A/N: A couple of notes about the background of the story. If you are a newer League of Legends player, never bothered with the old lore or have just never played the game in the first place, don't worry, you'll definitely still be able to enjoy the story. All you need to know is that the Institute of War was an organisation where the champions of the game carried out battles in Summoner's Rift where they couldn't actually die, as a replacement for real international conflict to solve their disputes. Character lore was then based off of their reasons for joining the League of Legends and participating in these matches, though it's not nearly as detailed as it is now.

A word of warning, since the story is set way back then (when the ship of Mordekaiser/Sona started), the story will use some of the lore from back then. This includes Mordekaiser being from the Shadow Isles and having a pretty vague backstory (as the old lore doesn't even detail his past life, I took some liberties with creating an alternate background for him within the Shadow Isles, finding what I hope you agree is a good place for him in the existing Viego/Ruination story. So it likely won't match up with his current lore, just so you know before you start reading if it's something that's important to you). Other than that, the characters and places are exactly the same as the ones you know and love.

I started a similar story to this a while back on that petered out quickly for a number of reasons, but I'm actually structuring the story and planning/writing (somewhat) ahead of time this time around. But you can probably say this will be my first actual fic, so I do encourage any responses to tell me what you think, as I'll be sort of learning on the job.

Please enjoy!


"Your tea will be ready in just a moment, Miss Buvelle. In the meantime, why don't you take a seat upstairs?"

Sona silently thanked the smartly dressed waiter with a soft smile, moving to climb the stairs as he'd suggested. Her hands glided across the smooth bannister, recognising the same familiar feeling of polished wood that she had experienced dozens of times since the Institute of War's sudden disbandment. The sun's warmth greeted Sona as she reached the upper floor of the cafe, a gentle breeze guiding her to her usual seat at a small round table, overlooking the gleaming white landscape below. The view of the bustling, colourful markets by the coast, all surrounded by a cascade of clear blue waves, was a big part of why she came here so often.

But when she released a sigh upon reaching her seat, it was out of boredom rather than contentment. Of course Sona was glad that the international bloodbaths the Institute loved had finally come to an end, as she had hated every minute of the violence inside the Rift's walls, even if there was no way for any of them to truly be hurt during their matches.

They had at least given her life some structure and variety, though.

For the last few months, her life had consisted of playing her etwahl in concerts for people she didn't know, admiring the same sights around the Rocky Highlands of Demacia to the point that they almost bored her, and hearing about her friends' exciting new adventures that they were out experiencing while she was cooped up at home like an old widow. Sona had sat at this same spot many times recently, twirling a strand of sky blue hair between two fingers and imagining herself in their stead in the stories they told her, whether it be travelling all over Runeterra on government business like Garen, or taking on famous opponents in exciting duels like Fiora. Not that either of those things were exactly what she was yearning for, but it was nice to think about just to quell her boredom, at least for a little while…

"Sorry I'm late!" A cheerful voice suddenly called out to her. Sona woke from her daydreams and looked up to find Ahri scurrying towards her with three shopping bags at her wrists that were filled to the brim with clothes. Her nine-tailed friend was as energetic as ever.

"You wouldn't believe the morning I've had! I woke up late for today since I was out late last night, so I sped out of my hotel room to try and find a taxi, but then I booked it for the wrong place so I had to sprint over and get a train all the way back, and ended up being late for that too because I bumped into a few admirers at the station and just had to sign a few autographs; I mean you know me, I'd never let down my fans." Ahri spoke a mile a minute, accompanied by expressive hand gestures that would sling her bags around wildly as she made them. Sona did her best to follow along with the twisting and turning of both the story and Ahri's bag-ridden arms.

"That does sound exhausting." Sona admitted, though the voice was not exactly her own. In lieu of awkwardly bringing her etwahl everywhere like she had done until recently, Sona had been diligently practising turning her magic into a telepathic sound of sorts that would allow her to communicate with others, though since she didn't move her mouth to match her 'voice', it could look a little jarring. It was difficult and mentally taxing to use for a long time, but certainly better than the alternative.

Wordlessly, she gave a nod of thanks to the same kind waiter from earlier who gently placed down the steaming cup of tea in front of her.

"I am surprised though, I thought without the rift matches you would be less busy, not moreso." Sona said.

"Yes, well, now I can actually start really living my life instead of doing it half-assedly on the side. I've got my music career to sort out, a fashion line to lead which needs a new collection each season, not to mention I got asked to help out with some modelling for an up and coming designer over in piltover." Ahri knocked down fingers on her heavily manicured hands as she listed off various exploits like she was advertising herself at a job interview.

"But of course, none of that matters when making time for my friends." Ahri shared a cheeky grin with Sona before taking a careful sip of piping hot tea. Her sleek features instantly relaxed as the fox closed her eyes to relish the taste and warmth of the drink.

"Ah, I've missed this." Ahri let out a deep breath, feeling fully content. "I feel like I could sit here all day and just enjoy the weather with a hot drink and melt into this chair."

"Yes, it's nice enough I suppose…" Sona mumbled quietly.

"You don't like it here?" Ahri asked, an eyebrow arched in disbelief.

Sona shook her head. "Of course it is nice to sit back and relax once in a while. But when it's the only thing I've been doing recently, even a wonderful feeling like this can begin to lose its charm."

Sona sighed, her gaze returning to the gentle waves on the beach far below. For some reason she felt a small sense of shame begin to crawl into her chest, sitting across from Ahri who had been able to create such an exciting life for herself while Sona had been perfectly content to watch time pass her by.

"Well, taking things easy is fine too, I suppose." Ahri yawned, stretching her arms as far back as they would go and leaning back in her seat.

"Everyone else seems to have found their calling and already knows what they want to do, so I don't want to hold everyone back." Sona continued. "But I would be lying if I said things didn't get a little dull sometimes. Or lonely, even."

Sona glanced back at Ahri, suddenly wondering if she had sounded a bit too sorry for herself. If she thought so, Ahri certainly didn't show it, instead nodding in understanding.

"I know exactly what you mean." Ahri said. "I had the same feelings not too long ago when I'd just finished squeezing out an album to a tight deadline, and then when I had nothing else scheduled for the near future I suddenly got hit with just how mundane everyday life is." She paused for a brief moment before an idea flashed in her mind.

"You know what picked me up when I was feeling down? I decided to put everything behind me for the time being and go on a music tour around the world!" She clasped her hands together as she saw Sona's eyes widen at the idea.

"I think the same might work for you as well. Your performances are definitely popular enough considering the amount of people that come all the way here just to hear you play, and I think it'd be just what you need right now. All the different cultures, foods, and sights you get to see when travelling are amazing, and the men aren't half bad either depending on where you go." Ahri smirked playfully at the last point, offering a teasing wink to Sona who predictably lit up a deep shade of red at the comment.

"That does sound exciting!" Sona said. "But to propose something so big so suddenly, is just…" Sona trailed off, unsure of what she wanted to say. Her frequent chats with the other league champions after their matches on the rift had always interested her, usually with them detailing old stories from their hometowns or how they would unwind from the stresses of battle. And of course Sona had so much love for her music.

But performing in front of large and foreign crowds was never her strong suit. And she had never even thought of leaving Demacia after she'd settled here with her mother some time ago. Travelling the whole of Runeterra at once would be an impossibly huge step up from that.

"I know it's a big shift from what you're comfortable with, but I didn't think I was ready either. You just have to kind of jump in and trust you'll make it, you know?" Ahri cooed, gently reaching over the table and kneading reassuring circles over Sona's hands with either thumb. "Besides, I've done it all before so I could help you out with planning everything out, like scheduling venues and all of that. Don't feel like you have to do the whole thing alone."

Sona stared intently at the stainless white table cloth in front of them. With a newfound sense of bravery, or perhaps just impulsiveness, she returned the supportive touch with an affirming squeeze.

"Maybe I'll take you up on your offer, then." Sona said tentatively, feeling a little more confident in her spontaneous decision after seeing Ahri's beaming face. "But I'll make sure to ask my friends what they think about it first, just in case." Sona added hastily.

"Sure. Why don't we grab them right now?"

"Now?" Sona stammered, a little stunned.

"Why not?" Ahri was already getting up from her seat, leaving behind a very generous tip as she moved round the table to gently eject Sona from her chair as well. "We may as well get the details sorted while I'm still around. I'm a busy woman, you know."

"Absolutely not!" Garen's thunderous shout travelled across the room as he paced back and forth in agitation.

Sona, Ahri and the other three champions currently residing in Demacia had gathered inside Garen's not-so-humble abode. The house, although it could be argued that it was more of a mansion, was needlessly large for a single person; But then again, the Institute of War had paid off all the champions so handsomely for their time spent pitted against each other in their Rift matches that they could all afford a little luxury in their lives. Lavished with soft velvet carpet, some very expensive looking furniture and decadent marble pillars to hold the place upright, it was fit for a king.

Ahri stood on one side, hands splayed across a large desk looking ready for the argument that was about to happen, while Jarvan and Quinn sat on the other side, with Garen leading the charge of their 'team' and constantly moving about in very melodramatic fashion. Sona, apparently, would be sitting on the sidelines in the conversation to decide her own future, opting for a comfortable chair in the middle of the two parties. She silently stroked her trembling fingers over the soft fabric of her summer dress.

"It is far too dangerous. The other regions of Runeterra aren't nearly as safe and secure as Demacia is. If you end up in the wrong place then there'd be no one there to look out for you. There are thieves, murderers and a lot of things much, much worse about." Garen said, his pacing and tone mirroring that of a well prepared diplomat.

"You are a drama queen." Ahri rolled her eyes. "Not everywhere outside your little bubble here in the clouds is that bad. I've met lots of perfectly normal people on my travels, as I'm sure you have as well as Demacia's international ambassador." The fox flicked a loose strand of hair to the side as she graced Garen with a look of great disdain. "Honestly, I've no idea where you've developed this sense of paranoia from."

"It is less paranoia and more a lack of naivety." Garen scoffed, Ahri pursing her lips at the patronising reply. "Just because nothing has happened to us doesn't mean that it couldn't in the future. Quinn thinks so too, isn't that right?"

"Hm? Oh, I dunno." Quinn deadpanned, not even bothering to lift her eyes from the book she was reading. Valor, who was currently perched on her shoulder, offered a slight squawk as a reply instead while she readjusted her feathers.

"I'm inclined to agree with Garen on this one." Jarvan interjected, shooting a sympathetic look at Sona. "I don't think Sona is quite as well equipped to defend herself as we are, either, so she might be in greater danger. I mean this with no disrespect, but she isn't the most independent person either, perhaps a little sheltered even."

"And who do you think is doing the sheltering here?" Ahri flung her arms up in disbelief, levelling a glare back at Jarvan. "It's because you all like to fuss over her like some strange, overprotective family. Sona's a grown woman, she can do what she wants, you should be thankful that she even bothered to come here today and ask you about it."

"She most certainly won't-" Garen began before he was cut off by a loud and purposeful cough. Jarvan gave Garen a pointed look.

"We are all well aware that it is Sona's choice to make at the end of the day, aren't we?" Jarvan clarified.

"Of course." Garen muttered, finally taking a seat.

"Obviously." Ahri said, electing to sink into the space next to Sona on the leather chair and run a comforting hand over Sona's shoulder, who'd been watching the whole thing unfold.

Jarvan rubbed the crease of his brow, trying to ease away some of the stress that had been building there. They would get nowhere by letting Garen and Ahri have at each other all day. It was a miracle they'd lasted this long in the same room together.

"When we are telling you we don't think something is a good idea, it is not because we want to be controlling or think that you can't look after yourself." Jarvan began slowly, ignoring the very immature faces Ahri was making behind Sona's back. "It's just that we want you to be safe, is all. Perhaps it would help us to know what exactly spurred this idea into motion in the first place?"

Sona lightly chewed on the nail of her thumb before she answered, doing her best to not be so conscious of the four pairs of eyes staring directly at her.

"I've spent so much time hearing about what everyone else is getting up to now we have our lives back, and felt I should be doing something more, I guess." Sona said softly, twiddling her thumbs. "There are old friends from the League that I'd like to see, places I would like to visit, that sort of thing. I'd just like to find something to inspire me like you all have."

"Mmm, I understand." Jarvan nodded. "I know that you wouldn't be here if this weren't something you really wanted to do. But at the same time, I want to do my duty as a close friend and ensure your safety. That is our priority. It is a difficult situation to be in."

"Why not have someone accompany her?" Quinn closed her book with a sharp snapping noise, finally deeming the conversation interesting enough to contribute. "I'm sure there is no shortage of soldiers we could find who would be more than happy to tag along. Not like there's really much danger for any of them to be fighting as things are, anyhow."

"Not a bad idea." Jarvan murmured, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"We should really ask someone more capable than just any old foot soldier." Garen advised. He then quickly realised what he had just said as he backpedalled, "Not that I am trying to insult our military, of course. But this is such an important job I feel we need someone stronger, and more trustworthy. Unfortunately, Jarvan and I are both very busy with government duties, so we can't go with you."

"I have too much going on with my own career, sorry Sona." Ahri said as she gave her a light hug of apology.

"I have nothing I need to attend to at the moment, but I really don't want to do it, so I won't." Quinn looked up to the three glares she was on the receiving end of, as well as Sona's downtrodden expression. "No offence, dear." She added.

"None taken." Sona smiled back briefly, but it sunk into a frown as she wondered whether she would really be going anywhere after all. Maybe it was too ambitious of her to think that she would be fine on such a big journey alone after all. It would be safer and easier to just carry on living how she had been already, unsatisfying as it was. She supposed it could be a lot worse, but couldn't help but feel a little crushed as all the ideas and daydreams of how her venture might turn out slowly crumbled away.

"We could put a request forward to the Institute." Ahri lit up suddenly, breaking the cloud of silence that had formed to float the idea in front of everyone. "The champions were basically all representatives for their respective regions so they should be pretty trustworthy, and their strength has already been proven by their time in the Institute."

There was a brief period of quiet as the suggestion was considered.

"I have no objections." Jarvan agreed.

"Me neither." Garen conceded, then noticing that Quinn seemed to find something amusing. "You don't agree, Quinn?"

"It's a good idea." She laughed. "I just wonder, which of the champions we know would really have nothing better to do?"

The sound of heavy, metallic footfalls echoed down the vacant hallways of the Ruined King's castle. Mordekaiser marched towards the inner chambers with purposeful strides, barely sparing a glance for the odd creature roaming the corridors. The few he did pass would without fail drop whatever they were doing to offer the Lord of the Shadow Isles a rigid salute, remaining completely still until he was out of sight. He paid them no mind, though. Mordekaiser had far more important things to be thinking about.

A few months had passed since he'd been summoned by the king personally; After the Institute of War's collapse, his national duties as Lord of the Shadow Isles had naturally shrunk quite drastically. He'd spent his life endlessly honing his fighting ability sparring with other warriors, commanding armies to defend the Shadow Isles from 'help' the other regions would send over to purge the horrors that lay deep in the island's darkest crevices (probably including him), and representing the region as a Champion in the League of Legends matches. Now without all of that, it had suddenly become a very empty existence.

He had high hopes, however, that would change today.

Exhaling a deep breath, Mordekaiser effortlessly pushed aside the massive double doors that would have given three normal men a lot of trouble, the ageing wood almost splintering under his strength.

Everything was exactly how he had remembered it. Darkened cobblestone lined the walls and floors, obscured by the thin veils of black mist that seeped through the crevices of the ancient building. Stone pillars that were lined with cracks from the stress of the weight they were carrying somehow held the whole thing together, towering over whoever was chosen to enter the king's throne room.

Mordekaiser's burning green eyes moved to focus on the king himself. Viego sat hunched over his throne like he was ashamed to occupy it, his mouth curved into a smile while the rest of his features appeared sullen. The black mist curled around his feet and hands like it was caressing an old friend, the contrast between its black tendrils and his pale skin and hair making him appear almost blindingly white.

"Mordekaiser, it is good to see you. I trust you have been keeping well?" Viego asked, his voice lacking the warmth of his words.

"My liege." Mordekaiser said, taking a knee to offer a bow of respect, shifting the weight of his immense bulk to one side.

"I've told you many times to do away with such formalities, friend." Viego shook his head, though he didn't look displeased by the act of respect. It was almost a tradition between the two of them to bicker about it by now.

"Where are the others?" Mordekaiser's deep voice rumbled as he stood up. His eyes met Viego's for a second, before the king averted his gaze.

"They are not coming." He replied. "What I've come to ask of you today is something that concerns you alone."

"I see." Mordekaiser said. He didn't bother to ask his leader why. "In that case, how may I be of service to you?"

Mordekaiser waited patiently for Viego to speak, who was squaring off his jaw like he was mustering up to something.

"You have without a doubt been my most faithful companion." Viego began, a look of fondness glazing over his eyes. "From being the Shadow Isles' champion fighter, a leader to countless denizens of our land in and out of battle, and a knowledgeable personal advisor, you are of infinite value to me. An irreplaceable colleague and even more irreplaceable friend, if you will." Viego took in the unwavering gaze looking back at him. As always, it was impossible to tell what Mordekaiser was thinking or feeling at that moment, emotions and thoughts hidden behind his blackened helmet.

"But times have changed very quickly and very suddenly, as I am sure you are aware. It is with a heavy heart that I ask you this, and it is only a temporary reassignment I assure you, but… I would like you to step down from your position as Lord of the Shadow Isles for a little while."

"What?" Mordekaiser exclaimed, thinking he must have misheard.

"In truth, we are about to undergo some huge changes as a region." Viego continued. "A lot of time and resources that we have put into not only consolidating our defences, but building alliances and friendships with the other regions of Runeterra who will no doubt be helping out the denizens of the Shadow Isles to make it a better place to live in the near future."

Mordekaiser watched him in astonishment, mouth agape, like Viego hadn't just stripped his life's work from him in an instant, and then kept talking as if nothing had happened.

"In return for helping keep the newly created world peace," Viego continued, "The Institute has offered to lend its help in researching how to reverse the ruination and return us to our former glory, and I should hope that the other regions will follow sooner or later. Given that we can both agree we owe our people to accept the offer, international conflict will drop to an all time low, and will look to stay that way until-"

"I don't understand." Mordekaiser cut across him, completely ignoring Viego's look of shock as he interrupted him. In an attempt to quell the bubbling surge of anger that threatened to rise in his throat, he surged forward, advancing on Viego as he spoke.

"I am the strongest out of anyone in the Isles, in Runeterra even. My power is unmatched, my command of our military and people is resolute, and I have lived my whole life in these very halls ever since you invited me here purely to serve our collective interests." Mordekaiser had covered the stairs leading up to Veigo's throne quickly, now looming over him from inches away at full height. What was visible of his face had morphed into an intense glower that would send the bravest of knights scurrying away in fear.

"Who could possibly act as my replacement?" Mordekaiser asked desperately. "And why, even? Have I not been dedicated enough? Loyal enough?"

Viego let out a sad sigh. "It is because you are so loyal that I am asking you." He said, remaining undeterred by the show of anger.

"What does that even mean?" Mordekaiser hissed. Viego looked at him with what almost looked like pity, only serving to anger the iron man even more. He was not someone that needed to be felt sorry for.

"I know that if I were to ask you to stay by my side for the rest of your life, serving out your duties diligently, you would do so without a second thought."

"Because that is what I owe you." Mordekaiser answered him without needing to think, now somewhat level headed that his integrity wasn't being insulted. He took a few steps back as gradually, he came back to his senses.

"Whatever you may think you owe me, you have already repaid a million times over." Viego insisted, wondering why no matter how many times he expressed this sentiment that Mordekaiser would refuse to believe it.

"But what I owe to you is to allow you to experience the world outside of these walls, outside of the violence and hardships you are now so familiar with." Viego said. "Perhaps this will seem rich coming from someone like myself, but you are still young and have so much to learn about yourself. And right now, I gain nothing by keeping you here. If you wish to return home afterwards, should our old way of life that we are used to reel its ugly head again, and stand beside me once more", Viego managed a wry smile, "then of course I will gladly have you back."

"I want nothing else but to stand with you now." Mordekaiser still protested, still not understanding what was happening, or why. "What would I do if I wasn't here? I have nowhere else to go."

"About that." Viego suddenly remembered, digging out a small, worn piece of paper from below his throne. There was a familiar gold and blue stamp on the envelope, in the shape of a large letter 'L', that Viego had discarded to the ground. Mordekaiser immediately recognised it as the Institute of War's old organisation logo, from the League of Legends they had both fought in before.

"While we wait to see exactly how the Institute's undoing will affect us, there is a job I would like you to take on." Viego said as he considered the letter briefly. "I heard from Yorick that there was a request put in for a bodyguard for the former Demacian champion, Sona Buvelle. Does that name ring any bells?"

"I vaguely remember her." Mordekaiser frowned.

"It seems that she'll be travelling for a while and needs someone to look out for her. I know it is not in your usual line of work, but I would like you to accompany her for the time being."

"You are sending me on a glorified babysitting job for some princess." Mordekaiser grumbled, hardly seeming pleased. "How is this a better use of my time than staying here as your second in command?"

"For now, there are two main things we need." Viego told Mordekaiser, ignoring his question. "First, information on how the other regions are reacting to the Institute's disbandment. We will need to be ready for any change in behaviour the other leaders of Runeterra are making and be prepared to act accordingly. Second, to improve our own reputation, so that we can make alliances and gain respect from the other regions for whatever this uncertain future might bring, and to gain whatever help they might provide us with."

"The Shadow Isles doesn't need anyone's help." Mordekaiser said, but he knew it to be a lie. Dealing with the aftermath of the Ruination alone would be an impossible task for any region.

"Perhaps not, but it is our duty to do anything we can to improve the conditions here." Viego explained. Mordekaiser knew disagreeing would be pointless. Viego had reason to be so invested in his position, considering the part he'd played in the Ruination.

"But as I was saying," Veigo continued, swallowing thickly, "Having the Shadow Isles' most feared and renowned champion travel around with a Demacian 'princess' will make us more approachable and allow you to gain insight into the other region's plans, achieving both of these goals in one fell swoop. Don't you agree?"

Viego watched Mordekaiser carefully as he stood almost completely still, save for the steady rise and fall of his thick armour plates from heavy breaths. Slowly, but surely, the tension built up in Mordekaiser's broad shoulders seemed to release itself.

"And once I am finished with this little mission", he spat the last word with thinly veiled disgust, "Things will go back to the way they were, and I will rule beside you as I always have."

"Of course." Viego nodded, relief washing over him. He had always expected that Mordekaiser wouldn't react to the news kindly, but thankfully he was loyal to him and the Shadow Isles before anything else.

"I will send Yorick through to you with the details later this evening as you prepare to leave, but before that, there is one more thing I want to ask of you. And not as your king. Rather, think of this as a favour to a friend."

"What does that mean?" Mordekaiser asked, raising an eyebrow, but Viego didn't answer.

"Promise me that you won't just focus on the things that I've asked you to do, but that you'll try to enjoy yourself as well."

Mordekaiser merely blinked at him, unsure of how to respond to such a request. Had he not been standing a few feet away, and seen the way the black mist bent to his will, Mordekaiser would have doubted this was the same king he'd been serving all these years.

"Do you find it so shocking that a king would care for his subjects?" Viego asked him in a half mocking tone. "I know you may find it hard to believe, but there are many things we can learn from living amongst other people and cultures. All I ask of you is to keep an open mind while you are away. You might find something you want to do more than be at my beck and call for the rest of your life."

Mordekaiser stood still for a moment.

"For the record, I am agreeing to do this because of my loyalty to you and the Shadow Isles." Mordekaiser made sure to clarify. "I still believe it is an incredibly stupid and pointless endeavour."

Viego smiled, figuring that was about as close to an agreement as he was going to get.

"And I am eternally grateful for that loyalty." Viego said.

The walk to the edge of the Shadow Isles was a long and repetitive one. The area between Veigo's castle and their destination was a barren wasteland. A heavy layer of black dust coated the ground, having once been fertile soil long ago. Trees that were no longer alive still stood tall, only now they were skeletons of their former selves, all jagged branches and dried up roots where fresh green leaves and beautiful flowers had once bloomed. With no landmarks or stars in the sky, Mordekaiser wondered how Yorick had any sense of direction at all.

"I assume you're the one who informed our king of the job?" Mordekaiser grumbled, scornfully kicking a nearby rock into a murky pit of water as they made their way to Yorick's boat.

"What would make you think that?" Yorick asked him, feigning innocence.

"None of the other Shadow Isles champions would have even bothered to look at such a stupid request."

"That is one way of viewing things." Yorick said.

"Did you know that Viego was going to ask me to take it when you showed it to him?" Mordekaiser didn't do a very good job of leaving his accusatory tone out of the question.

"Of course I didn't!" Yorick was very quick to defend himself, adjusting his hood so that he could look at Mordekaiser properly to explain himself. "In fact, I had wanted to take the job for myself. A man can only dig graves for so long before life starts to lose its meaning." He stopped his train of thought when he took in the irritated glare Mordekaiser was levelling at the ground.

"You know, the young lady who you'll be protecting, Sona Buvelle, is extraordinarily talented." Yorick futilely tried to instil at least a little excitement in Mordekaiser for the journey ahead. "I managed to catch one of her concerts a while ago, and can barely think of anything else since. I hear she is as sweet a person as her melodies suggest. You are one lucky man, if I don't say so myself."

"Well isn't that lovely." Mordekaiser's reply oozed sarcasm. "Why don't you head off instead, if you're so interested? Lord knows you'll get more out of it than I will. "

"You know I can't do that." Yorick smiled sadly. "Besides, if you were so against the idea, you could have just as easily refused. It's not like any of us could really force you to go. Why did you agree to take the job in the first place?"

Mordekaiser said nothing for a while, gazing firmly ahead at the dull horizon that seemed to stretch on forever. Just as Yorick was about to move on to talk about something else, assuming Mordekaiser didn't deem his question worthy of his time, he finally got an answer.

"I owe the king my life." Mordekaiser admitted with a heavy sigh. "He took me under his wing when I was nothing, when I had no one else to turn to. He believed in me and gave me a purpose. I could never hope to repay such a gesture, but… I find it hard to understand why the same sense of judgement that gave me so much would now have me out here, playing nice with a few Demacians. What possible purpose for such trivialities could there be?"

"Viego can be a little erratic at times." Yorick confessed. "But here I believe his motives are not quite so complicated. I think he simply wants for you to experience life outside of the Shadow Isles, to see what the world has to offer."

"He said the same thing." Mordekaiser frowned. "I still don't understand. I am happy here. I like the Shadow Isles, I like my life as it is. Why must things have to change?"

"I don't doubt that you are telling the truth, my friend." Yorick placed a comforting hand on Mordekaiser's shoulder plating, which was as he expected promptly shaken off. Still, Yorick continued to lecture him in that all-knowing voice he knew that Mordekaiser would find very annoying.

"But sometimes, you don't even know what you are so dearly missing from your life, simply because you haven't experienced it yet. With Viego, for example, I am sure that is what his wife was to him. And you, if Viego had not rescued you from being 'nothing' as you put it, I'm sure you'd never have come to be so attached to the Shadow Isles and its champions either."

"I am not attached to anyone." Mordekaiser growled, turning to scowl at Yorick. "Most certainly not you."

"Of course not." Yorick said knowingly, ignoring the aggressive comment. "But my point stands all the same. And they say that the quickest way for you to discover what you enjoy in life is to travel. It exposes you to many new ideas and people at once that there is bound to be something that catches your eye. If you really decide to come back afterwards, then what is a three month or so blip compared to the rest of your life you'll be spending here?"

Mordekaiser chose not to answer. He doubted that there would be anything out there that could really satisfy him like wreaking havoc in the Institute's matches, or helping to rule the Shadow Isles and the sense of fulfilment that came with such duties. Then again, he could have said the same thing about his fellow Shadow Isles denizens, but it seemed that they had all mellowed out in some way after interacting with the other champions within the institute. Well, most of them, anyway. Not that Mordekaiser had done the same, of course, he had better things to be doing than making friends with people who he might have to fight someday.

Still, if Viego and Yorick, two of the most intelligent people he knew, both thought there was some merit to this idea, then it wasn't entirely impossible that there might be something better out there, even for someone like him.

"Shall I take your lack of response as an agreement to what I've just said? I don't want to have to turn back when we're halfway there." Yorick stood before him on the murky coast, leaning slightly on a wooden oar that had been plunged into the ground. Mordekaiser glanced at the large boat before them, gently swaying back and forth in the gloomy waters, before giving a long last look back at his home. He could still say no. Tell Viego that his idea was stupid and carry on with his life just as it was.

And yet, there was some tiny part of Mordekaiser that was curious about how his life might turn out, should he take on the opportunity and leave everything he knew behind for a little while. After all, Yorick was probably right, he thought to himself as he took a step onto the boat that would carry them away from the Shadow Isles. What could possibly change in just a few months?