Kayn's Story

Before I paste this in. Please understand that the first half is riots work. The rest was something I felt should have been added. I also gave him a rivalry against Darius. >:)

A peerless practitioner of lethal shadow magic, Shieda Kayn battles to achieve his true destiny—to one day lead the Order of the Shadow into a new era of Ionian supremacy. He audaciously wields the sentient darkin weapon Rhaast, undeterred by its creeping corruption of his body and mind. There are only two possible outcomes: either Kayn bends the weapon to his will... or the malevolent blade consumes him completely, paving the way for the destruction of all Runeterra. Noxian by birth, Kayn and others like him were conscripted as child soldiers, a cruel practice employed by only the most devious commanders of the empire. Ionian compassion was a weakness to be exploited—their warriors would hesitate before striking down a supposed innocent. Thus, barely able to lift the blade he had been given, Kayn’s first day in battle was also expected to be his last. The Noxian forces landed at the mouth of the Epool River. Kayn and the others were a reluctant vanguard, facing disorganized bands of locals defending their home from these returning invaders. While his young comrades were cut down or fled the battlefield, Kayn showed no fear. He dropped his heavy sword and snatched up a fallen sickle, turning to face the shocked Ionians just as the Noxian regulars swept in from the flank. The carnage was staggering. Farmers, hunters—even a handful of vastaya—all were butchered without ceremony. Two days later, after word had spread throughout the southern territories, the Order of the Shadow came upon the grisly scene. Their leader, Zed, knew this area had no tactical significance. This massacre was intended as a message. Noxus would show no mercy. A flickering glint of steel caught his eye. A child of no more than ten lay in the mud, leveling his broken sickle at the master assassin, bloody knuckles straining white. The boy’s eyes harbored a pain that belied his age, yet still burned with all the fury of a hardened warrior. This tenacity was not something that could be taught. Zed saw in this child, this abandoned Noxian survivor, a weapon that could be turned against those who had sent him here to die. The assassin held out his hand and welcomed Kayn into the Order of the Shadow. Acolytes traditionally spent years training with a single weapon of their choosing, but Kayn mastered them all—to him, they were mere tools, and hewas the weapon. Armor he viewed as a cumbersome burden, instead cloaking himself in shadows and slaying his enemies with quickness and stealth. These swift executions instilled fear in the hearts of those fortunate enough to be spared. And as Kayn’s legend grew, so did his arrogance. He truly believed that one day his power would eclipse even that of Zed himself. This hubris led Kayn to embrace his final test: to seek out a darkin weapon recently unearthed in Noxus, and prevent it being used against the weary defenders of Ionia. He accepted without hesitation, never questioning why he had been chosen for this task. Indeed, where any other acolyte would have destroyed the living scythe known as Rhaast, Kayn took it for himself. The corruption took hold the moment his fingers closed around the weapon, locking them both in a fateful struggle. Rhaast has long awaited the perfect host in order to join its darkin brethren and lay waste to the world, but Kayn will not be easily dominated. He returns to Ionia in triumph, convinced that Zed will name him the new leader of the Order of the Shadow. Kayn stood confidently in the shadow of the noxtoraa, surrounded by dead soldiers, and smiled at the irony. These triumphal arches of dark stone were raised to honor the strength of Noxus—to instill fear and to demand fealty from all who passed beneath them. Now this one was a tombstone, a monument to false strength and arrogance, and a symbol of the fallen warriors’ own fear turned against them. Kayn relished fear. He counted on it. It was a weapon, and as his brothers in the Order of the Shadow had mastered their katana and their shuriken, Kayn had mastered fear. But as he felt Noxian soil beneath him for the first time in years, amid the enemy soldiers slain and soon to be forgotten, there was unease. It hung in the air like the pressure before a storm, begging to be released. Nakuri, Kayn’s fellow acolyte of the Order, reversed the grip on his blade and prepared for a more personal fight. To his credit, he almost managed to hide the tremor in his voice. “What’s it going to be, brother?” Kayn said nothing. His hands rested empty at his sides. He knew he was in control. Even so, he felt a flickering sense of déjà vu, like something out of a dream. It came in a flash, and then was gone. A voice rose from the empty space between them—a dark and hateful voice that echoed with the pained cries of a thousand battlefields, daring each of them to act. “Who will prove worthy?”

Zed had summoned his greatest student. Spies of the Order had confirmed the disheartening rumors. The hated Noxians had discovered an ancient scythe of darkin origin, as powerful as any magic in Ionia. A single eye of crimson hate stared out from the heel of the blade, tempting the strongest of men to wield it in battle. Evidently, none had proved worthy. All who touched it were quickly and painfully consumed by its malevolence, so it had been wrapped in chainmail and sackcloth, and secured by a guarded caravan bound for the Immortal Bastion. Shieda Kayn knew what would be asked of him. This would be his final test. He had reached the outskirts of the coastal city of Vindor before he ever considered the journey’s significance. Taking the fight to the enemy in their own land was audacious. But so was Kayn. There was no other who could match his talents, none to whom Zed would entrust the fate of Ionia, and so there could be no doubt: Kayn was destined for greatness. He set his trap shortly before sunset. The approaching caravan was just visible in the distance, as wisps of dust rising into the orange sky—ample time to dispatch the three guards at the noxtoraa. He moved in silence across the archway’s lengthening shadow as the first guard paced out a patrol. Kayn summoned his shadow magic and stepped into the black stone wall as if it were a passage open only to him. He could see the guards in silhouette, grasping their pikes tightly with both hands. He lunged from the edifice cloaked in shadow, and snuffed the life from the second guard with his bare hands. Before the third could even react, Kayn dissolved into tendrils of pure darkness and darted across the cobbled road, reforming in front of his victim. In a flash, he wrenched the man’s head around, snapping his neck with ease. The first guard heard the bodies fall, lifeless and limp, and turned toward Kayn. The assassin smiled, taking time to relish the moment. “It paralyzes, does it not?” he hissed, slipping into the shade of the noxtoraa once more. “The fear...” He rose from the quaking soldier’s own shadow. “This is the part where you run, Noxian. Tell others what you witnessed here.” The soldier threw down his pike and sprinted for the safety of Vindor. He didn’t get far. Clad in robes every bit as dark as Kayn’s, Nakuri leapt from behind the noxtoraa and plunged his katana into the belly of the fleeing soldier. The other acolyte locked eyes with Kayn. “The vaunted strength of Noxus? Such delusion...” “I knew you were impetuous, brother,” Kayn spat. “But this? Following me all this way, hoping to share in my glory?” There was no time for further admonishment. They could hear the caravan of soldiers approaching. “Get out of sight, Nakuri. I will deal with you later. If you survive.”

The long shadows of twilight hid the bodies until the approaching soldiers were almost beneath the grand arch. “Hold!” the first outrider cried, drawing his sword. “Fan out! Now!” Confusion set in among the others as they left their horses and, for the first time, Kayn laid eyes on their cargo. It was just as Zed had described—wrapped in chainmail and sackcloth and strapped to the back of a sturdy Vindoran steed. Patience was a virtue that Nakuri did not possess, and he heedlessly dove for the nearest soldier. Kayn always selected his targets carefully, and so struck with precision at the lead outrider, felling him with his own sword. He turned again to the Vindoran, but the scythe was gone. No. He had come too far to fail. “Kayn!” Nakuri yelled as he cut down one soldier after another. “Behind you!” A desperate Noxian had freed the weapon, its red eye now revealed and glowing with inhuman rage. The soldier’s own eyes grew wide as he swung in vicious arcs at his own comrades. He was clearly not in control, trying in vain to release the scythe. The rumors were true. Calling again on his shadow magic, Kayn dove into the writhing Noxian’s darkin-corrupted flesh. For the briefest of moments, he saw through the eyes of this ageless being, witnessing millennia of inflicted pain and suffering, screams and lamentations. This thing was death reborn again and again. It was the purest evil, and it had to be stopped. He burst from what was left of the Noxian—the soldier’s flesh having warped into scales of hardened carapace that shattered into black shards and choking dust. All that remained was the scythe, its eye now closed. Kayn reached for it as Nakuri dispatched the last of their enemies. “Brother, stop!” the acolyte cried, flicking blood from his katana. “What are you doing? You saw what it can do! It must be destroyed!” Kayn faced him. “No. It is mine.” The two of them drew up, neither willing to back down. Beyond the city boundaries, warning bells began to toll. The moment seemed to stretch out. Nakuri reversed the grip on his blade. “What’s it going to be, brother?” The scythe spoke to Kayn, then. It seemed as if it was echoing in his mind, and yet the other acolyte’s widening eyes showed he had heard it too. “Who will prove worthy?” Kayn conjured fingers of darkness that snatched up the weapon, lifting it into the night and spinning it into his waiting hands. It felt like a part of him, like it had always been a part of him, as if he alone was born to wield it. He spun it with a comfortable flourish and leveled the blade toward Nakuri’s throat. “Do what you must.” ~End Riots part.

Kayn looked at Nakuri. “I told you to leave” He glared, teeth bared as Nakuri swallowed slightly. “You wouldn’t harm me.. We're brothers...” He said trying to disguise his fear. “I said ‘I’d deal with you later’, And it’s later. Nakuri.” He spun the scythe and grabbed it with both hands in a ‘come get me’ gesture.

“That’s it.. Prove you are better…”

Kayn looked at Nakuri, “I don’t think you’re fit, to be a member of this order anymore.” Kayn, lowered his stance, and drew back his scythe. “Time to end this!” The warning bells from the city became, soundless as the two stared at each other. “Fine, but don’t go crying to Zed when you lose.” Nakuri said, gaining some confidence. Kayn, lunged forward sweeping Raahst in a wide arch, causing a disruption of the wind around him. “Don’t drag this out brother!” He stood a bit more erect grabbing Raahst tightly, until his knuckles began to whiten. “I won’t.” Kayn, moved swiftly, as he noticed Nakuri lunging from the tree’s, “Don’t worry, It will be over soon!” Nakuri yelled. Kayn jumped back, again as the katana dashed past his right eye, cutting his cheek open. He winced slightly, and drove the hilt of the scythe into the dust and dirt.

Nakuri, dove into the bushes behind Kayn once more, “How can you beat… What you can't see?” He asked Kayn. “Use the shadows” Zed’s voice seemed to echo through his head. Nakuri, sprinted through the dust that had been launched off the ground, splitting it like the wind with his katana. Nakuri looked around, poised to strike, turning every which way. Looking for a single misstep or offset sound. But there was none. Not a single sound could be heard.

“You’re wasting your time..”

Nakuri, began to sweat as he heard the voice echo throughout the roadside. Kayn smiled as he watched Nakuri begin to swing wildly into the empty air. “How’s it feel.. To fear an ally..?” Kayn, grabbed onto Nakuri, pulling him to the cart, where Raahst had once rested, and wrapping his arms around his throat. “Brother…” The acolyte muttered, through tight gasps. “Don’t brother me. You followed me, to take MY glory.” Kayn’s words cut Nakuri like a freshly sharpened blade. “I have worked too long, and too hard. For me to just let you take my glory.”

“Kill him”

Raahst’s eye began to glow red with anticipation. Kayn tightened his grip. “STOP!” The cry came from out of nowhere. “We’re brothers here.” Zed exclaimed, brandishing his weapons. “You need to start acting like it.” Kayn, reluctantly dropped Nakuri. “You’re lucky I don’t have you killed for this Kayn.” Zed sighed, and turned to the acolyte. “You.” He said glaring. “Should not have come.” “THIS WAY!” Zed looked at Kayn and Nakuri. “We’ve overstayed our welcome.” Kayn smiled, looking at the many corpses on the ground. “We could always add more to this art.” Nakuri looked at Kayn and then to Zed who nodded. “We’ll leave the rest to you Kayn. You seem to have everything under control.” “Not for long…” Zed turned and gazed at the scythe through his helmet. “It suits you Kayn.” He grabbed the apprentice, “I’ll see you later Kayn.”

Kayn stared at Zed, as the shadows engulfed him and the acolyte. “Come on you Noxian bastards.” He muttered, as they began to crest over the hill. “Time for a party.” He whipped the scythe over his head, and stopped it behind him. Looking at each opponent. ‘Who should go first’ He thought. “I got it.” The soldiers ran up the hill, noticing a flicker in the dirt. “I got something!” The soldier ran to it and tugged a bit. “It’s stuck!” He said grunting.

Kayn, shot out of the dirt, leaving the soldier headless, as he dashed to the next enemy. They stared in amazement, and in fear. Watching their comrades fall to the ground, with seemingly nobody in sight. One of them looked up at the Vindoran, “Aahh, they’re wielding Raahst.” The woman, placed her hand on her side. “Maybe a worthy foe..” She said smiling “But Commander Riven..” One tried to intterupt. “Don’t. Commander Riven me.” She pulled her sword off her back, and looked forward. “I will not let someone walk into this territory without being punished!” She exclaimed, as her sword began to rebuild itself. “Bu--..” She turned and looked over at the man standing on the soldier. The scythe protruding from his throat. “Well… Hello there.” Kayn said, pulling the scythe out of the man, and disappearing.

Riven looked around, at the 30 men she had been leading. “You bastard” She growled. “Show yoursel-..” Kayn seemingly jumped out of the Vindoran steed, cutting her leg as he did so. Riven winced and fell, clutching her sword’s hilt to stay kneeling. “I don’t think.. You’re going to win here.” Kayn said. “Riven, struggled and stood up. “Watch me.” She exclaimed, standing. “I’ll get rid of all these shadows!”

Riven swung her sword out, cutting most of them down, with a single blow. “Very impressive,” Kayn chuckled. “What’s next, you going to hit me with one of Anivia’s feathers?” She looked around. “Where are you now!?” She shouted, darting her eyes from place to place. “Look down” Kayn said. Riven looked down at her feet, “Boo!” Kayn exclaimed, knocking riven back, causing her sword to fall to the ground harmlessly. Riven struggled, sliding back, until her head rested upon a tree stump. “Fight me… Face.. to.. Face…” she coughed, trying to catch her breath. “Very well.” Kayn began to appear seemingly out of nowhere, right in front of Riven.

His broad shoulders carrying Raahst. She studied him for a moment, and realized, the demon was taking over this man. “You’re and Exile right?” Riven coughed and nodded slowly. “Then may I ask why, someone called you ‘Commander’?” Riven coughed. “Because, I’m not a backstabber like you.. Or any of your kind..”

Riven looked around, as Kayn began to whip the blood off the blade of Raahst. “As I see it. It’s better being a backstabber. You get more out of it!” Kayn laughed grabbing his face, so only his red eye was visible. He looked straight at Riven. “Unfortunately for you. You’re going to die here.” He flipped Raahst around his neck, and dashed forward.

Riven looked up in fear as the Scythe began to fall towards her. She closed her eyes and braced herself, for the shock, and pain of having her soul sucked out by the scythe. Instead she heard the sound of iron on iron.

“Riven! Get up!” Shouted a familiar voice from afar. Kayn looked up at the new comer, “You noxians never learn!” He spat angrily. Riven crawled to her sword, only to feel immense pain in her side. “Did I say you could move?” Kayn said, Pulling his scythe from her side. “I don’t believe I did.” Riven’s head hit the ground and she moaned.

“H..help...me..” She whispered as Draven threw another axe. “Damn it DARIUS hurry up!” He yelled as he dashed towards kayn. “Wha--” Kayn grunted, as Draven, punched him in the face. “Why you..” Kayn began. “No you don’t!” Darius yelled as he came over top his brother, hitting Kayn with the back of his axe. “Get Riven out of here Draven.”

Darius said calmly. Draven nodded and picked her up. “And her weapon?” He asked. “Ignore it. I'll bring it to her when this man is either dead. Or running for his life.” Darius said darkly. “Now go, before he wakes up!” Kayn, coughed, and stood up. “You.. Are going to pay for that” Darius chuckled, “Make me.”

Kayn V.S. Darius

Kayn, turned around slamming the scythe blade into the ground. Causing Dust and debris to fly up, Darius, coughed. And swung his axe in a circle, immediately dispersing the dust. “You’re going to have to do better than that!” Darius said, swinging his axe behind him.

Kayn ducked and Dashed to the side. ‘How’d he know!?’ He thought angrily. Kayn dashed again, towards darius, “Big mistake.” Darius said, turning towards him, headbutting Kayn’s face. Kayn fell back in immense pain.

“You bastard.” He growled, jumping upwards, kicking darius in the jaw. Darius reeled back, grabbing his jaw. Pulling on it slightly, Kayn heard a pop come from darius’ location. Darius, turned around, and stared Kayn down. “You think. A petty assassin. Is going to stop me!?”

Kayn smiled, as he stepped forwards. “I don’t think. I know.” Stepping onto the broken blade and thrusting his scythe through it. “This blade couldn’t stop me, How could you?” Darius snarled, and leapt at Kayn. And knocked him into the ground.

Darius grabbed Kayn’s face, and slammed his skull into the ground again. “You never disrespect a warrior’s weapon!” Kayn grunted as Darius, kicked him in the ribs. “You think. I’m going to let you do that?” He yelled, stomping on Kayn’s stomach. Kayn coughed up blood, and released Raahst and fell unconscious.

Kayn looked up, at his scythe, and looked around. He turned around, and saw Riven, being taken away by Draven. While Darius stood with his axe. Ready to strike Kayn down. “Not today Darius.” Kayn said, vanishing into the shadows.

Kayn V.S. Raahst Kayn stared at the scythe, Imagining the power it bestowed upon him. Along with the fact, Darius could have taken it so easily. “I don’t understand.” He said, “How could this scythe show me what will happen?” He looked at the floor,

“It’s pure evil. With magic so strong. Most are consumed by it.” Zed spoke softly as he walked in. “No mask Zed?” Kayn asked as the man approached him, “No. I think its time to let these scars air out, you know?” Zed replied, pushing his hair back, out of his one good crystal blue eye.

“You know Kayn. You’ve shown promise. That scythe there. That is your true weapon. There will be a time, when you must fight your weapon for control. I remember when I got my first weapons. I felt, that I had the most power in the world.” Zed sighed “Only I was shown up by Shen. So I used my hatred for Shen, and my anger towards him. To become who I am.”

Zed motioned to his face, “These scars, were my own doing. I trained, and I never stopped. I probably never will. See, I never truly won the fight with my weapons. They got the best of me. And I being a foolish child. Killed Shen’s father.”

Kayn’s eyes opened wide, as he listened intently. “I regret that day, When I thrusted my blade into Shen’s father’s throat. Only to throw his head, at his son's feet..” Zed looked up at the ceiling.

“I only wanted to be as strong as Shen. I thought then, ‘Hey, maybe if I kill Shen’s father, maybe I’ll be as strong as him.’ But you know what? Now that I'm looking back at it.. I see it only made me weaker.” Zed’s eye began to tear up, as he looked back at Kayn. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret. Don’t be a copy of me.”

Kayn nodded, as Zed walked out of the room. “If I must contest this scythe for command. Then Bard help me, I’ll defeat this beast!”

“You can try..”

“Enough with this, I won’t let you take me prisoner!” Kayn Grasped Raahst, and began to concentrate. Immediately, he began to feel the darkness tug at him.

“I won’t let you win!” He shouted. “Give in!” Raahst whispered sharply. “GIVE IN” It shouted. Kayn, tightened his grip on Raahst. “NEVER!” He shouted. The weight of darkness began to lift slowly.

As his mind cleared, and his body relaxed. Kayn opened his eyes, To see Raahst, The scythe of pure evil, was glowing a brilliant blue. He stared at it, and set it down. “Huh..?” He sighed, and walked to the window.

“I will show Zed. That I am strong. I will show him. I will not back down. And one day. I will take his place.”