Hey everyone, lets start the week with energy! As always thanks everyone! Also I own nothing of League of Legends, that is of Riot. I only own my OC.
Chapter 19. The do and 100 don't of therapist-patient relations. The Darkin Threat. An Introduction to the Void.
"And so, the prince went away, remembering… that one is responsible of the things he tames… for the time we put on the things… is what makes them important…"
Cid ended telling Ahri the story of the fox and the little prince. Cid had notice how she had been staying silent. Her head was over his. And when he felt a drop of liquid in his cheek he looked up to see a crying Ahri.
"Ah… sorry… is just… that was sad… it… confuses me…"
Cid offered Ahri a cloth to get the tears away. She denied kindly and got the tears out of her eyes with her hand.
"Why… why did the fox wanted to be tamed? If the little prince left without taming him… he wouldn't have cried… he wouldn't have gotten sad at the good bye of the little prince…"
Cid stayed in thought.
Honestly, the stories of the little prince were confusing. No matter how old you became, or how young you were. Something would come out of the stories. And maybe it was because he sorts of understood the idea of the story. But he simply spoke to Ahri with warm in his voice.
"Sometimes… friendship is worth it… you know one day people will go away… but that's no reason to stop yourself from making new friends…"
Ahri seemingly nodded. She didn't get the idea or shared the sentiment with him. If anything, she wondered why the little fox would do something that would hurt him in the end. She gave a hug to the friend who meant a lot to her.
"I guess… you won't leave right?"
Cid nodded smiling returning the hug.
"Not unless the Institute forces me too, don't worry okay?"
Ahri perked up and nodded. She also nodded the state she had left his hair in.
"Oh! Let me fix it quickly for you"
Ahri started to fluff his hair with her hands, focusing on styling it quickly with nothing but her hands. It was taking a nice shape as she started to braid it behind him.
Cid decided it was useless to tell her there was no need. Once she finished she looked at him.
"Promise me you won't undo the braid? It fits you"
Cid smiled at her. Her expression was one of pure honesty, she really thought it fitted him.
"I promise I won't be undoing the braid, not unless something happens that forces me to do so"
Ahri perked up and smiled at him.
"I will take your word then… well, I don't know you, but I'm hungry, want to come?"
Cid denied before sitting in his chair again.
"Thanks, but I'm not hungry, I will sketch something for a while…. If you see Sona, mind telling her to come? I need to speak with her…"
Ahri nodded. She gave a sad smile at him. She knew what he was going to speak to Sona, so she offered some words of relief.
"If it helps, I doubt she will hate you, or stop being your friend… if anything she will be happy as long as you stay friends"
Cid nodded smiling at Ahri.
"Thanks… I hope it goes well"
Ahri left closing the door behind her.
Ahri head was bouncing with a question.
Why would you do something that would hurt you fox? Was friendship so worth it? If you knew the little prince would leave… why ask to be tamed?
Sona had been in her room playing her instrument. Her playing had been full of happiness and hopes, the sounds making her relax and enjoy the day. She had hoped to hear from Cid. But so far as she knew he had been busy.
A part of her thought he was avoiding her…
Yet she let that thought rest. He wasn't one to avoid her… right?
She decided she could go to get something to eat, it was getting late and it had been long since breakfast. As she made her way to get food Ahri waved at her.
"Sona!"
Ahri rushed and hugged her friend who smiled. It seemed Ahri was in a good mood.
"I got so much to tell you! Lots of stuff happened and!"
Suddenly Ahri seemed to stop her happiness to stay focused and serious. This brought questions to Sona. But before she could write in her notepad Ahri spoke the question she was thinking of.
"Cid wants to see you… think you could go visit him now?"
Well she had done her part. And hoping things went well for Sona.
Ahri never was so serious, so Sona was a tad worried but nodded.
As she made her way to the office of the therapist, she was in thoughts about the last night. They had kissed. Well, she had been the one to kiss him… had she been to forward? Her thoughts were interrupted when she took notice she was in front of the therapist office.
She knocked the door and heard the voice of Cid.
"Is open"
Sona entered and smiled at him. He smiled at her, but she could feel the apprehension in his smile. She signed at him after closing the door behind her.
"Greetings, how you feel?"
Cid smiled before offering her to sit.
"Good. Sona. About what happened"
Cid looked apprehensive about continuing, and so she decided to help him.
"Cid. I told you back then... Whatever happens, whatever you decide, wherever this goes"
Cid sighed ending the phrase with signs.
"let me have this moment with you"
Sona nodded and kept smiling at him. Cid noticed her smile was full of acceptance. She was ready for whatever came. So, if she was ready, he had to be ready too.
"I can't accept a relationship with you. As a therapist, I can't date my patients"
Sona nodded. Her smile was still on place, but Cid could see the small tinge of disappointment in it.
"We can still be friends, right?"
Cid smiled before nodding.
"Absolutely"
Sona smile while still had the tinge of disappointment never stopped being warm. She seemed to relax before signing to him.
"Can I kiss your cheek if I want?"
Cid chuckled.
"Why?"
Sona smiled before signing again.
"Maybe we can't be in a relationship. But I still like you, that won't change"
Cid got embarrassed about it. She could be blunt when she wanted to be.
"Hugs are fine, but no kisses. We need to set limits Sona"
A small pout set on her face and she sighed before signing.
"I will respect your rules; can I get a hug now? I need it"
She opened her arms to him. Cid sighed before standing up and hug her.
He noticed how Sona hug was a bit too tight. But he spoke, she needed to hear it.
"You know nothing will change right? You are still my friend, and we will keep on being friends until you feel like throwing me away"
She smiled and hugged him tighter. It was nice to know things hadn't changed. Sure, no relationship would be born anytime soon, but having a good friend was better than losing him.
Sona let the hug and signed.
"Want to go eat?"
Cid smiled but denied.
"Sorry, I want to work on something"
Sona nodded before going out and closing the door behind her.
As Sona left Cid let himself fall on his chair.
"That… went better than I was hoping…"
He felt relaxed knowing Sona didn't take it badly. Sure, she was a bit… affectionate, but she was a good friend. And things would stay that way for long.
Cid was in thought. He had seen many things in the Institute so far, but the more he saw the more he understood how little he knew. Seeing the young man teleporting in a flash in the office was something new. Yet not so different from the usual purple flash.
"Mind if I stay here for a while?"
Cid was done sketching as he nodded.
"Sure… and your name is?"
The young man smiled with pride.
"Ezreal, Prodigal Explorer at your service"
Cid was in surprise.
"Ah, so you are Ezreal"
Few who studied the world around them wouldn't know about the Master Explorer. Cid always thought he would be older, but he had abandoned that idea after reading the records the Master Explorer would write of his adventures.
Cid started to make a profile of the man. Rash, prone to danger, smart as he always had a backup plan, and seemingly in the look for something more valuable than all the treasures he had ever found so far. That last part was something Cid could only guess as he never had met the man outside of his works.
In other words, to Cid it made sense Ezreal was young, his rashness and prone to danger self-showed traits of adventurers who were young, as older explorers often take to avoid certain dangers that he seemingly took all the time when telling of his adventures.
"I'm taking it that thing is Ne´Zuk´s Gauntlet?"
Cid pointed at the gauntlet in Ezreal hand. The explorer nodded.
"Indeed… I'm taking it you know me then?"
Cid chuckled.
"Everyone who reads knows the Master Explorer, though I must confess curiosity makes me wonder. Who are you hiding from?"
Ezreal showed no fear or anything, rather focus on his eyes.
"I was trying to find more information on the Darkin… so far going straight forward to the source didn't work, so I took to escape before Aatrox could hurt me"
Cid nodded before asking.
"What are the Darkin though? Is my first time hearing the term"
At this Ezreal face beamed with a smile as he approached the desk, it was obvious he liked to share his findings.
"The Darkin, is quite the story really…"
The Darkin was an extradimensional race attracted by the imprudent use of magic by runeterran magicians. Following this, they started a conquering act known as the "Darkin War" but were ultimately defeated by the Ascended. The remaining Darkins were cornered and trapped in weapons.
In Ionia, on the Pit of Pallas, the Darkin Bow, Varus. Had been sealed long ago. Aatrox the blade seemingly got free of his prison and had been moving on all the battlefields, destroying the opposite army when they were about to win but his motives really are a mystery. Then the most recent finding, the Darkin Scythe. Raast. In the hands of Kayn.
Like symbiotes the Darkin boost the power of the wearer of the weapon, but in the end, they take control of them, Aatrox has totally possessed whoever was the wearer of the sword. Varus from the rumors going around is the fusion of two humans and the bow… and Kayn seems to be in control of the scythe, but rumors say they are often fighting for control.
Seemingly we got no information about the Darkin, but through the study of the old, we could guess they were a group of five…
"That's all the information on them right now though…"
Cid was impressed. While it wasn't much, it sure spoke volumes about them.
"Well… that's unexpected… and interesting from my point of view"
Ezreal hummed in approval.
"They are totally something different that's for sure"
Before long, Cid and Ezreal got into a discussion regarding the symbiotic process of the Darkin, as well their appearances in the history of Runaterra. It was fun. For both to be able to discuss something like that, Ezreal found himself enjoying chatting with someone who seemingly knew of history. And Cid for his part enjoyed the casual conversation that came with the presence of Ezreal.
Not long passed before Ezreal was behind Cid telling him the looks of the Darkin as Cid was sketching them.
"Yeah, the bow comes from his arm"
Cid nodded.
"Impractical, but I guess as it is part of his body he doesn't mind it"
Ezreal was in thought looking at the sketches from Cid.
While they were no masterpieces, and they were of course not perfect due to him haven't met any of the three known Darkin, he was good in keeping records… maybe…
"Hey… do you enjoy exploring?"
Cid ended the sketch of the bow in Varus before nodding.
"I do enjoy going out of the usual places, why?"
Ezreal was in thought.
"Just thinking… maybe you could come to an exploration of the Institute. They often go around at times, but they aren't good at keeping records of the things around, thought you might be interested"
Cid liked exploring. But more than exploration, it was the feeling of going out in the world, knowing no one would judge him from his past that really appealed to him.
"Sure, if chance appears let me know"
Ezreal nodded before taking the sketches.
"Mind if I take them?"
Cid chuckled. After all, he already had them all in his hands.
"Go ahead, I take it they will be useful for you"
Ezreal nodded before leaving the room in the same flash of light he appeared.
"Nice kid… could use more patience though"
Cid took another paper and started sketching the Master Explorer. The Prodigal Explorer everyone spoke about, Ezreal.
Yi was one with lots of patience, his abilities relied on this analytical ability and the aspect of being patient. But he was currently with a problem at the presence of the Grandmaster of Arms trying to make him fight.
"Come on, a few sparring matches never hurt anyone"
Yi sighed looking at his fellow Champion.
"And I'm trying to meditate… why not fight Kong?"
Jax shrugged. And Yi knew he would find himself in a tight spot.
"Can't find him, probably with Ahri"
"Fiora?"
"She was already in a spar"
"Lee Sin?"
"Couldn't find him either, surely is meditating somewhere else"
"Darius?"
"Fighting a match"
"Udyr?"
"In a match… I think he is in the jungle"
Yi was running out of the usual matches Jax had.
"Camille?"
"She was requested for a complaint against her"
Yi had to admit, it was impressive the sort of knowledge Jax had around. He would need a better place to meditate for the future.
"Riven?"
At this Jax seemed to hold no retort.
"Mmm she might be available, thanks Yi… you should meditate more, you looked a bit tired"
He kept his frustration at bay knowing Jax was only hoping to taunt him. Needless, he wasn't that good.
"I will follow your advice, thank you Jax"
Jax sighed noticing how Yi was meditating again. But he now had a possible sparring partner, Riven would prove to be a fun match. It didn't take long to find the Exile. She was seemingly reading in the library.
"Greetings"
Riven looked at Jax and nodded.
"I thought about having a sparring match, what do you say? Broken sword versus the lamp?"
Riven let down the book she was reading and nodded.
"Sure, let's go"
When Riven stood and walked while smiling, Jax was surprised. That had been unnaturally easy, no taunting, no need for insults, normally she wasn't one to accept fast… well everyone didn't answer him fast except for Wukong.
"Ah, right behind you"
In the room, as they got ready for the spar Riven was in thought. She hadn't visited Cid much, she thought she should go and try to speak with him a bit. Even if it was about nothing at all. She missed her friend.
Jax was in a different mindset.
He was focused but kept in thought about Riven. She seemed different if that would be a good different or bad different in the match. He wasn't sure, but he was ready for whatever she tried.
As soon as both were ready with their weapons, they got into the circle. A simple area with wards to avoid attacks to get out of it, plus it rendered all the damage they could make to non-lethal elements. It was as if both were fighting under the fountain in the field of justice. They would heal immediately.
Jax was the first to move he tried to jump with his lamp at the ready, what he wasn't expecting was to meet Riven halfway as she dashed forward. A shield generating in place. Preventing a possible attack, Jax started to get his lamp in motion, even if she wouldn't attack him, he would stun her opening the chance for attack.
What he didn't expect was Riven to stun him with a powerful shout at the same time his stun took place. Both looked each other in the eyes before Jax got ready, his defense boosting and Riven to call forward her sword, the broken sword, complete again.
The blows were exchanged for a while, in the end, the Grandmaster won the spar, but barely. He didn't expect the Exile to fight so patiently against him. He was used to fighting aggressive opponents and punishing their mistakes. But she had been patient, even as far as predicting his moves. It had definitely made the spar more fun.
"Well, looks like someone been practicing"
Riven smiled as she was sitting on the floor.
"Sort of, nothing new, just… relaxing I guess"
Jax nodded.
"It looks like that, never saw you fight so patiently before"
Riven sighed.
"Been taking a new look at things… what about you? Never saw you so focused before"
At this Jax laughed before nodding.
"Well, never had the reason to be focused when having a spar"
Riven simply nodded taking no offense at the comment. It only proved how experienced the Grandmaster was.
"Guess I'm getting better"
Jax nodded before helping her stand.
"What do you say we go fishing? Is always nice to fish after a spar"
Riven was curious about it but nodded. She had to try fishing before as she was in the wild when she abandoned Noxus. It would be fun to try to do it more casually with a fellow champion. Then her thoughts traveled to someone.
"Mind if I invite a friend?"
Jax was surprised. He never thought the Exile had many friends…. Or any at all.
"Sure, that way I can show off my skills to both of you"
It didn't take long for both Jax and Riven to convince Cid of going fishing. Mostly because Jax and Riven took the therapist away from his desk.
The outside part of the Institute had many things, mostly because there was a city right after the walls that surrounded it. Jax had taken them out of the Institute, and as they walked to a lake Riven and Cid took notice there was already a fishing pole near.
"Old Faithful"
Jax took the fishing pole. On the floor, there were many other fishing poles that looked the same.
"You can take any of the others, I only need this one"
Jax shrugged as if the other fishing poles were inefficient or defective. To the Exile and the therapist, the fishing poles were all the same. As they all seated and Jax proceeded to explain Cid the proper usage of the fishing pole they were all waiting. Jax sat a bit far from them, and Cid and Riven sat close to the other.
Riven was the first to break the silence in the lake.
"So… how come you get out of the Institute like this all the time?"
Jax seemingly focused only on the fishing pole but he answered.
"The summoners can't stop me from going out. That place can be a prison at times"
Cid was curious about this.
"What do you mean? Not anyone can go out"
It was hard for Cid to guess the body language of Jax. His clothes and his mask avoided him of knowing most. He had to judge by his tone of voice, which often was hard too he found out.
"You didn't know? The Institute doubles as a place to keep the more dangerous Champions in place, stopping them from making damage around"
Cid nodded and Riven followed the conversation.
"It doesn't always work though, they are not in a prison, so they often go out to their lands and do whatever they want, but as long as they are in the Institute, they can't go making much damage"
Jax focused on his fishing pole before nodding.
"One day though, the Institute might go away, and then you will have a lot of super-powered beings with talents free of doing whatever they want across the land..."
Cid imagined the panorama Jax painted. A world full of battles going around. The war of Noxus and Demacia on a much bigger scale.
"I mean, you got the Shadow Isles, Freljord, Shurima, Bilgewater, Zaun, Piltover, Ionia, Noxus, Demacia, I mean, the Void could easily make use of the chaos"
At this, both Riven and Cid looked at Jax with attention.
"You know the Void wants to envelop all, to destroy it… and it might make use of the chaos a fight between everyone would bring… but bah, ignore my ramblings, I'm just a Grandmaster fisher"
At this, he took his fishing pole out and saw the small fish it captured. The fish was small and before giving a shrug he let the fish back in the lake.
"To small to be considered a proper catch…"
Riven and Cid found themselves smiling at Jax. He was weird. He didn't show many emotions to Cid. But at least they both were sure he wasn't bad. They kept on the lake in peaceful silence. Riven was a bit closer to Cid. Jax who was the farthest of them could only think in his head.
"So that's what makes you change? Good to know you aren't alone… now if only the fishes would be as kind…"
Cid and Riven were both looking at the fishing poles. Riven would look to her side occasionally looking at the focused face of the therapist. She found herself smiling. Even if they weren't talking, his presence was nice to her.
"Like two travelers sharing a fire"
She found herself smiling a bit more before she took notice of Cid fishing pole moving. As he focused on the fishing pole and found himself in trouble with it Riven moved to help. It wasn't long before even Jax had to help them.
"What did you catch?!"
As the three focused on getting whatever was on the hook, Jax noticed first a small flash of color in the water.
"Let it go!"
The three of them released the fishing pole. And not much later an angry Nami came to see Jax. Her figure raising over the water as she carried her staff with the hook in it.
"I recall, telling you not to fish in this lake Jax!"
Jax was seemingly in thought before nodding at her.
"And I remember telling you I was here first Nami, or you need a reminder who has been on the Institute longer?"
Cid and Riven took notice of how Nami removed the hook of the fishing pole from a staff she was carrying with her. She probably was fighting to keep the staff with her, it was a good thing it wasn't on her that the hook got trapped. They both would have felt ashamed of hurting her.
"I recall telling you Jax, that this lake is not for fishing"
Jax snorted.
"Sure… you know I release them back all the time, so what's the problem?"
At this Nami seemed to get angry before Cid interrupted them.
"Excuse me… Nami was it?"
The siren looked at Cid with her eyes still seeming to focus on Jax.
"Yes?"
Cid motioned to Riven.
"We came to fish because Jax invited us…. And it was my fishing pole that got hooked on your staff... so I wanted to apologize"
At this confession, Nami anger seemed to disperse. As her face was showing confusion.
"What? No need to apologize, you didn't hurt me at all"
Cid didn't relent.
"Still, I apologize, it could have ended up badly… we didn't know we couldn't fish here"
Nami looked at the honesty in the eyes of the one speaking to her.
"Well… it wasn't your fault… really you didn't know, plus I must say is the first time Jax has brought someone here"
Jax seemingly focused on the lake more than Nami or the others. It was hard to know where he was truly looking.
"No one ever feels like fishing, so of course I wouldn't bring anyone"
At this Nami laughed.
"Someone felt lonely I take it?"
Jax seemingly snorted at her.
"You wish, aren't you the lonely one here?"
At this Nami looked down for a moment.
"A bit… but I have a mission to complete"
Jax seemed to look down for a moment. It seemed he had touched a rather sensitive subject. Riven felt a bit down understanding Nami. It was hard to go away from everything you knew.
Cid spoke interrupting the silence.
"If you feel lonely you can always speak to me though"
Nami looked at the honesty reflected behind the glasses on the eyes of the one speaking. She wondered about him.
"My apologies, but I do now know you, are you a new champion?"
Cid laughed at this before motioning for Riven.
"She is a Champion, and you too for what I can guess, but I'm just a therapist for the Institute, nothing more, nothing less. My job is to help everyone who needs to talk"
Nami smiled at this before nodding.
"Is truly noble to help others, you should give yourself more credit. Those of us who help others should stick together"
Nami looked with wonder in her eyes and pride. It was obvious to Cid she was one to help others. Jax meanwhile had noticed what the therapist had done the whole time.
Collect, analyze, infer, reveal the image hiding in the shadows.
"You are the real deal I take it… does the Institute knows how dangerous you could be if you want it?"
Jax knew the danger someone with the abilities of Cid could bring. People like him brought change, brought thoughts out. And even sometimes could plant thoughts on others. He was dangerous… he was someone he would have to keep a close eye on. Making sure he wouldn't abuse the ability he had and…
All his thoughts on the danger Cid could be faded when he saw him being pushed by a small torrent of water Nami threw at him.
"Sorry! Normally no one falls when I throw them a small torrent"
Nami hadn't expected for the therapist to fall so easily, taking notice, it seemed she was frail in body. She felt a bit bad about getting her wet. She didn't intend to ruin the pretty braid she had.
Cid chuckled as he was wet and Riven was trying to suppress her laughter.
Cid laughed before standing up with the help of Riven. Nami looked down before speaking again. Her words would elicit a torrent of laughter from Jax and Riven.
"I apologize for ruining your hair Cid… it fits you well, you should be proud, not many girls do their hair in the Institute"
Silence reigned for a few seconds. And the torrent of laughter released itself. Jax couldn't hold it, he fell on the floor. And Riven tried to keep control but she also laughed. Nami didn't get what they were laughing until Cid cleaned his glasses from the water.
"I'm a therapist Nami… one who is also male…"
At this Nami looked embarrassed before pointing at him.
"Sorry! Is just, you look rather frail, and your hair! Well… you don't look as manly as others…"
This had been a hard blow for him. One that Riven and Jax couldn't stop themselves from laughing. In the end Cid relented and started laughing too. His laugh was infectious and Nami found herself laughing the embarrassment away.
"No problem Nami, I'm indeed frail, and well, Ahri had done my hair, I sort of promised I wouldn't take the braid away unless something happened. So yeah she won't feel bad about it"
Nami found herself smiling at the therapist. She was… he, he was different. He wasn't trying to act like many others she had met after coming to land. The world on the surface was one with wonders, things that were different from the sea she came.
Cid found himself curious about Nami and decided to ask something.
"Nami… what is your mission in here?"
Without a care in the world, Nami let herself rest on the lake as she spoke to Cid of who she was.
No Marai had ever traveled the distance she had taken.
She had the Tide caller staff, she had gone to Targon and even went to Ionia, all in the quest for the aspect of the Moon. How she had traveled, learning about the world of the land, and how she had even found the answers to who was the aspect of the Moon. Yet it seemed something was wrong.
"You see, we exchange an abyssal pearl for the moonstone. This keeps the Marai safe… but the aspect of the Moon doesn't remember how to make a moonstone"
At this Cid was curious. He had noticed some things from the tale of Nami. How she was brash, headstrong and rather brave. She had taken a long journey. And it was obvious by her tone how disappointed she was.
"I can't go back to the ocean without the moonstone…"
At this Cid understood her sadness. Of course, she would be lonely. She couldn't go back to the Marai without the moonstone… he hoped she could get it.
"Diana is the aspect of the Moon, though she is always a mess on her head"
Jax words caught Cid and Riven. Nami just nodded.
"Indeed. She is the one who could make a moonstone, but she doesn't know how"
Jax hummed.
"Diana travels with thoughts of the Lunari, and of her own. So, her memories and actions can always be a mess"
Riven remembered meeting Diana a few times. She always looked as if she carried something heavy with her.
"I heard that Leona wished to speak with Diana. But it never goes well, can't say I blame Diana. The Solari never seemed nice to anyone who didn't worship the sun"
Once again Cid was impressed at the knowledge Jax seemed to be hiding all the time behind the mask. Nami words interrupted his thoughts.
"In the end… until Diana remembers or learns how to make a moonstone, I can't go back to the Marai"
Cid nodded. It was a shame…
"We like to believe our lives are our own. But we forget that our lives are all entwined, for we are all born from this world"
Once again. Jax was a mystery. Who was behind the mask? But that could wait… he was right.
"Maybe… I can speak with Diana and Leona separately and try to make them speak with each other…"
Jax denied with his head.
"You can try, but I doubt it will make them speak to the other… but… you would help Diana a lot by helping her clear her head"
Jax took his fishing pole and stick it in place again before going away motioning for them to come.
"I'm hungry. Want to come?"
Cid found himself quite hungry after the whole chat and knowing of the things around the Institute. Nami found herself calling a small tide to let her move around. Riven got close to them before placing their fishing poles close to the one of Jax.
"Let's go"
The group of four walked in amicable silence. Though it seemed Nami had found a new friend as she would ask questions to Cid regarding Demacia. While Cid wasn't fond of Demacia, he enjoyed letting Nami let her curiosity reign free.
As they kept on the way to eat. Cid found himself thinking a sad thing.
Even if Nami obtained the moonstone for the Marai. The trip will have changed her. She won't be able to stay with the Marai. She looks at the world with wonder and amazement… and her curiosity will stop her from staying in her home.
The ocean alone is too small for the Tidecaller.
Once they all eat and retired to their quarters. Cid found himself back in his office making what had started to become a habit. Sketches of the ones he met. Jax sketch had been made with an aura of unknown. The Tidecaller Nami had been done with amazement and wonder in her eyes.
He smiled looking at the small collection of sketches.
A soft knock caught his attention.
"Enter, the door is always open"
The visage of Vayne greeted Cid as she entered and locked the door behind her. She took to sit on the couch of the office and waited. Cid wasn't sure what she was waiting for, so he asked.
"Can I help you Vayne?"
She nodded before speaking.
"Do you fear something therapist? Do you ever feel dread at a memory?"
Cid could only nod at the honest question, Vayne voice betrayed her emotions.
"I do… though now some days I fear it slightly less, and with time I think it will fade away…"
She nodded before looking at him removing her sunglasses. Cid saw the desperation in her eyes.
"How long does that take?"
He sighed in sadness.
"I don't know Vayne… but speaking about it helps"
Back then, he had taken to speak with himself. To let his fears out in the open with himself, hiding nothing in the darkness that had been his home. Back then he wished he had met a therapist… someone who could have made it easier.
"What do you fear Vayne?"
Vayne seemed to look down before speaking. It seemed something had happened to make her look for him.
"What if I never get revenge? What can I do to protect others from the things that hide in the night?"
It clicked for Cid. She didn't want anyone else to experience what happened to her.
"Some take it as a mission to prepare the people for the future they can't see"
Vayne looked at him with curiosity. Cid found her eyes to be expressive. It was clear why used the sunglasses so much.
"You mean… to train someone?"
Cid shrugged.
"Yeah, you are the Night Hunter, as far as I know, you are the only who knows how to fight every one of the creatures of the night, why not start teaching others? Create an order of hunters? I mean, how did you learn?"
Vayne was in memory before smiling.
"My master taught me… Do you think she hates me in the afterlife?"
Cid denied with his head.
"Doubt it… she was willing to show her secret to you to save you, if anything she might have felt saddened at thinking she didn't teach you all… but that's entering a territory I don't like to visit Vayne… the death should be remembered in good memories, not with the things they might not have done…"
Vayne nodded. And Cid saw something he couldn't believe. A smile.
"Thanks… and…sorry for the bolt on your leg…"
Cid smiled back and motioned for his leg.
"Don't worry, I got myself a new one, this one more durable and comfortable"
Vayne smiled and stood from the couch, she got her sunglasses back on place as she left, but not before speaking again.
"I… think I can do it… placing revenge aside and do things that can help others prepare for the fight against the things hiding in the dark… thanks"
Cid smiled at the back of the Vayne as she left the office.
She was hard to understand. Mostly because she seemed to think a lot while alone, it seemed she would only visit to get a few words out of her head and keep the focus on her goals.
The Night Hunter wasn't one to waste time it seemed. And it seemed he was already receiving another visit as the door opened without him speaking for them to pass.
The visage of the elegant and deadly Fiora showed up.
"I had to see it for myself when I heard your name being spoken of"
Cid sighed at the visit of someone who especially didn't like him.
"Hello, good to see you too Fiora"
Fiora took to sit on the couch, her dueling saber never far from her.
"Is… good to see you too for once"
This surprised Cid. Their meetings in the past hadn't gone so well, so it was a first to see her being so civil.
"I heard you been together with Sona and the Exile"
Cid found himself correcting her.
"Riven. Her name is Riven, I don't think she likes her title too much"
Fiora shrugged seeing no mistake in what she said.
"Well, just wanted to make sure you were doing well… I don't know what Prince Jarvan finds interesting or useful to you. But he asked me to check how you were doing as he has been busy"
Cid found himself chuckling. Only Jarvan would worry about someone who was safe. He guessed it meant the prince would visit him someday sooner than later.
"Well, I'm doing good, as a matter of fact, I have a new leg Fiora"
Fiora kept on the couch her expression of indifference as he spoke. It seemed she wasn't leaving the office anytime soon.
"You know, you can go Fiora, if Jarvan asks I will tell him you made sure I was safe"
She kept looking at her dueling saber as if it had something in it before speaking.
"I'm using this place as a hideout until Jax calms down"
He wondered what she meant by that
"Jax? I just had lunch with him. What happened?"
She looked at him in wonder before speaking.
"I told him I was already in a spar earlier, knowing him he will try to find me for a spar and I just don't feel in the mood to do so"
Cid shrugged. Since Fiora wasn't leaving and he didn't feel like trying to speak with her he decided to sketch. He was trying to make a sketch of Vayne smiling.
Fiora looked at the therapist. She knew him by Jarvan, and in the past, their views on art had clashed. She didn't like him. But didn't hate him either. Garen didn't tolerate his presence like Quinn. Luxanna, in fact, seemed to enjoy his presence highly and Xin Zhao had expressed he didn't have views regarding the therapist as he didn't know him closer.
In the end. She found herself with the realization she knew nothing about him.
She knew his name, Cid. She knew he was a therapist…. But out of that and their clashing views on art, she knew nothing. His family, his home, his life. His likes, his dislikes…
Suddenly the words of Xin Zhao made more sense than she cared to admit.
"I got no opinion of the friend of the Prince. I do not know him, or anything related to him outside of his relationship with the Prince, so I cannot offer you an opinion"
She felt childish.
He wasn't an opponent. He wasn't a duelist she could find herself disliking from the beginning at his lack of decorum or ability. He was plainly someone who helped others if the words of the Prince were right.
She decided at that moment, that Fiora Laurent wasn't childish, she was the greatest duelist of all. Her observation of weak points was close to none. No one could rival her ability. So, she would find something to speak of with him.
"So… you like to keep your hair long?"
The question had taken Cid by surprise. He guessed Fiora would just leave after a while. It seemed she was trying to go for conversation, he thought it wouldn't hurt to speak with her.
"…well, I just let it grow long… I guess I don't mind it though… plus some people say it fits me…"
Mainly women teasing him of his girly looks. But a compliment was a compliment. And he would take them with kindness and gratitude.
Fiora nodded at him before speaking her thoughts on it.
"It does fit you. Though because of your looks, you could be called effeminate in your look… your lack of muscle and thinness doesn't help you"
Cid smiled at her. She was being more than civil it seemed.
"Thanks Fiora"
She nodded. She took notice that it was easy to speak with him, and it seemed he took no offense regarding his looks. Fiora knew many men who would have tried to hurt her for insulting their looks. But it seemed Cid wasn't like them. If anything, he looked thankful for her opinion.
She looked at the sketches on the desk. And she decided to try to recover a bridge she might have destroyed in the past.
"The sketches look good… a bit rough some of them, but good in general"
Cid smiled and offered her a piece of paper and pencil.
"Want to sketch?"
Fiora nodded. She enjoyed sketching. It was relaxing, and it also was an exercise that allowed both entertainments as it allowed her to keep her fluid motions.
Cid took notice of the way she moved. She was fighting the paper in an elegant duel. And while he still insisted her sketches were as rough as his… they surely carried more elegance.
As both were sketching Fiora found herself speaking with Cid again.
"Have you ever thought of changing your looks? Aim for the more effeminate aura you already have?"
The sound of pencils and paper could be heard before he answered.
"Not really. I mean, sounds possible, but can't say it crossed my mind"
Fiora hummed as an answer as she kept sketching.
"Must say, I find myself curious about how you would look"
He chuckled as he kept sketching at the same rhythm as her.
"Well, don't tell Ahri, she already has enough fun doing my hair when she feels like it"
At this Fiora kept humming before looking at him.
"Do you mind standing up?"
He did without asking the need. Whatever it was, it couldn't take long.
"Thanks, you can sit again"
As both kept sketching, Cid felt curious about what she was sketching. He decided he would try sketching her in the uniform of the Royal Guard he once saw hear wearing during a parade on Demacia. Back then they had been younger… Taric had even been there in Demacia with Garen on those days… he remembered thinking how great it would be to fight for Demacia…
What had been of Taric?
His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Fiora.
"Mind pulling your hair up for a second?"
Cid did it without asking. He already guessed what she was doing.
"Done!"
In the end both exclaimed they were finished at the same time. Earning a look of curiosity of the other. Fiora was the first to ask.
"Well, what did you do?"
Thinking it back, drawing her in the parade with the uniform felt rather silly. But Fiora didn't take it like that when she saw the drawing.
She looked proud, regal, even one would call her beautiful in the uniform of the Royal Guard.
"…It has been really long since that day… you saw the parade back then?"
Cid nodded.
"It had been a great day for Demacia"
She nodded before seemingly trying to not show him the sketch she did.
"Hey, don't hide it, is your turn show me"
Cid wasn't impressed at the fact Fiora drew him as a girl. What impressed him was the level of detail Fiora placed on the sketch. The ball gown had intricate designs resembling the movements of a blade, elegant and impressive. His hair seemed to be in an updo and Cid could only chuckle before looking at Fiora.
"You are really curious about me in a ball gown?"
Fiora seemed embarrassed.
"I apologize… it was a thought of the moment, and well… I just got curious…"
Cid never believed he would hear Fiora apologizing for anything. Had it been a different situation he would have enjoyed making her squirm on the apology. But he was more mature than that. And she had shown she wasn't bad either.
"Don't worry about it… but honestly, don't show this to Ahri or Lux, it could spell problems for me"
Fiora smiled, her face filled with pride and mischievousness.
"Ah, is that so? So… you could say you would do anything to keep this drawing away from them?"
Cid chuckled. He had fallen for her trick. It seemed Fiora was way sharper than he expected.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that"
Fiora smiled. She had inadvertently created a weak point. She indeed was the best at finding or making weak points in any defense.
"Well, I wouldn't mind keeping this drawing away from their eyes with a small condition"
Cid nodded.
"I'm listening to your demands"
Fiora smiled before taking the sketch.
"I will keep this sketch. And you will keep this one, sounds good?"
Cid had honestly expected more. But he smiled and nodded. Fiora gave him the drawing and she kept the one of the uniform of the Royal Guard.
"Glad we came to an agreement"
Both smiled. Fiora found herself having enjoyed the time shared with Cid. He could at least make a decent sketch. Of course, it had no way to compare to hers.
Feeling Jax would surely be away she stood up.
"Take care Cid. May we have a chat some other day"
Cid found himself nodding. He never thought he would find himself enjoying a small chat with Fiora.
"Sure, you are always welcome to this office"
She nodded and left. The door staying open as Cid looked at the fish in the corner of his desk. He took the sketch in his hands and showed it to the fish.
"What do you think? Too much?"
The fish had as always showed disinterest.
"Is this because I haven't got you a name yet?"
The fish kept in its own devices as Cid sighed.
"A plant would speak more than you buddy"
As if calling for problems Cid found himself observing what looked like a tall tree walking to him. It moved in wide steps and carried himself with a gentle air, as if he couldn't hurt any creature even if he tried.
"My apologies! But are you the therapist?"
Cid nodded as the tree found himself shaking hands with him.
"Ah great! Ivern at your service, I was hoping you could give me a hand, you see Zyra seems to be in the need of company today, and while I would love to spend time in the garden I'm required for a match, would you mind checking on her while the match takes place? I promise it won't be long"
Cid had many questions, but he found himself unable to say no to the kind and formal tree.
"…Sure, I can do that"
Ivern found himself smiling, Zyra had mentioned she wanted company, and if he couldn't stay then to send someone who would be silent and don't damage the plants, after asking her for someone she mentioned the therapist. Though he expected to find a young man.
"Amazing! You have my thanks, young lady! I got a match to attend! My friends on the jungle need me!"
Before Cid could answer Ivern found himself going away fast in his strides. Cid could hear a faint giggle at his side and took notice of Taliyah in the company of Yasuo who seemed to be able to contain his laugh better.
Taliyah spoke after getting control of her giggles.
"Well, seems the young lady is busy"
She made an emphasis on lady before hearing Yasuo speak.
"Your physique is frail, you can understand the thoughts of Ivern"
At this Cid motioned for Taliyah.
"Remember, some girls have stronger physiques, I'm just the frailest being you will meet anytime soon"
Taliyah nodded.
"Illaoi is anything but frail… maybe she could help you get muscle… or thinking it better avoid her. Not sure you want to be tested"
At this Cid raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Tested?"
At this both Taliyah and Yasuo found themselves shuddering as if a feeling of dread traveled through their backs. Yasuo spoke first as if to offer an explanation.
"Just keep yourself away if she says she wants to test you… aren't you supposed to go to the garden?"
Cid found himself nodding and walking away, but not before saying goodbye to them. At this Taliyah looked at Yasuo.
"Didn't you wanted to speak to him about the thing in Ionia?"
Yasuo nodded but kept walking in a different direction, Taliyah soon following.
"I do, but it can wait. Is nothing of urgency, is a simple matter I hope to speak with him later"
Taliyah nodded before speaking again.
"I want to know though, what do you want to tell him?"
Yasuo was in thought before speaking. Never stopping his walk.
"Is something I'm not really allowed to mention to anyone, I apologize Taliyah"
Taliyah sighed.
"All you can tell me is related to Ionia?"
As he nodded she kept walking behind him. She knew better than to try to force him to speak. He would just stay silent and keep the mystery going.
She would just have to ask Cid later. Surely, he would tell her whatever Yasuo was going to speak with him.
As they were on their way to their own devices, Cid was making his way to the garden. Not remembering he didn't close the door to his office, and an important sketch was in the desk clearly at the view of a friend who had decided to visit.
She smiled brightly at the sketch before taking it away, she had work to do.
Cut!
Hope you enjoy the chapter everyone, what can we expect for next time? Sorry if it feels a bit lacking, but I had to make the base for future interactions. Hope is to your liking, and thanks again everyone for your reviews and for following and favoriting this story. Thanks everyone, we will hopefully meet again in chapter 20!
Chapter 20: Good company, enjoy the dance, an outing in the city.