Chapter 38
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??? POV:
It's that nightmare again… this horrible dream. Everything is dark, I can't see anything. Just an empty void.
I tried to call for anyone, but… to someone who can't speak, it's like trying to breathe without lungs.
I just sat there in the dark… when "Hello?" I heard a voice. It had too much echo in it, but it was still a person.
I was absolutely shocked. This is the first time that this had happened. Even though I knew no sound would come out, I tried to call for them.
"I can hear your voice." They replied surprising me. Then I saw something shine in dark green light in the distance.
Even though I didn't know anything about it, I started walking towards the light. I got closer and closer until I can see the source clearly.
The source of the green light was a medallion. It had a deep shade of green and a drawing of a wolf's head.
A hand then appeared offering itself to me "It's alright, you are not alone."
I hesitated for a second. Usually, this is a nightmare where I'm all alone, but someone was here with me.
Against my better judgment, I reached forward and held the hand. It gently grabbed mine in a warm yet firm grip.
For the first time since I started getting these nightmares, I wasn't alone. Suddenly, the light of the medallion got brighter before covering everything.
Third POV:
A woman woke up from her slumber. She sat up on a bed with blue sheets. Dark purple curtains were stopping the sunlight from coming through the window.
She threw her legs off the side and let them touch the golden colored carpet. Next to the bed was a nightstand with a board-like, slightly diagonal instrument with strings.
The woman came out of the bed and walked towards a mirror. After standing in front of it, the mirror revealed a beautiful young woman with long blue hair wearing a dark blue nightgown.
The young woman started massaging the side of her head while looking at her reflection in the mirror.
'That's… new.' she thought before looking down in thought. 'Maybe I should see Soraka about those nightmares. But this is the first time that someone was there with me, and more importantly… they heard my voice?'
Somewhere in the Institute:
Grey woke up in Ahri's, or their bed. He sat up and saw that Ahri wasn't on the other side. The Undead looked around suspecting her to come out and tease him but she didn't, which was a little suspicious.
He just shrugged it off before going to take a shower. When Grey was finished, he dried off and checked the schedule before going to the living room.
There he found his two roommates. Ahri was gathering stuff in a purse while Nidalee was getting her spear ready.
"Good morning." Grey greeted making his presence known.
"Morning." they both replied not looking at him.
"So what are you going to do today?" the Abyss Watcher asked.
"Well, me, Aki, and Lux are going to the arcade." Ahri replied with a chuckle. "Lux keeps saying that she will win, but I'm still not convinced."
"I'm going back to the jungle for a while." Nidalee replied standing up. "The Institute built a transport station there so I should be back by sundown."
"Oh." Grey said before looking around. "Where's Silver?" he asked noticing the absence of the wolf pup.
"Annie showed up a while ago and took him for a walk." Ahri answered as she finished preparing her purse before strapping it to her waist. "Well, see you later."
"see ya." Nidalee added before they both left.
They both left and Grey sighed before he started putting on his armor. When he was finished, he grabbed his medallion and looked at it.
The Abyss Watcher sat on the couch while looking at the green wolf crest. Out of everything that he ever had, this was the one thing that stayed with him his entire life. Ever since the old Wolf of Farron chose him as a baby.
Grey sighed relaxing in the couch "Maybe I should see what Brite is doing?" he questioned. His face turned deadpan before he shook his head. "What am I saying? He's probably somewhere telling someone to praise the sun."
The Lord of Cinder stood up and exited the room. He started walking through the hallway while wondering what to do today.
"Maybe I should see that gym that Ezreal mentioned." Grey wondered with a hand on his chin. "Or I could go to the garden. It's been a while since I saw Zy-"
The Abyss Watcher was cut off when he turned a corner and bumped into someone. He remained standing while that person fell on the ground.
The Lord of Cinder opened his eyes and looked at the person he pumped into. It was a woman and, if Grey was being honest, it was the most beautiful woman he ever saw.
She had long blue hair tied into pigtails and it ended in a yellow shade. She was wearing a deep blue dress with detached sleeves and a golden musical note in the middle. Besides her was an instrument with strings that she apparently dropped.
The woman shook her head and opened her eyes to look at Grey. That's when he realized that she was still on the ground.
The Abyss Watcher knelt down and offered his hand. "I'm sorry, I was absorbed in thought. Are you alright?"
The woman smiled and nodded before taking his hand. Grey helped her up to her feet and was about to get her instrument, but the woman waved her hand and it floated beside her.
"I'm really sorry again, I hope you are not hurt.", Grey said. The woman just waved it off. "Are you a champion? You don't look like a summoner." he pointed out and she nodded. The Abyss Watcher noticed something "Excuse me, but why are you not talking?" he asked. The woman smiled sadly and looked down making Grey understand since he saw such cases before. "You… can't speak, can you?" he asked and the woman nodded. Grey then remembered something that might help "Do you know sign language?" he asked.
The woman's smile turned more cheerful and she nodded before she started making motions with her hands.
(A/N: [this means sign language].)
[Yes, I do., the woman motioned with her hands. [I have to say, I'm surprised you know it.]
"I had a friend that couldn't speak either, so I learned how to read it to communicate with him." Grey replied remembering a certain prince of Lothric.
[That's really sweet of you.] the woman said. [I'm Sona, the Maven of the strings. And you are… the Abyss Watcher, correct?]
"That's right." Grey nodded. "But my real name is Grey Ashnex."
[Well, it's a pleasure to meet you.] Sona smiled before raising a curious eyebrow. [If you don't mind me asking, but where are you going?]
"Well," Grey started scratching his head while answering, "I was about to go see the garden to pass some time."
Sona looked confused. [Doesn't Zyra keep everyone outside the garden?]
"She allows me to come from time to time." the Abyss Watcher replied surprising the Maven "Would you like to join me?" he asked.
Sona thought for a second before smiling and nodding, [Sure, I would love to., she replied before she started following him through the hallway.
They started walking through the hallway going towards the garden. Meanwhile, Sona started thinking about meeting Grey.
She did not expect to meet the Abyss Watcher. He was nice. Sona heard about him from Lux and a few summoners. So far, she realized that some of the things she heard were true. She did question why he covers his face but she didn't want to be rude.
They walked into the garden and were met with its natural beauty. Grey took a deep breath and said, "I'm amazed at how Zyra keeps this place so full of life."
"Why thank you." The risk of Thorns said as she walked towards them. "Hello, Grey. I see that you are with the Maven of the strings this time" she said and Grey nodded. "Well, I can't stay with you, for now, I have a match to attend. But remember, don't harm my children." she then narrowed her eyes. "Because I'll know if you do."
"Very well, Zyra." Grey replied.
Zyra walked towards the entrance and was about to walk away but stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Also, Grey, you are covering your face again."
The Abyss Watcher sighed and brought down the neck of his shirt. Sona, who blushed, immediately started staring and asked herself why would he ever cover his face.
The Maven can see Zyra smile in the corner of her eye before leaving. Apparently, the Carnivore woman wanted to see how the mute would react.
Sona got her blush under control right before Grey looked at her and asked, "So, what would you like to do?"
Sona thought for a moment before answering, [Let's just sit down and talk. I'd like to enjoy the scenery.]
The Abyss Watcher nodded and they both sat down at a spot with no plants on it to not anger Zyra.
They started making small talk about normal things like the weather, matches, and how they were doing.
Sona enjoyed talking to Grey. He didn't treat her differently because she was mute. Most people would give her kindness out of sympathy or judge her.
But the Abyss Watcher did neither of those things. He simply treated normally. Also, unlike most men Sona met, he didn't stare at her… chest, would be the appropriate word.
[So, Grey, why were you alone today?, Sona asked. From what Lux told her, he was usually hanging out with the Nine-Tailed Fox and the Beastial Huntress.
"Well, my friends already had plans so they left, and I was wondering what to do when I bumped into you." The Abyss Watcher explained.
Sona frowned slightly. She thought that Grey's friends just ditched him, but he didn't seem to think like that so she decided to trust his judgment.
Their conversation stopped when Garen walked into the garden. The might of Demacia noticed them and said, "Ah, there you are Sona. I was looking for you. And Grey, it's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you again, Garen." Grey replied and Sona nodded in agreement. He stood up but Sona stayed sitting on the ground. The Abyss Watcher noticed Garen looking tired and had the look of someone who was told to do more work. "Is something wrong, Garen? You seem troubled."
The Crownguard sighed and said, "I am my friend. You see, King Jarvan wishes to go to Noxus and discuss peace with Swain. I am supposed to guard him with the prince and Xin Zhao, but the house of Buvelle asked me to guard Sona because of some diplomatic problem with another noble house. Since I'm going with King Jarvan-"
"That means you can't guard Sona." Grey finished and Garen nodded.
The might of Demacia scratched his head thinking. He then looked at Grey. "Grey, do you mind doing me a favor?" he asked and the Abyss Watcher raised an eyebrow. "Could you be Sona's bodyguard for me in my absence?" he asked.
The request caught them both off guard. Grey was curious while Sona didn't know how to feel about it.
"Are you sure?" the undead asked. "I mean, would house Buvelle allow it?" he knew that most Nobles don't take it kindly to strangers, especially if their not a noble.
"It's alright, all I have to do is say that you are a friend of mine and the prince." Garen assured him.
Grey looked down in thought before shrugging and saying, "Well, it's up to Sona I guess." he replied as he and Garen looked at the Maven.
Sona thought about, she knew her mother was a little protective, and she honestly appreciated it, which means she's getting a bodyguard either way.
So she decided that it's better to be Grey than some random arrogant idiot. She actually enjoyed spending time with the Abyss Watcher.
Sona looked at Grey and started motioning with her hands, [I would be happy to have you as my bodyguard.]
"So… was that a yes or a no?" Garen asked not understanding the hand gestures.
"She said yes." Grey cleared up.
"Oh." the might of Demacia started scratching his head. "Sorry, but I never had the time to learn sign language." he then cleared his throat. "Anyway, I'll tell the High Summoners so that you are excused from matches."
"Thank you, Garen." The Abyss Watcher said as Garen left.
The Abyss Watcher offered his hand to Sona and helped her to stand up. She started floating slightly off the ground and brought her Etwahl beside her.
"So what would you like to do now?" The Abyss Watcher asked.
Sona started thinking. He was going to be with her for at least a couple of days so they needed something to do.
[How about we go to Demacia.] Sona suggested. [I can show you around while being my bodyguard.]
"Alright, I wanted to see it for a while." Grey replied as they started walking out of the garden.
They walked through the hallway and went towards the transport station. The female summoner there stood attention "Hello champions. Leaving the Institute?" however, her attention was immediately drawn to Grey's uncovered face.
"Yes." Grey nodded. "we'd like to go to Demacia."
The summoner nodded and motioned to the rune circle. "S-Stand in the circle please."
Both champions nodded and did as the summoner asked. The summoner started motioning with her hands casting a spell and both champions vanished in a flash of light.
The female summoner sighed and sat down mumbling, "I guess those rumors about the Abyss Watcher being hot were true."
Meanwhile, Grey and Sona just exited the Transport station and entered the streets of Demacia.
The Abyss Watcher turned to Sona "So where should we start?" he asked.
Then the sound of his stomach rumbling was heard. Grey scratched his head while Sona giggled silently.
[How about we get breakfast first?] The Maven signed with her hands.
"Sorry." Grey apologized. "I didn't get any breakfast."
Sona smiled and started making signs, [Well, you are in luck. I know the best Café to have breakfast. Follow me.]
The Abyss Watcher nodded and they started walking as Sona guided him through the streets of Demacia.
During the way, Grey decided to ask something "Hey, Sona, what did Garen mean when he said there was a problem between two noble families?"
Sona stopped and she apparently sighed in annoyance before she answered, [It's nothing. Just Nobles being arrogant, nothing serious.]
Grey just shrugged and decided to trust her judgment. He knew that Nobles were always arrogant and cocky, but they almost never backed it up. He met many of them in Lothric and Irithyll.
There was a noble family that harmed someone Grey cares about before. The next day… well, that noble family vanished.
(A/N: Thank you for reading this, please comment, review, and give me your thoughts on my story. I know this isn't as long as my usual chapters, but this is just build up for the next ones.)
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
??? POV:
It's that nightmare again… this horrible dream. Everything is dark, I can't see anything. Just an empty void.
I tried to call for anyone, but… to someone who can't speak, it's like trying to breathe without lungs.
I just sat there in the dark… when "Hello?" I heard a voice. It had too much echo in it, but it was still a person.
I was absolutely shocked. This is the first time that this had happened. Even though I knew no sound would come out, I tried to call for them.
"I can hear your voice." They replied surprising me. Then I saw something shine in dark green light in the distance.
Even though I didn't know anything about it, I started walking towards the light. I got closer and closer until I can see the source clearly.
The source of the green light was a medallion. It had a deep shade of green and a drawing of a wolf's head.
A hand then appeared offering itself to me "It's alright, you are not alone."
I hesitated for a second. Usually, this is a nightmare where I'm all alone, but someone was here with me.
Against my better judgment, I reached forward and held the hand. It gently grabbed mine in a warm yet firm grip.
For the first time since I started getting these nightmares, I wasn't alone. Suddenly, the light of the medallion got brighter before covering everything.
Third POV:
A woman woke up from her slumber. She sat up on a bed with blue sheets. Dark purple curtains were stopping the sunlight from coming through the window.
She threw her legs off the side and let them touch the golden colored carpet. Next to the bed was a nightstand with a board-like, slightly diagonal instrument with strings.
The woman came out of the bed and walked towards a mirror. After standing in front of it, the mirror revealed a beautiful young woman with long blue hair wearing a dark blue nightgown.
The young woman started massaging the side of her head while looking at her reflection in the mirror.
'That's… new.' she thought before looking down in thought. 'Maybe I should see Soraka about those nightmares. But this is the first time that someone was there with me, and more importantly… they heard my voice?'
Somewhere in the Institute:
Grey woke up in Ahri's, or their bed. He sat up and saw that Ahri wasn't on the other side. The Undead looked around suspecting her to come out and tease him but she didn't, which was a little suspicious.
He just shrugged it off before going to take a shower. When Grey was finished, he dried off and checked the schedule before going to the living room.
There he found his two roommates. Ahri was gathering stuff in a purse while Nidalee was getting her spear ready.
"Good morning." Grey greeted making his presence known.
"Morning." they both replied not looking at him.
"So what are you going to do today?" the Abyss Watcher asked.
"Well, me, Aki, and Lux are going to the arcade." Ahri replied with a chuckle. "Lux keeps saying that she will win, but I'm still not convinced."
"I'm going back to the jungle for a while." Nidalee replied standing up. "The Institute built a transport station there so I should be back by sundown."
"Oh." Grey said before looking around. "Where's Silver?" he asked noticing the absence of the wolf pup.
"Annie showed up a while ago and took him for a walk." Ahri answered as she finished preparing her purse before strapping it to her waist. "Well, see you later."
"see ya." Nidalee added before they both left.
They both left and Grey sighed before he started putting on his armor. When he was finished, he grabbed his medallion and looked at it.
The Abyss Watcher sat on the couch while looking at the green wolf crest. Out of everything that he ever had, this was the one thing that stayed with him his entire life. Ever since the old Wolf of Farron chose him as a baby.
Grey sighed relaxing in the couch "Maybe I should see what Brite is doing?" he questioned. His face turned deadpan before he shook his head. "What am I saying? He's probably somewhere telling someone to praise the sun."
The Lord of Cinder stood up and exited the room. He started walking through the hallway while wondering what to do today.
"Maybe I should see that gym that Ezreal mentioned." Grey wondered with a hand on his chin. "Or I could go to the garden. It's been a while since I saw Zy-"
The Abyss Watcher was cut off when he turned a corner and bumped into someone. He remained standing while that person fell on the ground.
The Lord of Cinder opened his eyes and looked at the person he pumped into. It was a woman and, if Grey was being honest, it was the most beautiful woman he ever saw.
She had long blue hair tied into pigtails and it ended in a yellow shade. She was wearing a deep blue dress with detached sleeves and a golden musical note in the middle. Besides her was an instrument with strings that she apparently dropped.
The woman shook her head and opened her eyes to look at Grey. That's when he realized that she was still on the ground.
The Abyss Watcher knelt down and offered his hand. "I'm sorry, I was absorbed in thought. Are you alright?"
The woman smiled and nodded before taking his hand. Grey helped her up to her feet and was about to get her instrument, but the woman waved her hand and it floated beside her.
"I'm really sorry again, I hope you are not hurt.", Grey said. The woman just waved it off. "Are you a champion? You don't look like a summoner." he pointed out and she nodded. The Abyss Watcher noticed something "Excuse me, but why are you not talking?" he asked. The woman smiled sadly and looked down making Grey understand since he saw such cases before. "You… can't speak, can you?" he asked and the woman nodded. Grey then remembered something that might help "Do you know sign language?" he asked.
The woman's smile turned more cheerful and she nodded before she started making motions with her hands.
(A/N: [this means sign language].)
[Yes, I do., the woman motioned with her hands. [I have to say, I'm surprised you know it.]
"I had a friend that couldn't speak either, so I learned how to read it to communicate with him." Grey replied remembering a certain prince of Lothric.
[That's really sweet of you.] the woman said. [I'm Sona, the Maven of the strings. And you are… the Abyss Watcher, correct?]
"That's right." Grey nodded. "But my real name is Grey Ashnex."
[Well, it's a pleasure to meet you.] Sona smiled before raising a curious eyebrow. [If you don't mind me asking, but where are you going?]
"Well," Grey started scratching his head while answering, "I was about to go see the garden to pass some time."
Sona looked confused. [Doesn't Zyra keep everyone outside the garden?]
"She allows me to come from time to time." the Abyss Watcher replied surprising the Maven "Would you like to join me?" he asked.
Sona thought for a second before smiling and nodding, [Sure, I would love to., she replied before she started following him through the hallway.
They started walking through the hallway going towards the garden. Meanwhile, Sona started thinking about meeting Grey.
She did not expect to meet the Abyss Watcher. He was nice. Sona heard about him from Lux and a few summoners. So far, she realized that some of the things she heard were true. She did question why he covers his face but she didn't want to be rude.
They walked into the garden and were met with its natural beauty. Grey took a deep breath and said, "I'm amazed at how Zyra keeps this place so full of life."
"Why thank you." The risk of Thorns said as she walked towards them. "Hello, Grey. I see that you are with the Maven of the strings this time" she said and Grey nodded. "Well, I can't stay with you, for now, I have a match to attend. But remember, don't harm my children." she then narrowed her eyes. "Because I'll know if you do."
"Very well, Zyra." Grey replied.
Zyra walked towards the entrance and was about to walk away but stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Also, Grey, you are covering your face again."
The Abyss Watcher sighed and brought down the neck of his shirt. Sona, who blushed, immediately started staring and asked herself why would he ever cover his face.
The Maven can see Zyra smile in the corner of her eye before leaving. Apparently, the Carnivore woman wanted to see how the mute would react.
Sona got her blush under control right before Grey looked at her and asked, "So, what would you like to do?"
Sona thought for a moment before answering, [Let's just sit down and talk. I'd like to enjoy the scenery.]
The Abyss Watcher nodded and they both sat down at a spot with no plants on it to not anger Zyra.
They started making small talk about normal things like the weather, matches, and how they were doing.
Sona enjoyed talking to Grey. He didn't treat her differently because she was mute. Most people would give her kindness out of sympathy or judge her.
But the Abyss Watcher did neither of those things. He simply treated normally. Also, unlike most men Sona met, he didn't stare at her… chest, would be the appropriate word.
[So, Grey, why were you alone today?, Sona asked. From what Lux told her, he was usually hanging out with the Nine-Tailed Fox and the Beastial Huntress.
"Well, my friends already had plans so they left, and I was wondering what to do when I bumped into you." The Abyss Watcher explained.
Sona frowned slightly. She thought that Grey's friends just ditched him, but he didn't seem to think like that so she decided to trust his judgment.
Their conversation stopped when Garen walked into the garden. The might of Demacia noticed them and said, "Ah, there you are Sona. I was looking for you. And Grey, it's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you again, Garen." Grey replied and Sona nodded in agreement. He stood up but Sona stayed sitting on the ground. The Abyss Watcher noticed Garen looking tired and had the look of someone who was told to do more work. "Is something wrong, Garen? You seem troubled."
The Crownguard sighed and said, "I am my friend. You see, King Jarvan wishes to go to Noxus and discuss peace with Swain. I am supposed to guard him with the prince and Xin Zhao, but the house of Buvelle asked me to guard Sona because of some diplomatic problem with another noble house. Since I'm going with King Jarvan-"
"That means you can't guard Sona." Grey finished and Garen nodded.
The might of Demacia scratched his head thinking. He then looked at Grey. "Grey, do you mind doing me a favor?" he asked and the Abyss Watcher raised an eyebrow. "Could you be Sona's bodyguard for me in my absence?" he asked.
The request caught them both off guard. Grey was curious while Sona didn't know how to feel about it.
"Are you sure?" the undead asked. "I mean, would house Buvelle allow it?" he knew that most Nobles don't take it kindly to strangers, especially if their not a noble.
"It's alright, all I have to do is say that you are a friend of mine and the prince." Garen assured him.
Grey looked down in thought before shrugging and saying, "Well, it's up to Sona I guess." he replied as he and Garen looked at the Maven.
Sona thought about, she knew her mother was a little protective, and she honestly appreciated it, which means she's getting a bodyguard either way.
So she decided that it's better to be Grey than some random arrogant idiot. She actually enjoyed spending time with the Abyss Watcher.
Sona looked at Grey and started motioning with her hands, [I would be happy to have you as my bodyguard.]
"So… was that a yes or a no?" Garen asked not understanding the hand gestures.
"She said yes." Grey cleared up.
"Oh." the might of Demacia started scratching his head. "Sorry, but I never had the time to learn sign language." he then cleared his throat. "Anyway, I'll tell the High Summoners so that you are excused from matches."
"Thank you, Garen." The Abyss Watcher said as Garen left.
The Abyss Watcher offered his hand to Sona and helped her to stand up. She started floating slightly off the ground and brought her Etwahl beside her.
"So what would you like to do now?" The Abyss Watcher asked.
Sona started thinking. He was going to be with her for at least a couple of days so they needed something to do.
[How about we go to Demacia.] Sona suggested. [I can show you around while being my bodyguard.]
"Alright, I wanted to see it for a while." Grey replied as they started walking out of the garden.
They walked through the hallway and went towards the transport station. The female summoner there stood attention "Hello champions. Leaving the Institute?" however, her attention was immediately drawn to Grey's uncovered face.
"Yes." Grey nodded. "we'd like to go to Demacia."
The summoner nodded and motioned to the rune circle. "S-Stand in the circle please."
Both champions nodded and did as the summoner asked. The summoner started motioning with her hands casting a spell and both champions vanished in a flash of light.
The female summoner sighed and sat down mumbling, "I guess those rumors about the Abyss Watcher being hot were true."
Meanwhile, Grey and Sona just exited the Transport station and entered the streets of Demacia.
The Abyss Watcher turned to Sona "So where should we start?" he asked.
Then the sound of his stomach rumbling was heard. Grey scratched his head while Sona giggled silently.
[How about we get breakfast first?] The Maven signed with her hands.
"Sorry." Grey apologized. "I didn't get any breakfast."
Sona smiled and started making signs, [Well, you are in luck. I know the best Café to have breakfast. Follow me.]
The Abyss Watcher nodded and they started walking as Sona guided him through the streets of Demacia.
During the way, Grey decided to ask something "Hey, Sona, what did Garen mean when he said there was a problem between two noble families?"
Sona stopped and she apparently sighed in annoyance before she answered, [It's nothing. Just Nobles being arrogant, nothing serious.]
Grey just shrugged and decided to trust her judgment. He knew that Nobles were always arrogant and cocky, but they almost never backed it up. He met many of them in Lothric and Irithyll.
There was a noble family that harmed someone Grey cares about before. The next day… well, that noble family vanished.
(A/N: Thank you for reading this, please comment, review, and give me your thoughts on my story. I know this isn't as long as my usual chapters, but this is just build up for the next ones.)
??? POV: It's that nightmare again this horrible dream. Everything is dark, I can't see anything. Just an empty void. I tried to call for anyone, but to someone who can't speak, it's like trying to breathe without lungs. I just sat there in the dark when "Hello?" I heard a voice. It had too much echo in it, but it was still a person. I was absolutely shocked. This is the first time that this had happened. Even though I knew no sound would come out, I tried to call for them. "I can hear your voice." They replied surprising me. Then I saw something shine in dark green light in the distance. Even though I didn't know anything about it, I started walking towards the light. I got closer and closer until I can see the source clearly. The source of the green light was a medallion. It had a deep shade of green and a drawing of a wolf's head. A hand then appeared offering itself to me "It's alright, you are not alone." I hesitated for a second. Usually, this is a nightmare where I'm all alone, but someone was here with me. Against my better judgment, I reached forward and held the hand. It gently grabbed mine in a warm yet firm grip. For the first time since I started getting these nightmares, I wasn't alone. Suddenly, the light of the medallion got brighter before covering everything. Third POV: A woman woke up from her slumber. She sat up on a bed with blue sheets. Dark purple curtains were stopping the sunlight from coming through the window. She threw her legs off the side and let them touch the golden colored carpet. Next to the bed was a nightstand with a board-like, slightly diagonal instrument with strings. The woman came out of the bed and walked towards a mirror. After standing in front of it, the mirror revealed a beautiful young woman with long blue hair wearing a dark blue nightgown. The young woman started massaging the side of her head while looking at her reflection in the mirror. 'That's new.' she thought before looking down in thought. 'Maybe I should see Soraka about those nightmares. But this is the first time that someone was there with me, and more importantly they heard my voice?' Somewhere in the Institute: Grey woke up in Ahri's, or their bed. He sat up and saw that Ahri wasn't on the other side. The Undead looked around suspecting her to come out and tease him but she didn't, which was a little suspicious. He just shrugged it off before going to take a shower. When Grey was finished, he dried off and checked the schedule before going to the living room. There he found his two roommates. Ahri was gathering stuff in a purse while Nidalee was getting her spear ready. "Good morning." Grey greeted making his presence known. "Morning." they both replied not looking at him. "So what are you going to do today?" the Abyss Watcher asked. "Well, me, Aki, and Lux are going to the arcade." Ahri replied with a chuckle. "Lux keeps saying that she will win, but I'm still not convinced." "I'm going back to the jungle for a while." Nidalee replied standing up. "The Institute built a transport station there so I should be back by sundown." "Oh." Grey said before looking around. "Where's Silver?" he asked noticing the absence of the wolf pup. "Annie showed up a while ago and took him for a walk." Ahri answered as she finished preparing her purse before strapping it to her waist. "Well, see you later." "see ya." Nidalee added before they both left. They both left and Grey sighed before he started putting on his armor. When he was finished, he grabbed his medallion and looked at it. The Abyss Watcher sat on the couch while looking at the green wolf crest. Out of everything that he ever had, this was the one thing that stayed with him his entire life. Ever since the old Wolf of Farron chose him as a baby. Grey sighed relaxing in the couch "Maybe I should see what Brite is doing?" he questioned. His face turned deadpan before he shook his head. "What am I saying? He's probably somewhere telling someone to praise the sun." The Lord of Cinder stood up and exited the room. He started walking through the hallway while wondering what to do today. "Maybe I should see that gym that Ezreal mentioned." Grey wondered with a hand on his chin. "Or I could go to the garden. It's been a while since I saw Zy-" The Abyss Watcher was cut off when he turned a corner and bumped into someone. He remained standing while that person fell on the ground. The Lord of Cinder opened his eyes and looked at the person he pumped into. It was a woman and, if Grey was being honest, it was the most beautiful woman he ever saw. She had long blue hair tied into pigtails and it ended in a yellow shade. She was wearing a deep blue dress with detached sleeves and a golden musical note in the middle. Besides her was an instrument with strings that she apparently dropped. The woman shook her head and opened her eyes to look at Grey. That's when he realized that she was still on the ground. The Abyss Watcher knelt down and offered his hand. "I'm sorry, I was absorbed in thought. Are you alright?" The woman smiled and nodded before taking his hand. Grey helped her up to her feet and was about to get her instrument, but the woman waved her hand and it floated beside her. "I'm really sorry again, I hope you are not hurt.", Grey said. The woman just waved it off. "Are you a champion? You don't look like a summoner." he pointed out and she nodded. The Abyss Watcher noticed something "Excuse me, but why are you not talking?" he asked. The woman smiled sadly and looked down making Grey understand since he saw such cases before. "You can't speak, can you?" he asked and the woman nodded. Grey then remembered something that might help "Do you know sign language?" he asked. The woman's smile turned more cheerful and she nodded before she started making motions with her hands. A/N: this means sign language. Yes, I do., the woman motioned with her hands. I have to say, I'm surprised you know it. "I had a friend that couldn't speak either, so I learned how to read it to communicate with him." Grey replied remembering a certain prince of Lothric. That's really sweet of you. the woman said. I'm Sona, the Maven of the strings. And you are the Abyss Watcher, correct? "That's right." Grey nodded. "But my real name is Grey Ashnex." Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. Sona smiled before raising a curious eyebrow. If you don't mind me asking, but where are you going? "Well," Grey started scratching his head while answering, "I was about to go see the garden to pass some time." Sona looked confused. Doesn't Zyra keep everyone outside the garden? "She allows me to come from time to time." the Abyss Watcher replied surprising the Maven "Would you like to join me?" he asked. Sona thought for a second before smiling and nodding, Sure, I would love to., she replied before she started following him through the hallway. They started walking through the hallway going towards the garden. Meanwhile, Sona started thinking about meeting Grey. She did not expect to meet the Abyss Watcher. He was nice. Sona heard about him from Lux and a few summoners. So far, she realized that some of the things she heard were true. She did question why he covers his face but she didn't want to be rude. They walked into the garden and were met with its natural beauty. Grey took a deep breath and said, "I'm amazed at how Zyra keeps this place so full of life." "Why thank you." The risk of Thorns said as she walked towards them. "Hello, Grey. I see that you are with the Maven of the strings this time" she said and Grey nodded. "Well, I can't stay with you, for now, I have a match to attend. But remember, don't harm my children." she then narrowed her eyes. "Because I'll know if you do." "Very well, Zyra." Grey replied. Zyra walked towards the entrance and was about to walk away but stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Also, Grey, you are covering your face again." The Abyss Watcher sighed and brought down the neck of his shirt. Sona, who blushed, immediately started staring and asked herself why would he ever cover his face. The Maven can see Zyra smile in the corner of her eye before leaving. Apparently, the Carnivore woman wanted to see how the mute would react. Sona got her blush under control right before Grey looked at her and asked, "So, what would you like to do?" Sona thought for a moment before answering, Let's just sit down and talk. I'd like to enjoy the scenery. The Abyss Watcher nodded and they both sat down at a spot with no plants on it to not anger Zyra. They started making small talk about normal things like the weather, matches, and how they were doing. Sona enjoyed talking to Grey. He didn't treat her differently because she was mute. Most people would give her kindness out of sympathy or judge her. But the Abyss Watcher did neither of those things. He simply treated normally. Also, unlike most men Sona met, he didn't stare at her chest, would be the appropriate word. So, Grey, why were you alone today?, Sona asked. From what Lux told her, he was usually hanging out with the Nine-Tailed Fox and the Beastial Huntress. "Well, my friends already had plans so they left, and I was wondering what to do when I bumped into you." The Abyss Watcher explained. Sona frowned slightly. She thought that Grey's friends just ditched him, but he didn't seem to think like that so she decided to trust his judgment. Their conversation stopped when Garen walked into the garden. The might of Demacia noticed them and said, "Ah, there you are Sona. I was looking for you. And Grey, it's good to see you again." "It's good to see you again, Garen." Grey replied and Sona nodded in agreement. He stood up but Sona stayed sitting on the ground. The Abyss Watcher noticed Garen looking tired and had the look of someone who was told to do more work. "Is something wrong, Garen? You seem troubled." The Crownguard sighed and said, "I am my friend. You see, King Jarvan wishes to go to Noxus and discuss peace with Swain. I am supposed to guard him with the prince and Xin Zhao, but the house of Buvelle asked me to guard Sona because of some diplomatic problem with another noble house. Since I'm going with King Jarvan-" "That means you can't guard Sona." Grey finished and Garen nodded. The might of Demacia scratched his head thinking. He then looked at Grey. "Grey, do you mind doing me a favor?" he asked and the Abyss Watcher raised an eyebrow. "Could you be Sona's bodyguard for me in my absence?" he asked. The request caught them both off guard. Grey was curious while Sona didn't know how to feel about it. "Are you sure?" the undead asked. "I mean, would house Buvelle allow it?" he knew that most Nobles don't take it kindly to strangers, especially if their not a noble. "It's alright, all I have to do is say that you are a friend of mine and the prince." Garen assured him. Grey looked down in thought before shrugging and saying, "Well, it's up to Sona I guess." he replied as he and Garen looked at the Maven. Sona thought about, she knew her mother was a little protective, and she honestly appreciated it, which means she's getting a bodyguard either way. So she decided that it's better to be Grey than some random arrogant idiot. She actually enjoyed spending time with the Abyss Watcher. Sona looked at Grey and started motioning with her hands, I would be happy to have you as my bodyguard. "So was that a yes or a no?" Garen asked not understanding the hand gestures. "She said yes." Grey cleared up. "Oh." the might of Demacia started scratching his head. "Sorry, but I never had the time to learn sign language." he then cleared his throat. "Anyway, I'll tell the High Summoners so that you are excused from matches." "Thank you, Garen." The Abyss Watcher said as Garen left. The Abyss Watcher offered his hand to Sona and helped her to stand up. She started floating slightly off the ground and brought her Etwahl beside her. "So what would you like to do now?" The Abyss Watcher asked. Sona started thinking. He was going to be with her for at least a couple of days so they needed something to do. How about we go to Demacia. Sona suggested. I can show you around while being my bodyguard. "Alright, I wanted to see it for a while." Grey replied as they started walking out of the garden. They walked through the hallway and went towards the transport station. The female summoner there stood attention "Hello champions. Leaving the Institute?" however, her attention was immediately drawn to Grey's uncovered face. "Yes." Grey nodded. "we'd like to go to Demacia." The summoner nodded and motioned to the rune circle. "S-Stand in the circle please." Both champions nodded and did as the summoner asked. The summoner started motioning with her hands casting a spell and both champions vanished in a flash of light. The female summoner sighed and sat down mumbling, "I guess those rumors about the Abyss Watcher being hot were true." Meanwhile, Grey and Sona just exited the Transport station and entered the streets of Demacia. The Abyss Watcher turned to Sona "So where should we start?" he asked. Then the sound of his stomach rumbling was heard. Grey scratched his head while Sona giggled silently. How about we get breakfast first? The Maven signed with her hands. "Sorry." Grey apologized. "I didn't get any breakfast." Sona smiled and started making signs, Well, you are in luck. I know the best Caf to have breakfast. Follow me. The Abyss Watcher nodded and they started walking as Sona guided him through the streets of Demacia. During the way, Grey decided to ask something "Hey, Sona, what did Garen mean when he said there was a problem between two noble families?" Sona stopped and she apparently sighed in annoyance before she answered, It's nothing. Just Nobles being arrogant, nothing serious. Grey just shrugged and decided to trust her judgment. He knew that Nobles were always arrogant and cocky, but they almost never backed it up. He met many of them in Lothric and Irithyll. There was a noble family that harmed someone Grey cares about before. The next day well, that noble family vanished. A/N: Thank you for reading this, please comment, review, and give me your thoughts on my story. I know this isn't as long as my usual chapters, but this is just build up for the next ones.
