I gotta get through this! I gotta get through this~ Yo my peeps, how be ya'll! Woo! Not staying on schedule! Yay! (This chapter is long and kinda confusing...hope ya'll can still follow along tho~) Not much to say right now, so lets get to it! (Also you may have noticed the rating change...Though I don't fully describe things, and I doubt I ever will, it has been brought to my attention that Thresh is Thresh...he's not a nice guy...heehee. So just to cover my butt, the story is now rated M. Don't get any ideas, there shall be no lemons at all, and descriptions will not get anymore graphic than they already are. Meow. Shout out to StellaNutella for bringing this to my attention~ :3 And don't worry...not every chapter will be dark, this is still humor~)

~All characters unless otherwise mentioned are property of Riot Games(I just mess with 'em o.o)~


Chapter 28: The Warden Learns Self Control

The kumiho rose from her bed in the warden's manor to the smell of pancakes, bacon, and not surprisingly, cinnamon. She put a bathrobe over her extra large shirt and left for the hallway and down the grand staircase.

"*Yawn* Mornin'." She said happily as she entered the kitchen. The warden put down his coffee cup and bid her good morning as well while motioning her to join him at the counter. Hecarim, clad in a blue apron, said good morning too. "Dude, I didn't know you could cook."

"You'd be surprised at the things Raka forces me to learn..."He said with a slight shudder. "Thresh, why am I cooking for you anyway? It's your house."

"And that is exactly why, my friend. You're going to stay, you're going to work. Make sure the rolls don't burn." Said the warden while dismissing Hecarim with his hands.

"Yes master." Hecarim said jokingly as he returned his attention to the stove. After witnessing the little banter that went on between the two undead beings, the kumiho couldn't help but giggle. The warden cracked a smile himself and asked.

"What's so amusing?"

"Hee-hee, you guys. It's just so weird for guys like you to act this way." Both the warden and centaur raised an eyebrow to her in confusion. "I mean, two dudes with flaming skulls, one of them being half horse and wearing an apron, just sitting around shootin' the breeze like dudes who've been friends since high school." The warden finally caught on.

"Well we have known each other for quite a while." The warden said.

"Over fifty years in fact." Hecarim added.

"Whoa really!?" The kumiho scooted in closer to the warden with expecting eyes. The warden just rolled his eyes as Hecarim continued with a proud smile.

"Yep. Met this old ghost during one of the Harrowings waaaaay back. He never really had a solid place to stay so he just haunted around Runeterra. One day he found his way to the Isles. Met up with him during one of my patrols, showed him around, and the rest is all history."

"Sometimes I wonder whether or not I should have stayed a wayward specter..." The warden said under his breath.

"Oh come on man, you don't mean that. Don't you remember the first time you saw Morde?"

"Yes I do...And frankly were it not for the fact that he could smite me with a wave of his hand, I would have probably doffed this place ages ago..." The kumiho was confused.

"What do you mean?" The warden sighed.

"The Mordekaiser that I have heard rumors of was a great and powerful man who could strike fear into the hearts of nations. Yes he is still just as powerful...but his...'persona' as it were, is not the same as those in his legends." The kumiho tilted her head to the side, still not completely understanding. "*Sigh* In essence, with his acceptance into the League and his mixing with the world outside...he-"

"Is a much chiller person...But he will still kick your ass and eat your liver. Especially if Sona is involved." Hecarim chimed in.

"My point exactly..." The warden finished while resting his head in his hand. "It's situations such as that that give me the urge to actually attempt becoming more savage and rely more on brute force than cognitive thinking...Then I look at where it got Hecarim and think against it." The kumiho burst out laughing.

"Hey! I'm right here!" Hecarim said in a huff.

"Yes, I am aware of that. 'Twould be rude to ridicule you behind your back anyway." Hecarim positioned his hands at either side of the warden's head as if to strangle him. But he was a bit smarter than that. "Alright Vixen, it's nearly 7 AM. Would you like to eat before or after your shower?"

"Hmm, after. Be back in a few boys." She gave them a wave before leaving the kitchen and proceeding up the grand staircase. The warden made sure she was completely out of earshot before speaking.

"So..." The warden said with a tinge of uncertainty.

"Welp..." Hecarim took some cinnamon rolls out of the oven and placed them on the counter before taking a seat across from the warden. "First...gotta know how this all started. You've been you're normal aloof, silently crazy self ever since you joined the League. What, was this building up ever since you saw the love of your life~?" Hecarim accompanied this comment batted eyes and jazz hands. "And dude, if that's true, why the hell didn't you tell me!? I thought we were bros!"

"..." The warden gave him a slight look of disgust. "We are not 'bros'...You are one of the few beings in this realm that I chose to call friend. Now are you going to help me or not?"

"Why don't you treat me as nice as you treat Ahri and her friends?"

"In all honesty the only ones who receive special treatment are lady Nami, lady Soraka, and Lulu, but that is only because they are exemplary women who have fully earned my respect. If you would like me to treat you the way I treat lady Quinn and Nautilus, then there would be no change in my current state of action." Hecarim half glared at him. "Seriously...my friend...are you going to lend me aid...or shall I be forced to seek it from Mordekaiser?"

"Well, even though you treat me like crap, what are friends for?" A small smile of appreciation adorned the warden's face. "Now as I said before...how did this all start?"

"...It was sudden. Very sudden and unexpected..."The warden looked to his feet.

"So, did Ahri ask you to have sex with her or something?" The warden snorted.

"Hmph, if only. I would have been able to deal with that easily...but no. It had nothing to do with the Vixen."

"Then what was it?" The warden let out a heavy sigh before turning to face the centaur.

"Hecarim...you must swear that this conversation never strays beyond this room...Am I clear?" Hecarim scratched the back of his neck apprehensively as the warden glared craters into him.

"Of course, of course. Now stop giving me the never ending stink eye." After glaring at him for a few more seconds, the warden returned his gaze to the ground.

"...Lulu...Lulu kissed me..." Heacrim just stared at him extremely confused.

"...And?"

"What do you mean 'and'?"

"Dude, I don't know how you did it, but you're basically in good with all the girls in the League." The warden rolled his eyes. "No seriously man. You've either chilled with, gone to the movies, or taken out to dinner every girl at least once. You even got Sivir and Poppy to start talking to people again! Sivir only cared about money and Poppy is...Poppy! How the hell did you do it!?"

"...All I have done is gotten to know those which I am forced to to both not kill, and fight with. In the case of the women, I just state the obvious. I compliment their abilities and they revere me. There is no need for me to lie if all I say is true." Hecarim was still rather dumbstruck but just shook he head and sat back.

"Alright then...but how is Lulu kissing-I mean, shouldn't that have the reverse effect? And haven't you been kissed by other girls. I mean-"

"Every kiss that I have received have been on either my forehead or cheeks...Lulu kissed...here." Awkwardly the warden pointed to his lips. The room was completely silent for a few second and then suddenly, Hecarim burst out laughing.

"HAHAHA! WHAT THE FUCK!? Is that it? HA! Was there tongue too? Pfffft! Did sh- did she have to stand on her tip toes or did she tie you up!? Hahahaha! Oh my god..." It took him a bit to settle down and then the warden mumbled.

"...'Twas but a peck...Lasted no more than half a second."

"That makes it worse! HAHAHA! Haaa..." After his second outburst, the centaur slowly calmed himself down and composed himself. "...Ok now seriously. First off, why did she kiss you, and second, why are you so loopy?" ...If I remember correctly he has conversed with the little idiot a few times before...I have to respect Lulu's wishes...

"I cannot tell you the circumstances..." Hecarim started to groan which earned his another death glare. "As for why...Yes it is true that I have received various shows of affection. And it is obvious that I had had my way with various charges over my time as that form of torture can be the most terrible that one could think of...But...This was the first time that there was no malice...No hatred or fear...Just pure happiness and appreciation..."

"...And that made you remember?" The warden simply nodded.

"Yes...it made me remember the feeling I once felt when...When... Damn..." The warden slammed his fist on table in frustration. Hecarim put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry I get it. You remember this awesome feeling...but you don't remember the memory because you've tried so hard to tuck them away. But...though that feeling is a memory, it still feels new...and you want more. And you'll do whatever you can to get more. Correct?" The warden remained silent and refrained from looking at him. "Ok, here's how it's gonna go down. Thresh. You need to learn that remembering..isn't as bad as you think." The warden flinched.

"How can you say something so foolish! We undead-!"

"Are jealous of the living...to no end. And you know it." The warden remained silent once again. "So much so that we try our best to forget our past selves and mock those who still dwell in the land of the living. And as soon as we start to remember the people we once were...Without care, slowly but surely, we destroy ourselves..." Silence filled the room as the warden held his head in his hands. His friend was right...he wanted to remember...he wanted to know how he once was when he felt these feelings. He wanted...to be able to accept them...But...he just didn't know how. Seeing how distraught he was, Hecarim put a warm hand on his shoulder. "No need to fret warden. You're strong. Trust me. You were able to realize that this was happening to you before you started going kookoo. And trust me that's saying something." The warden raised his head to see the centaur towering above him with a stupid smile on his face. He let out a sigh, but couldn't help but crack a small grin of his own. "Now that's the spirit!"

"Yes yes...Now what do you plan on doing?"

"I think you mean, what do WE plan on doing." The warden gave him a blank stare. "Just trust me." Hecarim returned to making breakfast and the warden just rolled his eyes. "Oh, and don't plan on doing anything after the Institute closes for the rest of the week, k? K~" The warden's eyes widened.

"What!?" Footsteps were head and a fully dressed kumiho walked in happily. "Ah, V-vixen. Enjoyed your shower I hope."

"Mmm, yea sure did. Bring on the food dude!" Hecarim complied and the kumiho dove in. While she was busy with her food, the warden stole a glare at his 'friend'. Hecarim gave him a wink and stuck his tongue out at him. ...I really need to kill that man one of these days...

~.~

In the waiting room, champions of the previous match had just appeared. Most stretched or conversed with others before they were summoned again...except for one.

As soon as he fully materialized in the room, Nocturne dashed at full speed out of the room, through the glass corridor, circled the atrium, and only stopped once he reached the darkest area he could find, the portal area. He avoided any light emitted by the floating crystals or the portals they housed and took his place in the far right corner of the room. Though not as dark as he would have liked, it would have to do. He took heavy breaths as he slowly lifted his arms. He was shaking.

Damn this light! Ever since he was captured by the summoners, there was seldom ever a time that he was released from the dark cage he once called home. The only light he ever saw was on the rift, but at least that was artificial. The sunlight was a different story...it burned. Freedom..He turned his head towards the hall to the atrium and glared at the light that leaked in. It seems that I am paying for my disparity... As soon as the warden had reported the successful mission to Kassadin, he was immediately freed of the binds that kept him. But now it seems that even this freedom comes with a price...A price that at the moment outweighed all the 'fun' he had the previous night. No victims resistance could compare to the searing of the sun's rays...

"Seeking shelter in the shadows, nightmare?" The nightmare didn't take his gaze off of his shaking hands as the malicious figure smirked at him from the hall. "Not very partial to the light are you?" The silence remained. Growing tired of being ignored, the figure walked towards the trembling nightmare. "Well if you are going to ignore me, at least allow me to praise your prowess on the Rift. The vicious nature in your strikes. The brutal way you instill fear. The horror you bring with every kill...The way you fight is rather...exhilarating."

"State your business darkin...We shall both be summoned again within moments..." Aatrox's mouth curled into a haughty grin.

"My, my, the mighty warrior has acknowledged my humble existence. You are too kind." The darkin gave a low yet condescending bow before smirking once more. What seemed to be a low growl erupted from the dark corner and the darkin stood straight. "You are not the first of your kind that I have seen, horror." He paused.

"...And?" Nocturne said after a few moment of silence.

"Though there are many 'hosts' that you can find in the veil of night, I may be of some help to help you...acclimate to the daylight hours." At this the nightmare glared at the darkin who did nothing but grin at him.

"...You will not the first to have offered me such aide."

"Really?" He said with feigned disbelief. The nightmare was no longer in any mood to humor the demigod.

"I do not need aid from the likes of you...Leave my sight...lest you want to be my next 'host'."

"'Twould almost be considered threat if I were scared of you at all." The grin that once graced the darkin's face was now replaced with a grave stare. "And trust me...I shall be no one's host but mine own." The room filled with silence as timers appeared on both champions' heads. Without a word, the darkin turned as if to leave.

"...What do you have to gain from helping me?" Suddenly the darkin started chuckling.

"As I said, the way you fight is exhilarating. How can I stand by and let such a fierce fighter have such a pathetic handicap." In a split second, Nocturne rushed towards the darkin and had an arm-blade milliliters away from his neck.

"Gguhh..." Aatrox smiled evilly as he gripped Nocturnes other arm even tighter before flinging him back into his corner with a loud thud.

"Some would say I am quite the fighter as well." Aatrox's timer struck 20 and he levitated a few inches into the air. "I shall leave you to find me if you change your mind, horror. Good luck on the rift." With that he was ported to the Rift. Still in a slight daze, Nocturne managed to pick himself up before being ported to his own game.

~.~

The kumiho, Nami, Soraka, Nautilus and Quinn were laughing and joking as they made their way into the atrium. As they do with many of their breaks, they decided to go out to eat, but a certain madman was missing.

"Where the fuck is he!?" Quinn said rather exasperated.

"Inside voice Quinn..." Soraka said with a bored expression.

"Sorry..."

"Naut, he was in your last game wasn't he?" The kumiho asked. He nodded.

"Yes he was. Thought he left the waiting room as soon as we arrived..."

"Hecarim's missing too. I checked his room and the infirmary. No sigh of him or Thresh." Soraka added. After going through every other possibility, the group decided that whatever it was that the two undead beings were doing, it must have been important...maybe. They were about to enter the elevator when Soraka noticed a familiar streak of eerie blue racing past them. "Hecarim?" Immediately stopping his mini stampede, the centaur flinched and slowly turned to look at the confused starchild and her party. He composed himself and took in a deep breath.

"Heyeverybody. Sorrygottarun. Threshiswithme. Everything'scool. Justsomebrotime. We'llbedoingthistherestoftheweek. Don'twaitup. NicehaircutRaka. Later!" And with that, he took off once again towards the hall to the portal area. The dumbstruck party just sated at each other.

"Uh...did any of you guys get any of that?" Quinn asked while scratching her head.

"I think I heard him say Thresh..." The kumiho said.

"Good enough for me. To the Ionian noodle place!" Quinn said while pointing towards the elevator heroically.

"We can't. Remember the eating contest they had last week? Thanks to Cho and Kog, they're closed for repairs till Thursday." Nami said. Quinn pouted but her heroic stance soon returned and she said.

"To Pantheon's Bakery!" The group just shrugged and followed the ever eager scout down to the first floor.

~.~

"Mmmph! Mrph! Gmmm!" Four women bound by ropes and ethereal chains struggled to make any sound, hoping that someone would heed their cries...But unfortunately it would be for naught. Seated next to them in an armchair was the centaur, who was entertaining himself with a novel.

"N-no! No plea-AHHHHHHH! …..." On the far end of the room, a dark dead has reached its end. The ghostly wail was silenced nearly as soon as it was heard. The centaur moved his novel down slightly as he heard footsteps. Before him stood the warden, cleaning off fresh blood from his bare fingers and fully exposed chest. Though not angry, he did not seem to be to amused by the centaur's current state.

"Oh! Sorry man." Placing the book on the floor, he grabbed one of the bound women by the arms, earning him a shrill shriek. "Here ya go." The warden did naught but raise a lazy hand. The women was surrounded by a green glow and levitated onto the flesh covered table on the other side of the room. Once done he turned back and walked behind his friends chair. Resting his back against the occupied seat, the centaur could hear his friend sigh. "Hmph, so much for your stamina." He said in a joking voice.

"...I do not understand how this constitutes as helping me..." The warden said with a tinge of anger in his voice.

"Well, here's the thing...you remembered the memory didn't you?" The warden remained silent. "That's what I thought...You still can't remember her face or her name?" Once again, he heard his friend sigh.

"No...no I can't...But what I do know, is that she was...She was very special to me." The centaur noticed the wardens voice hitch slightly.

"...Was?" Thresh glance behind him to be met with the centaurs gaze.

"...Yes 'was'. What, have I missed a lesson that you were trying to teach me amidst the screams of those women? Speaking of which where did you find them?" Hecarim chuckled slightly.

"They're the bastard children of some Ionian prince. The guy married into the royal family but had a fling or two on the side. He's been waiting twenty years for his dad in law to croak so he could take the throne. Now that the time was coming he charged our resident assassin to do the job. And you know me, why let fresh tools go to rust?" The warden glowered at him. "Don't worry, I didn't tell Eve why I wanted them. Now go on, break is over in an hour." Feeling slightly defeated, the warden made his way around the chair and back towards the other side of his chamber. As he walked, Hecarim could here the clink of metal coming from his undid belt. "Warden, if you're gonna keep putting your putting you pants back on after each one, why the hell don't you ever buckle you belt? Hell, why even bother putting the belt back on?" The warden just smirked as he approached the woman on the table. "Fuck man, I swear..." He said under his breath ad he returned to his novel.

The young woman gasped as she felt the icy chill of the warden hands on her neck. With her vision impaired by the blindfold, her heightened sense of touch only increased her fear of what was yet to come. She froze when she felt the something touch the back of her head. Within seconds, the blindfold fell into her lap. All the color drained from her already pale face as she laid eyes on the wardens grisly countenance. With the same gentleness, he removed the wrap covering her mouth. She gulped as she tried her best to steady her breathing.

"P-p-p-p-please...Let m-my sisters go...P-please..." Tears started to well up in her eyes as the warden slowly laid her against the table. "I don't want to see them die! P-please-mmph!" The warden covered her mouth with his hand.

"Shhhhhh. Don't worry...half of them are already dead." She gasped under his hand and her muffled sobs only fed his excitement. "Let's make a deal shall we? I'll let whatever sisters you have left leave if you do me one tiny favor." Trembling violently, she whispered.

"...W-what?" With a manic grin, he lowered his face to her ear and whispered.

"Satisfy me..." After that, screams once again filled the room. He made the same offer to those before and after her. No one was spared...

~.~

It was an overcast Wednesday afternoon and once again, Hecarim and the warden were nowhere to be seen during the break. The kumiho and the girls were to have lunch at a little bistro in town. That is...until Quinn forgot her wallet. The scout rushed from her dorm and made her way back into the atrium, only to find that the rest of her friends were nowhere in sight. She checked her phone to see a rather annoyed sounding text from Soraka:

We left without you

At the place already

Hurry the hell up

:3

She couldn't get mad...she used a kitty face. Smiling at her self, she walked around large fountain on her way to the elevator. Not watching where she was going, she walked right into the back texting dark sovereign.

"My bad Syndra." Quinn said. Syndra just smiled at her.

"No harm done. Where are you off to in such a rush?"

"Oh, me and the girls, and Nautilus I guess are having lunch at this one place in town." The scout's eyes widened as if she just found the meaning of life...which frightened Syndra slightly. "Yo, why don't you come with me!?" Staring at the overly excited girl, Syndra started scratching the back of her neck.

"Uh...Hey!" Nat waiting for her to answer, the scout pulled her into the elevator. After leaving the entrance they walked the streets until they arrived at the small bistro.

"Over here!" Called the kumiho. Quinn and a miffed looking Syndra approached the table and sat down. "Oh uh, hey Syndra." Syndra just nodded in response. "Um, no offense, but why are you here?"

"Ask miss hyperactive over here." She said pointing to the offended scout. Before Quinn could reply, Nami cut in.

"Well the more the merrier, happy to have you. You guys have got to try the alfredo they have here! Isn't that right Naut?"

"And don't forget the crab cakes." He said happily. The rest of the group soon joined into the food chatter. Syndra listened in but didn't really say anything.

...I'm so out of place She thought sadly. She looked down at her feet until Quinn shook her a bit.

"Ehy! Last time I checked you're apart of this...whatever it is we're doing here. Speak your mind woman!" Quinn yelled.

"Quinn..." Soraka said narrowing her gaze at the scout.

"Sorry, sorry, I know." After watching the scout's little outburst, Syndra couldn't help but ask.

"Is she always like this?" Both Soraka and Syndra looked on as Quinn nearly choked on a piece of broccoli because she was eating too fast.

"I think a better question would be, when does Quinn act normally..." Soraka said while shaking her head. Both Ionians couldn't help but smile. As they continued eating. They spoke about many a subject, and to the sovereigns surprise, she spoke much more than she expected she would. About thirty minutes before their break was over, the group left the bistro and started on their way back to the Institute. As they walked, Syndra lagged behind and brought Quinn with her.

"May I ask you something?" A tinge of apprehension was present in the sovereign's voice.

"Sure, shoot." Quinn said with a smile.

"...Why did you invite me to come with you? I mean, if it was a way of apologizing for bumping into me, you didn't have to-"

"I invited you for two reasons." Syndra immediately grew silent. "One, I've only really seen you during matches, so I thought it would be fun to hang with you." Syndra was a bit taken aback. "And two..." She felt Quinn put a hand on her shoulder. "...I saw you crying yesterday in the corner of the dining hall by yourself..." Syndra gasped. She didn't expect anyone to notice her. "That's how I was when I first came here...But you've been here much longer than me. If I've stopped crying, there's no way in hell that I'm gonna let someone else be as sad as I was. There's no reason to be." Syndra could feel the tears starting to well up in her eyes and brought her hand to cover her mouth. "Oh come on...If you cry *sniff* Then I'm gonna cry, haha." Quinn started crying too and wrapped her other arm around the sovereign. They continued to walk undetected behind the group, laughing with tears of joy adoring their faces.

~.~

"Can I tempt you, warden?" Hecarim said with a smile as he poured some gin into a large glass tankard. The warden was sitting on the table where a mage's body had once been. Looping his belt into his pants (but not buckling it), he then slid off the table and took the tankard from the seated centaur. He took a long swig and sighed as the burning sensation resonated through his ethereal being. "I still don't understand why you don't buckle your fucking belt..." The warden chuckled before taking another swig.

"...I still don't remember her face...But I remember her name..." Hecarim remained silent as he poured himself a drink. "Cecilia...My...My darling Cecilia. Gah!" Thresh dropped the tankard causing shards of glass to cover the floor. His legs buckled and he gripped both the back of the chair and his chest. Hecarim got up immediately and helped the warden back to his feet.

"...Don't resist it warden...You have to remember. Memories can be painful...but they cant truly hurt you." The warden was now breathing heavily and gripping onto his friend for dear life. After a few moments, the warden calmed down and was able to stand on his own. "...How do you feel?"

"...I saw a small town. I don't know the name or where is could have been...But I remember that she loved picking clovers...She always wanted one with four leaves..." The warden quietly walked back over to the table and grabbed his robe and put it back on. As he buckled his belt he said. "Break shall be over soon. We should head out." Smiling, Hecarim bowed and pointed towards the concealed door. The warden rolled his eyes as he left the chamber first. As they left his manor and started walking through the forest, Hecarim couldn't stop himself from smiling. "...Stop smiling it's disgusting..." Hecarim didn't stop, earning him a glare and groan from the warden.

You are a strong one man...You really are. Hecarim thought as the continued back towards the Institute.

~.~

It was a rather uneventful Thursday, mainly due to the heavy rains that occurred. The kumiho appeared in the waiting room and looked about hoping to see a certain someone before he disappeared for break once again. She smiled when she saw the warden fully materialize right next to her.

"Thresh! Dude, it feels like forever since I last talked to you!" She said while she captured him in a big hug. Then she gasped. Not only did Thresh return the hug but...somehow, it felt...kinder. Instead of just lightly caressing her back, the warden had a firm yet gentle grip on her waist and was gently holding the back of her head, bringing her as close to him as possible. He then placed both hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eye, smiling all the while.

"It has been quite a while Vixen. Though you must forgive me, my dear. Myself and Hecarim have a few things to attend to." He said while lightly brushing a gauntlet clad finger against her cheek. She couldn't help but giggle.

"Hee-hee, um. Ok." Once again, another surprise. She felt his lips against her forehead for but a fraction of a second. He fully released her, walked backwards and gave her a wink before turning around and heading for the atrium. Shaking her surprise off she yelled after him. "Thresh!?" He turned back and said.

"I shall be busy during break tomorrow as well Vixen. But, when night falls, we shall catch up as long as you wish." She smiled wide, nodded and waved to him as he returned on his way to the atrium. Once he was out of sight, the kumiho sighed quietly and started skipping towards the glass corridor.

"...He's gotten softer...I wonder why." She said to herself.

"Yo Ahri!" The kumiho looked up at Quinn along with Nami and Syndra. Deciding not to dwell on the warden's seemingly new demeanor, she met up with her friends to discuss how they were too spend their break.

~.~

DING! Chimed a timer above a stove. The expert cook opened the stove and carefully took out the fresh scones and placed them on the counter in front of him. Returning to the stove, he turned off one of the lights to silence the whining teapot. He poured himself some tea and returned to the counter to sit down. He stirred in two cubes of sugar and crossed his legs before giving his rather quiet guest a sly smile.

"Finally came to your senses, horror?" The darkin said with a smirk.

"...I have no choice...What must I do?" Nocturne said heavily.

"Hmmhmmhmm." He bid the nightmare to come closed and poured another cup. "Sit my friend. We have much to discuss." The nightmare eyed the cup spitefully, but soon accepted it and took a seat next to the amused darkin. Aatrox was about to speak when someone else came into the room. In the doorway stood Pantheon and Leona.

"...Aatrox this is the third time! The third fucking time! Get out of my kitchen!" Pantheon yelled.

"Change of plans my friend! Follow me!" Picking up the scones in his arms, Aatrox sped out of the room before Pantheon could get a hold of him. Leona raised an eyebrow at him, signaling him to leave as well. When he did, the door slammed behind him and he noticed the placard on the door indicating that the owner was indeed Pantheon. ...What have I gotten myself into? He thought before slowly looking for Aatrox again before break was over.

~.~

Hecarim was quietly reading his novel until he felt the warden tap his shoulder.

"I'm not talking to you until you fucking buckle your belt! I don't know why but the sound fucking annoys me..." The warden just chuckled at his expense and calmly sat on one of the armrests of his chair. His light demeanor surprised the centaur. "Hmph, someones happy."

"...I was able to touch the Vixen today." Thresh said with a small grin. "I was fully in control. These...these emotions gave me a euphoria that I have not felt in centuries..."

"Do you want more?" Hecarim asked cautiously, and once again the warden surprised him.

"Of course I do." He said immediately. "But, I do not feel as if I will loose myself."

"Heh, so I did help you didn't I?" He said with a goofy grin. The warden scoffed.

"...All you did was gather women for me to have sex with...If anything you were more of an enabler..."

"Exactly." The warden raised an eyebrow. "That's all you needed. When I was gaining my humanity back, I was already so far deep that I had to be restrained. I swear Mordekaiser must have use over a hundred seals to keep me in check...But if I knew sooner, all I would have needed was some sort of outlet to vent all my energy. You were still sane when you started so, I made sure you had all you needed to get right in the head." The warden stared at his beaming friend for a few moments before buckling his belt. "Ehyyyyyy, there ya go!"

"Hmph, consider it a token of my appreciation..."

"Man, stop it you're embarrassing me. Now go on, you got two more to finish before break's over." With that the warden returned to the other side of the room and the centaur returned to his novel. "...Warden you are one strong sunova bitch."

~.~

The rains continued throughout the dark Friday. The final matches were being wrapped up and champions were preparing to enjoy their weekends. In the waiting room, Ahri, Quinn, and Syndra walked through the glass corridor together until they noticed a familiar green aura.

"Ladies." Said the warden with a cool smile.

"Thresh, where the hell have you been all week?" Quinn asked.

"With Hecarim, and trust me you do not want to know the details."

"Why, you guys go on a killing spree or somethin'?" The warden eyed the two Ionian woman and just continued to smile.

"I shall leave that to your imagination. Moving on, lady Syndra, it has been quite a while since we last spoke. I hope you are doing well." Syndra flinched but quickly recomposed herself.

"Oh, yes I've been fine. Thanks for asking warden." She flinched again when the warden took her right hand and lightly kissed it.

"Please, my friends call me Thresh." She felt her cheeks get uncomfortable warm while Quinn and the kumiho giggled.

"Ahem." The group turned to see a certain unamused ninja. "Ahri, Quinn, Syndra..." He narrowed his eyes at Thresh. "Warden..."

"Hey Zed!" Quinn randomly glomped onto Zed, causing him to nearly fall backward. "You're nearly as bad as Thresh, haven't seen you all week either. Where have you been?"

"I've just been going to Ionia after the Institute closes...just needed to get away from some stuff." When he looked up at her, he saw a face full of concern. He cupped her cheek with his had and said calmly. "Don't dwell on it." He removed his hand and turned to Syndra. "You guys mind if I borrow her for the rest of the day?" The kumiho and Quinn shook their heads and the warden just smirked at him. "Got something to say?"

"Hmmhmm, don't mind me." Thresh glanced towards the dark sovereign then back at the ninja. "You two enjoy yourselves." Zed shook his head in annoyance before offering Syndra his arm. She took it and waved to the three of them before she and Zed left for the portal area. Hmm, I thought this whole triangle would be amusing in itself. Now to add the sovereign into the mix? Hmmhmm, how exciting. "Now lady Quinn, I assume you would not mind if I took the Vixen off your hands?"

"What!? Can't I come with you guys?" She said trying to make her eyes look as big as possible, though the warden wasn't phased. He jerked his head towards the kumiho and Quinn immediately caught on, though she still wasn't happy about it. "Uh I mean...I didn't want to hang out with you guys anyway. Yea that's it. Heh, I'll just...go and visit Pippy at Draven's place. Yea, that's what I'll do...yea." Still feigning a look of pride she started on her way towards the dorms.

"Well isn't today eventful." The kumiho said with a smile.

"As it would seem. Vixen if you would." He held out his arm and she took it. As they made their way towards the elevators she said.

"Thresh we can't chill at the hill today. It's freakin' raining cats and dogs."

"Trust me Vixen." He said as they entered.

"But I don't even have an umbrella-"

"Trust me." He gave her mesmerizing look and a wicked smile to match. Though still skeptical, she broke a grin and just went with it.

~.~

The sovereign and the ninja were no on the outskirts of an Ionian city. It had started to rain, but only lightly.

"Sorry...I could have sworn it wasn't supposed to rain here today." Zed said. Syndra just smiled at him and started spinning around on the damp lush grass.

"Water never hurt anyone." Zed just nodded and they both continued deeper into the forest.

"So, anything happen in the League this week? Any rumors or some shit?" Zed tried his best to sound like his normal aloof self, but Syndra could tell that their was more negativity in his voice than usual. Not wanting to pry, she continued as if she hadn't noticed anything.

"Well, I got to know Quinn a bit more." She noticed Zed flinch. "She invited me to lunch on Tuesday with some of her friends."

"Friends?"

"Huh? Oh yea, you know that little group that always hangs around the warden?"

"...Was Talon with them."

"Talon? Uh no." He seemed to let out a sigh of relief. "Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing, I was just curious. Sorry for interrupting you. Go on." Zed looked towards the ground as they continued walking. Syndra sighed inwardly before catching up to him. The rain started to pick up and the grassy path they walked along became muddy. Syndras rants started to veer from Institute happenings to her purchase of a new fridge, to wanting to get her hair done, and finally how pitiful the woodland creatures were to be hiding from the rain. Zed would just nod every so often when Syndra would give him an opening to respond. His gaze never left his feet. Syndra couldn't take it anymore and she stopped talking. "Huh, Syndra? Why'd you stop."

"...You're not really adding to the conversation." She said with slight annoyance.

"Ah, sorry..just got a lot on my mind." Syndra stopped in her tracks. "Syndra."

"...Then why aren't you talking?"

"What do you-"

"If you have a lot on your mind then why don't you just talk to me about it!?" She yelled. "I mean do you know how horrible I feel being the only one who's happy? You finally ask to hang out with me after weeks of being 'mr. mystery' like you usually do, but when we finally meet up you can't even look me in the eye because you're too busy acting like the world is gonna end! Like, let me help you. If you don't want me to help I'm better off just leaving. Is that want you want?" Zed stared at he with unchanging eyes. Syndra was still breathing heavily from her sudden outburst and the raining was still battering hard on both of them. Finally, Zed turned his head down to the ground once again. :...Fine..." Just as Syndra turned to leave, she felt someone wrap their arms around her. "Really Zed...?"

"...This works all the time in those moves you force me to watch." He said blankly and felt Syndra giggle slightly.

"...Zed...just talk to me." Zed let her go and she turned around. Zed still had his face to the ground which angered her. She tried once again to leave but he grabbed her shoulder. She turned back again and was through with his back and forth. She reached for his mask and for the first time, he didn't even try to pretend to be annoyed about it. She slowly removed his mask and was stunned to see his face as downtrodden as it was. His eyes had dark circles around them and it was obvious he neglected shaving with the pronounced stubble on his chin. "Oh honey what happened to you?"

"Syndra...you're my only real friend. I...I can't turn to anyone else..." Zed sunk down to his knees and Syndra knelt with him. "...I hate the way I am right now...And I don't know what to do about it...Syndi...I'm just so lost." She was speechless, not only was he completely desperate, but he never called her by that nickname unless he was completely serious or in this case, desperate.

"It's ok Zed...I'm here. Just talk to me." She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and he covered it with his own.

"Thank you..." Syndra smiled and nodded silently. "Please don't tell anyone that something this idiotic has made me like this."

"Of course I won't." Zed took in a deep breath and let it out.

"...I'm...I'm in love with Quinn...And I fucking don't know why!" Something cracked in Syndra...and more than likely, it was her heart.

"I don't understand..."No...no this...this can't be true...As much as she would like to think against it, she knew she was just kidding herself. She knew the way he looked at her...

"Talon..." Now she knew why he got so angry when he saw them both on the virtual Rift. "I don't know what's really going on...but they seem to have some sort of relationship with each other and..."

"You don't want to hurt him?"

"No...no I don't but...I want to get closer to her...I want to know the reason why she makes me so crazy..." It continued to tear Syndra up inside hearing the one she cared so much about speak this way about another woman...but she wouldn't let her emotions get the best of her. She was still his friend, and she was going to help him, no matter what.

"I'm going to help you get together with Quinn." Zed looked up and glared at her.

"No, I can't let you-!"

"Are Quinn and Talon together?"

"Syndi this is no time to-"

"Are Quinn and Talon together?" She asked again but this time with an authoritative stare. He gave her a look of defeat. Just then thunder struck. "Come on. You and I are both drenched and it's not going to let up anytime soon." She helped him up and they both continued on their way.

"Syndi...?"

"Mmhm?"

"Thanks..." He gave her a big smile before putting his mask back on. She tried her best to grin back before rubbing her eyes with her arm. "Something wrong?"

"Nah, just some dirt in my eye. Haha." She lifted her head towards the sky and let the rain bathe her already damp face. Zed made a comment about her being her normal weird self and she just laughed it off. At least in the dark of night, the drops of rain and drops of quiet tears are indistinguishable...

~.~

Under the canopy of a large black and blue umbrella sat the warden and the kumiho. In their usual place under the cinnamon tree, the warden had managed to acquire a plastic mat and suitable umbrella so that he and his vixen wouldn't be deterred by the raging storm. The warden had his back against the tree with an arm around the kumiho who was resting her head on his shoulder.

"Still think it's too terrible to be outside?" The warden said with a smirk. Ahri playfully shoved him before snuggling a little closer. "I hope you were well taken care of in my absence, my dear."

"Mmhm. I always had someone to hang out with don't worry. I know you need your space too." She let out a small yawn. "Friends can do just together but when they always want to do junk and they won't let you breath every once in a while...that's when you should think about getting a restraining order, heehee." The warden brought his hand from her was and gently caressed her hair, causing her to purr slightly.

"But I don't need to breath. I suppose that means that I shall never require legal action against you." She started laughing.

"Careful, that also means no legal action against Quinn!"

"...Dammit you're right." They both shared some laughs before the sound of rain took over again. "Vixen...Would you like to hear about my past?" She gasped in delight.

"I thought you dead guys forgot everything?"

"That is true...but it is only true because we are so jealous of the living, we sometimes forget that we were once among mortals and stash those memories away...But I've come to learn that having memories isn't the worse thing in the world. As such...I've started to remember."

"Really? Tell me, tell me, tell me!"

"Hmmhmm, settle down, my dear. 'Tis only one memory, and it is still not complete. But I assumed you'd be interested. Ahem." The warden summoned his lantern and bid the green aura to take shape.

"Whoa...It's like a picture book!...Or somethin." The warden just chuckled and shook his head.

"Think of it as an aid. Now..." The aura took the shape of a small house surrounded by what seemed to be clovers. On one of the steps leading to the house was the outline of a small boy. "When I was young, I seemed to be just your average young lad. I went to school, did my chores, obeyed my parents...for the most part anyway." This earned a giggle from the kumiho. "One day while I was waiting for my parents, I saw a girl walking round in the yard next to ours." An outline of a young girl with a large sunhat appeared in the grove of clovers. "Being the gentleman I was I ran out and took her sunhat." This now earned him a shove. "What? Heh, anyway. I expected her to start crying...but instead she jumped me. I was caught off guard and immediately relinquished her hat."

"Pff, wimp."

"Hey I may have been a trouble-maker but this was during a time where hitting a woman would get you jail-time...if not killed by her relatives, anyway. I don't remember whatever words were mixed but, in an attempt to stop her from telling anyone of the incident, I picked a handful of clovers and gave them to her as a sort of peace offering. She laughed at me of course and threw them away in the wind, but she still forgave me. She then started looking through the grass on her own. I remember asking her why, and she told me it was because she wanted one with four leaves. She then told me about them being good luck and granting a wish to whoever found one. At the time I thought it was rather idiotic, but I joined her in her search until my parents came home. We didn't find one that day.

"I wouldn't see her for many moons, but our paths crossed again months later at a summer party. I saw her alone in the gardens and once again we both looked as hard as we could for a four-leaf clover. We still didn't find one. But for whatever reason, after that day, we were inseparable. If my memory served me correct we were friends through primary school. Once we got to secondary school I guess one could say...I fell in love with her..." The warden felt the kumiho remover her head from his shoulder, when he glanced towards her, she had the dumbest grin plastered on her face.

"Dawww! I can just imagine a little you in high school getting all hot and bothered for some girl. So cute~." She said while poking his nose. The warden rolled his eyes and continued.

"After a while, I spoke with my parents and made arrangements to begin courting her...But..." The lantern then produced an image of an outline of a young boy with flowers in his hand. But to his right was a young girl on the arm of another young man. "It would seem that I was too late...she had accepted the courting invitation of another..." The kumiho gasped. "But I stayed by her side. We still were as inseparable as her time allowed. Whenever he did something that made her sad or angry, I was their to be her shoulder to cry on...It...it was painful, but as long as I could see her smile...I told myself it was worth it..." He felt the kumiho rub his back.

"Thresh..." Thunder roared, but neither party made a sound. "Um...is it alright if I ask her name? That is...if you remember..."

"Cecilia..."

"That's a pretty name...I bet she was beautiful too."

"I wish I knew..." The silence that followed was nearly as thick as the fog that hung over them. After a minute or so, the kumiho broke the silence.

"So...what happened to Cecilia?" The warden took in a breath and flashed her a rather uncharacteristic smile.

"That is a story for another day, my dear." The warden got up and bid the kumiho to do so as well as he packed up the mat and lifted the umbrella from the ground.

"What!? Oh come on man, that's not fair!" The warden just grabbed her by the waist as the started walking down the hill. "Thresh, seriously man, you can't leave me hanging like that. Please~?" She batted her eyes at him which earned her nothing but a hearty laugh. "Thresh this isn't funny!"

"Good things come to those who wait my dear. And who knows, I may remember some missing pieces." She continued whining all the way back into the Institute.

In time my dear...All will come to light in time...Cecilia...I cannot remember the last time your name has crossed my mind...Fate is a cruel mistress indeed...

~.~

The stench of burnt popcorn, empty bottles of malt liquor and cheap wine permeated throughout Draven's dorm. Draven was laying down on the floor with a half empty beer can in his hand, and fresh tears on his flushed cheeks. Quinn was laying on the couch chugging a bottle of wine.

"*Sniff* She said that Draven was too short for her...Draven can't control the fact that he's not a giant! Is there anything wrong with a man being shorter than 5' 9''!?" Draven said in a drunken stupor.

"Oh shut up already!" Quinn yelled before stuffing her face with popcorn. "You know, If it wasn't for Pippy, no girl in their right mind would go out with you and you know it." Draven shot up from the floor and was about to yell at Quinn until she gave him a deathglare. Defeated he instead stumbled over to Pippy's new and even larger bedded doghouse and took the sleeping poro out.

"Dravo, you still think Draven is the best thing since cable right?" Pippy just gave him a blank stare before glancing over to Quinn for assistance. Quinn got up, grabbed Pippy, and slapped the drunkard on the back of the head. "Ow..." He whimper.

"Oh my god, suck it up bitch! There you go sweety~" She placed the poro back in her house and she fell asleep as soon as she hit the bed. "Now you *hic*, leave the fluffy thing alone and go to sleep." He was about to protest when she glared at him again. "The, guh..., the Institute barbecue is tomorrow and the fuckin' sum'ners expect every champ to be in attendance. That means you...and me...So sleep!" After cowering for a few more seconds, Draven ran into his room. A few seconds later, he ran back out.

"Uh...where are you sleeping? Even Draven knows you're too wasted to walk down stairs." It was then that he noticed that she was already passed out on the floor. Groaning to himself he picked her up, placed her on the couch, and found her a comforter before returning to his room.


Sooooooooo laziness is a thing~ But here it is! The next chap will be an intro to another arc, ermahger~ So, how's Aatrox gonna help Nocturne? Will Thresh remember Cecilia's face? How will Syndra help Zed? And whose ready for a BBQ!? These will all be answered...eventually! Stay Squishy~