Chapter 3
A date with Akali?
(? ? ? ? Point of View)
-One, two, what do I see?
Three, Four, nothing more,
Five, Six, a curious mix,
Seven, Eight, Love and Hate,
Nine,Ten...
...
One, Two, what do I see?
Two half-foxes...
Are they meant to be?
One, Two, Three, Four,
Only that, and nothing more.
(Main Character Point of View)
I'm late... AGAIN. She will kill me this time for sure. I mean... she didn't kill me the other twenty-or-so times I was late, but she will for sure this time!
Having to travel between Ionia and home when I have such a busy schedule will not do me any good.
Plus, that Demon Fo... I mean... that dumb Fox makes me run errands on the other side of Ionia and then asks me to be at the training grounds at impossible hours.
Well, if she won't kill me, this will.
I doubt than two months ago I would be able to run this much, but I think I've got used to it. As much as I hate to admit it, I have been appreciating our time together, despite being all strength exercises and stamina and stuff like that. I grew rather affectionate to her, I really like to talk to her... For a really long time I had no one to talk to, I was alone, with nobody who would believe in me, but... she believes, and she is helping me. Although I told her that what I want to achieve is impossible now, she didn't gave up. She laughed.
"Tell me one thing. Did you believe someone like me existed before you met me?"
"No...I guess not?"
"Why?"
"Because that would be impossib-"
"Exactly, it's only impossible if you believe it is."
I hate to admit it, but now I have a reason to push myself, to better myself. I should find a way to thank her properly, in some way.
As I was reaching the exit of Ionia, I passed by the Kinkou Order. I've been so busy with training that I barely remembered, I should apologize to Master Shen... maybe next time, today I really can't afford to do it. Each second I'm late is a minute added to the time of my training.
Why am I enduring such hard conditions? Well... I kinda asked for it... literally, but... never mind, not important.
As I reached Ionia's exit, I felt someone touching my shoulder, I turned around and saw that Akali was standing right in front of me.
"You and me are going on a date right now."
"Ah... wait. WHAT?"
(Ahri's Point Of View)
He is late... AGAIN. Well, I suppose I didn't gave him much time to begin with.
Two months... that's how long he's been training with me, and, honestly, I've had lots of fun. I gave him simple tasks in the beginning but he always pushed himself harder than I told him to. Hard to believe that two months ago he was just a scared kid, I remember it like it was today.
"Tell me. Why the Kinkou order?"
"W-Why do you want to know?"
"I'm curious, that's all."
"It was always been my dream... ever since I saw a demonstration at the Blood Moon Festival when I was a kid..."
"Then tell me... why were you crying?"
"I... I messed it up."
"How come?
"I got carried away by anger and did something I shouldn't, I enraged Master Shen... He will never forgive me..."
"Tell me. What kind of person is that Master Shen?"
"Hum... Well... He is a really kind a gentle person, he always reaches out for those in need, he is very strong, he always said there was only one person who matched him in strength, although he never said who. He is the chief of the Kinkou Order, he takes on dangerous missions to assure the security and wealth of Ionia, everyone trusts him, he is the person I look up to... I mean... was."
"You seem to like that Master Shen very much."
"Y-Yes, that would be correct."
"Well. I listened to you, now, you'll listen to me, agreed?"
"Ah... yeah sure."
"Ok, so... *cough* From what you told me that Master Shen of yours seems like an honest and kind person. What you did doesn't really concern me but, you should apologize to him, and show him, how strong you really are."
"I'm not strong or anything, he even said so himself that-"
"I'm not talking about physical strength. I'm talking about emotional one, because, I'm guessing what you did had to do with your emotional state?"
"Yes, but how did you-?
"Lucky guess."
"Oh. Ok. I guess."
"..."
"C-Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah sure."
"Are you strong?"
"Physically or Emotionally?
"Both."
"I would say so, why do you ask?"
I was very surprised when he, yet again, bowed his head onto the floor.
"Please, help me."
"...?"
"I want to be someone who Master Shen can be proud of, I want to be someone who doesn't fear anything, I want to be someone who is able to protect what is valuable to me, I WANT TO BE SOMEONE OF VALUE."
Silly boy.
"Are you sure? I won't have mercy on you."
YOU should be the one to be proud of yourself.
"Never been so sure in my life."
Fear isn't something bad, it exists as a defense mechanism, if something, you should fear your own fear.
"You think you're ready?"
You already are able to protect what is valuable to you, you protected your village even at the cost of your life. The outcome doesn't matter, what matters is that you tried, and no one can say otherwise.
"No... Hehe, not even a bit."
You already are someone of value, just for the sheer fact that you are alive.
"Good we start tomorrow, be ready!"
He got up in a jump with a big smile on his face.
"T-Thank you Miss... ah...hum..."
"Ahri."
"Y-Yes, thank you Miss Ahri."
"Just Ahri... if you don't mind."
Yeah he sure grew up.
By the way... he is late, like, real late, where the hell is he?
(Main Character Point Of View)
"E-Excuse me?"
"Yeah, you heard me right. We're going on a date, right now."
Ok, I don't know what's wrong with her, she is definitely not interested in me, why ask me on a date then? It makes no sense! Well either way today I can't.
"Sorry, today I'm busy, maybe some other d-"
I didn't finish my sentence when I felt that familiar metallic felling in my neck.
As I looked down I saw, one of her Kamas inches away from my neck.
"Your answer?"
"Do I even have a choice?"
"Death's always a choice but, you know... do not rush."
"Tchh."
If I go with Akali, Ahri kills me, but If I go to Ahri...
*sigh*
"Fine, but make it quick."
"Make it quick? Pff, you must be popular among the ladies."
"Cut to the chase, what do you want?"
"Just come with me."
As we headed to the shop district of Ionia I could not help but to question, why me?
"So... can you tell me what do I need to do now?"
"I need your help."
She talked while not even staring at me. Ok, she seems to know where she wants to go.
"With?"
"Modeling."
"What?"
"Yes, you heard me."
"I don't understand."
"Just try something for me, that's all."
"You could've said that earlier."
"I did."
*sigh*
"Sure... sure you did."
We walked past a few stores and then she stopped at a kimono store.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Couldn't you ask Shen or Kennen?"
"..."
"Ok, let me guess. What you are about to buy is for Shen and the reason why you asked me is because me and him have similar sizes right?"
"What happen to the Master?"
"I gave up on that..."
"Hum... ok, if you say so."
"Why didn't you asked Shen what was his clothes size?"
"It's a surprise."
"Ask Kennen to ask him then."
"He would get jealous of Master Shen."
"Jealous? What do you mean jeal... oh. Really? You're quite the heart breaker yourself."
"Shut up!"
For many people this would seem like a normal friendly conversation, but, IT-WAS-NOT. We both had kind of an arrogant attitude when confronted, so, it was not easy for us to speak to each other. But, if it meant getting this over quickly, I was more than happy to give her a hand.
"So... are we going in or...? I have stuff to do, you know?"
"Like what?"
"Nothing that concerns you, honestly."
We entered the store and were greeted by an old woman, Akali rushed and gave her the specifics on what she wanted. A red Kimono-like clothes.
"... that fits him."
She said pointing at me. The old woman looked at me for a second, smiled and turned to Akali.
"Your boyfriend is really handsome."
Akali gave me an angry look which I returned back at her. I think the old lady felt the tension in the air because she didn't spoke for a few moments afterwards.
After fifteen long minutes we finally got out.
"That was boring."
"Yeah I know, sorry."
"What? You're apologizing to me? Tchh, my day just got better."
"Yeah, yeah so funny..."
Akali walked me to Ionia's entrance, we didn't spoke much honestly. As we were walking my eyes catched the glimpse of a small store and something caught my attention. It was not something really shiny or elaborate but I liked it. It was a tiny bell tied to a couple of red strings and with a nice butterfly like arrangement at the bottom. It was really nice, not something that I would wear but... maybe I could give it to Ahri, like some sort of thank you gift?
"It's really nice."
"Yeah... yeah it is."
"Are you gonna buy it?"
"Maybe..."
"Is it for you?"
"No its for- wait how long have you been there?"
I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't even Akali behind me.
"Aaaaah... I've been with you for a couple of minutes now... do you have Amnesia or something?"
"N-no, you just scared me, that's all."
"Sooooo... you didn't answer me, who are you going to buy this for?"
"S-someone, doesn't matter what... I mean who."
"Hum... is that so?"
It was really expensive, I barely had the money for it, I was saving for a new blade but... oh well, I guess I wouldn't need one for a long time.
I really hope she likes it.
Akali walked me to Ionia's entrance we walked silently but, as we were almost arriving she stopped.
*sigh* "Fine, I'll ask since you didn't mention it."
"What?"
"Why didn't you came back? We were waiting for you."
"Ah... Excuse me?"
"Don't play dumb, you used to visit the Kinkou Order almost everyday, then suddenly you stopped. WHY?"
"You know why..."
"Tchh, a bad memory clouds even the most rational judgment, believe me, I know."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
Akali's eyes widen.
"Ah...hum... never mind, I spoke to much. Either way. What I am saying is... If you are willing to give up that easily, then you never had a chance."
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Ok, how about this? We, in the Kinkou Order, however difficult the situation may be, we never give up!"
She stared at me for a while like she was hoping to get some sort of reaction.
*sigh* "That's it, goodbye."
What the hell did she meant with that?
(Akali's Point Of View)
"I'm back."
"Welcome back Akali, out for a walk?"
"Yeah, something like that Master Shen."
"How come?"
"I just learned something rather... interesting."
"Care to share?"
"Maybe later, I'm not certain of it yet."
"If you say so. I'm curious either way."
"Oh believe me. If my hunch is right, it'll be worth the wait."
(Main Character Point Of View)
I'M LATE I'M LATE I'M LATE.
I'm almost there but that doesn't change the fact that I kept her waiting, I'm so screwed.
She must be angry, she must be furious, she must be itching to kill me. Oh god, I deserve it. Why the hell did I accept Akali's invite? Well, I mean... "invite".
But... I've got this for her, should I give her this today? Hum... let's see, if things go well I might do it, if not... some other day.
To be honest I expected her to be with an angry face but what I saw was way more terrifying, way more scary, way more breath-taking.
She was not angry, she was not upset, she was... smiling.
"I'm... dead."
I took a deep breath, I knew that she could already see me, so I walked as confident as I could but, as soon as I saw that devilish smile on her face, I knew that my fate was sealed. It didn't matter if I walked with confidence or not, she had me in the palm of her hand. People say that in difficult situations one must play its cards correctly but, right now, my deck had been stripped to a single card, and it was one with a manufacturing defect. *sigh*
"H-hi..."
"Nice day don't you think?"
"L-Listen...hehe... y-you see..."
"It would be a shame to wast it."
"It wasn't my fault..."
"But that's what you made me do."
"I was just-"
"On your knees."
"Sure."
I dropped to my knees almost instantaneously.
"You know what to do."
"Yes."
Push-ups, that's what she meant.
I stood in position and started, but as soon as I had done one, my entire body was pushed down and my face hit the mud.
"Agh."
"Be careful, I don't want to get dirty."
She was lying on top of me, like she was resting.
*sigh* "Perfect..."
"You said something?"
"N-no, I was just thinking how easy this was."
"Oh is that so?"
"Y-y-yeah..."
My whole body started to tremble, I could not withstand that much longer I could barely push myself up anymore. I tried one last push.
"A-A-Ahri... I don't think... I can... bear it... any...more.
"What do you mean you can- Wait... I- Agh."
We both fell into the mud, well, for me it didn't make much difference since my clothes were already dirty so it didn't matter too much. But... for Ahri...
"Ah, look at what you've done."
I looked at her and, to be honest, she seemed more guilty than angry.
"Ah, s-sorry."
*sigh* "Well... I guess it was my fault as well. I need to wash up. Hum... There's a river nearby, you coming?"
"Hum? What do you mean?"
"You're not going back home like that, are you?"
"N-no but-"
"Then come with me."
(Ahri Point Of View)
I had to pull him by his hand, or he wouldn't come. He kept trying to convince me not to go, that he would wash it later, but every time he said that he blushed, I don't know what's the big problem.
We arrived to the river and he started, again, making excuses.
"L-Listen, it's not a big deal, really, I can wash it later..."
"I mean... you're already here so... why not?"
He blushed really hard and looked away.
"I mean... I'm a boy and you... that would not be polite..."
Oh, so that was the case huh? Hum... hehe. Time to give him a little scare.
"Ok, if that's the case then look away please, I'm gonna wash them."
"S-Sure."
He blushed again and quickly turned away.
Time to tease him.
I started to undress putting all of my tails in a form that even if he turned around he wouldn't be able to see me. I wash my clothes and put them to dry in some nearby rock. I dove into the water, It was cold, but rather nice for the season.
"The water is really good."
"..."
"It would feel so good after some tiring activity, don't you think?"
"..."
"Oh come on, don't you wish to join me?"
"..."
He's starting to break, I can see it.
Time to finish him off.
"So... you don't want to come? I knew it, I'm so ugly that nobody would want me..."
"N-No that's... not true..."
"Then prove it, turn around and look at me."
"B-But..."
"Just do it already!"
He turned around rather quickly. He blushed again.
"I'm... going to get you for that one... hope you know that."
I used my tails to cover myself, my head being the only thing visible.
"What for? Were you expecting something?"
"You demon f-"
"What?"
"I mean... ah...hum... you dumb fox."
"Aw that was sweet, I'll forgive you the previous one, let's pretend it didn't happen. Ok, now being serious. Get in!"
*sigh* "Fine!"
He took off his shirt and entered.
"Ah... I understand the trousers but, why didn't you took of your shoes?"
"Hum... N-nothing really."
It didn't look like it was nothing, it looked like he was hiding something. And I wanted to know what.
"Sooooooo... you're not going to take them off?"
"No."
"Can I know why?"
"Nothing in particular."
"I think you're hiding something."
"N-No I'm not..."
"And I want to know what."
In a swift movement I pushed him back making him lose his balance, I took advantage to take off his shoes, after all, I'm just a sly fox.
"Now let's see what you've be-... w-what is this?"
His feet were covered in wounds and dry blood, even underwater those wounds were clearly visible.
He screamed in pain and the water beneath his feet started to become red.
"H-How?"
"I-It's nothing... r-really I just- Agh... did things a bit harder than I should... hehe...gh..."
"You should've told me then!"
"He, and why- Agh... is that?"
Flashbacks of our training popped up in my head, me making him run across the field while throwing my fox-fire at his feet to make him dodge. God, he should've been in constant pain, what did I do?
"I'm... I'm sorry, I-"
"LISTEN!"
He gave me a small flick in the head, it didn't really hurt that much, but caught me by surprise.
"Ouch, what was that for?"
"Don't think to much of yourself you dumb fox. If this happened it was because I let it happen, It was my fault, I don't blame you, neither should you."
"But-"
"No but, you did more than I asked you to already... thank you for that..."
"..."
"Well, I might as well take a dive while I'm in here."
He dove into the water and got right back up.
"Pff, you were right the water is good."
"Y-yeah."
*sigh*"Listen, something like this is but a mere scratch."
He put his hand over the right side of his chest, were his scar was.
"...yes, a mere scratch. I should be the one felling guilty, you saved my life and I didn't do anything to repay you. So... please, don't worry about me, just punish me with everything you've got will you? Hehe."
You already repayed me you silly, just for the sheer fact that you are keeping me company almost everyday is making me feel more human, I'm glad I followed you that day.
"S-Stupid..."
"What was that?"
"Nothing. Close your eyes I'm gonna change."
He got out of the water, he make it seem like he was fine but he was clearly in pain. Why do you do this to yourself?
"Let's head back shall we?"
"Yeah, sure."
We walked silently, I couldn't bring myself to say anything, he was being too nice to me, I wasn't used to people being nice. I still wanted to thank him somehow, but how?
"Huh, Ahri? Are you there?"
"Ah, huh, what?"
"You spaced out, is everything ok?"
"Y-yeah."
His hair was dripping everywhere.
"L-Listen... let me dry your hair."
"Huh? What for?"
"No special reason."
"There's no need for it, it'll dry when I-"
"Please?"
"...Fine, I guess."
"Sit down."
"Ah... what are you going to dry it with? There is no towels here, is there?"
"My tails..."
"Hahaha... wait, are you serious?"
"Yes... I know it's a little strange but-"
"Awesome! They really come in handy don't they? I wish I had ones just like you!"
I felt myself blush, really hard.
"Just... Shut up."
His hair was really soft, and, despite being wet, it had a really good smell.
"Aaaaaah... Ahri?"
A smell that made me remind of something from long time ago, although I didn't remember what it was.
"Aaahri!"
It was a smell that made me feel warm inside and-
"AHRI!"
"Ah... what?"
Without even realizing I had my face buried on his hair.
"Can I ask you what were you doing? Or... like... hehe."
"No... I... The thing is... Like... I... I mean..."
*sigh* "Never mind, no big deal. I'll take it as a sign that you like my hair really much."
I felt myself blush even harder. How could I make such a thing?
"Am I good to go?"
"Huh? Yeah."
He got up and stretched.
"gh, I'm tired."
"Ah, well, see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah but before that..."
"Yes?"
He started messing with his hair and looked very embarrassed, looking at the floor.
"Y-You see, four months from now, Ionia will be holding the Blood Moon Festival and... huh... I wanted to ask you if... you wanted to... come with me..."
"M-Me?"
"Y-yeah... Unless you don't want to, I totally understand if that's the-"
"I would love to..."
A huge smile formed in his face, although it was perfectly visible that he was still embarrassed.
"C-cool, then...well, see you tomorrow I guess."
He turned and left. As I was seeing him walking away, my heart started pounding really hard.
"Just... stop..."
It had happened sometimes already, like when he smiled, when he was really happy, and now, when he invited me.
"Shut up..."
Why does this happen? Why does this...
A sudden thought crossed my head.
"Am I... falling for him?"
(Main Character Point of View)
God, I'm tired, today was a fun day despite my little..."Inconvenience" with Akali, but, I guess that also worked out, after all I got to buy her that...thing... and...YOU ARE KIDDING ME. I totally forgot to give her that. Aaaaah, and she was in such good mood... *sigh* maybe tomorrow or some other day.
My life seemed pretty much better at that point, I felt really happy and tough that nothing could go wrong anymore but... life had other plans.