Dawn at the Wild Rift (Book IV)

Chapter 16

At the mansion of the Du Couteau, the Dauntless Vanguard of Demacia is currently visiting. Since they manage to take Hanabi back and restrict Jinx from doing anything reckless again, he once again confronts the Noxus assassins.

"How sure are you that this woman is the rightful one?" Garen asks as he faces the Du Couteau siblings—Katarina and Talon. "I may have agreed to work with you, assassins, but I won't be tolerating the act of killing more innocent people."

Katarina glares at him and is about to rant but Talon interferes. It's not like she also likes their alliance, it's just that they are given no choice but to cooperate with them. Their whole continent is in trouble. The allegiance of all people is what they need to save it, even if it means working with their sworn enemies.

"Worry not, Garen, only two lives shall be offered in this ritual. Sivir wielded the Shuri so she is no failure. And without a doubt, Hanabi is a direct descendant of the Scarlet. When the next blue moon comes, she will be used to open the portal between Runeterra and Moniyan Empire. Once that happened, I hope your men are ready for battle," Talon explains.

It may be a lie that Sivir's death is an actual help but telling that to Garen would cause a ruckus. He is a soldier who sticks to his principles and is only adhering to the sacrificial matters all because it is for the people. He may be a dangerous enemy but Talon is a bit assured that they will win with the Dauntless Vanguard by their side.

"Everyone is prepared for the battle you predicted to come. But let me confirm this yet again, how sure are you that the new world is different from this cursed land?" Garen asks. From the very beginning, he doesn't really trust the siblings. Aside from being enemies, their canny characteristic makes him wary of them.

"Land of Dawn is a vast land, Garen. I have stayed in Magical City for five years. Just like the old Runeterra, it is a world filled with magic, peace, and order. And most of all, it will not devour its people unlike our land today," he assures him.

He needs no evidence to prove his claim. Just stating those words while looking straight in Garen's eyes is enough to convince him.

And with one last push, he adds, "You know me too well. I wouldn't waste time if it isn't worthwhile. Plus, I truly despise having you as my enemy so rest assured that our plans are proceeding smoothly."

The Dauntless Vanguard takes his leave since he still has other things to do. Even if the siblings are behaved as of the moment, Garen is always ready to break their alliance and fight for what he thinks is right. When he is about to leave the premises, Talon notices his sister's eyes following the back of the soldier. Her hands are clenched as if she thirsts for vengeance.

"Do you hate him acting like there was nothing between the two of you?" Talon asks which only made Katarina angrier.

She grabs her dagger and throws it right at him. With just a swift move to the side, Talon dodges the attack.

"I have long forgotten him," Katarina snarls, "ever since we stood on different grounds."

Their principles and beliefs are totally opposites. Despite the so-called love between them, that difference forces them apart. Talon understands that as well, and he doesn't just hate it, he loathes it.

Before leaving his sister behind, he states, "But sincere feelings can't just vanish in thin air. It'll always be there no matter how hard you deny it."

Hearing him say that, Katarina loosens up. She shifts her sight to Talon who is walking away from her and she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. The moment he returned with that Hanabi woman, she first thought that she is simply a sacrificial lamb to him. And that being said, Talon must be strict with her because she will be the one to fulfill their plans. However, the words he has spoken just now, erase that thought. His feelings towards Hanabi might be more sincere than Katarina thinks but for sure, those feelings will hurt him more than Talon expects.