expiationlogs | Dreamscape Catch-all~

[Sitting by his lonesome dressed in his usual dapper attire Ekko lights the incense surrounding the shrine devoted to his big sister after her untimely demise. All but collapsing on the couch cushion under the tented monument the boy lets out an exasperated sigh running a hand along the nape of his neck before closing his eyes trying to find some semblance of peace.

It had been years since the incident occurred where he put the gang up to the task of infiltrating the Talis workshop but not a day goes by he couldn't forgive himself giving the intel for the job that went horribly sideways. Sure they all knew the risks but he wasn't there himself to ultimately take the brunt of it, hiding away in Benzo's shop waiting for them to return like a coward. Rightfully he should have been there arm in arm helping his comrades to achieve their mission successfully. Maybe he could have done something to prevent the catastrophe from occurring at all and they would all be here today enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Although who knows how that would have changed the world that he knew making way for the discovery of Hextech once again to cause chaos between Zaun and Piltover. It was peaceful between their conjoined city states something they could have only dreamed of in their proper timelines, a noble sacrifice but it did nothing to dull the pang of loss he felt on a daily basis.]

Hey Vi...It's me...Ekko.

[Slowly opening his gaze to stare over at her portrait with a solemn expression, fighting back the urge to cry as tears well up in the corner of his eyes.]

I know you would have given me some sort of lecture about staying strong in the face of adversity and pushing on when the going gets tough but...Not a day goes by I don't blame myself for what happened. It should have been me...Not you.

[Vi looks at the surroundings as her dreams change. at least she's vaguely aware, in the back of her mind, that these are dreams, but... she's still trapped. she can't quite make it out, can't quite wake up.

so she started wandering, and ended up here.

but then she sees the picture, and she feels like she might be sick.]

... Ekko? What's this?

[she tries to keep her voice even, but she's... really not okay. why is Ekko sitting in front of a shrine of her like this-]

[Lost in his thoughts Ekko almost didn't hear the familiar voice which in this instance had not been for quite sometime given how long she'd been taken before her untimely demise. Eyes light up in both shock and awe upon turning his head to meet the face of his older sibling, immediately standing from his post with his arms raised in front of him in utter bewilderment.

She might notice something a little different about him upon facing her directly, a little bit older than she was normally used to with slicked back white dreads into a ponytail instead of the usual tossed ones.]

V-Vi?

[Voice little louder than a whisper as he stammers out her name with an audible gasp in pure disturbance.]

It can't be...Is it really you?

[... yeah, there's a different look about him. she's not really sure what this dream is, but she knows she doesn't really like it.

her gaze flicks around to where the shrine is, and then back at Ekko, brow furrowing.]

Uh... yeah, dumbass. Why wouldn't it be me?

[she's trying to sound tougher than she feels right now. aaand the question is another fish for information on asking what the fuck is happening here?]

[A flurry of mixed emotions suddenly washes over the older genius standing in place deathly silent as he stares towards Vi disjointly. How could this be possible? For years Ekko had blamed himself for her untimely demise because of his shortcomings but now she stood here completely unscathed from the explosions of the unstable Hexgem they had found in the Talis workshop. Was this some sort of miracle or was he going crazy seeing her as an illusion of grandeur conjured by his damaged psyche?]

But you should be...

[Words drifting off as tears begin to well up in the corner of his eyes, rushing to close the gap betwixt the pair of them to tightly cling to her. A vicelike grip enveloped around her waist practically clawing at Vi's lower back worried she might suddenly disappear.]

I've missed you...so much, Vi.

[???????????

Vi's surprised for a moment as he rushes forward to hug her, and then she slowly wraps her arms around her. she looks at the shrine again, blinking for a moment before she brings her hands up to the back of his neck and shoulders to pull him even closer.]

It's okay, Ekko. I'm here.

[there's a bit of a pause, because she doesn't know if she wants an answer to her next question. but...]

When you're ready, you can tell me what's going on. Okay?

[It takes everything within his power not to simply let his legs give out from under his weight whilst embracing his older sister long since passed on, Ekko sobbing into the crook of her neck uncontrollably as she rectifies any bit of space between them still. Slowly but surely the man pulls away a bit to use the back of his sleeve to wipe any remnants of tears from his cheeks.

A solemn sigh escapes his parted lips trying to collect himself enough to speak on the matter at hand, clearly still a little disoriented to see his counterpart in any capacity but undoubtably filled with happiness nonetheless.]

You might want to sit down for this.

[Motioning her towards the tented shrine her counterpart will notice the wide array of incense along with a portrait of her younger self all topped off with flowers holding her namesake. Taking a seat on one of the cushions as a hand gently smooths through his dreads trying to center himself, Ekko figures he might as well start from the beginning.]

So...You remember that job I gave you the intel for topside raiding that workshop full of odd tech, right? Well...It didn't pan out the same way you might recollect.

[it always breaks her heart when Ekko cries. when anyone she loves cries, really, because she wants to be the one to put them back together. to tell them that everything's all right. that she can fix this.

but she's so far past being able to fix anything. all she can do is watch people around her fall apart. maybe it helps them to have her there to comfort them... but she personally feels so useless.

she rubs a thumb across his face too when he pulls away and lets his arm fall, and when he motions towards the shrine... she finds herself drawing closer to it.]

The ones with those... stones.

[the hexgems in their infancy.]

Stop beating around the bush, Ekko. Spit it out.

[even though the answer's right in front of her, surrounded by incense.]

[Sitting in silence for another minute or two before Vi finally speaks her mind, Ekko bows his head somewhat ashamedly trying his best to push through the conflicted feelings held right about now. There was no point further delaying the inevitable given everything she saw within the shrine dedicated to her, easily capable of putting two and two together.]

That's right...

[Words drifting off as he slowly rises his head to hold her gaze intensely finally mustering up the courage to tell her of the would be fate that awaited her in this alternate universe. He's dreaded this from the moment he saw her standing there but it beats having to put her in the ground again.]

One of the gemstones exploded within the workshop. You...Didn't make it, Vi.

[Vi closes her eyes. she doesn't really know how to handle that. but the shock value of it all is starting to cement one thing in her mind:]

You know... we're dreaming, right?

[she chokes it out. maybe she wants to believe it's a dream now suddenly, so that she doesn't have to face that memorial alter.]

That didn't happen. Not in the real world.

[the next word comes out quiet, and she opens her eyes, looking at the floor. anything else other than that, and she felt like she might lose it.]

... Right?

[Laughter erupts through the tranquil homestead of the Firelights as kids run through the open area without a care in the world, rest of the community gathered throughout either conversing idly or partaking in various activities joyously together. The place had never looked so lively before as the large tree stands healthy thriving more than ever along with the housing of those who called this place home, shacks replaced with various bricked and metal abodes which sprawled as high as possible gracing the outer ridge of the perimeter. A perfect utopia with smiling faces wherever Heimerdinger would look as he passed by the familiar faces greeting him on the way.

Perched up in his humble abode on the outside porch nestled within the treehouse Ekko smiles down towards his mentor giving a pleasant salute followed in short by a jovial smile. He might find it peculiar the Yordle was not met with unexpected bewilderment at the others appearance almost as though he'd never left their sides, the boy savior quick to grab onto a newly created pulley system with footholds connected off the edge of porch in question, whistling for Scar to bring him down, chains slowly moving to bring the leader of the community to ground level with his arms extended out wide in happiness grinning with utter delight at the sight of his mentor.]

There you are Heimerdinger! I was beginning to think you'd ran off somewhere just when the festivities were about to kick off.

[Taking a better look around his counterpart would note strings of vibrant lighting littered throughout the tree's leaves illuminating the dark of night. Kids ran around excitedly with sparklers lit chasing one another as the elders sat by a large firepit drinking their fill, laughing all the while with pints in hand as both Jinx and Vi sat close by playfully teasing one another. He looked older than last they'd met similar in age to that of the alternate universes they both experienced but dawned an untamed hairstyle with tied back long dreads and shaved sides with intricate etchings.]

[ Ever since Jinx had woken him up from his own dream, and explained to him the strange goings-on about Aldrip, Heimerdinger had agreed to assist in paying the favor forward, and waking others from their dreams as well. Some people's dreams were surreal fantastic landscapes that made no sense. Others' were dreaming nightmares full of shadowy monsters and regret.

Ekko, it seems, is dreaming of things being perfect.

Heimerdinger looks around the Firelight hideaway that he has come to think of as his home. The bright colors and light put him in mind of the alternate Zaun, but he sees Jinx and Violet both present, so that cannot be it. It would appear that Ekko's ideal dream includes all his beloved friends, living close to one another in harmony. And, honestly? Heimerdinger cannot blame him. Would that this future could be achieved in waking life...

He's startled from his revelry as (an older...?) Ekko calls out to him from his balcony nestled within the tree's branches. The chain pulley which lowers him to the ground piques Heimerdinger's interest, momentarily distracting him from his mission to wake his (not so) young mentee from this dream. Slowly but surely, without Heimerdinger's conscious awareness, the dream's inner logic is beginning to take a hold of his mind, luring him into the fantasy as well. ]

Festivities? What festivities are those?

[The air was filled with a peaceful disposition not unknown to the members of the Firelight's but certainly not to this degree. It was if all the troubles of the world had suddenly disappeared and everyone was left with smiling faces which to the naked eye would be seen as normalcy but not to someone who knew the inner workings of their home like Heimerdinger of all people.

A hand smooths through the long tendrils of white dreadlocks when pressed about the festivities at large, motioning towards the smorgasbord of food set up, lively entertainment of compatriots gathered around the base of the tree playing instruments leisurely.]

It's a celebration to the lasting peace between Zaun and Piltover over the years of course. We've been doing this for the past several years ever since the fateful day of reckoning that finally brought us together as one nation.

[Kneeling down to eye level with his trusted mentor, Ekko wraps an arm about one of his closest confidants shoulder waving the free hand in grandeur.]

This is the culmination of all our hard work when we are able to thrive instead of fighting each other senselessly.

[ There is something in the back of Heimerdinger's mind, telling him that this is wrong. This is not the way things went. At least, any celebrations of years of lasting peace between Zaun and Piltover should not be counting him amongst the atendees.

But the dream logic is strong, and any assertions of incredulity are smothered by the tantalizing idea of achieving the goal they had been working towards. ]

Ah, of course. How could I have forgotten?

[ He places a much smaller arm on Ekko's back, patting him proudly. Whether he himself is supposed to be here or not, he is proud of all that his pupil has accomplished. ]

[This was exactly how Ekko envisioned a perfect utopia for those closest with his mentor's demise never coming to fruition and basking in this wondrous celebration surrounded by those whom he loved dearly. Even Benzo can be seen joyfully playing with some of the younger kids climbing him like a tree as a thunderous burst of laughter erupting from the pit of his belly. Sure not everyone was accounted for, certain sacrifices having been made to pave the way for this well deserved prosperity but such was the path they walked.

When Heimerdinger acknowledges his words as truth the boy savior smiles earnestly before wrapping his arms around his confidant in a tight embrace, burying the side of his face into the scruff of his companion's face.]

It never could have been made possible without you at my side to guide me, Heimerdinger. I honestly don't know what would have become of us if you hadn't stumbled upon me when I was at my worst.

[ The genuine emotion radiating off of Ekko is enough to seep into Heimerdinger's consciousness, and sink him deeper into the mindset of the dream he's found himself a part of.

He leans into the embrace, bringing up a small gloved hand to appreciatively stroke the length of Ekko's dreads. ]

I could say the same to you, lad. I don't know where I would have gone had we not run into each other that day, beneath the bridge. I was at my lowest moment, having lost faith in both myself and my city, betrayed by the system which I had helped to build. It wasn't until you showed me that innovation can thrive even in the darkest mires of society's downtrodden and forgotten people... That I had any inspiration to continue to work for a better future.

[The comforting embrace of his mentor fills the boy's body with a peaceful sense of calmness, Ekko completely and utterly lost in the dreamscape created to personify his perfect ideologies for their world. If only things could have been ended without so much bloodshed and suffering perhaps this fabled idea could have become reality. Unfortunately their timeline had been filled with hatred and hardship at almost every turn with a few faint glimmers of hope sprinkled throughout, one of the huge outliers his kinship shared with the Yordle who meant more to him than the professor could possibly begin to realize.

He thought of Benzo like a father figure as well loving the man dearly but the bond he formed with Heimerdinger was one of mutual respect and love for the betterment of their world as a whole. The pair dreamt of a world where both Zaun and Piltover could work in harmony to create a utopia much like this desired aspiration as the boy slept the night away in blissful ignorance. When his mentor makes mention of their fate meetings and their goals to usher forth their opportune future for their people, Ekko sighs solemnly before pulling away just enough to give his counterpart a curt nod of his head in agreement.]

We both wished to create a place void of senseless violence where both our nations could thrive and after years of constant struggle we were finally able to achieve our vision. Despite all the darkness that filled our world with needless suffering we found the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to our hopeful aspirations.

[Smile beaming wide over his features as he stands back onto his feet to wave a hand for Heimerdinger to follow along beside him, making their way towards the pulley system which readily allowed them to scale the beloved tree in the middle of their hideout so they might converse freely away from the bustling noise of the celebrations.]

[ As Heimerdinger follows Ekko onto the platform which will be raised up by the pulleys, he waves a small arm out to gesture at the peaceful gathering by the large tree— around its roots, among its branches, everyone communing together in a peace and harmony that was so hard fought for in Zaun and Piltover alike, and especially between the two. ]

And what a light we have found, lad! All our hard work has paid off, and here are the receipts to prove it.

[ There's still a lingering feeling in the back of Heimerdinger's mind, even as he speaks, telling him that this is not the way things are, even if it is the way things should be. But the dream suppresses that doubt until it is nothing but an annoying whisper, pestering him ceaselessly but easily enough ignored. ]

[The nights festivities are in full effect to celebrate the lasting peace between Zaun and Piltover with the Last Drop packed to capacity with familiar faces aplenty. The lights dim as Claggor and Mylo dance together happily to the sound of the upbeat music, meanwhile Powder or Vi are seen tending the bar hastily pouring drinks for the thirsty patrons. A thunderous roar of laughter erupts from Benzo as he and Felicia sat bar side conversing merrily as they watched the various happenings of the grand affair unfold.

Of course this would be nothing compared to the rather shocking sight to the much older Silco who wandered into Ekko's dreamscape until his eyes fell upon the all too recognizable face of himself, far younger by comparison standing beside his lumbering companion Vander as the man playfully wraps an arm around his neck, pulling him in close to tease the other with a confident grin while the smaller statured man blinks wide eyed in confusion before a similar smirk falls into place over his features. A far stretch from what the tyrant ruler of Zaun was used to dealing with along with many of his former enemies united all together under one roof pleasantly enjoying themselves.

Crossing the dance floor in question his former adversary, Ekko, can be seen dressed in a rather peculiar fashion by comparison to what he usually sports, a green suit jacket and matching pinstriped pants with a tray of drinks raised above his head maneuvering through the sea of people. After setting each of the glasses down his attention seems to shift directly onto the infiltrator of his dream unbeknownst, tilting his head curiously before sashaying towards him with an earnest smile.]

You're a new face around here I don't recognize but everyone is welcome to the Last Drop so please make yourself at home. Can I get you something to drink?

[Silco stepped into a familiarly foreign experience, stopping dead the moment he entered the dreamscape. His blue eye blinked before both of his eyes flicked around the room, drinking in the similarities and differences. This was the Last Drop, though the lighting was better, the air cleaner, and the decorations ones he didn't recognize. The tables, the bar, the stairs to the second floor, the jukebox all remained the same with a few additions.

He startled at Benzo's laugh and his expression froze at the sight of Felicia sitting among the patrons. He could pick out the slope of her delicate shoulders and the side braid out of a crowd anywhere. Then there were the kids, two of which he remembered by their corpses and Violet and Jinx he knew anywhere. They looked... unbothered by the weight of events that had forever changed their lives.

Was that because the two who were the root cause of that were behind the bar having the kind of moment only the stupidity of youth could bring about so flagrantly? He stared at himself with the scarring and the golden eye, young, carefree, happy, and it curled his lip into a snarl. This wasn't real. This was a nightmare meant to disquiet him because none of this could happen, would never happen, not in his life time.

Benzo, Felicia, the two boys, Vander, himself were all dead. How many other enjoying the revelry were also dead but remained nameless and faceless to their enemies? Just a notch in the belt.

He was pulled from his swirling musings when he was approached, staring at the odd clothing and different hair style. He sneered as his temper curled up his spine, squeezing his heart and poisoning his veins.] Am I? This face doesn't seem at all recognizable to you? You never were so lacking in perception, boy.

[The menagerie of familiar faces pleasantly enjoying themselves would have been nothing short of preposterous in the real world but here and now in the dreamscape which had been created by Ekko's subconscious was a welcome reprieve from the chaos which consumed their reality. Much of what the intruder might come to see was possible, maybe not in their timeline but another which he'd stumbled upon in the midst of the Anomaly’s wake, trapping the boy within the parallel dimension until procuring his release.

Sure there were a few oddities thrown into the mix with Violet and Powder’s mother happily conversing with her two compatriots along with the sisters laughing joyously together but for the most part what the man saw was earnest truth. This was the reckoning of an age without the creation of Hextech, a peaceful union between Zaun and Piltover having been created as the fissures prospered much like their topside counterparts.

When pressed by the older Silco than he was accustomed, Ekko simply tilts his head curiously with an arch of his brow. A hand framing his chin to give the man a once over before giving it shake and shrug of his shoulders nonchalantly. The foreign scarring and displaced color of his usually blue eye were enough to throw him off even if the shape of his chiseled jawline bore striking similarities to his younger counterpart.]

Yours is a rather distinct one but cannot say I recall it to memory...Though at the same time you do seem oddly familiar. Have we met before?

[The longer he stayed in this phantom fantasy world, the more Silco felt his skin crawling. It was too idyllic, too perfect, too happy, too much like the Zaun he and Vander had once dreamed about. This was the Last Drop when it had first come into being, a place of hope and chatter and warmth, forming the first embers of a community that had steadily grown over the years.

He seethed to see it as little more than a decrepit fantasy of a boy who hadn't even been born when it had come into initial being. This boy. The one standing in front of him like there wasn't a seething pit of hate in that heart for him, the worst of the worst for the Firelights as he had had them hunted into hiding. He wasn't recognized and perhaps that annoyed him more than this lame fantasy, and oh he wanted to smash a bottle on a table and stick the boy with the broken shards of glass.

Take his dream, would you? Make a move on his daughter, would you? Not recognized your most hated enemy, would you?

Silco drew in a sharp breath, his mismatched eyes moving beyond the boy at the room with all of its levity and warmth and swallowed down his initial rage. He would play this differently, he decided. The boy wanted to live in a fantasy world stolen from better men? So be it. He would play into it and then make a point of ripping out the rug from under the boy, cut him to the quick one little slice at a time.]

Obviously not, if you don't recognize me. However I know you. You're quite the prodigy, aren't you? [He folded his hands in front of him.] Ekko, why don't you be a gentleman and show me to the bar, hmm? [Close to himself. Be a doll.]

[Unfortunately for Silco this world was almost an exact carbon copy of the alternate universe in which the boy had been subject to after the Anomaly whisked him away besides the few oddities of individuals whom were subject to their untimely demise. If only the man could have seen it for himself perhaps the sentiment over this imaginative dreamscape perhaps would have been met with less adversity.

When inadvertently complimenting the prodigal genius Ekko simply grins coyly followed in short by a burst of airy laughter under his breath. Shrugging his shoulders in response the boy waves for the older individual to follow along behind him as they begin to weave through the crowded dance floor making their way to the bar.]

I've been known for my creative brilliance.

[Looking back over his shoulder with a cock of his brow curiously at the mention of knowing him but the sentiment not returned, Ekko couldn't help but ask the obvious question lingering in the forefront of his mind.]

Is that right? So how exactly do we know each other sir?

[Silco followed the miscreant over to the bar, sliding through groups of people like an eel, like he had been gliding his way through such environments all of his life. He already filed away that the boy was prone to flattery, and he would be using that to keep him close, to unearth more of this twisted dream before he struck. This Zaun was too clean, too perfect, too... like their dream. He couldn't believe it existed for real.]

Oh yes, it's all over if one asks about the brilliant young minds of the undercity. And, of course, Benzo usually won't shut up once the man is prompted.

[He shrugged his shoulders almost casually as he took a seat at the bar, turning one way then angling his back almost uncomfortably towards the barman and him. He did not expose his back so often, but this end justified a means. It was this or have a melt down, and he was holding it together.]

I'm a business man, investing in new productive ideas is my job. Your name came up, so I had thought to pick your brain personally [And maybe literally at some point tonight.] on your ideas for improving the deeper levels of the city.

[Given the situation Ekko has no reason to fear the other unbeknownst of the older man's true identity as they sashay towards the bar, promptly taking a seat beside his newfound companion with a hushed bit of laughter falling off his breath at the playful(?) jab to his mentor's ego.]

Benzo can be a bit eccentric at times especially after he gets a few drinks in him.

[Like tonight for example as a thunderous roar of the man's laughter erupts, slapping one of his comrades on the back causing them to chock on their own beverage of choice. Not before long the boy flags down Powder who makes short order of leaning on the bar top in front of the pair, all smiles as she asks for what the stranger will have already knowing his own go to by memory. "Looks like you've made yourself a new friend huh, Ekko? What will it be old timer?" Patiently waiting for the others response until finally answered, giving Ekko an impish wink before jetsoning off to gather their refreshments leaving them alone to their own devices once more.

Silco's talk of investment opportunity immediately piques his interest with a raise of a brow curiously, swiveling in his seat to better face the stranger as a hand frames his chin deep in thought on the matter.]

Well...Despite our vast accomplishments here in the lanes we still need to create better ventilation for the deeper levels. Everyone deserves to live their lives freely without concern for their general well being especially after everything we've been through to achieve this newfound peace and prosperity. Wouldn't you agree?

[Oh if only the boy knew about the big man's eccentric nature. Mouthy, snoopy and somehow weaseling into Vander's good graces. Of course, that was all Vander too, taking the opinions of some of the wrong people for the sake of community. Everyone needed a right hand, he supposed, but he and Benzo had never seen eye-to-eye much over the years. Yet, it had been that oaf who had triggered the violence by being stupid enough to get manhandled and arrested.

Zaunites stuck together. No one was allowed to bully a Zaunite except a fellow Zaunite.]

Oh don't worry, I'm well aware of his eccentric nature. It's all over Zaun....

[His gaze moved from taking the boy's measure to glaring at Benzo openly at the ruckus laughter. He never regretted watching that oaf die, simply proving the same stupid impulsive behaviour that had gotten him arrested on the bridge.

Yet, he found himself staring into the face of his daughter, noting the differences. She was taller, healthier looking. There weren't dark circles under her eyes and she seemed to be enjoying the levity of this place, perhaps not even haunted by her demons. No, this wasn't his Jinx but a pale imitation, a false prophet of his legacy, made weak and feeble by the two men who nearly made him vomit in his mouth glancing at them.]

Whiskey. On the rocks. [He spoke smoothly, layering niceties over the pure disdain that he felt.

And the talk? That was the kind of youthful vibrance that he recalled from many decades before. Improve the infrastructure, clean the air, clear the water, bring about better nutrition. It was all a dream; Piltover would never let them have such things without a terrible cost. No, they had to fight for every single iota of freedom that they had, and yet... apparently in this place, it was possible?]

What we deserve and what we receive are two very different concepts. I suppose if you are capable of coming up with the technology, it is up to the rest of us to foot the bill. How much are you willing to pay for freedom?

[The older individuals response garners a burst of hearty laughter from the boy genius, grin widening from ear to ear in utter amusement. Benzo was known to be loud and sometimes overbearingly in high spirits once he's got booze in his system. Some might find it obnoxious but that was just the way he was a jovial man with a penchant for speaking his mind which could sometimes get himself into trouble.]

He has a way of rubbing off on people whether you like it or not.

[Definitely where Ekko picked it up from to some modicum of degree, sticking his nose where it may not belong and hardly ever backing down when met with adversity. If there was a problem he could solve one way or another the boy would surely find a way. Overcoming challenges was just another day for Zaun and would be damned if he didn't do his part to make it a better place for everyone to live. Even if they were fortunate enough to make amends with Piltover in this fabled reality of the dreamscape other universes surely had not been so lucky.

When pressed about the compensation to which he was willingly to make in the name of freedom a pensive stare strikes true over his face. Taking a long sip of his drink with a satisfied hum, Ekko's attention shifts fully back unto his counterpart.]

Just because you can think it doesn't mean it will always come to fruition but I'd willingly pay any price to maintain the freedoms which we fought so hard to attain. We Zaunites know better than most nothing ever comes cheap.

[Oh the boy had no idea. They were rubbing Benzo's blood off the cobblestones for a few hours once he had finished rubbing the man out to make a point to Vander. The man's reign was over and all those supports fell one by one until there was nothing left. It was a shame he couldn't out himself, though a certain part of him would take pleasure wandering to Benzo and putting a knife into that thick throat.]

Indeed, such a loss to the community should he keep his mouth shut for a few minutes at a time.

[He knew that he had tone it down to fit in, but he was rapidly losing his patience with this illusion. This was a Zaun that couldn't exist, a falsity made by a child's mind when the reality was so much bleaker. There wasn't even Shimmer as far as he could tell. Technology yes, but that would always be a by-product of desperation and untethered imagination.

Tension was riding up his spine and along his shoulders. He stared at Jinx as she moved around, touching him on the shoulder then Vander. His teeth set on edge and he hunched where his forearms rested on the bar, and he stared balefully at the pair contently chatting with each other, nearly failing to hear what Ekko had to say.]

Good, a price will always be paid for innovation. Nothing is free in this world, and if we aren't fighting, there is something wrong with our situation. Hardship builds resilience...

[Silco had had enough, slipping from his stood to stand even as his drink arrived. It was an insult, he decided. This whole place, this dream, this illusion of happiness was an affront to everything he had survived. It wasn't his dream, but he had no issue turning it into a nightmare.

It was time to let the monster out.]

[Screams of terror rip through the foggy streets of the Undercity, bloodshed spilled throughout the surrounding area in the aftermath of the ruthless slaughter. Enforcer's dead bodies littering the approaching scene of the crime as Venti slowly shuffled forward between the lifeless forms charting a path towards the sound of choked back sobs nearby. Drawing closer and closer until the cries of a young child can be heard through the otherwise silent Lanes now a boy in his early teens can be seen knelt on the ground, covered in the blood of his devoted mentor clinging onto the other for dear life.]

Benzo...Benzo! Y-You can't die...P-Please don't leave me!

[No one in Piltover would possibly have any conceivable notion of what just happened to their beloved commanding officer and her dispatched Enforcers, nor would they care so long as the turmoil never reached their borders. Such was the relationship between the city states, Zaun drenched in the blood of the innocents while the Topsiders went about their daily lives without worry save for maybe deciding what next to eat by comparison to their constant struggles forever eclipsed in their shadow.

Looking to the skies above Ekko yells out in anguish with tears spilling down his cheeks and dropping onto the motionless body of his companion before drawing upon the silhouette of Venti's encroaching form. Using the back of his arm to wipe away the stain of wet discharge from his stinging eyes, smearing some blood across his cheek in the process the boy hopelessly reached outwards to the ominous stranger in the distance begging for assistance.]

H-Help me! Y-You have to save him!

[Blood and terror. Unfortunately, this isn't a new sight for Venti to see. How many times has he seen blood and terror ravaging lives and destroying futures? Blood running in the streets? Too many times to count.

It's no wonder that Venti likes to sleep.

Waking now isn't something he can manage to do. Not when he's faced with the tears of a boy he's only just met but with the same anguish he's heard over and over and over again.

Venti isn't sure what he can do for a man already dying in a place like this. He isn't the god of dreams and twisting dreams into a lie isn't much better. But he does float closer to the boy, reaching out to touch his shoulder gently.]

Ekko. How did this happen? Tell me that first. Quickly, now.

[The young boy choked back the downpour of tears which threatened to continue spilling onto his cheeks when approached by the kindred soul, slowly looking up from his stupor collapsed onto the ground holding Benzo's head in his lap gingerly. Sniffling back the sobs of both terror and anguish, Ekko finally stares back upwards to Venti trying his best to formulate comprehensible words.]

It was...Silco. H-He came for Vander and Benzo...Benzo tried to stop him.

[It all happened so quickly that Ekko had barely anytime to react as the monstruous henchmen working for the tyrant struck his beloved mentor down along with the Enforcer squadron which looked to bring justice against the ones who broke into the Talis workshop and caused the ensuing chaos there. Vander was going to be the scapegoat for it all to protect those whom he loved but was apprehended by his former brother in arms.]

A m-monster...S-Some sort of twisted human creature did all this...

A monster...

[Venti frowns softly. He crouches down enough so he can wipe some of Ekko's tears away.]

Ekko, I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do for him now. But I know you did everything you could to save him, didn't you.

[From what he knows of this boy, he knows he did everything. His heart is breaking for him. This must be one of the reasons why Ekko fought so hard in his war.]

We have to be strong, now. Don't we?

No! Benzo can't die! I need him-

[Choking back the rest of his words as the boy's arms wrap around his mentor's neck holding the others head gingerly in his lap. Ekko refused to believe he couldn't save the man who meant the world to him giving his life a semblance of structure and purpose. What would he do now without a guiding force to pave his way? Resolve hardens as the sadness gives way to anger, brows furrowed as the young teen visibly grits his teeth whilst hands cling to his father figure's shirt.]

I'm going to stop him...One way or another I will put an end to Silco and get my vengeance.

[Silco... A name to remember.

Venti's expression is soft. He knows he can't do anything to change this dream or memory. He can only watch and learn and listen to the story.

But he does come up behind Ekko and puts his hands on Ekko's shoulders gently. He gives him a light, reassuring squeeze, and will hug the boy if he's allowed to.]

I know that you will. There are great things waiting for you, my dear hero.

Dreamscape Catch-all~

Vi~

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pretend the icon is ekko not jinx lmfao

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Heimerdinger~

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Silco~

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I'm sorry about the delay ;;

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Venti~

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i'm so sorry for the delay, feel free to drop this if it's too late! 💙