Author's Note:

Nothing here, but Riot owns all the stuff I talk about kk?

Chapter 2: Secrets

It was only several hours after Katarina's matched had finished, and she was no doubt irritated about her team's performance. As to alleviate her ever growing temper the assassin decided to go to the one place she truly could calm herself – the training rooms.

There was always a calming atmosphere of the Institutes training gym as Katarina found it one of the most appealing areas to spend her time in the Institute excluding the battle grounds of course. The room was rather large, in order to accommodate the number of champions who happen to decide to sharpen their skills before a big match or just to train in general. With polished wood flooring, the walls were built solid with concrete the walls adorned with intricate patterns as they framed the number of weapon racks – amongst them lay an array of weapons ranging from the traditional swords to other weaponry such as guns. The training targets stood at attention, the wooden figures were suspended by a single steel rod – simple circular targets located at vital points. Not wanting to waste time the assassin strolled over to the targets and drew one of her signature daggers. As she gripped the hilt couldn't help but gaze down at the blade, though having used these daggers for as long as she could remember – she couldn't help but pay attention to the ornate blade. The blade was only made of steel yet the irregular designs that were engraved along the middle of the blade seemed to only emit something almost otherworldly as it glinted in the dim light of the gymnasium.

Taking her usual combat stance, the assassin aligned her body with the target – placing her index finger along the top edge of the blade her fingers had immediately took around the form of the blades hilt, having placed her left foot forward she then placed her right foot back leaving a comfortable distance between them. The assassin had now drawn her arm back and with a fluid motion drew her arm forward again, flinging her wrist just so and releasing the blade. As expected from the renowned assassin it had plunged deep into the centre of the dummy with a notable Thwack sound.

The redheads mind seemed to clear completely as she continued to senselessly throw her daggers at the target, the impact of each throw seemed to echo throughout the room. As the assassin seemed to be thrown into a different realm she didn't notice the blonde figure that entered the area until she prepared herself for another throw.

"Wow…"

Katarina, now startled threw the dagger only for it to sail past the target and deflect off the concrete wall before falling to the floor with a resonating clang.

"Fuck!" The assassin whirled around only to see the light mage once again and locked onto her figure – her temper only seemed to grow, although she seemed to notice the blonde seemed to appear less vibrant… not even less – the blonde seemed to look sad?

"I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to" Azure orbs averted towards the floor almost immediately, as there almost seemed to be no real sign of cheer as the mages voice contained uttermost sincerity "I'll just leave now, sorry for bothering you"

The assassin glowered at the light mage, although just as she turned for the door – blonde waves parted slightly to expose the pale complexion of the mages neck, only to display what seemed to be… a bruise?

With the redhead attention suddenly directed at the retreating figure in front of her, she darted to the blonde and harshly gripped her shoulder forcing her to turn around before instinctively brushing blonde locks away to reveal a lurid bruise. It was neither large or small but seem to stretch up the column of her neck in a purple blotch, then again whilst looking closer at the younger girls neck she could see a feint tinge of red around her neck. A small gasp escaped the mages lips as the redhead had examined her.

"What happened?" The assassin questioned, her hand had gently turned the mages head towards her – gazing into a sea of azure

The blonde's eyes had widened in shock as her hand reached up to cover the bruise that was exposed just several seconds ago. "N-nothing, I-I just got hit when I was activating P-prismatic Barrier that's all – nothing to worry about!"

Her tone had changed dramatically, if only the mage wasn't trembling – let alone stuttering the assassin would've passed it off as a valid excuse. Then again she has seen how the mage handles that wand of hers and despite the clumsy and whimsical nature of the light mage she wouldn't believe the younger girl one bit.

"I'm sure that was the case" Came the sarcastic reply as the redhead peered into the mage's eyes once more

A nervous laugh was the next thing that filled the room as Lux suddenly averted her gaze once more, her tone changing once again as she took a more serious and stern tone "I will guarantee that it is the case, Sinister Blade."

Taken aback by the use of her title, the assassin opened her mouth – only to be interrupted once more by the more serious mage

"I have my secrets, as do you – so all I ask is that you do not pry where your blades cannot go; in terms of my personal affairs. Sinister Blade"

The assassins lips pursed as her gazed softened, she was well aware that the mage was always outgoing and filled with mirth – yet to see her in such a vulnerable state such as this almost seemed to peak the assassins attention as well as something else… which came the realisation 'Why the fuck am I even asking about her wellbeing? She's the enemy; I shouldn't even be talking to her – fuck Kat what's gotten into you?'

The conversation was cut off at that point and the two women were left with averted gazes amongst the silence of the gymnasium until a strong voice broke the silence, both the mage and assassin looked up to see Garen leaning against the frame of the gym doors

"Sister, what are you doing here? Come back to the dormitories" That deep voice rang out in Katarinas mind as she turned to Lux "Then again… what are you doing with her?"

Amber orbs narrowed at the sight of the assassin only to divert to the mage. The hostility that Katarina received was expected – although what the Might of Demacia did next left her filled with nothing more but concern, let alone disgust. With one large hand Garen gripped onto Lux's arm forcibly dragging her out of the gymnasium as if she were some animal. That's when the redhead caught a glimpse of the blonde and looked directly into those azure orbs imbued with nothing more but fear.

After a vigorous training session Katarina had returned to her quarters amongst the Noxian dormitory. As the assassin made her way to unlock the door to her room – a vibrant flyer was attached on the front reading "Drinks night Happy Hour Bar". Knowing the assassin she was always up for a few drinks before ending the night and without a doubt today would've been a more than appropriate time to head off for a few drinks with Darius and the others. Taking the flyer off she turned the knob of the door into her living quarters at the Institute and blindly smacked at the wall for the light switch. As the room was illuminated with fluorescent light Katarina blinked several times as her eyes adjusted to the fully lit area.

The Institute was generous with accommodation providing the champions with an abundant space filled with everything required for basic needs. Only several feet down a small hallway the room breaks off into a kitchen area on the left side, several dirty dishes lay in the sink from earlier in the morning as well as a number of Noxian orders sprawled out on a pristine marble counter adjacent to the wall. On the other side were couches across a television which was mounted on the cream walls, as well as a number of Noxian banners and weapon cases. The living room then broke off into another room which was the main bedroom which had a bathroom linked as well. Having entering her bathroom – the assassin simply stripped off her clothes and entered the steam filled shower, sighing in relief.

After the assassin had washed herself, she put on a simple black tank top and jeans – wearing her black combat boots along with it. Despite the casual attire Katarina shrugged it off and made her way towards Happy Hour, a grin adorning her face. As the assassin made her way through numerous corridors and paths she arrived amongst the grand court of the Institute. The entire area itself was magnificent as the main Institute that the redhead just departed from was supported by large marble columns which only seemed to glow amongst the moonlight as the stone structure of the Institute was adorned with intricate carvings and patterns only adding towards the grand sight. Having seen the sight numerous times the assassin simply made her way across cobblestone paths towards a wooden building, a neon sign hung above with a flash of purple and yellow text with Happy Hour. Entering through the rigid doors of the establishment the assassin strode over to a booth where a surprisingly sober Draven say. The bar itself wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing thing in Valoran, as the walls were wooden as well as wooden flooring. The booths had white leather seats and black tables which provided a pleasant contrast, if Katarina said so herself – although the overall design of the place wasn't the thing the assassin cared about. More or less if she wanted to see a bar that was more appealing to the eyes she would've just strut into a high class Demacian bar and stake her life for a pint of Dragon's Breath. What always caught the assassins attention were the number of drinks that were aligned amongst many cabinets on the wall, not only was that enough to get her attention it was the way Gragas managed to use any of those drinks into an absolutely sublime drink.

"Heeeey Kat" Slurred Draven, it seemed that the assassin made the wrong call on whether the marksman was sober or not.

Replying with a smirk, the assassin called out to Gragas

"Hey Gragas, hit me up with the usual yeah?"

"Sure thing" Replied the stout man, grinning lively – Oh he knew how the assassin loved a drink, and there was without a fail that he was going to reel in extra gold for the night

Several drinks later…

The assassin felt slightly buzzed but surely wasn't drunk, unlike the two brothers before her – Darius and Draven had completely 'lost it' and where trying to stir trouble with the other champions in opposite booths. Rolling her eyes the assassin sighed before she directed her attention to the group that was now entering a booth across from her. The group only consisted of Garen, Lux, Jarvan and Xin all dressed in casual wear as they immediately order their drinks, the redhead redirected her gaze towards the petite blonde who now sat next to her brother – her head lifting up to meet Katarina's gaze. That same expression was locked onto Lux's face just before she was dragged out of the gymnasium earlier this afternoon, an expression which called out to the redhead as to say 'Help me.' That's when the redhead had done something she would never expected herself to do. As she peered into those orbs her lips curved into a smile – not one that held hate, not one that held malice, it was a genuine smile that held warmth. Those azure orbs seem to shimmer for a split second and the blonde returned the smile with the same warmth that the redhead had given.

After the group of Demacians had their fair share of drinks, both the redhead and the blonde exchanged glances periodically until the redhead saw Garen steadily get out of his seat, motioning Lux to follow him. The assassins eyes narrowed as she noticed the way Garen had looked at the mage, a look that the assassin knew all too well of – the look of lust. As the bruiser staggered on his way out of the bar, the mage followed him and without hesitation the redhead paid her tab and stalked after the duo.

As Garen and Lux made their way to a secluded section of the grand court, Katarina had followed them using the rooftops of numerous shops. It was not long past midnight as the bruiser and mage had stopped at a dimly lit alley, the assassin silently observing safely from the shadows – her suspicions gradually rising before being disappearing completely as Garen had pushed his sister against a brick wall; his lips catching the younger girls in a heated kiss. The mage whimpered and pushed her brother off her before averting her gaze, droplets forming their way around the azure orbs before they finally streaked down her face in a shimmering cascade.

"Why do you have to do this?!" Yelled Lux, her voice was trembling as she held back the overwhelming amount of anger and disgust she felt as her brother stepped back "We're members of royalty, if you want to act with such perversion then go to Noxus I'm sure they have plenty of whores you could fuck there!"

The assassin cringed as she heard the mage mutter those words, with such ferocity and fury she could only continue to watch – if she were to intervene…

"You fucking bitch!" Scowled Garen "If this is how I want to conduct myself then so be it, I can sure as hell shut you up in a second – hell, even less need be!"

The redhead was unable to react to the entire situation yet couldn't tear her eyes away from the scene between the Crownguard siblings, the act of incest was more likely expected in Noxian royalty – yet in the prestigious family of the Crownguards was the last place the assassin would've expected the act to be conducted especially with the siblings involvement with the League of Legends surely someone would have found out?

Suddenly a large calloused hand was lifted in one swift motion, and as if time were slowed down the older Crownguard's hand had flung with full force until it met the pale skin of the mage. The impact making a cringe worthy smack sound as the mage's skin instantly reddened and her body pivoted on the spot – causing her to stumble backwards. That was until the bruiser's fist balled up tightly and seemed to almost plunge into the younger girl's stomach his face contorted in a mix of rage and frustration as his he lunged forward, a cry of pain escaping the younger girl's mouth as she was knocked onto the concrete path. Sluggishly drawing his arm out, Garen glanced down at the figure below which was now curled up – slim arms wrapping around the area of impact.

"If you dare as so go against orders against me" Garens eyes were darker than before as his face was flushed with alcohol, snarling at his sister "I'll make sure that you don't wake up"

And with that the bruiser staggered out of the alley way and off towards the Demacian quarters, leaving the mage alone as she squirmed in agony, stifling any cries that were to escape her at this point as she bit her lip and simply let tears stream down the pale skin – her chest heaved rapidly as her breathing became more ragged.

The assassin could only stare in silent outrage as she witnessed the quarrel, it wouldn't even be considered a quarrel – the assassin witnessed abuse between the Crownguard siblings and there was no way that she was going to pass this information. Turning her head to view the figure below, she noticed Lux had flipped over and sat up against the wall, arms clasping around her waist with teeth gritted to supress any cries that threatened to escape her. The mage closed her eyes for several seconds and as she opened them, her gaze was directed to the fleeing shadow on the roof.

And the blur of crimson hair following it.

Well it's a wonder where this might be going - not obvious at all

If you enjoyed the story/chapter be sure to post a review because it really gives me motivation to write these :)

Edit Note: 23/07/2014 - Thanks to Merteee who picked out some careless errors of mine!