Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the appearance of some new adversaries, along with the mention of organizations that Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx will be dealing with, not to mention focusing on some other characters this time. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Within a dimly lit room, two people were watching several monitors showing various locations across Piltover and Zaun, both outside and inside numerous buildings. Their attention being on two monitors in particular, the first showing Jayce giving his Progress Day speech.
"This year, we've created something new for you. Something that…um…that we will share with you…when the time is right." Said Jayce, both figured noticing how he looked ready to say something else but stopped, changing the view to get a look at his written speech to see if they could learn what he planned to unveil.
Before they turned their attention to the other monitor, showing Naruto, Satsuki and Jinx sneaking into Jayce's and Viktor's lab, stealing some of the completed Hextech Gemstones and research notes.
"It seems we know what the Man of Progress was going to unveil." Said one of their figures, their voice showing they were a woman with a unique accent.
"Yes. And now they've been stolen right under his nose by Silco's attack dogs." The second figure stated, revealing they were a man with their voice being deep, distorted, and raspy.
Turning off the monitors, the lights brightened revealing the two figures.
The man was dressed entirely in black, wearing a black armored bodysuit with short sleeves, black armored boots with two glowing red lights near the top on each of them that resembled eyes, four belts around his waist, two large ones and two small ones, with one of them having several shotgun shells strapped to it, more shells strapped to his chest, black armored gauntlets with clawed fingertips and spikes on the back of the hands, black straps around his forearms showing hints of pale grey skin, an open hooded black cloak with the hood pulled, and a white mask that resembled an owls skull.
And the woman had pale blue skin, long dark blue hair held up in a ponytail, and golden eyes. With her wearing black headgear with seven circular red tinted visors, three above her eyes and two on either side of her head, a purple latex skintight bodysuit with pale blue and black designs along with being open down to her stomach, black gloves, a black and pale blue armored pauldron with a W on it on her left shoulder and a matching vanbrace on the same arm, with her right arm being left bare showing tattoos on it, skintight dark blue chaps with black trimming and a holster strapped to her right thigh, and knee-high armored boots with heels.
These two were Reaper and Widowmaker, members of the Talon organization from the mainland of the Temujin Continent. Having been sent to Piltover to spy and gather intel on Hextech, especially with the creation of the Hexgates.
"We have what we need. It's time to report in." Reaper said before his body partially turned into black smoke as he phased through the door, while Widowmaker grabbed the recordings before wiping away any evidence they were here.
*With Itachi*
Meanwhile, Itachi was in Jayce's and Viktor's lab, which had been cleaned of the graffiti after the Enforcers took some pictures and gathered anything they could as evidence. With him was Marcus the Sheriff of Piltover, Professor Heimerdinger, Jayce and Viktor.
Heimerdinger was a yordle, a short mammalian bipedal creature covered in dull yellow fur, with white fur around his face and a mustache, and bright blue eyes. With him wearing black boots, grey pants, a navy blue coat with dark gold edging, and black gloves.
While Viktor was a young man being twenty-six-years-old with pale skin, gaunt and sunken features, brown hair that stopped just above his shoulders, and golden-brown eyes. With him wearing black dress shoes, black dress pants, a brace around his right leg requiring him to use a crutch to walk, a black button-up shirt with lighter thin stripes, a red tie, and a light grey vest.
At the moment Itachi and Marcus were getting their report on the robbery from their lab, to see if they could figure out what happened.
"The only things gone are some of the Gemstones and our research papers." Viktor said with his head hung low that they lost one of their most recent creations and the one that would revolutionize Hextech.
"They didn't steal anything else, not even attempting to destroy the lab, they came here for the Gemstones alone, now they have it and will be able to learn how they work." Said Jayce, worried about who could have stolen the Gemstones and their research, knowing in the wrong hands it could be catastrophic.
With Itachi and Marcus writing down everything they said, knowing any information could help figure out who stole the Gemstones.
"The explosives that were left at the fire seemed rather crude in design and also served as speakers, it's possible that whoever stole the Gemstones came from The Undercity." Itachi said, having managed to get a look at the explosives before they detonated, thankful for the Sharingan's photographic memory so he could memorize every detail with just a glance.
"That's what we're afraid of." Jayce said with Viktor nodding in agreement, aware if someone from Zaun learned how to harness the Gemstones power, then they'd be able to power anything compatible with it, including weapons.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The situation is still developing and no one in The Undercity has claimed responsibility yet." Said Marcus, making Itachi look at him with a frown.
"I don't think the thieves would just announce they stole the Gemstones and research. The fact they were able to get in and out without being seen shows they knew what they were doing to remain hidden." Said Itachi, only for the sheriff to shake his head.
"That's why I highly doubt anyone from Zaun could do this. They aren't exactly known for their stealth or keeping quiet. If it was someone from there, they'd spread word of it by now, not wanting to pass up the chance of bragging about getting one over on the Topsiders." Marcus said, the Uchiha's frown merely growing.
"I still think it'd be good to at least try to investigate, see if we could find something. Before they can learn how to use the Gemstones and potentially hurt people." Itachi stated, not wanting to risk the chance of the Gemstones being used to make weapons or anything else destructive.
"Just let me handle The Undercity, I know how they work and as I said, I doubt any of them could pull this off. But if it is someone from down there, I'll figure it out, you stay up here to see if it's potentially a group from outside Piltover." Said Marcus, not wanting Itachi anywhere near Zaun, having learned the Uchiha seemed to have a talent for figuring things out, and right now he didn't need him learning anything he shouldn't.
"I believe that's enough questions for today. Jayce, Viktor, if either of you learn anything else, please let us know" Said Heimerdinger, the inventors nodding in response before he and Marcus took their leave, while Itachi stayed behind.
"Was there something you needed Itachi?" Jayce asked, seeing his friend didn't leave as well.
"No, but…did the sheriff seem rather…insistent that no one from Zaun is involved?" Said Itachi, looking at Jayce and Viktor.
"What do you mean?" Questioned Viktor, wondering what he meant.
"While I don't want to make any accusations, the bombs I saw last night looked like something that came from The Undercity. But Marcus seems so sure that no one from Zaun is involved." Itachi replied, making Jayce and Viktor frown in concern as they began realizing what he meant.
"You think the sheriff may be involved in the theft." Jayce stated, even more worried at the idea of the sheriff covering up who stole the Gemstones.
"The theft itself? I'm not sure. But I do think he's hiding something, perhaps a secret alliance with someone in Zaun. Especially given that he'd gone with Sheriff Grayson to Zaun years ago, a trip that ended with all Enforcers dead except him. Then he returns and soon enough he's the sheriff himself, and earlier that day Caitlyn had been investigating a smuggling incident where an airship caught fire, she'd been questioning one the smugglers that'd been left behind only for Marcus to show up and have her leave, while the suspect was sent straight to Stillwater Prison." Explained Itachi, with his words only increasing their concern.
"If you're right and the sheriff is protecting the thieves, then I'm worried about who we even can trust in the Enforcers." Viktor said, with Jayce nodding in agreement as he didn't think the sheriff would be corrupt.
"We can trust you though Itachi, and I hate to ask this of you, but would you be able to keep us informed of any corrupt activity within the Enforcers. That way if we learn of any corruption and if any of them are working with the thieves, we can bring it to the Council." Said Jayce, not wanting to ask his friend to be a double-agent again, especially given his past, but they needed all the help they could get.
"It's fine Jayce, I understand. I'm one of the few Enforcers you can turn to and I'll do everything I can to get to the bottom of this, and find out who stole the Gemstones and your research." Itachi said, understanding their concerns and limited options, much to their gratitude.
"Thank you Itachi, you help is greatly appreciated." Said Viktor, thankful they'll have an ally in the Enforcers.
Their attention then turned to the door when Sky, Viktor's assistant, entered the lab.
"Uh, sorry for interrupting, but there are some Enforcers here for you Mr. Talis. The Council requests your presence." Sky said, making Jayce sigh and stand up, having expected to be summoned by the Council.
"Thank you Sky. Viktor, can you handle things for a few moments?" Jayce said, his friend nodding as he stood up while hooking his crutch under his arm.
"I'll be fine, I'm going to keep searching and see if we may have missed anything." Viktor replied, wanting to be completely sure nothing else is missing or any surprises left behind by the thieves.
"Tell the Enforcers I'll escort Jayce to the Council, right away." Said Itachi, Sky nodding as she went to tell the Enforcers that Jayce will be with the Council soon.
*Later*
"Hmm. For too long has the underground been left unchecked." Said Councilor Hoskel not long after Jayce and Itachi arrived, all of them being worried and concerned at the idea of Zaun gaining access to their own Hextech.
"We've lost touch. They may not be your preferred constituents, but they're still our people." Councilor Shoola said, believing they should try reaching out to the Zaunites as they were still citizens of Piltover.
"The Undercity cannot be controlled. Not by us." Stated Cassandra Kiramman, Caitlyn's mother, doubting that they'd be able to reach a peaceful solution with Zaun.
"So where does that leave us?" Questioned Councilor Salo, more concerned about what'll happen to them with this theft.
"Mr. Talis? Could the trenchers build a weapon with the stolen crystals?" Councilor Bolbok asked, wanting to know if they should be prepared for an eventual attack from Zaun.
"Shimmer, body replacements…we've seen their ingenuity over the years, of course they can!" Said Hoskel, not doubting they can and will build a weapon.
Jayce felt his nerves rising with each comment, while glancing at Councilor Mel Medarda, who'd supported him from the beginning in his Hextech research. And is the one who convinced the council after he and Viktor had their first breakthrough.
"If the right person got a hold of it, it's possible they could utilize its energy." Jayce said honestly, knowing they'd need someone who'd be able to understand and build a weapon able to harness the Gemstones energy, which only worried the Council more.
"We need to address this immediately." Cassandra stated, with Jayce nodding in agreement.
"I agree. It was my responsibility to safeguard this technology and I failed. My mistake nearly cost people their lives and will cost others their lives if the Hextech Gemstones are weaponized. And it's why I have come before you to recommend that we suspend all Hextech operations until the situation is resolved. Including our laboratories, the refinery and the Hexgates." Said Jayce, much to the Councils shock, with even Itachi being surprised at what his friend wanted to do.
"Have you lost your mind?!" Hoskel demanded, not believing he'd want to suspend all Hextech operations, including the Hexgates.
"The Hexgates must remain open. Piltover's status as a global shipping lane depends on it. Thousands would lose their income." Said Shoola, knowing such a thing would affect their trading agreements and current position.
"But…shouldn't the safety of Piltover be our first priority?" Jayce asked in confusion, wondering why they'd prioritize trading over protecting Piltover.
"You would sacrifice your life's work?" Questioned Heimerdinger, impressed and saddened at Jayce willing to sacrifice everything he's accomplished to protect Piltover.
"Without the Hexgates, my goods cannot reach foreign markets till winter! Am I to tell the Noxians their next shipment of wine will be vinegar?!" Said Hoskel, refusing to have trade agreements be disrupted.
"Councilors. It appears we are at an impasse." Mel stated, getting everyone's attention.
"If we shut down the Hexgates, the city will suffer. But if we do nothing, we leave ourselves vulnerable to malefactors. We were lucky no one died last night, thanks to Enforcer Uchiha's assistance, but what about next time? Perhaps the time has come to explore a more radical solution." Suggested Mel, with a few looking interested at what her suggestion will be.
"What are you suggesting?" Questioned Cassandra.
"Mr. Talis has demonstrated his commitment to our safety. He's willing to sacrifice his own enterprise and, it seems to me, only Mr. Talis has the knowledge necessary to secure the Hexgates. I propose that a new chair be brought forth, and that House Talis be elevated to this august body." Mel declared, shocking everyone, especially Jayce.
"What?" Jayce muttered, not knowing what Mel was suggesting, that he join the Council.
'What's she planning?' Thought Itachi narrowing his eyes slightly at Mel, wondering what she was doing suggesting Jayce be given a seat on the Council.
"As a Councilor, he will have the resources necessary to protect all our investments." Said Mel.
"Councilor Medarda, this is highly irregular. The Council has held seven seats for generations." Shoola stated.
"Does the boy have any experience?" Questioned Bolbok.
"Only that of a scientist, like Heimerdinger." Mel replied glancing at Heimerdinger, who looked torn on what to say before looking up.
"I believe Councilor Medarda is right. Hextech security should be administered by a scientist. I second the motion." Said Heimerdinger, believing Jayce had what it took to join the Council.
"Well then, shall we vote?" Mel asked, looking around.
With Jayce watching in disbelief as soon all the Councilors raised their hands, making it a unanimous decision for him to join the Council. The inventor soon being allowed to leave, with Itachi following him.
"I suppose congratulations are in order, Councilor Talis." Said Itachi, making Jayce shake his head.
"No, no, that's fine, Itachi. I just…wasn't expecting that to happen, let alone that Mel would be the one to nominate me to join the Council." Jayce said, with the Uchiha nodding with a frown.
"Yes, it was rather strange and suspicious that she'd suggest it now of all times, after a robbery. If she had intended to nominate you, why not another time, like after the creation of the Hexgates. Instead she did it now, where if something happens involving Hextech, it'll be on your head." Itachi said, with Jayce frowning at his words.
"You think she has ulterior motives." Stated Jayce while looking at his friend.
"I know she's the one who helped you come this far Jayce, but she's still a member of the Council and the one who's supported Hextech since you and Viktor discovered it. If something were to go wrong, blame would also be placed at her feet. Now though, she's made it so you are solely responsible for all Hextech. It all just seems rather convenient." Replied Itachi, making Jayce sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Yeah, I know. Honestly, I was suspicious of her support at first, when everyone else saw me as crazy or thought I was messing with things I shouldn't, she comes along and supports me. But so far, she hasn't shown any malicious intent towards me and Hextech. Maybe she's only suggested me joining the Council because this is the first time someone's managed to steal anything involving Hextech and someone needs to ensure the safety of it." Jayce said, wanting to have faith that Mel wouldn't use him as a scapegoat.
"Perhaps. I'll trust your judgment Jayce, since you've known her longer than I have and spoken with her more, but just be careful." Said Itachi, with Jayce nodding in response.
"I will and thank you. Now let's go see how Caitlyn's doing." Jayce suggested, with Itachi nodding as well before they left to go check on their friend.
*Later*
Arriving at the Kiramman Estate, Itachi and Jayce met Caitlyn's father who let them go to her to room to check on her. Entering to find Caitlyn sitting on the ground, looking over a giant map of Piltover and Zaun.
"Hey. How are you feeling?" Jayce said, getting Caitlyn's attention, while Itachi looked over everything she had out.
"And you gave me slack about overworking. I don't think you can say anything, anymore." Stated Itachi in good nature, making the bluenette roll her eyes.
"That's different, you focus on too many things, I focus on one at a time. And I've had a break in the case." Caitlyn said as she got up and went over to her friends.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" Questioned Jayce only for Caitlyn to grab them, along with grabbing the flowers they brought her, setting them with the rest.
"While the trail is hot? Listen, you know how I've suspected there is a single mind behind The Undercity's violence?" Caitlyn said, having believed that their was a single person controlling Zaun and they had people under their command that kept everyone in line.
"The great conspiracy." Jayce stated in amusement.
"I think whoever attacked the square is our suspect. The same symbols showed up at the botched smuggling operation at the Hexgates." Said Caitlyn, going over to her map and information she's gathered.
"The paintings, like the ones left behind by whoever stole the Gemstones and research." Said Itachi, Caitlyn nodding in response.
"Exactly! All this time, they've kept their dealings localized to The Undercity, low priority. The attack on the square changes things. They've overstepped. If I can figure out who made this, it could lead me directly to whoever's behind it all. The answer is here, staring me in the face. I can feel it." Caitlyn said, stepping onto a footrest to look over the map, seeing if there's anything at all that she missed.
"Well…if you intend to prove any of this, you're going to need much more than just theories and guesswork." Itachi stated, with Jayce nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, if there's one thing I've learned about the Council, they need more than just theories." Added Jayce, remembering how they initially dismissed Hextech and would had his research destroyed.
"Since when did you concern yourself with the Council's opinion?" Questioned Caitlyn in amusement that he'd care what the Council thought.
"Since I…became a Councilor." Jayce revealed, making the bluenette laugh, thinking he was joking, only to looked at her friends to see they weren't laughing.
"You're…serious? When? Why? Have they discovered how to govern with grease and a spanner?" Caitlyn said in disbelief that Jayce was really a Councilor.
"Haha. I was actually hoping…you might consider joining my staff." Jayce said nervously as he handed her the message with her newest assignment.
With Caitlyn opening up, looking in disbelief at what her new position was meant to be.
"House Talis Security? That's a ceremonial position, I'd live behind a desk. Thanks, but I already have a job." Caitlyn said, handing the message back, with Itachi and Jayce trade a look.
"Actually Caitlyn…you don't. After the attack, your parents spoke to the sheriff and…this was the best Jayce could do." Said Itachi, much to Caitlyn's annoyance that her parents had her removed from the Enforcers.
"I don't need charity, Councilor. Yours or my parents'." Caitlyn retorted, refusing to let this go when she's so close.
"Cait please. We just want to help. Even if you keep chasing this case, you don't have any leads to find out who's behind the attack." Jayce said, only wanting to help their friend, with Caitlyn refusing to respond until her eyes widen when she looked at the map, specifically at Stillwater Hold.
"Actually, I do." Said Caitlyn before rushing to grab her uniform, knowing where her next stop was.
*Later*
"I need to speak with one of the inmates." Said Caitlyn to the guard, having just arrived at Stillwater Prison, wanting to speak with the Zaunite from the failed smuggling incident.
"Oh, folks in here aren't usually very talkative." The guard replied, knowing no one hear talks, especially to anyone from Piltover.
"This one was left behind by his allies, he's got reason to talk. Must have been sent in today?" Caitlyn asked, hoping he was already here, with the guard thinking for a moment.
"Oh, Inmate 2135. Yeah, I'm, uh, afraid that's not possible." Said the guard, doubting the prisoner will be saying anything for a while.
"Why not?" Questioned Caitlyn, wondering why she can't speak to the prisoner.
"Uh, well, there's been…an incident." The guard replied, with the bluenette not being amused at not getting a straight answer.
"What kind of incident?" Caitlyn asked, the guard scratching his head tiredly.
"The…not so pretty kind. You have Inmate 516 to thank for that, girl's been nothing but trouble since coming here." Said the guard, having lost count of how many prisoners she's either crippled, beaten unconscious, with a few even being taken away in body bags.
"You don't understand, I have to talk to him." Said Caitlyn, needing to speak with the prisoner.
"Oh, you'll be able to, as soon as he can move his jaw again." The guard said, surprising Caitlyn that he was beaten that badly before narrowing her eyes.
"Who assaulted him? And would I be able to speak with them?" Questioned Caitlyn, knowing someone doesn't injure a person that badly unless it was personal, so perhaps she can still get some answers.
"Like I said, Inmate 516. She's down in solitary, again. You wanna talk with her, fine, but don't expect any answers. And stay behind the line." Said the guard, pointing towards the elevator, with the bluenette nodding in thanks before heading to the elevator.
*Later*
Going down to solitary, Caitlyn soon arrived and could hear a thumping sound, recognizing it as someone punching something. Walking down the hall towards Inmate 516's cell, Caitlyn heard the punching was coming from inside and saw the prisoner was punching the wall.
The former Enforcer only able to see the prisoners back, which was covered in tattoos and wearing a regular stripped prison jumpsuit, along with bandages wrapped around her forearms and hands. With them having short pink hair that was shaved on the left side and swept to the right where it flared out. The prisoner then turned her head, showing she had grey eyes, a nose ring in her left nostril, and a VI tattoo under her left eye.
"Who the hell are you?" Vi demanded, not interested in visitors.
"I took a look at your file. There's no record of you or your crimes. What are you here for?" Questioned Caitlyn, having also gotten her file before going down to solitary and found hardly anything.
"My sunny personality." Retorted Vi while walking around her cell.
"You attacked an inmate. Why?" Caitlyn said, wanting to know why she attacked an inmate.
"Why not?" Vi said, much to Caitlyn's annoyance.
"He was a witness in an ongoing investigation." Stated Caitlyn, with Vi not pausing in her pacing.
"Hmm, bummer." Said Vi, not really caring about any investigation, only about breaking apart any of Silco's men that end up here, with Caitlyn sighing in annoyance.
"This was a waste of time." Muttered Caitlyn as she prepared to leave.
"Couldn't have put it better. Hey, give Silco a kiss on that winning eye of his, will you." Vi called out, assuming she's one of Silco's minions, given how she shows up not long after she crippled another of his lackeys.
With Caitlyn pausing at Silco's name, now having a lead on what to do next, but had to find out what else she knew.
"Silco? The industrialist?" Caitlyn asked, making Vi roll her eyes in exasperation.
"Okay, this is getting old. Can you just send in whoever's gonna kick the shit out of me, so I can get on with my night?" Said Vi, tired of the back and forth, wanting to just get on with the real reason she's here.
Feeling her eye twitch, Caitlyn decided to change her strategy and see if she could get a reaction from the pinkette, before stepping over the red line on the ground.
"Does this mean anything to you?" Caitlyn said, showing her the pictures of the drawings at the crime scenes with Vi freezing as she glanced at them before immediately grabbing the bars, making Caitlyn step back slightly.
"Where did you get this?" Vi demanded, recognizing Powder's drawings, knowing only she would make stuff like that in that style.
"My question first. He worked for Silco?" Said Caitlyn, much to Vi's annoyance.
"Uh, they all do. How can anyone not know that? Where did you find this?!" Said Vi quickly, only caring where the drawings came from, the bluenette frowning at her focus on the drawings.
"There was an attack, this is evidence. I need proof if I'm to believe what you're saying about Silco." Caitlyn replied, with Vi smacking her head against the bar lightly, but also saw a chance to get out of here and find Powder.
"I could get it for you, just not from in here." Vi said, seeing her chance to get out and find her sister, then put Silco in the ground for what he's done.
"Hmph. In what mad world would I trust someone like you?" Caitlyn asked in amusement, not believing she thought that she'd trust her to get out of here.
"Someone like me? You Enforcers are all the same! Just asshole criminals in fancy uniforms!" Retorted Vi, refusing to let an Enforcer try to get the moral high ground when their own sheriff is working for Silco, after how she and Powder lost their parents to Enforcers, that's not counting the guards here and all the "chats" they've had with her.
"You know what? Find Silco yourself." Vi said, deciding to let her try and fail on her own, imagining her coming back begging for her help.
"I will, thank you." Replied Caitlyn before she went to take her leave, knowing she got more than she expected.
"Hmm…Undercity's gonna eat you alive." Stated Vi, making Caitlyn pause and think about it.
She didn't know anything about Zaun or where she'd even begin to start looking, while the pinkette, despite being annoying, still had more information. And she'd be more familiar with The Undercity than her, being able to know her way around and how to gather information.
'I swear you better not make me regret this.' Caitlyn thought as she headed towards the elevator.
*Later*
"I've got orders from Councilor Talis, concerning Inmate 516." Said Caitlyn while putting a signed document in front of the guard, having managed to get Jayce's signature to have Vi released to her custody, which had been easier than she expected.
*Flashback*
"Jayce, I need your help with something." Said Caitlyn, entering the Council Chambers, where Jayce was looking over some papers to get better settled into his new position.
"Cait? What did you need?" Jayce asked looking up, only to see her holding out a paper to him.
"I just need your signature to approve a prisoner being released into my custody." Caitlyn replied, with Jayce grabbing the form and looked it over.
"…I feel that I should ask why before signing anything." Said Jayce.
"It involves the investigation; this prisoner knows more than she's letting on. If she's released into my custody, I know that she'll be able to help find out who's behind the attack and even more than we expected. I just need your approval as a Councilor for her to be released." Said Caitlyn, surprising the inventor before he looked over the release form.
'This could potentially help mine and Itachi's own investigation.' Jayce thought, knowing if Caitlyn's right, not only would she find out who's behind the attack, but also help him and Itachi start rooting out the corruption in Piltover.
"If that's the case, then you have my approval. Just be careful if you're planning to go into Zaun, Caitlyn." Jayce said while signing the form and stamping it, before handing it back to the bluenette.
"Thank you Jayce, and I will." Caitlyn said before taking her leave to return to Stillwater.
*End Flashback*
"Hehehe. Not cooperative, huh? You, uh, you want us to have a chat with her?" The guard asked while pulling out a giant wooden staff, much to Caitlyn's disbelief.
"No. It's for her release." Caitlyn said quickly, her disbelief only growing when the guard actually looked disappointed.
"Oh. Huh, since when's he a Councilor?" Questioned the guard, having not heard anything about Jayce becoming a Councilor yet.
"Since…today. How many chats have you had with her?" Caitlyn asked, wanting to know how common this was, if the guards response was to instantly pull out a staff.
"You know, I never even thought to count." The guard replied, only making the bluenette's disbelief grow more.
Once the paperwork was settled, Caitlyn went back down to solitary where she found Vi still in her cell, noticing the way she rolled her shoulders as the door opened, as if preparing for an attack. Though when it didn't come, the pinkette looked in slight surprise when she saw Caitlyn. The former Enforcer sighing before motioning Vi to follow her.
"So, can I at least know your name?" Caitlyn asked as Vi exited the cell and walked behind her.
"…Vi." Vi replied after a few moments.
"Caitlyn." Said Caitlyn as they headed towards the elevator.
*Later*
Vi stood on the edge of the ravine that lead into The Undercity, with the trolley down into it just arriving. The pinkette not believing she's finally out and so close to being back, so close to being able to find her sister.
With Vi having also gotten some new clothes, now wearing black boots, striped pants with black and grey stripes, a dark blue hoodie with the sleeves ripped off, and a dirty white tank top over it.
"I heard the bathysphere has a nice view. That could be a good way to get a lay of the land." Caitlyn suggested, walking up to Vi, holding their tickets and thinking of a plan for when they get into Zaun.
"Too risky." Vi said while pulling up her hood to hide her hair and face, not wanting to be recognized and have Silco alerted she's back.
Then without warning Vi hopped off the ledge, much to Caitlyn's disbelief as she ran over to see if Vi's alright, only to see her running along a metal girder before backflipping onto a roof. Sliding down it and jumping onto another roof then jumping and swinging from a pipe, much to Caitlyn's disbelief. Only to scoff in annoyance as she tossed the tickets away, seeing they're now useless as she climbed down the ladder after Vi.
While Vi couldn't help but smile slightly at the familiarity of jumping across the rooftops, running along pipes, and sliding down walls. Along with being glad that her skills hadn't dulled even after ten years in prison, until she arrived at a spot that gave her a good view of all of Zaun. The pinkette panting slightly as she looked out over the city and saw just how different it was, with two things that really caught her attention being the clean running water as well as the various trees and plants scattered throughout the city.
'It actually looks…better, somehow.' Thought Vi, not expecting for Zaun to look better than it did before, wondering what exactly has happened while she was in Stillwater.
Shaking her head, Vi continued on her way until she jumped down into an alley, pulling her hood down and breathing in.
'Even the air is much better than it used to be down here.' Vi thought before she heard someone whistle, making her look to see two thugs, with her focusing on the red jacket one of them was wearing.
Looking at them boredly as they tried to look threatening by surrounding her, Vi only looked at the jacket.
"Nice jacket." Stated Vi, much to their confusion.
*Later*
Caitlyn slid down the roof slowly, stumbling slightly once she fell off and slumped against the wall, panting heavily at having to keep track of Vi the entire time. Only to hear someone walking past her, the bluenette looking in disbelief at seeing an old man walking past her, one she saw getting on the trolley at the top.
'HOW?!' Caitlyn thought before grunting when some clothes were thrown at her, looking to see Vi now wearing a red jacket with short sleeves.
"Welcome to The Lanes." Vi said with a smirk.
"You almost got me killed." Retorted Caitlyn, making the pinkette roll her eyes.
"My little sister could do that when she was seven. All us fissure folk can. Don't you want to blend in?" Said Vi while walking past Caitlyn.
Looking at the clothes she tossed her, the former Enforcer heard groaning and looked to see the two thugs beaten and thrown into a trash can.
'I can already feel the headache coming.' Thought Caitlyn, sighing as she began changing into the clothes.
With her now wearing thigh-high dark blue heeled boots, a light purple bodysuit with now sleeves and short pants legs, a brown leather corset, brown shoulder pads and a matching hood, a long brown arm sleeve on her right arm, a white lace armband on her left arm, and brown fingerless gloves.
Putting her uniform away in her bag, Caitlyn ran to catch up with Vi before she lost her.
*Later*
After sometime Vi had taken Caitlyn to a food stand run by someone called Jericho, and to the former Enforcer's annoyance she's yet to question him or gather any information.
"Oh Jericho, have I missed these!" Vi said as she ate, having missed the food in Zaun, while Jericho laughed at her words, glad to see her back in Zaun.
With Caitlyn feeling her eye twitch in annoyance the longer they were here, before Vi offered her one of the tiny fish.
"No…thank you." Caitlyn said, not seeing how she could eat them.
"You're missing out." Stated Vi as she continued eating.
"Are you going to question him?" Asked Caitlyn quietly, wanting to get back to why they came here in the first place.
"About what? The meat?" Vi replied with a raised brow.
"Silco. His connections? Isn't that why we're here?" Caitlyn demanded, making Vi roll her eyes and look at her.
"We're here because I'm hungry. Do you know what prison food is like? No, of course you don't." Said Vi while eating some more.
"Unbelievable. I didn't break you out of jail to eat…slop. I knew this was a terrible idea. You don't actually know anything, do you?" Said Caitlyn in frustration, starting to think this was a waste of time, with Vi simply finishing her meat.
"Mm. Better than I remember." Vi stated, with Jericho grinning and speaking something they couldn't understand before taking the bowl and putting a folded piece of paper in front Vi.
The bluenette looked at her in disbelief at seeing something written on the paper, with Vi merely looking at her before getting up and following her, no longer doubting what she was doing.
*Later*
The two soon arrived at a brothel with them being let in by the bouncer before going inside, much to Caitlyn's discomfort.
"The one place all the secrets are spilled." Vi said, with Caitlyn sighing as they walked through the brothel, glancing into the open rooms uncomfortably, quickly looking away when anyone looked at her.
"How exactly do you propose we go about this?" Questioned Caitlyn, unsure how they were supposed to gather information here.
"Let 'em think you work here." Replied Vi as if it was obvious, much to Caitlyn's disbelief.
"Excuse me?! I will not!" Caitlyn said, not believing she just said that, with Vi rolling her eyes again as she walked up to Caitlyn.
"You know what your problem is?" Vi asked.
"Please. Tell me." Said Caitlyn, wanting to hear what she thought her "problem" is.
"You expect everyone to give you what you want. If you really want people to talk to you, you have to let them think you have what they want." Replied Vi while walking around the former Enforcer, who was now confused at her words.
"And…what do I have?" Caitlyn asked, with Vi walking around her, looking her up and down.
"You're hot, Cupcake." Stated Vi without hesitation, shocking Caitlyn as she backed into a wall when the pinkette got in her face, putting a hand next to her head.
"So what'll it be, man or woman?" Questioned Vi while leaning in expectantly.
"Um…" Caitlyn said, having no idea how she was supposed to respond to that combined with how close Vi was, before Vi suddenly grabbed someone walking past them.
"H-hi! I'm Pim. What's you name?" Pim asked nervously.
"Matilda. But you can call her whatever you want." Vi said with a suggestive smirk at Caitlyn, who gasped at being put on the spot.
"Ah, yes. Matilda. My parents named me Matilda." Said Caitlyn with a fake accent, much to Vi's amusement as she walked past them to head to Babette's office.
Pushing past the curtains once she arrived, finding Babette filling out some papers, until she looked up, her eyes widening when she saw Vi.
"Would you believe it?" Babette said in disbelief to see the pinkette here.
"Hey Babette, long time." Replied Vi, happy to see a friendly face as she sat down, with Babette sitting across from her while pulling out a cigarette holder, putting on in before lighting it.
"Vi, you have no idea how good it is to see you again. But I can see you've changed." Said Babette, seeing that Vi's changed in more than just physical appearance.
"Yeah, a lot of that going around. I saw The Last Drop." Vi said, having stopped by The Last Drop before coming here, seeing how much it's changed from the welcoming bar she called home.
"Yes, a lot's changed here too. Sweetheart, I was real sad to hear about Vander. And the kids. Just terrible." Babette said sadly, knowing while many didn't agree with Vander's desire to not fight, he was still respected and admired by many people.
"Yet by the looks of it, no one down here lifted a finger to stop Silco." Said Vi, annoyed how it seems no one tried stopping Silco from taking over.
"A few tried but Silco's got the muscle…and the money. Things have changed without Vander looking out for us." Babette said while taking a drag from her cigarette.
"Have you heard anything about Powder? I think Silco has her." Vi said, wanting to know where her sister is, if she's alright or if Silco was keeping her somewhere.
With Babette pausing for a moment, unsure if she should tell Vi what exactly happened to Powder, who she's now become. Before eventually nodding, knowing Vi deserved to know the truth about Jinx.
"Silco has three top enforcers, they're the ones that keep everyone in line and keep anyone from going against him. The first two are Naruto Uzumaki and Satsuki Uchiha, two of the strongest people to ever come here and they have power Vi, real power. The kind that makes anyone hopped up on Shimmer look like puppies in comparison. But they're also part of the reason things have begun improving down here, Naruto being able to control and grow the plants you no doubtfully saw, while Satsuki makes sure nothing happens down here without Silco knowing and anyone that so much as thinks of plotting against him usually don't live much longer. It's done wonders in keeping things peaceful." Babette explained, with Vi frowning at this information and learning Silco had people like that under his command.
"Wait…these two, Naruto and Satsuki. Is one a guy with spiky blonde hair and whiskers, and a girl with black hair and black eyes?" Vi asked, remembering the two kids that showed up that night at the warehouse, what they said to her and defended Powder.
"That's them." Replied Babette, much to Vi's disbelief.
"Why would they work for Silco?" Said Vi, as while she didn't know them, just from their only meeting she didn't think they'd be willing to work for someone like Silco.
"I wouldn't judge someone on who they're affiliated with, as who they work for doesn't reflect on who they are as a person. They may work for Silco, but they've also done everything they can to help Zaun prosper and make sure that it is protected. Just…don't get on their bad sides, especially if you hurt someone they care about, that's when they let the monsters out." Babette said, with the pinkette nodding slowly at this.
"Okay. Who's the third enforcer?" Questioned Vi, figuring she'd need to get through all three to get to Powder and take down Silco.
"The third one…is Powder." Babette revealed sadly, causing Vi to freeze while her eyes widened.
"…What did you say?" Vi said lowly, refusing to believe she heard that right, that Powder is actually working for Silco.
"Powder is the third enforcer, but she goes by Jinx now. And while she may not have special powers, she makes up for it with her weapons as well as sheer madness and unpredictability. No one can tell what she'll do next, the only thing you can know is that she's almost never seen without Naruto and/or Satsuki with her. Those three are as close as one can be. In fact, I'd say if it wasn't for those two, Powder would be much worse. I don't know what happened to her specifically, but whatever it was, it damaged Powder, she's just lucky that someone was there to help her pick up the pieces and keep them together." Babette explained, making Vi flinch and hold her head in her hands.
'Powder…I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.' Thought Vi, hating herself since she knew that she's the reason Powder is with Silco and become whatever he's twisted her into being.
"Do…do you know…where I could find her?" Vi asked, hoping to find out where Powder is so she can do everything she can to earn her forgiveness, or at least let her know how sorry she was for leaving her.
"I'm afraid not, the only one who knows where those three are staying is Silco himself. But I'm sure they'll show up if enough noise is made." Said Babette, with Vi nodding at this.
"Good thing I can get pretty loud." Vi stated, not caring what she had to do to find Powder before she went to take her leave.
"Before you go Vi, there's one other thing you should know, something important." Babette said, making Vi stop and look at her.
"What else could there be?" Questioned Vi, doubting anything could be more important than what happened to her sister.
"Jinx, Naruto and Satsuki don't just work together, they're…in a relationship together." Babette revealed with a small, teasing smile as she watched Vi go completely still, as the pinkette felt her mind short-circuit for a moment before restarting.
"…Huh?" Vi said slowly, not sure she heard right, since it sounded like she just said her little sister was in a threeway relationship.
"Oh yes, I actually found out when they came here to…spice up their love life. You wouldn't believe how long they lasted, most of the girls couldn't even walk straight for a few days, and those are the just the ones Jinx and Satsuki had fun with. The ones with Naruto, oooooh my, they didn't wake up until the next day and refused anyone else after that, only waiting until they came back. I actually had to forbid the other girls from seeing him so he didn't end up ruining them all. But they talk and all of them can say Jinx and Satsuki are two very lucky ladies to have him whenever they want. That's not even counting the times they started at it with each other, and I never knew that sweet little Powder could be that loud." Said Babette teasingly, while Vi looked shocked and mortified at what she was hearing.
'Pow-Pow…my sweet, innocent, little sister…Pow-Pow…' Thought Vi in mortification at what's happened to her sister.
Though soon her shock turned into pure, white hot rage at the idea of anyone daring to defile her sister's innocence!
'I'M GONNA KILL THEM!' Vi mentally shouted as she stormed out of the office, leaving behind a cackling Babette.
Looking for Caitlyn, she soon found her sweet-talking a woman, though Vi was too angry and fired up to be amused at seeing her let herself go.
"We're going right now!" Said Vi, grabbing Caitlyn and dragged her out of the room, much to her shock.
"What?! Vi, what's going on?! Slow down! Where are we going?!" Caitlyn asked, wondering what happened.
"Where are we going?! I'm going to hunt down and kill the assholes that slept with my sister! That's where we're going!" Vi shouted, making the entire brothel fall silent, though no one dared to try anything or move as the angry pinkette stormed pass the rooms, while Caitlyn's eyes widened in disbelief before blushing in embarrassment.
"V-V-Vi-Vi! Y-y-yo-you can't just s-sa-say so-something like that in public!" Said Caitlyn, embarrassed that she'd announce something like that in public.
"Don't care! They had sex with Powder, now they're gonna die!" Retorted Vi as she kept walking, even when Caitlyn tried grabbing her arm to stop her, only for the bluenette to end up getting dragged along with her.
"Pl-pl-please st-stop! A-an-and y-you can't just kill someone for sl-sl-sleeping with your sister! Wh-what about Silco?!" Caitlyn said, hoping to get Vi back on their current task.
"Fuck Silco! Nobody sleeps with my sister and lives!" Vi said before reaching the door and kicking it open, continuing on her way.
With the pinkette completely missing as Sevika looked out of the room she was in, having come here to relax after the botched smuggling job.
"Yeah, that's definitely Violet." Muttered Sevika, recognizing that voice, anger and attitude anywhere, and it seems like she's found out about Jinx and her relationship with Naruto and Satsuki.
'Great, now I have to go tell Silco about this shit.' Sevika thought as she went to grab her clothes and report to Silco.
*Later-The Last Drop*
Silco sat in his office looking over recent reports, while having also just given Naruto, Satsuki and Jinx their newest assignment. Only to look up when the door opened and Sevika came in, making him raise a brow.
"You're back early." Silco stated, knowing she usually doesn't come back until it's nearly night when visiting Babette's establishment.
"Given what I heard, I needed to report in. Vi's back in The Undercity." Revealed Sevika, causing the crime boss to go still for a moment.
"What did you just say?" Said Silco, wanting to make sure he heard right.
"Vi's back, she's with someone, no idea who, but probably someone from topside. And she also learned about Jinx, and the fact she's in a relationship with Naruto and Satsuki. So you may be expecting reports of an angry teenager beating people up and looking for them, along with word spreading of her being here. Which may end up reaching them." Sevika explained, with Silco slowly clenching his fists at this before standing up.
"Handle things here until I get back. It seems Marcus is due for a visit and a reminder of how foolish it is to lie to me." Said Silco, remembering that Marcus had told him that Vi was dead, now it seems he lied to him.
"And no matter what, make sure that Jinx does not learn about this until I return." Silco added, knowing what will happen if his adoptive daughter finds out that Vi is in Zaun, doubting even Naruto and Satsuki will be able to keep her calm.
The last thing he needed was Jinx going on a rampage the moment she learns Vi is alive and back in The Undercity.
*Unknown Location*
Meanwhile, Reaper and Widowmaker had left Piltover and headed to a nearby Talon base, one set up for communications and contacted their superiors.
"Reaper, Widowmaker, what do you have to report?" Questioned one of their superiors.
"We've monitored both Piltover and Zaun, learning their strengths, weaknesses and everything about Hextech." Said Reaper, with Widowmaker uploading the data they'd gathered.
"The most recent creation is a stabilized Hextech Gemstone, one that's capable of powering anything that's compatible with it. Just one Gemstone would be capable of powering a weapon powerful enough to potentially level entire buildings. And now several Gemstones have been stolen by enforcers working for the leader of Zaun, Silco. While the Piltover Council are running around panicked and worried over the chance of Zaun attacking them with their own Hextech weaponry." Widowmaker explained, much to their pleasure at the knowledge.
Having sent Reaper and Widowmaker to Piltover and Zaun when the Hexgates were first being designed, knowing how useful such devices would be for Talon's plans. Especially after their crushing defeat at the hands of Shinra and SOLDIER, with them having deployed Sephiroth himself to deal with them. And with this new information, they were finally done biding their time and were ready to go on the offensive.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the appearance of Reaper and Widowmaker, as well as mention of Talon from "Overwatch", with both members having been sent to spy on Piltover and Zaun after the creation of the Hexgates and now they're ready to report in. Then we see Itachi and Marcus getting Jayce's and Viktor's report on the theft of the Gemstones, along with Itachi growing suspicious of the sheriff's insistence no one in Zaun is involved, leading him to agreeing to be a double-agent again for Jayce and Viktor, before he and Jayce are taken before the Council where Jayce is raised to it. Next we see them visiting Caitlyn and hearing about her investigation, along with informing her she's been removed from the Enforcers due to her parents, until she heads for Stillwater to question Silco's follower only to learn what another inmate did to him, leading her to question Vi herself, with some back and forth, and butting-heads, until she caves to Vi's demands to be released to find out what she knows. Then we see Vi and Caitlyn heading into The Undercity, the former seeing how much it's changed, before getting something to eat and heading to Babette's brothel, where Vi gets more information than expected, both on Powder now being Jinx along with Naruto and Satsuki working with Silco, and the fact all three of them are in a relationship, much to her shock and mortification at learning what her sisters been up to, before it turns into sisterly rage with Vi grabbing Caitlyn to leave so she can murder Naruto and Satsuki for sleeping with her sister, not caring who hears her or sees her face, along with ignoring Caitlyn's protests and attempts to stop her. Finally we see Sevika reporting to Silco about Vi's return, leading him to go pay Marcus a visit about lying to him, while we then see Reaper and Widowmaker reporting to their superiors about the information they've gathered, where we also get a hint of another future enemy, the One-Winged Angel Sephiroth himself. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out