The climb continued, our yaks straining against the increasingly treacherous terrain. The path, once a clear trail through the lower slopes, narrowed into a winding ribbon of rock and ice that clung precariously to the mountain's flanks.
With each step higher, the air grew thinner, colder. The wind howled through the canyons, carrying with it the scent of snow and something else... something ancient and untamed, a primal energy that seemed to pulse with the very heartbeat of the mountain itself.
We pressed onward, our bodies weary, our spirits tested. The ram's attack, the encounter with the Bolors—each challenge had been a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked within Targon's embrace. And yet, there was also a strange allure to this unforgiving landscape, a sense of awe and wonder that mingled with the ever-present unease.
Days turned into nights, the rhythm of our journey marked by the rising and setting of the sun, the waxing and waning of the moon. We huddled around campfires, sharing stories and meager rations, the flames providing a fleeting warmth against the biting cold.
Elara, our gruff but capable guide, led us through hidden passes, navigated treacherous ravines, and shared tales of the Rakkor, their traditions, their beliefs, and their unwavering dedication to the mountain.
"The Rakkor believe that Targon is a crucible," she explained one evening, her weathered face illuminated by the firelight, "a place where mortals can test their strength and prove their worth. They seek to ascend, to become something more than human."
"Like gods?" Ezreal asked, his eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
Elara nodded, her gaze drifting toward the peak, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Aye, like gods. But the path is fraught with peril. Many who attempt the climb... never return."
"And those who do?" I pressed, the question tumbling from my lips before I could stop it.
Elara's gaze met mine, her eyes searching my face as if she could see the turmoil within. "Those who ascend… they become something… different. Their bodies transformed, their minds touched by the cosmos. They are no longer bound by the limitations of mortality."
Her words echoed Yaavin's fragmented memories, the visions of his battles against those who called themselves gods. The Celestials, the Ascended… each encounter had been a clash of titans, a struggle for dominance that had reshaped the very landscape of Runeterra.
But could a mortal truly ascend? Could a being like me, a fragment of chaos, ever find a place among those who walked the path of balance and order?
The question lingered, a constant companion to the growing unease I felt as we neared our destination.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the outskirts of the next Rakkor village. It wasn't nestled in a valley like Thala. Instead, it clung to the edge of a precipice, its stone dwellings built precariously into the rock face, defying gravity and the harsh mountain winds.
"This is Aurelion's Perch," Elara announced, her voice carrying over the howl of the wind. "Home to the skywatchers and the stargazers—those who seek knowledge in the heavens."
I looked up at the village, its structures seeming to defy the very laws of nature. Stone bridges spanned yawning chasms, ladders carved into the rock face led to hidden dwellings, and platforms jutted out over the precipice, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
But it was the people that captivated me most. The villagers, clad in furs and adorned with intricate tattoos that mirrored the constellations above, moved with a grace and agility that seemed at odds with the harshness of their environment. They carried themselves with a quiet confidence, a sense of purpose that radiated from their very being.
As we approached, a figure emerged from a stone dwelling perched high on the cliff face. He was tall and lean, his white hair flowing in the wind, his eyes a piercing blue that seemed to reflect the sky itself. He wore a simple robe, yet his presence commanded respect, a subtle aura of power emanating from him.
"Elara," he greeted her with a nod, his voice a low rumble that carried over the wind. "You are welcome here. But tread carefully, traveler. The mountain has been watching."
Elara chuckled, a low rumble in her chest. "Aye, the mountain's always watching. But so are the Rakkor. Come, let's get these supplies delivered. The skywatchers will be eager to see what I've brought."
She led the caravan towards a clearing near the village edge, where several Rakkor awaited us. They were a diverse group—people, young and old, their features reflecting the harsh beauty of their environment. But they were united by a shared purpose, a reverence for the mountain and its celestial guardians.
One of them, a woman with striking silver hair and eyes that seemed to shimmer with starlight, stepped forward. Her movements were fluid, her gaze steady, and the air around her crackled with a subtle energy.
"Welcome, Elara," she said, her voice clear and strong. "We greet you in the name of Aurelion Sol, the Star Forger. What news do you bring from the lowlands?"
Elara dismounted her yak and bowed her head respectfully. "Greetings, Anah. I bring tidings of peace and prosperity. The deserts bloom, and the rivers flow. But the journey was not without its challenges." She glanced at me, a knowing glint in her eyes. "The mountain tested us, as it tests all who dare to climb."
Anah's gaze followed Elara's, her eyes lingering on me for a moment before returning to the caravan leader. "Targon is a place of both wonder and peril," she said, her voice laced with a wisdom that seemed ancient. "It reveals what lies hidden within, both the light and the shadow. May your journey be guided by wisdom and courage."
Her words, though less ominous than the previous elder's, still carried a weight that settled heavily upon me. I could feel the mountain's energy pulsing all around us, a palpable presence that seemed to resonate with the chaotic power that simmered within me. And the higher we went, the more the warnings weighed on me. It almost felt like I was being told to go no further. To turn back and leave. But it wasn't like I didn't want to leave. Something deep inside me was urging me to keep going.
But I wasn't alone in my unease. I could sense a subtle shift in my companions as well—a hesitation, a trepidation that mirrored my own. Even Ezreal, whose usual bravado seemed undeterred by anything the world could throw at him, carried an air of apprehension as we ventured deeper into Targon's shadow.
But despite the risks and challenges ahead, our resolve was unwavering. We were driven by a shared desire to protect Runeterra from the threat of Yaavin, to uncover the mysteries of this mysterious mountain, and to face the trials that lay before us.
"We're going to spend a day here, actually have a decent meal and good rest before we continue." Elara smiled as she stood up. "Everyone's been pushed to their limits, and we don't want to see anyone collapse during the second half of our ascent. We'll gather again in the morning for breakfast. Prepare for a long journey through snow and ice."
As Elara departed, her words echoing the daunting task ahead, I couldn't shake the sense of relief that washed over me. A day of respite, a chance to breathe, to gather ourselves before facing the mountain's harsher trials. It felt… earned.
Akali, ever restless, was already exploring the village, her cloak blending seamlessly with the shadows as she darted between the stone dwellings. Ezreal, predictably, had found a group of Rakkor skywatchers, eager to hear tales of his exploits and examine his mystical gauntlet.
And I… I found myself drawn to a quiet corner overlooking the valley, the wind whipping through my hair, carrying with it the scent of pine and snow.
"Ravik?" Irelia's voice, soft yet firm, broke through my contemplation. She stood beside me, her blue robe billowing in the wind, her presence a calming anchor amidst the swirling anxieties.
"Just… thinking," I replied, my gaze fixed on the distant peaks. "About everything."
She nodded, understanding in her eyes. "It's a lot to process," she said quietly. "This mountain… it has a way of revealing what lies hidden within."
I turned to face her, a question burning in my chest. "What do you see, Irelia?"
Her gaze met mine, her eyes searching my face as if she could see the turmoil within. "I see strength," she said, her voice a soft murmur. "Determination. A willingness to face the darkness, even when it threatens to consume you."
A warmth spread through my chest, a flicker of hope amidst the shadows. "But... what about Yaavin?" I asked, the name a bitter taste on my tongue. "What if I'm not strong enough to resist him?"
Irelia's hand reached out, her fingers brushing against my cheek in a gesture that was both unexpected and comforting. "You are stronger than you realize, Ravik," she whispered, her gaze unwavering. "You've faced him time and time again. And each time you've fought back. You resisted. And you are not alone." Those were the same words that Ezreal said when we were under Shurima.
Her touch sent a shiver down my spine, a sensation that had nothing to do with the mountain's chill. It was a warmth that spread through my entire being, a feeling of connection that defied the loneliness I'd carried for so long.
"You too, Irelia." My words were barely a whisper, but they seemed to hang in the air between us, charged with an unspoken meaning.
A soft chuckle from behind startled us both.
"Well, well, well," Akali drawled, her voice laced with amusement, "looks like someone's getting a little handsy." She leaned against a nearby rock, her cloak pulled back to reveal a mischievous smirk.
Irelia withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushing slightly, but her gaze remained steady. "Akali, please…"
Akali shrugged, her smirk widening. "Just saying, you two make a cute couple." She paused, her eyes flitting between us, a spark of challenge in their depths. "Though, I wouldn't mind joining in on the fun. Sharing is caring, right?"
The air crackled with tension, the playful banter masking an undercurrent of something… more. My heart pounded in my chest, my gaze shifting between Irelia and Akali. Their eyes met mine, a silent conversation passing between us, filled with unspoken desires and the weight of choices yet to be made.
"I think…" I began, my voice suddenly hoarse, "I need some air."
I turned away, the weight of their gazes heavy upon my back, and walked towards the edge of the village. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying with it the scent of snow and the echoes of ancient magic.
I closed my eyes, trying to calm the chaotic storm of emotions raging within me. But I couldn't escape the truth—the connection I felt with both Irelia and Akali was something… new. Something dangerous… and exhilarating.
I turned away, the weight of their gazes heavy upon my back, and walked towards the edge of the village. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying with it the scent of snow and the echoes of ancient magic.
I closed my eyes, trying to calm the chaotic storm of emotions raging within me. But I couldn't escape the truth—the connection I felt with both Irelia and Akali was something… new. Something dangerous… and exhilarating.
The crunch of footsteps against the frost-covered ground startled me. I opened my eyes, expecting to find Irelia, her calm presence a welcome anchor amidst the turmoil. But it wasn't Irelia.
"Couldn't resist the view, huh?" Akali's voice, a playful lilt masking a deeper curiosity, broke the silence.
She stood a few paces away, her cloak pulled back, her gaze fixed on the distant peaks that shimmered under the moonlight. But I could feel her eyes on me, assessing, probing.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "It's… something else," I managed, gesturing vaguely towards the breathtaking panorama. "Never seen anything like it."
"Yeah, Targon's got that effect on people," she agreed, her voice softening slightly. "Makes you feel… small."
A beat of silence stretched between us, the wind howling through the canyons, carrying with it the whispers of ancient magic.
I shifted awkwardly, unsure of how to navigate this unexpected encounter. Akali, despite her playful demeanor, was a force to be reckoned with. Her sharp wit, her ability to see through facades, both intimidated and intrigued me.
I said nothing, letting the silence stretch between us, the only sound the wind whistling through the canyons. My gaze remained fixed on the distant peaks, their jagged silhouettes stark against the star-strewn sky. But I could feel her presence beside me, a tangible warmth that contrasted with the chill of the mountain air.
...Akali stepped closer, her shoulder brushing against mine. I could smell the faint scent of jasmine, a subtle fragrance that seemed at odds with the harshness of our surroundings.
"You know," she began, her voice a low murmur, almost hesitant, "I've seen that look on your face before." Her gaze shifted towards mine, her dark eyes reflecting the moonlight with an intensity that made my breath catch in my throat. "The way you were looking at Irelia back there... like you wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come."
She paused, waiting for a response. But when I remained silent, she let out a soft chuckle, the sound tinged with an understanding that surprised me.
"Don't worry," she said, her voice regaining its usual playful lilt. "Your secret's safe with me. Though," she added with a sly grin, "it's kinda cute seeing the hero all tongue-tied."
I turn to Akali, a burning statement wanting to escape. "I remember when you used to call me fragment-boy. And now you're calling me hero. I'm... not a hero." I managed to pushout.
Akali's grin faded, her expression softening into something thoughtful. She leaned back against the rock, her gaze drifting back towards the distant peaks, their silhouettes now softened by the rising moon.
"Maybe not," she conceded quietly, her voice barely audible above the wind. "But you're trying to be. That's what counts, right?"
She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. "Look, Ravik," she continued, her voice regaining a hint of its usual playful edge, "We've all got our labels. Ninja. Explorer. Warrior Princess. They're just... words. Doesn't mean they define who we are. Or who we can become."
Her gaze met mine again, a flicker of something intense, almost challenging, in its depths. "You're more than just a fragment, Ravik. More than just a vessel. Don't let Yaavin's darkness tell you otherwise. It's your story to write, not his."
I looked to the down toward the snow. I don't know if it was guilt or something else. But I kept what I saw in the Mind of Yaavin from the others. I don't think they would understand. A monster who... didn't want to be alone. And I understood. That scared me. "There's something I need to tell you. Yaavin climbed Targon twice. And both times he took the lives of so many Celestials. The thing is Akali... some small part of me... wants to be a hero. Because being a hero means that I've survived Yaavin. That... I can be Ravik and nothing else. But I bear the sins of someone I used to be. And the higher we go, I don't know what's going to happen."
Akali didn't respond right away. She pushed herself off the rock, her movements fluid and graceful even in the heavy furs. She walked to the edge of the precipice, her silhouette stark against the moonlit sky, the wind whipping her cloak around her like a restless spirit.
"You think you're the only one haunted by ghosts, Ravik?" she asked, her voice a low murmur carried on the wind.
She didn't turn, her gaze fixed on the distant peaks, their jagged silhouettes now softened by the rising moon. "We've all got our demons. Past mistakes. Choices we regret. Paths we wish we hadn't taken."
She paused, a beat of silence stretching between us, broken only by the wind's mournful howl. Then, turning back towards me, she continued, her voice regaining a hint of its usual sharp edge.
"But the past doesn't define us, Ravik. It's what we do now that matters. The choices we make. The people we choose to fight for." She stepped closer, her gaze locking onto mine, the intensity in her eyes making my breath catch in my throat.
"You're not alone in this fight, Ravik. We're with you. Every step of the way. So don't let those ghosts win. Don't let them tell you who you are."
I didn't know what to say. I hear them say it every time, and I believe them. Then everywhere we go, Yaavin has done something to make me doubt myself. I wonder how many times my friends will say that I'm not alone until... whatever my legacy has done is unforgivable. I began to laugh. I don't know why but there was this feeling in me. A memory that resurfaced now that it was just me and Akali.
"Remember when we saw Piltover on the clocktower. We shared a nice view together. Then you started to be nice. Even now I can't get used to that kindness you have deep inside you. I'd like to see it more often." I shared.
Akali's lips twitched, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips before she quickly schooled her features into a neutral mask. She crossed her arms, her gaze shifting away from mine, as if my words had caught her off guard.
"Yeah, well," she mumbled, her voice barely audible above the wind, "even ninjas can appreciate a good view now and then."
She paused, a beat of silence stretching between us. Then, turning back towards me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and something… deeper, she added,
"And maybe… just maybe… some of us are better at showing our soft side when it's just us and the ghosts."
My features softened as I looked at Akali. Slowly, I've come to be able to see beyond the teasing and brashness of her words. It was almost like she was reaching out to me in her own way. And it made me feel... wanted.
"Thank you for not killing me when we first met at the Kinkou Order. Otherwise, I don't think I would have been able to share with you." I teased.
Akali snorted, a genuine laugh escaping her lips before she could mask it with her usual cool facade. "Yeah, well," she said, shaking her head, "it wouldn't have been much of a partnership if I'd snuffed you out before we even got started, would it?"
Her gaze met mine, a flicker of warmth in her eyes that quickly vanished as she added, "Besides, who else would I have to spar with? Irelia's all grace and control. Ezreal's more likely to trip over his own feet than land a decent punch. You... you're a challenge."
The word hung in the air between us, charged with a meaning that went beyond mere combat. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a warmth that spread through my entire being. She saw me. Not as a monster, not as a weapon, but as someone worthy of her attention, her respect... her challenge.
And in that moment, beneath the weight of Targon's ancient presence and the whispers of Yaavin's darkness, a spark of something new ignited within me. A spark of hope. A spark of... possibility.
Akali pushed herself off the rock, her movements as fluid and graceful as ever, as if she were shaking off an unwelcome thought. She pulled her cloak tight, the shadows obscuring her features once more.
"Don't get too sentimental on me, hero," she said, her voice regaining its usual sharp edge. "We've got a long climb ahead of us. And those ghosts of yours… they're not going to disappear just because we're holding hands and sharing feelings."
She paused, her gaze lingering on mine for a beat too long before she turned away. "Get some rest, Ravik. We'll need all our strength for whatever Targon throws at us next."
With a final, almost hesitant glance back over her shoulder, she disappeared into the shadows, leaving me alone with the echoes of her words and the unsettling warmth that lingered where our shoulders had touched.
The yaks trudged onward, their heavy hooves crunching against the snow-covered ground. The air grew thinner, colder, the wind whipping through the canyons with a ferocity that seemed to claw at our very bones.
The landscape had transformed dramatically since leaving Thala. Gone were the lush valleys and cascading waterfalls; here, a desolate beauty reigned—jagged peaks that pierced the heavens, glaciers that glittered like shattered diamonds, and a silence so profound it felt like a physical presence.
Elara, ever vigilant, led the way, her weathered face etched with the lines of countless journeys through this treacherous terrain. "This is the Path of the Sun," she announced, her voice a gruff rumble that carried over the howl of the wind. "A sacred route used by the Solari for generations. Those seeking enlightenment, hoping to catch the eye of their Aspect."
Ezreal, never one to miss an opportunity, pulled his goggles down over his eyes, a mischievous glint in their depths. "Enlightenment AND potential treasure? Sounds like my kind of place."
Akali, however, was uncharacteristically quiet, her hood pulled low over her face, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. The events of the previous night, the unexpected vulnerability she'd revealed, it hung between us like an unspoken secret, a tension that crackled in the frigid air.
Irelia, too, seemed lost in thought, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a distant frown. Every glance she cast my way held a weight that made my heart ache, a reminder of the unspoken emotions swirling between us.
The sun, a pale disc in the sky, barely pierced the gloom of the towering peaks. Its rays, however, struck a patch of snow ahead, creating a blinding reflection that momentarily caught my eye.
As I shielded my gaze, I noticed a movement within the glare—not shimmering light, but a hulking shadow. A low growl, rumbling like an earthquake, resonated through the pass, sending shivers down my spine.
Elara halted the caravan, her gaze fixed on the approaching threat. "Hold!" she commanded, her voice sharp with warning. "Whiteflame. And it's wounded. It won't be happy to see us."
Out of the blinding glare emerged a creature of immense size and power. A Whiteflame, its thick hide scarred and cracked, its single, massive horn chipped and broken. It lumbered towards us, its eyes glowing with an unsettling mix of pain and fury.
The creature's presence was overwhelming, a palpable wave of primal energy that pressed down upon us, challenging our right to tread upon this sacred ground.
The mountain was testing us, and this time, the darkness within me felt like a beacon, drawing the creature's rage.
The Whiteflame pawed at the ground, its single massive horn scraping against the rock, sending sparks flying. The creature's nostrils flared, expelling plumes of frosty breath that swirled around us like a miniature blizzard.
"Stay behind the yaks!" Elara shouted, her voice barely audible above the creature's guttural growls. "These beasts are sacred to the Solari, but a wounded one... it's unpredictable."
"Unpredictable and enormous," Ezreal added, his voice tinged with a nervousness I'd rarely heard from him. "I'm all for adventure, but this is pushing it."
Irelia, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of one of her blades, kept her gaze fixed on the Whiteflame. "We can't let it disrupt the caravan," she said, her voice steady, a calm counterpoint to the rising tension.
"We need to distract it," I stated. "Lead it away." It was a gamble. We were far from the villages. And if it took us into the harsh winter conditions of Targon, it's unlikely we'd survive.
"Yeah, and get ourselves trampled?" Akali snapped, her eyes narrowed as she assessed the creature. "Not exactly a winning strategy."
Before any of us could formulate a plan, the Whiteflame lunged. Its massive body, despite its injuries, moved with a surprising speed. I dove to the side, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws, but the force of its movement sent me sprawling. I felt a searing pain in my shoulder as its horn grazed me, and I cried out, scrambling to my feet.
The beast turned, its glowing eyes fixated on me with a primal fury. The darkness within me flared, a response to the creature's untamed power. I could feel Yaavin's essence surging, a seductive whisper promising strength... and destruction.
No. Not here, not now. I gritted my teeth, pushing back the darkness. I wouldn't let it consume me, not with my friends at risk.
But as the Whiteflame charged again, I realized I was trapped. The yaks, panicked by the creature's presence, had scattered, their heavy forms blocking my escape. The path ahead was a treacherous drop, the chasm below shrouded in mist.
Desperation fueled a burst of adrenaline. I leaped onto the back of the charging Whiteflame, gripping its thick fur as it bucked and roared, trying to throw me off. I clung on, my heart pounding, the wind whipping my face.
A shadow flickered beside me, a flash of movement too quick for my eyes to follow. I caught a glimpse of dark fabric, the glint of a kama blade, and a familiar, sharp scent of jasmine.
Akali.
She was here, somewhere on the back of the rampaging beast, her presence a mixture of terror and exhilaration.
Below me, I heard shouts, the clang of blades, Ezreal's arcane blasts resonating through the air. But I was beyond their reach, at the mercy of the enraged creature and the shadow that clung to its back.
The Whiteflame scrambled up a steep, icy slope, its powerful legs finding purchase where I would have surely fallen. The air grew thinner, colder, and I felt a sense of vertigo, the sheer drop below making my stomach churn.
As the creature reached a narrow ridge, it suddenly veered sharply, its body slamming against a rock face. I cried out as I was thrown from its back, tumbling through the air. I landed hard on a snow-covered ledge, the impact knocking the wind out of me. I lay there, dazed and disoriented, my body aching.
A dark form landed beside me, a soft thud that barely registered amidst the ringing in my ears.
"You okay, hero?" Akali's voice, closer now, a mixture of concern and her usual teasing lilt, broke through the haze.
My eyes fly open and I sit up. "Akali? Why are-" I pause, standing up and checking our surroundings. "Why did you follow me? That was stupid. We could have died." I look down at the distance we've traveled, only for a moment. "Or worse."
"Would you rather I leave you to your death?" She stands up and dusts herself off. "I'm not that cruel."
"If it meant you were safe down there with everyone else, then it shouldn't matter." I retorted.
Akali looks at me, her eyes narrowed, as if she's trying to figure me out. "Don't be an idiot. I'm not just gonna leave you to die." She said, her voice softer than usual.
"Well... thank you. At least if something happens, we'll be together if we die." I quip.
She rolls her eyes, but I can see a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Let's try not to die, yeah? I've got things to do." She said, her voice returning to her usual, nonchalant tone. I looked about trying to get our bearings.
"How far up did that thing carry us?" I asked aloud, noting the increasing altitude.
Akali scanned the surrounding peaks, her gaze shrewd, calculating. "Pretty high, I think. Hard to tell with all this snow." She paused, glancing at me with a raised eyebrow. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be this all-powerful, chaos entity, you're pretty bad at surviving a mountain."
"Is this your attempt to lighten the mood?" I replied with my own raised eyebrow.
Akali smirked. "Hey, it's worked before."
I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. "Somehow I doubt that."
"Believe it or not, my charming personality and amazing sense of humor has gotten me out of plenty of sticky situations." She said, her voice full of confidence.
"I'll take your word for it." I mused.
I looked up, the sun breaking through the clouds, illuminating the white slopes.
"The only way out is through. Maybe we can find somewhere to get a better view. Staying here to face another Whiteflame attack is suicide."
"After you, hero." Akali said, gesturing toward the slope.
I started up the slope, careful to keep my footing. The last thing I needed was to end up rolling down a mountain. Again.
Akali followed close behind, her footsteps light and sure. Her cloak rippled in the wind, a dark shadow amidst the white landscape.
As we crested the peak, a gust of wind nearly knocked me off my feet. I leaned into it, shielding my eyes from the biting chill.
Through the clouds, the outline of a mountain range loomed, a jagged horizon that stretched into the distance. I squinted, my eyes searching for a path, a way out. But the clouds were thick, the snowfall relentless, obscuring any passage but the one we'd come from.
I shook my head, a resigned sigh escaping my lips. "I can't see anything through these damn clouds. We're going to freeze out here."
Akali surveyed the landscape, her eyes shrewd. "This mountain is no joke. Even a seasoned climber like me could easily fall victim to the elements."
My eyes caught a design in the distance. It had depicted a sun. The Solari. I pointed toward it.
"There. If we can reach there, we can ask about the Path of the Sun. Hopefully we can catch up with the others."
Akali followed my gaze, a thoughtful look on her face. "Well, it's as good a plan as any. But I don't like those odds."
"Do you have a better idea?" I asked.
Akali sighed. "Nope. But that doesn't mean I have to like it."
I chuckled. "Fair enough. Let's get going before we freeze out here."
Akali nodded and set off towards the mountain, her cloak billowing in the wind.
I followed close behind, my eyes fixed on the path ahead. The snow was deep, the wind bitterly cold. But despite the treacherous conditions, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of hope.
Ahead, the Solari temple waited, a beacon of light and warmth. And hopefully, a way to find our companions and return to the safety of the village.
We hurried forward, our steps quickened by the promise of shelter. But as we neared the temple, the first flakes of snow began to fall, a sign of darker weather to come.
"Oh no. The clouds are darkening over there." I pointed out.
"We don't have time to waste. Let's move." Akali said.
I nodded and picked up the pace, my breath forming clouds in the cold air.
The snowfall intensified, the wind howling through the canyon like a tortured spirit. The path was treacherous, the rocks slick with ice, but we pressed on, determined to reach our goal.
As we rounded a bend, we came upon a group of Solari guards huddled around a fire, their cloaks pulled tight against the chill. They looked up as we approached, their eyes wary. They straightened up, showing their powerful figures.
"Halt. You trespass on sacred ground. State your business." One of them demanded.
"We seek shelter from the storm. Our companions were attacked by a Whiteflame." Akali replied, her voice calm and steady.
The guards exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, one of them stepped forward, his gaze assessing. "You may pass, but be warned: The mountain is unforgiving to those who disrespect its ways."
Akali inclined her head in acknowledgement. I did the same.
"Our friends were using the Path of the Sun to ascend. Can you tell us how to get on it? We need to catch up to them." I asked.
"It's too dangerous to climb now. The storm is only getting worse." Another guard replied.
"We don't have time to waste waiting out this storm!" Akali snapped, her voice tinged with frustration.
"You're more likely to fall off a cliff than make it up there alive." One of the guards retorted.
I stepped forward, feeling Yaavin's essence stir within me. A surge of warmth spread through my limbs, a faint glow emanating from the runes on my back. The guards took a collective step back, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.
"We need to find our companions," I stated, my voice firm despite the tremor of power that resonated within me. "And we won't be deterred by a little snow."
Akali, sensing the shift in my demeanor, placed a restraining hand on my arm. "Easy, Ravik," she murmured, her voice a low warning. "We don't need to make enemies here."
Her touch, light yet firm, grounded me, momentarily pushing back Yaavin's influence. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to relax. "You're right," I conceded, my voice regaining its normal tone. "But we need their help."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances, their initial defiance replaced by a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The power they'd sensed emanating from me, it wasn't the familiar magic of the Solari. It was something... different. Something ancient and untamed.
The lead guard, his weathered face etched with the lines of countless winters spent on the mountain, finally spoke. "The Path of the Sun is a treacherous route, even in the best of conditions," he said, his voice a gruff rumble. "But those who seek to ascend... they often ignore the warnings. It's their path to choose, for better or worse."
He gestured towards a narrow, snow-covered trail that snaked upwards, disappearing into the swirling mist. "You'll find markers along the way - stone cairns placed by those who have walked this path before. Follow them, and they will guide you. But be warned," his gaze met mine, a flicker of concern in his eyes, "the mountain tests those who carry darkness within. And the higher you climb, the more difficult the trials become."
His words echoed Elara's earlier warning, a chilling reminder of the dangers we faced. But the thought of Irelia, Ezreal, and Sivir lost in this storm, facing the mountain's challenges alone, it fueled a desperate determination within me.
"We appreciate the guidance," I said, my voice firm.
Akali nodded, her eyes narrowed against the wind. "We'll find them," she added, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
With a final glance at the guards, huddled around their fire, we turned and started up the Path of the Sun, the snow swirling around us, obscuring the trail ahead. Each step was a struggle against the elements, the biting wind, and the growing sense of unease that seemed to emanate from the very heart of the mountain.
The wind howled like a banshee, whipping snow into a blinding frenzy. Each step on the Path of the Sun was a battle against the elements. The frigid air clawed at my lungs, and the relentless snow threatened to bury the trail beneath a thick white blanket.
"This is insane," Akali muttered, her voice barely audible above the roar of the wind. She pulled her hood tighter, the shadows of the fabric obscuring her features. Even she, accustomed to the harshest trials of Ionia, seemed subdued by Targon's raw power.
I trudged onward, my gaze fixed on the stone cairns that marked the path. The Solari guards had warned us to follow these markers, but they even seemed to struggle against the encroaching snow. How much further? How much longer before we found our companions?
My hand instinctively went to the mask on my hip, its cold metal a stark contrast to the warmth I felt radiating from the runes on my back. Yaavin's essence pulsed within me, a dark symphony of power that resonated with the mountain's untamed energy.
With each step higher, the whispers in my mind grew louder, a chorus of fragmented memories, of battles won and lost, of a thirst for chaos that threatened to consume me.
But another presence, less defined, less intrusive, had begun to accompany me on this treacherous climb. A subtle warmth that pulsed like a heartbeat, a whisper of light amidst the shadows. The Sun and Moon—their gaze upon me, their intentions unclear.
Akali, sensing my unease, fell into step beside me, her presence a comforting weight against the biting wind.
"You okay?" she asked, her voice a low murmur.
I nodded, offering a weak smile. "Just thinking about those ghosts you mentioned. The past has a way of catching up, doesn't it?"
She didn't respond right away. We walked in silence for a while, the crunch of our boots against the snow the only sound in the vastness of the mountain.
"Yeah," she finally said, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "But sometimes… those ghosts can also guide us. Show us the path we're meant to take."
The trail narrowed, the path ahead a treacherous ridge that snaked its way across a yawning chasm. Icy winds whipped through the pass, threatening to knock us from our precarious perch. I looked down, a shiver running down my spine as the depths of the chasm disappeared into a swirling mist.
Akali, ever nimble, crossed the ridge with ease, her movements as fluid as the wind itself. She paused on the other side, her dark eyes fixed on me, a mixture of concern and challenge in their depths.
"Come on, hero," she said, her voice laced with a playful taunt. "Unless you're afraid of heights."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the vertigo and the unsettling whispers that seemed to emanate from the chasm below. As I stepped onto the ridge, a jolt of energy pulsed through me. The air crackled, the snow beneath my feet seemed to shimmer, and the world around me shifted.
The path transformed.
The narrow ridge expanded, becoming a bridge of pure starlight, its surface gleaming with an otherworldly brilliance. On either side, the chasm disappeared, replaced by a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks and swirling mists. The sun, now a blazing orb in the sky, bathed one side of the bridge in a golden radiance, while the moon, a silver crescent, cast its ethereal glow upon the other.
And there, standing at the bridge's center, their forms radiating a power that dwarfed the mountain itself, were two figures I recognized from Yaavin's fragmented memories.
The woman in golden armor, her shield emblazoned with the sun's emblem, her gaze as fierce as the celestial fire that blazed around her. And beside her, the warrior cloaked in shadows, her crescent blade a whisper of cold, calculated vengeance.
They stared at me, their expressions a mixture of recognition and… something else. Something ancient and untamed, a primal energy that mirrored the chaos within me.
"Yaavin," the golden warrior said, her voice echoing with the authority of a thousand suns. "You have returned."
My pulse quickened at the mention of his name. It only brought me back to the other times beings of incalculable might recognized what was inside me. Azir and Bel'Veth, the way they reacted when they saw the opportunity to take out a fragment of Yaavin, made the hairs on my skin stand on edge. Even now, my hand on the mask tightened even more till my knuckles turned white.
"I am not Yaavin. My name is Ravik." I said.
"I am Leona. Aspect host of the Sun."
"I am Diana. Aspect host of the Moon."
Leona's golden eyes narrowed, the celestial fire around her flickering with a mix of righteous fury and… something else. A flicker of doubt, perhaps? Or was it merely the play of light and shadow across her imposing form?
"The mountain whispers of your arrival, Yaavin," she stated, her voice a low rumble that resonated with the power of the sun itself. "Your essence taints these sacred slopes. Do not attempt to deceive us."
Beside her, Diana shifted, her shadowed form a stark contrast to Leona's radiant presence. "The moon reveals the truth hidden within the heart, Yaavin," she said, her voice a chilling whisper that seemed to slice through the frigid air. "We see the darkness that festers within you. The echoes of your past deeds."
Her gaze pierced me, cold and calculating, as if she could see the very fragments of Yaavin's memories swirling within my mind.
"The Ascended you slaughtered… the innocents corrupted by your touch… the chaos you unleashed upon the world…" Her words were a litany of accusations, each one a hammer blow against the fragile peace I was trying to maintain.
"We remember, Yaavin. And we will not allow you to bring ruin to Runeterra once more."
My mind raced, my adrenaline surged. But body didn't move. I didn't want to cause a misunderstanding to erupt into something chaotic, especially not with Akali next to me.
"Listen to me! I am not Yaavin! My name is Ravik! I am on a quest to stop the resurrection of Yaavin. Please. We're just trying to get back to my friends." I asked. But I was begging. If they wanted to fight, to kill me, not with Akali next to me. I don't want her to get caught up in this.
Leona's golden armor gleamed, the celestial fire around her intensifying, casting flickering shadows that danced across Diana's impassive face. A tremor ran through the bridge, the very starlight beneath our feet seeming to pulse with a primal energy.
"Clever words, Yaavin," Leona stated, her voice a low rumble that echoed the mountain itself. "But your tricks will not work on us. The Sun sees through your deception."
Diana's crescent blade shimmered, a sliver of moonlight slicing through the air as she drew it, her movements fluid and predatory. "The Moon remembers your betrayal," she said, her voice as cold and sharp as the blade itself.
"You seek to sow discord amongst the Aspects, to weaken our resolve, to pave the way for your return." Her eyes narrowed, the shadows around her deepening. "But we will not fall for your lies."
Their forms blurred, a symphony of light and shadow, as they charged towards me, their celestial energy converging into a blinding force.
My sword roared with black flame, the black metal shining against the twilight of the sun and moon. I dodged out of the way, their celestial power causing the snow to erupt into a cascade of falling white.
I looked back toward Akali who was ready to react, but I could see the fear. To face down gods, that was a death sentence. One I was not willing to let anyone else pay.
My eyes streamed with tears. For the first time, I was scared. I was scared that the consequences of Yaavin's deeds would finally catch up. They would take the very lives of the people who believed in me. Irelia, Akali, Ezreal, Sivir, Kai'Sa, Shen, Karma, Brother Tenzin, and... you. The voice in the light.
"Please," I begged, my tears continuing to flow. "Please don't make me do this."
Leona's laughter echoed across the bridge, a sound as cold and sharp as the wind that whipped through the pass. "You beg for mercy, Yaavin?" she scoffed, her voice laced with celestial fire. "You, who have shown none to those who stood in your path?"
Diana, her crescent blade a blur of moonlight, circled me, her movements as fluid and predatory as a shadow dancer. "Your tears are a mockery, Yaavin," she hissed, her voice as chilling as the mountain air. "A pathetic attempt to mask the darkness that consumes you."
The air crackled with tension, a symphony of opposing forces poised to clash. I could feel the pull of Yaavin's essence, a tidal wave of power threatening to break free.
But as their combined might pressed down on me, a fierce protectiveness surged within me. They wouldn't touch her. Not while I still drew breath.
"Run, Akali!" I roared, my voice distorted by the rising power, the command an echo of desperation against the encroaching chaos.
With a flick of her wrist, Diana launched her crescent blade. It spun towards me, a silver arc of pure lunar energy, aimed at my heart.
I twisted, narrowly avoiding the blow, the blade embedding itself into the starlight bridge with a sickening thud. But there was no time to celebrate my evasion. Leona charged, her golden shield raised, a blazing inferno of solar power.
I met her attack head-on, my blade clashing against her shield, the impact resonating with a thunderous boom that shook the very foundations of the mountain. The force of the blow sent me staggering backward, but I held my ground, the darkness within me surging, a shield against the celestial fire that threatened to consume me.
With a guttural roar, I channeled Yaavin's essence, the air around me crackling with raw power. The starlight beneath our feet fractured, shimmering shards swirling in a chaotic dance. My blade ignited, black flames licking at the frigid air, their heat a stark contrast to Leona's radiant inferno.
Leona, undeterred, pressed her attack, her shield a golden bastion against the encroaching darkness. Our blades met again, the force of the impact sending tremors through the bridge. The clash of celestial fire and unmaking energy ripped at the very fabric of reality, the air shimmering with distorted colors.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Akali. She hadn't run, as I'd commanded. Instead, she stood frozen, her kama blades gleaming in the moonlight, her expression a mask of... awe? Fear? I couldn't decipher it, my senses overwhelmed by the chaotic symphony of the battle.
Diana, a whirlwind of silver, circled us, her movements as fluid and deadly as a viper. She struck with lightning speed, her crescent blade aimed at my exposed flank. I twisted, narrowly avoiding the blow, the cold edge of the blade slicing through the air a hair's breadth from my skin.
I countered, my blade a blur of black fire. Diana parried, the impact sending a shockwave through the bridge. But I pressed my attack, fueled by a primal fury that was as much mine as it was Yaavin's.
We clashed, a whirlwind of blades and celestial energy, the starlight beneath our feet groaning under the strain. Each parry, each blow, resonated with an otherworldly power, a testament to the forces we wielded.
Leona, her shield ablaze, slammed into me, the impact sending me stumbling back. I crashed against the bridge's edge, the chasm below yawning open, a dizzying abyss of swirling mists.
For a moment, I faltered. The weight of their combined might, the sheer intensity of their celestial power, it threatened to overwhelm me.
I glanced back at Akali. She stood her ground, her shadow a stark silhouette against the moonlit snow. But in her eyes, I saw something shift - a flicker of… recognition? Acceptance?
And then I knew. I couldn't hold back. Not anymore.
Yaavin's essence surged through me, a tidal wave of darkness that consumed my every thought, every emotion. The world around me narrowed, the faces of my companions fading into a blur. All that remained was the battle, the primal urge to destroy, to unravel the very fabric of existence.
My blade pulsed with a malevolent energy, the black flames intensifying, their heat scorching the frigid air. I roared, a sound that echoed through the canyons, a challenge to the gods themselves.
"I, will unmake... EVERYTHING!" The essence threatened.
Leona, her golden armor gleaming, met my gaze, her eyes blazing with a righteous fury. "You've chosen your path, Yaavin," she boomed, her voice a thunderclap. "Now face the Sun's judgment!"
Diana, a whisper of shadow and moonlight, circled closer, her blade poised to strike. "Embrace the Void's embrace, Yaavin," she hissed. "It is your destiny."
I laughed, a sound that carried the echoes of a thousand shattered worlds. "Destiny?" I spat, my voice distorted by Yaavin's power. "I am chaos! I am the unmaking! And I will break your precious order!"
The battle resumed, a chaotic dance of blades and celestial energy. I moved with a speed and ferocity I'd never known, each strike fueled by the limitless power of Yaavin.
Leona's shield, a blazing bastion, met my attacks with unwavering force. Our blades clashed, the impact sending shockwaves that shattered the starlight beneath our feet. But for every blow I landed, she countered with a ferocity that matched my own.
Diana, a phantom of silver and shadow, struck with a precision that defied my senses. Her blade danced around me, a whisper of moonlight that threatened to unravel my defenses. I dodged and parried, my movements becoming more instinctual, more primal, as Yaavin's essence consumed me further.
I slammed my fist into Leona's shield, the impact sending a tremor through the bridge. She staggered back, momentarily stunned. I pressed my advantage, my blade a blur of black fire. But before it could connect, Diana's crescent blade intercepted it, the clash of metal resonating with a chilling hum.
I whirled around, facing her, my eyes blazing with Yaavin's rage. But in that moment, as our gazes locked, I saw something in her shadowed visage that sent a shiver down my spine. It wasn't fear. It was… recognition. As if she, too, sensed the darkness that was consuming me, the echoes of a past she'd once fought.
"We are bound by fate, Yaavin," she whispered, her voice a haunting melody. "You and I. Light and darkness. Order and chaos."
Her words, a chilling prophecy, struck a chord within me. I couldn't escape the truth - the darkness within me was not just a burden, it reflected the world itself. A necessary counterpoint to the light, a force that both destroyed and created.
A guttural roar ripped from my throat, a sound that echoed the primal fury of a thousand storms. Their blades, their celestial light, it was a nuisance, a fleeting annoyance against the power that surged within me.
I laughed, the sound a discordant symphony of shattering stars and crumbling worlds. Foolish mortals, playing at godhood. They sought to contain me, to control me, to chain the very essence of chaos that coursed through my veins.
I would show them the futility of their efforts.
With a surge of power, I shattered the starlight bridge, the fragments of celestial energy dissolving into a swirling vortex of darkness. Leona and Diana, their forms momentarily disoriented, stumbled back, their eyes wide with surprise.
The chasm yawned open beneath us, its depths a swirling abyss of shadows and whispers. I reveled in the chaos, the ground trembling, the air crackling with raw energy.
This is my domain, I thought, my mind echoing Yaavin's ancient arrogance. The realm of unmaking, where order crumbles and creation bows before the storm.
Leona, her golden armor gleaming, recovered quickly, her gaze fixed on me with an unwavering intensity. "You cannot escape your fate, Yaavin," she boomed, her voice a beacon of defiance against the encroaching darkness. "The Sun's judgment will find you, no matter where you hide."
Diana, a phantom of silver and shadow, emerged from the swirling mists, her crescent blade shimmering with a cold, ethereal light. "The Moon's vengeance will follow you, Yaavin," she hissed. "Until the very last ember of your essence is extinguished."
They attacked in unison, their celestial magic weaving a tapestry of light and shadow, order and chaos. Leona's shield, a blazing inferno, crashed against my dark aura, the impact sending shockwaves through the air. Diana's blade, a sliver of moonlight, sliced through the swirling darkness, seeking a weakness, a vulnerability.
I met their assaults with a fury that defied logic, my movements a blur of speed and power. I was a whirlwind of destruction, my blade a conduit for Yaavin's unmaking energy. Stone crumbled, snow vaporized, and the very air itself seemed to writhe in agony.
Leona, her shield ablaze, pressed her attack, her movements a symphony of strength and grace. Her golden armor gleamed, a testament to the Solari's unwavering faith.
Diana, a wraith of shadow and moonlight, danced around me, her blade a whisper of death. Her eyes, once filled with a chilling determination, now flickered with… something else. A hint of desperation, perhaps? Or was it merely the play of light and shadow across her masked visage?
They are nothing. The thought echoed through my mind, cold and dismissive. Puppets dancing to a script they do not understand.
A shadow darted past Leona's blazing form, a blur of dark fabric and silver steel. Akali.
She launched herself at me, her body a projectile of fury and despair. The impact knocked me off balance, sending me sprawling onto the fractured remains of the starlight bridge. The world spun, the clash of celestial energies a distant roar.
I looked up, expecting to see her kama blades poised to strike, ready to deliver the final blow. But the sight that greeted me stole my breath, a shard of ice piercing my corrupted heart.
Akali straddled me, pinning me to the ground, her kama pressed against my throat. But her face... her face was a mask of anguish, tears streaming down her cheeks, her voice a broken whisper.
"Ravik… please… don't make me do this…"
Her words, raw and desperate, echoed a promise I had made her make, a plea born of a fear I now understood all too well.
If I ever lose control like that again, please, don't hesitate to kill me. Promise?
The memory flashed, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. And for a fleeting moment, I saw her, not as a weapon, not as an ally, but as a friend. A friend who was being torn apart by the very chaos I embodied.
No… The thought was a whimper, a fragile shard of my own will fighting against the overwhelming tide. Not her… Not like this…
A memory tore through me. A memory that I knew wasn't my own. It was an echo. A ghost. But I knew who was haunted by this phantom. It was Yaavin.
"Change me?" I echoed, a hint of hope creeping into my voice.
She nodded, her eyes filled with a love that made my heart ache. "Yes, Yaavin. Change you into the man I know you can be."
I was overwhelmed. Akali was a warrior that would take lives if it meant protecting Ionia. She had ghosts that haunted her as a result of the consequences of her choices. And here I was, forcing her to make a choice she didn't want to make.
"I..." my voice choked. Did I deserve it? To live the life I fought for. I was broken apart. Some days I was confident in my ability to fight back against the darkness in me. And others... others feared the days when the present would come to pass. "I'm sorry... Akali." tears fell like a cascade of heavy rain.
Akali's grip tightened on the kama, the cold steel biting into my skin, a stark reminder of the promise I had forced her to make. But her eyes... her eyes were filled with an anguish that mirrored my own, a despair that resonated deep within my corrupted soul.
"Ravik," she choked out, her voice a broken whisper. "Please... come back to me. Fight it. Please. I don't want to—"
Her words dissolved into a sob, the sound tearing through the chaos like a shard of broken glass. I could feel her trembling, her body racked with a grief that was as much hers as it was mine.
The darkness within me surged, Yaavin's essence roaring its defiance. Weakness! Pathetic sentimentality! It sneered. They are nothing! Tools to be used, pawns to be sacrificed! Embrace the power, Ravik! Unleash the storm, and let the world tremble before your might!
But the memory of that promise, of Akali's tears, held me captive, a fragile anchor against the overwhelming tide. I saw her, not as the ruthless ninja, the Fist of Shadow, but as the girl who had shared laughter and stories with me, the one who had shown me kindness when I felt most lost.
No… The thought was a whimper, a desperate plea against the encroaching darkness. I won't hurt her…
kali, as if sensing my struggle, shifted slightly, her grip on the kama loosening for a moment. She leaned closer, her forehead pressing against mine, her breath warm against my cheek.
"Ravik," she whispered, her voice a thread of desperation, "I need you to see something. Something important."
Her touch, usually a spark of playful energy, now held a different kind of power—a raw, emotional intensity that pulsed against my skin. The runes on my back thrummed, not with Yaavin's chaotic energy, but with a strange, almost comforting warmth.
"Look... deep inside me..." Akali's voice echoed, a fragile beacon amidst the storm raging within me.
I didn't resist. I couldn't. The darkness within me, momentarily distracted by this unexpected connection, quieted, its whispers fading into a distant rumble.
Her essence flowed into mine, a torrent of memories, emotions, sensations... stardust-like mana surrounded us. I could feel my runes glow.
The whole world went dark.