Akali was excited. Beyond excited. She hadn't gone to see her grandmother since she was just a child. Before her mother got sick and she had to go live with her father in Seoul. But she was finally going back.

And she was even able to ride the train again.

Kai'sa: I can't recall the last time I had to take a train this far.

Akali looked to her left where Kai'sa was sitting. Across the isle was where Ahri and Evelynn were. Ahri was sound asleep on her friend's shoulder while Evelynn was looking at her socials.

News about Riot Records got out pretty fast. And now everyone was asking a big question.

What was next for KDA?

No one knew. Not really at least. But they did know that they had a place to stay. And a little hard work never killed anyone.

Right?

Yeah. That sounds right.

Kai'sa: You're really excited, aren't you?

Akali just smiled widely as she looked back out the window. The trees and countryside flew past which just made her more excited. Nostalgia was now burrowing into her belly and was about to make it burst.

Akali: I just can't wait to see my grandma again. It's been years. Ages.

Kai'sa: When did you see her last?

Akali did some quick math in her head.

Akali: I was just a kid back then, but I still tried to call when I could. I remember a friend I made when I visited last time. I wonder if they're still around.

Kai'sa saw how happy she was. Made sense. Her grandma appeared to be the last of her family as fat as she knew. Kai'sa then found her mind drifting back to her own childhood. Traveling place to place was hard on her, that's for sure.

But she was in the move yet again. Maybe she really just had a gypsy soul after all.

She began to wonder what this new place would be like compared to the others.
***********
You were just walking into the Inn when heard commotion coming from the break room. You pulled out your ear buds to better listen, only to find that it was two familiar voices.

You had just gotten back from your morning jog around town so you were still wearing your workout clothing. But you were also feeling an intense heat that wasn't from the jog.

You walked over to the common room and opened the door, just as a ping pong ball narrowly missed your head. It flew across the lobby and slammed into the wall.

Jinx: Score!

Ezreal: That's BS and you know it!

Of course.

Jinx and Ezreal were playing Ping Pong again.

Olaf: They've been at it for half an hour.

You looked over to the couch where Olaf was sitting. He was resding a magazine that was showing off kitchen appliances and cooking tips.

Much like you, he was mostly unaffected by Jinx and Ezreal's intense rivalry. One that dates back to a month after you moved in.

Jinx and Ezreal argued back and forth about if the point counts, unaware or uncaring that you were there. But they quickly stopped when you all heard the familiar sound of wooden sandles making their way down the hhall.

You just stepped aside as someone came marching into the room.

Xayah: What did I say about making so much noise in the morning?!

You had to look away from what was about to happen. But you did heard the loud, painful smacks that followed.

When you finally looked back you found Jinx and Ezreal on their knees, grabbing their heads in pain. Xayah stood over them with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.

Xayah: Why aren't you dressed for work?!

Jinx flinched at her question. Xayah was already in her yukata and was ready for today's work, but Jinx was still in her casual wear.

Jinx: My clothes are still being washed! I was just taking a break! You can ask Olaf.

The two turned to the chef who just gave a thumbs up, not even bothering to lift his head.

Xayah: Fine. You get a pass this time.

She then turned to Ezreal who lifted his hands to block whatever attack was coming.

Xayah: Now, why are you here?

Unlike the four of you, Ezreal didn't work at the Inn. Sometimes you would call him in for help on a two person job, but that was about it. But he did use to stay here.

Ezreal: Jinx challenged me!

Xayah: This isn't a hang out.

Ezreal: I'm sorry, ma'am!

You just awkwardly smiled as you watched the whole situation play out. Honestly, what were you even supposed to do? You didn't want to get hit.

Xayah reached down and grabbed Ezreal by his ear. She forced him on his feet and dragged him over to you.

Xayah: If you want to mess around at the Inn, you're going to help.

She then turned to you.

Xayah was head maid. That meant she was in charge of the other maids. The only other maid was Jinx. Xayah was Jinx's boss.

But you were the only maintenance guy. So if there were any other maintenance people, you would be their boss. Much like Olaf and how he runs the kitchen.

So you and Xayah had a respect for each other as well as being friends.

So she shoved Ezreal towards you.

Xayah: Take him to town with you to help you pick up the stuff for the party tonight. And make sure he actually works.

You nodded.

Y/N: Yes, ma'am.

You then smirked.

Y/N: Should I also tell Rakan that you said hi while I'm in town?

You watched as Xayah's cheeks turned a faint red. She just pushed Ezreal again and turned back to Jinx.

Xayah: When you get your stuff clean, get dressed and get to work. You're picking the girls up from the station.

Jinx: I will!

Xayah then walked out of the room. You laughed a bit at your friends' expenses.

As stated before, you and the others lived here together when you were all younger. Along with others, of course. So you were all really more of a family. That definitely made Xayah the older sister of the group. Or mother, in most cases.

Ezreal was the little brother. Always getting on Xayah's nerves and messing around. While he worked at local textile shop, he really liked exploring the nearby caves. He swore that he'll find treasure one day. Mostly because he thinks it'll let him finally get married to his crush.

The same crush he's had for years.

Jinx and you would be twins. Not because you were similar or anything like that. Just because the two of you came in around the same time and were always together. And the two of you were constantly bickering over pointless things.

Olaf was definitely the fun uncle who could cook anything.

Literally anything.

Ezreal whined as he rubbed his ear. You just threw an arm around his shoulder and smiled.

Y/N: Come on. Let's go get some groceries.
***********
Akali knew she was getting close to the small town from her youth. She used to go there every summer. The fresh air, the silent peace, the wide open spaces, it was heaven on Earth.

Ahri: Are we here?

Akali looked out the window just as the train left the tunnel it was in. Immediately the small town came into view. Akali couldn't hide the smile that was now on her face.

Akali: Yeah. This is it!

Evelynn and Ahri got up and walked over to the right side of the train. The girls all looked out the window to get a view of the town that will be their home for a while.

It looked really nice.

Kai'sa: Wow. I wonder if they have a dance studio here somewhere.

Evelynn: As long as they have a bar, I'll be happy.

Ahri just stared at the old fashioned buildings. It kind of reminded her of her own childhood town.

The train eventually slowed to a stop at the local station where the girls gathered their things. They all stepped out onto the wooden platform and watched as the train left for the next stop. They all looked around the empty station for a moment.

Ahri: It feels so.........empty.

Akali: I know! Isn't it great?!

Ahri smiled a bit.

Ahri: It kind of is.

Jinx: You get used to it.

The four turned to their left to find Jinx sitting on the bench with a cigarette in her hand. She was now wearing her yukata but she definitely didn't have a grace for someone who would wear one.

She was slouched forward, her hair was hastily done, and she seemed tired of life in general. And her hair was a bright blue color, which actually matched her uniform.

Kai'sa: Come again?

Jinx took another drag before she tossed the cigarette onto the tracks. She stood up and dusted herself off before she cleared her throat.

Jinx: Hi.

She looked at the girls for a moment before she slightly bowed.

Jinx: My name is Jinx. I'm supposed to take you all to the Inn.

Evelynn: Jinx? I thought someone named Y/N...

Jinx: He's busy right now. He should be back at the Inn by the time you all get settled in. He'll show you around town.

Akali thought back on what her grandma had told her. That someone named Y/N was supposed to get them adjusted to everything and show them around.

But this Jinx girl seems cool.

Hopefully.

Jinx: You guys got everything?

The girls all nodded.

Jinx: Cool. Follow me.

The girls grabbed their bags as Jinx began to lead them down the steps and into town.

Next stop, the Inn.
************
Ezreal: I'm just saying, maybe she'll fall in love with me if I can prove that I'm worthy by finding that treasure.

You looked at your friend with an unconvinced look. He seemed so sure about his plan that it was almost pathetic. Honestly you wish you could just tell him that it was pointless, but he won't listen.

Y/N: Maybe if you stop looking for treasure and get a better job, you could prove you're worthy in a different way.

Ezreal: No way! Lux is a queen and should be treated as such!

See? No point in trying to get him to stop.

You just shrugged as you walked down the street. You already had a bag of some fresh fruits and vegetables for dinner later tonight. Ezreal was holding some extra things you might use as well. Mostly decorations and snacks.

You were on main street which was where all the shops were set up. With a town as old as this one, there were plenty of small businesses to buy from. The only modern shop here was the gas station just outside of town.

You had most of what you needed, but you wanted to get something special to further extend the welcome to the girls. You wanted to make them feel like this was a home. Just like how Grandma did for you all those years ago.

Ezreal: Anyway, I was talking to Kayn last night. He said that he visited the shrine yesterday and that Lux was....

Garen: STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER!!!!!

You sighed and took one step to the left before a large object tackled Ezreal to the ground. You manged to catch his bag of stuff before he was put into a choke hold by a much larger man in a police uniform.

Garen: HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE GO TELL YOU THAT YOU DON'T HAVE A CHANCE?!?!?!

Ezreal cried out in pain and tried to reach out towards you to get some help. You just turned to the large man and smiled.

Y/N: Good morning, Garen.

Garen looked up at you and smiled.

Garen: Y/N, kiddo, how are you?

Y/N: Oh, you know. Working hard, getting paid.

Garen: That's good to hear. You still working out?

Ezreal began to tap the ground to admit defeat, but Garen didn't let up as he slowly bent him upwards.

Y/N: I'm still jogging. By the way, I'm pretty sure that counts as police brutality.

You pointed to the now purple boy suffering under the larger man's weight. Garen finally let him go, but Ezreal just dropped face first into the sidewalk.

Garen stood up and dusted his hands off.

Garen: Of course. So, what's with all the groceries? You guys having a celebration over at the Inn?

You nodded.

Y/N: Grandma's granddaughter is going to be staying with us for a while. Do you know her?

Garen tapped his chin as he thought about your question. He then nodded.

Garen: I believe so. She's the rapper for that group, right? KDA?

KDA? You've never heard of them before. Must be new. Then again, you were very behind on that kind of stuff.

Y/N: Have you met her?

Garen: Only in passing. She was just a kid back then.

Right. Garen must've only met her a few times. He used to work at the Inn as well, but not because he was a troubled youth. He just did what you did part time just to make some money. That was before he joined the army then the force.

Oh.

And he hated Ezreal.

Because Ezreal's crush was his little sister Lux.

Ezreal: <Weak Wheeze>

Y/N: I'm trying to find something to really welcome them in.

Garen crossed his arms and grinned.

Garen: Are you now? I might have something.

He looked down at Ezreal and frowned.

Garen: He's not allowed to come.

Y/N: No problem.

You set the bags down next to your friend before you followed Garen.

Y/N: Take those back to the Inn. I'll see you when I get back.

Ezreal: WhY?
**********
Akali finished unpacking her bags and looked around the room that she would be sharing with Kai'sa. It was big enough to really be an apartment. Two rooms with a single room in the center. It had a small traditional table as well as access outside.

Kai'sa: This place is nice.

Akali agreed. Her grandma wasn't here at the moment, busy discussing something with one of the people staying here, so Jinx just showed them to their rooms while she went to find her.

Her excitement was growing even more. She couldn't wait to see her grandma again.

The door opened and Ahri and Evelynn walked in. Their room was the same, but they didn't have a door to the courtyard. Not that they mind.

Ahri: Any word from your grandmother yet?

Akali shook her head. But just then, she noticed someone enter the room.

Her smile grew even wider.

Akali: Grandma!

She quickly jumped up and rushed over as her grandmother walked into the room. Akali wasted no time in hugging her tightly. Grandma just hugged her back.

Grandma: Hello, Kali. It's so good to see you again.

Akali: I missed you so much!

Jinx waited by the door and watched the whole interaction.

Grandma pulled away and looked at her granddaughter in full.

Grandma: Look how much you've grown. You've become quite the beautiful woman.

She then looked at the others.

Grandma: Oh. You're all beautiful. You'll fit right in. Have you all unpacked?

Ahri: Yes, ma'am.

Grandma: No need to be formal with me, dear. You can just call me Grandma. Everyone does.

She then placed a hand on her cheek and sighed.

Grandma: I apologize that Y/N isn't back yet. He and Ezreal left this morning to get some things for me, but it appears that they're still looking for them.

Jinx hear something and looked down the hall. She spotted Ezreal, dirty and hurt, as he limped towards the kitchen.

Jinx: Hey, Ez.

Everyone looked down the hall as Ezreal stopped. He turned to Jinx, briefly looking at the others, and held up the bags of groceries.

Jinx: Where's Y/N?

Ezreal: Probably at the shrine by now. He had to pick something up.

Grandma: I see. Do you know when he will be back?

Ezreal shook his head.

Ezreal: It shouldn't be long. You know how he is.

Kai'sa: If I may ask, what happened?

Ezreal looked down at himself and sighed.

Ezreal: My future brother in law strangled me in the streets.

The girls looked to Jinx and Grandma for answers, but they did not have any.

No one did.
**********
You ended up following Garen up the hill to the local shrine. It was ran by the Crownguard family for centuries. Right now, it the head priest was none other than Pieter Crownguard. Garen's father.

It was a traditional temple space that was currently being tended to by its shrine maidan.

Lux: Y/N! Hey!

You and Garen stopped at the top of the steps where you were greeted by your friend. Lux ran over, broom in hand, with a smile. You lifted a hand.

Y/N: Yo.

Lux reached you and stopped before she looked behind you.

Lux: Is it just you guys?

Garen nodded. Though, you did have a good opportunity to bother someone.

Y/N: Sorry, Ezreal might be able to come along next time.

Garen and Lux both looked away with looks of disgust and annoyance.

Lux: No thanks. You can keep him locked in his kettle.

Garen: Agreed.

You chuckled before you noticed Lux's outfit. A traditional shrine maiden's dress.

Y/N: It's almost fall. Are you already practicing for next year's spring festival?

Lux nodded.

Lux: Yes. Father has been kinda pushing me to focus more on my duties here.

Lux, as shrine maiden, had a responsibility to preform the ceremonial dance every year. You never believed in God's and such, but you appreciated her performance.

Garen: Is the old man here?

Lux: No. He ran into town to get something.

Garen: Good. I'm going to take something. Don't tell him.

Lux just shrugged and went back to sweeping the holy grounds. You looked over at Garen confused.

Y/N: What are you taking?

Garen just smiled.

Garen: Some good old fashion Sake!

Oh lord.