Shadow Isles Invasion STG2: The Strength of Death.

What?! Karthus thought. We can destroy Demacia with but a whim; Why must this challenge be made? No matter. Nothing binds the Isles to it's word...And I am no pawn of the Ruined King, regardless.

Karthus waited, still floating before the gate as he watched the challenge....And also kept a close eye upon the summoners.

((Joining the fray!))

((Location: Exiting the Palace))
The echo of footsteps can be heard throughout the main hall, heavy and laden with purpose. They belonged to a militant figure, strong and disciplined beyond measure; a paragon among soldiers that young boys and even grown men aspired to become. Boots that had trailed streaks of dark blood down the marble floors less than a day before now shone clean in the warm light of the palace lamps, and his armour adorned with the unblemished symbols of his matron once more. But the image of a soldier did not spread to his face.

Garen was troubled deeply by recent events, and the threat of an army on their doorstep. His face was clouded by thought, almost as if still caught in the deep fog that swamped the city a day earlier. Tensions ran high throughout the palace, and even the Dauntless Vanguard had shifted uneasily during his morning address. Many had fallen, and many more would follow while the enemy's numbers only seemed to grow. Was victory even possible?

"A weak mind is the same as a broken blade. Have you of all people given up hope?"

A small spark lifted Garen's gaze, jaw set in determination. No. The corruption must be stamped out here, before it spread to the rest of the continent. If Demacia allowed the hordes of the Shadow Isles to overtake them, the rest of Valoran would soon follow; this could never be allowed to happen. They would make their stand here, and send the fiends crawling back to whatever dark master they spawned from. Demacia still had many able arms, and loved ones behind them who needed protection from this dark plague. Justice would prevail, he would ensure it.

Garen noticed another set of footfalls converging on his own, and fell into step with the Crown Prince as they crossed paths. The Lightshield family were the shining beacons of Demacia's ideals, and Garen would follow the Prince into the mouth of an abyss. The burden of leadership had fallen upon Jarvan IV sooner than expected, and his actions over the past few days had been of concern to his subjects, but Garen had every confidence that he would step up to the plate as he always did.

"My Lord, the Dauntless Vanguard is ready and willing." Garen's confidence had returned, his heavy armour settling on his shoulders more easily. He looked ahead as they passed under the great archways and out of the palace entrance, the luminescent shimmer of the barrier overhead giving slight comfort to the citizens outside. He was tempted to ask his old friend what strategies he had devised, or to suggest a few of his own, but quelled such thoughts and settled his mind on the battle ahead.

"We will follow you to the end."

((Location: Walking through the city.))

As Jarvan walked, he became lost in his own thoughts. He thought of simple yet effective battle formations for the citizens who have no experience when it comes to war. He would give them the best chance he could at survival. Both by educating them, and taking down as many enemies as possible. He will try to siphon the flood down to a trickle.

The prince was glad to see his oldest and most trusted friend walking next to him. Without stopping, he gives Garen a friendly punch on his shoulder. "Thank you Garen, it is an honor to be by your side." He took some time to think. "How many battles have we fought together? It feels like a lifetime."

Jarvan turns his head to Garen. "I got married last night. It was just the act, no after-party. Only my father and the officiant were the others who attended." His face softened a spec as he spoke. "If we all live to see the end of this, I want you to be my best man at the ceremony. There is no one man I trust more than you to be by my side."

As they approach the wall he stops in front of Garen and turns to face him. "But if I don't survive this, I want you to take care of Belle. She is a fragile woman, she has already lost so much. I don't want her to do anything... drastic if she loses me as well." He swallows uncomfortably as he says the word drastic, the image of her possessed-self mutilating her flesh. "She may be pregnant as well, so there is hope of there being Jarvan V. Keep an eye on him as well?" Jarvan then turns and scales the wall to see what is going on.

((Location: Wall.))

((Location: Getting LOST in the city :D))

Daniella frowned, she had been ordered by Lady Fiora to head into the city, making sure everyone was safe. The war hung on her nerves, causing her normally stable judgement to be clouded. Having Dani in her mind awaiting the carnage was not a helpful factor. She doubled over, gripping her head as she couldn't handle the madness within her. It suffocated her, as she fell over and fainted.

"....Lady....Fiora...."

((Location: Wall))

Jarvan nods towards his best friend. "Thank you Garen, I am lucky to have you as my right hand man. Most people spend their whole lifetime without someone they can truly depend on." Without looking back, he brings himself to the top of the wall to look upon the events that are unfolding.

The prince spots the iron ambassador and he approaches her. "Poppy, what is going on here?" He turns to see Azazel and feels a burning hatred sizzle inside of him. "Vile creature." He says this part through clenched teeth. It was then that he noticed Xin Zhao standing among the enemy, past the protection of the walls and the barrier. "Seneschal! What are you doing down there?"