"Good." Jarvan III wore a smirk as he looked about the room, his gaze settling on Garen. "You shall face off against Captain Crownguard in a one on one duel." His smirk darkened. "If you are able to defeat him, you shall be given a position within the Demacian Military. Are these terms acceptable to you?" Shyvana frowned but nodded. "Very good." He turned to Garen and smiled. "Captain Crownguard, are you up to the task?"
Garen didn't look too pleased but he nodded as well, the massive knight shifting from foot to foot. He stepped up closer before he nodded. "Of course, sir." He looked over Shyvana with a quick, dismissive gaze. He grunted inaudibly.
"We shall proceed to the veranda then." The king said, a smile forming on his face. "Colonel, as soon as you're done humiliating yourself and picking yourself up off the ground, escort my son and the others out to the Veranda. This will be interesting to watch."
"But your highness!" Colonel Walkurze tried to straighten his clothes but it only served to make a greater mess of his uniform. "This is ridiculous! She just made an attempt on your life! What if she tries again?"
"She wishes to join us, Walkurze." The king said, his displeasure starting to show as his bread twitched slightly. "Killing me wouldn't really serve to gain her anything. While the throne would pass to my son and he would be able to knight her, they would have singlehandedly alienated all of Demacia and torn the country asunder."
"But sir, I still can't condone..." Walkurze looked frustrated, his face red as opened him mouth again to complain.
"Enough of your useless blathering!" The king shouted, his glare darkening. Walkurze's face drained completely of color and he snapped to attention, his lips quivering in anger and fear. "Major Dillich?" The king turned and looked for the commander he had ordered to stand down earlier, the officer who had led the Palace Guard forces to reinforce the throne room. The officer stepped forward and saluted.
"Here, sir." The Major said, smartly.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Colonel Dillich." The king said, pulling the golden lion tab that had been pinned to Walkurze's collar and handed it to now Colonel Dillich. "I expect good things from you, soldier." Dillich tried not to smile, but he saluted as smartly as possible, clicking his steel heels together.
"Yes, sir!"
"Good man." The king said, nodding. "Have your men escort my wife and the others out onto the Veranda, I'd like a moment with my son. That includes you two." The king glared at the two soldiers who still detained his son. They looked hesitant to release their captive, but did so after a few moments, leaving Jarvan to massage his wrists.
"Finally." Jarvan grumbled under his breath. The king waited until most of the guards had cleared. Shyvana and her four escorts were the last to leave, the dragoness trying to hover close to Jarvan.
"You may leave, young one." The king said, nodding to her.
"We'll be right behind you, Shyvana." Jarvan said with a reassuring smile. She looked hesitant but nodded and allowed the four guardsmen to lead her from the throne room. Jarvan watched with a frown as Walkurze slunked out behind them, glaring at Shyvana the entire way.
"Now, Jarvan..." The king began, meeting his son's gaze.
"If you wish to speak to me about Shyvana, then you can invite her back in here." Jarvan growled. "I don't think it fair to talk about her behind her back." The king chuckled and shook his head but looked up at his son, a mixture of pride and frustration on his face.
"I see how taken you are with her." The king said, neither anger nor happiness marking his voice.
"If you're going to tell me I can't see her, then I might as well take her and leave." Jarvan set his jaw defiantly.
"I wasn't going to, but with an attitude like that you may wish to take another few years and get it sorted." His father hissed. Jarvan frowned, but the king watched as his son's determination to remain defiant melted a bit. "If you'll listen to me a second, I was just going to warn you to be careful. Noxian forces have been probing our defenses for a while now and I fear that if you take on a woman who is not capable of taking care of herself may leave you in a position to be... manipulated."
"If you want to blame that on my escapades in Noxus..." His father shook his head interrupting Jarvan's accusation.
"You caused a bit of an uproar but this has been going on much longer than that." The king frowned, the age suddenly flooding his face, betraying a very breif moment of vulnerability. "I may not be happy with it, but I can't do but so much about it right now. I have other things on my plate that must be dealt with."
"Then why all of this?" Jarvan growled, waving to the mostly empty throne room. "If you knew so much about what was happening, why are you making us jump through these hoops?"
"You noticed, good." The king said, an amused smile on his face. "I don't like secrets." The glare returned, Jarvan set squarely in his father's sights. Though his father was shorter, and Jarvan was looking down at him, the king's glare was enough to silence Jarvan. His ice-blue eyes narrowed as he glared at his son. "If you have any secrets you'd like to share with me now, I'm all ears."
Jarvan felt uncomfortable, as if he were a child being scolded. His father's piercing glare seemed to cut through him, as if he could see the two secrets he still held onto. "No, father." Though his father smiled, Jarvan could see it wasn't genuine.
Something clouded his eyes.
"Then let's head to the Veranda, I'm sure everyone is waiting." The king moved off at an easy pace, letting his son follow behind.
The veranda overlooked the ocean distant, and the lower half of Demacia Proper. Stretching from the cape down to the coast around the natural harbor, the city looked majestic in the distant despite the midday haze that seemed to cover the city. Ships were anchored in the harbor, the white accents covering the city, motes of greens and golds showing through in places. Jarvan stood rigidly overlooking a depression in the middle of the Veranda, Garen and Shyvana standing in the middle of the shallow depression. Guards and soldiers were stretched out around the entire area, many of them talking quietly as the formed the makeshift perimeter.
"Father, if you're planning something..." Jarvan growled as his father took his place next to where Lady Catherine was waiting, watching the proceedings with disinterest. She seemed fretted over Shyvana, unable to make up her mind about the young woman. She turned and looked at her husband before looking back to where Garen and Shyvana were waiting to begin their duel. The elder Jarvan shook his head and held his hands together behind his back.
"What did you two talk about?" She asked, her displeasure with the fight evident in her tone of voice.
"Nothing, Catherine." The king said quietly. He tried to avoid his sons gaze, but the younger Jarvan looked angry still. "What is it? I thought I told you..."
"Call off all of this show and dance. It's not necessary." Jarvan growled. Though he towered over the elder Jarvan, he was dwarfed by the older man's commanding presence. The king met his gaze evenly, staring up at his son, and Jarvan felt a shiver worm down his spine.
"It'd be best if you watch your tongue, young one." Jarvan III said menacingly. "You don't want to say something you'll regret."
"I'll say whatever I think is necessary." Jarvan growled, glaring at his father angrily. He watched as Garen drew his great sword and stepped out into the large open area of the Veranda.
"Then I shall do the same." The king frowned. "I'm doing this to prove a point and to observe your ward's power for myself."
"Is this really necessary, Trey?" Lady Catherine looked as uncomfortable as her son. She looked over Jarvan IV with a frown on her face. Two soldiers, each as large as Jarvan, stood only a few feet back with their weapons at the ready in case he tried to interfere.
"It is, Catherine." The king said quietly, frowning. "You shall see before too long." He turned to Captain Walkurze who stood off to the side glaring at the young woman as if he was about to shoot daggers with her eyes. "Return the young woman's gauntlets, Captain."
Walkurze hesitated a moment, looking at the king. "Sir?"
"I doubt Captain Crownguard would appreciate a handicap." The king said, his annoyance growing as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Return her gauntlets, Captain." Dillich nodded to one of his men who took the gauntlets from the captain. The soldier crept forward, holding the gauntlets out to Shyvana. She took the smaller of the two, the one which was shaped like the bottom of a dragon's jaw. She slid her hand into the leather strap along the back and tightened it down to fit her arm loosely, flexing her hand around the handle that stretched across the guard. Satisfied it was set in place, she accepted the other and watched as the soldier retreated. She slid her hand in and tightened the leather down again, shaking the gauntlet to ensure it was holding. Satisfied, she sunk down a bit, settling into a fighting stance.
Garen watched her intently for a moment, his weapon held in one hand still. He brought it up before his face in a fencer's salute. Shyvana simply nodded.
"You may begin." The king shouted.
Shyvana cast a withering glance at the king, meeting his gaze for a moment.
Garen charged, his blade raised up over his shoulder as he stormed forth. Shyvana spun and swept backwards as the blade crashed down and hit the stone underfoot, sending fragments flying. Shyvana cloaked her legs in flames as she charged forth with fire swirling around her, the heat carrying her faster as Garen tried to bring his massive great sword up for a second strike. He brought it down again, but Shyvana had stopped just short, ducking the swing. Shyvana slammed her foot down on the blade, cocking her arm back as she came in for a strike.
Garen growled as he ripped his sword up in a strike aimed at cleaving Shyvana from the bottom up. She kicked off the powerful strike and arced up through the air, tossing herself back and landing gracefully. Flames now billowed around her, whipping her hair into a frenzy as heat poured off her body.
"Just what are you..." Garen muttered as he wiped his chin, bringing his weapon up. Shyvana sprinted forth with an inhuman burst of speed, immediately closing within Garen's defensive zone as he brought his sword up to block. She spun and punched the blade aside, the sound of steel on steel ringing as her gauntlet struck the blade. She finished her spin, flames cloaking her gauntlets as she hit Garen in the side once, slamming her right fist in hard. She followed it up with a quick right and then another left. Garen grunted against the blows, but he brought his weapon down in a swing that struck the stone again.
He staggered momentarily, gasping for breath as Shyvana skirted around the edge of his range, the prey now the predator. Fire burned in her eyes as she glared at him, looking for another opening to close and attack. Garen pushed himself up to his full height, reconsidering the woman, holding his blade between then as he matched her circling.
"They're equally matched." Lady Catherine said quietly as she watched the two warriors pace, each judging their opponent and looking for the first moment of weakness.
"No, they're not." The king said, a frown crossing his face. "She's holding back." He glanced at his son, who refused to meet his gaze, continuing to stare at the two warriors, two of his closest friends who now faced off. His eyes flickered towards the king for just a moment, but Jarvan III caught the glance. You're still hiding something? "This should have been over in the first few blows."
"You think she's that strong?" Lady Catherine said, crossing her arms over her chest. "She looks so petite and frail."
"There's something else below the surface." Jarvan III said thoughtfully, stroking his beard as he watched Shyvana and Garen move in again to trade. "Those flames aren't normal."
Garen watched as Shyvana stole a glance away from the battle and charged. He raised his sword above his head as he sprinted forth, leaping as he brought the massive blade down with as much force as he could muster. Shyvana raised her gauntlets as the blade crashed down. Garen blinked when the blade struck the gauntlets and stopped. Shyvana snarled, her eyes now reptilians slits. Garen stumbled in disbelief as the flames grew higher and hotter, his blade beginning to turn red. She snarled and ripped the blade backwards and down, sending him crashing to the ground. Garen pushed himself up and rolled over, grasping for his sword. He glanced about for the weapon, seeing it sitting on the stone not far from him. He reached out for it, but a steel boot slammed down on his wrist, pinning him on the ground. He groaned as he stared up at Shyvana, her eyes glowing with a golden sheen, black slits running vertically in the center of the burning orbs. She bore her teeth, long fangs glittering in the light of her flames.
"You're are a monster..." Garen growled.
"You haven't even begun to see my final form..." Shyvana snarled. She raised a fist up and cloaked it in flames, orange fire raging around her hand like the heart of a forge.
"Shyvana!" Jarvan shouted as she began to drop the hammer blow onto his forehead.
Her armored fist slammed into the ground mere inches from Garen's face, a wave of flames washing over his head. Garen's eyes grew wide as he stared at the blue leathery skin and armored scales on her arm. Her eyes dimmed as she blinked the golden slits away, the magenta orbs staring down into Garen's blue eyes. She took a step back, looking to Jarvan with fear in her eyes.
Garen pulled his knees to his chest, grabbing about for his sword and kicking out when he didn't find it, catching Shyvana in the chest with both feet. As she stumbled backwards gasping for breath, Garen brought his knees to his chest again, pushing against the stone ground with his hands and launched himself to his feet. He scooped up his sword as he charged forth, raising the blade up above his head. He brought his blade down hard, but Shyvana blocked with her gauntlets again, sparks bouncing along the ground. The force of the blow sent her stumbling back again, but Garen brought his sword up in a quick follow up strike, knocking her arms out of the way as he slammed his forehead into hers, sending her stumbling backwards again. Garen pressed his advantage, spinning with his blade held out at arms length. Shyvana managed to dodge the first spin of the blade, but Garen spun it upwards and then brought it down hard in a full cirlce, catching her on the arm.
Blood splattered upon the stone as Shyvana crashed backwards, clutching the gash in her arm with one hand as she hit the ground. Garen stood over her now, his blade held next to her neck as she stared up at him.
"Garen! Don't do it!" Jarvan shouted, struggling against the guards that held him.
"Prince Jarvan..." Garen looked over his shoulder, his sword still clutched in both hands, held to Shyvana's throat. He looked at his childhood friend, and the distress upon his face. Garen had to look away, the happiness he had felt at being reunited with his childhood friend now drained from his body. "...Apologies, my friend."
"Finish it, Captain Crownguard." The king ordered, his voice firm. Lady Catherine looked from her husband to her son and then to the ruby haired young woman who lay upon the ground, a sword at her throat.
"Father, no!" Jarvan IV snarled. Hatred swirled in his eyes as he stared up at the elder Lightshield, struggling against his wardens. "What the hell do you want, damnit? I didn't think even you'd do something this underhanded!"
"Keep him restrained!" Jarvan III snapped back with equal anger, watching as the gold, blue and white armored Demacian soldiers struggled with his disobedient son. They held their lances across the prince's chest, crossed and braced, but as the prince continued to struggle, the men were starting to give. He's grown much stronger... Jarvan III let his expression mellow as he watched his son struggle as one of the strongest Champion of Demacia stood over a young woman who looked out of place amid the Demacian court. A crowd of staff had gathered around the terrace to watch the commotion, and Jarvan III surveyed them with a smirk. It won't serve any purpose to do this in front of so many, but it must be done. The king rested a hand upon the hilt of his sword which sat in its sheath upon his hip. "Captain Crownguard, you have your orders. Do it. There isn't a place in Demacia for the likes of a weakling like her."
"Jarvan..." Lady Catherine started to reach out to her son, but Jarvan III put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her back, shaking his head. Anger welled in her eyes as she stared up at her husband. "Why are you tormenting him like this, Trey?"
"Silence Catherine." Jarvan III ordered, glaring at his wife. "This is a battle, and she lost. She wasn't strong enough. Now, she must face the penalty for her actions."
Garen paused as he stood over the young woman, staring into the ice blue hardened glare of the King of Demacia. Garen's chest heaved as he used the back of his gloved hand to wipe blood from his chin. He brought his weapon up above his head and held it there, looking down over his quarry. Shyvana lay at his feet, her tattered red hair splayed out around her like a giant pool of blood. Blood poured from the deep gash on her arm, a bruise forming on her forehead. Her chest heaved with the exertion and fear, her entire body trembling slightly. She opened her eyes and looked up at him, meeting his glare. Garen took a half step back, his mouth ajar.
Fire boiled in her violet eyes as they slowly swirled with golden color, her pupils narrowing to black diamonds. Blue scales started to show on her face as her face contorted in anger.
Garen shivered as he tightened his fists around his sword and lifted it up above his head. Just what are you?
"DO IT, CAPTAIN!" Jarvan III barked the order and Garen closed his eyes, unwilling to stare into the eyes of someone who had so much fight left in them as they died.
Garen brought his sword down in a cleaving swing, striking the stone just before her and driving his blade in deep. He grunted with the effort, but as Garen closed his eyes and began to radiate with power, the hum of steel could be heard ringing in the air. The blade sunk deeper as he poured all of his might and energy into the manifestation of his true strength. He exhaled and then shouted, driving the blade into the ground with as much force as he could muster, a flash of golden light enveloping the area as blue flames seemed to pour off of his body.
"No!" Jarvan bellowed. He sunk down and shoulder checked one of the guardsmen who now tried to restrain him, sending the man tumbling backwards. He grabbed the lance still held over his chest and hauled the other soldier over his shoulder, slamming him onto the ground, his armor clattering as air exploded out of the soldier's mouth. Jarvan launched himself towards where Shyvana lay on the ground, a lance in his hands. "SHYVANA!"
A massive golden sword dropped from the sky.
Dust and steam exploded outwards, chunks of stone from the veranda bouncing to a halt along the ground. Garen looked up, pulling his sword from the ground and standing before the massive cloud. His sword hung in his hand at his side as he stared into the dust.
"No..." Jarvan's sprint slowed to a halt, his feet dragging along the ground. Garen turned to look at him, a sad look on his face. He refused to meet the prince's eyes.
"I'm sorry..." Garen whispered, but a rumble told a different story.
Garen slowly turned back towards the cloud and watched as something massive stirred within the impenetrable cloud. A black shadow rose up to three, almost four times his height, golden orbs glowing through the darkness like a lantern in a snowstorm.
Garen took a half step backwards, bringing his weapon up. "What in the name of-..."
"Behold my true form!"
A massive claw sliced out of the cloud and struck him in the chest, sending him flying backwards, his weapon skittering away from him. Garen gasped for breath as he clutched his stomach, his chest plate completely crushed. Though he felt his breathing freeze in his throat and begin to burn, he couldn't tear his eyes away from what was below him. Garen stared down at the massive purple scales claw that extended from the cloud as it scrapped along the stone leaving deep, jagged marks in the ground. They disappeared into the cloud for a brief moment, leaving dead silence to hang in the air.
"Dragon!" A soldier screamed, as terror seemed to erupt amid the crowd. People scattered in every direction, many soldiers frozen in terror as a gust of wind blew the obscuring cloud away, revealing a massive dragon. Armed with gleaming claws and fangs and armored with glittering purple scales, the beast snarled at the guards as some of them brought their weapons up. Other scattered to try and reform their ranks, but many had stumbled or fallen to the ground in their shock. Colonel Dillich stood rooted to his spot, his eyes as wide as saucers as the dragon took a single step forward and roared. The sound echoed across the veranda, drowning out the screeches of soldiers who had never faced anything like this before.
"Protect the king and queen!" Dillich bellowed, finally shaking off his shock. The soldiers, though gripped by fear, began to turn, steadfast loyalty drilled into them. They overcame their shock and then surged forward to form a wall of flesh and armor around the king and queen. "King Lightshield, Lady Catherine, please, let us get you to safety!" The king stood his ground and watched the dragon with an even glare, his arms crossed over his chest. Lady Catherine stood stunned, a look of surprise on her face as she covered her mouth with a hand.
"I don't believe it..." Lady Catherine murmured, her eyes as wide as dinner plates. "A dragon..."
"My lady!" The officer protested. She started to turn, but her husband grabbed her hand and held it firmly.
"Wait." He said, a frown marring his face.
"Sir?" Dillich looked surprised, but the king glared at him and Dillich immediately nodded and took a step back. Though he couldn't order the king and queen back, he would do his damnedest to keep them safe. Her order mages and shield bearers to the front to reinforce the lines, but before he could order a barrier up, Walkurze stepped forth, with the look of a madman on his face.
"Archers to the ready!" Walkurze shouted. The formation of archers hesitated for a moment, but they drew their arrows back, knocking them. "Prepare to fire!"
"Wait, stop!" Jarvan bellowed, sprinting forth. He spun and waved his arms in surrender as he approached the dragon, as if he was protecting her. The dragon looked down at him for a second, surprised, its golden eyes dancing over him, its mane of red hair shivering as it turned towards the archers and roared.
"Jarvan, what are you doing!" Lady Catherine screamed.
"Fire!" Walkurze shrieked.
"No!" Jarvan bellowed, his face aghast as arrows sliced through the air towards him. The dragon swept over top of him, a wall of flames incinerating the arrows. Blobs of molten steel struck the dragon's wing and bounced off harmlessly. The soldiers watched in horror as the dragon stood up higher and then roared at them with a demonic, inhuman tone. The sounds was pained and feminine, the note reaching a painful volume. The soldiers dropped their bows and clamped their hands over their ears, the screech of the dragon cutting through their skulls.
"What happened to Jarvan!" Lady Catherine gasped, her hands clamped over her ears even after the sound had died, tears streaking her face as she looked on in horror. "Has he been crushed? Trey, do something!" Lady Catherine looked aghast to find her husband unshaken by the appearance of the dragon or the loss of his son. She felt more tears begin to well in her eyes and she felt anger in her heart.
"Look." Jarvan III said, a small smile appearing on his face as he pointed back to the dragon. As if on queue, the dragon took a step backwards, pulling its wing back, the flames dying along the ground. Jarvan stood tall, his hand on the dragon's neck as he glared at his father. Jarvan turned to the dragon, running his hand along its scaly skin. "Thanks, Shy." The dragon dipped its head in a nod.
"Of course, my love." Shyvana rumbled. She turned her gaze towards the King and Queen.
"You mean to tell me... that dragon is that young girl?" Lady Catherine's mouth hung open as she stared at her son.
"Aye, mother." Jarvan said, nodding slightly.
"When you spoke of Faust... you said he raised you." The king said, a smile upon his face. It was neither cold nor menacing though. "You are actually his daughter by blood then?"
"That is correct." Shyvana rumbled. Jarvan pulled the cloak from his shoulders as Shyvana began to shrink, dropping to all fours as a pale, naked human girl. Jarvan wrapped the cloak around her shoulders as he helped her to her feet. "Thanks." She said with a quiet voice. She pulled the cloak closer around her. "My father was Faust, and my name is Shyvana. I am a half-dragon. " She paused. "If you will still allow me, I wish to remain by Jarvan's side and serve Demacia with my strength." She bowed in the direction of the king.
"Shyvana..." Jarvan said quietly, taking her hand. She smiled at him bravely, and then met the king's gaze again. Jarvan turned and met his father stare brazenly. "Father, Shyvana has show her strength with which she can fight for Demacia and her people. She is strong, much stronger than you or I, and I challenge you to find me anyone who is a better exemplar of the Demacian spirit than she. I told her I would find her a place among our forces, and I ask you to help me honor my word."
The king stepped down from where he stood towards the middle of the terrace where Jarvan and Shyvana now stood. He paused, looking down at where Garen still sat on the ground, stunned and defeated.
"You lost, Captain" The king said bluntly. Garen grumbled as he started to push himself to his feet, wincing as he rolled onto his knees. Shyvana stepped up to him and proffered him a hand from within her cloak, using the other to hold it closed around her neck. Garen looked at it for a moment as if it were a viper about to strike before he grunted and pushed himself uneasily up to his feet, ignoring her offered hand. He stepped clear of Shyvana with a frown and tried to stand up straight, but he winced. "Are you hurt?"
"Not badly, sir." Garen said, his breathing a bit heavy, his tone wavering. "A few broken ribs, maybe."
"Get yourself patched up. Dismissed." The king turned his attention back to Jarvan and Shyvana as the knight saluted and then started to limp away. Jarvan III took several steps towards the couple who stood in the middle of the terrace. He stopped several feet short of where steam rose from the fire-blackened stone.
"Father..." Jarvan began to say, but he was silenced when the king raised a hand.
"Before you protest more, listen to what I have to say." He met his son's angry glare with an even gaze. Jarvan frowned but nodded. "Good. I knew from the beginning what you truly were, young lady. However, I did not know if you were able to control it. As appalling as my methods may have been, I needed to see proof that you are able to control that power you possess. When you saved my son from the volley of arrows, you showed the strength and control I needed proof of." Hesitation marked his voice as he paused. "While this may be somewhat late, I bid you welcome to Demacia and grant you official citizenship, young lady."
Shyvana looked surprised at first, but it soon turned into a smile. "Thank you!" She stammered, blushing furiously. Heat simmered off her head as she stared at the ground.
"If you truly desire to join the Demacia Military, you shall have to face many challenges." He paused again, waiting till she looked up and met her icy gaze. "If you still wish to proceed upon that path, I shall grant you permission to join the Elite Demacian Royal Guard... but not without proper training."
"Of course." Shyvana said, nodding.
"Good." The king said with a smile. "You'll begin training immediately. As for you, my son." The elder Jarvan turned his icy gaze back to his son. Jarvan's mouth tightened into a thin line, preparing for the worst. "Welcome home, my boy. It is good to see you well, though I suspect I have her to thank for that." Shyvana blushed when the king smiled at her.
"We work well together." Jarvan said, resting his hand across her waist.
"Indeed." The king mused, a slight smile playing over his lips. "I suppose that leaves the question for you. What are you going to do now that you have returned?"
Jarvan met his glare openly, and with a tone as cold and as steady as steel, Jarvan spoke. "I swear I shall bring the enemies of Demacia to their knees."
The king smiled. "Very good, my son." He reached out and grappled his son's shoulder. "It's good to have you home."