Chapter Text
Piltover was one of the most important kingdoms in the entire chain of realms inhabiting the southern and northern continents. It was one of the largest exporters of advanced technology, designed to make people's lives as easy and simple as possible. From electricity to flying transport, these innovations made Piltover "The Empire of Progress." But as in any empire that projected perfection and strength, there were always problems. In this case, Piltover faced a crisis affecting both itself and the surrounding kingdoms. Apparently, over the last six months, there had been thefts of Piltovian technological goods intended for export. Products such as energy sources, mechanical parts, and other devices were vanishing from transport airships without explanation. Faced with this issue, Jayce Talis, the Emperor of Piltover and a dominant alpha, had increased security on the vessels to prevent the thefts. However, despite all efforts, nothing seemed to work; things continued to disappear, causing anger among the different kingdoms. This resulted in an emergency meeting of all the sovereigns of the Great Chain of Kingdoms.
In the highest tower of the Piltover palace sat a round table with ten thrones, each with the crest of a different kingdom carved into the headrest. Nine of these were occupied by the kings of their respective realms. All had arrived in Piltover that same morning, and though the journey had been long for some, they did not think of resting. There was something more important than sleep: reaching the heart of the problem and eliminating it once and for all.
The doors of the hall opened, allowing the Emperor of Piltover to enter. Jayce Talis wore a black suit adorned with various medals, gold brooches, and a red cape with a white fox-fur collar, held by a golden chain and the crest of Piltover. Walking a few steps behind him was his commander and advisor, Caitlyn Kiramman, a dominant omega with blue hair and light blue eyes, the heir to a very powerful family in Piltover. Both crossed the great hall under the watchful gaze of everyone present. He reached his seat and, bowing in a sign of respect—which was returned by some—he sat on his throne to begin the meeting.
The tension in the air was palpable. Gazes shifted toward the Emperor of Piltover who, with a stoic expression, could already imagine the sheer number of complaints the other sovereigns had for him. Luckily, or unluckily, he didn't have to wait long before the leaders began to speak. Jayce’s gaze focused on the sovereign of Shurima, a dominant alpha with emerald eyes and black hair, who was the first to break the silence with a complaint loaded with annoyance and frustration.
— Talis, our kingdom has been waiting months for the hex-gems you and your Empire promised us, and still nothing! How can a kingdom like Piltover allow this kind of thing?!
At that moment, the King of Ionia, a male omega, joined the conversation with an equally annoyed expression.
— Shurima is right. It is a nuisance that we do not receive the goods on time. Can you not secure the deliveries better? Is that not your responsibility as Emperor of Piltover?
Soon, the voices of most of the sovereigns began to rise in a disorganized fashion. The atmosphere turned into verbal chaos; every sovereign seemed to have something different to say, and every word was directed at Talis. The tension in the hall was heavy, and one could perceive something more than just annoyance—something closer to fury.
Jayce, who had remained serious the entire time, struck the table hard, demanding silence. It was granted immediately, as the pheromones he released were thick with fury and frustration, causing a slight fatigue among those present. The room fell silent; the sovereigns regained their composure and sat in uncomfortable stillness. Those sitting closest to the Emperor tensed even more. The dominant alpha’s gaze had a sharp glint, and his voice sounded like thunder on a rainy day.
— I am perfectly aware of the problem we are facing. I know the deliveries are not arriving on time and that they are disappearing. Believe me, like you, I am disgusted by this situation. — He released a sigh of frustration and turned his gaze to his right, where Caitlyn stood, the only one remaining calm in the sea of tension. He signaled her to present a more advanced security plan to ensure not only the protection of the goods but the safety of the kingdoms themselves. This plan was beginning to calm and convince most of those present, but the presentation was interrupted by one of the sovereigns.
The slightly raised hand of the Empress of Noxus, asking for the floor, caught everyone’s attention. The room remained silent for a few moments, all eyes on Empress Mel Medarda as she waited for permission to speak. Finally, Jayce leaned in slightly, inviting her to talk.
— Emperor Talis, I know you are doing everything possible to resolve this situation, and as you said, you have "tried everything." But what happens if this new security plan you wish to implement does not work?
The omega's voice resonated in the hall with confidence and gravity, staring fixedly at the alpha before her. This question caused a small commotion among the attendees, who began to whisper to one another at the questioning from Noxus. Jayce remained silent, his gaze fixed on the woman. He could feel the weight of her eyes on him, as if his ability to solve the crisis were being put on trial. His mind began to work on a response while the silence filled with the murmurs of the other sovereigns.
Seeing that the dark-haired man was taking his time to respond, she smiled slightly and, looking at everyone, said:
— I have developed another hypothesis... as well as finding a culprit.
The certainty in her voice was noticed immediately. Hearing Noxus say that was like hearing the gospel. Had she already found the one behind it all? Attention shifted back to her, waiting for her to reveal the provocateur. The room fell into an expectant silence.
— Zaun. —
The word from the Empress of Noxus echoed through the hall, leaving them momentarily speechless. The name of Zaun had been mentioned as the potential responsible party for the thefts, but that only managed to surprise everyone present, including Jayce. Had they heard correctly? Had the Noxian truly named Zaun as the culprit?
Zaun was a very small kingdom located in the northern area of Runeterra, between Piltover and Ixtal. It was a kingdom that served as the main food exporter for all the realms due to its fertile agricultural lands and perfect climate year-round. It was a place where heat, water, and cold seemed to go hand in hand; there had never been a food shortage there due to any natural phenomenon. It was the first kingdom to appear on the world map and the first to refuse joining the Council of Kingdoms. Being so rural and considered "ancient" by modern standards, it was difficult to take the Noxian's accusation seriously.
—Empress Medarda... you’re joking, right?
Said the sovereign of the Void, a hooded omega with purple hair and white eyes. Like everyone else, she was stunned; the accusation was as if someone had claimed the sky was home to demons. It didn't take long for the hall to fill with murmurs. Most of the other sovereigns looked confused. Should they believe such a sudden accusation? But coming from Noxus, it was certain the accusation carried weight. Medarda remained unfazed by the reactions, her gaze focusing on the sovereign of the Void.
—I am not joking. The evidence points to that place.
—And what is that evidence?
Jayce spoke this time, directing a serious look at the omega. His question drew all eyes back to her, waiting for a logical explanation. Medarda looked relaxed, as if she were certain of her words. She rose from her seat, revealing her beautiful, form-fitting white dress, traditional Noxian attire and walked slowly to Jayce's side.
—There are reports, proof, and visual evidence that points toward that place— She pointed a finger at the map on the table, toward Zaun.
—Forgive me, Your Majesty, but what you are saying cannot be true— spoke the alpha sovereign of Ixtal. —Ixtal is a neighbor to Zaun. Any aircraft or even a boat leaving there would be seen by us. If you accuse them of causing this crisis, then surely you can answer my question: How do they do it?
The hall fell silent once more. The sovereign of Ixtal had a logical point. Zaun would have to travel through the river and cross the boundaries of Ixtal to reach Piltover and commit the thefts. They would be seen. Jayce looked at the alpha and then at the woman beside him. The Noxian looked back at her seriously, but with a spark of confidence in her eyes.
— That is because of magic.
Everyone present looked at each other in confusion. Not even Jayce’s assistant, Caitlyn, could keep her expression neutral at the Noxian’s answer. Was she saying that Zaun, a place considered rural and undeveloped, was involved with magic?
— Magic?
Jayce spoke, looking at the Noxian just as confused as the other sovereigns.
—That’s right. They are using magic to teleport the goods to Zaun— she explained calmly, focusing her gaze on everyone else.
The silence was shattered when a laugh broke out from the sovereign of Ixtal, causing everyone to look at her. Some even covered their mouths at how ridiculous the situation had become. Magic? Had the council meeting turned into storytime for children? But despite the laughter from some, and even from advisors trying to keep their composure, the Noxian did not flinch for a second. This made it clear that she was not joking.
— Forgive me, but I find no reason for laughter in what I have said, Your Majesties.
— I am sorry, Empress, but what you are saying is practically a myth— said the sovereign of Targon.
— A myth? If that were true, then explain to me...— She turned her gaze to the Targon sovereign. — Was the explosion that rocked Shurima and left the Empress there trapped real? Or is that also a myth?
The Empress of Shurima frowned upon hearing that. What had happened to her grandmother was very different from what they were discussing now, but she was interrupted by Targon, who defended her, saying that had been a real problem caused by the underground tunnels of Shurima. Mel did not stay silent and continued to speak about various unexplained problems that had occurred in all the kingdoms. The hall filled with angry voices once again at the Noxian's boldness. Jayce rubbed his forehead, feeling the onset of a headache.
—SILENCE!— Finally, the alpha shouted with a command voice loaded with authority.
The shouting ceased instantly. Everyone turned to see Jayce, who was now standing.
—This discussion is getting us nowhere. Mel, what makes you believe magic exists?
The Noxian's gaze met Jayce’s. With a signal, she called her advisor, a short beta, who pulled out blueprints and books and placed them on the table before handing a scroll to the ruler of Noxus.
—There is evidence of magic all around Piltover. Sacred sites and ancient tombs have appeared in the lands in recent years.
—Your Majesty, with all due respect, those have been proven to be archaeological traces of Piltover’s history— Caitlyn said.
—Then how do you explain the disappearances and the sightings of those inhabiting the sacred sites with strange marks on their bodies? I would venture to say this is something reflected in other kingdoms as well... all these marks that appear coincide greatly with the marks seen many years ago on the Zaunites.
The hall filled with whispers once more. Jayce looked to his right, where Caitlyn stood in silence, and then looked at the dark-haired woman beside him with a serious expression.
—If what you say is true... why would Zaun be stealing goods from Piltover, and what is their objective? I don't see what they gain from this.
—It’s not what they gain, Jayce, it’s what they are capable of doing. There is evidence from before the founding of the ten sovereign kingdoms that Arcane magic can be incredibly valuable and destructive. They could destroy us if they wanted to.
The hall fell silent again. If what she said was true, they were technically on the brink of extinction. The sovereigns looked at their advisors, who tried to calm them, for they had no answers either. But while many were worried, others refused to believe. If Zaun wanted to destroy them, they would have done it centuries ago... or were they preparing for something much bigger?
The chaos of doubt, whether to believe or not, was reasonable within the hall, as the credibility of a myth had been put at stake. The Noxian’s gaze toward those present managed to pull their attention back to her. The Queen of Demacia, who until that moment had remained quiet like several others, raised her hand with a serious expression to speak.
— You are crazy if you think we would believe what you say so easily. You haven't even shown solid proof that Zaun has anything to do with these thefts, and magic? Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? —
The dark-haired woman, with a smile on her lips, looked at the pale-skinned, white-haired omega. The young ruler had ascended the throne of Demacia only a year ago; she was young, which would make her an easier prey to calm if Mel chose the right words. However, she would leave her sword sheathed for another occasion, as it was not yet the right time.
— Do not worry about that, Your Majesty... but I am surprised by that comment coming from you. I know you are still young for the position, but for a Demacian to say and question whether the existence of magic is absurd, when your own kingdom was forged thanks to ancestral stones—it is a bit hypocritical, don't you think? Or perhaps you do not know your own history? —
The pale face of the white-haired queen reddened slightly, a detail noticed by everyone. Even though what the Noxian said was true, they knew she wasn't giving a history lesson to the younger woman; she was making her dominance clear to anyone who dared to question her—a trait that characterized all Noxians.
Jayce Talis, who had sat back down in his seat thoughtfully, let out a tired sigh. While rubbing his temple, he gave Caitlyn a signal. She nodded and went toward a cord, ringing a bell to indicate that the first part of the meeting had ended, followed by a thirty-minute break. The bearded alpha rose from his seat and, approaching Medarda, whispered into her ear in a husky voice:
— Let’s talk. —
The woman moved forward and signaled to her advisor not to follow. Both left the hall and headed to the palace balcony, which was guarded by two soldiers to ensure they weren't disturbed. Mel looked at the sky, which was beginning to take on subtle orange hues, signaling that the day was coming to an end.
— You know, I’ve always liked the Piltover sky. Very comforting, — she said, a small smile playing on her lips. Her companion merely softened his gaze, leaning slightly against the stone railing of the balcony.
— Where are you going with this, Mel? —
Mel sighed and directed her gaze toward the city. Night would soon arrive, and the colors in the sky were shifting. She crossed her arms, standing before the great alpha at her side.
— They are dangerous. —
— How do you know that? Because of your hypothesis about magic? Mel, you haven't even given us reliable proof that it exists. —
The shorter woman looked at her partner and placed a hand on his cheek with a soft but serious gaze.
— There are things in the world that science will not be able to explain, Jayce. Don't be blind to something so obvious. You must think I'm foolish for believing magic exists, but what if it’s real? It could be a disaster waiting to be solved. Besides, if you manage to take that power from them... Piltover could be greater than ever. —
Jayce looked away, somewhat insecure about the words spoken by his partner. Seeing him doubt her words, she softened her gaze even more and, leaning in, kissed him on the lips.
— It’s for the best, Jayce. Don't you want to protect Piltover? To protect me? —
The omega said this as she leaned slightly against the alpha’s chest, seeking comfort and safety in him. Jayce took her hand delicately and kissed it. He knew well that logic dictated the opposite of her words, but deep down, Jayce felt she might be right. If that possibility of magic existed, it could indeed be causing so many problems for Piltover. The alpha remained silent for a moment and sighed with weariness.
— Let’s say your theory is correct. What do we propose we do? —
[...]
— An annexation?! —
Everyone present exclaimed upon hearing the dark-haired alpha's words. He had a serious look on his face, sitting in his seat with his partner at his side, who watched everyone with enviable tranquility. Jayce’s words had caused the peace formed during the break to go down the drain. An annexation? Of Zaun? It was practically a declaration of war. The mere thought of annexing a kingdom was a difficult task, regardless of which one they were talking about, and it was a way of attempting to erase it from history.
— Your Majesty, Zaun has not given us a logical reason to doubt them... moreover, they don't even belong to the Council of Kingdoms, because since their founding they made it clear they would not be on anyone's side. —
The comment from the sovereign of Shurima caused the room to fill with murmurs again, which annoyed Jayce, as they were doubting him and his ability to make decisions.
— Believe me when I tell you, it is for the best. —
— And how do we know this decision is yours and not Empress Medarda’s? We know she is your fiancée, but these decisions must be made with the head, not the heart. —
The regent of Ixtal spoke this time. Jayce sighed, trying to calm himself. He knew that convincing the other sovereigns of this annexation would not be easy; being a council of kingdoms, the decision had to be unanimous.
— The decision is mine. If what Empress Medarda says is true, the situation would not only affect Piltover but could affect all of Runeterra. Remember what our ancestors said when starting this council centuries ago: "Be they friend or foe, if they represent a danger, we shall all agree to act." —
Silence filled the hall once more. The Emperor's words were true; indeed, if Zaun represented a danger to everyone, then they had to act regardless. However, the idea of acting with force without thinking twice was something the Council of Kingdoms had never done before. Ixtal broke the silence again.
— And what will happen if all of this is just speculation? —
— Then we will set them free, and Noxus will take the blame for everything. —
Mel’s answer left everyone quiet. Although they sometimes distrusted the judgment of Noxians, when it came to putting their pride and reputation on the line, no one could question them.
— It will be put to a vote. The vote must be unanimous... —
The curtains of the grand hall closed and the lights went out. The first to raise their hands were Mel and Jayce, who were illuminated by a white spotlight. Not many seconds passed before the other kingdoms raised their hands in a sign of approval, one by one, until the ten necessary votes were cast... the decision had been made. But there was one thing left to resolve: would Zaun accept?