Author's Notes: Heey, I'm back!

Disclaimer: Chapter 1.

Chapter 4- College Days
"Analyzing approach." –Viktor

It is rather quiet in the large hall given over to the champions. Viktor shuffles through papers as the wall behind him stretches high into a curved ceiling. It could have been nearly fifteen feet at the highest vaulted point, but the scientist wasn't one for over appreciating architecture. The tall ceilings gave way to a wide open space with many tables, chairs, a fireplace on the far wall, and other simple things that he supposed could make up a tavern-like settling. It was a good place for meetings—if there weren't too many people causing a ruckus.

This evening isn't a terrible one. Viktor glances around the room. Some of the Demacian crew is settled close to the serving area. Orianna is with them. The scientist eyes the craftsmanship of the clockwork being for a brief moment. Then, he catches Garen's stern look over her shoulder. The Demacian had made it clear before that Viktor wouldn't get near the clockwork champion while the brute was around.

Viktor shrugs off the look and goes back to his papers. He had seen enough of her inner workings in the Rift to get a good idea of how and what she ran with. It was certainly intriguing, and the scientist had incorporated some of the design into his latest project. Her mobility was manageable and her framework sturdy, but Viktor didn't like the rigidness of it. He was looking for a more natural movement; one that wouldn't give away the mechanics running it.

"A most unsettling claim has been made against you, Viktor."

"Yes?" the demand to continue the statement is blunt. Viktor has no time for idle prattle, even if he had invited the yordles in front of him to meet here. People would think how they thought was right and the scientist would think how he thought. It was how the world worked and would continue working. He just didn't have to give the absurd other half his time if it was pointless.

"The new boy, Ekko, says that you have killed his sister…"

Viktor remains silent. Had the foolish boy gone to the other scientists crying about this sensitive topic now? The new champion was really beginning to get on the scientist's nerves.

"Is this in reference to Serenity?" Heimerdinger continues his inquiry as he fiddles with a broken turret shaft.

"…Yes," Viktor answers slowly.

Silence follows the admission. Ziggs and Heimerdinger both look thoughtful as they sit back in their oversized chairs.

"I was unaware that she had a sibling," Heimerdinger says at last.

"You're unaware of a lot of things," Ziggs snickers.

A small huff leaves Heimerdinger. Viktor looks up from the schematics laid out on the table in front of him. He turns a page in his grey notebook and then shakes his head, "He attempted to ambush me in the halls the other day."

"Oh?" Ziggs perks up at the statement.

"Yes," Viktor goes back to his notes. Annoying. He continues to sketch a rough drawing of his ultimate prize. A sizeable crystal that would be everything he needed… if he could get his hands on it or recreate it. Jayce had seen to the scientist losing the previous one in his posession. The only shard left in Viktor's hands was powering something so precious to him that he dare not remove it. Time was of the essence before his project would die… then what would he do?

"I suggest clearing up the facts before something else happens," Heimerdinger nods, "He seems like a reasonable person. I am sure he will listen if given the option."

"Or if Viktor doesn't blow his fuses…" Viktor glares at the bomb expert across the table. Ziggs smiles back in response. Was the only conversation he would find today be nothing but insults?

"I do not think telling him myself will suffice… The probability of him trying to kill me before I even speak is quite high," Viktor rubs at his eyes. He didn't need this stress. It was already frustrating enough trying to obtain everything he needed for his current project… but he couldn't have the two yordles helping him bail out on his research now. The only way he would succeed was to combine efforts as quickly as possible… lest the opportune time frame slipped away. And that was already precariously shortening by the day.

Serenity… I'm sorry.

"Mm, Serenity…" Heimerdinger scoots lower in his chair and lays his head back in the plush pillow backing. The small scientist closes his eyes with the slightest of smiles, "I remember the first day… you both walking into the college… such a scene you made…"

Viktor tries to concentrate on the notes in front of him, but he can't. He remembers that day like it was yesterday. No memory bank was needed for the pride and joy he felt that day.

And Serenity was by his side…

A knock at the door.

A sigh.

Viktor glanced up from the steaming coffee mug in his hands. He was dead tired after a long night in the lab, and there was still so much to do. He had decided to take a small break, and for once—the heavens forbid— someone dared to interfere with the quiet atmosphere around him. Who could be bothering him at such an early hour?

…What time was it actually?

The scientist looked around the room to find a clock. He had one in here didn't he? Viktor shuffled a stack of papers to the side. The crinkled stack shifted the wrong way, and Viktor couldn't help but glare as the entire thing cascaded to the floor. He was tired if he was beyond the point of caring about the mess. Bright digits blinked at him as Viktor finally uncovered the small clock on the desk.

9:00 AM.

More knocking.

"I am coming," Viktor grumbled under his breath. So he had been working a lot longer than he assumed. He really needed to set alarms to notify him of the hours. Maybe he could install a new system and…

The scientist reached for the front door as the knocking continued. Right… this disturbance first. He would be brief. Not many people came to his door. It was always quick business and then they would be gone. Simple.

Viktor opened the door and took a breath in to greet his insistent guest. The scientist stumbled backward as a body slammed into his. He caught himself just in time for arms to wrap around his neck.

"Viktor!"

The scientist blinked as his tired mind tried to catch up to the moment. Silver-white hair filled his vision as the body against him clung to his shoulders. Serenity? What was she doing here so early? And outside of their normal schedule….

"We did it Viktor!"

We? The scientist stood there rigidly and awkwardly. Could she let go? He didn't want to be rude and… the hugging was rather nice but… it wasn't his style. Viktor tried to keep up a professional front at all times. This… really wasn't any different… right?

His heart was suddenly pounding in his ears. This… wasn't any different… no it wasn't. Viktor felt his face heat up as the woman finally let him go. Her smile was wide and her copper eyes glowed with such pride and joy.

"I got the acceptance letter into the college!" being completely out of breath didn't stop the excitement in Serenity's voice as she held the paper in his face, "We both got in Viktor!"

Viktor smiled. And it wasn't one of his polite "that's nice now move on" or "kill me now" smiles… this one was truly genuine. Her excitement was melting his exhaustion away. He had been informed of his acceptance into the College of Techmaturgy last week and it had left him hoping to hear of Serenity's news since.

"That is wonderful Serenity!" the scientist responded in almost the same tone. He took her hands in his and couldn't help the excited bounce in his stance, "They approved of the Sentience Schematics?"

"They're interested in everything! Especially the Schematics!" Serenity bounced in place with him. Why was her happiness so contagious? Viktor would never really know. Serenity always made him overly happy and gave him a drive to work harder on anything he put his mind to. They would soar through the college and have all the funding they needed for future projects! With his diverse building knowledge and Serenity's innovative ideas… they would surely be noticed quickly.

As Viktor stepped around Serenity and closed the door, the woman went quiet. The scientist glanced at his new college peer in confusion.

"Viktor," Serenity looked at him in all seriousness, "Did you really think I would get in?"

"Of course," Viktor was shocked by the question. Serenity was exceptional with her craft and had even better ideas than himself most of the time. She was the reason half his projects had succeeded recently. In all honesty, Serenity deserved the college initiation more than he did.

And that was saying something.

"I don't think Ekkota will be happy with me leaving…" Serenity's previous excitement was gone now.

"Serenity," Viktor searched for the right words, "If Ekkota is smart—and I know he has a brilliant mind—he will accept it. He would want you to be happy." He paused, "And it's not like you will be gone forever. You can visit your family whenever you wish."

"I can," she sighed. Serenity crossed her arms with a thoughtful look, "I'll still worry… I don't think the thoughts on gang life have quite left his mind yet."

"He'll grow out of it," Viktor nodded. Her concern was justified. After the incident almost half a year ago at the docks, Viktor was convinced Ekkota had dropped the gang idea. One would think being nearly killed by it would make him reconsider. But he was still young… There were always chances.

"I hope you're right," Serenity responded. After a long moment her smile lifted, "Ajuna is doing well with his foot."

"Oh?" Viktor smiled back as he led them into the cluttered study room.

"He's already running up and down the streets," Serenity continued, "It's a miracle to see him on his feet again after…" She trailed off. The subject was still a bit sore.

"No," Viktor stopped and got close to her face, "Not a miracle. Science."

Serenity rolled her eyes at that, "Really?"

"Science that you helped with," Viktor reminded her as he turned away. If it hadn't been for Serenity's ideas, Viktor would have never been able to find a way for the mechanics to connect with the remaining nerves of the body.

"You kiss ass."

Viktor grinned at the insult. So what if he was? He only did it to her. Everyone else received the same "uptight business" treatment. But not Serenity… he couldn't put a finger on why. He was comfortable around her. And he had to be. A scientist was supposed to trust his lab partner with his life and vice versa. It was what kept them from getting killed by their own experiments most of the time…

That was how it was supposed to work.

Sometimes…

"This is going to be so awesome!"

Viktor shushed the excited whisper next to him. He tapped the back of Serenity's hand as she bounced a little in place. Serenity's grip loosened on the papers. She had been clutching them tightly in her excitement and was in danger of crinkling the pages permanently. How professional would that look to the professors in the college on their first day?

They were waiting with a handful of other students for their respective professors to show them around the college in a high vaulted entryway. Viktor glanced at his watch. Soon. He hoped. The day was getting warmer and he was getting nervous. Serenity's overexcitement wasn't calming him down either.

"Oh? I think that's him!" Serenity whispered as a few older gentlemen exited a room. Viktor huffed a little. She couldn't just assume every person that appeared was going to be their guide. Excited chatter made Viktor glance over his shoulder as another group shuffled by.

"Maybe that one?" Serenity giggled, "He's not bad looking. Like you."

Viktor face palmed. And here was where they diverged in personalities.

"Mister Prim and Proper," Serenity mocked under her breath.

"Now hold on Miss I'm Too Excited to Stand Still," Viktor shot back as quietly as he could, "Don't lump me in with—"

"Hello!" Serenity cut off his retort.

Viktor glared at her but stopped short of continuing his planned words when a gentleman not much older than them came over with a wave.

"Good afternoon, miss," the man adjusted his glasses as he looked them up and down. His finger trailed down the clipboard in his hands and a wide smile was plastered on his face, "You must be Miss Fleckerstein. A pleasure to meet such a lovely face here."

Viktor wanted to shake his head as the man shook Serenity's hand. How overly polite… The professor let go of Serenity's hand after a long moment and glanced over his clipboard again.

"And you are?"

When the man offered Viktor his hand, the young scientist took it without hesitation, "I am Viktor Ivanov."

"Yes, Viktor," the professor nodded as they shook hands, "I am Professor Stanwick Pididly. I will be your director and guide through the college for the next few years. How are you both doing today?"

"Wonderful!" Serenity responded, "I'm so excited to be here!"

"Good good," Stanwick responded, "As we are excited to have you. I cannot deny the brilliance in trying to create functioning robotics to help with the hazardous disposals in Zaun."

Viktor felt jaded somehow as the professor put an arm around Serenity's shoulders and led her away. He hadn't been allowed a response. The young scientist shook the feeling away though; it was probably first day jitters. He followed the professor for the tour of the college. Today was going to be a long one, but it would be worth the waiting through speeches and boring ceremonies. He could finally work on some of his and Serenity's biggest ideas. Starting with the Sentience Schematics….

"Viktor?"

"Hm?" the scientist blinks as he hears his name over the dull chatter throughout the room. He focuses on the yordle addressing him. Heimerdinger has an eyebrow raised.

"Lost in thought are we?" the yordle asks.

"I am thinking."

"I think we've made some progress this evening," Ziggs sighs, "The elements we've surmised are plausible, but you won't know for sure until you experiment Viktor. It's… dare I actually say it: risky."

"Risk is nothing if the reward is great," the dark-haired scientist replies.

"Risk is everything if you perish in the process," Heimerdinger taps his chin thoughtfully, "Remember, you are not the only one affected if you fail to recreate this crystal resonator."

Viktor knew the risks he could be taking if he tried to recreate the crystal he stole in Piltover. He would be taking even greater risks if he tried to obtain the power source in the same way. He didn't have Serenity's contacts or pull in Zaun. She had been a monumental driving force for him in the past; the least he could do was turn around and do the same.

In his own way.

"Noted," Viktor presses his back into the overstuffed chair and attempts to relax. His shoulder has been bothering him since the incident with Ekko and no position seemed to relieve the discomfort. Stupid child. He may have to go to the infirmary for a brief visit after all. He didn't like going through his own supplies if he had access to other means.

As if that thought wasn't humiliating enough, said culprit to Viktor's recent aches and pains steps through the door a few moments later. The scientist watches the teen as he looks around the room uneasily.

Their eyes meet.

Ekko visibly tenses. Viktor can see the flare of anger hidden behind the stiff façade the young Zaunite puts on. If he had been any closer, the kid might have tried to start something then and there.

"Ekko!" someone from the far side of the commons area addresses the white silver-haired champion. Viktor waits—still watching as Ekko slowly draws his eyes away from the stare down. The boy had every reason to not trust the scientist, but… he had every reason to trust in him as well. The future would be brighter…

As the teen joins the table with Lux and Garen, Viktor returns to his papers.

"Definitely not a fan of yours," Ziggs chuckles at his observance of the situation.

Heimerdinger seems annoyed by the other yordle's deduction but remains silent. Viktor continues to scan the papers that Ziggs had brought him. He makes small notations in the free space allowed. An idea here. A cross out there. The schematics as a whole looked sound and simple enough to put together. They were planning on fusing different sources to recreate the crystal Viktor needed. They just needed to find the exact sources required. It was coming down to trial and error, and Viktor couldn't risk his lab going up in flames if he messed up his calculations.

The Zaunite engrosses himself in his work as the yordles chatter about the match from earlier. The scientist has no time for idle talk. He wants to get things done—needs to get them settled. And it was only going to happen if he tuned out the idle conversations around him.

A laugh cuts through Viktor's mind like a lightning bolt. His hand freezes as his pen touches the parchment.

Serenity?

The scientist looks over at the far table as the group gets louder. Ekko bursts out laughing again as Lux animatedly tells him something—causing the others at the table to roar as well. But Ekko's laughter is the only thing Viktor can hear.

He sounded just like his sister…

"Be careful."

"I'll be fine!" the amused response came.

"Right," the unconvinced reply followed.

"All I need to do is get this bolt turned and it should... be… situate-AHH!"

"Serenity!" Viktor practically dropped the metal in his hands to bolt across the room. His concern turned to annoyance as said woman burst out laughing from her spot on the ladder she was using. Serenity was hanging by her knees from a rung… She had scared the daylights out of the dark-haired scientist by faking the fall… ugh.

"That was not funny," Viktor growled. Could she be anymore reckless? What if she actually injured herself as they pieced together their grand project? It would set back so many deadlines and Viktor couldn't even begin to think of the horrors that would ensue if Serenity was bedridden or something. She would be bored out of her mind. And a bored Serenity was the worst. Thing. Ever.

Hence why stupid things like this happened in the first place…

"Aw Viktor, come on," Serenity giggled. She pulled herself up the ladder and then climbed down in a couple skips that left Viktor a little more than annoyed. "Start 'er up already!"

"Is the generator ready?" Viktor rolled his eyes. He couldn't help but smile as Serenity actually double-checked their start-up boost. She listened… sometimes.

"Generator online!" she called over her shoulder.

Viktor smiled as he sat at the control board. He looked over the large yellow metaled body near the center of the room. Their project was coming so close to reality. They had been running tests all week. They knew what was needed to start the mechanical golem, but they had struggled to keep it sustainable until Serenity had happened upon some old studies of steam-powered engines. Viktor had quickly taken the concept and shaped a new generator that, in theory, would self-sustain itself once it got going.

"Cables connected and ready to go!" Serenity continued to run down the list of things to always check before they scaled the power. If they weren't careful, they could short out a large section of the college… and no one really wanted to deal with that headache again. It had happened only once… and it was why they now worked late into the nights when not many people were there.

Viktor looked over the blinking lights. Things looked good on his end.

"Fire 'er up!" Serenity gave the command as she stepped back a safe distance and snapped safety goggles on.

He didn't need to be told twice.

Viktor flicked a couple switches and slowly raised the power bar to twenty percent. The mechanical golem hummed a little as its core rumbled to life. Serenity flipped Viktor a thumbs-up and the scientist nodded. He raised the power bar to fifty percent.

Steam drifted from the piping on the back as the processor, filters, and main generator kicked into its cycles. Everything seemed stable. But this was where they always hit their roadblocks.

"Just ramp it," Serenity stated over his shoulder.

Viktor looked at her. If they added too much power too soon they risked frying the entire system…

"We can rebuild it," Serenity's smile wasn't the most convincing, "Besides, what's science without the risk?"

They had spent nearly two years on this project. That amount of time and work seemed like a lot of risk to Viktor. He wasn't sure…

Serenity's hand covered his; Viktor's heart fluttered. Fine. If it failed, Serenity would be rebuilding the entire damn thing by herself as he watched and gave the "I told you so" over her shoulder.

With Serenity's hand still over his, Viktor scaled the power up to one hundred percent.

They waited as the golem's humming continuously filled the air with small sparks. Serenity glanced at the panels nearby. Viktor looked at his board in confusion.

…Nothing?

"Viktor?" Serenity voiced over the humming.

"I—," Viktor barely started his sentence when the lights popped out overhead. He immediately grabbed Serenity and pulled her down as the sparks flickered and scattered through the room in large thundering bolts. Viktor felt the tingle of electric power through the floor tiles as a bolt hit the control desk he had been sitting at.

Serenity flinched closer to him as another bolt ricocheted against the wall behind them and blew out some of the tech panels. Viktor closed his eyes and covered the white-silvered haired scientist with his body. It really wouldn't help with the amount of electric charge if it did hit, but at least Viktor felt useful in that terrible moment. He was trying to protect his lab partner at the very least.

Just as suddenly as the lightning whirlwind erupted, it died. Viktor stayed still for a long moment. Papers drifted to the ground around him and Serenity as he glanced up. The lights were still out, but a glow coming from the other side of the desk gave enough light to see by.

"Are you all right?" Viktor looked down at Serenity.

"I'm fine," she grumbled, though her eyes were wide with fright.

"Good," Viktor responded. He cautiously got to his feet and glanced over at the main cable station. The power generator had blown out… they would be facing another long few weeks of ridicule and punishment for probably blowing half the college's power grid.

"Viktor…" Serenity's awed voice brought him out of his anxious thoughts, "You really need to see this."

Viktor glanced over his shoulder and froze. He turned slowly toward their project as a large metal arm twitched to life. The yellow fingers contracted into a loose fist and relaxed… then pulled into a tighter fist. The white eyes seemed to grow brighter for a moment and then dim as if the robot was blinking.

The lights flickered back on overhead. The sparks across the golem's metal plating were dissipating. Steam rose from its back pipes in an idle line. Viktor reached out to his partner but Serenity was already stepping forward, "Serenity…"

He watched the silver-haired scientist lift her hand in front of her. The golem's eyes lit up as she approached it.

"Hello," she stated.

The golem seemed to process the greeting for a long moment. Viktor felt a smile creeping to his face. It appeared stable. From the subtle hum of the golem's core, he didn't think the self-sustain core was struggling. Everything seemed to be working.

"Hel-lo," the robotic voice echoed.

A breathy laugh escaped Serenity as the golem's hand rose in front of it, mimicking Serenity's movement.

"Yes, hello," Serenity repeated with a smile. She placed her hand against the golem's palm and looked back at Viktor.

"Hello…" Viktor replied quietly. Was he dreaming? Had it really worked?!

"Hel-lo," the golem repeated.

"Viktor…" the excitement in Serenity's voice rose, "Viktor… we did it!"

The dark-haired scientist had little warning as she turned and threw her arms around his neck, "We did it Viktor!"

Viktor felt happiness burst through his entire being as he spun Serenity around in his arms. They had done it! All their work and planning had finally succeeded! Viktor had to take notes. He had to keep track of everything they had done tonight. He had to record this great moment in his records. But most of all, he had to kiss Serenity for all her hard work, because without her, none of it would have ever succeeded.

So he did.

And it was the single most happy and heart wrenching thing he could have ever subjected himself to.

"Viktor?" concerned voices speak up as the scientist quickly gets up from his seat. Viktor sweeps his notes and other items into a messy pile. He needs to get out of the commons area. He needs to get away from the laughter that reflected so much happiness and sorrow in his life. He needs… to leave.

"I will conclude for the night," Viktor replies crisply to the yordles, "Thank you for your time. We will meet again soon?"

"Of course," Heimerdinger replies, though the yordle still looks worried, "Viktor about Serenity…"

"I need not hear anymore of her tonight," the agitated scientist turns abruptly away, "I value your council, Heimerdinger. I will consider it. Good night."

Before he could be pestered longer, Viktor exits the common room in a hurry. He doesn't care if the others are watching. He just needs to be away. This Ekko… Ekkota… would drive him to insanity if he didn't put some distance between them.

Maybe… he might talk with the young Zaunite. Now wasn't the right time though.

But soon.