Kapitel 2: Arcane: A Second Chance - Trailer Part 2
With a calm gesture, the Man No One raised a hand, and the lights in the room went dark once more. The room was consumed by darkness, but soon, the large screen in front of them lit up, bathing the room in a cold, intense light, making everyone's eyes quickly adjust to the new condition. The screen seemed to be loading something, but there was no sound—only a palpable anticipation in the air.
"Now, I'll give you a taste of what I meant," the Man No One's voice echoed through the room, his tone calm and deep, adding seriousness to the situation. "What you're about to see won't be easy. The future... the past... they are made of choices that shape our destinies. Now, see what your decisions have brought us."
The scene began in a dimly lit corridor, the distant sound of alarms cutting through the stillness of the darkness. The environment was cramped and stuffy, giving a feeling of claustrophobia, while the lights flickered faintly, casting shadows on the dirty, worn-out walls. The sound of footsteps echoed, and the atmosphere was tense, as if something was about to happen.
The camera moved slowly, and the scene shifted toward a door, or rather, a cell—a metal door, locked, with rusted bars. Suddenly, a fist punched the wall forcefully, resonating in the air. The scene then adjusted to show, behind the broken wall, a strong, tattooed arm, with an eagle symbol on its back, marking Vi's body. She was there, her fists clenched, breathing heavily, as if trying to control the rage bubbling inside her.
"When I was a kid, my sister and I played a game where we pretended to scare away monsters," Vi's voice echoed softly through the scene. It was a distant memory, a stark contrast to the place she was now. The sound of chains rattling was audible as the camera cut quickly to a tense moment from her youth, capturing the intensity of the transformation Vi had undergone over the years.
"Wait a minute, Vi! It's you!" Future Caitlyn exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and understanding as she recognized the scene. She quickly turned to her 'friend,' her expression filled with shock. The image of Vi being so relentless and scarred was not new to her, but it was still a shock to see it on the screen.
"Right on the nose, Cupcake," Vi replied with a sardonic grin, her gaze now full of fierce confidence. She seemed stronger, more hardened by life. Her tattoos, her scars—everything reflected the harsh reality she had endured. The past Vi looked at her, surprised by the version of herself that the future had shown.
"Violet, since when do you have so many?" Mylo asked, laughing as he looked at his best friend's future self. "I thought we were going to get our first tattoos together."
Past Vi grimaced, raising an eyebrow, and responded with a mocking tone, "It's not my fault someone always changes their mind about what to do." She shot a challenging look at Mylo, as if amused by the situation.
Caitlyn's parents, Cassandra and Tobias, were seated in the luxurious armchairs, watching attentively as the interactions between the past and future versions of people unfolded. But when their gazes fell on how future Caitlyn interacted with Vi, something changed within them. Cassandra crossed her arms, her stern face becoming even more serious, while Tobias leaned forward slightly, frowning with a concerned expression.
They watched as future Caitlyn spoke to Vi, laughing and exchanging knowing looks. There was a familiarity there that felt unnecessarily intimate by Caitlyn's parents' standards. Cassandra let out a heavy sigh, as if trying to hold herself back, but it was evident that she was disturbed.
"This girl..." Cassandra started but stopped, as if choosing her words carefully. She shot a firm glance at Tobias, who remained silent, but his expression suggested he shared the same feeling.
"Cassandra, don't jump to conclusions," Tobias finally said, his voice deep but calm. He knew it wouldn't be easy to contain his wife's opinion.
"Don't jump to conclusions? Tobias, look at this!" Cassandra responded in an energetic whisper, discreetly pointing to the interaction between Vi and Caitlyn. Vi, with her rebellious attitude, was leaning in close to Caitlyn, while both shared a smile that seemed to exclude everyone else in the room. "She's completely at ease with... her," she emphasized, as if Vi's presence needed justification.
"Cassandra, that's our daughter," Tobias replied firmly, though his tone was diplomatic. "She's clearly been through a lot. Maybe we should listen to what she has to say before we judge."
Cassandra pressed her lips together, but didn't respond immediately. She turned her gaze back to future Caitlyn, watching her daughter's confident gestures, so different from the shy, obedient young woman they had known. It was as if Caitlyn had transformed into someone completely new—someone who made decisions without asking for permission.
Meanwhile, future Caitlyn seemed oblivious to the judgment coming from her parents. She was busy listening to Vi recount one of her chaotic encounters with a troublemaking group in Zaun. Caitlyn chuckled softly, a spark in her eyes that was hard to ignore. The closeness between the two was palpable, and this only increased the tension between Cassandra and Tobias.
Cassandra finally sighed, deciding to voice her concern. "I just hope she hasn't forgotten who she is. This bond... with this girl from Zaun... doesn't seem right for someone of Caitlyn's status."
Tobias, despite sharing some of the unease, responded with a measured voice. "Maybe what we're seeing isn't a disconnection, Cassandra, but growth. She seems stronger, more confident. We should trust that she knows what she's doing."
But Caitlyn's mother didn't seem convinced. To her, the idea of her daughter associating so closely with someone from a place like Zaun was inconceivable. Her eyes returned to Vi, assessing her with a mix of distrust and disapproval. Tobias noticed this and placed his hand over hers, a comforting gesture.
"Let's hear what she has to say when the time comes," he suggested, trying to ease the tension. "Maybe that will help us understand why these changes are happening."
Cassandra simply nodded, but the discomfort in her posture was obvious. She had her doubts, but for now, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself. What was clear was that seeing Caitlyn alongside Vi was challenging every expectation she had for her daughter's future—and she didn't know how to handle it.
The screen lit up, and the new scene began with the rhythmic sound of punches. The dull impact of fists against leather echoed in a small, dimly lit space. The camera revealed a young Vi, slimmer and without the scars that marked her future version, punching with determination at an improvised training machine. The target had a crude face painted with faded paint, probably something she had made herself to make the training more personal—and, perhaps, more satisfying.
Vi was panting, her movements precise and calculated, alternating between quick and powerful punches. Her boxing gloves, worn and patched, revealed the time she had dedicated to this training. A pale light filtered through the cracks in the ceiling, illuminating the sweat on her brow and highlighting the fierce concentration on her face.
"Has she always been this determined?" Future Caitlyn asked in a tone of admiration, watching the younger version of Vi with a small smile.
"Determination is an understatement for her," Benzo replied with a slight smile, crossing his arms as he watched the scene. "This girl always had something others didn't: the will to fight for those who matter."
Future Vi watched the scene in silence. Her expression was hard to read, a mixture of nostalgia and pride. She leaned slightly forward, as if she wanted to say something but stopped. Caitlyn, noticing the hesitation, lightly touched Vi's arm.
"Have you ever seen yourself like this before?" Caitlyn asked softly.
Vi let out a short laugh and responded, "I've seen myself in broken mirrors, but never like this. It's strange... I looked so... full of hope, despite everything."
"You still have that," Caitlyn replied, smiling. "You just carry more scars now."
Meanwhile, Mylo and Claggor laughed together as they saw Vi's focused expression in the scene. "She always did this," Claggor commented. "Remember, Mylo? She'd talk to the machine like it was that big guy who pissed her off earlier on the street."
"I remember! And it was always the same result: the punching bag came out worse than she did," Mylo replied with a laugh.
The scene shifted to a peculiar object in someone's hand: a small device, resembling an improvised grenade, with a childish face painted in irregular strokes on its metal surface. The drawing seemed like a reflection of something between innocence and unease, with exaggeratedly large eyes and a disturbing grin. The device spun slowly on its own, almost as if it were part of some ritual.
"I used to say: 'With me here, no monster's gonna get you,'" Vi's voice echoed once again, now with a heavier emotional tone. As the phrase resonated, the scene flashed through quick moments of significant memories between the two sisters.
The final transition brought the figure of Powder, now visibly older and different. She was standing in the same room where Vi's training equipment lay abandoned, covered in dust.
The past Powder, watching the scene, leaned forward, her eyes wide. "Is that one of my grenades?" she asked, surprised, looking at past Vi.
Past Vi raised an eyebrow, hesitant. "Pow, what are you doing with... that? Did I finally get it to work?"
"That doesn't look too good," Vander murmured quietly to Benzo, who nodded in agreement.
As the scene continued showing Powder, a melancholic soundtrack began playing in the background, heightening the sense of uncertainty.
"But then a real monster appeared..." Vi narrated with a voice full of weight, the tone firm yet heavy with sorrow. The screen showed young Powder, still innocent, in a dark and claustrophobic setting. Her large blue eyes were wide, reflecting a mixture of fear and confusion as she stared at something in front of her. She trembled slightly, her hands pressed against her chest as though trying to protect herself from something invisible.
The scene changed abruptly, revealing a dimly lit cabinet, illuminated only by a faint light swinging slowly from the ceiling. The room was austere, with sturdy wooden furniture, glass bottles filled with unknown liquids scattered across the shelves, and a detailed map of Zaun pinned to the wall. The air felt heavy, thick with tension.
"Who is he?" Cait whispered, unable to take her eyes off the screen. She felt a shiver run down her spine, as if the man could actually see her through the projection.
"Silco," Vander replied with a low growl. His gaze hardened as he stared at the image on the screen. Future Vi seemed equally uncomfortable, her fists resting on her knees as she leaned forward.
"This is impossible! He's dead, I was sure of it!" Vander exclaimed, his deep voice echoing through the room as his eyes remained fixed on the image of Silco on the screen. His expression was a mix of shock and anger, as if seeing the man had transported him back to a dark moment in the past.
Future Vi glanced sideways at Vander, her eyes hardened. "Unfortunately, Vander, worms like him are hard to kill... believe me," she said, her voice full of bitterness and exhaustion, every word carrying the weight of memories still pressing on her shoulders. She clenched her fists for a moment before relaxing, as if reminding herself of where she was.
Future Caitlyn, who was standing beside Vi, squeezed the fighter's hand in a gesture of support. Her expression was also grim, her blue eyes heavy with sadness. "Silco brought a lot of pain... not just to Zaun, but to everyone who crossed his path," she said, her voice firm but soft.
Past Powder watched everything with confusion, her small forehead furrowed as she looked at Vander and then at Vi. "Who is he? Why are you guys so scared?" Her voice was hesitant but curious, unable to fully grasp the weight of what she was seeing.
Past Vi, still trying to process the scene, crossed her arms, gritting her teeth. "He's the reason a lot of bad things happened, right?" She looked at her older self, almost as if seeking confirmation.
Future Vi nodded slowly, her eyes still fixed on the screen where Silco remained in focus. "Yes, he is... He's the monster who destroyed what was left of our family." Her voice was low, almost a whisper, but each word was heavy with pain.
Vander sank into his seat, running a hand over his face in frustration. "I should've finished him when I had the chance..." he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. "I thought I... I thought I had done enough."
"Don't blame yourself," Future Caitlyn said, looking at him seriously. "Silco always found a way to survive, to manipulate... He wasn't just a man. He was a force that shaped the chaos around him."
Benzo, who had remained silent until now, placed a hand on Vander's shoulder, trying to ground him. "We didn't know how far he'd go. And maybe we never knew enough to stop him completely."
"Alright, you obviously know who this guy is," Past Jayce said, gesturing toward the screen with a mix of impatience and curiosity. He looked directly at Zaun's inhabitants. "Could you please share this information with the rest of us?"
Cassandra, who had recovered from the oppressive sensation Silco's image projected, straightened her posture. "I'd like to know who this man is as well," she declared, her voice filled with authority. "If he represents a threat, it's my duty to assess the situation."
Vander let out a heavy sigh, as if the weight of his memories was nearly unbearable. He remained silent for a few seconds, his gaze still on the screen, before finally finding the words. "Silco..." he began, his voice grave and full of hesitation. "Silco was a man I made plans with... back when I planned the rebellion here in Zaun, years ago."
This revelation brought a heavy silence to the room, with many of those present staring at Vander, clearly surprised.
"You were allies?" Future Jayce asked, raising an eyebrow as he crossed his arms.
"We were more than that," Vander admitted, his voice firm but with a touch of regret. "We were like brothers. We fought for the same dream: to free Zaun from Piltover's control. But over time..." He paused, searching for the right words. "He started to become... too radical. His vision of freedom was something I couldn't accept. He was willing to sacrifice anything and anyone for what he believed in. So, I made a decision."
Past Powder looked at Vander with wide eyes. "You... fought against him?" she asked, her voice trembling with curiosity and concern.
"Yes," Vander replied, his expression hardening. "I knew that if I let Silco continue, he'd destroy everything and everyone in his path. We fought... and I thought I had killed him. I thought that was the end."
"Clearly, it wasn't," Future Mel commented coldly, looking at Silco's image on the screen. "And now we're here, dealing with the consequences."
Cassandra remained silent for a moment, her eyes scanning Vander. "So, if I understand correctly, this man is a threat not only to Zaun, but potentially to Piltover as well?"
"Without a doubt," Future Vi replied, her eyes locked on Silco on the screen. "He's not just a threat. He's a monster... and the worst kind of monster is the one who knows how to manipulate and deceive."
Mylo crossed his arms, visibly uncomfortable. "So, basically, we're dealing with someone who should be dead but isn't. Cool, because this never ends well, right?"
"Silco is more than a physical threat," Future Caitlyn interjected. "He's a force that corrupts. And if he's here, it means our past is about to get even darker."
The room fell silent again as everyone processed the gravity of the situation. Vander took a deep breath, trying to calm the tumult of emotions that the mere mention of Silco had stirred in him. "I failed to finish him off before," he said with determination. "But if he's a threat again, I won't make the same mistake."
The scene shifted to something even darker. A confusing vision of tangled, black lines appeared, slowly starting to glow with an intense, pulsating purple. The image flickered and then changed to an indistinct figure of someone—or something—kneeling on the ground, roaring in agony. The purple glow emanated from the creature's eye and veins, while its body trembled violently, as if under some sort of compulsion. The figure appeared torn, trapped between pain and utter despair.
"But... what was that?" Mel from the past asked, her voice marked by horror and disbelief as she watched the terrifying scene.
Everyone in the room stood still, trying to process what they had just witnessed. The silence was broken by Heimerdinger, who seemed as surprised as the others. He adjusted his glasses and stared intently at the screen. "That... that looked like a tangle of neurons, but distorted, as if they were being reprogrammed or manipulated." He shook his head, troubled. "The person was being forced into something, but at what cost? What kind of force could do that?"
Caitlyn from the future closed her eyes for a moment before responding. She had seen the effects of that substance before, but never the transformation process. It made everything even harder to bear. "That was Shimmer," she said, her expression grim. "It's a drug Silco developed. It's destroyed countless lives in Zaun."
"Shimmer?" Tobias, Caitlyn's father, repeated, furrowing his brow as he looked at his daughter from the future. "What kind of drug are we talking about exactly? Medicinal? Recreational?"
Vi from the future scoffed, her expression tense as she squeezed Caitlyn's hand, who was standing next to her. "The kind that, if you use it once, no matter the reason, you'll want to use it again. It doesn't matter if you started to relieve pain or gain strength. Shimmer turns the user into something... something that can never return to being human."
"Turns?" Vander asked, his gaze dark as he tried to comprehend the implications of what he had just heard.
"Yes," Caitlyn replied, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Shimmer gives you superhuman strength, but it comes at the cost of your sanity, your body, and eventually, your life. It destroys who you are and replaces it with something Silco can control."
"It's monstrous," Mel from the future commented, her expression hardening as she looked at the screen. "And of course, he would use something like that to consolidate power. Zaun was already vulnerable. He just found a way to exploit it."
Caitlyn from the past watched everything in silence, her expression a mix of fear and fascination. "Why would anyone use something so horrible?" she asked, her voice small.
"Because, in Zaun, sometimes it's that or die," Vi from the future replied, her voice bitter. "People turn to Shimmer because they think they have no choice. Silco makes sure of that."
The room was heavy, filled with tension and indignation. Even the members of Piltover, who usually kept their distance from Zaun's problems, couldn't hide their disgust at what they had just witnessed.
"This is more than just a drug," Cassandra said, her voice cold and serious. "It's a weapon."
"And a terrible weapon," Jayce from the future added, his expression grim as he stared at the screen, as if he wanted to destroy the image. "One that we clearly failed to stop."
Heimerdinger nodded slowly. "This substance is the personification of what can happen when science is used without ethics or compassion. We need to see more to fully understand what we're facing, but I can already say that this is... alarming."
The scene shifted again to the dark interior of Vi's cell, where the sound of a heavy door creaking open echoed through the space. Vi from the future quickly turned toward the entrance of the cell, her expression filled with determination.
"I need to find her," Vi said firmly, her voice low but filled with unwavering resolve. Her clenched fists, even without the gloves that typically defined her, seemed ready to face whatever was necessary.
The image then abruptly changed to a panoramic view of Zaun, now enveloped in an even more oppressive atmosphere. The camera followed a figure walking through the narrow, dimly lit streets of the city. Finally, the figure's destination was revealed: The Last Drop.
But the bar was no longer what it used to be. The walls were adorned with blinding neon lights flickering in shades of purple and blue, creating a disturbing and artificial feeling. The atmosphere, which once exuded warmth and camaraderie, now felt cold and hostile. There was something deeply wrong with the place, as if its essence had been torn away and replaced with something dark and controlled.
The scene shifted once more to the dark interior of Vi's cell, where the sound of a heavy door creaking open echoed through the space. Vi from the future quickly turned toward the entrance of the cell, her gaze filled with determination.
"I need to find her," Vi said firmly, her voice low but filled with unwavering resolve. Her clenched fists, even without the gloves that typically defined her, seemed ready to face whatever was necessary.
The image then abruptly shifted to a panoramic view of Zaun, now enveloped in an even more oppressive atmosphere. The camera followed a figure walking through the narrow, dimly lit streets of the city. Finally, the figure's destination was revealed: The Last Drop.
But the bar was no longer what it used to be. The walls were adorned with blinding neon lights flickering in shades of purple and blue, creating a disturbing, artificial feeling. The atmosphere, which once exuded warmth and camaraderie, now felt cold and hostile. There was something deeply wrong with the place, as if its essence had been ripped away and replaced with something dark and controlled.
"But... what the hell happened to The Last Drop?!" Violet from the past exclaimed, her voice incredulous and full of indignation at the sight of the unrecognizable bar. The image of the bar left her expression marked with anger and confusion. "Vander would never do something like this! He loved this place, and he would never let this happen!"
Vi from the future looked at her younger self with a bitter expression, her eyes reflecting the pain of memories she didn't want to relive. "A lot of things happened," she replied, her voice heavy. "Things that changed everything. Vander had no choice anymore."
Caitlyn from the future, noticing Vi's emotional turmoil, tightened her grip on her hand, a gesture that silently said she was there, that she was a safe harbor. Vi looked at her, a little surprised, but found the comfort she needed in Caitlyn's gentle smile. Caitlyn raised her free hand and softly brushed Vi's face, her expression filled with silent support.
"It's okay, Vi," Caitlyn said softly, her tone reassuring. "You don't have to face this alone. I'm here."
The interaction didn't go unnoticed by anyone in the room, especially by Cassandra, who observed the scene with narrowed eyes and an expression that mixed shock and discomfort. Tobias, by her side, seemed equally tense but said nothing.
"So, The Last Drop became Silco's headquarters?" Jayce from the past asked, trying to fill the awkward silence.
"Yes," Vi from the future replied, her eyes still fixed on the screen. "He took the place that used to be our home and turned it into something that reflects what he is. Cold, manipulative... and empty."
"Wait a minute, Vi. What did you mean by 'find her'? Who do you need to find?" Vander asked, his voice filled with concern and caution. Deep down, he already suspected the answer, but he desperately hoped he was wrong.
Vi from the future hesitated, her eyes avoiding Vander's. She knew this conversation was inevitable, but that didn't make it any easier. "I-I..." Vi began, but her voice faltered for a moment. She took a deep breath, trying to maintain composure. "A lot of things happened, Vander. Me and... Powder... we're not together anymore."
The whole room fell silent. The tension in the air was palpable, and everyone seemed to hold their breath as they processed what Vi had just said. Vander felt as though he had been punched in the stomach, and his expression reflected a mixture of shock and pain.
"What do you mean 'you're not together anymore'?" Vander pressed, his voice slightly trembling but still firm. "You two were always together. No matter what happened. You were inseparable."
Vi from the future clenched her fists, clearly uncomfortable. "I thought the same thing," she replied, finally meeting Vander's gaze. Her eyes were filled with pain and regret. "But things changed. I made mistakes, Vander. I... I left her when she needed me the most."
The impact of Vi's words hit Vander like a hammer. He tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. His expression hardened as he struggled to process what he had just heard.
"Powder is just a kid, Vi," he finally managed to say, his voice low and heavy with emotion. "She needs you. She always did. What could have happened to separate you two?"
"She's... not the same anymore," Vi said, her voice faltering for a moment. "And neither am I. We both... went down different paths. Paths that should never have existed."
Caitlyn, noticing Vi's emotional state, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Vi..." she began softly but stopped when she saw Vi visibly struggling to hold back tears.
"You left her?!" Mylo suddenly exclaimed, unable to contain his frustration. "What do you mean you left her? You promised to protect her, Vi! You always said you'd never let anything happen to her!"
"Do you think I don't know that?!" Vi shouted back, her voice filled with anger and guilt. She stood up abruptly, pointing her finger at Mylo. "I hate myself every day for it, Mylo! I hate myself for not being there when she needed me the most! But I can't go back. What's done is done!"
The room fell into a heavy silence. Vander seemed to age years in seconds, rubbing his face as he tried to make sense of everything that was happening. Mylo looked down, avoiding Vi's gaze.
Finally, it was Vander who broke the silence. "I don't know what happened between you two, Vi," he said, his voice calmer but still full of sadness. "But whatever it was, you need to fix it. Powder is your sister. She will always be your sister."
Vi from the future didn't respond immediately. She simply closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before replying. "I know. That's why I need to find her."
The room fell silent once again as Vi's words hung in the air, leaving everyone with a weight on their chest.
The scene quickly shifted to Vi and Caitlyn, now walking discreetly down a corridor, both cloaked in hoods to maintain their anonymity.
"The world is getting smaller," remarked a mysterious voice, and everyone recognized it as Silco.
The scene changed again to a setting where a man was seen using Shimmer in gas form.
The next scene showed a vast "ocean," with a large observation window in the background, where a sea monster twisted in the depths.
"Okay, I've never seen this before. Do you know where this is?" Caitlyn asked Vi, a confused look on her face.
"We're in the same boat, Cupcake. No idea where this is," Vi replied, looking just as perplexed as Caitlyn.
"I'd like to know where you and my daughter are," Cassandra said, starting to feel an increasing discomfort with the interaction between Vi and Caitlyn. It only worsened when she saw her daughter's face turn red and she averted her gaze.
"At this particular moment? It's better you don't know for now, but we can say we're in Zaun," Vi answered, somewhat hesitant, glancing at Caitlyn.
"And why would our daughter be in Zaun?" Tobias asked Vi, trying to understand why Vi was calling his daughter "Cupcake."
"You'll find out eventually," Vi replied, trying to keep a neutral tone, though a shadow of concern was visible in her eyes.
"Up there, on the surface, the people from the high city are leaving the Lower City behind," Silco said to a young man as they both watched the strange ocean. The scene changed, now showing Piltover, the bright and prosperous city, with its towering buildings and bustling streets.
The scene shifted to reveal Mel, and soon the view expanded to show the Piltover Council room. The door opened, and a man entered with a serious expression. "Captured?"
"Wait a minute, Jayce, that's you! But what did you do?" Caitlyn from the past exclaimed, shocked, as she turned to her friend, the look of surprise etched on her face.
"I-I don't know," Jayce replied nervously, trying to hide the growing fear. He feared that his experiments with Hextech had been discovered, a concern he didn't want to openly share with anyone.
"Mr. Talis, could you tell me why you're being judged by the council?" Cassandra asked, with a disapproving expression as she looked at Jayce. Her voice was stern, and she clearly didn't seem pleased with the situation.
"I remember that day... I was terrified," Jayce from the future whispered to Mel, his tone barely audible, as if reliving the moment.
"Sorry if I pushed you too hard, but look, it all worked out in the end," Mel said softly, touching Jayce's hand. She offered a comforting smile, trying to ease the tension of the moment.
"I think I've discovered something incredible," Jayce said, with an expression of euphoria as he placed a glowing blue gem into a device. Immediately, the machine became charged with energy, radiating an intense glow.
The scene quickly transformed, showing an airship floating in the sky in front of a massive magical circle, and before any explanation could be given, the ship appeared to be "teleported," disappearing in a blinding flash.
"A way to use magic through science," Jayce said, admiration clear in his voice, though he didn't fully understand the implications of what he had done.
"You don't understand what's at stake," Heimerdinger retorted, his voice filled with concern. He was seated in his chair in the Council, clearly disturbed by the direction Jayce's discoveries were taking.
The scene quickly shifted to show Jayce, then was replaced by an unstable Hextech crystal, flickering and vibrating dangerously. The screen became blurry, the tension mounting. When the camera focused again, a massive explosion lit up the scene, releasing a massive wave of energy.
"WHAT?!" Heimerdinger shouted, rising from his chair and looking at Jayce with disbelief. "Have you gone mad, my boy? Do you have any idea how dangerous and reckless this is?!"
"But, professor, look closely!" Viktor, standing beside him, watched the scene with an expression of fascination. "I think he managed to—"
Viktor didn't hide the genuine interest in his gaze. While Heimerdinger was in shock over the destruction caused, Viktor was more intrigued by the possibilities of the discoveries unfolding before him. The airship, now completely teleported to an unknown location, was proof that Jayce's experimentation with magic and science had advanced to something much greater.
"Magic through science? Professor, is this really possible?" Mel from the past asked, her voice full of curiosity but also a slight unease. She was watching the scene closely, observing the reactions of everyone around her, especially Heimerdinger's concern.
"W-well, from what has been shown... yes," Heimerdinger responded, a hint of excitement evident in his eyes, but also a subtle apprehension in his voice. He was clearly impressed by what he was seeing, but his scientific mind was also acutely aware of the enormous risks involved. "But the risk... is far too great. I've seen entire empires fall because of magic. Something like this, out of control... it could devastate everything we know."
He stood up from his chair, his eyes fixed on the screen as he tried to process the magnitude of what was happening. Heimerdinger's words were laden with experience. He wasn't just speaking theoretically; he was talking about past events, times when an excess of power, combined with a lack of control, had caused entire civilizations to collapse.
"Do you understand what this means?" he continued, his voice now deeper. "With this kind of power, the lines between science and magic could completely dissolve. A single mistake... a simple failure... could destroy everything, from our cities to our very lives."
Mel from the past furrowed her brow, absorbing the professor's words. She knew that while the potential of such discoveries was immense, there was also an abyss of consequences waiting on the other side, ready to be explored.
Jayce, standing beside them, was lost in his own thoughts, the weight of Heimerdinger's words still not fully understood. He was obsessed with the idea of combining science and magic, but he couldn't see the risks clearly. His focus was solely on the possibilities, on achieving something that would transform him, something that would change the world.
"I know it's dangerous, but this is what we need to advance," Jayce said, trying to justify his actions, though fear was beginning to creep into his chest. "If we can control this... we can build a new future. We can make Piltover the greatest city in the world!"
"This isn't just about building or conquering, Jayce," Heimerdinger replied, his voice calmer now, but still filled with a deep seriousness. "It's about knowing when to stop, when to pull back before something destroys everything. What you're trying to do could very well be the end of everything we've built."
Silence filled the room as everyone reflected on Heimerdinger's words. The images of an explosion, of a city being torn apart by uncontrollable power, lingered in the air like a dark warning.
Mel, though still fascinated by the concept, couldn't shake the knot in her stomach. She knew Heimerdinger was right. The power in question could indeed be the key to a new future, but it could also be the gateway to destruction.
The scene shifted dramatically, taking everyone to a luxurious rooftop in Piltover. The dawn illuminated the horizon, tinting the sky with golden and orange hues. At the center, Mel stood out, gazing at the view with a contemplative expression. The sunlight reflected off the crystal surfaces around her, giving her an almost ethereal aura as she spoke her words with a quiet confidence.
"Power is not for those who were born stronger. It is for those who will do anything to achieve it," Silco said, his voice heavy with a firm determination that reflected his worldview. She was aware of what she needed to reach the top, and nothing would stop her.
The scene quickly transformed, and the screen now showed the Enforcers preparing for something. The weight of their metal armor, the adjusting of their weapons, and the gleam of the lamps that illuminated the cold corridors of Piltover all conveyed a sense of imminent confrontation. Something was about to happen, and everyone knew the city was on the verge of being shaken.
Cassandra, still absorbing Silco's words, looked at Vander with a worried expression, beginning to understand what he meant about his radical view, something that had always set him apart from the more moderate and balanced ideas she had tried to promote.
"This is a very dangerous view of the world. I'm starting to understand what you meant by 'too radical'," Cassandra said, her voice carrying a silent tension as her eyes fixed on the screen with a mix of disgust and fear.
Violet, upon seeing the Enforcers preparing, couldn't hide her frustration. Her gaze hardened, and she turned abruptly, as if the sight of the men who had killed her parents consumed her from the inside. The weight of pain and anger was visible in every movement, as though she was unable to forget what those men had done.
"Great, more Enforcers to make our lives hell," Violet said, her voice sharp, filled with disdain and repressed anger. The memory of the Enforcers always made her feel powerless, and she couldn't avoid the venom in her words.
Caitlyn, on the other hand, wasn't willing to let Violet's opinion about the Enforcers go unanswered. She turned to her future "friend?", her expression firm but with a hint of softness in her voice, once again trying to draw Violet's attention to the other side of the story.
"Hey! The Enforcers protect the population!" Caitlyn retorted, hoping her friend would see the other side of things. She knew the situation was complicated, but to her, the Enforcers, despite their flaws, played an important role in maintaining order in Piltover.
Violet looked at Caitlyn with a gaze full of skepticism and bitterness. The nickname "Cupcake," used by her older version, seemed to come almost automatically as a way to regain control of the conversation, making the tone sharper and more distant.
"Which population, Cupcake?" Violet asked, her words laced with sarcasm. Her look was now one of absolute skepticism, as if she believed Caitlyn still didn't understand the harsh reality of Zaun and the wronged people living there. For Violet, the city was divided, and the population she cared about was very different from the one Caitlyn thought she was protecting.
The scene shifted to a dark and desolate environment, with weak purple lighting pulsing as if alive, filling the space with a sense of unease. The air felt heavy, and the silence was broken only by the sound of dripping water and slow footsteps on the damp ground. Vi stood in front of a crumbling house, the place emanating the smell of mildew and abandonment. Her posture was tense, fists clenched as she stared at the figure in front of her.
Silco, with his cold, piercing gaze, stood ahead, surrounded by his henchmen. The aura he radiated was as oppressive as the environment around them. His henchmen watched in silence, ready to act at any command, but maintaining a respectful distance.
"Do you think you're a hero, Vi?" Silco asked, his voice laced with disdain and irony, as if he were purposely provoking her. The tone was dangerous, cutting, designed to hit at her weaknesses.
The scene shifted again, this time to an even more unfamiliar and surreal place.
Vi appeared on the screen once more, now her face completely overtaken by fury. Her eyes burned with determination, but also with pain. It was clear that this confrontation was not just physical but deeply personal. She didn't see just an enemy in front of her — she saw the one responsible for much of the suffering she and those she loved had endured.
"So, what are you waiting for?" Silco concluded, his voice soft, almost a whisper, but charged with challenge. The camera zoomed in on Vi's face, focusing on her eyes that were half-shut, radiating pure rage.
The tension in the air was almost palpable. Caitlyn squeezed Vi's hand at her side, trying to offer some form of comfort. She didn't need to hear the rest to know that this had been one of the most challenging moments of Vi's life.
"Vi..." Vander murmured, his tone filled with concern. He recognized the anger in her eyes, something he had felt himself in moments of desperation. "Please, tell me you didn't do anything impulsive."
"Impulsive? Of course, she did something impulsive. Look at her!" Mylo commented, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes, but there was a hint of poorly concealed concern in his voice.
"I did what needed to be done," Vi responded without looking at anyone, her voice serious and unwavering. She knew what had happened that day wasn't easy, but she also knew there had been no other choice.
"And exactly what did you do?" Cassandra asked with suspicion, her eyes narrowing as she studied the expression of the woman in front of her. She still didn't understand how Vi had become the person standing beside her daughter.
"You'll find out," Vi said evasively, not wanting to go into details at that moment. Caitlyn looked at her with concern but didn't press her. It was clear that this was still a burden Vi had to carry.
At that moment, the scene shifted to a chaotic and frantic setting. "Monsters" was the only word that could describe the creatures advancing toward the house where Vi was. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity in a vivid purple hue, and their veins pulsed with the same sinister energy, as if they were being controlled by something beyond human comprehension. Their movements were erratic but powerful, driven by the devastating influence of Shimmer.
Inside the house, Vi was already in her fighting stance, fists clenched, her body poised to react. The tension on her face was palpable, her furrowed brows and clenched jaw indicating the internal conflict. Again and again, she seemed to hesitate. In front of her, a man, completely drugged and transformed by the substance, advanced. His pale skin and empty eyes showed that he had lost all trace of humanity.
However, instead of attacking, Vi suddenly turned in another direction. The camera followed her swift movement, revealing Caitlyn leaning against a pillar, visibly injured. Caitlyn was trying to stay on her feet, but the pain on her face made it clear that she was nearing her breaking point.
With all her strength, Vi punched the pillar, making the entire structure tremble. The camera captured the impact in slow motion: the moment when Vi's fist collided with the concrete, cracks spreading like spiderwebs across the surface. The force of the blow was so powerful that it seemed impossible for a normal person to deliver it. But Vi was no ordinary person — she was driven by pure instinct to protect.
Above them, the structure began to give way. The scene shifted to show the camera rising, revealing a large neon sign, glowing intensely in a sickly purple. The sign, held up by a rusted metal frame, began to fall, emitting a screeching sound of twisted metal as it collapsed.
The camera moved outside the house, showing the purple explosion lighting up the darkness of Zaun like a sinister beacon.
"Is that... Shimmer?" Jayce asked, his voice wavering as he tried to process what he had just seen. "These things shouldn't be possible."
"Welcome to Zaun," Viktor remarked, his expression serious. "Here, the impossible is just a matter of time."
"And the risks? They're unacceptable," Heimerdinger murmured, shaking his head, clearly uncomfortable with what he had witnessed. "Science should not be used to corrupt like this."
"Vi, that was incredible! You literally brought down the whole roof!" Powder from the past exclaimed, looking at her older sister with wide eyes full of admiration. She jumped out of the chair and made a punching gesture in the air. "I always knew you were strong, but that was insane! Imagine if I could do that someday!"
Vi chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of her neck, avoiding eye contact. "Calm down, Pow. You don't have to destroy everything to prove you're strong." But the slight smile on her face showed that, deep down, she was proud of herself.
"Wow, Vi, you almost brought the whole building down with one punch," Claggor from the past said, adjusting his glasses that were slipping off his face from the sudden movement.
"You're right, Vi," Mylo said, taking the opportunity to ease the tension. "But seriously, I think the Lower City is going to need some renovations after this. You're not thinking about starting a career as a demolitionist, are you?"
The laughter that echoed through the room lightened the mood a bit, but the expressions of the older ones showed that the situation was more complicated than it seemed.
Cassandra, Caitlyn's mother, kept a critical and attentive gaze on Future Vi. "You seem willing to do anything to protect the people you love," she commented, her tone wavering between approval and concern. "But destroying an entire structure... that could have hurt more people than it helped."
"I had no choice," Future Vi replied firmly, holding Cassandra's gaze. "If I hadn't done that, Caitlyn and I would be dead. And those drugged-up people would still be out there."
Future Caitlyn, who had remained silent until now, gently touched Vi's arm. "She did what needed to be done," she said, looking at her mother. "If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be alive right now."
The next scene began with dense green smoke filling the screen, creating an oppressive and mysterious atmosphere. Slowly, the source of the smoke was revealed: some kind of chemical device, activated by a masked figure hovering through the air in a strange flying apparatus. The white mask, with yellow details resembling a bird's beak, faintly glowed under the neon lights of Zaun.
Soon, two more individuals appeared beside the masked figure, also equipped with flying devices. They all seemed to move with precision and coordination, their objectives clear. The camera followed them as they approached an industrial airship, seemingly loaded with boxes marked with symbols that indicated dangerous chemicals. Without hesitation, the trio jumped aboard the airship, moving quickly and efficiently.
Little Man broke the silence first, leaning forward in his chair with curiosity written on his face.
"Who are they?" he asked, looking around the room.
"They're the Firelights," Caitlyn from the future replied in a professional tone, crossing her arms and watching the screen intently. "A group from Zaun fighting against Silco and the illegal chemicals he spreads through the Undercity."
"The group does what it can to protect Zaun from the chemical monstrosities and Silco's oppression," Vi from the future added. There was respect in her voice, but also something else—perhaps a hint of guilt.
Caitlyn shot a sidelong glance at Ekko from the future, clearly waiting for his reaction. She knew who the masked figure on the screen was, and even more, she knew that the boy on the screen was an adult version of the "Little Man" sitting beside her. Despite this, she chose not to reveal anything, letting the moment unfold naturally.
"They're like a beacon of hope in the middle of chaos," Ekko from the future finally spoke, a slight smile touching his lips. He was clearly proud of what the Firelights represented. "They try to save Zaun, fighting Silco and the chemical barons."
Little Man furrowed his brow, leaning forward even more as if trying to capture every detail of the mask on the screen. "Firelights, huh?" He repeated the name slowly, chewing on the word as if it were something new and strange. "They seem cool, but what exactly do they do?"
Before Ekko from the future could respond, Violet from the past huffed. "If they're fighting Silco, they've got my approval," she said, crossing her arms. "Someone's gotta do it, and they seem up to the task."
"Interesting," Vander commented, his tone thoughtful. "Zaun needs people like that—people who don't just fight oppression but also seek to rebuild something better. But how do they walk the line between helping and becoming just as dangerous as the barons they fight?"
Ekko from the future took a deep breath, clearly feeling the weight of Vander's question. "We… try to maintain balance. Sometimes, it's a thin line. But the goal is always to protect Zaun."
"You talk like you know exactly what they're thinking," Claggor remarked, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Ekko. "Do you know them?"
Ekko hesitated for a moment before breaking into a confident smile. "Let's just say… I have some experience with them."
Little Man stared at Ekko, his eyes wide. "Wait, you're saying you know these guys? And what's up with that flying device? That's so cool! When can I learn to make something like that?"
Ekko from the future chuckled softly, giving his younger self a light tap on the shoulder. "You'll figure it out, Little Man. In time."
Caitlyn from the future watched the exchange with a contained smile but didn't say anything. To her, the revelation that the masked figure on the screen was Ekko from the future would be a bigger shock than anything else they'd seen so far. And from the way the boy was fascinated by what he was seeing, it was a surprise worth waiting for.
The next scene began with a pair of old boots walking slowly through a thick cloud of smoke. The sound of the footsteps echoed in the silence, heavy and rhythmic. As the camera moved upward, the face of an older Powder was revealed for the first time. Her blue hair had grown longer, with a prominent strand falling to the right side of her face at chin level. Her expression conveyed a mixture of irritation and determination, her lips pressed tightly in a look that bordered on anger.
Powder firmly held a highly modified pistol, unlike anything seen before. She adjusted the weapon with precision, her experienced fingers handling it as if it were an extension of herself. The camera briefly focused on the device, highlighting intricate details that reflected Zaun's unique aesthetic.
On the other side of the scene, the same masked Firelight from earlier was preparing for battle. He threw an unknown device towards Powder, who instinctively dodged and countered with a quick shot. The shot ricocheted off the ground, creating a flash of purple energy that illuminated the surrounding smoke.
The scene shifted to show Powder firing at someone, her movements swift, precise, and relentless.
"I-Is that… is that Powder?!" Past Vi exclaimed, her eyes wide as she processed the image of her older sister on the screen. She leaned forward, unable to hide her mix of shock and emotion. "Look at you, Po-Po! You're amazing!" She smiled, but the smile was uncertain, almost forced, as if she didn't know whether to be proud or worried.
Benzo watched the scene with a critical gaze, momentarily ignoring Vi's emotions. "I've never seen this kind of gun before," he commented, frowning. Past Vi snapped back to reality with Benzo's words, and doubt began to form in her mind. "WHAT THE HELL?!" she shouted, her voice filled with frustration. "You said the Firelights were fighting against Silco! Why are they fighting with Po?!"
She turned to Caitlyn and Future Ekko, demanding answers with a look of fury. "What's going on here?! Why is Powder fighting these guys? She's supposed to be our ally!"
Future Ekko sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I know this seems confusing right now, but... things are more complicated than you think."
"Complicated?" Past Vi retorted incredulously. "How can it be complicated? Powder's in trouble, and these guys are trying to hurt her! That's all I see!"
Future Caitlyn intervened, her voice calm but firm. "Vi, I know this is hard to watch, but you have to trust us. There's much more going on than just a fight."
Vander placed a hand on Past Vi's shoulder, trying to calm her. "I know you want to protect Powder, Vi, but maybe it's better to wait a bit before jumping to conclusions. Let's see what happens next."
Vi crossed her arms, clearly dissatisfied, but stayed silent, though her eyes never left the screen for a second.
"Then we have to force our way in," Jayce declared, his voice filled with determination but also a hint of uncertainty. Who he was referring to or directing those words to was still a mystery, but the tension in the room grew with the weight of his statement.
The scene abruptly shifted to Councillor Mel Medarda, seated in her luxurious position at the Piltover Council. Her expression was serious, almost distant, as her fingers gently tapped the surface of her desk. She was clearly contemplating something important, and the shadows in the room seemed to symbolize the weight of her decisions.
Soon, the image changed to a tense scene: Enforcers in formation, preparing for a potential operation. Light reflected off their helmets and rifles, highlighting the military efficiency of the group. The camera then pulled back to show a wider shot: a crowd of Zaunites gathered behind an improvised barrier, shouting slogans in protest. The tension between the two sides was palpable.
The Enforcers advanced with coordinated steps, their boots hitting the ground in unison. Protest shouts echoed throughout the scene, increasing the intensity of the moment. A woman in Zaun, her face covered by a scarf, raised a bottle filled with flammable liquid – a Molotov cocktail. With a swift movement, she lit the fuse and threw the projectile toward the Enforcers.
The Molotov landed in the middle of the formation, exploding in a bright orange flash that illuminated the surroundings. The flames spread rapidly, as the Enforcers tried to maintain their formation. Shouts and orders filled the air as chaos ensued. The crowd of Zaunites pressed forward, taking advantage of the confusion, while the Enforcers temporarily retreated to regroup.
"But what's going on here?" Tobias Kiramman asked in a serious tone, looking at Mel with a questioning expression. "This looks like a civil war."
Mel from the past didn't answer immediately, her hands gripping the arms of her chair. Finally, she spoke, her voice wavering slightly: "This kind of conflict... shouldn't have happened. Piltover should be better than this."
"You knew about this?" Tobias pressed, narrowing his eyes. "Mel, you're part of the Council. Tell me you didn't let this happen."
"I didn't know," Mel replied, now with firmness, though there was a tone of guilt in her voice. "I knew the situation with Zaun was delicate, but this... this is much worse than I imagined."
"That's no surprise for those living in the Undercity," Vi from the past commented bitterly, crossing her arms as she watched the scene. "Piltover's always preferred to hit rather than talk."
"This is unacceptable," Vander said, his voice filled with indignation. "No matter how tense the situation, this kind of approach only makes things worse."
"They know, but they don't care," Violet murmured with contempt, glancing sideways at the Council members present in the room.
"You don't even know the context!" Jayce from the past retorted defensively. "Maybe the Enforcers were trying to prevent something worse."
"Prevent something worse?" Vi snapped angrily. "They're throwing gasoline on the fire, Jayce. Look closely at this scene and tell me: who do you think is protecting whom here?"
Jayce from the future sighed, stepping in to prevent the argument from escalating. "That was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made," he admitted, his voice filled with regret. "And honestly, I still wonder if it was the right thing to do."
The scene shifted back to the tense encounter between Vi and Silco, surrounded by the man from Zaun's henchmen. The air was thick, charged with tension, as Vi took a step forward, her face serious and full of repressed fury.
"What did you do to my sister?" Vi asked, her voice firm yet heavy with emotion. Her fists were clenched, and it was clear she was holding herself back from rushing at him in that moment.
The scene abruptly changed to a shocking vision: a woman with a mechanical arm, reinforced with purple Shimmer energy, leaning over Vi, who was lying on the ground. The woman, scarred on her face with a cruel smile, held her metallic arm poised to deliver the final blow.
"I'll say you sent your regards," Sevika said with a mocking tone, her makeshift weapon hissing, emitting a threatening glow.
Before she could strike, a flash of purple light crossed the screen. A gleam of glowing eyes sped by, signaling that something – or someone – had intervened. The camera returned to the intense fight between Vi and Sevika. Despite Vi's efforts, Sevika had the upper hand. Her strength, amplified by Shimmer, and her combat experience kept Vi on the defensive, constantly being pushed back.
Suddenly, the scene changed to an explosion that lit up everything with an orange glow.
"What do you mean, 'What did he do to Powder?'" Past Vi asked her future self, her voice heavy with desperation and confusion. "Answer me! What did he do to my sister?" Her eyes were locked on her older version, demanding answers.
Future Vi seemed hesitant, looking away from the screen as if the images could explain better than she could. Finally, she took a deep breath and responded, her voice quiet, almost reluctant. "Uh... There's no easy way to say this. But... in the future, Powder works for Silco. That's all I can say." She turned her face to the side, avoiding the gaze of her younger self, while gripping Caitlyn's hand for comfort.
"WHAT?!" Vander shouted, standing up from his chair, his face marked by disbelief and anger. "How the hell did Powder end up on Silco's side?!" He stared at Future Vi, waiting for an explanation she clearly wasn't ready to give. "And why was Sevika fighting you? It doesn't make sense!"
"She works with Silco too," Caitlyn answered in place of Vi, her expression firm but filled with compassion. She knew every word was a painful blow for everyone present.
"This can't be true..." Vander murmured, almost to himself, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness. He slowly sat back down, running a hand over his face. "Powder would never choose that. She's a child, for God's sake!"
"She's not a child anymore," Future Vi said, her voice low but steady. "A lot of things happened, Vander. Things I wish I could change, but... I couldn't be there for her. And she ended up... well, she ended up finding support in Silco."
"She was manipulated," Benzo added quickly, trying to soften the impact of the revelation. "Silco is... persuasive. He uses people's weaknesses against them."
"That doesn't make any of this right!" Past Vi yelled, her eyes tearing up as she stared at the screen. "She's my sister! My responsibility! How... how did I lose her like this?"
The scene shifted to a melancholic view of Powder, now an adult, leaning against a rusted barrel. Her expression was neutral, almost apathetic, but her gaze carried a mix of pain and exhaustion.
"Pow..." she whispered, mimicking the sound of a gunshot before slowly lowering her hand. The echo of the word seemed to carry the weight of her childhood and the choices that had led her to this point.
The next scene showed Caitlyn, her face worried as she spoke to someone. The camera didn't immediately reveal who she was talking to, but the determination in her voice was evident.
"This cycle of violence will never stop," Caitlyn said, her tone firm but filled with sadness. The camera cut to flashes of various scenes, capturing fragments of what seemed to be Powder's life.
First, a devastating explosion lit up the screen, debris flying in all directions. Then, a close-up of adult Powder's face, visibly shaken, her wide eyes showing shock and confusion.
The next flash showed a young Powder, sitting alone in a dark corner, looking down, her shoulders hunched in sadness. The quick transition back to adult Powder was a shock: now with an expression of pure irritation, almost fury, as she slammed her fist into a table—or something out of frame.
As these images passed, Caitlyn's voice echoed, adding a dark tone to the sequence.
"She'll never be the same," Caitlyn said with sorrow, as though warning someone—or perhaps trying to accept this truth herself.
The screen then revealed Vi standing next to Caitlyn, her face expressing pain, but also determination.
"I have to try," Vi replied, her voice hoarse and filled with emotion. She abruptly turned and walked out of frame, as the scene shifted to a wider shot. Vi was running through the metal walkways of Zaun, her silhouette standing out against the purple and green neon lights filling the dystopian backdrop.
The music began to intensify, and the camera showed Vi approaching an edge. Without hesitation, she took a bold leap, diving into the unknown below, as the scene froze in mid-air, showing her figure against the vast industrial chaos of Zaun.
"That... that's so wrong," Vander murmured, his voice barely audible but full of pain. "This isn't the Powder I know."
"Not the one I know either," Past Vi said, her gaze fixed on the screen, her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles were white. "But I'm going to bring her back. No matter what happens."
Future Caitlyn placed a hand on Vi's shoulder to comfort her, but said nothing. She knew that, for Vi, words wouldn't be enough in that moment.
"Can she really be saved?" Little Man asked quietly, looking at Future Ekko, who remained silent, his expression enigmatic.
Ekko finally broke the silence, his voice deep: "If anyone can bring her back... it's Vi."
Everyone's eyes turned back to the screen, waiting expectantly for what would come next.
The following scenes came quickly, like flashes that traveled through time and space, bringing with them a sense of nostalgia and pain.
First, the image of adult Vi with a hood, walking through a dark scene, her shadows stretching along the iron walls of Zaun. She was isolated, but her gaze was firm, filled with a purpose that guided her through the surrounding darkness.
The scene then shifted to a younger Vi, more vulnerable, yet still with the same determination in her eyes. She was in the midst of a destroyed location, the rubble and smoke around suggesting a lost battle. Powder, now older, was by her side, gripping her hand tightly, her eyes filled with pain and regret as she stared fixedly at something or someone out of the frame, as if trying to understand where things had gone wrong.
The image cut to a scene from the past, showing a younger Vander, carrying the two girls on his shoulders. His expression was one of concern, but also of hope, as if determined to take them away from the destruction. He seemed tireless, facing the devastation with the strength of a father who would do anything to protect those he loved.
The screen then returned to the viewing room, where Vander, in his younger form, was speaking directly to the younger Vi.
"You have a good heart," Vander said with a serene calmness, his gaze conveying both wisdom and paternal love. "Never lose that. Protect the family."
The words echoed in the air, lingering over everyone in the room, making time seem to stop for a moment. Vander's message seemed to carry the weight of a lesson learned through a difficult life, and those watching could feel the depth of his sincerity.
Vi, in the future, remained silent for a moment, Vander's words resonating within her. Her eyes were fixed on the screen, but her mind was far away, lost in a sea of conflicting emotions. She knew that, despite the differences and the mistakes made, family was still her reason to fight.
"I'll protect you, Powder," past Vi murmured to herself, so quietly that no one else in the room could hear. "In any way I can, I'll protect my family."
The exhibition continued with quick, intense flashes of various scenes, each one more charged with emotion and tension than the last.
First, the image of Vi appeared, her eyes wide in disbelief. She was looking at something in the distance, but her expression wasn't one of despair or fear. Instead, there was a subtle hope, a spark of belief that perhaps there was a chance, a way forward. Her face, usually marked by the harshness of life in Zaun, now showed an unexpected vulnerability, a glimmer of optimism lost in the shadows of the city.
The scene quickly shifted to Powder, standing at the edge of a platform in Zaun. She seemed absorbed in her own thoughts, but there was an intensity in her gaze, as if she was waiting for something or perhaps preparing to face something inevitable. The setting around her was imposing, the city of Zaun vibrating with raw, untamed energy. She wasn't alone, but the emptiness surrounding her suggested the loneliness of someone who had already been left behind.
The transition was abrupt, bringing Powder back into action in a moment of pure exhilaration. She was enjoying herself, almost maniacally, as explosions went off around her. She seemed in her element, the adrenaline making her skin tingle, as if the explosions were music to her ears. Each blast, each flame, only fueled her enthusiasm, as if she were dancing with the destruction around her. There was no fear, just a cruel pleasure in the chaos she had helped create.
The screen changed again, and now Vi was running with all her might. Her feet hit the ground with fierce determination, her breath heavy, but her eyes were focused and resolute. She was running from something, or perhaps running toward something even more important. Behind her, Caitlyn ran, her presence constant, a silent and steady support for Vi. There was a visible connection between them, a bond formed not only by friendship but by mutual understanding that they were both willing to do anything to protect one another.
The scene quickly shifted, the camera zooming in on a wall where a monkey was painting, its figure dynamic and full of life, contrasting with the impending destruction. Before the scene could stabilize, something exploded on the other side of the wall, sending debris flying in all directions. The explosion made the painting and the wall seem insignificant, as if the impact of the destruction was stronger than any attempt at art or beauty the city could offer.
Vi from the past was completely immersed in the scenes, her eyes fixed on the screen, absorbing every moment of destruction and action. When she saw the older Powder, with her irritated and determined expression, Vi's breath became heavier. She swallowed hard, completely shocked to see her sister so different from what she remembered. The contrast between the innocent Powder she knew and this colder, more indifferent version made her clench her fists, a mix of sadness and anger flooding her chest.
The images of Powder shooting with a gun, surrounded by explosions, were hard to process. The girl she had promised to protect was now so lost, so distant. Vi felt a growing pressure in her chest, as if the weight of the world was on her.
"This can't be... How did she get to this point?" Vi whispered, her voice trembling, trying to understand how her sister, whom she had loved and cared for, had become someone so different. She looked at the screen, her heart aching with pain and confusion. How could something so dark have taken over her?
Beside her, Vander watched the screen with a look of despair, his eyes filled with deep sorrow. When he saw Powder enjoying herself amid the explosions, laughing in the midst of the destruction, his voice faltered, and he whispered to himself: "She... she's enjoying the destruction? How can she?" His words were an echo of pain, of a feeling of helplessness. The girl he had raised, whom he had considered a daughter, now seemed unrecognizable. He pressed his lips together, his eyes brimming with tears, as if every scene was a knife stabbing at his heart.
Vander pulled slightly away from the screen, as if needing space to breathe, but the pain on his face was evident. "I failed her... We all failed," he said softly, as if trying to justify the impossible. The anger he felt toward himself mixed with the sadness of seeing the girl he had loved so much on such a dark path. He didn't know how he could have done things differently, but he felt he should have done more to prevent Powder from getting lost like this.
"Are we still sisters?" Powder asked, her voice laden with indescribable pain. However, it wasn't possible to see the two of them, only their voices echoing in the room, as if time had distorted between them. The question seemed to hang in the air, a silent cry that only those who have felt the pain of separation could understand.
Before the tension could take over, a quick flash showed Caitlyn extending her hand to help Vi stand up. The image of Caitlyn there, ready to support Vi, was a small relief amidst the emotional chaos unfolding.
"Nothing will ever change that," Vi responded, her voice firm and full of conviction, as if she wanted to assure both herself and Powder that, no matter the circumstances, their bond as sisters would never be undone, even through all the pain and separations.
The scene changed quickly. The camera spun and showed Vi, now equipped with gauntlets never seen before, with Jayce behind her. They were surrounded by a mecha, powered by Shimmer, with a threatening energy emanating from the metallic monster. The tension on screen was palpable, and the anticipation hung heavy in the air.
Vi, with her fists clenched and a fierce determination, jumped from above in a precise dive. She struck with all her strength, sending the mecha flying. The impact echoed through the environment, leaving a sense of raw power in the air.
The next scene was almost poetic, contrasting with the violence that had just occurred. Vi ran across the bridge connecting Piltover and Zaun at night, surrounded by a sea of fireflies. The scene looked like something out of a dream, with the soft light of the tiny creatures illuminating her path as she ran toward the future, toward the fight, toward uncertainty. On the ground, Caitlyn lay, clearly exhausted and injured. She tried to get up, but the fire around her and the Enforcers' uniforms indicated that she had been part of the battle until the end. The image of Caitlyn, always strong, now vulnerable, touched the hearts of everyone in the viewing room.
"But what happened to our daughter?" Cassandra asked, her voice heavy with anger and pain. She squeezed Tobias' hand beside her, as if needing something tangible to hold on to for her own sanity. Her eyes were fixed on the screen, unable to look away despite the agony she felt seeing their daughter in that situation.
Tobias, who had been silent up until that point, furrowed his brow. The expression of concern mixed with frustration was visible on his face. He never imagined Caitlyn would end up on the ground, injured in the middle of all that fighting. He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, but the pain was hard to ignore. "This can't be... She shouldn't be like this..." he murmured, almost to himself, his voice hoarse with concern.
The next scene showed a younger Vi, her expression tense, placing her hand on Powder's face, who seemed to be trying to hold back tears. It was a silent scene, but full of meaning, a moment of reconciliation between the sisters. Time seemed to slow down, as if the universe paused for a second, allowing them to connect on a deeper level.
When the camera changed, it showed the same moment, but now with Vi and Powder older. This time, a tear fell down Powder's face, seemingly uncontrollable. Her eyes, once hard and full of anger, were now deeply vulnerable. It was as if that tear symbolized everything they had lost over the years. The reunion of two sisters, marked by pain, separation, and now, a brief chance for recovery.
The scene then cut to a man, completely affected by Shimmer, who appeared suddenly in another setting, his expression twisted by the substance, his eyes red, and his appearance irrational. He seemed out of control, his posture awkward and chaotic.
Quickly, the screen transitioned again to show Vi and Powder back to back, completely focused on the fight. Both were in full battle mode, fighting against an unknown enemy. Powder, now holding a machine gun, was firing relentlessly while Vi, with her gauntlets, struck anyone who got close. The connection between them, though silent, was clear: they were fighting together again, as they had in the past, but now in a much crueler world.
As the confrontation continued, the scene showed the two fighting against the Firelights, a group from Zaun, their enemies at that moment. Powder seemed immersed in the chaos, her eyes fixed on her mission, while Vi was equally relentless, protecting her sister with every move. Explosions and gunfire lit up the scene, as they moved quickly through the enemies, trying to survive the battle.
Finally, the exhibition ended, the screen slowly darkening, leaving a sense of unease in the air. Everyone in the room was silent, absorbing the last images of the battle, as the reunion of the sisters was etched into the memories of all.
Past Vi was visibly affected, her eyes fixed on the screen with a mix of disbelief and pain. She watched her older self, with the restrained expression of someone holding years of suffering, touching her sister's face. The young Vi clenched her fists, her lips trembling, as if trying to contain the flood of emotions that overwhelmed her chest.
Vander, who had always prided himself on being a father figure to the girls, seemed to have his heart squeezed. With every scene showing Powder, especially fighting alongside Vi, his face grew graver. He shook his head, seeming to not believe what he was seeing. When Powder's tear fell, he held back, his eyes watery. "She... she's still my girl," he murmured to himself, feeling the weight of the loss and the despair of how things might have been different. The pain of seeing the two sisters separated and on opposite sides affected him deeply.
Caitlyn, watching with a keen eye, had her brow furrowed. When the camera focused on Powder's tears, she appeared perplexed, trying to understand what had happened for the sisters to reach this point. She turned her gaze to Vi, as if seeking some explanation. Vi, however, seemed lost in thought, her eyes glazed over, unable to cope with the pain of it all. Caitlyn, noticing her friend's suffering, lightly touched Vi's arm, but there were no words that could comfort someone who was seeing her sister so distant from who she had expected.
Jayce was in a corner, his hand on his jaw, his eyes fixed on Powder and Vi, trying to make sense of what was happening. He seemed particularly disturbed by the violence, by the fact that the sisters, once united, were now on opposite sides. He looked at Mel, as if searching for some understanding, but he couldn't hide the concern about the situation in Zaun and the choices that Powder and Vi had made.
Mel, who rarely showed emotions so openly, seemed to absorb everything with a disturbing calmness. However, her eyes betrayed the internal tension she was experiencing. She looked at the others, then at the screen, clearly aware of the impact of these choices on the future of Zaun and Piltover. She said softly, almost to herself, "What did Silco do to them?"
"So, what did you think of this sample?" Mr. Nobody asked, reappearing before them. His presence caused a slight chill in the room, as if the tension in his words spread throughout the space. He positioned himself in the center of the room, crossing his arms, observing the present with a serious, almost challenging expression. "As you can see, this is how you will see your future. Everything that's happening on the screen, all this confusion, the choices and consequences... this is what you will face. Now, let's begin the first part of the exhibition. It will last until the exact moment I brought that from the future... and maybe a bit beyond. Ready?"
The room fell silent. The impact of the sample still hung in the air, and everyone was processing what they had just witnessed. Mr. Nobody seemed to await a response, but his posture indicated that he was ready to continue, indifferent to any discomfort he might have caused. He looked around, as if observing every reaction, enjoying the suspense he had created.
Vi was tense, her hands clenched into fists, her gaze fixed on Mr. Nobody. She didn't know what to expect from this new phase of the exhibition, but the thought of seeing more of what the future held made her uneasy. Caitlyn was beside her, her face serious, feeling the weight of Mr. Nobody's words. Ekko, however, seemed more alert, his eyes glowing with a silent determination.
"Do you have any idea what you're showing us?" Jayce asked, his voice low, more curious than angry. He tried to maintain composure, but the weight of what was being revealed was visibly affecting him. He shifted in his chair, restless, as if he wanted to leave to try and understand more deeply the implications of all this.
Mel looked at Mr. Nobody without saying a word, but her expression was hard to read. She was processing every detail, evaluating the information that had just been revealed. As always, she seemed calm, but there was a hint of concern in her gaze, something she couldn't hide.
Mr. Nobody smiled, as if he was aware of all this. He knew he had stirred everyone, that everyone was immersed in the images of the future and the difficult choices unfolding before them.
"I knew you'd want to see more," he said, his voice almost playful. "Now, get ready to see what the future has in store for you... and the truth that perhaps not everyone is ready to accept."
The atmosphere in the room intensified, and the screen in front of them began to fill with light, promising more revelations that would undoubtedly shake everyone present. The future of each person was about to be exposed, and none of them knew for sure what would come next.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein