Spirit Bonds/Background/Ahri

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Ahri

• Introduction
• Episode 1
• Episode 2
• Episode 3
• Episode 4
• Petal Acceptance
• Gallery

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You don't quite remember how you arrived in this forest, but it is a serene place. Motes of light drift lazily through the trees. Everything is peaceful. Unknown: Hello, stranger. Mysterious Fox: I haven't seen you before. Or maybe I have! Hard to say. Mysterious Fox: Tell me, why do you wander? Mysterious Fox: Are you lost, perhaps? Go ahead, speak. There is no shame in being honest. I'm lost. I'm a little turned around, that's all. I'm extremely attractive and never get lost. And I smell good. Mysterious Fox: … Mysterious Fox: How interesting! You're not a spirit… or are you? Your scent is different somehow. And the way you talk… Mysterious Fox: How did you get here, stranger? I was looking for someone. Did I die? You're not secretly a beautiful fox person, are you? Mysterious Fox: Many spirits walk these woods, searching for old friends and lost loves. Mysterious Fox: But the day is long, and the sun is warm, and soon they forget. That is the nature of this place. Mysterious Fox: Oh, don't worry. None of them mind. They're much happier now. Mysterious Fox: Otherwise they'd all be demons. Hee hee. Mysterious Fox: Who can say? Few spirits come looking for these woods, but many find them. Mysterious Fox: Here the days are long, and the sun is warm, and in time all within forget themselves. It is not unpleasant, but it is not your fate. Mysterious Fox: Or maybe it is! You are quite fascinating, stranger. Mysterious Fox: I'm not sure what you are… besides lost, of course. Mysterious Fox: My, how flattering! Sad to say, but I am simply a fox. A very mysterious one. Mysterious Fox: But a beautiful fox person? I wonder what you could mean. Certainly no one in these woods. Mysterious Fox: Everyone here is a spirit. And the longer they stay here, the more about themselves they forget. It's quite peaceful… so I'm told. Mysterious Fox: You're not a spirit though, are you? Or perhaps you are. How exciting. Mysterious Fox: Hmm. Why don't you follow me, stranger? I'll lead you to safety. Mysterious Fox: …Or you can stay here forever. It's up to you! But don't take too long deciding. Mysterious Fox: You might just start to forget yourself. Hee hee. The fox runs off ahead, waiting at the edge of the forest path. It beckons you to follow.

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You've followed the fox out of the woods, but you're still unsure of where you are. You see an old shrine ahead, and decide it's a good place to stop and rest. Mysterious Fox: There you are, stranger. Mysterious Fox: I was hoping I'd find you again. Mysterious Fox: Oh, are you wondering about this shrine? I'm told it's very important. Mysterious Fox: Legends say a beautiful woman appears before the souls of the dying, and beckons them to their eternal peace. Mysterious Fox: They say she takes the form of a fox. Mysterious Fox: You wouldn't know anybody like that, would you? Are you…? I don't think so. I know a guy who moonlights as a transforming fox spirit. Mysterious Fox: I am. Mysterious Fox: Are you sure? Mysterious Fox: Really! Does he look like this? Mysterious Woman: Ah, much better! I don't mind being a fox so much, but I much prefer this form. Mysterious Woman: What? Were you expecting something more… Monstrous? Hee hee. Mysterious Woman: No spirit would follow a fox demon into the afterlife. At least not willingly. But me? They'll follow me. Ahri: You can call me Ahri, by the way. I'm this world's spirit of salvation. Don't worry about me helping you out of those woods… It's just what I do! Ahri: I did have a question for you, though… Are you sure you don't remember how you got here? Nothing at all? I remember a bright light… Nothing. Just darkness. I was being chased by a wisecracking demonic clown. Ahri: A bright light? Hmmm. I've heard of that before, but… Ahri: …Well, either way, you're here now. And if I can't tell if you're alive or dead, we might have a real problem on our hands. Ahri: You're the problem, for clarity's sake. Ahri: … Ahri: Darkness, you say? It's not uncommon, but that could mean… Ahri: …Well, either way, you're here now. And if I can't tell if you're alive or dead, we might have a real problem on our hands. Ahri: You're the problem, for clarity's sake. Ahri: … Ahri: Ooo, that sounds scary! Maybe you're dead after all! Ahri: …Well, either way, you're here now. And if I can't tell if you're alive or dead, we might have a real problem on our hands. Ahri: You're the problem, for clarity's sake. Ahri: … Ahri: Did you know people used to flock to this shrine? In the real world, they tell fables of the fox that guides souls to the afterlife. Ahri: But here, time doesn't flow the same way it does for humans. We're defined by the lives and deaths of mortals, but nothing around us ever ages or changes… Ahri: It's always today, yesterday, and tomorrow. Last year and next year. Winter, summer, spring, and fall. Ahri: People like you live, and one day die. But just like the world itself, the spirits keep existing. The same way we always have. Ahri: Just like this old shrine here! Do you think they got my good side? Every side is your good side. That is a very handsome fox. Isn't it sort of… mossy? Ahri: Calm down, stranger. We barely know each other, and you might be dead! So that's two points in the negative column. Ahri: … Ahri: It is, isn't it? My side profile is very striking. Ahri: … Ahri: I think the moss adds an air of sophistication. And regular air! That's photosynthesis. Ahri: … Ahri: The reason I'm telling you this… is that if you're supposed to be alive right now, you can't stay here for long. Ahri: Years will go by in days. Decades in years. By the time you've returned, your whole world will have changed. Ahri: And if my hunch is right, you'll only be the first. That is, if you're not dead. Which you still might be. No conclusive answer there yet. Ahri: … Ahri: I'm going to check on something. But I still don't know you very well… so here's what I'll ask. Ahri: The souls of the dead are starting to get… misdirected? I'm not sure your kind has a word for it. They're not going to their appointed place in the afterlife. Ahri: In fact, I'm not seeing some of them at all. Ahri: I need you to find some of those lost souls and guide them to my shrine. I'll handle the rest. Ahri: If you can do that, I'll help you get home. And If not, well… Ahri: I guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other. Hee hee. Ahri: At least before you turn into a demon…

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When you arrive back at Ahri's shrine, you discover she is not alone. Kindred: … Ahri: Hm, that's not good. That's not how the game is played at all. What are… Who is… I FINISHED THAT THING YOU ASKED ME TO DO! Kindred: …! [KINDRED exits.] Ahri: Hey, wait! Ahri: …Wow, they're fast. I don't think I can catch up. Ahri: Oh well! I heard everything I needed. Everything about what? Ahri: We'll get to that in a moment. Which could be a year for you! Or a hundred years! Hee hee. Ahri: I'm kidding, of course. Maybe. I don't really understand how time works. Ahri: What I do know is that you've guided a lot of spirits to the afterlife. I asked you to do it, but still I'm happy you decided to lend them a hand. Ahri: Most spirits who don't make it to their proper places are overcome with mortal obsessions. They lose themselves to pain and rage. Ahri: Some become demons. But more importantly, they lose their chance to find peace. Sometimes forever. Ahri: When that happens, I… Ahri: … Ahri: I'm sorry for tricking you before. I couldn't be sure what your intentions were. Ahri: But I can see now that you're good at heart. I'm… grateful for your help. Thanks, Ahri. I'm grateful for you, too. Ahri: Hee hee. Don't let it get to your head! Ahri: Now where were we? Ah, right… the Spirit Blossom Festival. Ahri: Every year, the mortal realm celebrates the evening when the veil between the spirit realm and the mortal plane is the thinnest. Ahri: Some strange things occur, but nothing too out of the ordinary… until this year. Ahri: Something has thrown the balance between the realms off. An influx of spirits is pouring through, and that has earned the attention… Ahri: …of Thresh. Thresh? That sounds bad. The… evil torture skeleton? Ahri: A powerful lord of souls, known as the Spirit of Obsession. Ahri: When people die, I guide their spirits to the other side. But all along the way, Thresh tempts them. Ahri: Many lose their way. But that's supposed to happen. Even Thresh has his place here. Ahri: Very bad. Ahri: Thresh is the demonic Spirit of Obsession. His role is to tempt souls into his lantern, where they are lost to themselves forever. Ahri: He has his place in the spirit realm… but… Ahri: Evil… torture… skeleton? Who's that? Ahri: Thresh is the Spirit of Obsession. He reigns over all lost spirits, tempting the newly dead into his lantern. Ahri: He has a role to play among the spirits, but it seems he has forgotten himself. Ahri: This year, Thresh has been siphoning spirits into his lantern without me there to lead them to safety. Ahri: Normally I could stop him myself. But for some reason my magic has been greatly diminished. Ahri: I can't face him like this. I know I was playing games with you before, but I'm going to ask for your help again. Ahri: Free the demon spirits from their obsessions. With more souls guided to their proper places, I might be able to fight back against Thresh. Ahri: …And there's another reason we need to hurry. Your form, whatever you might be, can't stay here forever. Ahri: With the balance thrown off like this, you could easily become trapped in limbo. Doomed to wander the spirit realm for all eternity. I'd be trapped here forever? Trapped here… with you? Ahri: Forever. You would never see your friends or family again. Even when they passed on, you'd be unable to communicate with them in this form. Ahri: I guess that wouldn't be so b— Ahri: Hey! This is serious! You'll be neither human nor spirit, doomed to wander for all eternity! Ahri: Free the demon spirits. Then we'll deal with Thresh… together. Ahri: There's something about you, stranger. I can't quite put my finger on it. Ahri: Maybe you're someone I can really rely on. Ahri: … Ahri: Well, get moving! The game is on, and those spirits won't free themselves!

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You join Ahri alongside a beautiful lantern-lit river that leads to Thresh's lair. Ahri: Hello, stranger. Thanks for meeting me here. Ahri: I can already feel some of my strength returning. That's because of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Ahri: We'll need all my power to defeat Thresh. Are you alright? You don't look confident. Ahri: I'm a little worried. A little. Ahri: This is Thresh's temple. He reigns from here as a lord of all spirits, which he considers his "children". Ahri: He'll be at the height of his power. Maybe even moreso. Ahri: Oh! Was it that easy to tell? Ahri: This is Thresh's temple. He reigns from here as a lord of all spirits, which he considers his "children". Ahri: He'll be at the height of his power. Maybe even moreso. Ahri: It's strange. For us spirits, there's no end, or even beginning. We always were, and always will be. Ahri: But if that's the case… why am I so filled with anticipation? Ahri: Ever since I led you out of the forest, it seems like I'm feeling more and more… hm, human? Ahri: That can't be right. Ahri: I've never had to do this before. My role is to play one part of a larger game. Ahri: Hah. Being the hero doesn't suit me, does it? We'll beat him… together. Don't give up. Ahri: Really, stranger? You mean it? Ahri: I'll be relying on you, them. Don't let me down! Ahri: You're right. I can't give up. Ahri: Not when the fate of the spirit realm rests on my shoulders. Ahri: Before we face Thresh, a word of warning: he is not what he appears. Ahri: I don't have the full range of my powers yet, either. He'll have the advantage. Ahri: Isn't it exciting? The spirit realm, the mortal world, an obsessed king. I bet things like this don't happen very often where you're from! Ahri: Ah, but what am I saying? We'd have to lose for anything bad to happen. Hee hee. Ahri: You ready, stranger? Once we go in, there's no turning back. Let's do this. Ahri: Then let the chase begin!

Thresh: Hm? Thresh: Well, this is a surprise. Thresh: My extended family. I couldn't have asked for more. Thresh: But you're not here all by your lonesome, are you? Thresh: No, of course not. Come out, little fox. I know you're near. Ahri: …! Thresh: I sense you're worried about all those poor spirits. Thresh: They're so lost and confused, without anyone to guide them home. Someone had to step in. Thresh: Truly, I'm doing them all a service. Thresh: Wouldn't you agree? …Yes, father… Ahri: Don't listen to him! Thresh: Of course you agree. Why not abandon your silly little game? Thresh: I could watch over you as well, if you wish… Ahri… Help me… Oh no… he's hot… Ahri: Leave them alone! Ahri: Or I'll end the chase right now. Thresh: !!! Thresh: My, my, Spirit of Salvation! It seems you've a very low opinion of me. Thresh: I was simply standing in while you were away. Now that you've reclaimed your true self, I'll of course return to my ordained duties. Ahri: Not so fast, Thresh. The spirits you led astray… I want them freed. Ahri: Now. Thresh: Hng. Thresh: Very well. But this game has rules, Ahri, and we must abide by them. Thresh: The spirits will be freed. But each must find their own way home. Thresh: And when they become lost, I will be there for them. Ahri: As will I. Thresh: Excellent. Thresh: Then our business here is concluded. I'll be on my way… do make yourselves at home. [THRESH exits.] Ahri: …Whew. Glad that's over. Ahri: This power, though… how I was able to reclaim it? Ahri: Was it… you? Ahri: I need to think for a while. And there are spirits that need my attention. Ahri: Meet me soon, alright? I have a feeling we'll have a lot to talk about.

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You approach quietly as Ahri finishes up a conversation with another spirit. Spirit: So this is it… Ahri: Yes. This is the end of our journey, little wanderer. You can finally rest. Spirit: I remember being sick for a long time… but it's all starting to fade. My family, will they come to visit me? Ahri: One day, maybe. But that will be their choice to make. For now, be free. Nothing can hurt you anymore. Spirit: Ahhh… thank you… kind fox. [SPIRIT exits.] Ahri: Hee hee. Ahri: Ah, I almost forgot! Ahri: Much better! It feels good to be myself again. Yourself? I love all your forms. Get on my level. Ahri: By now I shouldn't have to tell you, but spirits come in all kinds of forms. Even ones like me! Especially ones like me. Ahri: This form is my favorite. It's fashion and function. Ahri: Plus, I think you've taken a bit of a shine to it. Unless I'm mistreating the situation! Hee hee. Ahri: Stranger! I'm blushing! Ahri: I'm a very important spirit you know! Flattery won't get you any special treatment in the spirit world! Ahri: I'm just kidding. It will. Ahri: Oho, look at this one! Still up for a game, then? Ahri: I thought with all the excitement we've had you'd want a break from the action. Ahri: We can play chase if you want. But I always win, and if you lose I'll kill you! …I'm joking, calm down. Ahri: The spirits rely on me, so I need access to my full power. You've helped me restore that. You've helped restore me. Ahri: That's not something I'd expect from a mortal. Especially a mortal who didn't come here on purpose. Ahri: Oh, is that a surprise? Is it a big revelation? You're not supposed to be here yet, stranger. I found out while you were away. Ahri: Not that I mind, of course. Ahri: … Ahri: Do you know where we are right now? A beach? Water? Someplace with the word spirit in it? Ahri: Ooo, close! This is a special place where spirits go to feel at ease after a nice, long life. It's also where they first arrive! Just like you once did! Ahri: What I'm saying stranger, is that I feel at ease around you. And not just because you helped restore balance to the spirit realm! Ahri: You've helped me. And you've helped a lot of people cross over into a pleasant afterlife. They'll never know you did it, but I will. Ahri: No one's ever helped me like that before. Isn't that interesting, stranger? Ahri: I should stop calling you stranger, shouldn't I? What would you prefer? Friend. Aren't we more than friends? Ahri: Friend? Yes, that makes sense! Ahri: … Ahri: I wish you could stay here with me. But that's not in the cards! No, you have to go back. Ahri: Otherwise you'll mess up the balance, and we'll have to face Thresh all over again! Ahri: I'm not doing this for fun, you know! Some of us have jobs! Ahri: …! Ahri: I'm glad you feel that way. Ahri: … Ahri: I wish you could stay here with me. But that's not in the cards! No, you have to go back. Ahri: Otherwise you'll mess up the balance, and we'll have to face Thresh all over again! Ahri: I'm not doing this for fun, you know! Some of us have jobs! Ahri: But it's been… wonderful, getting to know you. Ahri: When the time comes—hopefully not too soon—I'll be the one to shepherd you home. Ahri: Home being here, of course. With me! Ahri: And thousands of other spirits in the afterlife, but who's counting? Ahri: For now, though, we need to get you back to the mortal realm. I'm not sure… how… to do it quite yet, but I'm not a quitter! Ahri: Plus I'm at my full power again. I'm sure I can think of something. Ahri: Ah! Almost forgot. I have a little something for you. Ahri: You can take this back with you to the mortal world. Think of it as a token of our time together. Ahri: And maybe as a token of our future. Thank you. I'll be waiting. Ahri: Hee hee. You're a strange one st… I mean, friend. Ahri: One day you'll have to tell your name. Ahri: But for now, I suppose friend will do. Luckily, we'll have a lot of time to get to know each other. Ahri: After you've died, of course. Peacefully, I hope. Ahri: … Ahri: Well, I should be on my way! Spirits to shepherd, vague riddle less to espose, all that good spirit fox stuff. Ahri: It was nice getting to know you, friend. Ahri: Don't be a stranger! Ahri kisses you gentle on the cheek, then vanishes. You can hear Ahri giggling as her voice trails into the night.

Blush Ahri

Happy Ahri

Mystery Fox Neutral Ahri

Neutral Ahri

Nine-Tailed Fox Form Ahri

Sad Ahri

Surprise Ahri

Ahri Smoke