K A T A R I N A D U C O U T E A U
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• T H E SINISTER B L A D E •
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You better hurry
'cause I can't stand waiting
You better hurry
'cause I'm ready to go
Hit the gas and don't look back now
Deft footfalls were left unnoticed as a single figure strode through the landscape leading up to the Institute. With a certain pace, Katarina Du Couteau made her way towards the large obstruction before her, entering the gates as she always had. Of course, something was unsettling, and that wasn't just for her. Everyone was in a state of unrest after these so called Conquerors staked their claim on Runeterra. This little stint of theirs would create turmoil and likely disappear in a few months. Still, Katarina never dealt in absolutes. She could not merely assume things would resolve themselves over the course of time. No, it would not be quite as simple. Intervention would be required, but honestly, it would come at a heft price some might have a hard time stomaching. Liberate the Institute of these intruders, only to find out your own sibling, ally, or old friend was among the guilty charged with attempted murder on their fellow denizens of the League? That would be difficult for any to bear, and it would break the hearts of many. Fortunately, Katarina did not allow such things to affect her. Being an assassin meant expecting any individual as a target. She learned such a lesson from her father, of all people. Marcus Du Couteau was an intelligent, ferocious leader for their family, and the greatest gift he ever gave back would be his daughter, Katarina. She'd see to that by her own course of action in his absence.
While the Conquerors were a curious thing, Katarina knew better than to snuff them out immediately and on her own. Ideally, this wouldn't have ever happened. She'd be off exploring the far reaches of Runeterra on the hunt for her father with Talon. Yet, here they were, in a sort of lockdown status due to this alienated group. If she hoped to accomplish anything, it would have to wait until this renegade cluster of morons was dissolved. First step towards that was to distinguish just who you could trust. Of course, as an assassin, that notion was a complete joke. Even as she wandered up the steps of the grand entrance, Katarina noted the faceless individuals she passed. None of them mattered to her, so to seek out an ally in them was a bit counterproductive. Still, it was the most sensible thing to do. If there was one individual she could put stock in--despite their bloodied history--it was Garen Crownguard. They may have bad blood between them, but there was a certain level of respect held by them. The Might of Demacia was someone she knew. Such an act of aggression by this inside group of champions likely had him revved up and ready to begin the search, but at the moment, he was no where in sight. Well, there goes her one good lead. Then again, perhaps it was just as well. The two might have begun a spat over the ordeal and forgotten what they were doing. The woman sighed, her leather-bound body heaving as she slumped a bit in defeat. This was no time to give in to defeat, not when she's just began.
That's when a rather ostentatious sound perked her interest off in the nearby distance.
From the opening of the area, Katarina glanced sideways to note the small group of champions. They were all recognizable--every single champion of the League was distinguishable for one reason or another--and had congregated together. The jester, gun-toting girl, the voidling pup, and...Graves. That was another individual that piqued her mind. They had a rough encounter recently during a match. Katarina cringed in remembrance of the battle, mainly due to her fatal fall towards the ground which resulted in Graves catching her off guard. There was no grudges to be had from that, albeit Katarina's remorse of her inability to counter such a situation. That said, she knew one thing that was certain of Graves. He was not one to be dealing with betrayal in any way. It was not in his morale code. That was something Katarina had respect for, but she had to approach the situation delicately.
Who's to say the jester was not guilty? Or the void creature?
With so many variable in the air, Katarina would approach the lion's den with confidence. Even if any of these individuals were aiming to pick off the other champions, Katarina would be expectant and ready for a fight. They would have quite a lot on their hands, should they decide to turn on her. By the time she had decided to approach the group, Graves had already defected. Well, there goes her nonchalant introduction. Graves was still an individual she intended to interrogate all the same. Instead of going to the group, the Noxian turned on her heels and went off in the other direction, towards Graves. With her dusty pink lips curling, the woman swiftly moved via shun-po to be directly behind the Outlaw. "Days like these can be such a drab, wouldn't you agree?"Katarina called out as she stood tall, her arms folding across her chest. A dark, thin brow arched upward. Now that she had introduced her presence, it was time to be out with it. Graves was a straightforward man, and she would treat him with that same respect in mind. "If you're skulking around here, then I can take a wild guess that you've nothing on your agenda." Katarina paused for a moment to consider her invitation before continuing. "There's a tavern that has our names on two of their finest mugs somewhere, if you've the time. Pick a place, anywhere. I don't mind any distance. That, or perhaps you're nervous I'll drink you under the table?" Her arms fell to the side of her hips as she quietly laughed. The taunt was an added effect to hook Graves in. Another thing that Katarina knew about the man was that he would not deny a challenge, especially one that involved drinking. Of course, they had no true relationship, good or bad. Her sudden appearance could be taken a couple of ways, but if her hunch was correct, he'd take her up on the invitation. Given that there was only more to gain than there was to lose, there was no reason Graves would deny the venture aside from fear of Katarina being a Conqueror, which she wasn't. That, and moreover, Graves wouldn't openly state he feared anyone, let alone a woman.
You wanna dance with the devil?
You wanna burn down the sun?
I think you might be trouble
Let's run