Author's Note: Hey, an update within the same month...quite a rarity! Again, trying not to get burnt out on writing, but I am a little preoccupied during the week, but I'm working on it whenever I get the time. Every other week feels like a decent pace.
The Institute of War
The judge pounded his gavel, bringing both parties to attention. "My ruling is that a battle on the Fields of Justice is required to settle this dispute. Now, Jarvan, Viktor, we have the peculiar condition that one of you has more champions than the other. Five is of a size that is permissible, and I will not require you to make any alterations to your team composition." The judge turned his head towards Viktor, twirling his gavel absentmindedly. "Thus, I must ask you, Viktor. Do you have a fifth champion that would be willing to assist you?"
The inventor shook his head indignantly. "No, and I do not intend to have one. I am here to prove the effectiveness of my Battlecast. Having any other being on my team would put an unacceptable smudge on my impending victory." Viktor looked towards the Prince with a smirk, garnering a scowl.
The judge nodded. "Understood. I am not allowed to scale your current team to make the four of your team equal to the five of Jarvan's. You will be required to play at a disadvantage. I will offer you the same option again, if this information would change your mind."
"My stance remains the same. My Battlecast are more than capable of emerging from this conflict victoriously."
The judge once again nodded. "Then the match is fit to begin. Jarvan, I will have your team walk towards the left side of the chamber to be transported to the Summoner Rift. Viktor, you will advance to the right side of the chamber." With another slam of his gavel, the two teams walked towards their respective positions on the opposite sides of the chamber. The walls began rising upwards to reveal five metal rings in the floor, a blue glow illuminating their center on the side Jarvan had walked towards, and red on Viktor's.
As the champions walked forth, five symbols illuminated on the walls of the chamber as the walls closed behind them, each symbol representing the five positions to be taken on the Rift.
Viktor looked towards the Battlecast, issuing commands. "Skarner, you are to take the jungler position. Urgot, given the correct prediction of their team, it is safe to assume that Luxanna will take the middle lane. If you wish to contest her, then I suggest you advance to that position. I will personally contest Jarvan in the top lane and see to it that he crumbles. Xerath, that leaves you to fill the role of bottom lane. Do we all agree to this?"
"Placement affirmative".
"I will make Lux wish she died with her brother."
"The archer and the musician will fall before my power."
Very good. Then let us prepare to show the world the might of the Battlecast." With that, Viktor advanced towards the left-most ring, stepping into the red swirl of energy beneath him.
Summoner's Rift
Viktor emerged on the starting stone platform, walking to the shop and being given his signature item, the Prototype Hex Core, as well as a Doran's Ring. The core was, at this point, a mere toy the Institute held for Viktor to reacquire for the purposes of the match. The advancements to the Core, when compared to the hulking Battlecast that had just recently appeared next to him, could barely be classified as impressive inventions.
He took it as it was and turned around, standing towards the edge of the platform until the walls fell, and Viktor advanced along the righthand wall towards the top lane as his teammates walked towards their various positions. In standard situations, the summoners would communicate with each other to coordinate, however, for disputes between individual champions and not the provinces as a whole, summoners were not brought on. As such, teammates had to place complete and utter trust in each other, as communication was nearly nonexistent. All champions were granted knowledge of the scoreboard at all times as well as knowledge of their teammate's locations, but that was all.
Viktor approached the top lane brush and took a crouch amidst it, waiting for his lane opponent to make his appearance. Jarvan's mobility would prove the most challenging aspect of the lane, but his arrogance would be his downfall, of that the Inventor had no doubt.
As Jarvan walked up to the lane, he planted his spear firmly in the ground, waiting for the minions to walk up to the lane.
But they never did.
As both champions waited for what seemed like an unorthodoxically long time, eventually an emotionless, feminine voice spoke out from seemingly everywhere. "In an effort to improve the fairness of the game, all modes of farming have been disabled. Passive gold and experience gaining have been drastically amplified to account for this."
Viktor emerged from his brush, looking over towards Jarvan who was beyond furious.
"How much did you bribe the officials here for your precious victory, Viktor? Are you so desperate to prove the might of your so-called "Battlecast" that you refuse to engage in fair play? You knew Xerath would fall in the bottom lane and had the Institute remove his struggle to farm. You are below pathetic."
"As much as you will not believe this, Jarvan, I had nothing to do with this. This is as much news to me as it is news to you." As Viktor spoke, he could sense Skarner enclosing on his current position, lining up for an early gank. "I wished a fight that would prove the undoubted might of my Battlecast, fully understanding the numbers disadvantage that would mean for me. I entered the Rift under the assumption that a standard match would be conducted, not this." Skarner was hiding in the river brush at this point, ready and waiting to make his move."
"You are correct Viktor, I do not believe a word of that. Perhaps it is because you sent one of your underlings off to murder a beloved Demacian symbol, perhaps it's because you somehow managed to convince an official judge that extreme champion augmentation is legal. However, I will have no part of this." The Prince reached down and hefted his spear, gripping it firmly with two hands. "Here, Viktor, you don't have the protection of your Battlecast. I will enjoy cleaving your neck time and time again."
"Contrarily, my Battlecast know, and protect, their Creator. Skarner, assault." As the Battlecast came roaring out of the river, Viktor brought up his staff and used his other hand to activate a shield on his chest, shielding himself as Jarvan began dashing toward him. The Inventor aimed his staff towards the Prince and unleashed a furious blast from his staff, sending Jarvan staggering back. From behind, Skarner towered over both humans and unleashed a blast from his claw, sending the Prince tumbling over.
"You are not the only one fit for surprises, fool." From behind Skarner, Shyvana came running from their tower, launching a fireball towards Skarner that melted a portion of the metal.
"Focus the Prince, and we will deal with the dragon later." Viktor and Skarner continued assaulting Jarvan, still stuck on the ground by Skarner's treads. After one final blast by Viktor, the form of the Prince vanished from beneath them, as they both turned to Shyvana, who immediately turned and began running towards the tower that she just came from. The two champions continued their pursuit, stopping as they reached the edge of the tower's range.
As Shyvana continued fleeing, Skarner turned towards Viktor. "Minions absent. Tower damage too oppressive for survival."
"Yes, we will have to advance through the jungle to approach their base. I have not checked our nexus to see the new winning conditions of this match, but I presume that they have been changed. Now, let us assist Urgot. I have no intentions of drawing this match out any longer than necessary."
The Institute of War
The Autobots and the Piltians rolled into the Institute, making their way through the busy streets, the Autobots experiencing these streets for the first time.
"Where exactly are we going, Caitlyn? You said Heimerdinger had a laboratory somewhere here, yes?" Prowl slowed to a crawl as the traffic piled up, all of the vehicles seeming to advance in a single direction.
"I'm not entirely sure, however, we need to tell officials what Viktor has done to Piltover if word hasn't gotten here yet. They can probably lead us to Heimerdinger's workshop as well. Turn right here...along with everyone else." Sure enough, the left-bound half of the road was completely empty, and yet the right-bound road seemed packed to an unearthly degree. The Autobots forced themselves into the lane and began moving forward inch by inch.
From the other car, Ironhide spoke. "Hey Vi, where're all these people going?"
"Well, the viewing area for Summoner's Rift is further on down the way...that's the only thing of note I can think of. Even still, usually only the fans go to watch the battles live. Most people are fine to watch it on the holo-viewers. I'm guessing there's a pretty important match happening right now. Probably worth our while to see what's up. Take a right here, there's some pretty unused backroads I always take when I'm late to my matches."
The Autobots all turned and took the alleyways forward, the narrow streets just barely wide enough to allow Perceptor through. When they finally emerged from the backroads, the massive dome of Summoner's Rift stood looming not too far ahead, screens all around the arena displaying the day's activities to throngs of people that stood around to watch.
"Hey, that's...Viktor." Vi looked at the screen for a moment, until the information was processed in her mind. "Holy shit that's Viktor. Red, screw these guys, we need to get in there! Go go go!"
All the champions looked up to see Viktor riding atop Skarner as he charged down one of the lanes as Skarner's tail skewered a hapless Vayne, drawing her back into Viktor's staff that fired a destructive bolt of lightning that evaporated her body. With reckless abandon Ironhide veered from the road and started driving through the parks and viewing areas, gunning it straight towards the arena.
"How are we going to get in there, Vi? The streets are back up all the way to the entrance to the city, no way we're going to get in if we wait our turn."
Vi looked up, pondering the options. From the other car, Caitlyn's voice spoke out from the center console. "The top of the arena is open to let stray spells out. Prowl, Ironhide, Perceptor, you have my permission to transform and scale the walls."
From Prowl's cockpit, Jayce turned to look at the sheriff, aghast. "Caitlyn...are you sure? We need the Institute's support here, we can't start off by making the Autobots look like the enemy."
"But if we don't, Viktor will almost certainly emerge victorious, and we can't allow that to happen. I'll leave the 'bots to decide."
From Ironhide's cockpit, Vi spoke. "Sorry Jayce, but I'm with Cupcake on this one. We don't know what tinface is here for, but it can't be good. I don't care how against code what we're about to do is, it's better than letting Viktor do whatever it is he does. Red, let's go."
Ironhide swiftly closed the distance to the massive walls of the arena and began his transformation, ejecting Vi from his cockpit as she soared through the air. As the champion gripped the wall with massive hands and began climbing upwards, Ironhide swiftly transformed and launched himself up the wall, landing above Vi as they clambered up the wall.
Prowl, Caitlyn, and Jayce came next, the champions being launched upwards as the Autobot transformed beneath them, his much more massive build allowing him to scale the wall with ease. Finally, Perceptor and the Yordles came next, as Perceptor transformed at the ground.
"We will remain down here for your return, Perceptor. We are far from fit for combat, however, we have engineered you to be capable when we cannot be."
"I thank you, my friends. I will use the gifts that you have bestowed upon me to great effect." With that, he began scaling the walls, picking up Jayce and Caitlyn who were struggling to scale the walls.
Eventually, they made it to the top, overlooking the Summoner's Rift. Viktor and his Battlecast had pushed in the Demacian forces and were currently assaulting their base, even Shyvana's massive form unable to breach their unstoppable onslaught.
"Let's get in there. We cannot let him win." Vi jumped from the ceiling of the arena...only to fall about five feet. Her body crashed into an invisible barrier, knocking the wind from her lungs." Ironhide too leapt forth, the metal monstrosity suffering a similar fate.
Caitlyn leveled her rifle towards the barrier, firing off a shot. The as soon as the bullet collided with the barrier it completely vanished, seemingly absorbed into the strange, invisible field.
The sheriff turned towards Jayce and the two Autobots still on the ledge. "I don't know if this thing, whatever it is, can be broken, but we have to give it a try. Give it all you've got." She turned back towards Vi and Ironhide, who nodded. "You two as well. Punch it, kick it, I don't care, but we've got to get in there before we're too late.
From atop the arena all hell broke loose as champion and Autobot alike been attacking the barrier with everything in their arsenal as fist, bullet, laser, and cannon alike collided with the forcefield surrounding the arena, as a cacophony of noise could be heard by the now-aghast crowd below.
And yet the barrier held strong.
After a minute or two of this, Vi eventually stopped, slamming her fists against the barrier one last time out of frustration, rather than devotion. "It's no use...this thing's not gonna break. It's probably designed to prevent freaks like Vel'koz from accidentally destroying the Institute, there's no way we're gonna even put a dent in this thing, whatever it is."
Vi then turned her attention to the match occurring beneath her feet, getting a status update that she wasn't prepared for. Viktor and the Battlecast had managed to crack the Demacian base and demolished the bottom lane tower, Xerath's impressive range somehow managing to fell it while Skarner and Urgot managed to pressure the other two lanes. In an instant, the top lane tower fell as Skarner charged full-force into the structure, and finally the mid lane tower crumbled beneath Urgot's firepower.
Vi turned towards everyone, still futilely attacking the indestructible barrier. "Everyone stop! If we don't get down there right now it's going to be over. Look below you, they've got a minute, tops!"
Ironhide turned towards her, his fist held midair and ready to come crashing down again. "Then what do we do, Vi? Is there an easy entrance into the arena?"
Vi shook her head. "No...we just...lose." She slammed her fist down one more time into the barrier in frustration as her entire body began falling alongside Ironhide's, the two of them plummeting towards the ground of Summoner's Rift.
When they landed, the entire arena was empty. The blue side's base looked even more destroyed than before, their nexus shattered into thousands of crystalline fragments that were scattered all around their current location.
Vi stood up, dusting herself off as she removed a piece of the nexus from her human arm. "I...I guess the barrier is disabled when matches aren't occurring. That would have been nice to know beforehand. Now, how the hell do we get out of here?"
"We could always try the wall. Might not look pretty when I'm done with it but we've ignored subtlety so far." Ironhide moved towards the shattered nexus, looking about. "So this is what you all do to settle your differences, huh? Seems pretty brutal if ya ask me."
Vi followed the Autobot, nodding. "It can be pretty bad, yeah, especially when the fights are for personal matters. And no, Red, we're not busting down a wall. If this place were to be damaged Valoran would go crazy from all the unresolved conflicts. The walls aren't too high, between the two of us we can probably make our way out.
Mediation Chamber, The Institute of War
Back inside the chamber, Viktor emerged back from the side chambers alongside the rest of the Battlecast, all items having been purchased during the battle stripped from their persons. Across from them was an empty chamber, the Demacians seeming to have been transported somewhere else. Viktor took a step back into the light of the main chamber, finding the judge still seated on the back wall.
"You and your team have emerged victorious, Viktor. At your request, we have brought the assets that you requested upon your victory to the edge of the Institute. There, we have units that will safely transport them to wherever you request."
Viktor nodded, turning back towards the entrance to the room. "I appreciate that you approached the situation rationally, your honor. Many among here would be unwilling to budge on the topic of champion augmentation, solely because none before them were willing to budge. I will remember you if I ever need assistance in the future." Viktor reached for the door, pausing to hear the judge's response.
"I am from Piltover, Viktor, and your creations are what have kept the province from descending into chaos. I had already heard rumor that champions had disappeared into your lab and emerged different, and I have been supporting you silently the entire time. I was given control of your match due to the unorthodox nature of it...I gave you every possible edge that I could. I know you wished to show the world the might of the Battlecast, and I assure you that you have done that. I hope my actions do not insult you."
Viktor shook his head. "They do not. Once my machinations reach their pinnacle, rest assured that you will be rewarded for your efforts." Viktor exited the door as his Battlecast made their way out the side entrance.
Once Viktor emerged from the mediation room, he was immediately assaulted by mixed reactions. Many around the Inventor as he left the room were terrified, wholly so, by the creations they just witnessed emerge on Summoner's Rift. Others were cheering enthusiastically for the victor, either because they didn't understand the situation, or didn't care to. And yet others still ran up to him, awe filling their eyes, and began barraging him with question, "How did you do it" and "What do you call them" among them.
"I will not be taking questions at this time. I will return here later after my research has advanced further." He pushed the fans out of the way as he walked past until he could see Skarner's tail jutting across the crowd. Occasionally an object was thrown at his creation, only to bounce off harmlessly. Thankfully, the Institute preserved the state of each champion prior to entering Summoner's Rift, such that sustained injuries weren't incurred. Thus, Shyvana's flames, the only real trouble any of them had during the match, had been washed clean.
Viktor walked up towards Skarner, clambering up the Battlecast's treads until he was resting on his back. "Advance towards the Voidborn. It is time that we advance the Battlecast initiative further. With access to Cho'gath and Kog'maw, we will have the artillery and sieging potential to move wherever we please.
"Understood Creator. Departing Institute of War." Skarner's treads roared to life as he began moving slowly through the streets of the Institute, his wide berth nearly destroying signposts on some of the buildings on their way out.
Once they exited the Institute, they were met by a tractor trailer whose cargo was shaking violently, a massive trailer barely able to contain its cargo. The alien roars of Cho'gath echoed through the trailer deafening everyone around them.
A truck driver walked over to Viktor. "Give us directions, and we'll take 'em wherever we need to go."
"We will be departing for Zaun. I will secure them in my laboratory. Follow Skarner, as we will be headed directly there as well."
The Piltover champions and Autobots had managed to descend the ceiling of the arena, all authorities in the area having been diverted to help Viktor exit the Fields of Justice. With the chaos that had erupted after the match had completed, they managed to skirt to the side of the crowds, Skarner's massive frame able to help them track the Zaunite crew out to the edge of the Institute's walls. The unearthly roars from Skarner gave them no doubt as to the Inventor's intentions.
"So, he's taking Cho'gath. That's his prize for winning the match? Cupcake, what do we do...if we attack him now, Cho'gath will almost certainly be let loose, and I fear that more than Viktor."
Jayce was the one to respond, his tone full of caution. "We have to lay low for now. Viktor won the match, and if we try to interfere with him, we'll almost certainly face criminal charges. If we're to take him down, we can't use subterfuge. We can try to attack his base while he's doing whatever he plans to do to Cho'gath. But not here."
Vi nodded. "Understood. Then what's the plan?"
"Well, if Viktor is going to be turning Cho'gath into one of his Battlecast, then we are most certainly going to need an Autobot fit to counter that." Jayce eyed the tractor trailer, an idea forming in his mind. "What better form than what's currently containing him."
Caitlyn turned to her friend, nodding. "A trailer of that size would confer additional benefits, namely storage. At this point, we don't have any real base of operations outside of Heimerdinger's workshop here, which we still don't have access to as of yet. Using the trailer as a base might not be a terrible idea."
"Except that that's a lot of metal that we're going to have to acquire. I agree that having a truck would make for a pretty kick-ass 'bot, but there aren't just piles of metal lying around."
Jayce mulled the options over for a bit, pondering potential solutions. "I'll figure that part out, Vi. Piltover's always had a pretty good standing with the Institute due to Heimerdinger's contributions, so there might be a chance that they would be willing to loan us some resources when we need them. Now, we need to split up and cover ground fast. Viktor's going to be back to his lab by nightfall, and I doubt it'll take him more than a couple days to turn Cho'gath into a veritable instrument of destruction."
"I'll go to Institute officials with the Yordles and try to get access to Heimerdinger's lab. Prowl and Perceptor can come with me." The sheriff leaned back on the aforementioned Autobot, looking up. "This guy'll get us through the streets pretty fast. Once we've got access I'll meet everyone there."
Vi was the next to respond. "Red and I will go report metalmouth. I don't give a damn if they like him right now, he needs to be put down."
Jayce nodded. "I guess that leaves me to worry about getting the resources we need to build our final bot. As Caitlyn said, let's reconvene at the lab. Perceptor, you work with the Yordles to get the cube set up, and go ahead and start drafting specs on turning a tractor trailer into a robot. If he's going to be able to stand toe-to-toe with Cho'gath, he's going to have to be pretty durable."
The newest Autobot nodded in understanding. "As you wish, Jayce. While on top of the arena, I had already begun running simulations on possible ways battle could have commenced, and I have decided that there could be a few, shall we say, improvements, that could be made to better insure our success in battle."
"I'd ask you for the details, Perceptor, but I know I wouldn't understand them. I trust your logic, and if you think we need them, then so do I." Jayce turned back towards the group. "Alright everyone, split up. We've got work to do. Vi, I'm hitching a ride with you."
Jayce walked over and slid Ironhide's cabin as the Yordles piled into Prowl and Perceptor, Caitlyn at the helm of the former. All three bots rolled out, en route to their destination.
Department of Justice, The Institute of War
After dropping Jayce off at the Department of Procurement, Ironhide pulled to a stop outside the grandiose building.
"Hey Vi."
"What's up Red?"
"You ever wonder if we're on the right side of all this?" There was a hint of hesitation in the Autobot's voice, as if he wasn't sure he believed what he was saying.
There was almost no delay. "Not for a moment. Ever since that freak turned me into what I am, his death has been my driving factor. What makes you think that?"
"Well, it's just...he won, and he was down a person, and from what you told me, it's always hard to pull a win when a summoner leaves your team. Just makes me think that maybe what he's doing isn't so bad after all. I mean, I'm a machine, aren't I? What's the difference between me and one of those Battlethugs?"
Vi patted the dashboard reassuringly, conveying the sentiment to the 'bot as a whole. "The difference is you're a friend, not a tool. Viktor's only turning Cho'gath into one of those freaks because he needs other people to do his bidding. And I mean, yeah, we need you, Prowl, and Perceptor, but that's because there's no way we can stop them."
"Sounds to me like - "
"I know what it sounds like Red!" The Enforcer pounded the dashboard harder than she had intended, leaving a slight dent. "I'm...I'm sorry about that. Listen...the bond that we share isn't like what Viktor feels towards his Battlecast. They're his underlings, meant to do his bidding. Once this is all over, you don't have to stay chained up next to me. I mean...I'd like you to come back every now and then to say hi, but if you don't want to I wouldn't hold that against you." Vi curled her hands up in a ball, frustrated. "We're not on the wrong side of this, Red. Trust me."
There was a long pause as the duo drove through the streets, until Ironhide's voice finally spoke out from the console. "I always have, Vi. Trust me, I want to take those things out just as bad as you do, but after seeing what happened to Piltover...I dunno. Let's head over to D.O.J."
"Not until you tell me what's on your mind, Ironhide. I know you're upset, and I want to fix it. Now c'mon, spill the beans."
A sigh echoed around the interior of the car, as Ironhide caved in. "Listen Vi, all I'm saying is, from my perspective, I feel a lot like a Battlecast right now. Probably because we haven't seen them in a while. Once I get the chance to slam one I'm sure I'll see the difference. Now c'mon, I'm rolling us out of here." Without a second thought Ironhide pulled out from Procurement and took to the streets again, heading towards the Department of Justice.
Department of Champion Relations, The Institute of War
Prowl and Perceptor dropped off the Yordles and Caitlyn at the Department of Champion Relations, on their quest to acquire Heimerdinger's workshop here at the Institute.
Caitlyn turned back towards Prowl, leaning against the side of the car. "Wait here. We shouldn't be too long." She turned back and walked over towards the building, following the Yordles inside.
The D.C.R. was a rather humble building as far as Departments were concerned. The lobby consisted of nothing more than a single desk with a groggy attendant behind it, leaning back in his chair amidst the empty room. As Caitlyn walked in the room, however, he perked up and leaned forward in his seat.
"Sheriff Caitlyn, what can I do for you?" The attendant perked up in his seat as the champion walked toward him amidst a swarm of Yordles, holding her rifle casually over her shoulder.
"I need assistance. That man, Viktor...I know that he has proved successful in his match against the Demacians, however, he needs to be stopped. He and his 'Battlecast', as he calls them, slew Heimerdinger, as well as a majority of the province of Piltover."
The attendant was nearly frozen with horror from the Sheriff's words, nodding slowly. "I...I can direct you to the D.O.J., if you want. I-I-I I don't really see how I can be of help here."
Caitlyn set her gun down at the ground and leaned over on the desk, batting her eyelashes playfully. "Don't worry, Vi's already on that. No, what I need is something I think you can help me with. With Heimerdinger's...passing, his workshop is now left unattended. I'm wondering if you could perhaps get me and my friends access to it."
The attendant mindlessly nodded as Caitlyn continued talking, far too infatuated with the Sheriff to pay attention to what she was saying. Eventually he noticed that she had stopped speaking and was looking at him, those piercing azure eyes looking straight at him.
"Uhh, uh, yes, Sheriff Caitlyn. Whatever you need."
The sheriff smiled, fully in control of the situation. "I will be most grateful once we can get into the lab. My friends here are itching to get to work."
The attendant left his desk and walked through a door to the back room, coming back a few minutes later holding a keycard. "Heimerdinger's workshop is two blocks to the west, this should get you in." He paused, taking a moment to compose himself before continuing. "Is...is there anything else that you need help with."
Caitlyn shook her head, turning back to thank the attendant. "No, that will be all for now, thank you. If I have any other troubles, I'll call for you by name, which is…"
"Fil. I'm a summoner for Demacia. What Viktor did during that match...it wasn't right. I wish I could have been alongside Sona for the match, but I understand that rules are rules."
Caitlyn nodded, walking again for the door. "Well Fil, I thank you for your help, and I promise to you that I will right the wrong brought upon Demacia, and Runeterra as a whole."
Department of Procurement, The Institute of War
Jayce stood amidst a panel of councilors, awaiting a verdict. Acquiring the resources necessary to build the final Autobot had not been an easy task, far more difficult than he had originally expected. A reason was required for all services rendered, and unsurprisingly, 'build a massive semi-truck robot' was one of those reasons that required further scrutiny. He had been brought to an inner chamber for further questioning.
"So, Jayce, you mean to tell me that Viktor has assaulted Piltover directly. If that's the case, then why have we not heard about this until just now?"
Jayce slammed his hammer down on the ground, the frustration getting to him. The councilors had been entirely too biased towards Viktor in their discussions thus far, due to his recent victory. "I'm telling you, that's because we were the only survivors to get here to tell you! There are freighter ships full of survivors en route to Demacia and Bandle City, due to arrive in a few hours, if I had a guess. Until then, all you have is my word, which I give to you. My homeland has been burned to the ground, and Viktor is the culprit. I watched as Heimerdinger fell before me attempting to stop him."
A different councilor this time responded. "Okay Jayce, suppose we believe you. However, what you're asking for is outright moronic. I understand that Caitlyn has just recently been supplied access to Heimerdinger's workshop, and that I am certainly okay with. However, if you intend to build an instrument of war inside there, then I will revoke that privilege. Heimerdinger has used that workshop for nothing more than the betterment of the Institute, and has kept his more combative research to Piltover. That is how it has been, and that is how it will continue."
"And that would be fantastic, except that the Academy has been turned into a pile of rubble, that is why we had to relocate here in the first place!" Again, Jayce slammed his fist on the ground. "What we are building is a defense. What makes you think that he won't turn on the Institute next? Noxus has always been an ally of Zaun and his brazen attack against Demacia has no doubt earned Swain's allegiance, and the Freljord has enough problems as it is. You all are the next closest target. You all have rolled over on your bellies for him because he has won a match. If he were to arrive here right now, there would be no survivors." He spoke with complete seriousness, emphasising every word.
A third councilor responded this time. "Why would he have any reason to attack us?"
"Why would he have any reason to attack Piltover? Now, I'm not a fool, I know that Viktor and I have never been on good terms, but I have done nothing that would cause him to seek destruction of all of Piltover. So, let me give you a better question. Why would he have any reason not to attack you?"
Jayce's words were met by a long pause, as the three councilors took in the gravity of his statement. Finally, after what felt like ages, the first one replied.
"Very well, Jayce. We will give you the aid you seek."
Author's Note: There we go! I rewrote the match sequence a couple of times since I just couldn't decide on if I wanted a big action sequence there that developed in a way that didn't leave room for questions (like not having a barrier above the Rift). Hope you all like what I went with, and I hope to see you all again in 2 weeks! This schedule works pretty well for me. Also, now that MSI is over, I'll be more productive anyways.
Also, self-insertion, because hey, why not!