Silco sat at the head of a long table in the dimly lit chamber deep within the underbelly of Zaun. The room of where the Chem Barons held their meetings was thick with the acrid scent of chemicals and the low murmur of hushed conversations—a place where Zaun was ruled and guided with him at the helm of it all. Much more appropriate than Vander's old pub, if he did say so himself. Although, now was not the time to admire his superb interior decor capabilities, as there was something far more serious on his mind right now.
Around him, the other Chem Barons gathered, their faces illuminated by the late-night light of the moon passing through the glass ceiling. Sevika, with her cybernetic enhancements glinting in the shadows, stood poised at Silco's right hand. Smeech, the mind who made Sevika's new arm to replace the previous one, sat while folding his own mechanical hands together. Finn, a slick-looking young man with combed-over hair and an air of quiet menace, leaned against his chair. Margot, with her piercings and black outfit, was tapping her fingers on the table with an air of slight impatience. Chross, the oldest of the bunch, sat in his personalized chair with an air of calculation, while Renni, with her piercing gaze and sharp wit, lounged casually in her chair, eyeing Silco with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
"It's been twelve hours since the… building appeared on the bridge," Silco began, his voice low and gravelly, commanding attention from the gathered barons. "A structure of unknown origin, most likely due to magic. It is currently being looked over for anything of value and no doubt exploited by the vultures in Piltover."
Sevika smirked, her replaced arm glowing faintly in the darkness. "What's new with the Topsiders? Just something else they'll squeeze dry and then some. Probably burn the place down while they're at it."
Finn grunted in agreement, his arms crossed over his chest. "Can we send any of our boys to their own little check-up? I don't like being left in the dark like this. Don't you have that Enforcer on your payroll, Silco? What's the use of him if not for situations like this?"
"Marcus hasn't been in contact with me for the whole day—no doubt because of the heads of the council hounding him to make sure they get a handle on this before anything major happens," Silco replied coolly, causing Finn to scowl, landing a closed fist on the table as he frowned:
"And thus, my suggestion of sending in our own boy to get something out of it before it is too late. Who knows what the Topsiders can do with whatever that place even is?"
Chross interjected, his voice calm and measured. "Patience, Finn. Silco has a strategy in mind. Isn't that right, boss?"
Silco nodded, his red and black eye gleaming. "Indeed. We don't rush into unknown territory blind. We gather information discreetly, assess the threat, and exploit any opportunities that arise." That was the strategy with which he managed to rule Zaun for nearly a decade now. He simply needed to stick to his guns if he wished to emerge victorious, as he always did.
The room fell into a contemplative silence, the only sound the distant hum of machinery echoing through the city. Each baron weighed Silco's words, considering the implications of the building's sudden appearance on the bridge.
Renni raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with doubt. "And what if this building proves to be more than just a new curiosity for Piltover? What if it has power or technology that could shift the balance of power in their favor more than it already is?" She nearly hissed, before her visage turned scheming. "Or better yet, in there a way to turn into Zaun's favor? What if this new arrival holds the keys that can actually free us from Piltover's chains"
Silco leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled in front of him. "Then we adapt, Renni. We secure our interests, make the necessary deals, and ensure that we control the situation in anyway we can."
Smeech broke the silence with a sly grin. "So, Silco, any thoughts on how we approach this? Or are we just going to sit around and talk all night?"
Silco's lips curled into a half-smile, a rare display of amusement. "We gather our scouts and discreetly infiltrate the area around the building. I want to know everything—its defenses, its occupants, any weaknesses we can exploit."
Margot, tapping her fingers more rapidly now, interjected. "And what about the people of Zaun? They're scared. We need to keep them calm or this could turn into a bigger problem than it already is."
Chross nodded thoughtfully. "I'll coordinate with our informants in Piltover. We'll gather intel on any new developments in relation to this and how Pilover is planning on taking advantage this."
Sevika was to speak up. "We've got our men patrolling the streets, keeping an eye out for any unrest. The appearance of the building has everyone on edge, but we're making sure things don't get out of hand. So far there's no riots or mass hysteria, at least." For now; it was always difficult to predict how things would go in Zaun.
"Good," Silco replied, nodding in approval. "We can't afford to have too much chaos in our own territory. Keep the pressure on, but don't overdo it. We need to show strength without provoking unnecessary conflict...yet." Although, if or whenever that did happen, it would most certainly not be unnecessary,
Smeech replied, a little bit of pride seeping into his tone, "I've been working on reinforcing our defenses. If anyone tries to take advantage of the situation, they'll find out the hard way that Zaun isn't defenseless."
"Excellent," Silco said, his tone approving. "We need to be prepared for anything. The appearance of this building is an unknown factor, and we can't afford to be caught off guard."
Chross added, "I've already instructed our informants to spread the word that we're in control of the situation. It should help calm the populace and keep any potential troublemakers in line."
Renni smirked. "And if anyone gets any ideas about taking advantage of the chaos, we'll deal with them before they'd even know what happened to them."
The conversation continued, each Chem Baron providing updates on their efforts to maintain control over their respective territories and gathering information that could disuprt or tighten their control over the undercity. Silco listened intently, occasionally offering advice or issuing orders, his mind always several steps ahead. He could deal with any army in the world. He could deal with any institution or any mastermind that tries going after him. He could always predict what any rational, logical mind would attempt to do against him or against Zaun. But unknown, illogical factors were not easy for him to predict, and he could not allow things to slip out of his control.
As the meeting began to wind down, Silco addressed the group once more. "Remember, we must act with caution. The appearance of this building could be an opportunity, but it could also be a threat. We need to be ready for anything. We are the lifeblood of this city. We cannot afford to be complacent. We will find out what this building is, and we will use this knowledge -whatever it turns out to be- to our advantage."
Sevika nodded, her cybernetic arm whirring softly. "Understood, boss. We'll get it done."
Finn cracked his neck, a feral grin spreading across his face as Chross, Smeech, and Renni exchanged a glance, their silent agreement clear. They would do whatever it took to protect their city and their power.
The Chem Barons nodded in agreement, their resolve steeled by Silco's words. They knew that the future of Zaun hung in the balance, and they were determined to protect their city and their interests at any cost.
The room emptied slowly, the Chem Barons dispersing to oversee their respective territories and carry out Silco's orders. Silco remained seated for a moment longer, his thoughts focused on the mysterious building that had appeared so suddenly. He knew that whatever secrets it held could change everything, and he was determined to uncover them before the Topsiders did, then preferably use said secrets against them.
Silco felt a surge of grim satisfaction crossing through his body. The game had begun, and he intended to play it to win.
"Are you sure someone in your prestigious position should still be smoking so much?"
"Who are you, my doctor? Did wherever you've been turn you into a health expert of some kind? You sure look like you're dressing like one now…"
"So grouchy! Time really does make all you old people more cranky."
"And it makes brats like you all the more annoying to deal with."
"Hehe. I guess I can't argue with that, now can I?"
Snickering, Powder leaned back onto the couch in Babette's office, arms sprawled on top, while the Madame of the Velvet Rose let out a puff of smoke from her pipe. The room was surprisingly elegant, with velvet drapes, plush furniture, and the faint scent of lavender mixing with the smoke.
Powder always wondered what the place looked like, even after arriving at the Library. Though still young and innocent to the world, little Powder had some inkling of what went on in the walls of this pleasure house thanks to very ill-timed hushed whispers between Milo and Claggor when they thought she couldn't hear them. Also, they were very sloppy with where they put their dirty magazines.
Boy, did those images awaken something in her…
She had to admit though that this place was a lot cleaner and well-organized than she originally imagined. Whether that was always the case, or Babette raising the workplace standards was something Powder could ask about later. Those were probably questions that she would've never asked had she not spent as much time as she did in the Library, admittedly. Right now, however, there were more important things to discuss.
Babette eyed Powder, a mix of curiosity and concern in her gaze. "So, Powder, what brings you back to this side of the tracks after so long? Where did you run off to after…y'know, after Vander died?"
"Well, I've been here and there. Someplace you wouldn't know about." Powder clicked her tongue for an instant. "Maybe you wouldn't even know it existed."
"You and your new friends wouldn't have anything to do with that huge-ass building that dropped on the bridge, would you?" Babette raised an eyebrow; someplace she didn't know about? She knew just about every nook and cranny in Zaun thanks to the little birds she had around. She was pretty sure such a bold statement could only refer to one very new addition to the Zaun/Piltover bridge.
"Mmmmaaabbyyye." Powder rolled her tongue with a little grin, "Let's just say that the less you know, the better for now."
Babette nodded, accepting the answer for now, "So what brings you to my humble little workplace after so long?"
Powder's expression shifted to something more serious. "I need information, Babette. I need to know the lay of the land since Vander bit it. It's been a while since I was here and…things seem to have changed since then."
Babette arched another eyebrow. "Information, huh? Well, you've come to the right place. But you better start from the beginning. What's got you so worked up?"
Powder took a deep breath, her eyes flickering with determination. "It's about Silco. I heard he's taken over a lot since I left. I need to know what's going on with him."
Babette's expression darkened, her fingers tightening around her pipe. "Silco… That name brings back memories, some better forgotten."
"What do you mean?" Powder asked, leaning forward, her interest piqued.
Babette sighed, tapping the ashes from her pipe into a nearby tray. "You were too young to know back in the day. It was a common story, often told in hushed whispers like some local legend…" Babette chuckled quietly to herself. "I guess it's better to tell you now so you can get the gist of why things turned out the way they did." she paused, "You want the short version or the long version?"
"I…Geez, Babette, You're sorta dropping a lot of things on me all of a sudden…" The Patron Librarian muttered, rubbing the back of her neck, not sure where this was going.
"Yeah, sorry for that, kiddo. I didn't really know you'd be back today…Or ever, really. That old warehouse was the last place Vander and his merry band of brats were ever seen…" The elderly woman sighed, her smile drooping for an instant. "So I didn't exactly have time to prepare a nice, nifty summary for you, but if you want to know how things work in Zaun now, then you have to know why it all went down the drain all that time back."
"Right…" The bluenette swallowed, blinking a few times before shrugging. "Shoot, give me the short version for now. If we go for the long story we might end up a little pressed for time; I know for a fact word travels fast in Zaun, and that guy we beat up doesn't seem like he keeps a shut mouth." Babette nodded at the younger woman in approval, taking another whiff of her fancy cigar.
"That's one thing that never changed about Zaun." she agreed, tapping the cigar against the ashtray once more. "Here's what you should know: Silco used to be partners - brothers even - with Vander before things went sour. They had a falling out over how to handle the future of Zaun ever since the bridge incident. Vander wanted peace, but Silco craved power; he wanted to make all the Topsiders pay one way or another, which didn't really go well with your old man. When Vander tried to broker peace with Piltover, Silco saw it as a betrayal."
Powder's eyes widened. "So that's why Silco hates Vander so much…" That would've been useful to know a few years back…then again, a few years back she probably wouldn't have been old enough to understand all of that.
Babette nodded. "Precisely. After their split, Silco became more ruthless. He aligned himself with some of the most dangerous people in Zaun and Piltover, forming the Chem Barons. Together, they took control of the underworld, spreading their influence and taking over Zaun bit by bit."
Powder frowned, her mind racing. "And now? How is he running things?"
Babette leaned back in her chair, her expression grim. "Silco's grip on Zaun is tighter than ever. Fear and coercion are the tools that he uses to rule. He and his group control a different part of Zaun, from smuggling to weapons manufacturing. They've made sure that anyone who opposes them ends up either dead or too scared to act."
Powder clenched her fists, a mixture of anger and determination in her eyes. "I can't let him get away with this. I need to stop him, if not for Zaun, then for all Vander stood for. This isn't just about the Topsiders anymore, is it?" She lifted her head to stare at her host, who shook her head.
"If you ask Silco, I'm sure he'd say yes, but this feels like it's a lot bigger than getting revenge on the Pilties or whatever it is he'd say." Babette took another puff of her pipe, with her expression softening. "All I can say is that you need to be careful, Powder. Silco is beyond dangerous and so are his cronies.."
Powder nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I know. But I have to try. For Vander, for my friends, and for Zaun."
Babette sighed, giving Powder a small, sad smile. "You've got his spirit in you, that's for sure."
Powder stood up, determination etched into her features. "Thank you, Babette. I won't."
As Powder turned to leave, Babette called out to her one last time. "And, Powder… if you need anything, and I mean anything, you know where to find me."
Powder looked back, her eyes softening for a moment. "I know. And I appreciate it, Babette. More than you know."
As she left the room, Powder's thoughts churned. Confronting Silco directly was too risky alone. She needed allies, and she had them in the Library. Angela and the others would help her. With them, she could gather more information and formulate a plan. Silco's influence might be vast, but he wasn't invincible. She just had to be smart about it.
She did have to wonder if it was worth involving Angela and rest in it, though.
She had a home in the Library now. She had friends, sorta-in-a-way family, and a place where she had underlings who she could boss around as she pleased. Zaun had nothing for her but the memories, but she valued it so damn much even after all she's been through. It deserved more than whatever Silco was doing to it, it deserved to be free from his grasp. It deserved someone like Vander again.
But at the end of the day, that's what it was, wasn't it? Her vendetta against Silco…it was a personal mission. Morally and logically, nothing forced the Library's crew to get involved in this mess, and truthfully, she didn't want them to, as strange as it might've sounded. They already went through so much (and, her mind reminded her, they just finished fighting for seven whole days against foes that dwarfed Zaun's mightiest). But that was just what her predicament was: She couldn't do this without Angela and the Library, but she didn't want to involve them in this, either. This was her business to finish, and yet…
She didn't want to hurt another family again. She knew very, very well how that would end up.
…Dammit. Why must things always be so difficult? Why can't it just be simple? Can't she and Silco have a best-of-three rock-paper-scissors game and whoever loses has to jump off a cliff or something?
Oh well. She'd have to give more thought to that concept later. For now, she turned to her Librarian friends, who didn't seem quite so comfortable being a place such as the one Babette ran the moment they stepped inside.
"Yo! Gebura! Roland! We're leaving!"
"So soon? What a disappointment." Gebura came out of the room on the left side of Powder, her tone sarcastic and unhappy. Of all of the places she visited in the Backstreets, she wasn't a big fan of ones like this, for obvious reasons. A chorus of giggles - both masculine and feminine - followed her trail as the redhead stretched her arms up, stomping out of the room.
"About time. Things were getting real uncomfortable for a moment…" Roland grumbled while cracking his neck as she came out of the room on the right, looking very irritable, causing Powder to raise a curious eyebrow at him.
"Really? Thought a bachelor like you would jump at the chance to get some steam off given it's been…." Powder narrowed her eyes, not really thinking about what she was saying as she was still deep in thought. "...How long has it been again since you…?"
"Not. Another. Word." Well, that managed to awaken her from her stupor. Powder turned back to Roland, replaying the last five minutes of her life as she stared into the ready-to-kill eyes of the (former?) Black Silence. "I'll have you know that I am still a grieving widow, thank you very much." The Librarian of General Works scowled, "Show some respect for the process, why don't ya? 'Sides, who do you think I am? I get why these places exist, but I'm not the target demographic." he huffed. Look, he wasn't some teenager in the Backstreets with some money in hand. If, and that was very big 'if', he was to ever find another partner in life, he would do so after a long process of knowing that other person, not…well, how things went on in such places.
Powder snorted, an obvious attempt to defuse the situation, "Oh please. You've been stuck on grieving for too long for your own good. Getting laid would be a sign of you actually making good progress on recovering!" The Librarian of Psychology replied, her tone just the tiniest bit sympathetic as the trio made their way out of the building.
Powder couldn't help but smile at their banter. Despite the heavy information she had just received, there was comfort in the familiarity of her companions' voices and their constant ribbing of one another. Yet her mind remained focused. She needed to get back to the Library and tell Angela everything, "Let's get Tiphereth before she gives us the silent treatment the whole way back."
To say that the Librarian of Natural Sciences was pissed that she wasn't allowed inside the Velvet Rose was an understatement. Due to how young she looked, security refused to allow her inside, much to her offense, and will no doubt be grumbling about it for the rest of their time in Zaun about how she was technically twenty and mumbling about how stupid everyone in Zaun was. In her defense, Powder was allowed to enter and she didn't exactly look that much older than her peer; she entered thanks to some good ol' nepotism by virtue of knowing Babette well and forgot to inform the Madame of the Velvette Rose that she should've also allowed the three Librarians who were with her to enter.
Oops?
Just as the trio went outside, they came across the expected complaint from the expected source, but it was not directed at them.
"-So you can take that bat of yours and shove it in the same place where your shit won't stop spewing: that dumb cakehole you call a mouth!"
"Why you little bitch!"
The trio was greeted by the sight of Tiphereth in the same spot they left her at; her arms crossed and her expression a stormy mix of annoyance and impatience as she stared down the meathead from earlier, but now with a whole gang of thugs backing him up.
The thug from before, a hulking brute with tattoos snaking up his arms and a menacing sneer, held a spiked bat in his hands, poised to strike. His companions, equally rough-looking, spread out in a semicircle, blocking any escape routes. The dim street lights cast eerie shadows on their faces, highlighting their sinister expressions.
As soon as the blond saw her contemporaries, her frown deepened. "Took you long enough," Tiphereth snapped, her eyes narrowing. "I thought you were going to leave me out here all night to deal with these morons alone."
Gebura cracked her knuckles, stepping forward with a smirk. "Looks like someone didn't learn his lesson and got other idiots to join in on his dumbassary. Guess we're making a mess tonight."
Roland sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I knew this would happen, given the kind of crappy trouble we tend to attract. Can we just get this over with?"
Powder's eyes flickered with amusement at her peer's grumbling, but she remained focused. "Let's take care of this quickly. We have more important things to deal with."
The meathead, clearly emboldened by his gang, sneered at them, although he seemed more…offended?. "Who the hell do you think you're bringing with you?! Is this how your mother taught you to raise kids?!" His words, directed to Roland, made the suited man blink.
"Wh-Wha-"
"I've spent thirty damn minutes waiting for you to come outside all while this little inkstain was talking like this for thirty minutes, just because I don't want to hit a child alone!"
"Child?!" Tiphereth fumed, her face going magenta as her rage boiled over. "You [THE FOLLOWING EXCHANGE HAS BEEN REDACTED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES TO THE READER]! Why I ought to [REDACTED] your little [OMITTED] up you sniveling piece of [DEAR GOD WHO RAISED THIS CHILD?]!"
Roland stood speechless, his eyes turning to Gebura, who in turn maintained a more neutral expression, although she still blinked a few times, making sure she heard Tiphereth correctly.
"Ahem." The former Fixer known as the Black Silence cleared his throat, attempting to take the initiative. "I assure you she doesn't act like this at home." he stepped forward as Gebura put a hand over Tiphereth's mouth, who was clearly even more outraged that Roland was playing the role of her guardian. "So, uh." He stared at the armed gang around him. "We're doing this? Or are you lot not looking for your death warrant anymore?"
In response, the gang all raised their weapons in a threatening manner, clearly out for blood.
Powder grinned wolfishly at that.
"I guess that answers that. Actions speak louder than words, don't you know?"
Mel Medarda honestly did not know what to expect with the meeting with the new…arrivals that have just landed in the twin cities.
Which was very much a frustrating position to be given the time and circumstances of this unexpected appearance. Today, around this time in fact, was to be the day she and the cities of the City of Progress were supposed to be celebrating Progress Day; outside, mingling, and enjoying the festivities with the fine folks of the city, maybe even with Jayce at her side the whole way through.
But no. A bloody building that literally looked like it was out of this world just had to land here and send what seemed to be damn near everyone into mass hysteria. About half a day later, the council of Piltover were gathered for an emergency meeting with the owner of said building and her underlings.
With said owner and underlings literally outside of the council chambers waiting to begin the meeting hastily set up by Hemiginger without properly consulting any of the other council members prior to the arrangement.
'As if any of us could have done better in his shoes.' Mel noted internally, while putting a hand under her chin, 'Still, I would like to think of myself as nothing if adaptable. But I may not be able to say the same about my peers…'
"-And I am too sure it was wise to bring these people here Head Counselor? Especially with the chaos they've managed to incite just by arriving the way they did?" Mel was brought out of her inner musings by the voice of one understandably concerned Cassandra Kiramman, who had both of her hands clasped in front of her, "Who knows what may come out of this meeting with such unpredictable individuals?"
To his credit, Heimerdinger took no visible offense to her wary, simply leaning back into his chair and replying with, "Your worries are noted Mrs. Kiramman and are already accounted for. Marcus already has the forces necessary to subdue our new guests if such a thing comes to pass, though given the impression Ms. Angela has given off, I doubt that it shall reach such a point."
Mel frowned at that, feeling the need to chime in with, "We cannot rely solely on our first impressions, Councillor Heimerdinger. We must be prepared for any possibility when it comes to the unknown. Wouldn't you agree with this Jayce?"
The dark skinned council woman turned her head towards the newest member of the council, who looked very much caught off guard by the sudden question thrown his way.
"Yes, I agree with Mel," Jayce said, his voice steadying as he continued. "While first impressions are important, we need to ensure that we are fully aware of who we are dealing with and what their intentions might be. Even though I trust your judgment here Heimerdinger, it's crucial that we remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with such an unknown."
Cassandra nodded, her expression still wary but slightly more at ease. "And thus, my point is supported. We need to approach this with caution but also with an open mind. Progress requires risk, but it should be calculated."
Heimerdinger stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Indeed, you all raise valid points. I propose we proceed with the meeting but maintain a heightened level of security going forward. We should listen to what Ms. Angela and her associates have to say and evaluate the potential benefits and risks accordingly."
Mel nodded in agreement, appreciating Heimerdinger's balanced approach. "Agreed. Let's invite them in and see what they have to offer. But let's remain vigilant."
Heimerdinger gave a small nod of his own, then signaled to the guards at the door.
After a minute of waiting, the large metal doors open, and in walked Angela, accompanied by her companions and led by a grim-faced Marcus, completely surrounded by wary Enforcers. The presence of the newcomers immediately filled the room with an air of mystery and unease.
"Miss Angela," Heimerdinger began, giving a curt nod of acknowledgement to the AI as she seemed entirely unfazed by the heightened security surrounding her and her companions. "I welcome you, and your secretaries, to our humble Council chambers. I hope the wait while we were convening was not too uncomfortable for you."
"I assure you it was not, Head Counselor." Angela returned the nod, keeping an upright figure and a composed tone. Mel studied Angela closer, noting the calm authority she exuded. "I am honored to have been received by such a respected Council, and I would like to introduce my secretaries today." She pointed at the Librarians behind her, letting Chesed lean towards the Library Director, whispering not-so-quietly:
"Since when were we your secretaries, Angela?" He wondered with a sense of bemusement, earning an elbow from his boss in his side.
"Just go with it for now." She whispered back before re-adopting her grandiose 'speech voice', "This is Chesed, Hokma, and Binah." She pointed towards each respective Librarian, who nodded at the mention of their name. "They are here today to help me be at your disposal, answering any questions you may have."
As she spoke, the Council members could not help but note how uncanny Angela looked. It wasn't that she looked inhuman or anything. She just looked like any other lady might, but when staring directly at her, there were things that seemed…off. Her skin was much too pale, and it was too perfect, too, without the slightest blemish, almost artificial in its perfection. Her moves were also too perfect, too calibrated, and yet it was her appearance that got the Council staring; something about Angela clearly wasn't human, and it wasn't present in her companions, either, so they could not write it off as a feature of humans wherever they came from. It almost felt like, for once, the Council members shared a single thought:
What was she?
"We are very please pleased to receive you today and your secretaries, Angela." Sensing the awkward silence that lasted for a touch more than it should've, Mel continued on as the amber-eyed woman turned to look at her. "I am Mel Medarda and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, even if it is under such…strenuous circumstances."
"Ah, that…" Angela began, only to be interrupted by Heimendinger.
"We assure you, Miss Angela, we are merely curious about where you come from, and why you've decided to visit Piltover with your…Library." He reassured her, letting the bluenette speak again with confidence.
"Then allow me to answer in no uncertain terms: we have arrived over from a place called The City, where the Library used to be, and it was teleported here through a…scientific mishap, you could say." And the best part was it wasn't a lie. Of course, Angela had obfuscated some parts, but those could be explained at a later date. Maybe. "We did not intend to land over at Piltover, or anywhere in Runeterra entirely. We do not know where the City is with regards to Runeterra, and as for our purpose here, we still aren't wholly certain, although we would like to attempt to return to our City."
"I see." The Head Counselor took in the information, tapping the desk in front of him for a moment as she contemplated what he heard. "And…your city…does it have any name?"
"None; as far as we knew, it was the only habitable space within hundreds of thousands of kilometers, hence, it was the City." Although now that Angela thought about it, it was a bit of a confusing name outside of the confines of the City. "Of course, going back to it will be rather difficult, and so we would like to request to remain here while we figure out a way to go back, although we are no squatters; we are more than ready to offer plenty of services and benefits in return." The short-haired woman hid her grin as she saw the wide eyes of the Council. That move always worked, and it seemed even Heimindinger was interested.
"Do tell, then." Mel encouraged with a small, but telling gesture, her eye twinkling with the eagerness of opportunity right before her. "What exactly does the Library have to offer Piltover? We are always open to new possibilities."
And another chapter down and done!
So! The Library has got a foot in both Piltover and Zaun due to the split up!
Powder is in Zaun trying to figure out how to untangle the mess she involuntary aided in creating. I wanted to do something similar but different to V's canon convo with Barbette, due to Powder more than likely being associated with her in the past due to hanging around Vander and his group alot. Still, its gonna be interesting to see Powder exploring Zaun's with Silco's hope - which she involuntary helped with due to her big mistake. Thankfully, she's got alot more help than Vi does in dealing with Silco's empire.
As Angela is hangling with the Piltover council members, I find it amusing that she's has to wheel and deal with people who DON'T want to automatically end her exsistence along with the others. Still, she's gonna get a massive headache dealing with these people soon enough, cuz most of Piltover's higher up have stick up their bums. Fun times ahead!
Until next time!