Chapter 29 - Soraka Hope.

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Holy shit...

What the shit happened?

I can't remember anything...My head hurts like shit...

Where am I? It feels oddly familiar...

I open my eyes a little...

It hurts...

My throat is dry...

I remember...

I was having a date with Vi...we went to a Cafe...I ate cake...it was tasty...and then...something about cherries and popping off...and then...ugh...I can't remember what happened...

-You are finally awake! - Someone said merrily.

I look around and saw a beautiful angel wearing a simple apron walking towards me, her gorgeous teary golden eyes are fixed on me, her luscious skin reflecting the beams of the sun and her gentle smile healed my tortured mind, she sat on the bed and caressed my cheek.

-Soraka?

-Yes, honey.

-Good morning.

-Good morning? More like Good Afternoon, sleepyhead! - She said with a giggle - half of the day is already gone, honey, you were pretty drunk yesterday so I'm not surprised.

-I'm thirsty.

-Here - She offered me a glass of water.

-Thank you - The fresh liquid slid through my throat calming the raging fire on it - I feel like my head it's split in half.

-Is that so? Let me see - Soraka said placing her hand on my forehead, I felt a soft vibration and after a few moments the pain was gone - Is it better?

-Yes, the pain is gone, Thank you very much, Soraka.

-Anything for you, honey - She said with a gentle smile - but I have to say I'm really disappointed in you, Why were you drunk yesterday?

-I was on a date with Vi and she took me to a bar.

-Oh...I see - Soraka said slowly - A date with Vi...Could you give me second? I have to clean your room - She stood up and walked towards the window where a big sack was lying below it, she knelt and picked it up.

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-Soraka.

-Yes, honey?

-Why are you wearing an apron?

-Because I don't want to get dirty, silly!

-No, I mean, Why are you wearing only an apron?

Soraka turned around and gave me a cheeky smile.

-Do you like it?

-It's not about liking it or not...I just can't understand why you are wearing it like that.

-Do I look bad on it?

-No, You look gorgeous, but my point is...

-Thanks, Honey - She interrupted me - You can take a better look after I'm done with this thing - She said shoving the sack through the window.

-Can I help you with that?

-Don't worry, honey, I can do it by myself - She said pushing the sack through the window, I heard it collide with the ground.

-Can you do that?

-Yes, there's a dumpster below your window.

-I see...What was inside that sack?

-Just garbage...uh... Honey... could you please have a date with me? - Soraka pleaded softly.

-Of course, When?

-Right now!

-Are you sure?

-Yes! First, just go and take a bath, you stink! I will change my clothes and then we can be on our way, I think it will only take thirty minutes to get ready.

-I Understand.

-Awesome! I'm going to use the bathroom in this room, Would you like to get inside with me? - Soraka said winking.

-I think I will go to Cho'Gath's.

-I see...-She said a bit sad - Well then, I'll meet you in the dining room - And she disappeared into the bathroom.

I walked towards Cho'Gath room smelling my clothes, I'm not really sure what Soraka meant, I couldn't detect any foul smell in my clothes, well since I'm not that used to this I may have ignored it, still, I can understand that humans need to take baths often...Humans are filthy beings after all.

I reached Cho'Gath's room and entered without knocking.

-HERE COMES THE PAIN-TRAIN! - He said flexing and successfully tearing apart one of his suits.

-Excellent work, sir - Malzahar congratulated - It seems that suit was also made with lesser materials -He said walking into Cho'Gath's closet.

-As expected, nothing good comes from that jawline...Oh! Vel'Koz! Hello there! What do you need? - Cho'Gath said noticing my presence.

-I was wondering if I could use your bathroom.

-Sure thing! I don't use it anyways, I rather soak myself in the jacuzzi...Why do you need it?

-To take a bath.

-I see, I see - Cho'Gath said nodding - I have an advice to you, there is this thing I call the throne of cries, It's that thing shaped like a chair...Don't ever sit in that accursed thing.

-Why?

-It seems humans use that thing to get rid of their fecal matter and other things like that.

-That's gross.

-I know! Anyways, I just wanted to warm you, Can I ask you why you want to take a shower?

-Soraka said I stink.

-Well, of course, you do! What did I tell you about drinking?

-A gentleman never gets drunk...but I can't remember anything.

-You were unconscious when Vi brought you yesterday.

-Really? What happened yesterday?

-Well, Vi was pretty drunk too, but she told me you drank a whole glass of whiskey, I'm really surprised, I can't even drink that much of wine before I start spouting nonsense.

-So...I lost consciousness because of that.

-No, Vi said that after you finished your glass you stood up and started saying you were a scientist from the future looking for a young man called Marty...then you stepped on an ice cube and fell to the ground.

-That...I have no words for that...

-Neither do I! But at least you kept your honor, last time I got that drunk I ended up as Freljord's ambassador.

-I see...Now that I think about it...Do you know where's Vi?

-Wasn't she upstairs with you?

-No.

-That's strange, yesterday when she brought you she threw you on your bed and collapsed, literally, on top on you.

-Really?

-Yeah, actually,when I checked on you this morning she was still sleeping with you, I guess she left for work.

-I understand, I won't worry then.

-Vel'Koz, Can I ask why do you want to take a bath? Well, aside from Soraka asking for it.

-Soraka wants to go on a date right now.

-Oh! I see...Would you take long?

-I don't know, Why do you ask?

-Well, you see, the things is there's going to be a party celebrating the alliance between Piltover and Demacia in two days at night, I wanted to organize the party but the council chose the supreme commander of the Police department, Can you believe it? He is a frigging cop! Anyway, I want to have a party tonight and show those idiots my talent, prove that I'm better than the commander and see if the council changes their minds, so I was wondering if you'll like to come? If you have time, of course.

-I guess I could go, I'll ask Soraka and Vi if they want to come with me.

-Neither of them can come.

-Why?

-Well, Vi has work to do with the council and Soraka has her appointment with the Ionian embassy.

-The Ionian embassy?

-Yes, apparently the council can no longer turn a blind eye on her, she is a fugitive after all, this appointment will decide whether she stays in Piltover or has to return to Ionia.

-I didn't...I didn't know...she didn't tell me anything...

-Maybe that's why she wants to have a date right now...you know...she must be nervous because if she fails...well...make sure she enjoys this moment...anyways, go take a bath.

I nodded and headed into the bathroom, I took off my clothes, turned on the shower and I left myself drown in the fog of the hot water...Soraka might have to return to Ionia today...her destiny depends on a meeting here in Piltover...and I can't help but think this was my fault...after all, she followed me...she disobeyed the elders and came to Piltover...What can I do to help her?...maybe I should go with her...and support her...but at the same time my presence could make things worse...I don't know what to do...

I finished my bath and stepped outside wondering what should I wear, I found an identical set of clothes waiting for me in Cho'Gath's bed, it had a note on top of it "Dear master Vel'Koz, I thought you might dislike choosing clothes again, I've prepared this set of clothes in advance, Master Cho'Gath and I must head out to prepare the incoming party, good luck in your date, with love, Malzahar"

Thank you, Malzahar.

After I was dressed I went downstairs where Soraka was waiting for me, she was wearing a long purple skin with a green cloth, a purple top, and a yellow hat, she smiled once she saw me.

-Are you ready? - She asked cheerfully

-Yes, Let us go.

She smiled again, grabbed my arm and we left without any other problem, once again the humans were different today, sure they were still interested in me, but Soraka attracted a fair amount of stares, especially the guys, they kept peeking at her chest, I guess I will never understand why human males found females mammals so attractive, I personally think elbows are quite obscene, some might differ but those things should not be allowed in public.

Random things aside we reached the Amusement park faster than I thought, Soraka guided me since I had no idea where this place was, I had to say I was incredibly surprised, the line was exorbitantly large, I didn't know humans were so fond of this kind of places, I had to say I could begin to understand them, at the distance I could see huge structures made of steel and painted in bright colors, the screams of joy or fear could be heard even at a long distance, I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited, Piltover, once again is filled with wonders.

-The line is too long - Soraka said with a pout.

-I guess we will need to wait.

-Maybe not - She said with a cheeky smile - I have this! - She said showing me a card with the photo of Vi on it.

-What's that?

-I don't know...but I saw Vi using to get inside everywhere...She said it opens any electronic lock in Piltover.

-That...sounds really important...I can't believe Vi actually gave it to you.

-Yeah... - Soraka laughed awkwardly - ...she...she gave it...to me...Anyways, let's go! I'm pretty sure there is another entrance somewhere!

-I think I saw another door on the left...

-Then Let's go! - She said pulling me over.

-The door was quite small and well hidden from the view, it had a small sign that read "MAINTENANCE" on the lock, once we got close enough we heard a light beep and a small robot came to us.

-STATE YOUR BUSSINESS.

Soraka shrugged and showed the card, the little robot scanned it and shook a little.

-ACKNOWLEDGE. WELCOME BACK, ENFORCER. - and the door opened slowly and the bright light blinded me for a second.

-Come on! - I heard Soraka said as she pulled me - Let's have fun!

I blinked a few times and then I had no choice but to admit that humans wee more skilled that I thought, gigantic structures of metal painted in different colors, decorated with colored light bulbs stood tall and proud in different sides of the amusement park, humans flooded the place as all of them wanted a chance to ride the noisy monsters, I also saw several stalls selling food and some other had a set of strange activities, I could see humans of all ages, genders, races, all of them enjoying themselves forgetting, at least for a feeble moment, their rivalries, It was a miracle.

-It's awesome! - Soraka said cheerfully - Look at those colors! Those forms! It's the best!

-You've never been to an amusement park before?

-No, There is nothing like this in Ionia, I wanted to come for the longest time...and here I am...with you - She said hugging me - It's simply perfect...What do you want to ride first?

-Don't ask me, I know less than you.

-Then...Let's ride the Roller Coster!

-Which one is the Roller Coster?

-That one!

The game Soraka wanted to ride was the biggest and the most dangerous one of the park, it looked like a snake wiggling its body in all kinds of directions and forms possible, it even had a free fall, I watched as the little cart moved at incredible speeds, the humans who got off the ride barfed and called for their mother units, some other simply stared into the nothingness.

-Uh...are you sure you want to ride that?

-Of course! Let's go, you scaredy cat! - She said pulling me over.

We sat in the first car and waited, after a few moments a metal bar fell in out hips, a security measure, I suppose, after that, a scrawny teenager started talking to us.

-Please, remember that the park will not take any responsibility if there is an incident, all security measures are ready, any question?

-What kind of security measures are we talking about? - I asked raising my hand.

-They don't pay me enough to know that - The teenager said activating the machine.

The cart moved forward slowly, in front of me I could see the road going up, the journey was filled with tension, as we went up I could hear the humans behind me giggle and some others were desperately trying to get off of this thing, I looked at Soraka, her eyes were filled with determination, I sighed, it seems all the women around me are crazy in some way or another, then again, I'm a monster of the void in the body of a human, it's fitting, I suppose.

The cart finally reached the top, from the peak I was able to see everything, from the other rides to the small stalls, but what caught my attention was the sun, when I was a voidling I couldn't stand the sight of such star, it was so bright, but now I couldn't help but be amazed it's magnificence, the King of the firmament was setting tinting the world in a peaceful orange…Fascinating…

And the I remembered where I was, the cart stopped for a few moments and after a while, it went downhill, around me I could hear the terrified and excited screams of the other humans next to me Soraka was laughing gleefully, I, on the other hand, was more intrigued than anything…

Why was everyone making such a fuss? Yes, There were sudden changes in gravity, acceleration and speed, but, to be honest, it's nothing that amazing, after living in the unruly and chaotic lands of the void I have grown accustomed to such changes, I found myself yawning and sleepy, but I remained awake, after my nightmare I don't think I don't think I want to sleep…ever again…

The ride ended finally ended and I thanked Nashor for that, I hopped off and helped Soraka, it seems the ride was too exciting for her since her legs couldn't stop shaking, at least she wasn't puking or crying in a fetal position like the other humans around us.

-That was the best! – She said cheerfully – I would like to go again but I don't think we will have enough… - Then she stared at me and began to laugh again – Look at your hair!

My hair? What's wrong with my hair? I looked around trying to find a mirror or something like that, I didn't find one but the Surface of an ornament looked like it would work just fine, my hair was a complete mess, tangled, spiked in all kind of directions, I looked like some sort of exotic bird or wild animal, I groaned and trying to fix it with no results.

-Your hair is pretty long – Soraka commented helping me – I mean, it only reaches your shoulders…but it's pretty long.

-I wish I could get rid of it.

-Maybe I can help you!

-How?

-I have this! – She said showing me a jade hair rubber band – Karma gave it to me a long to time ago,but as you can see this small thing won't be enough – She said grabbing her long hair – but it'll do the trick with you.

-I think it would be better if I just cut it.

-Come on! That's no fun! Please! Let's do it! – She begged.

-Alright – I sighed in defeat – You can do as you please.

-Really?! Awesome! Come with me! First, we have to comb your hair! There are a bunch of chairs over there!

I sat on a chair and waited patiently, Soraka was walking around me, watching my hair on different angles, muttering things to herself, she finally nodded and started the process, first she combed my hair, slowly and delicately, brushing with her hands humming cheerfully, after that I felt her grab a bunch of my hair and braid with the hair band, she then made a few adjustments.

-I think this is it – She said victorious – I think there's a mirror over there, go take a look and tell me if you liked it!

Like it? It's just hair, what's the point in doing such tiresome task for a bunch of hair? But Soraka went to such expenses for me so I might as well give her my honest thought on it, I was in front of the mirror and prepared myself for it, my hair was tied in a ponytail with my long sideburns loose and a few bangs on my forehead…Curious…I don't dislike this hairstyle at all…

-So, how is it? – Soraka asked behind me.

-It's okay.

-Uh? That's all?!

-Soraka, I'm not really sure sure how to react to this kind of situation, I sincerely think it's okay.

-And here I was expecting you would thank me and say it looked awesome.

-Thank you, Soraka, It looks awesome.

-I knew you would like it – Soraka said puffing her chest proudly – I'm kind of hungry, Let's get something to eat!

I nodded and followed her, now, I don't really feel like eating anything at all, but since is Soraka I might as well indulge myself in her antics, besides, I'm kind of curious about what kind of food the sell here, Soraka stopped at a stall that was selling something called crepe, whatever it was it must be delicious since there was a large line.

-I don't think I can use Vi's card here – Soraka said pouting – Guess I will have to wait, honey, While I do this go and look for a table.

-Are you sure? I can buy that thing if you want.

-Honey, You have no experience in this, I, on the other hand, I'm a master when it comes to sweets.

-Have you ever eaten a crepe?

-No – She admitted shamelessly – But I have a good sense of taste! I'll choose something good for us! Now go and find us a table.

I sighed and went looking for a table, It's not like I can't trust Soraka, I'm just worried about her, Should she be wasting her time here with me? She has a meeting with the Ionian embassy tonight…she should be preparing for it…not here…I wonder what should I do to help her.

I found a lonely table, concealed with the shadows of the rides, no one would bother us here and I suppose would appreciate the intimacy of the place, I sat in one of the chairs and waited for her…and then I felt a well-known shiver in my spine…I looked around panicked…I know this feeling very well…There's no way I could forget it…it must be…Her…

-Hello, Handsome, are you on your own? – her voice purred behind me.

What is she doing here? Why is she here? I gulped my spit and turned around, Ahri was there, standing still with her predatory aura haunting every cell in my body, strange as it seems, she acted quite composed, I expected her to just jump and eat me…I suppose she doesn't recognize me in this form…

-What's wrong, pretty boy? Fox got you tongue -She giggled and got closer to me – how can a hottie like you be alone in this place?

-I…I wonder…

-You voice…sounds oddly familiar…Have we met before?

-I don't think so… - Good, she doesn't recognize me, I just have to play safe and get out of here.

-I see, What's your name then?

-Well…My name is… - Come on! Think! Anything would do! -My name is Carlos Santana – God, I'm stupid.

-I see, well Carlos, I would like to ask you a question? – She said sitting next to me and holding my hand – Do you finally now where the stork comes from?

SHE KNOWS!?

-You…Wha…How…

-Come on, Vel'Koz, I'm not stupid -She said caressing my cheek – I have tasted your essence, remember? I could recognize you anywhere, no matter how you look like.

-For real?!

-Yes, and now let me check the goods - Ahri said caressing my thigh.

-Ahri, please, stop!

-Come on, there's nothing to be ashamed of...oh...oh!...OH! - She licked her lips - You are full of surprises, is not as big as before, but it's still the biggest I've seen, I will enjoy this meal thoughtfully - Ahri giggled.

-Ahri, please, you don't understand, I'm with someone right now.

-The enforcer? Leave it to me, honey, I'm pretty sure I can seduce that unruly tomboy, I'll get to enjoy both of you.

-It's not Vi it's... - I felt a cold in by back.

It was too late...

I turned around and saw Soraka smiling with two crepes in her hands, despite being somehow warm I started shivering, the light started to escape the surrounding area, the noise was gone and I could hear distant screams of pain and agony...

The reaper was here...

-My, My, My - Soraka said slowly, her smile never leaving her face - Here I thought you'll be bored without me...

-Soraka, please! I can explain! You just have to ask Ahri, Come on, Ahri! Say some... - But Ahri was completely petrified, tears running down from her eyes, every hair in her body completely still, like a small fox in front of a powerful beast.

-Seems like little Ahri has nothing to say - Soraka say slowly approaching her - I, on the other hand, had a lot to say - She stood in front of Ahri and crushed the crepes in her face - If you ever get close to him again I will make you suffer so much you will bathe in your own blood - Soraka said ghastly, the dark aura spreading around her.

Ahri simply nodded and dashed away, I remained still, just looking at the ground and waiting for my inevitable punishment, it never came, I dared to look up and saw Soraka sitting next to me, looking at the rides.

-Honestly - She finally said - I brought you here on a date with me and you just go and flirt with other girls, you are such a bad boy.

-I..I didn't mean to...

-No excuses! - She scolded me - I'm seriously mad, like platinum mad, What are you going to do about that, huh?

-I...May I ask if there's something I can do for you, my lady Soraka?

-I want to get into one last game.

-But...there's no time... - I said looking at the sky and realizing the sun was almost gone - And you have to...

-What did I say about excuses?

-Yes, ma'am, what would you like to ride?

-The Ferris wheel.

-Which one is that?

-That one - Soraka said pointing at the Ferris wheel.

I was, indeed, a wheel, a huge metal wheel with a bunch of pods in several parts of the rim, the Wheel was turning slowly on its own axis, moving the pods with it.

-I guess we can give it a try...

-Awesome! - Soraka chirped cheerfully and pulled my arm - Let's go!

-Hey...Weren't you mad a moment ago?

-Silly! There's no way I could be mad at you, especially on our date.

-I remember you summoning a meteorite and crashed it on me.

-Starcall?

-Oh, boy, I'm so excited for this ride!

-That's better.

I followed Soraka to the Ferris Wheel, I realized there weren't many humans in line, and all of those who were waiting were couples, they were laughing together, holding hands, holding arms, kissing or simply speaking with each other, the mood was certainly different, without realizing it, it was already our turn.

The inside of the pod was small and isolated, once the door was closed I couldn't hear anything from outside, just Soraka's breathing, mine, and a low background music, there was a pair of seats at the sides of the pod, Soraka sat on the right and tapped the space next to her, as soon as I sat down she lied down in my chest.

-It's amazing, Isn't it? - She said making herself comfortable - It feels like a world made only for us.

I could see the pod gaining altitude slowly as the Ferris Wheel span, the dusk was at hand and I could see the dim light of the moon and a few stars in the sky, it felt like a whole universe made only for us, I felt like I could forget my problems and just look into the sky forever...but I couldn't...there were things I needed to know.

-Soraka.

-Yes, Honey.

-The Ionian embassy.

She flinched in my chest.

-So you knew, huh? Who told you?

-Cho'Gath.

-When?

-Before we came here.

-I see - She said sitting properly - there's nothing to say.

-What do you mean there's nothing to say? Soraka this meeting will decide your fate, whether you stay in Piltover or...

-I know... - She interrupted me - I know but...can you not talk about this? I just want to stay like this with you...

-Soraka, let's talk about this, maybe I can help...

-You can't help! - She yelled squeezing her skirt - I have to do this on my own, you can't help me...and besides...this is all your fault...

-What do you mean?

-I was happy, you know - Tears began to roll of her golden eyes - I was happy doing the same thing over and over again, I could live with the routine...and then you came...I saw nothing but a monster in you...but then you spoke to me...and I don't how...but the needles that closed you up, somewhere along the way, began to stab my heart...it hurts, you know...it hurts because now I can't imagine the world without you...I get mad when you talk to other girls...I changed...and it's your fault... - She sobbed softly - ...I am scared...because if I fail in this trial...I will have to return to Ionia...and I will never be able to see you again...

I never knew Soraka was holding such feeling inside of her, she was always smiling, what can I do for her? How can I ease her pain? I can't help her, she is in this mess because she chose me above everything else...how can I...?

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It's night time, the sun was gone...and the stars were out...

-The darker the night, the brighter the stars.

-What?

-Soraka, a long time ago, when I was beginning my journey I was lost in my own insecurities, back then, my newfound emotions scared me...I was lost...and then...the strongest man I ever met told me that...I will get hurt, this is how this world works...and at some point, I started to think there was nothing else...that it was useless...but...I met you...I met you in Ionia...I was lost in the darkness created by the elders...but you were there for me...you gave me hope...I can't help you right now...but at least have hope in yourself...just as I have hope in you...I know you will win the trial...you just need to believe in yourself...and even if you fail...I'll be there for you...after all...the heart is the strongest muscle...and yours, Soraka, is the biggest heart that there is.

-But...they are the elders of Ionia...I can't go against them on my own...I simply can't...

-They may have many, but you have me.

I could feel it...the corners of my mouth were in a position I've never felt before, was I smiling? I couldn't tell...there was something else in them, something soft and tasty, my vision was filled with purple, my nose with a gentle scent...I could feel Soraka's tears rolling over my own cheeks...Soraka was especial for me, she was kind and gentle, but she was also possessive and aggressive...she was like the ocean...teasing and kind...she jumped into my heart...and I accepted her...

-Are you sure I can't be there for you?

-No, I'm afraid this is an official issue, only the council of Piltover and the dignitaries sent by Ionia can be there.

-I wish I could do more.

-You already did, thank you for everything, I feel like I can do anything.

-I'm glad to hear that.

-There...there is something you could do for me.

-What is it?

-It's not like you can do something...I just want you to hear me out.

-I'm listening.

-I know Vi is in your heart...I know you have feelings for her...and I also know you are just starting to understand what love means...and I apologize for putting you in such situation...so I just wanted to let you know that...I will definitely stay in Piltover...I know Vi loves you as much as I do...but you can't measure my feelings by its weight because I convey them only to you...and just as the infinite sky...I will make you swear to me in an eternity that will never end... -She finished with a cheeky grin - ...now, I'm off, honey.

-Good luck, Soraka.

She nodded and walked towards the night, I stood for a few moments thinking, thinking about the things that Soraka said to me, Thinking about her trial with the elders, Thinking about my feelings for both Soraka and Vi...Soraka was right...this is new for me...and I can't understand it just yet...but there is one thing I know for sure...I'm willing to sacrifice everything for their smiles.

I sighed into the night, wondering what should I do now, Cho'Gath's party should be beginning by now...but to be honest I don't want to go...I rather stay on my own...I crave for solitude...and I don't want to go to his mansion...I want to be in the open...baren...vulnerable...I Wonder if there's an empty space or something here in Piltover...

...

...Uh?

What's that?

I can't explain it...but I can feel it...there is something moving in the shadows...a gentle whisper filled with melancholy caressed my chest...It's calling me...I notice blue footprints appearing on the ground...they are headed towards the heart of Piltover...I can't explain why...but I must follow those footprints...

"We are waiting for you"

The quiet moon watched as I ventured into the darkness.

Staple Stable - Chiwa Saito.