Well look at it, a year later, we are in chapter 20! I must say I always look forward to uploading a new chapter. Well, once again, thank you everyone for your kind comments, one in particular made me laugh and indeed! We need Taric! Surprise for he is in this one!

Chapter 20: Good company, enjoy the dance, an outing in the city.

Zyra was always, one to enjoy company of those she actually liked. Of course, such list was rather dim when you removed all plant life forms from it. Few were able to actually hold a conversation in the garden with her for they weren't careful with the plants around. It was hard finding someone who could actually keep up with her and enjoy a simple chat.

Of course, it was hard to have a simple chat when she had to control her urges. She was the fusion between a human and the Stranglethorns. In the back of her head she could always hear the calling to simply let go and act like the predator plant she was. But the Institute could offer her relaxation in the garden that worked to silence the instincts….

Didn't meant she was okay with it. She was needing of good company…

As she kept tending to the garden she felt the vibrations of someone moving close. Yet she didn't need to look behind her as she already knew who it was, after all not many walked in the garden avoiding every small seedling.

"I see Ivern found you"

Cid smiled at Zyra when she looked to him.

"He told me you wanted some company as he would be in a match"

She nodded and sat in the soft grass below her, she motioned for him to sit.

"You can sit there if you wish, there are no plants in that spot"

Cid nodded and sat simply taking in the relaxing aura of the garden, it was a nice change from the cold stone of the Institute.

"Thanks, how you been doing recently?"

Zyra seemed to sigh a bit before answering.

"Been good, the garden is safe, and I find myself with some short matches… nothing new really. I must admit boredom has pushed me to consider the dance of the Heart seekers"

At this Cid raised an eyebrow, never before hearing of such festivity.

"The Heart seekers?"

Zyra looked at him with curiosity before remembering he had just gotten in the Institute.

"The Heart seekers, is a dance that the champions hold, is a small festivity supposed to make everyone try to be friends and just chat… I must admit it can be fun"

Zyra remembered Ashe and Tryndamere dancing, the later uncomfortable at being seen by so many who never saw him being soft. A proof he was married to Ashe. She would often go only to enjoy the rare occurences during the event.

"Some take It as a chance to make closer friends, or show off how much they care for someone… some simply enjoy the food"

Cho Gath, Kog Maw, Rek Sai… those of the Void had a tendency for eating mostly during those events. Jax and Gragas had a bigger tendency for the liquids than food at times.

"In the end, champions can take someone with them as the dance is supposed to be something only the champions attend, summoners aren't allowed to go"

Cid nodded at the information, and his thoughts gravitated at Sona. Thinking it back, she never mentioned the dance… well he wasn't one to consider dances still…

"So you are going to attend it?"

Zyra nodded.

"This year promises to be interesting, and I must say I find myself curious"

Cid was about to ask what she meant when an image appeared between them, it seemed to be a match.

"Oh. So it is one of those then"

Noticing his confusion Zyra pointed at the image being shown in front of them.

"Is an important match, so they are allowing everyone to see it, come closer"

As Cid got closer to Zyra she started to point what they were seeing in the image.

The Fields of Justice, the lanes, the jungle, the jungle camps, how it worked the magic in it. Zyra was an expert in explaining every bit of the match. Cid took notice he could find Ivern.

"Why cant Ivern attack the jungle?"

Zyra chuckled at his question, to her it felt refreshing

"Ivern cant hurt anything in the jungle. They are his friends, and so he frees them with the magic inside of him"

Cid noticed the pattern surrounding the camps on the jungle shining and Ivern freeing them.

"While it could be considered a disadvantage that he spends his health and magic for it, he gets it back when he frees them, so it all comes back… nature always finds a way for balance"

Cid saw how the two groups were about to clash, and then he saw him. Someone he hadn't seen in a long time.

"Is that… Taric?"

Zyra looked at him noticing the surprise in his tone.

"Indeed, that is Taric… how do you know him?"

Taric had been an important member of Demacia military, he had talent like Garen, but unlike Garen, Taric was humble and saw more than just Demacia… when Taric had been given the punishment of the crown of stones, a part of Cid knew that his already strained relationship with Garen had become even more strained.

Demacia simply wasn't a good place for making memories it seemed.

Cid noticed how Taric was able to protect everyone from the damage. And in a way he understood what happened.

"Taric managed to climb Mt. Targon…"

Zyra nodded.

"I heard about it… his will must be strong if he managed the path"

Cid could only nod and smile.

"He was always especial, more than one can imagine…"

Cid couldn't stop smiling. One of the people he respected the most was alive. Cid thought Demacia had lost a bit of its light without Taric in it. Zyra found herself smiling too noticing his happiness. He had that weird effect, to be able to bring a calming aura around him and seemingly being able to brighten the place he was.

In a way, the therapist was a small aura of kindness that worked to soothe her instincts the same way as the garden. She felt no threat of him, and that was something nice.

"We can go see Taric if you wish, this match will be over soon"

And it was ending, Taric had proved to be a great protector, even sacrificing himself together with Ivern so the others could end the fight destroying the enemy base that Zyra had explained was a Nexus.

As the match finished, Zyra took to stand helping Cid.

"Come on, we can find Taric soon"

As both made their way through the institute Cid couldn't avoid the feeling of happiness at knowing Taric was alive. More than alive, he was back it seemed. As they kept going through the hallways they reached a door that Zyra explained was the room in which they would come out from.

Cid saw many faces he didn't know yet, he recognized Ezreal who gave him a small salute and he answered back. Ivern came next hugging both Zyra and Cid.

"We did great! Also thanks for keeping company to Zyra young lady"

Cid couldn't answer as Zyra seemingly smiled in complicity before speaking.

"She is a nice lady indeed, one that makes great company"

Before Cid could answer he saw him. In his armor a man he thought he wouldn't see again. He was happy as he shouted for him.

"Taric!"

Taric wasn't one to shy away from his name being called, he often had found himself in the center of attention of many, it wasn't just his looks, his personality was one kind and caring so many liked The Protector.

But he was surprised at seeing a face he never expected to see in the Institute.

"Cid?"

Taric approached the small group with a smile in his face.

"Is you… Cid, is nice seeing you again"

Cid smiled as he offered his hand in a handshake wich Taric accepted.

"Is nice seeing you again Taric… Demacia was never the same without you"

Taric nodded, his smile never disappearing at seeing someone he had seen few times but managed to make an impression.

"I can imagine… I notice you are standing better, did you got a different prothesis?"

Cid nodded.

"Viktor made me this one, it works way better than the first one"

Zyra and Ivern saw the exchange between both and couldn't avoid but thinking that they were friends from long ago. And they wouldn't be all that wrong.

When a younger Cid had become part of the military in Demacia, he had the chance of meeting Taric, Garen, and even Fiora who back then was on the Royal Guard. When the battle that costed Cid his leg happened, Taric had been one of the few to chat with him. But not much latter Taric would get his own calling on life when he was given the punishment of the crown of stones.

Anyone who was told to go climb Mt. Targon usually went into the exile and made a new life. But Taric didn't, he had taken to climb it, and come back down as someone different, he had become The Shield of Valoran.

And now two old soldiers were reunited.

"Is good to see you in good health Taric"

Taric nodded looking at Cid.

"I would like to say the same, but you seem to look the same way as back then"

Cid nodded. Before shrugging it off.

"Well not everyone can be pure muscle"

Taric laughed at this before patting Cid in the shoulder.

"Good to see your mind is still sharp"

Ezreal who had been seeing the whole thing was surprised. He never expected Cid to know Taric. Few knew him outside of the Institute. But he guessed the therapist was a person of contacts. Though he was curious as to why Ivern called Cid a lady…

"I see you decided to keep your hair long, it suits you"

Cid seemed embarrassed for a moment.

"Well… it just happened, I didn't really take much care of it"

Before Taric could tease him, Ezreal spoke up earning the attention of everyone.

"Is good we are all having a nice moment… but can we get something to eat?"

Everyone nodded. And proceeded to walk to get something. They had a lot to talk about.

Sona was with Riven, trying to convince her friend of going to a particular dance.

"Sorry Sona, I don't really like dances, even less this whole Heart seeker thing, you know is nothing so great"

At this Sona seemed down before writing a note for Riven.

"Please, I want us all to go together… I think Cid will come knowing we will be going as a group"

Riven scratched her head.

"So you haven't told him about this? I thought you would invite him"

At this Sona looked embarrassed for a moment, but she remembered Riven wouldn't say that by knowing she liked Cid, she simply was being herself and speaking directly.

"I sort of forgot, but I want all of us to go, please Riven, there will be lots of food too"

Riven was in thought. She enjoyed the foods the events offered, but it would be a bit hard to enjoy it with the number of people, the Heart seeker event would bring too many of the champions. She couldn't stop to think of something.

"Will Pentakill be playing for the event?"

Sona smiled before shrugging.

"We didn't get allowed, Ashe said our music style was not fit for the event, her loss"

Riven actually enjoyed the small band of champions. It was something different and a good sort of different.

"Well is her loss indeed… well, I guess we can go as a group… do the whole formal dress code is still obligated?"

Sona nodded with a bit of sadness. She knew Cid wasn't one to like formal events because of that… maybe if he didn't want a suit he would prefer a dress?

Sona face got red as she let her imagination go wild. And it was Riven who took her out of dreamland.

"Sona? You okay? You got red all of the sudden"

Sona nodded frantically before scribbling a quick note before leaving.

"I will go tell Ahri, thanks for accepting to come!"

As Sona went away quickly she could hear Riven screaming at her.

"Okay! Be sure to rest! Don't go catching a fever!"

Night had taken over the Institute. Cid was back in his office looking at his fish.

"Sorry, buddy still no name… maybe Nami will give you a cool Marai name?"

The fish looked with indifference at Cid before seemingly swimming around the small bowl.

"I promise I will have something soon"

Cid was trying to relax, a bit worried about the fact the sketch Fiora did was nowhere to be found when he was in his office. Still surely no one would do anything bad with it. Cid heard a soft knocking on his door and could imagine already who it was.

"Is open"

As the door opened and the figure of Morgana entered Cid found himself smiling at her friend. She seemed to always visit him in the night.

"Is good to see you Morgana"

Morgana smiled before sitting placing her usual cookie tray in his desk.

"Is good to see you too Cid… I hope you are hungry"

Cid nodded.

"Always got space for your cooking"

This seemed to make Morgana smile brightly at him. Cid always considered her smile to be one of the prettiest features about her, and he was glad to be able to see it so often.

"That is good to hear… excuse me Cid, have you heard about the Heart seeker dance yet?"

Cid nodded while taking one of the cookies.

"Yeah, I heard from Zyra"

Morgana nodded before eating a cookie.

"Then you know we are allowed to invite someone"

Cid nodded guessing where she was going when she mentioned the dance. He nodded and she kept going.

"I don't often accept the invitation for such events, but I was wondering if you would like to go with me, as friends of course, I would appreciate having someone to chat with during the dance"

Cid was surprised at the straight request. But reflecting on how Morgana was, she was straightforward, not one to hide. She took the challenge head on so it was expected of her.

Cid was in thought about it, for one side he guessed there would be a dress code to respect. On the other. It would be fun to just relax. Plus a great event meant there would be great food.

"I guess…. Yeah count me in"

Morgana smiled at him once more.

"Great, I will look for you tomorrow then, don't worry about the clothes, I already solved that part"

She stood up and broke a piece of the cookies on the tray for the fish.

The fish interested ate the cookie with contempt before keeping swimming. If Cid didn't know any better, he would dare say the fish was happy with Morgana.

"Take care Cid"

As she waved Cid could only look in disbelief at the fish.

"So, you prefer her?"

The fish looked at him with the same unexpressive face.

"You are not my favorite either"

Anyone seeing the exchange between man and fish would have laughed at the childish expression of the one discussing with the fish.

Morgana was happy, she had requested the help of a certain weaver to design the clothes for Cid. She would never have guessed he was into dresses. She smiled thinking they shared another thing. So, when she took the sketch from his desk she knew she could finish it in a night work. Plus, she wouldn't have trouble with the measurements, she already knew them.

She had a keen eye for detail. Now she only hoped he wouldn't mind it being in darker colors.

They had to match after all.

Ahri was in thought while standing in front of the therapist door. It was really late in the night. The moon shined its light on the windows and pretty much everyone was asleep by that point. But not her.

She opened the door without knocking. She took notice of how he was sleeping on his desk. A fond smile appeared on her face as she approached him and took him in her arms. It was hard knowing what she was doing. She wasn't sure herself of what she was doing.

She took him and placed him on his bed. She proceeded to just sit in the floor watching him sleep. She had been feeling rather protective of him recently.

"You will keep being my friend right?"

She looked at him sleeping. She took notice how he seemed to tense. A nightmare it seemed.

She placed a hand on his head and just tried to soothe him in his sleep. She wasn't sure why she was doing it, she wasn't even sure what she would gain of it. She just felt it was the right thing to do.

"Keep being my friend… that's all I need…"

When she was sure he was relaxed, she left.

Cid morning had been up to a weird start. For starters, he couldn't remember getting in his bed. Proof of this was the fact he found himself still in his clothes and not his pyjamas. Someone had to have carried him to get him to bed. So either the fish was psychic. Or someone else had come in the night to make sure he was well…

Whatever the case, he was thankful for it. The desk while comfortable wouldn't be kind in the morning. As he got ready for a new day he found himself thinking about the Heart seeker dance. It would be an opportunity to see how champions interacted among themselves after all the summoners wouldn't be in it. So it was pretty much only the champions and their partners.

He hoped Morgana wouldn't bring a suit.

Had he known Morgana would bring something totally different, he would have chosen the suit.

Still, while Cid was in the unknown of it, Sona came opening the door without knocking, she entered the same way a good friend enters the home of someone she has known always and has no need for formalities.

"Oh, hey Sona"

She didn't sign anything as she came forward to hug him. Cid returned the hug and after a long hug in his opinion, Sona released him and signed at him.

"Would you like to come to the Heart seeker dance? Is a formal event, Riven and Ahri will be coming, we could go as a group"

Cid smiled before answering back.

"Morgana invited me yesterday, so we could surely all go as a group"

Sona found herself surprised.

"Morgana invited you? So she will be coming too?"

At this Cid chuckled before answering back to her.

"If she invited me, is because she is going too"

Sona took her tongue out at him before smiling.

"Great! Do you need a suit? Or would you fancy something more… elegant?"

Sona got red while she remembered the idea of the dress.

Sona liked Cid, that was no secret. But she also liked the fact he wasn't like other guys, he was different, simple, and in a lot of ways acceptant of many jokes. He didn't follow many norms, and that made him special to her. But she had to admit after Ahri did his hair, she had thought of seeing him in a different style.

She saw an image of her wearing a suit and Cid in a dress, dancing on the tempo of a slow dance…

Before Sona could get further into dreamland, Cid poked her side.

"Hey, you okay? You suddenly got red-faced without signing at me"

She nodded before signing.

"Worry not, just an idea in my head. The dance is an event that starts early, we will come to pick you up by then"

As Cid nodded, Sona gave him another hug.

"Why the hug?"

Sona separated and smiled at him before signing.

"Just wished to hug you"

In the end Cid only smiled before waving her goodbye as Sona left. It looked like the day would be slow. In a way, he was curious of how would the dance be. And he was curious about the suit Morgana would bring him. But before he could ask anything to himself someone knocked the door.

"Is open"

As he spoke, a figure entered the room, Cid noticed she looked regal as she walked with a level of dignity that reminded him of an important figure. He then thought whoever was the dark-skinned lady, she was someone important.

"Greetings… I heard you are the new therapist. Cid right?"

Cid smiled before nodding.

"That's right, though I fear I do now know you lady…?"

She smiled before nodding.

"Karma, Lady Karma. But please, just Karma, I don't like people addressing me by my title all the time"

Cid nodded before gesturing for her to sit on the couch.

"So how can I help?"

She sat and simply let herself relax. Cid noticed he never saw her close the door or lock it. It seemed she flowed with magic all over.

"I heard you are good at listening, and I wanted your opinion regarding a… sensible theme… is not something I like to converse… tell me Cid, do you love someone?"

Cid was in thought, and while he could say he liked many, he wasn't all sure he could say he loved someone. Yet he had to admit, some were trying to make their way to his heart.

"I guess… I mean, I like a few, but is not something as deep as love"

She nodded.

"Did you know someone loves you?"

Cid thought on Sona and nodded.

"If you mean Sona we sort of already resolved I wouldn't date her as she is my patient"

At his bluntness, Karma laughed and Cid was surprised at her reaction, he thought she was referring to Sona after all.

"I didn't know Sona had her eye on you… I meant your friend, Riven"

At this Cid smiled before waving her off.

"Oh, not really, Riven and I are friends. We got a lot in common but we are not like that…. I mean for starters is the same as with Sona. She is my patient, so even if we shared something, dating is not an option"

Karma was surprised at his words. She thought she always was a good judge of character, she knew when someone lied to her or were lying to themselves.

But she felt no lie in his words. The therapist was as honest as one could be by being blunt.

He truly considered he couldn't love a patient.

"I see… tell me Cid, have you ever considered loving someone… of the same sex?"

At this Cid didn't show surprise or anything. And Karma was surprised. She expected a reaction, not the peaceful aura that surrounded the therapist.

"Well, for a time I liked a guy, but I don't think I could have found myself loving him… but well, everyone is free to love anyone you know? So tell me, how long you been in love with Riven? Or with someone of the same sex for that matter"

Karma was heavily surprised at the bluntness of the therapist, but she wasn't scared of his question. If anything she felt relaxed seeing his smile and how he simply was asking with curiosity, there was no evil in his words.

There simply was no malice coming from him.

And so she found honesty would be the best way to speak with him.

"I have… liked the female figure more than the masculine side. I just liked them, there is no real reason. I must say I considered Riven to be pretty… but after her visit to Ionia with Yasuo, I found myself liking her more, as I got to see a different side of her"

Cid nodded. Riven had changed a lot. And it was nice knowing others shared his point of view regarding the positive change on her.

"The thing is… I don't know if Riven shares my preference for the female figure… I do not wish to be called… a freak"

Cid noticed how uncomfortable she looked speaking about it so he took the conversation to another route.

"I see, well if you wish… I could just ask her, Riven is close to me, and I could ask in your stead, that way you wouldn't risk anything"

Karma eyes got open with surprise. She wasn't expecting such a thing. She found herself smiling and nodding at him.

"I would appreciate that, thank you Cid"

He nodded before seemingly looking somewhere else. And just took to speak.

"You know, love is weird. We find ourselves loving others, risking a lot of stuff for them, putting their needs before ours. And love is weird because it can bloom everywhere. I once heard a man say, that the only way to fall in love… to totally, completely fall in love. Was to admit you are deserving of love, and that because you are deserving of love. You can love back"

He looked at the roof of the office before sighing.

"Only when you accept you are deserving of love, you can love back. And, you do not need to feel alone. We aren't alone because we share this world with others. Those who feel alone, are forgetting the trail they have already walked… Karma. There is nothing wrong with you loving women. If anything, I feel happy you found yourself someone who makes your heart beat faster and make you smile. Loving someone is not bad as long as that love is respectful Karma"

Karma could only listen and smile at him. The therapist was nice. In his own way, he was trying to make her relax, to feel comfortable about speaking of her preferences.

"Do not be afraid of loving someone Karma, be afraid of never finding someone you love"

Karma nodded. A soft giggle came out of her before she spoke to him.

"I can see why Riven holds you in such a high esteem. You truly are a good friend aren't you?"

Cid nodded before speaking.

"I'm a good therapist in the office. But I can be a good friend all the time"

She smiled before nodding in approval of his words.

"I agree, well then, please tell me of this guy you liked, I feel curious of it"

As Karma smiled, her eyes flashed with curiosity and Cid could only sigh before smiling at her.

"Is nothing that great really, I just thought, hey he is nice… maybe I could try to be friends with him? In the end we just couldn't be friends for long"

Karma was with a sad smile on her face. She could feel it.

"He died didn't he?"

Cid nodded.

"War is a horrible thing. Is never the answer, and the worst part, is that both sides in a war think they are the ones doing the right thing"

Karma sighed.

"I know… well, lets go to something different…. Have you loved a woman?"

Cid smiled before denying with his head.

"Sadly, I have yet to find someone who I love. I like many women, I like many of my friends, I mean, Sona is someone who I have come to consider a great friend and her presence is always relaxing. Riven is someone who I share the bond of being soldiers, we both know the horrible thing a battlefield is… Ahri has become a good friend too. I recently met a Marai, her name is Nami and she is amazing, I also got to meet Shyvana, and"

As Cid kept speaking of all the people he had met in the institute, Karma found herself smiling. The therapist was a sea of positivity and peace. He was truly happy while speaking of the many people he had met. Even while speaking of Hecarim, Karma could feel sadness about not being able to help him, but nothing like anger.

He enjoyed working with the institute, and he enjoyed the presence of the champions. He even spoke with a lot of warm of knowing Taric was alive. He spoke of Ezreal and how while recently meeting him, he already had a good impression of him.

He spoke of how Garen and he knew each other, he mentioned Jarvan, he mentioned how he suspected Xin Zhao was way older than he looked but he had yet to speak with him. He also mentioned how he wished to speak in better terms with Quinn, and how he felt Fiora had been nice to him recently.

Karma listened with full attention, keeping the details of how much warmth he showed.

She found herself interrupting him.

"You are a nice guy Cid… don't stop being yourself"

At this Cid got red, he felt embarrassed at the way Karma spoke. It was full of kindness, and it had been an honest compliment. Karma giggled at his reaction.

"…thanks, that, that means a lot Karma"

Karma proceeded to speak about her life in Ionia, how things were around, how she wished to achieve peace in her nation, for even while it was peaceful, she wanted to heal the wounds in the others around her.

Ionia had suffered, but some close to her suffered with a pain that could not be healed by magic. Karma found herself in thought before speaking.

"Would you consider… to visit Ionia? I wish you could help someone trust others… is a shame what has been of her as she holds the greatest potential of all"

Cid found himself nodding without giving it much thought.

"If you will have me, I don't mind visiting Ionia"

Karma smiled before nodding.

"Let me tell you a bit of Ionia then"

Ahri found herself resting on the pillows, her head was with a lot of thoughts. Was she the prince? Or the fox of the story? Was she the one getting closer to the fox? Or was she the fox who would end alone?

She shrugged those thoughts before hearing the knocking on her door.

"Going!"

She knew it wasn't Kong. He would have made the door fall… again.

She found herself surprised at looking at Morgana who was with a tray of small sandwiches. While looking weird, she guessed it was a peace offering. Also she seemed to carry a bag with something in it.

"Greetings, I would like to ask for your help Ahri… may I?"

Ahri nodded moving to let her enter her room.

She placed the sandwiches and the bag close to the vanity before offering one to Ahri.

"Would you like to try it?"

She would have said no. But she remembered how Cid had spoken to her of Morgana cooking. So she would confirm if he truly lacked any tasting buds. As she nodded in approval and eat the small offering. She found herself suddenly eating the rest.

They had been truly good. When she noticed her wild action, she felt like Wukong and apologized at Morgana.

"My apologies! I couldn't stop myself!"

Morgana chuckled before waving it off.

"Do not worry, I find myself delighted you enjoyed them, I was afraid they wouldn't be to your liking"

Ahri relaxed letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding, she had been worried about ending trapped in a field of dark energy. She would never forget the feeling of being trapped in the jail of dark power while Morgana cursed the floor making lots of damage.

That had been one mess of a gank.

"Thanks Morgana… and what do you want help with?"

Morgana nodded at Ahri before taking out a sketch. Ahri looked at the sketch and found herself smiling in delight.

"Is beautiful! Did you do it?"

Morgana denied before pointing to the bottom.

"No, but it I found it in the office of Cid. I must say, it looks nice. And while I already did the dress, I was wondering if you would be able to do his hair"

Morgana didn't notice when Ahri left the room. She wasn't really sure if Ahri had heard her or if she just left to get Cid. Whatever the case, she started to take the dress out of the bag. She hoped Cid liked dark colors.

Karma had finished speaking about Ionia to Cid. He smiled at the idea of visiting the place. They had agreed to ask a summoner to teleport him to go to Ionia for a couple of days to visit the friend of Karma. She said she wouldn't tell him who it was or anything of her, that way he would make his own impressions of her friend when he met her.

"Sounds fair to me"

Karma smiled.

"Glad you agree… by chance do you know if Riven will attend the dance?"

Cid smiled before nodding.

"Ahri, Sona and Riven would come to get me, Morgana invited me so hopefully we will go all as a group"

Karma was in thought at his words, noticing his confusion she spoke.

"You don't know how being a guest of a champion works right? You will be presented as the date of Morgana"

Cid laughed before shrugging it off

"Don't worry, Morgana is pretty much my friend, I doubt she had that sort of intentions"

Karma smiled trusting his words.

"You are lucky, is not common for someone who is not a champion to go…. Long ago Nidalee took someone, but the whole deal ended in a mess… the nerve of that summoner"

Before Cid could ask he heard quick knocking on the door. It seemed urgent. He looked at Karma before pointing to the door.

"Go ahead, I think we spoke of what was important already"

As Cid stood up and opened the door. Ahri was smiling while giggling at him. Before he could ask anything she just took him from the arm and rushed off. Karma was surprised at this, and curiosity guided her. She noticed she had no way of reaching Ahri. She focused her power as her Mantra gave her speed.

Cid was in thought already guessing what was happening.

"Ahri… is this related to the dance?"

Ahri only nodded as she got him in her room. He saw Morgana and waved at her with his free arm. She smiled at him before waving back. Karma was behind them the whole time and entered the room before Ahri could close the door. But it seemed that was unneeded for Ahri seemed focused and excited as she sat Cid in her vanity.

"Morgana made you a dress! I didn't know you were going to wear a dress for the dance! You should have told me!"

Cid shrugged.

"In my defense, I didn't know I was going to wear a dress either"

Morgana approached with the dress showing it to Cid.

"I made it when I saw the sketch, I had a bit of help from Elise. She has a knack for tailoring works"

Cid recognized the dress.

"Oh… the one of the sketch Fiora did"

Morgana nodded.

"I saw the sketch, and thought you would enjoy it… if it was a mistake from my part, then I apologize…"

Morgana looked down for a moment. And something in Cid broke at seeing her expression, it was obvious she had placed effort in getting it, after all she only had the night…

Sometimes. Being a good friend was willing to sacrifice anything for those you care.

And for Cid, being a good friend for Morgana was accepting to wear the dress… he wasn't going to wear a suit either way.

"I think is a beautiful dress… and it would be a shame to not use it… so mind helping me get on it?"

Morgana face stopped looking to the ground in shame and looked at Cid with wonder in her eyes. She took to smile before taking his hand.

"Sure, I will help you get in it"

She smiled as she took his hand and Ahri with Karma found themselves smiling at the scene. Karma approached Ahri before whispering.

"He is a nice guy isn't he?"

Ahri nodded.

"The nicest… he wouldn't let her feel sad… and now look at her, I doubt I ever saw her smiling so much…"

Karma nodded.

"It seems he has that gift with people"

A few moments later Morgana came in the company of a therapist wearing a gown in dark colors. Purple and black made it in the intricate design of the dress. Ahri found herself smiling looking at Morgana. Her own dress matching the colors of the gown. Morgana was holding his hand helping him walk as he wasn't used to use such a piece of clothing.

"I must say… I feel a bit ridiculous on this"

Morgana found herself smiling at him.

"You look great… now Ahri is your turn"

Ahri approached with a brush and a big smile.

Karma found herself looking with fondness at the scene.

The therapist wasn't one to like the dress. But he was wearing it to make Morgana smile. He placed the happiness of her first, he didn't care of the ridicule it seemed. The happiness of a friend was more important to him.

As Ahri puffed his hair and made him look like a princess of a fairy tail she brought a mask for him.

"Here you go… maybe you would like to hide your face?"

Cid thanked her and used the small mask that covered his eyes. Karma approached him as Ahri helped Morgana.

"You are truly nice… maybe too much… does she mean so much to you?"

Cid nodded smiling.

"She is nice… she is not as evil as some might think… outside of that exterior, in the inside there is someone kind…"

Karma gave him a light squeeze on his arm.

"Cheer up, I know you will have fun on the dance"

Cid smiled at her.

"Thanks, I only hope to enjoy it with my friends"

When Sona and Riven came to look for Ahri, Sona found herself red-faced at the masked lady she recognized from her imagination. Riven was wearing a suit, her hair looking as always and Karma found herself enjoying the look of Riven, it fitted her better than any dress if anyone asked for her opinion.

"Cid! You look great!"

Cid smiled at her.

"Thanks Sona, you can thank Ahri and Morgana"

The small group was all chatting as they were walking together.

Karma and Riven were in the front of the small group, Karma trying to strike a conversation with Riven who smiled politely and listened to her. Ahri found herself close to Morgana as both spoke of the work they had done. Cid and Sona were speaking in signs to each other.

"You are taking it rather well. I thought you would look more uncomfortable in the dress"

Cid simply nodded.

"It was a gift, and me wearing it cheers up my friend. Plus, you know dark colors suit me"

Sona found herself smiling with warmth at him.

"You are too nice. But is because of you being nice that I like you. So don't feel any less manly with a dress. To me the biggest man in the Institute is you"

Cid found himself smiling at Sona.

"Thank you Sona… I guess you deserve a special reward"

Sona was about to ask what reward when she felt a kiss to her cheek. She touched the spot as her face got warm. Cid kept walking and this time they were walking in silence. As the group kept chatting, Sona recovered the capacity to make signs.

"What happened with the rules of no kisses?"

Cid smiled signing for her to not say a word.

"Is a special occasion, right? I mean when will you see me wearing a dress again?"

Sona smiled before signing at him with a mischievous look.

"True. I doubt I will ever see you looking so elegant again"

Cid smiled nodding.

"Formal clothes don't suit me. So enjoy looking me like this while it lasts"

Sona found herself smiling before holding his hand and interlacing their fingers. Essentially cutting their way for silent communication.

Cid looked at Sona as if asking what she was doing, and Cid could see the answer in her eyes.

Enjoying it while it lasts

The room for the Heart seeker dance was a big hall, able to fit over a thousand summoners. And it was perfect to fit the champions who had attended. Galio seemed to be in the front making sure only those with a champion could enter. Cid then took notice of how important the event was regarding invitations, for when he entered he took notice he only saw champions. No summoners in the area. A small reunion one could say.

As the small group walked, Ahri went to find them a table for their small group to sit in. Sona signed at Cid she would help Riven with Karma as she noticed she seemed a bit confused.

As Cid nodded that left Morgana and him. As Morgana came close she linked her arms with his.

"Well then, would you honor me with a dance?"

The middle of the room was open, and one could hear light music, some were actually dancing as others were in the surrounding tables seemingly eating or just in what Cid could judge by their body language as amicable chat.

In the middle he saw a lady in red and white dancing with what looked like a barbarian. Before he could ask Morgana answered.

"Ashe and Tryndamere, Ashe is the one who made this whole event, she likes to dress up for the occasion as you can see… Tryndamere just goes with it"

Cid nodded and simply smiled at her.

Morgana and Cid took to dance in silent agreement, Morgana guiding him as she noticed he didn't knew how to dance in a formal setting. She smiled as she guided him. And some of the surrounding dancers looked at them. Some weren't sure as to who was the partner of Morgana, surprised at their contrasting aspects.

If anything, Cid was used at people staring and speaking things, so he didn't care. Morgana simply smiled at her dancing partner, taking in the simple entertainment that was simply spinning together.

Shyvana had taken to simply stay with Jarvan. Meanwhile Lux was dancing with a stoic Garen who seemed uncomfortable of dancing with his sister. One could see Orianna and Blitzcrank, the later simply making a dance different to Orianna elegant steps of what seemed ballet. Some others had taken to dance, Draven and Sona had seemingly got together to share a dance. This was a fun contrast for Draven seemed to go speaking endlessly and Sona nodding or denying with her head.

At a point Cid noticed two people whose dancing looked closer, like two lovers, and noticed they were vastayas, so he thought that sort of explained why they were so close. Morgana smiled at him. It was nice seeing he had relaxed and got into the rhythm of her steps.

Ahri meanwhile was sitting in the company of Wukong, the latter asking a question that Ahri wondered herself.

"You okay?"

She nodded.

"Yeah, I think I am okay Kong… what about you?"

He smiled nodding.

"I got to fool master with my clones, I owe my rival for that victory"

She smiled nodding at him.

"He is nice, isn't he?"

Wukong nodded before taking a thinking pose while he scratched his head.

"Speaking of him, I thought someone would surely invite him, think I can bring him over?"

At this Ahri giggled.

"He is dancing with Morgana"

As Wukong looked at Morgana he had to place both hands over his mouth.

"He….pff…he looks….pfff…. great…pfffff!"

Ahri could only laugh at the reaction of her friend.

"He better looks great, I did his hair, Morgana got the dress"

Wukong nodded and both noticed a different presence sitting near them. They looked at the Marai who took to sit near them.

"Got space for one more?"

They both ended up nodding, Nami was someone nice to have close.

"Of course, enjoying the event?"

Nami nodded.

"I was hoping to dance a bit… but I would need a bit of help"

Wukong nodded before offering himself.

"Though… Ahri wont you be lonely?"

Ahri smiled waving their worries off.

"Go to dance you two, you deserve some fun"

As Ahri looked at the pair going to dance she took to copy Riven and get some food.

Riven had been in the company of Sona and Karma before the first took to accept to dance with Draven, that left her with Karma. She didn't mind the presence of Karma if anything she was happy of having someone close, she wasn't friends with many of the people, and she didn't feel like dancing either.

So, she was glad of being in the company of Karma. But she seemed really into having their hands together. Not that she minded, she just found it curious, if she didn't know better, she would dare say Karma was trying for them to be close, which didn't made sense as they were friends.

They had taken to sit and simply eat as Karma spoke to her about hoping her to visit Ionia.

"You know, Cid is coming too"

At this her attention shifted from the food to her.

"Really? He didn't tell me about it"

Karma nodded.

"Well is something rather recent, I just invited him and he accepted to go. It will be to help a friend of mine"

Riven smiled before resuming to eat.

"Sounds like him, I bet he would go anywhere to help someone"

Karma nodded and watched as Riven ate. It was sloppy at times, but she could only find it more endearing. She took a napkin to clean Riven face, the gesture made Riven eyes go wide as she saw Karma smile.

"There, all clean"

Riven blushed before nodding.

"Thanks… you didn't have too"

Karma waved it off before eating herself.

"Just wished to do, no worries"

So far the whole event had gone well. People were sharing tables and sitting in amicable conversation. Few kept dancing, no one was surprised in seeing Rakan and Xayah dancing still, what they were surprised of was the smiling Morgana with her partner. Some with keener eyes noticed who was the one dancing. Ahri, Sona, Wukong, Nami, Riven, Karma and Draven were sharing a table. The last one surprised about the identity of the partner of Morgana.

"No way, you just want to make Draven believe he is a fool"

The whole table denied his idea.

"No, really, the therapist is Morgana dance partner"

As Draven laughed Sona pinched his arm to make him stop.

"Ouch! Okay I won't laugh, but man, he looks to girly, Draven finds it hard to believe"

Before Ahri could explain they all saw Morgana kissing Cid in the cheek. Before anyone could wonder about it Morgana seemingly left as Cid approached their table.

Everyone was about to ask what happened before Cid answered.

"She just said I'm a good dancer for someone who lacks a leg, she went for something to eat…"

Everyone noticed he seemed to be in thought.

"All good Cid?"

He waved them off.

"Yeah, just… thought about something, that's all"

Everyone kept chatting of other things, but a couple of champions knew something was going on. But they would wait. They could wait to know, after all they sort of knew what had him in thought already.

CUT! Well that finish, in my opinion, Cid personality presentation, so next time I will focus on the "Friend" of Karma in Ionia, can you guess who? Also, who is excited about Kai Sa? Hope this chapter was to your liking everyone, I had fun writing this one, must admit I wished to make the other chapter, but this was needed. I honestly need a Beta to give you all more quality.

Till next time! Thanks everyone as always! You are all the best