delight her.

Silence settled around the group and Irelia was the one to speak. "Naruto, I would like to discuss the events of the providence. More specifically, I wish to speak with you about Xhai Kan, the Ionian that was laid to rest by your hand," She said. Those involved watched his body tremble. Though they did not know why, Ahri and Irelia could feel the spirits of conflict raging within him.

"How did you…,"

"I...cannot explain how I know it, but...it was as if images and memories not of my own body had come to me. I stood in your place, saw what you saw, and…, with my hand outstretched, I watched white flames expel from my hands. Then...I heard the screeches of an animal which I had never heard before. I heard it scream from within him. What...was it? You...seem to know," Irelia spoke.

Ahri suddenly felt very cold. As if the warmth which had been sparked by conversation had been blown away. She stared at Naruto's back. What kind of expression was he making? The images of purple, darkness, and...those beings which are born from the nightmares of men had come flowing back to her. Even she, though done in a playful manner, had not been able to get him to expel what he had seen in the providence. Now, with the Navori Elder's words, she understood why he had not spoken. To protect her, he had silenced his mouth. What would she have done if he told them earlier? Would she...have run off like last time? Would she have...abandoned him to the road she believed he was traveling?

Ahri...did not remember her original family. She only remembered the family of foxes who had adopted her into their litter. Though a welcome family, Ahri felt her memories of them fade. THe memories of deceased victims who she had taken the memories of in order to satiate the growing hunger with her had faded as well. Nothing, even as special to her as her own name, had remained with her. If those memories were gone, then...would she truly be the fox demon that so many thought her to be. Would she be...as isolated as Naruto had been for his moniker 'the Demon Child'? What...did this make her?

Ahri touched Naruto's shoulders, her palms felt as cold as the night air. "Naruto, perhaps you should tell them. If...If you are concerned about me, then don't be. I've dealt with worse nightmares. You know this. You are not so powerful yet that you need to deal with your concerns on your own," Ahri claimed.

Naruto contemplated these words for a moment. The only sound before him was that of the wind and those who creep along the ground. Whether he was aware of it or not, his hands rubbed over Mei's very slowly. He then exhaled.

"It started back in my village. When I was home, I was with Ahri, Mei, and Isaribi. It was just a couple of weeks prior to this that I had used these...dragon abilities of mine. I shared my magic with Ahri one night and we both...fell into my vision. I had visions every since I first got the seal on my hand, but...this was the first one that anyone had...experienced with me. I watched a war, the sun was hot, and I remember a lot of sand. We stood on a hill of sand and watched people…,Icathians one man screamed, face against...Shurimans. Ahri said she could recognize the Shuriman material so I took her word for it. There were...half-human half-animal hyrbids just like the Vastayan images you've shown me," Naruto paused for a moment.

No one spoke a word, yet it was clear by the discomfort on Irelia and Riven's faces that they might be aware of what he was speaking.

"It was obvious the Icathians were losing. They must have used their trump card. I don't know what it was, but...I knew it was dark. We were not close to the fight, but I felt like my entire mind was fading away just looking at it. Then, there came those same screeches that I heard. I knew we had to go, but...it spread so fast. Ahri forgot who I was and I forgot who she was. Even now, I can feel the pain when one of them bit arm...my father saved me from that darkness. People called them...The Void. I...don't know much else than that," Naruto finished.

All seemed to be quiet until Riven spoke. "Icathians, I have heard of that name before. Many find its name to be a rumor. It's claimed to be a lost city back when every nation was only beginning birth of their times. It was many centuries before our time. A millennia even. Its rumors are centralized within the nation of Shurima. The education I had received on Shurima included myths and rumors in case soldiers were assigned to investigate the desert lands. It seems the myths were real after all…," Riven explained.

"Many myths and rumors must have their origins from some truths. It is only that by the passage of time do they become tales of men. I'm more vexed by what they unleashed to combat the Shurimans. From Naruto's tale, it's most likely that the Icathians fought the Shuriman Ascended. One still resides within Shurima. He has gained the epithet The Curator of the Sands. In addition, rumors of Shurima's rise to power have blown their influence to all corners of Runeterra. The emperor, Azir, is claimed to have returned. He was claimed to be an ascended as well. However, this...Void is troubling," Irelia answered.

Naruto took in as much of this information as he could. So the visions which he had seen were of events that already happened. Yet, knowing that he had encountered one during the ride through Ionia had left him with worry.

"Yes, this Void, by Naruto's vision, seemed to have originated from Shuriman lands. How did it come to Ionia? By the current evidences it has also appeared to be hostile in nature. It would begin to explain why some reports of strange magic would circulate within Shuriman traders. We don't even know if we can combat it," Irelia replied.

"You did answer that Naruto had burned with the white flames he's possessed. Perhaps he's one of the few who can," Riven theorized. Irelia quickly agreed.

"Yes, but he will not be a definite answer. He does not live here. His residence is not among our world. He will return eventually to handle the tasks which befall him in his own village. We will need information on this predicament. Minato Namikaze or Minato Ilzrerra saved him. I don't know what this means, but I fear we will have more than Noxus before us if this continues,"

"So what will you do? If it's happened to this providence of yours then it is not impossible for it to take place elsewhere. The lands of Ionia might not be the only targeted places," Ahri commented.

Her statement brought more silence. "Yes, you would be correct. However, nothing more comes from conjecture. I'll prepare a message to the Elders in the various provinces. They can dispatch mages to investigate more on this issue. Unfortunately, we do not have that sort of time. We can only leave this to others for now," Irelia instructed.

No one saw fit to argue with her point. For Naruto, this would leave him with much to think about. As he continued to fall asleep in his tent his thought not only drifted to the Vod, but also to the swordsman whom he had encountered. While he did this, he couldn't help sensing a spirit which connected all things leading him forward. Wherever the Kinkou Order was...he had a feeling they were close. Just...a feeling.

KG: To be honest, i wasn't planning on having this out so late. It should have been closer to two weeks ago, but reaffirming the Void's presence in not just Shurima, but in other corners of Valoran tied me down for a moment. There has also been some stuff on my mind I won't get into.

Wifey: You fucker! You made me fat!

KG: You're the one who wanted kids!

Wifey: SINCE WHEN DO YOU EVER LISTEN TO ME?!

KG: Since I said 'I Do'

Wifey: Whatever. Go get me some clams!

KG: Why do you want clams?

Wifey: CAUSE YOUR SON WANTS CLAMS! NOW GET THE DAMN CLAMS!

KG: Sigh, yes dear. You bitch.

Wifey: What was that?

KG: I said I'm leaving now!

KG: Anyway guys, I've decided to leave the last member of Naruto's Harem up to you. You get five choices. Now if you stay silent, then don't complain if I pick for you. But, I will let you know, whoever you pick...the ending of the story is going to change Naruto's fate. Happy picking.

Naruto's Harem

Ahri

Fiora

Irelia

Akali

Ashe

Leona

Diana

? (Kayle, Kai'Sa, Sejuani, Sona, or Riven) (Good luck choosing. And remember, the ending of the story will change depending on who you pick)