Greeting and Salutations, my faithful readers! True to my word, here is the next chapter of Tales of the Possessed. The winner of the poll is...
What, you thought I would ruin the surprise right at the beginning? Come now, you all know me better than that! And so, without further gilding the lily, and with no more ado, I give unto you, Old and New Friends.

I took in my surroundings as Talon and I left the Institute of War's main building. The scenery hadn't changed much from when I had joined the League a few weeks previously. Summer was just turning to autumn, the first leaves beginning to fall on the well-kept grass. There were a few Summoners and a fellow Champion or two lounging around the lawn. I didn't recognize the Champions, and couldn't get a better look without losing my guide. I had to stretch my legs a little to keep up with him. He certainly moves with a purpose, I thought as the minutes passed us in silence.

Just as I was starting to wonder if I was being led in a giant circle, Talon suddenly stopped. "We're here," he said simply. I looked around and saw we were in a small clearing. There was nothing but trees. My hands crept to my blades and I prepared for a fight. He turned to me with a smirk on his face, arms casually by his sides. "Oh, come on. You think us Champions would just leave our secret and slightly illegal sparring area out in the open? Not a chance. Here." He moved to the biggest tree in the clearing and placed a hand against it. Curious, I moved closer.

He pushed against a small knot in the bark, and the whole section moved inwards and to the side, revealing a glowing portal inside. He stepped to the side and extended a hand towards the portal, his other hand clutching his midsection as he bowed. "After you," he said. With more than a small hint of suspicion, I stepped into the portal.

Unlike the violent sensation of being Summoned, this portal felt more like stepping off a cliff and falling through the clouds. I remember when we did that once while traveling over the Great Barrier, Vashirik chimed in. It was fun. Before I could respond, I felt my feet hit the ground softly. I looked around and my breath left me.

Stretching before me was an endless field of knee high grass. I couldn't see anything on the horizon but more grass. There were light clouds floating in the sky, but no darkness marred the beautiful scene. I felt myself wanting to just flop down and spend an eternity there, without a single care. Before I could put action to my yearnings, I heard a blade spring out. I turned and saw Talon standing a few feet from me, blade unfolded and ready to be used.

"Like it?" he asked. At my nod he smiled in earnest. "It was some of the other Champions' idea. They figured you can't really train to get better if you are watched every moment. I personally agree. There are rules here though." At my quizzical expression, he chuckled. "For one, no killing. There's no resurrection here, and if the League found out, they would punish all of us. Second rule, don't tear the land up too much. It'll heal itself over time, but it draws energy from a Nexus in the Institute Vault, and if it drew too much at once, the League would notice, and again we'd all be punished. And there's one last rule..." At this he raised his blade and settled into a crouch. Anticipating his next words, I drew my own katanas and gripped them tightly.

"The last rule is..."

"Give it your all!" We shouted together, as we leapt towards each other. The next few seconds were a flurry of steel, attacks being parried in time by only a fraction of a millisecond. I felt my blood pumping and the adrenaline spiking through me. Even Vashirik was enjoying himself, not even asking to be let out. I let a bit of his essence flow into my arms anyways, just to let him feel as I did.

After almost twenty minutes of non-stop fighting, we separated for a few seconds. We were both slick with sweat and starting to breathe heavily, but smiles plastered both of our faces nonetheless. "Gods, I needed this," Talon panted, wiping his forehead with his off hand. "I didn't realize just how much I needed a good fight. You have my thanks, Alexei." I nodded to him, too busy catching my breath to respond. After a few more minutes, we nodded to each other and set ourselves again. Without warning, we sprang forward.

This time I truly tried beating him. Every block was met with a savage riposte, only to have it dodged or parried away. After a few more exchanges, I managed to slip a blade close to him, and the black metal came way with a drop of red on it. At the sight of first blood, I redoubled my efforts, throwing more and more into every thrust, every slice. I saw his smile beginning to slip, and I knew I was starting to win. Just a few more blows and I can-

I suddenly found myself flat on my back, a razor sharp blade digging into my throat. I blinked as I registered the steel digging into my skin, and I felt blood trickling down. Talon's face was inches from my own, a sardonic smile stretching his lips. "Almost got me," he said. "I had to take a gamble at this. Amazing fight though." He pushed himself up and extended a hand to me. I gladly accepted it, pulling myself up and brushing the grass off of myself. I bent to pick up my katanas, flipping them over my back and suspending them there. Talon flicked his blade back into his arm sheath and stretched his arms out fully. I did the same, feeling the tension slipping away. Looking around, an obvious question formed in my mind.

"Umm, Talon? How do we leave?"

He laughed, and started waving his hand in my direction. "It's actually pretty simple. Just close your eyes and think of the clearing. You'll end up there after a few moments. Watch." He stood straight and closed his eyes, and in a second faded out of sight. I followed his example and felt a rush of air. Opening them, I found myself back in the clearing. Talon was leaning against a tree, a smile again on his face. "Come on, let's get back to the Institute. Should be dinner soon." I followed him again as we retraced our steps back to the great building.

While we ascended the steps to the Institute, I took the time to truly appreciate the architecture. I hadn't the first time I had taken these steps, I had been too focused on keeping Vashirik locked in. The building itself was hundreds of feet high, adorned with carvings so detailed they seemed to be moving. In the few years since the building had been erected, it looked like not even the weather had marred it in the least. It pales when measured against Galzheruun tho, I thought.

The cafeteria was even more packed than the last time I had been there. Almost every chair was taken, and the noise was deafening. Talon looked back at me and shrugged. "There's been a large influx of new champions lately," he explained. "It looks like the Institute hasn't caught up yet." I nodded and followed him thru the walkways.

I barely registered the hand before it closed around my wrist. I fought back the urge to snap it as I looked down at it. Light purple skin decorated with whirls and spirals led back to a creature I had never expected to see again.

"Starchild?" I sputtered, my surprise absolute. She smiled softly and stood up on her cloven hooves and embraced me tightly. "Little Alexei," she said with a voice that resonated with divinity. "It has been far too long." I recovered enough to return her embrace lightly before squeezing her, my throat tightening. She chuckled and looked up at me. "Surprised, I take it?"

I nodded. "I had no idea you were going to be here. I haven't heard anything about you since you helped me almost 40 years ago." I realized we were drawing attention and pulled her towards a recessed booth on the wall. We sat down across from one another, my hands in hers.

"How have you been?" I asked, slipping into Ionian. Her smile never wavered as she looked back at me, her golden eyes soft as she replied in the same flowing language.

"Ups and downs, my dear friend. Ups and downs." she squeezed my hands. "And how about you? Any interesting places you have seen in your wanderings?"

I chuckled. "I could spend a decade telling you all of it. I saw the farthest point of the Northern Freljord, had a run-in with the Ice Queen- she is a wonderful conversationalist by the way-, trekked thru the Shuriman Desert, all kinds of crazy things." Ask her if she's happy to see us, Vashirik said with a snicker. You have to be joking... Nope. Do it, c'mon. It'll be hilarious. I sighed and flicked my eyes to Soraka's curved horn. "Vashirik asks if you are happy to see us."

Her amber eyes narrowed. "You, yes. That Fallen creature, not in the least. I am surprised you have not found a way to be rid of him yet." I half smiled and shrugged. "Well, honestly after carrying him for so long, I kind of got used to him. I am not as driven as I was back when you last saw me. Plus, he saved my life- well both of ours, I guess- when we were trapped in Noxus a few years ago. It was just before the General Marcus Du Couteau disappeared, if memory serves. We were simply passing through, but of course me being me, we attracted some attention."

A fine eyebrow arched on Soraka's face. "Attention? My dear boy, who did you bump into?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. "No one, actually. Apparently some aspiring blademaster saw my katanas and coveted them. He pulled some thieves together and tried to take them. It did not work out so well for him." My mirth died and I sighed as I saw again the dozen and a half bodies strewn up and down a dark alleyway, each taken down with fine cuts. The leader, a large man with a shaven head, pleading for his life while subtly sliding a knife out of his boot. And the preternaturally fast cut that took his head off his shoulders. Hearing the alarm bells and the rumble of heavily armed feet blocking off the alley's exits. Seeing my reflection in a window, the blood-spattered face devoid of emotion.

I shook my head to chase the memory away. Soraka was gazing at me, concern in her eyes. My voice flat, I continued. "The Noxian Guard had me boxed in, and I did not think I could cut through them. I did not really want to. But there was no way out of that alley, until Vashirik decided to take over. He released his wings and flew us out of there. I have not been back since." I looked down at the table for a few moments before feeling Soraka get out of her seat and move to my side of the booth. She grabbed my shoulders and turned me to face her. I saw sympathy in her face, as well as a hint of resignation.

"Well," she started, her voice soft. "If that is what happened, I suppose I should... thank him for showing even a small piece of goodness." By all that is Unholy, Vashirik breathed, ask her how those words felt coming out. I repeated his question to Soraka, and I could have sworn I heard the sound of teeth grating together. "Like broken glass covered in salt. This changes nothing between us, Fallen vermin." She leaned forward and hugged me tight before leaning back. "As much as I would enjoy spending the rest of the day reminiscing, unfortunately I am scheduled for a match soon. Make sure to stop by my room in the Ionian quarters if you ever need to, dear Alexei."

I smiled. "You know I will. Thank you, for everything." She made a dismissive noise and waved her hand. "No need to thank me, it is what I do. Now, I must be off. The stars watch over you." She leaned in again and kissed me lightly on the cheek. I felt warmth and strength radiate from the point as she turned and left.

I smiled after her and started to get up. Suddenly I felt a sensation in my head, somehow feeling like a knock on a door. 'It's Darsaj,' the pleasant voice echoed in my head. 'I just wanted to tell you that I found another room for you to stay in for a few nights, since yours seems to be very popular.' I sent back a feeling of gratitude. Could I ask where the room is? I think it would be better to meet them now instead of simply showing up tonight. 'Of course,' he answered. 'It's in the Demacian quarters, to throw off anyone who might be tracking you. Sixth room on the left. Now, I have some errands to run, so I must be on my way. Try not to get attacked again, aye?'

I chuckled and sent an agreement across the link. Afterwards, I felt it fall away. Is it just me, or did I sense some amusement from our Summoner? Vashirik asked. It might just have been from that last comment. No I felt it throughout the whole exchange. Something stinks like rothé shit. I guess we'll just have to see for ourselves. Keep an eye out? I felt the Daemon's glower in my head. I don't have any eyes right now, I'm pretty much a bleeding ghost. So unless you feel like lending me one, I can't "keep an eye out". I barely suppressed a laugh. Sorry about that, I kinda forgot.

I left the cafeteria and walked towards the central hall of the Institute. There wasn't very much traffic moving against me, so I made good time. Upon reaching the gargantuan room, I looked around for the hallway given to the Demacian champions. Spying a set of large doors decorated with the blue and silver emblem of Demacia, I started towards them. Just before I reached them, a lithe figure slipped through them into my path. They were obviously female, with pixie-cut raven hair, two locks dyed pink, and form-fitting light armor. I noticed a fine rapier on her hip just as she noticed me. Her cerulean eyes narrowed and she stepped closer.

"Vat are you looking at?" Her voice was silken and heavily accented. "Remove your eyes from me, peasant, before I remove zem from your skull!" I did not feel like backing down from such a challenge, and I felt Vashirik growling in my head. Instead, I drew up to my full height and squared my shoulders, clenching my jaw and keepin my hands away from my blades.

"Forgive me for staring, you simply captured my attention. I have business in the Demacian wing, so please, let me through. I do not wish trouble." I saw her body tense, but I kept myself still.

"Vat is your name, insolent peasant?" Her hand drifted towards her rapier.

"I am Alexei Avan Balunor, son of Jarrus Balunor, a High Knight of Demacia. His name is inscribed on the Wall of the Valorous. I am no more of a peasant than you are. Now, may I please pass, milady?" I felt a twinge of guilt in invoking my deceased father's name. Forgive me, I know you wouldn't want to be disturbed. I heard Vashirik make a sound of disgust. Why care about the dead? They're dead. I gave him a mental slap and turned my attention to the noble before me. Her eyes were narrowed even more than before, but her hand fell back to her side away from her sword. "Very well. But show such lack of deference again, and I vill challenge you to a duel. And ze Grand Duelist fights only to ze death." She strode past me, her haughty air palpable.

Letting out a breath, I walked through the doors to the Demacian quarters. The hall was liberally decorated with blue, gold, and silver. Counting in my head, I found the sixth door on the left and looked at the name plaque. There was only an engraving of a single musical note on it. Instead of trying to puzzle it out, I lifted my hand to knock on the door. I didn't hear any response at first, so I knocked again and called out "Hello? Is anyone there? My name is Alexei, I was told to come here to stay for a few days." I felt a presence behind me as I finished, and turned to see someone unexpected.

"Well, what do we have here?" a sultry voice purred. The person moved past me to open the door and pull me inside, closing it behind us. I hadn't quite found my voice before another door opened and revealed something that had my voice firmly locked down.

Striding out of what was apparently the bathroom, the naked form of Sona greeted me and the one who had dragged me in the room. Her skin was smooth and flawless, her large breasts barely sagging. There was a patch of hair below her navel, the same turquoise color as the hair on her head. She saw me at the same time and opened her mouth to scream. No sound came out, but she grabbed the towel she had been using to dry her mass of hair and wrapped it around herself. I was frozen, and even Vashirik was stunned.

I felt another connection in my head, and was instantly bombarded by a musical voice, accompanied by what sounded like dozens of musical instruments at once. 'What do you think you are doing in here get out!' I instantly averted my eyes and covered my ears. That didn't stop the cacophony of sounds, however, which drowned out everything else and made my head feel like a gong, dropping me to my knees. I felt Vashirik clawing at the walls in my head, the sound driving him mad.

Suddenly, the discordant notes stopped, and I gasped. The only sound I heard for a few moments was my own hoarse breathing. Then I felt the connection again, but this time the music was silent, apologetic. 'Forgive me, Alexei. I was unaware you were at the door. And I also did not know that you did not come in here on your own.' I looked up to see Sona, now wrapped properly in the towel, extending her hand towards me. I grasped it, noticing the calluses on her fingers, and lifted myself from the floor. "No, I am the one that should apologize. I did not mean to stare. Your beauty surprised me." Sona's cheeks flushed pink, as a light chuckle sounded from my left. Both Sona and I turned to see the instigator of the mix-up leaning against the wall, her white tails fanning around her.

"Well," Ahri started. "If he is staying here tonight, I think I might have to as well." Her lips curled into a seductive smile and her yellow eyes seemed to shift to pink. Sona and I looked at each other again, this time my face was as red as hers.

Ahri spoke again, "Don't you trust me?"

Yes, you read that ending correctly. The poll ended with a tie! Looks like I have my work cut out for me with writing not only my first true lemon, but a threesome to boot! Expect the next chapter within the next two weeks (and if it takes any longer, feel free to PM me yelling)
Forever in Shadow
Darsaj