Chapter 60
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The sun rises in Ionia. It has been a day since the hunt for the blood Demon began. Those who were waiting are inside the Ionian chambers where Amaterasu was sitting on her throne. The chamber was filled with those who were in it yesterday.
Shen and Zed were meditating, each in one side of the room. Kennen was meditating with the leader of the Kinkou Order, while Syndra was floating beside the leader of the order of Shadows while reading a book.
Karma was discussing some of Ionia's politics with Irelia. The Blade Dancer didn't exactly like politics very much, preferring battle, but she still knew about their importance. Thankfully for her, the Ionian Elder did her best to keep the topic as interesting as possible.
Meanwhile, Ahri and Xayah were watching Wukong and Yi while they played a game of chess. Silver was on the former's lap, being petted by the Nine-Tailed Vastayan. Yi would make movements as soon as Wukong finishes his, while the monkey king would take a while to think about what to do.
Tiara was standing behind Ahri with her arms crossed, leaning on a wall. She was wearing her helmet, and her face was hidden by the shadow of her visor, so no one can tell if she was either paying attention to the game or sleeping.
Amaterasu was still sitting on her throne, tapping her fingers on the armrest. Susano sitting on the ground beside her, suffering from a hangover, along with the man he was drinking with yesterday, Yasou.
"When do you think they'll be back?" Xayah asked her fellow female Vastayan.
Ahri shrugged her shoulders. "It's hard to say," she replied. "If it was Grey alone, then a few days. But, since he took those two guys and Akali with him, I'm not sure."
They went back to seeing the chess match between the master and the student. Wukong had a fist on his chin in a thinking pose, trying to figure out what to do next. From what the female Vastaya understood, he was losing.
"Move your bishop to the edge," Tiara suddenly spoke, causing Ahri and Xayah to jump slightly, believing that she was asleep.
Wukong, desperate for a move, simply followed the Dancer's instructions. Looking over the board, Yi raised an eyebrow under his helmet. "Wukong… I believe that this is checkmate."
"It is!?" the monkey king looked shocked as he looked over the board before realizing that his master was right. A large grin appeared on Wukong's face as he jumped from his sitting position and did a fist bump in the air. "Yes! I finally beat Master in chess!" his excited laughter drew attention from those around.
Yi simply shook his head while chuckling. Of course, he knew that Tiara helped his student, but that didn't stop the proud smile that was evident on his features.
Meanwhile, Xayah and Ahri looked curiously at Tiara. They were confused about why she helped Wukong, and surprised that she managed to give accurate instructions.
However, before they can voice any questions, the doors were swung open. "We have returned victorious!" Rakan sang out dramatically.
"Why did you do it like that?" Akali asked curiously as she entered after the Vastaya.
"What? Have a little showmanship," Rakan replied innocently.
Grey and Kayn came inside after those two. Both assassins went towards their respective masters, who stopped their meditation. Rakan went towards his lover, who greeted him with a kiss.
Ahri wanted to greet Grey the same way that the Vastayan lovers did, but she had to hold it in for now as he approached Amaterasu. "I see your mission was a success. Did you stop the Demon from being summoned or did you kill it?" the sun goddess asked.
The Abyss Watcher raised his left hand and opened his palm. A small, pure red flame appeared in his hand and everyone can guess that it was the Demon's soul.
"Well done, Okami," Amaterasu complimented looking upon the soul.
"Is that all you needed me to do?" Grey asked knowing that he just couldn't be declared a God for that.
Just as he expected, the sun goddess shook her head. "No, there is one final thing." Just as she said that, the doors opened as someone new entered the chamber.
That person was obviously not human, which was evident by their looks. They were quite large in size, covered in dark red, almost black fur with some of it being tied to braids. They had a few horns covered in runes and a pair of red glowing eyes. They were wearing a pair of large trousers that were held by straps that went over their shoulders. In his hand was a mixture of a large hammer and an anvil.
The first one to recognize the newest arrival was Akali. "Ornn?" she asked, rather confused to see him here.
Ahri was rather confused, so she asked those around her, "Who is he?"
"That is Ornn, the Ferljordian God of the forge," Yi answered, having already met the forge God in a match. "He is also a champion in the Institute."
"Ornn, good to see you again," Amaterasu greeted. The Ferljordian God simply replied with a grunt. "How have you been?" she asked and she received a shrug from his shoulders.
"Wait, back up," Tiara stepped forward to stand beside her brother, looking at both deities. "Why is the God of another nation here?" she asked what was on everyone's mind.
"I owe her a favor," Ornn simply replied while pointing at Amaterasu.
"What does he have to do with what's going on?" Grey asked, still not seeing why Ornn was here.
"We still need one last thing, proof of your new Godhood," Amaterasu replied as everyone gave her a look that asked for further explanation. "Ornn will make you a weapon made from the soul of the Demon, and that weapon shall mark your new Godhood."
"I didn't know Runeterra has the knowledge on how to make weapons from souls," Grey commented, thinking that he should have noticed something so similar to his world.
"They don't, only I do," Ornn said, comforting Grey and Tiara to some extent. They didn't want Runeterra to start doing the same things their world did. "You sure that's a good idea?" he asked Amaterasu, referring to making the weapon.
Truthfully, Ornn knew how dangerous weapons made from souls can be. They were more dangerous than any normal or magical weapon. And, that's the reason why Ornn himself has made sure that no records on how to make weapons from souls exist, keeping that knowledge himself should he need it one day.
"I believe he is worthy, and I trust in him to not use it for anything dangerous," Amaterasu said, answering the forge God's question. "Besides, you owe me a lot, so you're making it anyway," she added, knowing that Ornn always pays his debts, making him grunt in annoyance.
"So, I just have this new weapon made?" Grey asked to make sure and Amaterasu nodded. "Can it be a sword?" he requested. hoping to get a weapon he's at least familiar with.
"Yep." Ornn nodded his head, but then he started sniffing the air, confusing the people around. While sniffing, his face got closer to Grey, or specifically, the Farron Greatsword on his back. "Your sword, show it to me," he requested.
Seeing nothing wrong with giving the forge God a look, the Abyss Watcher pulled out his sword and held it forward. Ornn looked closely at the blade. He tapped it a couple of times with his finger and, much to everyone's further confusion, sniffed it a couple of times.
"Magic infused coal," Ornn mumbled, making Grey surprised that he can just tell like that. "Who made this for you?"
"A Forger in the swamps of Farron," Grey replied.
"And the coal?" Ornn added.
"A sorcerer makes the coal specifically for the Undead Legion," Grey answered.
"What's so special about magic-infused coal?" Irelia asked, still not understanding why it seemed so important. "We have great mages here in Ionia and at the Institute, can't they just make it?"
"Impossible," Ornn replied shaking his head. "The coal's physical structure is too fragile to accept magic without falling apart. You need to be a very talented and careful sorcerer to actually infused coal with magic. Otherwise, you'd just make useless dust."
"Back to our previous subject," Amaterasu cut them off, realizing that they were getting off track. "Can you make that weapon, Ornn?"
"Sure, it would be done by tomorrow," the forge God replied, reaching forward to the Abyss Watcher, who gave him the Demon's soul.
"Very well," the Sun goddess nodded, pleased with the news. "We will leave you so you can do your work come back when the blade is ready."
Ornn sighed in annoyance. "Sure. Leave Ornn to do all the work, like usual," he grumbled, like this wasn't the first time this happened.
However, Amaterasu apparently had a way to change his mood. "I'll leave ten barrels of our best sake for you while you work," she informed.
"What are you waiting for? Get out so I can work!" Ornn ordered as he set his large hammer on the ground and used it as an anvil before pulled out another hammer.
True, sake wasn't as strong as the drinks from the Ferljord, but it did have a particular taste to it, which the forge God liked about the Ionian drink.
Ornn started pushing everyone out until he was alone in the chamber before closing the doors. That didn't surprise Amaterasu or Susano since they knew that the forge God liked working alone.
"So, we just wait until he's finished?" Tiara asked to make sure and Amaterasu nodded.
The sun goddess then looked at the Lord of Cinder. "By the way, Okami, we'll get you a better armor, one suited for one of Ionia's deities," she informed him.
"Can't I just go home?" Grey asked with a tired sigh. "I already hunted the Demon for you, and now you're telling me that I have to get some weird set of clothes?"
Ahri suddenly raised an eyebrow. "Wait, is your problem with that much work or having to wear new clothes?" she asked.
"My problems began when I actually agreed to become a god," the Abyss Watcher groaned, still annoyed with the whole ordeal.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan chuckled, thinking on how she should have expected that response from the Abyss Watcher. "Welcome back, Grey," she decided it was finally time to greet him, pulling down the neck of his shirt to uncover his face in order to give him a kiss.
The Lord of Cinder returned the kiss. "It's good to be back," he replied with a smile.
"Urghh, get a room," Rhaast grumbled as he was being held by Kayn.
"One which is preferably very soundproof," Tiara added much to her brother and his lover's embarrassment.
Amaterasu chuckled. "Your life sounds quite lively," she commented.
"And fun," Susano added with a smirk.
The Abyss Watcher rolled his eyes. "Is there something we can do until Ornn is finished?" he asked, wanting to change the subject.
"There is are some private hot springs for this temple. I'm sure that the mission has left you tired, and I believe they can help you relax," Karma suggested, believing it would be good.
"What's hot springs?" Tiara and Grey asked at the same time.
Some looked confused, while Ahri remembered that neither siblings saw them before. "Oh, right, you never been to one. It's basically one large warm bath that helps you relax," she explained.
The Abyss Watcher honestly thought he needed that right now. "Okay, I guess that would help," he agreed to the idea before picking up Silver from the ground. "Come on, boy," the wolf pup barked and he started walking with Karma guiding him through the hallway.
Time skip: (Brought to you by chibi Ornn creating weapons in his forge.)
Most decided to go to the hot springs with the Abyss Watcher. Obviously, the men and women were in separate springs.
The hot springs' floor was made of smooth, black stone. The spring itself was a large wide circle filled with steaming water. There were a few wooden buckets on the side to help those who would wash themselves.
Grey sighed as he sunk in the water, letting its warmth relax his muscles. This whole 'being a god' thing was stressing him too much, but he supposed it was a must. Also, something told him that Amaterasu wouldn't stop bugging him if he had actually refused now that he thought about it.
Silver was also inside the spring, floating on a bucket, using it as a small ship, which drew a chuckle from the Lord of Cinder.
"Oh, that's the good stuff," Rakan sighed as he sat beside the Abyss Watcher. He would have preferred having Xayah with him, but he supposed this will do for now.
"I suppose letting your body relax once in a while is good," Kayn commented as he was also sitting beside them.
The Abyss Watcher noticed something missing. "Hey, where's Rhaast?" he asked looking at his wielder.
"I left him in the laundry room," the shadow assassin replied with a sinister chuckle.
"KAYN! I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS! GET ME OUT OF HERE! KAYN!" Rhaast's angry yelling was heard from their changing room.
After a few more moments, and listening to Rhaast's colorful language, they managed to simply ignore the Darkin scythe, despite him still yelling.
"Between all the regrets of gods, the Darkin is one of the biggest," Susano, who was also in the spring, sighed as he took a drink from his gourd bottle. He hasn't personally taken a part with the Darkin war, but that didn't make the regret any less haunting.
"Hey, Grey," Wukong called out while removing his wet fur from his eyes so he can see. "What's with that black circle on your chest?" he said pointing at the Abyss Watcher's chest.
Grey's pale skin made the black circle impossible to miss. It's as if there was a hole in his chest. "This is the Darksign," the Lord of Cinder replied.
"Wait, that's your curse?" Rakan asked, surprised that something so simple as a circle on the chest can cause so much suffering.
"So, you are cursed," Susano said as a fact rather than a question.
He had already sensed that the Abyss Watcher was cursed when they first met. However, he had never felt a curse that was so… ancient and powerful. Not even Amumu's curse from Shurima.
"Does it hurt?" Wukong asked as he poked the Darksign with his finger.
"No, it's nothing but a harmless circle now," Grey replied before looking annoyed. "And, please, stop poking me."
Meanwhile, the ladies were relaxing in a similar hotspring. "Ah," Akali sighed as she lowered herself until the water reached her chin. "I needed this so much. Fighting demons is agonizing," she moaned as she felt the warm water on her skin.
"I got to admit, this ain't half bad," Tiara commented as she relaxed in the water with her hands over the edge.
"Was it really that hard?" Ahri asked Akali as she relaxed beside the assassin while cleaning one of her tails. "I mean, you left just yesterday," she added, believing that a mission that short shouldn't be that tiring.
"The priests were no problem. The Demon itself was the problem," Akali cleared up as she stretched her arms above her head. "That thing was strong and annoying. I honestly am grateful that Grey was with us, or we would have been in trouble."
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan smiled, remembering that this wasn't the first time Grey seemed to save the day. "Yeah, he seems to do that every mission. You should have been there when we caught Maia," Ahri said.
"Can we not talk about that lunatic?" Xayah requested, not wanting to remember the day she almost lost her life to a deranged maniac.
Amaterasu, who joined them in the spring, chuckled. "There are too many lunatics in the world, you have to be specific nowadays," she commented.
Xayah wanted to make some retort. But, remembering some champions in the Institute, she realized that the sun goddess was correct and that the word 'Lunatic' is thrown around a lot nowadays.
"So, Lady Amaterasu, what are you planning to do after you let the Abyss Watcher become a god?" Irelia asked as she relaxed near the sun goddess.
Amaterasu seemed to be in thought before she shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose I'll go back to Takama no Hara. However, I'll be coming down from time to time to help Ionia help itself," she answered before chuckling, drawing confused looks. "You know, when Soraka told us Gods to not give up on humanity, we didn't listen to her. But, after what Okami said, I suppose she was right all along. I owe her an apology."
"You know Soraka?" Akali asked curiously.
Ahri knew who that was mostly from the memories she stole. But, even without the memories, she'd be stupid to not know a healer that is renowned as a goddess throughout Runeterra.
The sun goddess nodded. "Yes, she is well known amongst deities. As I said, I owe her an apology for not believing her when she said that humans were not all evil."
"I still believe that's true," Xayah commented, getting a few eye rolls from those around.
"I have to admit, the Abyss Watcher caught me by surprise with what he said," Karma commented as she used a small towel to clean her arms. "He seems rather mature for someone his age."
"He's actually older than he looks," Tiara said catching their attention. "Both me and Grey are pretty much over a century old."
Most of those around were surprised, except for Ahri and Akali, who already knew of Grey's age. "That explains his mature attitude," Irelia commented.
"I am interested though," Amaterasu gave the Outrider Knight a curious look. "Tell me, what was your world like?" she asked.
"How do you know that we're not from this world?" Tiara asked suspiciously and the others realized that no one mentioned this to Amaterasu.
The sun goddess looked at Ahri. "You and Okami met in Ionia, correct?" the Nine-Tailed Vastayan nodded. "Do you really think I wouldn't notice a portal from another world suddenly appearing in the middle of my land?" she asked rhetorically.
They realized that it makes sense for Amaterasu to know that Grey wasn't from Runeterra since he suddenly appeared in Ionia.
Tiara decided to answer the goddess. "To put it simply, Runeterra is rather pathetic compared to our world," Akali, Xayah, and Irelia looked a little insulted, while Karma, Ahri, and Amaterasu waited for her to explain. "I can tell you right now that most champions in the Institute wouldn't even last a year in our world without losing their sanity, and that's if they were lucky and didn't encounter any creatures of the Abyss."
"Is that what brought you and Okami to our world? This… Abyss?" Amaterasu asked and received a nod of confirmation.
Honestly, when Grey first appeared, Amaterasu felt something just… wrong in her nation. Something even more messed up than the Void. As if nature itself suddenly turned upside down and became twisted and dark in a single instant.
However, just as it appeared, that feeling vanished, and Amaterasu can see Grey in her land, meeting Ahri. Amaterasu wasn't very sure what the Abyss is, but she definitely didn't want to have that feeling again and would rather the Void comes to her land than the Abyss.
Deciding to change the subject, the sun goddess turned back towards the Nine-Tailed Vastayan. "Well, let us speak of something else. How is your relationship with Okami?" she asked.
A warm smile graced Ahri's lips. "It's wonderful. I'm having the time of my life," she replied as she finished cleaning the last of her tails.
"Those two are so well with each other, it's sickening," Tiara commented, remembering how her brother and his lover acts.
"Honestly, I think it's great," Akali said. "I can't really imagine you two ending up with someone else. It just feels… not right," she added getting a grateful smile from Ahri.
Time Skip: (Brought to you by chibi Ahri and chibi Grey enjoying the hot springs together.)
It was late at night now and most champions were escorted towards a guest room. The room was pretty simple. A bed, a window, and a bathroom.
Grey and Ahri were sharing a room, Silver was sleeping near the bed while the Abyss Watcher was lying down on the bed when he saw Ahri still awake with a distant look. "Ahri, is something wrong?" he asked.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan looked at him for a couple of seconds before she sighed. "I… talked to Amaterasu… and she said she knows about people like me," she said causing his eyes to widen. "She said that she would tell me about them when you come back. I guess we'll talk to her when your weapon is ready tomorrow."
However, Grey then noticed that she seemed hesitant. "Why do you look like you're sad?" he asked.
Ahri shook her head. "I'm not sad. It's just…"
"After so long of being in the dark, you're a little scared of knowing the truth since it might be something you don't like?" Grey guessed and Ahri nodded. The fact that Amaterasu said that she needed him to be there for her didn't help her paranoia. "Ahri," Grey put a hand on her cheek and made her look at him. "No matter what she tells you, it won't change who you are. And, if you need anything, you know that I'm here for you."
Tears of happiness appeared in Ahri's eyes as she brought her head into her lover's chest. "Thank you."
Grey simply held Ahri, giving her a feeling of safety. Her tails coiled around him, almost like she was making sure he doesn't move away. He certainly didn't seem to mind as he simply closed his eyes and went to sleep with her.
Time skip: (Brought to you by chibi Ahri and chibi Grey playing volleyball with chibi Ahri's orb of deception.)
It was the next day. The champions except for Grey were inside the chamber, waiting for the Abyss Watcher to finish wearing his new clothes. Ornn was also there, with something covered in cloth between his hands.
The gates were opened and Grey entered in his new look. Grey was now wearing a black and red Ionian styled armor made of robes that covered his chest and legs, thin gauntlets and armor on his hands, feet, and shoulders. His head was covered in a white and red helmet that was shaped like the face of a growling wolf. Hanging from his waist was his medallion.
Walking towards the three deities, Amaterasu smiled. "Now this is what I expect of a blood God, Okami," she complimented.
"Is the weapon ready?" Grey asked. He didn't mean to be rude, but he still wanted to get this over with.
Ornn stepped forward and handed the cloth-covered object towards the Abyss Watcher, who unwrapped it soon after.
What was inside was a Katana with a pitch-black handle and a pure silver arm guard shaped like a wolf's head. Katana was long, almost as long as Grey's Farron Great-sword.
"Wait," Ornn suddenly said as Grey grabbed the handle, stopping the Abyss Watcher from pulling out the blade. "You should know that the Demon's soul is still conscious, even after I forged a weapon out of it, so it might try to take over you."
The Abyss Watcher sighed. "I'll take my chances," much to everyone's shock, Grey just grabbed the handle and pulled out the blade slightly.
From the small opening, red mist started coming out and crawling up the Abyss Watcher's arms. Everyone started getting worried. However, much to their surprise, dark green aura appeared around Grey before exploding, repelling the mist and causing it to vanish.
"It's that glow again," Akali commented, remembering that this same aura protected Grey from the Blood Demon.
Amaterasu hummed in thought while putting a hand on her chin. "Something is protecting him," she said.
At that moment, Ahri noticed Grey's medallion glowing. "Grey, your pledge," she pointed out.
Seeing the pledge, Tiara came to a conclusion. "The Wolf's Blood," she said drawing everyone's attention. "It's protecting you from the Demon."
The Lord of Cinder was both surprised and relieved beyond belief. In all honesty, he had been suspicious that the Old Wolf of Farron was no longer watching over him after he came to Runeterra, but it appears that it isn't true.
Looking back at the sword, Grey fully pulled it out of its sheath, revealing its form. It was a long and straight Katana. The blade was pitch black with a glowing, crimson edge.
"There are a few things you should know," Ornn said catching the Abyss Watcher's attention. "This weapon, because of the Demon's soul, can destroy magic and kill spirits."
The newly named Blood God raised an eyebrow under his helmet. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Perhaps a demonstration is in order," the Forge God looked at Syndra. "You, with the floating orbs, throw one of them at him."
Syndra, while irked at the name, still waved her hand and sent one of her floating orbs of dark magic towards the Abyss Watcher.
Grey, knowing that he is supposed to use the sword, swung it at the orb. Upon making contact, the magical orb shattered like glass before the pieces vanished in a red glow, causing Syndra's eyes to widen that her magic was destroyed so easily.
Bringing back the sword to look at the blade again, Grey asked, "You said it kills spirits, what would happen if I used this weapon on Vastaya or Vastayashy'rei?" to Ornn.
The question was understandable. Vastaya were half spirits, despite popular belief that they're half animals. And Vastayashy'rei were completely shape-shifting spirits.
The forge God put a hand on his chin. "Well, I guess if you used it on a Vastaya, they'd feel weakened and temporarily lose their ability to use magic, for how long depends on the wound. And as for a Vastayashy'rei, if you wound them, they'd also temporarily lose their magic and start feeling really sick. If the wound isn't minor, it might end up killing them."
"So, in other words, the Abyss Watcher has one of, if not the most powerful weapons in Ionia," Irelia commented.
Ionia was a land built on magic and spirits, and the weapon that the new Blood God was holding is able to destroy both. The Blade Dancer didn't feel right leaving such a weapon in the hands of someone she didn't fully trust, but she couldn't go against her goddess' orders.
The Lord of Cinder sheathed the weapon again and strapped it to his back. "Alright, there's one last thing," Susano stepped forward. "What do you want to stand for?" Grey tilted his head curiously. "For example, Ornn here might be a God of the forge, but he also stands for fire and hard work."
Grey seemed in thought for a moment. He didn't really have a good idea on what to be. However, he then remembered the most valued thing between Abyss Watchers and their most common lesson.
"Comradery and brotherhood in battle," Grey said, hoping to stand up for the same thing that the Old Wolf of Farron did.
Amaterasu smiled, rather pleased with that aspect. "Well then, Okami, let me be the first to welcome you as one of Ionia's deities," she said spreading her arms.
"If anyone bows, I'll cut their head off," the Abyss Watcher said coldly catching everyone off guard. "Just because I became a God doesn't mean I want any followers."
Ornn snorted while Susano had to put his hand over his mouth to stop his laughter. "Very well, Okami, that is all," Amaterasu said.
Grey sighed in relief, glad that this very long day is over with. "Thank you. Can I go change now?" he asked.
Time skip: (Brought to you by chibi blood God Grey, swinging his katana around… and ending up cutting the fourth wall in half by accident.)
With the meeting over, most champions left to either go back home or to the Institute. Grey, who was back in his usual attire, stayed with Ahri.
The Abyss Watcher entered the chambers with Silver on his shoulder and the blood Demon sword strapped to his back with his Farron Great-sword. Inside were just Ahri and Amaterasu, simply waiting for him.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan looked at her lover who walked up beside her. "So, you're here now," the sun goddess said before looking at Ahri. "Do you really want to know the truth? That story… is a sad one, child."
That statement seemed to only make Ahri's fears rise. However, when she felt Grey's reassuring arm in her shoulder, she took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes."
Seeing nothing but determination in Ahri's eyes, Amaterasu sighed. "Very well," she agreed as she started explaining. "You're people were a tribe of Vastaya called the Kumiho. One of the most spiritual tribes of the Vastaya, only rivaled by the Tengu. They would help guide lost souls along with healing their memories and emotions."
"Well, where are they now?" Ahri could not stop herself from asking that question.
"They aren't around anymore," Amaterasu shook her head, a regretful look upon her features. "You see, like you, your people started having a hunger for memories. However, unlike you, they did not stop, or see anything wrong with it," Ahri's face turned to one of shock at hearing what her people did. "They would devour many souls and their memories without remorse, forgetting about helping lost souls and deciding to feast on them instead. That kept on, until…"
"U-Until what?" the Nine-Tailed Vastayan can hear her own voice cracking up.
"... Kindred," Ahri can feel the blood in her veins turn cold as Amaterasu said that name. She can almost hear Wolf's laughter and Lamb's humming in the distance. "They didn't appreciate that many souls being devoured or their memories toyed with and so… they erased all traces of your people."
Raising her hand, Amaterasu snapped her fingers. Ahri and Grey saw the scene around them change. They were no longer inside the chamber.
They were inside a rather old looking village… that looked like it was in the middle of a war zone. Male, female, and child Vastaya with fox ears and tails were running around in, screaming in fear.
It wasn't long until they saw why. Wolf was moving around the streets, his phantom body leaving a dark trail behind him as he was hunting down Vastaya left and right.
Some Vastaya would stop and try to throw magic at him, but their attacks would simply pass through him before he dashed towards them and ripped them apart with his jaws.
As for Lamb, she was jumping from rooftop to rooftop, shooting arrows at anyone who either tried to run or simply stood still accepting their fate.
A group of Kumiho tried to launch some Fox-fire at the merciful half of Death, but she simply jumped high in the air while firing multiple arrows at them with great accuracy, managing to strike all of them right in the heart.
The scene changed again. This time, it revealed two Kumihos, a man and a woman. What was truly surprising is that, in the woman's arms, was a crying baby covered in cloth.
The man and woman were running in the middle of the forest. The sound of screams and people dying from the village could be heard in the distance.
Suddenly, the men tripped on a tree root that was coming out of the ground. The woman stopped and knelt down to the man.
However, the man simply pulled out something from around his neck, which appeared to be a gemstone, and gave it to the woman. "Go!"
The woman looked reluctant before she turned around and started running away. Drops of tears would fall from her face as she ran.
After a while, the woman simply couldn't run anymore and fell on her knees while tightly clutching the baby, making sure that nothing happened to it.
The woman was trying to catch her breath when she gasped in horror as she saw a glowing mark on the ground below her feat of two lines going around each other. It was the mark of the Kindred.
The woman panicked, she looked around before spotting a tree trunk. Crawling towards it, the woman put the baby in, not caring to see if she could hide as long as the newborn can.
The woman pulled out the gemstone that the man gave her before reaching around her neck and pulling out a similar gemstone. Slowly, the woman put those gemstones around the baby's neck, acting as necklaces.
The woman gave a sad and reluctant smile to the baby, one that someone would give when saying goodbye for good.
Suddenly, the woman's arms started glowing before she covered the baby in an orb of magic. When the orb vanished, the baby looked like a newborn fox that was covered in white fur.
The woman saw that the mark under her feet got brighter. Realizing she doesn't have time, she used some fallen leaves to cover the trunk, effectively hiding the baby.
Getting up, the woman immediately started running away again in a different direction, hoping to get those who are after her away from the baby.
As she ran away, the woman's form was covered with the darkness of the forest. However, Ahri and Grey didn't need to see her to know what happened because a splat of blood immediately covered the ground where the woman left to.
"That was fun!" Wolf's voice was heard laughing was heard through the darkness of the forest. "Who's next?"
"Everyone," Lamb replied before the sound of hooves and sadistic chuckling started getting further and further.
The scene around them changed again, but this time, they all came back to the Ionian chambers.
Ahri looked devastated as tears covered her face. She knew exactly who the man and woman were, and why her gemstones always felt so valuable to her.
With shaky hands, the Nine-Tailed Vastayan slowly took out the gemstones that belonged to her parents before they were hunted down.
Ahri could not look at the gemstones for long before she fell on her knees and started crying. Grey immediately knelt in front of his lover and put hugged her for support.
Amaterasu simply walked back, believing that she should give them this moment of grief. True, she didn't approve of Kindred committing mass genocide in her nation, but even gods can't say much against the eternal hunters.
Ahri simply returned the hug that Grey was offering her and cried, mourning the truth of her family, of her people.
The Abyss Watcher simply let Ahri take her emotions out. Silver jumped from his shoulder and started rubbing his head on Ahri's leg as a sign of comfort.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan has been afraid of the truth, but she never realized it can be so devastating. One thing for sure, she definitely understood why Amaterasu waited until Grey came back because Ahri definitely needed him right now.
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(A/N: Thank you for reading this.
First, about Ornn making the weapon. Well, if you're going to make a weapon for a God, you might as well be a God yourself.
Second, about Amaterasu knowing Soraka, I think you all suspected this at one point.
Third, about what happened to the Kumiho, as I said in the previous chapter, this is my own idea and is not in the League of Legends lore. As you can see, it doesn't actually change anything about Ahri's lore herself.
And lastly, some of you might not agree that Kindred would commit mass genocide, but it's already been shown that they have great animosity to those who tamper with souls, which is why they spend most of their time in the Shadow Isles. That is further proven by the fact that Mordekaiser died twice. That isn't a coincidence, that's just Kindred telling him to leave souls alone. But, he didn't listen.
Again, thank you for reading this. Please comment, review, and give me your thoughts on my story.)
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
The sun rises in Ionia. It has been a day since the hunt for the blood Demon began. Those who were waiting are inside the Ionian chambers where Amaterasu was sitting on her throne. The chamber was filled with those who were in it yesterday.
Shen and Zed were meditating, each in one side of the room. Kennen was meditating with the leader of the Kinkou Order, while Syndra was floating beside the leader of the order of Shadows while reading a book.
Karma was discussing some of Ionia's politics with Irelia. The Blade Dancer didn't exactly like politics very much, preferring battle, but she still knew about their importance. Thankfully for her, the Ionian Elder did her best to keep the topic as interesting as possible.
Meanwhile, Ahri and Xayah were watching Wukong and Yi while they played a game of chess. Silver was on the former's lap, being petted by the Nine-Tailed Vastayan. Yi would make movements as soon as Wukong finishes his, while the monkey king would take a while to think about what to do.
Tiara was standing behind Ahri with her arms crossed, leaning on a wall. She was wearing her helmet, and her face was hidden by the shadow of her visor, so no one can tell if she was either paying attention to the game or sleeping.
Amaterasu was still sitting on her throne, tapping her fingers on the armrest. Susano sitting on the ground beside her, suffering from a hangover, along with the man he was drinking with yesterday, Yasou.
"When do you think they'll be back?" Xayah asked her fellow female Vastayan.
Ahri shrugged her shoulders. "It's hard to say," she replied. "If it was Grey alone, then a few days. But, since he took those two guys and Akali with him, I'm not sure."
They went back to seeing the chess match between the master and the student. Wukong had a fist on his chin in a thinking pose, trying to figure out what to do next. From what the female Vastaya understood, he was losing.
"Move your bishop to the edge," Tiara suddenly spoke, causing Ahri and Xayah to jump slightly, believing that she was asleep.
Wukong, desperate for a move, simply followed the Dancer's instructions. Looking over the board, Yi raised an eyebrow under his helmet. "Wukong… I believe that this is checkmate."
"It is!?" the monkey king looked shocked as he looked over the board before realizing that his master was right. A large grin appeared on Wukong's face as he jumped from his sitting position and did a fist bump in the air. "Yes! I finally beat Master in chess!" his excited laughter drew attention from those around.
Yi simply shook his head while chuckling. Of course, he knew that Tiara helped his student, but that didn't stop the proud smile that was evident on his features.
Meanwhile, Xayah and Ahri looked curiously at Tiara. They were confused about why she helped Wukong, and surprised that she managed to give accurate instructions.
However, before they can voice any questions, the doors were swung open. "We have returned victorious!" Rakan sang out dramatically.
"Why did you do it like that?" Akali asked curiously as she entered after the Vastaya.
"What? Have a little showmanship," Rakan replied innocently.
Grey and Kayn came inside after those two. Both assassins went towards their respective masters, who stopped their meditation. Rakan went towards his lover, who greeted him with a kiss.
Ahri wanted to greet Grey the same way that the Vastayan lovers did, but she had to hold it in for now as he approached Amaterasu. "I see your mission was a success. Did you stop the Demon from being summoned or did you kill it?" the sun goddess asked.
The Abyss Watcher raised his left hand and opened his palm. A small, pure red flame appeared in his hand and everyone can guess that it was the Demon's soul.
"Well done, Okami," Amaterasu complimented looking upon the soul.
"Is that all you needed me to do?" Grey asked knowing that he just couldn't be declared a God for that.
Just as he expected, the sun goddess shook her head. "No, there is one final thing." Just as she said that, the doors opened as someone new entered the chamber.
That person was obviously not human, which was evident by their looks. They were quite large in size, covered in dark red, almost black fur with some of it being tied to braids. They had a few horns covered in runes and a pair of red glowing eyes. They were wearing a pair of large trousers that were held by straps that went over their shoulders. In his hand was a mixture of a large hammer and an anvil.
The first one to recognize the newest arrival was Akali. "Ornn?" she asked, rather confused to see him here.
Ahri was rather confused, so she asked those around her, "Who is he?"
"That is Ornn, the Ferljordian God of the forge," Yi answered, having already met the forge God in a match. "He is also a champion in the Institute."
"Ornn, good to see you again," Amaterasu greeted. The Ferljordian God simply replied with a grunt. "How have you been?" she asked and she received a shrug from his shoulders.
"Wait, back up," Tiara stepped forward to stand beside her brother, looking at both deities. "Why is the God of another nation here?" she asked what was on everyone's mind.
"I owe her a favor," Ornn simply replied while pointing at Amaterasu.
"What does he have to do with what's going on?" Grey asked, still not seeing why Ornn was here.
"We still need one last thing, proof of your new Godhood," Amaterasu replied as everyone gave her a look that asked for further explanation. "Ornn will make you a weapon made from the soul of the Demon, and that weapon shall mark your new Godhood."
"I didn't know Runeterra has the knowledge on how to make weapons from souls," Grey commented, thinking that he should have noticed something so similar to his world.
"They don't, only I do," Ornn said, comforting Grey and Tiara to some extent. They didn't want Runeterra to start doing the same things their world did. "You sure that's a good idea?" he asked Amaterasu, referring to making the weapon.
Truthfully, Ornn knew how dangerous weapons made from souls can be. They were more dangerous than any normal or magical weapon. And, that's the reason why Ornn himself has made sure that no records on how to make weapons from souls exist, keeping that knowledge himself should he need it one day.
"I believe he is worthy, and I trust in him to not use it for anything dangerous," Amaterasu said, answering the forge God's question. "Besides, you owe me a lot, so you're making it anyway," she added, knowing that Ornn always pays his debts, making him grunt in annoyance.
"So, I just have this new weapon made?" Grey asked to make sure and Amaterasu nodded. "Can it be a sword?" he requested. hoping to get a weapon he's at least familiar with.
"Yep." Ornn nodded his head, but then he started sniffing the air, confusing the people around. While sniffing, his face got closer to Grey, or specifically, the Farron Greatsword on his back. "Your sword, show it to me," he requested.
Seeing nothing wrong with giving the forge God a look, the Abyss Watcher pulled out his sword and held it forward. Ornn looked closely at the blade. He tapped it a couple of times with his finger and, much to everyone's further confusion, sniffed it a couple of times.
"Magic infused coal," Ornn mumbled, making Grey surprised that he can just tell like that. "Who made this for you?"
"A Forger in the swamps of Farron," Grey replied.
"And the coal?" Ornn added.
"A sorcerer makes the coal specifically for the Undead Legion," Grey answered.
"What's so special about magic-infused coal?" Irelia asked, still not understanding why it seemed so important. "We have great mages here in Ionia and at the Institute, can't they just make it?"
"Impossible," Ornn replied shaking his head. "The coal's physical structure is too fragile to accept magic without falling apart. You need to be a very talented and careful sorcerer to actually infused coal with magic. Otherwise, you'd just make useless dust."
"Back to our previous subject," Amaterasu cut them off, realizing that they were getting off track. "Can you make that weapon, Ornn?"
"Sure, it would be done by tomorrow," the forge God replied, reaching forward to the Abyss Watcher, who gave him the Demon's soul.
"Very well," the Sun goddess nodded, pleased with the news. "We will leave you so you can do your work come back when the blade is ready."
Ornn sighed in annoyance. "Sure. Leave Ornn to do all the work, like usual," he grumbled, like this wasn't the first time this happened.
However, Amaterasu apparently had a way to change his mood. "I'll leave ten barrels of our best sake for you while you work," she informed.
"What are you waiting for? Get out so I can work!" Ornn ordered as he set his large hammer on the ground and used it as an anvil before pulled out another hammer.
True, sake wasn't as strong as the drinks from the Ferljord, but it did have a particular taste to it, which the forge God liked about the Ionian drink.
Ornn started pushing everyone out until he was alone in the chamber before closing the doors. That didn't surprise Amaterasu or Susano since they knew that the forge God liked working alone.
"So, we just wait until he's finished?" Tiara asked to make sure and Amaterasu nodded.
The sun goddess then looked at the Lord of Cinder. "By the way, Okami, we'll get you a better armor, one suited for one of Ionia's deities," she informed him.
"Can't I just go home?" Grey asked with a tired sigh. "I already hunted the Demon for you, and now you're telling me that I have to get some weird set of clothes?"
Ahri suddenly raised an eyebrow. "Wait, is your problem with that much work or having to wear new clothes?" she asked.
"My problems began when I actually agreed to become a god," the Abyss Watcher groaned, still annoyed with the whole ordeal.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan chuckled, thinking on how she should have expected that response from the Abyss Watcher. "Welcome back, Grey," she decided it was finally time to greet him, pulling down the neck of his shirt to uncover his face in order to give him a kiss.
The Lord of Cinder returned the kiss. "It's good to be back," he replied with a smile.
"Urghh, get a room," Rhaast grumbled as he was being held by Kayn.
"One which is preferably very soundproof," Tiara added much to her brother and his lover's embarrassment.
Amaterasu chuckled. "Your life sounds quite lively," she commented.
"And fun," Susano added with a smirk.
The Abyss Watcher rolled his eyes. "Is there something we can do until Ornn is finished?" he asked, wanting to change the subject.
"There is are some private hot springs for this temple. I'm sure that the mission has left you tired, and I believe they can help you relax," Karma suggested, believing it would be good.
"What's hot springs?" Tiara and Grey asked at the same time.
Some looked confused, while Ahri remembered that neither siblings saw them before. "Oh, right, you never been to one. It's basically one large warm bath that helps you relax," she explained.
The Abyss Watcher honestly thought he needed that right now. "Okay, I guess that would help," he agreed to the idea before picking up Silver from the ground. "Come on, boy," the wolf pup barked and he started walking with Karma guiding him through the hallway.
Time skip: (Brought to you by chibi Ornn creating weapons in his forge.)
Most decided to go to the hot springs with the Abyss Watcher. Obviously, the men and women were in separate springs.
The hot springs' floor was made of smooth, black stone. The spring itself was a large wide circle filled with steaming water. There were a few wooden buckets on the side to help those who would wash themselves.
Grey sighed as he sunk in the water, letting its warmth relax his muscles. This whole 'being a god' thing was stressing him too much, but he supposed it was a must. Also, something told him that Amaterasu wouldn't stop bugging him if he had actually refused now that he thought about it.
Silver was also inside the spring, floating on a bucket, using it as a small ship, which drew a chuckle from the Lord of Cinder.
"Oh, that's the good stuff," Rakan sighed as he sat beside the Abyss Watcher. He would have preferred having Xayah with him, but he supposed this will do for now.
"I suppose letting your body relax once in a while is good," Kayn commented as he was also sitting beside them.
The Abyss Watcher noticed something missing. "Hey, where's Rhaast?" he asked looking at his wielder.
"I left him in the laundry room," the shadow assassin replied with a sinister chuckle.
"KAYN! I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS! GET ME OUT OF HERE! KAYN!" Rhaast's angry yelling was heard from their changing room.
After a few more moments, and listening to Rhaast's colorful language, they managed to simply ignore the Darkin scythe, despite him still yelling.
"Between all the regrets of gods, the Darkin is one of the biggest," Susano, who was also in the spring, sighed as he took a drink from his gourd bottle. He hasn't personally taken a part with the Darkin war, but that didn't make the regret any less haunting.
"Hey, Grey," Wukong called out while removing his wet fur from his eyes so he can see. "What's with that black circle on your chest?" he said pointing at the Abyss Watcher's chest.
Grey's pale skin made the black circle impossible to miss. It's as if there was a hole in his chest. "This is the Darksign," the Lord of Cinder replied.
"Wait, that's your curse?" Rakan asked, surprised that something so simple as a circle on the chest can cause so much suffering.
"So, you are cursed," Susano said as a fact rather than a question.
He had already sensed that the Abyss Watcher was cursed when they first met. However, he had never felt a curse that was so… ancient and powerful. Not even Amumu's curse from Shurima.
"Does it hurt?" Wukong asked as he poked the Darksign with his finger.
"No, it's nothing but a harmless circle now," Grey replied before looking annoyed. "And, please, stop poking me."
Meanwhile, the ladies were relaxing in a similar hotspring. "Ah," Akali sighed as she lowered herself until the water reached her chin. "I needed this so much. Fighting demons is agonizing," she moaned as she felt the warm water on her skin.
"I got to admit, this ain't half bad," Tiara commented as she relaxed in the water with her hands over the edge.
"Was it really that hard?" Ahri asked Akali as she relaxed beside the assassin while cleaning one of her tails. "I mean, you left just yesterday," she added, believing that a mission that short shouldn't be that tiring.
"The priests were no problem. The Demon itself was the problem," Akali cleared up as she stretched her arms above her head. "That thing was strong and annoying. I honestly am grateful that Grey was with us, or we would have been in trouble."
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan smiled, remembering that this wasn't the first time Grey seemed to save the day. "Yeah, he seems to do that every mission. You should have been there when we caught Maia," Ahri said.
"Can we not talk about that lunatic?" Xayah requested, not wanting to remember the day she almost lost her life to a deranged maniac.
Amaterasu, who joined them in the spring, chuckled. "There are too many lunatics in the world, you have to be specific nowadays," she commented.
Xayah wanted to make some retort. But, remembering some champions in the Institute, she realized that the sun goddess was correct and that the word 'Lunatic' is thrown around a lot nowadays.
"So, Lady Amaterasu, what are you planning to do after you let the Abyss Watcher become a god?" Irelia asked as she relaxed near the sun goddess.
Amaterasu seemed to be in thought before she shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose I'll go back to Takama no Hara. However, I'll be coming down from time to time to help Ionia help itself," she answered before chuckling, drawing confused looks. "You know, when Soraka told us Gods to not give up on humanity, we didn't listen to her. But, after what Okami said, I suppose she was right all along. I owe her an apology."
"You know Soraka?" Akali asked curiously.
Ahri knew who that was mostly from the memories she stole. But, even without the memories, she'd be stupid to not know a healer that is renowned as a goddess throughout Runeterra.
The sun goddess nodded. "Yes, she is well known amongst deities. As I said, I owe her an apology for not believing her when she said that humans were not all evil."
"I still believe that's true," Xayah commented, getting a few eye rolls from those around.
"I have to admit, the Abyss Watcher caught me by surprise with what he said," Karma commented as she used a small towel to clean her arms. "He seems rather mature for someone his age."
"He's actually older than he looks," Tiara said catching their attention. "Both me and Grey are pretty much over a century old."
Most of those around were surprised, except for Ahri and Akali, who already knew of Grey's age. "That explains his mature attitude," Irelia commented.
"I am interested though," Amaterasu gave the Outrider Knight a curious look. "Tell me, what was your world like?" she asked.
"How do you know that we're not from this world?" Tiara asked suspiciously and the others realized that no one mentioned this to Amaterasu.
The sun goddess looked at Ahri. "You and Okami met in Ionia, correct?" the Nine-Tailed Vastayan nodded. "Do you really think I wouldn't notice a portal from another world suddenly appearing in the middle of my land?" she asked rhetorically.
They realized that it makes sense for Amaterasu to know that Grey wasn't from Runeterra since he suddenly appeared in Ionia.
Tiara decided to answer the goddess. "To put it simply, Runeterra is rather pathetic compared to our world," Akali, Xayah, and Irelia looked a little insulted, while Karma, Ahri, and Amaterasu waited for her to explain. "I can tell you right now that most champions in the Institute wouldn't even last a year in our world without losing their sanity, and that's if they were lucky and didn't encounter any creatures of the Abyss."
"Is that what brought you and Okami to our world? This… Abyss?" Amaterasu asked and received a nod of confirmation.
Honestly, when Grey first appeared, Amaterasu felt something just… wrong in her nation. Something even more messed up than the Void. As if nature itself suddenly turned upside down and became twisted and dark in a single instant.
However, just as it appeared, that feeling vanished, and Amaterasu can see Grey in her land, meeting Ahri. Amaterasu wasn't very sure what the Abyss is, but she definitely didn't want to have that feeling again and would rather the Void comes to her land than the Abyss.
Deciding to change the subject, the sun goddess turned back towards the Nine-Tailed Vastayan. "Well, let us speak of something else. How is your relationship with Okami?" she asked.
A warm smile graced Ahri's lips. "It's wonderful. I'm having the time of my life," she replied as she finished cleaning the last of her tails.
"Those two are so well with each other, it's sickening," Tiara commented, remembering how her brother and his lover acts.
"Honestly, I think it's great," Akali said. "I can't really imagine you two ending up with someone else. It just feels… not right," she added getting a grateful smile from Ahri.
Time Skip: (Brought to you by chibi Ahri and chibi Grey enjoying the hot springs together.)
It was late at night now and most champions were escorted towards a guest room. The room was pretty simple. A bed, a window, and a bathroom.
Grey and Ahri were sharing a room, Silver was sleeping near the bed while the Abyss Watcher was lying down on the bed when he saw Ahri still awake with a distant look. "Ahri, is something wrong?" he asked.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan looked at him for a couple of seconds before she sighed. "I… talked to Amaterasu… and she said she knows about people like me," she said causing his eyes to widen. "She said that she would tell me about them when you come back. I guess we'll talk to her when your weapon is ready tomorrow."
However, Grey then noticed that she seemed hesitant. "Why do you look like you're sad?" he asked.
Ahri shook her head. "I'm not sad. It's just…"
"After so long of being in the dark, you're a little scared of knowing the truth since it might be something you don't like?" Grey guessed and Ahri nodded. The fact that Amaterasu said that she needed him to be there for her didn't help her paranoia. "Ahri," Grey put a hand on her cheek and made her look at him. "No matter what she tells you, it won't change who you are. And, if you need anything, you know that I'm here for you."
Tears of happiness appeared in Ahri's eyes as she brought her head into her lover's chest. "Thank you."
Grey simply held Ahri, giving her a feeling of safety. Her tails coiled around him, almost like she was making sure he doesn't move away. He certainly didn't seem to mind as he simply closed his eyes and went to sleep with her.
Time skip: (Brought to you by chibi Ahri and chibi Grey playing volleyball with chibi Ahri's orb of deception.)
It was the next day. The champions except for Grey were inside the chamber, waiting for the Abyss Watcher to finish wearing his new clothes. Ornn was also there, with something covered in cloth between his hands.
The gates were opened and Grey entered in his new look. Grey was now wearing a black and red Ionian styled armor made of robes that covered his chest and legs, thin gauntlets and armor on his hands, feet, and shoulders. His head was covered in a white and red helmet that was shaped like the face of a growling wolf. Hanging from his waist was his medallion.
Walking towards the three deities, Amaterasu smiled. "Now this is what I expect of a blood God, Okami," she complimented.
"Is the weapon ready?" Grey asked. He didn't mean to be rude, but he still wanted to get this over with.
Ornn stepped forward and handed the cloth-covered object towards the Abyss Watcher, who unwrapped it soon after.
What was inside was a Katana with a pitch-black handle and a pure silver arm guard shaped like a wolf's head. Katana was long, almost as long as Grey's Farron Great-sword.
"Wait," Ornn suddenly said as Grey grabbed the handle, stopping the Abyss Watcher from pulling out the blade. "You should know that the Demon's soul is still conscious, even after I forged a weapon out of it, so it might try to take over you."
The Abyss Watcher sighed. "I'll take my chances," much to everyone's shock, Grey just grabbed the handle and pulled out the blade slightly.
From the small opening, red mist started coming out and crawling up the Abyss Watcher's arms. Everyone started getting worried. However, much to their surprise, dark green aura appeared around Grey before exploding, repelling the mist and causing it to vanish.
"It's that glow again," Akali commented, remembering that this same aura protected Grey from the Blood Demon.
Amaterasu hummed in thought while putting a hand on her chin. "Something is protecting him," she said.
At that moment, Ahri noticed Grey's medallion glowing. "Grey, your pledge," she pointed out.
Seeing the pledge, Tiara came to a conclusion. "The Wolf's Blood," she said drawing everyone's attention. "It's protecting you from the Demon."
The Lord of Cinder was both surprised and relieved beyond belief. In all honesty, he had been suspicious that the Old Wolf of Farron was no longer watching over him after he came to Runeterra, but it appears that it isn't true.
Looking back at the sword, Grey fully pulled it out of its sheath, revealing its form. It was a long and straight Katana. The blade was pitch black with a glowing, crimson edge.
"There are a few things you should know," Ornn said catching the Abyss Watcher's attention. "This weapon, because of the Demon's soul, can destroy magic and kill spirits."
The newly named Blood God raised an eyebrow under his helmet. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Perhaps a demonstration is in order," the Forge God looked at Syndra. "You, with the floating orbs, throw one of them at him."
Syndra, while irked at the name, still waved her hand and sent one of her floating orbs of dark magic towards the Abyss Watcher.
Grey, knowing that he is supposed to use the sword, swung it at the orb. Upon making contact, the magical orb shattered like glass before the pieces vanished in a red glow, causing Syndra's eyes to widen that her magic was destroyed so easily.
Bringing back the sword to look at the blade again, Grey asked, "You said it kills spirits, what would happen if I used this weapon on Vastaya or Vastayashy'rei?" to Ornn.
The question was understandable. Vastaya were half spirits, despite popular belief that they're half animals. And Vastayashy'rei were completely shape-shifting spirits.
The forge God put a hand on his chin. "Well, I guess if you used it on a Vastaya, they'd feel weakened and temporarily lose their ability to use magic, for how long depends on the wound. And as for a Vastayashy'rei, if you wound them, they'd also temporarily lose their magic and start feeling really sick. If the wound isn't minor, it might end up killing them."
"So, in other words, the Abyss Watcher has one of, if not the most powerful weapons in Ionia," Irelia commented.
Ionia was a land built on magic and spirits, and the weapon that the new Blood God was holding is able to destroy both. The Blade Dancer didn't feel right leaving such a weapon in the hands of someone she didn't fully trust, but she couldn't go against her goddess' orders.
The Lord of Cinder sheathed the weapon again and strapped it to his back. "Alright, there's one last thing," Susano stepped forward. "What do you want to stand for?" Grey tilted his head curiously. "For example, Ornn here might be a God of the forge, but he also stands for fire and hard work."
Grey seemed in thought for a moment. He didn't really have a good idea on what to be. However, he then remembered the most valued thing between Abyss Watchers and their most common lesson.
"Comradery and brotherhood in battle," Grey said, hoping to stand up for the same thing that the Old Wolf of Farron did.
Amaterasu smiled, rather pleased with that aspect. "Well then, Okami, let me be the first to welcome you as one of Ionia's deities," she said spreading her arms.
"If anyone bows, I'll cut their head off," the Abyss Watcher said coldly catching everyone off guard. "Just because I became a God doesn't mean I want any followers."
Ornn snorted while Susano had to put his hand over his mouth to stop his laughter. "Very well, Okami, that is all," Amaterasu said.
Grey sighed in relief, glad that this very long day is over with. "Thank you. Can I go change now?" he asked.
Time skip: (Brought to you by chibi blood God Grey, swinging his katana around… and ending up cutting the fourth wall in half by accident.)
With the meeting over, most champions left to either go back home or to the Institute. Grey, who was back in his usual attire, stayed with Ahri.
The Abyss Watcher entered the chambers with Silver on his shoulder and the blood Demon sword strapped to his back with his Farron Great-sword. Inside were just Ahri and Amaterasu, simply waiting for him.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan looked at her lover who walked up beside her. "So, you're here now," the sun goddess said before looking at Ahri. "Do you really want to know the truth? That story… is a sad one, child."
That statement seemed to only make Ahri's fears rise. However, when she felt Grey's reassuring arm in her shoulder, she took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes."
Seeing nothing but determination in Ahri's eyes, Amaterasu sighed. "Very well," she agreed as she started explaining. "You're people were a tribe of Vastaya called the Kumiho. One of the most spiritual tribes of the Vastaya, only rivaled by the Tengu. They would help guide lost souls along with healing their memories and emotions."
"Well, where are they now?" Ahri could not stop herself from asking that question.
"They aren't around anymore," Amaterasu shook her head, a regretful look upon her features. "You see, like you, your people started having a hunger for memories. However, unlike you, they did not stop, or see anything wrong with it," Ahri's face turned to one of shock at hearing what her people did. "They would devour many souls and their memories without remorse, forgetting about helping lost souls and deciding to feast on them instead. That kept on, until…"
"U-Until what?" the Nine-Tailed Vastayan can hear her own voice cracking up.
"... Kindred," Ahri can feel the blood in her veins turn cold as Amaterasu said that name. She can almost hear Wolf's laughter and Lamb's humming in the distance. "They didn't appreciate that many souls being devoured or their memories toyed with and so… they erased all traces of your people."
Raising her hand, Amaterasu snapped her fingers. Ahri and Grey saw the scene around them change. They were no longer inside the chamber.
They were inside a rather old looking village… that looked like it was in the middle of a war zone. Male, female, and child Vastaya with fox ears and tails were running around in, screaming in fear.
It wasn't long until they saw why. Wolf was moving around the streets, his phantom body leaving a dark trail behind him as he was hunting down Vastaya left and right.
Some Vastaya would stop and try to throw magic at him, but their attacks would simply pass through him before he dashed towards them and ripped them apart with his jaws.
As for Lamb, she was jumping from rooftop to rooftop, shooting arrows at anyone who either tried to run or simply stood still accepting their fate.
A group of Kumiho tried to launch some Fox-fire at the merciful half of Death, but she simply jumped high in the air while firing multiple arrows at them with great accuracy, managing to strike all of them right in the heart.
The scene changed again. This time, it revealed two Kumihos, a man and a woman. What was truly surprising is that, in the woman's arms, was a crying baby covered in cloth.
The man and woman were running in the middle of the forest. The sound of screams and people dying from the village could be heard in the distance.
Suddenly, the men tripped on a tree root that was coming out of the ground. The woman stopped and knelt down to the man.
However, the man simply pulled out something from around his neck, which appeared to be a gemstone, and gave it to the woman. "Go!"
The woman looked reluctant before she turned around and started running away. Drops of tears would fall from her face as she ran.
After a while, the woman simply couldn't run anymore and fell on her knees while tightly clutching the baby, making sure that nothing happened to it.
The woman was trying to catch her breath when she gasped in horror as she saw a glowing mark on the ground below her feat of two lines going around each other. It was the mark of the Kindred.
The woman panicked, she looked around before spotting a tree trunk. Crawling towards it, the woman put the baby in, not caring to see if she could hide as long as the newborn can.
The woman pulled out the gemstone that the man gave her before reaching around her neck and pulling out a similar gemstone. Slowly, the woman put those gemstones around the baby's neck, acting as necklaces.
The woman gave a sad and reluctant smile to the baby, one that someone would give when saying goodbye for good.
Suddenly, the woman's arms started glowing before she covered the baby in an orb of magic. When the orb vanished, the baby looked like a newborn fox that was covered in white fur.
The woman saw that the mark under her feet got brighter. Realizing she doesn't have time, she used some fallen leaves to cover the trunk, effectively hiding the baby.
Getting up, the woman immediately started running away again in a different direction, hoping to get those who are after her away from the baby.
As she ran away, the woman's form was covered with the darkness of the forest. However, Ahri and Grey didn't need to see her to know what happened because a splat of blood immediately covered the ground where the woman left to.
"That was fun!" Wolf's voice was heard laughing was heard through the darkness of the forest. "Who's next?"
"Everyone," Lamb replied before the sound of hooves and sadistic chuckling started getting further and further.
The scene around them changed again, but this time, they all came back to the Ionian chambers.
Ahri looked devastated as tears covered her face. She knew exactly who the man and woman were, and why her gemstones always felt so valuable to her.
With shaky hands, the Nine-Tailed Vastayan slowly took out the gemstones that belonged to her parents before they were hunted down.
Ahri could not look at the gemstones for long before she fell on her knees and started crying. Grey immediately knelt in front of his lover and put hugged her for support.
Amaterasu simply walked back, believing that she should give them this moment of grief. True, she didn't approve of Kindred committing mass genocide in her nation, but even gods can't say much against the eternal hunters.
Ahri simply returned the hug that Grey was offering her and cried, mourning the truth of her family, of her people.
The Abyss Watcher simply let Ahri take her emotions out. Silver jumped from his shoulder and started rubbing his head on Ahri's leg as a sign of comfort.
The Nine-Tailed Vastayan has been afraid of the truth, but she never realized it can be so devastating. One thing for sure, she definitely understood why Amaterasu waited until Grey came back because Ahri definitely needed him right now.
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(A/N: Thank you for reading this.
First, about Ornn making the weapon. Well, if you're going to make a weapon for a God, you might as well be a God yourself.
Second, about Amaterasu knowing Soraka, I think you all suspected this at one point.
Third, about what happened to the Kumiho, as I said in the previous chapter, this is my own idea and is not in the League of Legends lore. As you can see, it doesn't actually change anything about Ahri's lore herself.
And lastly, some of you might not agree that Kindred would commit mass genocide, but it's already been shown that they have great animosity to those who tamper with souls, which is why they spend most of their time in the Shadow Isles. That is further proven by the fact that Mordekaiser died twice. That isn't a coincidence, that's just Kindred telling him to leave souls alone. But, he didn't listen.
Again, thank you for reading this. Please comment, review, and give me your thoughts on my story.)
The sun rises in Ionia. It has been a day since the hunt for the blood Demon began. Those who were waiting are inside the Ionian chambers where Amaterasu was sitting on her throne. The chamber was filled with those who were in it yesterday.Shen and Zed were meditating, each in one side of the room. Kennen was meditating with the leader of the Kinkou Order, while Syndra was floating beside the leader of the order of Shadows while reading a book.Karma was discussing some of Ionia's politics with Irelia. The Blade Dancer didn't exactly like politics very much, preferring battle, but she still knew about their importance. Thankfully for her, the Ionian Elder did her best to keep the topic as interesting as possible.Meanwhile, Ahri and Xayah were watching Wukong and Yi while they played a game of chess. Silver was on the former's lap, being petted by the Nine-Tailed Vastayan. Yi would make movements as soon as Wukong finishes his, while the monkey king would take a while to think about what to do.Tiara was standing behind Ahri with her arms crossed, leaning on a wall. She was wearing her helmet, and her face was hidden by the shadow of her visor, so no one can tell if she was either paying attention to the game or sleeping.Amaterasu was still sitting on her throne, tapping her fingers on the armrest. Susano sitting on the ground beside her, suffering from a hangover, along with the man he was drinking with yesterday, Yasou."When do you think they'll be back?" Xayah asked her fellow female Vastayan.Ahri shrugged her shoulders. "It's hard to say," she replied. "If it was Grey alone, then a few days. But, since he took those two guys and Akali with him, I'm not sure."They went back to seeing the chess match between the master and the student. Wukong had a fist on his chin in a thinking pose, trying to figure out what to do next. From what the female Vastaya understood, he was losing."Move your bishop to the edge," Tiara suddenly spoke, causing Ahri and Xayah to jump slightly, believing that she was asleep.Wukong, desperate for a move, simply followed the Dancer's instructions. Looking over the board, Yi raised an eyebrow under his helmet. "Wukong I believe that this is checkmate.""It is!?" the monkey king looked shocked as he looked over the board before realizing that his master was right. A large grin appeared on Wukong's face as he jumped from his sitting position and did a fist bump in the air. "Yes! I finally beat Master in chess!" his excited laughter drew attention from those around.Yi simply shook his head while chuckling. Of course, he knew that Tiara helped his student, but that didn't stop the proud smile that was evident on his features.Meanwhile, Xayah and Ahri looked curiously at Tiara. They were confused about why she helped Wukong, and surprised that she managed to give accurate instructions.However, before they can voice any questions, the doors were swung open. "We have returned victorious!" Rakan sang out dramatically."Why did you do it like that?" Akali asked curiously as she entered after the Vastaya."What? Have a little showmanship," Rakan replied innocently.Grey and Kayn came inside after those two. Both assassins went towards their respective masters, who stopped their meditation. Rakan went towards his lover, who greeted him with a kiss.Ahri wanted to greet Grey the same way that the Vastayan lovers did, but she had to hold it in for now as he approached Amaterasu. "I see your mission was a success. Did you stop the Demon from being summoned or did you kill it?" the sun goddess asked.The Abyss Watcher raised his left hand and opened his palm. A small, pure red flame appeared in his hand and everyone can guess that it was the Demon's soul."Well done, Okami," Amaterasu complimented looking upon the soul."Is that all you needed me to do?" Grey asked knowing that he just couldn't be declared a God for that.Just as he expected, the sun goddess shook her head. "No, there is one final thing." Just as she said that, the doors opened as someone new entered the chamber.That person was obviously not human, which was evident by their looks. They were quite large in size, covered in dark red, almost black fur with some of it being tied to braids. They had a few horns covered in runes and a pair of red glowing eyes. They were wearing a pair of large trousers that were held by straps that went over their shoulders. In his hand was a mixture of a large hammer and an anvil.The first one to recognize the newest arrival was Akali. "Ornn?" she asked, rather confused to see him here.Ahri was rather confused, so she asked those around her, "Who is he?""That is Ornn, the Ferljordian God of the forge," Yi answered, having already met the forge God in a match. "He is also a champion in the Institute.""Ornn, good to see you again," Amaterasu greeted. The Ferljordian God simply replied with a grunt. "How have you been?" she asked and she received a shrug from his shoulders."Wait, back up," Tiara stepped forward to stand beside her brother, looking at both deities. "Why is the God of another nation here?" she asked what was on everyone's mind."I owe her a favor," Ornn simply replied while pointing at Amaterasu."What does he have to do with what's going on?" Grey asked, still not seeing why Ornn was here."We still need one last thing, proof of your new Godhood," Amaterasu replied as everyone gave her a look that asked for further explanation. "Ornn will make you a weapon made from the soul of the Demon, and that weapon shall mark your new Godhood.""I didn't know Runeterra has the knowledge on how to make weapons from souls," Grey commented, thinking that he should have noticed something so similar to his world."They don't, only I do," Ornn said, comforting Grey and Tiara to some extent. They didn't want Runeterra to start doing the same things their world did. "You sure that's a good idea?" he asked Amaterasu, referring to making the weapon.Truthfully, Ornn knew how dangerous weapons made from souls can be. They were more dangerous than any normal or magical weapon. And, that's the reason why Ornn himself has made sure that no records on how to make weapons from souls exist, keeping that knowledge himself should he need it one day."I believe he is worthy, and I trust in him to not use it for anything dangerous," Amaterasu said, answering the forge God's question. "Besides, you owe me a lot, so you're making it anyway," she added, knowing that Ornn always pays his debts, making him grunt in annoyance."So, I just have this new weapon made?" Grey asked to make sure and Amaterasu nodded. "Can it be a sword?" he requested. hoping to get a weapon he's at least familiar with."Yep." Ornn nodded his head, but then he started sniffing the air, confusing the people around. While sniffing, his face got closer to Grey, or specifically, the Farron Greatsword on his back. "Your sword, show it to me," he requested.Seeing nothing wrong with giving the forge God a look, the Abyss Watcher pulled out his sword and held it forward. Ornn looked closely at the blade. He tapped it a couple of times with his finger and, much to everyone's further confusion, sniffed it a couple of times."Magic infused coal," Ornn mumbled, making Grey surprised that he can just tell like that. "Who made this for you?""A Forger in the swamps of Farron," Grey replied."And the coal?" Ornn added."A sorcerer makes the coal specifically for the Undead Legion," Grey answered."What's so special about magic-infused coal?" Irelia asked, still not understanding why it seemed so important. "We have great mages here in Ionia and at the Institute, can't they just make it?""Impossible," Ornn replied shaking his head. "The coal's physical structure is too fragile to accept magic without falling apart. You need to be a very talented and careful sorcerer to actually infused coal with magic. Otherwise, you'd just make useless dust.""Back to our previous subject," Amaterasu cut them off, realizing that they were getting off track. "Can you make that weapon, Ornn?""Sure, it would be done by tomorrow," the forge God replied, reaching forward to the Abyss Watcher, who gave him the Demon's soul."Very well," the Sun goddess nodded, pleased with the news. "We will leave you so you can do your work come back when the blade is ready."Ornn sighed in annoyance. "Sure. Leave Ornn to do all the work, like usual," he grumbled, like this wasn't the first time this happened.However, Amaterasu apparently had a way to change his mood. "I'll leave ten barrels of our best sake for you while you work," she informed."What are you waiting for? Get out so I can work!" Ornn ordered as he set his large hammer on the ground and used it as an anvil before pulled out another hammer.True, sake wasn't as strong as the drinks from the Ferljord, but it did have a particular taste to it, which the forge God liked about the Ionian drink.Ornn started pushing everyone out until he was alone in the chamber before closing the doors. That didn't surprise Amaterasu or Susano since they knew that the forge God liked working alone."So, we just wait until he's finished?" Tiara asked to make sure and Amaterasu nodded.The sun goddess then looked at the Lord of Cinder. "By the way, Okami, we'll get you a better armor, one suited for one of Ionia's deities," she informed him."Can't I just go home?" Grey asked with a tired sigh. "I already hunted the Demon for you, and now you're telling me that I have to get some weird set of clothes?"Ahri suddenly raised an eyebrow. "Wait, is your problem with that much work or having to wear new clothes?" she asked."My problems began when I actually agreed to become a god," the Abyss Watcher groaned, still annoyed with the whole ordeal.The Nine-Tailed Vastayan chuckled, thinking on how she should have expected that response from the Abyss Watcher. "Welcome back, Grey," she decided it was finally time to greet him, pulling down the neck of his shirt to uncover his face in order to give him a kiss.The Lord of Cinder returned the kiss. "It's good to be back," he replied with a smile."Urghh, get a room," Rhaast grumbled as he was being held by Kayn."One which is preferably very soundproof," Tiara added much to her brother and his lover's embarrassment.Amaterasu chuckled. "Your life sounds quite lively," she commented."And fun," Susano added with a smirk.The Abyss Watcher rolled his eyes. "Is there something we can do until Ornn is finished?" he asked, wanting to change the subject."There is are some private hot springs for this temple. I'm sure that the mission has left you tired, and I believe they can help you relax," Karma suggested, believing it would be good."What's hot springs?" Tiara and Grey asked at the same time.Some looked confused, while Ahri remembered that neither siblings saw them before. "Oh, right, you never been to one. It's basically one large warm bath that helps you relax," she explained.The Abyss Watcher honestly thought he needed that right now. "Okay, I guess that would help," he agreed to the idea before picking up Silver from the ground. "Come on, boy," the wolf pup barked and he started walking with Karma guiding him through the hallway.Time skip: Brought to you by chibi Ornn creating weapons in his forge.Most decided to go to the hot springs with the Abyss Watcher. Obviously, the men and women were in separate springs.The hot springs' floor was made of smooth, black stone. The spring itself was a large wide circle filled with steaming water. There were a few wooden buckets on the side to help those who would wash themselves.Grey sighed as he sunk in the water, letting its warmth relax his muscles. This whole 'being a god' thing was stressing him too much, but he supposed it was a must. Also, something told him that Amaterasu wouldn't stop bugging him if he had actually refused now that he thought about it.Silver was also inside the spring, floating on a bucket, using it as a small ship, which drew a chuckle from the Lord of Cinder."Oh, that's the good stuff," Rakan sighed as he sat beside the Abyss Watcher. He would have preferred having Xayah with him, but he supposed this will do for now."I suppose letting your body relax once in a while is good," Kayn commented as he was also sitting beside them.The Abyss Watcher noticed something missing. "Hey, where's Rhaast?" he asked looking at his wielder."I left him in the laundry room," the shadow assassin replied with a sinister chuckle."KAYN! I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS! GET ME OUT OF HERE! KAYN!" Rhaast's angry yelling was heard from their changing room.After a few more moments, and listening to Rhaast's colorful language, they managed to simply ignore the Darkin scythe, despite him still yelling."Between all the regrets of gods, the Darkin is one of the biggest," Susano, who was also in the spring, sighed as he took a drink from his gourd bottle. He hasn't personally taken a part with the Darkin war, but that didn't make the regret any less haunting."Hey, Grey," Wukong called out while removing his wet fur from his eyes so he can see. "What's with that black circle on your chest?" he said pointing at the Abyss Watcher's chest.Grey's pale skin made the black circle impossible to miss. It's as if there was a hole in his chest. "This is the Darksign," the Lord of Cinder replied."Wait, that's your curse?" Rakan asked, surprised that something so simple as a circle on the chest can cause so much suffering."So, you are cursed," Susano said as a fact rather than a question.He had already sensed that the Abyss Watcher was cursed when they first met. However, he had never felt a curse that was so ancient and powerful. Not even Amumu's curse from Shurima."Does it hurt?" Wukong asked as he poked the Darksign with his finger."No, it's nothing but a harmless circle now," Grey replied before looking annoyed. "And, please, stop poking me."Meanwhile, the ladies were relaxing in a similar hotspring. "Ah," Akali sighed as she lowered herself until the water reached her chin. "I needed this so much. Fighting demons is agonizing," she moaned as she felt the warm water on her skin."I got to admit, this ain't half bad," Tiara commented as she relaxed in the water with her hands over the edge."Was it really that hard?" Ahri asked Akali as she relaxed beside the assassin while cleaning one of her tails. "I mean, you left just yesterday," she added, believing that a mission that short shouldn't be that tiring."The priests were no problem. The Demon itself was the problem," Akali cleared up as she stretched her arms above her head. "That thing was strong and annoying. I honestly am grateful that Grey was with us, or we would have been in trouble."The Nine-Tailed Vastayan smiled, remembering that this wasn't the first time Grey seemed to save the day. "Yeah, he seems to do that every mission. You should have been there when we caught Maia," Ahri said."Can we not talk about that lunatic?" Xayah requested, not wanting to remember the day she almost lost her life to a deranged maniac.Amaterasu, who joined them in the spring, chuckled. "There are too many lunatics in the world, you have to be specific nowadays," she commented.Xayah wanted to make some retort. But, remembering some champions in the Institute, she realized that the sun goddess was correct and that the word 'Lunatic' is thrown around a lot nowadays."So, Lady Amaterasu, what are you planning to do after you let the Abyss Watcher become a god?" Irelia asked as she relaxed near the sun goddess.Amaterasu seemed to be in thought before she shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose I'll go back to Takama no Hara. However, I'll be coming down from time to time to help Ionia help itself," she answered before chuckling, drawing confused looks. "You know, when Soraka told us Gods to not give up on humanity, we didn't listen to her. But, after what Okami said, I suppose she was right all along. I owe her an apology.""You know Soraka?" Akali asked curiously.Ahri knew who that was mostly from the memories she stole. But, even without the memories, she'd be stupid to not know a healer that is renowned as a goddess throughout Runeterra.The sun goddess nodded. "Yes, she is well known amongst deities. As I said, I owe her an apology for not believing her when she said that humans were not all evil.""I still believe that's true," Xayah commented, getting a few eye rolls from those around."I have to admit, the Abyss Watcher caught me by surprise with what he said," Karma commented as she used a small towel to clean her arms. "He seems rather mature for someone his age.""He's actually older than he looks," Tiara said catching their attention. "Both me and Grey are pretty much over a century old."Most of those around were surprised, except for Ahri and Akali, who already knew of Grey's age. "That explains his mature attitude," Irelia commented."I am interested though," Amaterasu gave the Outrider Knight a curious look. "Tell me, what was your world like?" she asked."How do you know that we're not from this world?" Tiara asked suspiciously and the others realized that no one mentioned this to Amaterasu.The sun goddess looked at Ahri. "You and Okami met in Ionia, correct?" the Nine-Tailed Vastayan nodded. "Do you really think I wouldn't notice a portal from another world suddenly appearing in the middle of my land?" she asked rhetorically.They realized that it makes sense for Amaterasu to know that Grey wasn't from Runeterra since he suddenly appeared in Ionia.Tiara decided to answer the goddess. "To put it simply, Runeterra is rather pathetic compared to our world," Akali, Xayah, and Irelia looked a little insulted, while Karma, Ahri, and Amaterasu waited for her to explain. "I can tell you right now that most champions in the Institute wouldn't even last a year in our world without losing their sanity, and that's if they were lucky and didn't encounter any creatures of the Abyss.""Is that what brought you and Okami to our world? This Abyss?" Amaterasu asked and received a nod of confirmation.Honestly, when Grey first appeared, Amaterasu felt something just wrong in her nation. Something even more messed up than the Void. As if nature itself suddenly turned upside down and became twisted and dark in a single instant.However, just as it appeared, that feeling vanished, and Amaterasu can see Grey in her land, meeting Ahri. Amaterasu wasn't very sure what the Abyss is, but she definitely didn't want to have that feeling again and would rather the Void comes to her land than the Abyss.Deciding to change the subject, the sun goddess turned back towards the Nine-Tailed Vastayan. "Well, let us speak of something else. How is your relationship with Okami?" she asked.A warm smile graced Ahri's lips. "It's wonderful. I'm having the time of my life," she replied as she finished cleaning the last of her tails."Those two are so well with each other, it's sickening," Tiara commented, remembering how her brother and his lover acts."Honestly, I think it's great," Akali said. "I can't really imagine you two ending up with someone else. It just feels not right," she added getting a grateful smile from Ahri.Time Skip: Brought to you by chibi Ahri and chibi Grey enjoying the hot springs together.It was late at night now and most champions were escorted towards a guest room. The room was pretty simple. A bed, a window, and a bathroom.Grey and Ahri were sharing a room, Silver was sleeping near the bed while the Abyss Watcher was lying down on the bed when he saw Ahri still awake with a distant look. "Ahri, is something wrong?" he asked.The Nine-Tailed Vastayan looked at him for a couple of seconds before she sighed. "I talked to Amaterasu and she said she knows about people like me," she said causing his eyes to widen. "She said that she would tell me about them when you come back. I guess we'll talk to her when your weapon is ready tomorrow."However, Grey then noticed that she seemed hesitant. "Why do you look like you're sad?" he asked.Ahri shook her head. "I'm not sad. It's just""After so long of being in the dark, you're a little scared of knowing the truth since it might be something you don't like?" Grey guessed and Ahri nodded. The fact that Amaterasu said that she needed him to be there for her didn't help her paranoia. "Ahri," Grey put a hand on her cheek and made her look at him. "No matter what she tells you, it won't change who you are. And, if you need anything, you know that I'm here for you."Tears of happiness appeared in Ahri's eyes as she brought her head into her lover's chest. "Thank you."Grey simply held Ahri, giving her a feeling of safety. Her tails coiled around him, almost like she was making sure he doesn't move away. He certainly didn't seem to mind as he simply closed his eyes and went to sleep with her.Time skip: Brought to you by chibi Ahri and chibi Grey playing volleyball with chibi Ahri's orb of deception.It was the next day. The champions except for Grey were inside the chamber, waiting for the Abyss Watcher to finish wearing his new clothes. Ornn was also there, with something covered in cloth between his hands.The gates were opened and Grey entered in his new look. Grey was now wearing a black and red Ionian styled armor made of robes that covered his chest and legs, thin gauntlets and armor on his hands, feet, and shoulders. His head was covered in a white and red helmet that was shaped like the face of a growling wolf. Hanging from his waist was his medallion.Walking towards the three deities, Amaterasu smiled. "Now this is what I expect of a blood God, Okami," she complimented."Is the weapon ready?" Grey asked. He didn't mean to be rude, but he still wanted to get this over with.Ornn stepped forward and handed the cloth-covered object towards the Abyss Watcher, who unwrapped it soon after.What was inside was a Katana with a pitch-black handle and a pure silver arm guard shaped like a wolf's head. Katana was long, almost as long as Grey's Farron Great-sword."Wait," Ornn suddenly said as Grey grabbed the handle, stopping the Abyss Watcher from pulling out the blade. "You should know that the Demon's soul is still conscious, even after I forged a weapon out of it, so it might try to take over you."The Abyss Watcher sighed. "I'll take my chances," much to everyone's shock, Grey just grabbed the handle and pulled out the blade slightly.From the small opening, red mist started coming out and crawling up the Abyss Watcher's arms. Everyone started getting worried. However, much to their surprise, dark green aura appeared around Grey before exploding, repelling the mist and causing it to vanish."It's that glow again," Akali commented, remembering that this same aura protected Grey from the Blood Demon.Amaterasu hummed in thought while putting a hand on her chin. "Something is protecting him," she said.At that moment, Ahri noticed Grey's medallion glowing. "Grey, your pledge," she pointed out.Seeing the pledge, Tiara came to a conclusion. "The Wolf's Blood," she said drawing everyone's attention. "It's protecting you from the Demon."The Lord of Cinder was both surprised and relieved beyond belief. In all honesty, he had been suspicious that the Old Wolf of Farron was no longer watching over him after he came to Runeterra, but it appears that it isn't true.Looking back at the sword, Grey fully pulled it out of its sheath, revealing its form. It was a long and straight Katana. The blade was pitch black with a glowing, crimson edge."There are a few things you should know," Ornn said catching the Abyss Watcher's attention. "This weapon, because of the Demon's soul, can destroy magic and kill spirits."The newly named Blood God raised an eyebrow under his helmet. "What do you mean?" he asked."Perhaps a demonstration is in order," the Forge God looked at Syndra. "You, with the floating orbs, throw one of them at him."Syndra, while irked at the name, still waved her hand and sent one of her floating orbs of dark magic towards the Abyss Watcher.Grey, knowing that he is supposed to use the sword, swung it at the orb. Upon making contact, the magical orb shattered like glass before the pieces vanished in a red glow, causing Syndra's eyes to widen that her magic was destroyed so easily.Bringing back the sword to look at the blade again, Grey asked, "You said it kills spirits, what would happen if I used this weapon on Vastaya or Vastayashy'rei?" to Ornn.The question was understandable. Vastaya were half spirits, despite popular belief that they're half animals. And Vastayashy'rei were completely shape-shifting spirits.The forge God put a hand on his chin. "Well, I guess if you used it on a Vastaya, they'd feel weakened and temporarily lose their ability to use magic, for how long depends on the wound. And as for a Vastayashy'rei, if you wound them, they'd also temporarily lose their magic and start feeling really sick. If the wound isn't minor, it might end up killing them.""So, in other words, the Abyss Watcher has one of, if not the most powerful weapons in Ionia," Irelia commented.Ionia was a land built on magic and spirits, and the weapon that the new Blood God was holding is able to destroy both. The Blade Dancer didn't feel right leaving such a weapon in the hands of someone she didn't fully trust, but she couldn't go against her goddess' orders.The Lord of Cinder sheathed the weapon again and strapped it to his back. "Alright, there's one last thing," Susano stepped forward. "What do you want to stand for?" Grey tilted his head curiously. "For example, Ornn here might be a God of the forge, but he also stands for fire and hard work."Grey seemed in thought for a moment. He didn't really have a good idea on what to be. However, he then remembered the most valued thing between Abyss Watchers and their most common lesson."Comradery and brotherhood in battle," Grey said, hoping to stand up for the same thing that the Old Wolf of Farron did.Amaterasu smiled, rather pleased with that aspect. "Well then, Okami, let me be the first to welcome you as one of Ionia's deities," she said spreading her arms."If anyone bows, I'll cut their head off," the Abyss Watcher said coldly catching everyone off guard. "Just because I became a God doesn't mean I want any followers."Ornn snorted while Susano had to put his hand over his mouth to stop his laughter. "Very well, Okami, that is all," Amaterasu said.Grey sighed in relief, glad that this very long day is over with. "Thank you. Can I go change now?" he asked.Time skip: Brought to you by chibi blood God Grey, swinging his katana around and ending up cutting the fourth wall in half by accident.With the meeting over, most champions left to either go back home or to the Institute. Grey, who was back in his usual attire, stayed with Ahri.The Abyss Watcher entered the chambers with Silver on his shoulder and the blood Demon sword strapped to his back with his Farron Great-sword. Inside were just Ahri and Amaterasu, simply waiting for him.The Nine-Tailed Vastayan looked at her lover who walked up beside her. "So, you're here now," the sun goddess said before looking at Ahri. "Do you really want to know the truth? That story is a sad one, child."That statement seemed to only make Ahri's fears rise. However, when she felt Grey's reassuring arm in her shoulder, she took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes."Seeing nothing but determination in Ahri's eyes, Amaterasu sighed. "Very well," she agreed as she started explaining. "You're people were a tribe of Vastaya called the Kumiho. One of the most spiritual tribes of the Vastaya, only rivaled by the Tengu. They would help guide lost souls along with healing their memories and emotions.""Well, where are they now?" Ahri could not stop herself from asking that question."They aren't around anymore," Amaterasu shook her head, a regretful look upon her features. "You see, like you, your people started having a hunger for memories. However, unlike you, they did not stop, or see anything wrong with it," Ahri's face turned to one of shock at hearing what her people did. "They would devour many souls and their memories without remorse, forgetting about helping lost souls and deciding to feast on them instead. That kept on, until""U-Until what?" the Nine-Tailed Vastayan can hear her own voice cracking up."... Kindred," Ahri can feel the blood in her veins turn cold as Amaterasu said that name. She can almost hear Wolf's laughter and Lamb's humming in the distance. "They didn't appreciate that many souls being devoured or their memories toyed with and so they erased all traces of your people."Raising her hand, Amaterasu snapped her fingers. Ahri and Grey saw the scene around them change. They were no longer inside the chamber.They were inside a rather old looking village that looked like it was in the middle of a war zone. Male, female, and child Vastaya with fox ears and tails were running around in, screaming in fear.It wasn't long until they saw why. Wolf was moving around the streets, his phantom body leaving a dark trail behind him as he was hunting down Vastaya left and right.Some Vastaya would stop and try to throw magic at him, but their attacks would simply pass through him before he dashed towards them and ripped them apart with his jaws.As for Lamb, she was jumping from rooftop to rooftop, shooting arrows at anyone who either tried to run or simply stood still accepting their fate.A group of Kumiho tried to launch some Fox-fire at the merciful half of Death, but she simply jumped high in the air while firing multiple arrows at them with great accuracy, managing to strike all of them right in the heart.The scene changed again. This time, it revealed two Kumihos, a man and a woman. What was truly surprising is that, in the woman's arms, was a crying baby covered in cloth.The man and woman were running in the middle of the forest. The sound of screams and people dying from the village could be heard in the distance.Suddenly, the men tripped on a tree root that was coming out of the ground. The woman stopped and knelt down to the man.However, the man simply pulled out something from around his neck, which appeared to be a gemstone, and gave it to the woman. "Go!"The woman looked reluctant before she turned around and started running away. Drops of tears would fall from her face as she ran.After a while, the woman simply couldn't run anymore and fell on her knees while tightly clutching the baby, making sure that nothing happened to it.The woman was trying to catch her breath when she gasped in horror as she saw a glowing mark on the ground below her feat of two lines going around each other. It was the mark of the Kindred.The woman panicked, she looked around before spotting a tree trunk. Crawling towards it, the woman put the baby in, not caring to see if she could hide as long as the newborn can.The woman pulled out the gemstone that the man gave her before reaching around her neck and pulling out a similar gemstone. Slowly, the woman put those gemstones around the baby's neck, acting as necklaces.The woman gave a sad and reluctant smile to the baby, one that someone would give when saying goodbye for good.Suddenly, the woman's arms started glowing before she covered the baby in an orb of magic. When the orb vanished, the baby looked like a newborn fox that was covered in white fur.The woman saw that the mark under her feet got brighter. Realizing she doesn't have time, she used some fallen leaves to cover the trunk, effectively hiding the baby.Getting up, the woman immediately started running away again in a different direction, hoping to get those who are after her away from the baby.As she ran away, the woman's form was covered with the darkness of the forest. However, Ahri and Grey didn't need to see her to know what happened because a splat of blood immediately covered the ground where the woman left to."That was fun!" Wolf's voice was heard laughing was heard through the darkness of the forest. "Who's next?""Everyone," Lamb replied before the sound of hooves and sadistic chuckling started getting further and further.The scene around them changed again, but this time, they all came back to the Ionian chambers.Ahri looked devastated as tears covered her face. She knew exactly who the man and woman were, and why her gemstones always felt so valuable to her.With shaky hands, the Nine-Tailed Vastayan slowly took out the gemstones that belonged to her parents before they were hunted down.Ahri could not look at the gemstones for long before she fell on her knees and started crying. Grey immediately knelt in front of his lover and put hugged her for support.Amaterasu simply walked back, believing that she should give them this moment of grief. True, she didn't approve of Kindred committing mass genocide in her nation, but even gods can't say much against the eternal hunters.Ahri simply returned the hug that Grey was offering her and cried, mourning the truth of her family, of her people.The Abyss Watcher simply let Ahri take her emotions out. Silver jumped from his shoulder and started rubbing his head on Ahri's leg as a sign of comfort.The Nine-Tailed Vastayan has been afraid of the truth, but she never realized it can be so devastating. One thing for sure, she definitely understood why Amaterasu waited until Grey came back because Ahri definitely needed him right now. Find authorized novels in Webnovelfaster updates, better experiencePlease click www.webnovel.com for visiting. A/N: Thank you for reading this.First, about Ornn making the weapon. Well, if you're going to make a weapon for a God, you might as well be a God yourself.Second, about Amaterasu knowing Soraka, I think you all suspected this at one point.Third, about what happened to the Kumiho, as I said in the previous chapter, this is my own idea and is not in the League of Legends lore. As you can see, it doesn't actually change anything about Ahri's lore herself.And lastly, some of you might not agree that Kindred would commit mass genocide, but it's already been shown that they have great animosity to those who tamper with souls, which is why they spend most of their time in the Shadow Isles. That is further proven by the fact that Mordekaiser died twice. That isn't a coincidence, that's just Kindred telling him to leave souls alone. But, he didn't listen.Again, thank you for reading this. Please comment, review, and give me your thoughts on my story.
