(Marvel, DC, images, manhuas, and every anime that will be mentioned and used in this story are not mine. They all belong to their respective owners. The main character "Karito Josue Valdez" and the story are mine)
Sup, everyone. My name's Portgas D. Ace. I bet you're wondering, "How the hell am I here?" That's a question I would also like an answer to because I have been lost for the past few... huh... I don't even know how long it's been, so I'll just forget about it! Long story short, I've been traveling through worlds. How do I know? Well, to my knowledge, I don't recognize the names. If I did, I would've known that I was still in South Blue or anywhere else that resembles my world. But nothing. The places, the people, heck, everything is unrecognizable to me. If my memory doesn't fail me, this should be the third world I've visited. The first one I visited was a place full of magic. I even went to a guild called Fairy Tail. Pretty crazy place, but I was greeted with open arms, and you know me, I just couldn't resist. The food and the people were carefree and friendly. I remember sneezing into Lucy's skirt because it was the closest thing to a handkerchief near me. Honestly, her reaction made it worth it, so whatever. And Natsu... boy, did I cause trouble with that man. We were almost constantly competing on who was better at handling fire, but the dude eats fire, which I consider cool.
Shit, I'm rambling. Anyways! As I was saying. The second world I was cruelly thrown into was a strange one. It was more... modern. Futuristic? I'm not sure. I just knew it was a lot more... calm. I know I was thrown into a nation called Korea; it's divided by South and North. It was an experience, I tell you. I was called many things because of my style. I didn't even know what they meant until I found a convenient device called a smartphone, basically a more useful Den Den Mushi, the snails we used back in my homeworld to communicate over long distances. If I get called for "mansplaining" one more time, I'm gonna lose it. Anyway, things did get bad when this kid Lee Ja-In called, and a girl named Ah Leesu caused chaos in multiple nations, especially Korea. The military went insane with their existence. And the fact that "superpowers," as they called it, were something only heard of in books, movies, and things that aren't real. I fell into the line of "freak" when I was discovered saving a family from being caught in a crossfire when those two were residing on a small island because North Korea recklessly kept attacking them, and a gas that was deflected by this kid was pushed into a city block that killed a few dozen citizens. I was pretty discriminated against just by having "powers." It was a... unique experience, yeah...
Continuing with this small recap of why I'm here. The third world I was suddenly thrown into, I crashed into a place called Demacia. Wow, that place hates visitors. Well, I got into a shitload of trouble just by being near the border, and because I am how I am, I, of course, got mad. I was already in a sour mood because of my last adventure in Korea, and once again, I was being screamed at. Ugh, seriously, what is wrong with these worlds? Anyways, the troublemaking didn't last long because something that I've never seen before occurred. It was so bizarre I thought I was finally going insane. But two worlds were MERGING! How do I know that? I... really don't know myself; that knowledge just appeared in my head. It's weird. I've been feeling weird since I got here. I feel like I'm... connected to someone. I know exactly where they are. This is strange; everything in this damn world is strange. But if whoever I'm connected with knows what's going on, I'll get my answers because I'm done being so damn lost on everything.
It's time to know what is going on.
...
...
...
In the heart of a dense forest, a man lay sprawled on the ground, appearing to be in a state of slumber. His body twitched intermittently, as if ensnared in a haunting nightmare. In the recesses of his dreams, vivid flashes of blood and faces tormented him. The landscape depicted boundless devastation, an echo of the consequences of his actions. It was all his doing.
He had ceased to care, heedlessly plunging into the battlefield to execute his assigned task. Verify the anomaly, confirm the anomaly, and delete the anomaly – a mechanical refrain dictated by his subconscious. The connections he forged were merely a means to pass the time until his duty was fulfilled. Whether they lived or died seemed inconsequential; they would forget him, or perhaps perish because of him. Yet, amidst these contemplations, a disquieting realization crept in – the realization of the inhumanity inherent in his approach. He questioned whether he had descended so far that he no longer valued the characters' significance, their roles in the unfolding narrative.
This solitary path he treaded was one of profound isolation, a deliberate distancing from others to prevent their inevitable suffering. Chrona and Peter, fellow "Guardians," offered a semblance of understanding, providing a shared burden that allowed him to lean on them. The rest could remain indifferent, for they could never grasp the weight of their existence. However, recent events had stirred a dormant introspection within him. Should he now unseal his guarded heart, exposing vulnerabilities, or persist as a two-faced figure, concealing emotions behind the façade of his duty? The choice loomed, urging him to confront the dichotomy within.
((Karito) He slowly opens his eyes. "Ugh... Where... Where are we?"
(Toxin) "It seems that we have failed to stop the unification of the two universes."
(Karito) He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. "Fucking hell... This is just going to be extremely problematic."
(Toxin) Annoyance. "Maybe if you controlled yourself, maybe we could've had a chance."
(Karito) "I don't need a damn lecture from you." His fist clenches.
(Toxin) "I'm not giving you a lecture; I'm just asking you 'what the fuck' was all of that?"
(Karito) "Just let it go, Toxin! What's the fucking point about talking about a character that won't remember me? Her other version died, and this one won't remember me."
(Toxin) "That doesn't matter anymore. I am upset at how you handled that; that's what I'm angry about."
(Karito) "I don't want to talk about it."
(Toxin) "Yes, you are. You have been doing nothing but complaining ever since the Infinity War, and you got worse after the Russian Sleep Experiment. You think I didn't notice the constant negative feelings you've pent up? I don't even recognize the guy who valued so much. What the hell happened? You used to be so bright, and now you're like a machine who just does the same thing over and over again."
(Karito) His voice cracks. "Man, give me a break! I didn't ask for any of this! Do you have any idea how it feels to be forced to do this?! Everything I said before was me convincing myself of something! That I am meant for something! But the longer I do this, I just feel like it's just pointless. This negativity is not going to end! I feel like I'm on an endless cycle of War. And it's suffocating! So many expectations from everyone are suffocating. It's just... I don't know..." Breathes heavily.
(Toxin) "Perhaps..."
(Karito) "Perhaps what?" He remarks harshly.
(Toxin) "We need a bit of a break."
(Karito) "Do you know how stupid that sounds? A Guardian having a break inside enemy territory? You asking for us to be killed? Let me remind you that because the Darks were successful in the infusion, they turned this world into a Dark-infested one."
(Toxin) "Yeah... you're right, but still..."
(Karito) He stands up and looks around the forest. "What now?" He asked with irritation.
(Toxin) "Be fucking considerate. Sure, everyone here is a fictional character, but that doesn't mean that you should just treat them as disposables. Or did you forget that your existence makes them more 'human'? If you get what I'm saying."
(Karito) Starts walking where he senses civilization. "... I don't know about that, Toxin."
(Toxin) "You aren't a plague, Karito."
(Karito) "It sure does feel that way."
(Toxin) "So you're just gonna continue being two-faced?"
(Karito) "If it keeps my sanity and their lives safe, then yes."
(Toxin) "I wonder how Chrona and Peter would react to this if they heard it."
(Karito) "Don't you fucking dare."
(Toxin) "Or what? You're gonna freeze me inside a dimension with below negative temps? What you really need is Chrona slamming some sense into you. She's been the only one you've listened to, and that's barely."
(Karito) "Tch..."
(Toxin) "That's what I thought. I fucking hope this mission teaches you a lesson. Because if I can't reach into you, maybe life will teach you the hard way."
(Karito) Forces Toxin to shut up and sighs audibly. "I'm so tired..."
As the Guardian continued his determined stride guided by his heightened senses, he elected to engage in a cursory survey of the surrounding environment. The forest enveloping him pulsated with magic, as if imbued with a life force of its own. Drawing upon his knowledge of the League of Legends lore, Karito astutely discerned his location, finding himself amidst the vibrant realm of Ionia. A sigh of relief escaped him, grateful to have avoided the tense scrutiny often directed at visitors in Noxus and similar domains. Ionia, at least, held a familiarity and a set course of action for him.
Expanding his sensory awareness, he pinpointed his destination – the Placidium of Navori. However, uncertainty lingered regarding the potential alterations the fusion of two worlds might have wrought upon this cherished locale. Mentally preparing himself for the prospect of encountering characters whose personalities may deviate from established lore, Karito gazed skyward. With the assistance of his magnetism, he gracefully ascended into the air. Enhanced eyesight granted him a panoramic view of the entirety of Ionia. Seizing the opportunity, he directed Toxin to capture a mental image of the surroundings before gracefully alighting on the ground.
Opting for a more deliberate approach, he resolved not to hasten his actions. Having faltered in preventing the fusion, his focus shifted to understanding the means of cleansing this world. Concealing his presence, he intended to wander inconspicuously until he unearthed the answers he sought. Boredom prompted him to indulge in a detour, detecting a nearby presence that beckoned investigation before he proceeded to the Placidium.
(Toxin) "Where do you feel like going?"
(Karito) "I sense a slight disturbance nearby. Wasn't the Garden near us?"
(Toxin) "Now that you mention it, yes. The Garden of Dreaming. And there is a disturbance going on there. We should stop it."
(Karito) "I can't catch a break. Damn it. Because this world is now a Dark world, many visitors can come and go as they please."
(Toxin) "Wasn't there also a character from the lore in that area?"
(Karito) "Shit, that's true."
(Toxin) "And do me a favor and-"
(Karito) "Yeah, yeah. I'll... try."
(Toxin) "You aren't reading the stories nor making one anymore; you are inside them. They are people too."
(Karito) "...Right..."
...
...
...
??? Pov
I don't know what's going on. The area just suddenly shifted, as if some sort of curse is spreading around. Mother Tree has also fallen sick, very sick. I'm so worried. This power feels like nothing I've ever felt. It's so intoxicating and foreign that the magic in the forest is becoming corrupt. But, it's not like this is the first occurrence; I don't know why, but everything feels wrong. Like something is twisting everything in the wrong direction with its mere presence, but then another force is doing the opposite, fixing it? Ahhh! I don't know how to explain it! It hurts my head just to think about it!
I clumsily fell on my butt.
My whole body is shaking; whatever this power is, it's opening near Mother Tree. I-I need to protect her!
But just as I say that, the air itself seems to contort, and a rift opens up. A monstrous roar comes through it, sending shivers down my spine. And then, a red monster with wings comes through it. It's large, with a spiny, armored hide covering its body. Its outer shell is bright with vibrant colors. It is primarily bright red, with black markings throughout. In addition, its long, thick tail features a heavy spiked club at the end. Just what is this?! I-I can't defeat it! Its presence feels like it shouldn't even belong in this world, but it simply doesn't care.
Its gaze falls upon me, as if I was its intended target, and it roars towards me. I can't let it attack first; I can't run away because Mother Tree is here! I won't let it damage this forest!
I will make it fall asleep, and I will deal large damage to it! Yeah! I'll do that! A hit and run tactic!
I dodge its fireballs and cast my magic; I throw swirling seeds towards it. As I wanted, it gets slightly distracted from it, as if it was just swatting it away with annoyance. But it's not taking me seriously! I'm shy and clumsy, but I shouldn't be underestimated! Dummy! Once I got close, I casted my lullaby to make it fall asleep. But something unexpected happened. My magic got cursed, and I was blasted by an unknown force from this monster.
My attack didn't do anything?! W-What?! What the heck is that?! That's unfair!
It's coming towards me! No! I-I don't taste good!
I'm sorry!
Eep!
I closed my eyes, tears streaming down my cheeks.
Please! Someone! Anyways!
...
What? Why don't I hear anything?
I lifted my gaze, opening my teary eyes, and my eyes widened at what I saw.
An angel... A man... had caught this monster's snout with one hand while looking down at me.
(Karito) "Are you okay?"
(???) Blushes and stutters "I-I um, I aaaaa ummm..."
(Karito) His hand shifts barely "Hold on, this Rathalos is being annoying."
(???) "Ratha wha-?"
As if I couldn't have been more shocked, the man, with godlike strength, lifted the entire monster high in the air, and electricity swirled around him. And with power, unlike any I've seen, he completely engulfed the entire monster with his power. Its energy blast pierced the skies and detonated. He had easily dealt with that monster...
Who... Who is he... And why does he feel so...
Sad?
...
...
...
The Guardian lowered his arm, concluding the elimination of the Dark Rathalos. Memories of hunting similar Wyverns in Monster Hunter World on his console crossed his mind. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, focusing on the task at hand. Turning around, he observed the League of Legends character in front of him, who gazed at him with admiration. Internally sighing, he attributed it to his Guardian charisma, drawing characters towards him effortlessly. Examining her appearance, she possessed a slender Fae Fawn body with animalistic features, adorned with plant elements such as flowers on her head. Below her waist, a deer-like body with brownish fur extended, and she had long lilac and blue hair, large ears, and four deer legs. Wearing only a leaf-made top in a green palette, her most distinctive ornament was the flower bud on her head, and she held a magical branch in hand. Despite resembling a Vastaya, the Guardian knew she wasn't one.
(Karito) He asks again, "Are you hurt?"
(???) "Eep!" She looks down shyly. "U-Um... no..."
(Karito) "You don't have to fear me; I promise that I won't hurt you. Heck, I was never going to anyway."
(???) She slowly looks at him still blushing. "U-Um... okay..."
(Karito) Thoughts: "I forgot that she's pretty shy, even apologizing when hitting her enemies in the game." He speaks, "May I know your name?"
(Lillia) She stutters, "M-My name... is Lillia."
(Karito) He smiles, "Hello, Lillia. My name is Karito. I'm glad I made it in time to help."
(Lillia) Thoughts: "Oh no! Why is he hot?!" Speaks: "I-I um... thank you..."
(Karito) "I guess I should leave. I don't want to intrude for too long."
Lillia, for some inexplicable reason, harbored an aversion to his departure. The aura he exuded enveloped her in a sense of safety. However, while discerning his emotions proved nearly impossible due to his formidable defenses, the predominant sentiment that permeated through was an unending sorrow. The overwhelming sadness piqued Lillia's curiosity about the identity of this enigmatic being. Moreover, she felt an inherent obligation to extend proper gratitude for his act of salvation. Summoning her courage, she resolved to intercept him in his tracks.
(Lillia) Shouts, "W-Wait!"
(Karito) Flinches and looks back. "Is something wrong?"
(Lillia) "L-Let me p-properly t-thank you f-for saving me!" She looks down shyly. "I-If you want..."
(Karito) Thoughts: "Damn, she's shy as heck." Speaks: "I guess that's fine."
(Lillia) Squeaks happily. "Ah! F-Follow me then!" She leads the way back to her abode.
(Karito) Thoughts: "I guess I'll be camping tonight." He sighs.
...
...
...
Ace Pov
You know, if I actually knew where I was, I would be making progress. But forget about getting my answers. The moment I opened my eyes and looked around, I was inside a prison... well, this brings back unpleasant memories. What the hell did I spawn into now? Looking around my surroundings, I spotted what I assumed were Gladiators by how they look. I've seen a couple of movies in the previous world so my mindset has change... a lot. Also, I'm hearing a lot of people right above me. The hell is going on?
(Gladiator) "Hehe. Victory shall be mine and I'll raise the ranks!"
Great, we've got a bloodthirsty individual. I can already see plenty of those in here. Just my luck, it seems I'm gonna have to fight my way out of here. But I feel like I'll cause too much of a ruckus. While tempting, I'm going to reserve myself this time. Ever since I opened my eyes, this world has a strange feeling, like something that is eating up the world, heck, everything. So, I guess I shall have a bit of fun here. I don't sense anyone remotely close to my level. I'm going to be very observant on how this place operates, and I'll see what happens.
(Announcer) "Welcome, people of Noxus! Today we will start the tournament of Strength! Whoever wins shall rise through the ranks, and their status will be glorified! Today we have an interesting bunch. So, to thin things out, we will start with a Free For All! Once 10 fighters remain, we will do one-on-one matches! So who's ready for BLOOD!!!"
(Crowd) Cheers loudly "LET'S FUCKING GO!/ HURRY UP, GET THIS STARTED ALREADY!/ LET'S GO!/ Damn... I'm hungry."
So it seems a tournament is going on, and because of my luck, I was forced into it. Well, whatever, this seems like fun anyway. Might as well kick everyone's ass here. HA! I'm fired up!
(Announcer) "LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!"
The gates violently open revealing a mob of fighters entering the arena and start to pummel each other senseless. I remain hidden, just looking at the chaos going on in front of me. No use wasting energy on small fry so I'm just gonna chill and-
Just as I was about to lean against a wall, a crazed fighter wildly swung his sword towards me but I just easy dodge it with my eyes closed and throw a cross-punch that landed on his jaw, knocking him out in one blow. Well that was easy, skill issue. Anyways, using my Devil fruit will be a bit excessive... but it sound very tempting... should I?
Nah, if theirs one thing I learned from jumping to world to world is to first observe and then act. good thing my friends from the past world I was taught me on my impulsive behavior I would display a lot of the time.
...
...
...
I'm sorry, Lucy, but I'm throwing your teachings out the window. I'm getting bored!
Time to chew ass and beat gum!
Wait... I don't think that meme went like that... WHATEVER!
So, what should I use? Shoot fire at them? A wall of fire? My famous burning fist?
Hmm, no actually. While I don't use them too much, I shouldn't get too rusty. Though I'm anything but rusty, I've just been getting stronger and stronger. I'll hold back for the sake of the audience, just leaving the radios in the stage. So, I'll use this...
(Ace) "Conquerors Haki..."
(Replace Luffy with Ace and the Fishmen with the Gladiators.)
As I open my eyes, a wave of power shot out of me. My Haki engulfed all of the fighters inside the arena, and 95% of them dropped down to the floor, completely knocked out. Only, and by pure coincidence, 10 had remained barely standing up. Well, I did hold back quite a bit, but to think a few would manage to stand up, though barely. And here comes the silence and shock.
(Announcer) "W-What the hell just happened?! Everyone just dropped like flies?!"
...
...
...
Darius Pov
Today marked the beginning of the tournament, where we typically scout potential soldiers for our army. Nothing too grandiose had happened, and no one peculiar had appeared, much to my disappointment. However, today felt quite curious. I couldn't explain the feeling. It was drawing me and my fellow companions into the arena. I can't explain this phenomenon, but if the tournament was actually going to bring something interesting today, I shall observe it this once.
It first started as usual, nothing out of the ordinary. Just a few fighters slashing at each other mindlessly, while a few actually used their brains. But there was one individual that was particularly strange. The strange feeling was emanating from him. But why is that? He's just hiding in a corner, but... he doesn't look fazed. Even when he was attacked, he wasn't even bothered, and like the fighter was nothing but a mere joke, he was defeated in a single blow.
I was getting impatient; this man has more than meets the eye. This eerie feeling that I get from him is the reason why. Honestly, I'm debating if I should just enter the arena just to have my questions answered.
But as I contemplated, that's where a source of power, completely foreign to me, emanated from that man. This pressure, while focused on the arena, experienced warriors know better. Whatever that was, it was supernatural. And the scale of such power had dropped every single fighter inside the arena like flies, their wills totally shattered by such pressure. Only a few managed to stay up, but only barely. This... power came from that man. He looks competently relaxed, like this is nothing but a mere flex from him. He's not even taking this seriously.
But whoever he is, he is interesting.
...
...
...
The crowd fell into a stunned silence, their faces mirroring the shock of witnessing the extraordinary spectacle before them. The once formidable fighters were now rendered incapacitated, and those who managed to stand were mere remnants of their former selves. However, amidst the sprawling heaps of bodies that blanketed the arena, one man emerged, bearing a distinctive tattoo on his left arm and tipping his hat in a cowboy fashion. He stood alone, unwavering, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
The announcer, his initial shock gradually giving way to a nervous realization, felt beads of sweat cascading down his forehead. His momentary lapse was interrupted when a crimson-haired woman strolled past him, her gaze filled with curiosity. She had sensed that unparalleled power and was determined to discover the identity of the individual who had so effortlessly demonstrated it. As the announcer gathered his wits, he noticed the gathering of notable figures in the arena: Darius, the battle-hardened leader of Noxus; Katarina, the empire's most elite assassin; and Draven, whose eyes appeared on the verge of popping out of their sockets.
In response to this unprecedented display, the announcer reluctantly declared the end of the Free-For-All battle.
(Announcer) "W-Wow! It seems that we have a powerhouse mixed in here! Who would've thought?! It seems that today it will be the birth of a warrior who'll leave mountains of bodies with just his mere gaze! How extraordinary!" Still shaken.
(Katarina) Interrupts, "I want to fight him."
(Announcer) "E-Excuse me?" Startled.
(Darious) "Yes, that's actually a good idea."
(Draven) "Holy shit! For real?! Yeah, now this is what I'm talkin' about! Show us a real fight, Kat!"
(Katarina) Ignores him.
(Announcer) "U-Um... Citizens! It seems that we have an existing sudden event! The formidable assassin, Katarina, the best of the best, is joining the fight! And she challenges the fighter that, with a mere gesture, had annihilated all the fighters! Fighter, what is your name?!"
(Ace) "Me? Names Ace, remember that!"
(Announcer) "Alright! Next match, Ace vs Katarina! Who will be the winner in this bloody fight?! Let's! Get! STARTED!"
With astonishing agility, Katarina gracefully descended from the spectator's seat, her landing in the heart of the arena marking the commencement of the impending clash. A subtle smile played on her lips as she meticulously observed Ace, her eyes scanning him from head to toe. In response, additional soldiers swiftly maneuvered through the unconscious bodies of the defeated fighters, clearing the battleground for the impending duel. Ace, maintaining a composed demeanor, studied his new adversary with a practiced eye. Before the skirmish could erupt into action, he initiated a dialogue with the battle-hardened warrior standing before him.
(Ace) "May I know my opponent's name?" He asks with courtesy.
(Katarina) "You may call me Katarina. So how about it, Ace? Shall we dance?"
(Ace) "Go easy on me; I might melt."
(Katarina) "Just don't disappoint."
(Ace) "Me? Never."
(Katarina) "Let's begin."
Katarina skillfully hurled her blade towards Ace, who deftly leaned to the right, narrowly evading the deadly projectiles. However, he immediately sensed her disappearance, activating his observation Haki. Swiftly pivoting around, Ace intercepted the incoming blades, averting the imminent threat. Observing Katarina's ambidextrous proficiency, he made a mental note of her versatility.
Initiating a counterattack, Ace aimed a front kick, but the nimble assassin effortlessly evaded, countering with a precise side kick. To her surprise, the impact felt like striking a solid steel barrier. Moments later, her astonishment deepened as flames emerged from Ace. Engulfing his fist in fiery intensity, he delivered a downward smash, triggering an explosive eruption of flames that engulfed the arena like a volcanic surge.
The spectators were left in sheer disbelief as Katarina narrowly avoided the scorching assault by strategically placing her blade in a distant corner. The entire stage radiated intense heat, reminiscent of the presence of the sun itself. The ground beneath Ace was transformed into molten terrain, resembling flowing lava. Rising to his full height, Ace wore a perpetual smirk, casting an aura of confidence and mastery.
(Ace) "What's wrong? Scared?" He thinks, "It seems I got worried for nothing. I didn't even need armament haki. But I used it just in case. The thing is that I overestimated the people here. Have I gotten so powerful that no one here is a threat to me? Or is it something else? Ever since I started world hopping, I never seem to be on a power limit. Each fight, I seem to grow. Anyways, I'll worry about my strange existence and see where this takes me." He speaks, "I thought you said not to disappoint!"
(Katarina) Puzzled, she says, "You're a mage? Just what kind of power do you even have? It's nothing that I've ever seen."
(Ace) "Sorry, explaining that will take too long, and honestly, I'm too lazy to explain. So why don't we just... end this?"
In a display of unparalleled speed, Ace materialized beside Katarina, whose perception failed to register his presence in a mere second. Swiftly seizing the opportunity, Ace delivered a formidable punch to her stomach, rendering her unconscious. As her limp form descended towards the ground, Ace intercepted her descent with precision, cradling her unconscious body. The scorching aura that had enveloped him dissipated as if extinguished.
A collective gasp rippled through the spectators, their astonishment palpable at the remarkable spectacle they had just witnessed. In this moment, the emergence of an extraordinary force within the ranks of Noxus became undeniably apparent.
Peering into the distance from his chamber, Swain promptly dispatched his subordinates to relay a message to Darius, instructing him to escort the newfound warrior to his presence. The display of power exhibited by Ace had left a profound impression on Swain, sparking a glimmer of hope that this formidable individual might prove instrumental in shielding Noxus from the encroaching shadows, steadily advancing with each passing day.
...
...
...
In the ethereal expanse of the dream-filled forest, Karito and Lillia reached their final destination. Initially, the Guardian had underestimated the significance of what lay ahead, only to find his expectations defied. The so-called Dreaming Tree revealed itself not as a majestic natural structure but rather a tree house, now serving as Lillia's dwelling. Karito internally sighed, recognizing subtle alterations in the lore of this separate reality.
To his surprise, Lillia had taken on a more human form, forsaking her characteristic half-deer physique. He speculated that this transformation might be a considerate gesture toward him, perhaps stemming from her own insecurities. Regardless, Karito harbored no concerns about her appearance, finding it far from the aberrations he had encountered before. As expected, Lillia continued to exhibit extreme shyness in his presence, coupled with overwhelming kindness.
Following the brewing of tea, a process Karito tactfully chose not to scrutinize, he settled at the dining table and patiently awaited her return. During this brief interlude, he contemplated the distant sensation originating from Noxus. His thoughts dwelled on the nature of the entity responsible and why he perceived it as a potential ally. In the eventuality of their encounter, Karito envisioned engaging in a sophisticated conversation with this enigmatic individual who, intriguingly, emanated a presence and power akin to his own.
(Lillia) Hurriedly comes back with Karito's tea "I-I finished brewing t-the-" trips "a"
Swiftly and without a moment's hesitation, Karito employed his hyper senses to intercept the airborne tea and prevent Lillia from an undignified encounter with the floor. The Fae Fawn, caught off guard, teetered on the edge of embarrassment, her eyes poised to widen and her complexion threatening to match the vivid hue of a ketchup bottle. Internally sighing, Karito found himself lamenting the unintended consequence of his attempt to assist the delicate maiden.
(Karito) "You really should be more careful when walking." He drinks his tea.
(Lillia) Red as a tomato "Eep!" Stammers and stands upwards. "I-I'm sorry, it's b-been a while since I've taken a h-human form."
(Karito) "Why did you?" He tilts his head.
(Lillia) "I-I... um..." She twirls her hair with her fingers. "I-I thought it would be more... comfortable... for you..." She looks down.
(Karito) "You don't have to worry so much. I didn't mind. Not my first nor last time that I'll see someone with different body parts."
(Lillia) She tilts her head curiously. "Really? Have you met Ahri?"
(Karito) He doesn't know how to answer. "I've heard of her... so kind of." He thinks, "Too many KDA fanfictions in the Nexus..."
(Lillia) Her face brightens. "Oh! I can tell you all about her!"
(Karito) He thinks, "Oh, fuck, I think I just got myself in for a rant..." He speaks, "Sure, go ahead. It's not like I have anything else better to do."
He regrets such choice...
2 hours later...
Night time
Karito found himself in a whirlwind of information as Lillia, the once-shy girl, unleashed a torrent of details about her friends. It was like a two-hour crash course on everyone in her social circle. To cope, Karito employed the ancient art of the "supportive hand under the chin" maneuver—his attempt at staying awake and attentive. As Lillia continued her saga, he battled valiantly against the looming threat of dozing off, employing his hand as both a shield and a crutch for his sleepy head. In a stroke of comedic timing, Lillia, with her magical intuition, sensed his impending nap and mercifully wrapped up her exhaustive tale. Karito, grateful for the reprieve, silently applauded his own endurance against the relentless onslaught of friend facts.
(Lillia) "Oh no! I'm sorry, I didn't shut up and bored you~," she whines. "I'm such a terrible server!" Her whining intensifies.
(Karito) "Lillia... It's fine. Don't worry about it. It was interesting to know of your friends. If I ever meet them, it will be easier to talk to them," he smiles.
(Lillia) Thoughts: "He's so nice~." Internally squeaks.
(Karito) Thoughts: "I wanna sleep..." Speaks: "By the way..."
(Lillia) "Hm?" She tilts her head.
(Karito) "I think I'll excuse myself. I'm thankful to have been your guest and-"
(Lillia) Visible panic. "W-Wait!"
(Karito) Sighs. "Yeah?"
(Lillia) Thoughts: "I... Don't want him to go... he's so nice and... he saved me. I feel like I need to do more... if... I can help him... from whatever darkness he's feeling... I... would be proud. Because what I wished before of... helping humans bloom... I can help him..." Speaks: "You can stay here..." She blushes.
(Karito) "Take me to dinner first, damn."
(Lillia) Turns completely red. "W-WAIT! I-I-I DIDN'T M-MEAN IT LIKE T-T-T-THAT!" Panic. "NOOO~!"
(Karito) Snorts. "Pfff...Hahaha!!!"
(Lillia) Covers her face. "NOOO! D-DON'T LAUGH!"
(Karito) "Lillia, I'm joking. I just had to mess with you. I'm sorry."
(Lillia) Shocked. "WHA-! Y-YOU!" Pouts. "MEANIE!" Turns away and walks to her room. "You're sleeping on the couch!"
Karito, adorned with a self-satisfied smirk, observes the champion gracefully withdrawing to her quarters. The mantle of a Guardian, he reflects, does indeed facilitate meaningful connections with key personalities. Fortuitously, he crossed paths with Lillia—a character characterized by both shyness and overwhelming kindness. Leveraging his exceptional hacking abilities, Karito effortlessly orchestrates a comprehensive hygiene cleanse, embracing the newfound versatility of his digital prowess. In the moments preceding his imminent lounge in the living room, he feels compelled to extend his sincere appreciation to the gracious host of this unique abode.
(Karito) "Hey, Lillia?"
(Lillia) Stops her march and looks towards her guest. "Y-Yes?"
(Karito) "Thank you." He smiles.
(Lillia) Blushes. "U-Um... N-No problem... G-Goodnight!" She disappears.
As their discourse reached its conclusion, Karito emitted a subtle sigh, succumbing to the plush embrace of the sofa. The fabric, possessing a softness akin to that of a celestial cloud, beckoned him into a realm of potential repose. Reclining upon its surface, he directed his gaze upward, delving once more into the recesses of his contemplative thoughts.
(Karito) "Just who the hell is this... Guardian..."
To be continued...