It was a bright and warm morning in Demacia as Garen wandered his usual path to his patrol area. He felt uneasy after a recent battle involving Katarina once again, the people of Demacia constantly reminded him that he was the might of Demacia and a Noxian assassin was no match for the likes of him. While this was very inspiring to him, he remained restless at the thought of a final battle, even he did not know who would win such a fierce duel. They both had their strengths and weaknesses, but who would emerge as the strongest in a one on one battle? Garen was unsure of the answer, but longed for it. He knew one day this battle would come and they would see who the strongest fighter is. Until that day, he would have to continue training and waiting.
As Garen reached the rally point where his patrol began, just outside of Demacia and leading through the wooded are surrounding the great city, he saw Jarvan IV, a friend and Demacian crown prince. Garen was always happy to see his comrade, but one look at Jarvan and Garen could tell something was troubling him. "Greeting my prince, to what do I owe the pleasure of meeting you here today?" Garen asked with enthusiasm, hoping to ease whatever was on Jarvan's mind. "We have received some troubling news, Garen." said Jarvan, still not looking directly at Garen. He simply looked around, almost as if he was waiting for something to jump out at him. "What is troubling you my friend?" asked Garen sternly. He didn't like to see his friend so worried. "We have received news that the Noxian forces are gathering nearby, preparing for an invasion of Demacia." At this, Garen looked thrilled at the thought of battle. "Excellent! I've been longing for a good battle for some time." Garen shouted, startling Jarvan. The prince finally looked into his comrades eyes, Garen could almost feel the desperation being pierced into his brain. "This is unlike anything else Garen, we have received news that Noxus has brought reinforcements with them, from the Shadow Isles."
Garen suddenly understood why Jarvan looked so worried, while Demacia does not fear any enemy, they have always tried to avoid contact with that horrible place. The Shadow Isles reeks of death, a barren wasteland just waiting for you to drop your guard so it can take your life faster than you can blink. "I see." said Garen slowly. "And do we know who these reinforcements are?". "We know of at least two of them, but there may be more. Karthus and Hecarim will be among the army attacking our city." said Jarvan, quickly looking away from Garen. The might of Demacia knew that Jarvan has always believed the eyes give more away in a man than anything else, he knew that Jarvan didn't want Garen to see how troubled he was by the looming attack. "And how long to we have to prepare for this upcoming battle?" asked Garen. "We expect the armies to be upon us within 3 days, we will be sending a small unit to scout them, until they have completed the mission, we know nothing more of their plans." Jarvan was doing his best to keep his morale up, but it was difficult. "Then I shall lead the team to scout the scum myself." Garen said immediately. "Are you sure my friend? You know that you are better on the battlefield than in the shadows." Jarvan appeared surprised that Garen had volunteered himself for such a mission, but he had always trusted him, it's difficult not to have faith in the man that saved you from execution. "Yes, I am sure, I want to see for myself what I will be slaughtering in battle." Garen smiled reassuringly at the prince. Jarvan smiled back, "Very well Garen, I will trust you to scout as much of the Noxian army as you can, ensure that they will have no way to surprise us." Garen kneeled before his prince and friend, "Do not worry about my Jarvan, I will never let you down for as long as I live." And with that, Jarvan bowed his head to Garen and left. Garen had been there for him in his time of need, and he was certain he could do it again.
Garen began his daily patrol slightly late but with a spring in his step, happy that he was able to comfort his prince, he wanted to see the army himself, to see if his old foe, Katarina would be making an appearance. Even the thought of this sent adrenaline rushing through him. Could this be their final battle?