Chapter 6
The morrow sun's rays brilliant lit up Katarina's room as the crack of dawn breathed a new day unto Valoran. It was still early as the birds were just beginning to rise from their nests and the herds of cantaloupes wearily coming out of the thick wood to feed but Katarina was already fully awake. She crept out of her bed which was barely touched as her body was light as a feather and soundlessly entered the halls.
The manor was still half-asleep, dreary in deep slumber of the still weak but surely rising light. After finishing her morning preparations and washing for face, Katarina made her way to the Grand Lobby; the main entrance. The rebels have been instructed to seldom use the entrance for fear that they may easily be spied on but Katarina had heed not that warning as she was eager to finally breath in fresh air from the outside.
She pushed open the rusted door as its creaks and cracks echoed in the lobby. As soon as she stepped outside, the scenic view of the vast green pastures painted a golden dawn by the brush of the sun greeted her like a goddess. She allowed the undefiled cool air to fill her lungs which smelled of sweet roses and morning dew. The warmth of the welcoming light also basked softly upon her cheeks, reflecting a soft lively glow upon her otherwise pale skin. Her mind was rejuvenated, her muscles relaxed and for a split second she could finally call herself at home and at peace. She shook her head and shattered the illusion, refusing to allow herself to fall for such traps. She reminded herself that she was still a prisoner, albeit in an awkward situation but still nonetheless one. She lacked the one thing she needed; freedom.
Her eyes surveyed the green expanse one more time before returning into the rundown manor. There was not a single clock or time device in the manor, at least that she is aware of. Everyone kept track of the time by judging the sun's distance and on rainy days, by pure instincts and gut feeling. She felt lost in this timeless world which lacked any precision and edges. Without the precision, she could not complete any missions, or anything for that matter as a timely assassin would.
She then made her way to the backyard which was formerly a massive two acre garden adorned with rows of roses, orchids, lilies, even exotic trees from the Shurima Desert, but now was a barren sandy ground encased by makeshift fences and posts which reminded her of the apocalypse, not that they are far from one anyways. It had become their Training Area where the rebels and on occasion Champions would spar to hone and sharpen their skills to continue the struggle against Noxus.
Katarina heard the quick shuffling of sand followed by the silent whiff of bolts striking their targets in the training pit. Intrigued by who was up so early even before her, she stealthily snuck her way to a hidden window and peered through a crack and saw a black cloaked figure masterfully tumbling about, evading deadly traps and pitfalls all the while striking wooden targets afar with her crossbow. It was Vayne, her former title Nigh Hunter suited her well Katarina thought. She wondered if Vayne was truly a nocturnal beast, like a bat or owl. It had suddenly come to her that she had never noticed Vayne at rest, not even a slight nap or a break even back in the League. Katarina herself had tried once to train and become the ultimate killing machine that required no stops but on the fourth night, she had fallen asleep and allowed her target to slip. She swore and promptly finished him the next day before returning to Noxus, weary as a living corpse.
Katarina exited the manor and stepped onto the training pit and continued to survey her surrounding underneath the shadow of an overhanging balcony. Then, just like a bat finding its prey, Vayne stopped in her tracks and turned her eyes and saw Katarina leaning smugly against a pillar.
"Huh, I guess what they say about you is true," Vayne said as she cocked her bow. There was not even a single drop of sweat on her; it was as though she had just gotten fresh out of bed.
Katarina was curious about her rumors, "what do they say?"
"That you are like a rat, you never appear when needed and show when you aren't. From the shadows you lurk and strike your targets when they are most helpless," Vayne said.
"Does that not apply to you too?" Katarina retorted.
Vayne laughed, "Ha! You call the shadows your ally, I call the night itself my weapon. There's a difference."
Katarina lightly scoffed and prepared to return into the mansion when Vayne called to her.
"Calm your steps missy. Now, as much as I am against it, you are now part of us. If it weren't for Jarvan then I would've killed you already," Vayne began.
"I never asked to be here."
"Neither did any of us."
Vayne slung her crossbow over her shoulders and adjusted her glasses which shone like a ruby. Instantly, all the wooden targets and spike traps in the training pit collapsed back into the sands as though they were never there as she began to make her way back into the manor.
"But," Vayne began suddenly as she walked, kicking up a dusty path, "If I ever find you trying to hurt Jarvan or Garen or any of us, I will immediately kill you, even if the others disagree. I have… seen enough of your kind, of what deceit you are capable of."
Katarina winced, "then I suggest you watch me closely."
"I already am," Vayne said with a smirk. She then disappeared back into the manor, leaving the assassin out alone in view of the vast, paradisiacal expanse.
Katarina reached down to her belt and ran her fingers along the smooth, ice cold sides of her daggers. She felt an urge to strike down the wooden targets as a habit but decided against it. She quickly made a short trip around the vast area, taking in the desert's curse and letting her mind loose. As she paced about, the sun had begun to creep up from the distant horizon as its grandiose rays shone without fail over Valoran. Katarina thought to herself with comfort that this was one thing that hasn't changed, the sun and moon would still be there at each day to keep her sanity tact. Even Swain could not defy nature's constant, not yet anyways. Sooner or later, Katarina thought, he would probably paint the sky green and order the sun to chant his name each rising.
It was not long before she realized that her little trip had taken up most of her morning as the cold, fresh air had begun to disperse into the humid afternoon.
"HALT!" one of the rebels hollered with his weapon raised, "Do not move a step closer or you will be killed. We have archers trained on you this moment!"
Talon's eyes, hidden in the shadow of his hood, quickly dashed about and counted five hidden bowmen. He knew he could've killed all of them in a flash.
"I am not here as an enemy, please, allow me to speak with your leader," Talon announced, holding up his hands to show his clean intent.
"You think we would listen to you assassin?" the rebel questioned.
Talon continued holding his hands up, not for his own sake but for the sake of the fools who may attack him and to spare them a bloodbath.
"Please listen to me, I bear no ill intent here."
The rebel guard scoffed, "Why should we trust the words of one who serves Noxus?"
"I am Katarina du Couteau's servant and I serve her and her only. And, as her servant I must follow her unto death if needed and that is why I am here. Please let me to her."
The guard looked about, uncertain of what to do as more reinforcement arrived along with Xin Zhao. Then, fast an eagle diving for its prey, he instantly dashed at Talon and held his throat with his spear. As the dust settled, Talon remained completely still without even flinching once.
"Foolish of our enemy to show up without support, even more foolish to appear at our base. You may be swift, Noxian, but even you cannot evade my spear," Xin Zhao threatened.
"And that is why I am not trying to," Talon replied.
"How then, can we trust your lies," Xin Zhao asked as the two were locked in position, him ready to end Talon's life any moment.
"How else can you not. I am practically offering myself here, I have brought no one with me and I have entered the lion's den."
"I know of your kind's deceit, not a single word you utter can be trusted, no matter the circumstances."
Talon scoffed, "my kind? Were you not a Noxian once too?"
Xin Zhao groaned and pressed his spear even tighter into Talon, causing a crimson trickle to run down his neck.
"Not accepting any of kind of help and offer does not make you strong, it makes you a narrow-minded idiot. It takes truly the strong to determine what is real and fake, which words are lies and advice. And, when an obvious advice appears, only the most idiotic would ignore it," Talon continued.
"Better to stomp out an ember then let it grow into a forest fire."
"By that method, you could say then the Grand Marshal is just and fair. He too stomps out any ember, even those suspected, without mercy."
Xin Zhao clenched his teeth and gripped his spear tightly. "You dare compare us to that tyrant?"
"Enough!" a rough voice bellowed from the manor. The two large doors creaked open and Jarvan, dressed in his ragged cloak, exited. Xin Zhao withdrew his spear and stood at attention before his prince.
Talon, now free, eased and smeared the blood off of his neck.
"So it was true, the Prince is still alive," Talon muttered with a grin.
"And you must be quite ecstatic to find me here in the flesh, before you in this pathetic appearance. So, have you come here to finish the job, are you here to end me and finalize Swain's rule over these lands?" Jarvan asked.
"I am simply here to accompany Katarina. If that was her wish then perhaps, but I must see her first and I ask you to allow me," Talon said.
"Then how do you know we will not cut you down in an instant the moment we saw you?"
"Simply knowing that I knew the location of this place means there are others as well that know of you. Perhaps it was my own intuition and by mere luck I stumbled here but you will not take the chance now would you? What is keeping my life valuable now is information and as any assassin would know, information is more important than the blade itself."
Jarvan contemplated for a quick second, stroking his scruffy chin with his prosthetic arm.
"You do have a point. Your wit and cunning indeed suits your fame, Talon, the Blade's Shadow," Jarvan said. He then signalled the guards and Xin Zhao to apprehend Talon and bring him into the manor.
"My Prince, are you sure this is wise?" Xin Zhao questioned.
"More wise than to fight him and chance his escape," Jarvan replied.
"I understand," Xin Zhao said as he closed the doors behind them with a creak.
Talon was cuffed and watched by a stream of guards as they made their way through the ruinous building and into the Grand Lobby where everyone was present was gathered for a meeting. Only a few of the Champions remained; Vayne had gone out to scout the area for a future mission, Gragas, Twisted Fate and Ashe are out supporting a battle for the rebels and Sona is in another rebel camp, treating the wounded with her healing magic.
When they arrived, a crowd had already gathered and casted threatening glares as Talon entered the mass. In the centre was Katarina, who was surprised when she saw the captured Talon being herded like a lost sheep.
"Talon? What are you doing here? Why did you come?" Katarina questioned in an angry tone.
"There is nothing for me to do without you. I was sworn to your father to serve your family, and I am here to serve you," Talon replied.
"You idiot… And you let yourself get captured, what kind of assassin are you?" Katarina berated him.
"If you do not need me, then you can tell these people to execute me," Talon said, his eyes staring into Katarina's without a hint of relent.
"You…"
Jarvan then silenced the crowd as the commotion rose.
"So you are here to serve her, and her will? Even at the cost of your own life?" Jarvan asked Talon.
"Yes."
"And if she casts you out, then we will bring an axe down your neck, and you will still serve her?"
"Yes."
"And what is her will then?" Jarvan then turned to Katarina.
She was surprised at this and was silent for a few moments. She knew that if she refused to help the rebellion then Talon, then his life ended here. She had no purpose to keep him alive, nor did she have any reason to help. Jarvan was the one who sought after her, she was not obligated. To her, Talon's life indeed meant nothing more than servant and the master yet she had a feeling that she would not be able to bear his death. Perhaps several months ago she would've immediately abandoned him if he was to commit a disgraceful act such as being captured. Yet now, she didn't and she knew not why. It may've been the fact that Talon was her only ally remaining.
"Then he will help me," Katarina answered.
"I see…" Jarvan then gestured a guard to free Talon's restraints. "Talon, prove to us your loyalty."
"What will you have me do?" he asked.
Jarvan signalled Xin Zhao to bring a certain somebody. "You shall see."
After a few minutes, Xin Zhao dragged a beaten, bloodied man well into his sixties into the lobby. He was blindfolded and gagged and had on the unmistakeable Noxian attire that signified him as a high ranking official. Katarina recognised him; he used to come and visit her home often when she was still a youngster and always brought her favourite candy. At times, he would drink with his father and told her great stories of past Noxian warriors.
"Lord Hale?" Katarina said in surprise.
Xin Zhao then forcefully tore off his blindfold and took off his gag, which led to several coughs of a collapsed lung.
"Wh-what is this madness? I will not-"the man known as Lord Hale began to rave until he saw Katarina, "Little Kat? Is that you? Oh thank the gods someone with sense. What is happening? One moment I was walking down the streets and now this."
Jarvan then took out a sharp looking dagger and tossed it at Talon.
"Prove your loyalty, assassin and do what you do best. End his life," Jarvan ordered.
"You what? No! I have to get back to my family!" Lord Hale protested, "please! I cannot die yet, I need to see my children! Katarina! Yes, you know me, remember when I visited you when you were a child? Please, bring some sense to these madmen. I only want what is best for all of us, yet they treat me like a criminal."
Talon, unmoved by any of his words, began to approach him with a face cold and harsh as stone.
"No, stop this! He is an innocent man! I know him, he isn't like the rest!" Katarina quickly protested but her words did not reach Talon as he held the Noxian's head up, his gloved hands muffling his desperate cries and quickly, he brought his dagger across the man's throat. Instantly, a gush of warm blood spurted from the slit, followed by gurgled choking and hopeless gasps for air before the lifeless corpse collapsed onto the ground in his own sanguine pool,
"It is done," Talon said before returning the dagger to its owner.
"Why… Why did you kill an innocent man?! All he wanted was to return to his family!" Katarina cried out.
Suddenly, Jarvan twitched as if those words carried a great insult.
"Innocent? Do you really say he is innocent? What kind of innocent man brings the death of those who truly are innocent?" Jarvan muttered in a low tone.
"He would have never, I know him."
"Then, do you know him enough to see his actions?"
"I-"
"YOU SAY HE IS INNOCENT? WHAT KIND OF INNOCENT MAN MURDERS WHOLE FAMILES?!" Jarvan bellowed with rage as his thunderous voice boomed throughout the manor, silencing even Kat, "You say he needed to return to his family? His words alone brought the death of a hundred Demacian families, on the charges of stealing bread, food and water for their sick children and you say he needs to return to his family?! Then what of the families he so mindless slaughtered?"
Jarvan then stomped over to the body of the man and took a quick glance of him with a face contorted with breaming anger.
"Do not be naïve Kat, you say you knew this man and that he was innocent but look around you Kat, look at how much has changed. While you lived you sheltered life in Noxus, things are changed. They are no longer the days you daydream about, and you best start to open your eyes now," Jarvan said before leaving the lobby.
Katarina wanted to fight back but his words struck her true and helpless. She quickly looked around now at the inquisitive gazes of the room and saw what had really changed. The men around her were all worn and ragged, weary and desperate for an end. She wasn't the only one suffering, far from it. In fact, she felt guilt now to even call herself suffering when she had realized what everyone was going through. And the thing that struck fear into her most is that she was only one thing above these others, it was her name. If it were not for the fact that she was a Du Couteau, she would've been thrown into the concentration camps just like any others.
Katarina remained still, with her eyes trained on the floor and her hair lifelessly drooping down. The guards and rebels had by now cleaned the room and cleared it, leaving only Talon and Katarina. For the next few moments which felt like an eternity, only a heavy, suffocating silence filled the atmosphere.
"Katarina, I am not the one to consul but he was right. Lord Hale was one of the men running the camps and his actions no less true to Jarvan's words," Talon suggested.
"So you've come all the way here just to mock me now? Are you happy?" Katarina muttered.
"I have come here to help you."
"Who said I needed you."
"That's because you have no one to say it," Talon said before leaving the room.
Katarina suddenly felt a sharp pain running through the scar of her eye.
"No one…"