A Boy and His Fox - Chapter 1

Author's Note: To new readers, welcome to my pride and joy. The first LoL fanfiction I've ever written (and by far my most popular one). To returning readers, good news I've begun editing the old chapters of A Boy and His Fox. Later, the shifts in POV will be more easily determined, and the grammar (with luck) will not be nearly as bad as it once was. It's a nice trip down memory lane to go back through these, and I hope that those of you who are here for the first time enjoy the story. Remember, I love receiving reviews and messages, so don't hesitate. If you enjoy the series and want to read some of my original work, look at my Author Profile for a link to my novel or my tumblr where I post short stories. I wish you the best of luck in life and literature. -Kiba

Runeterra. The land of conflict. It was within the Institute of War that we learned the history of our home. Since the beginning tribes of people have bound together and attempted to conquer other tribes. On Runeterra, war is not something that is physical as much as it is magical. Summoners, or what used to be known as summoners, used their awesome and fearsome power to combat one another for the sake of their home lands, but soon the ramifications of their action would come to bear witness. The world rejected their magic and their warring, unable to hold up under their power Runeterra began to crumble within the land of Valoran. Violent earthquakes and terrible storms with latent magical energy began to occur more and more frequently, and it was soon realized that if the Rune Wars as they were called continued, all of Runeterra could suffer an ill fate. It was then that Valoran's magicians came with a solution. The founding of the League of Legends marked the beginning of a new Era on Runeterra. Within this controlled and systematic arena, Valoran's many tribes would be able to resolve their differences by sending their champions to represent them in battle. The Institute of War was created to house the League and all of Valoran (for the most part) agreed that the League would be the ultimate authority to govern the conflicts administered. And that's where I come in…

My name is Kal, short for Kal'adamsul as my parents named me, though I've always found my name to be rather…tedious. All my life I've lived on the small island of Ionia, a land where balance in all things is key and violence is frowned upon unless a great need arises. Because of our pacifistic ways the nearby empire of Noxus believed that we would be an easy target for conquest. They were wrong. Their invasion worked well at first, having caught all of us by surprise as we had expected the League of Legends to keep them from our doorstep. But once our troops rallied we managed to repel the Noxus forces to the southern part of our home, and immediately we knew that the threat wouldn't be over until we had some influence in the League. And so it was that our representatives: namely Irelia, our captain of the Guard, and Duchess Karma, our governor went to the league and became members of the Institute of War. And so our battle began, but we underestimated the savagery of our enemy. Through underhanded tactics and what would be considered dishonorable combat amongst our people, Noxus defeated us and for fifteen years would have control of our lower island. However, Ionia's sotry would not end here. The frustration of the people would break into full protest, the most famous of which being the protest of Lin See, in which he immolated himself. Knowing something had to be done Irelia protested that a rematch should be allowed sooner, and with the support of Demacia's own Jarvin IV, Noxus agreed but not without voiced complaints. The deal struck Ionia entered combat once more with Noxus, but we were ready this time, and their foul tricks would not work again as Ionia proved victorious on the Fields of Justice.

This ended up being the closing of this dim chapter in our history, and every year since then, five of our best mages are sent to the Institute of War for training in the ways of becoming a summoner. While our country is lax enough to allow us to represent whom we want within the encounters, as per the League's rules, it is often we who are the most loyal to our city-state's cause. I say we, because I was one of the five to be chosen to become a summoner, and now after six long years of training and practice, I have been chosen as a Summoner of the Institute of War, where I represent Ionia in times of conflict. And today…this most honored and glorious day…is when I will choose the champion to whom I am bound for the next fifteen years, until the conflict once more occurs.

Upon entering the "Hall of Heroes" as the temple has become known, I see many of my fellow mages all talking amongst themselves excitedly as the champions filed in. For us these people were much like celebrities, some good and honorable, others cruel and not to be trusted. There were our many wise "elders" as we called them though many are only ten years older than I: Irelia, the Will of Blades; Karma, the Enlightened One; Lee Sin, the Blind Monk; Master Yi, the Wuju Bladesman; and Varus, the Arrow of Retribution. These were people I had grown up idolizing, their stories and legends being an important factor in the choices I've made in my life. Many of the others I didn't recognize, though a few (such as Sona, Maven of the Strings and Soraka, the Starchild) were ones I had grown up with. And then there were…them. The ones who only became champions to gain power or because they wished to be the ones to control Ionia, and were willing to do whatever they could to get it. I could see Soraka shudder as she looked across the room to Warwick, the Blood Hunter; a terrible wolfman who sought to consume Soraka's heart so that he could become more powerful. There was Singed, the Mad Chemist whom before the founding of the league had killed multiple citizens in the name of "science." And finally the most terrifying of them all…Syndra. Every land has their stories…of foolish people whom turn to darkness to seek out more power, and Ionia is no exception. Syndra, the Dark Sovereign seeks to destroy the Elders of Ionia and she hopes to gain this influence in the Field of Justice. Often parents scold their children warning them that if they do not behave as they are told, Syndra will steal them away to her flying fortress where she will gobble their hearts, but keeping them alive with her magic so that she could hear their screams. I'm sure it is all just superstition, but at any rate I intended to stay away from the darker champions, I wished to protect Ionia, not rule it.

And so the interviews began. It is customary before choosing a champion in Ionia that one finds their ideals and morals, as the ones who fit more closely with yours are better suited for the synching process in which your souls become bound. There are supposedly dangerous ramifications if one doesn't choose a champion compatible with their soul, but never before has it been an issue, I mean who wishes to be forced into a partnership with someone they do not like or trust. As my fellow summoners began to scatter around the room talking to prospective champions, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Warwick was flashing Soraka a rather sinister grin, and immediately my heart went out to her. While I did not know her well personally, I had never heard her utter a cruel thing of anyone, not even Warwick. She flinched in surprise as I slipped my hand around hers, having not noticed me before hand as I gently tugged her away from Warwick's gaze into one of the places off to the side. Sitting at a table across from each other, she smiled gently to me, a gaze that was warm and kind. Not knowing where to start, I decided it would be best to make small talk.

"So…you were a celestial being once…is that correct?" I asked, slightly embarrassed that the question was the best I could come up with.

"Yes." She finally said softly, in a voice that was as soft as velvet, the smile on her lips never fading for a moment as the light gleamed off of her crystalline horn and silver hair. "I was a being connected with the stars, I used to be immortal, healing the wounded and sick when they came to me but then…" her words trailed off, a tear starting to form in her eye.

"…Warwick…" I finished the thought for her. I reached into my pocket and drew out a handkerchief for her and taking it she smiled at me again wiping away the tear before returning it to me.

"Thank you. Yes, that is correct. Warwick came to me asking me to heal his wife, but unfortunately the woman was too far gone for my magic to assist him. We were friends…once. And when he found his wife's killers he…well he changed. He wanted revenge and I tried to advise him against it, but he ran from my grove. So I followed after him, despite the warning of the stars, and soon I found him locked in combat with four men. I tried to stay passive in the fight, simply healing him when he received wounds, but soon it became too much to just heal him…" She frowned softly as she recalled the past. "I lashed out at them with magic and sent them scattered away…but then I felt my immortality leave me. I was mortal now, and when I went to help Warwick…the man I thought was my friend…" She gently lifted the lower corner of her blouse revealing on her right hip a long scar caused by a blade of some sort.

"How did you survive?" I asked curiously, hoping that my tone didn't make me seem unconcerned.

"I did to him what I did to the others." She giggled softly. "You should have seen him, a grown man running from his life from a little girl. Once he was gone I patched up my wounds, and it was then that I decided I would do whatever I could for this land that I wound up in, so that peace would always be an option over violence." She smiled at me once more before a knock came at the door. Looking up to see another summoner, I turned back to Soraka before gesturing with my head towards the man.

"I apologize if I wasted most of our time with small talk, Lady Soraka, but your story is one that I greatly enjoyed. Even if we do not become bound, I do hope that we can remain friends. If ever you need my aid, simply ask and I will do what I can." I stood and offered her my hand. As she stood she took my hand in hers shaking it politely.

"Indeed, it was nice to have someone who listened as you did. And please, for my friends it's just Raka. I hope to see you again Summoner." As she turned to leave I smiled softly before she turned over her shoulder to flash me another warm smile. "Oh, and thank you…for earlier. It's not often that one would go out of his way to help a champion. Some summoners see us as toy soldiers; it is nice to know that there are still some who still genuinely care."

I simply blushed before responding with a simple, "You're welcome." As she was about to leave I quickly blurted out. "Oh, my name is Kal. I feel terrible that I didn't give my name." She just giggled softly and waved as the other summoner took her to another room. I sat down in the seat with a sigh, when another woman with long blue hair gently knocked on the door frame. I smiled at the musician known as Sona, whom always seemed to have her instrument with her, even now. She sat across from me and gave me a warm smile bowing her head politely and after bowing back I began the interview.

"So Sona…I have to say I'm a large fan of your music." She smiled at me but said nothing. "Can you tell me what caused you to join the League?"

"…"

"Well if not that, can you tell me what you hope to accomplish on the fields of justice?"

"…"

At this point I was beginning to get a little frustrated that she wasn't answering my questions. I guess she could see this frustration in my expression, but still she simply picked up her instrument and set it across her lap tuning it. "Well…at any rate. I'm Kal. Perhaps it would be better for you to ask me the questions."

Her fingers strummed the cords of the instrument and immediately an echo filled my head. "Apologies Summoner Kal…" the voice faded softly, a lovely and melodic voice that seemed so eager to simply break out in song. With another strum the voice returned, "I did not intend to offend. I was born mute, so I cannot speak…"

"I see. Well my apologies for being so blunt earlier. I had thought you were simply ignoring me." I looked down at the table scolding myself for not waiting for her explanation.

"All is forgiven." She strummed with a smile before going into a quick riff. "To answer your questions, I joined the league in hopes of learning more about my past." The melody she played was interesting, the song filling the room and her voice filling my head. The sensation was quite astounding. "You see I was abandoned as an infant with this instrument. There are none like it in the world, and every time it was lost it managed to find its way back to me."

The rest of my interview with Sona was an interesting one, we discussed musical theory and how magic and song were similar to one another. But soon our time was up. The rest of the interviews went surprisingly well, even Syndra and Warwick attempted to put on a façade to show some degree of politeness to a summoner. I suppose it makes sense; no summoner, no influence. And finally, there was only one champion left. As the door to the room opened I looked up from my notes to gaze into the most beautiful golden eyes I'd ever seen. The woman had long black hair that reached her hips, following impressive curves that were bound with a red silk low-cut top and a white skirt that barely reached her thighs. But the thing that surprised me more than anything were the nine beautiful white tails flowing behind her. Feeling the presence of magic in the air I shook my head, removing these thoughts. I had heard about this one: Ahri, the nine-tailed fox. I frowned softly, hoping she wouldn't notice my momentary lapse in defense from her charm spell, but judging by the sly, playful expression she wore, she knew her work had done well enough to at least toy with my emotions.

"I have to say Summoner, I'm impressed. I think you're the first one I've spoken to today that didn't completely fawn over me when I walked into the room. One might think you're playing for the other team." She smirked again as she sat in a chair, crossing one leg over the other as her tails wove together so she could sit comfortably.

"Ha. Cute." I muttered, knowing she was trying to get a rise from me. The fox-woman was well known despite her newer presence within the league, for her flirtatious nature and her love to play tricks on others to see their reactions. "So…Ahri is it? Why did you join the League exactly?" I wasn't too interested in becoming her partner, not that we could ever be compatible anyway. I poured myself a glass of water and sipped it waiting for her response.

She cutely put a finger to her lips, in a way that was obviously intentional as she pretended to have to recall her past. "Well, to put it simply I suppose you could say I was just tired of sleeping with a different man every night."

Okay, that one caught me by surprise. I coughed choking on the water as I set it down and cleared my throat. "I'm sorry you what-"

"You're not deaf summoner. You heard me correctly. I suppose I should explain it in a way that a child like you can understand." She placed her cheek in her hand in a bored expression that made me grit my teeth. "I wasn't born human, I was born as a fox. A normal fox, except that I always felt I didn't belong. It wasn't until later that I stumbled across a human dying on one of Runeterra's battlefields filled with latent energy. I felt…a hunger, and I began to feast on the man's life energy, and soon I transformed into how you see me now."

"I see, but it doesn't look like you're fully human even now what with the…" I gestured to the tails to indicate what I was referring to.

"Good eye Summoner." She said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "I discovered that my transformation was not complete, and the only way I can fully become human is to consume the life essence of more people."

"That's…interesting. But I still don't understand your first statement." I looked puzzled, this woman's story was getting stranger and stranger as time went on, and I had all but made up my mind that the Stone of Binding would never link the two of us.

"Must I spell it out for you Summoner? I used these…" She gestured to her breasts and hips, "to lure men home with me, and there I fed on them. I used to feed every single night, sometimes more than one a day."

My eyes went wide. "You killed people? Like real, honest to Gods, innocent people?" I shook my head in disgust.

She smirked seeing my reaction and nodded. "Oh yes, I've killed many people hon, and if not for Ionia's system of justice I'd have kept right on doing so. But the League offered me a place to feed, where my actions would not have consequences. Which is why I'm here now. So Summoner…if you pick me, and you manage to get me some life essences…well let's just say…" She leaned forward slightly giving me a peek of the tops of her breasts intentionally trying to cloud my judgment. "I'll reward you handsomely."

I had had enough. I slammed my hands on the table and stood up. "Look Foxy…"

"Ahri." She corrected.

"Ahri, whatever. I don't know what you think you're doing, but let's get this straightened out. This," I gestured around us, "is not a game. People I know and care about have died due to the wars in Valoran and I became a summoner to help people, not so some fox-girl could sleep her way into the League, and certainly not to help you murder people."

Her eyes went wide at my words and she growled standing up as a blue energy ball formed in her left hand, her right hand hitting the table as she met my glare. "Now you listen to me, you ignorant little boy. I could destroy you, right here, right now with my magic and the only reason I haven't done so is because I need one of you childish punks to get me into the Fields of Justice. So how about you go home and play with your little toys, because to be honest I don't need you as a summoner. It's obvious just by looking at how young you are in comparison to the others that you don't have what it takes for the League of Legends."

"Yeah well, you know what? I don't care what you think about me. I may be young, but I'm not that much younger than you. Your power obviously isn't too great, ha! You can't even turn yourself fully human? How many people have you drained? Twenty, fifty, hundred? And you still haven't changed a bit from your first transformation. The only reason you're here is because of a simple fluke, so why don't you make room for a real champion of the people instead of being a spoiled brat. Besides, I wouldn't want you as a champion anyway: what sort of champion is so selfish as to put herself above the good of everyone else? You're almost as bad as Warwick, just a stupid mindless beast." I crossed my arms with a smirk.

Her eyes erupted in flames as she raised her claws to slash me across the face, and the instant it made contact purple lightning arced around her body causing her to shout in pain and collapse on to the table. "What…did you…"

"Rule one fox-girl. A champion is not allowed to raise her hand to a summoner in the Halls of Justice. To do so activates the hex placed on you when you joined the league. It's the same thing that resurrects you when you fall on the battlefield and it's the same thing that keeps me safe from your trickery." I grabbed the back of her top and pulled her to her feet a little less than gently before allowing her to use me to stabilize herself. "So how about we just cut the crap Ahri, and go our separate ways."

"Fine." She growled as she smoothed out the fur of her tails before opening the door and walking out. Being the last champion I went to follow her but she ended up slamming the door behind her in my face, causing me to stumble back. I rubbed my nose tenderly, rather ticked off but taking a deep breath I joined the other summoners and champions in the Hall of Binding.

Taking my place in line, Lady Karma informed us once more of the procedures. "Summoners, today you earn your place in the League of Legends, as well as the Hall of Heroes. Let us go over the procedures. As you've been speaking to the different champions the Stone of Binding has analyzed your heart and soul, ensuring that the data it collects will match you with the champion you are most compatible with." I turned my head and smiled at Raka, rather sure that she was the one I would be paired with. "You will each step forward placing your hand on the stone. The stone will then emit a beam of light to the champion you've been bound to, and as part of custom, you and the champion will live together until the next battle, at which point you will be analyzed again to see if you are paired with the same or a different champion. Let us begin."

The first summoner whom stepped up was Neras. He and I were never really fond of one another as he was always a bit of a bully, willing to do anything to get what he wanted when he wanted it. Placing his hand on the stone the beam of light flew wrapping around Warwick. He smiled with a nod to the wolf man and the binding complete stood by his champion watching the other proceedings.

Next was Karin, she was a bit shy, but other than the time she spent in school, she mostly just stayed home to read books and meditate. No one was truly surprised when Lee Sin was the one she was bound to, and smiling she stood beside him as well.

The third one was Rayne, the ever scarlet tide. At least that's what some students called her behind her back. She always seemed so fierce and confidant, and never have I ever seen anyone, man or woman, so eager to fight. As the beam went out it touched Irelia and Rayne couldn't but help but give a pleased squeak as she went to her idol and hugged her, much to the chagrin of Irelia.

My turn was coming soon, after this one before me, I would end up being paired with Raka, and I couldn't wait to hear more about her. Cyrus stepped forward closing his eyes and placing his hand upon the rock, and I gasped as the stone bound him to Raka. He smiled and walked to her and bowed to her politely. Raka smiled bowing back and turning to me mouthed a silent apology.

And now…it was my turn. I swallowed nervously looking around at who was left. I wasn't too eager for most of them, and a terrifying thought struck me. What if I was paired with Syndra? What if before the entire League, I was likened to her soul. The city would definitely reject me, they had no interest in someone who shared the heart of a dark villain such as her. I closed my eyes stepping forward and taking a deep breath. I placed my hand on the smooth stone. It was cool to the touch, causing goosebumps to run down my neck as I heard a voice in my mind.

"Kal'adamsul. You have been chosen to represent Ionia in the League of Legends. From this day forth you shall be bound for next fifteen years to a champion whose soul matches yours. Your heart, your dreams, your fears, will be shared by you both. You shall become closer than any other two people in the world and so your champion has been chosen…" I cracked open my eyes softly. Despite how slow the speech was, no time had passed around me until I heard a gasp. I turned curiously to see that the light had wrapped around Ahri.

"You…must…be…joking…" I whispered softly to the stone. "Ha, ha. Very funny. Now seriously, who's my champion?" The stone began to grow warm before speaking in my mind once more. "Kal'adamsul, you are now bound to Ahri, the Nine-tailed Fox until the next meeting on the Fields of Justice. You will live with her and you will serve as he protector, and she will serve as yours. "

The stone stopped glowing and fell back into its socket as I turned to look at Ahri once more. She was shaking, in what appeared to be a mix of fury and anger at what had occurred. Before she could object Duchess Karma spoke up once more. "Congratulations champions and summoners. You are now to report to your homes, and get settled. Remember the rules. A summoner cannot intentionally harm a champion and vice-versa. There is to be no fighting outside of the Field of Justice. And the most important rule of all: Never…abandon…your partner. That is all. Have a pleasant day."

I raised my hand to speak but before I could be acknowledged Ahri's hand wrapped around my wrist and she stormed off, pulling me behind her. "Hey…wait…Ahri, what gives?" She pulled me into the privacy of one of the rooms and stuck a clawed finger in front of my nose.

"Let's get one thing straight Summoner, we may be partners but we are not friends! Do I make myself clear? You will be living with me but so help me if you try to peep on me, or any other sick twisted thing that you little kids do, I'll have you eating your food through a plastic tube. Do you understand me?!" She growled angrily. Returning her growl I brushed her hand from my face.

"Hey I'm not any happier about this than you are, but we can't change partners so for the next fifteen years, I'm afraid you're stuck with me. Our first exhibition match is two weeks away, so I suggest we simply stay out of each other's way and try to make the best of this. And again, I'm not a little kid. I'm twenty-two years old. That's only three years younger than you, so don't act like you're my mother because you aren't. One last thing, I have one ground rule if I'm to live with you. You do not…under any circumstances…try to use your charming magic on me. I don't care what justifications you make, but not one spell. Agreed?"

"Fine."

"Fine."

"Fine!"

"Fine!" I threw my hands up exasperated at the difficulty of this fox-woman and grabbing my things from my room I met her outside where she was waiting, a smile on her face. "What are you so cheerful about?"

"Oh nothing you need concern yourself about little boy. All in due time." She smirked as we began to walk down the paved road towards her home, our journey now officially begun. Little did I know that our relationship was just starting to meet its hurdles.

To be continued…