Chapter 12 - Balanced.
- so, let me get this straight, you want us to recognize this..."being" as a citizen of Ionia.
- correct.
- you want us to give him special permission to access our great library, which possesses our greatest secrets, our greatest discoveries, discoveries and secrets we have been protecting from invaders, such as Noxus and many others.
- Correct.
- You want this creature to learn more about human beings, a creature that comes from the Void, the most terrible dimension in the world, worse than Noxus, only comparable with the Shadow Isles, you want this creature to learn and understand our ways, our minds and our secrets for a goal that is, without a better word to use, nonsensical.
- ...Correct?
- We, the council of elders, have on question for you, enlightened one.
- Yes?
- the fuck did you smoke?
- I'm sorry?
- Not only this whole matter seems like a joke, it's plain sad, we are seriously starting to question your judgement, this has been, by far, the most stupid request we have ever come across, well, there was the issue of "The Plot", "Justice" and those "Fujoshi", but still, I can't believe you, of all people, asked such idiotic thing.
- My request stands, I have a letter from Queen Ashe from Freljord, She herself request for our aid.
- Yes, we read the letter, to be honest, we should ignore her, whether we lose our alliance with them or not we don't care, we can live without them, It's over.
- What...What if I can prove you that he has no ill intentions?
- he? No ill intentions? what are you planning?
- He will study alongside my pupils, he will learn our philosophy, he will become a proper Ionian, what if that happens?
- Hmph, you are dreaming, Karma, but it's a fair request, Very well, The voidling shall be placed under your wings, he will be one more of your pupils, he shall study in your school, he will live in your house, you will be his master, his friend and his guardian, any transgression he commits will be entirely you fault, both of you will suffer the punishment, even death, if by any chance he proves to be worthy we shall allow him into our library.
- So be it.
- Tch, Voidling! Stand in front of us.
I move from my position and step in front of a circle of men and women, they look at me with disgust, my limbs shiver in anxiety, maybe this wasn't a good idea, I expected some aggressive members, but the pressure was killing me, I wondered how long will it take to reach Sarah and leave this place.
- Voidling! - The high elder said - State your name!
- My name is Vel'Koz.
- Very well, Sauron, from now on, you shall obey Karma, she will be your master, study and prove you are worthy to enter our sacred library, should you fail you will leave and never come back, are we clear?
- I understand.
- So be it, dismissed
- you did better than I thought - Karma said to me - they were unfair with you.
- It's fine, it went better than I expected, last time I tried this I nearly died.
- No, we are supposed to be the nation of peace and equality, this was completely unfair, every human deserves a chance.
- Karma - I said getting closer to her - always remember, I'm not a human, you must never forget that.
- but...but I...
- Please, I know you want to help me, but you need to understand, I'm a monster, no matter what I do, how much I study, how much I change, I will always be a voidling, I've faced reality, all your beliefs, all your knowledge, belongs to humans and humans alone, sadly, there is no place for me and my kind, I can try, but I know my place..
- you know, That's kind of sad - Karma said patting my head - You have so much potential in you, you shouldn't think like that.
- It's the truth, whether I like it or not, don't worry, I'll try, if I can reach library then I win.
- I think...
- HEYA FRIENDS - We heard someone yell.
Ahri came at us running, when she got close enough she jumped into the air and tackled me.
- OFFF! - I grunted in pain - Please, don't do that.
- come on, I know you love it - She said grinning - Anyways, how did it go?-Karma looked at the ground ashamed - That bad, Huh? Well, let's go and eat something - Ahri said getting up and patting Karma on her shoulder - I'm sure we will figure something out.
- I thought I could convince them, I really thought... - Karma began.
- Easy! - Ahri interrupted her - They are just a bunch of stinky old men and old hags...but...If you allow me...I can m...
- NO - Both Karma and I yelled.
- Oh, come on, it was a joke - Ahri giggled - Anyways, Karma, I'm sure you got something, I mean, there is no way you gave up that easily.
- Yes, I manage to secure his residency in Ionia, this was the deal, if he learns Ionian ways properly he will be given citizenship and access the library if he fails he will be unable to enter Ionia again.
- Dude, that's unfair! Please, let me deal with them-Ahri begged.
- It's fine - I said getting up from the ground - I appreciate your concern, but this is my fight, I will deal with this.
- If you say so, anyways, I got something that will bright your day - She turned around and waved - COME HERE! IT'S FINE, HE WON'T HURT YOU!
Behind a pillar I saw Wukong pop out, he seemed really scared.
- are you sure? - he asked gingerly - I mean, he is kind of scary.
- yes, come here!
WuKong walked towards us, slowly, sometimes jumping backwards a little, after a while he was finally in front of me, his face was really tense, it looked like he wanted to run away, we looked at each other without talking, I guess he won't talk, it's up to me, remember, strike like ram.
- Hello - I started, WuKong flinched - First, I apologize for attacking you, I was just curious, you see, I haven't met such fascinating creature, I'm sorry - Wukong nodded - Then, Hello again, My name it's Vel'Koz, The eye of the Void, Pleased to meet you-I finished extending my limb.
WuKong looked at my limb dumbfounded, he looked at me, after a while he sighed and grabbed my limb.
- Some call me Son Goku, others call me Jechundesung, but I prefer WuKong, The monkey king, the pleasure is mine.
Well, I guess I can do it if I try, one step closer to victory.
- OH! - Ahri suddenly yells - I almost forgot! I got another surprise for you! - she says running towards the pillar where Wukong was hiding - Come on! He is friendly!
Ahri then appears again with...
...
...
Her skin was a bright purple, shining with the lights of then candles in the walls, her teary eyes were golden, she had a horn sticking out of her forehead, her hair was a light purple, almost white, it was long and flowed through her back reaching her feets, it was braided in a single fishtail, she was wearing a simple yellow one-piece with a belt, her feet were similar to a goat, around her i could feel an aura of kindness and magic, she looked at me, fidgeting, looking at the ground at times.
I felt someone punching me in my side, I woke up from my daze and realized Ahri was at my side, she was looking at me worried.
- hey, what happened to you? I was calling you and you were just looking at Soraka as if you w...-She the looked at me and then at Soraka... Oh! - She grinned mischievously - So, Sauron, you were looking at Soraka, right? What do you think about her?
Soraka yelped at the question and looked at Ahri scared.
- I think she is the most beautiful thing I've seen in my entire life.
Suddenly everyone went silent after a while steam started to pop out of Soraka, Ahri was jumping like a rabbit, giggling and clapping her hands, Wukong was laughing awkwardly and Karma just whistled and patted my side.
- You sure have fancy tastes - Karma said grinning.
- I'm not sure about this, but if that's how you feel go for it - WuKong said smiling awkwardly.
- YES! YES! YES! - Ahri yelled hopping and giggling - GO FOR IT! RIDE THAT GOAT!
- Now, now - Karma said slapping Ahri-It seems Soraka wants to talk.
We remained silent and watched as Soraka was looking left and right, up and down, her face blushed, steam coming out of her head, she looked at me and quickly looked away, after a while, she breathed and rose her head.
- I'm...I'm not beautiful-She said quietly, with a glassy voice - I...I have this...form...I'm not beautiful at all.
- But you are Beautiful-i Said getting close to her.
- No, I'm not - she said looking at the ground - I'm ugly, this form of mine it's proof I did something incredibly dreadful.
- You are beautiful.
- I SAID I'M N...
- You ARE beautiful - I interrupted her holding her by her shoulders - You are really beautiful for me, you are the most beautiful being I've seen in my life, no matter what you say, you are beautiful.
Soraka looked at me with her mouth opening and closing, she the looked at the ground, more steam came out of her head.
- do you... - She mumbled-Do you really think I'm beautiful?
- I don't think it, I know you are beautiful.
Soraka looked at me again, this time, she was smiling.
- Thank you - she said softly.
- My pleasure - then I realized I was holding her and quickly let go - I apologize for my rude behavior, ehm...allow me to introduce myself, My name its Vel'Koz, The eye of the Void - I said extending my limb to her.
- Greetings, Vel'Koz, my name is Soraka, The Starchild - she said grabbing my limb - In behalf of Ionia, It's a pleasure to meet you, I hope... - She squeezed my limb - ...I hope we can get along.
-AHEM!
I looked back, everyone was grinning, there was something about their smiles that made me felt uncomfortable as if they were plotting something.
- Yes? - I asked cautiously.
- I guess you want to sightsee around the Capital, right? - Karma said getting closer and patting my side - Sadly I can't guide you, I must go to my manor and prepare your room, I apologize in advance - She bowed and left.
- Now that I think about it - WuKong began - I have to escort Ahri, Lee Sin asked me to introduce her to his guild, so we have to leave.
- yeah! - Ahri said giggling - I'm sorry, I guess you will have to find your way alone, but.. .- she then walked towards Soraka - the capital it's too big, you could get lost...and maybe the citizens will attack you, I mean, you are harmless and all, but they might differ...what could we do?
- Ehm...-Soraka mumbled - Maybe...maybe I could do it for you.
- But, aren't you afraid of him? - WuKong asked with an overly worried tone.
- n...Not really...I mean, I don't hate him...
- so you like him? - Ahri said grinning mischievously.
- I DON'T...I...maybe...maybe I...I do...
- Well, you go, Sauron - Wukong said whistling.
- I'm going where?
- nevermind, see ya later! - Ahri said grabbing Wukong and running away.
I looked them disappear at the distance, Soraka the grabbed my limb, I looked at her surprised.
- So...You are now with me!...You don't mind, right?
- Of course no, please, be my guide.
- Great!-She said smiling-Now, where should we go? I guess the Lotus Garden it's a good option but on the other hand I...
...
...
...
- ugh-I grunted in pain - ...Where...Where am I? - I opened my eyes, I saw darkness - Soraka? Are you there? Hello...hello!...What happened? - I tried to move but then I realized I was chained up - What is this? Who did this? release me at once?
- Silence, creature - I heard someone say.
- Who are you? Show yourself!
- You are in no position to order, creature.
- then explain why am I chained.
- it' simple, you are a danger to Ionia, we watched your judgment in the Placidium, Karma it's naive if she thinks she can teach you the Ionian ways.
- I will learn, I will study, I will win and then I will enter the library.
- that's the problem, creature, we are not really sure what do you intent, the library it's a sacred place, even if you succeed in this ridiculous quest the elders won't let you in.
- I don't care, I will prove my worth, if life kicks me I'll kick it back.
- Hmph, stubborn creature, leave or you shall feel our punishment.
- No, I won't, and who the shit do you think you are?
- we are...Kinkou.
As he finished talking a bright light blinded me, once I got use to it I saw my captor, he was a tall man, dressed in a strange black outfit, his face was covered with a mask, he had two swords on his back.
- Well, Kinkou, My name its Vel'Koz, The eye of the Void, I would like to shake hands, but I can't since I'm chained.
- Hmph - he snarled - I'm Shen, The eye of the twilight, don't worry, I don't want to touch you, only if it's with my blades, now you will...
- GET REKT NEEEEEERD! - I heard someone yell.
Shen facepalmed himself.
- She escaped again - He mumbled - Frigging Kennen, I'm going to cut down his salary.
- Uhm...Excuse me, what are...
Suddenly there was an explosion, the room was filled with smoke, I heard Shen grunt, when the smoke was gone, a young girl was standing above him, she was wearing a white dress with a red cross on her shoulder, white stockings, and heels, her eyes were emerald, her hair was black tied in a pony-tail, she was holding a burned creature in her left hand.
- Akali - Shen said trying to get up - What the hell are you doing?
- SHHHH -she hissed - I'm not Akali, I'm HEADHUNTER AKALI.
- you are wearing your nurse uniform, we aren't in the hospital, anyways where is Kennen?
- D-D-D-DUBSTEP IGNITE! - She yelled tossing the creature in her hands.
- why would you that!?
- cuz he made me lose my stacks!
- come on, again with that shit, get the hell off...
- SHHHH - she hissed again - You know what they said if you are top and you ain't fed as heck go mid and be FULL AP AKALI! - she started dancing over him.
-ehm...-I asked shyly - May I ask what the shit is going on?
- Long story - Shen said sighing - Akali was supposed to go and investigate some weird place called "EU West Server", yes i know, pretty shady name, anyways, when she came back she started yelling shit like "20 stacks" or "full AP this", "full AD that" and someone named "Uber-I-don't-know-what" it's been like this for a month now, seriously, I don't know what to do.
- can I help?
- how? you are chained... - I proceeded to disintegrate my chains - ...you could have freed yourself and kill me? why did you not do it?
- Your reason was valid, also, I don't want to kill anyone, I want to answer one single question in my mind?
- Which is...?
- Is the Stork even real?
- Wait...you came all the way to Ionia...just to ask about the Stork?
- yes
- ...help me and I will release you.
- But...what about...
- you are completely harmless, what's more, you can stay in Ionia, I will talk with the elders, just help me already.
I reached Akali a patted her shoulder, she turned and looked at me and stopped grinning and dancing, in this situation, there was only one thing to do.
- OH, DARN! OH, DARN! OH, DARN!
Shen facepalmed again, Akali got closer and smelled me.
- CG! - She yelled hugging me - CG! CG! CG!
- I helped you, now GET HER OFF ME! - I demanded Shen.
- right - he said getting up - but first, let me knock you up.
- WHAT?!
- Yes, we can't let you know where our hideout is, so sweet dreams, Sauron.
- MY NAME IS VEL'...
...
...
...koz?
Vel'Koz?
Vel'Koz?
Around me I could hear the stream of water, several birds were chirping, I could hear the wind blowing through some trees in the distance, beneath me I felt something soft and the gentle caress of the grass, I could smell the scent of exotic flowers...was this place heaven?
Vel'Koz? are you okay?
I opened my eye above me there was a beautiful creature, examining my body with a worried look, with one hand she was caressing my limbs, with the other she was studying my armor, I was resting in her lap.
- beautiful - I muttered.
- I'm sorry? what did you say? - she asked getting closer.
I snapped out of my daze and got up, I was in a garden, surrounded by tree, flowers and a small river at my side.
- Vel'koz, are you okay? - Soraka asked worriedly.
- I'm...I'm fine...I just...had this weird nightmare...about some stacks and dubstep ignites and...I don't even remember how I got here.
- neither do I, you just disappeared and left me alone - she said pouting - I was worried, you know, and then I find you here sleeping, I was really worried.
- I'm sorry...I guess it wasn't a nightmare.
- What wasn't?
- I was kidnapped by Kinkou.
- KINKOU!? - Soraka yelled getting up and hugging one of my limbs - ARE YOU OKAY?
- ehm...yeah, something weird happened with this girl called Akali, I helped Shen and he said it was alright, that he would help me with the elders.
- That's great! - Soraka said smiling-But...you know...you did leave me alone, I couldn't guide you...I'm sad-She puffed her cheeks.
- Errr...then tomorrow you could guide me...no, I have to study with Karma...i...
- I can help you study, I may not look like that but I'm pretty good with that stuff, would you let me teach you?-She asked with teary eyes.
- of course.
- Great! Now, it's getting late, I'll walk you to Karma's house, tomorrow I'll pick you up in the morning and we can study together, it's that okay?
-Yes, it's okay.
-Then it's a date-Soraka said pulling me.
-A date?
-Yup, a date!