Chapter: Piltover|
We were on the sea for several days now. Piltover, as I was told, would be nothing like I've seen before in Bilgewater or Ionia. Progress was the word used. Section of the world so far ahead that it stuck out like a sore thumb.
I have been sleepless every night, the image of Scorch Beard and his memories engraved in me. To know Yaavin had said he would stop at nothing to get to me was one thing. But to see it, to see the lengths he was willing to go through, the lives he was willing to destroy... it was a lot.
I heard the girls talk about me at a distance, though I had guessed it was on purpose, since I know if Akali wanted to keep it secret, I would never have known.
"Is he on deck again?" Irelia asked her.
"Yeah," Akali replied. "He can't sleep." She confessed.
"We're getting close to Piltover. We should make sure Ravik gets some rest before we get there. It'll only get harder from here." She suggested. A thud sound was heard, more likely the ninja had been sitting somewhere on high.
"Is it that you care for Ravik, or you need him because he is the one way to save Ionia? To be honest, he's a nice guy and all, but he's still a fragment of a monster. How much time till he breaks?" Akali challenged. It hurt to hear her say, but she had always been brash. Was that a question for Irelia, or was it really for me?
"It's true that we need his help, but that doesn't mean I don't care for him. He's been through a lot, and it's clear that he's not going to stop until we find the other fragments. But if we lose him, then we lose our only chance. So yes, we need him. But I care about him. I don't want to see him suffer. And you don't either." Irelia bit back. Akali gave a rueful huff.
"Little bird told me how cold you were toward him when you first found out who he really was. That he didn't have memory loss, that he was something more terrifying. Tell me, when did that change?"
Irelia was silent for a moment, considering her words carefully. "I admit, when I first found out the truth, I was afraid. Afraid of what he could be, and of what would happen if he became a threat. But then I saw how much he cares. How much he wants to protect others. He's not a monster, Akali. He's a good person, and a good friend."
Akali took her moment before speaking as well. "Glad you finally got it together. Be a shame if you lost your nerve, 'oh great leader of the people'. Would be quite the scandal." The ninja teased.
"You're impossible, you know that?" Irelia snapped back.
"It's a part of my charm," Akali replied, amusement clear in her voice. Then, their voices faded into the distance. I could only smile pitifully into my hand. I had two allies that were truly on my side. Even after everything they knew and saw, they hadn't lost hope for me yet. Which meant I couldn't either. But the journey is still only beginning. We had a solid lead on one of the pieces. A man named Jarro Lightfeather. Find him, and we could find the Mind of Yaavin.
A light fog had settled over us, shrouding the ocean in a veil of mist. The air was cool and damp, tinged with the salty taste of the sea. Waves gently lapped against the ship, their rhythm almost soothing. I knew I should head to bed soon. They were right; fatigue would serve no purpose. I peered down at the passing water, catching my reflection. My eyes were heavy, my expression uncertain. What if Akali was right? Was I merely a ticking time bomb, destined to become what Yaavin intended?
The humility within me ran deep. Nagakabouros had tested me, and I had proven capable of resisting. But how long could I hold out if despair took hold?
I shook my head, unwilling to spiral further into doubt. As I prepared to pull away from the railing, I noticed a subtle shift in my reflection. It was barely perceptible, but there it was—the edges of my image starting to blur and fade. Something was amiss. I scanned the deck; it was deserted. The captain and his crew had retreated below deck for the night.
Turning back to the water, my reflection had vanished, the fog swallowing it whole. Perhaps the exhaustion was indeed taking its toll. I turned to leave, to finally seek rest, but then I paused. There, in the thickening fog, a vast black shadow loomed. As I stared into the dense fog, the shadow began to coalesce into a more defined form. A large, imposing figure emerged, its silhouette bulky and unsettlingly graceful. The mist seemed to cling to it, reluctant to reveal too much too soon. It stepped closer, the footsteps silent despite its size, and the fog reluctantly parted around it like a curtain unveiling a long-awaited act.
"Lost in the fog, are you, young one? The weight of the world, that Yaavin within you... it must feel like drowning. But worry not, for I hear the whispers of your burdened heart. Dreams haunt you, don't they? Dreams of a simple life, of peace after the storm. Dreams of control over the monster that lurks beneath the surface, eh? Tell me, would you barter those dreams away... for the certainty of never having to bear them again?" His voice was deep and melodious, resonating with a warmth that belied the cold air around us. He tipped his tiny hat in a gentlemanly fashion. "The name's Tahm Kench, at your service. But, my dear boy, you may call me The River King."
He flashed a wide, unsettling smile, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous light. "I see you carry burdens heavier than the ocean deep. Perhaps, I might offer you a deal, one that could lighten your load and grant you desires you scarcely dare to dream of?"
Tahm Kench moved closer, his presence overwhelming yet strangely inviting. "Of course, every deal comes with its terms. But worry not, I am known for my... generous accommodations."
His laughter, low and rumbling, seemed to mingle with the sound of the sea, as if he and the ocean were old friends, conspiring together. "So, what say you? Shall we talk, or do you prefer to keep your troubles as company?" His voice rumbled with a sort of gentleman conduct, but I could sense something much more sinister.
"Deal?" I asked, stepping backwards. This Tahm Kench was nothing like I've ever seen. Towering above me, he was clad in a maroon suit that seemed to swallow the light around him, tailored perfectly to his imposing frame. A broad-brimmed fedora perched atop his elongated head, casting deep shadows over his wide, unsettling grin. His jaw was abnormally wide, capable of a sinister stretch that hinted at desire much deeper than he showed. His fingers, webbed and nimble, flicked through the air with a deceptive grace. Below the waist, his form melded into that of a massive catfish, his tail swishing back and forth with a slow, mesmerizing rhythm. The entirety of his being exuded a charm that was as dangerous as it was enticing, a promise of dark depths and darker secrets.
"Of course. Deals are my expertise. After all, deals and dreams, those are the fuel for a River King's fortune," Tahm Kench exclaimed with a flourish, his voice dripping with a honeyed drawl.
"No thank you," I replied firmly. "I don't need for deals or fortunes."
Tahm Kench chuckled deeply, a sound that seemed to resonate with the rolling waves. "Ah, but young sir, perhaps you misunderstand the nature of my proposal. It is not mere fortune I offer, but freedom from your impending doom. A power such as Yaavin's, lurking within you, is a heavy burden to bear, is it not?" His eyes gleamed with a cunning light as he took a step closer, the deck creaking ominously under his weight.
"I am well aware of what resides within me," I said, my voice steady despite the unease that his presence inspired. "And I intend to control it, not bargain it away."
"Control, yes, a noble endeavor," Tahm Kench mused, his tone mockingly contemplative. "But tell me, Ravik, how long before that control slips? How long before the monster within awakens and you are lost to its whims?" He spread his arms wide, as if to embrace the dark possibilities he painted with his words. "I offer you a way out, a guarantee against such a fate. Let me take this curse from you, and you shall walk lighter, unburdened."
His proposal hung in the air like a thick fog, tempting and terrifying in equal measure. I could feel the weight of his gaze, heavy with anticipation, as if he could already taste the victory of a deal struck with me. But his dark intentions flared just as bright as this "kindness" he was offering me. My hand hovered over the mask on my waist, the comforting touch serving as an anchor in the swirling storm of Tahm Kench's machinations.
"No," I declared.
"Hmm, a pity," Tahm Kench murmured, his voice thick with disappointment. "I figured you for a person of considerable wisdom. Alas, perhaps the chains of Yaavin's influence are more binding than you realize." With a graceful tilt of his hat and an incline of his head, he acknowledged my defiance. "Very well, I wish you a splendid night. But remember, my river is always open for deal making, Ravik. Should you ever reconsider, my doors will remain afloat."
His words lingered like a chill in the foggy air, a reminder of the ever-present danger he posed. As he receded into the mist, the tension didn't fade but hung heavy, a palpable reminder of the paths yet untraveled and the choices that might yet call me back to his dark waters. Every reason I've seen so far demonstrated that falling to the darkness will only spell doom for all. The fact Tahm Kench, whoever he is, offered otherwise was concerning.
There's no rest tonight either. Too much has transpired for my mind to settle.
The next day came, my mind still groggy with the visit from Tahm Kench. Would it be worth it to tell the girls? Probably not. Nothing has happened, and the less stress they have, the easier their journeys will be.
"Ravik," Irelia called out to me. "Have you slept any?"
"Not much. Just... focused on getting to Piltover." I replied automatically, my tone not matching the dreary look on my face. Her eyes narrowed to reveal her concern. Lying doesn't seem to be my strong suit.
"Ravik." She pressed, placing her hand on my shoulder.
"Yeah?" I responded, a little annoyed.
"Listen, the journey has barely begun, and we're facing obstacles we have not foreseen. Yes, we have leads, but it's clear we're unprepared. You have to rest, or else the fatigue will catch up to us, and that's the last thing we want." She lectured. My eyes met hers for a brief moment then they returned to gaze out into the sea.
"When I first woke up in Ionia, everything felt simpler. Back when I thought I didn't have memories. Back when you thought I was someone looking for himself at the Placidium. I was... happy. Content with an innocent purpose." My honesty took her aback. She wasn't expecting such vulnerability.
"Ravik..."
"But now, everything changed. Yaavin, Scorch Beard, Bilgewater. How do you rest when the weight of the entire world is on your shoulders?" I asked with a hint of desperation. Her grip on my shoulder tightened slightly, as if steadying her resolve. She let go and joined me in leaning on the ship.
"I understand more than you might realize," Irelia responded after a thoughtful pause. "During the war, I saw things... atrocities that Noxus inflicted on our land, on our people. The scars they left on the Placidium are nothing compared to the scars they left on us, the survivors. But I learned something crucial through all that despair—our strength comes not from avoiding the darkness but from facing it, head-on, even when every part of you wants to turn away. You carry a heavy burden, Ravik, but you do not carry it alone."
Her words, heavy with the weight of experience, resonated with a quiet intensity. "We must find moments of rest, of peace, even amidst the storm. It's the only way we keep our strength, the only way we keep moving forward. You're not alone in this." The pause that followed gave me a moment to absorb it all.
"Thanks.." I managed to reply, my voice low.
"No need. I know all too well the path you walk, Ravik. I will not abandon you. Remember, when one dances, it's always one step at a time." She concluded.
I couldn't help but smile slightly. Of course, the dancer's logic. Even amidst all the fighting I've seen her do, I often forgot that she was first and foremost a dancer. It was there in her memories.
""If only I could relate to that metaphor. I've not danced before." I reminded her.
"Then allow me to teach you. Here, let's practice a basic routine." She suggested grabbing my hands and positioning me. I laughed slightly.
"Now?" I asked, amused by her timing.
"Now." She confirmed, her stoic expression betraying the playfulness of her invitation.
"Ok." I agreed, letting her guide me. It was awkward at first, stepping on her toes. As we continued, the ship's deck beneath our feet seemed to sway in time with our tentative steps, each movement of our bodies more synchronized than the last. Irelia's patience was infinite; her instructions were clear and her movements graceful, a testament to her days before she became a warrior.
"Balance is key in dance as it is in combat," Irelia instructed, her voice soft yet firm. "Each step, each shift of weight teaches you about control, about anticipating and moving with the forces around you."
I followed her lead, gradually finding the rhythm. The ocean breeze lifted the edges of her hair, framing her focused expression with a gentle grace. The awkwardness I felt initially began to ebb away, replaced by a burgeoning sense of accomplishment.
"Good, Ravik. Now, follow my steps... back, side, together. Forward, side, together," she directed, guiding us through a basic box step. With each sequence, I grew more confident, my earlier hesitation giving way to a cautious enthusiasm.
As the minutes passed, the rhythm of the waves seemed to merge with the sound of our shifting feet. The laughter that had started as nervous chuckles transformed into genuine expressions of joy.
"You see?" Irelia said, a playful spark in her eyes. "Dancing isn't so different from what you're used to. It's about feeling the moment, adapting to the rhythm, trusting your partner."
I nodded, feeling a surprising surge of gratitude for this brief respite from our burdens. "It's... refreshing," I admitted, smiling back at her. "I didn't realize how much I needed this."
Irelia's smile widened in response, her gaze softening. "We all need these moments, Ravik. They remind us of why we fight, what we're fighting for. Not just survival, but for life's lighter moments, for joy."
Joy.
I don't remember what that felt like. I don't like this depressing outlook I've developed, but my existence has only been what I've experienced in my time awake. Irelia had twirled herself in my arms, to guide me through the steps. Behind her, the sun was peeking over the clouds, then the rays of sun painted the sky with brightness. And Irelia looked so beautiful. Wh-what?
After the spin, I had let her go and pulled away, a blush coming across my face. My heart was racing and for some reason I couldn't face her.
"Are...you alright Ravik?" She asked, worried.
"Ye-yeah, just tired. Guess dancing is more tiresome than expected." I lied, a poor excuse.
"Then how about a game?" Akali's voice interrupted us.
"Game?" Irelia inquired, curious.
"Whispers of the Grove. Don't tell me you've never heard of it, oh fearless leader?"
"Of course I've heard of it, but it's been a while." Irelia defended.
"Let's play a few rounds." Akali challenged, a smug grin spreading across her face. "The crew has a deck of cards down below. To think, some Bilgewater people play a game from Ionia."
"It's not exclusively Ionian, the game originates from the ancient Freljord. Ionia adapted it, making a version all their own." Irelia clarified.
"Well, care to put your knowledge to the test? I bet I could sweep you and Ravik here across the deck."
"Is that a challenge Akali?" I asked her, the embarrassment from before fading.
"Sure is," she affirmed, a competitive glint flashing in her eyes.
"Let's play." Irelia declared, making her way down to below deck. I began to follow but was cut off by the ninja.
"I saw you getting quite comfortable with Irelia there." She stated. The statement felt like a question with implications.
"Just practicing a dance," I explained, walking past her.
"Right, a dance, and I'm the Queen of Noxus." Akali rebutted.
"Akali, not right now."
She chuckled, stepping aside but not missing the chance for one more jab. "Just making sure you don't trip over your own feet when it really counts, hero."
As I passed her, Akali's laughter followed, light and teasing. "Come on, let's see if you can keep up in the game as well as you did on the dance floor."
I couldn't help but smirk. "Bring it on."
Whispers of the Grove consists simple cards based on Runeterran cultures and elements. Each element has its own distinct strengths and weaknesses, creating an intricate system of symbiotic relationships. Water, Wind, Earth, and Fire, cards represent the dynamic cycle of nature and can be combined with Mystical Spells and Creatures. Ultimately, a Perfect Grove, a collection of aligned Creatures, Mystic Spells, and Elements, creates a powerful and complex combination. Took me quite a bit to understand the rules and concept. Draw five cards, try to create your grove with the aligning elements and animals, and then try to block others in trying to create their own. Fox, Deer, Dragon, and Bird aligns to Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind respectively. Healing, Shadow, Light, and Growth were the mystical spells, they allowed you to make things faster, slower, or cause chaos. Those were Akali's favorite part of the game.
At first, Akali was beating us bad, she was the dealer and was able to arrange her alignment quickly. I was having trouble understanding the game, and the fact I could have had 14 or 6 cards, which made it difficult to plan. At the same time, I was caught in a competition between the girls. On every turn, after setting up groves, they would block each other with opposing elements. It had become incredibly competitive. Akali was using her Shadow Spell cards frequently, slowing Irelia's turns and disrupting her plans. Meanwhile, Irelia was quick to employ Light cards, effectively restoring her Creatures and Mystical Spells in rapid succession.
"And there, good luck trying to build your grove now." Akali teased as she had blocked me for the tenth time.
"Akali," I complained.
"It's not my fault you kept choosing Wind creatures. Try picking a deer," Akali lectured. Irelia rolled her eyes.
"Alright, my turn." Irelia declared, discarding a bunch of Wind creatures. Akali began laughing and pointing at me.
"Hilarious, you know that right?" Akali snarked.
"Sorry Ravik, but revenge is sweet," Irelia responded, the satisfaction in her voice quite clear. I was growing very frustrated. Were they teaming up on me?
"Fine, my turn. Prepare to eat your words," I retorted. Discarding a bunch of creature cards, Akali grinned as my options were Wind, Dragon, and growth.
"Go ahead, Ravik." Akali dared.
"Okay," I muttered, drawing a Lightning mystical spell card. Akali's grin faded, realizing her mistake.
"Oh no, not this," She whispered.
"Oh yes," Irelia said, amused. She had turned her attention toward the ninja, egging me on to cast it on her. Lightning destroys a card on one of the groves. I would push her back. I raised the card staring into Akali's soul.
"Any last words?" I asked.
"Do your worst," Akali growled.
I slammed the card on one of Irelia's groves and she stared in disbelief.
"What?" Akali said, stunned.
"Ravik, how could you betray me like this?" Irelia accused.
"The game is the game. You can't escape fate," I replied, the words rolling off my tongue. I had continued disrupting their plans till finally...
"Looks like the student has become the master." I declared as I set down my grove, completing the cycle.
"You didn't," Akali gasped, looking at my Perfect Grove.
"I did."
"Damn it," Akali said.
"I was hoping to make a comeback, but now, you've beaten us, fair and square." Irelia stated. I laughed. The girls looked to each other. Immediately I understood what was happening. They did this on purpose. They were trying to distract me from the worries and the stress of the journey ahead. And it worked.
"Thank you both," I said, sincerity in my voice.
"What are you thanking us for? No clue what you mean." The ninja replied coyly.
"This, the game. You did this on purpose." I concluded.
"It was," Irelia admitted. "We knew you were having trouble, and we knew you needed a distraction. So, we decided to give you one."
"Well, thank you. It was nice."
"Glad it worked," Akali responded, pleased.
A moment of contentment passed, a brief respite from the dark events that plagued me.
The three of us stood on the deck, the day of arrival had come. The air crackled with anticipation as bustling Piltover materialized from the haze. Its towers pierced the sky like polished steel, cogs whined, and airships hummed overhead, a dizzying contrast to the vast ocean we'd traversed. Irelia's hand tightened on ship. "Finally," she breathed, resolve glinting in her eyes.
A mischievous grin flashed across Akali's face. "Hope you're ready to run, hero. This ain't no Ionian village."
I was in awe at the enormity of it all. "All of this," I said, shaking my head. "How many live here?"
"Hundreds of thousands," Akali responded. "From the lowest laborer to the richest merchant prince."
Skyscrapers rose from the cityscape, their gleaming façades reflecting the golden sun with dazzling vibrancy. I nearly ducked as a flying machine zipped by, a blur of metal and magic. I gazed upon the docks that were teeming with ships and machines of all kinds.
Akali slapped my shoulder with a grin. "Breathe, Ravik, I can practically feel the amazement radiating off of you."
"It's hard. Between Ionia and Bilgewater, I've never seen anything like this." I reminded.
"If this is how you feel about Bilgewater, I wonder how impressed you'll be when we reach Piltover's heart." Akali smirked as she gave a knowing wink.
"You've been here before?" I asked.
"No." She confessed. Irelia stepped in, ending her conversation with the captain of the boat. "But you are about to discover why this city is so renowned and revered in so many parts of the world."
The docks were a riot of color and clamor. Airships, as the captain told us they were called, were laden with glistening spheres bobbed overhead, casting long, distorted shadows. A hulking automaton, steam hissing from its joints, hauled a crate the size of a carriage. Sparks showered down as two workers with hex-augmented gloves argued over a shimmering blue crystal. "Careful!" Akali tugged me aside as a crate labeled "Fragile – Zaunite Origin" swung dangerously close. Irelia frowned, a smudge of soot darkening her brow. "City of Progress," she muttered, "yet carelessness goes unchecked."
As the ship pulled in and was tied, the crew began to unload goods, most likely black market things Miss Fortune wanted to sell as well. "Here's where we part, sailor." Akali waved at the captain as she walked off, heading towards the docks. Irelia looked at the boat and bowed slightly.
"Thanks for taking us safely to Piltover." She offered and walked off as well. I turned to look at the captain but he spoke before I could thank him.
"Heard the Captain wants something back. Something real important. Now, I don't ask questions 'bout other folks' business, but you best believe... Fortune ain't known for her patience." He warned. Right, the reason we were able to be here in the first place. She put trust in us to get her sword back. Even though we had performed a favor already, this was important to her. I owed her that much.
The bustle of Piltover's docks faded as they ventured deeper into the city, its gleaming towers rising impossibly high. Akali's grimace deepened with each step. "Fancy contraptions and puffed-up nobles," she muttered, "why couldn't this fragment be hidden in a sewer?"
Irelia, though equally out of place in her weatherworn Bilgewater garb, couldn't suppress a hint of wonder. "Progress takes many forms," she said. "Perhaps there's a certain beauty to this ambition, however accelerated it is."
A narrow alleyway promised a moment's respite from the crowds. "Hold," Irelia instructed, her gaze sweeping the shadowed space. "We cannot risk drawing attention."
Akali tossed a coin towards a disheveled street vendor huddled at the alley's far end. "Wardrobe change, friend. Discreetly, if you value your teeth." The vendor's eyes gleamed greedily.
Minutes later, two transformed figures emerged. Gone were Akali's tattered leathers. In their place, a tailored black vest hugged her lithe form. Loose-fitting trousers allowed for freedom of movement, yet their fine weave marked a departure from her usual attire. A fitted jacket of faux reptile skin completed the look, its gleaming surface blending seamlessly with the shadowed alley.
Irelia's transformation was equally striking. Her Bilgewater clothing were replaced by a deep blue tunic cinched at the waist with a silver-buckled belt. Intricate scrollwork adorned the high collar and sleeves, a subtle nod to her heritage woven into the Piltovan design. Beneath the tunic, tailored indigo trousers mirrored Akali's, and sturdy leather boots replaced her worn sandals.
The cramped alley offered a sliver of privacy away from the bustling Piltover streets. The worn trousers and simple shirt I was handed felt rough against my skin, almost itchy compared to the familiar textures of Ionian cloth. A deep green cloak, surprisingly vibrant, was draped over my shoulders. I tugged the hood up instinctively, shadows obscuring most of my face, but not the telltale glint of my silver eyes.
As I fastened the cloak, I caught a glimpse of the tarnished silver locket peeking out from beneath my shirt. I hurriedly shoved it out of sight, the swirling patterns on its surface sending an unwelcome shiver down my spine. They mirrored the runes etched across my back, the remnants of Yaavin – a constant, unwanted reminder of what I was before.
The hood's edge rubbed against my skin, highlighting strange, almost metallic embroidery woven into the fabric. My fingers traced the thick laces on my new boots. Sturdy, practical, so unlike the refined footwear I'd seen here. At least there was some familiarity in that. And beneath it all, I could still sense my runes, pulsating softly. No matter how I tried to change the outside, I couldn't erase what lay beneath.
A sigh escaped me. This disguise was better than venturing into the streets half-dressed in Bilgewater attire.
"Much better. You know, these ain't half bad." Akali pointed out, adjusting her outfit. "Only problem is hiding my weapons. Can't imagine the Piltovans would want us strolling around armed."
Irelia placed her blades across her back in a decorative fashion. "It seems even in a land of inventors, tradition and form have their place," she remarked. Her own transformation hadn't gone without change either. Her midnight hair was pinned back in a tight braid that ran down her neck and over her shoulder. I smiled slightly.
"Very strange seeing you both dressed so different." I said. "Though, I prefer Ionia's simpler styles."
"Hmm," Akali considered. "Guess luxury gets a little old when it's everywhere you look."
"That's Piltover for you," Irelia sighed.
We navigated the winding sidewalks with wary eyes. These towering buildings were brimming with technology like no other. But there was something strange about them.
"Why do I feel like there's magic in these contraptions?" I asked aloud, approaching one. "There's a residue left behind."
Akali observed one of the airships moving overhead, following it as it traveled across the sky. "Seems Piltover likes to mix science with magic. That can't be stable." She commented, also approaching the device. I reached out, wanting to observe it closely, but as I did my whole world went dark. What was happening? Was this... a memory?
A burst of noise, the clatter of tools, a woman's gasp... A cramped but cozy workshop bursts into view. The scent of grease and old paper hangs heavy. Sunlight slants through a grimy window, catching motes of dust dancing in the air. A young woman hunches over a workbench, her brow furrowed in concentration. Her fingers trace patterns on a glowing blue crystal, its light reflecting in her absorbed eyes. Blueprints flutter to the floor as she snatches up a pencil, sketching furiously. Cogs, gears, a lattice of energy lines... the blueprint forms beneath her frantic hand with feverish intensity. I feel it – her relentless pursuit of understanding, an almost desperate drive to give this vision shape. There's excitement, but a sliver of fear too. Hextech.
The workshop fades, the sounds of machinery replaced by Piltover's bustle. My head pounds, a faint echo of the woman's exhilaration lingering. I blink open my eyes, and Akali and Irelia are staring, concern etched on their faces.
"I... I'm ok, I think." I managed to say.
"What happened?" Akali pressed. Irelia shot her a warning glance. "For someone who dislikes Piltovan contraptions, you seem quite engrossed in this particular device."
"I saw... someone, making something. This machinery is called Hextech." I explained, shaken. My pulse raced, my hands trembling from the intense experience. Akali raised an eyebrow.
"It's something she's passionate about, almost obsessed. A brilliant young inventor..." I added.
"She?" Akali questioned.
"I don't know who she was, but I could feel the intensity, the need to make it work." I stared at the device once more. Magic was all around us, albeit in a different form. In the same way, I was able to see memories. But I could tell there was more than just this one person's. All of these pieces belonged to other people. "How many have put their mark on this?" I asked to no one in particular. Irelia spoke, drawing me out of my own head.
"Piltover's rise from humble origins to a center of ingenuity is undeniable. Yet, one wonders if such rapid progress might outstrip all sense of... consequence. Do their feats serve humanity or simply feed its insatiable curiosity? It's a question few dare consider, yet one that lingers on our minds nonetheless." She looked at me, but her words resonated beyond myself. "Don't let this city's allure blind you to that."
I nodded, stepping away from the device. I was swiftly reminded that not everything could be judged based on the outside. After all, we weren't exactly here for a visit or pleasure cruise. We were here for business, one of the more important ones to boot. I began to make my way forward but noticed that the girls were standing, frozen like statues. I turned and glanced, meeting Irelia's gaze. She wasn't happy.
"Um...what's going on?" I asked nervously.
"She's not moving, so I'm not." Akali hissed.
A sudden blast tears through the air, followed by a cascade of smaller explosions. Shouts and the clang of falling metal echo through the streets – the source hidden from view. The whole area filled with thick smoke, blocking all from view. I glimpse figures in worn, patched clothing scrambling away, clutching bulky backpacks amidst the confusion. The street descends into pandemonium. The air fills with a strange acrid smell, tinged with something oddly familiar. Irelia instinctively shoves me behind a battered cart, her face a mask of concern. "Stay down," she orders, as Akali melts into a nearby doorway, her eyes scanning for threats. I shifted my attention toward the figures who looked especially out of place amongst the well-dressed citizens of Piltover.
Through the smoke and confusion, I heard bickering voices rise above the din.
"I told you it was a bad idea to try and steal from that place. They ALWAYS keep it under watch." One of them whines, their voice tinged with a whiny, nasal quality.
"And I said stop your crying. All this trouble is worth the payday if we can get it to a Chembaron," another snaps back, their tone gruff and dismissive.
"What's our route?" a third voice chimes in, a note of desperation in its pitch.
"Route? That was YOUR job." The second voice sounds exasperated.
"No, that was YOUR job," the first one counters, their voice gaining a mocking lilt.
The bickering devolves into a full-blown shouting match, insults flying as they shove each other amidst the stolen goods. A particularly volatile jab causes one of them to spread their arms between them all.
"Alright that's enough! Let's just head back down in general and-" One of them attempted to say until a stray bullet whizzes past them.
"Or we can just drop the goods and run." Another proposed.
I watched as they threw their bag into the air and made a run for it. I had turned to get the girls' attention when a heavy object fell on me. I scrambled to stand up but couldn't due to whatever this thing was. The smoke finally cleared.
"I heard some chumps talking about unloading their stolen goods. Must have been a robbery." Akali assessed. In that split-second, Irelia whips around, her eyes landing on the bag I'm awkwardly holding. "Ravik... what is that?" she asks, her voice laced with confusion.
"Something fell on me." I shrugged.
"Of course something fell on you, those were robbers. I should have seen it earlier. I got distracted." Akali retorted. Irelia moved toward me.
"Can I?" She asked for permission to pick the stuff up. I obliged and she held it in her hands examining it. She opened it and suddenly her expression changed and she turned to Akali, her voice low and serious.
"This one of Piltover's devices." She said showing us the contents. It was a sphere that glowed magnificently. Akali studied it too and then looked at Irelia again, sharing her same solemn expression.
"Then those chumps are a bigger problem than we thought." The ninja pointed out.
"We can't leave this unattended." I said. Before I could retrieve the bag someone had shouted out.
"Aha! Caught 'em red handed!" The shout came from a figure striding confidently towards us through the dissipating smoke. She was a striking presence, clad in massive armored gauntlets that looked capable of punching through walls and sporting a shock of bright pink hair styled into a mohawk. Her aggressive demeanor was offset by a mischievous grin that suggested she found this chase more exciting than problematic.
Beside her, a more composed figure stepped forward. She was tall, her sharp blue eyes scanning the scene with clinical precision. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and she wore a high-collared blue uniform adorned with badges—a stark contrast to her companion's brash display. A rifle was slung over her shoulder, and her posture spoke of authority and unshakeable calm.
"For once, you're needless destruction has netted us the culprits. I can honestly say I'm surprised." Said the one with the rifle. She was obviously a detective, the badge marking her occupation as a sheriff of sorts.
"Told ya there was nobody faster in Piltover than me," the woman replied proudly, grinning wildly. "Well, except maybe you Caitlyn."
"Mmm, it would appear so Vi," The sheriff acknowledged, as she fixed us with a questioning look.
Vi's playful demeanor gave way to seriousness, matching her companion's stern approach as she scrutinized the bag.
"Alright, 'nuff messing around. Hand the bag over, or get your skull bashed in. Or, if you prefer, you can hand the bag over and we can still bash you skulls in. Your choice." Vi said.
"Not much of choices she offered." Akali whispered to Irelia. She nodded in agreement.
"They aren't options really. Just stay behind me, Ravik." Irelia ordered.
"Well, ladies?" Vi pressed, her armored hands flexing in anticipation. "What's it gonna be?"
"We're not the culprits. The real ones went that way," Irelia responded, her voice steady, pointing down an alley to our right.
"Yeah, and I'm the Queen of Noxus," Vi scoffed, clearly not convinced by our explanation.
Akali rolled her eyes. "As much as I enjoy your delightful sense of humor, Vi, we really didn't do it. But hey, if you want to waste your time chasing us instead of catching the real thieves, be our guest."
Vi grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Challenge accepted. Caitlyn, shall we?"
Caitlyn nodded, her expression unchanging. "Runners on my mark," she declared, raising her rifle slightly, her eyes narrowing as she took a preparatory stance.
Without another word, Irelia grabbed both my arm and Akali's, whispering, "Run!"
We bolted, dashing down the crowded streets of Piltover, dodging bewildered pedestrians and vaulting over street vendors' carts. Vi and Caitlyn were quick on our heels, the heavy clanking of Vi's gauntlets mixing with the shouts of startled onlookers.
"Split up at the next corner!" Akali shouted over her shoulder, and we each took a different turn at the intersection, weaving through the labyrinthine alleys of the city.
I ducked into a narrow passageway, my heart pounding in my ears. Behind me, I could hear Vi laughing amidst the chaos, her voice booming, "You can't outrun the law!"
Glancing back, I saw her gaining on me, her pink mohawk a bright blur against the grey stone of Piltover's architecture. I pushed harder, my legs burning as I zigzagged through hanging laundry and over discarded machinery parts.
Just as I thought I might actually escape, a shadow fell over me. Looking up, I saw Caitlyn perched on a rooftop, her rifle aimed directly at my path. "End of the line," she called out, her tone almost apologetic.
Cornered, I skidded to a halt, raising my hands in surrender. Vi caught up, panting slightly, but her grin was as wide as ever. "Nice run, kid, but not nice enough."
Before Vi could grab me, however, Akali reappeared from a side alley, tossing a smoke bomb at our feet. "Don't count us out just yet," she smirked.
The area quickly filled with thick smoke, obscuring vision. Using the confusion to our advantage, I felt Irelia's firm grip pulling me in another direction. "This way!" she urged, and we slipped away into the smoke-filled chaos, leaving a frustrated and coughing Vi and Caitlyn behind.
As the smoke cleared and we put distance between ourselves and the enforcers, Irelia glanced back, a mixture of adrenaline and relief on her face. "That was too close," she breathed, as we continued our frantic escape through the twisting alleys of Piltover.
"You know, that smoke thing only works if you don't know how to navigate blind," Vi's taunting voice carried through the dwindling crowd. There was a distinct sound growing louder amidst the chaos—the mechanical whir of her gauntlets charging up, a low hum that promised swift action. "Good thing I don't need to see!" She yelled.
The smoke cleared by the sudden rush of movement. It caught everyone off guard. Vi, harnessing the power of her gauntlets, surged forward with explosive speed. The ground seemed to tremble under the force of her advance, her figure blurring as she closed the distance between us in a heartbeat.
I barely had time to react. "Split now!" I shouted to Akali and Irelia, who darted in opposite directions. Vi barreled through the space where we had been just moments ago, her momentum carrying her forward with unstoppable force. Her target had shifted, but her intent was clear.
Behind her, the trail of disrupted market stands and startled onlookers marked the path of her charge. As she slowed, regaining her composure, Vi turned sharply on her heel to assess the effectiveness of her maneuver. Despite her powerful advance, we had evaded direct contact, and her eyes narrowed as she scanned the area for any sign of our continued flight.
"We're not done yet!" she called out, resetting her stance for another potential surge. Her determination was palpable, her readiness to engage again evident in the steady hum of energy still emanating from her gauntlets.
Caitlyn, meanwhile, had taken a higher vantage point. From atop a nearby rooftop, she surveyed the scene with a tactical eye. "Vi, north alley, they split!" her voice rang out, clear and commanding.
Vi pivoted, following Caitlyn's directions without hesitation, charging towards the alley where I had taken refuge. I ducked behind a stack of crates just as Vi came thundering past, her gauntlets sending a palpable wave of air that ruffled my clothes.
From her position, Caitlyn aimed her rifle, taking calculated shots that pinged off the cobblestones near my feet. "Come out, come out, wherever you are," she sang out, the tone light but the threat deadly serious.
I darted out from my hiding spot, sprinting deeper into the maze of Piltover's backstreets. Akali and Irelia were already executing a flanking maneuver, drawing Vi's attention away from my path. The chase was like a high-stakes dance, each of us moving in sync, yet desperately trying to outmaneuver the other.
Suddenly, Akali appeared beside me, grinning despite the danger. "This way!" she hissed, pulling me down a narrow side passage that led to an underground access. Irelia joined us moments later, her expression focused and determined.
"We need a plan," I panted, looking back to ensure Vi hadn't followed us into the tunnel.
Irelia nodded, her mind racing. "We lead them on a bit longer, then double back to the square. There's a festival today; we'll lose them in the crowd."
With our strategy set, we slipped back into the daylight, ready to weave through Piltover's vibrant chaos. The sounds of the festival grew louder as we approached, the beat of music and the cheer of the crowd promising a cover we desperately needed.
As we emerged onto the bustling square, Vi and Caitlyn were just seconds behind, their determination unwavering. But as the crowd enveloped us, their figures became just two more faces in a sea of celebration, and for a moment, we were just another group of revelers, lost in the joy of the festival.
Music thrummed through the air, a rhythmic beat that pulsed like the heart of the city itself. Vendors hawked brightly colored treats and crafts, performers danced and juggled, and above all, the laughter and chatter of the crowd created a tapestry of sound and movement.
"We can use this," Irelia whispered, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Stay close."
Navigating through the throng, we moved as one, our steps quick and purposeful. Here, amidst the revelry, we were just another group of festival-goers, our presence masked by the joyous chaos around us.
Akali's eyes twinkled with a mischievous light as she darted between a troupe of dancers and a stand overflowing with exotic flowers. "Keep up, or lose out," she called back to us, her voice lost in the swell of music.
We ducked under banners and between stalls, the scent of spiced foods and sweet perfumes mingling in the air. Every so often, I glanced back, half-expecting to see Vi's bright hair or Caitlyn's stern gaze cutting through the crowd, but we seemed to have finally shaken them off, at least for the moment.
"This is our chance," I said as we reached the far side of the square, where the crowd began to thin. "If we can get out of sight, we might actually lose them."
Irelia nodded, her face set with a fierce determination. "Let's not waste it. This way." She led us down a narrow alley that branched off from the main square, the sounds of the festival fading behind us. Finally, we were able to stop and catch our breaths.
"Remind me... why we didn't just fight back?" Akali asked between breaths.
"We weren't supposed to draw attention to ourselves. This was about staying low profile while finding Jarro Lightfeather." I replied as I straightened up.
"So, what do we do with this thing?" Akali asked holding up the bag that caused us all the trouble, inspecting it once more.
"What do we need?" I asked myself, considering my options. Akali rolled her eyes. "Well if I knew I wouldn't be asking. Think about it."
"It needs to be returned safely, and quietly. I'm sure they some sort of headquarters for their law keepers." Irelia reasoned. Akali scoffed.
"Sure, let's go knock on their door." She countered sarcastically, crossing her arms. "It'd be quicker than traipsing all across this city."
There had to be something we could do. Holding on to this only meant that our way to finding Jarro was blocked.
"You three sure know how to give a girl a workout!" An all-too-familiar voice boomed, echoing off the tall buildings surrounding the alleyway. We spun around, weapons drawn. Vi sauntered towards us, her gauntlets emitting a soft, menacing glow. "Know what, I change my mind. I don't care what you do now. Your skulls are getting flattened. I was promised a good fight! And damn, are you keeping your promises." She grinned, cracking her metallic knuckles as she approached.
Caitlyn moved silently behind her, rifle aimed and expression grim. A surge of courage—or perhaps foolishness—ran through me. I snatched the bag and walked forward. "Fine, you caught us. We'll return this... thing. Take me in, but leave my comrades out of it," I requested.
Vi halted, tilting her head in surprise. "This again? Not a criminal but a saint? Yeah, yeah we've been through this before. Just give it up," Vi mocked. Her words didn't deter me. I slowly approached them, bag in hand, feeling the tension from Irelia and Akali behind me. I knew they thought this was a bad idea, but it was the only one I had.
"Caitlyn, I request you lower your weapon. I'm turning myself in; no need to shoot." I looked Caitlyn dead in her eyes, waiting for her response. She faltered for a moment, her uncertainty clear. I extended the bag further toward her. "See, we can settle this without violence. Right? Here, take this."
To my relief, Caitlyn lowered her gun. "You got him, Cupcake?" Vi asked, her tone dripping with disappointment at the lack of action.
"He seems to have surrendered," Caitlyn remarked, securing her weapon and stepping forward to take the bag.
"The smart ones never fight back," Vi commented, her disappointment evident. "They always try and do the right thing."
Caitlyn opened the bag, confirming its contents. "Everything seems to be in order. Arrest them," she commanded without looking up from the bag.
Vi flashed me a sadistic smile, her fists ready for the action she'd been craving. "You had to know this was a bad idea," Akali chimed in from behind me.
"Not helpful," I retorted, bracing for what I was sure would be an inevitable clash.
Before Vi could close the distance, a sudden crackle interrupted the tension. "All units, the trio of thieves have been apprehended. Again, the trio of thieves have been apprehended," a female voice announced over some sort of hex radio that Caitlyn carried.
Vi turned sharply to Caitlyn, confusion and annoyance mixing on her face. "Wait, what? We just got here. Did someone beat us to it?"
Caitlyn, equally baffled, checked her device. "Seems like there's been a mix-up. But... this isn't our trio?"
The awkwardness of the situation unfolded fully as both enforcers realized the mistake. Their expressions—a mix of frustration and the dawning realization of the blunder—were almost comical.
"You mean we've been chasing the wrong people?" Vi groaned, looking from Caitlyn to us, her earlier fervor deflating like a punctured balloon.
"Yeah, looks like it," Caitlyn admitted, her professional poise cracking just slightly under the weight of their error. She cleared her throat and officially took a step forward.
"On behalf of the Piltover Wardens, I formally apologize for the inconvenience," Caitlyn stated as we stared in disbelief. It was such an absurdly ridiculous situation that I found it hard to process exactly what was going on.
Vi shrugged, cracking her knuckles. "Looks like you're off the hook this time. But don't push your luck," she warned, shaking her head as she stalked off down the alley.
Caitlyn, sighing softly, "I'd like for you three to come with me to the station. We'll patch up any injuries you endured during this... mishap. And perhaps you can shed some light on a few matters as well."
Caitlyn motioned for us to follow her, leading us through the maze of bustling streets toward the heart of Piltover. The city was a spectacle of innovation and grandeur, with towering structures of metal and glass gleaming under the midday sun. The distant hum of machinery and the occasional whir of passing airships filled the air, a constant reminder of the city's relentless pursuit of progress.
As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the complexity of Piltover. The city was divided into various levels, with the wealthier residents and their opulent establishments perched high above the more practical and industrial sectors. Caitlyn led us toward one of the central buildings, its architecture a blend of ornate metalwork and practical design, emblematic of Piltover's unique aesthetic.
"This is the Wardens' Headquarters," Caitlyn explained as we approached a particularly impressive structure adorned with the emblem of Piltover—interlocking gears and a sturdy shield. "It serves as the central point for all our operations and coordination. Here, we handle everything from routine patrols to major investigations."
The interior of the headquarters was as meticulously organized as the city outside. Polished brass fixtures illuminated the pristine hallways, and the air was filled with the quiet murmur of officers discussing cases and clacking away at typewriters. Caitlyn guided us to a room marked 'Debriefing', where we were greeted by an officer who handed us a small tin cup of water each.
"Please, take a seat," Caitlyn gestured to a row of chairs opposite a large steel desk. As we settled down, she pulled out a notepad and a pen, her demeanor shifting back to her professional reserve. "Firstly, let me assure you that you will not be held responsible for the earlier confusion. However, we are quite interested in understanding how you came into possession of the device found with you."
Her tone was courteous yet firm, clearly seeking cooperation but ready to enforce the law if necessary. Vi, who had followed us into the room, leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, watching the proceedings with a slightly amused expression.
"As for your injuries, our medical staff will be here shortly to ensure none of you require urgent care," Caitlyn continued, her eyes scanning each of us for signs of discomfort or deceit.
The next hour passed in a series of questions and answers, with Caitlyn meticulously noting down everything we said. Despite the initial chaos, the atmosphere in the room was calm, almost clinical, as if our wild chase through the city was just another day's work for the Wardens.
Finally, Caitlyn closed her notepad, her expression softening slightly. "Thank you for your cooperation. I believe that clears up the necessary formalities. Once the medical team has given you the all-clear, you are free to go. Should you need assistance navigating the city or require further medical attention, do not hesitate to contact us."
Vi pushed herself off from the wall, stretching her arms above her head. "Well, that was fun, wasn't it? Maybe next time we'll catch you on a real charge, huh?" Her tone was teasing, the earlier tension seemingly forgotten as she grinned at us.
"I... actually wanted to ask a question." I interjected. They both turned to face me, Vi with raised eyebrows and Caitlyn with a curious expression.
"Yes, what is it?" Caitlyn questioned. "Do you have any questions yourself regarding the events today?" She offered. Vi chuckled slightly in the background.
"Do either of you know of a person called 'Jarro Lightfeather'?" I asked. It was worth a shot even though I didn't know what he looked like. They exchanged confused glances, with Vi shrugging. "Not heard of the name, Cupcake?"
"No... Can't say I do." She answered. Somewhat disappointing, but I couldn't give up.
"He's said to be an artifact person, of sorts." I added.
"Artifact person?" Vi laughed. "Sounds like a bunch of hocus pocus to me, and you can tell whoever sent you that," She gestured with a flick of her wrist.
"What she means to say is that we haven't heard of anyone going by the name of Jarro Lightfeather. But, if artifacts are his interest, then there is a showcase and auction of rare artifacts taking place later this week at the Piltover Cultural Museum. Perhaps he might be there," Caitlyn interjected, her tone more helpful compared to Vi's dismissive attitude.
"A cultural museum, huh?" I mused, taking note of this new lead. "Thanks, that could be exactly where we need to go."
Caitlyn nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "If you're investigating artifacts, I'd advise caution. The artifact trade can attract some unsavory characters. Not everyone involved respects the law as they should."
Vi snorted, "Or they respect it just enough to skirt around it. Watch your backs if you're diving into that world."
Her warning hung in the air as a gentle reminder of the complexity and danger potentially awaiting us. Caitlyn handed me a small card with contact information. "If you find yourself needing assistance, or if you encounter anything... unusual, feel free to reach out. It's always better to have the Wardens on your side in these matters."
Grateful for the advice and the unexpected assistance, I pocketed the card. "Thank you, both of you. This has been more eventful than we anticipated, but I'm glad we crossed paths."