Nearly two months have elapsed ever since the chibi Shens were taken in and the original left in a void to watch them. As the bond between the champions grew stronger, some of them began to ponder on the notes that were found on the infants. Much of which highlighted their desire to have a some sort of companion to possibly conceive child like the one they were caring for or something of the like.

For example, Soraka's yearning for an apprentice, Sona's urge to grow the Buvelle House for her mother's sake, Fiora's need for a family she can trust, Caitlyn's hope of passing off the torch of protecting Piltover, Ashe's wish to add a new generation of frost archers to her tribe.

Ahri's note reflected on her ambition to become human. Akali's message encourage her to put in more effort to strengthen her relationship with her comrades, particularly with the Eye of Twilight who always felt distance.

While the parents of Shen saw this as an opportunity for grandchildren, Shen himself was clueless as he continues to pursue a solution to his extensively long stay in the void. Then after so many months the moment to return had presented itself in the form of a Wandering Caretaker.

At this point, everyone felt the time to say goodbye was upon them, even Shen came to that conclusion as meditates.

It's late in the night as everyone slumbers under a full moon; Everyone, except Bard who sits on a floating island that hovers aimlessly over Valoran. Looking down towards the exotic land, the Celestial being prepares his flute and begins to play a melody that echoes throughout the terrain. The music is boisterous, but its tone was only meant for a selected few.

Shin, Ruri, Hoshi, Amp, Zenzo, Garrus and crybaby Madoc all simultaneously perk up hearing the sonorousness. They are not curious, but appeared to be understanding as if the sound carried with them words of direction. Some of them whimper, telling themselves that it was time to go while others attempted to ignore the calling, but the flute was persistent.

Everyone did their best to crawl out of bed without waking their caretaker. Garrus had an especially hard time with Jinx and her hug that was strengthen by a bottle of whisky, but he managed. Those secluded on Ionia were draw to a portal created by Bard which transported them to the mainland. As the island descends the presence of the Shens grows more distinct as Bard continues playing his flute.

Finally, everyone reaches the source of the music and prepares for their final moments in Valoran. Bard glides down with meeps flying around him. The seven dwarfs...the seven Shens line up in a row and greet Bard who greets back with chimes.

Through more chimes, Bard asks if they were ready to go home and some answer yes with satisfaction. Others like, Madoc and Ruri were reluctant, but they still answered with a nod. Trading more words about their time with the champions, Bard opens a portal leading to the OTHERSIDE. One by one each Shen walks through, making sure to bow and show their respects to the Celestial being. As the final chibi, Shin, walks through the portal to go a magical journey, the Eye of Twilight, Shen, immediately walks out.

"You have my deepest gratitude as someone who also protects order and balance." said Shen bowing his head.

Bard answers with chimes before jumping on his island and disappearing into the night. Any mishaps with Lulu's magic doesn't feel like an issue anymore, but Shen still needed to be careful. For now returning to his home came first.

The first thing in morning to sound out were hectic screams of Akali who couldn't find her plushy friend. Running out, she is greeted by Shen training with weights in the yard. Shen quickly brings Akali up to speed, telling her Shin won't return anymore which only gets her depressed despite the return of her teammate.

"Is that so, but it's good to have you back, Shen." said Akali, with somewhat sadden eyes.

"Learn to accept losses, Fist of Shadow, our job can't afford us having weak hearts." Shen tells her, sensing her distress as he swings a weighted sword.

"Akali."

"?"

"No need to be so formal, Shen. 'Akali' is just fine." Akali says, reaffirming that they were on a first name basis.

"Of course." Shen says, returning to his usual routine as if nothing happened.

"Shen, you said you were able see through the eyes of Shin and the others, does that mean you saw... you know... me in the bath?" Akali asked, slightly embarrassed.

"Yes, but I quickly adverted my gaze to show some common decency." Shen nonchalantly says, upsetting her a little for a different reason than the one Shen had in mind.

"I-I see, then no reaction?"

"?"

"N-never mind. Anyway, after my time with Shin, I've been thinking about... the future..."

"Hmmm, I think I can relate. Mages are constantly evolving their skills, who knows what they will call forth in the future."

"That's not what I'm talking about."

"?"

"Haven't you ever considered the future of the Kinkou Order... and your clan?"

"What does my clan have to do with the future? They are gone and I have accepted that reality." said Shen, showing no emotion, upsetting Akali once more.

"You're still amongst the living. Why don't you consider your future, not just as the Eye of Twilight, but as a man as well."

"If you have something to say, make it clear."

"…. I want to contribute to your clan." Akali whispers, looking away.

"You already have and continued to do so up to this day as the Fist of Shadow."

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what?" Shen asks, stopping his swings.

"…."

"Akali is saying that she wants a child with you, Shen." Kennen says, making a sudden appearance.

Akali blushes deep red, looking down hoping to hide it.

"That won't happen." said Shen.

"W-What? Why!?" Akali bursts out surprised after her confession.

"Reasons you should understand. Our mission can not afford us having these ideas. We have an important..." Shen tells her, but gets cut off by her sudden attack.

Akali tried to slap him, but he catches her hand, holding it until she pulls away and walks in the opposite direction.

"I-Is this alright, Shen?" Kennen asked, nervous from the tension.

"Yes, these feelings are dangerous in many ways."

"You have a better reason than that, right? I mean, I enjoyed my time with Shin too. I was kinda looking forward to teaching your..."

"Shin is gone and won't come back, Kennen. Remember that."

"I know, but..." Kennen couldn't finish his sentence, resulting in a long uncomfortable pause between them.

"Kennen, the Order of Shadows still roams free and attempted to kill me before all this happened. Having a child now will only intensify their thirst to finish off the Kinkou. Not to mention, losing a child is something I don't plan on experiencing, I especially don't want Akali to go through that. You as well... And the thought of Zed taking everything from me again is unbearable." Shen says impassively then vanishes into the forest.

Kennen can see that his leader isn't heartless, but still quite dense. Luckily, Akali was close enough to hear his outburst, so Kennen didn't need to explain to her anything. Though this attempt to keep Akali focus on her duties turned out to be fuel for her urge to follow through with her wishes.