A/N: I'm not sure if I like how this chapter turned out.

I messed up on my lore, I didn't know that Demacia and Noxus had fought a huge battle at Kalamanda, and that Swain had only become Grand General AFTER this event. I had seen Swain had seized power in Noxus, but I guess I never really read HOW it happened, other than he had a lot of support. If I had known this extra stuff I am now just finding out, I would have written the story a little differently.

That being said, I'm going to write up to this big battle, but do it a bit differently than how it happened in lore. One of the big things obviously, Swain becoming Grand General BEFORE this event. I really feel stupid after reading all this stuff.

That being said, I hope you guys won't hate me too much for messing up. I'll try to work with my mistake and make it better.

Again, thank you so much for the kind reviews on the previous update. You have no idea how good it makes me feel to see other people like my work. I think I'm getting sick though, so I tried to finish this chapter before I get too sick to write.

Enjoy~ (Review, pretty please! I read and respond to everyone as fast as I can!)

"You look rather bored."

Jarvan IV was pulled from his thoughts as the voice of his childhood companion, Garen Crownguard, drifted to his ears over the music of the Spring Celebration. A quick glance at the crowd revealed that the celebration had not escalated into full swing just yet. The citizens were wary, sizing up the strangers they were pressed closely to. Some hovered near the drink table, staring down at their mugs but never bringing it to their lips.

How depressing. He thought, forgetting that Garen was standing near him at his perch high above the crowd. The celebration had been much more lively in the past years, the recent rumors about Noxus most likely dampening the citizens. He frowned, looking over at Garen who was waiting patiently for a response.

"Not bored," Jarvan shook his head. "Distracted would be more like it."

Boram Darkwill had been assassinated, and Noxus had blamed Demacia without blinking an eye. Jarvan was quite surprised to hear the news, but not the least bit tearful for the Noxian General. There had been a small skirmish between his forces and Noxus', with Swain at their lead. Jarvan had scarcely avoided coming to direct blows with the Master Tactician.

Tension was growing between the two city-states, and Jarvan both feared and hoped that another battle was on the horizon. He wanted to see that bastard Swain gone for good, but didn't want to sacrifice the lives of Demacian soldiers in the process. The rumors of Swain becoming the new Grand General infuriated him to the point of needing to physically harm someone or something.

Jarvan could sense the anxiety from his citizens, could see the fear in their eyes from where he sat. He didn't like the feeling of hopelessness that was clawing at his heart. He wanted to protect his people and give them a life without fear, but that would never happen as long as Jericho Swain was breathing.

Garen rested a hand on Jarvan's arm. "Tonight is about having fun, a break. Don't think, just enjoy yourself."

Jarvan tried to smile at his friend, to reassure him that he was alright, but it didn't reach his eyes. He could see that Garen was also worried by the lack of light in his eyes, but Jarvan couldn't and wouldn't let his people see that he was worried. He had to be strong for them.

"Where's your sister?" He asked, noticing Lux wasn't with him. She was always at Garen's side whenever she could be, the two were practically joined at the hip.

"She said she was going to help Shyvana get ready for the celebration."

"Lux is coming to the celebration with Shyvana?" His voice shook slightly at Shyvana's name. He hadn't seen her since the intimate moment they shared. He remembered the way she had avoided the question he had desperately wanted to ask, Did you enjoy our kiss as much as I did?

He hadn't seen Shyvana since then, not even on the streets when he decided to go out in public which he rarely did. He thought he had heard her voice when he had visited the Crownguard house, but it sounded muffled. Either she had been in the other room with Lux or it had just been his imagination.

Garen grunted, drawing Jarvan out of his thoughts yet again. He followed his friend's gaze to where more people were arriving to the celebration, his eyes immediately settling on her.

Shyvana was with Lux, she was laughing at something the younger Crownguard had said. Her dress sparkled under the lights, like firelight. She looked tiny and bird-like from where he sat, her movements nervous, as if she was uncomfortable with her body.

His heartbeat sped up, his breath quickening. The memory of their kiss burned in his mind, the way she had touched him.

"Shyvana." He murmured, too low for Garen to hear him.

I looked around, ignoring the curious glances from people in the large crowd.

"It gets better, I promise. Sona isn't here yet so the band is not sure what to play."

"Sona?" I remembered fighting on the Fields of Justice with the Maven of Strings before. She was deadly with that instrument of hers that at first glance looked harmless. I had been quite impressed when I saw how she used it in action.

"Yeah, she comes every year. She's running a little late." Lux's face brightened and she waved frantically at Garen, who was standing beside Jarvan. They were high above the crowd, and both Garen and Jarvan were looking their way. Garen waved back.

I laughed, rubbing the back of my neck nervously. I could feel the scrutiny of Jarvan's gaze and for once I desperately wanted to join the crowd rather than avoid it.

"How about I get us something to drink? Maybe something to eat? I assure you that you won't want to once Sona gets here." Lux offered.

Before I could protest the younger Crownguard was already off, her small form disappearing in the fold of the crowd. I frowned, feeling strangely lonely in this crowded place. Despite the colorful decorations that hung from the buildings in the main square, and the lights that cast rays of reds, blues, and yellows on everything—it felt strangely dark.

My heart lurched. I wanted Ezreal to be here.

"Hey!" A high pitched voice squeaked. I looked down, my eyes widening in surprise. It was the tiny girl that had run into me in the streets, the day I saw Jarvan.

"It's you," I said. "Aren't you a little young to be here?"

"I'm eight!" The girl said angrily, pointing to herself. "The celebration is for everyone."

"I can see that." And I honestly could. I noted even younger faces than the girl in the crowd, children who were chasing each other. Their laughs could be heard above the solemn playing music, adding a cheeriness to the air that wasn't there before. The celebration wasn't only for the hardened warriors, but for the citizens and their children who I hoped desperately wouldn't have to do and see any of the things we—as warriors—did.

"Is your head better?"

I lifted my arms, enough for my wings to open with a soft sigh. I twirled once—twice, my hair following wildly with my carefree movements. I heard someone clap, an overly dramatic and somewhat mocking sound. I stopped, my eyes searching.

Ezreal smiled at me. "Bravo."

I squealed, surprising myself at being able to emit such a noise. I threw myself into his arms, inhaling his familiar scent. His arms instantly wrapped around me, hugging me tightly.

"I've only been gone for a few days," He laughed. "I'd hate to see how you react when I come back from being gone for months."

The idea that he would leave for that long made me frown, I hugged him tighter as if that would keep him from leaving. "I missed you." I said, and I did. Lux had kept me distracted for a good amount of time, but I had felt lonely when I prowled the streets of Demacia without my friend at my side.

Suddenly what Lux and I had discussed in her bedroom floated to my mind.

Ezreal likes you.

You should consider his feelings. Don't lead him on if you don't like him, tell him so he can move on.

I pulled my head back, my arms still wrapped around him, staring at him. His cerulean eyes stared back, bright with emotion. Our faces were close together, our hot breath mingling. "I missed you too." Ezreal said so softly that I almost didn't hear him.

Our faces moved closer together, our lips only inches apart. It was the voice of the little girl that broke us apart.

"Gross!"

I jumped out of Ezreal's embrace, standing to the side nervously. I felt my face heat from embarrassment. I looked pointedly at the little girl. "Don't you have better things to do?"

The look on my face must have scared her more than I intended. Her eyes widened, filled with fear, and she turned and ran away to the other children. Most likely going to tell a false story on how I was going to eat her.

"Nice," Ezreal grinned at me. His cheeks were a dark pink which surprised me. I never saw Ezreal embarrassed. "You're really making yourself relatable to the populace."

I snorted. "Yeah, and what about you, you-"

"Ezreal, you're back!" Lux called from a distance, trying to walk as fast she could to reach us. Her curled hair bounced with each step she took. "You clean up nicely."

He did. He wasn't wearing anything flashy like some of the others, but he was wearing a simple black and white suit that completed his blond hair—which was mostly tame and not like it's usual wild self, with strands sticking out in all directions.

Lux and Ezreal hugged, but it was in a casual friendly way and not like the way I hugged Ez. I could see he was slightly hesitant to hug her, his eyes shifting over to me to gauge my reaction. I could feel the familiar feeling of jealously worm it's way to my heart but I plastered a smile on my face to hide my true feelings.

Lux was right, I was going to have to pick Jarvan or Ezreal—and soon.

But this was not the time to think about that. It always seemed to come up at the worst possible times. I tried to forget, so I wouldn't have to stay up until the late hours of the night thinking about it. I couldn't avoid it forever, but I would try as long as I could.

"Let's go see my brother and Jarvan." Lux suggested, looking pointedly at me. I shook my head slightly, indicating that would be a very bad idea. I'm sure Jarvan saw the little moment Ez and I had.

She was insistent. She grabbed my hand, dragging me through the crowd. Ezreal followed close behind, laughing at my torment. I grabbed for his hand, that felt warm in mine, bringing him down with me.

People stared as we passed by, their eyes widening when they beheld my decorated horns. I gave them uneasy smiles, which some of them even returned with an even brighter smile. Ez nodded his approval.

Jarvan and Garen were in heated discussion that immediately died as Lux, Ezreal, and I came into view. Lux immediately let go of my hand, running to her brother and embracing him in a sibling affectionate hug. Ezreal squeezed my hand as his gaze met Jarvan's. Jarvan looked from my face, to our joined hands, to Ezreal, then back to me.

"Shyvana," He greeted coolly. His voice held none of the warmth it had the last time I saw him. His eyes were dark and unfathomable. "You look nice."

"Thanks." I responded, tugging my hand out of Ezreal's. Ez looked at me, reaching for my hand again but I shook my head.

"Oh look!" Lux said, ignoring the awkward tension between the three of us. "There's Sona."

The Maven of Strings had arrived on stage, floating above the ground with her instrument in hand. The band looked to her expectantly, waiting for her to lead them. She played a few starting notes, which the band immediately repeated. She began playing something upbeat, which the band began to follow. Cheers could be heard from the crowd as people started to break into dance.

"Come on Garen, let's dance!" Lux tugged on her brother's arm, dragging him toward the revived crowd. He smiled apologetically at Jarvan, letting his sister lead him to the dance floor.

"Didn't you say you would sing and dance for me Ez?" I asked, grinning.

"I did say that, didn't I?" He grinned devilishly, his eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "Wait right here, you'll see what I have planned."

I watched Ezreal practically run to join the upbeat crowd, joining them in their enthusiastic swings and twirls. I laughed, cheering him on from my perch near Jarvan.

I blinked, suddenly remembering Jarvan was there. I walked hesitantly toward him. He watched me like an intent predator who stalked his prey. I sat on the armchair of the 'throne' he sat on, glancing between him and the celebration.

"Are you mad at me?" I knew he probably wasn't. More like he was mad at Ezreal, or maybe even jealous. I knew I wasn't being fair to either of them. Ezreal doesn't even know Jarvan and I kissed. I thought with a frown.

"No," Jarvan sighed. "Are you and Ezreal-"

"I don't know." I said lamely. "I don't know anything."

"Did you enjoy it? Our kiss? You wanted more, didn't you?" He asked desperately.

Why was I having this conversation now? Here, of all places? This wasn't the time. It just wasn't.

"At the time—yes. Now? I don't know anymore, my Lord." I shook my head. I wasn't even sure what I wanted. Perhaps I needed to learn that, before I even decided. I didn't like how my thoughts sounded, as if Ezreal and Jarvan were just mere toys for my enjoyment.

I watched the crowd, fascinated at their wild movements. I had the slight urge to join them but held myself back. Perhaps another time.

Jarvan reached out for my hand, holding it in calloused hands similar to mine. I looked up at him, marveling at his dark eyes that held secrets that could be unlocked if only I asked.

I looked out to the crowd at Ezreal, who was waving at me over the crowd. I laughed, waving back with my free hand.

Suddenly the music ceased.

Frantic shouts of dismay could be heard from the crowd as they created a narrow path for a rider on a dark stallion. The rider had dark, blood red hair that flowed freely behind her, and a crescent scar that ran from her left eye. Two wicked daggers were sheathed at her belt, the steel gleaming under the lights of the celebration.

Katarina.

I had no idea what the Noxian assassin was doing here, and more importantly why she wasn't being attacked. A white flag was held in one of her hands, signaling a cease fire. She was here as a messenger?

"Prince Jarvan IV of Demacia," Her silky voice rang out over the silent crowd. "Jericho Swain, Grand General of Noxus, has declared war on you Demacian dogs for the murder of Boram Darkwill. We will not stand by and let his unjustly and cruel death go unpunished. All of you shall pay."

Katarina pulled back harshly on the reins of the dark stallion. The beast nickered uneasily, obeying the rough orders of it's dark mistress. The Sinister Blade left as quickly as she had come, but the message was already sinking into the Demacian citizens.

Noxus had declared outright war.