As their auras raged on the two continued an endless stare off. The two were interrupted by Vladimir and there was nothing Tai could do to save him. Tai actually didn't care if Vladimir died as for the two of them always argued and he tried stealing Ahri from him. Before Vladimir could even attack Eswain he had already been beheaded. Tai hid his smile and then charged at Eswain with his sword dragging along the roof. Eswain stood still and as soon as Tai's blade slammed into his they were pushed back by the power of their weapons. The champions and summoners that stood in the forest watching the battle lost balance due to the world shaking. Tai charged his ring blade making his aura and the whole of Runeterra rattle. Eswain watched Tai impressed by his actions. Tai threw his magic ring directly at his opponent. The magic ring sliced the floor in two as it rolled its outer edges sharper than ever. Tai had confidence this would hit however Eswain had rolled to the side and thrown a purple magic orb. Tai jumped back watching as the orb blew up in front of him. The building began to collapse unable to support itself. The summoners and champions watched in awe although the thought of losing their home was rather gut wrenching.
Ahri was amazed by Tai's efforts; even though she told him it was their fate to die he continued to fight on. None of them had even landed a hit yet but that just proved this was an even battle. Eswain ran at Tai knowing how Tai would react. Tai sprinted at Eswain however when Eswain swung down causing the building to collapse slightly, Tai ran around Eswain and with a single slash both of Eswain's wings fell to the floor.
"Just die you little shit!" Eswain growled swinging at Tai fast. Eswain was amazed by Tai's speed he dodged every swing effortlessly.
"You first," Tai grinned parrying Eswain's sword to the side. With an opening Tai swung lightly only scratching Eswain's armour.
"I'll take that tongue of yours and feed it to the abominations of the void!" Eswain shouted bringing his sword down upon Tai. Eswain pushed as hard as he could while Tai had his blade raised to meet Eswain's. The world rumbled around them causing almost everyone to fall over. Ahri even slid a little further off the edge of the building.
"You're pretty sure of yourself buddy. How can you be so sure you will win this fight?" Tai smirked as a bead of sweat dripped down his nose.
"Because I had a vision and this was your resting place!" Eswain laughed pushing down harder causing Valoran to open a fissure letting half the Institute fall as it opened. "You see kid I am the lord, I am the harbinger of this world, I am-" Eswain was pushed back by Tai who was grinning at the purple tower.
"Shut up beef cake and fight!" Tai yelled swinging low and managing to cut Eswain's exposed shin. Although Eswain didn't even scream in pain. "May the mountains fall with you!" Tai's voice more unnatural than ever. Tai threw his magic ring watching as it repeated the Katarina process. As Tai regained his magic ring he heard an explosion. "I can get used to this," Tai murmured to himself.
"I'm not done with you little insect!" Eswain growled wrapping his giant hands around Tai. He then proceeded to slam Tai into the floor.
Jayce and Caitlyn watched in horror. Tai's limp body continually slammed into the marble surface. Ahri could barely watch the battle commencing it was too brutal and it was even sadder that her love was the one being attacked. Eswain dropped Tai on his back leaving him laying on the ground with blood dripping from his eye and mouth. Eswain turned to Ahri who squealed in terror causing Tai to feel a need to step in. But he couldn't his back was in pain, his chest was in pain, his whole body was in pain, although the worst part was everything was ringing in his ears while his numb body wouldn't listen to Tai's commands. Tai coughed causing Eswain to turn wide eyed.
"Just die!" Eswain shouted angrier than ever. He walked at a fast pace towards Tai's motionless body. "Why won't you just DIE!" Eswain growled kicking Tai a few yards away. Tai couldn't close his right eye anymore he knew it was swollen open.
"I already told you...if you die first, I will gladly oblige," Tai chuckled then continued into a coughing fit.
"You want to know something? This world is a world that balances life and death on the edge of a dagger. It is a constant fight for survival. That is why the stronger your weapon is, the more weapons you can wield, the size of your weapon. It will determine fates," Eswain said dragging Tai by the collar on his duster.
"You're wrong..."Tai mumbled. "It's how you use the weapon. This world isn't always a fight for survival sometimes it's filled with humour, romance and passion..." Tai continued trying to speak at the loudest his lungs would allow. "I used to have a thirst for power. It locked me out of friendship and all the other things this world has to offer. But I learnt that I would have traded all that in just to be with my friends...and Ahri," Tai coughed as Eswain dropped Tai beside Ahri.
"Well if you love your little fox so much...you can watch her die," Eswain laughed as Tai let a tear fall from his eye.
Tai didn't know what was worse the fact that he was beaten so badly or that he was about to lose and fail Ahri. No he knew what could top that, the fact that he couldn't close his right eye and now he had to watch Ahri die. Tai began to think Ahri's words were right and this was their fate. Perhaps death was inevitable. Is this how it ends? Will we all die here like this? My parents were right I would never be strong enough to defeat Eswain. It should have been me who died not Zack. He should have been here right now protecting Ahri, not me. Tai looked at Ahri as she looked at him with her hands and legs bound by ropes.
"I'm sorry Ahri," Tai whispered letting his tears roll down his cheeks. "You were right our deaths were inevitable," Tai weakly smiled trying to reassure Ahri.
"I know Tai. At least we die together," Ahri whispered as her eyes welled with her salty tears. "But at least we will be together on the other side," Ahri gasped from crying.
At that moment Tai felt his body regaining it movement. Tai used this as his chance he charged his ring magic and quickly pushed himself up pushing his magic inside Eswain. Tai clenched his fist tighter shut causing the ring to spin like a buzz saw. Blood splattered everywhere as Tai let the magic slice right through Eswain's body.
"How did you? You don't even have your sword?" Eswain questioned followed by him gurgling blood.
"I'll tell you my two secrets...friendship..." Tai grinned as he pulled the magic ring out of Eswain. "Remember it's how you use your weapons," Tai smirked kicking Eswain off the roof and into the fissure below.
Tai untied Ahri and then embraced her with a warm hug. Ahri began to cry tears of joy as Tai had saved the two of them. Tai lifted Ahri up and walked the two of them to the others. The league of legends looked at the fallen Institute. Tai turned to Jayce who was smiling weakly at this bittersweet moment.
"I know what you did Jayce...thank you," Tai said feeling the blood still painted on his skin.
"So you know I healed you?" Jayce asked smiling wider at his accomplishment.
"Yes. I think you have earned the title of strongest summoner," Tai said placing a hand on Jayce's shoulder.
Tai walked towards the Institute gesturing for the others to stay behind. As they watched for what felt like hours they were relieved to see Tai walking back with Katarina in his arms. Tai laid her on the floor and then looked up at Jayce. Tai stared at Jayce and waited for Jayce to catch on as soon as he did Jayce nodded and crouched beside Katarina. After about ten minutes Katarina had been healed although she would still feel pain.
-1 week later-
The steam train had finally arrived at Ionia. Tai and Ahri got off waving to Caitlyn and Katarina as the train left. The summoners were using their powers to rebuild the Institute and that meant Jayce had to stay behind. Until then the champions had to return to their home. Tai looked at the surrounding area remembering he had nothing to come back to here. Ahri however did, she had a nice little cottage just outside the main city.
"I guess we part ways for now, huh?" Tai slightly smiled as he looked at Ahri. She looked down at Tai's feet shrugging.
"You always could come with me?" Ahri suggested in an innocent tone. "I have enough to keep us going until the Institute of War is back up and running," Ahri bounced on the spot.
"I guess I could...it would be like you repaying the debt for letting you stay in my room at the Institute," Tai and Ahri giggled as he finished the sentence.
"That reminds me...it's a single bed and this one is going to be squishier than your one," Ahri grinned dirtily. Tai laughed at the sight.
The two walked off in the direction of Ahri's cottage hand in hand. They walked through a forest of bamboo which made Tai and Ahri remember what it was like to be home. Tai stopped Ahri thinking now was the best time. Ahri looked at Tai wondering what was wrong but was surprised when Tai kissed Ahri passionately on the lips. As Tai pulled away Ahri pulled him back in remembering her lust. She hadn't thought about having sex with Tai for awhile now but she felt like it was the time. Tai smiled grabbing her hand and letting her guide him to the cottage. She looked so innocent in Tai's eyes but many would say she had a devious look about her.
Ahri opened the door letting Tai in first. She lit a candle and shut a curtain. Tai collapsed onto her bed with a soft moan. Ahri could tell Tai was tired he hadn't slept in days and his wounds hadn't fully healed yet. Ahri let Tai get some rest. She pulled the blanket up over Tai's neck and then kissed his forehead with a wink. Tai smiled as Ahri walked over to a pot and poured some fresh water into it.
"What kind of soup would you like?" Ahri asked looking at Tai.
"Oh no you don't-" Ahri pressed a finger against his lips.
"I take it you would like my special recipe? Newbie's pick," Ahri smirked grabbing a carrot from her knapsack.
"Thank you Ahri," Tai whispered rolling onto his side for a better view of the beautiful fox.
"It's ok. You would do it for me," Ahri whispered back continuing to cook her recipe.
Tai slowly closed his eyes which made him realise how much pain his entire chest and stomach were in. Tai pulled up his shirt and looked under the blanket to see his bandages stained in old and dry blood. Ignoring this Tai closed his eyes once more this time falling asleep. Tai woke up with Ahri sitting beside him on the bed. She handed him the bowl of soup smiling as she did so. Tai sat forward and held his side letting out a groan. Ahri supported him as he tried to pull himself up. Ahri rested her head on Tai's shoulder while he ate his soup. After drinking from the bowl assuring he got every last bit of the ramen. Tai placed the bowl on the bedside table.
Ahri pulled the blanket down to Tai's thighs and then pulled up his top. Tai thought she was having a craving for love. However Ahri had undone Tai's bandages and wrapped new ones around his body. She then took his shirt and pants off leaving him in underwear and socks. "Just relax. I want you at your best by the end of this week," Ahri spoke seductively which turned Tai on. Tai watched as Ahri locked the door. It was dark outside and probably only a couple hours away from tomorrow. Tai felt Ahri slide into bed and she was right because Tai felt like he was going to fall out. She then pulled Tai in so she was feeling what Tai had been feeling. She then wrapped her arms around Tai and pulled herself close. Tai and Ahri fell asleep once again in each other's arms.
Ahri awoke to Tai sitting at the table eating bread and ramen. Ahri got up and walked over sitting beside Tai where her own breakfast awaited. Tai smiled kissing her on the cheek and whispering "good morning," Ahri smiled and returned the words. As Tai finished he stood up trying to ignore his strained body. Ahri watched as Tai jumped onto an archway and began to pull his body up. Ahri began to wonder why Tai was doing chin ups. After Tai done half a dozen sets of thirty he dropped to the floor on his back and took a quick breather. Ahri continued to eat unsure of what Tai was doing although it did look hot when he worked out. Tai then rolled onto his stomach and began doing push ups, followed by sit ups and then a jog on the spot. Ahri stood up walking over to see what he was up to.
"Tai why are you working out? It's not good in your current condition," Ahri softly spoke pulling Tai's shirt up to inspect the bandages.
"So I can become physically stronger," Tai spoke enthusiastically as if he was following a dream or goal. "It's one thing to have a strong weapon and magic that you know how to use...but it's another when it comes to being physically stronger," Tai continued the passion never leaving his eyes.
"But Eswain's dead and the league of legends is currently in shambles. Why would you need to get stronger? I love you without the ripped abdominal," Ahri spoke softly wrapping her arms around Tai which resulted in a groan.
"I want to become stronger because I want to protect you. After what happened I can't lose you again." Tai smiled at the thought while Ahri kept him in her warm embrace.
"But you didn't lose me? Not to mention there is nothing left to fight for," Ahri had a look of curiosity on her face.
"Those champions that were contained by the summoners in a prison have escaped and are running amuck. Eswain had plans and if they succeed then the league of legends won't have anything left to fight for. Runeterra's fate will be chosen for us," Tai spoke in an energetic tone. Ahri pulled away from Tai looking at him a little worried. But Tai smiled and gave her a quick kiss before sitting down to relax.
"Such a shame you failed us Eswain we had such big plans for you," a familiar voice spoke as Eswain slowly opened his eyes in pain. "I should send you to the void after your failure...you weak spineless fool. But then again I could always leech your essence and become you. The idea does sound exhilarating doesn't it Essie?" the voice laughed as Eswain's tried to make out the figure through his blurry vision. "You see we still have the sword," Eswain shouted in pain as he felt the sword slither out of his stomach. "Now to add to my power by merging with your body," the voice laughed as Eswain felt a cold presence hovering over his body.
"Wait..."Eswain used the last of the air from his lungs as he spoke. "If you take my body over...do me the favour of acting on my behalf. I want Tai to grovel at my feet when he witnesses me twice as strong," Eswain wheezed slightly as he took his dying breath.
Tai and Ahri were taking a little trip in the main city of Ionia. While Ahri had purchased quite a bit of clothes Tai had brought weapons. Ahri was a little scared of what Tai was becoming although she loved him and that would never change.
"Ahri I want to change," Tai suddenly spoke looking down at the ground.
"Why would you change?" Ahri asked looking at the brown haired boy.
"I don't mean the way I am...I just want to use my agility, speed and stealth to its limits," Tai spoke suddenly looking up.
"What do you mean?" Ahri asked walking closer to Tai so their elbows touched.
"I mean...I no longer want to be the prophecy child. I want to be an assassin," Tai enthusiastically spat the last words.
"What about your sword?" Ahri asked feeling a little shocked Tai would leave it behind.
"My sword and magic can be anything, it can transform...evolve. It does take some time to change its form and that is why I cannot do it in battle." Tai linked arms with Ahri as they walked in hopes she would agree with Tai's decision. "I'm going to be a dual wielding assassin...still using my essence blade just now in a smaller form and there are two of them." Tai rubbed his head feeling a little stupid for saying that.
"Whatever makes you happy Tai," Ahri said kissing Tai gently on the cheek.
"Now let's go get you that dress..." Tai chuckled as Ahri jumped up and down in joy while screaming the words "yay" Tai smiled at the sight of his beautiful girlfriend.
-1 month later-
Tai had settled into his new lifestyle quite well. Tai hadn't heard from Jayce in awhile although he knew Jayce was doing fine. Tai was now an assassin and he was a darn good one, although he never killed anyone unless they were wrong doers. Tai only change in appearance was black mask that he kept tied around his neck and would pull up over his mouth and nose when necessary. He also had become quite muscular after exercising daily. Tai's change had really helped him forget his past and Eswain, but he would never forget his time with Ahri, Jayce or Caitlyn.
Tai was once again with Ahri in the main city of Ionia. Ahri however had been hanging out with an old friend of hers, Syndra. How Syndra got off that tower we will never know, but Tai does and he was the reason she was there. Ahri hadn't had any friends in Ionia like Tai did. Tai sat on top of a building crouching and watching the streets. Ahri appeared before Tai's red eyes. Tai waited for the perfect moment and then landed in front of the fox. She and Syndra jumped in their spot as Tai laughed. Syndra gave Tai a hug and then watched as Tai and Ahri held hands and began to walk. Syndra followed by their side adoring the couple. Tai had changed Syndra's power hording ways after the two met.
-Flashback-
Tai pulled his mask up as he entered the floating fortress. Tai's eyes went wide at the haven he stood upon. If he took this stuff and sold it he could make a ton of money. Tai could hear the clacking of boots. Tai turned to see a big breasted girl he jumped wide eyed. Tai spun and then thought about Ahri why this girl turned Tai on like this he didn't know.
"What do you think you are doing here?" the woman grumpily asked as if possessed with power.
"I am truly sorry. I thought no one lived here and that I could find some stuff to scavenge for money. Me and my girlfriend are running low on money at this time," Tai smirked under his mask knowing this act may just work.
"Don't be foolish everyone knows the dark sovereign," Syndra grinned as Tai looked at the girl. Tai closed his eyes and raised only his index finger as he approached the girl.
"You see that is where you are wrong...I don't know who you are," Tai tried not to laugh as he spoke. Syndra's eyes went wide as he said the words.
"May Tai have mercy on your soul," Syndra spat in disgust. Tai chuckled as she said this causing her to get even more confused.
"So you are Syndra? Well I am Tai," Tai smirked as he pulled down his mask. Syndra looked at Tai and began to walk towards him. Tai giggled nervously as he backed away scratching the back of his head.
"Tai. From what I hear you are quite heroic. I must say I have dreamed about you...about meeting you," Syndra smiled as she approached Tai. Tai was now against the railing and if he went any further back he would have fallen to his certain death.
"Syndra...I am dating Ahri so if you could back away crazy woman then that would be great," Tai kept a neutral expression. Syndra looked at Tai and smiled giggling. She apologized and then the rest was history.
Tai and Ahri kissed before going to sleep. Their kissing was hot and passionate. Their tongues were in an endless battle for dominance and Ahri had been winning. As the tongues danced around each other Tai pulled Ahri's dress off. Ahri wanted this more than anything and she was finally getting it. Tai flipped Ahri underneath him and grinned as he took his top off and pants. Ahri licked her lips ready for it.
"Well goodnight," Tai grinned getting off Ahri and getting into bed. Ahri went under the blanket as well smiling at Tai.
"One day," Ahri whispered into Tai's ear as he smirked nodding off to sleep. Ahri pushed her body close to Tai and fell asleep herself.
As the sun rose Tai and Ahri kissed each other good morning. The two got ready to head out for the day. The two put their usual attire on and then walked out into the bamboo forest. As soon as they arrived in the main city the two were surprised by a commotion. Ahri looked up at Tai with her golden orbs. Tai nodded pulling up his mask preparing to help the innocent. Tai was shocked when he found none other than Cho'Gath and some smaller void minions. Ahri's orb of deception charged up in her hand.
"Ahri run!" Tai shouted as Ahri and Tai stood in their battle stance.
"No I am staying with you!" Ahri shouted back.
"Promise me you won't get hurt?" Tai asked in an even tone.
"I promise," the two charged swinging at the minions in their path.
Tai threw a knife that landed straight in between the minion's eyes. He then grabbed the knife and swung up killing another minion off. Ahri did well at protecting herself as Tai fought his heart out. Tai swung his essence dagger and watched as the minion fell with a line of blood leaving its neck. Cho'Gath laughed as Tai came straight at him his eyes shining red as he let out a battle cry. Tai's aura charged around his feet and gradually went up until he was cloaked by it. Tai grew fangs and his aura suddenly sprouted a tail and wings. Tai leapt into the air using his wings and then spun as with his daggers in front of him while coming down on Cho'Gath. This battle was just getting started.