Chapter 35

The workshop was abuzz with activity. The walls were covered with blueprints and drawings while the tables were covered with scrap metal and tools. Viktor and Ren passed ideas back and forth freely. Some they agreed upon while many others were met with a "nope" or "unacceptable."

"Let's start with these," Ren suggested as he placed his geared knuckles on the table.

"Those were a temporary tool for you," Viktor said, "they were hastily constructed. If you want to display yourself as a product of my skills, you should be carrying around better examples of my work."

"But I like these, Doc. They're comfortable, suit my fighting style, and the gears look wicked cool. Maybe we could improve on their design instead of throwing them out completely?"

"I agree that a pugilist's fighting style is a good match for you, which is why I had already begun plans for a new set of new knuckles."

"Oh cool, but just so we're on the same page, these new knuckles are for over the skin, right? Not under the skin?"

"These ones are not an augmentation but a weapon you can equip as needed. Your previous veto of my last three blueprints was more than sufficient that a permanent augmentation to your hands was unwanted."

"Hey, I want to keep all the feeling in my fingers. It helps with my art."

"You mentioned that before."

Viktor handed over the blueprint for the new knuckleduster designs. Ren flipped through them eagerly.

"Oh, they will have an electrical charge now. I like it," Ren commented, "no big chem-battery attachment though. I hope you don't plan on having them draw power from my leg. I don't want to think about all the wire over me."

"Do you think my designs would be that cumbersome?"

"No, sorry for even suggesting it. I'll let you worry about powering them your way. My only real criticism is that they don't look as cool as the gear ones. Could we change that back? We can use new materials, but could we still have the gear shape? It's more interesting than basic spikes or a blade."

"This is the most efficient shape. Functionality over form, N-12."

"I know, I know, but remember, form is part of the function. I need to look cool if I'm going to be a hero."

"What you need is to be able to help people."

"But I want to look cool while doing it. Here's a compromise. If we can make these look like gears then I will stop pestering you about needing to buy gold colored clothing. I'll agree to your subtle color scheme, even if it means that I won't be able to match Blitzcrank."

Viktor agreed. He still thought that his original design was the best, but if it meant that he didn't need to hear Ren go on about shimmering fabric anymore, a change of design was a small price to pay.

"Thanks, Doc," Ren chirped, "now, if you don't mind me asking, how are we going to power these without a chem-battery?"

"Crystals," Viktor answered.

"That makes sense. How do you keep coming across them? I thought hex crystals were super rare."

"A true crystal," Viktor explained as he pointed to his staff, "is incredibly rare. Artificial crystals can be created. Piltover hordes them."

"Ah, so this is where your special friend comes in?"

"Moyna. She has smuggled these crystals for me before and I have requested that she do so for me again."

"That sounds very cool but also very expensive."

"It is. These weapons will cost me an arm and a leg."

"Woah, a rare sighting of hyperbole from the scientist. Now I need to know. How many cogs is this going to cost?"

"None. Moyna and I exchange goods, not currency. I have been working on a pair of augmentations for her. One will be sent to another of her clients, who lost an arm to a Baron's thug. The other she requested is a leg to be sent back to Ionia for a war veteran and close friend of the family."

"Ah, well. Not much I can do then. Maybe I could offer a drawing?"

"She has already agreed to the trade. Your offer is appreciated but not necessary."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"In regards to your weapons, no. What I want you to do is finalize the designs for your armor. Avoid adding protrusions that enemies could take advantage of to grab you. This includes any spikes you deem as 'wicked.' Additionally, mind the weight of your design. Your agility is one of your best assets; do not over burden yourself with unnecessary additions or an unbalanced distribution of weight."

"I'll try, but I make no promises. Besides, this is only draft one."

Ren took a stack of a paper and sat at a desk. He twirled his pencil between his fingers as he thought about how his design.

"Best to start with my left leg I suppose," he thought, "Viktor said balance, so I should probably have an armored boot to match my augmentation. Nothing too big though, steel toes should be enough. Leather padding for my shin. I can't shake the feeling like I absolutely need something for my knee. Right, so metal there. Upper thighs? Probably should keep it simple. I bet Doc has a utility belt of something for the gadgets I'll be carrying. I'll let him come up with that part. I'll just add a cool looking belt buckle later myself."

"For my chest, I think something form fitting would be best. It can't get in my way. A would like a sleeveless jacket at the most. Just add a little 'woosh' to my movements. Beyond that, I don't know. I'll try out a few things before deciding. Arms. What to do about them? Well, my right arm must be bare because what's the point of a tattoo if you can't show it off? Doc will probably fight me on this. Exposed flesh is just asking for lacerations and all that. Maybe we can compromise; one arm clothed, the other not."

Ren stretched his neck and looked up from his drawings. He was pleased with his progress but still felt that his designs were lacking something. He resumed twirling the pencil as his mind wandered for inspiration. His eyes came to rest on Viktor. The scientist was working to build diminutive containers that would securely contain the crystals without protruding from the brass knuckles. His back was hunched as he focused on the delicate work. The faint hum of the third arm was the only sound coming from him.

For several minutes, Ren watched in silence. The occasional orange glow from the laser soldering the metal would illuminate Viktor's silhouette. For a man who claimed he didn't want to be viewed as a monster, he cast an imposing shadow. Ren sighed. He knew he had his work cut out for him if he wanted to make that figure more approachable. An idea suddenly came to him.

"I know," he thought, "what I need to do. It's not enough to say I represent the Doc, but I should look like him as well. Gotta be obvious that I was made by him. Let's just adjust the design of my shoulders a bit. There, over my left arm I'll ask for a big shoulder bit like he has. It's the opposite side as my augmentation, so hopefully the weight will all balance out. Yeah, this is looking good. Maybe I can add some flames or gears or something to this as well. I'll leave the decorations out of the sketch for now."

"Finally, I think I need a scarf or cowl. A full cape like his would only get in my way. There, our silhouettes look closer now. I know he has something planned for my face. I just hope it's not a full mask. I want people to see my face. Yup, a friendly face alongside an intimidating augmentation and fiery explosions."

"Hey, Doc," Ren spoke up, "I've got a first draft for you to look at."

Viktor put down his work and held out his hand.

"Let me review it," he ordered.

Ren handed over the papers before leaning back against the table, trying to give off an air of calm despite the eagerness welling within him. Viktor studied the illustrations without comment for several minutes.

"These designs are passable," he commented, "for a first draft. The boot, knee guard, and padding for your shins can all be accommodated. The decision to remain sleeveless is foolish. Exposing flesh is risking lacerations. That should be changed to better protect you. I have no strong opinions about the jacket."

"And the shoulder pad?" Ren asked.

"I do not see why such a large piece of armor is needed," Viktor answered, "a set of smaller spaulders would be more efficient."

"Well, this might be one of those functionality is the form moments."

"Elaborate."

"I want it to look like yours."

Another minute of silence.

"Elaborate further," Viktor asked.

"Well, I'm your partner, aren't I?"

More silence.

"We should look a little bit like each other a little bit," Ren blurted out quickly to fill the empty air, "so that when they see me they think of you. I'm not talking an exact copy. More like little hints here and there. Like, you can keep your cape and I will settle for a scarf and I won't wear navy. That color suits you better. I prefer warm colors personally. And then-"

"I will allow it," Viktor interrupted.

"Wait, really?" Ren balked, "I thought it was going to take way more convincing."

"It is not the worst idea you have had."

Ren smiled.

"I will of course be making a few modifications," Viktor continued, "but I will keep it as close to the original design as possible."

"So no third arm, then?" Ren joked.

"No." Viktor responded, completely seriously.

"Come on, Doc. Can't you tell I was joking?"

"N-12, if you wish for me to take your designs seriously, then I request that you limit them to only genuine requests."

"Alright, I can agree to that. But, you know, by agreeing to this it means that any suggestion is serious then."

"I have been considering everything you have presented as serious. That is what a respectful colleague would do."

Ren could feel his cheeks flush with warmth.

"Yeah," he said, "I suppose it is."

Then Viktor asked Ren something he didn't think he would ever hear; a personal question.

"What is your favorite color?"

Greetings Summoners,

I still hope that you are staying as safe as possible. For fun, try and guess what Ren's favorite color it. There is no prize but bragging rights. Until the answer is revealed next chapter, please remember to make kind choices and spam Catling and bee emotes. Best of the luck on the Rift.

- Gwoo