Morning comes, and I find myself laying in my, no Ahri's bed. I quickly start taking stock of the current situation: I've no longer got a headache, I'm comfortably tucked in and I can hear the sound of water splashing, it sounds purposeful, rhythmic, which true to form intrigues me. I stop myself from heading out however, quickly put two and two together, there is a good chance that the repetitive, rhythmic sounds could be the sounds of a certain someones morning bath, and that is not a risk I am willing to take. I wait a few minutes before hopping up and heading outside, where Ahri is sitting on a large rock, drying her hair with gentle wisps of blue flame emanating from her fingertips, "Feeling better?" She asks.
"I suppose so, my brain is a bit foggy from all the chaos, but I'm okay, though I would like to know; what happened after my unfortunate tumble?" I reply, as I close the distance between us, watching her magic at work, in awe at the precision of the flames, perfectly controlled, not singing even a millimeter of hair.
She chuckles seemingly recalling the 'unfortunate tumble'. She details the events from after I face planted, to getting me into bed, watching over me for a while just in case my condition worsened, to sleeping outside under the stars as the shack is far too small to accommodate two people. As her recap ends, I find myself feeling guilty, partly for still wanting to ask her questions about what we saw through her powers, instead however, I ask her simply, "why? I don't understand, you could have just left me outside, its your home."
She stands up, speaking softly as she seems to be contemplating grander things, "really, it's no big deal, you needed the bed more than I did, that's all."
"Thank you, what you've done means more to me than you could know," I say, my thanks adorned with sincerity.
"I'm sure you would have done the same for me, and it was partly my fault too," She replies, dismissive of her care.
"So, what happens now?" I ask, worry painted on my face, thinking that my time at the shack is short lived.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I have my own to do list," She says, placing a finger to her lips, "I can see it on your face, don't worry, we can take turns on the bed, then when I leave in a week, you can have it all back." She replies.
"You could see that on my face? Am I that easy to read?" I ask, genuinely puzzled, thinking I was wearing a perfect poker face.
"It's not that exactly. Being aware of people's thoughts and desires has become sort of my forte, but it's nothing extraordinary." She responds with her usual dismissive and non-committal manner.
I decide to pay her comment no mind, as she has mentioned something far more interesting, "leave? Where are you off to? Another grand adventure? OMG tell me!" I beam, my curiosity immediately overwhelming me.
"Not this again," she groans, recalling the insistent pestering from the previous day, "you don't need to know the details, it's outside your wheelhouse."
"I don't know what that means, but okay, I won't persist." I quickly relent, somewhat guilty from my prior antics and their ensuing results. "Regardless, I have work soon. So… I'll see you later?"
"That you will, roomie." She replies, turning her back to me and strutting off.
The two of us part ways, she heads into the forest as I head into town, mentally preparing myself for another day of work in the hot sun. The day is dreadful, my mind too preoccupied with many burning questions from the previous day. The lack of focus causing me to make many mistakes from handing out incorrect change to handing people incorrect orders. To make matters worse, everyone has now heard of yesterday blood splattered spectacle at the pub. People are now far more reluctant to approach me, many customers simply waiting for Mr Oliver to appear at the counter, those who do dare to place their orders with me seem to be doing it for, how the kids say, the 'lols'; only to then get mad because I have messed up their order. My popular phase has without a doubt, ended.
After a few hours of absentminded work, that is if you could call my incompetence 'work', things quiet down as the heat of the day ramps up, prompting Mr Oliver, who seems to have had enough of my stupidity, calling me to the back of the store. Despite his harsh way of speaking, his demeanour seems to be one of concern, which in my estimations is rather uncharacteristic, "Boy, what the hell is going on with you?"
I'm reluctant to answer, not particularly sure how to explain the events with Big Ears, nor am I sure if it's something I should share, lying here is likely the best thing I can do, "I'm sure you've heard, my fiasco at the pub yesterday, I suppose it's messing with my head."
Mr Oliver's eyes narrow, as if he can sense my deception, instead of an expected chewing out, his demeanor softens, "Look boy, whatever it is, it's affectin' your work too much, if my time in the army taught me anythin' it's when to rest. Go home."
I look up at Mr Oliver, replying with a simple nod. Normally I'd try to contest being sent home, but we both understand that it is for the best, wordlessly I leave the shop. I drag my feet through the town, as I navigate my way home I notice that the town is bustling with trade, gossip, filled with individuals ranging from seasoned warriors to some of the more suspect townsfolk and adventurers all of which are discussing a common theme; finding riches of sorts in a newly discovered dungeon, allegedly one which was owned by an ancient race not to far from here. I would be greatly interested in something as mysterious and full of secrets like an unexplored dungeon, however, I can't find myself to be enthusiastic about much of anything, although I do pick up on a few key words as I walk along, namely a location, Weh'le. I pay the conversations little mind, still too preoccupied with my own thoughts, soon, I find myself at home, plopping on the bed and releasing a refreshing sigh.
The feeling of refreshment is short lived. Questions begin forming in my mind, 'what were those memories? Does it have anything to do with my amnesia? What was that spark that forced Big Ears and I out of the array of memories we were witnessing?' The worst part of having these questions is my current inability to answer any of them, if I was capable of it, I'd be pretty frustrated right now.
"Who am I?" I ponder to myself, trying to process all these questions. I quickly conclude that sitting around isn't helping, I decide to take a walk in the forest, specifically an area which I have yet to explore figuring that exploring an area which is unfamiliar to me may clear my mind and help me think more effectively. Unfortunately, this idea does not work in the slightest, I'm unable to appreciate the unique flora and fauna which adorns the depths of the forest despite my efforts, the large sturdy trees, the scenic drops overlooking the vast unkempt valleys and the sweet honey laced tune of birds calling to one another; its all grey to me. After a while I give up trying to wake my mind up and simply continue on, not caring for where I end up.
Absentmindedly I trek along, bumping into trees, tripping over rocks and almost falling into streams, eventually I find myself facing a small camp with many terrifying individuals, some huddled around a fire, some sharpening weapons, and a few drinking themselves silly, all of whom draw arms the moment they see me, the largest one addressing me, "What business do you have here kid?"
"N-none at all, I was just…just um, walking around," my nerves get the better of me, my answer coming out shakily, which to my detriment, makes me appear suspicious.
"Boss, this kid might be doing recon for a the local militia or something." A younger but equally rough looking man says.
The group murmurs to themselves for a few moments, soon, another young man addresses the group, a man I recognise as an infrequent customer of Oliver's Fishshop, "He's nothing like that, the militia have no use for a spinless freak like him. He's just a fishmonger."
Despite not enjoying the comments made, I keep my mouth shut, hoping that the infrequent customer's explanation of me is sufficient, hopefully allowing me to be on my merry way, to my dismay however, another man stands before the group, one who's presence alone commands authority, I can only infer this giant is their boss, "Fishmonger or not if he's as spinless as you say, he will spill our location if questioned. Better to be safe than sorry." He ponders for a moment, likely deliberating the best course of action, soon uttering in a cold, uncompromising tone, "cut off his tongue."
That command issued to his party was all I needed to hear, I immediately turn and start running through the forest. Unfortunately, this part of the forest is one I'm unfamiliar with, adorned with overgrown roots, awkwardly scattered rocks and bush and shrubbery all serving to slow me down to assess and navigate accordingly. The pursuers on the other hand not only appear to be well versed in the particulars of the area, but are also significantly faster than I am, no doubt thanks to years of fighting and training. I hear their shouts and cheers growing louder as they gain on me, closing the gap at a terrifying speed, soon enough, despite my head start my pursuers catch up to me as I stumble my way into a small clearing, lined with enormous trees, trees who stand so tall and wide that sunlight can hardly penetrate through them, it's as if the forests have decided to cage me to my fate themselves.
My pursuers eagerly surround me, each with a blade in hand, seeming to get a kick out of hunting me down, "P-please, I promise I won't tell anyone anything, I don't even know who you guys are!" I plead.
"Not a chance kid. It's too risky, our fortune is just around the corner, can't have you spilling the beans," the boss replies, as he motions his hand forward, signaling his men to advance. "You should be grateful that we're only cutting out your tongue.".
Instinctively I ready myself for combat, as they charge at me from all sides, I dodge a few attempted blows from the blunt sides of their blades, however each of these men are clearly stronger than me, together I stand no chance. I'm quickly over run as the heavy steel smashes against my body, they take aim particularly at my legs, a successful endeavour to inhibit my movement. With my last ounce of strength I make a break away, shoving my way past the barrier of men. My breakaway is short lived, the damage to my legs proving to severe as I stumble and fall against a tree at the edge of the clearing, looking up to see my pursuers surround me once more, for the first time in my few months of memory, I feel genuine dread.
"Boss, this kid is too feisty, let's just kill him and be done with it." The infrequent customer suggests, immediately met with an approving nod from the boss as he kneels down, pressing his blade to my throat.
I'd move if I could, but the damage from the scuffle has practically broken my legs. I can't believe it's going to end like this, this cannot be real, I have so many questions I need answered, I think to myself as I surrender to the hopelessness of my situation. I shut my eyes and grimace, hoping for a quick death, however, it never comes, in a flash I feel myself getting scooped up and sat at the base of another tree on the other side of the clearing. I slowly open my eyes, wondering what happened only to see a familiar figure kneeling next to me, assessing me with a worried yet serious expression before turning to the offenders, her expression now cold and focused. "Just what were you lowlifes doing to my roomie?" Ahri asks in an icy tone, one which veils her anger underneath.
The 'lowlifes' and I are both stunned, everything happened in an instant, the majority of us still processing what has happened, the boss of the group being the first to catch up to speed, speaks loud and clearly as he addresses his men. "Boys, it looks like fortune has found its way to us! The Fox Demon herself has graced us with her presence, forget ransacking dungeons! The price of her head will net us enough money to retire!" The bandits immediately rally, inspired by their leaders words and practically giddy at the prospect of so much money.
"Fox Demon? Haven't heard that one in a while." She scoffs. "I'll only warn the lot of you once. Even if there were thousands of you, you'd have no chance at even touching me, let alone killing me."
Her warning falls on deaf ears as the bandits charge at us, she quickly addresses me, telling me not to move before summoning an orb brightly lit by blue flame into her hand and dashing into the centre of the clearing meeting the bandits head on. I watch intently, not even the least bit worried knowing what she's capable of, amazed at what I'm witnessing.
Despite being vastly outnumbered by the bandits, all of which appear adept at fighting, Ahri makes light work of them. Dodging their blades gracefully without so much as exerting the tiniest bit of effort, slipping in some creepy, yet effective taunting. I'm almost positive I heard her ask a bandit if he 'came here often'. Her orb, seemingly moves on its own accord, exploiting the blind spots of bandit after bandit, knocking them out cold, leaving only the leader and Ahri standing, ready for the deciding bout.
The two stare each other down, paying no mind to the battered unconscious bodies now littering the battlefield, the tension palpable. "Before we get to it, answer me this, the dungeon you mentioned, were you being specific? If you answer honestly I won't use you as a punching bag to vent my frustrations." Ahri asks.
"I was, but I don't plan on answering the queries of an enemy, and you would be wise to not underestimate me, im leagues above my underlings!" He snarks as he charges forward, maintaining his stance as he moves with blade in hand, demonstrating his competence in battle, even an amateur like me knows; he's strong.
"The strongest rat of his pack is still a rat." To my surprise, Ahri flicks her wrist, causing her orb fizzle out before readying her own stance, one which even I can recognise is a stance indicative of expertise. Her arms extend over her face and chest with one arm raised slightly forward, her feet hardly touch the ground as she springs in her steps, her form flows like silky smooth liquid, but has structure as rigorous as stone. "And foxes eat rats."
They meet in the centre of the 'ring', each swing from the bandit missing by a hairs breath, each failed strike met with a flurry of lightning fast jabs. Over and over his attacks fail and become more sloppy as each of Ahri's counterattacks quickly wear him down. As if to say she's had her fun, she blows a strand of hair out of her face and nonchalantly throws out a devastating kick, sending him reeling backwards before losing consciousness.
As the dust settles, small wisps of blue and green energy make their way from the bodies of the bandits to Ahri, "What a disgusting taste, but it seems they're just as clueless as I about the dungeon." she murmurs to herself before hurrying back to me as I try to stand back up, my legs quivering and struggling as I try to maintain balance.
"Stop. Stay still." she says sternly, practically commanding. I plop back on to the ground where she kneels next to me again, her hands hovering over my legs. A green glow emanates from her hands smothering my body, the glow more focused on my legs. A gentle soothing warm smothering me, it feels wonderful, like a warm fluffy coat on a winter's day, A stark contrast to the pain I was in moments ago and to my surprise, the agonising feeling in my legs, no, the agony everywhere is gone in only a few moments.
"That was incredible, even a bit terrifying" I say, completely dumbfounded, "did you kill them?" I ask, the wisps of green and blue arousing my curiosity.
She shakes her head. "No. Even people like that get a second chance and I won't bore you with the details, but I took a tiny piece of each of them." She looks over to them, narrowing her focus in what seems to be disgust, "It was necessary, despite their taste being so gross."
"Taste? You can taste something like that?" I ask.
"Yeah, people like that taste foul," She turns to me with a smirk, leaning in like a predator ready to savour its kill. "People like you on the other hand… all hopeful and fun… taste delicious."
"W-what?! I promise I taste gross! I'd taste like month old rotten fish!" I panic, looking left to right for a way to make some distance.
She chuckles and coughs into her hand, as if to clear the air, "Sorry, it was just a joke." She stands, straightening herself and her clothes out, "Note to self, don't joke about tasting people to lighten the mood."
I chuckle as the fear of imminent danger wears off. "Well, that one didn't work out, the joke you made during the fight was funny."
"But I didn't make a joke during the fight?" She scratches her head.
"No you absolutely did, you asked someone, in the middle of nowhere, if they came here often." My chuckle turning into laughter as I recall. "How does that make any sense? It's a random part of the forest, it was so unexpected!"
"That… wasn't supposed to be a…Whatever." She quickly dismisses my comment with a slight look of annoyance. "Regardless, I already know what happened with you, and I have some clue as to why your all distracted, truthfully I'm just as puzzled as you." She pauses for a moment, clearly considering her next words carefully. "But you need to get your head together. I can't be around guarding you all the time."
"I know. I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to get your hands dirty over me." I reply sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed from the scolding. "But thank you. I promise to make it up to you."
She waves me off in what I've come to expect as a typical Ahri fashion, dipping back into the forest, shouting as she does. "You can make it up to me by taking better care of yourself!"
We split up once again. Having quickly memorised much of the newly explored forest I make short work of the trek home. As I reach the shack, I decide to forgo my usual comfort of a cozy bed, opting to lay on the tall unkempt grass as I gaze upwards into the sky, my eyes adjusting to the powerful shine of the sun, allowing me to admire its majesty among the pillowy clouds. Moments turn to minutes into hours as my mind replays the events of the past few days. With each subsequent replay a strange desire forms in my chest. Questions link to each other and potential answers distance themselves more and more from conscious, in due time leaving me with only questions, a vision and a desire.
I need to get out of here, there's so much to me I don't understand and I'll never get any answers if I keep living this way. I need to see the world. I need to be strong and reliable for my friends. I need to be like Big Ears!
With renewed vigor, I jump up, my thoughts clear for the first time today as I shout into the sky, breathing life into my declaration. "I'm going to get out of here, I'll see the world and make a ton of friends! I'll be useful to them. I'll be just like Big Ears!"
"Do you plan on growing tails then?" A playful jest intrudes. I turn, my face red at the thought of someone hearing me, to no ones surprise, its Big Ears, which forces me to instinctively bury my face in my hands, "I'm sorry you had to hear that."
She slowly approaches, taking a seat on a nearby rock, urging me to continue. " Well, don't let my presence stop you, I'd love to hear how you'd become like 'Big Ears'"
"I-I meant to be like someone who's strong, and helps people." I sheepishly continue, unable to make eye contact, the embarrassment of my words filling my cheeks with red.
She stifles a chuckle. I swear I see a tint of pink on her cheeks as well."Well, no matter how misguided your perception of me is, those are some noble goals."
The breeze picks up, clouds overhead smother the sun. A gentle darkness enveloping us, paying the ominous shift no mind Ahri continues on. "How do you plan on achieving these goals? Some sort of training regime? Or perhaps being more outgoing at Oliver's store?"
She slightly taken aback as I look at her, my eyes showing how serious I am as I decide to ask her a question that will change my life. "When you leave for your adventure or whatever it is, take me with you."
She stands up, seemingly assessing my words and my determination, hoping this is some passing fancy for the life of an adventurer. Her assessment eventually meets my eyes, finding no doubt that I'm as serious as can be, that this is no passing fancy, but a carefully crafted desire. With this realization, her expression shifts to one much more serious, similar to the one she wore when fighting off the bandits, though this one is accompanied by a slight playfulness, likely thanks to the absurdity of my request. "Are you mad? That's a non-negotiable no."
"I think its been established that I'm at least a little mad." I jest, though my comment weighing some truth in the current moment. "Please, take me with you. I promise I wont get in the way and I'll make for good company!"
"Good company maybe, but it's far too dangerous." She takes a breath before speaking, resolving to be honest, despite her honesty being harsh. "Sorry, but you couldn't even handle those bandits before. The places I'll be going, the things I may go up against don't compare to those thugs and even if we travel together. I cant be protecting you all the time. You will without a doubt be in my way."
I nod my head as she speaks, though her words don't fully resonate with me, my mind instead trails off, a hypothesis forming. "So what you're saying is…if I'm stronger…you'll let me go with you?"
"I don't think your really listening to me. This isn't up for debate." She sternly reminds, not budging an inch to my proposition. However, this is the only angle I can think off, forcing me to press onward. The air thickens, the next few moments of silence heavy as I quickly formulate a plan. She's playful, I can use that.
"Ok, it's not a debate, how about we make it a game? What if before you leave I can prove I'm strong enough to take care of myself?" I suggest, praying she accepts.
She closes her eyes for a moment, seemingly collecting her thoughts,"Your more cunning than you let on. If I was any younger I may have fallen for that."
I scratch my head, clueless as to how she caught on to my little strategy so quickly, but it doesn't matter, I keep pressing. "You leave in a week right? I'll train. I'll get strong. I'll prove it to you, unless your scared?"
She can't help laugh, the mere thought of her being scared of me eliciting pure amusement. "You won't let this go will you?" She sighs, slightly ashamed that she's being worn down by his persistence again. "There is no way you could land a single blow on me."
I see my chance, pouncing on it. "Really, not a single hit? I bet I could."
"Then it seems we have our game then." She says, clearly holding back her excitement, the worry about all the danger gone, the game was too interesting to pass up. "In a week, we will fight, you get, let's say one hour to land an hit on me, it needs to be a bit fair. I won't use magic nor my full power of course."
I go to speak however, before I can she raises her hand, signalling she isnt finished. Her tone darkens once again, sending a chill through me. "If you win, you can come with me, but if you lose. Not only will you not join me, but I will erase all the memories you have of me. It's for the best, deal?"
My heart quickens, the added jeopardy to our arrangement one I was not expecting. But I remain steadfast, seeing a chance to level the playing field, answering without missing a beat. "Ok, deal. But since you added something to our agreement, I'll also add something… could you be my teacher?"
"Me? A teacher?" She's clearly caught off guard, a short lived look of doubt forming. Despite the momentary doubt, she ponders for a few moments before continuing. "I suppose I could. I've never been a mentor, so maybe this will be a fun experience." She says as she quickly closes the gap between us, her tail jets out, grabbing my wrist and effortlessly throwing me into the stream.
"What was that for?!"
"First lesson, keep your wits about you, you never know when or where an enemy may attack you." She says, hand on her hip as she stifles a laugh. "This mentor thing might be more fun than I thought, now come at me, show me what you got."
I get out of the running water shivering but smiling, immediately charging at her with gusto.