6 Arrival of a Troublesome Lady

-Oh, you see...- said Ezreal before he ate a portion of Ssam, eating with gusto, as if he hadn't eaten for at least a day -... wow this thing is good. Anyways, I heard of a flying fortress coming towards Ionia, and I thought it would be my opportunity to explore some ruins here until it arrived.-

Once Aiden heard the blonde's explanation he understood that Syndra was getting closer. He still wasn't really sure of how he would deal with her, but he knew he had to convince her, be it through whatever means necessary, that with him in Ionia she didn't need to fear using her powers. Looking at the blond, Aiden was sure that he already had some places in mind to visit. Wanting to know more of the never mentioned lore of Ionia, he decided to accompany him in his exploration of said ruins and sacred places. With those thoughts in mind, the raven-haired answered.

-I don't mind you exploring Ionia, as she is vast and her mysteries are not few- he smirked a bit before he continued, earning a wry smile from the blonde -However, I and someone else will accompany you during your explorations-

Those words said, Ezreal could only sigh. He knew that he had no other chance but to aquiesce Aiden's rule, lest he was forced to leave Ionia. Sighing once again, the blonde nodded his head in acceptance, before asking who would be joining them on their explorations.

-Oh, I have the perfect person in mind...- said Aiden, smirking mischievously while he directed a glare to Akali, who in turn began shaking her head from side to side, clearly against the idea.

-No, no, no, no and no a million times again- she said, each time faster than the previous -First of all I don't take orders from you, nor anyone. Second, who will do my job if I'm not here?!-

Aiden just chuckled, seeing how The Rogue Assassin seemed to fall for his teasing. He had no intentions of taking Akali with them. Mainly because it would be detrimental for their future relationship, as forcing her would put him under a negative light. He had his mind on someone else entirely, someone who knew much more of the history of Ionia and had a connection with her almost as deep as his.

-Karma, would you do me this favour?- he said while smiling softly at the tanned woman. She was rather surprised to be called for said task, but she could also understand why he would ask her before anyone else. She was more understanding than most when it came to leaving the customs of the past behind. Even with the spirit of Karma inside of her, she was still in control of her own decisions.

-How long do you think this will take?- The Elightened asked, not really keen on leaving her place for too long. Aiden, feeling her slight reluctance, immediately explained the current situation in Ionia and how long it could take to put everything in place again.

Basically, Ionia was now a land without rules. The Navori Brotherhood acted without restraint because of the passive approach of both the Ruling Council and the Kinkou Order. Zed's Shadow Order did whatever it wanted because of their ellusive nature and their strength that rivaled that of the Kinkou Order.

Taking those into consideration, Aiden explained his idea of how Ionia could work if everything went right. He planned to keep the Kinkou order around as a law enforcing group, similar to what Caitlyn and Vi did in Piltover. Akali would be their main force, dealing with things that went down in shadier areas and with less clues on the case. Shen, Kennen and the rest would deal with more "daylight" problems and would mainly search and capture members of the Shadow Order.

The rest of the council would take it into their own hands to strike down the Navori Brotherhood, and Aiden admitted at this point that he had a more personal reason to personally take a hand on said matter -I can't forgive them, ever. They didn't do anything to me, but... they have tried to kill Irelia, and I can't forgive that-

He hadn't notices it himself, but he had released a bit of his power unconsciously at the thought of the Brotherhood. Karma was sure that he would've done the same for any of the people in Ionia, and Akali was glad that there was finally someone who would actively act against the danger groups on their lands.

Ezreal, who had been listening to their conversation intently, was slightly surprised when he found out about Aiden's plans for Ionia. He had heard that the people here were of a pacifist nature, but it would seem like not everyone was like that. The one thing he didn't doubt was that Aiden was more than capable enough to pull off what he just said. If the rumours about his strenght were true... than he was the only one capable. Still, his objective remained the same. Exploring as many ruins and abandoned places as he could.

*

It was after their breakfast and a short conversation that they finally left Aiden's house and, once outside, Akali parted ways with the group. Once they had walked a bit throught the Ionian City's streets, everyone who was attuned to the mystical side of Runeterra felt a sudden spike of magical power. Aiden immediately looked up to the sky and found what he had been waiting for. The key to see if he was truly capable. Someone though, wasn't as happy as he was.

-You called her to Ionia?!- a raging Karma half asked half screamed at Aiden. He simply smiled wryly, already expecting many people to be mad at him for it. He had, after all, called a "monster" born from Ionia and because of Ionians. Even if they didn't see it that way.

-Calm down, Karma. She wasn't created by her own darkness, but by the fear of those around her- said Aiden, keeping his cool even in front of the furious beauty -And I plan to be the one to understand her. Should it be impossible, I have no qualms in doing what I have to do-

He then looked at Ezreal and smirked evilly. The blonde had arrived at the perfect time, since the first place he would get to explore literally came to them. Aiden knew that he wouldn't refuse the chance to get inside a magical flying fortress, as dangerous as it sounded. He had been in Shurima before, and he was able to come back, after all. How much more dangerous could Syndra and her fortress be?

Well, when someone is actively trying to kill YOU... things are bound to be different than traps in ruins. But Ezreal didn't have to know that, right?