Tai stood besides his tower feeling refreshed since Ahri slept like a kitten last night. She was so torn up about the incident with Eswain that she fell asleep as soon as Tai got into bed. Jayce had done quite well getting two kills and an assist without dying once. Tai was proud to see his summoner improve. Tai knew something was coming as he felt the urge to move forward from his tower. An army of minions charged at Tai but they were no match for his swords edge. Tai could almost feel Jayce thinking. Tai ran at their tower and began swinging in hopes of destroying it before death. The tower fell as Tai took his final swing.
"Jayce I don't know if you can see but Jax and Darius are coming," Tai thought still unable to move due to his lack of free will. Suddenly Tai felt the need to move backwards towards his tower.
"Don't worry Tai I can take em!" Jayce spoke to Tai through his thoughts. Tai smiled at his enthusiasm.
Tai charged his ring magic and pulled Jax towards him. Jax swung low and Tai jumped evading the attack then began to swing at the towering foe. Tai's sword began to glow red and that meant his sword rush was about to be used. Tai swung low and high then with a single vertical swipe that slammed into the floor leaving a gap in the dirt Jax was finished. Tai then moved towards Darius gulping in hopes Jayce could win it. Tai then threw magic knives from his belt and then leaned into a crouch. Tai threw his magic ring watching as it split the ground in its wake. Blood gashed from a now open wound on Darius. Tai's sword began to glow red once again and Darius knew this was the end for him. Tai swung his sword once watching as the blood painted the floor, he swung a second time feeling the warm sticky blood on his skin, and then the third swing sent Darius crashing down into the floor along with Tai's blade. Tai smiled "Good work Jayce," Tai thought with a smile. Jayce hid a smile under his hood. Jayce even went red with embarrassment due to Tai's comment.
Tai slowly approached the next tower. He killed off the minions with a flick of his wrist and then turned his attention back to the tower. Tai began to slash at the tower. His blade emitted sparks every time it grazed across the smooth stone surface. The tower fell as Tai stood with satisfaction on his face. Tai looked across the field to see Garen get slaughtered by Katarina. Finally I can kick her ass, the grin on Tai's face was irreplaceable. Jayce could sense the tension between the two as they approached one another never unlocking eyes.
"Still hanging around with the slut? You could do so much better," Katarina grinned slyly as Tai poked his tongue out with an evil smile.
"She isn't a slut. Especially when it's mostly you girls who call her that. Now be quiet so I can enjoy finishing you off," Tai smirked taking the first swing only to feel a blade slice him.
"At least if I get my ass handed to me. It's by a cutie like you," Katarina seductively spoke and then winked adding to the tension. Tai gagged as the metals clashed. "See you won't turn a girl down. You're too nice," Katarina giggled trying to finish Tai. But Tai had other plans as his eyes began to glow red.
"May the mountains fall with you...mountain buster!" Tai's voice was echoing with bell-like rounded tones. It was like two people speaking from the same mouth. Katarina felt fear knotting in her stomach after hearing the demonic voice leave Tai's mouth.
Katarina knew she was done for Garen had already done major damage and if Tai landed a critical then she was dead. Tai threw his magic ring once again horizontally. Katarina let out a blood curdling scream as the ring sliced through her body. She screamed again as the edges around her closed tightly against her skin, she could feel a burning pain on her skin. She let out another scream as her bones creaked. A high pitch scream left Katarina's lips as she felt her rib cage break. Even in his demonic state Tai felt bad for the girl. Ending his attack as fast as possible Tai leapt at Katarina swinging his blade right on queue. She was now near death and her body was limp the ring loosened and sliced out the other end returning to Tai. Katarina had survived although a few more attacks and she was finished. Tai turned back to finish the job as the weak girl let tears fall from her eyes. Tai sliced through Katarina once watching as a painful moan escaped her lips. Tai swung the second time to end it, "I'm sorry Kat..." Tai said watching the girl weakly smile. Katarina extended her arm as Tai brought his sword across her chest. Katarina fell onto Tai leaving a large portion of her blood on Tai's undershirt. Tai softly rested Katarina on the ground and then turned to attack the nexus.
Ahri sat around still afraid Eswain would return like he promised. Tai's room was nice to hang around in but for a fox it got a little boring. Ahri was slowly going stir crazy in the room she sat. The door swung open slowly a familiar shadow casting over the light emitting through the door frame. Ahri jumped up letting her feet slap against the ground. Ahri took a quick glimpse at her feet surprised from the noise; she was wearing socks after all. Ahri skipped over to hug Tai from behind as he closed the door behind him. Tai let the fox wrap her arms around his neck. Tai grabbed Ahri by the thighs and pulled her up to give her a piggyback. He then dropped onto the couch with Ahri squished behind him. Tai then moved over giving Ahri some space. Ahri stood up letting out a quiet purr which surprised Tai. Ahri walked over to the table and grabbed a cup with a steamy liquid filled three quarters of the way. She handed Tai the cup and then sat down as if she were a cat. Tai took a quick sip and then scratched behind Ahri's ears.
"Did you have this prepared for me when I got back?" Tai asked smiling genuinely. Ahri smiled back winking flirtatiously.
"Tai I got so bored while you were out," Ahri pouted teasingly.
"Sorry to say Ahri I promised Jayce lunch," Tai said light hearted. Ahri was now seriously upset. Tai wrapped an arm around the beautiful fox. "I'll be with you tonight," Tai reassured as he stood up from his seat. Ahri grabbed Tai by the arm to keep him from leaving.
"Please just stay and be mine. Please Tai?" Ahri bit her lip looking cuter than ever in Tai's eyes. "Just for today..." Ahri finished with a weak smile that made Tai sit down.
"Ok Ahri I'll be yours for the rest of today," Tai smiled as Ahri jumped on top of him. Tai leaned over grabbing a silk blanket and pulling it over the two.
Ahri let her warm breath tickle Tai's neck. Tai didn't want to stay friends with Ahri anymore he had come to love his beautiful fox companion. Ahri let her hand slither towards Tai's groin and was surprised when Tai didn't stop her. Tai shook his head with a smile and Ahri got the hint that it wasn't the right time. Ahri peeled her red Ionian dress off. Tai was surprised as for she hadn't been wearing bras although she never did. Tai wrapped his slightly ripped arms around Ahri's waist and pulled her close. Ahri curled up with Tai and wrapped her tails around the two of them. Tai began to think dirty thoughts and as soon as he had pushed them out he realised his member was up. He could feel it touching Ahri's leg. Ahri smiled burying her head into Tai's neck. Tai blushed in embarrassment knowing that Ahri knew. The two warm bodied lovers slowly drifted to sleep while in each other's arms.
Tai slowly opened his eyes to find Jayce standing before him. Tai made sure Jayce couldn't see Ahri's bare chest even though Jayce was looking away. Tai poked at Jayce to get him to look or at least acknowledge Tai was awake.
"What's wrong Jayce? If this is about lunch earlier I'm sorry," Tai apologized rubbing his eyes. Jayce shook his head as if something was happening to him.
"I just wanted to alert you that we can't summon. Our magic barely works and until we learn the cause...they are going to check everyone inside the Institute of War," Jayce spoke quietly assuring to not awaken Ahri. "Do you think this has something to do with Eswain?" Jayce questioned resulting in Tai gasping and going wide eyed.
"I wouldn't be surprised me and Ahri ran into him the other day. If your accusation is correct his plan must be nearing its end and that means he is going to destroy the league of legends and the whole damn Institute of War," Tai shouted in a whisper trying not to awaken Ahri. He felt her slightly move amongst his body.
"Tai I need you to come help me. If it is Eswain I will need your help and knowledge of the Institute to be able to find him," Jayce spoke in a serious tone. Tai pushed himself slightly up and then sat back down. Jayce looked at Tai a little worried.
"Sorry I promised Ahri I would stay with her. I need you to act on my behalf and find out if this is Eswain," Tai spoke in a hushed tone. Jayce felt a little nervous at first but hearing the words coming from Tai he trusted he could do it. Jayce nodded with a game face, "...and Jayce can you make sure they don't check me today? I really owe you one," Jayce nodded walking off with a smile plastered on his face. Tai smiled at his bravery, "...and then he became a champion," Tai smiled realising Jayce was like Tai.
The sun began to set as Jayce searched around for clues that Eswain had something to do with this. Jayce sent Caitlyn to search the other end of the Institute of War. Jayce was shocked when he saw the bully who had been humiliated by Tai, especially due to the fact his eyes were completely purple. The bully turned to Jayce and whispered the words, "Soon...me and the lord shall rule Runeterra," with that he was gone. Jayce was terrified of the words. But he couldn't be sure if this was Eswain or just some coincidence. Only Tai could be sure but Jayce didn't want to disturb the two. Don't worry Tai you can count on me. If it is Eswain I'll make sure to ripen him up for your battle, Jayce thought grinning at the thought of an epic battle. Then Jayce began to shiver at the thought of the Institute being partially destroyed from the battle even staging.
Jayce ran to the library in search of a book on Eswain however the only book had been cursed and unable to open due to it. Jayce continued his search in hopes he would find even the slightest bit of information to help in his search. Jayce took a quick break and thought over the facts. First the bully and then the cursed book. Tai said he saw Eswain not long ago. The bully was strange and the book is cursed shut...Eswain is inside! Jayce loudly thought. Jayce knew something big must have been planned for him to be hidden away inside the Institute. Until anymore information was obtained however the hero could not end this tale.
Jayce stroked his temple as he felt tiredness sweep his body. Jayce let his head slowly fall to the table top. His vision was cloudy although he could see a purple aura. Jayce struggled to extend his arm the aura was just out of reach. He closed his hand and let it fall back down against the table's surface. Suddenly Jayce's vision went black and he could see nothing through it all. Jayce knew he was asleep although he was at ease and didn't want to awaken. A few words could be heard and gave Jayce an urge to wake up. "Thank you for finding my book. You see I could only curse the book but I never could find it. With this I can finally launch my preparations...soon my little Jayce," the voice laughed in result sending chills up Jayce's spine.
Caitlyn barged in through the door to Tai's residence. She went a bright red with embarrassment after seeing Tai and Ahri lying together. Tai however was awake and staring into thin air. Caitlyn felt a hint of jealousy come over her but instead shrugged it off remembering that Jayce was more important to her now.
"What is it Caitlyn?" Tai questioned looking slightly lost. Caitlyn giggled at the sight and that was something Tai hadn't heard from the girl in some time.
"Jayce won't awaken his in the infirmary," Caitlyn whispered to assure Ahri didn't awaken. "He was in the library asleep...probably because he wasn't reading a book," Caitlyn suggested pacing back and forth making a clack as she stepped. Caitlyn spun looking at Tai slyly as she had been curious but Tai spoke first. Caitlyn decided to ask after the Jayce conversation.
"So wait is Jayce in any kind of real danger or he is just asleep. He wasn't turning purple or anything was he?" Tai questioned slightly moving in his seat. Caitlyn shook her head and Tai breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't worry Caitlyn Jayce should awaken soon it's only an eternal essence spell," Tai muttered unsure if Caitlyn understood.
"So...Tai is she your girlfriend?" Caitlyn asked trying not to seem jealous.
"No. Not yet," Tai whispered looking at the fox taking quiet breaths. Caitlyn collapsed on a chair looking down at the floor. Tai watched the depressed looking girl stare into a void. "Caitlyn is something wrong?" Tai asked sincerely only to break the girl into quiet sobs.
"Tai I-I just...I miss you, I need you." Caitlyn could barely speak through her dry throat. Tai looked wide eyed.
"Sorry Caitlyn but my feelings towards you have changed. I did like you but I don't anymore...it's time to move on." Tai spoke softly and for some reason made Caitlyn feel slightly better. "Now no more crazy stuff...and please look beyond me because I am sure you will find a guy who is right in front of you," Tai continued with a smile. Caitlyn nodded and slowly walked out.
Conveniently Ahri woke up as soon as the door shut behind Caitlyn. She rubbed her head against Tai's neck smiling as she did so. Tai smiled scratching behind her ears once more. Ahri curled up again as Tai stood up and wrapped the blanket around the half naked girl. Ahri let out an unintentional purr. Tai's mind wondered back to Jayce. Tai was unsure if Jayce was truly going to be ok but from what he had learnt Tai's theory was correct. Tai spun around jumping as Ahri stood behind him with a curious face. She hugged Tai and whispered into his ear, "What's wrong?" Tai didn't even know what to say. She was sure to get scared if Tai said Eswain was inside the Institute. Tai opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a loud bang. The two pivoted their heads to face the door. Tai grasped his sword handle preparing for whatever was making such a racket.
An explosion blasted straight through the wall behind them sending the two reeling across the room. Ahri was now leaning against a wall with an eye closed and her teeth clenched. She was twitching in pain which angered Tai.
"I'm here for the fox's soul essence!" a familiar voice shouted. "Or should I kill the summoners who appear to have barged in?" the voice chuckled as Tai turned to face his fate.
"Leave Ahri out of this Eswain! Take the essence from the summoners!" Tai shouted leaning over to hand Ahri her dress. "Put it on quick," he whispered as Ahri nodded in a rush to put the dress on.
Eswain raised his arm and held his palm out before raising it as if he were going to shoot a magic orb from his hand. A small purple ripple sparked from his hand and then the summoners before him screamed in pain. The summoners fell one after another until five summoners laid in a pile. Eswain was now at full power. Tai's face was just like he thought, afraid. Tai stood up with his blade in hand. The two turned to look at the door as Caitlyn and Jayce entered. Eswain laughed and then flashed away. As everyone looked in his direction they realised he had teleported away.
"Tai we need to get me to the summoning platform. The first battle is going to be in the rift. It's a single kill to win but that shouldn't be a problem right?" Jayce spoke energetically which made Tai feel a little easier.
"I guess not. But where's the second battle?" Tai question scratching the back of his neck.
"Right here at the Institute, it will decide the fate of the world...and the death of a champion..." Jayce said looking down in doubt. "He is now at full power and can open the void. If he seals these two victories the world is doomed." Jayce was in sudden doubt but Tai knew if he kept the spirits of the people around him up then they would stand a chance.
The three ran through the halls until finally reaching the marble staircase leading to the summoner's platform. Caitlyn stopped Jayce for a quick kiss on the lips, "Don't lose this one sweetie," Jayce nodded with a smile of hope. Jayce couldn't conjure his ball of magic though. He remembered that summoning had been failing. The bully laughed throwing Jayce a pair of gloves with a gem in the centre of them. "Use them idiot...it's how we are going to battle," the bully smirked demonically laughing. As Jayce summoned Tai he felt his body get leeched into the rift alongside Tai.
"You see this battle will only be one kill because the summoner dies alongside his champion," Eswain grinned eerily.
"Don't be so sure my summoner is a gold tier unlike your bronze summoner," Tai smirked spinning his sword around his thumb. "Now then let's dance," Tai grinned running at the foe.
The field around them was just a floating chunk of dirt large enough to manoeuvre around. Tai and Eswain began swinging at each other. Their swords met each other's skin and blood was shed. As the two battled for what seemed like an eternity Jayce eyed the bully. Jayce jerked back to reality when he heard the screeching of the champion's boots as they slid back from a clash of their metals. Jayce had a smart idea and decided to concentrate on Tai but charge a powerful fire spell using his other hand. His orb quivered as he did so but Tai was still ok. Within moments Jayce threw the fireball at the other summoner watching as he died and Eswain was teleported back to reality.
"Smart move kid," Tai grinned as the two teleported back to reality. When they returned Caitlyn only stood and no Ahri was to be seen. "What happened to Ahri?" Tai asked in fear for the worst.
"The void champion's came and hassled us then they ran away when Eswain appeared. He just swiped her from my side and flew off with her," Caitlyn said with a sympathetic expression.
"You two protect each other and get this damned Institute's summoners and champions out of here!" Tai shouted as he ran off.
The sky was now red and a giant rip in the sky that appeared to be charging up gave a purple glow to the world. The rip was probably the void being opened. Tai charged his magic ring then using it as a shield he jumped on top of it as it flew through the air. Tai leeched the magic into his palm. Tai and Eswain were now face to face on the rooftop of the Institute of War.
"Come to save your girlfriend have we?" Eswain laughed throwing Ahri onto the ground in front of them. "I won't lie she thinks pretty highly of you, too bad you won't live up to that," Eswain chuckled.
"Did you hurt her!?" Tai growled taking a few steps closer.
"Did I hurt her? No. But seeing you asked so nicely..." Eswain laughed manically as he pushed Tai and Ahri away with an energy blast.
Tai and Ahri went soaring through the air. Tai landed first on the cold hard pavement of the courtyard and Ahri landed on top of him. Ahri opened her eyes smiling as she rested her hands on Tai's chest. The two stared into each other's eyes.
"We really need to stop meeting like this," Tai said giggling along with Ahri.
"...Tai encase we don't live through this I wanted to tell you something..." Ahri began in a hushed tone that was cute even in these times. "I love you and only you," she finished as Tai smiled at the girl biting her lip.
"Ahri we will make it through this," Tai reassured pushing his fingers through Ahri's hair. "...I love you too Ahri..." Tai continued after his brief pause.
"Tai don't be so stubborn you can't win all your fights...this is one of them," Ahri weakly smiled continuing to stare into Tai's red orbs while he looked into her golden ones.
"Don't be silly Ahri I don't plan on dying today," Tai grinned which resulted in Ahri smiling. With that Eswain swooped down and grabbed Ahri dragging her back to the rooftop. Ahri just smiled at Tai with a single tear leaving her eye.
Tai reached the rooftop once more to find Eswain standing and Ahri half dangling from the edge of a building. Tai felt tears welling in his eyes as he witnessed Ahri still being brave and facing her fate. Tai unsheathed his sword feeling his eyes glow red with mana. Everything began to turn a tinted red as an aura shot up from Tai feet. Tai's canine teeth sharpened into fangs. The ground Tai stood on began to crack and a blue light shone out through the gaps. Katarina winded past Tai.
"Katarina what are you doing!? He will kill you!" Tai shouted using his unnatural voice once more. Katarina turned back afraid of the voice but then smiled as she saw Tai now at full power. She turned her attention back to the bulky towered foe.
"Tai I understand now that you love Ahri!" Katarina yelled slowly getting closer to Eswain. "You save your girl while I stall!" Katarina shouted preparing to swing. "...and Ahri you were never a slut..." Katarina spoke in a hushed tone but loud enough for Ahri to hear. Eswain bet Katarina to the swing and sent her reeling back all the way to Tai.
"Katarina!" Tai shouted unnaturally. She was smiling with blood dripping from her mouth. She coughed some dry blood onto the marble floor and looked at Tai. She winked and then laid motionless in a small pool of blood. "You will be ok Kat I promise!" Tai shouted softly with an edge in his unnatural tone.
"I'll be fine...just kick that pricks...ugly ass," Katarina stuttered coughing. Tai stood up from his kneeling position and charged at the enemy.
Eswain smirked charging at Tai himself. The two leapt into the air leaving cracks in the roof. Tai had a frown plastered upon his face as he held his sword over his shoulder. Eswain however had a smirk and held his giant sword over his head. The two were now in each other's reach. The contestants swung their blades and let their metals clash with a thud. Some trees in the distance levelled with the connection of blades.