The cease-fire agreement had been quickly signed and sent back. It was one thing that Danny was glad for, at least. He had been in that other space for a few days. Lots of events had happened while his memories were being viewed by death. Or a being that personified death in this reality.
Danny was preparing himself, for what was to come. For better or worse, the way people look at him will change. They may admire him, and follow him, but all of them will fear him. Danny clenched his fists as a green glow came over them. He was afraid, he did not care if the entire world became his enemy. For him, only Silco's and Jinx's opinions mattered.
But this was necessary, the most long-lasting peace is not achieved by diplomacy but with the understanding that there is much more to lose if an attack is initiated.
It was time to leave. It was time for war.
Two hands enveloped Danny in a hug.
"I missed you." Jinx said near his ear. Her voice cracking.
Danny placed one hand on the arms enveloping him. "Sorry for being late."
(In Piltover)
The city of Piltover was panicking.
Jayce was working overtime to create weapons one after another, making sure that each user was signed a contract with the Talis family. The weapons were supposed to be returned after the fight. He could not allow these weapons to fall in the wrong hands again.
If there was something good that came out of it. It was the fact that his friend Victor had recovered, it was still a little jarring to see his arms and legs replaced by metal. In the end, it was an acceptable choice. He was glad to see that his friend's love life was taking off. More than once, he saw Sky and Victor exchanging glances. Tomorrow may be their final days, the void born were back. One said to have been the catalyst of the end of ages, these creatures were near Piltover. Their city.
He intended to remove himself away from the council soon, as soon as this war was over. The only good thing was that there was not going to be a war between Piltover and the Undercity so soon. That would be a problem for the future council. If one dows happen, his weapons would not be a part of it.
"Jayce, we have another meeting." Mel entered, her face tired with black lines++++. A lot has changed in the previous days for her. No, for all the council. One of their own had been found guilty. Jayce would not let the manufacturing method of Hex tech crystals remain in Ferros hand. He would not compromise on that fact.
"Let's go." Jayce said. His hammer accompanied him, Victor falling on his side.
They walked in silence. Jayce
Jayce looked around the chamber, most of the councilors were subdued.
"What is it now?" Jayce said. "I have a war to prepare for. I do not have time to play politics right now." Jayce tapped his hammer down on the ground. Crack-like webs spread at the point of impact.
"We have reinforcements coming from Noxus and Damacia." One of the councilors informed him. Jayce's sharp eyes fell on him, the councilor squirmed under his gaze. Salo was his name. "We are preparing the defenses, an entourage from the Undercity will arrive here soon."
"Get to the point councilor, I do not have all day." Jayce roared.
"We hope that the undercity can look at the bigger picture. We need to be united to face the threats of Noxus and Damacia." Shoola said.
"You will have to convince the Undercity then." Jayce spat as fire burned in his eyes. He dared any councilor to say anything more.
Councilor Mel spoke in a quiet voice. "As the people most informed about the Undercity, we want your opinion. Both of yours." Mel turned to Victor, he eyes pleading.
"They want blood," Victor said. "The question is are you ready to give them blood?"
"Is the council ready and willing to sacrifice themselves?"
The council remained silent as Victor quietly left. "We have enemies at the gate. The Council must choose, between either Piltover or the families it represents." Victor said that as he turned around and left.
"My apologies esteemed councilors. I have work to do." Jayce turned around and left. "Understand this, I will make sure that the Ferros Family's name is left as a disgrace. They will have nothing in the end, no honor, no wealth. Absolutely nothing."
Silco strolled across the bridges, his forces accompanying him. He had left about sixty percent of forces back in the Undercity to guard against any surprises.
The move across the bridge was more symbolic in nature, than anything else. Most of his troops could use their hoverboards modified for topside. Yet, their hoverboard was slung over their backs as weapons were in their hands. Silco gave an appreciative glance towards Danny and Ekko, both of them were leading the groups, and were deep in conversation.
They were making battle plans for the upcoming threat. Jinx was humming, carrying her weapons. Behind them, there were carts being pulled.
A tight formation was around the cart. Silco's own men were by his side along with Sevika. They were silent, in preparation for the Battle ahead.
"Please stop." They were at the checkpoint as one of the enforcers approached them. "The council demands your presence."
"They may keep on demanding our presence," Danny said as he looked at the enforcer, his talks interrupted. "If they beg for it, we may reconsider."
So, the battle begins. Silco stayed back, willing to see how Danny would handle himself.
One of his hands raised as his own the fireflies behind him got in a firing position." The question is if you are willing to die for them."
The enforcer's hand trembled for a moment before he stepped aside and they crossed into Piltover.
"Go on run to your Council. Beg them for some treats." Jinx shooed the enforcers away.
Silco smiled a little at Jinx's antics. He took the lead, a discreet tilting of his head to Danny who nodded back at him.
Silco saw that the general populace were panicked, some of them were rushing towards the Hexgates. Internally, Silco sneered calling them weak. Running away at the first time of trouble. Times had made these Pilties soft and weak.
Soon, they found themselves at the Great Wall. The wall, was created to separate Piltover from the various dangers that could befall it. A pity that the founders did not consider the greed of their children as a factor. Today, Zaun will show them all. Zaun will show the entire world and the world will fear their might. It was all coming to an end finally.
Silco nodded towards a few of his own enforcers. A nod that was given back, a few of the houses would be emptied so that they could use them as their base and headquarters.
Mel and the councilors minus were waiting for the return of their envoy. A summons had been given.
It was soon that they found out that their summons was disregarded. They were given one choice, beg or leave.
"We cannot submit to their demands," Hoskel said. "We need to gather the enforcers, force them into submission."
"And trigger a civil war before the various forces arrive. With enemies on our gate." Mel yelled as she glared at the councilor. "Are you so eager to destroy Piltover?"
Hoskel fell back on his chair. His eyes were empty as he looked at Mel. The other councilors stared at him. Hoskel remained quiet, he looked down in shame at his outburst.
"I will go," Mel said in a quiet voice. "If need be, I will beg them to listen."
Mel stood up as she looked at one of the guards. "Gather a few enforcers, make sure that they are unarmed."
As Mel left the council building. She was confronted by her mother who was leaning against a pillar outside the Council building.
"Mel, my dear daughter." She smiled at her.
"Mother." Mel said, her mood subdued.
"Interesting time aren't they. In the end, Piltover will have to test their weapons ine way or another," Ambessa said as there was a smile on her face.
"Is there something that you want, Mother?" Mel asked.
"Only to meet with these so called terrorists that have been giving my daughter so much grief."
Mel did not reply, instead, she continued on.
Her mother joined her as her face lost her smile. A grim expression was on her face. "My soldiers and expertise would be at your disposal during this time. We swim or die together Mel."
Mel continued walking hoping that she could fix the fissure formed. Maybe, some distance would do them good.
Ambessa who had a relaxed mood began to get somber as they got closer to the reported place where the undersiders had taken up residence. Eyes were watching them. These were soldiers willing and able to do anything. This was not a rag-tag group of rebels. These were soldiers willing to go to any length, even if it included soaking the city of Piltover in blood.
"Mel, my child. You underestimated the threat of these Undersiders." She was is no joking mood. Ambessa continued. "Hopefully, you will be able to reach a compromise with them. You will need them, our house cannot afford any more enemies." The thought of these undersiders joining up with their enemies sent a chill down her spine.
It was then that they were approached by a soldier.
"What do you want?" His eyes sharp, his demeanor filled with hostility.
"We wish to speak with Silco." Mel said, staring him back in the eye.
The guard held her gaze as his hand went to a metallic contraception at his side. "Boss, we have a Councilor here."
There was a pause.
"Understood boss."
"Follow me." He said and led as Mel and her entourage followed. Ambessa looking around in appreciation at the discipline and naked aggression on display here. It was worthy of the Noxus Empire. A natural born killer instinct.
Their guide led them to a lone house with nary a single guard.
The guard pointed at the house. "Please proceed."
Mel took a deep breath and entered the Lion's den.
Mel and Ambessa entered the house after giving a signal to their respective guards to remain outside.
The moment they entered; they were assaulted by a strong smell of tobacco.
They saw Silco leaning back on the sofa, he took a deep intake of a cigar. He looked at them as they entered. Leaning his head back against the sofa, his head pointed upwards. He breathed out.
"Councilor Mel." He looked at her, no expression on his face.
"Silco, we the councilor -"
"Stay out of our way, Councilor. Our matter will be settled afterward." Silco said. He looked at his cigar, one he tapped out on the table in front of him.
"Surely, there could be some compromise," Mel said in a begging voice.
"I do not compromise, councilor." Silco spoke the last word in a sarcastic way as he got up and turned around.
"You must understand, if we do not stand united we will fall." Mel clenched her hand as she continued. "We have the the void spawn who brought down the civilization more ancient than any other, a kingdom of gods. Even if we win, Noxus and Demacia will move against us. Your people, our people, both will suffer."
Silco slowly stubbed out his cigar, in front of them.
"We will agree to the separation of Zaun along with a stimulus package to make you equal to us." Mel said as she grew desperate. "We will agree to all of your terms and condition, along with free and priority use of the hexgates. Please, the other councilors will agree."
"Do you know what true power is?" Silco asked, his eyes turned towards Ambessa.
"Power, real power, doesn't come to those who were born strongest, or fastest, or smartest." He paused as he stared into the eyes of Councilor Mel. "No. It comes to those who will do anything to achieve it."
"Even now, you look down on us." He calmly regarded Councilor Mel in front of him.
"I desire vengeance, little girl." Silco stood up. He walked towards her. "By the time we are done, it does not matter who. They will all come to fear us. I have no need or want to use our people as cannon fodder for you or your kind. We desire blood, and it matters not whose flows."
"The time for words is over, now is the time for action. Get in our way, and I will personally burn down this entire city until nothing but ashes are left." Silco sat down again. "If you did not get the hint councilor, that was your hint to leave."
Silco turned around and left. His footsteps echoed in the room.
"And General Ambessa, I would be happy to have the Nexon delegation visit us. They did want to work out a deal with us, after all."
The last parting words of Silco echo out in the hall.