Author's notes section.
2022-04-21: Hey, here is a preview of the story's next chapter. Please, bear in mind that it is, as mentioned, a preview. Some parts of it might not be included in the final release. I will try to finish this chapter as soon as possible. I would like to clean up some of the tasks in my schedule, and right now, there are many chapters queued there.
2022-04-23: Hey, a small update.
2022-04-29: Hey, the chapter was finally released.
Don't forget to comment. I really appreciate your feedback.
Note that the dialogues written in italic are thoughts.
As always, I would like to thank you for everything. See you soon :)
Changelog:
[2022-04-21]: A preview was released.
[2022-04-23]: The chapter was updated. I have added around 400 - 500 words.
[2022-04-29]: The chapter was updated, and its final version was released.
Info: Overall, the current plan is for me to write 'My home is where my heart lies' and 'Family tree' alternatively. Between the updates of these stories, I will try to upload other texts. Maybe, just maybe, I will be able to finish some of the short stories. However, I truly doubt that. It seems that most if not all of the stories will be extended both in terms of the time and the number of chapters.
Info: I will try to rewrite some of the older chapters between releasing new ones. I expect to start working on that goal in the middle of January. So, please be informed that the new chapters might take a bit longer to be finished and published.
Bonuses' section:
A new story taking place in the Warhammer 40k universe.
Story of one lost soul: The war call: rewrite.
An entirely new story (possibly Akali x [Irelia, Syndra, Katarina]).
A new short story (Vi x Cait).
An entirely original story (possibly even 2 stories, one taking place in medieval times, the other in the far future)
References:
Judas Priest - Prisoner of Your Eyes (one of my personal favourites I must add)
White Lion - Broken Home
*bonuses will be worked on when I don't feel like writing the chapters pointed out in the schedule :D
End of the author's notes section.
"I agree." After a couple of moments of silence, the ninja spoke quietly. "Though I do not think I had any other option," she added, fixing her gaze over Marcus.
"Fantastic," Du Couteau's senior commented. "I can assure you that it is the correct decision to make. I will not require you signing up any sort of contract. After all, we are both honest and civilised people. So, I shall take your words as granted as you should do with mine," the man continued, standing up slowly. "With that… let's say the more formal part of our meeting is over; thus, it would be high time for you to be introduced to your soon-to-be student. Bring her in," he uttered an order toward one of the guards, sitting down once again.
The request was obeyed instantly. Within maybe seconds, the door opening sounds reached the dark-haired woman. Though it was quickly replaced by other noises. As if someone was storming through the corridor, upset or angry.
It did not take much time for the mystery to be solved. As the sounds became stronger and clearer, it was evident that Katarina was to blame. Her more than characteristic voice could be easily identified. With her usual impulsiveness and aggression, she carried on.
"Who the fuck you think you are?!" the red-haired assassin stormed into the audience room, apparently pissed off. Katarina's voice was a mixture of venom and anger.
"Well, it happens that I am your father, my dearest daughter. And this… it gives me a lot of power over you," Marcus responded calmly, not even slightly bothered by the woman's outburst.
"You basically abducted me from the party I was attending!" the redhead yelled, closing in rapidly. "I know that you're thinking of yourself as a god amongst the living. But, let me tell you a thing. You're a fucking human just like I'm. So, have a bit of decency not to fuck up others' people's plans!"
"I do think that I am more than capable of making the right decisions," the senior nobleman stated confidently. "As a side note, I believe you are yelling all too much. Everything I did was within the scope of my power. So, be dead, my daughter, and calm down. I have something important to announce," he added.
"You got to be kidding me!" the redhead loudly spoke up her mind. "It's my life we're currently disputing about. So, don't silence me! I'm the only one who should be making decisions about how it's shaped. Moreover, in all your foolishness, you've destroyed my plans for tonight. So, what kind of a recompensation will you offer, father?" she asked ironically.
"That is a discussion for another time, my dearest daughter," the man responded hollowly. "I have managed to find you another teacher. I have a feeling that this one will fare much better against your high temperament."
"Pfff," Katarina scoffed, showing how much she cared about her father's words. "I do hope you've finally concluded that hiring men won't do. But, if you wish to contain my temperament, I'd strongly suggest finding a beautiful woman. And… maybe then, I might restrain myself from killing her for lack of required skills. "We've been through that discussion more than once, haven't we? You should've known better after that."
"Well… in that regard, I presume you will be content with whom I have chosen," Marcus said calmly. "Considering that your new teacher is beautiful and skilled, you should be pleased. Moreover, you should already be familiar with her. After all, she has beaten you not once but numerous times in the past," he commented, smirking mischievously at the red-haired woman.
"What are you talking about, you brain-damaged degenerate?!" the redhead huffed, finally reaching the end of the room. "What was that supposed to mean?"
"I suggest you turn to your right," Du Couteau's senior stated.
"Brain-damaged prick," Katarina commented before turning as instructed.
At first glance, she spotted Darius. Even though Katarina was not known for her social skills, she respected the big man for his strength and devotion. So, after only a brief moment, she decided to nod to show respect and greet. Then, Darius returned the gesture and took a few steps back, revealing a much smaller woman that previously stood by his side. It took Katarina more than a moment to recognise who was the stranger.
"What the fuck are you doing here?!" an angry question escaped through the slightly parted lips of the Noxian assassin.
"Well… I would want to pretend that I do not know, too," Akali replied nonchalantly. "But, frankly, I was briefed a couple of minutes ago. As your father has stated, I am here to be your teacher. And… no, I am not thrilled about that idea either," she explained stoically.
"You as my teacher?" the redhead began laughing. "Don't make me laugh. If I wanted to, I'd crush you every single time we've faced."
"I believe that words carry far less meaning than actions," the dark-haired ninja responded. "And thus, I have beaten you numerous times, fair and square. You can disagree with this all you want, but it is the truth."
"I dare you to accept that offer, and then I'll beat you," Katarina opted to openly mock. "But… you know what? The old man is right about one thing. As soon as you're beaten down, crawling all over the floor, I'll be cherishing it whilst taking everything from you!" she yelled, stepping forward.
"Ehh," Akali sighed. "I can not take that from you; you are eager to fight. However, sometimes it is not a place and time to fight. And… a wise person can easily distinguish these differences," she said rather coldly. "So, if you do not have anything more to show, other than your ego and eagerness to fight. But, then, I would be pleased if you allowed the events to unfold. Even though we will not like the situation, this will leave us in, let it proceed uninterrupted."
"You have more audacity than you had back in the Institute," the redhead commented, flashing a grin. "I'll love every moment of destroying it…."
"Katarina, stop!" the senior noble uttered loudly. "The decision was made. Thus, I would encourage you to comply with it. From now on, Akali will be your teacher," the man stated confidently. "From now on, I do not want to hear you complaining about your assignments. One day, you will ascend to the tile of the head of this very family, replacing me. But, for that to happen, you need to learn a lot. Nevertheless, I consider this audition to be over. Darius, can you spare a moment more for me?" Marcus fixed his gaze over the bulky warrior.
"If that's needed, then I'll stay," the dark-haired soldier grunted as some sort of response.
"Then, it is settled," the house's head announced. "Katarina, be a host and show Akali around."
"Let it be your way, degenerate," the red-haired woman provided a sassy reply. "Come, follow me," she referred toward Akali.
With nothing better to do, the dark-haired Ionian obliged. However, before she proceeded after the redhead, she bowed toward both Darius and Marcus. Even though these men could not be precisely described as friends. However, for now, they were not that bad for her. With the pleasantries checked out in the woman's internal checklist, she was free to follow the pissed assassin.
Katarina did not mind whether the Ionian was coming along or not. Instead, she growled something, most likely offensive, a little further on. However, the redhead opted to remain silent throughout most of their stroll. All she did was pick up the pace from time to time. And by taking that detail into consideration, Akali had seen less than she could have otherwise.
Nevertheless, these few glimpses the Ionian had managed to catch only fortified her opinion regarding the mansion. The entirety of the estate was beautiful, breathtaking even. However, the level of gold usage was disgusting. Du Couteau's family was far wealthier than Akali had anticipated or had been prepared to bear. Even though Akali had been burned as an heiress to the title, she had never lived in such luxuries. The life inside the Kinkou Order was all about equality. The differences in terms of living standards between the classes were minimal there. And thus, the raven-haired girl had never considered herself a rich person. She was but a tool in the order's hands, powerful, rare, yet expendable.
After more than a couple of minutes, Katarina finally stopped. But, before she pushed the entrance toward her quarters open, she lingered a little longer.
"You're about to enter my territory," the red-haired Noxian informed the ninja. "I expect you to respect all my rules. Step out of the line, and I'll punish you severely for that. And… don't you think that you can boss me. We'll be training when I allow it. Do you understand me?" she asked, taking a step back and turning around.
"I think your father has much more to say about that than you," the dark-haired woman responded stoically. "I have agreed on a specific deal. And thus, I will do my best to comply with its rules. But, alas, I think you should step back a little and learn how to listen," she added coldly.
These words clearly hit the mark as the red-haired woman instantly assaulted the Ionian, pinning her to the wall. The initial success fueled Katarina's ego, pushing her to use the earned advantage.
"See?" the redhead growled in a low tone. "I've already beaten you. It wasn't any feat of strength to overcome you, to pin you against that very wall. So how could you be my teacher if you're unable to protect yourself? Hmm?" she asked huskily, leaning in.
"You see this situation as a victory?" the dark-haired ninja replied emotionlessly. "Do you honestly think that you have won?"
"I don't need to think about that; I can see the result before my very eyes."
"So, allow me to enlight you," Akali uttered coldly. "You have achieved nothing. All that you have displayed can be summed up to a conclusion that you are incapable of restraining yourself. But, unfortunately for me, you are not a fast learner. So, I need to show you what I meant," she stated, fixing her eyes upon the redhead.
The tables changed before the Noxian could utter a word or even move. The Ionian stroke back within a blink of an eye, breaking free from Katarina's clutches. But, the dark-haired woman did not stop there. Instead, she swapped them around using the gained ground, enforcing a much firmer grip onto the Noxian. To emphasise the difference, Akali pushed Katarina into the wall forcefully. The sudden impact resulted in a loud groan from the latter, literally taking the assassin's breath away.
"Do you understand now?" a quiet yet dangerous whisper reached the redhead's ear. "You can pretend all you want that you are stronger between the two of us. But, we both know it is not the truth. So, please cut that scummy attitude cause it will not get you anywhere. Instead, you should respect me, for I am your mentor whether you like it or not," the Ionian added.
"Fuck you!" the red-haired assassin snarled.
"Ehhh…" a heavy sigh escaped the slightly parted lips of the ninja. "Ok, let it be your way," Akali added in a whisper-like manner before throwing the redhead toward the opposite wall.
As a whine of pain sounded, the Ionian closed in, picking up Katarina from the floor. Then, a quick yet powerful blow was struck toward the red-haired woman's abdomen, effectively drawing a prolonged exhale mixed with cries of pain. However, the beatdown did not end there. A squeaking sound was released when Katarina was slapped across her beautiful face. Even though the strike was not meant to cause severe damage, it hurt a lot, leaving the redhead swaying on her legs. Though a reprieve finally happened. A moment later, the beaten and confused woman was led through the door toward her quarters.
"Do you understand now?" Akali repeated the question. "Do you see now?"
"Yes, I see," the beaten-down woman replied, mumbling. "But… remember, there'll be a day I'll have my vengeance," she uttered quietly.
"Good," a short reply was provided by the ninja. "Rage, hatred, vengeance can be a source of your motivation, devotion, power. Keep it that way. And… one day, I will allow you to try again. But for now, walk me through these chambers. Tell me their secrets as if we were friends."