Gasp! What's this?! Two chapters in the same week?! This is madness! No in all honesty had a free day due to the upcoming elections in my country. Onwards! Capitalism, ho!

Ch 32 The blade that believes.

Is said that a man needs delusions in life.

Tell a man he is invincible, and he will believe it. Tell a man what they need, and you can inspire them. Make a symbol, hang it over their heads, and you can rally everyone under your banner.

Talon knew this.

For his banner was the banner of Du Couteau.

He had been bested by a man whose abilities with a blade were unique. Katarina was a master, and so was he. But never could they manage to steal a victory from the Du Couteau head.

He was an inspiration, a leader and a father. Talon thought as the night approached. Hearing the therapist speaking about the general and his sisters brought thoughts to him. Thoughts regarding what could he do. What was he supposed to do?

Katarina would become the head of the family, Cassiopeia would probably keep her life in the quest of knowledge. But what was a blade to do without a purpose? What was left for him to do… General Du Couteau had given more than just a family to Talon. He had given him purpose. An objective. Something to do with his life.

But with that gone. What was he supposed to do?

He had found fulfillment in routine. A way to get what he wished and keep forward…. But it seemed he had never been going forward. Rather he had made time become still, as everyone moved forward and kept looking for solutions, he was still the kid from the streets who lived day by day through instinct.

The therapist… Cid had mentioned he needed to go back with his family. That they needed to stay together…

General Du Couteau had said something similar in the past. In the same ways blades got sheaths to go back into, people had their families. A place for safekeeping and rest.

When was the last time he had spoken with Katarina? How long had it been since he heard the playing of Cassiopeia… when had been the last time he sat in the studio simply in the presence of his sisters? Had he really been avoiding them?

Had time truly come to stand still when the general went missing?

Yes….

The truth was… it happened. And it was mainly his fault. He thought the others wouldn't understand him… but they would. They were family.

If Talon was a blade, the house of Du Couteau was the sheath that offered him rest and safekeeping.

But how was he supposed to go back? How do you get back things in place? How was he supposed to fix the time he had come to lose? Was there really a solution to it. He found himself sighing in the wind of the of the incoming night.

It seemed as if the wind passing through brought answers to him.

"One step at a time, one day at a time…"

Maybe… he could make a step.

While it wasn't daytime any longer. He thought it would count as the first day if he went home to have dinner with his sisters. He stood up from the tower and jumped to its side, making use of his blade to slow his descent and jump to the next structure. Repeating the process until he was in the bottom level.

He proceeded to take the roads to his home. It was time to make a step.

Katarina was playing with a knife as Cassiopeia had been playing the piano. She was thankful Cid had offered to prep the table for dinner, he had mentioned he would feel uncomfortable of not helping in their home, after all he was staying an extra day.

Katarina was getting bored with her knife before she decided to try and tease the therapist.

"So… Ahri? I never thought you would be one for fur you know? I always thought you prefer the softer side in a bed"

Cid was able to keep himself composed thanks to years of practice. Cassiopeia wasn't so lucky and ended up releasing a horrible tune in the piano. She looked at her sister with a glare

"Katarina Du Couteau! You will not speak of such themes in my presence"

Contrary to widespread belief. Cassiopeia wasn't really a flirty person, sure, she learned back when she was human the arts to make men and women both feel interest, so they would spill their secrets. But she had never reached the bed of anyone. She was inside a romantic person, and in a big sense, there was a word Katarina often used to describe her sister attitude regarding those themes. Prude.

Katarina ended up openly laughing. Meanwhile, a red-faced Cassiopeia was about to enter a heated discussion that was drowned by Cid thoughts.

"Sona… I hope you find love… and I can't apologize enough at not being able to give it to you"

Thing was… Sona was his friend, probably a friend like Riven if not slightly closer. Maybe in another life, another world, things would have been different. He also thought about Ahri. Hoping she was well.

Cid thoughts stayed still for a moment. It was weird. In the past, his thoughts would only be regarding his own safety and his patients. Now he worried of people who he knew logically were okay…

Caring for others so simply… he really had changed.

A smile made the way across his face and he heard Cassiopeia speaking to him.

"Could you please explain to my dear sister… that people love life is not a theme of conversation?"

The words dear sister was laced in so much sarcasm Cid almost laughed. He did laugh when Katarina spoke.

"I am telling you, there is nothing wrong with being a prude, but you need to know I am not one at all"

His laugh made both sisters look at him. But their attention went away when they heard the main door of their home open. Thinking who dared to try open the door they were surprised at seeing an unhooded Talon entering.

"Hey… is dinner ready?"

The sisters both looked in amazement for a moment before Cid spoke.

"I finished getting the table ready, we can have dinner when Cassiopeia allow us"

She nodded, and everyone moved to the table. Except for two, Katarina and Cid who was being stopped by her. She spoke in a whisper to him.

"What did you do?"

Cid shrugged.

"I said I would make time move again for Talon… I am not sure, but I'm willing to say, that is the first step"

With a smile Cid kept walking while mentioning he was ready to taste the fine dishes of the house Du Couteau. Katarina was perplexed. And she looked at the painting of her father. She smiled at it and voiced her thoughts.

"Everyone is home, father, everyone is here"

Dinner went without much speaking. Mainly the conversation went around Katarina mentioning Cassiopeia needed to learn to relax, and how Katarina needed to learn to be more silent, in a surprise turn of events Talon spoke.

"You do need to learn to be a bit more silent Katarina"

While surprised, Katarina didn't relent.

"Oh, because we all can be a silent walker, aren't we? Sorry, I like speaking"

Cassiopeia sighed, and the conversation kept on going. Cid simply smiled as in silence he ate his meal. He had to say, for a family that consisted of trained blade masters and a tactical mind, they shared a nice dynamic.

Cassiopeia herself while not showing, was screaming her happiness inside. The three sons of Du Couteau were back in their home. At the same time, eating dinner. It had been truly long since the last time they all shared dinner.

She looked at the silent therapist. His glasses reflecting the table and the three members of the house. She was thankful. He had brought Talon back. Maybe it wouldn't last. But she didn't care about that. For now, she would enjoy herself.

Talon himself was in thoughts regarding the dinner. He thought it would be harder to speak with Katarina and Cassiopeia in the dinner. It seemed the thoughts were for naught. Had the therapist known it would be so easy? Is that why he tried to bring him?

What exactly went through his mind, that allowed him to see the connections between people so easily? What kind of training had one need to go to master the skill in reading people as if they were books, almost touching the ability to read minds… what kind of person was the therapist?

He was not the general. But Talon thought that Cid could be a blade. A rusty, broken and weak blade. Almost being like a piece of scrap iron that would end up destroyed in any second. Yet such a blade managed to inspire trust. To bring hope.

It was by no means a blade that could end a life. But it seemed it was a blade that could bring a sense of defense. A sense that things would go well…

A weird blade.

But if the general was the blade that inspired and rally others, and Cid was a blade that brought hope… then Talon would become the blade that believed things would go well. A blade that believes…

"A blade that believes huh…."

Everyone in the table took to look at Talon before he waved them off.

"My apologies, I was thinking"

Cassiopeia smiled while Katarina smirked.

"Don't go thinking so much, otherwise you will end up a prude like her"

The scream of Cassiopeia against her sister would be properly remembered for those who were in the house and close to it.

The night allowed the members of the house to go to sleep. Talon decided he would visit the therapist for a quick chat.

He found to his surprise the bed empty, and the desk occupied by the therapist he seemed to be awake judging by his attention to the roof, which later was turned to him.

"Oh, hello Talon, having troubles sleeping? I was about to let myself fall to sleep honestly, but I kept thinking, is Noxus really hoping the deal with Ionia works? I mean is weird right?"

Talon nodded before taking to take the chair of the desk and sitting a bit away from the desk to give the therapist space.

"Hey… did you know?"

Cid raised an eyebrow from his position looking to the roof.

"I said it before Talon, but contrary to widespread belief, I don't read minds, you need to be a bit more specific my friend"

Talon nodded. And Cid was surprised at not hearing any remark or indication he was bothered.

"Did you know… that it would be easy to talk with my sisters?"

Cid smiled, his attention still on the roof.

"I did. Cassiopeia let it clear how much she cared for you, and in her own way so does Katarina… family cares of each other most of the time. So, I thought everything would go well"

Talon nodded. He breathed and let out a sigh.

"So… what happens now? I mean, what happens with me?"

Cid sighed. This time moving to be able to look at Talon.

"Well… whatever you want to happen… you are free Talon, and with freedom comes the weight of choosing. You will have to find your own path. A path that you chose. Don't mistake my words, I am not telling you to stop looking for general Du Couteau, if I was you, I would probably keep looking for him…"

Talon nodded as he motioned his understanding and Cid kept going.

"I think… you should do what you wish to do Talon. Choosing something new, a new path doesn't mean you need to forget what happened in your old path. The many paths in life converge and cross each other… you just need to believe you can do it. Believe that is possible to make something new with your life… I am not sure if you get what I am trying to say… I know it sounds a bit too deep"

Talon nodded. Without his hood, it was easy to measure the expressions of the young man who offered a small smile.

"I just need to be a blade that believes… a blade that believes things will go my way if I try… I think that is what you are trying to say"

Cid ended up chuckling.

"In no part I mentioned blades, but yeah Talon. You got it. You just need to be a blade that believes"

Talon nodded he stretched his hand at Cid. Cid watched the hand with interest before shaking on it. Talon spoke.

"Talon Du Couteau, The Blade's Shadow"

Cid ended up smiling. This was a new beginning for them, in a way, the first meeting. He was meeting Talon for the first time, the real one, not the shadow that had been going around.

"Cid, no last name, Therapist for the Institute of War"

Talon and Cid shook their hands before Talon stood up and went away closing the door behind him. Cid took to look at the roof again thinking one last thing.

It was going to take time. But Talon had took the first step. And he had done it with a determination and will that couldn't be replicated. Maybe Talon wasn't human… maybe metaphorically speaking, he was indeed a blade.

"A blade that believes huh…."

Cid was taken by the sleep soon and there were no more sounds in the house Du Couteau that night.

When the morning came, Cid apologized for taking another day in their home, Cassiopeia said he would always be welcomed in their home should he need a place to stay in Noxus. Katarina had mentioned something similar, but with more teasing remarks that bringing Ahri was okay if they kept silent. Talon simply offered him to take him to the summoner who would get him back.

The trip back was silent, there was not much to speak about. When Cid was about to go, Talon did spoke again.

"I will manage it, on step at a time"

Cid smiled while nodding. Something in the way Talon spoke brought reassurance to him. In a purple flash Cid was back in the Institute, the feelings of nausea less strong than other times.

"Good! I feel I am getting used to this"

Cid took to walk to his office. To his surprise someone a couple was waiting in the door. This couple being Ashe and Tryndamere. Cid waved at them. Tryndamere animatedly waved at him and Ashe bowed in respect.

"Hey! How are you two doing? Everything is going well I hope?"

Ashe was about to speak when Tryndamere spoke loudly interrupting her.

"Ah! Indeed, it has! My rage has been in control thanks to you! I feel like having therapy again! When can I fight Olaf again?"

Cid chuckled. They heard Ashe clearing her throat looking at Tryndamere who looked embarrassed at interrupting Ashe.

"Ah, right, my apologies…."

Ashe nodded smiling at him and started to speak to Cid.

"Well, we were hoping you would not mind visiting Freljord… we are at a... certain impasse, and we were hoping you would be able to bring your point of view to the reunion"

Cid nodded.

"Sure, just tell me when we are going there, and I will get ready"

Tryndamere spoke loudly again before Ashe could speak.

"Right now!"

Cid chuckled at seeing Ashe sighing.

"We would appreciate if you could come now, I doubt Sejuani wants to wait much longer"

Cid nodded.

"I don't mind, but does the Institute knows?"

Ashe nodded. In that moment they heard the strings of an instrument sounding as Sona came dressed in a fluffy coat, making Cid understand she was probably going too. Looking at him Sona signed.

"The Institute requested your presence, normally summoners or representatives for the Institute would take the trip to the Freljord, but it was decided your help would be valuable. I was requested too to keep you safe"

Cid nodded and signed back at her.

"Thanks, I know you will surely have my back, I know if someone can avoid me of getting in troubles is you"

Sona smiled before signing.

"Someone has to keep you safe, otherwise Ahri would get me for letting you get in trouble"

Cid chuckled at the picture of Ahri angry and him in another mess of a situation.

"Thanks, Sona"

She bowed, and Ashe spoke again.

"Well, with that cleared, let us go"

Cid followed behind Tryndamere and Ashe, Sona was at his side signing.

"So… how was Noxus?"

Cid smiled at her.

"Gray and black, full of iron and people being loud… you know Noxus in general"

Sona nodded before signing again.

"Ahri wanted to stay with you, but she had matches, she also wanted to come with you, but the Institute said she was needed here… she asked me to make sure you were well, oh, she also sends you this"

Sona moved closer, her instrument at her will moving at her opposite side to allow her to get close. She hugged Cid and went back with a mischievous smile in her face.

"She says if you don't get hugged, you forget people care about you"

Cid laughed silently at this. It sounded like something Ahri would say.

"I guess… I might tell Wukong to hug me, don't want to forget he is my friend"

Sona ended up laughing in silence at the picture of Wukong hugging Cid and making him groan in pain. Wukong was strong after all. She took notice of how he started to sign something to her.

"So… how you been doing?"

She smiled. He cared too much for his own good. And that was something she loved, but also something that made her have a tough time trying to forget the feelings she carried.

"I am okay. Been doing well and just… being the same you know? Nothing big has happened…. How is it going with you and Ahri?"

Cid chuckled. Placing his hands together pressing them against each other, Sona got the message.

"Lots of contact eh? Well, Ahri has always been physical in her expressions"

Cid nodded, and both took notice of Ashe and Tryndamere looking at them, they had reached the summoner and didn't notice. Tryndamere was the first to break the silence.

"How much do you manage to speak with your hands?"

At this Ashe lightly hit him in the arm.

"Don't be rude… is sign language, their hands make the words… also, we are ready, you might want to be careful though. Freljord is a frozen land, so you will be needing a coat… we will get you one there"

Cid nodded. And in a purple flash the warm temperature of the Institute was long gone, taken away by the cold, a musical note played deeply, and Cid felt warmer. He looked at Sona and her instrument that seemed to irradiate a green aura. Cid spoke to her.

"Thanks, Sona"

The champion smiled with her eyes closed as she kept playing. Ashe and Tryndamere pointed in a direction.

"Our settlement is really close, we will get you a coat for the cold, thankfully Sona can keep you warm"

Cid chuckled nodding. He took the chance to see Freljord. Ice, snow, and wind. Seemingly the perfect description of the land. Yet, as wild as it looked, it carried a beauty that Cid could appreciate. The land was snow white, full of mountains. The Freljord was wild and untamable. Just like its people.

They reached a small camp full of huts and someone approached Ashe with a coat. The coat was of gray and white. It looked like it would really be warm, but what brought his attention was the design it seemed too had in the front.

"Here you go, I hope you appreciate the work it went into this"

Cid looked at the coat, in the front, it had two symbols, Ashe explained:

"The one in the left is the symbol of the Winter Claw, the one in the right is Avarosan. As you will be acting as a mediator, I thought you could look the part, no offense…. But your clothes don't really look appropriate"

Cid chuckled, she had just said his clothes were ugly. Not that he cared, what he did was impressed of, was the fact Tryndamere seemed to be impervious to the cold as he kept walking with his chest bare. He noticed Cid looking at him and understood. He spoke with pride pointing at his chest.

"My rage keeps me burning in the inside, you would need true ice if you wanted me to feel cold"

Ashe rolled her eyes. Tryndamere would often speak of his ability to resist the cold. She was impressed. The first time, but the next thousand times he mentioned, she had started to get tired of it. But hey, they were married. And she had come to accept his habits. Just the way he accepted hers.

Relationships weren't built upon being the same. They were built upon accepting each other, all their blessings and defects.

"Ha! Cold will never bother me!"

Especially accepting their defects.

"Tryndamere… enough"

Tryndamere had the decency to look embarrassed.

"Sorry dear"

No matter what anyone thought, Tryndamere was a respectful husband. Maybe not the brightest, he let that part to Ashe. But he made it through honesty and caring.

"Is okay… now Cid, we will be meeting with Sejuani soon, but before we go, I think there is someone you need to meet"

Ashe guided them through the camp to a bigger hut, and they could hear a voice that was full of joy.

"And one! And two! And three!"

When Ashe opened the hut for them to go inside Cid was surprised. Inside was a man tall, he was full of muscle and in his back and left arm he could see tattoos. The man hearing them looked at them with a big smile. His eyebrows and his mustache seemingly smiling at them as he laughed.

"Hello! I am Braum! And you must be my newest friend!"

Cid chuckled before speaking while pointing at himself.

"Hello, you mean my scrawny self?"

At this Braum laughed while speaking with fun in his voice.

"Do not say mean things about yourself, that's my friend you are talking about"

Cid wasn't sure of many things in life. Everything was changing, everything was moving and constantly making it impossible to know things. But he knew one thing the moment he heard Braum speak. Braum was truly a good guy.

The man moved and spoke with an attitude that spoke volumes. He showed confidence in his movements, and what impressed Cid the most, was how Braum seemed to make the world just a tad lighter.

Cid felt he could trust this man. And that was something impressive as he never trusted quickly. But it was hard to not trust Braum. Ashe spoke presenting him.

"Braum, this is Cid, he will be coming with us to the camp of the Winter Claw"

Braum nodded, the smile never leaving his face. Cid took notice how white creatures surrounded Braum. He had heard of them.

"Poros?"

Braum laughed loudly as the small poros moved around him.

"They are friends of Braum! And as you are also a friend of Braum, they are friends of yours! Go greet him little ones!"

Ashe, Tryndamere, and Sona had never seen someone being tackled to the ground by poros. But they would be lying if they said they didn't found it funny to see the therapist falling as the group of poros managed to make him fall.

"Ah! Hahaha, stop! You are adorable but ah!"

Sona found herself smiling warmly at the scene. She simply loved the scene. Braum took notice of her expression but remained silent. After a few more moments of laughter, Braum took Cid from the floor with little effort.

"Well! Presentations are done, we must go meet the Winter Claw!"

Braum went behind and took a giant shield, the design impressed Cid. He had never seen a shield like that…Cid took notice of something weird in the proportion of the shield…. It looked like….

"That's a door?"

Braum laughed. As he motioned the shield he carried.

"This is my shield! And is the best shield you will ever see!"

Braum carried himself with laughter as he moved outside. Cid decided to ask Braum how he managed to not feel the cold. Braum laughed once more pointing to his chest.

"My heart keeps me warm, and my smile warms the hearts of others, so don't fear the cold, you travel with Braum, you travel safely"

Braum carried a poro in his shoulder aiming to the direction of the Winter Claw camp.

"For they may have many! But you have me!"

Sona smiled knowingly to Cid and started signing at him.

"Braum is one of the best support fighters in the Institute, plus he is liked by most… is hard not to, I mean, he is Braum"

Sona signed the last part posing like Braum. This made Cid smile, people like Braum were hard to find, but when you found them, they were the people you wanted to keep close.

"Let us go!"

Braum led the way as Ashe and Tryndamere followed, Sona and Cid walking close behind. And unknowingly to Cid, in the pocket of his coat was a small friend with him. Seemingly the poro took to heart the words of Braum that Cid was their newest friend.

CUT!

I love writing Braum, he is one of my favorite champions, back when it was released I instabuyed it with his skin. I just love the champion and its attitude. For curious, my favorite champions are Ornn, Udyr, Fiora, Braum and Nasus. Also points for anyone who knows from where the quote in the beginning is, the one of "Capitalism, ho!"

See ya all soon in next chapter. When we explore more of the Freljord.

Chapter 33. Sometimes Icy heart, just needs warm smile.