A bit of a slow chapter.
I suffered a bit of writers block part of the way through while working on this, so I lost some enthusiasm. I managed to get past it a little, though. :3
Enjoy!
Ahri's questioning went without a hitch, and a lot faster than most others. She and her Summoner were last, Zed and Minerva not being available at the time.
She was asked if she experienced any disturbances at all, and how it might have impacted her fighting.
She answered their questions, but the whole time she was there, the Nine Tailed Fox was quite absent-minded. Her thoughts were nearly entirely elsewhere, and her responses were filled with disinterest. She left it up to her Summoner, since they both shared the same experiences of the match.
Ahri wasn't entirely sure what made the match so different than any other, and why this was needed at all. Summoners, overall, were pretty thorough anyway. They made a big deal out of nothing, all for the sake of safety. Ahri could care less at the moment, given what happened earlier.
There was no passion in their kiss, when their lips came into such harsh contact.
It was the same lustful ferocity that she was quite used to from her prey when she used their vitality to keep herself human. If it wasn't Zed who had done so, she might not have been so phased. The real question she wanted an answer to was what made Zed such a different case?
The Assassin has always been mysterious, if not brooding and appearing as if he wanted to tear someone's throat out right then and there. Mysteriousness was always something that women seemed to swoon over. Could it be that she just wasn't expecting him to do so?
Ahri considered this thoughtfully. Zed only seemed to have an interest in gaining power, much like the Dark Sovereign, Syndra. He most likely wouldn't give any form of romance or sexual behavior any thought, since he is very focused and determined. Perhaps he is under pressure, being the master of an ever growing Academy, and fighting off the remnants of the Kinkou and their influence from Ionia. That, battling here on the Fields of Justice, and being in very close proximity with mortal enemies could be incredibly stressful. Zed wasn't known to showing any emotion besides anger and contempt, and he was pretty open when it came to letting someone know what he thought of them; which was never a good thing. So Ahri couldn't be too sure about any of that. While it was possible, that didn't mean it was probable.
However, he did mention her magic. Zed seemed to believe that she was using an enchantment on him, much to her confusion. She told the Assassin that she never used it outside the Fields of Justice, yet he didn't seem to believe her. If anything, he appeared somewhat taken aback. It was difficult to tell.
Ahri now lay sprawled out on the cot in her Ionian quarters, braiding a strand of her lovely, raven black hair as she pondered all this.
Her silky blankets brushing against her skin made her very comfortable, and the warmth of the summer sun filtering through the window and washing over her made Ahri a little drowsy. It reminded her of the times before she became self aware; when she was but an ordinary fox, with an incredible, unlikely gift. After hunting down a rodent, she would curl up in the sun, and rest in safe territory. Those days of ignorance were over.
While she certainly missed the simplicity of it, she desired her humanity even more, even if she was now dealing with what most would call 'drama'. She was able to partake in many pleasures, and she had achieved so much that she wouldn't dare throw it all away. She had an ample supply of humanity to absorb, and she wouldn't be taking any lives. Through the magic of the Fields of Justice, she was able to take in as much as she needed to sustain her radiant human form, and the guilt of murder would not plague her consciousness, since those she slays on the Field are resurrected shortly after. The best part is that, since she is not part of a faction, she has no real political ties. She was born in Ionia, but she was thankful that neither the Kinkou or the Order of Shadow has had any hold on her. She cared not for either of them.
Ahri had been a Champion in the League for quite a while now. Longer than most, even. She has learned much from others, but it seemed she was still learning to this day.
The Nine Tailed Fox also felt she would learn much from what seemed to be going on between her and Zed, now. There was definitely something there, but the nature of it for now seemed somewhat hostile, if not confusing and conflicted.
She felt no real feelings for him besides curiosity, and slight frustration. Before what happened, before her friend Wukong caught Zed staring her down, there was absolutely nothing. Nothing at all.
Wukong.
Ahri abruptly sat up in bed, worried for the poor Monkey King. He was quite distraught when he saw her being kissed by Zed.
Ahri never thought he really cared about romance. In fact, the closest thing he ever did that showed interest in Ahri was casual banter, which was always taken lightly and never thought about afterwards. She only ever thought of him as a close friend. Wukong was her only friend, actually.
Ahri got out of bed, and hastily left her room in search of Wukong. She felt the need to at least help him feel better about all this, and assure him that there was nothing between her and the Master of Shadows.
But there is something. Don't lie to yourself.
Ahri frowned deeply. She couldn't deny that fact, that was certain.
The Nine Tailed Fox walked at a very brisk pace, ignoring any cat calls from Summoners and Champions alike. Normally, she would tease those who do so, and move onward. Now, she gave them no attention whatsoever. Her mind was set and determined in her search.
She checked Wukong's chambers first, and then the cafeteria, where most tend to gather. Wukong was at neither. Ahri went back to the Ionian wing to ask Master Yi, the only other person the Monkey King was close to, of his whereabouts. Even the Wuju Master did not know where could be.
Ahri was at a loss as to what to do. She sat herself down at a bench in a garden just outside the Ionian wing. It was small, with plants native to her homeland, and a quaint little shrine in the middle of a pond. Near the pond, Lee Sin stood balanced on one foot. He slowly shifted his position in complex movements and, with great patience, and masterful balance and technique, perform an almost artistic dance. At least, it looked like dancing to Ahri. A very slow one, at that.
Her fox ears drooped, solemnly watching the blind monk in his quiet meditation.
"Something troubling you, child?"
Ahri nearly fell off the bench, the question was so sudden. She sat up straight, and alert.
She saw no reason to lie.
"Something you might call human problems." She says, a hint of a sarcastic smile lifting her frown.
The blind monk chuckled softly, before speaking once more.
"Ah, but that is life, Ahri. It is nothing but one big puzzle that we all must solve. One puzzle unlocks another, and so on and so forth. Some are easier than others, and some are near impossible. Just do not let the source of your problems blind you from the solution, and you should be fine."
Ahri smiled at Lee Sin's simple wisdom.
"And what if I come across one of these impossible puzzles?"
"They are not impossible, Ahri, just difficult. They take time, and patience. When your mind becomes clouded with emotion, take a break! That should be all you need. Visit the smaller puzzles. Unravel them one by one until you are able to see the bigger picture. The ones that seemed unsolvable before should be more easy to deal with by then."
Ahri's frown returned.
"What if I fail to do so?"
The monk turned, facing Ahri's general direction. He saw her through his sense of sound. Ahri didn't know what she would do without her vision, but even she relied much on her sensitive ears and nose.
"You only fail if you do not muster the courage to try. Avoiding your problems can only make matters much worse, as well. They will only continue to fester, until they explode."
Ahri let loose a soft sigh, her gaze drifting to a small patch of flowers beside the bench she sat upon.
Such philosophy was appreciated, though Ahri didn't care much for it. The Nine Tailed Fox, unfortunately, lacked the ability to think and perceive like other humans. She has a basic understanding, but has yet to achieve such a consistent level of thoughts and feelings on a spatial level.
The words Lee Sin spoke didn't soar over her head, but Ahri found her own issues to be rather large. She knew of no other smaller 'puzzles' to solve. There was, currently, only one.
Zed.
He certainly was a puzzle on his own. That unrelenting demeanor, the sheer anger that came off of him in fierce waves; it was enough that Ahri wanted to just leave it be. However, the tension between her and the Master of Shadows only seemed to intensify with every meeting. What if something else were to happen? Ahri thought that the chances of another encounter with Zed were pretty low, since the Ninja would most likely do whatever he can to avoid her.
Despite this, what if they were to end up in a match together? That was inevitable, and avoiding each other in the midst of battle would be impossible. Sure, fighting against him shouldn't be much of a problem. It could be a release for the both of them, duking it out.
To be on the same team, would be a different matter entirely. Of course, they could always acknowledge each other and keep things quiet, but unstable emotions can really get in the way when it comes to those you're working with. Ahri was mostly in the middle lane, anyway. Some Summoners do have Zed take the top lane, but it wasn't that common. Chances of getting in the same team with him seemed pretty slim, when she considered this.
"So, you and the Master of Shadows, hmm?" Lee Sin inquired, giving a smug smile as he continued his exercises.
Ahri went dead-pan, though the color of her face turned a bright red.
At least he can't see me.
"There is absolutely nothing between us. Whatever you have been told is false."
The blind monk chuckled good naturedly.
"If there is nothing, then why are you here, moping about? It all must mean something to you if it truly disrupts your mind and focus."
Ahri glared daggers at Lee Sin.
"I told you, it's nothing." She retorted, grabbing a fistful of fur from one of her nine white tails that lay upon her lap.
"I sense hostility in you, Ahri. Relax, for this is such a lovely day to be outside."
Ahri could care less about the weather, at the moment. "Yeah, positively gorgeous." She droned.
Lee Sin paused momentarily in his exercises, as if thinking.
"Do be careful, when dealing with the Master of Shadows. He is a powerful adversary, and his power only continues to grow. I advise that you do not pursue him, for he will only bring about destruction."
The Nine Tailed Fox looked up at the Blind Monk in worry. He was correct. Perhaps she should move on from all this. Zed was an enemy to Ionia, and an enemy to her friends. That made him an enemy to her, as well, even if she didn't support a faction.
Ahri stood, hands gently clasped together. "You're right. I'm fretting over something when there's nothing I can do. That man is dangerous, and any more contact with him will probably only lead to very bad things. Thank you, for your insight, Lee Sin. I am not used to such human… predicaments, and some feelings I am only just discovering."
The Blind Monk turned to bow towards Ahri politely. "It has been a pleasure. Thank you for opening up, and sharing your troubles. Most would keep them locked away and hidden."
Ahri smiled, before taking her leave.
As soon as she got to the exit of the Ionian garden, there stood Wukong.
Ahri watched him in slight confusion, and surprise.
TheMonkey King was fiddling with his hands, and wouldn't meet her gaze. He looked quite guilt-ridden.
Ahri leaned forward some, frowning deeply. "Were you eavesdropping, Wukong?" She asked, hands placed upon her hips.
The great Monkey King glanced up at her.
"…Yes."
Ahri scoffed at this, angry with her friend. "How rude! Here I have been searching all over for you, and only after I give up you decide to appear!"
Wukong winced at her chiding, only looking more guilty and ashamed.
Ahri didn't mean to hurt him more; seeing him this way only made her soften.
She shook her head, a whimsical smile forming at her lips.
"You cheeky monkey, I could never stay mad at you." She said, throwing her arms around the Monkey King. He stiffened in response, surprised at this sudden turn of events. He peered past her to see Lee Sin, who was grinning, and flashing a thumbs-up at Wukong.
The Monkey King beamed back at the monk, showing off his sharp teeth as he returned Ahri's embrace.
Ahri brushed a stray black hair out of her face as they broke away. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Wukong. We were only bickering, and he was angry at me for reasons that I don't know of," Her lips curled into a smug grin, before she continued. "Though I suppose this proves that even Zed can't keep his hands off of me."
Wukong laughed, albeit rather nervously. He moved to speak, his expression turning into that of concern. Ahri put a finger up to silence him.
"Don't worry, friend. I doubt he'll try that again unless he cares not for what's left of his reputation. Even if he did, I promise you that he won't find me to be an easy target like last time." She said, smiling softly at the Monkey King.
"Good, cause' that guy sure sends shivers down my spine! I can't stand the thought of him anywhere near you now, after what he did." He said, taking a moment to scratch behind his ear nervously.
Ahri found this to be rather touching, resting both hands at Wukong's shoulders. "You don't need to worry about me. For now, lets enjoy this day off together. Lunch?"
Wukong exclaimed happily. "Yes! Lunch! What are you in the mood for, hmm-hmm?"
With that, the two left the serene peace of the garden, and headed off to the cafeteria, leaving Lee Sin to his lonesome. At least, they thought he was alone.
"I don't see a reason to hide anymore, Assassin of the Kinkou." Lee Sin said, tilting his head towards a large patch of flowers.
Out from the flowers, the Fist of Shadow appeared. Her arms crossed over her bust, and gaze narrowed at the Blind Monk.
"You never cease to amaze me." She said, bluntly.
"Why thank you, miss Akali."
She rolled her eyes at that.
"The Nine Tailed Fox seems conflicted about something. She appears to be set upon leaving Zed alone, but her words are not sincere. She almost seems unsure."
"The Master of Shadows enforced upon her something that she was not expecting. Something that none of us were expecting. I'm sure we would all be confused, if we were put in her predicament."
"If I were put in her predicament, he would be dead, and I would be banished from the Institute." Akali said, partially a snarl.
Lee Sin simply laughed at her. "And such violence will, in the end, solve nothing. Ionia will only continue to be in disarray, given how large his Order has grown. His disciples will go into an uproar, and have your head on display for all to marvel at their strength."
Akali glared. "You lack faith in my skill, monk."
Lee Sin shrugged. "Oh, I don't lack faith. But I know that there is only so much we can take at one time. Even the Kinkou have their limits."
She turned her back to him, brow furrowed as she delved deeply into her thoughts.
Her expression softened, after a long time of silence.
"It has been some time, since Zed has displayed anything besides anger and contempt."
"There is a man behind that mask, Akali. Don't forget that."
"A man that needs to die, to pay for all his crimes against Ionia," Akali retorted, turning to face Lee Sin once more. "Do you forget all that he has done? How he tore us all asunder when we were still only recovering from the horrendous acts of Noxus?"
"Zed only believes that Ionia's striving for balance will be its undoing. That our peaceful ways have made us soft. While the way he does things is very wrong, that does not mean what he truly strives for is not, in some ways, good."
Akali was growing even more livid. "Zed only strives for power, and bloodshed. That's all he has ever done, and that is all he will ever do. Pick a damned side, Monk." She snapped at Lee Sin, before taking her leave of the garden.
The simple, blind monk shrugged off her aura of anger, musing to himself. "Must be that time of the month, again." He said, before resuming his meditative exercises in peace, and tranquility.
But he knew, deep down, that things were beginning to change, here within the Institute. Everyone has become more hostile, and nervous. It almost seemed as if something was churning, something waiting for the right tip of the scales to explode, and unleash chaos.
The Blind Monk did not like this.
Not one bit.