#where jayce and viktor disappeared. connecting them

[mettywiththenotes]

It's about love and goodbyes

[shtern-and-art]

I think there's just something in it. This blanket.

When Viktor rejects his past, his job, his social standing, his academic ambitions - all that and more. He goes to live his new life fully naked. Only with that blanket in tow. But when Viktor starts to build his new life, and his new self, closer to his actual goals (at least so he thinks at the moment), he doesn't get any new clothes.

People in the commune did. Sort of. They have redressed for the new life. And Viktor keeps wearing the only thing he brought over from the previous one. The cane doesn't count here, it also transformed into it's new self. But the blanket is still the same blanket. Just wrapped more securely around Viktor to give more coverage and protection like clothes would.

I'd say the commune followed Viktor's lead in ditching their old fashion styles and wrapping themselves in loose fabrics, like monks. For them it was abandoning their past. For Viktor it was not letting go of his. Not completely at least.

-----

There's something, s o m e t h i n g in this, you know?

He was wearing that blanket and only it. It became part of his divine (?) soul.

We don't see it on him in the arcane mindscape, where Viktor is happy and exploring with Sky (like he wanted to do with Jayce). We don't see it on him, when they talk honestly with Jayce. Viktor is actually naked there, soul bare, doing what he always wanted to do.

But each time Viktor tries to reject and diminish himself and his humanity, the blanket is there on his shoulders.

----

And I don't mean it in the soft "Jayce is always there caring about Viktor's wellbeing" way (even though it's totally true). Maybe Jayce did put that blanket on him the first time, but Viktor did it himself all the times after that. He kept the blanket and wore it in the commune. His mind created his celestial body on the arcane-plane, where the blanket wrapped around him like flesh. His divine evolved self picked the blanket up from the floor it fell on, after Viktor stepped out of the cocoon fully naked, not needing anything in life anymore but his goals.

----

This contradiction is so human.

It's like. No matter how strongly Viktor might want to destroy himself, his self who is weak and not needed. There was this one gesture of kindness towards him. At, probably, one of the most terrible moments of his life. When he was accepted and cared for as he is, even if Viktor couldn't bear it at the moment.

Idk, man. Now pull the blanket tight.

----

Even when Sky (symbolic representation of Viktor's guilt and desire for connection) was gone, he kept the blanket. On his soul now.

The braces on Viktor's god-self mean several things at once (not getting into it here, maybe in another post). But the blanket moving to that plane, too? Viktor's subconscious clutching at it, despite everything?

Like he actually never could let go of his humanity. Like it's impossible, when there's at least one little lifeline left. A glimmer of hope, of desire Viktor wouldn't even acknowledge to have.

Not even talking about the great gay love here.

----

Viktor wearing the blanket, pulling it tighter each time he essentially tried to kill himself. Means that he wants it. That connection. That kindness. Means that he wants to live. Despite everything.

If Viktor really fully lost himself in his ascension, his older self wouldn't have been able to recognise that desire.

Viktor's tragedy is not in him losing his humanity. It's in the fact that this goal, this Perfection is impossible to achieve to begin with.

(The dehumanised ableist perfection of capitalistic ideal life, and "fitting in" lies in this grave, too.)

He has to keep choosing to accept to not be human, each time at each turn. Accept it from the world, the system of power. From himself.

And yet, he never can. Not fully.

This is why the grand lie of it all is Viktor's salvation, too.

---

As soon as Viktor regained his (human) perception of himself, the blanket disappeared almost completely.

And when he faced his fears and desires and came back to himself fully - the blanket is gone.

Because Viktor doesn't need the externalised symbol of everything he's trying to let go off. All the yearning and desire to live is within him now (also Jayce is actually there with him, bet that helps).

---

I think this is the major point I disagree with in other, more pessimistic reads of the show's themes. That it's a story about oppressed people lashing out and breaking themselves in various ways to escape the pressure and threat of death from the world. That it doesn't go anywhere but conformity or death. Oh, I can write another separate essay about how Viktor and Jayce didn't die at the end and how important it is that it didn't happen (and i did!). This whole rant is part of it, too.

And I mean, bad things do happen to people in the story, they do lash out and break.

----

And yet, Viktor wears the blanket. Clings to it so strongly it becomes part of his godhood. Strong enough to eventually tell about it all (back in time) to Jayce.

And yet, even under unimaginable pressure, after breaking completely, Viktor is still holding on to that blanket. Is still human. Despite what the world told him all his life. Despite the world wanting him dead, gone, forgotten, not caring one bit, despite Viktor agreeing with all this eventually. He holds the blanket close.

Despite Viktor becoming a monster in everyone else's minds, a real threat to the proper Piltover society and his own people in Zaun. Despite all that, Jayce can still look at Viktor at his worst, most distant and cruel and say "I see you. I need you. As you are".

Despite Viktor going past any possible point of no return, destroying his body and mind, and being ready to destroy the world, too, despite giving in to everything he feared. Viktor can still hear it from Jayce and realise he was wrong.

Despite fucking it up infinite amount of times, there was still always the chance to get it right, and they found it.

----

Like. Isn't it wild. No amount of dehumanisation or cruelty you experienced can make you less human. Less worthy of care and love.

That blanket, man. I can't.

[sticcmann]

Jinx and Orianna designs for a Sinco au where everything basically plays out the same except silco and singed have been together for 13 years as of season 1 act 3

Jinx is raised by both of them. She assisted Singed until she was 16 when she got her own lab and started working mainly for Silco. Singed is a man of medicine, so he actually gave Jinx antipsychotics regularly, and she recovered and stopped taking them 3 (more research pending?) years before act 2

The events of the show are mostly the same — Jinx has a psychotic relapse after she finds out her sister isn’t dead and does the shit she does, except Singed, when he got his hands on exploded Jinx, doesn't just let her walk out of there, and so no dinner party :DDD everyone lives. Silco and Jinx fire the rocket together after a heart to heart about Jaycies deal and the war between Piltover and Zaun starts. Mel, Ekko and Jayce still disappear, since those circumstances are not connected. Jinx is on the frontlines, Vi joins the firelights. Caitlyn and Ambessa are trying to navigate martial law

Singed still makes Warwick (feels immense guilt for it in relation to Silco, but its ultimately for his daughter) and he is used in the frontlines (kind of what ambessa wanted to do lmao). Silco finds out he is Vander eventually, and Singed has to show him the Orianna room! He visits herald Viktor (because he might be the key to reviving ori) but then Viktor gets killed by saviour Jaycie and Singed brings Warwick to save him. Then he takes some of Viktor’s newly formed cocoon fluid and injects it into Oriannas tube (like in og arcane in that one scene). Orianna is resurrected and Jinx must learn to live with a new little sister. Meanwhile war is still going on.

I have not thought of the evil mage Viktor situation for this AU yet since that is a big part of arcane season 2 but after the war is won and idk how long it takes silco and singed get married!!1!1!

Orianna in this au is also raised by silco and singed. She’s attending private ballet classes and learning mechanics (after the war lmao)

[sandsoftide]

Haven’t seen enough people talking about why timebomb and specifically ekko also suffered from arcane s2 being bad. Spoilers and crit

I’ll say more in depth later when I have gone back and revisited it with a clearer head and let me make it entirely clear I LIKE timebomb in concept. Much like caitvi. Like I see the vision I just don’t like a lot of the creative choices

Ekko in s1 was a REVOLUTIONARY he built the firelights w his own two hands and was sort of a foil to jinx and silco, he hated them but he wasn’t going to roll over to piltover either. He wanted independence but not through exploitation. He was a leader and a caretaker and mature beyond his years bc he was forced to be. And he hates Jinx bc she reminds him of that trauma and he’s betrayed by what she became like there’s SO much there look at it

In s2 he goes “hm my tree is being weird” and then gets sucked into the timey wimey thing and disappears for a whole act and the firelights aren’t even MENTIONED (and ik he wasn’t a major character in s1 either but like, he was still important and relevant to the plot throughout bc of the firelights?)

Then he gets sucked into this au portal (cool concept and cool execution) and falls in love with powder or whatever. And she ISNT JINX. SHE IS NOT THE JINX WE KNOW BC JINX IN MAIN TIMELINE IS FULLY BUILT FROM HER EXPERIENCES AND TRAUMA AND MENTAL ILLNESS. Like what Jayce said to viktor that’s part of her whether it hurts her or not. Her trauma doesn’t define her but it’s a part of her! And then all of a sudden Ekko’s sad bc he misses jinx (who iirc last time he met they had the whole I hate you and I miss you talk and they fought and both thought the other dead or whatever?) and then he’s talking her off the ledge even though he has absolutely no reason to! Because he DOESNT KNOW HER he knows literally nothing she’s done since s1 finale!!! Even the “jinx as a symbol for revolution” stuff from act 1 that went nowhere he would know NOTHING ABOUT bc he basically immediately went to Jayce? And they never did the revolutionary jinx stuff that was implied w the flag waving either so there’s no connection there either

Like a full episode was spent developing timebomb and it was interesting but also contributed nothing bc that is not jinx. She just feels like a mpdg and he doesn’t feel like ekko bc he needs to be in love w her for the plot? So they do absolutely nothing interesting they could for timebomb and still make it the entirety of ekko’s plot while tossing out the firelights and the zaun v. Piltover plotline as a whole

i mean again its hard to say bc this is right. objectively. like the stuff w timebomb was objectively well written. i just feel like it doesnt give ekko the space to be his own character outside of the ship? my point isnt that the stuff was poorly written i actually enjoyed it a lot and i think they did a good job w it i just also feel like it does ekko a disservice to have that be his only plotline and how it doesnt feel like it connects to his character in s1

i feel similarly about other plots in s2, like mel's. like yes this is good stuff! i love seeing mel in the spotlight the black rose magic stuff is interesting in a vacuum but also its totally separate from the interesting thematic roles in s1 that dealt with AGAIN THE CLASS CONFLICT AND POLITICS and dropping that for something different feels. like its a disservice to the characters, i guess?

also by having the timebomb development take place primarily in an au with powder and NOT jinx we dont really get to see jinx's thoughts at all. it feels like a repeat of s1 where someone is trying to save POWDER and not jinx, they dont see her as who she is now but rather who she was or could have been. which couldve been interesting to explore but they clearly werent interested in that ANYWAYS

[avelera]

do u think ximena blames herself for Jayce’s death. always wanting him to be happy but safe more than anything else, see him playing w fire for years while there was implied distance between them and then that happens like RAAAH

For his death (or disappearance) in 2.09? No.

I think she mourns her son but she wouldn't blame herself. Jayce was armed for battle in a fight for the survival of Piltover. Totally normal people enlisted in order to defend the city and died in the process. Tons of other families would have lost people in the conflict. It wouldn't be something she'd have any reason to blame herself for, based on what anyone would know about the showdown between him and Viktor. It would just seem like Jayce died/disappeared during the battle just like many others. Unless of course everyone was connected to Viktor through the psychic net he cast over the city, and was able to see what was happening and Ximena was included. But even then, it would clearly have been Jayce's choice then to leave with his lab partner to wherever they disappeared to.

Now, if Jayce had died during 1.02, when he first went to stand on that ledge the night he met Viktor? On the same night where his last words to his mother would have been, "If my own family won't help me, I'll find someone who will."?

If Jayce had died that night it would have destroyed her. He basically said he's disowning his family for failing to support his dream and for calling him mentally unwell in front of the Council of Piltover in order to save him from being exiled. Jayce would literally have rather died than have his mother rescue him the way she did. And if he had gone through with his attempt, it would have been an unspeakably painful note for them to part on.

But no, by the time Jayce did die/disappear in 2.09, he's a grown man, an adult, who has been a Councilor and a symbol to the city as the Man of Progress, who is fully in control of his own actions and at least on the surface, died while heroically defending the city against invaders. There'd be no reason for her to blame herself by then.

[kurthummeldeservesbetter]

I'll have to find the post that touched on this later but it made me think; the whole Glorious Evolution thing + battle probably didn't do much to really connect the cities because, if we assume the council tries to just blow over all the events (especially since Caitlyn is no longer on it) then it's again, a Zaun vs Piltover conflict.

Because:

Everything was "fine" down in the fissures where Viktor/The Herald was healing and keeping peace. The only people who really knew the awful effects are either "dead"/missing (Viktor, Jayce, Jinx) leaving the country (Mel) or have other things to worry about (Caitlyn, Ekko, Vi). Correcting the narrative is likely not on the list of things to do.

Then, the "Man of Progress" came, killed the guy healing everyone, and that's where everything went wrong. Things, to most people's perspective, only got bad after that event. Their Herald only became "evil" after a Piltover man shot him.

Then they get roped into this battle against Noxus (lead by the mother of one of the council members, no less) and lose a lot of their people. Then the two main "leaders" of each side dies/disappears (if you can say Viktor was really leading anyone or just doing it all by himself).

So now its like another versus: Did Jayce Talis save the day, or did he ruin a good thing and almost doom the universe and have to clean his mess up? Piltover would clearly take Jayce's side, and most of Zaun would take Viktor's, because they have no reason to believe (and it's rightful they don't believe) a thing anyone from Piltover tells them.

Like: to the Zaunites, Jayce Talis came and shot up a seemingly peaceful guy healing everyone, and only then did that guy descend into madness. There's no way any of them are believing anything otherwise, because the two people who know the whole truth are gone (Viktor and Jayce). (Ya know, unless Jayce told that small meeting room everything, which makes the tale to tell even wilder)

[lemoncattea]

Arcane 4am Rant season2 act 3 SPOILERS

Its like 4 in the morning and I'm losing it!

I just finished arcane act 3 season 2 and fuck I don't have friends to talk to this about so...

tumblr rant

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!!!!

SEVIKA

Sevika being around and present for Piltover because of the connection she and the other zuanites have to their home and just the show of there compassion but also they only want those who are willing and not just those who have fighting ability. But seeing they care for their own; sending mothers and children away for safely. Makes you wonder if Jinx told her what happened to Isha.

Also love the fact she takes up the mantle of being a symbol of Zuan after jinx but also because she's seen each side Vander's (Peace) but only for some parts as that all he could do. Silco's (Power) causing infighting and sacrificing the weak and those out of his control and the one jinx made by accident (Hope) for life without the grey and enough food for everyone and one where everyone is equal topside or the undercity. Then Sevika left with a chair at the councillor's table now a leader for the Zuan taking up where jinx left she's hope but also remembrance of what divide can cause.

JINX RANT part

Jinx cutting her hair and finally letting go of all of her past and moving forward for her sister and the world. Lovely to see her grow and change this past season. It destroyed me which the fact we know that had she not died along side Vander. She could have had a life with Ekko and her sister. Also her and Vander's death were a great parallel to her death of powder and Isha. Being the death of innocent and agape. Also been loving the people who also noticed the parallels of jinx and Viktor being brought back from the dead pretty much by someone who cares so deeply for them. Their crazy smart minds and suicidal tendencies, their self worth issues and the fact the go out with someone who cares for them.

Jayce Viktor part of rant

Getting to see what Jayce saw destroyed me and the way Jayce said he never viewed Viktor's illness and disability has something to be a ashamed of but rather a part of Viktor that he admired as it made him who he was.

It's a confirming how much Jayce cares for Viktor. Then when Jayce shows Viktor that he was mage and the one to send back to stop himself. The fact that he was the mage was a theory I had but the fact he lead there to the hammer because what Viktor did resulted nothing but loneliness and destruction. Also when Viktor said in all timelines and all possibles only you can show this.

Also just the way he held Viktor's hand to help him contain the rune. But more than once they were separated and the fact at the first few times Viktor reached out to Jayce but stopped reaching out in the same way he stopped reaching out to Jayce in the first season when was getting sicker and changing himself with the shimmer and runes. It a great parallel of that but also it reflected the fact that he felt like he shouldn't reach out but each time Jayce comes to him like he's done time and time again.

You can see it in Viktor's eyes he's nervous and frustrated then for finally time Jayce's hand comes in wrapping around Viktor's. The way he place his other hand on Viktor's neck and they let the foreheads touch. They are so cannon!

Then they turned to dust and returned the world to normal together and then disappeared together that was Affection LOVE *cough cough* that held them together but seriously arcane took doomed gays ideas and did well like.. together then drifting apart, separated, enemies, friends to lover again to only be returned to dust as if they never existed but forever together. Its sweet and well written like a hozier lyric

[fire-of-the-sun]

Viktor’s “Steel Oasis” Analysis

I’d like to address some of the visual and narrative significance of the “steel oasis” that Viktor returns to multiple times in the show. Ultimately, I think this location acts as an extension of Viktor's psyche - a solitary hideout where he goes to think with gears behind him turning like his mind - and I believe there are multiple visual details to support this. 

We see Viktor brooding in what I assume is some kind of water treatment facility in two scenes within the time span of a few days and, despite the same matte paintings being used beyond some alterations to the lighting, the one distinct difference is that the greenery is more decayed. I think the most obvious purpose for this is that it’s meant to reflect both Viktor's internal and external state - as his body and mind are decaying, so is the foliage. (I think it’s also possible that the way plants are being used in relation to Viktor throughout the show is purposeful, as he’s also been using them in his experiments in which they also rapidly wither and die). 

The second reason they added this detail could also be to reflect the overall decaying state of the Undercity that has withered under Silco’s reign. Though the Undercity was never presented as a haven of prosperity and beauty of course, there is a marked difference between the look and feel of what we see from its present state and what we see in Viktor’s childhood. Gone is the bright sun and verdant greens of his youth. The children are gone, it’s empty, quiet and somber.

Let’s talk about the lighting. As I’ve already stated, both scenes are painted almost identical even with the light cutting across the keyhole-like opening in the same place, dividing the image equally between dark and light. It’s interesting that, of the three openings in the wall that we see, he chooses to return to this one - the one in-between. Throughout the show, Viktor is often shown fully or partially hidden in shadow, and the lighting here could perhaps be used with the same intention of displaying the duality within him. 

Beyond the placement of the light, the color and mood of the lighting was also altered in the second scene. The color palette is cooler, enhancing its somber tone. Both scenes are rather melancholy, but there is still warmth to the first that the second lacks. Just like the plants, I believe this is also meant to reflect his worsening mental and emotional state. What little life there is here is dying, the light is dimming, and he’s stuck between it and the shadows. Life and death. Piltover and Zaun.

So why does Viktor go here? What does it mean to him? Overall, this location serves to show us the connection he still has to his home - a reminder of who he was and where he comes from. From that high ledge he can also see the damage the Undercity has endured. See the rot. So close and yet so far from actually be able to help it, I think the location is also meant to emphasize that desire in him. He chooses to go somewhere. Viktor spreading Sky’s ashes here also speaks to it being an important location to him and their shared past in the Undercity.

He may have been returning to this place for years (Jayce says he disappears sometimes, and this could be where he goes each time), but regardless of whether it’s a frequent stop or somewhere he hasn’t visited in a while, we’re probably seeing him return now specifically after receiving the news of his prognosis. Knowing that he’s now on the verge of death, I imagine he’d go there to reflect on his life and, as he admits to Heimerdinger, what little he believes he’s actually accomplished. To ponder all the things he hasn’t done and the legacy he doesn’t believe he’s secured. 

Now, it’s important to note that the water treatment facility that he's in wasn't present in his childhood and I’ve seen it suggested that Heimerdinger’s line and resulting wide shot of the building, implies that Viktor may have had a hand in building it:

Heimerdinger: “You should be proud of the things you’ve accomplished, Viktor.”

If that’s the case, then choosing to go there and literally sit within something he built says a lot. I don’t believe it would act as an ego booster for him of course, if anything it makes him feel worse about the things he hasn't done and thinks he never will.

Perhaps after becoming Jayce’s partner, he gained the relative power and ability to push for the creation of such facilities. It makes sense that he'd know the help this specific location and its people need and would want to restore a special place of his childhood. Still, it has nothing to do with Hextech and, as far as we know, their scientific endeavors to “improve lives” have only been centered around that. Also, as already stated, Viktor laments not being able to help people in the ways he wanted, and I think that would definitely classify as helping the Undercity to some degree even if it's not as much as he wanted. 

With that in mind, I’m not so sure that theory is true, but still, simply being in the presence of something that is helping people continues to show how important that is to him. 

Heimerdinger: "It's nice to know some things never change. Feels like just yesterday I stumbled upon an aspiring young scholar from the Undercity here, ruminating in his steel oasis."

It’s also important to note that Heimerdinger seems to imply that he found Viktor there and if he means that exact location and not just the Undercity in general, then the facility was built while Viktor was still living there which means he probably had no hand in building it, especially depending on how old he was when Heimerdinger found him. (This is pure speculation, but if he was old enough, he could have perhaps volunteered to help build blueprints or offer guidance in building it as he was not physically able to work in the mines and factories and this display of knowledge and desire to help others is what impressed Heimerdinger in the first place and another reason why he’s so adamant to help others because he’s already attempted that hands-on work?) But again, that ties back to the problem of him still feeling unaccomplished in his endeavors to help the Undercity and the most likely theory I believe is that he probably didn’t have a hand in creating it and he’s simply been going there since he was young.

Lastly, it’s been pointed out before that there's a cool potential easer egg in the design of the drains, which look eerily similar to the mask of the Machine Herald he will one day wear, which is another visual clue to tie him to this location. 

These are just some of my thoughts and speculation on this location and its significance. I’m hoping we see it more next season! Like the rest of the show, I think the subtle visual details of these moments are no accident. They could have kept the exact same background paintings for both scenes but they chose to repaint the plants and alter the lighting for a reason.

To read more of my thoughts and analysis of Viktor and Arcane, search the tag #ArcaneMeta on my blog!

[blueroseava]

Unfinished Business Part 4

Part 1 ; Part 2 ; Part 3

This is the final part, so I hope you all enjoy it. I just want to add this and say that I don't hate Jayce, I'm just using him as an antagonist because it made sense in this case that he would complicate things. So please, no Jayce hate, I honestly feel he is a redeemable character and I can't wait for season 2 of Arcane. And again, NO under 18's.

Pairing: Yandere Machine Viktor x F Reader

Warnings: Angst, Conflict, Swearing, Fighting, Blood, Smut, mentions of Death. Please read and interact responsibly.

The next few moments go by impossibly quickly; but to your eyes and in your mind, it feels like everything plays out in slow motion. Blitzcrank quickly pushes a distraught Ambrose into your arms before rushing to protect his father, moving much faster than you’d think possible for such a large automaton. Jayce’s hammer connects with Blitz who uses his body as a shield to protect Viktor, knocking him backwards into a wall with a loud clang reverberating through the room. The Hex-claw comes to life, pushing out from beneath Viktor’s cape to focus on the hammer. The orb at its centre turns a molten red like an angry eye, before a beam of energy shoots out, cutting through the handle of the hammer like a hot knife through butter. The head of the massive hammer drops to the ground sending blue sparks in all directions, the impact shaking the room as Viktor pushes Jayce into a wall with enough force to rattle his skull; throwing over a table and sending everything on top of it flying. Fighting for air, Jayce starts to grasp and claw at the hand squeezing at his throat, trying to break free as Viktor snarls in his face, the Hex-claw moving to refocus on Jayce while Ambrose sobs the words “Stop it!” repeatedly as you hold him against your chest. Blitzcrank pushes back onto his feet, releasing steam from all of his joints at the effort, a large dent now evident on the front of his armoured body. You feel your chest fill with a large pull of air as you see Blitz getting ready to re-join the scuffle.

“STOP!! That’s enough!!”

Your voice resounding off the walls as you cradle Ambrose protectively and all eyes turn to you, everyone seemingly frozen in place for a moment. With a huff, Viktor lets go of Jayce who slides to the ground with a loud thud while Blitzcrank gathers the head of the broken hammer and crushes it between his hands, sending broken parts and pieces raining down to the ground as another bout of steam releases from his joints with a loud hiss. Looking over to Jinx you feel relieved to see that she is just unconscious, her breathing steady. As Jayce starts to get up you nail him with a glare that could turn a Basilisk to stone and he freezes in place; a look of shock on his face.

“Stay right where you are or I won’t be so kind as to ask them to stop a second time.”

You walk to Blitzcrank and he opens his arms welcomingly for Ambrose who snuggles right up against his brother when you hand him over.

“Blitz, please take Ambrose to his room for now and stay with him. The adults need to try and have a conversation.”

Blitzcrank nods and you lovingly wipe away a few tears still clinging to Ambrose’s cheeks, trying to calm him as best you can for now. Once you step back; Blitz walks out with Ambrose who’s clinging to him; arms wrapped tightly around his brother’s neck as he softly whimpers. You walk to your room and quickly retrieve your first aid kit before returning to the now wrecked party room, feeling your blood boil at the ruined event. Kneeling next to Jinx you gently place her head in your lap to examine her head, your first aid kit lying open next to you as you speak to Jayce without looking up, your voice thick with emotion.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Viktor is standing close to you as he keeps an eye on Jayce, his Hex-claw still out and ready for anything. Jayce gapes at you like you’ve just grown a second head.

“Me?! I’m not the one who disappeared and is now living with a monster.”

Your head snaps up at that as your eyes narrow in Jayce’s direction, your voice laced with venom.

“Call him a monster again and you and I will have a problem.”

“Clearly, we already have a problem; because you’re obviously suffering from Stockholm syndrome.”

He gestures around frantically at the decorations and then at Jinx as he speaks.

“I mean you’re playing house with this… this THING and his evil minions!”

Viktor lets out a soft cackle as he lifts his mask to reveal his face, stunning Jayce into silence.

“Is that any way to speak to your old partner?”

“You’re supposed to be dead.”

There’s a cruel smile that plays over Viktor’s features, like something he’s suspected for a long time, has just been confirmed.

“Ah. So you never intended to help me with my illness. You were happy to stand back and let me die, all the while pretending to be busy with urgent council matters.”

You look up at Viktor in shock and confusion.

“What do you mean?”

“Why don’t you ask Jayce that question, my dove?”

You feel Jinx begin to stir in your lap; when suddenly she jumps up and with an ear-splitting scream jumps onto Jayce, tackling him to the ground; where she proceeds to send punches flying at his face that he can only try and block. Viktor groans audibly before walking over to them, slowly reaching around the waist of Jinx, before tearing her off of Jayce. She kicks and screams as she tries to claw in Jayce’s direction, clearly not done with him.

“Fuck you! Put me down! Pretty boy deserves a make-over for what he did!”

You try not to laugh at how adorable and ridiculous this all looks; Viktor holding up a kicking and wriggling Jinx who’s glaring daggers in Jayce’s direction. Jayce stands up, making a show of dusting himself off, looking every bit the Piltover Councilman he is and reminding you of the seriousness of this situation.

“You should really leash your dog.”

You stand up and stalk over to Jayce, ready to lay into him since it seems he’s forgotten his manners, again.

“Don’t talk about her like that. Either start treating everyone with respect or… HEY! JAYCE!”

As you get near him, he reaches out and grabs you, turning you to face Viktor as he pulls your back flush with his chest and wraps an arm tightly and possessively around your shoulders to hold you in place against him. Viktor’s eyes grow cold and dark as he drops Jinx to the floor, a murderous look engulfing his features and you feel panic grip your heart as you reach up to dig your nails into Jayce’s arm.

“Jinx, please go check on Ambrose and Blitzcrank and let them know everything will be alright? And please make sure that, no matter what, they stay in his room.”

She gets up and walks out begrudgingly as she mutters to herself.

“Typical. You guys get to have all the fun.”

You feel warm breath against your ear, but the words still chill you to the bone.

“Yes, keep him busy until I can retrieve him. I think it’s about time he and his mother come home.”

The temperature in the room drops as both men glare at each other, clearly at a bit of a stalemate. Jayce has no weapon that you can see, but he has you as a hostage; while Viktor has his Hex-claw, but attacking might just end up putting you in even more danger. The arm around you tightens, almost crushing the breath from you and pressing your body even more into his. You can feel his chest move with every breath and with the vibrations of his every word, the feeling making you squirm.

“She belongs with me, not some metal monster of a man she used to care about.”

“Ah. It seems I was indeed correct in surmising that this has always been about Y/N. Tell me, friend? Did it piss you off when she chose me over you? The frail cripple from the Undercity over the handsome inventor from Piltover?”

You hear Jayce’s teeth clench as the hand that’s holding onto your shoulder starts to dig its fingers into your skin and you fight against the pain, not wanting Viktor to see.

“It made no sense. I was the obvious choice, the right choice. After all, what did you even have to offer her? That’s why I thought she left you. That she’d finally come to her senses!”

“SHE is right here and she’s getting pissed!”

With an animalistic snarl you didn’t think you were capable of you bite down on his arm hard enough to draw blood, pouring all of your anger and hurt into the action. With a yell he rips his arm away and the motion sends you spinning and almost falling to the floor, luckily Viktor quickly steps forward to catch you and set you back on your feet. You’re about to thank him when a horrifying and familiar sound makes your ears perk up. You turn just in time to see Jayce aim the now cocked gun at Viktor’s chest…

You didn’t feel the bullet as it pierced your skin, adrenaline making you numb to the pain as you put yourself in its path to protect the man you love. It’s a strange sensation, since you remember someone once told you how getting shot hurt, a lot. How the bullet would burn upon entry. But you just feel numb, an odd buzzing in your ears, like the wind has suddenly started blowing indoors. Your body starts to feel heavy as you lie on the floor and all you can do is watch as Viktor uses his Hex-claw to sever the arm that Jayce is using to hold his gun. Jayce grabs the small stump that remains of his arm, his face contorted in pain as he yells something at Viktor before running out. Suddenly pain sparks through you like an explosion as Viktor pulls off his cape to press it to your open wound, a small box falling from one of the pockets only to open as it hits the ground, sending a ring flying into the air. You feel your consciousness slipping as tears well up in your eyes and you look up at Viktor. You can’t hear what he’s saying, but he looks frantic as he holds the cloth to your chest, like he’s begging you to stay. But everything is red, your clothes, his hands, even the floor. More red as you reach up to place your hand on his cheek, smiling at him, the man you love with all your heart, and the man you would gladly give your life for.

“Please take care of Ambrose and Blitzcrank and Jinx for me? I love you Viktor, always.”

You try and fight it for as long as you can, but finally darkness consumes you, the last thing you see is Viktor as he leans down to kiss your lips one last time.

…

It’s been a few months since everything happened. Blitzcrank is standing at the door, the locked door that is never allowed to be opened again. The memories it holds too painful. He tries the handle, but it barely moves. His shoulders lift slightly before they slump back down, a mannerism he’s learned from Jinx, it’s his way to indicate a sigh. Turning, he walks down the hall to peak into Ambrose’s room. Jinx is inside, laughing as Ambrose tries and fails to hit a target she’s drawn on his wall. She ruffles his hair and takes out her own gun, showing him how to stand and aim to improve his accuracy. Her voice is upbeat as she jokes.

“Just pretend it’s someone you don’t like and you’re aiming for their no-no spot.”

Ambrose laughs as he mimics her stance, his toy gun carrying a few of his own modifications; like the new sight that has a magnifier attached. Blitz does a soft clap as Ambrose fires again, his aim improving with each shot. Jinx jumps up and down with delight.

“Whoo! I better watch out. One day you’ll be an even better shot than I am, kid!”

Ambrose has grown a lot in a short time, more serious and mature now. He works hard at everything he does, wanting to get better no matter how difficult it might be. He still helps Viktor and Blitzcrank in the lab whenever he isn’t studying, he wants to follow in Viktor’s footsteps, to become a great scientist and inventor. Blitz nods to himself; his brother is very intelligent and he knows Ambrose will achieve whatever he sets his mind to. The clock chimes softly, letting Blitz know it’s time to get to work. He walks towards the lab, seeing Viktor working intently on something. A few modifications have been made to the lab; the operating table has been upgraded with straps for difficult patients who don’t do well under anaesthesia, a small cupboard has been stocked with actual medicine for patients instead of only being filled with Shimmer and the Hex-core that changed Viktor’s life is no longer inside the lock box under his desk. Oh, and one of the walls now boasts a blackboard that’s currently filled with pictures of Jayce and notes on his daily schedule and any patterns he follows. Viktor swore he would get his revenge, and Blitz knows his father always keeps his word. Recent pictures indicate that Jayce has replaced his lost arm with a metal one, the irony of it wasn’t lost on anyone. Metal monster. Footsteps break his concentration and draws his attention back to the door, happiness washing over him as he watches you enter, walking over to wrap your arms around Viktor’s shoulders and place a kiss on his cheek.

“Darling. I’m bored. And I believe it’s time for my check-up.”

With a satisfied hum Viktor removes his mask and turns around to place a kiss on your lips as he stands up.

“Blitzcrank, I left a note on the counter of items I require for another patient. Please go to the shop and purchase these items for me? And close the door to the lab on your way out.”

Blitz nods, picking up the note before walking out.

“Yes, father unit.”

Viktor picks you up as the click of the door locking can be heard and places you on his table, standing between your legs. You still can’t believe how everything turned out, it feels like a dream; but when Viktor kisses you, you know this is real. He somehow used what was left of the Hex-core from all those years ago to fix you. Where it fought with Viktor and killed Sky, it somehow melded with you. It had melted the moment it touched your blood, oozing into your chest to become your new heart and immediately filled your body with all the blood you had lost. Viktor then grafted some synthetic skin onto your chest and back to close the holes left by Jayce and his gun, leaving a metallic coloured diamond in both areas. You can feel the one that’s between and slightly above your breasts as Viktor places his hand over your heart after removing your shirt. You lean in to kiss him, your hands wrapping around the band of his loincloth to pull him closer. Your love for each other has only grown after everything, and moments like these have become a regular occurrence. Viktor makes quick work of your clothes, needing to feel your skin as he presses his body against yours. Your kissing becomes more heated and needy as he picks you up, wrapping your legs around his waist as he pins you up against a cold wall that makes you gasp. The moment your lips part you feel his tongue push inside your mouth to claim it. Your arms wrap around his neck to tangle your hands in his hair, moaning softly against his lips. His fingertips dig into your hips as he holds you up to push his hard cock inside of you, stretching you and filling you. He makes you feel whole in more ways than one and your appreciative moan lets him know just how good he makes you feel as your pussy clenches around him. You feel his hips buck as he bites your bottom lip, sucking on it before kissing you again. He starts a slow thrusting rhythm at first, torturing you with every thrust and you scratch your nails along his scalp as you moan.

“Viktor. Please.”

You feel him grin against your lips as he picks up the pace, his thrusts becoming faster and you roll your hips in time to match him. He moans, a deep and low sound that rumbles through his chest.

“You are my everything, Y/N.”

With another thrust you feel yourself come undone, shattering into pieces as you automatically clench around him, your body wanting to feel his release. You hold onto him for dear life, moaning his name as your body shakes from pleasure. That’s all he needs to drive him over the edge and you feel his warmth fill you as he moans your name. You cling to each other as you both ride the waves of your orgasms. It isn’t long before all you can hear is each other’s breathing and the comforting feel of his body pressed to yours. You know you aren’t dead, but this sure feels like heaven to you.

[blueares]

Ruination Rewrite: Character List

Sentinels

Vayne

Having devoted her life to fighting back monsters that prowl in the dark, Vayne joined the Sentinels to aid in their struggle against Viego and his ceaseless tide of the undead. Her years of experience and hatred for monsters of any kind makes her a perfect fit for the order, though her cold and ruthless personality sometimes puts Vayne at odds with some of the team's more unscrupulous members.

Olaf

In his relentless pursuit of a worthy death, Olaf joined the Sentinels hoping that the Harrowing will conjure a foe capable of slaying him at last. Having lost an eye to the corrupted Barbarian King Tryndamere, Olaf charges headlong into the swarm of wraiths spreading across Runeterra with his newly-forged Relic axes, hoping to solidify his legend in a world on the brink of Ruination.

Riven

After narrowly escaping Draven's arena with the aid of the Sentinels, Riven found herself lost and seeking purpose. A wanted fugitive in Noxus and unable to return to Ionia, Riven was prepared to wander alone in search of a new home until she was unexpectedly invited to join the Sentinels of Light. Now, she wields a new blade for a new cause: to drive back the Ruined King's forces in the hopes that doing so will at last bring her the redemption she seeks for her past.

Shen

When the Black Mist came to Ionia, the Eye of Twilight felt the scales of balance tip in favor of darkness. Seeking to rectify this imbalance, Shen confronted Viego on the beaches of his homeland, only to be overwhelmed by the Ruined King's power. Narrowly saved by the Sentinels' intervention, Shen agreed to an alliance between their orders, taking up a Relicstone sword in place of his Ionian steel saber to better combat the forces of the undead.

Diana

After a near-death confrontation with Ruined Pantheon, Diana found her connection to the Celestial realm shaken by a blow from the war god's spear. As the Aspect of the Moon recovers, Diana must take up Sentinel armaments to combat the growing tide of Black Mist if she is to ensure that her people, the Lunari, live to see another moonrise.

Jayce

The self-proclaimed "Hero of Piltover," Jayce joined the Sentinels in a bid to save his city from Ruination. Combining Sentinel craftsmanship with Piltover engineering, Jayce has upgraded his beloved Mercury Hammer with Relicstone to better combat the undead. Unbeknownst to his allies, though, Jayce wishes not only to save Piltover, but also the one man he ever called a friend...

Graves

A lawless scoundrel from Bilgewater, Graves joined the Sentinels for one reason and one reason only: to find his missing partner. After Twisted Fate's mysterious disappearance at the start of the Harrowing, Graves deduced that the Black Mist must be behind the card mage's sudden disappearance and that fighting Viego may reveal Fate’s whereabouts. Though Graves’ attitude and complete disregard for Sentinel code grates on his allies, he more than makes up for it when blasting through hordes of undead with his custom-made Destiny III.

Rengar

Once the apex predator of the Kumungu Jungles, Rengar finds himself now relentlessly hunted through his own territory by the ghosts of his former prey. Seeking to drive out the Black Mist and restore his place at the top of the food chain, Rengar joins the Sentinels to hunt down the one responsible for its invasion: Viego, the Ruined King himself.

Ruined

Shyvana

Years of prejudice and discrimination in Demacia have stirred bitterness and contempt in Shyvana's soul. Though once able to find comfort in those few she called friends, the Black Mist has fueled Shyvana’s resentment for the world that so often tries to condemn her. Now, she embraces the monster that so many believe her to be, unleashing her burning fury on anyone who draws breath.

Tryndamere

When the Black Mist took hold on Tryndamere's soul, it unleashed the fury that he has spent years tempering as king of the Avarosa. Now driven to a near-constant state of Berserker rage, Tryndamere is more beast than man, rampaging endlessly and cutting down anyone or anything that dares to get in his way. Even Viego struggles to truly control the Ruined Barbarian King, instead turning Tryndamere on his enemies and letting the beast run wild.

Draven

Little changed when the Black Mist took hold on Draven's soul. In fact, Ruination has only stoked the executioner's ego even further. No longer content to be the best in Noxus, Draven seeks the eternal praises of all Runeterra: an undying global audience which can cheer his name for all time, even if he has to perform for the Ruined King himself.

Lillia

Once a peaceful and timid spirit devoted to safeguarding dreams, Lillia has now devoted herself to protecting one dream in-particular: that of the Ruined King. Lillia now believes that only the beauty and purity of Viego's twisted love can save her Mother Tree and restore peaceful dreams to the world forevermore.

Pantheon

Through the necromantic powers of the Black Mist, the fallen god Pantheon has returned. Seeking retribution for his demise at the hands of the Darkin Aatrox, Pantheon readies himself to wage war on the living world and bring Ruination to all Runeterra. Before he can see his ambition to fruition, however, Pantheon must first win the war within himself for control over Atreus's body, who remains stubbornly defiant...

Viktor

Seeing a new path toward advancement, Viktor has embraced Ruination as the next logical step in human evolution. Able to transform fragile flesh and remove unnecessary emotion, the Black Mist is all that Viktor desires and more. With it, he can upgrade not just humanity, but Runeterra itself...

Gangplank

Desperate to take back his throne as the pirate lord of Bilgewater, Gangplank turned to Viego in a bid for power. Through the Black Mist, Gangplank has not only resurrected his old crew and ship, but finally acquired the strength to challenge Sarah Fortune's reign over the city of Bilgewater.

Other

Rookie

A young Sentinel recruit with next to no combat experience or training. Despite this, Rookie was still chosen by the Wayfinder, a unique Relic capable of allowing instantaneous travel between Sentinel outposts and a means of instantly traveling to the organization’s headquarters. Though Rookie is oft considered the weakest member of the group, they possess a knack for words and inspiring others in dire situations.

Unbound Thresh

With the aid of Mordekaiser’s magic, Thresh has at last freed himself from the confines of the Black Mist. With this new freedom comes the ability to transform himself, taking on a guise similar to the flesh and blood he once possessed in life without any of the limitations. Thresh now wanders the world unfettered, gathering souls for his collection while aiding in Mordekaiser's conquest.

-----

When the Ruination came and transformed the Blessed Isles into the now-infamous Shadow Isles, Thresh embraced the change wholeheartedly. For years he delighted in tormenting the living and the dead alike by trapping them in his lantern, but it eventually became apparent to Thresh that he, himself, was a prisoner.

Bound to the Black Mist and unable to leave the Shadow Isles for much longer than the span of a Harrowing, Thresh realized that this existence wasn’t so different from the years he spent isolated in the darkness of the vaults of Helia. Eventually, he began seeking a means of escaping the Mist, even if it meant dethroning the Ruined King himself.Eventually, Thresh’s search brought him back to the Vaults of Helia, where he perused the forbidden artifacts once placed under his care in the hopes that one might contain the key to his freedom.

After searching tirelessly through the many forsaken relics locked away by his order, Thresh came upon one that thrummed with an eerily familiar power: the skull of an ancient tyrant said to have once conquered death itself. As Thresh grasped the skull, a voice spoke out to him in an ancient tongue the warden did not recognize, but somehow understood. It promised him freedom and power in exchange for one thing: to help restore the warlord’s spirit to the land of the living.

It was then that an unholy pact was formed, and Thresh soon learned the name of the ancient spirit in question: Mordekaiser. For years, Mordekaiser and Thresh cooperated in secret, working together to undermine Viego’s search for the fetters of his queen, Isolde.

When the Ruined King was foiled by the Sentinels of Light, Thresh and Mordekaiser seized their opportunity. Now, as the lords of undeath contest each other control of the Shadow Isles, Thresh ventures to Noxus to aid in infiltrating the Immortal Bastion... While relishing in the new powers granted to him by his patron along the way.