A Boy and His Fox Ch. 29

Author's Note: Well…here we are. The second to last chapter of the series. To those of you who've made it this far I congratulate you and thank you for your support in this series. It's been one hell of an adventure and I've loved every second of it. The fan-art contest is still going on and will be until November 23, 2013. However I always like fan art so even once the contest is over if you just enjoy drawing feel free to send me stuff. It always makes me happy to see it :D Thanks again everyone, and don't worry I promise that the story won't end next chapter…there's still plenty more that will happen in the sequels. –Kiba Elunal


The five of us walked to the large double doors that stood before us in front of which was a gruff looking minotaur, arms crossed over his chest like some sort of bouncer at a club. When he saw us he let out a huff. "Halt! Who goes there?" His voice was bored and sarcastic as if he hated having to say something so cliché to every person who looked to enter the Hall of Justice.

"Kal'Adamsul. These five are my guests." Alistar looked over all of them.

"Say…I remember a kid by the name of Kal'Adamsul. He was a scrawny little twerp though, that couldn't be you…could it?" He raised an eyebrow at me and I laughed softly.

"Gee thanks horn head, good to see you too." Alistair laughed heartily.

"It is you! Oh man, you sure have changed a lot since your days here at the Academy. I can smell blood on your hands and fire in your heart. Looks like you sure proved that one bitch wrong huh?" I cleared my throat nervously and gestured with my head towards Katarina behind me. "Oh…I…uh…yeah you know, the one with bright green hair and the eye patch…" Katarina simply walked up to him and shoved him out of the way before opening the doors.

"C'mon I'm sick of talking to the walking hamburger." She mumbled as she slipped inside. The others simply shrugged following her in and I turned to Alistair with a wink.

"Don't listen to her friend; you're not a walking hamburger. You're grade A steak in my book." I flashed him a thumbs up but he just smacked me over the back of the head.

"Yeah, yeah. Get to stepping. You're cramping my style out here. Oh you know, now that I think about it, the council said something about wanting to speak to you. After you're done with whatever business you have here I'd suggest heading there." I nodded softly and was about to enter when I stopped.

"Hey Alistair, what can you tell me about this guy Malzahar?" Alistair's brow furrowed and he leaned forward so no one else could eaves drop on us.

"Kal, this Malzahar guy is bad news. The guy's got all sorts of problems. All he does is talk to him self like there are hundreds of voices in his head, only no one is around. He starts breaking into all these different voices and stuff. At one point he's going on and on about the desert, the next he's talking about losing an arm in a leg in some freak science experiment. The guy's nuts. If you can help it, stay away from him. I don't know why, but something about his scent really bugs me." I nodded.

"Thanks Al. Any idea where I can find him?"

"Did you not just hear a fucking word I said Kal?"

"Look, it's a really long story Alistair but the fate of my champion depends on me finding this guy. Please, I really need your help." He glared at me but let out a sigh. "Fine, head inside and he should be waiting right outside the council room. They wanted to speak to him about something too but not until after they spoke with you. I'd suggest moving pretty quickly. The council doesn't like to be kept waiting." I nodded in understanding and went inside to find that the others were waiting for me.

"So Kal…care to tell me what that 'bitch' said about you?" Kat asked cracking her knuckles. I chuckled softly and brushed past her.

"You should know Kat you were there." She growled softly.

"Hey I already apologized!" I smiled softly and ruffled her hair.

"Who said I was talking about you?" She looked at me confused.

"Then…who were you talking about?" I smirked softly at her.

"I'll never tell." She let out a frustrated growl causing me to chuckle before I remembered about the council. "Oh! I've got to go see the council. If I'm not there soon they're going to be so pissed off. You guys can come with me, just be sure to wait outside okay?" Jinx frowned.

"And just why is it that we can't come with you into the council room?" I sighed softly.

"The rules say that only a summoner and his bound champion may enter the chamber. The magical binds get tangled with the core Nexus beneath the compound. As such if a summoner and a champion who are not bound enter without prior arrangement being made the Nexus produces a powerful feedback that gives you a splitting headache like you would not believe. It's like nails on a chalk board." Jinx sighed softly and nodded in understanding. Lux frowned for a moment before leaning closer to me.

"Kal, do you think…do you think that after you're done you could ask the council to let me speak to them?" I smiled softly and nodded. "Sure thing Lux, I'll let them know you wish to talk. I'm sure they won't turn you away. Also, Alistair said that Malzahar would be waiting for us outside of the chamber. He's not stupid enough to attack us in the league, but even still I want you guys on your guard should he try anything. Understand?" They all nodded as we proceeded down the grand hallway leading to the doors of the Institute of War's Grand Council. Standing floating just a foot above the ground was a man wrapped in purple robes a hood pulled far up over his face. In a voice that echoed hundreds of others he spoke to me.

"Kal'Adamsul I presume? The council is waiting." I walked past him my eyes not leaving his until the doors closed behind me leaving me in the center of the council. They leaned forward and began to speak.

"Welcome back summoner, we've received word that the little girl is safe now, is that not so?" I nodded.

"Yes milords and milady, Annie is now safe, and even more so I know who the one that took her is. He is a Summoner in this very League. His name is Magnus and he's developed a way to force Champions to be bound to him against their will. Currently he is in possession of my Champion and is…defiling her…with his sinister nature. That is why I wish that the council permits me to challenge him in one on one combat within Summoner's Rift. I currently have in place a plan that ensures that should I emerge victorious, not only will the bound champions be set free, but he will lose all of his summoner abilities, allowing the High Council to punish him swiftly and justly." There was a hushed murmur between the three as they discussed the situation with one another before they finally all turned to me.

"Very well Kal'Adamsul. Based on your efficiency with the task we'd already given you, despite our…erm…slip up with the gauntlet, we are willing to grant your request. When shall we put out the call to Magnus to order him to Summoner's Rift." A smile curled up on my lips.

"Immediately…after granting my second request High Councilors."

"Second request?"

"Yes High Councilors. The second request I have is part of my plan to defeat him. He is a senior summoner by my comparison and in a full on fight I do not stand a chance against him. So I wish to command my champions from the front lines so that I may offer them my strength if need be." The High Council looked at one another murmuring once more before nodding in agreement with one another.

"Summoner, it is very…odd that one such as yourself requests to be a champion. You realize that by doing so you can be chosen to be bound to another Summoner in future events, is that not so?" I swallowed nervously. That was not something I had considered. But still, this was important. I had to do this…for Ahri. I nodded my head in affirmation.

"Very well…Kal'Adamsul your judgment to become a member of the League of Legends shall be prepared post haste. We are trusting you to serve your country of residence by representing them within the League of Legends. You are to fight smart, fight hard, and most importantly, fight with other members of your team in order to work towards preserving Runeterra's stability. Your Judgment shall be ready later tonight."

I bowed humbly to the High Council. "Thank you milords, milady. I welcome the Judgment with eager anticipation."

"Before we dismiss you summoner, we have one more piece of information for you. You asked to know who your true bound champion would be did you not? The answer has indeed been discovered, but I fear it is not one you will enjoy thoroughly." I frowned softly.

"Why is that High Councilors?" The woman shifted nervously in her seat before continuing.

"As it turns out…you were not meant to be an Ionian summoner as you so wished…"

"What? Why is this? I was born in Ionia, I've lived there all my life. I deserve to be a summoner for the Country of my birth is this not so?!" I began to panic. I wasn't able to represent Ionia, what did that mean? "If not an Ionian summoner than what country would I be responsible for? Piltover? The Blue Flame Islands?"

"This is where the news we know you will not be happy of comes into play Kal'adamsul. Of your two statements, only the second was correct. You were not born in Ionia as you have thought. We have extensive records and overwhelming evidence to show that you were in fact born elsewhere. You are in fact…Noxian. Your mother and father lived in Noxus when you were born. When the Noxians first sounded the war call against Demacia, your family smuggled you as an infant out of the country and onto the island of Ionia, believing it to be above the horrors of war." I felt my blood suddenly turn into ice as their words hit me like a freight train. I clutched at my chest as my head began to spin. Noxian? My most hated enemy, the country responsible for the deaths of so many people and so much suffering; the ones whose policies and negligence in conjunction with my own had caused the death of my little sister Nicole. That was who I represented on the fields of justice? I was meant to be their summoner?! I shook my head.

"You must be mistaken, that cannot be."

"We are not mistaken Summoner. We have been given undeniable evidence of such. Having discovered this…we were able to appeal to the Binding Stone again in order to discover who your true champion would be…you have in fact already met her."

"What? Who is it? Who could it possibly be that I'm meant to have my soul bound to?" I turned hearing the doors of the chamber creak open and two guards escorted a very confused woman into the chamber. My eyes went wide as they found beautiful green eyes and long red hair belonging to none other than…Katarina Du Couteau.

"Kal? What is this, what's going on?" The Guards gave her a soft shove before closing doors behind her. She nervously took a few steps forward to come to a rest beside me. I was shocked. Katarina was my champion?! After all that had occurred between us in the academy and even this entire adventure she was the one my soul was meant to be bound to? How is this possible?

"Lady Du Couteau, as we've just informed your peer here, we have received new information that has brought something to light. You have in fact been called to be a champion of the League of Legends once more." She frowned softly looking confused.

"Does this mean that I am unable to assist Kal in recovering Ahri? The Noxian's policies are not set to change for another fifteen years almost, how can I possibly be called to serve them already especially when none of our summoners were bound to me?"

The High Councilor leaned forward from where he sat and with a glowing hand the binding stone rose from the floor before us. "The binding stone indeed intended to bind you to a summoner Katarina…however do to an oversight, he was mistakenly bound to a different champion. Your summoner Lady Du Couteau, is the man standing beside you now." She turned towards me quickly in shock.

"Truly?" She asked trying to wrap her head around this. "You are positive this is the case."

"If you do not believe us…place your hand on the stone, it shall inform you thusly now." I watched nervously as she placed her hand on the stone…a beam of light erupted from it striking me square in the chest channeling through my soul before arcing to Katarina and doing the same. Ethereal chains formed within the light as the Binding Stone did its duty: Katarina and I were now Summoner and Champion.

"I…I don't know what to say…" she whispered softly looking at her hands. I knew the feeling, however…the more I looked at her, the more I thought of what I had come to learn of her in the last few weeks we'd been travelling together, the more I realized just how much we had in common. She had a good heart, I'd seen it myself when she was with Annie and Lux. She was an older sister, just as I had been an older brother and I'd seen myself the weight she bared for Cassiopea. A soft smile came to my face as I straightened my stance.

"I do." She looked to me in surprise.

"What?"

I smiled at her and walked towards the confused Katarina before wrapping my arms around her and hugging her closely. "Katarina Du Couteau…I would be honored if you would have me as your summoner…just as I am honored to have you as my champion. While I may not be able to promise you the same 'love' or affection that Magnus offered you…I can promise you one thing, I will do all in my power to ensure that you are not shamed on the field of battle." She stood there in my arms silent unsure of what to say and when she looked up at me there were tears forming in her eyes.

"Do you…do you truly mean that Kal? After all of the bad things I've done…all of the people I've hurt…including you, I can't understand why you would possibly want to have me as your champion." I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Kat…I know that despite your choice to take the life of the blade…despite your ruthless passion…despite even your deepest denials: I know that inside of you there lies a heart just as beautiful as you are." She blushed softly and wrapping her arms under mine she buried her face in my chest. "I promise Kat, I won't abandon you as my champion. I will protect you, and I will be your friend. Now and forever. Don't forget that." She nodded in my chest, unable to speak but still wanting to acknowledge that she understood. When she finally managed to gain control over herself I gently took her hand in mine and turned back to the High Council.

"High Councilors, I Kal'adamsul Summoner for the League of Legends hereby accepts Katarina Du Couteau as my true bound champion." I fished in my right pocket and pulled out the small marble that was my orb of influence. Since Ahri had been possessed by Magnus the thing hadn't given its normal blue light as it once had. It began to swell until it was the size of a bowling ball and Katarina smiled softly reaching up with her left hand and placing it on the sphere.

"I Katarina Du Couteau, known in the League of Legends as the Sinister Blade, hereby acknowledge the binding contract of the soul that has been offered to me. I gladly and eagerly accept Kal'adamsul as my summoner. And despite our differences in the past…I am honored to have him as my summoner…and as my friend." The Binding Stone began to glow as it fired a beam of energy into my Sphere of influence, charging it and causing it to shine even brighter than it had before. Katarina's eyes went wide as the light flowed up our arms engulfing us. Coughing she opened her mouth for a small green summoning orb to leave her lips, only to shatter into dust in the air above us. As the light faded back into the sphere, she became very weak and as she stumbled forward I quickly reached out with my arms and caught her. Her lips curled into a soft smile as she looked up to me before attempting to get to her feet again. She tucked a lock of her crimson hair shyly behind her ear before turning back to the Council.

"Summoner Kal'adamsul, Champion Katarina Du Couteau also known in the League as the Sinister Blade: The High Council of the League of Legends here by acknowledges the bonding of both of your souls and fully agrees that it is correct and just. In fifteen years' time, both of you are to report to either Ionia or Noxus, based on the decision the two of you have reached, in order to choose a side in the encroaching conflict. You are both dismissed. Please inform the Champion Malzahar that this High Council shall reconvene in thirty minutes to discuss his matter." We both bowed politely to them as the Binding Stone sank back into the floor. My orb shrank once more until it was the size of a marble and slipping it into my pocket Katarina and I turned to leave. By the time we had reached the door the other four were waiting for us anxiously.

"Well?" Lux asked curiously. Kat seemed so giddy and energetic.

"Ooh, let me tell them…please, please, pleeeeease can I tell them?" I laughed softly.

"Of course you can Kat." She beamed and turned back to Lux.

"Well…as it turns out you know how it's been discussed that Ahri was not originally meant to be bound to Kal?" The four of them nodded. "Well…it's because he was meant to be bound to me. Kal was technically born in Noxus, meaning that his bound champion would have to be from the Noxian pool. And so…Kal has formed a pact binding me to him as his champion and him to me as my summoner." The crowd of them fell completely silent in shock. I could tell Lux was visibly shaken, not to mention green with envy. Jinx just let out a fit of laughter at the irony of it all while Lucian shook his head.

"Man…this is some really weird messed up shit we're in." He said. "I mean honestly, how the hell did that happen? We must live in a really twisted fucking universe." Annie approached me and gently tugged on my hand causing me to turn towards her and kneel down so that I was on eye level with the ten year old.

"Yes Annie?" I asked soflty.

"Kal…does this mean that Kat's my new mommy…instead of Ahri?" Kat smiled hearing her question and came to kneel beside me.

"No sweety, Kal and Ahri are still in love with one another. Being his champion won't change that…but, it does mean you'll be seeing a lot more of me once they've adopted you so instead of a Mommy or Daddy I'll be more like your favorite Aunt who spoils you rotten." She giggled giving her a hug. "Yay!"

Lux opened her mouth to protest. "But…But I thought I was the aunt…" Kat smirked at her and gave her a wink.

"Don't be silly Lux, you're much more like her Godmother. If anything Jinx is the other aunt." Jinx turned shocked.

"Wait now hold on! Don't drag me into this!" As the four of them began to squabble with one another I chuckled softly rising and approaching the strange figure cloaked in purple robes. My hand went to my blade just in case it would be needed in the conversation.

"Malzahar I presume?"

He looked towards me empty eyes staring into mine. "That is one of my names." When he spoke his voice echoed as though there were at least a dozen of them present. "What purpose do you have for addressing me Summoner? I am sure you have much more important things to do than to speak to someone as myself."

"Actually," I replied, "I've been looking for you for the last couple of days. You have something in your possession that I need greatly. If you're willing to surrender it I'd be more appreciative, but if you don't…I have no qualms about fighting you here in this hall." Malzahar's gaze did not change, neither did the expressions on his face.

"I see…While I'd be more than willing to oblige your lust for violence by exposing your mind to the true definition of horror all whilst I watched bemused as my void crawlers ripped you apart limb from limb, I've got more important things to do. What object is it you are seeking? A silver pocket watch perhaps? I'm afraid you'll have to be just a bit more specific." Something about the way he spoke of torturing me without even the slightest of inflections sent a chill down my spine and for once I was very relieved that I would not have to fight him.

"A golden ring. It has magic that allows someone to permanently bond with a champion if they are a summoner." Malzahar nodded reaching into his pack before pulling out the ring and offering it in his palm, hand outstretched.

"Very well, take it. Though I hope you know what you are getting yourself into. I need not warn you of the consequences of such an object."

"Consequences? What consequences?"

"As I said…I need not warn you of the consequences of such an object. Is there something else you desire or do you simply wish to irk me with more idle threats and dreadful banter?" I frowned taking a deep breath and shaking my head.

"No, I'm fine. Though the Council asked me to pass along that they'd be here in thirty minutes to hear what words you had to speak, thank you Malzahar for your civility. It was a relief from the pattern of the other members of the Void." As I turned to leave Malzahar called out.

"Wait." I turned to look at him over my shoulder to find he was right next to me. "What other members of the Void?"

I turned to him. "Cho'Gath, Kha'Zix, and Kog'Maw. Kassadin told me all about how the four of you were trying to bring about this destruction. Well…now it will only be you." I turned away again but behind me I heard a sinister chuckle escaping from Malzahar's lips that followed me to my waiting party. The laugh sent another chill through my spine and I made it a note to avoid conflict with him in the future if I could help it. I looked at the small golden ring in my palm. Consequences…even if it meant that Ahri and I'd die within the next decade…I'd rather that than her be in service to that bastard. I wrapped my hand tightly around the ring and slipped it into my pocket.

Lux looked at me with a frown. "Kal? Are you alright?" Her voice snapped me from my daze.

"Hmmm? Oh yeah, I'm fine. Let's go…our plan is set into motion, I will have to return for my Judgment later tonight. I'm sure it'll be a piece of cake. I'll just be performing a few parlor trick for some audience right? I mean how hard could it be?" Lux grimaced and pulled me by the wrist out of the institute of war as the rest of them followed. When we finally got to the train station at last she stopped. "Lux? Why did you pull me all the way out here?"

"Kal, as a Champion I'm not allowed to tell you of what happens in the Judgment. But…there is something you need to be prepared for. This isn't going to be simple parlor tricks. You need to take this as seriously as you possibly can. You're going to bare your mind to the High Council Summoners and you're going to watch as your very being is laid out in front of you. Other than that…I can't tell you anymore. It is different for every person. But you need to take this seriously…the last thing I want is for you to get hurt." I looked at her with a smile.

"Don't worry Lux, I'll be more than fine. I swear it." She frowned. I guess that wasn't what she wanted to hear from me but she simply sighed.

"Anyway, let's go ahead and get the train tickets okay?" I nodded as Jinx, Annie, Lucian, and Kat caught up with us. I smiled at them as I went to buy the train tickets. Kat came with me and leaned her back against the counter.

"Five please." I said sliding the Valors through the slot. Turning to my new champion I smiled. "So…what are you thinking about all of this? I'm curious to hear your thoughts." She smiled softly and let out a deep breath.

"To be honest I'm relieved. Even a little happy. Since I joined you I've felt like I've become part of some sort of silly family all with you as the binding force that kept us together. I don't know if you've noticed…but you've changed a lot of lives since you started out on your little journey, all to find a ten year old girl at that." She looked at Annie over her shoulder who was giggling as Lucian tried to frantically shake her off his arm where she was dangling from. "I mean look at her Kal, her entire village and family were killed and still she's able to smile and laugh. That's the effect you had on her Kal." I looked at her confused causing her to chuckle. "See? You've no idea do you? A lot of things have changed for us Kal. Lux has learned to accept that sometimes the heart doesn't always get what it wants, Lucian has learned that duty to a God shouldn't be his only reason for living, Jinx…well Jinx has learned to at least be a tad more normal."

"And what about you Kat? How have I affected you?" I took the tickets from the clerk thanking him before turning back to her.

"Me? Well…I suppose you opened my eyes. You showed me that I shouldn't settle for someone who doesn't agree with my views. You've shown me that I don't have to be the tough as nails bitch that I hide behind for the sake of being tough. To be honest Kal…you've done more for me than I could ever describe." I blushed softly as I stood there.

"This isn't one sided you know…you guys have changed me a lot too."

Kat smirked. "I don't believe that for one second."

"Oh? Think back to when I was at the academy. All I cared about, all I would ever care about was defeating Noxus in battle. It wouldn't matter the issue or the problem, so long as I was suppressing Noxus' power and influence over the world. I couldn't stand the way they treated others and the last thing I wanted was for them to ever gain even another inch of ground. But…because of Ahri…I learned that there are things that are more important to me than the League or getting revenge. Lucian has shown me that there is reason for dedication to a cause, but that blind dedication may as well be leaping into a pit of sharks. Lux has helped me by showing me that if someone really loves another person, you want them to be happy, not just happy with you. Annie has shown me what it's like to care for someone else more than you care for yourself." I looked at the little girl laughing playfully as Lucian had managed to pry her from his arm and was now tickling her. "Jinx showed me that sometimes it's alright to be a little crazy. You can't be serious all the time you know. And you…" I paused for a moment as Kat looked at me with those bright green eyes I smiled softly at her and gently kissed her cheek. "You I have to thank for the most important lesson of all."

"What's that?" She asked blushing and rubbing her cheek.

"That no matter how bad things may get…no matter how terrible the situation…there will be times where even the worst of enemies will turn around to help support you. You've shown me that people can change Kat, you've shown me that despite all the troubles and hardships we've caused for one another that there is still good inside of everyone. Sometimes it's just not as easy to see." She blushed even more and smiled.

"See now you're just spouting a bunch of crap trying to get me all flustered." She chuckled. "But…thank you. That means a lot to hear you say that." Just then the train pulled up to the station as the conductor stuck his head out of the cabin.

"All aboard!" I smiled softly at Kat nodding towards the train.

"Well, looks like our ride's here. Thanks for the talk Kat, you're a huge help." I turned walking towards the train with her on my heels a smile on her face.

"Don't mention it." The ride home was a quiet one, occasionally words were exchanged and plans were discussed but the important thing that I experienced was a strong sense of connectivity between us. I looked at the five people I'd come to call my friends, the only ones I'd ever really had. I knew that tomorrow the battle on Summoner's rift would be a difficult one, but I also knew that with my plan and with my friends beside me Ahri would be back in my arms soon enough. I crossed my arms over my chest as I leaned my head back on the seat closing my eyes as I began to wonder just what Ahri was doing right this moment. I hoped that she was wondering the same thing about me. It had only been two weeks since she was taken…Please Ahri…be safe…and don't forget that I love you, more than anything.

*************Later that night*************

I took a deep breath as I strolled through the doors in the halls of Justice. The time for my Judgment was at hand and despite Lux's warning I was more than confident that I would be just fine for it. My boots clicked across the polished tile. It was time to begin.


Friday, August 13, 25 CLE

OBSERVATION

Kal'Adamsul, henceforth known as Kal, strolls calmly through the hallway, a confident smile on his face and a burning fire in his eyes that show a strength not often possessed by youth of his age. The young summoner pauses to pull back his long dark brown hair and put it into a pony tail to avoid it getting in his face during whatever trials may lay ahead. His leather clothing is made for efficiency over appearances, allowing flexibility while still providing enough protection that it could be used in a fight. However beneath the leather cuirass is a simple leaf-green and royal blue robe that gives him just enough color to say that he was more than just a normal man but also not solely a warrior.

His deep blue eyes gaze around the room as he takes note of the different decorations within the room, finding serenity in its simple layout. At his waist is a stone hand and a half sword that his hand is rested upon, a simple enough gesture but one that would allow him to draw it quickly in an emergency. The blade itself had runes etched in it that glow a soft emerald green, casting odd shadows with every foot step he took. His eyes finally reached the archway where he noted the words carved into it. The truest opponent lies within.

He took a deep breath as he analyzed the words and their possible meaning before looking down at the back of his hand where he had drawn a stylized heart as if to give himself a reminder of something important to him. Placing his hand on the heavy marble door he pushes it firmly causing it to swing open revealing the hall of darkness. His eyes narrow as he prepared himself for whatever may be in the room and drawing his blade, it quickly became coated in green flames and with cautious footsteps he entered the pitch.

REFLECTION

Kal looked down upon the ground, in the darkness where between his legs ran a grey line that seemed to go on infinitely in front of and behind him. On either side of the line were two swirling pits. On the left, light cascaded down in bursts as though stars were raining down from the heavens. On his right, deep violet flames continued to rise higher and higher seemingly going on forever into the sky. The pools of light and fire began to flow like a river to the line before forming a grim reflection of himself before him.

Opening its mouth it spoke in an almost cruel and snide tone. "You've made your choice Kal, now you must live with it." Kal frowned at the apparition and advanced upon it his sword in hand. The apparition reflected his movements as he brought the sword downward blocking it with a quick movement.

"I've passed your trial once demon and I shall do so again."

Kal's reflection smirked at him as they erupted into a fierce battle, each blow rang out with a controlled fury, the flames and light each becoming more brilliant with every strike of stone on stone. The dark copy let out a maddened cackle with every deflection and it could be seen that Kal's stern expression had not changed or faltered.

"You chose to refuse a side Kal. You know this, you did so yourself. Look into the flames and see what became of those actions!" As the flames roared the doppelganger landed a fierce roundhouse kick onto Kal's side knocking him towards the pillar of flames. He stared up in horror as he watched nightmarish faces appear in the glow. First was the face of a young girl who bore his resemblance, clearly a younger sibling.

"You killed me brother! You watched hiding behind a stack of crates while that soldier stabbed me over and over again. You watched me die and did nothing." He looked up at the young girl tears appearing in the corner of his eyes, his expression slipping for the first time since entering the hall.

"No! I couldn't do anything to save you! I'm so sorry Nicole! There was nothing I could do to save you no matter how hard I tried!" Another face appeared in the flames, revealing his close friend Soraka.

"Was it the same for me Kal? Could you not do anything to save me either? You said you would make sure that Warwick didn't hurt me Kal. Now I'm dead and it is all your fault. You could not save me." He shook his head covering his eyes.

"No! Raka, I tried to save you! I really did! Please you have to believe me!" His voice echoed in the abyss as her face also disappeared.

"And what of me Kal?" asked another face, the face of his lover Ahri. "Did you do all you could to save me? You claimed to love me Kal but you just stood by and let me be taken by our enemies. You never really loved me Kal, you don't care at all."

"That's not true Ahri! I do love you! I'm doing everything I can to bring you back to me I promise I am! Please Ahri you have to believe me." He watched as her face vanished in the flames without another word as tears fell from his cheeks and an angered expression came over him. Grabbing his sword he turned back to his duplicate attacking him with a new found fervor. Shocked by his sudden change the reflection desperately attempted to black his attacks and deflect his blows. "You did this! You created these lies!" He cried out to his reflection as he slashed over and over again, the mirrored image barely managing to block his attacks as his rage grew. As the two approached the rain of light face began to appear. The faces of his friends appeared in the light.

Lux's smile illuminated more of the darkness. "Don't listen to him Kal, he is wrong. You've always been there for me." The face of another young girl, one that was identified as Annie appeared beside her.

"That's right Kal! You said you would be my new Daddy and that you'd take care of me." Every word caused the reflection to become slower as Kal struck out at him.

Jinx's Cheshire grin appeared. "Go Kal go! Cut him to pieces!" Lucian's smug grin appeared beside her.

"Send the demon back to the abyss where he belongs!"

Finally the face of his champion Katarina appeared. "You've changed everything Kal. You've managed to change all of our lives, our worlds. Don't give up on yourself. You still don't have to choose a side." As Kal went to lunge at the copy it kicked him hard towards the line. Looking around he found that there were now at least a dozen replicas of him. The light and flames erupted greatly filling either side of the gray line as he moved in a flurry deflecting all of the blades of his inner demons. The runes on his blade began to glow even brighter than before as his entire body became ignited with eerie viridian flames.

"Choose. Choose. Choose. Choose." The chanting of the inner demons surrounded him as he in one swift motion swung the blade around him in a circle the flames slicing through the illusions causing them to vanish in a cloud of smoke. As the smoke faded away, all that stood before him was Ahri, who stared deep into his eyes emotionlessly. He gripped his sword tightly ready to combat another demon if he had to.

Ahri finally spoke. "Kal, why do you wish to join the League?"

"To protect Runeterra." Kal responded emotionlessly his words sounding false even to himself.

"Why do you want to join the league?" Her voice echoed, firmly and harshly. He cringed slightly and stared deep into her eyes.

"To right the wrongs of my inactions. I'm joining the league so that I will never lose those closest to me."

"Is that the truth?" She asked.

"Yes."

"How does it feel, exposing your mind?" She asked her words softly filling the air around them. He simply spun his blade sheathing it at his hip.

"Like losing you all over again." A bright light erupted from seemingly nowhere and when he blinked away the blindness he stood staring at the Institute's main lobby. He frowned as he walked towards the exit before stopping and turning staring directly up at the scrying sphere that sat nestled within the 'O' of 'Opponent'.

"Next time you try to screw with my head, I swear to you that you will find just how much of a beast I can become." He growled before turning and walking away.


I sat on the couch waiting nervously for Kal to return from his Judgment. The others had already gone to bed, but I couldn't help but be worried about him. My own judgment was rather harsh and I knew that once it was over I desperately wanted someone to talk to about it. At around midnight I awoke to the door of the inn room opening and seeing Kal I could immediately tell that his trial had been particularly rough. I wordlessly walked up to my summoner and gave him a hug. He hugged me back tightly and we just stood there, silently. I wanted to comfort him but I didn't know what to say, and because of the rules of the league, I knew he couldn't tell me what he had experienced.

He leaned closer to me and I could feel his warm breath on my ear. He whispered three words to me, three words that immediately made me know that I had managed to help him in some way. "Thank you, Kat." I smiled softly, and squeezed him tightly. Tomorrow's battle on the Serpentine River would be very difficult, and I knew it would be even harder as Magnus would most likely be putting Ahri into the battle. But Kal's plan was nearly flawless…I knew that he would come out on top…and at the end of the day, Magnus would go down. One way or another.

To be concluded…