A/N: Thanks to all of you that let me know about the formatting. Unfortunately I am a bit new to this site, and whether it was my error or the websites I do not know. I will do my best to avoid it and more importantly react MUCH faster than I have with this chapter. Forgive my lack of awareness. To resolve this problem it seems I will have to write much shorter chapters or transfer the document from google drive to Microsoft word. Perhaps that information will save someone else the trouble. Oh, and unfortunately do to now using word it will change the formatting from my earlier work. Again my apologies and I hope you all can tolerate the change in format better than I.

The man inhaled deeply. The Ionian capital always had the best air of the island according to many, and to him it was undeniably the truth. The city sparkled in the sun. The light glinting off high red capped towers. A spiral pattern rolled around each tower that raised into the sky a bright red that was visible for miles and contrasted with the glaring white that adorned each and every building. High walls guarded the view allowing only the grandest and most impressive building to be visible. To outsiders the city was the perfect utopia. Today the city would be in upheaval. The Noxians had established a beach head almost uncontested and now their weapons of war rolled across the beautiful Ionian landscape. He was a new graduate from the Ionian college of war. Really it was just a swordsmanship school; however, he was no ordinary soldier. He was the best. A master of the sword and the wind. He was welcomed into the royal guard mere moments after stepping of the graduation platform and now was adorned in their intricate armor. His shoulders had three large sheets of plate mail that curved upwards to be level with the height of his head and were a dull blue with gray trimming patterned like feathers on an angels wings. The rest of his body was a simple blue tunic. It had a long neck that covered his mouth and surrounded his head. A brown belt that resemble nothing more than a thick rope wrapped around his waist. Armored greaves exposed much of his foot, but rose up his leg with his blue leggings tucked inside. Over all the armor didn't offer much protection from the elements or an enemy sword. Luckily for him the wind seemed to keep the rain away and his sword could match the fastest of swings.

He had walked far now to reach the Placidium where he would receive his wartime assignment. The roads were bumpy and lacked the constant travel necessary to wear them down to truly useful and often times were filled with mud from rain many days in the past. He avoided those areas to the best of his ability knowing the feeling of mud caught in his greaves would irritate him to no end.

"Yasuo, my boy! How have you fared after graduation?" An elder of the council of Ionia shouted warmly as he entered their large building with in the placidium. The building was impressive, but paled in comparison to the Lito castle at the rear of the city. On the outside there were large columns that were decorated with leaves and vines that spiraled on them to the top of the structure. A large dome crowned the building gold rings lacing around it. Vertical grooves added to its intricacy and to its beauty. With in, there were many chambers and hallways, but the chamber of councillors was easily found. It was at the heart of the building with a large hallway leading directly to the lobby where the large doors were held open to the rest of the city. It was mostly a symbolic gesture and despite its subtleness most people of Ionia appreciated the act. The chamber of councillors was jokingly nicknamed the chamber of elders by the people of Ionia because of the age of the majority of the councillors and the councillors themselves often referred to as the Elders.

"I am well, Councillor Jaru." His answer was curt and he bit his tongue, but the elder had a small smile on his face and laughter in his eyes.

"So eager for you first wartime assignment? I would hope you were more solemn like your brother. No matter, let us get down to business since you appear so eager." Jaru said. "Luckily the rest of the council has important matters to attend and won't be available for a lengthy conversation. We did predetermine where we can use someone of your caliber. Councillor Gyro has foolishly decided to return to his village. Protect him, Yasuo."

Yasuo seethed in anger. He was the best swordsman Ionia had ever seen. Even Master Yi could not obtain his skill. His thoughts raged in his head. A protection assignment? In some lonely village? He opened his mouth to voice his frustration, but Jaru interrupted him. "Yasuo, do not let your arrogance stray your mind from the importance of Councillor Gyro and his safety. He heads an important movement with Karma to try and reforge our ways and I believe that is the right path. By protecting him you will protect our future Yasuo!"

Still Yasuo opened his mouth to speak. "No discussion Yasuo. You are a royal guard of all things! Please go and calm yourself and check your pride! Do not let anything happen to Councillor Gyro. Stay by his side at all times."

"Yes Jaru." Yasuo bowed low and then spun on his heel walking quickly from the building. He never looked back to catch the disapproval upon his old friend's face or the pool of worry behind his eyes.

He began his march immediately despite having just traveled to the Placidium. His indignation fueled him. Yasuo shouldered his way through the crowds of the city and soon was on the open roads of the countryside. As the sun sank into the skies he veered off the path and began preparing his campsite. He created a small fire and then smoothed out his sleeping roll on the grass next to it. He prepared a tea and stew over the fire and wallowed in self pity.

He was up before the sun. His fire was a pile of cool ashe. He quickly strapped on his shoulder plates and resumed his march towards his assignment. Thinking about this unexpected turn of events made him want to scream in frustration. He had anticipated fighting with the army protecting a general or escorting advisors out of hostile zones. Instead he was babysitting an insane elder hiding away in an isolated village.

The road narrowed considerably down to the size of a simple foot path. forests of bamboo encroached on the sides and Yasuo found himself watching underfoot for the cut shafts that potentially could harm his feet.

A bamboo gate way and columns of smoke rising from several chimneys was his only hint that he approached the village. As he passed underneath the bamboo gate a large clearing came into view surrounded by structures varying in size, but none more than one floor. A small fountain was at the center of the village and surrounding it were several stands and kiosks selling their products. One was selling rare sea shells while another sold wooden figurines. More still sold various types of fruit, bread, and other foodstuffs. The village was very homely and possessed an air of tranquility. A guardsmen approached him. He wore light leather armor studded with iron and sported a long spear. He had a groomed black beard and hard eyes.

"I am Miku, the head guardsmen. Can I help you, Sir?" He introduced while eyeing Yasuo's finely crafted sword and royal guard armor.

"Greetings Miku." Yasuo bowed his head to him slightly ignoring Miku's frown that briefly creased his face. "I am Yasuo. Yes, I am looking for councillor Gyro."

"It is a pleasure to meet with a member of the royal guard. Gyro is in his house tucked away in the bamboo forests at the outskirts of town. Is the matter urgent?" Miku answered.

"I have been instructed to protect him during his stay here. I was tasked by the council themselves."

"If that is the case I will take you there immediately."

"Can I not find it myself?" Yasuo asked somewhat angrily.

"There is no distinct path and the house is not designated with anything special. You would find yourself having a hard time identifying it from those surrounding it." Miku answered with a slight growl to his voice.

"Fine. Show me the way." Yasuo conceded his voice also giving an undercurrent of maliciousness. Yasuo followed slightly behind Miku. He wore a white tunic underneath his brown leather armor and to him it made the man seem too smug and confident. Yasuo glowered at the back of the mans head. His hair was cut short and a broad rimmed hat adorned his head. An idiot Yasuo decided.

Councillor Gyro was sitting in front of his home playing a flute. It was simply made with nothing special about it except the sound. It sounded amazing. Gyro ceased his playing, but did not look up. Instead he said, "I love this flute. It reminds me that even the simplest of things can hide hidden beauty and that all you have to do is practice to achieve it."

The scowl on Yasuo's face increased at the elders words. "I am here to prot-" Yasuo began before being interrupted by the elder.

"Yasuo, always in a rush." A smile came to his face as he looked up. "Not all winds are quick, child. Many winds are gentle and calming."

"I am a master of the wind don't speak to me of it."

"Here, play this flute." The elder said offering it up to him.

"I don't know how to play a flute. My only instrument is a blade." Yasuo responded chin held high so that he couldn't even look at the flute.

"Then I have mastered part of the wind that even you have not." With a smile the old man went back to playing his tune.

When Yasuo turned to look at Miku he found that the man had already left him. Yasuo decided to look about the area and search for potential areas an assassin may approach through. The bamboo was thick all around the house. The only real approach he could think of was the way he came.

Bored and frustrated Yasuo returned to the front of the house where Gyro still sat. And still played. Yasuo nearly shouted.

"Councillor Gyro -" Yasuo began before Gyro interrupted him yet again.

"Gyro is fine Yasuo."

"Uh, Okay, Gyro. Where am I supposed to sleep?"

Gyro's eyes grew wide and he exclaimed, "I am expected to accommodate you?" The amusement in his eyes betrayed his faked surprise. "I'll only have a brute like you in the house if you promise to civilize a bit." Again the beginnings of a smile formed on his lips and a sparkle of laughter shown in his eyes.

"How might you do that?" Yasuo asked barely hiding his anger.

"I will teach you how to play an instrument other than the sword of course!" Gyro answered exuberantly. "We will start now."

"Oh." Yasuo said lost for words.

"First you are going to need an instrument! Go into the bamboo forest and find a nice piece."

"Piece?"

"Of bamboo!" Gyro shouted in exasperation.

Yasuo struggled with the urge to strangle the elder while he trudged into the forest. It was pleasantly calming and he found himself unable to be angry at the youthful old man. He stared around the forest of perfectly straight bamboo and realize he had no idea what type of bamboo would make a good flute. He drew his sword and slashed through an old piece of bamboo and admired the perfectly straight cut. The wind always surrounded his blade and nothing was sharper or smoother than it. The wind also gave him precision, speed, and power that most people could not hope to possess. He shrugged. This bamboo might as well turn into a flute.

"Yasuo! Back so soon? Eh, is that your bamboo? Oh, no, no that simply won't do." Gyro rambled in a flurry of questions and comments as if voicing his thoughts.

"Why won't it?"

"The bamboo needs to be young when it is most flexible and will produce the best sound."

"Fine I will search for a young bamboo plant."

Yasuo spun on his heel and threw up his cast out bamboo stick and quickly drew his sword dicing it into several pieces before allowing it to return to the ground. He stormed into the bamboo forest on his quest. Still the forests succeeded in calming him. Quickly he found a fresh shoot. It was up to his waist and he figured that it would leave plenty of room to trim down to a flute the same size as Gyro. He tried to be a bamboo connoisseur and lifted it to eye level and inspected it carefully. He ended up just feeling like a fool. To him there was no difference between the bamboo in his hand to that of all the others. Shrugging he returned to Gyro.

"Excellent Yasuo!" Gyro shouted before he even turned the corner.

"How do you now Gyro," Yasuo called to him.

"Well, the only way you could have messed up was to bring a dead bamboo plant so, I figure you got a living one." Gyro answered with a impossibly large smile.

"Please, no more games. You are trying every last shred of patience I have so long trained to possess. This bamboo stick will work as a flute?"

"Yes, It will. Yasuo you will find a bed prepared in one of the spare rooms. Look for the tea and brown bamboo door."

Yasuo entered the house and quickly noticed all the doors were bamboo. Crazy old man he thought. A room branching off the dining room matched all the specifications meaning it had tea on a night stand. The space was plain enough. There was a small bed on one side and to Yasuo's horror a plain flute was resting on the pillow. The walls were completely void of decoration and a single window was open allowing a gentle breeze into the room. Through it he could see all the way to the fountain at the center of town and the sun slowly descending below the horizon. A true feat of luck or precision considering the bamboo forests surrounding them.

Each day for the next few weeks consisted of simple flute lessons throughout the day and Yasuo running errands for Gyro. He had grown fond of the man despite his annoying nature and perhaps because of his annoying nature. Either way he found himself content in the mans company.

Despite himself he began to achieve some skill with his flute and began playing on his own to both his and Gyro's surprise. He found it soothing and often times found the air around him thrumming with energy and a joyful breeze often flew about him.

Smoke began being sighted all around them. After a couple of days it seemed a ring of smoke plumes surrounded the village. It was midday and Yasuo was just starting to prepare tea for his and Gyro's lunch when commotion in the town clearing dragged him out of Gyro's house.

When he arrived he was met by Miku the town guard captain. He was out of breath sweat glistened off his body. A large breath between each word he shouted out, "The… Noxians… are… here!" He repeatedly yelled it throughout the village until everyone had gathered in the center. He jumped onto the edge of the fountain. "Men! The Noxians will not spare you or your families! They will kill and burn every last inch of life from our village! Gather any means of weaponry! We must defend! We cannot lose! There will be no survivors of this fight unless we win… do not die stretching your neck for their swords!"

Men entered and exited homes with their grand fathers rusted ornate swords and others without military trends grabbed a collection of tools from pitch forks to shovels. Men and women of all ages grabbed any means of defense. Parents hid their children. The guard force was meager. Miku and four others were the only slightly trained soldiers.

Yasuo remembered his orders. Defend Gyro. He returned to the elders house. Gyro sat waiting for him outside. Flute in hand a happy tune hummed through the air. Yasuo shook his head at the tone of the music. Such a song should not be played before a slaughter. "Noxians!" A scream yelled from the village gateway. Soon screams of the innocent and the class of steel and wood echoed through the air.

"Yasuo," Gyro began. "You should be aiding my village not sitting here staring into the clearing watching a massacre.

"Gyro, I would love to be out on the frontlines, but my task was made perfectly clear and failure is not an option.

"Yasuo, what good will you do sitting here waiting to defend me? Nothing, my boy. If they lose out there, I am already lost. Go! The clearing is where my life will be saved or lost!" Gyro exclaimed angrily his sentence punctuated by the scream of a man in agony.

"I… but," Yasuo stammered.

"Go! Now Yasuo! Before it is too late. We all must die sometime and my life is not worth that of my people!"

"As you wish, Councillor."

He looked back only once and the councillor was sitting in the grass outside his home flute in hand. Yasuo shook his head slightly to himself in disapproval.

The thickest fighting was in the center of the clearing. It was surprising until he realized how few Noxians had actually made the treck to the village. There were perhaps thirty-five Noxians in sight and they were hard pressed to defend against the numbers of the were seasoned warriors, and any misstep made by a villager normally ended with a sword through them. There were many dead Ionian villagers towards the front of the village as the Noxians pushed in. At the center of the Noxian line a soldier wielded a massive sword. The blade was easily the width of his waist and as long as he was standing.

As Yasuo pushed through the villagers he began feeling random projectiles propelled through the air towards him. Not doing much more than scratching his exposed skin. The cause was the women. She wielded the sword with deadly efficiency and some how controlled the wind with each swing.

Shrapnel of bone began to hit him as he drew closer and he could see the crimson color of her eyes and her black hair made her seem like a demon. Her armor and blade was black and olive green and pulsated with every swing. Runes on her sword and armor occasionally emitted bright green tinting the faces of the people around her green.

She was upon him. Her massive blade swung and he met it with his sword. The strength behind her swing was immense. He felt his muscles shudder and then she was swinging again. He dodged to the side feeling the wind making his skin raw. Together they were a tempest of air and steel. He became unaware of his surroundings and all he knew were her crimson eyes and massive blade. He felt himself weakening. When he parried he stumbled backwards and his dodges were always just barely in time. Then he was too slow. The flat of her blade smashed into his side. He was flung to the left rolling into a small cottage. The demon raised her sword, but was interrupted by one of her soldiers.

"Riven! We… we are… we need help at the front!"

Without hesitation Riven left him lying against the cottage broken.