League of Legends 1. Reoccurring Recollections

**Authors Note:** This is my first Fanfic and I would appreciate any criticism that you could give me in order to improve my future writings. Thank you and I hope you enjoy.

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_**Reoccurring Recollections**_

The wind tugged at her hair as she sprinted through the field of dandelions. The wind caught a few of the dandelion florets and sent them soaring into the air causing a white cloak to form behind the girl. A few other florets fell into hair, creating an apparent contrast to its raven color. A shout of glee burst from the girl's mouth as she chased her brother, "I shall catch you Noxian scum!" Quinn exclaimed. Her brother stopped running and turned to face his pursuer. Quinn unsheathed her oaken sword from its leather sheath and pointed it at him.

The brother proceeded to do the same as he glared at Quinn. With a grin barely being suppressed the brother said, "You Demacians' always talk too much. I think I shall create one less voice for your repulsive dialect." The earth seemed to stop as the twins raised their practice swords, and took their personalized fighting stances. Quinn stood defensively her right foot sitting behind her left, while her sword arm stood erect in front of her ready to slap aside strikes. Her brother, Caleb, stood offensively his knees bent and back arched looking ready to leap on unsuspecting prey.

Caleb took the first move as he rushed towards his opponent. Dandelion florets danced around him as he readied to throw a vicious swing. Quinn stood in her stance perfectly still, not even a muscle twitched, waiting for him to strike. Caleb's sword savagely tore through the air aimed for her left shoulder, she casually pivoted her right foot and dodged by him gracefully. Her target was now open for a counterattack and thus she struck at his right thigh while he was mid stumble. The hit connected, but seemed to cause no visible damage causing Caleb to taunt her, "You call that a hit sister, I thought father taught you better than that."

Caleb began swinging rapidly at Quinn. His attacks were all easily readable, causing Quinn to easily block or sidestep his vicious attacks. Sweat broke on his brow as he continued attacking his target making sure Quinn had no opportunity for counterattack. Quinn kept her composure as she knew one hit from Caleb would likely mean serious injury._ I have the speed on him, I just need to wait for my opening, he must tire soon._ As if reading his sisters mind Caleb increased his speed of attack causing Quinn to slowly find herself losing ground. Her arms began to sting as each swing from her brother began connecting with her sword. She knew now that she had to take the aggression, or be forced to lose.

Caleb swung foolishly at her legs which she very easily hopped back from causing him to stumble as he had put all of his weight into the attack. Quinn sidestepped and put her foot out causing him to trip. Within seconds she was on his back with her sword pressed against his throat. She imitated slicing it as she screamed, "No one can beat the knights of Demacia."

Caleb fell limp on the ground grabbing at his neck , and played dead for a few seconds. He then flipped onto his back and asked, "When did father teach you that, I was sure I had you when I swung at your legs."

"Father has always said that the swords master never uses strength as his greatest weapon, but rather speed and wit. Do you even listen to his lessons?" Quinn questioned her brother as she put out her hand to help pull him up.

"Of course I do sister," He said accepting her help, "I just get caught up in the stories of the brave knights and how they overcome invincible odds with simple strength. Like Ser Garen, and how he fought through half a Noxian army,".

"If you recall the story correctly brother, Garen wouldn't have made it out without divine intervention, and a lot of-,". The wind stopped as Quinn noticed what stood only a few hundred yards from their position. In the treeline three Noxian hounds stood heads close to the ground ready for a meal. Caleb noticed her distraught and looked behind him.

Upon noticing the hounds he immediately grabbed Quinn by the arm and forced her to sprint with him. The hounds licked their teeth as they gave their prey a head start. A whip cracked as a kennel master shouted, "Go now you stupid mutts, before I give you another slash." With this sound of terror the hounds began the hunt.

The forest seemed like a blur to Quinn as she sprinted through it her brother close to her side. The forest that had once seemed peaceful to Quinn now seemed like a place of terrible dread as she heard the howls of the hounds. _We stand no chance against their razor-sharp teeth with our play swords, but they will surely catch us if we simply run._ Then the idea struck her, "Brother go get father, do not worry about me," Quinn said running back towards the barking noises.

Caleb began to voice protest, but she was already too set in her ways for her to turn around again. Caleb was forced to accept her idea, even though he only knew his part in it. A whisper barely escaped her lips, "Do what Father taught you and you'll make it out of this Quinn," she unsheathed her play sword.

The dogs saw her before she saw them, with sight of their prey they switched directions, but they heard the crack of the whip again. Two of them continued after the scent of the boy, while one now chased Quinn. _No, this can't work out this way, he'll never make it out this way. _As the dog began to gain ground on her she quickly scampered up a large oak tree that looked close to falling into pieces. She crouched on a branch as the dog sprinted through the forest and ran up to the tree trying to bite her. The dog began to jump but came to no avail as she was too far up in the tree. The crack of the whip came again, but this time it wasn't for the dog it was for her.

"Do you think you could escape me and my hounds so easily girl? They will soon have your friend, after I'm finished with you," the kennel master said a hood covering his face making it impossible to see anything under it. Worn Noxian battle armor covered the rest of his body. His red cloak also shook in the wind with the breeze, as he caressed the whip in his left hand. "I can think of many exquisite ways to use this on you," the man said chuckling as if he were mad. "Come down here girl, and this will all be over quickly, don't come down and well...I'll have a rather jolly time," he began to cackle uncontrollably with his final words.

Quinn began to shake in fear as she could only imagine what the man was referring to. However, she was given no choice on coming down from the tree as the branch she was crouched on snapped under her weight. A scream tore from her lips as she began to fall rapidly towards the ground. The dog jumped in the air to catch her mid fall. It never made it an inch off the ground as 3 bolts suddenly protruded from its neck.

A familiar figure caught her as she very nearly fell onto the ground, "It's okay baby doll, its me, its daddy," Quinn's father said as tears began to fill her eyes as she put her head against his chest. "Look away now, you don't need to see this,". She followed her father's orders and looked away from the kennel master. The sound of the repeating crossbow, and the sound of bolts stabbing into flesh caused Quinn to shake uncontrollably. Caleb's scream broke through the forest as her father set her down next to the tree. "Stay here I need to get your brother now, I'll be back before you know it,".

Her fathers hunting cloak flapped in the wind as she watched him burst into a run towards the sound the screams had projected from. After she lost sight of her father all she could look at was the man with that 3 bolts sticking out of his cranium, a perfect head shot, but extremely disturbing for Quinn even if the man had just tried to kill her. She stared at the man unable to think of anything but the safety of Caleb until her father returned.

He was hunched over sobbing uncontrollably as something hung limp in his hands. It was Caleb's practice sword covered in blood from the hilt up. Quinn yelled into the air and began smashing her head into the oak tree as she came to the realization of why her father was crying. She quickly blacked out.


	2. Obligations

_**Obligations**_

Her eyes burst open as she awoke from the nightmare that had plagued her dreams for years. Tears swelled in her eyes as she remembered her brother. "Why'd it have to be you," Quinn said in between sobs, "My stupid pan took you away from me." Quinn still blamed herself for the loss of Caleb six years ago, "If only I had the strength you possessed," Quinn said as light began to pour into her window. _We must never fail to rise Quinn, Demacia will need us one day._

Quinn sat up off of her bed as letting feet rest on the wooden floorboards which let out a soft cry. She examined her shift until she was dissatisfied enough with its condition to change into another. After putting on her shift she dressed in her usual emerald-green trousers, littered with holes; brown boots, covered in grass stains accompanied by mud; and a red shirt that hung loosely on her form. Fully dressed, Quinn stepped into the living room to see if her father had woken. She was met with silence as she stepped out into the living room, her father nowhere to be found. _Might as well go and wash my hair before he wakes._

The sun barely hid behind the trees as she stepped outside onto the farm her father owned. Her father didn't own much, as he was a hunter over a farmer, but he had enough for them to make it by if he wasn't successful at his catches. Quinn started towards the forest where a river sat a few hundred yards from the property. She inhaled the smells of the forest as she walked within it. The smells soothed her as she continued towards the river. She stopped in her tracks, mouth sitting agape as she looked at what sat in the clearing.

It flapped its Demacian blue wings as it enjoyed the refreshing splash of the water. The droplets shined in the bright sunlight as they played along with the eagle. Indigo stood erect on the edge of its wings and grey tinted its underbelly. It seemed carefree, almost invincible, as it splashed in the water. "I thought they were extinct," Quinn muttered under her breath. The Demacian Eagle heard the words and turned towards the sky, his three-foot wingspan spread to gain flight fast. He soon caught air, and soared into the sky as Quinn watched in awe.

She stood at the edge of the clearing still trying to get over the sight she had just witnessed. The Demacian eagles were said to be myths that sprouted from the many legends that defined the land. Yet, she had just bared witness to a living one merrily playing in the river. She quickly grabbed a few feathers the eagle had lost in order to gain such quick flight. She then frantically washed her short raven hair, before rushing back to the house to show her father.

Quinn quickly made it back, and hastily opened the door. She heard the clang of pans in the kitchen and made her way through the living room into the kitchen as fast as she could get her legs to move. "Welcome back, Quinn I thought I'd make Caleb's favorite meal today in remembrance," her father said a smile sprouting on his face, "Your brother always enjoyed running up to your mother when she cooked bacon," he said greasing the pan. "Six years to this day, can you believe it sweet pea?" he said his voice distraught.

"As if it were yesterday," Quinn said sighing as she looked at the feathers she had collected. "Only if he were with us today," the feathers began to crack under the clench of her hands, so she relieved pressure.

"After this I was thinking me and you could head up to his grave and give our respects. What do you think of that?" he asked as he began to grease the pan.

"I think that's a grand idea, but I have something to show you first," Quinn said holding out the feathers. Her father examined at the feathers, and prepared for the incoming story. " You won't believe it, a Demacian Eagle was in the river taking-" she was cut off as her father set down the pan, and tore the feathers out of her hand. "What was that for?" she asked as he examined the feathers, most notably the indigo tips.

Sticking the feathers into his pocket he turned to Quinn, "We'll have to postpone this till later Quinn. This'll be the catch of the decade if I'm able to bring down that bird. We'll be safe for a long time with the money it'll bring."

"You're going to poach it!" Quinn exclaimed as she grabbed for her father as he walked through the living room. "It could be the last of its kind father you can't kill it, not today," she said trying to plead with him.

"I'm sorry Quinn, but if I don't do this I won't be able to support us, the hunting isn't bringing home as much as it used to; I wouldn't do this if I didn't have to. I'm sorry, Quinn," he said as he closed the door behind him.

She fell into a chair, defeated. She sat there for what seemed like hours until she got back up again. Her father had not returned, and made no sign of coming back soon. _I guess I'll just have to visit him myself then._ Quinn said heading out into the brisk afternoon breeze.

She walked through the forest for what felt like ages, until she came across his grave, sitting right next to their mothers. Both pained her to look at, but they also brought a sense of comfort being where they rest. She sat in front of Caleb's grave as she thought about what they would be doing if he were still alive._ We would likely be in the Demacian Volunteers by now._ He always liked the idea of the volunteer forces. She sat for a while longer thinking about her brother, until she decided to depart. As she stood up, she heard a cry of pain come from above. She looked up to see a bird falling fast to the ground, its blue wings now covered in blood. Not caught the bird and looked at Caleb's grave as she said, "I won't let you be slaughtered."


	3. Hunter's Path

**_Hunter's Path_**

Blood poured from the eagle's right-wing spilling out onto her shirt as she held him tight in order to apply pressure on the wound. The eagle looked at her, his eyes glazed over in pain, he seemed to be questioning if he could trust her. His squirming stopped as he came to a decision. "It's okay," she whispered in his ear, "I won't let him hurt you," the bird rested against her body, being comforted by the words. _Why am I doing this, we need the money._ Muffled footsteps began behind her as she held the bird closer to her chest. She did not turn to address her father.

"Quinn, let go of the bird," her father's stern voice commanded. She merely shook her head, still staring towards her brother's grave. "If we don't get this money we won't last another month," his voice began to shake, "I'll be forced to sell the land, and move into the city leaving the forest behind. Do you really want that Quinn?" She turned towards her father.

"You won't be needing the money from the bird, I'm joining the volunteers," her tone was uncompromising. "I'm leaving tomorrow, _with_ the eagle," she turned back towards her brothers grave as she finished. _I must do this for you, mother, and father._ The eagle had begun to squirm at the sight of her father. Quinn caressed the feathers on his forehead trying to comfort him. The bird nuzzled into her chest accepting her act of kindness.

Her father's hand came to rest on her shoulder as he said, "you can keep the bird, but you aren't going to join the volunteers. I'll find another way to make money. I'm not going to lose you as well,". Droplets began to fall from the sky, promising a storm to come. Wind rustled at leaves that rested on the graves of the fallen. "You can't leave me Quinn; I can't do this by myself," he said the droplets covering his tears. His hand began to shake on her shoulder.

"I need a purpose to continue life father, I can't end up like..." her eyes drifted towards her mother's grave as she cleared her throat, " this'll work out for everyone besides the Noxians."

"This'll work for everyone, but me," he mumbled. "War is brewing do you really want to be in the middle of it when the powder keg ignites? Not even Caleb would want you in that," his voice began to regain its confidence as he continued, "you wouldn't even make it a damn day out in real war. The shit you _played_ as kids is nothing compared to real war. Dogs tearing out a boys intestines is r..." he recoiled from the slap.

"You...you don't.." tears rolled down her face, "I'm leaving tonight," she held onto the eagle even tighter as if it gave her confidence, because of this blood soaked her shirt. "Goodbye father," the words came out hoarse. She walked away, not allowing herself to look back. _I won't be able to make it if I look back at what I'm leaving behind._

"Go, go die like the _man_ you are. Ain't no one gonna miss you back here. Not even your damn brother. Go die for the great _Demacia_," he spat. His voice was soon drowned out by the rain. It had picked up and now began to clean her blood soaked shirt.

She walked towards the nearby town while her mind was racing with thoughts. She couldn't remember the last time she defied her father like that._ Far too long for my own sake the man showed his true nature tonight._ The eagle had shortened its breaths, and let out weak cries of pain. The injury had really take it out of him, if she didn't hurry she was afraid it could be fatal. "It's okay little guy, we're almost there, just a few more minutes,". She wiped her hair to the side as it began to obstruct her vision. "It'll be me and you against the world, you can't give up on me already."

The lights of town broke through the dense forest. "Look, you can see the doctor's house from here you're going to make it,". She approached the door and knocked three times, indicating an emergency. The doctor rushed to the door, and let her inside. He looked to see if she was injured before he noticed the animal she was carrying.

"Quinn I can't save every animal you decide to bring to my doorstep," the doctor said as he sutured up the wing, "I don't even know if this one will be able to fly after this,".

"This'll be the last time I need this, I'm joining the volunteers," the doctor looked at her as if she was half mad. "My dad thinks the same, but I have to do this for both me and him," she said pointing at the bird. "He's special I just know it,".

"This bird sure has a lot of courage, not even twitching as I do my craft, never seen anything so calm in my entire life," he cleared his throat as he continued. "I'm not the one to tell you what to do with your life Quinn, you're old enough to lead your own and the gods know you've been through enough to make your own choices,".

She stared at the eagle, "I know I'm making the right choice, I just don't know if it's the best choice,".


	4. The Hunter's Dance

**Authors Note: Hope you guys enjoy, the next chapter should drop in about a week. **

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**_The Hunter's Dance_**

_The swords danced in their hands, grins plastered on their faces. They were joyful thinking nothing could harm them. The sun stood high promising a day full of bright memories. The coming of spring brought the eyes much pleasure. Innocent laughter pleased the ears. Clattering of steel began to overpower the sounds of laughter. The f__lowers fed off a stream of blood. The sun boiled her back as she looked at the victim. He whispered with his dying breath, "You cannot escape me Quinn,". A hand grabbed at her hair sending it thudding into the ground._

Her eyes burst open from the impact her head had hitting the cart. She let out a grunt as light poured into her eyes. "Little birdie finally decides to wake does she?" the man driving the cart said, wanting to make her life a living hell after the eagle nipped at him. His comment brought laughter to the soon to be volunteers, all of which were male. She had become acquainted with them over the weeks since she left home. They were just names and empty faces, soon to be swallowed by the world they were entering. _Father was right, I don't stand a chance. _

The eagle stuck his head out of her knapsack at the sound of laughter. She had decided to start calling him Valor, as it seemed to fit the courage he had for such a small thing. He looked only six months old, with a broken wing, he would rely on her for survival. _To survive these brutes I'll likely need you as well. _ "What is it little birdie? Forget how to speak, like your eagle forgot how to fly?" his yellow teeth parted as he laughed at his own joke.

"No, I was just contemplating if I should let him get a bite at you, the gods know I wouldn't hold him back this time," the last was just a whisper only for her own ears. Her teeth grated as her eyes locked with the man. His stomach bouncing with every slight movement of the cart.

"You best watch your tongue _girl _they won't take any lip where you're heading, but they may end up using it," spit flung from the mans mouth as his laughs broke through the countryside. He was soon joined in with laughter from the other volunteers. _If this is what'll defend our borders, then may the gods make our deaths ever so merciful. _She sat back allowing the laughs to wash over her, waiting for them to reach their destination.

It took a few hours of open roads, full of laughter until they saw the outline of the camp. "Look out there on the horizon, that's where your new life will begin. The shield of Demacia always needs new troops to fill in with each battering it takes. That shield will never fall while you're living, that shield will never fall until we decapitate the head of Noxus with it," he spat at the ground when the word Noxus left his mouth. Everyone in the cart did the same, they understood their purpose, and they had the hatred to see it through.

_I'll be sure to look every damn one in the eye so they can see what they've put me through, Noxus will bleed. _The cart reached the outskirts of the camp which consisted mostly of small farms, and basic storage facilities. Farther into the camp training fields, and barracks became visible. They stopped in front of one of the barracks, which consisted mostly of oak.

"This is your stop, had a joy lugging most of you over the countryside. Make sure you give ol' William a shout if you see him again," with the cart driver finishing the twenty-seven volunteers hopped off the back of the cart. They all came face to face with a man standing erect, seeming to scan each and every one of them as they piled off of the cart. His eyes lingered on a scrawny boy the longest, a fire filled the man's eyes a challenge. Quinn grabbed her knapsack as she hopped off of the wagon being glad to not have to deal with William, for a long time to come. Valor began to rustle in the sack, as Quinn began to ignore him her attention was solely focused on the man.

A silver rapier sat on the man's left hip. Demacian blue coated his jacket. His long chestnut hair swept behind his ears, and a long curly mustache warmed his upper lip. He seemed to stand relaxed, but also at attention. He stared at Quinn for a moment, her knapsack a bit longer, before he moved his eyes onto the other recruits. This man was surprisingly intimidating for his height of five feet three inches. He cleared his throat, "William decided to finally get you here did he? No matter you made it here in one piece that's all I can really ask from the gods, or what they'll grant me at least," he cleared his throat before he continued. "I am Sergeant McHenricks, your company commissioned training officer," he looked quickly around at the faces before him, all relaxed with no sign of discipline.

"You will be forced to earn the Demacian blue through hard work and extensive training. You maggots will take longer than most. If you aren't willing to accept that you're a maggot or-" Quinn and a few others chuckled, "Did I say something amusing?" They all shook their heads no. "Then why's miss bird bitch laughing," he said staring at Valor poking his head out of the sack. Quinn glared at the man not willing to take his harassment. "We can have this staring contest all day or you can get your shit together, and respect your commanding officer." Starting to feel awkward Quinn broke eye contact and instead began to look at Valor.

McHenricks continued his speech, "If you aren't willing to accept that you're a maggot or likely to quit before you even wear the Demacian blue, then you might as well quit now," he took a moment to see if anyone wanted out. With no one stepping forward he continued, "You will earn no titles in the volunteers, you will be in no legends, and you'll likely die your first year in the field. Your duty will be to your friends, family, and Demacia itself." McHenricks looked skyward to notice the sun stood only halfway to its apex. He smirked, "Looks like we have time today to test your skills with the sword."

McHenricks lead them to an open field in the center of the camp He stopped by a weapons rack filled with practice swords, and other weapons. "Who would like to impress me first?" he asked motioning towards the weapons rack. The scrawny boy, likely her own age, named Albert was the first to step forward. He grabbed a Quarterstaff, which upright stood about three feet higher than him, it was a rather amusing sight to Quinn, but she kept her composure. A man named Bennett stepped forward, Quinn allowed her thoughts to wander while looking at him, but quickly caught herself. His strength seemed to want to escape his very being, he was extremely well toned, slightly tanned. _He's perfect, Albert doesn't stand a chance._ McHenricks scowled at Bennett as he grabbed a practice greatsword.

The two combatants stood opposite from each other only fifteen feet separating them. They both raised a fist to their heart acknowledging the duel, "Begin," McHenricks spat as he waited for the clear results. Bennett struck first as he brought the greatsword crushing down on Albert's Quarterstaff. pain filled Albert's eyes where a fire of battle stood just moments ago. Crushing swing after crushing swing hit the Quarterstaff causing more displeasure in Albert, Quinn didn't even notice. She was too fascinated by the power Bennett was wielding, it was as if the gods themselves had taken control of his body. One last swing sent the Quarterstaff splintering. Albert sank to his knees from the pain and crush of absolute defeat.

McHenricks motioned them both back away from the duel, glaring at Bennett as he walked back into line Quinn set her knapsack down, and stepped forward. Jared, the only person she had befriended on the two-week journey to the camp, stepped forward as well. They both grabbed shortswords, and waited for the orders to begin. They were given, and Jared immediately lunged at her. She easily side-stepped it and cracked him with the sword on his back. Much to her surprise he immediately recovered and was able to strike her sword arm before she could even think of reacting. He followed that with a strike which connected with her chin. She stumbled backwards from the impact. _He's faster than me, and packs a bigger punch, what the hell am I supposed to do? _Jared made another lunging attack, which she attempted to dodge. A smirk crossed his face as she was predictable, the sword hilt crashed into her temple as he anticipated the dodge. Her vision blurred, but she quickly recovered. _That's going to leave one hell of a bruise. _

Jared didn't relent as he was on he yet again, sending a horizontal slash for her temple. _Let the sword control you, and you'll fall even the toughest of foes. Let your mind clear, and let the sword guide. _The memory of her father's lesson only lasted half a second, but her sword was up in time to deflect, and counter attack into his ribs. _Your opponent will slowly overwhelm you if they are allowed to stay on the offensive. _Jared was caught off guard with the sudden offensive stance Quinn took. She quickly began landing strikes until he landed on the ground a sword aimed at his throat, and his sword nowhere to be found.

Quinn put out her hand to pull him up. "You fought well," she said.

"I only hope to match your talent one day," he replied following the Demacian honor code for duels. They each raised their fist to their heart, and made their way back into the line. McHenricks motioned Quinn to stop, and Bennett to step forward. They waited for the order to begin. _He must really hate me to see me slaughtered by someone of much greater skill and strength. _

McHenricks watched Quinn closely as he said, "Begin," he waited to see how she would perform. Bennett sent a swing aimed at her left shoulder. She pivoted at the last moment and sent the hilt of her sword slamming into this nose. It began gushing blood, but it didn't seem to slow him. He followed up his previous attack by sweeping her feet, causing Quinn to slam face first into the ground. _We're gonna fight dirty are we? _She picked up dirt off the ground and tossed it into his eyes. Blood and dirt now covering his eyes allowed Quinn to quickly sweep his feet and disarm him while he lay on the ground dazed. Even after this he wasn't finished as he grabbed her sword arm and flung her onto the ground along with him. She fell exhausted, unable to get up or resist the oncoming punches that began to batter her face. McHenricks exclaimed, "You buffoon, you've won have you no honor!" Quinn quickly fell unconscious.


	5. Crimson Streams

**_Crimson Streams_**

_Her maniacal laugh broke through the battlefield. She shouted, "Noxus shall bleed," as she cut through the bodies as if they were butter. Crimson soaked her from head to toe, yet she had the desire to bathe in more. Quinn's golden eyes fell on the noxian civilians like a hawk hunting for mice. She cut through them as they tried to escape. She paused the slaughter as a voice called her name. Fueled by rage she hunted the speaker. She spotted a boy calling for her; she cut him down without hesitation. His scream froze her solid "oh god no…" she reached towards the limp body._

_Her hand rested on his grave. Tears streamed her face as she read the words engraved over and over._

_**You are still our knight. Death can't hold you from your dreams.**_

_The two simple sentences clouded her vision as her fingertips grazed across them. She cursed the gods for taking him instead of her. She cursed her father for saving her first. She looked down at herself to see what the gods had left in his place. She was bone where he was muscle. She was a dreamer where he was an adventurer. She was an idiot where he was a genius. She would have laughed at these two individuals being twins if it wasn't personal. She whispered while kneeling in front of his grave, "I'm sorry brother I've failed you. Your shoes are too large to fill." Her head rested on his grave as tears began to choke her voice, "I shouldn't have fooled myself into thinking I could fill them in the first place."_

_A hand rested on her shoulder comforting her as a feminine voice filled her ear, "Your job has never been to fill his shoes," the hand moved to smooth her hair. The soothing voice of her mother continued, "You have your own role to fill the gods make sure of this." Quinn let the words comfort her, but she was still unable to remove her hand from the tear soaked grave. "Our wings always grow differently from what we would wish."_

Her eyes shot open meeting Valors as he stared deep into hers. Concern in his eyes was quickly replaced with relief as her eyes shot open. Trainees looked over her waiting to see if she could stand without assistance. She chuckled, "I must be rather good-looking for you all to be staring for so long," this was followed with some of the trainees growing beet red while some of the others followed in her laughter. Bennett was nowhere to be found, and neither were any of the other duelists.

Valor hopped off her chest as she stood up and asked where the sergeant went. A trainee, she believed his name was Arnold, said he went to chew Bennet a new ear until the medic arrived to check on her. As if on cue a medic entered the clearing. Quinn noticed it was not simply a medic, but rather a healer. The healers of Demacia bended the light itself to heal wounds; while it was a draining process it left no long-term physical or mental scarring on either the patient or the healer. She was slightly surprised to see one at a training camp of all places. The healer wore green robes signifying her role in the light magicks. Her blonde hair shook in the light breezes that crossed the clearing. A smile crossed her lips at the attention she received from the trainees.

She took a look at Quinn's wounds, gashes and bruising on the cranium, before commenting, "McHenricks always seems to break in trainees their first day off the cart. Looks like you got it easier than the last batch he had. Poor kid had to walk with a limp for a week even after my healing," she grabbed Quinn by her chin getting a better look at the lacerations that covered her upper skull. The medic turned to the other trainees, "You are to return to your barracks until the sergeant returns," some protests began as they had no idea where their barracks was. The medic ignored them and turned back to Quinn, "You will follow me, it's not safe to do this work outside," Quinn nodded as the medic turned expecting Quinn to follow. Quinn quickly grabbed her knapsack, which Valor eagerly jumped into before following.

The medic waited to hear the footsteps of Quinn before slowing down. She looked at Valor sticking his head out of Quinn's bag. She stared at it for a little while before asking, "What's with the bird?"

Quinn let out a long tired sigh, "It's a long story." _Why am I so comfortable right now? _

The medic motioned towards a cobblestone building. It looked no different from the ones Quinn could recall at the village near her father's farm. They entered inside in which Quinn found a unordinary layout for a medic. A sitting area was visible to the right of the door, oaken chairs with leather cushions surrounded a large table made of white ice. Quinn approached it and laid a hand on the table. She pulled her hand back instantly as pain pulsed through her hand, "Freljordian white ice, never chips and never melts, never cheap either," the medic chuckled. Quinn was lead deeper into the clinic before they stopped in front of a bench that sat at Quinn's waist. "Make yourself comfortable, this won't be easy on your body," the medic waited for Quinn to follow the command.

The medic looked at Valor once again, "I didn't think I'd ever lay my eyes on a Demacian eagle. First time for everything I guess. Have you ever endured curative magic?" The medic frowned as Quinn shook her head no. "It won't be that bad. It'll sting a little, and will be tiresome, but that's all," Quinn easily caught the lie, thus preparing her for the worst.

The medic raised her hands to the sides of Quinn's temple. They stood inches from her head as a faint light began to emit from the centers of her palms. The light slowly intensified as the healer began to raise her hands to the top of the skull. _This isn't so bad, don't know what the big deal… _A thousand needles stabbed at her skull and into her brain at once. She tried to recoil from the pain, but a force she could not feel kept her still. She attempted to scream, but only a squeak came out. The glow of the hands intensified with the pain. Quinn's nails dug deep into her palms, her back spasmed, tears rolled down her face. All she could do was focus on the pain, pleading silently with the gods to make it stop.

The light dimmed as Quinn crumpled on the bench. A hand smoothed her hair and a soothing voice whispered, "It's over, let the sleep take you. It'll be easier on you." Quinn had no choice in the matter as she slept from exhaustion. Valor watched, concern still glazed over his eyes he lay on top of her, resting on her stomach.

_A forest sat undisturbed. A welcomed wind blew into the forest. It blew the leaves into new formations, and gave the trees respite from the humid day. Welcome animals followed the wind into the forest. They gave the forest life and death it had never experienced. The forest was at peace till an unwelcome shadow entered the forest. It had followed the animals to which the forest was sheltering. The forest was powerless to stop the shadow it only wished the shadow to cause as little damage to its state of peace as possible._

_Quinn rubbed her fingers along the tracks. After determining they were fresh she continued the hunt. Leaves cracked under her feet as she followed the tracks. The tracks lead her into a clearing. The sounds of the forest stopped as she entered. She drew steel as her eyes scanned for the imminent threat. She felt the blade before his breath. "The hunter should always fear being hunted," Caleb's voice whispered in her ear. The blade was pulled away as she turned to face him._

_His hazel eyes looked down at her, a triumphant smile plastered on his lips. She sheathed her sword as she hugged her brother. "I've missed you. You've been gone far too long."_

"_I'm sorry Quinn. I've been quite busy after they transferred me from the volunteers. The duties of an assassin leave very little time to return home," Calebe released the hug. He had always been the better fighter. Demacian high command decided he was good enough to put his skills to use. Quinn was left in the dust with the other recruits. _

_The following days passed like a blur to Quinn. He was called back to the capital, while she was shipped off to the border. She sat at the border bored from the lack of action. She had envisioned this occupation to be a constant battle with Noxian forces. The legends told of the great heroes at the battles that held the Demacian border. Quinn frowned as she was ordered to fetch spring water again._

"_Always making me get his damn water. If I wanted to sit under the commander all day doing his work I would have become a squire." The mountainous terrain caused Quinn to slip a few times on the way to the spring. Pulling herself up from the tenth slip she heard voices close behind her._

"_Are you sure this is the time to strike?" a feminine voice asked._

"_They've fallen into a state of comfort there is no better time to strike. Demacia needs to learn its lesson," a masculine voice spat. Quinn could swear it sounded just like Caleb, but why would he be talking about Demacia as an enemy Quinn turned around just as the female turned the corner. The two met eyes, but before Quinn could react blood covered the assassins blade. Hazel eyes met her gold as the man turned the corner. A fire burned in his eyes as he watched her claw at the crimson streaming from her neck. She sat in confusion as her blue coat was replaced with red. "The strong must replace the weak." _

Quinn sat up, and held Valor deep in her chest. She understood what she would have to do, but was she wasn't sure if she was willing.

* * *

**Authors Note: **Sorry about the late upload. Been having a bit of a writers block recently, and have been trying my best to overcome it. If you haven't caught on yet I'm using new league lore, or what we have of it so far. This means that I'm going to create some things while I go, such as the different magicks that'll introduce as I progress through the story. I also intend for this to be long as I still haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg. I'll try making the chapters longer, but I'll always get a chapter out to you guys every week. That's all I can think of right now. If you have any questions feel free to leave a review.


	6. Friendly Advice

_**Friendly Advice**_

Valor looks at her concern filling his eyes yet again. "It's okay Valor, I'm fine I still have you," Quinn said reassuring him as she smoothed his feathers. She smoothed them incorrectly causing them to stick up. Valor shook his head in disagreement she couldn't tell if it was from her touch or her words. Cold sweat covered her brow as she began to take in her surroundings.

The soft chirp of distant crickets filled the air. The crackle of a fire could be heard from another room. A rough wind pushed against the building trying to bring pain to its inhabitants. Soft footsteps approached the room she occupied.

The medic's blonde hair sat loosely on her shoulders, this was the only change Quinn could notice from the encounter she had with her earlier this afternoon. "Good you're awake. McHenricks wants you back at the barracks. I'll show you the way," she says grabbing a lantern and igniting its flame. Valor follows Quinn into the cold night like a baby chick following its mother back to its nest. _I really need to get an armguard. This has to be demeaning for him…_

"How long have you been a medic?"

"I've been working with the magicks for about fifteen years now, a combat medic for the past five. I just got moved here a couple months back. They've recently been moving us medics away from the field ever since the fighting has died down."

Quinn nodded at the words of the medic as they washed over her. She was caught in her thoughts. _What made me see Caleb in that way? Why wasn't Valor with me? What made me think of myself so poorly?_ Quinn was pulled from her thoughts as the medic caught her interest.

"They've been pulling the forces ever since the prince and knight Garen began to tour the nation in an attempt to raise moral."

Quinn can't stop herself from blurting out, "Are they coming here?" Her cheeks turn pink from the sudden outburst. The medic doesn't notice as she merely shakes her head. Quinn grew giddy from the news as it has always been her dream to meet Ser Garen; meeting royalty would be icing on the cake.

"They're planned to make it here in two weeks time. The sergeant's have a lot of work ahead of them if what happened to you today is commonplace among the other recruits," the medic stops as she turns towards Quinn. "I've been in your position before. You best try to make more friends than just your bird. It'll make your life easier and much more enjoyable." Valor caws in agreement causing Quinn to give him a look full of disappointment and betrayal. He looks back defiantly causing her to chuckle at the stubborn bird. _Seems like someone I know._

A few minutes more of the medic creating small talk and they had made it to the barracks. "Nice speaking with you Quinn. Hopefully I won't be forced to work on you again. Consider my advice as it'll take you a long way." With that she walked away the light dimming as she slowly disappeared into the night.

Instead of going into the barracks Quinn headed out towards the forest. The calm of the forest would help her think, and allow her to shake off some of the stress the training had already put her through. Walking into the forest that surrounded the camp seemed to wash away her burdens all at once. Entering the forest she picked up Valor and began to sprint among the trees.

The beauties of forests only truly became apparent at night. The shine of the moon on the tree limbs , and how its light bounced off of the water always brought Quinn to a state of comfort. Her sprint brought her to a clearing where a large oak seven times her width sat undisturbed close to a river. She sat underneath the tree, as she found she needed to catch her breath. She let go of Valor, and let him roll around in the leaves.

She looked at the eagle closely noticing his wing was healing, miraculously, and was healing quite quickly. "You should be able to fly in about a weeks time. How does that sound?" she asks playfully tossing a pinecone at him. He bounces back away from it cawing in annoyance. Quinn finds herself chuckling again. She couldn't recall the last time she had chuckled so many times in one day. She let the thought slip away as she was just glad to be enjoying herself again. She tossed another pinecone at Valor. This time he caught it in his beak and whipped his head causing it to shoot back towards her.

Crunching of leaves from behind interrupted her and Valor. They both turned towards the disturbance to find it was only Albert. "What are you doing out here?" they both ask simultaneously. They both sit in silence for a second reveling in the awkward moment. Quinn clears her throat, "It matters not we're both out here so McHenricks can skin us both if he wishes,". Valor stares at Quinn, before Quinn understands and turns back to Albert who is standing a fair distance away from the pair. "You can come sit he won't bite." With that Albert approaches the tree and sits across from Quinn.

Albert immediately jumped into questions as soon as his bottom landed on the soft earth, "Where did you learn to fight like that? I haven't ever seen a woman fight like that before. You fought dirty when you had to, honorably when you wished to, but skillfully all the way throughout."

Quinn grew red in the cheeks her modesty getting the best of her, "My father used to be in the volunteers. He taught me everything I know. Well not the dirty fighting, I learned that from my fights with my brother," a faint smile showed on her lips. "Where'd you learn how to use a Quarterstaff. I've only seen it used by farm hands to defend themselves."

Albert straightened his slanted back as she took interest in him. "It's the only weapon I've ever used. Me and my siblings would fight each other for trivial matters. We seemed to never use our fists, but rather the Quarterstaff. It never made my mother very happy. Especially since I always seemed to win," he boasted.

Valor moved up to Albert putting his head beneath his hand. "It's okay, he wants you to. Stubborn bird usually likes to bite at people. Seems he likes you." Albert smoothed the feathers Quinn had disturbed earlier that night. Valor pushed against his hand in appreciation.

"He have a name?"

"It's Valor. He seems to possess great courage for an animal of his size." Quinn said as Valor grew bored of the boy's attention and walked back over to Quinn. "It's late we best head back to the barracks. I heard that the next few weeks are going to be tough." Albert nodded and followed Quinn back to the barracks. _Maybe I should listen to her advice… It doesn't seem as hard as I thought it may have been._

Days passed and McHenricks grew harder on them each day. He drilled discipline into them. He needed them to be obedient by the time the prince would arrive. He showed them their recruit uniforms. It looked similar to McHenricks dress uniform. Blue slacks with an indigo jacket. The only thing it was missing was the pair of golden wings that fit snug on a volunteers collar. "You'll only get these if you are able to pass my test. If you fail to pass this test in a weeks time you'll be removed from the volunteers and sent back home." The group sat in anticipation to hear what their test would be.

"You will sit here in the scalding sun for the next three hours. You will not complain, you will not converse, you will not say a word. If you must relieve yourself it'll be in your trousers. You will do nothing but stare at the wall of the barracks." Some complaints rose from the trainees, but they were quickly stifled by the sergeant, "You will do this or you won't get your jacket," he says raising the jacket for all to see again.

Valor looked up at Quinn rolling his eyes. Quinn was able to keep the laugh from breaking through her lips. "Begin" the sergeant's voice commanded. They all turned towards the wall. Quinn wondered if they would get lunch today. _I sure hope so the marching this morning has caused me an quite an appetite today._ It took only a few minutes before the first recruit broke. He turned to talk to a friend. The friend ignored him as McHenricks seemed to leave a mental note for himself, but said nothing to either one of the recruits.

Quinn grew bored quickly, what felt like hours to her turned out to only be around thirty minutes. She turned to talk to someone, but was annoyed when they didn't respond either. She could feel the glaring eyes that poked into the back of her skull. The three hours passed and only three other recruits broke during that time.

"All but the five of you head up to the lunch hall. You five stay behind, I need to speak with you…" Quinn sat staring at Valor until McHenricks spoke again. "If you can't follow orders to do nothing how can your commanders on the field expect you to fight for Demacia?" he spat waiting for a response.

"Sir, this order is ridiculous. What's the point of sitting in front of a wall for that long." Quinn said as the other recruits seemed to shrink from her response. _Are they afraid of this man?_

"Do any of you others have anything to say?" No one answered they all just stared at their feet, "Good you may join the other recruits at the lunch hall. All but Quinn," he quickly looked at Valor, "Take the eagle with you as well. He can follow orders better than her, he deserves to be fed." When Valor resisted Quinn nodded that it was okay for him to go with them. She looked at one of the recruits and he nodded his head in assurance that he'd keep Valor safe. When they all departed McHenricks spoke again.

"It's quite disappointing to see you here in front of me. You're the most skilled fighter I've been blessed with to teach. This is all washed away with your lack of will to listen to simple orders. You'll never get to serve Demacia if you decide to do whatever you wish. We'll have to teach you discipline the difficult way it seems," she followed him head watching her feet. She felt weak, and exposed without Valor she truly underestimated how much she relied on that bird.

McHenricks stopped a recruit with two vertical lines on the collar of his recruits jacket. McHenricks quickly spoke to the boy before departing towards the lunch hall. The boy turns to her, "So you are one of _those_ recruits… you're going to have fun today." Quinn followed close behind as he lead her to a small field with a dirt patch sitting in the middle of it. A shovel sat on top of the patch. "Dig this hole until you hit the rock below. Refill it once you hit the rock. Continue this process until I tell you to stop. Begin" The sun rose from it's slumber when she was told to stop.

* * *

**Author's Note:** I've added Jarvan to the list of major characters. He will be joined by two other champions that I haven't listed yet, and won't till I reach them in the story line. If you have any questions, suggestions or anything at all to help improve the story feel free to PM me or leave a review.


	7. Swift Strike

_**Swift Strike**_

"Stop" the words fill her ears as she falls over from exhaustion. This was the worst punishment she thought she could ever endure. The exercise had no benefit for the camp, she looked like a fool, and she had wasted her time. _This wouldn't have happened if you weren't so stubborn. _She looks down at her collapsed body. Covered in dirt, sweat, and tears she was sure she was a wonderful sight for her fellow recruits. She closed her eyes wanting to rest when she felt a boot crush into her rib cage.

"Get up recruit, you aren't even close to done proving your obedience," the rough voice of McHenricks filled her with anger. She couldn't control the fire in her eyes when she glared at the man. She made sure he understood that she was getting up because she wished, not because he had asked it. The man seemed to not notice her glare as he handed her a bucket. "A well sits on the other side of this camp. You will carry this bucket to the well above your head. You will not spill a drop when you return it to this location. If I'm not satisfied by the amount of water you bring back I'll send you back for more. You'll be fed once you are able to complete this task. Begin."

He followed her as she walked towards the well. Every time her arms bent he yelled at her to straighten them. She followed the order without resisting. It was easier to be on the mans good side everyone seemed to understand this; Quinn seemed to just be learning this idea. Making it to the well she lowered the bucket to collect the water inside. While doing so she noticed the recruits stepping outside to begin morning drills. _Things just got a lot more embarrassing… _

She kept her eyes at her feet as she walked until her sergeant barked at her to keep her eyes forward. The recruits began to point and snicker at her as she walked through the camp, she wanted to run from them, but she knew that would only make this situation worse. A few recruits pointed at her and began to talk amongst each other. One of them seemed to gain enough courage to walk up to the pair. "Let me help you with that," a mischievous smile on the female recruits face as she reached for the bucket. Quinn was too slow to react and the contents of the bucket spilled out onto the ground.

Quinn looked at the spilled water, and back at the female. Her nails bit into her palms as she readied a strike. "Recruit! Pick up the bucket and return to the well," she looked back towards her sergeant. He motioned for her to pick up the bucket. Quinn looked back to find that the other recruit had run off. She kept a mental image of her, and ran through the details of her as she picked up the bucket. _Brown hair full of mud, a crooked smile, a scar on her left cheek, too straight of a face, shallow cheekbones; I'll get you one day… _Quinn made it back to the well and began to fill the bucket yet again. Her arms were killing her from the day and night before, but she pushed on.

"You will not fight that recruit," McHenricks says as they've made it halfway back to the dirt patch.

"What makes you think I'd ever do such a thing?" she says trying to keep the bitterness out of her voice. It fails as the sergeant mutters something inaudible under his breath.

"Demacians do not fight between each other. We have enough enemies to occupy ourselves to start petty fighting between each other." He smirks as he understands what'll sink with her, "No honor waits for those who fight their comrades, even if they despise those comrades. True honor is in the men who forgive the comrades who have wronged him."

"I thought you said we weren't in the volunteers for honor... "

"Every Demacian has their own reasons for joining these corps. I said the corps wouldn't award you honor as many look down on us as the weak shield of the army. We are looked at as cannon fodder for the real army. Some of the greatest knights during the reign of Jarvan came from the volunteers," he points ahead signalling for her to keep walking. She continues to walk forward as he continues, "Unfortunately these days Jarvan III shows little enjoyment for this corp. It's a good thing his son enjoys us, otherwise we would have been disbanded a long time ago," he clears his throat. "Sometimes you will have the greatest honor by not losing any. You'll go far if you can learn two things. Not to fight dirty, and always listen to the orders of your superior."

"How am I supposed to beat opponents of greater skill if I can't let the tides of battle turn on my side?" Quinn says stopping for a moment trying to catch her breath. She couldn't believe how exhausted she felt. _That many hours of digging a hole will do that to you… _

McHenricks scowls for a moment when she stops, but answers her question. "You can never think that you hold the lesser skill. Once you doubt yourself, or give up on the battlefield you'll lose. The great warriors of legend didn't necessarily have much strength or overall skill. What these men held was unwavering courage. Don't worry this courage will come once you've become blooded." He begins to walk again forcing Quinn to follow him.

"Blooded?" Quinn asks as she catches up.

"When you kill your first enemy you'll be able to tell if you'll have the courage to be able to do it again. It's hard to train a soldier to allow his mind to be blooded. It'll be your greatest test, and the one no one can prepare you for."

"Why are you taking so much time to train me solo?"

"I feel it is my duty to Demacia to help the soldiers that show promise, but need the extra push to make it. You just need to understand that I can only help you so far before you'll be forced to carry yourself. You have decided to give your life for our nation, the least I can do is get you prepared to make sure you take down as many Noxians as possible. Here we've made it back. Let me see what you have," he says taking the bucket away from Quinn.

Quinn keeps her composure, but she feels the desire to fall over and stay down for centuries. She had never experienced this much exhaustion. It felt as if the world itself was putting its weight on her shoulders. It took all she had, but she continued to stand as he examined the bucket. "You've brought enough back. Head back to the barracks and rest. Your training will continue later today."

A hand shakes her leg. She looks to see Albert standing next to her bunk, "McHenricks wants to speak with you," she lets out a grumble as he says, "It's urgent."

She pulls herself out of the bunk and dresses herself. Valor watches and lets out a cry when she's finished. "I'm not going to forget about you," she says opening her knapsack and putting him in it. He pops his head out and lets out a long shout filled with glee. "Yes I missed you as well." Her footsteps lead her outside into the rain. The sun sits slightly above the trees. McHenricks turns when he hears the sound of her shoes hitting the mud.

"Walk with me I have something else for you to do." He wears a raincoat, to protect him from the onslaught of water. He seemed to keep his head down as if he were trying to keep his moustache from getting wet. She follows in a long sleeve the corp had provided her with. _At least this rain is pleasant. _

She looks down to see Valor hiding in her knapsack. _Valor doesn't seem to hold the same thought. _She chuckles a little as she notices him glare at her from the bag. "You're the one that wanted to come along," she says teasing the bird. His glare seems to grow fiercer from the words. She can't suppress the laugh. McHenricks seems to ignore the exchange.

McHenricks turns as they make it to one of the many clearings in the camp. "You're the only one in my division yet to receive their recruits coat. You'll earn it today or you'll return home. I have no place for you if you haven't learned yet." Quinn nods as she waits in anticipation for her assignment. The rain eases her as she waits for him to continue. "You'll be asked to do many things while out in the field. You may not agree with what you are told, but you still will need to follow it. It's your duty as a soldier to listen and follow, not interpret and decide."

Quinn nods her head. She wished that she would have made her life easier by not getting on the mans bad side in the beginning. _I could be getting myself prepared for the visit by the prince in two days time… _His voice continues, "These orders can range from something simple such as guarding a wall, all the way to something extremely difficult such as putting a comrade out of their misery. You'll be expected to do all of these without hesitation. Your fellow trainees have proven they can, and now you must as well." He motions for her to follow yet again.

She follows without hesitation. _I need that jacket, it's all I've ever wanted. _She notices something limp lying in the middle of the field as the pair approach it. Quinn notices it twitch, and swears she could hear a cry. She stops herself when it connects what 'it' is. She shakes her head making herself not take another step. _Anything but this… anything but this… _His voice commands, "Follow me, you've almost made it. You can do this." _It may not be so bad, it may not be what I think it is… _She allows her feet to carry her further.

The injured bird twitches as it lay on the ground. The rain keeps it pinned to the ground as it looks at the approaching pair. Panic fills its eyes as it understands what they are here to do. A cry breaks from the bird's beak. "All things must be shown mercy in their times of need," he notices the restraint in her eyes, "You'll do this not to gain your recruit coat, but to show yourself you have what it takes to be a soldier." He hands her a dagger, and she hands him Valor.

"He doesn't need to see this…" McHenricks nods as he takes the knapsack. _I've tried to save everyone I've come across. Sometimes the best way to save them is to allow the gods to handle them… _She grips the dagger. It bites into her hand as she looks down at the bird. "I'm sorry, but this is for the best," she whispers as she crouches next to the bird. Rain mixes with tears as she puts the dagger against his cranium. She pushes down quickly and the dagger cleanly goes through the skull. Quinn and the bird tense at the same moment and then both fall flat. Valor stares at the blood, his eyes share her sorrow.

She stands in the field with the other recruits. Their indigo jackets all proudly worn. The sergeant goes over how tomorrow would go for them due to the arrival of the prince. Quinn can only think of what the jacket has become to her now. It feels like a coat of death, over a coat of celebration. She can't shake the tense of the bird from her mind. A recruit elbows her and she looks at him, he eyes the sergeant. "I'll ask again recruit, is everything okay? You don't have to have the honor of meeting the prince."

"I'm fine, Sir. I won't let my mind wander again sir." McHenricks continues with his speech, but the rest of the day her mind can't escape the thought of the bird.

The parade ground is filled with recruits as they wait for the arrival of their prince. Valor sits on her shoulder. She had found the jacket thick enough for him to sit on without damaging the coat or her. The eagle cawed in anticipation. "We're all excited Valor. Listen you can hear their approach." Trumpets fill the ears of the recruits. Today would be a day they would not soon forget.

* * *

**Authors Note: **Just one more chapter after this one, and you guys will get your action. Just need to set up a few more things before I set the story off. Bare with me :D


	8. Ambitions

_**Ambitions**_

Gold shined through the forest as the trumpets, now accompanied by drums, barked the entrance of the prince. Quinn set her eyes on the horse he sat first. Gold plate covered it from mane to tail. Quinn frowned at the sight of the horse as it didn't seem the horse liked carrying that much weight. It slowly trotted along each step filled with an indent being put into the muddy ground. _At least the horse will likely never see battle, if the prince's show horse were to ever die that wouldn't help morale… _

Quinn moved her eyes to the face of the prince. His eyes seemed to take in every recruit as he examined the large crowd that sat countless meters from his position. He seemed eager to give his speech. _I'd rather be a mutant yordle than give that speech. _His raven hair blew behind him in the wind as his horse lead him to the stage. Drawing closer Quinn saw a welcoming smile plastered on his face.

Jarvan IV got off his horse as he approached the stage. Quinn looked up at the stage to see the lieutenant of the camp giving a short speech before the prince arrived. "The exemplar of Demacia has arrived. He is everything you should aspire to be in a soldier, and for some of you an officer," the lieutenant said until he saw the prince climbing the steps to the stage. The officer rushed out, "At attention recruits!" as he rushed off of the stage to quickly join the others off stage.

The smack of a fist colliding with the heart was made in unison between the recruits and officers. Quinn took in Jarvan as a whole as he slowly ascended the steps. Ornate gold armor covered his body. Emerald sat in pieces of his armor. The gems seemed to reflect more sunlight than the plate. Quinn wanted to wipe her brow of sweat, but knew it would be rude and likely punishable. _How can he be in that armor on a day like this? He must be slowly roasting inside._

She let her thoughts disappear as the prince stood in the middle of the stage. He seemed to wish he had a podium or something similar to lean on. The way he stood indicated he was slightly uncomfortable without anything to occupy his hands. The prince quickly corrected himself and put his hands behind his back. "At ease recruits, this day is for you," he said returning the salute. "As you have probably heard Noxus has been on the run recently. They've been giving up their territory to Demacian forward scouts. This is where soldiers like you come in. The volunteer corp has been since its creation the front lines of the Demacian army. You're the first to shed the blood of the enemy,".

"You're also the first to stop invading noxian forces. Just a decade ago your corp kept at bay the Noxian rush on Demacia. Many of your brethren were lost, but the shield did not break. I ask the same burden of you. I ask you to be both the shield, and the sword. I ask you to be unbreakable and unwavering. I ask you to live up to your dead brethren. I ask you to give your life for the lives of Demacia and its citizens,".

"This is much to ask, but your predecessors gave up just as much to wear the proud blue. Your commanders ask just as much out of you. From what I've heard you recruits have already exceeded the expectations of your commanders. You should be proud, and today shall be a day for you to enjoy yourselves. Ser Crownguard!" Jarvan yelled back into the ranks of horses and men that sat behind the stage.

The entourage slowly dispersed as a single man made his way through the ranks. The might of Demacia slowly approached the stage. He had not been forced into his battle armor like the prince, but rather he stood in his officers uniform as he slowly ascended the stage. Garen looked out at the recruits a frown appeared on his face appeared for merly an instant before he made his face go blank again. He stood by the prince awaiting for his command. "Garen," the knight moved his shoulders at the princes lack of formality, "give the recruits the news," Jarvan said as he slowly descended the steps.

Garen cleared his throat before beginning his portion of the ceremony. "The king has requested that each of the volunteers be tested. The king finds it admirable that you're willing to give your life for your country, and will allow a few of you to serve this protection as the protectors of the city of Demacia itself. You shall be tested in the form of an elimination tournament. The men behind the stage have more information if you're interested in the tournament," with that Garen descended the steps. He quickly made his way to Jarvan's side. They both were lost in the crowd of royal guards that lead them back to the tents.

She brought Valor down onto her arm as the recruits slowly dispersed, many of them heading towards the back of the stage. She scanned the crowd for friendly faces to see Albert and Jared conversing. She waved at them, and they motion for her to approach. "Are you going to join in the tournament," she asked them. They both nodded as she continued with, "It seems every recruit is joining," she said watching the mass of recruits that surrounded tables.

"What are we waiting for?" Jared said as he lead the two toward the table. He turned back towards Quinn as he asked, "So what'd McHenricks have you do to earn your jacket?" She frowned slightly at the question as she hadn't wished to think about that night for a long time to come.

"He made me kill. He believed that any soldier will show if they're obedient once they're blooded. Who knows his logic may be right," she said as she kicked a pebble with her shoe. Before they could ask what she killed she continued, "He had me kill a wounded bird. Killing isn't as easy as I once believed," she said sighing.

Albert jumped into the conversation, "You won't have to be killing all the time if you win the tournament. The gods know you're the best fighter in the camps besides Bennett. You should be able to have a good life thanks to the generosity of the king," he said in an attempt to reassure his friend.

"I don't know if I want to be away from the fighting. I promised my family that I would live and die for Demacia. It seems to me the best way to serve is by being on the front lines. Anyways you two can't discount yourselves you've made it quite a far way while in the camp."

They now stood close to the tables as Jared turned around yet again, "We'll give 'em hell maybe all three of us will be able to make it to the city. Only five hundred others standing in our way. Three versus five hundred is odds I'd take any day," he said a grin plastered on his face. Quinn and albert chuckled, before they were motioned towards a table.

Quinn approached a table where a man with a scar that crossed diagonally from his left eye to the right corner of his mouth sat. She focused on the mans eyes to avoid looking at the scar. "Fill this out and head behind me," he said handing her a piece of paper and motioning for her to move forward. "Next," he yelled.

She picked up a pencil and headed behind the man. She found a large rock and sat Valor down next to her as she began to answer the questions. _Name? Quinn L. Smith. Where were you born? Outside Triam village. Are you of common birth? Yes. Did any of your family serve in the Demacian military? Yes_. Quinn approached the table where they were collecting the sheets and handed them. They nodded and told her to continue forward.

She looked over to the side to see workers frantically writing down names for the tournament. Garen sat in the middle of the group that surrounded 4 dueling circles. Quinn looked for her friends, but couldn't seem to find them. She heard someone approach behind her to see Bennett towering over her. "Best of luck, Quinn. I'll keep the fighting clean if you promise to do the same," Bennett said extending a hand. She accepted the handshake, and watched as he fell back into the crowd.

Garen's voice suddenly broke through the talking of the other recruits. "The tournament is ready to begin. The final four will be given the honor of joining us back to the city of Demacia immediately. May luck favor you on this day, and let the best fighters win," Garen said stepping out and joining Jarvan who sat off to the side watching the battle.

Quinn lost track of time until she heard her name get called for the fifth time. She had made it to the final eight. The recruits had been making bets and had 1-5 odds against her opponent. She cursed silently as she heard the name of who she would be dueling. She knew the two had made it this far, but she had hoped she would have been facing Bennett, and not Jared. Quinn stepped out of the crowd into the dueling arena.

She saw Jared do the same. They stood across from each other. She continued to just use a longsword, the shield McHenricks tried to force upon her just seemed to get in her way. Jared on the other hand seemed a natural with the sword and shield. They bowed towards each other, as they waited for the command to begin. The prince gave the command, and the two launched at each other.

Quinn took the aggressive stance as she swung her sword on the side of his shield forcing him to block, and be on the evasive side. Her left arm swung furiously at the shield, she needed to get that off of him if she wanted to win. Jared let out grunts as the sword smashed into his shield. He waited for his opening. It came as she swung again. He smashed his shield into her hand. Quinn's eyes widened as she saw the sword fly off to the side. She jumped back as a slash tore through the air.

She kept her eyes fixed on the sword as she danced around his sword and shield. He heard him cough out, "Surrender Damnit, you're unarmed." Quinn shook her head as she slowly made him maneuver her so she sat back to her sword. When her back stood to the sword she quickly dodged another attack and sprinted to pick up the sword. She heard something fly through the air behind her head and slid for the sword. The shield gracefully went through where her head had been just a moment ago. The crowd clapped as she picked her sword back up. She saw the prince sit forward and say something to Garen. Garen nodded, and the two continued to watch the duel.

Quinn turned back towards Jared. She tossed the sword from her right hand to her left. _Got to give the crowd what they want to see. _She said smirking as Jared frowned before he let out another slash. She easily tossed the hit aside, and was surprised when he left himself open to counterattack. _He must be exhausted, but he must be the one to win this not me… _Quinn didn't follow through with the winning blow, but instead faked fatigue herself.

She understood what she had to do to make him win. She let her sword come down weakly, allowing him ample time to counterattack. He took the moment as he hit her arm away with his sword. He brought her feet out from under her as he aimed the sword at her throat. She looked for her sword to see it meters to her left. Jared coughed out, "Yield."

"I yield," she said as the crowd let out a disappointed sigh. She wondered how much money they lost. She stood herself up and Saluted Jared before they both turned towards where Jarvan and Garen sat. They saluted the two of them. Jarvan scowled while Garen nodded towards Quinn, they both understood what she did.

"We have our first winner. Congratulate Jared Fletcher. Jared bowed as the recruits clapped for him. The other battles ended quickly and the others joined Jared by the prince. "You have your winners." Quinn saw Bennett up by Jared as Albert sat by her side. Albert had lost in his third round. _Not bad at all from where he started. _Quinn applauded the winners before returning to her barracks. Jared and the others walked with the prince discussing what would happen with them.

On the way back to the barracks Albert asked Quinn why she lost. Valor agreed and asked the same. "That life isn't for me. I want to be in the volunteers. I promised someone a while back that I'd do this no matter what happened. If I would have won I would have broken that promise. I've broken to many as it is,". She heard the approaching sound of footsteps and turned around to see a royal guard rapidly approaching them.

The guard spoke quickly, "Garen wishes to speak with you," he glanced over at Albert, "privately." _He's gonna chew me out for throwing isn't he._ She sighed as she followed the man. The recruits gave her peculiar looks as she followed the guard. She just shook her shoulders and put her hands in the air. They reached a tent, "give me a second," the guard said as he entered the tent. She looked around to see the forest around her. It calmed her as she smoothed Valor's feathers. He pushed into her hand reassuring her that it'd be okay. The guard appeared and opened the tent flap allowing them entry.

Quinn stepped inside to see Garen standing behind a table his back turned to her. _I should be happy I've always wanted to meet Garen… _She cleared her throat, "Sir, you called for me?" Quinn said as Garen slowly turned to face her.

"It is very admirable to allow your friend to win that duel. Many in your corp would kill to be where he is going. Yet you allowed an easy duel to be lost. Were you even fatigued when you lost?" he asked. She shook her head not risking the lie. Garen let out a sigh, "I'm able to take another recruit with me back to the capital. I was wondering if you were interested?" Quinn shook her head. "Why, this is the opportunity of a lifetime you'd have an easy life, and good pay."

"I didn't join the volunteers for these things. I joined the volunteers to serve where others would cower. I joined the volunteers to protect where others would run. I joined the volunteers to give my blood for my nation. Sitting in the city won't satisfy any of these needs sir,".

Garen mumbled, "All these years leading and they still won't follow." Garen cleared his throat, "Good reasons to stay. They'll need fighters like you to maintain the shield. Don't waste your blood you'll need it," he said saluting. She returned the salute as she exited the tent.

She made it back to the barracks to find Jared and Albert conversing. Jared had his things packed as he turned to face Quinn. "You shouldn't have let me win Quinn. You should be the one heading off to protect the capital not me," Jared scowled yet again.

"You really shouldn't scowl so much it ruins your face. I didn't let you win, you won on your skill," she said lieing a grin plastered on her face. Albert kept his head on the ground not wanting Jared to know it was truly a lie. "When are you leaving?"

"They're leaving right now. This was their last stop before they made their way back to the capital. I'll miss the two of you. You're both amazing fighters, and Demacia should be proud to have two as skilled as you fighting under its flag."

"Take care of yourself, who knows we may run into each other again. The gods always have weird plans," Quinn said as a royal guard entered the barracks and motioned for Jared to follow. The three saluted each other before Jared left. Once he had left Quinn slumped over and sat on her bunk. "Now its just me, you, and Valor," Quinn said to Albert. Albert just nodded as he scratched Valor's head.

The hours passed, and the night sky soon took over the camp. Quinn found herself pulling out her journal. She looked at her last entry to see it had been more than 3 years prior. She flipped to a clean sheet, and began to draw Jared. She continued until she sounds of trumpets filled the camp yet again. She looked up from her finished drawing to wonder why they were playing again. The bell tolled, she waited and heard the second time. She held her breath wishing to not hear the third. It came and she felt her world crashing down. She shook Albert from his slumber, "Get up, Noxus seeks blood,".

* * *

**Authors Note: **Bit of a late upload, just have been busy due to the holiday. Working on Chapter 9 and it should be out in a couple of days.


	9. Blooded

_**Blooded**_

The two stared at eachother for a few seconds before Albert sat up. "They would attack us with our breeches down," Albert said getting a nervous laugh from some of the other recruits. Quinn quickly put her journal into her knapsack, and looked frantically for Valor. She found him sitting on her bunk, claws digging into the straw mattress. Valor looks at her fear clearly gripping onto him. Quinn eases him when she gently brushes his feathers with her fingertips. She puts on her recruit coat so Valor can rest on her arm. His eyes brighten as he jumps onto her right arm.

Quinn turns away from her bunk to see the other recruits wearing their own coats. The recruits look at Quinn waiting for her to show them what to do next. She frowns slightly as she understands that she must lead. _Where's the sergeant when you need him. _A few seconds go by before she finds her voice, "We'll wait here until we're called upon,". Many of the recruits nod in agreement, but a few voice protest. "Even if we went out there we have nothing to defend ourselves with. The sergeant should be here soon," Quinn said causing the protesting recruits to become mute.

Quinn listened to the shouts of the camp with the other recruits. Noxian war drums attempted to quell the voices. She wondered how close the Noxians were, and if they sent any forward fighters. She was answered with screams of fighting as the fighting began. The recruits became unsettled at the proximity the fighting was taking place. _You talk of dieing for your nation, but you cower when the gods give you a chance. Your brethren die while you sit, and wait. Your world crumbles while you take inaction. _She rubs her temple attempting to get the thoughts out of her mind. _I need to trust in my decisions if I want to make it out of this. _

The door to the barracks flings open as McHenricks appears before them. Copper stains his sword and his coat as he looks over the recruits. He sheaths his sword as he prepares to speak with the recruits. "Attention recruits," McHenricks yells across the barracks causing the few that were still sitting to approach the man. "I ask much of you this day, but it is needed for you to serve your nation another day. Noxus claws at our doors. They haven't had the gall to attack this deep in decades, but here they stand. All recruits have been ordered to fall back, and head west," McHenricks says looking among the recruits.

"I am of the personal opinion that you all can handle yourselves in combat. If you wish to volunteer to fight I won't deny you that right. Just know we'll be forced to hold back the Noxian force until the camp is cleared. Do I have any volunteers?" the sounds of the fighting grows as he looks among the recruits yet again. Albert is the first to step forward. He merely salutes the sergeant as he takes a step forward. Quinn follows close behind. A few more step forward, but the majority put their heads earthward in shame. "This is nothing to be shameful of. Living to fight another day is something you should focus on. No matter what Demacia tries to tell you, your life is connected with Demacia."

McHenricks pulls one of the recruits that wish to flee aside. Quinn approaches another and asks them to watch over Valor. "If I don't make it back see to it he lands in the right hands," Quinn says getting a nod from the recruit. Valor resists the exchange, but the recruits grip is firm, and Valor still weak. She hears Albert approach from behind and she turns to face him. "Are you sure you are ready for this?" She asks him.

He scowls at the question, "As ready as you are. I'll cover your back if you cover mine. Play this right and we may see another day. If we don't it's been an honor knowing you. If we don't it'll have been a death well served," Albert says putting out his hand.

Quinn shakes it, "Don't worry a few Noxians won't be able to stop us. McHenricks can take a few hundred by himself. He will just need us to take out the underlings," she said as McHenricks finished addressing the recruit. The recruits that didn't volunteer left the barracks and headed for the west, the direction of Jarvan's gathering. McHenricks turned towards the five recruits that stood before him.

"Demacia should be proud to have recruits with half of your courage. If you paid attention to my teachings, and those of our swordmaster you should make it out of this," he cleared his throat. "What you're going to see out here will likely change you. Becoming blooded makes some men mad, but you lot should make it out just fine." The screams of battle grow louder as McHenricks leads them out of the barracks. He directs them towards a weapons rack in which everyone, but Quinn picks up a sword and shield. McHenricks shakes his head slightly as he sees her pick up just a simple shortsword, "That girl will waste her life with that technique," he mumbled.

The group turns the corner to be met with butchered bodies of Noxians and Demacians. Quinn finds herself shaking in fear as she looks at the brutality. The Demacians were cleaved in half while the Noxians had their throats slit. Albert lays his hand on Quinn's shoulder, she gives him a reassuring smile, and begins to stop some of her shaking. The fear does not leave her. Blood provides the nutrients for the ground the group steps on. They continue towards the sounds of battle.

Closing in on the sounds of battle they come across the medic, her blond hair covering the wounds of a fallen soldier. McHenricks approaches her and they share a few words. Quinn sees him anger as the conversation reaches an end. The medic glares at the sergeant as he leaves her side. All he has to say is "Stubborn women," as they continue towards the sound of battle.

They reach the main portion of the battle, and McHenricks divides them into pairs with the fifth recruit to cover his back. The lieutenant sees the sergeant and motions for him to join in on the battle. McHenricks unsheathes his longsword and raises it in the air, "For the king!" Quinn stands still as the others wash over. Watching the battle being pulled away yet again from both fear of failure, and fear of harm. Albert turns around to see Quinn not advancing he quickly runs back.

"Why aren't you following? You volunteered for this."

"I dont' know if I can do this…"

"It's your life or the lives of all the recruits that fled. We need you here Quinn."

Quinn finds herself stepping forward with his words leading her on. She begins to think out loud, "I don't fight for myself. I fight for all those that may one day be lost, or have already been lost. I fight for those I've failed, and those I've helped. I fight for those that one day will follow in my footsteps. I fight for those who one day will lead this nation. I give myself to Demacia so that it may shield itself from the Noxian axe. If the shield needs to be chipped than it must be chipped, but that chip will forever be known."

She finds herself in the middle of the battle with Albert by her side babbling on like a mad woman as crimson flows around her. She pulls herself away from the blood, and focuses on the battle itself. Her father talked about the great dances real battle had, but she hadn't realized how capturing it was until she took the first step. Noxian blades flew at her, but they seemed amateur as she easily danced around them. The Noxians cursed as blood drew from their veins. Many backed away before she could land the killing blow.

Blades flew at Albert, but she blocked for him just like she knew he was doing for her. They worked as one being, one sword, one shield. Even with their efforts the shield wavered. She heard the lieutenant cursing close by, "Mother of god this isn't even their main force. Did they march their whole damn army across the marshes?" The Noxians answered as the war drums and trumpets signaled a charge. _How did our scouts not catch this... _

The Noxians raised their swords as they rushed the Demacian line. Quinn quickly looked over the forces to see they looked to already be outnumbered 100-1. They only held due to the Noxians wish to plow through them instead of flanking. The Noxians yelled "For the General!" as they rushed the Demacian line. Quinn was pushed back as shields took her spot in the line. The Noxians attempted to break through, but the shield held.

Quinn felt useless as she sat back watching the battle take place in front of her. She looked for a way to help. Her eyes scanned the dead Demacians until she found a repeating crossbow. She checked to find it still had most of its bolts. She couldn't recall the last time she used a ranged weapon, but it seemed ages ago. She perched herself on top of a barracks building allowing her to see the entirety of the battle.

The center of the Demacian lines was slowly caving in, threatening to collapse the whole line. She focused her fire on the center bringing down a few Noxians before she found herself running low on bolts. This mattered little to Quinn as soon as she saw a black light dance around in the back lines of the Noxian forces.

She had heard of the Noxian mages in legends, but wasn't prepared for what a single one could bring upon a battlefield. The dark light danced more intensely until it disappeared entirely. The disappearance of the light was met with a lighting strike obliterating the demacian center. The bodies of both Demacian and Noxian origin exploded from the energy of the blast. More lights appeared among the Noxian ranks, and the Noxians began to flank behind the remainder of the line.

The lieutenant pulled himself on top of a barrel as the Demacian line began to waver. "Stand your ground men! Every life we lose here is ten we save. Demacia is counting on you yet again volunteers. Hold the shield! For the Ki-." The dark lights disappeared yet again. Leaving the lieutenants speech and life cut short as lighting rippled through the battle.

McHenricks looked around him. He saw total loss and called for full retreat. He looked up at Quinn and a few of the other volunteers perched on the barracks. "Archers! Cover our retreat." Quinn looks to find only forty Demacians still standing. _It is my duty to make sure forty escape. _She saw Albert among them and let out a sigh of relief.

She focused her sights on the Noxians that proved threats to the retreating men. She made every bolt count until she found herself out. She saw Albert calling for her from below the barracks so she slid herself off of it. "Quite a marksman you are," he said looking at the mass of dead bodies behind him. Quinn nodded and the two found themselves running from the marching Noxian army.

Their steps lead them into the forest. The volunteers had split, but Albert stuck by her side. She stops moving to catch her breath. "You fought well, not many will be able to boast of surviving the front lines of that battle. Are you okay?" She turned her eyes to where he was looking. "No… This is how the gods repay us…" She said looking upon piles of dead recruits. The smell reaches her and she quickly losses the supper she had been digesting. Albert doesn't move and only stares at the bodies. _Oh god! Where's Valor._

She made herself approach the piles of dead bodies. "Valor! Valor!" tears soak her vision as she walks among the dead. Her throat becomes raw as bile rises yet again. "Valor! Valor to me!" She hears her name being called, but continues through the dead. She stops among the dead and falls on her knees defeated. _What good is a shield if it fails to protect. What good is a shield if both it and its user become useless and defeated._ A hand comes to rest on her shoulder. She feels it shake causing it to cause even more tears.

She felt the hand become limp causing Quinn to quickly look behind her. Crimson fell onto her as she turned to face her limp friend. A blade wound sat on his neck. He grabbed at it before he fell over. He looked at Quinn before telling her to run. She couldn't even keep herself kneeling as she fell over. "End my life Noxian. I have failed." She waited for the feel of the blade, but it never came. "End it Noxian! I wish to Die!"

She heard his footsteps leave as she lay on the ground tears mixing with the blood. She cradled the head of Albert in her arms. _How many must I fail. How many must die because of me. _She lay on the ground for what seemed like hours before she heard the sounds of soldiers. She found herself kneeling the head of her friend in her lap. "Sir! We've found one. One's still alive. Thank the gods, they bless us this day." Quinn stared into Albert's motionless eyes. _What gods would do this..._


	10. Clipped wings

**_Clipped Wings_**

The voices washed over her as her tears streamed down her face. She looked everywhere, but at the Demacian soldiers. Taking in the corpses that surrounded her. Many were mutilated, many had their heads caving in from what seemed like a mace. Others had missing limbs, and had died in a pool of their own blood. _You weren't fast enough to save any of them. You weren't fast enough to even save him._ She hears the Demacian's tell her to move, but she doesn't have the will or strength to comply. Her sobs intensify as she turns back to Albert. His eyes stare at nothing, but she can feel them digging deep into her soul. Blaming her for the loss of both him, and the recruits that lie around them. _Where are you Valor? Don't tell me you landed in this fate._

Footsteps approach her and she slowly raises her head. One of the Demacian soldiers slowly approaches her. "Leave me with my guilt," she barely gets out. The Demacian ignores her and continues his approach. "Are you deaf? The gods have given me my punishment. Leave me with it!" the man approaches regardless of her screams. _I'm blooded sergeant are you happy? Did you wish for it to be in your blood? _She stands up as the soldier continues his approach. She brings her hand down to her sheath but finds it empty.

"Calm down recruit," the soldiers gruff voice says as he slows down his pace towards her. "We're only here to help you, and those who have fallen on this day. We want no harm to come to you, but you must be moved from this area." He stops fifteen feet from where she stands when bloodied spit lands on his left cheek.

She raises her fists to fight the man. "Leave me here. I wish to be with my comrades." He shakes his head as he mutters something about how he always gets the crazy ones. He continues his approach, and Quinn takes a step backwards. Albert's eyes continue to judge her as she tries to think of her next course of action. Tears cloud her vision yet again as she observes the cut along his throat. _It should have been me. The Noxian heard my voice. _She sees silver shine behind the soldiers back as he pulls something off of his belt. The soldier leaps forward.

Before she can react she finds herself on the ground face pressed into the earth. She hears an unfamiliar click as silver bites into her wrists. "You will be under the custody of the Demacian Military Police until we make it back to the camp. You will not resist, and you will comply with our commands." She feels him smell her hair and she shudders.

"I thought we were here to loot the bodies, not take prisoners." The other soldier says.

"This is the best loot we could come across. Young and from the looks of it she still has blood in her. Have you ever had one of those?" The soldier, she now sees as a turncoat says on top of her.

"Can't say I have. Are they any good?"

"Out of this world," she can feel his mischievous grin examine her.

"You make shame of the Demacian blue. You are nothing, but vultures that prey on the lost and the damned. How can you live with yourselves?" she can feel her voice shake as she tries to buy herself some time. The two men turn towards her.

The man who had handcuffed her spoke first, "You dare speak of shame? Look at what your incompetence has done. We've merely been sent by the gods to give you your last punishment before you're sent to the gallows for your eternal punishment." She hears an eagles cry come from the sky. She turns herself over to see the two men looking skyward. She turns her eyes to where the cry emitted from to see demacian blue soaring in the air.

"You two must look like thresher geese to that eagle. It's their favorite snack." With her words the eagle swooped down towards the men. They unsheathed their swords, but the quiet turncoat was too slow in his actions. The eagle clawed at his eyes, and flew off before the mans friend was able to assist. Screams bombarded the air as the man clawed at where his eyes once stood. Quinn visually shook from the sight, but saw that the other man waited for the bird to strike again. Quinn pushed herself off of the ground and launched herself towards the man. The two fell onto the ground as Quinn ran into the man. The man's sword flies from his grip as Quinn shouts into the air, "Gouge em Valor!"

The eagle dove from the sky and tore at the man's face. Valor tore at the man long after he had stopped moving. Quinn lay down next to the bodies in exhaustion, surprised by how much the battle and the short encounter with the turncoats had taken out of her. Valor pushed against her cheek once he was done with the man. Crimson soaked them both to the bone, but Quinn didn't care as she rested her head against Valors. "What would I do without you?" she asked after they sat in silence for a few minutes. The eagle fell over playing dead, and she let out a chuckle.

She felt the bite of the cuffs and was brought back into reality. She avoided the face of the man as she felt around his belt for the key. Finding it she quickly undid the cuffs. She sat herself up and looked down at the man. Flesh hung to the bone of the man's face as he looked with bottomless pits toward the heavens. She spits yet again on the man before turning back towards the dead body of Albert. She puts her arm out for Valor and he quickly jumps onto it.

She reaches his body, and kneels by his body. She prays for him, "May the gods judge you for the man you were, and the man you would become. You lived and died of the common birth, but showed that great warriors can come from any walks of life. Your memory shall stay with me till death, and if the gods are willing our spirits will meet another day."

She stands and continues her prayer, "All of you were destined to be the shield for our grand nation. Our enemies stopped your fate, but the shield must continue to stand. The one who failed to stop the shield from shattering must pick up its pieces. The pieces must be reforged into something greater. Something swifter, and more powerful. These pieces need to be reforged into something that can shake Noxus at its roots."

" We volunteer for death, but many of us do not seek it. I must be one of the few, and seek death to redeem each of you. Noxus has robbed you of your purpose, and I must make them pay for this sin. The volunteers have fallen on this day, but something his risen in its death. This being seeks no mercy for the men who butchered her comrades. This being will be death itself as it searches for the men who brought this fate upon you."

"Our wings all grow in different ways. A wise woman once told me this once. I now know that our wings stop forming when they are clipped. My wings must grow where yours have ceased to grow. Your wings were that of innocence, but mine must take another shape. I do not know where or how they will grow, but I do know that they must carry me to great heights to avenge you," she stops her speech as she turns back to Albert.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you. I should have been faster, smarter, or even a better fighter, but I wasn't. I must grow in order to save others from your fate. I will save others from your fate or die with a blade in my hands. I promise this to you, our volunteers, and the gods." She turns away from the bodies of her fallen comrades understanding what she must do. She gave an oath that she feared may take her life before she saw its completion, but she knew she was bound to it now. _The gods have given me my path. I must follow it. _

She begins to walk away from the dead as she notices her knapsack curled up by one of the recruits. She pushes a tuft of the girls hair out of her eyes. "Thank you for watching over this. You hold it even after your last breath." She pulls the knapsack away from the recruit and slides it over her slim frame. Valor flies above her as she continues to walk. _I must find the prince's party before the Noxians find me._ She gives the orders to Valor before he flies off into the air. _I don't know what I would do without that bird. He's more than repaid for what I gave him. I'm glad he has decided to stay by my side._A slight smile curves her lips as she walks away from where her camp once stood.

She walks until the moon begins to set. She stops and forces herself to rest while the pitch black night takes over her eyes for minutes. The sounds of the forest wash over her as she rests her head against a tree. The flapping of wings is the only alert she has the Valor approached her. He rested on the ground next to her, and they both sat listening to the busy sounds of the forest. The minutes continued to pass before the world regained some of its light. When Valor noticed Quinn looking at him he pointed his beak toward the north. She nodded and sat herself up from the tree. She allowed a yawn to break from her lips as she sat up and stretched. _I'll need to rest as soon as I make it to his camp. _

Miles of the forest passed her as the Sun gradually rose. It started to pull itself from the earth when Quinn noticed two men clothed in red a few hundred meters from her position. She froze and watched the two men. They had their backs turned to her as she approached them. She recognized them as Noxian scouts. She felt for her sword, but recalled that she had lost it. She let out a silent curse as she continued to approach the men. She soon heard their voices. "The group our main body attacked last night wasn't part of the prince's party. At least that be what the soldiers be spreading."

"What do you mean? Our very eyes confirmed the prince was in that camp just some eight hours before we attacked."

"Apparently none of them wore the purple of the prince's guard. Many of them actually seemed to be young, most of them fought as if they were green."

"Is that why they sent us out here? To try and find where the prince is really hiding? How can he be hiding that many men?"

"We did it, I assume the Demacian's can do the same. Light magic is very easy to mimic, or so I've been told. Oh, did you hear of the group the secondary force came across when they were flanking the demacians?"

"No I didn't even know they were deployed."

"Seems they butchered a bunch of Demacian recruits. They apparently weren't even armed from what I heard. You didn't hear this from me, but General Darius and his men can be savage at times. Ever since Swain messed with the man he's been much...colder."

Quinn walks away from the scouts. _The second, and General Darius are to blame for this? What of the man that spared me? _She continues to walk her thoughts leading her until she finds herself face to face with Demacian scouts their bows already drawn. "What country do you serve?" one of the scouts yells at Quinn. He seems confused with the crimson, and blue colors that coat her jacket.

"I am Quinn, lone survivor of the Demacian Volunteers. I bring grave news. The shield has broken, and Noxus rides for the prince's blood."

* * *

**Authors Note: **The background finally is done, and the story has finally been revealed. I didn't know how much I'd like writing fan fiction, but this has shown me from both you guys supporting this and me writing this it is quite an enjoyable experience. Hope you guys are enjoying reading this as much as I'm enjoying writing this. Don't know how many chapters this is going to be, but I do have an understanding where this is going to end. If you guys would enjoy longer chapters I'll stick to my one week schedule, and find more time to give the fanfic. That's all I'll get my next chapter up soon :D


	11. Blind Eyes

_**Blind Eyes**_

Her response makes the scouts grow tense. "You're lying! No Noxian force large enough to take the volunteers could have gone unnoticed," a scout yells from within their ranks.

_You scouts are one of the reasons so many were lost. _A growl cuts through her throat as she retorts, "Your incompetence is the reason why a Noxian force that large could cut through unseen. I've seen with my very eyes what all of you failed to prevent. All cut down because they eyes of Demacia failed to watch. You decided to take part of the festivities over performing your duty to your country," Quinn had stepped closer to the scouts and noticed that one of the higher ranking men had fully notched an arrow.

"You say you are the lone survivor," the man says keeping the arrow pinned between her eyes. A rage consumes Quinn causing her to lose sight of her actions. "You do realize the penalty for craven soldiers?" He clears his throat as he recites a line from memory, "Soldiers that flee their comrades in arms are a disgrace to Demacia. Demacians fight till the bitter end to ensure that others will fight another day. Any soldier proven guilty of fleeing their post shall be met with the swift justice of the axe. Now tell me, and my fellow soldiers why your justice shouldn't happen with an arrow?"

"You think I'm craven?" the word tastes like venom in her mouth. "I fought till I was ordered to retreat. I was willing to give my life for my country, but my superiors felt the lives of what volunteers remained should be saved. We would have been able to make it out if we weren't attacked by two Noxian Corps. Do you even realize the threat that has just crossed the mountains? Do you realize how many lives were lost because we had absolutely no idea what savagery we were up against? They've even sent mages that control the very weather! Demacia itself could see complete destruction due to your scouts failing to serve."

"If you wish to flap your tongue you best make sure you stop insulting me and my men. I can't determine if what you tell is the truth or not, but it isn't my duty to give you a trial," he lowers his bow as he turns to a few scouts. "Take a few horses and see if this girl speaks the truth. If you see anything out of the ordinary return immediately." A few scouts salute him and run off into the woods. "Now, Quinn was it? Well Quinn you have two options that are in front of you. You can die here by my blade being forever known as a traitor, or you can follow me back to Jarvan's camp and be given a trial for your crimes. What path shall you take?" he saws unsheathing his officers rapier.

"Enough life has been lost. Does another one need to be cut down as well?"

"This is up to you."

She looks down at her blood soaked garments. _Enough blood has been spilled this day, and my promise has not been fulfilled. I just pray that the soldiers won't be looking for a scapegoat once the news reaches their ears. _"We aren't savages. We shall do this as it is written, and give a trial." Her words cause the man to sheath his sword.

"We best not waste any time then. The camp just sits about an hour from here." Valor looks at Quinn pride and concern equally filling his eyes. Quinn follows the scouts standing in the middle. She can feel their eyes already deciding she was guilty. _Do I serve Demacia or the Volunteers? What will I do if Demacia gets in my way of vengeance? _She is startled when the officer pulls her out of her thoughts, "What's your rank Quinn? I couldn't find anything on your person to tell of any ranking."

"The volunteers called for anyone that was willing to fight to hold off the Noxian corps that descended on our camp. I would have gained a rank in a few weeks, but many of us that fought sat green, unblooded. Our officers seemed to be prideful of our efforts. Our camp consisted a few thousand, about half of us stepped forward to halt the Noxian advance. We were able to hold the line until the Noxians summoned lighting to do their bidding. Less than a hundred of us stood to fall back to where the rest of our men retreated to. We arrived to find another noxian corp had swooped in from behind and slaughtered all of our men. Noxian assassins played with the remainder of us until only I stood."

The officer walks taking what Quinn said in slowly. "So you're truly what remains of the shield? The shield has never fallen. Hell your volunteers have never even seen total defeat before. Did they truly send two corps for the volunteers?"

"They aimed for the prince. The volunteers stepped in their way, and like an obedient shield we were forced to take the blunt force of the blow. My commanders knew they could hold against soldiers, but they didn't expect the mages. One single strike tore our line in half. Several other strikes caused the line to shatter. I counted seven mages, I've never even heard in legends of more than three on a single battle field."

She sees the officer begin to bite at his lip. "It seems like the gods have planned a new wind of change. It is unfortunate that the volunteers got caught in the first gust. I trust in your story Quinn, but I fear that others may look for your blood. They'll likely want someone to blame for the loss, and you'll be an easy target. I can't change your judgement, but I will speak for you."

She bows her head slightly, "I thank you for listening to my story. I shall try my best to keep my head." The sounds of the camp hit her first. A sense of urgency fills the air as she approaches the camp. The scouts that walk with her seem uneasy from both her presence, and the tale she brought with her.

"How many Noxians did you slay? You are covered in blood, but none of it is your own,".

"Ten fell onto my blade, twenty-three more fell victim to a crossbow I found,". She found herself looking down at herself yet again. She shook with the sight, even knowing it was the blood of her enemy the amount of life that was lost was quite a bit for her to handle. _The cut we gave Noxus was merely a scratch from a small child, the one they gave us will wound us for years to come. _

The officer sparks interest at hearing thirty-three men fell to the girl that looked barely past her eighteenth name day. "You show great promise if you hold that skill girl. You may keep your head just for your prowess for the sword if you truly speak the truth,". Quinn nodded, but she understood the severity of her charge. She recalled the story of a fabled knight that they told small children to engrave Demacian values at a young age.

The knight was strong with the sword, and could outsmart even the brightest of tacticians. The man could lead armies into swarms of enemies, and come out on top. Many stated the gods themselves aided his ability to fight, but it turned when the man showed weakness in battle. It was one of the first instances magicians had been used to fight. Prior they had been used for defensive capabilities, and the healing arts.

Pyromancy was the first combative fire technique to be used. Fire breath from red hooded individuals of Noxus slowly crisped the knight's faithful soldiers. The knight sat in horror unable to lead as his men asked him for guidance. When the magicians approached the knight he fled instead of holding his ground like every demacian before him. The men seeing their commander flee soon shattered, and the Noxians claimed many lives that day.

The knight ran as a fugitive slaying those that impeded his escape. When authorities finally caught the man he was a mirror image of what he once was. The man attempted to slay the demacians, but an axe cut his life short. The Demacian guards allowed the body to rot, and his armor to rust. They saw no need to give a man who had fallen into the worst ideals a burial.

_If they truly think I'm craven I'll be dead before the night falls upon us again. _She finds herself among the camp as she pulls herself away from her thoughts. Many soldiers in the camp look at the party as they walk through. "What 'er you 'ave der? 'Ore prisoners for us to laugh at?" a soldier asks, as another butts in, "Why is she covered in blood?" The officer turns towards the men.

"You'll learn soon enough. Go back to about your business, this is businesses for the prince to handle." A few of the soldiers seem to show interest at the sound of royal business. She lowers her head in shame as they look on her. The act raises suspicion within the men. _They'll have quite a bit to talk about for a few hours now. _

"Why is this royal business," she asks after they have passed most of the soldiers.

"We are too far away from the capital to give you a judgement in front of the courts advisors. The prince and his advisors will have to do,".

They walk, and she can feel the word of her presence passing around. She can hear whispers wondering how many men in blue she had slain. Her teeth grind as she hears their accusations. She wishes to defend her honor, what little she finds herself with, but knows that it'll just hamper her situation. The party soon makes it close to the center of the camp. The other scouts salute the officer and head off before the two enter the center of the camp.

She soon takes in the weight of what is about to occur. Her appearance makes her seem guilty before even words of defense are spoken. A surprise attack against a force they had seen just a day ago makes her claims unlikely. Her being a lone survivor itself makes her seem guilty even if they believe her. _I must do all I can to prove my innocence, not only for myself, but for all the lives lost. _

They soon approach a tent, and she feels her feet become lead. "Don't turn craven now girl. Carry yourself with pride. How you present yourself will likely decide where your fate will take you," he says dragging her along. His words make sense to her, but fear holds her by the throat. She allows the man to drag her towards the tent. The guards outside look at the pair, and show no sign of what their thoughts could be. "Is the prince, and his advisors free?" One enters the tent and appears within seconds. He nods his head, but they point at Valor. Quinn understands and she turns to Valor. He playfully nips at her ear before he slides down by the guards. Quinn feels herself pushed inside.

Laughter fills the tent as the two enter. It is cut short when they notice the pair who enter. Their eyes fall on Quinn before they rest on the officer. "Leron why do you bring this recruit before us?" The prince asks the officer.

Leron clears his throat, "She tells a story of the volunteers being slaughtered by a Noxian force. She claims to be the sole survivor, and have slain thirty-three noxians. Me and my men haven't spotted any signs of any Noxians in this area for years. We just saw her volunteers a day past. I have brought her here before you to judge her on killing of her sworn brothers, and fleeing her duties as a sworn sword of Demacia."

Many of the advisors seemed taken aback by the claim. A man with a bowl of fat where his neck should sit blurted out, "The volunteers are our greatest fighters. Can this turncoat truly believe we'd fall for such a fancy tale? She probably thinks Leron and his men a bunch of imbeciles that can be easily manipulated." The prince stares at the fat man a fire in his eyes. The man shrinks in the chair he sits at the prince's glare.

"Thank you for the news," Jarvan tells the man before motioning for the man to exit the tent. Leron bows for the prince before he exits the tent. Quinn stares at the grass below her feet as the officer exits. "I recognize you girl, and Ser Garen seems to as well. You were the one who fought dishonorably in our tournament. I hold great trust in that scout and his men, and very little in you. What makes you innocent of his accusations."

Quinn stares at the floor unable to reply. A man she cares not to look at shouts at her, "First you don't kneel and now you fail to either reply or even look at the prince when he talks to you? My Prince you should slay her now for simply her disrespect." Quinn looks up slowly. She finds herself visibly shaking, and attempts to calm herself. She comforts herself with the sound of her brother's laugh, and her memories of their play with the sword.

"I-I'm Quinn last of th-the volunt…" she clears her throat. _Carry yourself with pride. _"Last of the volunteers, and I bring grave news. My brethren have been slain by a Noxian group that came for your head my prince-"

"Blasphemy! You heard Leron Noxians haven't dared set foot on our land in years why would they start now!" the heavyset man yelled at her. The prince glared at the man yet again before standing.

"Coinmaster this matter doesn't concern you and I ask you sit out on this discussion," the prince says with a coolness in his voice. The coinmaster sits a similar fear holding him in place. He quickly notices his error and raises himself from his chair, before he hobbled out of the tent. "I'm sorry for his interruption. None of my other advisors will interrupt your statement." Quinn stares at the ground yet again, and finds herself unable to continue. "If you don't give your statement I fear I'll have to find you guilty."

Quinn takes a breath before looking at the prince yet again. "We attempted to stop the Noxians from advancing towards your camp. We were able to stop their advance, but we suffered the ultimate sacrifice. Our three thousand men held back a force at least ten times our size. We would have been able to hold if it wasn't for Noxian mages. Seven of them conjured lighting storms that ripped our line in half. My commanders attempted retreat, but all but a few of us were cut down." She finds herself holding back tears as she begins to grasp the severity of what happened at the battle. She finds herself unable to hold them back, and a few start to roll down her face. "My friends, and family all died on that battleground. The same will happen here if we don't flee."

Garen turns towards Jarvan, "I know what you are thinking Jarvan. I talked to this girl and she doesn't hold the values of a turncoat. She is actually exactly what you wanted in a soldier. I'm sure what she tells us here is the truth." The prince begins to nod.

"While it is odd Leron, and his scouts didn't find anything I must say that no proof here shows you to be a turncoat. The scouts should return here soon with word of the butcher, and you'll be free of all charges." With his words acting like a summon two Demacian scouts enter and kneel before the prince. One pulls a letter out of his pocket.

The prince takes a look at the seal and his smooth skin begins to furrow. He shows her the seal. She sees it as one for the volunteers. The prince opens the letter and begins to speak aloud. "A female warrior has turned against our men. She has slain thirty of our brethren, and is deemed an immediate threat. Should you come across any woman her calls herself Quinn, or find a woman with a demacian eagle you should take immediate action. She is a threat to our nation, and all that it stands for." The prince shakes his head, and his eyes lock on the scouts. "What is the order of the volunteers?"

"They are recovering from the men she killed, but they are all alive. They ask for her head to show the recruits what happens to those who have no honor."

"These men spout lies from their very lips! I saw what happened with my very eyes. I held the corpse of my friend as the light escaped his eyes." Rage fuels her as she turns toward the two men. "You dare call me the one with no honor, when you two have turned your backs on the nation I still serve! You dare say that men cut in half still breathe!" She finds her head on the floor within seconds as she began to approach the men.

The prince's voice is unable to keep back his anger, "You dare lie to my face? You dare slay your fellow men? You dare cheat in a duel? You dare run from the justice that seeks you? You dare claim my most trusted scouts as turncoats? You've done enough crimes to kill one hundred men. You are deemed guilty of lying to royalty, murder on thirty accounts, and evasion of justice. Take her to the cells,". She is pulled off of the ground and immediately outside. She hears the voice of Garen as she exits, and the prince raises his voice even more.

She looks for Valor to see him caged by one of the guards. "You dare cage a bird of that magnitude? Does no one in this camp have any honor?" She falls onto the ground as an iron gauntlet slaps into her jaw. "You are all fools! Noxus will soon march and kill us all! More blood will spill because of these damn scouts!" Another gauntlet hits her this time smashing into her skull causing her to black out.

* * *

**Authors Note: **Bit of an early upload for you guys. Been in the writing spirit, and have sat down and found myself more time. I'll be in finals week next week, and uploads may be a little short or exempt. It'll depends on how much I'll study _. I'll try my best to get out something next week, but be prepared for a week without a new chapter.


	12. Shattered

**_Shattered  
_**

She felt at peace while in the darkness. All her obligations, and wants seemed to wash away. She enjoyed the feeling of nothingness, but was only allowed this gift for a few seconds. Pain washed over her as her eyelids slowly popped open. She heard talking, but couldn't make out the words or who spoke. All she could make out was how heated the words were. They were driven by pure hatred. She slid back into her sleep wanting to flee from the pain. Sleep took her willingly.

"_Quinn what do you want to do when you grow up?" Caleb asks her as he looks up at the night sky. Quinn watches the stars with her brother as she thinks about her answer. She wondered where the question came from, but answered it anyways._

"_I'd like to fly and touch those stars," Quinn says entranced as she traces a constellation with her finger. _

"_We can't fly Quinn, no matter how hard we try we're stuck planted on this earth. It'd be a bad thing if you could fly anyways,". _

"_How come?" she asks a scowl starting to form on her face._

"_I'd be unable to torment you with my games," he says a grin plastered on his face._

"_I'd just beat you at all of them," she playfully sticks her tongue out at him._

"_I bet I could beat you at one right now," he says sitting up._

"_That's what you said last time. Look how that ended,"._

"_Then you gotta defend your title as gamesmaster. See that tree?" he asks pointing to a small tree a couple hundred of yards away. Quinn nods. "Last one there has to do the others laundry for the next week. Deal?"_

_Quinn wasn't one to back down from a challenge so she accepted, "Deal,". She expected him to give a countdown, but instead he leaped from his sitting position and sprinted towards the tree. "Hey! No fair," she says quickly getting off of her back and onto her feet. _

"_You accept your defeat yet?" he yells behind him as he stands halfway to the end goal. _

"_Keep talking, and you'll get two weeks of my laundry," she says as she sees herself gaining on him. Quinn sprints faster until it feels as if she was running on air. She lived for the feeling as she knew it was her only chance of ever going airborne. She let herself get lost in the feeling, and didn't notice when she passed her brother. She didn't stop running until many yards past their target destination. She yells triumphantly into the air when she reaches the tree. "Not even your cheap tactics can beat me in a foot race," she says as he makes it to the tree._

"_I got to level the playing field somehow," he says sagging over out of breath. Quinn stands feeling as if she could sprint another couple hundred yards. "We all know speed is on your side Quinn. If you have anything its your speed. Maybe one day that speed will lift you off of the ground, and let you touch the stars."_

Her eyes burst open yet again. Tears fill her eyes from memories lost, and the pain that seems to encompass her whole form. _I ran like you said brother, and now I pay for that crime. I should've stopped that assassin… If I had truly been as fast as you claimed me to be I would have saved both you and Albert._ She takes in her surroundings as she moves away from her thoughts. She lay inside a tent still clothed in her coat. Her head rests on the cold earth, and she hears the crackle of the fire outside. She sees shadows dance on the outside of the tent, as movement occurs outside. The opening of the tent flap, and footsteps are her final warning that someone has entered.

A man in the purple of the royal guard enters. "Prisoner it seems someone has come to visit you. Don't know why anyone would want to talk with someone of your standing, but he waits for you outside. Shall he enter?". Quinn slowly sits herself up and nods her head. She stares at the floor until the tent flap opens again. She looks back down at the floor in shame as she sees who enters the tent.

"Is- Is it true what they say?" Jared's pained voice asks her. She avoids his gaze, and attempts to hide from his question. _What am I supposed to say that all the scouts are working with Noxus? That'll just speed up my execution. _"Why did you do it? You always seemed a bit wacky, but it had its own charm. Yet you never seemed to be the type to kill her comrades. Did Albert fall to your blade?"

Quinn looks up at Jared to see him more distraught than herself. _It'll be more painful if he knows the truth._ She looks him in the eyes and replies, "Noxus rides, and the volunteers fell. Who's blade they fell to matters not. All that matters is those wronged are given vengeance. The dead can't stand for themselves, but they still have a voice, and a burden. I carry this burden as no one else will."

Her response agitates him, "Why do you dance around the truth? What is it you're hiding? Do you truly think yourself innocent of your crimes? Have you gone as mad, as the guards claim you to be?".

"I am not the one who is insane. The people who neglect to see the facts are those who are insane. Noxus marches and we sit. We'll all burn if we just sit. Do you wish to be charred or grilled?" Quinn says not breaking her gaze. _Leave me to my fate._

"You ramble on like a mad woman, yet you think yourself sane? What happened yesterday Quinn? What changed you into.. into this thing? This is not the carefree girl I remember a few days ago," Jared says kneeling by her.

"McHenricks talked of being blooded. It truly does change you. I think it matters less about the process, and more whose blood you spill first. The blood of the enemy is sweet, the blood of the friend is bitter. I've yet to see the blood of a bystander, but hope that day won't fall on me."

"Quinn you need to tell me exactly what happened. They tell us nothing except you killed thirty volunteers. I need to hear what happened. You need to hear what has happened." She was surprised by his persistence. She decided to stop dancing around the topic, and instead tell him the truth. She spoke for what seemed like hours. Her story finished, and she found Jared sitting down with his hands covering his face. "What you speak of is treason Quinn. Why would the scouts do this? What do they have to gain?"

"I don't care about what they have to gain, or why they're doing this. I know one thing. They have the same fate as Darius's Second if I make it out of this. They'll need to learn through blood what they have done to those I've lost," pain clouds her voice as she continues, "Now you see why I tried to dance around this subject. This is a path no one should take yet I find myself on it." _I need a purpose I can't end up like her. Noxus or the scouts won't steal this purpose. _

He lifts his face from his hands, "If they truly killed them all then I need to join you on this path. One soldier can't stop a general, and an entire army division,".

"You think one more will make a dent? This path is mine and mine alone,".

"What if you don't deserve to travel this path alone? What if others don't want you to travel the path alone?" His statement causes her to blush as she sees his intent.

"This matters not anyways. I'll be dead in a few hours, and no one will be able to stop Noxus. They'll take all of Demacia, and then all of Valoran. The king has underestimated the general, and we're all about to pay for it. At least I'll be given the mercy of still seeing part of my nation still standing when I die,". Her words cause them to sit in silence.

The silence continues until Jared speaks up again, "I should have been the one that got left behind, and you sent forward. I know you let me win the duel. I should have been with them when they died,".

"None of us were with them when they died. You would have fought to defend them just like Albert. If you want to give up on Demacia, and fight for justice then you can pick up the torch when I drop it. The shield stands as long as one of us live. Demacia falls when we fall. Your life is your priority, once you die all that have fallen behind you are lost,".

"Quinn… you can't die. I can't lose all that I've known. A purpose is not enough to carry me forward. I need the push of a friend to keep me on the right path. There has to be some way to get you out of this,".

"The prince and his word is iron. I cannot escape this sentence. Anyone who opposes it opposes the prince himself. Someone of great power would have to oppose it for my execution to be postponed. I know none who would stand for me. All see me as a traitor besides you. I don't know what you see in me, but it is appreciated," she says giving off a weak smile.

"I see what McHenricks saw in you. A soldier that is held back because of what she was born as. I also see one who gives themself for the honor of others. I see one who is gentle of the heart, but is burdened by duties greater than most could even dream of holding. I see a knight, I see a woman who isn't afraid to follow justice over law, I see Quinn."

A guard enters the tent, "It's time for you two to break this up. You've been in here longer than you're supposed to anyways." The two stand, and wonder how they should part. Quinn hugs him and whispers, "Thank you,". The two break apart and Jared nods before exiting the tent.

She sits back down on the cold earth when the guard exits. She pulls her knees to her chest as she thinks about the exchange that had just occurred. _I've forbid myself to grow close ever since her death. I couldn't harm someone like my father with my selfish desires. Why am I breaking apart now? What do I even like about the man? That he sees me for who I really am? That he isn't afraid to follow my insane ideals? _She looks down at herself and wonders how anyone could like who she was. _I look like a monster, my actions over the last days make me all but one. _

Quinn sits up and begins to pace her cramped tent as she begins to recollect on the past few days. _So much life lost… for what? A man to show he is superior to another? Why would a man want the death of the volunteers? Would the King order men to kill unarmed combatants? Would the men under his command follow the order? Would I follow this order?_ Her thoughts begin to trouble her causing her to sit on the floor yet again, and wait for her execution.

Hours pass before the guard informs her she has another visitor. This one does not wait, and enters without permission. She stands up immediately and salutes as soon as she notices who it is. "At ease," Garen's hoarse voice commands. _How long was he yelling at Jarvan? _"The prince and I have come to a disagreement on your punishment. He sees that you should lose your head for the lives you took. If I believed what the scouts were saying I would likely agree with him. I know the kind of woman you are though, just from our brief talks, and from your duels I've witnessed. You are not one to kill a comrade."

"What is the meaning of this? Do you come to say that you wish me a swift death by the axe? Do you come to laugh that no one can stop the prince's judgement? If so laugh away knight. They've done enough of it outside already I'm used to it,". Quinn says getting a shocked expression from Garen.

"I've come here to give you an option that isn't death. It will be much harder than death, but it will be life. I ask you to work under the house of crownguard. To break your ties with the military, and work for me and my family. You'll be given the duties of a soldier, but your obligations will be tied with house crownguard. Do you accept?"

"I need to know the condition of my bird, and to know that he follows me where I go. If Valor can't go then I'd rather test my luck with the axe."

"You're allowed to bring your bird, and he is safe. Feisty thing from what I've heard the guards say,". _Probably trying to fight his way to save me. Stubborn bird. _

Quinn thought on his proposal for a few seconds before she answered. She kneeled and placed her head in front of his feet, "I pledge myself to the house of Crownguard. I shall be the bearer of your will. The protector of your possessions. The hunter for your wrongdoers. I give my life to your house, and shall hold my duty until you break my oath. This I promise, this I swear."

* * *

**Authors Note: **Well I've hit 12 Chapters now and some 25k words. This process has become an experiment of sorts for myself to create a certain style for myself. That's why it may seem a bit wacky at times. With each word I write down I take great satisfaction that I'm recreating a world in which I can enjoy recreating, and you can enjoy discovering. Hope you guys are enjoying this as much as I am. Winter break is in a couple of days, and I should be able to get quite a few chapters done over it. Expect an increase of uploads in the weeks to come, or longer chapters.


	13. Perilous Path

_**Perilous Path**_

Garen nods, "Seems strong enough to me," Garen looks behind himself when the tent flap begins to open. Garen curses at the gods when he sees who it is. Royal guard, and the prince himself stand cramped inside the tent.

"Garen," the prince's eyes lock with the knights, "This was my prisoner, you have no right to go around relieving them from their punishment! Do you understand what she is charged of? Do you understand the burden you've just laid upon your house?" The guard grow tense still not being used to the prince's outbursts.

"My prince, I have the right to burden myself with whatever I wish. The gods believe in redemption, and this soldier looks for some way to redeem herself. If she fails it'll be on me you've been cleaned of having to deal with her," Garen says his hands balled behind his back.

"Your reputation can only take you so far. If this one fails on you Garen you'd best be prepared for the consequences. My father grows tired of your house. You know what happens to those who disappoint the king," with those words the prince left.

When the last of the guard shuffled out Garen turned back toward Quinn, "Even if you didn't kill those soldiers you still have a long journey ahead of you if you want to be known as anything other than a kinslayer. If you fail me you'll be hanged, drawn, and quartered by the word of either the king or my father. This is your second chance, you are allowed no more mistakes,".

Quinn nods her head, "I understand ser,". _He got what he wanted in the end. A bloody squire, who would of thought I'd be where Caleb wished. _

"We'll need to get out of this camp before things get ugly. The prince knows his place in terms of the honor code. Some of these soldiers may not. First order of business is we need to make you look acceptable. Your attire makes you look like you butchered half the Demacian army," Garen motioned for her to follow him out of the tent,"Have you ever heard of Commander Johansen?"

Quinn shakes her head, "Can't say I have, Ser,".

"Similar to what has happened to you, but his rank saved his skin. Hmm, where to start," his long strides force Quinn to walk at an uncomfortable pace. "A few centuries back, before the Jarvan dynasty, and even before the discovery of Ionia and its people, a commander sat over Demacia. He was second only to his grand general. The commander was ruthless, and killed many to get where he sat. The commander kept his power through his prowess in battle. He was a harsh leader, but he kept Demacia safe,".

"Many don't think kindly that speak well on any Demacian from these times. Many wish for these times to be forgotten as they tie us closely with Noxus. Why do you tell me this tale?" Quinn asks as she continues to follow Garen through the camp. She was glad she had someone to guide her through the maze of tents. _Why hasn't Noxus attacked? This would be an easy victory. _

"If you'd let me get to that you'd know. Johansen lead a charge to attempt an invasion on Noxus. His troops sat outside the capital when they were attacked from within. Men in blue turned on each other while Noxus launched an attack from atop their walls. Through the heat of battle the commander found who he could trust, and killed all he could not, Noxian and Demacian alike. He was forced to retreat when Demacians fled from fear that they would be executed by Johansen. The commander spent the next weeks in Noxus hunting all the Demacians who fled the battle. He returned to the capital with their heads, and laid them in front of the grand general. The general became furious at the butchery the commander had lead. He would have ordered for his execution if he didn't fear an uprising in the commander's name. Instead he labeled him as a kinslayer and exiled him into what is now the Freljord," the pair approach a tent with the gold tent of Crownsguard mercenaries sitting outside. The mercenaries salute Garen, and Garen returns it before leading Quinn inside.

"The moral of the story is that vengeance is not justice. Vengeance only leads to death, and a complete loss of honor. I can see it in your eyes, you'll not follow the path of Johansen. It may seem like the right course of action, but it'll just leave you even more empty than before,". A female servant approaches Garen, and looks at Quinn.

A sense of urgency fills her voice as she asks, "What can we do for you master?" a few more servants appear from farther back in the tent.

"Milda this girl is in need of acceptable clothing. Once she has been given this send her for me at the stables,". When the servant nods Garen exits the tent, and Quinn awkwardly stands in the middle of the tent when the servants disappear looking for clothing. _I should be giddy that Garen has taken me under his wing. _A frown sits on her face as she wipes sweat off of her hands onto her pants.

A servant appears, and beckons her to come. The servant hands her some folded clothes and leads her back into the servant quarters. Quinn looks down at the clothes to see them a mustard color. _This'll stick out among a sea of blue, Crownguards must like showing their property off. _"What made the master take interest in you? You warm his bed?"

Quinn goes pale, and stammers out "No, is he known to do things like this often," she is lead to a folding curtain. In which Quinn slides shut.

"He seems to have certain tastes, and many a woman wish to lay with such a man. Can't really blame them who wouldn't want to be blessed by that man," the words of the servant attempt to pry at Quinn. _Might as well give them some gossip. _Quinn thought on the man, and found herself to think himself quite handsome, but she had been preoccupied with other thoughts during the times they met to fall under these thoughts. Quinn doesn't answer the woman and instead focuses on dressing herself. "You treat yourself too much like a man to fall under his fancy,".

Quinn angers at the comment, "Do you think women can't fight? Do you think we should all grovel at their feet? I don't act like a man. I follow my aspirations. A difference exists,".

"Keep telling yourself that girl, and maybe one day you'll believe it. I know our place, and you'll find yours one day,".

Quinn exits the tent enraged. _How could one think like that? Do they have no respect for what has been accomplished? _She finds herself in the middle of the camp surrounded by faces that see her as a kinslayer. She approaches one, "Where are the stables?"

He spits at her feet, "Back where your men lay kinslayer. The crownsguard can only protect you for so long," some of the other soldiers voice their agreement. "If you'd like to keep your head you best find your master. I can't promise that we'll keep our swords steady with an enemy in our presence,".

She attempts a reply when she feels a harsh pull on the back of her shirt. A gold lined jacket covers him as he pulls Quinn away from the soldiers. "Do you think its a good idea to walk into the middle of the prince's soldiers?" Quinn pulls away from the man's grip and gives him a stern look. She takes in his face to see wrinkles covering most of his forehead, and many scars lining around his mouth. His right ear is cut in two, and his nose broken in four places. She stops herself from reeling from the site of his face. "Being so stubborn will get you killed one of these days," the man grumbles, "I'll lead you to the stables,".

"Being so stubborn is how I made it here today. What's your name?" she asks as they walk toward the stables.

"The one and only Freyon the cold of the Freljord. I'm the head guard Garen brought along. With how much gold the Crownsguard show off it seems they could fill my pockets a little more,". Quinn finds herself asking him about the knight and the mercenary finds himself answering every question she asks. "It is odd for Garen to take a woman under his mentorship. It's odd for him to be a mentor at all, he'd rather be either knee deep in blood, or a feast. Being the son of a lord has its privileges, even more so if you're the one tasked to keeping the head of the son attached to his shoulders," Freyon says his rotting teeth growing even more yellow from the oxygen they had been deprived of.

Quinn being used to the sight smiles back. The man reminds her of what her father used to be."I didn't really have much of a choice to be put under his service, but it's better than having my blood spilled. Live to fight another day,".

"You seem like a smart lass, and seem to have a sense of honor. I can't go trusting what drunk men in Jarvan's camp be talking about to see who you are. You make sure this works out with the Crownsguard family for yourself. You've been given an opportunity, and you best not waste it,".

Quinn looks puzzled as she asks, "What brings this out of you?".

"I've seen many go through the Crownsguard family only to end up like minced meat when they exit. All I'm saying is don't test the family. Soldiers like us are easily replaced, what our actions bring is not," Freyon nods at his own words needing to know they were true.

Quinn doesn't know how she should reply so she decides against replying at all. The two walk in silence until they reach the stable. She spots Garen sitting on his steed. The freljordian walks up to Garen and bows before the man. "I bring who you called,".

"Thank you Freyon. I'm going to be leaving with a small party. You are to lead the Crownsguard here until you make it back to the city,". Freyon bows and heads back toward the Crownsguard tent.

"Do you have Valor? We've been separated from quite some time,". Quinn says trying not to look intimidated by the man who sat a few feet above her while on horseback.

Garen looked confused until he replied, "Ah yes, the bird,". The man turns behind him and a servant immediately advances. Valor sits in a cage meant for a bird twice his size. His wings sit painfully poke out of the cage as his eyes meet Quinn. Pain is washed away by relief as he sets his eyes on her. Quinn frowns at Garen before approaching the cage and unlocking it.

She pulls the eagle out and gently scratches at his feathers. She whispers in his ear, "It's okay little guy, you can stretch out your wings now. No one should be caged like that,". She frowns at Garen yet again. He returns it before he motions for a servant to bring forward another horse.

While the horse is brought forward Garen turns toward his left. A heavyset man sits atop another horse. The horse lets out a soft whine from the weight of the man. "This is a close friend of my father. Admiral for my father's private navy. Joseph Lurium,".

"A pleasure," the admiral says giving a half bow while on the horse. _I wonder how the boats stop from snapping if the horse is having a difficult time keeping him._

The thought brings a smile on her face as she replies formally, "The pleasure is mine admiral,".

"Who would of thought one of the volunteers so civilized. The way the king speaks of you lot is as if you're a band of outcasts, misfits if you will. I'm glad to see that you are an exception,". _What does this man want? Why did he evade calling out the king on a lie? _

The horse is brought forward, and Quinn examines it before mounting. She runs her fingers through its bronze mane, and pats the top of its head. White spots on its nose contrast with its black coat. She rubs its nose until it pushes back into her hand. She mounts the horse, and turns toward the knight. "Where'd you learn that?" he asks pointing toward the horse.

"I had a doctor in my town that I helped when animals needed assistance. From birthing to letting their passing go smoothly. Just something you pick up with enough time I guess," Quinn shrugs her shoulders as what she had done with the horse had felt second nature to her. She hadn't even thought on it when she examined the horse, and reassured it that she'd be easy on it. She notices Valor flying above as she sits on the horse. _I guess it's always came easy for me._

"I've yet to inform you on what we're doing. The three of us are going ahead of Jarvan's camp to make haste for the capital. The camp brings more danger than the open road will. It'll take us a few days, if the gods are willing, but we'll make it a few days before Jarvan's party," Garen says rather bluntly. Quinn nods understanding his true intention. _He wishes me away from the men who would wish to slit my throat, and keep me away from the men I'd like to chop in two. _"Well then, we best be off. We still have a little over half a day of light to guide us forward," the man says before guiding his horse forward. Quinn and the admiral quickly follow behind the man.

An hour pass before they clear themselves of the final tent. Garen leads them onto a road that cuts through the forest. "A town sits a few miles away from here we can stop there," he says as he slows his horse so he sits by the others. "What made you want to join the volunteers Quinn? It's not a line of work for many,".

Quinn takes a few seconds before responding, "I've wanted to serve Demacia like my father ever since I picked up the sword. My father was quick to teach me, and my mother was willing to go along with it. I enjoyed the dance of swords, I guess you could say I feel as if I was born to fight," she finds herself clearing her throat before continuing. "Me and my brother both wished for this life. Well in truth he wished to serve under your house. Funny how the gods dish things out," she suppresses the emotion behind her words causing Garen to wonder what she hid.

"Did your brother join you in the volunteers?" the admiral asks not noticing the emotion she hid.

"He wasn't able to make it that far. He liked the idea behind the volunteers more than myself to be honest. I just wanted to be a soldier, not give my life to the job. The goals of others seem to mix with your own when they pass. I carried on where he couldn't by joining the volunteers. The volunteers must be thrilled by how I served them. Not even accepted into their ranks and I fail them,".

"You still did your brother proud by attempting at serving their order. You should be proud in that. You've brought his soul some bit of peace," the admiral says seeming more jolly than ever before. Quinn gives him a weak smile.

"Thank you. I hope that the work I've done against Noxus so far has made him proud,". She hears a cry from Valor. She looks out into the wooded sections surrounding the road to see the iron. Time slows as she sees the eyes that sit behind the arrow. Two poisonous slits that hold nothing but slits expand as panic fills the eyes. The arrow flies landing in the eye of her mount. The horse doesn't even have the time to let out a scream as the two fall over in unison. She cries out, "Bandits!" before her head impacts with the rough ground.

A few words enter her mind before she blacks out, "Get the fine clothed ones! Leave the girl, we have enough at the town,".

* * *

She wakes to severe pain in her leg. Her eyes open to see an arrow shaft sitting in the eye of the mount that rests on her right leg. She hears Valor close to her, but pays little attention to the bird. She attempts to push the mount off, but comes to no avail. She can feel her leg slowly being crushed by its weight. She lays her head back against the cold earth. Valor cries out again and she looks at the bird. He sits at the feet of another woman.

Many scars cover the face of the woman as she looks down at Quinn. "Looks like you've got yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place,".

"More like a horse and the ground,".

The woman bends down and lays her hands on the horse. "I'll help you lift it under one condition,". Quinn didn't feel in the mood for conditions but she asked what they were. "We gut the men who stole my daughters. They seem to have taken who you were traveling with as well,". Quinn nods her head, and the two quickly push the horse off of Quinn. The woman is already many paces ahead of Quinn when she stands up. _Seems to be trustworthy enough. Who else will help me save the only one who will vouch for me?_


	14. Shadow Strike

_**Shadow Strike**_

Quinn sees the woman ahead of her, but she kneels by the horse instead of following. It didn't feel right for her to just leave the animal that had served her faithfully. She simply kneels by the horse running a gloved hand through its mane. Valor sits by Quinn a deep sorrow filling him. He caws softly toward Quinn, but she ignores it. Minutes pass before she leaves the horse, but before catching up to the woman something catches her eye.

An arrow that sticks from a tree suddenly shines as Quinn passes by it. She reaches out to the arrow, and tugs at it a few times before it pops loose from the tree. The copper arrowhead shines in the sunlight. Quinn nearly drops the arrowhead as she realizes its material. "How'd copper end up here?" Quinn mumbles as she examines the arrowhead even more. Finding nothing on the arrowhead she grasps it in her hand, and continues on her way to catch up with the woman.

Quinn's head hung low as she approached the woman. Valor walked instead of flew from the weight the two held. Quinn found her voice as she approached the woman, "These aren't simply bandits,". The mother tilted her head in curiosity. Quinn continued at the gesture, "The arrowheads that were shot at me and my party," Quinn says pulling one out of her pocket, "They were made from Copper,". The woman looks at her as if that makes no difference. Quinn throws up her arms as she finds it obvious, "Copper only originates from southern Shurima. It's worse than iron or steel for arrowheads. Why would simple bandits be using copper?"

The scarred woman has a blank expression on her face as she asks, "Why does this matter? They still stole my daughters. They're still going to pay for what they've done,".

"Them not being bandits may make our attempt at rescue that much more difficult. They could be trained soldiers that are preying on the weak. They could be mutated beasts that only legends speak of. They could be dim witted Noxians. What matters is that we need to take caution when we approach them," Quinn looks into the sky to see the sun getting prepared to set. "We need to follow these tracks quickly, and then devise a plan,". They both agree on this and continue to follow the horse tracks that run down the middle of the road.

The mother seems to follow the tracks with no issue, but Quinn shows difficulty. _I wish I had spent more time paying attention to father's trapping lessons. _Quinn finds herself speaking up as the tracks split into the woods, "Where'd you learn to track?"

The woman's eyes don't leave the trail as she replies, "When you become a widow with two daughters to take care of you have to look for certain _occupations_ to bring in the bread. Many in my position probably would have sold themselves to a brothel or some other occupation, but I didn't want to set that example for my girls. I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt if one of them found themselves in that line of work due to me,".

"So what was the occupation?" Quinn asks finally noticing the sword and dagger that hung from the woman's hip.

"I hunted deserters from our many armies. Cravens, turn cloaks, _kinslayers_ all of them meet my blade. That's how I earned these scars. I allow each one to mark me with their blade once before I end their life," the woman seems to slow her pace as her words turn harsher. The sun is letting out its last light as Quinn finds herself stopping. The scarred woman stops when Quinn's footsteps cease. "I must say you sure are brighter than most I've hunted. Most of your kind seem to nod their head as if in denial of their crimes. They even seem shocked when I lunge at them with the blade. Your wit is probably what allowed you to kill so many of your brethren,". Hate fills the woman as she stares straight at Quinn. She draws her dagger and tosses it at Quinn.

"I have no quarrel with you. We can both be on our ways. You back toward the camp, and me toward the bandits," Quinn says slowly backing up from the woman. She sees Valor land on a branch and stare directly at the woman. Quinn shakes her head when she sees what he wishes to do. He listens to her, and begins to rest on the branch.

"Why would I let you leave? I've been offered a bounty of one thousand gold pieces for your head. The scouts seem to want you very badly. Who'd you kill in their ranks? Who traveled with you? Did you plan to slice their throats during the night?" The woman begins to approach Quinn with her sword drawn. "Pick up the sword, or do you wish to die like you lived? A coward."

Quinn found herself picking up the dagger. The accusations enraged her. "I am no kinslayer, and I am not a coward." Sunlight barely broke through the dense trees.

Quinn made out a faint smile on the woman before the woods lost all light. The woman began to taunt her, "Have you ever fought in the dark _kinslayer_? They say the best bladedancers show themselves when they lose sight. I prefer to hunt my prey in the dark. It makes the final blow that much sweeter. You can feel the life drained from the coward, and returned to those long dead,". Quinn found herself turning rapidly to try and pin down where the woman was. Her voice seemed to be coming from every direction she turned toward.

"We can still lay down our weapons, and act as if this never happened," Quinn croaked out fear gripping her throat. She grips onto the dagger with both hands. Being completely unfamiliar with the weapon she slashed into the air getting a feel for it. Being satisfied she grabbed it with both hands again and held it out in front of her. She could only see the blur of movement in the pitch black.

The rough voice of the woman filled the air yet again, "Are you afraid of the dark? You look ready to wet yourself. It's okay you'll wet yourself when my blade strikes true. May as well get it over with early,". With the end of her sentence Quinn fell over from a hit to the back of the head. She fell first into the leaves and branches that littered the forest floor. The woman's laugh taunted her as she stood back up. "You're as blind as a bat without the light aren't you?".

Quinn finds herself closing her eyes, and completely eliminating her sight. She felt it obscuring her state of mind. She instead put all of her attention on her ears. She heard the soft crunch of leaves behind her, but didn't turn. She waited to hear the woman launch at her again. When Quinn heard the crack from the launch Quinn turned threw out an uppercut with her left arm. The blow connected with the woman's jaw, and Quinn heard a soft thud followed by a groan as the woman landed on the ground. Her dagger landed in the woman's arm, but Quinn was quickly thrown off before she could finish the woman.

"Looks like I have myself a scar now. Thanks for participating in my games. I'll make sure it's quick now," the woman's voice seemed light as she finished the sentence. _Does she think I've gained honor by striking her? _Quinn tried to listen for more sounds of movement, but heard none until the slash of a blade. The blade grazed her left arm, but left a long trail of blood. Quinn found herself dodging every blow the woman threw at her, but was unable to counterattack. Quinn felt many cuts lining her body as the dagger sat limp in her hands. "I was willing to make this quick, but you've decided to make this painful on yourself,". Quinn felt her end close as she heard another slash. A memory flew at Quinn.

She sat across from her father a practice sword sitting in her lap. "Today you learn the art of the parry and riposte. You'll find yourself against foes that will be quicker, stronger, and even smarter than yourself. You'll be forced to rely solely on your own skill with the sword to outmaneuver your opponent. I'll show you. Swing at me," her father says sitting up his sword lazily sitting in his hand. He closes his eyes as she stands, and keeps them closed as she begins to circle him.

She swings at his sword arm from behind. When it looks as if the sword is about to connect his sword appears in an instant blocking her attack, and sending her off balance. He pushes her on the ground and puts the sword to her throat. "If done correctly it'll make any fight fall into your favor. It'll make even the best foes fall to a simple farmer,".

The memory fades and Quinn finds her dagger meet with the other's sword. Instead of relieving pressure between the swords Quinn puts weight upwards, and sends the woman off balance. Quinn rests the dagger against the other's throat. "Yield, I do not wish for more bloodshed,". Quinn feels the other woman stand up into her blade. She can feel the hunter's eyes lock with hers as the light slowly drains from them. Quinn lets go of her dagger, and the woman falls backward onto the cold ground. Her hands began to shake in anger, "Why'd you do that! I gave you the option of life and you took death! Now another innocent rests at my feet!"

She feels her feet fall out from under her due to exhaustion. Light begins to fill the woods, and Quinn's eyes fall on the body. The woman lies on deaths door, and Quinn decides to tell her the truth. "You fought honorably, but you fought under the flag of the true turn cloaks. Demacia has lost a true fighter this day," Quinn stops as she sees the woman's breath stop. Her eyes stare eternally into the night sky.

* * *

**Authors Note:** Just something quick I wrote today for you guys. Feeling a bit under the weather, so I don't know when the next chapter will be up :/. Hopefully soon.


	15. The Moon's Deceit

**_The Moon's Deceit_**

Quinn lays next to the body of the warrior she had slain. Her muscles cried from exhaustion, and her head pounds from the harshness of the blows the pommel of the sword had on her. Valor sits perched on her chest his eyes giving away a sense of fear. "I'm fine Valor, just tired," Quinn says with a deep pain clearly failing to be concealed. Valor lays his head on her bosom, and looks into her eyes pleading for his feathers to be stroked. Quinn shakes her head while giving off a slight chuckle. She removes one of her gold embroidered gloves Garen had given her back at the camp, and strokes the feathers of the eagle.

Her eyes stay fixated on the glove while Valor closes his eyes enjoying the comfort. She clutches the glove in her hand as her mind goes into deep thought. _How am I supposed to save one of the greatest knights Demacia has ever known if I have difficulty with a_ cutthroat? _**She was not a cutthroat she was an honorable warrior. **_Anger flashes across her face for a split second.

Her eyes move from the glove to the body of the woman next to her. Golden locks flow down the woman's face with a slight crimson highlighting their beauty. Sky blue eyes sat slightly below her thin eyebrows, but slightly above her crooked nose. She was a woman of beauty if you could look past the scars.

Quinn looks back toward the glove, and slides it back onto her slim fingers. Valor gives her an annoyed look as she begins to sit herself up. She ignores the bird, and turns her attention toward the warrior. Before fully leaving the body she kneels down, and rests her fist against her heart. Tilting her head toward the sky she begins a soft prayer, "She fought with honor, and until her last breath. She deserves the slumber that awaits us all. I beg for you to guard her as her soul finds its resting place. Praise our saviors,".

Quinn stands, and gives the body one last look before she walks away from it. _Demacian blood is on my hands, and I'll have to live with that until my blood is spilled. _Tears begin to form in her eyes, but she bites them back. _I'm a Demacian soldier I have no need for...this farm girl behavior. __Don't lie to yourself, you're no soldier ever since they killed everyone that turned you into this. You couldn't save them because you're weak. You've never been able to save anyone ever since you lead your brother into the teeth of the Noxian hounds. You're just a petty girl that has already been cursed to a life of damnation._

Quinn quickly looks around herself to move her thoughts to something more pleasant. She finds herself deeper in the forest surrounded by the oak trees of central Demacia. _You don't even know where you're going to find the one man that still gives you a chance. Sad, you should just give up this quest and return back to your father. You clearly don't match this life, just look at yourself. _Quinn looks down at herself to see a disturbing sight. Many slight cuts cover her clothing, and some blood seeps through the gold. She can feel her hair and face covered in what she presumed was mud and dirt. _God I'm a mess…_

A vicious pull at her hair brings Quinn back into reality. Valor quickly lets go of her hair, and perches himself on a branch. He points himself toward an area deeper in the forest. Quinn feels the frown that sits upon her face, but she leaves it there. _I deserve for the world to witness my shame. _Quinn nods her head at the eagle, "We best head forward. We've come too far to turn back now," _I'm not sure if I even know the way out of this forest. _Valor flies off of the branch, and Quinn instinctively follows the eagle.

Quinn finds herself making more noise than a drunk Noxian as she walks through the forest. _There's a reason I'm not a scout. _Animals ran away as they heard her coming through the forest. Valor ignored her seeming to focus on gaining full control on his flight. His wing still showed difficulty keeping him in the air, but it didn't seem to stop the stubborn eagle. Quinn begins to turn sour as she continues to watch Valor. _I wish I could have the level of confidence, and the push an eagle a fifth of my size has. _Quinn shakes her head, and attempts to rid herself of the thoughts. The thoughts leave her as she continues to follow Valor.

Valor leads his companion to a piece of steel that glints in the moonlight. Valor lands next to the steel, and begins to call for Quinn. Quinn sees that the eagle had descended, and began to approach the curious metal. Her eyes stay glued onto the metal. She didn't care to look anywhere but at the metal as her footsteps snagged onto a piece of rope. She quickly looked down to see she had sprung a small animal trap. She let out a relieved sigh before reaching for the metal.

The jagged steel bit into her hand as she picked it up. She let the pain consume her for a few seconds before she began to examine the metal. She found very little significance in the metal other than that it was clearly placed to attract wildlife. She looked down at the trap, but found she had destroyed it when she triggered it. Quinn sits down as she twirls the metal between her fingers. _Why are Hunters traveling through these woods? They have to know the Royal Guard is close. Why would they risk hunting in these woods? _

Her head snaps to attention as she hears footsteps in the distance. Quinn reaches down at her swordbelt to find herself unarmed. She curses lightly at herself for forgetting the weapons at the site she had slain the warrior. Two men entered into her view as she slowly began to raise herself from the ground. The party looks onto her, and begins to approach her. She notices the royal guard crest that sits on their coats. _Speak of the devil and he shall appear… _She rests her hand against her swordbelt instinctively. _Damn fool they'll think you mean to threaten them. _

The guards look at her, but seem to have difficulty seeing she is unarmed. _Good, they may lay off of me if I act as if I have a weapon by my side. _One of the gruff voices of the guards interject her from though, "What brings you this far out?". The guard begins to look at her more closely, but gives off no sign that he sees her as unarmed.

She gives off a annoyed tone as she looks at the guards, "Hunting, what brings men like yourself into these parts?"

"Odd time to be 'hunting' don't ya think, Wallus?" the gruff guard says to the man on his left. The other man simply nods, and pushes past Quinn. He walks onto the ground where she had destroyed the trap. He begins to examine it, and turns to back to the other guard with a shake of his head. The guard next to Quinn let out a soft sigh as his partner raises the broken trap into the air. "Much use broken traps are doing for you?" the guard says taking a step toward Quinn.

Quinn found herself a little short of the man, but straightened her back showing she wouldn't back down. "I swear the rabbits are getting smarter with every year that passes," Quinn says as a slight sweat begins to show.

The guard continues his assault of questions, "Ah… it's the rabbits. Well answer me this then. Why is a Hunter walking in the forest alone, unarmed, and without any hunting tools?" The guard smirks as he sees shock begin to spread on her face.

"I am not alone… I have my Eagle with me," she says straightening out her right arm. Valor flies out and lands onto it. His talons dig into her skin as the jacket she wore had gone into a terrible state of disrepair. She holds back a grimace as she continues on, "He is the only weapon I need,".

The guard looks at the bird, and at her attire before continuing his questioning. The guard lets out a sigh of defeat, "We don't have time for these foolish games. Just send your hunting to the west, and you won't have any interference. May the gods bring you much success hunter," the guard gestures for the other to follow.

As the two begin to depart Quinn finishes the farewell, "And may the gods bless your shield guardsman,". Quinn lets Valor fly back into the air when the guards break out of her sight. She subconsciously fiddles with the metal she had placed into her pocket before looking towards Valor. "They know, Valor. I could see it on their faces. It was recognition...we may only have a few minutes before they come back,".

Quinn looks around nervously, not knowing which direction she should travel. "Valor, find us a way out of this damn forest. The Royal Guard will have to run into Garen. We'll need to find another way…" _I'm sorry Garen, but I can't risk being caught between the Royal Guard, and your captors while being unarmed. _

Quinn follows Valor through the forest this time being much more aware on how much noise she was making. Valor flies slowly through the air carefully examining the path he leads them both on. It seems like hours to Quinn before the pair break out onto a road. She looks down the road finding herself at another tough decision. Quinn wittily remarks, "Which way do you think is west Valor? I hear it's safer for people like _us_ there."

* * *

**Authors Note: **It's been nearly four months since my last chapter. I share your disappointment in the lack of uploads. It's always been something that's irritated me, creative minds abandoning a work for a period of time without telling their audience, and it hurts me deeply that I feel into this action.

Writing has always brought me joy, and it puzzles me why I stopped for this long period of time. I think a mix of lack of self worth, and stress lead me down this road, but I plan on clawing my way back to gaining back all those I lost in my brief absence. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I hope I'll stay dedicated on this writing.


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