Chapter: Ionia| 2
The next several days were interesting to say the least. I had spent time with Karma. She helped me through meditation and I learned a little more about Ionia and its people. She even taught me a few words in their native language. Anar meant brother. Dyeda was sister. Each night, I found myself reflecting on what I had learned throughout the day. There was one day that I had heard a phrase I never heard before. 'U eli'ra nuo io'. It meant 'I love you'. It made me feel nostalgic. Perhaps I used to tell someone that. One night I returned to my futon. I laid in thought. Who was I, truly? Why did Karma and Tenzin believe so much in me? I didn't feel special. And yet, they were helping me...
But everything changed when I met with Karma again. Karma sat before me. Her expression was distant. As if she was listening to the wind.
"Today, I shall test the depths of the Spirit of Ionia." She starts. "What is it guiding you towards? I would like to be involved in your meditation more intimately than usual. I will use my mana to connect us." She explains.
"How do you intend to do that?" I ask.
"Have you ever tried meditating with another person present?"
"Well, yes, but they weren't doing anything to try and-"
"-This is not an ordinary meditation, Ravik." Karma interrupted. "Normally meditation involves reflection. However, sometimes, focusing on your senses can be powerful as well. Focusing on the touch and warmth of another. Focusing on their heartbeat. But most importantly, allowing them in. This is more intimate and personal than the meditation you are used to. Are you comfortable with that?"
I stared for a moment before nodding. "Yes. Yes I am." She was willing to help me find myself, the least I can do is accept. I sat across from her. She reached out and held one of my hands. With the other, she placed on my head. I watched as her hands began to glow. Was this mana? Her magic?
"Breathe. Focus." Came her soothing voice. Breathe. Focus.
I breathed. I focused. I closed my eyes and allowed my body to relax. In. Out. Deep breaths. Slow and steady. In. Out. It started with feeling my own heartbeat. My breathing. The warmth of Karma's palm on the top of my head. Then I began to focus on hers. Her breath. Her heartbeat. A sudden surge of warmth coursed through me. The air shifted around us. It began to vibrate. My heart raced as I felt her. Then...
A kaleidoscope of faces emerged, swirling around Karma. They were spectral shadows against the dark void, illuminated only by the ethereal shimmer of her mana. Each face was a fragment of her past lives, echoing whispers of ancient wisdom and echoing cries of battles long fought. They hovered, each bearing a different expression—some serene, others tormented by wars that shaped the lands of Ionia.
As I drifted deeper into her consciousness, the faces gave way to visions of lush, verdant forests and towering temples, places she had once walked. The images flashed rapidly, a rapid-fire montage of peace and chaos, reflecting the duality of her existence. I saw her standing firm as temples crumbled, her hands outstretched, weaving barriers of light to protect those fleeing from marauding invaders.
Then the vision shifted, the faces and scenes dissolving into a stream of pure, radiant energy. It pulsed in sync with her heartbeat, a vibrant dance of blues and golds that painted a vivid tapestry of her ongoing journey for balance and harmony. The mana felt alive, almost sentient, whispering secrets of ancient magic and forgotten lore.
As the connection deepened, a feeling of overwhelming empathy washed over me. Her burdens, her strength, and her undying commitment to Ionia flowed into me. Each heartbeat shared between us wove her life's tapestry into the fabric of my soul, binding her legacy to my newfound purpose.
The experience was transcendent, beyond mere visual or emotional connection. It was as if her spirit and mine were momentarily fused, allowing me to feel the entirety of her essence—her hopes, her fears, and her relentless drive to protect what she cherished most. Then in the very corner of her soul was this lingering shadow. Darkness? Corruption? Ruin?
As the connection waned, the shimmer of her mana began to dim, and the kaleidoscope of faces faded into the darkness once more. I was left breathless. I opened my eyes to tell her what I saw. But her eyes were opened, wide with surprise. I hadn't noticed, but mana was coming off my body. And from my back an intense shimmer let off what seemed like stardust. What just happened?
"What did you just do?" Karma asked, awe evident in her voice. "Did you channel my mana somehow?"
"I don't know. I just felt a deep connection with you. And then I saw... all these faces. People. What was that?"
"The faces you saw," Karma whispered in disbelief, "were my past lives. You shouldn't have seen them unless you were connected to the Spirit of Ionia as well. But your own connection felt so powerful. You reached deeply into my mind and you saw something no one has ever seen before. My memories."
I was speechless. So were the people who were around us. "W-what is the significance of that?" I finally managed to get out.
"You are a strange being indeed, Ravik." Karma sounded amused. "Yet, it gives me hope. It speaks to your power and potential." She smiled gently. "Perhaps, your path is intertwined with Ionia after all."
My pulse raced at her words. I had... magic? Power? Could I always do that? Then, I looked to my arm. I saw something black. I went to wipe it, only to realize it was imbedded into my skin. A mixture of surprise and fear took over. I pulled up my sleeve to see symbols weave from my elbow, all the way up my arm, and I was told it was all over my back. Both my arms and shoulders were covered. It was runes that had glowed the moment Karma's mana interacted with my body.
"Karma!" I called out.
Karma and Tenzin turned.
"Ravik?"
"What does this mean?!" I showed her. Her eyes widened.
"Those are magical markings..." She trailed off. "Are you a mage?"
"A mage? No, I couldn't possibly-"
"-Ravik," Tenzin's voice was surprisingly steady, "let me take a closer look."
I was guided to stand in the center of the courtyard as people began to gather around us. I began to get scared. I wanted to know who I was, and only questions appeared. Am I dangerous? Is this a part of who I am? Karma and Tenzin began to examine the markings.
"They appear to be ancient. I'm surprised I haven't heard of any runic language that uses this language." Karma voiced. Was that a good thing or bad? She must've noticed the worry on my face.
"Calm, Ravik." She said, putting her hand on my shoulder. "We will figure this out. Do you remember where you might have acquired these?"
"I don't remember anything at all." I reminded them. The only thing I had was my name.
"Then we will simply have to find out ourselves." Karma smiled reassuringly. "I will have to check my books for runes such as these. For now, we are done for today. We have taken a step forward to finding your path and identity. We have more information on you than before. Isn't that something to celebrate?" She encouraged. I sighed, calming myself.
She was right. I had returned to my futon with my mind replaying what I saw. Karma had past lives. And I saw them. Memories. Past friends. Past battles.
I lay awake for a while, thinking about what I saw and Karma's promise. Hope flared, then quickly died. If the answer was in the library somewhere, it would take a lifetime to find. Or maybe we'd be searching in vain. Perhaps this was some kind of weird side effect, not a part of who I am. Maybe the truth I seek is different. I needed answers and fast, before my thoughts got away from me. But how? Patience? I wonder how much longer that would last. As I looked at my palms, wondering about what they are capable of, the moon peaked through the window. It was peaceful tonight. Calming. With one last thought, I shut my eyes for the night.
I awoke to the sounds of someone yelling.
"Ha! Kya! One! Step! Two! Whirl! Lift!"
The rhythm was punctuated by a sharp tang of metal—a sound not just carried by the air but seemingly woven into it. Curiosity piqued, I slipped out of bed, dressing quickly. The commotion hinted at some sort of training exercise, and I felt an irresistible pull to witness it firsthand.
As I stepped out of the dormitory, the first light of dawn cast the world in a soft, golden hue. There, on an open training ground framed by the morning mist, was a figure commanding the space with an aura of intense focus and grace.
She was a slender, pale-skinned woman with long, dark hair cascading down to her hips, her movements fluid and precise. Her eyes, a striking sea green, flickered with a fierce concentration. She wore an elegant mix of robes and battle attire, the colors red, pink, black, and silver melding into a visual that was both striking and serene. A silver diadem crowned her head, catching the first rays of sunlight and casting reflective dances of light around her.
What truly captivated me, however, were the blades—several slender, gleaming swords that floated around her as if they were extensions of her own will. Each command from her lips seemed to direct the blades, which moved in harmony with her steps: slashing, parrying, and twirling through the air with an almost hypnotic ballet.
"Whoa..." I muttered under my breath, unable to look away.
The young woman completed her sequence with a final, dramatic spin, the blades whirling tightly around her before settling back into an orderly formation, hovering just off the ground. As she regained her breath, her gaze suddenly caught mine. For a moment, the world seemed to pause—her intense eyes locking onto mine, as if peering into the very depths of my soul.
"You're new," she stated more than asked, her voice carrying a melodious tone that contrasted with the sharpness of her training shouts.
"Yes, I—uh, just arrived," I stumbled over my words, still slightly dazed by the display of martial prowess.
"Irelia," she introduced herself, her posture relaxing as the blades gently descended to the ground, aligning themselves neatly beside her. "Xan Irelia. And you are?"
"Ravik," I replied, finding my voice as I stepped closer, intrigued by both her and the mysterious dance of her blades.
"A pleasure, Ravik. Are you here to train?" Her question held a hint of challenge, her smile warm yet measuring.
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal, aware that my journey and my awakening abilities were still mysteries even to myself. "Perhaps," I answered truthfully. "I'm here to learn, about myself and about Ionia."
Irelia nodded, as if understanding the weight of my words more than I intended. "Then you've come to the right place," she said, gesturing to the open grounds. "Every morning at sunrise, the dance of blades helps me find my center. You're welcome to join me, to watch, or find your own path here."
Her invitation was genuine. I nodded.
"Your blades... you control them?"
Irelia glanced down at the neat line of blades resting by her side.
"Yes, though not with physical effort." She reached for the closest blade, holding it upright in front of her with one palm over the other. "I channel my will through it."
A pulse of blue-green light emanated from her hands, radiating outward with a serenity that seemed at odds with the lethal potential of the blade itself. Mana. Magic. She knew magic, like me. I found myself transfixed once again.
"It must require great precision and concentration to control them like that."
She gave a slight shrug, her gaze still fixed on the blade. "To be honest, it's hard for me to imagine life without them. The blades have been a part of me since the earliest days of Noxus' occupation."
There was a quiet ferocity in her expression. The slightest hint of a scowl, an old resentment rising to the surface. The story of the Placidium that Karma and Tenzin told me about. She looked like she knew more than just stories.
"How do you know this place?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.
"I was born here." Irelia's gaze softened a little, recalling happier memories. "My father taught me how to wield a blade. After he passed away during Noxus' invasion, I vowed to fight to protect our people—to honor my family legacy."
With each word, her presence grew, radiating both sadness and unwavering defiance.
"Your father taught you how to wield floating swords?" I asked, curiosity mixed with humor.
"He didn't wield floating swords himself," she said, the hint of a smile touching her lips, "but he trained me as best as he could in our native Ionian arts, art of Hiten. These blades... they are what remain of my family."
"I'm sorry." My apology was heartfelt but inadequate.
Irelia looked at me with understanding. "Don't be. Thanks to Noxus, our people have come together in a way we never had before. We're ready for anything that come to our shores."
She spoke with conviction. Despite her suffering, she found solace in defending her country, her culture. I could admire that. The resilience. The defiance. And yet, there was more to her than met the eye, a deeper sorrow buried beneath her resolve.
"You looked like you were dancing instead of practicing with swords," I pointed out, a question that came out as an observation. Her lips twitched upward into a rare, gentle smile.
"Haven't you heard? Life is like a dance," she answered mysteriously. "It takes practice, and every step has its place."
I watched, fascinated, as the blades lifted off the ground once more, resuming their orbit around Irelia in a perfect circle. The grace and fluidity of their movements were reminiscent of a choreographed dance, each turn and sweep executed with precise rhythm and elegance.
"It's called the Blade Silk Dance," Irelia continued, her eyes following the serene movement of the swords. "It's a form adapted from an ancient dance taught to me by my grandmother—the traditional silk dance of our ancestors, interwoven with the martial techniques handed down through my family."
She paused, her gaze becoming distant, reflective. "The dance was originally performed with long silk ribbons, a celebration of our connection to the spirit of Ionia. When Noxus invaded, the ribbons turned into blades, and the dance became a way to protect what we hold dear."
Her explanation painted a vivid picture: the transformation of an artistic expression into a powerful form of resistance—a dance of beauty and lethality intertwined.
"The blades are enchanted, bound to my will and spirit," she explained. "This bond allows me to control them as if they were extensions of my own body, much like the silks once danced in the wind."
I nodded, understanding the depth of heritage and pain woven into her skill. "It's beautiful," I said sincerely, "and powerful."
Irelia's expression softened, appreciating my recognition of both the art and the necessity behind her dance. "Thank you, Ravik. It's more than just a technique for battle; it's a reminder of where we come from and what we fight for."
With a graceful sweep of her hand, the blades slowed their orbit, aligning once more into a neat array beside her. The sun had risen higher now, casting long shadows across the training grounds, mirroring the dual nature of Irelia's dance—shadow and light, past and present, peace and war. I watched as she continued to dance. It seemed as if she didn't mind the audience. She slowed to a finish and approached me once more.
"Are you versed in the art of combat?" She asked. Her eyes had went to the runes on my arms. I still wasn't used to them. She must think I can use magic. Which is true, just not like her.
"I am not. I've never wielded a weapon." I admit.
"Ah, I see." Irelia was understanding. "Well, if you're interested, I could teach you. It would be nice to have someone spar with for once. Other than students and guards, I don't usually come across fellow warriors."
"Are you implying that the temple monks are easy targets for battle practice?" I quipped. I was teasing her. But she laughed. And it was beautiful.
"No, of course not." She countered. "But it's always better to have someone who you can challenge. Who challenges you, in return." Her smile was gentle but filled with a quiet determination. I couldn't resist the challenge. I wonder how fast I would recover from the firm beating she would hand me in the next couple of moments. I entered the training area and stood opposite of her. I feigned a stance, copying what I've seen the monks do in my time here. Her eyebrow raised in amusement.
"Are you sure?" She was obviously confident. But I had no choice now.
"Yes."
In one smooth motion, Irelia swept her arm outwards, sending her blades toward me like a sudden rain shower. I could barely move before the blades flew by me. I could hear them pass by, but they did so without touching me. Her blades had stopped themselves inches above me. They weren't deadly accurate...
I was stunned.
I could hear Irelia laughing. "Relax, I was going easy on you!" She said between giggles. Easy? That wasn't her going serious? Why did I agree to fight her again? Oh yeah, pride.
"Perhaps I should keep things fair," she offered. "No blades." She pulled them to her and laid them to rest on the ground.
She resumed her stance, a look of determination on her face. "I'll stay like this until you tell me to start." She challenged.
"Tell you to start-?" She took off. She ran toward me with her hands ready. She was going for my head!
She brought down her fist with force enough to knock me unconscious. I dodged at the last possible second. How did she move so fast?!
She pivoted on her feet, her graceful movements reminding me of the way she moved her blades. I hit the ground but rolled onto my feet just as quickly. My heart was racing and my breathing was already ragged. My opponent didn't seem the least bit fazed.
"Fight!" She commanded, this time in Zhyun. I was stunned. The languages were so different. But my body understood what she meant. She assaulted me, and all I could do was dodge. I saw the rhythm of her attacks, hoping that would be enough to avoid being taken out. At this point, that's what I cared about. Survival. I ducked down below one swing, then rolled to the left out of reach. She chased me down, a look of amusement on her face.
"I haven't seen this style of fighting before." She quipped. "Is there a name for it?"
"Surviving!" I yelled back, earning a laugh as she attempted another strike. I blocked it. I felt my own energy come alive. But something happened. Her skin touching mine caused the runes on my back to glow with mana. The stardust-like aura coming off them. Everything slowed down, then went dark.
I was thrust into a whirlwind of memories that were not my own. It was as if I had stepped into a stream whose currents were the collective experiences of Irelia's life. The air was thick with the scent of Ionian blossoms, and the sounds of a peaceful past played like a melody around me.
First came the laughter of children—Irelia's siblings. Xan Lito, her father, taught young Irelia and her brothers the art of the blade amidst the golden fields of their family estate. Her mother's voice sang out as she called them inside. The happiness was palpable, a stark contrast to the sorrow that would follow.
The sky darkened suddenly, and the serene fields turned into a battleground. The invasion. Noxus. Irelia, now older, stood defiant, her family beside her. But one by one, I witnessed their fall—her brothers, brave but overpowered; her father, valiant until his last breath; her mother, protective and fierce but ultimately felled by an enemy blade. With each loss, a piece of Irelia's heart tore away, yet with each piece, her resolve hardened.
O-ma, her grandmother, was the last to stand with her, teaching her the Blade Silk Dance under the looming threat of war. The dance was graceful and poignant, a blend of beauty and grief as each movement was a tribute to those she had lost.
Then the world shifted again, and Irelia was alone, surrounded by the ruins of what was once her home. Her face was streaked with both tears and blood, her eyes burning with a fierce determination. She vowed to fight, to protect what remained of her people, her culture. This was no longer just a fight for survival—it was a war for the soul of Ionia.
The memories sped up, blurring into a series of battles, each more desperate than the last. Irelia grew in skill and in fame, becoming a beacon of hope for her people and a terror for her enemies. But the cost was clear—each victory weighed heavily on her, the joy of success never quite masking the sorrow of her immense losses.
As suddenly as they had begun, the memories ceased, and the world came rushing back. I was on the training ground again, Irelia standing over me, her hand extended to help me up. The intensity of what I had just experienced left me breathless, the emotional and physical toll evident in my shaking hands and ragged breath.
Irelia's expression softened as she helped me to my feet. "You saw," she stated simply. It wasn't a question. Her eyes held a mixture of sorrow and solidarity, a shared understanding of pain and loss that words could hardly convey. I saw her past, like I did with Karma.
"I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... I should have told-"
"—Don't." She cut me off gently. "I don't share my past with others easily." Her gaze was unflinching. "Yet I also understand how important it is to embrace the pain of the past in order to move forward."
She didn't seem that much older than me, and yet she showed a type of maturity I wouldn't have expected. Her eyes bore into me.
"Why did it happen though? Was that your magic?" She asked curiously.
"I don't really know. I've never done anything like that before. It felt as if I tapped into your entire life. Your memories. All of it." I answered. It was surreal. "I... have amnesia. I only recently woke up." I sighed. "I want to remember more... but everything I see leaves more questions than answers."
I relayed everything that I could to Irelia. I started with when I first woke up to meeting the mysterious man who led me to the Placidium. Then I told her about Tenzin and Karma. I told her how I could see Karma's past when I touched her. And finally, I told her that the only thing I knew was my name. She listened intently, taking it all in. Once I was finished, she closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them. They were resolute.
"If you let me, I want to show you something," Irelia began. "I think it might help you, or maybe it won't, but I thought... Well, regardless, I'd like you to see it." She hesitated, her normally composed voice uncharacteristically unsure. "It's difficult to talk about. And not many know about it. But if you're willing to come with me, I'll share this story with you."
She waited patiently while I considered her offer. This was the first time that I felt... normal. She wasn't in awe or surprise at my magic. Instead, she embraced the fact that I shared in her past.
"Sure." I agreed. The answer was automatic. I don't know why I said sure so fast. There was just something about this woman I felt drawn to. The way she carried herself made her so powerful yet approachable. I couldn't deny the pull. It was strange, yet comforting to be able to connect with another person, especially another mage like myself.
"Do you think anyone will mind?" I asked sheepishly. It was true, it felt weird to leave without saying goodbye or telling anyone what happened.
"Nope, besides," Irelia's hand rested on her blade. "I'll take care of them if they try to." She turned to me with a mischievous smile. She was joking, I hope.
"I guess, then I'm all yours for the day."
I was slightly shocked by the words that just came out of my mouth. Did I seriously just say that?
She cocked an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? Is that so?" Her smile widened, becoming more of a smirk. I had to remind myself she was a warrior. She had power. She could kill me at any given time. Or so I hoped, considering all that I learned today. But it was nice to have someone know what I had been through. It made everything that much bearable.
"S-sorry, I didn't mean-"
"-You have a curious dialect, you know," she commented, turning to lead us off the field. I caught up and matched her pace, which was a feat, because she was practically gliding across the ground.
"You don't sound like you're from anywhere I've visited in Runeterra." She stated. I tilted my head.
"Runeterra?" I asked. Then came the look of shock. I'm sure she quickly reminded herself that I had amnesia because of the fact that I asked what Runeterra was. I smiled reassuringly.
"Sorry," she apologized.
"It's alright. It isn't exactly your fault." I reassured her. I found myself feeling very calm despite what had happened. It seemed that Karma and Tenzin were right. The Spirit of Ionia brought me here for a reason, perhaps even to find my place.
"Do you have any idea where you are from?" She inquired.
I shook my head. "I feel I am from somewhere, but I just can't remember. I've tried to imagine the family that's waiting for. Or the village of people worried about me. But nothing in particular comes up." My shoulders sagged. "I was hoping I'd find an answer here. But so far, it's been more questions than answers."
We reached the front gates. Irelia stepped up to the guards and bowed before them.
"I need you to inform Tenzin and Karma that Ravik and I are traveling to the south coast." Irelia stated calmly.
"That's rather... unorthodox." One of them said.
"South Coast?" I echoed. "What's there?"
"Somewhere special," she replied simply.
"So... do we actually have permission for this trip?" I asked.
She grinned. "Do we?" The guards paused briefly, and I was confused. Were they not going to say anything?
Then one of them chuckled. "Just be careful," he advised in a kind tone. "This isn't your run-of-the-mill countryside."
I blinked. Did he just...?
Irelia winked. "Thanks boys, we'll be careful!" Her hand latched onto my wrist and she pulled me off with her before I could even think.
I let myself be dragged, the adrenaline pumping through me as she ran. When she finally slowed to a halt, we were deep in the woods outside of the temple. We walked. There was a hidden road in these woods, winding through the lush undergrowth and along the sounds of a nearby stream. The further we went, the saltier the air became, mixing with the earthy aroma of the forest. I realized we were approaching the coast, the ocean air unmistakable.
As we emerged from the dense forest onto a cliff overlooking the vast, endless sea, the sight took my breath away. The water stretched to the horizon, a tapestry of blues and greens under the vast, open sky. Waves crashed against the rugged cliffs with a rhythmic, soothing roar. Irelia stood beside me, her eyes fixed on the distant waves, her expression unreadable.
"This place," she began softly, her voice almost lost in the sound of the surf, "is where I come to remember and to forget. The ocean sees all our battles and keeps all our secrets."
She walked to the edge of the cliff, sitting down and patting the ground next to her, inviting me to join her. I sat, feeling the cool breeze against my skin, watching the ocean's relentless motion.
"Here, the vastness makes my own troubles seem smaller, more manageable. It reminds me that the world continues, with or without my struggles." Irelia's tone was reflective, her gaze lost in the horizon. "And sometimes, it shows us that what we seek might not be found in the heat of battle or in the quiet of a temple, but in the spaces in between."
We sat in silence for a moment, each lost in our own thoughts. Then, turning towards me, she continued, "Ravik, the ocean is like a mirror. It reflects everything it sees, the good and the bad. It can show you things about yourself that you've forgotten or hidden away. Maybe, just maybe, it can help you remember who you are."
The idea was intriguing. Could the ocean really help me remember? The thought was both hopeful and daunting.
"I don't know how to begin," I admitted, watching the waves.
"Just watch," she said. "Feel the waves, hear their roar, see their relentless energy and unpredictability. Let your mind be as open and vast as the sea. Let go of your need for answers, and maybe they will come to you as the tide comes to the shore."
I closed my eyes, taking in the rhythmic sound of crashing waves, the scent of salt and life, the feel of the cool breeze. Slowly, I felt my mind unwinding, thoughts drifting like the tides. Memories flickered at the edges of my consciousness, elusive but present.
After a while, Irelia spoke again, her voice a whisper mingled with the wind, "This is why I brought you here. Not to give you answers, but to show you how to find them yourself."
As the day faded into evening, we remained there, side by side, watching the sunset paint the sky with colors as vivid and fleeting as memories. The ocean, timeless and ever-changing, offered no answers, but it granted something else—a sense of peace and a promise that some things are constant, like the tide, like the journey of discovering oneself.
"Thank you, Irelia," I finally said as the stars began to appear, one by one, above us.
"For what?" she asked, looking at me with a faint smile.
"For this peace. For the journey." I smiled back, feeling more connected to the world around me, to Irelia, and to the parts of myself I still had to discover.
With the night fully upon us, we rose together, the bond between us strengthened by shared silence and understanding. We walked back through the woods, the path familiar now, as if it too was part of the journey I was meant to take.
The next day came quickly. I had bid Irelia farewell as she returned to the dorm she was staying in. With the morning sun shining bright, I found myself at the temple entrance once more, Tenzin, and Karma.
"How was your trip?" Karma asked. Her curiosity apparent on her face. I forgot I didn't get to see them yesterday since that trip to the ocean.
"It was nice. The ocean is breathtaking." I answered, smiling. I enjoyed myself greatly during the walk there and back with Irelia. I got to see her softer side. Her humor. Her playfulness. And most importantly, she got to be herself around me. Through her memories, I had seen her be the leader and warrior the people of Ionia needed. She guided them and gave them hope. With the way she acted, I would have never known. She just seemed too... down to earth. But maybe, this was the true Irelia. Just with all her walls down.
"I believe it's time we discuss your runes, Ravik." Karma looked serious. Tenzin also had a look of worry on his face.
"What about them?" I was confused. The runes... was something wrong?
"Those markings..." Tenzin said. "They are runes from a very long time ago. How far in the past, our research couldn't say. There wasn't any information on them. Most records were lost throughout the years. From what we could deduce, however, is that they represent a demonic pact."
I stared blankly. I didn't expect that.
"Demonic? I have a demon's mark?!" I asked in disbelief. I had heard about demons from the few books I read here. The temple had a small collection of reading material, but they were mostly religious texts about Ionia's godlike entities.
"Yes." He affirmed. "You may want to sit down."
I listened, feeling weak already. How could this be? A demon. It can't be. It's not possible. Is that why I don't remember anything? I gave them to a demon? It made so much sense, but the implications of it made it hard to accept. I wanted to think it wasn't true. Yet deep down I knew that it was.
"These runes are the binding seal." Tenzin pointed to my back. I closed my eyes and summoned my magic. Using the same energy, the one that appeared whenever the visions occurred. The runes lit up my room. I felt sickened at seeing the runes for the first time after knowing what they are.
"Whoever made this, wants your body. It gives them access to you. It tethers your soul to them in exchange for power." Tenzin continued to explain. It felt like a punch to the gut. Everything was clicking into place. That's why I can't remember. I gave my soul away in exchange for power. It explains everything... my lack of memories and connection to this world.
I sank back onto my bed, my chest heavy. Karma grabbed my hand.
"But fear not, we have a ritual to see what demon you may have contracted with. Perhaps we could find a way to break the contract. If it's true, and this being has taken over you before, there is no way to know if you truly regained control of your soul." Karma sounded determined. Determined to save me from myself.
Tenzin nodded in agreement. "Rituals can be complicated, and we haven't had to perform one in decades. But if you are willing to do this, we shall start preparations." Tenzin smiled.
"Yeah, we won't know unless we try." I smiled back.
It was later in the night when we entered the inner sanctum. Karma and Tenzin lead me through the hallways, leading me into the chamber we usually meet in for meditation sessions.
"Are you ready, Ravik?" They asked. I nodded my head. My heart was racing. This was going to be the first time I would learn more about myself. Even though it scared me, I was prepared. All around me were monks. They knelt in prayer. And from the corner of my eye I saw Irelia. She came for me. To help me. And for that, I was glad.
"Then let us begin," Karma commanded.
The room became pitch black. All that lit up were the candles from the brazier in the center of the room. Tenzin started the chanting, slowly but surely, the chant grew louder. As it grew, so did a sudden energy filling the room. The dark blue hue of the energy mixed well with the red candlelight of the room. This felt wrong. The magic... it felt darker than I've felt. Its source was coming from me. It's like it was responding to the energy in the room, becoming stronger and feeding into it. My runes began to glow brightly. And for a brief moment, it seemed as if they had eyes of their own, staring straight at me. I looked at Irelia. She looked worried but did not falter.
Finally, the chanting swelled into a crescendo, the mana in the room surrounding us. The darkness swirled in front of me and I could feel it. The demon. The one who took my memories. The one who took my life away. But I could also sense something else... Something bigger than any of us here. Like an entity hiding behind the demon. But I couldn't make out what it was. The swirl slowed and from the darkness emerged a being. The demon was... me?
Before me was my reflection. Except it wasn't. It was different. It wasn't quite right. It lacked something. He looked me up and down. "Ahh. Look at you." I had never truly seen myself before, but looking at this mirror I saw myself for the first time. Black hair, a touch of white in the corner. Eyes as silver as the stars. But the difference was the absolute darkness that came from him.
"Who are you?" I asked. The demon walked forward and looked around.
"So this is where you were. Ionia. I had spent a long time looking for you, Ravik." The voice was demonic but also human.
"I ask again, who are you?" I repeated my question, anger building in my voice.
"There's no need to act tough. I know everything about you, Ravik. I know who you are. Where you're from. Your purpose in life."
"Lies." I spat back. The demon smirked and leaned closer. The runes on my back suddenly burst with power. It felt as if my life force was being pulled from me! The room trembled and I couldn't hear or see anymore.
"Let's not play games." His voice changed as well. He was annoyed. Angry. "You will fulfill your purpose. Find the other pieces and make me whole once more."
"I refuse!" I growled. The demon narrowed his eyes. "I want nothing to do with this."
"Fool. Do you not know of the horrors you inflicted before you fled to this realm?" The demon stepped back. "Do you not understand the pain you caused? Do you not remember?" The images flooded my mind. Screams. Death. Chaos.
I backed up. My head hurt as more of my memories returned. What did I do? I saw destruction, fear, darkness, fury. I knelt in pain, what was this? Who was this demon?
'We are no mere demon.' His voice rang in my head. I looked up. Tears fell down my eyes. I remembered. I know who I am. What I am.
"I... I... never existed in the first place." I croaked, the room trembled with the power emanating from me. I could hear screams now, all those years ago. The destruction brought onto people.
"We. Are. Yaavin." It shouted. "A piece of me!" It cried out. The power was overwhelming me. I tried to grasp onto something, anything that could remind me of my humanity, my life, what little light I had left.
"You are merely a vessel for my mind and soul! A piece of me! You have no identity! No existence! You are nothing! But, when reunited with the other pieces, I will be resurrected once more, and I will bring annihilation and ruin to Runeterra! It had split me into three and cast me out of this realm!" The demon's... no. He wasn't a demon. He was something worse. He was me.
Yaavin was a being from beyond the plane of humans. I could see. We brought calamity wherever we went... I brought calamity. Was this truly what I am? A monster? This didn't feel like me. There was a part of me that rejected what was happening. But even then, what was stopping me? What is holding me back from causing that harm again? Maybe, just maybe, I should just give myself up. Give myself over to my inner evil. Let loose the storm within. Allow the void to consume what was left of me.
No. I stopped myself from accepting the darkness. I didn't know where these thoughts came from, but it felt natural. I roared in defiance.
"I am not a monster!" I yelled out, pushing back my negative emotions. "I will not succumb! I reject what you want!" Yaavin, me, stared me down.
"If you will not find my pieces, then the pieces will come find you. Whether you seek them or not, we will be reunited. Even now, the power they hold, the corruption, will force others to do my bidding. And the only command I give is to find you."
I screamed in agony and lashed out, drawing upon all the energy in the room, gathering it, condensing it, until finally, I exploded it outward. The wave hit everyone and threw them away, stopping the ritual. Yaavin faded, leaving me with one final warning.
"Will they still care for you when they know what you are?"
I collapsed. I couldn't even form words or even breathe properly. My body was shaking and my breathing was ragged.
I felt hands touch my back, gently trying to help me stand up. I looked up to see faces I recognized, but I felt numb to it all. I breathed but I couldn't feel the air. They were speaking to me, but I couldn't hear them. Suddenly, something broke in me. I wrestled out of their grasps.
"Get away from me! I'm a monster!" I screamed. They backed away, wary, afraid of me. "I.. I'll only end up hurting you if I stay here!" The pain I felt. The sorrow. The loss. The emptiness. Is this what I truly was?
"Ravik." Karma spoke. I turned toward her. My eyes stung with tears. My breathing was erratic. I had to get away. "Please listen to us."
I closed my eyes and covered my ears. I wanted it to stop. It hurts. It all hurts. Why did I have to wake up?
I didn't want to do this again. I didn't want to be a monster. Karma reached out but I backed away. I heard a cry as she fell to the floor, the mana I emitted sent her flying. Tenzin stepped in, raising his arms in the air to form a shield against my magic. The wall held. I had to get away.
My mind was reeling. The rush of memories, feelings, everything hit me all at once. I had to leave. I turned to run. Only, Irelia stepped in my way. I had to push through her. But she wouldn't budge.
"Step aside." I asked, almost begged. I was scared, angry, guilty. I could tell she was conflicted. I could see it in her eyes. The urge to protect. The need to fight. My heartbeat quickened. I needed to go. Now.
"You are not alone." Her tone was firm but also gentle.
"Yes I am! I always have been and always will be!" I growled in return. "Please, don't stop me." I said, this time with less bite. She remained standing still. I was shaking. I'm so afraid. I don't want to hurt anyone. Not anymore.
"You can't just leave, Ravik! We don't know how to control this darkness, but together we can find a way. Please, don't throw your life away!" She pleaded, her voice escalating from the gentle. In her eyes, I felt not just fear, but a sliver of something more - a vulnerability that surprised me. Perhaps she cared for me more than I thought. But the guilt gnawed at me. I couldn't let her get hurt because of me.
I took another step, hoping she would move aside. She didn't. So I sprung forward with all my might, propelling myself past her. My momentum carried me further, faster. My speed was unnatural. The result of my power. She cried out. I ran. I passed buildings and gates, the grounds that I had grown to call home. The Placidium. I ran into the darkness of Ionia and didn't look back. All that was left was regret, and me. Alone.