I OWN NOTHING

I may have said this before, but I want Solaire to be my brother and my uncle and my father.

X-X-X-X-X

"Noxus, what a miserable crap pile this place is… I never liked anyone here, they all seemed like massive jerks." Rumble commented gruffly as they passed the border to Noxus.

Thankfully there were very few guards who paid them mind, they seemed keener on preventing wild hordes of repulsive looking lizard like creatures getting inside. They resembled at best massive black newts with bulbous orange eyes, like a fly's, but if one paid attention they could see the much smaller real lizard face underneath those bulging orange orbs.

Solaire recognized the vile Basilisks from the Depths, and thus steered Rumble and Poppy clear of them. The three just barely got past the border without a hitch, only when he showed his strength of arms did the Noxian guards let him in and only then when he proved he was unaffiliated with Demacia. Rumble's clinking mecha paused briefly as the smaller Yordle fixed something inside of it to make it move smoothly again.

Taking that as their cue to pause and rest, Solaire spoke up, "This is a rather grim place, isn't it?" He asked Poppy who merely shouldered her massive hammer.

"Might is what makes right in this land." She said calmly. "It is a cold world where a chance for power is best taken as quickly as possible to make a name for oneself. Then it's a matter of one's children to hold that legacy or risk being forgotten."

Solaire was about to reply but Rumble spoke up, "You two been together for long or what?"

Poppy blushed bright red, "W-Watch what you're saying! I have only met him this day just as you! Why would you say such things to embarrass others?!"

The shorter Yordle picked his ear, "You just talked all fancy and finesse-like just like him. I'm just worried that sort of speech may get to me."

Solaire just took it with a smile, "Hah hah hah! I am unsure if my way with words may be contagious, but to hear it is something with finesse is flattering, my good friend."

Rumble grumbled, "Hey, I'm not here for you. Sure, I did want to tag along, but it's to find those monsters. No way am I going to let more of them walk into my city."

"A shame then." The sun knight said honestly, "Hmm… Perhaps I did rush things with my former train of thought…"

"What's that mean?" the mecha rider asked, while Poppy grew angry at how rude he was being.

Solaire decided to be honest, "Back at your city, I had been wondering what an experience it'd be to have such strong spirits as knights of the sun. Surely, only if it would please you."

Poppy perked up, "You mean to join you as a knight? That'd be an honor! A man like you who can wield this hammer… Whether we find another like you or not, I'd be glad to be by your side."

Rumble scoffed, "Hey, don't sell yourself out! He's still a human. They only care about us Yordles when we can be valuable to them." Poppy turned to him, eyes full of anger, expression stern. Before she could start swinging, Solaire's hand on her shoulder stopped her as the knight kneeled at her side.

"Do not feel anger, dear Poppy." Solaire's voice was as always serene and soothing, "Our ally is right. It was selfish of me to ask you two for such a thing, even I knew it back when the thought first entered my mind. That is why I wanted to wait and see if you two would be interested in joining my merry band, so to speak. I fear my own ambition got the best of me."

Rumble groaned, "Tch, don't talk like that… You… Ugh, you're guilt tripping me, aren't you?"

Sincerity came out of Solaire's mouth when he spoke, "I wouldn't know… I do not believe I've ever heard of a term such as… guilt tripping."

Poppy looked at Rumble with an annoyed look while the tiny Yordle just rubbed the back of his head, a little ashamed but not by much. She did know the guy for longer than the furrier Yordle, but it was hard to explain his habits. Perhaps at Demacia Solaire would feel at home, but even there he'd be questioned for his odd personality.

As Solaire turned back to the long road ahead of him, he saw something curious in the distance. A pair of darkly dressed figures fighting a small force of white clad enemies, "Painting Guardians… This is growing stranger and stranger, their ilk never leaves the cathedral that houses that painting…" Solaire rushed forward to aid the two fighters, Poppy and Rumble dashing after him.

Rumble let out a loud groan and irritated question, "Are we really helping Noxian bastards now? How is this my life with this nutcase…?" The figures in question when Solaire reached them were quite different from each other, an utterly stunning but dangerous woman with flowing red hair.

She had a pointed nose along with a long scar that went down her face, marring its beauty somewhat. Her very attractive body wore a combination of a black spiked jacket and top, tight pants, gloves, and multiple blades all over its surface. With a quickly thrown dagger she stabbed one of the guardians through its neck, then disappeared in a teleport to stab another through its back.

Her companion was an extremely stern-faced man clad in a concealing hood and cloak that seemed to have blades fused to the ends of the coat, with a blade worn over his right arm, and a brace of throwing daggers that he used with extraordinary skill, he was easily taking care of multiple painting guardians at once, but it was clear he was wounded and low on energy from the daggers sticking through his leg.

Solaire held out his arm and threw out a quickly gathered lightning spear that sent a painting guardian flying back, just as it meant to get up it was met with his sword impaling it through the stomach, ending the hollow like being's life with as much mercy as he could allow it. "Reinforcements?" the redhead asked, before noticing the Yordles, "Demacian soldiers?"

"I'm afraid I am not with them or you, for that matter." Solaire said, readying himself for a fight, "What I am is a Warrior of Sunlight, and I am here to aid anyone in need regardless of what you may think of me. What say you, my fair lady, would you like to partake in a jovial battle along us?"

She cracked a grin, "Jovial? Jovial is what I am when smearing Demacian blood on the floor. Do you know who you're talking to?"

"I wouldn't be able to say even for my own life, yet I do not mind." He said before parrying a strike with his shield, "For this shield and sword will keep you safe, such is my oath as a knight of the sun!"

The redhead watched in awe how the jolly knight took a step forward and sliced his opponent's neck with a clean cut. The hollowed guardians roared at him yet Solaire remained firm and gave a step forward, no fear in him. While many would have thought him a madman, the two could see he meant what he said with all his heart. It wasn't a man that tried to feel better doing the right thing, it was a man that truly believed in good. It was that kind of man who stopped another guardian's charge with his shield before cutting off its head with his sword to protect two strangers.

And it was that man that death itself was looking for, "At ease, Wolf…" Solaire's eyes widened when a rain of arrows fell on the battlefield. He quickly ran back to the Noxians and Poppy, using his shield to cover all three. They looked at him in askance, even though the Painting guardians fell over one by one, they didn't see anything happen.

"Rip, tear, crush! Lamb, let me grind him against my teeth!"

"Patience, Wolf, he's… interesting."

Solaire arched an eyebrow, "I keep finding people interested in me. While I'd like to think I'm a handsome fellow, I don't think earning my affection is what you're after." Everyone stared at him blankly, "Forgive me, I am too fond of that joke."

"Who are you talking to?" Poppy asked him bluntly, looking concerned. "Are they invisible?!" She spun around, gripping her hammer with a gulp.

Solaire looked concerned, "Can you not see them? They are right there!" he pointed forward where Wolf was looming with drool pouring down his toothy mouth.

Lamb continued walking slowly towards him, humming softly. "Hmhmhmhm~" With every step, the distant figure grew until she towered above the knight. To his credit, Solaire did not waver and only looked more determined as they approached. Lamb reached out with one hand…and touched his chest. He didn't gasp, die, or fall over. Shocking her immensely.

Wolf voiced her thoughts, "…what? You are! Hm?" She touched him again. Her hand gripping her bow before he lightly pushed her hand off his chest.

"Please. I am on a quest you two. Ahaha…I must find my own sun." he said softly, giving them both a nod.

"A sun? Look above you! It's right there!" Wolf jeered.

Solaire shook. his head," That sun is not my own. It is a kind and resplendent father, but it is not the one I seek."

"Avoid jokes and tell me, why are you back to life?" the lamb asked calmly.

Solaire casually took off his helmet to give the duo a friendly, warm grin, "To have the second chance I need to find my sun." The Noxians looked at him as if he had grown a second head since he talked to nothing and nowhere. Wolf opened his maw in confusion with his best impression of arching an eyebrow seen in his eyes, and Lamb merely tilted her head, "Hah hah hah… It may make no sense to anyone but me, and I may be called a fool for it, but it is my only goal and purpose for this life. Something so simple and foolish that somehow someone saw it fit to take me out of the misery I once felt for failing my goal."

"A sun to find as your very own…" Lamb said.

"A fool like him should die a fool's death, right into my jaws!" Wolf shouted, lunging at Solaire who brought up his shield to clash against his gaping maw. To everyone watching, it seemed as if he had been stricken by an invisible blow. His heels dug into the dirt and they could see and hear the struggle was real.

Katarina whirled around, growling, "Leblanc?! Is that illusionist here!? Talon!"

Her companion shook his head fiercely, "No…The gift we were given indicates that she's not present…this little gem would glow if illusions were used…" They stared at a small green stone atop a golden and bronze shaft, a Ward Stone. Courtesy of that strange Yordle mage with the purple hair and the pixie at her side. She had sold Talon it for a box of chocolates, some wood dust, and paint.

"I can't see a damn thing…or smell anything…and Tristy's sensors are coming up blank! Hey! Solaire? Can you see anyone?!" Rumble slammed his fists down, whirling about as Solaire stared at the tall and very imposing figure in front of him.

Lamb towered above him, standing at the height of Gwyn if not a few feet higher. With her elongated and feminine body, she presented a slender and elegant form that reminded him intensely of Gwynevere. She notched an arrow without warning and pointed it at his head. Staring at him with those eerie blue eyes that took him in his entirety.

And Lamb surprised Solaire by stopping her partner with one outstretched hand, "Aren't you curious, Wolf?" the large ghostly canine stopped his charge, looking at her, "A sun, how does he plan on finding it? Will he die at ease from my arrows and your fangs if he were to find it? I'm curious… a goal that brought him away from our kind of grasp and yet has kept him in it. I'd like to see it."

Wolf was simple-minded, "If it makes tearing him apart easier, I'd like to see how little resistance he'd put." Solaire was about to retort he wouldn't go down easy, but they replied in unison, "We'll join you!"

"I...beg your pardon?" he asked.

Wolf chortled a deep, throaty, nasty laugh, "And when that day comes, I will chomp and bite the life right out of you regardless of your choice! For now, this amuses us more!"

"Who is he even talking to?" Katarina asked flatly, wondering this now at last.

When the Noxians turned to the Yordles for an explanation, Rumble shrugged, "Don't ask, we just joined this nut."

Solaire stepped back and, unsure of what else to say or do, turned to his friends, "It seems our new acquaintance wants to see our journey as witnesses."

"You're...you're not kidding?" Rumble couldn't wrap his head better around that, the man was telling the truth as simply as he could.

"I see…" the hooded man said, "He's not one to attract others with strength, but something more. It is something not seen in Noxus, or even Demacia. Those two are right, he is interesting."

"This is getting repetitive." Solaire said, "Making new friends only to fight enemies not long after. I feel like I'm back at the place I met my greatest ally." He chuckled, beaming under his helmet.

The Painting Guardians were undeterred even with the additional ally and continued to fight violently. The battle went as well as one would expect, give a man who managed to get to Lord Gwyn with a good friend enough time, the painting guardians went down fairly quickly once Kindred had offered their aid. Lamb and Wolf made short work of the last few white clad guardians, Wolf's teeth gnashed once, twice, and thrice before the final guardian collapsed before him. To the onlookers, it seemed that an invisible force had cut the strings of the guardians facing them.

Poppy felt a chill run down her back, just what had Solaire been talking to all this time?

Solaire's jolly laugh made everyone stare at him blankly, though Poppy had a few words, "Is it strange that I'm getting used to him being this… bizarre?"

The redhead cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention, "I guess I should thank you, at least the ones that helped us willingly." She gave the Yordles a half-glance before turning fully to the radiant knight and bowing her head, "You're welcome to Noxus under the care of my family's name, the Du Couteau owe you that much."

Solaire was beaming under his helmet, "I thank you greatly. Although, should you ever need my aid again in these lands, you can summon me with this." He gave her a familiar item he handed to a very dear one, not the same one but a copy, "Use this to summon me as a spirit, cross the gap between the world, and cooperate as good comrades."

"Too nice, you're being too nice to Noxians of all people!" Rumble shouted, shocked of what he was seeing the man do, "Have you lost whatever mind you had inside that can on your shoulders?!"

Solaire chuckled, "I do not mind. They gave us their permission to cross this land, so I gave her a token of my appreciation for it. To earn someone's trust one must do better than take from others."

The hooded man stared at him, analyzing the knight, "No Demacian would be this kind, and yet he would trust us despite the reputation his allies gave us. He is either really dumb, or incredibly smart."

The redhead heard him, "What do you mean?"

"That's not just an appreciation token, it's a sign of good faith beyond negotiations. This guy wants to become friends with us, and in doing so… well, you gave him your permission to cross, and he offered his friendship without a second thought. Surely you can see what this means, milady."

Katarina chuckled through her nose, "So what? If that bird bastard wants to use this to get to me, he better think twice."

X-X-X-X-X

Solaire was reminded of the dark corridors near the Abyss as he passed by the dark streets of the mighty city. All around him there was nothing but the weak and the strong, the former being the latter's food. He would see the warriors clad in whatever worn out outfit they could afford or steal from others, and obviously noticed their glares.

Said glares ended when they saw who the sunny knight was with. Katarina was a figure of great authority if her glare alone made everyone back away, not to mention having the archer lamb and her wolf companion close to him helped to make him even more intimidating along Poppy's hammer readied in her hands and Rumble growling at the humans with Tristy loaded and ready for battle.

"So, this is the land known as Noxus… I feel like I've been to this place before."

"How so?" Katarina asked.

"It reminds me of a place ruled by strength, devastated by the pass of time and some actions that sadly didn't do anyone much good." He then realized what he said, "Oh dear. I beg your pardon. By no means did I intend to disrespect you. Though, I ask you let me be honest in saying that, indeed, the people of this land seem to be…"

He struggled for words, but Talon helped him, "If you're going to talk about how they seem to lack a life, you're not far off. Here only the strong or the cunning survive."

Solaire nodded grimly, "So, it's a world where dogs eat dogs."

"Indeed." Katarina answered, "To get here was no easy task. My first job was to kill two generals from Demacia."

Solaire was stunned, "Prince Jarvan's kingdom, if I recall."

She was surprised, "You know him?"

Hesitant as he should have been, Solaire was always truthful to anyone, "I'm afraid to say it is so." His hand slid to his sword in case that would've caused a fight, "I aided him to battle an undead beast that was ravishing his land, but that was it. I have his favor, but if you are to ask me if I would side with him or you, I'll say I side for nobody but only one man and one alone."

Katarina was briefly silent, "You speak those words here, at Noxus, surrounded by its people, without any fear…" she stared at him intensely, "What man are you speaking of so highly here?"

"A good friend." Was Solaire's only reply.

Katarina lowered her head and everyone feared the worst… but laughter soon came out of her, "Ha! This man I must meet! Whatever makes someone like you so loyal means there's a good fight in them!"

Solaire chuckled, "Hah hah hah… Hold that thought for a moment, milady. I fear that your wish may be hard to accomplish. He is not someone to take lightly. After all, he beat a man that ruled over a kingdom controlled by darkness with fire and lightning. Lord Gwyn was the ruler's name, and such a man, while a sorrowful warrior, felled countless brave warriors that I'd tell are beyond me."

"They're big, they're really big…" Rumble whispered while discreetly putting down his mecha's weapons.

"What're you talking about?" Poppy asked while lowering her hammer.

"The size of his brass balls." Was Rumble's simple answer. In any other situation, Poppy would have smacked him, but she had to admit the tiny Yordle was right. Solaire could look at any beast in the face without flinching, and he'd always have a smile afterwards for his companions. It made the pigtailed Yordle wish more of her kin were like that.

Soon they made their way to a massive throne room where a man whose entire appearance reminded the sun knight of Patches, the hyena he'd never trust in his life. Unlike the obviously back-stabbing man, the guy before him looked the part of a leader. With his body covered in robes, and a black bird on his shoulder, he gave the image of an evil wizard. However, there was an aura around him that reminded Solaire of a half-raven half-human woman who helped travelers in their times of need.

Knowing he was the big wig by Katarina's description on the way there, Solaire kneeled out of respect and good manners, "Sir Swain, I have come here to put my mind at ease about very important matters."

"Ah yes, I think I know who you are." The man, Swain, replied as he stood up and walked to the still kneeling knight, "Solaire of Astora. Your little adventures have reached my spies and their ears. Battling an undead dragon to help Demacians won't earn you any favor, but helping one of our own in a battle against deadly creatures does intrigue me with where your loyalty lies."

"My loyalty is for those who gave kindness and strength to a fool like me." was the knight's heartfelt response.

Swain examined him more, "This manner of speech of yours is truly… unique… for a knight of your barely seen caliber." He tried to make sure he wasn't dealing with a phony, "Your way of speech could be a distraction to your motives. Who is to say you didn't aid the heiress of one of our most respected families for your convenience?"

Poppy snapped, "Are you insane?! How could you-"

"No, he's not wrong to doubt me." Solaire started, steel kneeling, "Many enemies I've faced would have taken the side that would benefit them best, and a leader is someone who wouldn't disregard such a fact in the face of any stranger, be them truly kind or snakes hidden under a man's skin."

Swain smiled coldly, "It seems you can be smart, dear knight. Allow me to ask then, what are the matters that make you worry over this nation?"

Looking up yet not standing up, Solaire spoke, "I fear it's terrible news, Sir Swain. Lands from your neighbors and your nation have already been infested by beasts and forces of great darkness. Once, to attempt to keep them under control, many great sacrifices and endless conflict was needed. But now, they seem to seek conflict in this world, to create a desolate wasteland and change the life of this very world into a shadow of the past."

Swain stared at him calmly, "Beasts you have slayed and that my forces have been forced to deal with. Enemies that have cost us some of our best, and that only our very best seem to be able to, at the very least, survive encountering. And you know them…"

"Indeedly so."

Swain frowned, "Then how can I be certain you didn't bring them here?"

Solaire was about to reply but heard a gasp behind him. Turning his head back sharply, he watched in horror how a massive halberd was hovering inches over Poppy's neck, the female Yordle face down. The one keeping her down was a massive man in armor with short brown hair spiked up, and a seriously vicious smile on his face that spoke of how he enjoyed giving people a bad time.

A grunt came from Rumble, as he was held up by his neck by someone else. This one was a narcissist, Solaire knew at first glance. With a thin, long noodle mustache over his lips, spiked up hair, and the most stylish dual axes on his hips, with one being twirled in his free hand, he looked ridiculous. But, the way he stood up, grinned confidently, and masterfully spun his axe in his hand said he had skills.

And, sadly for the jovial knight, Katarina and Talon didn't try to help him, they just watched it all. Kindred, too, observed in interest and did nothing, invisible as they were, they had no need to intervene. Both could see that he would not die here. However, Katarina took her time to reply, "Are you sure, Swain? He may be a shining example of how corny Demacians can be, but he knows about these monsters."

"That is why we need him alive." Swain answered while Solaire stood up yet didn't bring out his sword in fear of his Yordle friends' lives.

The lamb was engrossed in this development, "His fate keeps waving, Wolf. This man is truly a large source of entertainment."

The wolf growled, "But we shouldn't let them take him, he's our mark."

Looking at Swain, Solaire spoke, "What would you need to trust me?"

"What?!" everyone in the room asked in shock.

He repeated himself, "What do you need to trust me? I can witness firsthand that you are a leader who can't afford himself to deal with the possibility of a dagger ready to claim your back. Should there be a task to make sure my friends and I don't need to draw our weapons against you, I shall take it."

Rumble snapped, "What're you doing?! They're Noxians! They'd have you kill a Demacian general or something worse!"

"Silence. Let me consider your words." Swain clearly gave the orders, and he seemed to contemplate what Solaire had said.

"You can't be- You're serious…" the halberd holding man said.

Curling his fingers together in his clasped hands with a calculating expression, the raven-like man looked at Solaire silently. The seconds dragged on as he stared him down, seemingly to discern the Sun Knight's true motivations. "There is a beast that we have lost several platoons to. A great, black dragon." He spoke finally, his expression one of cold contemplation.

"Kalameet…" Solaire said quietly, one hand clenching tightly.

Seeing the reaction made Swain raise his head, "You know this dragon? It is called Kalameet, then?"

"It was spoken of in the ancient tales. A pitch-black dragon, with flames of malefic black might, who was so great that not even the great Knights of Anor Londo could stop it... If it is here, then clearly the legends of the Abysswalker are true. A beast that not even the Four Knights could stop." He got up slowly.

Swain looked him in the eye, "Kill this dragon for my land. Bring proof of your deed and you'll be allowed to travel through all Noxus without harm ever coming to your allies. Darius, Draven, and the two you met shall accompany and aid you to kill this dragon. If you flee, they will be tasked with killing you to make sure you don't shirk your task." He gave a cold nod, the two men indicating themselves with a rough laugh.

Darius looked at Katarina and Talon with a dark smile, "Pleasure to work with the most skilled assassins in a dragon hunt." The larger man said.

Katarina blew her lock out of her face, looking unamused by his words, "Just stay out of the way of my blades."

"What are you all worried about?! You've got Draven on your side! And Draven never loses!" The cocky and egotistical man next to them spun his axes around with a smug laugh.

The knight of the sun bowed his head to the Noxian leader, "I thank you Sir Swain. We will not fail to impress you. And we will return with proof of our victory." Solaire declared, raising up as Poppy and Rumble looked a bit anxious at each other, but they trusted Solaire.

Kindred silently stared at Swain, Lamb seeming to turn a very enraged form to Solaire who looked at her, "We will hunt this one. The witch who guides him through illusions and the abomination he keeps as a pet. They are wretched things."

Solaire laughed to himself, looking at the only invisible member of his party with a wry look, "I fear for the safety of those around me, Dear Lamb and Wolf… Oh my, this shall be quite a quest…" Wolf snapped at the bird, who sensed a fell presence aimed at it, gnashing his teeth as he followed Lamb's trot.

"I will enjoy the hunt when I finally get to wrap my teeth around your filthy neck, you damnable fowl!" Lamb shouldered her bow, rubbing Wolf's head while grabbing Solaire's hand with her other.

The freezing touch of Death herself was a welcome relief from the stress and tension in the throne room, "We will guide you to this Kalameet. The stench of a beast that we have found before will be the easiest mark we can name for you."

Guards took Poppy and Rumble away, though they were nervous with Solaire seeming to talk to air again. Solaire mentally prepared himself for the journey ahead, clenching his hands and momentarily giving a brief but heartfelt prayer for his new friends before promising to himself that he'd save them.

"Let us make haste and prepare to depart as soon as possible, then." Solaire told the warriors that would be accompanying him.

"Don't forget you don't make the rules here, feather-head." Darius growled, "And if you so much as sneeze in a way I don't like, I'll have your head on a wall and your armor in the junkyard."

He was surprised when Solaire stood up without any fear, "Then I shall take it as a test to earn your, no, this country's trust. If that is what it takes to help the innocents who live here to see the sun rise again, I am not afraid to put my life on the line or even lose an arm!"

Draven laughed, "This guy's got guts and a thing for theatrics! Hah, if you want tips on how to talk big and back it up, you should talk to Master Draven here!"

Solaire didn't bat an eye, "I shall take such advice earnestly." He said with no sarcasm, "I am fairly certain you're a man of a strong pride and a strong arm if you're chosen for this task, Sir Draven. I do not plan to disappoint Noxus' best when they've given me this chance."

The mustached man whistled, "Man, it's like you're smart enough to be humble around the Draven!"

"He's not." Talon answered, "He means every word he says. You better never underestimate him, he's the kind of man that can accomplish anything for a cause he believes worthy."

Katarina agreed, "Indeed, now let's get you patched up, Talon. And you, Solaire, be on your best behavior as we will go to my family's abode. If you see my sister, though-"

The knight nodded, "I shall keep my words and eyes to my own self."

"I was going to say, don't trust her even if it's for your life." The redhead answered dryly.

"She means it." Talon added as they made their way to her house.

"Such harsh words for your sibling…" Solaire commented but hummed in thought afterwards, "Is she as bad as you say or perhaps she's a growing maiden in need of a kind smile?"

"Hah!" all four Noxians exclaimed as one.

"I shall take that answer as a no." Solaire replied slightly dumbfounded.

X-X-X-X-X

Soon the group arrived at a large and dark mansion that wouldn't be out of place as one of Gwyn's summer houses. Large armor sets decorated the halls at the sides of large red carpets, and the place was so big one could hear the echo of the knights' boots and the lamb's hooves. However, the red-haired assassin and her partner didn't make a sound as if to show off their skills in stealth.

Katarina was quick to get Talon to a room to heal him while Darius and Draven watched over their target. The jovial knight didn't mind it. He had been through worse and managed to keep a smile. A fool to others, he was someone who didn't give up hope easy. And yet, he couldn't shake a feeling of uneasiness as if he was being watched by a predator ready to sink its fangs on his neck.

So, he was relieved when Draven decided to talk, "I believe you were saying something about a strong arm of yours truly."

Solaire chuckled, "I believe you are a strong warrior, Sir Draven. Despite your boasting, there is no way to fool me when it comes to seeing someone strong in spirit and body."

Grinning widely at the praise, Draven enjoyed his own voice, "I'll say, it's rare to see someone so willing to admire the strength of others! You're a fine knight, Solaire. A fine knight indeed to be so humble!"

The narcissist was of course talking of how great he felt at seeing someone think of themselves as lesser than him, but Solaire was too nice a guy to care – or maybe he didn't notice -, "I believe it is not just one's might alone that allows them to change the world, but their spirit."

Darius was intrigued, "Spirit, huh?"

"If your dream were close to you, to the point you could hold it, what would you give for it?" Solaire said slightly sad, though he didn't let that weigh him down, "What would a man with a spirit worthy of having their own sun need to do? These questions have plagued my sleep countless nights."

Darius nodded, "A man has to be worthy to do what he must, to do what is right. My axe serves to make sure this country is ruled by the right man."

"Not an easy task, I assume." Solaire commented.

Darius grinned, "Better that way, I don't want it to be easy or I'd get sloppy."

The knight of sunlight chuckled, "Hah hah hah! Well-spoken, if bluntly!"

Kindred watched this with interest, "It's amazing… First, they were acting like you, Wolf, ready to sink their fangs into his neck. Now they feel at ease with each other, like comrades in battle."

Her partner grinned, "I wonder if they'd die for him or him for them… You were right, he is fun prey."

As the axe-wielding brothers enjoyed the knight's company, someone else introduced herself, "My, my, what have we here?" a serpentine voice asked behind the knight.

He turned to face a creature that was both terrifying and alluringly beautiful. It was a lamia like he had heard in legends. The lower body was a snake's tail while the upper part was a woman's torso clad in a gold bra. Her heart-shaped face was framed by a cobra's hood, and her flawless human skin contrasted with the green scales around her head and on her tail. She even had snake eyes that stared into him, while a slight sway on her hips would've made any man stare at her body slithering to them. The words femme fatale echoed in the knight's head, he knew of such deadly and beautiful women ready to achieve their goals.

Instead of showing fear, he showed his true self, "Allow me to introduce myself, milady." His words shocked the knights, Kindred, and the lamia as he bowed his head deeply, "I am Solaire of Astora."

She stood there, frozen, "That wasn't… the reaction I expected…"

He stood straight and looked at her quizzically, "What do you mean, milady? I have no recollection of who you are, if you're an ally or a foe. Although I do believe that if you talk to me I should at least be polite enough to introduce myself. After all, I'd shame my title of knight if I didn't try to be civilized."

"Is he for real?" Draven asked his brother.

"He is… Talon was right…" Darius felt his jaw slacken.

The lamia examined him, 'He looks like a fool. Well, every fool has a weakness, and the fact he did not find me revolting means he's a weirdo into monster girls. Time to see if I still got the tricks.' She smiled and slithered close to the knight, "Then allow me to introduce myself, I am Cassiopeia, once a lady as you say, but now cursed into this body."

"I see, I am sorry to hear such fate fell on you…" he said genuinely sad and concerned, surprising her once again at how truthfully kind he was to her.

"Yes, but it is what I deserved after fooling a man to serve my country…" she slithered around him, making a circle to surround the knight as she leaned closer to his side, "Is it a surprise for you? This body is fitting due to how malicious I was. Does that make you feel disgusted?"

She wanted him to fluster, blurt something out, to feel sorry for thinking what she was putting in his head and beg for forgiveness afterwards… "Disgusted, I am. By the fact you were forced to be something you're not to help your people. A maiden like yourself, even one who fooled others, should be true to her own self." She did not expect him to be so passionate with that answer.

Cassiopeia was at a loss, 'Is he serious?! What…? How…? Wait, I can still turn this around.'

Lamb was immersed, "He thinks so highly of others… is he truly so naïve, or is he too kind?"

The lamia grinned and approached the knight more, "Such kind words for a stranger. Are you willing to put me on a pedestal? Do you find this horrid form attractive?"

Solaire took off his helmet, and heat invaded Cassiopeia's cheeks at his beaming smile, "I have heard stories of women who were forced to take the forms of monsters not by their choice. Your tale reminds me of them, so I choose to do my best in order to see the beautiful maiden that needs a helping hand instead of the monster others think she is."

Everything after that went too fast!

Cassiopeia was blown back with a massive blush, clutching her chest with one hand before leaning against a wall with her forehead pressed on it, her madly beating heart pounding against her palm, 'W-What did he do to me?! How did he do it?! Why is he so handsome?!' her mind raced with a million thoughts, but she knew that she was utterly beaten, 'I can't harm this man at all… That heart of his is too pure for me to break! I lost the instant he met me because he's that much of a nice guy… Solaire of Astora, you… you stole my heart!'

Darius and Draven gaped while the unmasked Solaire looked worried as he hurried over to help the snake woman, "Oh dear, I hope I didn't offend you. If I did, let me apologize profoundly, milady."

The two Noxian males felt tempted to bow to the knight of the sun and call him master. And it was that scene that Katarina arrived to witness, "What just happened here?" she asked her sister, who was – for the first time in her life – blushing and smiling like a young girl as she talked to a male.

"No, you just caught me by surprise with your kind words, Sir Solaire. Now, I believe I talked too much about myself. I wouldn't mind getting to know you." She stared at him, her pupils turning into hearts.

He chuckled, "Hah hah hah, I feel fortune's smiling on me for letting me see how kind you can be."

Katarina's jaw hit the floor, "I…" she took a moment to regain her composure, "It is as if everything I knew was wrong… Who in blazes is this guy?"

The redhead, the brothers, the deadly spirits, and the slowly recovering assassin saw a scene they'd never think they'd witness as they prepared. Cassiopeia clung to a man's arm happily while Solaire kept his warm smile all the way as he told her some of his stories. The snake woman's eyes were practically beating hearts as she guided him to the dining room, ate beside him, and tried to be as close to him as possible.

"And you stood by this warrior's side to the end?" she asked, immersed in his current story as the group ate an entire boar between themselves.

Solaire nodded, "As mighty as the gargoyles were, we managed to defeat them with some ease. It was a small miscalculation that cornered us. I was able to use my shield to protect my friend enough for him to heal and deliver the finishing blow from behind me by throwing his sword at the beast's head. I was so amazed that I clapped and laughed quite foolishly in my surprise. Though despite the randomness of my reaction, he didn't take long to join in merry laughter before we parted ways."

"That's nothing!" Draven chortled, "Draven once nailed an escaping prisoner with his back turned to the lucky victim, without even looking at him!"

His boasting fell on deaf ears, as Cassiopeia was trying to refill Solaire's mug with wine, "Have some more, Sir Solaire. A man as skilled and bold as you should enjoy himself."

"Please, you're flattering me more than I deserve." He told her with his warm smile, making her heart feel like it jumped to soar in the skies.

Darius gave his brother a massive grin, "So, you were saying?"

Draven grumbled, eyes narrowed, "Draven sees competition, and Draven accepts the challenge."

Katarina sighed, "Just remember that once dinner is over we need to sleep. We shall depart at dawn to look for the dragon and bring it down."

"And take its head as a fine trophy." Darius agreed.

Katarina turned to the blond knight, "What say you, Solaire? You know the beast well. Care to tell us of its weaknesses and strengths?"

Solaire put down his mug of wine and nodded, "Dragons from my world aren't easy to deal with. A scale of theirs can take any arrow without a scratch."

Lamb, who had been watching Wolf devour the roasted boar's head, was intrigued, "I'm listening intently, knight."

"I assure you, I don't doubt your skills with the bow, but they are capable of taking strikes with ease. Lord Gwyn, a king and venerated warrior, was the man to give his firstborn son and the knights that followed him like I the gift of lightning. With this power, he and many brave warriors were able to destroy the scales of the immortal dragons and find an opening."

Katarina held her chin in thought, "So that's a plan for us. Your lightning should help us break this beast's scale armor and let us deal the killing bow."

"If it is needed, stand behind my shield." Solaire exclaimed, "Don't be rash and don't be ashamed if you need to. My shield was made to withstand the fire and claws of these immortal dragons by the very Lord of Sunlight's blessing so his knights could protect those who bask in the sun's radiance."

"What's there to worry about when Draven's got you covered?" the mustached man boasted.

Solaire let out a genuinely humored chuckle, "I sincerely wish I had half that confidence."

Darius groaned, "You shouldn't, trust me."

"Indeed." The others agreed in unison.

Solaire smiled, "Boasting or not, I can recognize a warrior when I see one. I'm fairly certain you are capable in the field of battle, and even managed to witness to state such words without fear. The issue I have is that…" he sighed, his smile faltering, "…after this joyous feast with you, I could never bare the idea of seeing you fall. As comrades in arms, I'd like us to return together and have a truly jubilant celebration."

Once again, the heartfelt honesty, sincere smile, and genuine friendliness earned him not only the trust of the warriors with him, but even their respect. Katarina couldn't believe a man like him could be such a fool with his heart on his sleeve, but the way he stuck to his guns despite everything made it impossible for her to hate him. Darius could also see a real warrior when he saw one, and Solaire was a man among men if he could say such things without fear. Draven himself smiled, liking the guy's style and envying him slightly for it. Both Lamb and Wolf stared at him confused, suddenly the idea of hunting him seemed… unpleasant.

Cassiopeia, on the other hand, was even more enraptured, "Worry not, Sir Solaire, I shall accompany you to make sure your return is truly delightful!" she declared with a hand on her chest and a very intense gaze as she stared deeply into his eyes.

He smiled, scratching his cheek awkwardly with a finger, "I never thought I'd hear a lady say such things, but I could never say no to such an act of kindness. I thank you greatly, Lady Cassiopeia. I shall do my best to not let your kindness be wasted."

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Sir Solaire." Inwardly, the snake woman was giddy like a little girl.

X-X-X-X-X

"I hope you can forgive any delay on my return." Solaire, ever the good friend, didn't part Noxus without seeing his Yordle friends.

"Eh, food's not that awful, and at least our beds don't have fleas like most of these guys." Rumble didn't hide his smirk around the soldiers that had been watching over him.

"Worry not, at least that old crow can be civilized if the situation calls for it." Poppy tried to ease the knight's worries, though she looked down when adding, "Do hurry, please. I'd be happier seeing you once again sooner than later."

Chuckling good-naturedly, the featherhead nodded, "My word is something I dare not break. After all, we have to find the hero worthy of that hammer of yours."

"Thank you..." she hated how easy he made her feel giddy.

Cassiopeia noted that, "Sir Solaire, it's about time we leave. Don't waste your time with your little friends."

"I fear she is right. I'll be back swiftly, my dear friends." He said, and the word friend stung Poppy a tiny bit.

X-X-X-X-X

And that's my rap!

Do not lie, ladies and gentlemen, Solaire's got the Jonathan Joestar golden heart which could make any man and woman - regardless of how twisted - have their heart stolen. Sadly for Cassiopeia, she is not immune to the Solaire charm.