Fox and the Guardian

Part I: War for Demacia

Chapter 5: Monsters and Darkness

The doors creaked open, hinges begging for oil as we stepped inside the tavern.

Of course our entrance and the doors cries for mercy went unheard as booming laughter, dozens of voices and the clattering of drinks and chairs assaulted our ears.

I noticed the hazy atmosphere, smoke from Cigars and pipes filling the air and the fresh smoke from cooked meals didn't help.

A massive roaring brick oven sat in the back, coals heating the entire thing from underneath while slabs of meat sat atop being cooked by several men and women.

It was… archaic. Torches and lanterns lit the whole place, wooden chairs and tables all around, with actual wenches serving every group.

One even disappeared with a grinning man up the pair of stairs off to the side, opposite the oven. Probably meant to give him another form of… Friendly service.

It made me…

Uncomfortable.

And I'm a Guardian for goodness sakes!

"Hey so, this place is nice and all, but-" I turned and found Ahri already having left me behind as she spoke with one of the waitress ladies. Or wenches. Not entirely sure what they were called.

Anyway, she waved me over with a grin plastered on her face as the woman she was speaking to pointed out a table towards the back that was empty.

Mugs of half drank ale and empty plates sat on the table, to which Ahri's nose visibly shriveled up in apparent disgust.

The woman gathered them up, telling us to sit while she brought us drinks.

I followed the foxes lead as she sat, her eyes glowing in the dying light of the tavern.

I looked around.

Eyes flickered towards us, most of them wandering to the woman across from me and it wasn't hard to figure out why.

I frowned as a group of them laughed, hungry eyes roving over her as they spoke. One said something only the group could hear and they roared louder. Another stood up stretching his arms with his eyes locked on Ahri.

My fingers roamed to my leg, my sidearm forming as I did.

Heavy footsteps clanked off the floor as he marched over to us, the rest of the tavern unaware of the dilemma taking place.

He grinned heavily, yellow teeth shining at us while he leaned over and rest his hands on the table. His breath smelled like alcohol, and his eyes were half lidded and red.

Of course, I went completely ignored.

"What's a pretty lady like you doing with this spoiled meat?" He motioned to me with a clearly disgusted glance.

Spoiled meat? Did this dude just compare you to spoiled meat?

My mouth opened to reply by a hand placed itself in front of me, and I looked up to see Ahri shaking her head at me ever so slightly.

The man, oblivious of my attempt to reply as his eyes roamed over what little skin she exposed, only whistled and didn't even bother to try and hide his hungry gaze.

My eyes narrowed but Ahri beat me to the punch.

She leaned forward, arms carefully placed before her to as if to entice the man.

Her eyes fluttered slowly, the golden glow of her eyes growing as she opened her mouth to speak, "why don't you forget about whatever it is you wanted to say, and go back and start a fight with your friends? After all, you never saw me."

The man's smile died and without a word, he stepped back and sped back to his table, where he instantly slammed his fist into the nearest man's face.

My mouth fell as the men he had previously been laughing with suddenly turned on him, and an all out brawl started in the middle of the tavern.

Well granted it was only between four men, but still.

I glanced back at Ahri, and she simply stared at the table with both clear disdain and utter boredom.

Her disinterest however wasn't shared.

I frowned and leaned forward, amber eyes flicking to me as I spoke up, "what did you do?"

She sighed and shook her head ever so slightly, eyes falling to the table once more even as her voice flowed towards me, "nothing bad. They'll simply wake up with a headache."

Loud voices and a crash from the fight caught my attention and looked to see the wrenches and a large man holding a hammer yelling for the troublesome group to leave.

The men, the one who had approached us being unconscious and slung over anothers shoulders, cursed and spat at the tavern owner but left without any more hassle.

My frown deepened, and I looked back to Ahri.

Amber eyes, narrowed and glowing stared at me with such intensity that I momentarily leaned back.

Obviously sure I was on the back foot, she then stated, "do think those men had a right to approach us as they did? With their minds on nothing else other than a pair of breasts?"

I blinked, unable to keep myself from glancing down at the mentioned culprits, to which she simply sighed and sat back, the glow vanishing from her eyes.

"People are all the same," she huffed, eyes still focused on me as she crossed her arms, "everyone wants something and those men had nothing good on their mind. They were let off kindly."

Her voice bit and reminded of Xayah in a way, cold and calculated. More like how she had been when I first woke up in her cave.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair even as I replied," I know, I know."

Her shoulders slouched and though she nodded at me, her body itself relaxed. As if the very action she had taken had been weighing her down.

She seems… Unnerved…

I noticed. Maybe she doesn't like what she did?

Maybe…

It was a question for another time. After all, she wasn't an open book and pushing would probably just earn me a glare and a blistering farewell.

So I left the thoughts in the back of my head, grinned and sat back before kicking my feet onto the table.

"So what's good to eat here?"

Her ears perked up, eyes flickering towards me as a smirk fixed itself on her face, "their deer is well cooked. Though I'll admit the broth is to die for on a cold day. Meats, fat, and potatoes in the perfect amount."

Well, not exactly a five star restaurant then.

I nodded, "and drink?"

"Right here honey," the woman from before walked up to us, smile on her face and she slammed down two foaming mugs in front of us, "best mug of Ale in the whole town."

Ahri smiled warmly at the woman, "thank you. Is there any broth?"

The woman nodded, "course dear, plenty of it. Two bowls for the lovely couple?" she shot me a wink and I couldn't help but feel my cheeks heat up.

Ahri was less enthused and rolled her eyes before politely replying, "were not together. Just had similar routes and ended up traveling together."

Not even friends. Harsh.

"Oh I'm pulling your tail sweetheart," the woman laughed and shot me another wink, "don't fret too much over it, you never know when you find the special man of your life."

Ahru nodded, a forced smile now on her face as the woman laughed once more, "oh relax. I'll get you two your broth, don't get too hungry now."

And with that she wandered off into the tavern, a few people whistling at her as she passed.

"She's friendly," I chuckled.

Ahri rolled her eyes, "maybe too friendly."

I shrugged, "well, can you blame her?" I motioned the other tables, most of which were loud and rambling on about God knows what.

She pursed her lips, "maybe."

I nodded and silence overtook us.

It wasn't comfortable like the campfire or even the cave. It was… empty, despite the taverns noise and other compatriots, it felt empty at our table.

I looked at Ahri, trying to meet her gaze but she simply ignored me and kept her eyes peeled towards the masses.

Her eyebrows were furrowed ever so slightly, and her singular tail, or tails I guess since they were wrapped together, flicked around in agitation.

'Any idea why shes so pissy?'

Probably cause she got eyed like a piece of meat.

I shrugged at the comment, agreeing but not bothering to address the issue. She could obviously take care of herself, and from what I'd garnerd so far, she was the last person-

"So a fox and a soldier walk into a bar," A voice, loud and bright signaled a new arrival, and my eyes turned to the newcomers, only to stop as I swore I had suddenly been dropped into the Planet of the Apes.

A… person, half man and obviously half monkey, plopped into one of the empty seats, his smile wide and a polestaff slung across his back as he pulled his arms behind his head with a grin and his own tail waved happily behind the seat he sat in.

Curiosity had me staring at him, but Ahri was not of the same mind.

"How did you know?" Her eyes narrowed and I could feel the way her own strength began to grow. The way her magic fizzled just under the surface.

"Know what?" The guy asked his head tilting in confusion, though his smile never wavered, "that you're a Vastayan? I mean, ears and tail kinda give it away." He motioned to her head and I couldn't help but suppress a grin at the way Ahri's face blanked. "But, if i'm honest , I'm in need of some good conversation. My master is kind of a bore… and a drag, and an old geezer, and partially sneile and most likely-"

A hand gripped his shoulder from behind and his face paled with a nervous smile.

Behind him stood an older man, silver hair, and a faded golden robe. His eyes were cold like steel, and his face bore no expression.

"H-hey Master! I was just telling our lovely new friends how great you are at chess! I mean you wouldnt believe this guy!" The seated Vastayan grinned sheepishly and threw a thumb over his shoulder at the man behind him. "Im telling you, best of the best this guy! Its been years and I have yet to beat him in a one on one chess game."

"Forgive this fools talk," the Master spoke, his lips twisting upward in amusement, "he forgets his manners in these types of establishments."

"Manners! I have great manners!" The Vastayan hissed, his frown more like a childs than a fully grown man, ape… person.

I think he would find that offensive.

Really? I mean, he is half monkey.

And Ahri is half fox apparently, but that doesn't stop you trying to sweeten her up.

What!

I know you! You can't lie to me!

I pushed Kate out of my head as the Monkey turned back to us, "Ignore the old man. He's senile." He leaned forward and whispered the last half to us as if his master wasn't going to hear.

His Master simply sighed and with a quick thrust of his hand, shoved the Vastayan out of his seat, who in turned let out a girlish-monkey shriek.

The tavern laughed as one at his expense and I found myself chuckling while Ahri still glared with obvious distress at the duo.

The Master sighed and sat down in the now empty seat. "Forgive Wu-Kong. He is still a child at heart, despite being full grown."

Said man-child huffed loudly as he stood, grabbing a chair from what had to be out of nowhere as he pulled it up to our table, "Man-child whatever man! You're just mad I enjoy life and a few good laughs. See even our friend heere thinks its funny!" His hands waved out towards me and I shook my head.

"Names Andy."

"Pleasure." The Master replied.

"Nice ta meet ya! Wu-Kong, best warrior in this part of Ionia," the monkey man grinned and pointed a thumb at himself, "and whats your name friend?" His eyes turned to Ahri.

"Ahri," she pointedly replied, though the clip of her voice and the way her tails gave an agitated twist had the monkey nodding once then returning his attention back to me.

"So where's the armor from? Never seen such a get up in Ionia!" The man grinned and leaned back in his chair all while kicking his feet onto the table.

He either ignored Ahris grunt of disdain, or was oblivious to it. Hard to tell honestly.

"It's... custom made," I grinned and took a drink of my Ale. It was bitter, but warm. Good enough for me.

"Right on!" The man grinned, "It looks like it can take a beating for sure! Wonder if you'd want to spar sometime man? Maybe tomorrow morning?"

I blinked once at the surprising offer, clearing my throat to reply, but his master beat em to the punch.

"The boy speak out of turn, forgive him. We have business north of here as well." The elder man gave me a simple smile and Wukong sighed dramatically, hsi arms flopping to the side of him as he let out a groan of defeat.

"Come on Yi one spar!"

"No."

"Bah!" Wukong gave the man's statement a lazy wave as if to waft it away, "party popper. Freaking demon can wait one day for us man! What's the chances of me finding someone with such rad armor to fight again!"

"Demon?"

I spared a glance at Ahri, her ears perked up and her eyes now on Wukong with a curious but dangerous glint in them.

"Yes," it was the Master that replied, "north of here there are rumors of Demons in the forest. A beast that ruins all life it encounters according to the words merchants and villagers alike."

I nodded as a flicker of recognition itched in the back of my head.

"Yeah!" Wukong added one with a grin, "we were gonna look around and see if we cant see if the rumors are true. If they aren't we get a nice hike through the forest! If they are I get to test my skills!" He slammed a fist into his palm with a cheeky grin.

I rolled my eyes, "nice maybe-"

The sound of a scraping chair interrupted me.

My eyes landed on Amber orbs that glared menacingly at both Wukong and Yi. She was standing, her tails fanned out and her shadow twitching from the firelight.

Something in my gut twisted.

"I need some air." She didn't even glance at me and walked away, the very air around her simmering enough that not even the most daring of Tavern flirts dared to cross her path as she made her way outside.

To be honest, I think she'd blow someone up if they tried…

Fair points. Make sure to remind me to never get on her bad side.

You do that on your own…

Rude.

"That one seems troubled by the town. Or is it the company I wonder." The Master asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as he gently laid his hands on the table. "I assume she is rather… spiteful of the town? Or is it people in general?"

His eyes turned to me and I gulped heavily, glancing towards the front doors.

"Probably people. She did try to kill me the first time we met."

In her defense, you fell from the sky…

"But she did save me afterwards. At least twice."

"If you consider her a friend," the Master spoke with a smile, all the while taking a drink from a passing wench who winked at him, "you should go to her. Do not overstep. But sometimes, even the presence of light, can push away the dark."

I blinked twice.

Did this man know about my light?

"Master, I don't think everyone wants to hear more of your fortune cookie wisdom," Wu-Kong nudged his so-called Master, "but the love guru has the best wisdom this side of Mountains!"

A shit eating grin found its way on his face and he threw a thumb at himself before kicking his feet up on the table. "So tell the love guru, what the fox chicks deal is? She seems pretty wound up."

I shot the half man- half ape a raised eyebrow, then sighed.

"There's nothing romantic going on here. We're just traveling together."

The Love guru pouted, "Well damn! I had you two pegged as lovers."

Suddenly the Master held out a hand and Wukong begrudgingly handed over two silver coins.

"A bet?" I dead panned, my lips and face falling into an unimpressed stare.

Wu-kong shrugged with a grin still on his face, "look man, I gotta find my entertainment somewhere ya know! This dudes a bore," and once more he threw his thumb at his Master, who in turn ignored the raging lunatic and simply drank from his ale without a care in the world.

"Oh where'd the lady go?" The voice of our waitress grabbed the tables attention as she set down two bowls of broth. Her eyes then narrowed at me, "young man, I swear if you disrespected that lady-"

I raised my hands, "hey I didn't do anything. She said she needed some air."

The woman pursed her lips and crossed her arms, "let me guess Tritan and his gang flirt with her?"

"Tristan?" Wu Kong voiced in my stead.

"That rabble of no good boys that flirted with her when ya'll first came in," She glanced at me, "glad they decided to pick on each other than you. Rascal's those boys. I'd keep my eye out if I were you." She gave the warning with a frown.

I rolled my eyes but gave her a smile, "don't worry mam. We'll be fine."

"Hmph," she replied, "just make sure you avoid the White Cliff inn please. My ma don't need anymore more ruckus from strangers." And with that she left.

"White cliff inn?" I asked looking at Wu-Kiong.

The man shrugged, "no clue buddy. But this town is pretty big. So, maybe someone else messed up?"

I shrugged and grabbed the ale in front of me.

"Maybe."

About half an hour later, I found Ahri sitting outside.

"Hey! You're broth got cold you know," I grinned and sat next to her on the bench.

She paid me no heed, her amber eyes glowing as she stared up at the orange sky, night clinging to the edges of the world as the day faded away.

My grin waned and-

"Man! This guys is all talk!" Wu-Kong's voice found my ears, and though its wasn't irritating, I did wince at the way Ahri's eyes narrowed and her lips tipped downward.

Did she really dislike this guy that much?

Suddenly the Vastaya was next to Ahri, his arms draped over her shoulder as half lidded eyes and red cheeks turned to the moon, "there I was minding my own business! When wham! This guy says he can drink more than me!"

"He did not." His Master added.

He went ignored and the man continued, "So of course I got to show him why I'm the drinking champ this side of Ionia ya know! So boom down go eight tavern ales!"

"It was two."

"So this guy," he pointed to me with a grin, "ups me and drinks five!"

"He didn't drink."

"And then, 'hiccup', the guy says' well Wukong why don't you show me the proof mister king!"

I smacked my forehead, "I didn't say that. I asked you how on earth-"

But my words were drowned out as the man continued, "And then the kings shows him his worth!" His arms released Ahri's shoulder and he lurched forward onto the street, "and so I defeated the Andy here in a battle of wits and strength! Twenty tavern ales all to me! 'hiccup' And not a soul can say I didn't! Whooo!"

He drummed his chest as he cried to the air.

A huff next to me, and I saw Ahri's lips twitch ever so slightly upward.

My eyes widened-

"Master Yi!" Wu-Kong was suddenly next to his master and me now, to which his Master simply sighed, "we now march to my abode for sleep! I must retain my dignity! Now goodnight fair lady and the defeated Andy!"

And he plopped face first to the ground.

I snorted as the Master grabbed his pupil, and easily lifted him over his shoulder. The elder man glanced at me with a warm smile, "rest well warriors."

And with that he walked off.

"Some people." I muttered and spared another glance at my companion.

Her face was no longer set in a frown. Instead an impassive look of weariness had made its place known.

I blinked.

"So I'm not sure-"

"It wasn't you." A sigh left her lips and her eyes closed, long lashes and locks of hair covered her face as her head tilted downward.

"Huh?"

She turned to me, eyes opening once more, "I didn't leave because of you."

I stayed silent as her lips opened but said nothing, hands clenching and eyes narrowing at something that obviously only she could see.

"People have… done things that I wish I could unsee. That I wish I could erase."

My heart twisted.

"People have… have…"

"You don't have to say it." I immediately started, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

She turned to me with a tilt of her head. Whatever she found on my face must've been amusing as she smiled, "it's not what you think. While some have certainly suffered to men's distasteful desires, I assure you I have not. They would not survive after all."

The grin on her lips grew predatory.

Then the predator was gone, and the girl had returned her eyes closing and her shoulder sagging.

"Trust me when I say, not even those people, compare to the monster in me."

I blinked in confusion.

What had brought this on? Was it Wu-Kong? Had the dude's attitude been a reminder of some past horror? Or was it the tavern setting? Maybe-

"It was on his belt."

"What?" Now it was my turn to tilt my head in confusion.

"On Wu-Kong. He probably doesn't even know what it is." She let out a cold laugh, "but I remember."

"Remember what?"

She spared me a curious glance and opened her mouth to reply-

'Andy! I'm getting readings I've never seen before! Overwhelming power! Darkness even!'

I spun around on instinct, Arc lightning instantly pouring off my body.

What-

Boom!

The world shook. Something exploded, and fire washed over my shields as I instinctively jumped over Ahri, and took the brunt of the fire and ash for her.

My shields did their job, failed with a flash, and the force of the explosion sent us both flying forward all the while her screams filled the air along with screeches of a completely unknown origin.

I hit the ground, Ahri bounced out from my arms, and I rolled onto my chest. I blinked twice to clear my sight, feeling the weight of my rifle appear in my hand as I pushed up to my feet.

I stumbled once, realized my shields had completely broken, adn looked up.

Black and green fire. Smoke.

And then, they came. Monsters. Thin, frail, with glowing eyes and serrated teeth, pouring from the green and black flames and smoke. Crying and hissing as they went.

I raised my rifle.

A/N

Took forever. But I recently felt inspired to keep going with this. So I think I will. Hard working full time, with writing a novel, a new puppy, moving into a new house, etc…

Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter! Keep an eye out for more.

God bless and review!

-Metal4k