Amumu- The Forgotten One (Edited)
So after rereading my story I posted the other day and cringing at all the errors in it, I went back through and worked them all out, added a few more lines, made some things more clear. I hope you guys enjoy :)
"Today is the day!" Amumu thought to himself, "Today is the day that I become an Ambassador!". For as long as he could remember Amumu dreamed of going to the great city of the east, Shurima. As a young Yordle, Amumu was starstruck with stories of a grand city bathed in a sunny glow, streets paved with gold and everyone wearing the finest of silks. Amumu had been waiting patiently, studying all the information he had about the customs and ways of Shurima. The relationship between Yordle Land and Shurima was nonexistent, both knew of each other, but chose not to pursue anything, or at least that is what the council would have you believe. What little information Yordle Land had would have to do for Amumu had a goal. Like other brave Yordles he wanted to become an Ambassador, sent off to a far away city and create a new bond between them and his home land. Thus far the only city Yordle Land had not had dealings with was Shurima, but that was going to change. Armed with countless tiny books of notes in his trusty backpack and his weapons of choice, two ebony whips, he was ready to ask the council for the chance to prove himself and visit the city of his dreams in the process.
Amumu was nervous as he walked down the road to the town hall, it was a rather large building by Yordle standards. Two statues of Yordle's clad in armor stood watch outside, they were less of show pieces and more of a reminder that while Yordles appear to be cute and soft, they have a fiercely loyal side that they are more than willing to demonstrate. Amumu took a deep breath and walked up to the doors. As Amumu pushed them open, he saw the council of Yordle elders debating amongst themselves. The council was a collection of the eldest of the Yordles in Yordle Land, each considered the wisest in their field, from lore to smithing and so on. Amumu slowly crept forward down the hall, observing the fine artwork before stopping and admiring a huge statue behind the elders grand table. The statue was made of solid gold showing a collection of Yordles in various victorious poses. Amumu stood there for a time, both admiring the statue and listening to the council. While he couldn't make out what they were saying, he could tell by the flicking of their tails and the banging on the table, it was not good. Amumu took a gulp and stepped forward.
"Excuse me.." Amumu said in a very low and nervous tone.
Amumu had never approach the council before, never asked anything from them. Amumu's hands began to tremble.
"Excuse me!" he said, much louder this time but still the council bickered on.
Growing impatient, Amumu unfurled his whips and slapped the ground with them, filling the air with a piercing crack. All the members of the council turned and gawked at this young Yordle.
Finally seeing he had their attention Amumu spoke at last. "Excuse me, I am here about the ambassador position to Shurima." The faces of the council grew sour, it was well know that the council didn't hate Shurima, but they didn't like them either. The council members each took their seats at the grand table. A scruffy old Yordle at the head of the table spoke firmly.
"Why is it you wish to go to Shurima, we have no business with them, nor do we need any."
"I disagree" spoke Amumu, "I have been studying all the information we have and I think that they have a lot of trade that can greatly benefit us all." The council did not seem impressed so he continued. "I have learned everything about them, about their history and culture, even about their great emperor Azir.." Another Yordle, this time a woman at the opposite end of the table spoke out, interrupting Amumu. "Great!? HA! That pompous bird of a emperor couldn't put on his sandals without help, he is no more fit to be a leader than a troll." One by one the other council members spoke in agreement, each adding their own insult, but to Amumu this was personal, he has always dreamed of the day he could be allowed to leave and go to Shurima and he was not about to be stopped. As the members of the council clucked and laughed with each other, Amumu drew his whips, swung them around and with a quick flick of his wrists latched himself onto the grand statue and pulled himself to it in a flash, landing on the table he was now eye to eye with the leader of the council. While the others in attendance were slack jawed and stunned at such a sight, the head of the council smirked, but was not amused.
"You are just like that Azir, if you don't have your way you get in peoples faces and threaten them, you two are nothing but bullies!"
"Then maybe I shouldn't be here anymore, and with your word, I will leave and prove you all wrong. Shurima and Azir are great and through me we will create a bond between our cities that will last lifetimes over!"
The old Yordle smirked again, "Fine, if you want to die a fool, that is your choice, you are free to go but do not ever come back, you may look like a Yordle but you are now dead to us, you are now no better than other Shuriman scum"
Amumu loosened his whips on the statue, climbed off the table, nodded at the council and headed off, to the east. As Amumu walked farther and farther away from Yordle Land he wondered if he had made the right choice, if all of this was worth it, he wondered if he turned back now if they would let him back in, but he couldn't turn back now, he had spent so many years wanting to pursue this dream and now it lay before him. Amumu grinned to himself, readjusted his pack and marched onward.
Hours turned into days, days into weeks, the journey was long and tiresome. Amumu knew the journey would not be easy but he didn't think it would be THIS hard. Luckily all that studying had prepared him and he brought plenty of food and water, however even that was starting to run out. Amumu's throat started to become dry and his belly rumbled for food that he didn't have. Amumu sat down for a moment and pulled out his map.
"Well according to this.....wait this doesn't look right, I should be HERE and I'm here". Amumu dropped the map on the ground and hanged his head in his hands, he was very lost. Just as things couldn't seem to get worse, a strong wind rose and grabbed his map, hurling and tossing it into the sky. Amumu gave chase after it, pleading for it to come down but the wind would not listen to his prayers and swept it away into the distance. Discouraged, disappointed and slowly starving to death, Amumu dragged himself through the sand dunes, having lost all hope of ever fulfilling his dreams. The sun beat down on Amumu, making his already tired feet drag even more. This was it, this is how it would end, Amumu could feel death closing in around him and couldn't fight it anymore and collapsed into the burning sand.
A cool breeze crossed Amumu's face and for a moment he thought this is what death was like, until he could start hearing voices, soft at first then louder and louder. Slowly Amumu opened his eyes to see a group of people standing around him, all of them clad in beautiful silks and fair skin.
"Am I dead?" Amumu asked. The crowd giggled and laughed, before a large voice broke through and made the crowd disperse.
"You nearly were little one". As Amumu's vision refocused he saw a tall man wearing golden armor with the symbol of a sun dial on his chest, at his sides stood two heavily armored bodyguards. Amumu gulped and thought what hell had he woken up in, the man saw the fear on the poor Yordle's face and motioned for them to leave. The man then stepped forward and sat on the bed next to Amumu's. The man only looked at him for a time, obviously never having seen a Yordle, or at least a real one before. The man spoke at last.
"I am Azir, Emperor of Shurima, it is by the grace of the divines that we found you. We were out on a hunt when we saw you collapse. I thought you were some sort of large squirrel at first but as one of my guardsmen informed me, you were a Yordle instead. You have traveled a long way from Yordle Land, tell me what brings you to my city?" Amumu was in awe, this is it, everything he had dreamed of, by the will of the divines he had arrived in Shurima and not only that, he was face to face with the emperor himself! Amumu cleared his throat and spoke nervously. "It is a honor to meet you your majesty, I mean my lord, I mean emperor!" Even through his fur you could tell Amumu was red with embarrassment. Azir laughed and patted Amumu's head, "Its quite alright my little friend, this is probably a lot for you to take in, rest now, no doubt your journey was long and you must be exhausted." Azir stood up and left the room leaving Amumu alone. Amumu looked around and took in his surroundings, all the stories were true, the stones were smooth and cool to the touch, the pillars and molding were adorned with gold inlays. Even the room itself was full of decorative vases and pottery worth gold beyond imagining. Amumu sat still for a moment before leaping up and jumping around on the bed, he did it, he really did it, if only the fools of the council could see him now. He flopped onto the bed and grinned from ear to ear, closed his eyes and fell asleep.
A warm sun beam shined into Amumu's face, waking him from what seemed like days of slumber. He climbed out of bed and beheld a great feast of food before him, fruits, nuts and anything else you can imagine laid before him on this table, he had never seen so much food in one place. Amumu climbed into a chair and helped himself to the fruit and wine. Unbeknownst to the hungry Yordle, Azir watched in fascination as Amumu consumed a grand amount of food in mere moments. "Enjoying yourself?" he spoke at last. Amumu looked up and saw Azir, this time dressed in more regal looking clothing, golden necklaces, rings and blue silken clothes covered his body. Horrified by his animalistic behavior he stood up in the chair and bowed to Azir, accidentally banging his head on the table. Azir rushed over and helped Amumu sit back down.
"Are you hurt my friend?" Azir said comfortingly. Amumu nodded and apologized for his behavior. Azir only smiled "You need not apologize, you are hungry, please eat, this is all for you." Amumu looked at the table and then back at Azir with concerned eyes, "As much as you can that is". After a full meal Amumu felt much better and began to speak to Azir about the grandness of his city, how stunning it was and how he had dreamed of this moment. Azir smiled and thanked him humbly which took Amumu by surprise, never before had he meant any leader who was so powerful and rich as Azir was, and yet beyond humble. After a lengthy conversation the two set out and toured the kingdom. Azir showed him all the sights while Amumu's eyes grew wide by all he was seeing.
After hours of walking Azir pointed to a giant capital building and said "Welcome to my home." Amumu could not help but squeak with excitement. Azir smiled and laughed as the Yordle darted off towards it, Azir had never before met a Yordle, but Azir knew even then they would be great friends.
Months past and Amumu and Azir's friendship grew more and more close. First Azir would ask him for his opinions on practical matters, then more serious matters, before including him in meetings with his priests about the affairs and happenings of Shurima. It was known that many of the people and some of Azir's own priests did not care for the outsider, especially a Yordle to be included in such matters, but Azir cared not, Amumu was his friend and they would either learn to share in their friendship or hold their tongue. Amumu on the other hand saw the glares and felt the hate coming from people, he knew in some way that he was unwelcome but this is all he had ever wanted and with Azir by his side, he was safe.
Amumu made many attempts to contact Yordle Land, each letter telling them of his arrival and his friendship with Azir. Each letter he sent out, each letter was never responded to. Amumu slowly came to realize the fact that Yordle Land was no longer his home. Nobody there expected him to be alive and might be shocked that he was. And with Amumu saying him and Azir were friends would only fuel the council to spread lies that he had been corrupted by Azir. As time went on Amumu sent less and less letters until he never sent any ever again.
Shurima was his home now, for better or worse. But what Azir, nor Amumu knew, is that events were about to unfold that would test Amumu's loyalty to his friend and all the people of Shurima.
Betrayed, Xerath betrayed him. Azir was gone, vanished into the winds like sand. Shurima was leaderless and Azir had no sons of his own old enough to take the throne. Amumu grew paranoid by the day, what would happen to him with his best friend Azir gone and the city in a state of chaos. Would they find him and kill him? Would they banish him? All these thoughts and more raced through the young Yordle's mind before a knock at the door brought him back to reality. As he opened the door he was greeted by one of Azir's former bodyguards, instructing the Yordle to follow him to the throne room. As they entered Amumu could see the priests gathered around, some looked hopeful, others looked enraged. Before them on a small table was the crown of the emperor, the symbol of power to the people of Shurima. Amumu sat down at the table and waited to hear why he has been summoned.
" I will be blunt" the High Priest said. "There are those in the city below and in this very room that do not like your presence here. You are an outsider, a Yordle from a land that does not even wish to talk to us. These same people believe you to be untrustworthy and should be banished from this city." It was as Amumu feared, without Azir's protection he would be forced to leave, but just as he was about to plead his case the High Priest continued. " However, even these people would admit to the positive light you brought to Azir's life. He thought of you in many ways, he saw you as a friend, ally and a son. It is for this reason we have chosen to inform you of Azir's final words and the choice he has extended to you."
The High Priest walked forward and placed a piece of paper before Amumu, it was in Azir's hand writing.
"My dearest friend, if you are reading this it means something has happened to me and I am no longer among the living. I want you to know that the day I meant you I knew you would become my greatest friend and most trusting ally. In many ways I see you like a son, no doubt in part because of your size but I digress. Should this letter come at a time where my own sons are still too young to ascend to the throne, I leave the mantle to you. Amumu, I can think of no one better to lead Shurima onward after I am gone until the day my own sons may take the mantle for their own. You are brave, you are courageous and you are strong. The people have come to care for you as I have. Whatever you choose to do, know that I will always be with you and will guide you
Your friend, Azir."
Amumu began to weep, he had never lost a friend before and reading Azir's final words hurt him deeply, he missed Azir and wished that he could come back. The priests faces began to soften as they were moved by the tears of the Yordle, it was all the proof needed to show those with doubts about how Amumu felt, that he truly did care for Azir. The High Priest spoke, "The choice is yours. Will you take up the mantle of Emperor or do you leave the power to us until Azir's sons are ready?" Amumu was in no emotional state to decide anything, his tiny body filled with the sorrow of losing his only true friend, and anger towards Xerath who had taken Azir away for his own selfish purposes, but almost as if a sign from Azir himself, a cool breeze blew into the temple and surrounded Amumu, calming him. When Amumu turned around he spoke firmly, "I will accept the mantle and lead on in Azir's memory".
Despite Amumu's best efforts, it seemed no matter what he attempted to fix, three more things would go wrong. After Xeraths's betrayal, it seemed the city itself was beginning to be swallowed by the sands. Amumu was trying to lead as Azir did but nothing seemed to go right. He was afraid, would Azir be disappointed in him? Would the people seek his head and blame him for this? It mattered not, he accepted the title and the responsibility behind it, he had to try. Amumu first ordered the outlying ring of the kingdom to be emptied, then the middle ring, until all the citizens left were in the capital building. The smell of death and decay was heavy on the winds, those who were not already dead were slowly dying from lack of food and water.
Amumu was faced with a hard choice. If they stayed here in the capital they would all die, if they traveled to someplace new, they might have a chance, but there is no guarantee that they would make it, and even if they made it what would become of them. Worse still Amumu's own body began to become frail and weak. Days of eating foul food were taking its toll. He knew his time was running out. With what strength he had left he ordered the guards to instruct the people to gather what belongings they had and be ready to move out of the city and south towards the Kumungu Jungle, there they would be safe. As the last of the people made ready, the guards returned to get Amumu only to find that the sickness had taken hold and Amumu had passed on. Before leaving for the jungles, those that remained placed Amumu in the tomb Azir had built for him knowing he couldn't go home to Yordle Land. The obsidian walls showed the figures of a large man and a small boy with the inscription, "Azir, the beloved with his son Amumu, the joyful." Azir had chosen to hide Amumu's true race for in his mind he wasn't just a Yordle, he was his friend and son and therefore was equal with him in the eyes of the divines. They carefully placed him in his tomb and sealed it shut, before leaving for the jungle. Though many did not like Amumu at first, not a single eye was dry as they walked away from Amumu, their brave little emperor.
But peace did not come to the Yordle, despite all he had done and the lives he had touched. In the eyes of the divines Amumu was a Yordle defiling Shuriman land and a Shuriman crypt with his corpse and chose instead to curse him. Amumu was cursed to never find rest and spend the rest of time hovering between life and death, not alive but unable to die. They first corrupted his body, no more would he touch peoples lives, and if he did, all that he would touch would burn and die. Knowing that he would live forever the divines took all of Amumu's memories of his life. They took everything, all his memories of his life in Yordle Land, his time as Emperor and even his memories of his only friend Azir. But the divines chose to keep the feelings from the memories intact so he would always feel the sadness and rage from his life but never be able to know the reason to why he felt this way....
The grave robber was gone, burned by Amumu's undead touch. Amumu wandered around the tomb, the lantern left by the robber clasped in his hand and illuminating the walls. He looked at the strange drawings on the wall, when all of a sudden he stopped. Before him was a curious picture of a large man and a small boy and while he couldn't read what the inscription said, as he stared at the figure of the large man his old and crusted heart began to hurt and he started to cry. Amumu sat there, tears flowing from his eyes he wondered who the large man was and why looking at him made him so sad. Bothered by not knowing, he decided that he had to find out who he was and who the man in the picture was. Amumu put down the lantern and noticed that in the robbers great haste to flee from him, he had dropped his bag. As Amumu opened it he saw a small golden statue and other trinkets. As he placed it down he noticed a panel on the bottom of his sarcophagus had become dislodged. Prying it off, he saw 2 curious items inside. He pulled them out and saw that it was a small backpack and 2 little ebony whips. Amumu ran his crusted fingers across the old whips, he felt like he should know something about them, but like the man in the picture, it was all blank to him. Amumu placed them back in the compartment, stood up and walked to the stone door and pushed it open, walking out it, he headed out in search of who he really was, he couldn't just be a poor forgotten one, right?
