TL;DR: I'm skipping the intro for this one as to focus myself on writing more for now! Roll the next Chapter!

…

CHAPTER 6 – ARRANGING PEACE

Ugh…my head…

"What did I ever tell you? Never take the initiative by yourself! What if anyone saw you?"

"Pah, it went fine! There's no reason to get so riled up-"

"There isn't one? You've beaten up 4 locals out of private justice!"

I shouldn't have scarfed down all of the ice cream myself…and as wonderful as the taste of strawberry flavored goodness was, it doesn't justify my upset tummy…or the brain freeze. 'I should listen more to my common sense...'

"They deserved it! What should I have done!? Let these amateurs get away with stealing!?"

"I can understand that this doesn't sound right…but we're technically visitors of this place, not their law's enforcers!"

We made ourselves comfortable at Vi's previous nap place...or rather I did. Caitlyn and Sanyo were nice enough to let me lay down on the warm oak bench, my best friend's naval blue jacket acting as a make-shift pillow while they stood close to me. 'I…could get used to this-'

"I couldn't just sit there and do NOTHING!"

"Sometimes doing nothing is the better than breaking fundamental rules of a region!"

Argh, if it wasn't for that headache! And them getting progressively louder and louder!

"OI!" And just like that their bickering got stopped. The spike in loudness caused my ears to ring of course, forcing my eyes shut as I desperately tried to drown out the pain...yet I found at least small comfort in the hand that was massaging my forehead. Feeing the coolness paired with the shade of the trees around it, I felt the closest thing to peace in my situation.

"Thank you…Sanyo."

"You're welcome, Besto. And you two…tone it down. I'm usually not against people speaking their mind but this is getting out of hand." She pretty much took my exact thoughts and voiced them. Why did I ever complain about her?

"We will. From now on at least."

"Yeah, too bad she had to gobble up my portion of the meal as well…and didn't you want to buy some for us?"

"Ehehe…uhm, guess I got caught in your narration. I-I'll be right back!" My eyes were still closed when the sound of running shoes against gravel rung further and further away, the coolness of the air accumulating more by the minute. 'Seems like afternoon's soon over…'

That meant going to school tomorrow, Sanyo having to go back to work (potentially working overtime as a cause of yesterday) and…and…

…How did I not think this far!? Even with Caitlyn having been informed of the current circumstances, Vi would be by no means-

"Uhm…is your host ok?"

"She does that often. Emmy, you're talking out loud again."

"H-Huh?" Guess I wasn't learning from mistakes after all. Peaking open one eye was enough to spot the questioning eyebrow from Vi and the (somewhat) apologetic stare from her partner. Both of them had fallen into deep conversation before as far as I was concerned, so…what were they talking about again?

"S-Sorry. So…Vi…"

"What's up?" The threatening presence an hour ago was completely gone, now sporting the most chilled expression I've so far seen next to Sanyo sleeping uninterrupted.

"What…did you t-talk about just now?"

"Eh? Oh, right." A tired sigh escaped her lips, stretching like a foul cat on any known couch to man. "You were having a sore head, huh?"

"…Please don't remind me of it."

"We won't bring that up. Though, there was something I wanted to request you'd read." Our current house guest made a move to sit onto the bench, me of course sitting properly to let her do so when she handed me some sort of letter…

"Normally this would only concern me and my work partner. However, our unique situation might make things easier if we let you in on the details." My ears tried to follow the conversation, yet the only thing in my interest was the fine parchment rolled out in front of my eyes.

To 'Piltover's Finest',

As you already know, certain unknown circumstances led you to this realm you're in right now. To be clear, you two aren't currently the only two champions that got sent here without any warning. Exactly 10 of you went missing during the latest match of the Howling Abyss and to ensure no repetition of this, we took premeasures as to not worsen the problem. However, due to your set of skills, we request of you to locate every other 'target of value' and sent them back. 'The Plitover's Enforcer' has been sent here as additional back-up and your aid.

We also gave her a rune-empowered crystal, courtesy of 'The Rune Mage' after a while of convincing of myself. The stone is able to register the unique champion's signature and will automatically sent them back, yet only if direct contact between the crystal and the entity has been made (with the exception of you two of course).

Lastly: Do under no means establish any contact with the residents of this world! We aren't sure if the concept of champions or the 'Institute of War' is foreign or not and keeping the inhabitants unaware of us will be for the better. Take this matter seriously or there will be consequences.

Regards,

High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye

…

"So…now what do we do?" All 3 of us pretty much stared, Vi having joined in reading (or probably rereading) the letter from the back of our sitting spots. She was the first to share her piece of mind.

"Like that would bother me. Fine, I can somewhat relate to her concerns…but she can't outright deny us contact with others!" If was kind of weird to see the pink-haired enforcer throw her hands into the hair without the iconic gloves.

…By the way…where were they?

"Uhm…may I ask…where are your gloves?" She seemed to lose her cool appearance for a second, literally about to trip mid-step while walking around the side before looking to my left and instantly breathing out.

"Was that what you meant 'Cupcake'? Sure is creepy…" Okay, please stop giving me that look or I'll be the one creeped out! "About my gauntlets, they're safely secured somewhere around in a bag."

"…And w-where did you get that bag?"

"Dunno. I used the one from after I returned the stolen stuff."

"Oh…makes sen- YOU DID WHAT!?"

"Didn't you listen to anything I said minutes ago!? Sheesh, you might want to get your head checked." And me being unaware of conversations allows you to knock on my skull how!? 'No! Stop it!' Luckily she removed her fist from my upset head after a few knocks.

"Long story short, it's something she did out of morals. End of story." That's something serious! S-She can't just ditch it like this! 'THIS IS SERIOUS!'

"B-But-"

"End. Of. Story. You're better off this way, trust me." At least her shoulder pat made it somewhat…bearable. If none of us would've said something else afterwards, this might've turned more awkward than it already was…

"Hey!" Oh man…Sanyo's timing hasn't been perfect today, so seeing her now was almost redeeming. Keyword: Almost. "I didn't know what flavors you wanted so you're stuck with vanilla and chocolate."

"Chocolate sounds good to me." / "…Guess I'll take vanilla then." Both of them took their cooled treats from their supplier. Just the sight of them eating next to me made my mouth water…but I couldn't. No matter how badly I wanted to nibble from them, one bite could potentially upset my stomach again…so now I was stuck sulking next to them.

'How dare they enjoy ice cream without me…'

"So, Vi. Do you have a place to stay?"

"Uh…" DON'T JUST STOP! THE ICE WILL MELT ALL OVER AGAIN! "Not really. Why else do you think I've been laying on wood until now?"

"That'll be a problem. Without any place to stay at, how are you supposed to stay long-term?" …I know what you're thinking Sanyo. Just ask her already. We already have her best friend housed, it's not like it could become any worse.

…'I did it, didn't I?'

Famous last words.

"Vi." That one word got the attention from all of us towards the 'Sheriff of Piltover' with her sunglasses resting on above her fixed stare, her ice cream cone and its contents almost gone to my inner pain. "My hosts treated me for…more than a day at best. Still, I'm confident in their mindset-"

"Yeah, yeah. We'll play caretaker for you again…just, let us establish some ground rules." How happy I was to see her being thoughtful! It would hopefully save us some trouble-

"Rules!? What are you, my mom!?"

"…Muuu…"

"This…will be more complicated than I originally thought." I wish you weren't right Caitlyn…I really do.

Overall, this situation could have passed more organized and…less emotional. I'll admit, witnessing my host about to be possibly injured by someone didn't sit right with me. And then my colleague being the one to throw the first punch-

...

I'm overthinking this. Actually, Vi being the other party yesterday would explain some things. Not a lot, yet it seemed to prevent potential questions. Now, specific explanation about rules and our status on the other hand…

"Wait, so I'm actually a living being of an alternative reality of some unreal crap-"

"Don't you get it? You're not supposed to be a living, breathing person in this world! And yet you're here in our apartment! The thing is, you're now here with us, so can we please get along?"

"I'll be willing to do that if she doesn't take my sweets!"

"DON'T YOU EVEN START THAT DISCUSSION!"

For once I was grateful of my preference to tea since I really needed the occasional cup to prevent a stress-induced headache. It's already a difficult task to keep Vi's attention for when we run down our operation's plans. This…was certainly worse.

2 hours, 4 cups of 'Earl Grey' and quite a lot of shouting were required to explain all details. And I'll not stay polite when I say that the time sleeping was a saving grace for my back. Though…

*SNORE* "No 'Cupcake', I didn't break down that wall on purpose…"

'I'm having second thoughts about these arrangement settings already!'

To ensure no further awkwardness would be created overnight…or Emmy feeling uncomfortable, Sanyo decided to offer us her bed while she slept on the couch. An appreciated suggestion since my body would only suffer from the stiff leather. How Emmy's friend manages to rest there baffles me…and finding out earlier about my partner's sleeping habits would've proven beneficial.

And now we both traveled up one of the dozen sidewalks around here in search for Vi's 'hidden' stash, the sun signalizing midday and warming the area around us under the few clouds. Since we couldn't purchase anything for my colleague that time, we were required to share clothing or her battle gear would've stuck out more than it already did. Goggles abandoned, same for her armor plates and boots.

"Ahh…I could really get used to this~!" My blue t-shirt fitted her surprisingly better than it did on me-

Focus! You can't just trail down like this, the matter surrounding our case is serious!

"Don't forget that we're here for business, Vi."

"Oh what!? C'mon 'Cupcake'! It's pretty much dead around here! Hey, where is everyone anyways?" True to her statement, only a few people were walking around the previously filled district, all stores to our sides open with only a handful of customers inside them.

"Either at work or learning. You know the drill…" Speaking of which, Emmy and Sanyo gave us free roam since the timid one was required to attend school. Quite a surprise, usually you'd already attend the highly expanded academies by her age in Piltover standards. Her friend was working in the same coffee shop where we took a step in yesterday...although I don't expected this to be her appeal. 'And that left only us two.'

Regardless, there were people here, quite close actually. To our left was a little girl with blonde hair, staring with childish curiosity and joy towards a smaller version of the device our hosts possessed…a TV, according to the definition. Her mother was a few steps away, seemingly snarling in a smaller device that took away her entire attention. 'Judging from the suit on her slick frame, she seems to have an important job of sorts.'

"And I tell you, the deal is off! We can't afford to expand your stupid store more than we already did!"

The little girl was completely oblivious to all that…like only that little world projected before her existed-

"Hey there little girl, what you watchin~?"

…What are doing Vi.

"It's Sonic and his friends~! They're so awesome!"

...

Hm…seems like there's no harm in entertaining the little girl for now. Otherwise something bad could happen.

'Seeing how her parent isn't even noticing our presence…' My partner had already crouched down to the height of that girl, watching towards the device and probably desperately trying to figure out who those…creatures were. I in the meantime simply stood next to them, trying to look as unsuspicious as possible.

"Sonic? Huh…the guys sure looks interesting."

"Mmhm! But I personally like Amy Rose more~! Her pink hair's so-"

…And just as the conversation between them broke and eyes met, the girl's entire attention was focused on Vi, her little summer dress spinning from excitement.

*Gasp* "Your hair's also pink! Are you Amy perhaps!?"

'…Don't.'

"Well…tell me: What's your name little girl?" A really warm smile was on her face, one of her unarmed hands carefully gripping the girl's hand in the meantime.

"Madeline! But my friends say Maddie to me!"

"Alright Maddie. I'll let you in on a little secret if promise me to keep it to yourself. Deal?"

"I swear!" Aww…she even raised her little pinky for her promise, my partner quickly taking it with her own. 'It's these days that shove all the trouble at the 'Institute' and Piltover away. Sadly they don't last forever.' My partner leaned forward, cupping her other hand to the girl's little ear and barely whispering in a volume I almost deemed impossible:

"My actual name's Amy Rose as well!"

'What have you done…' The urge to massage my forehead was getting consecutively stronger. And even so, witnessing how Maddie's face (a stranger of whom we just met) lit up like the night lighting of my hometown. It felt...nice-

"Madeline! We've got to go!" Oh, looks like her mother finished her rant. That stink-eye she threw us…doesn't look like we'll become acquaintances in the near future.

"Ok! Bye Miss Rose!" I probably never expected myself to smile at a little kid who waved at us…much less of one who was so naïve. Yet again...it was quite a sight, able to break my façade for far longer than I wished. We could only copy her gesture while her parent took her by the girl's tiny hand, pulling her away towards their next destination.

"…That was fun."

"It indeed was, Amy Rose~."

"Hey, it doesn't sound so bad, now does it?"

"Perhaps. Use it for your cover if you want, but for now let's grab your gear before wasting more time."

"Alright, alright…Zara~."

I swear, I really should've waited before giving her my own nickname…

This dojo was my life. My pride and joy. The place where I would teach, train…simply spent my life in. For 20 years I did so, encountering student after student who was visiting or returning for ever changing reasons. No one was the same, even if all were to say they are. No one could hide their true nature forever.

"Uhm…Master Tengoku?"

"What is it, young one?"

"Are you…confident in this man being safe?"

His worries weren't masked, visible to myself as I only heard his voice behind my own head in the smallest whisper. No surprise, my dojo was a rather popular place for visitors who wanted to witness the many teachings of our culture. Like falling petals, the wind blew them towards my home and (if their curiosity was sated) took them away for the time.

Yet…I have to say that this newest 'visitor' was quite a mysterious phenomenon. He arrived when my students weren't here, clad in an attire similar to the old tales of my home country. What brought worry across these young children was indeed a weapon the man brandished. Its quality was quite impressive, yet I knew that he wasn't mistreating its forged purpose.

"Certainly, Hasu." If my son only had the same wisdom as I; he'd certainly understand then. "This man definitely isn't a threat. Just like the others, he only seeks a place of tranquility. Yet it still is unclear on whether or not he'll find it here."

The grand hall was open for everyone, dozens of pillows laid out for the individuals gracing us with their presence in our daily routine. The small pond in the middle offered some of nature's grace as well in here.

"I understand. Should I…leave you two alone while the others are waiting?"

"That'd be wonderful. Tell them to not worry as well if you can and begin the routine in my stead."

"Of course, Master Tengoku." And just like that, his hurried steps gained distance before the opening and closing of the side door signalized his absence.

"…I know you're curious, wanderer."

"…So Master Tengoku. That's how they call you."

"I'm obviously not forcing them to. It's in their free will alone to call me how they desire. About our names…would you be grateful to this old man and hopefully tell me yours?"

"…"

"…"

"…Yasuo. You can call me Yasuo."

"Then, Yasuo…you might call me Tengoku as of now."

Oh yes, meditating with a friend was definitely more relaxing than a stranger's presence…

…

(To be continued…)

(Fire Me): He hey! Guess my story pretty much died already, huh? If yes, then I understand. I, ditching the quote on quote "duties" to update regularly isn't really fancy but I somehow couldn't bring myself to touch the keyboard lately. Don't worry, this doesn't mean I'll stop writing. Just…don't expect too many updates from me within a short period. I hope you can understand this.

And honestly, once I got to half of the Chapter, I actually enjoyed writing the specific parts down. That's a huge plus for me! Alright, I'll not occupy your time any further but I hope you enjoyed this latest release.

The Sir's out!