A/N: Almost got this whole war wrapped up. Maybe one or two more chapters after this one, so please, bear with me. Would've been a lot more, but I decided I should take out a bunch of stuff I would've written about and focus only on certain points to help get back on track with who I actually want to write about. Also for those of you who are wanting this romance thing to take off: I'm sorry it's taking so long, but I didn't want to write anything about it until after the war I probably shouldn't have started writing in the first place. Got bored 75% of the way through this chapter so towards the end may seem a little strange with the details due to my hasty writing.

Chapter 21

General Malek Hawkmoon and a group of Noxian soldiers began treading through a small village, or what was left of it. He has sent for Ionia's surrender a few days ago, and ordered his men not to attack until either they respond, or his proposal expires. Today is the posted day Malek asked them to comply by. Ionia did not respond.

Hawkmoon observed the burning houses and dead corpses of those who were killed here. Some of the bodies were even misshapen to the point of being unrecognizable as human beings. Patches of dirt were moist, and with a closer observation, even smelled rather putrid. The wind also felt thick and gross. 'Zaunites,' He thought. Turning to the men behind him, Malek ordered them to "Clean up the mess." He then left the soldiers to complete their assignment.

Riven hid behind a well placed boulder with her and one others unit, waiting for the right time for them to storm the fortified building they were hiding from. They didn't really need to hide, since they have already eliminated all the guards outside. They just needed to wait for a certain person to give them a way to get inside. 'What's taking her so long?' She thought. Looking over the rock, she peaked at the building and frowned. This "assassin" is taking too long to complete her job.

Finally, the large door to the fortress was flung open by a red-haired woman. The whole group came out of hiding to move on with the attack. Riven marched up to the woman who opened the doors and gave her a sour look, "What took you so long?"

Katarina returned the expression, adding in her tongue, which to Riven seemed childish, "Navigating through an Ionian fortress without being detected isn't as easy as you think."

"Whatever. We'll handle the rest," Riven passed the assassin, joining the rest in the assault.

"Not without me, you won't," Katarina said, eagerly jumping into the action as well.

A hot battle erupted between the Noxians and Ionians inside the roofless fortress. Weapons clanged against armour and battle cries yelled into the air. Soldiers fell to the ground, either dead or too injured to continue their struggle.

Ionian bowmen lined up on the upper floor, aiming their weapons at the attacking Noxians. Katarina saw this, and how it may affect the outcome of the battle. She needed someone to give her a boost to reach the upper floor quickly. She saw Riven and gestured for her to come over, "I need a boost!" She yelled. Riven finished off an Ionian soldier and quickly came to the assassin. She used her fingers to lace her palms together and brought them low enough for Katarina to step on. She did, and Riven pulled up, giving Katarina the boost she needed to get up there. She grabbed onto the ledge and pulled herself up and over the wall that kept people from falling off. Preparing her knives, she was ready to take them down. As the Ionians began shooting their bolts and arrows, Katarina appeared behind one of them and slipped a knife into his back. As soon as the others noticed this, they all turned their weapons on the assassin. She ducked under a flying arrow and flung a dagger at the shooter, killing him instantly. Katarina got pumped and began dodging arrows left and right. Disappearing and reappearing behind several of the shooters, she managed to plunge knives into all of them by spinning around and throwing daggers in all directions. The assassin killed them all, and was content with her work.

The Noxians were on the winning side now. All that was left is to clean up the rest of the Ionians. Riven delivered a hard punch to the side of a man's head. Hard enough to kill him. Advancing onto another soldier, she cut his head clean off his shoulders with her massive runeblade. Sidestepping a thrust from someone who thought he could stab her, She kicked in the back of his knee, forcing him to the ground. Riven slammed her blade down upon him, smashing his body entirely. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a small piece of metal heading in her direction. Bringing her runeblade up to defend, she barely got it up in time to deflect it from her skull. Using the side of her sword as a shield, Riven ran in and tackled the one throwing the knives. He hit the ground, giving the Noxian the opportunity to snap his neck. Putting her hands on the sides of his head, she twisted as hard as she could. Feeling the multiple snaps in his neck as she twisted, she was sure he wasn't going to get back up.

Victory cries now yelled from the Noxians, seeing that they have defeated the Ionians here. Katarina came down from the ledge, and took in an exaggerated inhale, "I smell victory."

"If victory smells like fresh blood and dead bodies, then yeah," Riven gestured to all the dead people lying around while Katarina just rolled her eyes.

"So what now Miss Leader?" Katarina more mocked than asked. She wasn't too fond of Riven being in charge of her, but Malek did give strict orders that she was to help her with this attack.

"General Hawkmoon told us that after we capture this fortress, you and the other unit are to stay here and wait for orders while me and my soldiers are to aid a group of Noxians and Zaunites being cornered just north of here," She signaled to her remaining soldiers. "Leave the dead! We're moving out!"

Malek made it back to his camp, which moved quite a ways from the beach since he first landed. It's been just about a week and a half since the start of the invasion, actually, and the speed that Noxus was conquering was tremendously quick. He wouldn't be surprised if they take over Ionia within another week.

Hawkmoon found his way to a set up table. Those already around it were General Swain, and the Zaunite general, Singed. They were discussing battle plans and strategies for their next move. Swain's bird kaw'd at the sight of Malek, and the bird's owner looked at him, "Ah, Malek. I was starting to wonder where you went off too."

Suddenly, Malek found himself becoming angry, and his trembling voice showed it, "What did you two do?"

"Excuse me?" Both Singed ans Swain asked.

"The small village. Just east of here. It was completely destroyed...by Zaunites...under your command."

"That village," Began Swain, "was heard to be housing Ionian soldiers, so Singed and I thought it in our best interest if we dispose of-"

"-Innocent lives?" Malek finished. "Do you have any idea of how many children lived there?"

"The life of simple children does not matter to us," Singed said coldly. "They were keeping enemies hidden, and therefore, required to live a slow, painful death."

"And the only way we'd be sure that the soldiers were to be killed is if we bomb their entire village," Swain added.

Malek gritted his teeth in annoyance, "How could you two be so heartless? Even if they were hiding soldiers, it couldn't have been many! You've deprived the right to live of all those who were there. Even the one's who didn't know there were soldiers hiding among them."

"Your argument won't change what happened," Swain kept his voice calm. "During war, one must do whatever they can to ensure victory, even if it means killing those not involved. That's the world we live in, Malek. Are you sure Ionia wouldn't do the same given they had the opportunity to do so?"

Hawkmoon slammed his fist on the table, startling the other two, "This isn't war anymore. It's cold-blooded murder."

"Grow up," Singed spat an irritated growl. "If you haven't noticed, war is full of murder."

"Only when Zaunites like you are involved!" Malek argued. Singed almost snapped at that comment, but Swain kept him from throwing his concoctions at the other general.

"Lucky for you, you're still young and naïve in these type of matters," Swain huffed. "Stuff like this happens all the time during war, though the soldiers who aren't involved in 'accidents' like this are never informed that these things ever happened. Knowing that you are our newest addition to High Command, I didn't expect you to know that something like this was bound to happen. Now if you are done whining about trivial things, I would like to get back to our strategy."

"I-"

"Take a seat, kid," Ordered Singed. Malek grumpily joined the other two around the table.

"Now," Started Swain, "before we were so rudely interrupted, we were talking about moving the men at this point," He pointed to a part on a tactical map, "from western to eastern Ionia in order to advance further into the more defended part of their country." Singed nodded. "Speaking of which, we've just received word that a group of Noxians just captured a fortress in the eastern side of this island."

"I had two platoons join together and set up an attack there," Stated Malek, still rather grumpy, "but I told them that afterwords, one unit needs to aid a group of Noxians and Zaunites being cornered directly north of where they just attacked."

"And how large is the unit at the fortress?"

"Thirty men strong at least. Katarina Ducouteau is with them as well."

"Those men are needed in the east," Swain told. "As for Ducouteau's daughter, she's your problem." Singed nodded again. "What do you say, Malek?"

"I don't see too much of a problem with that plan, but those men may be needed for reinforcements on the western side."

"I could care less about west Ionia," Singed interrupted. "Their power is in the east."

"I agree with Singed," Swain marked the map, rolled it up, and handed it to a messenger. "We take the eastern side, and we take Ionia. It's a clear and simple strategy."

"If you say it will end this war sooner, be my guest. I'm just saying that the Noxians on the western side may need help."

Swain nodded to the messenger, and he went off to deliver the new orders. "If they were smart, they'll surrender in a few days. We've captured almost every major military point the Ionians have. Our next major attack in the east will end this war for good."

"It better," Malek glared at Singed, which went seemingly unnoticed by the mad chemist.

"And it will," Swain got up from the table and ordered the camp to pack up. "We'll be moving to the front line to oversee what I believe will be our last attack in the east. You best come with us."

Katarina watched as the remaining soldiers that didn't go with Riven piled up the dead bodies of both Noxian and Ionian born. To be honest, she would've rather have gone with Riven's unit to help the others fend off the Ionians, but after a long argument, she was finally ordered to stay put. "Stupid Hawkmoon," She mumbled in spite. "Forcing me to take orders from a white-haired bitch." As if someone was listening to her bored pain, she noticed a messenger in the formal Noxian delivery uniform giving a message to the commanding officer here. Beginning to eavesdrop at a safe distance, she listened in on the conversation.

"New orders from High Command," Told the messenger. "You and your men are to join the force preparing for a final attack on the western side of Ionia." He gave the officer the map with the markings, showing him where the Noxians are and the route needed to be taken to get there. The officer nodded, and signaled to his other men, "New orders! We are to meet with the other forces on the western side of Ionia." All the soldiers heard this, and prepared to move out, "We're to leave in five minutes."

Katarina smiled at this new information. Seems she won't be waiting around here for that much longer.

Riven pushed the brush aside as her and her unit neared the trapped Noxian and Zaunite forces. Supposedly, they were defending themselves from the Ionian's onslaught for a couple of days now, but it didn't seem likely they would last this long. Her unit needed to find a way to meet up with these soldiers and help them fend off the remaining Ionians.

The area where they were in now was seemingly less vegetated compared to the usual uninhabited Ionian land, although, it looked as if it was tampered with by human-made elements. This made Riven wonder if this place was near where her distressed allies dug themselves in to wait for reinforcements. "Be on your guard and keep a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary," She ordered her soldiers. They complied, and took a defensive formation while still following their leader. Riven stumbled across a bloody knife covered in dirt on the ground beneath her. Getting a closer glimpse at the weapon, she could tell it was a Noxian military knife due to the symbol engraved on the flat of the blade. Judging from the quality of the metal, it obviously belonged to an officer... Or it used to.

"Look!" One of the soldiers yelled. He broke the formation and ran to what looked like a beaten lump of meat. The rest of them followed suit.

"It's breathing," Told one of the men. Riven ordered him not to touch it, but instead, identified the beaten man as Noxian Commander Jacob Flenrow. The man slowly opened his eyes to see the several soldiers surrounding him, and when he did, they opened so wide that one might think they'd be in danger of falling out.

"What are you doing here?" He yelled weakly.

"Commander Flenrow," Riven started, squatting down to the man on the ground, "where's the rest of your unit?"

"No!" He replied hastily. "You don't understand, you fools. They brought me here half dead for a reason. This is a setup; A trap!"

"A trap?"

Flenrow slapped both hands on Riven's shoulders and shook her back and forth, "A trap! They knew you were coming. Get out of here. Go! Before it's too late and you're all killed!"

Riven hesitated, realizing that Commander Flenrow was bait and they were in a perfect position for an ambush, "Defensive positions!" She ordered her soldiers. Pushing Jacob's hands off her shoulders, she lowered her voice and tried to calm the man, "Commander Flenrow, listen. Where's the rest of your unit? I need to know."

Jacob's eyes trailed off while he thought but quickly brought them back to Riven, "Our camp is located about a mile in that direction," he pointed a finger northward, "but that's if the Ionians didn't kill them all first."

Riven nodded, then looked over his beaten figure and quickly noticed that he wouldn't be able to run let alone walk. "You two," She said to two of her soldiers, "help Commander Flenrow. We're going to meet up with the rest of his unit." The soldiers grabbed Jacob and slung his arms over their shoulders. One on each side of the injured man. Riven stood up and readied her runeblade, then signaled her men to move northward. "Let's get out of here."

The soldiers carefully but quickly moved onward. Riven was surprised they hadn't run into the Ionians. Flenrow did say it was a trap, but perhaps the supposed ambushers were on leave or they got tired of waiting and left before help came to the commander. Either way, she couldn't let her guard down. They had to move quietly also to avoid attracting any unwanted attention.

"Yahck!"

So much for quietly.

One of the soldiers tripped on a transparent rope stretching across a tree and went on until who knows where. Riven quietly cursed to herself. They obviously triggered something. An alarm, maybe. "Get up," She ordered to the fallen comrade. He scrambled to his feat, but as soon as he got up, an Ionian arrow pierced his skull killing him and causing alarm in the rest of the group.

"We're all going to die!" Wailed a soldier who lost all hope.

"No one's going to die!" Riven retorted.

Several Ionian archers appeared from thin air in front of the group, bows pointing at the Noxians. Riven only counted twenty-two of them, but in their situation, they can't win with the distance between them and her soldiers. Unless...

"Drop your weapons," Ordered the leader of the Ionian archers. Most of the Noxians complied and let go of their blades, but not Riven. She delivered a cold glare at the Ionian attackers. The Ionian leader ordered again, this time more demanding, "Drop your sword."

She failed to respond, and the Ionian leader began to become impatient, "I'll tell you one more time, foolish girl. Drop. Your. Sword."

Riven's runeblade began to glow brightly, startling the archers. The leader went wide-eyed and brought his arm up and back down to signal his men to fire. The archers released their arrows, but it was already too late.

Riven spun around, using her momentum to swing her sword across the air. The green energy that recently encased the runeblade, shot out in a wide area in front of her and shattered the arrows mid-flight, but just barely missing the archers, who were stunned by the sudden burst from the weapon. The Noxian soldiers used this as an opportunity to fight back. Picking up their weapons, they all lunged at the Ionians, killing them all before they could reload their bows and fight back. After they were sure the ambushers were dead, they cheered in victory.

"Quiet! All of you," Ordered Riven. "There may still be more of them."

They obeyed knowing that she was probably right, but also because they were intimidated by the soldier that just saved all of their lives. Forgetting the corpses of the fallen, they moved on, this time more hastily. Reaching outside of the washed up forest, the group found themselves in a more barren part of Ionia. Flenrow recognized it and pointed them in the right direction, "We're close." The all familiar clanging of metal was then heard in the near distance, and everyone knew exactly what it was.

"One of you stay with Commander Flenrow," Ordered Riven. "The rest of you, come with me."

One of the men who was assisting Jacob left to help while the other stayed. The soldiers along with Riven made their way towards the noises of battle, and when they were close enough to execute an engagement to assist the others, they ran in with raised weapons. The Ionians were clearly surprised by the sudden reinforcements for their enemy, but kept on fighting nonetheless. The Noxians that were defending themselves, saw their allies and a new spark of hope arose within them, causing a renewed strength to keep fighting.

Riven deflected an oncoming sword and retaliated by splitting the attacker's skull with her own runeblade. Pulling her blade out of the soldier's split head, she pummeled an Ionian with the hilt of it before he could raise his metal to defend. Another Ionian rushed up to avenge his fallen comrades, but Riven ducked under the sword aimed for her neck. She delivering a hard fist to the stomach of the soldier while he was recovering from his missed slice. He staggered to the ground, allowing the Noxian to finish him off with a strike to the head.

Riven heard a retreat order, and saw the Ionians hastily back away from her and the rest of the Noxians. Most of the retreating enemies were caught and killed, but some of them got away running to parts unknown to the Noxians. All the soldiers regrouped, allowing Riven to take a head count. They had casualties obviously. The remaining soldiers were barely enough to make up one regiment.

"Thanks for the save," One of the soldiers said to Riven, "but I hope you have a plan to get us out of here."

"What do you mean?" She asked, completely confused. "They retreated. We won. Now we can go back."

"That was only a small portion of the hundreds of Ionians surrounding us," He explained. "They've been pressuring us with soldiers demanding our capture, but we refuse to be taken by the scum. They've lied out traps everywhere around here. It's a surprised you've made it through alive," He looked down at the ground in grief. "I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before they send everything they've got at us."

"Wait," Riven said, trying to make sense of their situation. "I was told that it was only a small platoon that you were defending from."

"Who told you that?" He questioned.

"General Hawkmoon. And he was informed of this by one of your messengers. One that was sent by your commander. Commander Flenrow," Riven then remembered that she left a soldier to look after the commander while she and the rest fight. "And Flenrow is just over there." She ran back to the place where Jacob and the soldier are supposed to be, only to find the soldier she left with him dead, and the commander missing. The others caught up to her, and observed in astonishment. "You said that there are traps laid out everywhere?" She asked.

"When we tried to escape, we couldn't get through them."

"We only ran into one on our way over," She informed, "and that was when we were being directed by Commander Flenrow on how to get here. Who ordered the messenger to deliver to General Hawkmoon?"

"...Commander Flenrow."

"He told him that it was just a small platoon, but you say it's a large blockade of Ionians," Riven paused, going over all the information. "Commander Flenrow is a traitor," She concluded, causing shock in everyone who heard.

"Impossible!" They yelled.

"Think," She ordered. "This was all a setup to get us killed. He's the one that told Hawkmoon that it wasn't a large force, so he wouldn't send a larger regiment to make a successful rescue. We were sent, and we found your apparently beaten commander, who led us through a trap infested trail. We only ran into one, but that was because one of my soldiers trailed off the given path. And now I find the soldier I left with the commander stabbed, with no sign of Flenrow anywhere."

"That isn't near enough evidence," One of the soldiers defended. "It may have just been luck that he guided you safely through the forest. And maybe the message to Hawkmoon was tampered with. Also, Ionian assassins may have killed your soldier and taken our commander."

"It's too late to argue," Riven said. "Either way, we're stuck, and the only way we are to get out alive is to send for more reinforcements," she pointed to one of her soldiers. "Do you remember the way we came? The way without any traps?"

"Y-Yes," He answered. "I do chart down all our routes after all."

"Good. Deliver a message to one of the generals. Tell them to send more soldiers to aid us."

"Yes ma'am," He proceeded in the direction they came from to deliver his message.

"Wait," Said one of Flenrow's soldiers. "If you know the safe way out, then how come we can't just go now?"

"Don't be stupid," Riven retorted. "Trying to navigate everyone through a narrow path like that would be too difficult, and may as well kill us all before we reach safety. Besides," She pointed to enemy soldiers running towards them, "we've got another wave of Ionians to fend off."

Everyone shut up and prepared for another fight. With any luck, the messenger will return soon with enough soldiers to bring victory.