A Boy and His Fox: Redux Ch. 1

Author's note: Hello everyone, something I've been kind of planning on doing for a while now is writing A Boy and His Fox anew. While the story will not change much, I can confidently say that my writing has improved since I first started three years ago. I don't plan on removing the old one, but hopefully this one will make a good indicator of the progress we've all made as a group. Thanks so much again for all your support. -Kiba

The chattering of the world around me seemed to silence as my gaze rose to the looming gates of the Presidium. While normally this served as the living quarters for Duchess Karma, today it served as my path to destiny. Already, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I stared in awe. For six long years, I'd waited for this moment. All of my training and hard work would pay off. I would help save Ionia from Noxus once again.

My thoughts were jumbled as a woman shoved past me, causing me to stumble. "Watch it." She stated, looking back at me over her shoulder. Her golden eyes were piercing, but more surprising still were the large white fox tails that trailed behind her. I knew her name well enough. She was Ahri, the Nine-Tailed Fox, a champion for Ionia. As she disappeared into the building, I remained there, my gaze returning once more to the entrance.

Could I really do it? I scolded myself for even asking the question. Of course I could do it! Steeling myself, I began my walk through the entrance to begin the binding process. My name is Kal'adamsul. It's a mouthful, to be sure, and it still confuses me that my parents managed to come up with something so complicated to say. Long ago, I learned it was just easier for everyone if I shortened it to Kal. Presently, I held the record for the youngest summoner to ever come out of the Institute of War, a high honor if I do say so myself.

The Institute of War, and by proxy Summoners, are a sect of the League of Legends which is dedicated to the resolution of political disputes and controlling the use of magic. As a Summoner, I would be bound to a Champion who would serve as my vessel on the Fields of Justice. As the previous statement implies, this would be the first time I was bound to a Champion, hence my anxiety.

Placing my palm on the door, a slight tingling sensation filled my body as my aura flared around me. Magic trickled through my fingertips, flooding the door, and activating the security runes that prevented any unwanted guests from entering the Hall of Heroes as the Presidium was labeled today. Already there were several champions present within the Hall. In addition to the rude woman who'd bumped into me just moments ago, I recognized Duchess Karma, the blind monk Lee Sin; Irelia, the captain of the Ionian Guard; Master Yi, and even Syndra, the Dark Sovereign. I shuddered in fear before steeling myself; there would be none of that.

Every territory sent their own representatives as well to add to the champion pool. Even if they weren't Ionian, it wouldn't stop them from trying to gain an influential foothold should a Summoner be bound to one of their champions. From Noxus and Zaun, we had Warwick and Singed, two of the most monstrous men in Ionia's grim past. It was no surprise seeing them here, but it didn't stop me from hoping that they wouldn't be staying long.

Finally, my eyes rested upon the large, glowing, viridian stone that hovered in the center of the room. This was the Stone of Binding, a powerful artifact that would decide once and for all whom my soul was most like in the room. To be linked to a sinister champion like Syndra or Warwick was something I dreaded greatly. I couldn't think of a worse shame than to have my soul likened to theirs.

With a chime, the moment for interviews with our prospective champions began. While it was true that the Stone had the ultimate decision, the Institute felt that the interview process helped to smooth the transition into the bond itself. My eyes swept over the champions to see most of my fellow summoners already joining a few champions in the interview rooms. That was when I noticed the beast-like Warwick's fierce smirk as he stared at another champion.

I'd heard her name before. She was Soraka, the Star-Child. She was well known amongst Ionians as being a very helpful healer, in addition to a kind soul. She shuddered, visibly upset by his gaze, so without a thought I walked to her and took her hand in mind, causing her to jump. When she turned to see me, I smiled softly at her and silently nodded towards an empty interview room.

My face was slightly flushed as I stood so close to the Stone of Binding. This was the first time since the original conflict that I'd been within these halls, rather than my home in the forest. My fingers gripped my staff shyly. I felt so out of place amongst all these warriors. I never really wanted to hurt people, but I also knew that this was necessary. I wasn't immortal any more. I couldn't just observe the world any longer, not after what happened with...him.

He stood on the opposite side, and as much as I wanted to pretend he wasn't there, I couldn't. That was the man who cost me my immortality. That was the man who betrayed my friendship and kindness in an attempt to selfishly cut out my heart. He had failed and because he'd failed, he was turned into a hideous monster.

His eyes met mine, causing me to freeze as a shiver ran down my spine. Was I trembling? For some reason, I couldn't be sure. The only thing I could feel was the horrifying fear that no matter how fast I ran, he'd always be right there behind me, ready to pounce and finish what he'd started.

Through that fear and darkness, however, I felt something grab my hand, causing me to give a start. Had he managed to catch me so quickly? No, he still stood where he had before, though now his smug grin had begun to fade. Turning to look, I saw a young human, no more than 22 years old smiling at me. It had so much warmth, I was shocked that someone could have so much inside of them. He nodded towards a room off to the side, and I realized then that he was a Summoner.

I followed behind him into the room, being led by his hand, and when we were inside, he finally released his calming grip. Closing the door behind him, he turned back to me with a chuckle. "Sorry if I startled you. You seemed to be pretty uncomfortable so I figured I'd interview you first. Your name is Soraka, right?"

"Yes," I replied, "though my League title is 'the Star-Child'." After a moment, I decided to add, "And you didn't startle me." It was a lie, I knew, but I'd dealt with Summoners before. They were usually very similar to Warwick. One whiff of fear and they would reject your soul faster than you could blink.

He seemed to ignore my comment, sitting across from me at the table. His fingers nervously drummed the table as he tried to think of something to say. "Sorry, I'm not great at small talk. You were a celestial being once, right?"

I bit my lip. I dislike I was being so timid, but he seemed understanding of my nature as he waited patiently for my answer. "Yes," I finally repeated, "I was once a being connected with the stars. I was immortal, and I came down to help heal the wounded and sick until…" My words faded away. I couldn't believe I was already sharing this with him.

"Warwick." He finished for me, reaching into his pocket. Pulling out a small square of fabric, he offered it to me, and it was then that I first realized that a warm tear had rolled down my cheek. I carefully took it, dabbing at my eyes before offering it back to him.

"Thank you. He wasn't always a monster, you know? When we first met, he'd brought his wife to me, begging for me to heal her. I tried my best, but she was already too far gone to do anything. Even though she died though, we still remained friends, or at least, I thought we were. One day, I heard a scuffle near the woods I lived in and when I went to investigate, I found him fighting a group of men that he told me had been the ones responsible for his wife's injuries. I tried to help him the best I can, but with so many against just him, I couldn't heal his wounds fast enough. I could hear my sisters pleading for me to not get involved, but I ignored them." He pushed the handkerchief back towards me as the tears began to come again, the entire time his patient smile never leaving his features. "I ended up attacking the men, causing my immortality to fade. As they fled from us, Warwick turned on me and stabbed me with a knife. It hurt so much, physically and emotionally. He was supposed to be my friend, but instead he betrayed me."

"How did you manage to get away?" He asked, unable to conceal his genuine interest in my story. Despite my tears, I smiled at him.

"The same way I handled the others. It was funny, watching this grown hunter running away from a woman with his tail between his legs like a dog." As the smile weakened I continued. "Ironically, shortly after he drank a potion turning him into the form you see now. I, however, decided I'd use my new mortality to fight for this land, so that peace would always be an option over violence."

Even before he spoke, I could tell he agreed with my ideal. A knock on the door, caused our heads to turn to see another Summoner smiling at the both of us. "Sorry to interrupt Kal, but it's time to switch interviewers."

"Thanks Cyris," 'Kal', as I'd just learned his name was, answered before turning back to me. "Sorry for taking up most of our time with small talk Lady Soraka, but I really appreciate you sharing your story with me. If we don't become bound, I do hope we can still remain friends." His hand stretched towards me to shake, causing me to look at it with a smile.

I shook it, returning his grin. "Thank you, Summoner. But please, for my friends, it's just Raka. Thank you for listening so intently. I wish you luck in your binding." As our hands parted, I'd already made up my mind that he was the one I wanted to be bound to.

My tails swished back and forth behind me as I closed the door to my fourth unsuccessful interview. Trudging to the next room, I leaned against the wall with a sigh. This wasn't shaping up the way I'd hoped it would. Each person I met fell under my charms within seconds of me walking into the room. I gave them all the same crazy story about my past. I'd lure men home, fuck them, then eat their souls. Regardless of the fact that the tale was a gross exaggeration, each of them still just nodded their heads as if that didn't mean a thing to them. I need someone who was different from him.

My eyes went to the final room as the Demacian representative Sona stepped out. I didn't even bother asking her how it went. I never really talked to very many of the other Champions. Truthfully, I didn't have very many friends; there was never really a need to. He had been everything for me: my friend, my lover, my mentor...it was a love story for the ages. Or at least, so I thought. Things would be different this time though. I intended on finding a summoner that I knew I could never fall in love with. I wouldn't spend any more nights crying tears over my past. I was a new Ahri, and this would be a new Summoner more fitting for her.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped to the door and opened it slowly. Now the game would begin. As I sauntered in, I slowly exhaled into the air, filling it with the charm magic that would send men's hearts into a frenzy of lust and desire with just one whiff. "Hello, come on...in." His voice trailed off slowly as he looked into my eyes. I recognized him as the kid I'd bumped into on the street earlier. I didn't even realize he was a Summoner. Even still, he too was so quick to fall under my spell. I could feel his gaze running down my body as he took in the silken clothes that I wore. My outfit left little to the imagination. The crimson low-cut top tightly hugged my curvaceous figure, pressing my breasts together and forward to give anyone a good glimpse of my cleavage. Beneath that, my skirt, which was as snowy white as my tails, went down from my hips to just below my upper thigh, allowing my long soft legs to be visible to the world.

He shook his head, and I watched as the charm he'd quickly fallen under immediately faded from his eyes. My lips curled into a smile, as I walked closer. "I'm impressed, Summoner. I think you're the first one to resist the urge to fawn over me from the moment I entered the room. One may think you don't have an interest in women."

"Ha. Cute." He grunted. I knew that whether he had an interest or not was irrelevant to the situation, but I'd hoped to make the mood a little lighter after obviously trying to charm him. It didn't seem to work, judging by the impatient frown on his face. Standing up, he offered me his hand, giving me time to now analyze him.

He was young; a little younger than me, but not by much. His long chocolate brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, seemingly to keep it from his eyes. The clothes he wore were detestable, designed purely for the sake of function rather than elegance, despite his regal demeanor. He certainly wasn't of noble blood, but the way he held his chin high made me wonder whether or not he should have been. His figure wasn't anything special. He was completely in the middle, neither fat nor muscular. Rather, he seemed to have little patience for anything outside of what was completely necessary to do his work. The most stunning aspect of him, though, were his eyes: blue like sapphires and so piercing that you could have sworn he literally was able to glare daggers. I almost found myself becoming entranced by them before also banishing such thoughts and sitting down in the chair, ignoring his outstretched gesture.

He let out a frustrated huff, and I knew I was getting under his skin. This was perfect. The less he liked me, the better. It wasn't as if he had a choice in who would be his champion anyway, but if the two of us could hit that sweet spot of 'just co-workers' I knew it would be for the best. "So...Ahri, isn't it?" He asked, returning to his own seat. "What is it that made you want to join the League?"

I placed my finger cutely to my lips as I pretended to think really hard about his question. I couldn't let my guard down yet, I still needed to test him to ensure he was the perfect one. "Well, I suppose it was because I was tired of sleeping with a different man every night." I commented, causing him to open his eyes in shock.

"Excuse me?!"

"You heard me, Summoner. I know you're not deaf. Maybe I should put it in little kid words, so it's easier for you to understand." I could see the rage seething beneath his exterior, but even still he remained quiet as I continued. "You see, I wasn't always the way you see me now. I was born as a fox, though I didn't ever really feel like I fit in." He was beginning to soften up, so I quickly giggled before adding, "Don't go pitying me there summoner. I'm far from the helpless damsel that I know you fantasize about having."

"Yeah, this is over." He retorted impatiently, going to take his things. Perhaps I'd overdone it, I needed to make him stay without making him sympathetic towards me.

"Sit. Down," I commanded, causing him to pause and stare back towards me. "This isn't over yet Summoner. Not until that clock reaches the appropriate time. You don't really strike me as the rule-breaker type."

Turning back, he slid out his seat, his eyes never breaking contact with mine as an irritated growl escaped his throat. Setting his notes back on to the table with a thud, I knew that he wouldn't be getting up again.

"Good boy," I cooed.

"I am not a dog."

"Oh, I'm sure. If you were, you'd be chasing me."

"Is that your attempt at witty humor?"

"Is that your attempt at a witty comeback?" He fell silent, surrendering to letting me go on with my story. "Anyway, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, one day I was just walking along the way when I came across a battlefield. I figured I'd sniff around, see if I could find some scraps, but instead I found a mage. When I came closer, my hunger seemed to grow and so I consumed his soul, causing my body to become as it is now."

"So you decided to try to become human, is that right? It doesn't seem to be going to well, what with the…" He pantomimed my ears and tails in a way that was absolutely adorable, but I had to harden my will to prevent commenting on it.

"Good eye, Summoner. Clearly the League chose you for your intellect. You're right, my transformation was not a complete one. I had to use these…" I mirrored his pantomime, but gestured to my breasts and hips, "in order to lure men, I mean prey, to my bed. There I'd feast on their souls to my heart's content. I used to feed every day, sometimes more than once."

An awkward silence filled the room before his fist slammed on table, nearly causing me to jump. "You're a monster," he snarled, "did it never occur to you that those men may have had families? Is that all you cared about was your own hunger? I don't know how foxes do things, but let's get one damned thing straight, if you're intending to be human, you act like one! Life has a value and it's sure as Hells not…" I interrupted his lecture by flicking him hard on the nose.

"Sorry, were you saying something?" I yawned.

Then something odd happened. A weird grin crossed his face. "Listen Foxy…"

"Ahri."

"Whatever. I don't know what you think you're doing, but this place isn't a game. It'll chew you up and spit you out like cud. You clearly don't have what it takes to be a Champion of the League, so why don't you move over for a Champion who didn't slut her way to the top."

Oh, that little shit had it coming now. I stood up, mirroring his stance by slamming my own hand on to the table as my Orb formed in my other one, swirling with fire. "Now you listen to me you ignorant little boy," I hissed coldly, "I could easily destroy you, right here, right now with my magic. It'd be like snuffing out a birthday candle. The only reason you're still breathing is because I need one of you punks to get me into the Fields of Justice. So why don't you go home and play with your toys, little kid, because it's obvious that you're too young to have what it takes to enter the League."

"You think I'm scared of you?" He laughed. "Clearly you're not too powerful. You can't even turn yourself completely human. I mean, think of how many people you've drained! A hundred? Probably even more than that, judging on your promiscuity, and still you haven't changed a bit since you first transformed. I'm not much younger than you, but at least I have a real reason to be here. You're the one who doesn't have what it takes to enter the League, because it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, inside you're just a stupid mindless beast." With that, he crossed his arms smugly.

I had had it! Raising up my right hand I slashed at his face with my claws, only for the tips to barely graze him before lavender arcs of electricity raced around my body. I'd never felt such pain before as I collapsed on to the table with a whimper. As the lightning faded, I could see his shadow looming over me. Grabbing me by the back of my shirt, he helped me to my feet in a surprising show of sympathy.

"Rule #1 fox-girl, no Champion is allowed to attack a summoner when within an area sanctioned by the League. So how about this, let's just go our separate ways, hmm? You don't want to be around me and I certainly don't want to be around you. So cut the crap. Go home, because I doubt you're getting a Summoner today." With that, he looked at his watch. Tapping its face arrogantly, he opened the door and slipped out, leaving me breathless and leaning against the wall.

"That's what you think," I whispered under my breath.

Shutting the door behind me, I let out a gasp of relief. I knew she wouldn't be able to hurt me, but that still didn't stop me from wanting to brace myself from her attack. One thing was for certain, those claws could really sting if she dug them into my face. It was hard to believe that at one point the League didn't enforce that policy. I pitied the poor man who had decided to insult Mordekaiser.

I went to stand by Raka with a smile. I figured I'd save the Stone of Binding a little bit of time searching. Even still, I hoped that the lightning hadn't hurt her too badly. She looked like she was in agony when it had finally stopped. As the door opened, I watched her exit, smoothing out her skirt before looking at me with a glare. Like that, my concern was gone as she too went to stand near the stone, immediately swarmed by some of the male summoners that had joined us.

The process went by over and over again. A Summoner's name was called, they'd put their hand on the Stone. The Stone would shoot a beam of light at their champion and they'd pair up and stand away from the others to watch the ceremony. One after another, pairs were bonded and soon there was only two Summoners left. Looking at me, I nodded for the nervous Cyris to step forward before me. In the Institute, he'd be the closest one to whom I'd call a friend, despite that he was at least ten years my elder. Placing his hand on the Stone, I was shocked as the light raced past me to wrap around Soraka.

For a moment, I was in shock as she smiled and walked to meet up with him. She turned to look at me over her shoulder, before mouthing a soft apology and joining him. My eyes flowed over the remaining champions left in the pool. None of them had particularly good souls and I began to grow very concerned. "Next!" The League official called. As I stepped forward, I felt like my legs were made of jelly. I shakily approached the Stone closing my eyes and swallowing nervously before placing my hand on its smooth, cool, surface.

"Kal'Adamsul Midori-hi!" It boomed in my head, causing me to tremble more. "You have been chosen as a Summoner to represent your homeland in the League of Legends. Due to your birthplace in Ionia, you will now be assigned a champion compatible with your soul to be your partner for the next fifteen years." Opening my eyes curiously, I watched as a beam of light shot out to envelop Ahri.

"Mulligan. Please give me a mulligan." I pleaded silently to the Stone, but I had no such luck.

"You, Kal'Adamsul, are now bound to Ahri, the Nine-Tailed Fox. She is your champion, and you her summoner. The two of you will train and strive for excellence in the League and together, fight for Ionia's cause with honor and fairness." The Stone once more slowly settled into its resting place, and I knew that the deal had already been struck. I was bound to her now. My soul was like hers? I couldn't even begin to try to accept that, regardless of the justifications the Stone could have given me.

I simply stood there in shock as the official waved his arms to call attention to him. "Congratulations Summoners and Champions! Now, the two of you may discuss where you will live. Please remember that if you don't have enough room in your homes, you may always borrow one at the Institute of War. If you have any questions or concerns, come to me and I will do my best to address them. That is all, thank you and have a nice day!"

I began to walk towards the official. Maybe I'd be able to convince him that this was a huge mistake. Surely, the Stone had made some sort of miscalculation. Instead, however, Ahri's hand wrapped around my wrist, dragging me from the Presidium and out to the street. With a tug, I pulled from her grip with a scowl. "I can walk, thanks. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go ask the official for a different Champion."

She scoffed. "Look summoner, I know you don't like this but I'm afraid you're going to have to deal with it. We've been bound and that's how we're going to stay for fifteen years. We're partners now, so you may as well be a bit more friendly from now on. But by all means, if you'd like to risk your position as a Summoner, go right on ahead and tell him that you don't want a Champion."

"Listen to me carefully," I snapped, turning back on her, "we may be partners, but we are not friends! The Stone made a mistake when it bonded us so you're right, I'm going to have to make the best out of a bad situation. A terrible one, even. Now let's hurry to the train so we can get to the Institute before the rooms fill up."

"There's no need." She smirked, brushing past me to playfully stroke my chin with her tail before I swatted it away.

"Well, I hope you're not expecting to live with me. My apartment was only one bed room and I stopped paying rent this month."

She covered her mouth to hide a giggle. "Don't worry, we'll take my place. I think you'll find that you really like it." Her expression then became very serious as she walked closer and jabbed her finger in my face. "But I swear, if you try to peep on me, you'll be eating your food through a plastic tube, understand kid?"

"I am not a kid." I stated for the third time today. "I am twenty two years old and you're only two years older than me. I'll live with you, only because I'm certain it will be more comfortable. Our first match is two weeks away, so I suggest we just practice when we can. Otherwise, we stay out of each other's way. Finally, I have one very important rule. Under no circumstances are you to use your charm magic on me, and believe me I'll be able to tell. Make any justification you want, but you will not do it. Agreed?"

"Fine."

"Fine."

"I already said 'fine'."

"Fine!" I snapped. For a brief moment, I could see a smug grin on her face as she walked past me, a hypnotic sway in her hips. "What are you so cheerful about?" I grumbled. Whatever the reason was, I was certain that it wasn't a good one.

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with, little boy. All in due time. We'd better get moving before it gets too dark, though. Wouldn't want you getting lost and afraid, would we?" Her condescending tone was infuriating as she continued down into the city. Little did I know, however, that the hurdles I faced ahead were nothing in comparison to to our arguments now.

To be continued...