AFYE chapter 18
Breakfast was in fact, just as fancy as lunch. If she was forced to have every meal like this, Vi knew she would explode. She needed to be so mindful of everything she says, how she sits, how she eats, and what she eats with. It's so exhausting. Vi had no idea how Caitlyn managed it all the time. Yes, the food was delicious, but she had to navigate so many weird rituals just to eat it. Vi was already starting to miss the undercity.
"Remember Caitlyn, you still have to perform a run of your shooting course today." Mrs. Kiramman told Caitlyn as the cook took their plates away, something else Vi could not understand. Why make someone else do what you can do yourself?
"Oh, ah, I had assumed that since Vi was visiting that I wouldn't-"
"No. You need to keep your skills sharp for your next competition. Violet can stay here with us while you practice." Vi stiffened at the mention of her name. She wasn't so sure she liked that idea.
"I don't want to trouble you, I can just go with Caitlyn and watch-" Vi tried to say, but Caitlyn's mother cut her off too.
"No. We don't want her getting distracted. It will only be for an hour or so. You two will be fine." Mrs. Kiramman spoke with a finality that just made Vi want to argue with her more, but one look at Caitlyn told her to let it go and just do what her mother said. So, Vi figured she would listen. This time.
After breakfast, Caitlyn took Vi out into the backyard, each pretending she hadn't already been given a tour of the area, while they talked about everything and nothing. Vi listened as Caitlyn excitedly rambled on about the time she got to help Sherif Grayson with a case and even gave her a lead on how to solve it, and Caitlyn listened as Vi told stories from the times she helped Vander bartend at The Last Drop. Before either of them knew it, Caitlyn's parents were calling for her to go to practice.
Vi watched with a pit in her stomach as Caitlyn climbed into a car, ready to be driven to the shooting range several miles away. Without her. Noting how Caitlyn's parents seemed to be hanging around the gate when Caitlyn left, Vi resolved to go back into the Kiramman's garden area and spend the next couple of hours wandering around. She figured it would be the hardest place on the Kiramman estate to find trouble.
Unfortunately, Vi only made it a few steps in the direction of her destination before Mrs. Kiramman called out to her. "Oh, Violet, why don't you come inside and have tea with us while Caitlyn is off working on her sharpshooting?" It was phrased like a question, but Vi could tell by the woman's tone of voice that she meant it as an order.
Not trying to make waves, especially when Caitlyn wasn't there, Vi agreed and followed her girlfriend's parents into the tearoom she had been in the last time she visited.
Upon entering the room, Vi could see it was set up similarly to how it was the last time she was there. She still thought it looked more like an interrogation room than a tearoom. The entire time she followed Caitlyn's parents and made her way to the sofa, Vi's unease continued to grow. Mrs. Kiramman clearly wanted something but Vi had no clue what it could be. Were they going to tell her to stay away from Caitlyn? Vi knew her girlfriend hadn't told her parents they were dating yet, maybe they found out? Was Vi about to get a shovel talk? She could probably handle that.
"I hope you aren't too uneasy having tea with us, we were just hoping to ask more about your life in the undercity." That threw Vi for a loop. Why did they want to know about that?
"There really isn't much to tell Mrs. Kiramman. You already know about my siblings and Vander." Vi answered carefully. What were they asking for?
"Well, we were wondering if you had any other friends in Piltover or adult influences in your life." The soft-spoken words Tobias used did nothing to put Vi at ease.
"Umm, there's little man. He lives with Benzo at the pawn shop. And there's Sevika, she is like Vander's employee, I think. She runs errands for him and helps in the bar." Vi didn't really know how to - or even if she should – explain exactly what Sevika did for Vander. She wasn't really sure the Kirammans would approve of some of the more… illegal activities Sevika did to help Vander.
The look on Caitlyn's parents' faces told Vi they weren't thrilled with the information, but she wasn't sure what they wanted. Should she lie? "I see. What about your home? Where in the undercity do you live?" Mrs. Kiramman asked, increasing Vi's unease, but she figured they should know since Caitlyn came there a lot and they might feel better if they knew where to find her.
"We live below Vander's bar, The Last Drop." Vi had no idea what the look on Mrs. Kiramman's face meant, but she knew it was bad. She needed to backtrack. "It's a really nice place. Safe and private." Vi could tell she was making it worse. "Vander always makes sure we're okay and have everything we need." That would help, right?
"And this bar, The Last Drop, do you ever… assist Vander in its operation?" Vi did not like how Cassandra was choosing her words so carefully.
"I help Vander bartend or step in as barback sometimes if that's what you mean." Vi was sure this time that would be the answer they wanted. People topside approved of having jobs, right? Unfortunately, Vi could see the barely concealed disgust on Mrs. Kiramman's face. Was it because the job was in a bar?
Mrs. Kiramman opened her mouth, seemingly ready to continue whatever kind of interrogation was happening, but Mr. Kiramman slipped into the conversation, forcing his wife to pause. "What my wife means is, Vander asks you to step in and doesn't force you to, right?" Vi nodded, still confused as to where this was going. "And there are no… physical punishments when you refuse or disobey him in some other capacity?"
Vi was taken aback. "Physical punishments?" all of a sudden, everything clicked together in Vi's head. These people thought- "What exactly are you trying to ask me?" As much as Vi didn't want to cause problems with Caitlyn's parents, she couldn't help but snarl the question, hoping against all hope she was wrong.
"Well, we just wanted to be sure you are treated decently." Mrs. Kiramman interjected, redirecting Vi's glare away from her husband. "We know what citizens of the undercity can be like so we thought it was possible that-"
Vi had heard enough. Caitlyn's parents thought Vander hurt her and her siblings. They thought so little of a man they had never met just because of where he lived! What must they think of her, his daughter?
"Vander took us in when our parents were killed," Vi cut in, her voice cold. "Without him, we would have been left to rot in the street. Vander opened The Last Drop to provide for us, for our family. I know our lives aren't like yours with your fancy food and massive house and full-time staff, but they're my family and I'm not going to sit here and listen to you talk about Vander like that!" Mr. Kiramman at least looked a little admonished, offering Vi an apologetic look, but all Vi could see was the horrible expression on Mrs. Kiramman's face; doubt.
Caitlyn's mom didn't believe her, she still thought Vi would lie about her family, that she would knowingly put Caitlyn in that kind of danger! Vi wanted to scream, she wanted to punch the table until it broke, she wanted to- she needed to leave.
Without another word, Vi stood up and stormed out the door she was fairly sure would take her to the garden, an intense rage burning in her chest as she tried to make as much distance as possible between herself and the Kiramman's before she did something stupid. Vi wasn't sure how long she walked laps around that garden, all she knew was that once her anger subsided, she'd made it to a bench to rest on.
A burning behind Vi's eyes was her first clue that she was crying. She didn't understand how someone could think so little of the man who raised her and her siblings without even having met him. Was this something they thought of all the people in the lanes? Were Vi's siblings included in this assessment too? Was she? Did they think she would hurt Caitlyn? Questions ran rampant through Vi's head, each creating a worse possibility than the last. Eventually, Vi couldn't take it anymore and just shut down. Sitting on that bench, Vi stared blankly at the Kiramman's beautiful garden, doing everything in her power to just stop thinking, the leaves and flowers swaying in the breeze in front of her providing her with little comfort.
When arms grabbed her from behind, Vi jumped up, immediately assuming it was some guards or Mrs. Kiramman herself, ready to throw her out, but a familiar laugh made her relax almost unconsciously. "You really shouldn't sneak up on a person like that, Cupcake." Vi laughed, only mildly chastising her girlfriend.
"You're just mad you didn't notice me. Admit it, I got you!" Vi responded by pulling Caitlyn closer to her.
"Yes, you did." The words rang true with two meanings and Vi didn't bother fighting the rush of affection Caitlyn pulled out of her, the other girl's presence acting like a soothing balm on her aching heart.
"So, how was it here without me? Did my parents behave themselves?" Caitlyn moved back from her place in Vi's arms to look at her, the sharpshooter's eyes narrowing as they took in Vi's features and red eyes. For a moment Vi hesitated. She wondered if she should tell Caitlyn what her parents said, what they thought of her family, but she really didn't want to. Telling her would upset Caitlyn and cause her to get mad at her parents, besides, Vi handled it. She told them it wasn't true, and she could inform Vander the next time she saw him so he would know to be on guard. That was good enough, right?
"They behaved as much as you usually do." Vi could tell Caitlyn didn't really buy it, probably due to the redness in her eyes and dried tear tracks on her face. "Really, Cupcake, it's okay. I'm fine." When Caitlyn nodded and tucked herself back into Vi's embrace, Vi realized another reason she didn't want to tell Caitlyn what her parents said. What if Caitlyn believed something similar?
That was the worst possibility Vi would conceive. She didn't know if her heart could take it if Caitlyn thought about her and her family like that. Vi forced herself to shake off the thought. Caitlyn had been in the undercity, spent the night with her family, treated Vander with more respect than his own children did. No, Caitlyn didn't share the same sentiments as her parents. She couldn't. But then why was Vi still so scared?
Jayce was never one to wait when he set his mind to something, though he has learned to adjust his game plan on occasion. After drinking some coffee with what was probably an illegal amount of caffeine, Jayce made the trek to Heimerdinger's office, carefully thinking through his plan.
He realized that just telling Heimerdinger what he had been working on and showing the councilor everything would be one) overwhelming for them both and two) a confession to something that could get him expelled. So, Jayce decided to walk his plan back from explaining everything and showing all his research, to introducing the idea to Heimerdinger as a concept, an idea he wanted to develop with some base calculations that prove it is possible. Then the professor could get used to the idea before he saw the crystals, equipment, and all the equations. Jayce thought that approach might make Heimerdinger more inclined to agree to let him research it through the academy. It could also take some other projects off his plate to give him more time to develop hextech.
The councilor was only reliably in his office one day a week for office hours, and Jayce needed to hurry to catch him. So, with the notebook in hand, Jayce raced for his teacher's office, only pausing at the door to take a deep breath before knocking.
"Come in." A joyful voice called from inside the office, urging Jayce to enter. "Ah, Mr. Talis, it is good to see you. This is one of my lab assistants, Viktor." Heimerdinger gestured to a sickly-looking man next to him who was leaning heavily on a crutch.
"A pleasure." The man said while shaking Jayce's hand.
"What do you need, my boy? Not an extension on an assignment I hope." The counselor chuckled as he gestured for Jayce to take a seat by his desk.
"No, sir, nothing like that." Jayce took a deep breath. He could do this. "I am coming to you because I had an idea, one that I believe could revolutionize technology as we know it." Heimerdinger looked intrigued, so Jayce took it as a sign to continue. "I think there might be a way for the average person to harness magical energy."
Talking to Powder made Jayce realize that was the basics of what he was trying to do. Take magical energy and turn it into something he could measure and use. The inventor hoped this would help him ensure Heimerdinger understood what he wanted to do.
"Magical energy? We are not mages Mr. Talis, magic is something an average human is just not capable of." Heimerdinger explained like he was explaining a concept to a child, making Jayce want to snap at him. Maybe he shouldn't have tried this with no sleep.
"But what if we were? I believe there is a way to harness the energy in magic crystals from Demacia using technology. That way, we could put magic into the hands of the people, making their lives better and easier! Think of everything we could do with it. The technological revolutions, the medical advancements!" Jayce could see Heimerdinger's lab assistant, perk up a little at the idea, but the councilor himself just shook his head.
"I know you are too young to remember the destruction caused by mages during wartimes but trust me when I tell you that magic is dangerous! It was not meant to be wielded by anyone!" Jayce's heart sank, but he refused to be deterred so easily.
"With technology like this, there would be fail safes in place to protect people, we could ensure it is perfectly safe-" Jayce tried to explain again, but Heimerdinger just cut him off.
"There is no way to guarantee safety where magic is involved!" the councilor was on his feet, almost eye level with Jayce while standing on his chair. While he could see the professor was upset, Jayce decided to try one more time. Maybe if he could just see some of the research…
"Please, if you would just take a look," Jayce took out the notebook he prepared with the beginnings of his work. It was only about 15 pages, but Jayce thought that would be enough. "These calculations show that the risks of this technology are minimal and could possess qualities that could propel our technology to be better, safer, and more accessible."
To his credit, Heimerdinger took the notebook and flipped through it, the skeptical look on his face melting away the more he read. "My word," The words filled Jayce with hope. Maybe the councilor understood, maybe he could help him, maybe they could develop-
The notebook snapped shut with a loud snap. "You can never develop this." The professor's words were as harsh as Jayce had ever heard him, the finality in his voice shattering all hope the inventor had. "Your idea is a grand one, and innovative at that, but it is far too dangerous." Heimerdinger picked up the notebook and handed it to Viktor. "I don't want to hear of this magic nonsense again. Viktor, please take this to the incinerator." The man nodded, limping heavily out of the room, Jayce's notebook in hand.
"Now, I don't want this to discourage you or your exploits in the future," Heimerdinger's voice drew Jayce's attention back to him. "You are a bright student and I'm sure that you will better learn how to distinguish between ideas that are helpful and those that are harmful during your time here." Jayce just nodded numbly. "Very good. Off you go, I'm sure you have other projects that require your attention."
Jayce took the dismissal for what it was and made his way out of the office, the only thought running through his mind being that the councilor's doors were far too elaborate for the setting.
Ignoring the echoing sound of the door closing behind him, Jayce sunk down on a bench outside the professor's office. He had known it was a long shot, that his idea would likely be brushed off, but that didn't stop the ache in his chest from being dismissed so easily. How could Heimerdinger not understand all the good hextech could do?!
Too busy wallowing in his failure, Jayce failed to notice footsteps approaching, ones accompanied by the clack of a crutch. "Am I interrupting?" Jayce looked up to see Heimerdinger's lab assistant flipping through the notebook, the one he was supposed to burn.
"Weren't you ordered to burn that?" Viktor just shrugged at his harsh words.
"It's a rather interesting read. Though, it seems a bit egotistical that you signed every page." Jayce groaned even as the man smiled.
"Why does everyone say that?" Jayce grumbled. "Is that why you came here? To insult me?" Jayce demanded, earning only another shrug and a headshake from Viktor.
"No. no, I was intrigued by what you said in Heimerdinger's office." Viktor explained, taking a few steps closer to Jayce.
"Heimerdinger sure wasn't." Viktor ignored Jayce's grumbled protest and gestured to the notebook in his hand.
"Yes, well, I wanted to talk about your work. This Hextech theory of yours-"
"It's not a theory!" Jayce cut him off, jumping up from his place on the bench. "I saw with my own eyes what magic can do! The lives it could save. You have no idea how beautiful it is." Caught up in his own musing, Jayce didn't notice the thoughtful look that crossed Viktor's face. "And he didn't believe me."
"No one believed in me either. A poor cripple from the undercity. I was an outsider the moment I set foot in Piltover. I simply believed in myself." Jayce turned back to the man, unsure what exactly he was trying to say. "That is why I am here. Because I think you are onto something. I want to help you complete your research."
"Heimerdinger didn't seem to think it was a good idea." Jayce weakly protested.
"When you're going to change the world, don't ask for permission," Viktor stated, offering Jayce his notebook back. "Though, I suppose I will have to ask permission to see the rest of your research." Jayce laughed awkwardly.
"That obvious, huh? What gave it away?" Viktor smiled at him.
"Your notes were too organized. I could tell you had written them down before." Gesturing for Jayce to follow him, Viktor continued, "So, the rest of your notes?"
"Back at my place. Would you like to come see now or…" Jayce trailed off, letting Viktor decide.
"I have nothing better to do today. Let's go see if your 'magic energy' can really be used productively." Jayce smiled widely at Viktor's response. Maybe he could finally have a partner.