Dawn at the Wild Rift (Book IV)

Chapter 5

While strolling around the town, Hanabi's uneasiness starts to rise as the time ticks by. For some reason, the people who see them would stare for a while and if given the chance, they would whisper something among themselves. She is sure that the context of their talk would be her and it makes her go crazy as to why would they do such a thing. Is her appearance weird or awkward or ugly? Is her presence somewhat annoying?

Though, she snaps out from her thoughts when she sees Jinx jumping from one roof to another. Even when she is carrying a cannon launcher and a rifle, she moves with ease as if the weight does not bother her that much. The people start to shout at her for causing another trouble but Jinx does not pay them any attention. Hanabi's eyes widen when a flash of lightning, with a shape of an arrow, comes whooshing in her direction. She is about to dodge it but Talon grabs her by the shoulder and pulls her close to his chest.

"You know, Kenshin, I can dodge that without you having to embrace me unnecessarily," she states while pushing him away but Talon seems to have no plan in letting her go.

"Hana, sometimes it's okay to let me do this once in a while. Rely on me more and if you're at it, call me Talon please," he replies while pulling her closer since she is pushing him away.

"Eh?! Pretty face, are ya really going out with that beauty? Y'all being lovey-dovey, a rare sight, doncha think so, Ezra?"

Jinx approaches the two and when she locks eyes with Hanabi, she gives her a wink like what she did during their first meeting. Hanabi returns a smile and before she could free herself from Talon's grip, a blonde appears before her and grabs her by the hand. He bows with one of his arms behind him before kissing the back of her hand. His eyes are like the clear water yet it also seems to be blue lightning that sparks in the night. Oddly, there is also a reversed bluish triangle just below his eyes.

"Pardon my late introduction, milady," he states with a playful smile, "I am Ezreal. Can I have the honor to know your beautiful name?"

His actions and choice of words give way for Hanabi to realize that the blonde in front of her is nothing but a flatterer, a playboy. Not wanting to be acquainted with him, she retreats and simply smiles at him. Jinx, who sees the discomfort plastered on the face of Hanabi, steps in and kicks Ezreal at the back of his knees, causing him to kneel. The two of them exchange glares which is not new since they have not been in good terms ever since the first time they met.

"Hana, do be careful with ballless boys like him who does nothing but bring trouble," Talon states as he grabs her on both shoulders. He is thankful that Sett isn't around but to stumble upon Ezreal is also another level of annoyance for Talon. Thankfully, Jinx's provocation is a success which leads Ezreal to once again run after her while firing bolts after bolts to get revenge.

"I just noticed this, Kenshin," Hanabi suddenly states while they walk around the souvenir shop. She turns to him and flashes a smile, "You're quite popular among the girls. I have been receiving their glares ever since we got out of your mansion. I wonder how many girls you deceived with your sweet tongue."

Instead of defending himself with the sudden attack of the Scarlet ninja, Talon returns a sweet smile and responds, "Hana, I would very much appreciate it if you'd directly say that you're being jealous right now."

Hanabi giggles at his comment. She returns her attention to the souvenirs as she shakes her head in disagreement. And with a soft voice, she says, "Fortunately, Hanzo isn't a womanizer so I can relax a bit. But if ever I hear him being feely-touchy with another woman, I'll never forgive him. Now that I think about it, he is acquainted with that beautiful ex-courtesan."

Though she did not want those words to be heard, Talon is close enough to hear her. To divert her attention, he grabs her hand and leads her to the nearby shop where Gnar just entered into. If he lets him occupy her with good things, then she won't have to think about anyone else. And just as he expected, the moment Hanabi sees Gnar, her eyes sparkled with glee, and pulled him into a warm hug.

"Wah, you're really fluffy and soft and cute," she squealed while nuzzling Gnar who is once again in a state of shock due to the sudden physical contact. "I just can't get enough of you! Kenshin, I want to keep him!"

The shopkeeper, who knows Gnar very well, scratches the back of his head and says, "Young lady, Gnar is not a pet. And he can turn into a monster, you know."

Despite the truth being said, Hanabi glares at the shopkeeper and defends Gnar, "How rude! He isn't a monster! Even if he's at his small or large size, it still doesn't change the fact that he's cute! And not to mention, he gives the warmest hug!"

"Ta... Talon, Imma kill you for this harassment," Gnar threatens with a shrill voice. He wants to free himself from the grasp of the Scarlet ninja but his joints seem to have turned into nothing but jelly whenever he comes in contact with her.

"I regret letting you cross path with her," Talon snarls, "she totally forgets my existence when you're with her. Damn it."

Gnar gnashes his teeth and glares at the assassin for his shamelessness. He is the reason why he and Hanabi met yet again and he still has the guts to be mad. He must have lost his mind or probably dropped it along the way. And since Talon fails to convince Hanabi to let Gnar go on a separate way, the little yordle is brought along on their tour. On their way, a soldier with silver and gold breastplate approaches Talon.

"I'll be right back, wait for me and never leave this area," he tells Hanabi before following the soldier's lead. Managing to find a seat she could rest on for a while, Hanabi sits by the walk side while caressing Gnar's head. He keeps on telling her to let him go but such an idea is not something Hanabi agrees with. And now that the two of them are alone, Hanabi asks questions regarding Kenshin.

"Tell, Gnar, just who is Talon?"

Her question sounds serious for Gnar so he meets her gaze and replies, "Elucidate the question, prisoner."

Hanabi heaves a heavy sigh before replying, "He introduced himself as Kenshin when we first met. He is also the son of Nero Ton but it seems that everything he told me was lies. In this town, who is he?"

Hearing her reply did not surprise Gnar at all. Talon has always been the type of guy that is unpredictable and no one really knows what he is thinking. Though his mysteriousness and unrivaled skill have become his charm to attract not only the eyes of women but also those people who hold power and authority.

"He's a notorious assassin, someone that every citizen of Runeterra either fears or looks up to. That's all I can say, as for the rest, ask him yourself," Gnar states as he remembers the first time he crossed path with the assassin.

It was during his first mission and in the midst of dealing with one of the strongest guilds of assassins, Talon barged in their headquarters with only one sword at hand. He thought of him as a crazy assassin and his action was nothing but suicide. But just after 10 minutes, his opinion of him changed. Talon left the headquarters leaving no single person alive. From that moment on, Gnar swore to himself to never become that assassin's enemy. Just remembering that scenario makes him shudder in fear for he could not forget the murderous eyes of Talon that time.

Back at Magical City...

"Hanabi's abduction still remains a mystery but we have to get her back as soon as possible. I have a hunch that she has a big role in their plan, thus, they took her. For now, sending two teams for the rescue operation is a better choice," Princess Silvanna states. Increasing the number of warriors to go to the world of the ancient warriors would decrease the defensive and offensive battalion of their land. The Black Dragon is not something they could take so lightly so they also need to strengthen their warriors.

Both the armies of Magical City and Moniyan Empire are not really in a good condition to fight another long war. They are still damaged by the previous war against the abyssal demons and it is almost impossible to force the army to immediately fight once more. Thus, even Princess Odette agrees with Silvanna's idea.

"So, we'll have to decide who will officially make up the two teams," Gusion states. His injuries are still not fully healed and with his current condition, he cannot fight but it is also not in his list to be left behind. Hanabi is a member of his squad and he feels responsible for her abduction since he feels like he did not fulfill his duty to protect his teammates. "I suggest—"

Before another word comes out from him, the door crashes open and this time, two warriors with glimmering gold armors enter the room.

"Why are you all barging in someone else's room without permission? Damn it!" Gusion curses.