"Enough!"
They had been raring to go just a moment before, yet the sheer volume had startled them. Garen was normally a kind and energetic person, but the only thing that went through was the chill running down their spines. His eyes betrayed no hostility, yet one word had been enough to humble both of their blades from drawing.
Yasuo simply peered inside, relieving the flaps of the tent and walking off. There was no need to intervene… yet.
The two looked away, catching the small glimpse of their chosen leader's gaze with shame. Akali immediately went quiet.
"This is no time to be bickering like children when we have Armageddon at our doorsteps. Does it pain you to have another ally defending your home, your pride, Akali?!" She bowed, refusing to keep eye contact. Garen nodded, turning to Ichigo with a reply that came just as hotly as the other.
"You may be strong, but there is no need to waste it on meaningless conflict. You must know your place." Ichigo sighed, gritting his teeth and tightening his grip about his blade.
"I understand. Then, what do we do now?" Garen's lip curved, if only slightly at the prospect of discovering what might be hidden in his blade, or rather, his heart.
"Many of our members have been energetic and ready for battle, some more than others. Keep in mind that searching for others to join our ranks is our first priority, then the rest can follow." Ichigo scratched his head, unable to respond. How could he? He had no idea who or where to look- it would be much better suited for someone with more knowledge of the land.
"Where do we even start? You make it sound like we're nowhere close to finishing." Garen unfurled a map, laying it flat against the desk as the two approached, peering over at the many red, blue, and black marks scattered about the page. Garen cleared his throat, tracing a finger between the largest markers as he spoke.
"That my friend, is where you are mistaken. We've sent out messengers far and wide, all across the continent and even to the lands of Ionia, not that you would know what that is. These messages are information, the key to gathering allies. Our main force is in this camp, and we are at the borders of the Noxian capital. When we arrive, I want both of you to be on your best. Our first impression is the most important." Once again, Ichigo was confused. And when people get confused, well, they're bound to ask.
"So, this Nox place… who are we looking for?" Garen took a small papyrus page from his belt, sliding it into his hands without hesitation.
"There have been many tales, stories, and legends surrounding many of these warriors. However, there are over a dozen that have caught my eye as potential prospects."
"Swain…" He mumbled the name cautiously, staring hard at the information gathered. So he's their king, but, does that mean that he's strong or something? This is already getting complicated…
Armor-clad feet stomped on the ground outside the tent, alerting the three of a new, but not unwelcome presence as a head poked out from the entrance. Golden armor that seemed to shine even in the dark prodded his notice, and two eyes bore from beneath the helm. Whatever it was, was tall, and strong. Ichigo could feel it in his bones.
"Kayle. I assume you bring news, then?"
"Yes, I do. Our letter reached Emperor Swain and his generals. He has agreed to meet with us, and he has a message of his own that is… concerning." Garen's brows furrowed, and he eagerly took the sealed parchment. One could only tell what information belied his army…
"He doesn't have any demands, rather he wishes to give us information. Apparently he has news of where the void's armies actually lie." Garen looked up in shock, almost frozen.
"What?! That's impossible! We sent out scouts, even a small legion to confirm the presence in the Frejlord. Are you saying…" The soldier nodded, removing her helm in the process. Golden hair flowed rich from beneath the helm, and blue eyes pierced the growing tension.
"Yes. The void's true destination is not just in the Frejlord, but their movement is centered in the deserts of Shurima." His fast crashed into the table with a loud bang.
"Damn it! We must finish our business here quickly then. We will leave for the capital in the morning, and face the consequences later. We will reach the citadel by noon." She nodded quickly, leaving behind, but Ichigo felt her eyes linger just a little bit longer. Ichigo felt her gaze even after she had left the confines of the tent.
"You two, rest for the night. I want all of us ready to leave tomorrow." Garen's voice was pushed to the back of his mind as he left the tent, and his response was mumbled beneath his breath.
"Y-Yeah…"
The night had not passed easily for Ichigo, tossing and turning, sweating inside his chambers with a bit of worry that day might not arrive at all. Questions plagued his mind so in the darkness of the early morning, before the sun rose, he found himself coaxing a fire to life beneath his palms. The log his sat on was dry, which told him that it had not rained in quite a while.
A few others shuffled about, and he could hear the clanking of armor plates mashing as many geared themselves for the day ahead. Ichigo remained in his clothing, unable to summon back the cloak he wore as a shinigami. Does that mean that I have my original abilities? Or is everything…
Small whispers within told him otherwise. It was a strange feeling. At one point, he felt a bit weaker… more… human. But the energy he felt within was stronger than it had ever been, like it had been growing in his time of absence. He lifted one of his blades, and willed his power forth. Spirit energy swelled and coated it, providing light even brighter than that of the roaring fire cooking at his feet. A hand against his shoulder took him from his thoughts.
He turned, and it was more than obvious that it was Akali who stood before him. She sat next to him, basking her hands in the warmth with a drawn-out sigh. The energy gathered faded in hushed wisps scattered to the wind.
"For the record, I'm sorry about yesterday. Things haven't been the greatest since I started traveling." Ichigo soaked in her words with haste. It's good to know that she's not hostile anymore… I think.
"Don't worry about it. " She turned to him, eyes burning.
"But I threatened your life! Does that not mean anything?" Akali was about as rigid as they came, it seemed.
"I said don't worry about it… honestly. I'm not mad or anything, you did what you thought was best. Some random person shows up and they're claimed as a savior… it puts your hard work to shame." She seemed lost for words, simply staring back into the flames.
"Yeah…" He wanted to ask, but, he felt as if protruding into her life might not be the best right now. He hoped that he was right.
"Not to interrupt you two, but we're getting ready to leave. The wagon is ready to go." Someone who he hadn't met yet pointed over to the cart- it was large enough to hold the ten or so people within the camp. Ichigo clipped the blade back into his belt loop, thanking his lucky stars that it had some way staying close. I don't know exactly what is happening, but I can feel it. I was called here for a reason… for something that nobody else can do.
For any questions, this was kind of the 'Part 2' of Chapter 1, so treat it as such. This, as well as the next few are just going to be tools used to help give an explanation for the situation, as well as produce an atmosphere for the rest of the story. Chapter 2 will be posted along with this as well, so I apologize for the long wait.
Agrithnum