Chapter Two: On The Run
The air had an intriguing alteration in its density, just as if the city itself knew its self-proclaimed king had fallen. Many of his servile followers wouldn't hesitate in taking control of his resources and what was left of his empire. Even though his legacy had begun to crumble after recent events, Silco had been an undeniably powerful man. Once the word of his death would be out, chaos was assured. The rivalries to take over the Undercity's control were soon to start.
For now, though, the men that still were loyal to him were patrolling the streets in search of Vi and Caitlyn, following the explicit orders of their now deceased boss. Walking along the dirty streets of Zaun, Vi remained vigilant and alert. Despite not letting it show, she was concerned about their safety. With one broken gauntlet and Caitlyn barely keeping it together every time her left foot touched the ground, they were in a very vulnerable position.
Vi kept walking in silence, doing her best to focus on what was in her control rather than on the several factors working against their favor. Although, deep inside she also wondered what the hell had happened to her sister. She moved so fast, so violently… She couldn't recognize her. Vi kept having the vivid image of her sister's eyes, which had turned into the colour of the origin of everyone's pain: shimmer. After Jinx's most recent actions, Vi's faith in reaching her sister's heart had been shaken to its foundations.
She could feel a knot tightening on her throat and this was something she could not afford to deal with, not right now. She shook her head and refocused on keeping Caitlyn at pace. At this point, Vi wasn't sure of anything anymore – only that the one person she could trust wholeheartedly was walking right beside her.
– We have to speed up –she affirmed, a concerned look on her face.
They still had a long way until reaching Piltover's grounds. Vi was keeping an eye in all directions, sharp like an eagle, making sure each turn was safe prior to entering a new street. She couldn't shake off the sensation of being watched, and she was not wrong. Out of the blue, a stranger's hand grabbed Caitlyn's arm from behind and pulled her in. Vi slammed down the breaks and changed direction, ready to strike with her powerful gauntlet.
– I am here to help you! –the stranger squeaked.
Vi had only half of a second to stop her deathly punch before touching the man's face. Only then did she realize how tall and robust he actually was. Wide chest, big developed shoulders, and cloaked in what looked like an ancient white and purple robe.
– Quickly, come with me –he indicated in a serious tone all of a sudden.
The mysterious man took off immediately. Vi and Caitlyn shared a confused look, but when they heard multiple footsteps approaching they understood they didn't have a choice. They had to walk at a faster pace to keep up with him; one of his steps was two regular steps of theirs. A few streets and quite some turns later, the cloaked man stopped at what looked like a tavern's door. He knocked following a specific sound pattern, and the door opened up a second after. The man, however, didn't go in. Instead, he made a gesture for them to enter first.
Distrusting the whole situation, Vi frowned. She brought up her guard and got ready for any unwanted surprises. Then, she rushed in. Almost to her disappointment, no one was there to fight with. Keeping her fists up, Vi scanned the surroundings for possible threats. The space was deplorable; clearly it had been unused for weeks or even months. A very degraded old pub covered in dust and decorated with spiderwebs on every corner did feel like the perfect hideout.
Caitlyn entered behind her and the cloaked man went in last. He shut the door and peaked carefully through the extremely dirty window. Across the thick layer of dust, five silhouettes popped up in alert. They looked as if they were searching for something… or someone. Vi and Caitlyn fixed their attention on the muffled voices of the men who were right outside.
– Keep your eyes open! Jinx said they were in the old quarter. Come on, move!
Vi clenched her fists inside the Hextech glove when she heard her sister's name. Did she send them to finish the job? Was she now in charge of Silco's legacy? The lackeys continued their futile scout down the street, and the mysterious man who had helped them sighed with big relief.
– We are safe now. You guys can relax. Oh, sorry, girls!
Vi was too rattled inside to even hear his comment. She went to search the other rooms of the rundown pub to make sure they were alone. Meanwhile, Caitlyn limped a few meters and leaned on one of the bar's stools. The man, on the other end, stayed close to the door, facing the enforcer.
– Who are you? And why are you helping us? –Caitlyn demanded, her characteristic inquisitive tone on duty.
– Well, you do look like someone who could use some help, don't you? –he winked while looking at her bleeding leg.
The man's humor, however, only triggered a dry squint from Caitlyn. Despite he laughed at his own joke, he soon realized that was not the moment to try to "live up" the ambiance. He cleared his throat and stood up straight. The man removed his cowl and let his long, shiny toasted-blond hair be seen. With a natural benevolent face, he seemed to really mean no harm at all.
– My name is Taric. I was called to bring healing to your city.
Caitlyn was surprised by his answer–. You were called? By who?
– By me.
A high-pitched, squeaky little voice made Caitlyn turn around immediately. She recognized that voice!
– Councilor Heimerdinger! –she exclaimed, happy to see a familiar face.
Then, Vi came back out from the back storage area.
– All clear. We are alone.
Vi lowered her gaze to look at the small, orange haired creature that was standing right in front of her.
– This little guy is a councilor? –she said, pointing at him with her left hand in disbelief.
– Vi! Show some respect! –Caitlyn reprimanded her. Vi got surprised by her reaction–. He's Piltover's founder.
Vi made an "oh" face, but Heimerdinger simply responded with his characteristic childlike smile, not taking Vi's words personally.
– That's alright, Ms Kiramman. Indeed, I was a councilor, but now it's just Heimerdinger. You can call me Professor, if you must –he explained to Vi.
Caitlyn didn't see that one coming–. What? How…? Professor, what happened?
– After recent events, and by unanimous voting, I was sent into forced retirement.
– Well, you can be grateful for that –Vi sneered, feeling a sudden wave of self-loathing before she closed her eyes and looked away. Caitlyn didn't say anything.
Heimerdinger frowned.– What do you mean?
Caitlyn took a deep breath and, with a heavy heart, explained what they had just witnessed. A veil of deep sadness began taking over Herimerdinger's facial expression. He had heard the explosion but he couldn't have possibly imagined the actual target.
– So they did it –he said, thinking out loud–. They've weaponized Hextech. And not only that… –He lifted his head up; a fearful gaze drew everyone's attention–. I'm afraid this can only lead to a single outcome.
Heimerdinger sighed with deep sorrow, the three of them holding their breaths.
– The worst that could happen has already occurred –he continued–, and we must prepare for it.
– We have to go back and warn the people. War is coming –Taric said. Heimerdinger nodded–. I'll go get the cloaks.
And he exited towards the storage room.
– Are you going back to Piltover? –Caitlyn asked with huge interest.
– It isn't the people of Piltover the ones who are in danger –the Professor explained– but the Resistance's community, the Firelights.
– The Firelights? –Vi and Caitlyn exclaimed at the same time.
– How do you know them? –Vi inquired, her heartbeat accelerating.
Heimerdinger smiled widely under that fluffy mustache of his.
– Perhaps it would be more accurate to say they found me. I was on my way back to my boat when I came across a broken hoverboard, and then I met this young, very intelligent fella who needed an extra hand.
Vi's eyes widened like a pair of oranges, drawing a smile on her face.
– Ekko!
– He made it –Caitlyn concluded, allowing this brief taste of good news to really sink in.
Heimerdinger smiled, thus affirming the girls' resolution. Vi felt the release of pressure in every fiber of her body. Ekko, her only childhood friend and the one to thank for them escaping that horrific event at the bridge, was alive.
– He needed some help getting home –Heimerdinger continued–. Of course, I wasn't going to leave him there! So I went with him, and then I saw the magnificent work of a community with limited resources, yet with a fierce desire to thrive. It is outstanding what teamwork and good leadership can achieve!
Taric came back from the storage room with two large pieces of dark clothing. He extended one to Vi and one to Caitlyn. When they undid them, they realized they were cloaks.
– You must put them on –Taric explained–. The entire Undercity is searching for you.
– Yeah, we have gained certain popularity in the last couple of days –Vi said with sarcasm.
Taric appreciated her tone but didn't add any comment to it. Instead, his focus was on Caitlyn's wounded leg. He approached the enforcer and kneeled down in front of her wound. Vi kept a close eye on him.
– If they see you, they will attack. And as Mister Heimerdinger said, there's no time to waste. I'm going to heal you now.
Caitlyn stared with curiosity for a few moments. Then, he gently put both of his hands on the wound area, took a deep breath in, and a deep breath out. Short enough, Caitlyn began to feel heat in that area; a weird sensation of pain being taken away by Taric's hands. She stared with curiosity for a few moments, then looked up to meet the eyes of the Professor with a concerned look on her face.
– So you are not planning on going back to Piltover, Professor? What about the explosion? I understand you were forced out of the Council, but my mother and Jayce were in that room when…
– I understand the urge to check on those who you care about the most, dear Caitlyn –he interrupted compassionately the moment he felt she was speeding up, anxiety peaking.
The small, bright scientist looked at Caitlyn with tenderness. He approached her gently, then spoke with a soft and caring voice:
– But you also must be wise. Crossing the Undercity is too dangerous, and so it is being carried away by impulsive emotions. We have been lucky enough to find you, now we must move strategically and regroup.
Caitlyn didn't hesitate in showing her discontent over the change of plans, but she had to admit he had a point. Already cloaked up, Vi approached Heimeridinger.
– What were you doing out here, anyway? You are clearly not a fighter, so why would you be sent out to help us?
Heimerdinger had a witty smile on.– Sharp like a knife! I like your attitude, young lady.
Vi had this "young lady? I ain't that young" face on, now wondering how old this fluffy creature actually was. Next, Heimerdinger walked to the same storage room Taric had walked in minutes ago. The sound of metal clinging caught the girls attention, although Caitlyn couldn't turn around to look for it Taric hadn't finished his work yet. The Professor came back out with a plastic trolley filled with four boxes of metal and mechanic pieces.
– I needed some pieces to upgrade The Firelights' equipment and Taric agreed to escort me.
– So it really was luck –Caitlyn concluded, amazed.
– Luck doesn't exist –Taric explained bringing his hands down–, God's will does.
He got up and padded Caitlyn on the shoulder. "Good as new!" he said, then proceeded to cloak himself up. Caitlyn thanked him and checked her leg: in effect, the wound was healed. She needed a moment to process the bewilderment of that experience, and the fleeting thought of asking him to accompany her on an impossible mission to Piltover to attend the injured crossed her mind.
– We must remain hopeful, Ms Kiramman –Heimerdinger continued, almost as if he had read her thoughts–. If Councilor Medarda was in the room, which more than likely she was, there is a high chance they are all still alive. In the meantime, we've got our part to do as well.
The faces of the two girls lit up.
– Wait, what do you mean, Professor? –Caitlyn asked while Vi grabbed her cloak and held it up for her to put it on.
– Councilor Medarda has some exceptional skills –he revealed with a knowing smile and his peculiar piercing look–. We must remain hopeful.
Caitlyn was left intrigued, but she had to admit his words did make her feel better. Heimerdinger walked towards the trolley and pulled it all the way to the bar's entrance. Everybody put on their hoods and made sure to keep their faces covered.
– Ready? –Taric asked. Everybody nodded– Let's go.
Vi walked towards the door to check both sides of the street prior to opening it completely. She exited first and led up front wearing both of her gauntlets, followed by Heimerdinger and his loaded trolley, then Caitlyn, and finally Taric. However, Vi had been carrying the weight of a split heart all along. On one hand, she was elated with the idea of Ekko being safe and sound, together with the fact they were now going to join him soon. And, on the other hand, she felt remorseful for Caitlyn. She could understand her position, plus she had made a promise of helping her get back to Piltover.
Yet, she also felt this new plan was better suited to their needs, and having this extra backup was indeed a blessing they hadn't counted on. If this Professor Heimerdinger, who of course would know his former camarades, trusted that somehow the Council had been protected, Vi was willing to give him a chance and rely on his good judgment. After all, the other options they had weren't as solid as this one… Sigh.
But one thing was clear for Vi: she was going to protect them at any cost.
To be continued…
Thank you so much for reading! Please leave a comment on how this story is making you feel so far, what you liked and why, or any constructive feedback that can help me improve my writing skills, character development, etc.
Much love, and until the next episode!