"So, LT, what exactly are we doing out here in the middle of the palace grounds?" One of the Demacian soldiers growled, sitting up from where the better part of the platoon was lazing around, sitting on the ground, spread out around a large open area. Down at the bottom of the large hill that sloped towards the bay, but still high above the sea, the area was open, an odd looking structure behind them and a large podium standing off to one side. Snow covered everything except where it had been trodden down where the makeshift 'building' had been put together.

"Eyes up, ladies and gentlemen." Vorscham growled as he strode over from where he had been speaking with another officer. He growled as he watched the platoon get slowly to their feet. He waited until the entire unit was standing before he cleared his throat. "Today we will be running building clearing exercises."

A murmur of grumbling passed through the troops. "Building clearing? What the hell are we doing that for?"

"Can it, girl scouts, I don't want to hear any of your bullshit right now." Vorscham barked, putting his fists on his hips as he looked around the group. "We've got the big shots coming down for a demonstration regarding the readiness and capabilities of the rotational company were the palace to be besieged. They want to test our reactions and readiness levels to an adverse situation. That is why you pansies are here. Major Seymour has seen it fit to volunteer—ask me to lead you twits in the demonstration for our glorious leader and a number of guests of his choosing."

Another wave of chatter passed through the men and women of second platoon, Victoria Company of the First Demacian Royal Guards Battalion. "Volunteered? Fucking Seymour."

"I said shove the chatter, ladies!" He waited just a brief moment for the chatter to die. "We're going to split up into three squads for the exercise: Azure, Gold and Ivory. Bruno has command of Azure, Horrace has Gold and Ivory goes to Kelly. With each clearing, you will be going in blind, combined arms. There will be bandit outlaws in the building and you're going to need to clear them out as fast as possible. The squad that does this the fastest gets two days of leave. Be wary of any shenanigans that Seymour may have put in place, specifically arcane and traditional booby-traps."

"Shenanigans he says?" One of the men of Azure Squad joked, slapping a buddy on the shoulder. "I wonder what sort of Shenanigans Seymour could bring out..."

"Well our shenanigans are cheeky and fun." One of the members of the same squad said, shrugging.

"Seymour's Shenanigans are cruel and tragic." Another man from Azure said, nodding sagely.

"Which makes them not Shenanigans at all, really." An Azure woman said, chuckling softly.

"Evil Shenanigans!" The first man said, with a goofy accent.

"I swear to god!" Vorscham snarled, a blood vessel pulsing on his forehead. "I will bludgeon the next motherfucker who says shenanigans with my sheath!" A moment of silence followed as Vorscham glared down at his platoon.

The man who had faked the accent let a smile creep onto his face. "Hey Jimmy! What's the name of that pub you like, you know, the one with all the goofy shit on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?"

"You mean Shenanigan's?" A faceless voice called from somewhere in the back of Ivory team.

"Oh shit!" There was a hearty round of laughter and egging on as one of the men from Azure company tried to offer his sheath to Lieutenant Vorscham.

"Put those away!" Vorscham snarled.

"Why we're out this far then, LT?" A soldier growled as the platoon calmed down amid the good natured laughing and ribbing that Jimmy received. "How exactly are we going to practice a siege against the palace down here? Shouldn't we be up at the palace for that?"

"Can your crap, shitbirds, and I'll explain it." Vorscham growled, shaking his head. He frowned and looked around the group as some grumbling faded through the area, but silence finally fell. "Good. Our unit was selected by the king to give a demonstration of the speed and strength of the Demacian forces in reaction to a hostile takeover of a structure or building within the city, specifically the palace, hence why you see the building behind you. It is a prefabricated structure that will simulate a floor layout. You'll notice the roof is glass. That is for the spectators to see how efficient and fearless you are. Be careful of this glass. While impact resistant, you are permitted to use assault-grade magic, and will be facing similar levels in the form of resistance. Be careful with your aim. There will be dignitaries from Piltover and Ionia who are interested in our Military tactics visiting, they are our main audience. We'll be exercising the very finest of Demacian precision and safety." He paused, waiting for questions. "No questions? Good. Split up by squad, Azure, Gold and Ivory squads on the line, in that order. Check your gear, keep it tight, and report any problems with equipment to Gunny Juniper BEFORE the exercise begins. Dismissed."

The group broke up by squad, each squad leader moving their unit off to talk about tactics and to designate positions for each member of the squad, leaving Shyvana standing off to one side of the muddy, open area. She glanced around, frowning slightly before sighing heavily, looking down at the muddy snow under foot. She stepped up to Lieutenant Vorscham who was talking with Gunny Juniper.

"Got anything special planned sir? Need me to scrounge anything up?" Alicia crossed her arms over her chest and smiled at Shyvana as she approached, but Vorscham's dark gaze froze her and drained her happiness from her expression.

"Nothing at the moment." Vorscham said, matching Alicia's salute. "Dismissed." Alicia spun on her heel and headed off to distribute the last few things each squad would need, including basic floor plans of the building. Shyvana could tell that Alicia's pace was much slower than her normal, bouncy rate that matched her attitude. She glanced worriedly over her shoulder at Shyvana, but the dragoness gave her a brave smile. Vorscham turned back to Shyvana. "What can I do for you, specialist?"

"What Squad shall I be attached to for this exercise, sir?" Shyvana asked, standing at parade rest.

"None." Vorscham said, turning away. "I want you by my side for now."

"Sir?" Shyvana said hesitantly.

"I don't want any incidents with this bloody show and tell session." He growled, shaking his head. "There is too much as risk, and I have enough shit to concern myself with at the moment. I don't need you blowing something up in the meantime."

Shyvana clenched her fists but simply nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Good." Vorscham growled. "For now, you are a shadow. Stick with me, but don't say anything."

"Sir." She saluted and then dropped it.

"Positions, ladies and gents, we've got guests!" Vorscham shouted. The platoon turned and looked, watching as a small party approached down the hill towards the podium.

Shyvana could see the king leading the way, a number of guards around him, a few Demacian officers, and then two women who she didn't recognize. One was dressed in a officious looking purple overcoat and a matching top hat, her long, chestnut brown hair spilling over her shoulders. She looked stern but polite, her attire pretty but odd compared to most clothing styles that Shyvana had ever seen. The other was a much sterner looking woman, slightly taller, and the small gap that the others all gave her spoke of a mix of respect and fear of the woman. Even from where she stood, Shyvana could tell she had hard eyes that matched her frown as the teal orbs glanced about the area, canvasing and taking in new surroundings. She had shimmering black hair, but the way it had an eerie blue sheen when the light hit it wasn't the strangest thing about her. Floating just behind and above her, something glimmering bounced along with her strides, twitching occasionally, similar to a cat's tail. Shyvana watched the many pointed, floating crest with interest as the Demacian troops finished milling about, lining up by squad around the building, each waiting their turn.

"And now a demonstration by my own Royal Guard Battalion." The king said, gesturing towards the soldiers. "Here we have a special building set up to allow us to view their progress as they expertly assault an enemy fortified structure."

"That's not an exceedingly difficult task, your highness." The woman in the top hat said, frowning, crossing her arms over her chest.

"If I may, your highness?" Major Seymour stepped forth from the side and looked to the king.

"This is Major James Seymour, the commander of Victoria company. His unit is currently on rotation with the Palace guard for training. It's his men that will be running through the exercise today." The king gestured to the thin man, his pasty skin a bit gaunt over his sharp cheekbones. He was lanky and the armor he wore hardly seemed to fit this image. His hair was slicked back and beady eyes darted around. Though he frowned, the king gestured for the major to continue.

"Madame Sheriff of Piltover, despite your extensive list of apprehensions and the amazingly clean history of Piltover under your protection, it's not just the fact they can clear the building, it's how fast they clear it. Demacia, despite the beauty and grace we value in our city, value different ideals when it comes to our military tactics. My unit here is going to show how our motto of 'shock and awe' defines the way our forces sweep in a take the enemies by surprise, bringing the hammer down to crush the opposition in a single blow before they have a chance to form any sort of resistance." The major said confidently. "How long would it take your deputies to clear out a structure such as this?"

The sheriff raised her eyebrow, the golden star gleaming on the lapel of her coat. "A few minutes, I suppose." She frowned. "Though there are many other circumstances to take into consideration for an operation like this. For example, if there were civilians in danger within, it would be much more difficult to deal with; a standard breach and clear procedure would likely end in the loss of life. I would probably put marksmen in place to pick off anyone who put others in danger and then try to talk down those holed up inside."

"But what if they were threatening to set off a bomb?" The major said, a small smile playing at his lips as he ran a hand over his hair to smooth it down. "Our troops are able to push through in just a fraction of the time other units can attempt. My force reacts faster, hits harder, and hits more often due to the rigorous training and practice regimes they adhere to under my command. This exercise is only one of the many different things that our troops are drilled in, but this is something that is very flexible, adaptable to hundreds of situations. In this case, the simulated hostiles have taken over a structure and need to be quickly cleared out to allow our forces to advance."

"And they are going to assault a building with a bomb inside to clear it out?" The other woman said. "It hardly seems to be the best answer to a bad situation."

"Please, humor this poor officer for trying to put it in better perspective." The major said, bowing slightly. "Madame Ambassador, I didn't mean to create a bad setting, but the execution will be more than worth it. Though we lack the grace that the warriors of Ionia are renowned for, we are more than efficient and swift fighters here in Demacia."

"Thank you, major." The king said, cutting the officer off before he could continue. "We'll be turning the demonstration over to one of the Major's subordinates; his platoon was chosen at random for the exercise."

"Very well, your highness." The woman said, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "And Major, please excuse my questions, I didn't mean to cause any trouble with my lack of grace."

"It is quite alright." The king said with a quick nod, cutting the major off before he could open his mouth and make more of an ass out of himself. The king sighed internally, but turned to where Vorscham stood below at parade rest. "Lieutenant?"

"Sir." He snapped off a quick salute and then spun to face his troops. "Azure squad, to the line"

"Move, move, move!" Bruno bellowed. His unit moved up like a single body, the two parallel lines rotating and hitting the wall with enough force to shake the entire building. "Stack up!" The soldiers compressed towards the door, the two closest turning their back to the door. "Prep for penetration!" Bruno barked. The third man on the right side of the door stepped out, spun, and pulled a metal plate that hung from his pack, and pushed it to the door, close to the lock and handle.

"The squads with be running a time trial to give them a bit of competitive motivation." The king said with a smile. "Whenever you're ready, Lieutenant."

"Yes sir." Vorscham said, saluting. He pulled a small time tracking device from his belt and shook it. It began to shimmer and little numbers glowed to life above it. "Azure, you are clear to initiate!"

"Roger sir!" Bruno barked, checking over his people. "Breach, breach, breach!" The timer started as the command came. The fizzle and the sharp report of a magic explosion shattered the door inwards, sending the solider sliding backwards a few feet in the mud. He dropped the steaming metal plate as the first two knights, in full armor, slammed through the remains of the door and swept inside, taking the first two targets with swings of their swords, lopping the top half of the 'enemies' off. The wooden posts fell over, the paper targets falling away.

"Move in!" Bruno said, following the soldiers in. "Fireteam Jaeger, right side, Fireteam Kampfer, left!" The squad split as they moved through the building at a thundering pace, sometimes simply bowling through walls rather than going around corners. The two lead soldiers, clad in hulking, lumbering armor simply thundered through the gauntlet, the booby traps barely scratching the surface of their armor. Though crude and destructive, the tactic was brutally efficient and the forces that swept in behind the two wrecking balls were able to easily clean up the targets that were left over. The 'enemies' fell rapidly, and as a minute approached on the clock, the last bang of a breaching charge spread smoke and debris in the back room. Soldiers poured in, cutting down the foes with impunity.

"Clear!" The call echoed from within, and Vorscham hit the timer.

"Fifty-seven seconds, and all thirty targets taken out." Vorscham reported.

"That was fairly impressive, your highness." The Ionian Ambassador said nodding, a small smile on her face. "But do you think your other squads can beat the time?"

"Indeed, I'm curious if they'll use the same rush tactics." The sheriff of Piltover mused.

"Of course." The king said, nodding and gesturing for Vorscham to continue. "Up next is Gold Squad."

The two subsequent squads, Gold and Ivory, went about as well as the Azure team's breach and clear. Gold used a similar tactic to Azure, but instead of soldiers in heavy armor, they used two large shield bearers to muscle through and form a sort of pseudo-phalanx to protect the soldiers who followed. Though decidedly safer, it was also a decent amount slower, considering some of the maneuvering it took to get the shields around obstacles in the building. The sheriff had preferred this method because it was fairly defensive and caused the least amount of damage, but the clumsy shields seemed to bore the ambassador. Ivory mixed things up by putting smaller breaching teams around the perimeter to go in windows, but a moment of confusion when they tried unsuccessfully to disarm a trap cost them the first place spot. The Ionian Ambassador had been amused with their tactics and ingenuity, and had bargained they had lost a full ten seconds because of the one moment of confusion. The times were comparable but Azure team's brute force attack had the best clear speed by about ten seconds.

"And that completes the demonstration, your majesty." Vorscham said, snapping off a quick salute. "As you can see, our forces are all highly capable and extremely disciplined, while not limited in their tactical thinking or improvisation in a bad situation. They are very capable of independent action and even in the worst of situations, they are capable of crushing any resistance."

"Very good, lieutenant." The king said, eying the man's scar for a moment as he turned to the major. "My compliments on your platoon, major, their performance was smooth and well executed."

"Thank you, sire." Major Seymour said, bowing gracefully. "I keep my company at peek performance levels, consistently ensuring the absolute best. Their times certainly reflected this capability."

"I could done it quicker." Shyvana muttered to herself as she rolled her eyes as what the major said. Vorscham glanced at her and frowned, but said nothing. The sheriff of Piltover seemed to have heard though and met Shyvana's gaze for a brief moment.

"A question for the Major, King Jarvan." The diplomat from Piltover said with a a nod of the head. Her long brown hair fell into her eyes, and she had to brush it out of her face, tucking the strands behind her ear.

"Of course, Sheriff." The king said, slightly surprised. Shyvana watched his eyes change from a menacing dark blue to a placid icy color before the sheriff could notice. "Please, what is your question?"

The sheriff of Piltover looked down and locked gazes with Shyvana for a brief moment. "Major, the young woman there... she doesn't seem to be an officer. Why was she excluded from the actions? It didn't seem as though any of the assault teams were understrength."

A flash of concern and danger flashed over Seymour's face. "Well, uh..."

"This is a recent addition to the unit, Madame Sheriff." Vorscham said firmly, heading the problem off before it could manifest for the major to complicate. "She has yet to have a chance to be integrated to one of the squads of second platoon of Victoria Company, and as such, her ah... special capabilities are reserved for more... unique missions than this." Shyvana glanced at Vorscham, clenching her fists.

In three days of training, I've out run, out fought and stomped every challenge you've thrown at me, Vorscham. Shyvana clenched her teeth and had to take several deep breaths to calm herself as she felt her hair begin to bounce in the heat that poured from her body.

"Unique talents?" The Ionian Ambassador said, raising an eyebrow. "I don't mean to sound so... barbaric, but would these special abilities be something that could benefit Ionia's rebuilding or possible resistance? With the Noxian-Ionian rematch coming up so soon, we may be calling upon Demacia to assist if things go... poorly..."

"And you, Ambassador, considering what is on the line, for you to come here with the battle approaching so soon must mean there is something you would wish of Demacia." The king said amicably. "You don't mean to go to war if the rematch fails, do you?"

The floating crest behind her shuddered, the metal twitching as if it were irritated as something dangerous flashed in her eyes. She smoothed a lock of black hair along the side of her chest, freeing it from where it had caught on her red and silver armor. Her hair had an eerie blue sheen too it that shimmered when the light hit it right. "Your majesty, I merely am curious about the strengths of Demacia and her champions were the situation in Ionia or Kalamanda to... escalate."

"You say she has special capabilities." The sheriff of Piltover said, nodding in conjunction with the ambassador of Ionia. "Perhaps a demonstrationcould be arranged?"

The king looked hesitant, but a small smile settled on his face. "Very well." He nodded finally. "Shyvana, if you could demonstrate what it is you are?"

"What she is?" The Piltoverian and Ionian representatives said in tandem, exchanging glances.

"I'm not simply an animal for you to showcase when you want." Shyvana snarled, turning towards the building with a frown. "But if I gets me closer to my goal I shall oblige." She muttered under her breath.

"I..." The king blinked several times but was left speechless.

"Lieutenant, the goal was to clear the building as quickly as possible, correct?" Shyvana said, a frown marring her face as her hair began to billow around her. She pulled the winter cloak off of her shoulders and gently laid it on the ground, kicking off the armored grieves and pulling snaps and straps free. Her armor clattered to the ground around her and she tossed it into a pile near the cloak. As she stepped into the snow, it began to steam around her feet

"Correct..." Vorscham said, a look of surprise on his face.

"No armor at all?" The Ionian said, the crest nearly quivering in excitement.

"My skin is thicker than you think." Shyvana said, pausing and looking over her shoulder, her hair now standing vertically on end, streaming wildly as it was carried up by the rising heat the poured from her body. "Your majesty, in the supposed situation that was given to the squads by the major, were there any survivors inside that needed to be protected?"

"Well..." The king said, frowning, still trying to figure out what she was planning. He glanced at major who simply shrugged. "No..."

"Good." Shyvana said as a grin settled on her face. She closed her eyes for a moment and let out a deep breath, steam jetting from her nostrils. She grasped at her head and shrunk down a bit, snarling as pain played across her face. Horns burst from her skull, extending and curving back, each one gleaming and razor sharp at the tip. Shyvana stood up straight and then looked over her shoulder at the ambassadors and the king, diamond shaped pupils gleaming. "Watch closely, now." Fire exploded around her and then a billowing cloud of steam erupted, casting an eerie haze over the area, obscuring all vision.

"What... what was that?" The sheriff said, waving the steam from her face. She leaned on the railing of the podium, trying to peer through the steam. "Those eyes and horns... is she some kind of demon?"

"I don't know." The Ionian Ambassador said, coughing as the crest continued to quiver. "Your highness... just what is it you're playing at? What was—is she?"

"This wasn't exactly planned in advance, Ambassador." The king said, sighing. The ground shook beneath their feet, the entire podium shaking slightly. "So please, try to remain calm."

"What was that?" The sheriff gasped, her arm jumping to her shoulder, grasping for a weapon, but finding nothing. She started to kneel but the king gestured for her to calm herself, holding onto the railing as the ground reverberated every few seconds.

"I present to you... Shyvana, the half-dragon." The king said, gesturing to the ground before them.

Rising out of the steam was the scaly hide and vicious claws of a dragon. Leathery skin was covered in places with armored scales, the glossy armor gleaming against the white snow. A mane of ruby red hair lined the dragon's back and massive wings quivered, folded back out of the way, her massive claws cutting deep furrows in the ground as she took several steps forward. Powerful hind legs lifted her up till her head was level with the podium, her magenta eyes blinking as she turned, diamond pupils dilating slightly as she looked at the sheriff and then the ambassador.

"Goddess above..." The ambassador said, the metal crest quivering violently behind her. She took a half a step backwards. "A dragon..."

"And she fights for you?" The sheriff said uneasily, pulling herself to her feet. The dragon's gaze fell onto her, and she crossed her arms over her chest, backing away slowly till the ran into the railing behind her. "She won't... attack?"

"Hardly." Shyvana rumbled. The sheriff started and looked surprised, but she straightened herself up, trying to regain some of her dignity. She straightened her top hat on her head.

"She does fight for me." The king said firmly. Shyvana moved her head closer to him, fitting him with a glare as two jets of steam escaped her nostrils menacingly, her diamond pupils slimming as she growled. The king frowned but sighed. "She fights for my son, the prince, more accurately. He recruited her not too long ago and she is being integrated into our forces cautiously. We've not had a properly place for her to be assigned, but Lieutenant Vorscham expressed his desire to try and train her. With the major's permission I had her assigned here for the time being."

"That's quite impressive, though." The ambassador said, a slight frown crossing her face. "And here I had thought all the dragons in Valoran had retreated beyond the reach of humanity. To see a living, breathing descendant of a dragon like this..." She started to reach out towards Shyvana but Shyvana shrunk back just a bit. The ambassador frowned but dropped her hand, understanding the dragon's caution. "She—you are a magnificent creature regardless, but I have a question: how do you expect to clear a building or a room like that? You could never fit through the door."

"Watch and see." Shyvana rumbled, forestalling any further comment from the podium as she dropped away, heading towards the door of the prefabricated structure. Every step caused the ground to rumble beneath her. "Ready?" The lieutenant frowned but lifted the timer. Shyvana paused outside the door and then glanced at the podium, a wicked grin pulling her chops back to reveal massive fangs. She reared her head back and sucked in a deep breath, her chest starting to glow a bright orange as it expanded.

"Cover!" Vorscham shouted, sending his men diving to the ground.

Shyvana released a pillar of fire into the prefabricated structure that crumbled the inner walls and incinerated the entire contents of the structure. A few seconds passed as she poured fire into the structure in a steady stream, the rolling orange flames filling the entirety of the building. The roof began to billow and then it sagged as the windows around each side failed, exploding outwards with a stream of fire billowing into the air on each side. Shyvana sat back with a smirk on her face as the sound of tinkling glass and the burning building filled the air.

"Seven... seconds..." Vorscham said, glancing at the timer, his mouth hanging open.

As the dignitaries and the officials watched in awe, she slunk back and grabbed the winter coat in her jaw and lifted it, turning to look at the podium one last time before she engulfed the ground around around in flames, sending up another thick cloud of steam. Shyvana emerged from the cloud of steam several moments later clad in only the heavy winter cloak and grieves. Silence followed, only punctuated by the pop and crackle of the burning building.

The ambassador began to clap, slowly at first, but the pace picked up when the sheriff joined as well, followed by the other officers. Though the king did not clap, for the first time, Shyvana saw something in his eyes besides ice or anger. Approval? She bowed as best she could, her knees shaking slightly as the applause died away.

"That was incredible." The ambassador said with a small smile as she looked down at the red headed woman, meeting her magenta gaze for a few moments.

"T-that was both incredible and terrifying." The Piltover Sheriff said, shaking her head. "So many bad guys, so little time. I've never quite seen a display of force like that. Definitely awe inspiring, definitely scary."

"I've seen something similar." The ambassador from Ionia said, shaking her long hair out as the crest behind her settled, though its movements were still jerky, showing her excitement. "The Noxian War machine with their Zaunite Melters in Ionia had a similar effect. They were brutally efficient and terrifying... though her flames can cleanse rather than simply destroy. The very memory sends chills up my spine. I don't know if I should be afraid or I should congratulate you on your powerful ally, your highness."

"Thank you." The king mused, frowning as Shyvana glared up at him defiantly, smoothing his beard with a hand as he glanced away, obviously shaken. "I think. With the demonstration concluded, we can return to the palace. Unless you ladies have any questions?"

"I would like to meet the half-dragon, this Shyvana." The Ionian Ambassador said. "If possible?"

"I'll see what can be arranged, ma'am." Major Seymour said, his face clearly drained of what little color it had.

"I think our schedule is a bit tight with the additional demonstration." The king said, coughing into his hand. "I'm sure it could be arranged another time. If you'll follow me back to the palace..." The party retreated back up the hill, leaving second platoon alone as engineers stood speechless as they watched the fire burn.

"That was ballsy as all hell." Vorscham shook his head as he looked to where Shyvana smiled, obviously quite pleased with herself.

"I thought you would approve of my unorthodox tactics, sir." She said nodding. Shyvana stepped towards him, holding the cloak closed with one hand and then holding the other out towards him. "I'll be taking that two day pass, lieutenant."

"Yeah... uh, here you go." Vorscham said, depositing the piece of paper into her hand with an absent look as he watched one of the walls of the prefabricated structure collapse. The glass on the prefab structure shattered inwards, and he could only shake his head, looking down at the timer. "That was fast."