Author's Note
This chapter contains mature language. Also, I would like to say thanks for the follows/favorites/reviews! I read the reviews and I'm thinking about what you all have said. I do take many liberties when I write stories and if you do not like that, it's best not to read it. :3 If I think I can work with one of your reviews, I will try to incorporate it.

CHAPTER FOUR

-Katarina-

Katarina cracked open one eye, scowling as a ray of sun pierced into her eyeball. Turning over onto her side, the Assassin covered her face with a pillow. Her head pounded lightly and the direct sunlight didn't help that much either. Sighing, the Noxian woman flipped off the blankets, her feet contacting the cool wooden floors. Blinking her eyes a few times, Katarina looked at herself in the mirror on the wall. Her red mane was a bit scattered all over her head and she had stripped off her shirt somewhere in the night. Two small bags hung under her eyes and the orbs themselves looked to a be a bit bloodshot. "Way too much alcohol last night." Katarina laughed, rubbing her eyes roughly with her wrists before pulling herself off the bed.

Stumbling a bit, she reached out for the dresser to settle herself as her eyes blacked out and came back. "Damn, I really didn't even drink that much." Katarina shook her head, turning to peer at herself in the dresser mirror some more, trying to see in her eyes last night's affairs. "I remember Ashe and Tryndamere coming into the bar. The two were so out of place but eventually Ashe made her way to a booth with Riven and Tryndamere drank himself to intoxication. Draven decided he was the going to get Ashe to join him in whatever his imagination comes up with, but then Tryndamere came over." The Assassin stopped, closing her eyes to imagine everything up to that point. Grabbing her brush, Katarina paced the room as she dug it into her hair.

"Then Tryndamere began talking so lowly about Ashe." Katarina gritted her teeth, remembering some of the things he said. "Such a real barbarian jerk he is. Of course Draven loved it, his own happiness extremely evident! Gross." The Noxian dug the bristles into her scalp, as if to tear the memory from her brain. Tossing the brush onto the bed, Katarina ran a few fingers through her hair and headed into her private bathroom. Grabbing some of her face soap, she turned the faucet on and rinsed her face. Rubbing fiercely to rub off her sleepiness, Katarina continued to think. "Then Darius came over once I stepped in to defend Ashe." Katarina paused rubbing her face, thinking that sentence over before shaking her head and dobbing some soap on her skin. "Darius said something and then the fists began flying. After they were broken up by the guards, I remember getting up to drink myself out of the stress." Katarina turned the faucet off, stepping back and blotting her face with the hand towel besides her. "That must be why I'm acting like Darius when he's had too much to drink and he's woken up early." Katarina smirked to herself, feeling better and a bit more refreshed. "I'm just glad the Institute called a free day today, at least that's one thing to look forward to." Katarina smiled, stepping back to her open room and looking around for her shirt. Finding it, she slipped it on and attached her belt of knives around her waist. "Now, let's go see about Darius."

...

Katarina stepped down the dim halls of the Noxian Wing, passing rooms upon rooms of Champions until she found the room which Darius and Draven shared. She never really understood why the two brothers shared a room when they could easily have their own room based on the multitudes of empty rooms. Shrugging, Katarina knocked on the door and waited.

After getting no response for several minutes, she pressed a single ear daintily against the wood. Snoring, though muffled, was heard and the occasional movement as well. "Definitely Draven's, "I drank way too much last night", snore." Listening closer, Katarina could hear nothing of any movement of Darius at all. "That's strange, I wonder if he went home to Noxus or is already up somewhere else." Stepping back, Katarina headed straight and turned down a hallway that led towards the middle of the building. "Maybe he's at the Mess Hall or something, he often likes to spy there."

Katarina pushed open the heavy wooden doors, leading to the large courtyard-esque central area of the Institute. The reception desk had a few women working quietly, though soft music was heard coming from the area. The fountain in the middle showed the city-states, all together, like the League was hoping would one day happen among the land. Rolling her eyes at the thought of teaming up with Demacia, Katarina passed the reception desk and entered a hallway with a few other rooms leading from it. The first door on the left was the office, where complaints or requests were filed. The first door on the right was a gym as well as a pool area in the back. The second door on the right was a conference room, and the second door on the left led into the Mess Hall. The Assassin could pick up the sounds of voices already talking inside of the Cafeteria. Composing herself, Katarina stepped to the door and pushed in the checkered wood.

...

Surprisingly, the room was bustling with activity, with it being so early in the morning and all. The line for food had a few Summoners in it, yet most of the Champions were seated at the various tables around the large room. One table, near the exit door from the food door, held Lux, Garen, Jarvan, and Sona. Katarina had noticed them first specifically because of Lux's bubbly and talkative attitude. "It's only ten in the morning, do you have to be that hyper?" Glaring slightly, the Noxian turned her head towards the other tables. Most of them only held Summoners, but there was a table that had Singed, Warwick, and Viktor. There was a table of Caitlyn, Vi, Ezreal, and Janna; as well as a table that held Anivia and Nunu. "There's no Ashe either." Katarina frowned, though she wasn't sure why she felt as upset about it as she was. "No Tryndamere or Darius too." Katarina glanced around once more before turning to head into the line.

Stepping back into the room, which was still as busy, the Assassin had a cup of coffee in her hand as well as a bagel in the other. Looking around, Katarina took a bite of her bagel and headed over to Singed.

"Katarina, fancy seeing you here, and up this early. After last night, I thought you would be like Draven probably is." Singed smiled, turning away from Viktor and Warwick, who also looked up.

"Damn, did I really drink that much?" Katarina smiled, shrugging her shoulders. "You know Draven well." Singed laughed and nodded, also getting a smirk from Viktor, though Warwick seemed to be staring down the Assassin with a hungry look. "I'm surprised as well, I was hoping to see Darius here, or at your bar. Why aren't you there anyways?"

"The Institute closed my bar for two days, they found out about the incident, said I served too much alcohol to Tryndamere. So, of course, it has to somewhat be my fault." Singed took a sip of his beverage, which Katarina caught a whiff of the chemical scent laced around it.

"Well, you haven't seen Darius?"

"Not recently, want to take a seat?" Singed offered the seat across from him, next to Warwick who smiled with a toothy grin at Katarina.

"I'll pass. I just want to think about things and maybe gain some intell." Katarina smiled and turned abruptly, heading over to the table back from the Demacian-filled table. Setting down her bagel and coffee, Katarina propped her elbows to on the table to support her head. Massaging her temples roughly with her thumbs, Katarina focused her hearing on the Demacians.

...

"Garen! So do you think that we're going back to Demacia for the day?" Katarina heard Lux's voice first, almost seeing the smile.

"Well, if we leave soon we may get a few hours there, but the way you're being so chatty, I'm not sure." Her brother responded, Katarina also almost seeing his smile in her head.
"At least I'm not the only one who thinks she talks so much." Katarina listened for a few more minutes before she decided that their conversation was pointless. "Great intell that was, at least I know those two are going home for the day. If Lux shuts up apparently." The Assassin smiled, taking a bite of her bagel and downing it with some hot coffee. Leaving her food at the table, Katarina walked over to the paper rack, an article catching her eye. One group of young Summoners had created a paper, telling their stories of what they see in the Institute - mainly doing with Champions. The headline that caught the Assassin's attention was, "BAR FIGHTS - WAR AMONG THE INSTITUTE?". Rolling her eyes, already having a clue on what it must be about, Katarina returned to her seat and peered down at the front page. Skimming her eyes through it, the paper told exactly what she remembered, though a lot of the writing appeared to be over-dramatized. What caught her attention though was where they said punishment is said to be issued as well as hospital time for both Tryndamere and Darius.

"What!" Katarina slammed her fist down into the table, angry over the fact the Institute was punishing Darius along with Tryndamere.

"Calm down Noxian, I'm sure your dear Warrior won't be punished that harshly for beating down Tryndamere." Garen and the rest at the table had lifted their heads at the sudden commotion from Katarina.

"Listen here, Demacian." Katarina almost spat the word out, though she kept herself from grabbing a throwing knife and chucking it at his head. "Darius did not even start anything, it was the Barbarian in his rage." Garen and Katarina held an intense glare for a few moments before Garen chuckled.

"Oh really? I heard Darius instigated the whole thing by just feeding Tryndamere, rubbing it in his face about winning their match." Garen grinned, pointing a gloved finger at Katarina who scowled at him.

"That doesn't mean Darius should be punished!" Katarina retorted, though even she knew her argument was weak, and Garen knew this as well.

"Listen Sinister Blade, everyone is responsible for their actions and if they go down a wrong path, they must face the consequences. It's justice Sinister Blade, and if you say Darius was just protecting himself, then perhaps his punishment won't be as severe." Garen smiled at Katarina, who glared at him, though she had nothing to say back to him.

"Crownguard... I still think it's wrong." Grabbing her bagel and coffee, Katarina shoved the paper in a tight pants pocket.

"Oh, you do Katarina?" Garen's voice went up at the end, obviously knowing the correct answer to his question. Ignoring him, Katarina thew the three-bitten bagel into the garbage and hurried out the doors.

-Ashe-

The day had not started off pleasant for Ashe, especially since Tryndamere still had rage to release once they left the bar. Based on last night, the Institute had held an early morning conference for herself and Tryndamere. Ashe had been bombarded with questions, many pertaining to the activities she and Tryndamere did at the bar. They also asked her a few questions about the fight, mainly who started it. The Frost Archer, despite Tryndamere's gaze boring into her, she answered everything truthfully. They had reached the conclusion that both Darius and Tryndamere would be punished, and hospitalized for a day to make sure neither had hurt the other.

After leaving the conference room, the couple made their way down the quiet halls. Tryndamere had tensed up all his muscles and walked stiffly, almost leaving his wife behind. Ashe was able to keep up though, her long stride easily allowing her to somewhat match Tryndamere.

On their way through the halls, towards the hospital area, they almost ran into Darius who was headed the same way.

"Look what the Northern winds blew in." Darius had scowled at them, though it was entirely directed towards Tryndamere.

"Look what the Damned winds blew in." Tryndamere retorted, taking a step towards Darius so their chest were almost puffed out together. Darius leaned in close to Tryndamere and glared into his eyes, though Tryndamere just mirrored the action.

"If you had been able to keep your rage in check, we wouldn't have to be going here." Darius said, a small bit of spit flying from his mouth.

"If you hadn't been such an ass, I'm sure I wouldn't of had to put you in your place." Tryndamere glared at him, spit flying from him as well.

"Tryndamere, stop. You don't want to risk anymore trouble, do you?" Ashe stated calmly, walking over to her husband and placing a hand gently on his shoulder. Tryndamere looked over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes at Ashe.

"Of course my Queen, you are always so helpful." The smile that came from Tryndamere was fake, though any person who didn't know him well would think otherwise. Ashe knew she couldn't underestimate her King, he was smart in his ways, but brutal in his actions. Ashe knew this well, he was thinking something deeper than what the smile told. Darius just hmphed at Tryndamere before pushing past him with a shove and heading down the hallway to the hospital. The Barbarian looked back to Ashe with a slight glare before turning and heading the rest of the way to the hospital as well.

Sighing, Ashe had followed him, him having arrived at the hospital a little before her. Ironically, Sona had already disappeared with Darius to show him his room while Soraka was busy talking to Tryndamere.

...

"Welcome to the Institute's Hospital, I heard you were on your way. Follow me and I'll show you your room." Soraka greeted them, motioning with her hands towards the hallway opposite Darius.

"Hmph. I'm not sick." Tryndamere crossed his arms but grudgingly followed the Star Child down the hallway.

The room was medium-sized, enough to fit a small table, two chairs and a hospital bed. Soraka placed a robe on the bed and motioned towards Tryndamere. "Leave your weapons and clothing by the door in the bin, someone will be here soon to collect them. The robe is what you will wear for the day and that is final." Soraka narrowed her eyes at Tryndamere, noticing him trying to protest.

He chuckled lightly, smiling at the Star Child. "Of course Soraka, thank you. Now, if you would I'd like to say goodbye to my wife." Soraka smiled softly, dipping her head in respect and heading out the door. Ashe watched Soraka leave, hearing her footsteps disappear down the hallway before her husband walked to the door and locked it.

...

"This is your fault!" Tryndamere's fist clenched and his voice was a hushed yell. Ashe was taken back, blinking her eyes in surprise at the King.

"You were the one who punched Darius, you need to learn to control your rage." Ashe retorted, and Tryndamere glared with a burning hatred in his eyes. With nothing to say back, he punched his fist in the wall, leaving a dent. Grabbing Ashe's shoulders, he hoisted her into the air and pushed his lips against hers. Ashe struggled against his bone-breaking grip and pursed her lips as his tongue searched for entry. Lifting up her hands, she pounded on the Barbarian's firm chest before wheeling in a large punch to make him gasp for air. Turning her head quickly to make sure he didn't have a quick chance to recover his king, Ashe dug her nails into his large forearms. "Release me. You cannot do this in such a public place. Respect me and you would be happier, our people would be happier." Tryndamere touched the places where Ashe's nails had dug into his skin and he growled.

"Respect you? OUR people!?" Tryndamere threw Ashe onto the bed, the springs creaking under the sudden weight. "Have you not learned my Queen? You have your people, I have my people. We are doing what is best for our own separate people!" Tryndamere readied a backhand but his head shot up as a knock on the door was heard.

"Tryndamere, are you ready? Ashe should be leaving soon." Soraka's voice was heard and the Barabarian backed away from the Frost Archer.

"Almost, give me a minute." Tryndamere turned to his wife, narrowing his eyes as he slowly stripped himself of his armor. "If you really want it to be our people." He undid his pants, letting them slide off so only his loincloth was left. "Then this will be ready for you when I'm out of my damned punishment." The two held eye contact for a few minutes before Tryndamere put on his robe and unlocked the door.

-Katarina-

Katarina wandered the halls slowly, thinking over the other possible places Darius could be. "Perhaps he's in the hospital ward all ready?" Katarina decided to check it out, turning a hallway that led towards the Institute's infirmary.

Turning the last corner, Katarina was surprised to see a distant-looking Ashe just coming from the hospital. "I wonder if she was just with Tryndamere? Either way, this will be a perfect time to try to connect with her!" Grinning, Katarina picked up her pace to catch up to the Frost Archer.

"Ashe!" Katarina waved a hand, slowing her pace and acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Oh, Katarina, is it?" The Frost Queen smiled, curtseying to the Assassin. "You called on me?"

"Uhm, yeah. I was wondering if you had seen Darius recently?" Katarina grinned, though she hadn't really thought out how to approach the Queen.

"Matter of fact, I saw him in the Hospital, I'm guessing you're going to see him?"

"Actually, I wanted to apologize for Darius' taunting, I wanted to make it up to you somehow." Katarina smiled, though inside she had no idea what she was talking about.

"Oh, Katarina, that's kind of you, but, it's really not needed." Ashe smiled and Katarina shuffled her foot at being called kind.

"How about some lunch then? I'll meet you at your room at noon." Katarina offered, forcing an over-dramatized smile.

Ashe laughed, smiling softly at Katarina. "I've never seen you act so nice Katarina. Since you insist, I will gladly accompany you for lunch. I will see you soon." With that, Ashe turned around and headed down the hallway. Katarina sighed, placing her palm on her face and chuckling.

"This should be interesting."