Chapter 2 How Perfect You Are When You Let Go, Jayce

Viktor watched patiently until Jayce's form collapsed. One of the Communar could only just keep him upright. The man, his former partner, slowly began to lose consciousness. Too little oxygen to keep his system going. Admirably though, he still kept fighting back and struggling, but Jayce was unable to free himself from the Communar's rigid grip.

Jayce's eyes widened suddenly, his screams stuck in his throat. Viktor realized the frightened man experienced uncontrollable fear in its purest form. Did Jayce really think he was going to let him suffer, or worse… die? That he intended on killing his best friend, here and now? The man surely has lost it completely by now. But Viktor couldn't blame him. Jayce didn't understand. In time, he would comprehend the necessity regarding all of this happening to the world and to him.

The base violence necessary for change, the Arcane informed Viktor. Yes, that must be the case… A dance of violence and heartfelt compassion… Both circling around and 'round. Like magnetic poles.

Even as Viktor held his stoic mask in place, currents of Jayce's emotions washed over him and Viktor felt sorry for him. Worry mixed with pity regarding Jayce's current mental state almost distracted Viktor if he would allow it. He didn't.

Jayce, what happened to you? Since I've left, your hair has grown, almost down to your shoulders, and you've grown a beard… That's not even possible, last time we chat has only been 2 weeks ago. This can't be right. Did you, traverse, space and time itself? Where have you been? What did you see?

Jayce's eyes began to close, drops of sweat rolling off his forehead. Small, primitive sounds coming from him revealing to Viktor he must experience pain and agony. Jayce has never reacted this way, he usually came across as normally composed, cheerful, optimistic. Right now, his frantic energy, his exhausted physical form, his clenched teeth worried Viktor the most. As though shadows enveloped him and his marvelous soul. Energy more suited for a fight to the death. Afraid of his old friend, his former scientific partner…. The look in Jayce's eyes before his knees buckled, his eyes radiating disbelief and pure rage….

Hm, well, this has to stop now, Jayce. I will help you. Your mind is rigid.

Viktor extended his hand and took Jayce's Hextech Hammer. Prying, he seized the weapon effortlessly and passed it onto another Communar without averting his gaze. He took his time, trying not to add unnecessarily to Jayce's stresslevels. Vulnerable, that's how Viktor regarded the man. Jayce was on his own right now; he would not be able to take on more than 5 Communar at the same time, let alone unarmed. Jayce just didn't seem to realize this yet or didn't want to admit this inevitable conclusion to himself. Or… he didn't see a way out, which would be far more dangerous than any other thought motivating him. In that case, Jayce would probably sacrifice his life and Viktor would not allow that.

Jayce's eyes opened once again. With a growl, he averted his gaze and for a split second Viktor wasn't so sure if he seemed ready to give up struggling for good, even though his elevated heart rate told Viktor otherwise to begin with. Thank you, Arcane, for letting me know.

Viktor closed his eyes for a moment and ordered the Communar holding Jayce to put an end to it. An end to Jayce's suffering. To his anxious state and sheer, raw panic. Difficult as it was to Viktor witnessing all of this growing unrest, he sighed deeply. The Communar responded immediately to Viktor's directions. As if Viktor did so himself, he experienced the Communar's arm magnify and increasing its pressure on Jayce's neck. Viktor could connect directly with each individual Communar as long as he could go into his meditating state. Calmness is everything. Closing his eyes and breathing deep and slow, he returned to his calm state so he could finish what he started: the hardest thing he had yet to do.

Let me help you. It will only take a moment.

Einash kali-chiém, einash vadrie-chiém. Uké vutra-ziém mudra Jayce-ziém...' Viktor muttered like a whisper to himself. The words came naturally to him in his meditative state. He heard Jayce's breath stuck in his throat, holding his exhale. His whimpering subsided. A strained groan all that's left.

Good. It's working already.

For a moment Jayce seemed to restart his attempts to break free, until Piltover's Golden Boy's legs finally gave out, for good.

You asked for this by retaliating, Jayce. You left me no choice. Every action in this world leads to an equal and opposite reaction. This world consists of laws, bound by Nature, bound by the Arcane. It didn't have to be this way, my old friend. But… for the time being, I think I understand. The Arcane speaks to me. She will speak to you, in due time. Things needed to turn out the way they did… You might not want my help, but that's exactly what you are here for. The Arcane knows and so do I. Everything will be OK.

Viktor opened his eyes again, the Communar still holding Jayce upright and preventing him from falling headfirst to the ground. Continuing this strong pressure on Jayce's only weak spot, his windpipe, an unfortunate way to contain him, to immobilize him. To keep him from getting into a fight with the Commune or at worst, with Viktor himself. He wanted to prevent Jayce from harming himself (or others) at all costs, but Viktor did not concern himself with the Commune right now. He didn't want needless suffering to continue. So he had no other choice subduing his old friend by cutting of his air supply to stop him in his tracks.

I worry about you my friend, you have no idea how much. I left you, so I could protect the ones I hold dear. After Sky's horrific… disintegration, I reflected day and night. Wondering what I should do, what my next step would be. So I returned to the Undercity and founded this Commune. Because sooner or later the world would turn against me and with it you, Jayce. The world won't accept anyone gaining Arcanic powers like that, war or conflict would be unavoidable. So by leaving.. That was the safest option for you, leaving you behind in Piltover. So they couldn't put a target on your back. But you chose to go into battle. To fight…. Of all people… Me. Now I will guarantee your safety, Jayce. You will be protected from Piltover and first and foremost from yourself. Your self-sacrificial nature…. I will never, ever allow you to put yourself in harm's way. I will make sure of that.

And right now you fight me with all you've got, thinking I would harm you or any of your people? The world must have truly turned upside-down, Viktor pondered.

'However,' Viktor spoke, 'I am interested in speeding up your recovery, Jayce.' Viktor's tone softened, as he continued. 'I will make sure you rest as long as you need to and that you actually take time to recover fully, Jayce. No more distractions, no more council obligations. Not feeling pressured.' Viktor concluded, his fingers touching Jayce's jaw, and working up from his jaw to his cheek, to his forehead. A loving smile on Viktor's face, he couldn't help himself. 'Only four words... Peaceful, rested, secure, calm... Peaceful, rested, secure, calm...'

Viktor noticed Jayce was fighting to stay awake at all costs and overcome his exhaustion. He had to hand it to him: the boy had a strong will and would never have been an easy opponent in an actual fight. Without the Communar surrounding and obeying Viktor, he would have had more trouble containing him. Now it was just a matter of time before the lights went out. A human can only withstand operating without oxygen for a short time, even an exceptional specimen like Jayce.

'You will feel at peace, you will feel rested, so very secure and entirely calm...' Viktor repeated deliberately, guiding Jayce with his calming voice. Enough of this. Viktor no longer accepted Jayce straining himself and putting his body under extreme pressure.

'From now on, I'm taking over, Jayce. For your own good.'

Jayce slumped down for real this time, his muscles no longer functioning. The Communar releasing his captive, as it estimates the man no longer poses a threat to its master. Viktor caught him amidst his fall in his own arms with ease. His reflexes kicking in, even more so since he successfully augmented his senses and – as a consequence - his reaction time.

I am done fighting. Jayce's thoughts loud and clear, like he voiced them out loud. His fiery energy and temper reduced to ashes.

Yes you are finally giving up, I see. Viktor thought to himself, in response to the Arcanic current informing him of Jayce's state of mind. The Arcanic energy surges through Viktors arms the moment he embraces whatever is left of the Jayce he once knew.

'...You feel at peace, you are safe, you can let go,' Viktor repeated ever so slowly, sliding down with the young man to the ground. Jayce's back against his chest, Jayce's head tilted back against Viktor's left shoulder. He wrapped his arms carefully around Jayce, gently and firmly at the same time.

Nothing will happen to you anymore – you are here with me - where you belong.

'secure, calm...'

At least, for now.

Viktor observed Jayce's labored breathing. This didn't surprise Viktor, knowing the Communar choked Jayce for quite some time, only letting go after the man ceased breaking free.

'It's OK, it's OK.' Viktor assured Jayce, though the man gasped heavily for air.

Viktor frowned. Jayce was panting, no… hyperventilating... This is bad and not what Viktor intended. He frowned and listened closely, his chin resting on Jayce's hair. Pondering about the next course of action.

Viktor felt concerned, Jayce's gasps audibly picking up the pace. You are still frightened of what I will do to you. That's OK, we have all the time we need. We will take all the time, you need.

As Jayce's breathing got out of control, Viktor deliberately exhaled long breaths, influencing Jayce, trying to guide his body back to a parasympathetic state, triggering his system. The Arcane surrounding them both a helping hand in manipulating Jayce's anxious state in case the mantra's he's chanted and his breathing wouldn't work out. Understanding Jayce needed his Arcanic powers now more than ever, Viktor's palms glowed like two small bright blue lights as he brought his hands to Jayce's temples on either side of his head. Resuming his earlier cadence, Viktor continued his chanting: 'Do you feel the warmth, like a blanket covering you… You have never felt this secure and calm, so at ease just sitting here, no more struggling or fighting, just at peace inside your own mind, your body resting'.

Jayce's breathing didn't slow down immediately, but at least, his eyes rolled back as he temporarily lost consciousness.

Until Viktor began to hum in a steady pace. Jayce's breathing responded to the rhythm of Viktor's humming. Aided by the effects of the blue Arcanic glow his hands radiated, Viktors humming relaxed Jayce.

You're not the only one who owns Hextech, my friend. By now – if you have been awake - you must have realized. You would have finally cracked the code, as I did weeks ago. In my palms resides the Arcane. Well, she's living through me partly, to be precise. Oh Jayce, how I long to tell you what I discovered…. But… your recovery is paramount. We can discuss these results in due time.

During Viktor's humming, the former researcher moved his hands from Jayce's temples to the back of his head, the top of his head and his forehead. He let his hand rest exactly on the spots he felt Jayce needed the Arcanic current the most.

How perfect you are when you let go, Jayce.

Viktor continued humming, time was of no consequence after all. Time in abundance for those touched by the might and beauty of the Arcane. Immortality is a strange thing. After some time, Jayce's breathing finally slowed down considerably, him resting in Viktor's arms, his facial muscles relaxed, his heartbeat stabilizing, finally safe, finally home.

Eventually, you will come to understand what is based on facts and which are the figments of your imagination.

Jayce already seemed so far out of it, but at some point, his restless energy seemed to resurface and push back against the Arcanic energy, his pulse speeding up. The Arcane was always right. Jayce tried to fight her, again.

'Relax… Jayce, it's all OK.'

With his tendencies to keep on fighting, Jayce's recovery probably would take some more time than anticipated, that was for certain, Viktor pondered. Taking in account his immortality, patience was a small price to pay to ensure Jayce's healing process. Jayce needed to understand and finally accept the Arcane to heal his past physical and mental wounds, to benefit from its recurring impulses.

This stubborn side of his personality might become the biggest hurdle yet, Viktor concluded.

However, Viktor wanted to take on this challenge. He didn't want to lose Jayce again. This man has not only been a former colleague of Viktors. More importantly, Jayce is a honorable man who has always remained by Viktor's side. Convincing Viktor to push through when he didn't want to live anymore. Inspiring Viktor with this unbridled curiosity, energy and love of science, which encouraged Viktor to take on this challenging task – to research the uses of the Arcane – together as research partners. A man whose humor still elicited a wry smile during Viktor's prolonged period of illness. The man who supported Viktor through difficult times, his caring side, his friendship…. The same man who up to this point actually never needed the same amount of care or help from Viktor. In any other setting, Viktor might have joked this was "destined" and bound to happen sooner or later. Him helping Jayce recover and stabilize; well, well, well, Jayce would act like a reluctant patient to say the least.

'Sleep. You will sleep now, dear Jayce.' Viktor mumbled, holding Jayce close regardless the energetical disturbances the Arcane picked up and Viktor effortlessly countered. 'Know I will protect you from any harm.' Viktor decisively added, his tone soft but unyielding, in a low voice. The blue light shining brighter and brighter, enveloping Jayce's head completely. Trying to silence any disturbance resulting from unease or unrest inside Jayce's mind. A recurrent, semi-strong healing impulse. Exactly what Jayce needed. And the Arcane never lies.

Viktor focused on his palms and Jayce's status during this transfer of energy. To his surprise, the Arcane communicated to Viktor that Jayce – again! - partly regained consciousness again. Viktor took advantage of this opportunity and decided to say one more thing before rendering Jayce unconscious. He would be asleep for a long, long time.

"Your self-inflicted harm included, Jayce.'

The blue light encompassed both men. Everything happened and followed in quick succession.

Viktor patiently watched as Jayce finally surrendered both physically and mentally, his exhaustion evident. The Arcane easing all disturbances inside his mind like a soothing head massage, and Jayce eventually went out like a light.

Viktor sat with Jayce like that, for some time. Enjoying their silent embrace, both of them breathing slowly, both at ease, resting. To his satisfaction, Jayce's disturbances didn't resurface anymore. Viktor hasn't seen Jayce this relaxed in months. He looked way younger to begin with. His facial expression soft, undisturbed, untouched.

He thanked the Gods Jayce's restlessness and impulsive nature had not proved fatal to him.

'Welcome home…,' Viktor hesitated, lowering his hands and embracing the man, whose current vulnerable state sparked the urge to protect him even more. Viktor moved Jayce's body to the side and put one arm behind his back and one under his knees.

Carefully, he lifted his former friend and stood upright, his crown placed against Jayce's. Sniffing his scent, holding Jayce tight. His eyes scanning the younger man's face.

'Welcome home, partner. Hope your stay will be to your liking. Eventually you will get used to your new surroundings. All in due time. No need to worry, as you will stay as long as I deem necessary anyways, Jayce.'

TO BE CONTINUED

TRANSLATIONS:

Communar: Singular and plural, a member of Viktor's Commune. Those who have passed away are called automatons (Jayce usually refers to robots) and those whose humanity is still intact and have just been augmented like to refer to themselves as Communar, but should be addressed by name.

Translation: Einash kali-chiém, einash vadrie-chiém. Uké vutra-ziém mudra Jayce-ziém'. Help him healing, help him slowing down. Oh mighty protector whose protection blesses all, protect Jayce from himself.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

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So, what do you think happens next?