Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Memories of training

“We finish this together.” Jayce said. Then everything started going white. Before their vision was fully engulfed by the glow however, they pressed their foreheads together and held each other. 

Then white. And then, nothing. Absolutely nothing. No warmth, nor cold. No feeling, no sight. No smell or hearing. 

Then cold, and the sense of an endless void. Endless, senseless floating. 

Then warmth, like what remains after a fire had burned bright. Something impossibly heavy yet impossibly light holding him down on a soft surface. He could open his eyes, but did he want to? How did he know he could open them in the first place?

There was a knock, followed by some words that didn’t quite register. He tried to sit up, managed, and finally opened his eyes. He was indeed in a bed, in a room he’s never seen before. It was well decorated and warm. There was another knock, this time he saw it was coming from the door. 

“Emperor, are you awake? It is time for breakfast.” A feminine voice rang from the other side of the door. 

He didn’t respond, too stunned to speak. He didn’t know where he was, he didn’t know who this ‘Emperor’ was. The knocking continued. 

“Lord Viktor, if you do not respond or open this door yourself, I am getting the Royal Protector to wake you.” The voice said. 

What the fuck is going on? He didn’t know if being woken by this ‘Royal Protector’ was a good thing or a bad thing. She also just called him lord, as if he was the emperor that she was talking about. He pushed himself up, noticing that he was nearly naked as he got up from the bed. His skin wasn’t metallic, not the purple caused by the hexcore. However, it also wasn’t fully human, well, at least they were marks that he knew weren’t there before everything happened. He found some type of nightwear on an armchair beside the bed. It was some type of robe, resembling a bathrobe, but infinitely softer. Perhaps made of silk? He put it on and then sat back down on the bed. He began examining his arms and his legs, or well, any place he could look really.

Another knock. “Lord Viktor!”

He didn’t respond. Instead, he got up, taking a step without thinking. Just to realise that he didn’t have to think in order to walk, he just did. Sure there was some phantom pain, but it felt just as it did when he first came out of that cocoon, when his body had turned to metal. But it wasn’t metal now, at least not that he was aware of. There was no signal, no impulse running just beneath his skin. 

“Lord Viktor, I am going to go fetch the Lord Protector.” She said through the door. 

He still had no idea about what was happening, but one thing was certain: he had to get dressed. He looked around the room and spotted a dresser, or at least what he thought was a dresser. He opened it and found clothes inside, great success. Then came the challenge of choosing what to wear. There were all different types of clothes in it, most of them looked formal. It’s the wardrobe of an emperor after all.  

He ran his fingers on the rows of clothing. Most of the materials felt soft, a hard edge here or there, but definitely high quality fabrics. Has he ever had clothes as nice as this before? Were these clothes even his? For all he knew, maybe the actual emperor just happened to share the same name as him. What would happen if this ‘Royal Protector’ walked in and saw that he wasn’t the emperor? He crouched down to sit next to the open dresser.

Where the hell was he? How did he end up here? He couldn’t wrap his head around what was happening. He apparently had woken up in his underpants in the bed of an Emperor of all places. Did he sleep with the Emperor? There weren’t any signs of someone else having been in the room with him. But then again, what would he know? He’s never been here before, maybe there had been someone sleeping with him. 

He also didn’t know what had happened to his body, last time he was made of metal. Last time… what had happened? He remembers being with Jayce in the astral plane, and then white, and then? Then he woke up here. And where was Jayce? He had to find him, was he also here? In this palace? If not, where would he be?

His mind was made up, he had to go looking for Jayce. Maybe he was in the castle, maybe not. But first, clothes. He figured this ‘Emperor’ wouldn’t mind it if Viktor borrowed some of his clothes. It would probably bother him more if Viktor walked around nearly naked through the palace. He got up from where he was sitting and looked at the clothes in the dresser again. 

He should probably just wear something simple, something familiar to him. He found a pair of trousers and a button up shirt and slipped them on. The fabric was nice and comfortable, and the clothes fit him perfectly. Practically tailor-made for him. The shoes he found also fit him perfectly. 

He continued looking around the room. There was the door where the knocking and voice came from before, and there was another door. He carefully walked towards the other door. Just simply opening it wouldn’t be the smartest thing, since he didn’t know what was on the other side. Luckily a skill he’d learned when young could help him here: looking through the keyhole. This room was a bathroom, at least from what he could tell. He carefully opened the door and walked inside.

He found a mirror in the adjacent bathroom and frowned upon seeing himself in it. His hair was well-kept, though a part of it was white. His face had different lines clearly depicting where his face had split in half when he had become the herald. Well, not quite. It was more of a mark on his forehead in the shape of a star, a rhombus-shaped star. Some of the veins around his neck were the same colours as the ones he had seen on his arms and legs before. All a pastel combination of pinks, blues, purples and whites.

He leaned closer to his reflection, running his hands along the scars on his forehead. Unlike what he had expected, there was no texture to them, no indents he could feel. Neither did he feel anything when he ran his hands on the lines on his neck or arms. Strange, it's like they aren’t even there. Yet clearly, they were, at least if his reflection was anything to go off of.

He started looking around the bathroom when a knock on the door startled him. The same voice as before called out: 

“Emperor Viktor, the Royal Protector is here. He’s coming in.”

— — —

Jayce woke up in a similar manner, in an unfamiliar bed. Though no one was knocking on his door. He looked around confused before getting up and realising he definitely has to get dressed before going anywhere. He found a dresser and put on the first best clothes and shoes he could find. He noted how they fit him perfectly and how they seemed to be especially well made. The materials of high quality and soft on his skin. 

While getting dressed he noticed a mark on his left hand. A symbol he had never seen before. Arrow around a circle and sharp lines all around it. It looked like ink, black ink. He used his other hand to rub at the symbol, it wasn’t going away, nor were the lines smudging. Was it a tattoo? When did I get a tattoo?

After getting dressed he looked around the room, he has definitely never been here before. The room itself looked something like out of a fantasy novel. Or somehow, just a little bit like the interior of the academy, but much more. The furniture looked exquisite, completely wooden, and… carved by hand? Where was he? And how did he get here in the first place? 

He noticed two doors, one closed and the other open. He made his way towards the open door. It was clearly a bathroom, if the bathtub, sink and mirror were an indication. He walked and stopped in his tracks when he saw his reflection in the mirror. He noticed that part of his hair was white, and that there were marks on his forehead. He leaned closer to look at them, then it seemed like everything just flooded back. Those were finger marks, Viktor’s fingers. 

They were together before he woke up here. Where was he now? Was he okay? What happened? He remembered lights so bright that he had to close his eyes. Then darkness, and then nothing. He felt a burning in his left hand right before he heard the footsteps. Then came knocking. And a voice. 

“Royal Protector, may I come in? It’s me, Alexi.” Jayce heard from the other door, the one that had been closed before. Was she talking to him? Was he the Royal Protector? Slightly panicked, he answered. 

“Eeh, yes. Come in?” He tried his best not to make it sound like a question. 

He heard the door open as she stepped inside. She turned to him in the bathroom, though she was still standing at the door. “Lord Talis, I think his majesty doesn’t want to get out of bed again. You know I can’t go into his room without permission from him. Would you mind waking him up for me? Or if he’s awake at least get him to the dining room for breakfast?”

Jayce stood there, in front of the mirror staring at her, dumbfounded. So she was talking to him, he was the Royal Protector. While before he thought maybe she had mistaken his voice for someone else, there was no doubt now that she recognised him. And she asked him to go wake up… royalty? He didn’t even know where he was, how was he supposed to know where the chambers of whatever royal lived here were? And he still had to find Viktor.

While he was having his internal ‘questioning what the hell is going on, and figuring out what to do next’ moment, she looked at him intently. Clearly getting a bit annoyed that he wasn’t answering, or moving. He only realised this when she had started tapping her foot. He cleared his throat and mustered as much brave nonchalance as he could. 

“Right, eh. Of course. Accompany me?” He told her and let go of his clutch on the sink. He hadn’t even realised he was holding it.

“Alright.” She answered simply. When he realised she wasn’t moving, he assumed that he had to move first. However, there was a problem with that. He had no idea where to go. He let go of the sink and walked towards her at the door. Meanwhile she stepped out into the hallway. He followed her and closed the door. She looked at him, waiting. 

“After you.” He simply said, which seems to have been the right thing to say because she started walking. He followed right behind her. 

They didn’t go far, quite literally the next room over. But Jayce’s mind still had enough time to think over his situation. He was about to meet an emperor . He was a Royal Protector, a personal guard. They got to the door and Alexi knocked on it to announce their presence. 

“Emperor Viktor, the Royal Protector is here. He’s coming in.” With that she took a step back and held her hands behind her back. 

Emperor Viktor? Jayce questioned in his mind, but he didn’t have the time to fully process the information because Alexi was looking at him intently again. They made eye contact. Then she looked at the doorknob and back up at him. It was clear what she expected him to do.

Jayce opened the door. 

He didn’t know what to expect, the inside of this room looked a lot like the interior of the one he woke up in. Maybe there were more decorations, a grandfather clock against one of the walls, but the most noticeable difference was the fact that this bed was a double bed. He closed the door behind him after he walked in. 

“Viktor?” He asked. Hoping it was actually his Viktor and not just some royal that shared his name. There was noise coming from the bathroom, like something had fallen over. Jayce walked towards the bathroom. He saw a man sitting on the closed toilet seat. 

He is half of my soul, as the poets say. I could recognise him by touch alone, by smell. I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.

“Viktor.” Jayce said and crouched down in front of the man. “It’s me, Jayce.” He reached out to him, pulling his hands from his face. They made eye contact, and the rest happened in an instant. 

Viktor let himself fall in Jayce’s arms, straddling his lap as Jayce almost fell backwards, but just ended up on his knees. Viktor hugged him first, but Jayce held the other man just as tightly, if not more. Viktor nuzzled his head against Jayce’s neck, not completely aware of the intimacy of the gesture. 

The moment felt like it lasted for the longest of times, yet it was over in an instant. Jayce brought his hands from Viktor’s back and cupped his face, Viktor mirrored his movement. They looked at each other, Jayce’s eyes tracing the new marks on Viktor’s face and neck. Meanwhile Viktor was looking at the fingerprints left behind on Jayce’s forehead. Eventually their eyes met and they leaned in close, pressing their foreheads together. They both closed their eyes.

“I thought I had lost you.” Jayce breathed out. 

“Me too.” Viktor responded. They pulled back slightly, just so their foreheads weren’t touching anymore. “Does it hurt?” 

“Does what hurt?” Jayce asked.

“The marks on your forehead.” Viktor answered. “Can I touch?”

“Yes, you can, and they don’t hurt. Why would they?” Jayce answered. Viktor reached out and traced his fingers on the fingerprints on Jayce’s forehead. Just like with his own marks, he didn’t feel anything, but the skin clearly looks like it’s bending there. How was it that he felt nothing?

“Do your marks hurt?” Jayce asked when Viktor’s expression turned to one of confusion.

“I don’t feel anything.” Viktor answered. “I mean, no, I do feel things, I just don’t feel your marks. Or mine. It’s like my fingers go right through them.”

“Huh? How?” Jayce reaches out with one hand to his own forehead, sliding his other hand down Viktor’s arm. “Oh you’re right, I didn’t even think to touch them before. Can I touch yours?” 

“Yeah, go ahead.” Viktor said and Jayce reached out to touch his forehead. After he confirmed that he felt nothing from his marks either, his hand dropped on Viktor’s other arm. They just looked at each other, a comfortable silence falling over them.

“So you’re an Emperor now?” Jayce asked after a few moments. 

“It seems so.” Viktor replied. “And you’re the Royal Protector?”

“It seems so.” Jayce said. “Since when?”

“This morning, I woke up to a woman knocking on my door. Demanding I open it, saying she’ll go get the Royal Protector if I didn’t.” 

“Good thing you didn’t open the door then.” 

“Good thing you’re the Royal Protector.” Viktor chuckled. He rubbed Jayce’s arm up and down for a moment before seemingly realising what position they were in. He looked down at where he was straddling Jayce’s lap and blushed. Jayce followed his gaze.

Viktor cleared his throat and got off of Jayce rather ungracefully. He then held out a hand to help him get up as well. One which Jayce gratefully took.

“I presume you also have absolutely no idea how we got here?” Jayce asked after getting up. 

“Not a clue,” Viktor replied, “the last thing I remember is being in the astral space with you… and then waking up here.”

“Right, sorry. I just, I have no idea what is going on.” Viktor chuckled at Jayce’s confession. “What do we do? I mean I don’t know how to be ‘the Royal Protector’ and I’m assuming you don’t even know what area you are the Emperor of. They’ll catch on quickly that we have no idea what is going on.” Jayce spoke hurriedly, with slight panic in his tone. 

“You’re absolutely right, but it is not like we can do anything about it. We can try to act it out as best as we can. What comes after, well I’m sure we will figure it out together.” Viktor tried to reassure. 

“Yeah, together.” Jayce took Viktor’s hand in his, intertwining their fingers. “I- I can’t believe this is real. I thought we were going to die.”

“Me too.”

“I’m glad we didn’t.” Jayce squeezed Viktor’s hand in his.

“Me too.” Viktor blushed and looked Jayce in the eyes. Then his gaze slipped to his lips, and back up to his eyes. 

Their faces inched closer and closer. Minds racing. Jayce put his other hand on Viktor’s chest pausing their movements. 

“Are you sure you want this?” Jayce questioned, face flushed and clearly nervous. His eyes darted around the room, looking at anything except Viktor’s face.

“In every timeline, Jayce.” Viktor replied and leaned in to kiss Jayce’s lips. Softly, tentatively. After a moment Jayce kissed him back. It felt good, warm, right. Jayce broke away and pressed his forehead to Viktor’s.

There was a knock on the door. Both of them had forgotten about the woman waiting outside of the Emperor’s chambers.

“Your majesties, I am sorry to interrupt but it is time for breakfast.” She waited a moment, but after getting no answer she knocked again. “Royal Protector? Emperor?”

“Yes, we will be out in a moment,” Jayce called out from the bathroom,  “do you mind waiting for us a little longer Alexi?”

“I will be waiting right here, Lord Talis.”

Jayce took both of Viktor’s hands in his and led him out of the bathroom and onto the bed. Making them both sit on the edge before he spoke in a low voice, trying to make sure that Alexi couldn’t hear them. 

“Look, I know we both have no idea about what is going on at the moment, but I think we should at least try to act the part. Until we figure out how to get out of here or something.” Jayce said after he sat them down.

“I agree, we should also stick together for the time being. I… I will be honest, I do not wish to be left alone, not after everything that’s happened.”

“Don’t worry V. We’ll get through this, I won’t leave your side. Besides, I’m the Royal Protector right? Surely my job involves being around you most of the time.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. We should talk more, about… this.” Viktor gestured between the both of them. “After breakfast, we’ll just make up an excuse and come back here.”

“Alright, that’s the plan then.” Jayce said.

They got up again, hand in hand and walked the small distance to the door. Before opening it though, they let go. Jayce opened the door and held it open for Viktor. It was the first time that he saw this ‘Alexi’. She was wearing a red uniform vest, a sword in the hilt at her hip and a pistol slung on her back. She greeted Viktor with a short bow and then nodded a ‘thanks’ to Jayce. After that she started walking towards what they assumed would have to be some sort of dining room.

They rounded a few corners, walked down a flight of stairs and made it to a set of double doors that Alexi swiftly opened. Inside was a long table, at one end of it two plates, cutlery as well as glasses were set out. Alexi walked behind the seat at the end of the table and pulled the chair out, offering the seat to Viktor. He sat down and Jayce followed right after, taking the seat to his right. 

“If I am needed I will be in my office, in the meantime enjoy your breakfast.” She said and promptly left the room through the set of double doors they came in through before.

There was another door in the room. Through it came two people carrying platters filled with different breakfast items. One of them carried fruits: grapes, apples and figs. Another was filled with biscuits and different baked goods. There was also one with different types of cheeses and types of raw meats. The last one carried a set of teacups. They set the platters on the table in front of Viktor and Jayce.

“Your majesties, what would you like to drink?”

Jayce looked at Viktor before answering that he wanted coffee, meanwhile Viktor asked for sweetmilk. The servant gave them a skeptical look, as if that wasn’t what they usually took for breakfast, before leaving the room.

When he was gone Viktor eyed the different foods set out for them on the table. “That could have gone worse.” He said. 

A moment later Alexi walked into the dining room again, holding what looked like a letter in her hand. Right on cue they both felt a panging headache. A sudden intense migraine. It was gone just as quickly as it had come, but this hadn’t gone unnoticed by the woman.

“Is everything alright your majesty?” She walked closer to the table, on the other side of Viktor. His fingers were still at his temple even though the pain had ceased.

“I am, alright.” He answered and moved his fingers away from his temple. 

“What is it you are here for Alexi?” Jayce asked her.

“Right, of course. I just received a letter that the meeting with the Boyles got cancelled due to a delay with the shipments. Apparently something to do with the news of The Crown Killer. They believe that it is you, Lord Talis. Which I know is ridiculous, but the rumour was enough to cause this delay. My apologies.” She informed them. 

They didn’t know who the Boyles were, or who The Crown Killer was. But somehow they now knew that Alexi had saved Viktor’s life once, and that her sacrifice earned her one of the highest positions in the grand guard. It didn’t take a hextech engineer to figure out that it had something to do with that sudden headache that they both just simultaneously got. However, they were hextech engineers, so they had a feeling that they were probably, definitely going to get more.

“Does that mean my schedule is clear?” Viktor asked.

“Yes. However, please know that you have to be ready for tomorrow’s anniversary.” She replied. They were both sensible enough not to ask which anniversary. “May I ask what you would like to do in the meantime?”

“You may, I think I am probably going to rest in my chambers. Jayce, will you join me?” Viktor asked. 

Alexi visibly blushed. “I will leave you two gentlemen to it. Enjoy the rest of your breakfast.” It seemed like she couldn’t decide on what was the fastest way to leave the room.

“Well, that solves the problem of us having to think of an excuse.” Viktor said after the door was closed again.

“That’s convenient. Now, about that headache, did you also seem to ‘remember’ Alexi getting her position by saving your life from a live grenade when you were younger?” Jayce asked. 

“So you saw the same thing as me. Do you think we’ll be getting more of those?”

“The headaches? Most likely, although I don’t know if they have a trigger or if they’re just random. We should be careful.”

“Agreed. Though if I had the choice, I would much rather be laying down when getting them.”

“Let’s finish breakfast? These are absolutely delicious. No idea what it is, but the cream inside these pastries is like- really good.” Jayce said. 

“I believe those are called eclairs? And I agree, this is delicious.”

They finished what was probably the best breakfast they’ve ever had in their entire life and made to leave the dining room. The instant Viktor got up, the same two servants from before came through the kitchen door to clean up the table.

As they made their way back towards the emperor’s chambers, it all started to go downhill. Viktor had happened to glance at a grandfather clock in the hallway and was sharply reminded (by a panging headache) that there was a time when… he used to put frogs in them?

He grabbed Jayce’s arm for support for a second, both for the sudden pain and the emotional whiplash that is getting a memory back that wasn’t strictly his own. 

Yet it didn’t feel like how it felt when he saw the minds of the many people in his commune. No, that had felt like the memories, the wishes and the feelings that he saw were theirs. Until they weren’t… but this, this truly felt like they had been his memories. Like he was recovering from some sort of amnesia.

Jayce gave him a worried look as Viktor hunched over to look at the carpet beneath their feet. Another memory, yet this time they both got it.

Viktor tripped on a corner of the carpet while running around. His father - the former Royal Protector - had rushed from his mother’s side to help him up. On the other side of the hallway stood younger Jayce, watching.

“Holy shit. I think I just saw your parents. At least, the ones from this universe?” Jayce said once his vision cleared enough for him to stand straight again. They were holding onto each other for balance. 

“So I’m technically an illegitimate child? I don’t know how to feel about that.” It was true, Viktor didn’t know how to feel about that. He didn’t know enough about his role, or life as Emperor to know how that would affect his reign. There was a short pause before Viktor continued: “You know Jayce, the real question is where you come into this story.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh you know what I mean, unless you know more than me, I don’t know who you are… were. Like how did you become the Royal Protector?” Viktor said. 

“Who I was before I woke up in this universe?” Jayce replied, “frankly, I have no idea. But, I’ve been in this castle when young? Otherwise I wouldn’t have seen that memory, right?”

“That would be the logical thing to assume. Though I’m not sure how much of this is strictly logical.”

“Fair enough.” There was a short pause before Jayce continued: “We will- we’ll figure this out V. Let’s head back to your room for now.”

They got back to the Emperor’s chambers and immediately Viktor dropped to his knees in pain. Another memory. 

“Are you sure you want to wear white, Viktor?” His mother, the empress, asked. Of course he wanted to, what kind of question was that? 

“What time is Corvo coming back? Can I see him?” He asked, impatient to see his father again. He’d left Dunwall for work, something about finding a cure for the plague. 

“He’ll be back somewhere this afternoon.” His mother replied as she ran a hairbrush through his hair to comb it. 

“Viktor. Viktor!”

Viktor woke up from the memory, Jayce hunched over him. He had clearly caught him in his arms to prevent him from getting hurt while falling. Though the proximity, and Jayce’s worried expression filled Viktor’s stomach with gitty butterflies. Jayce noticed Viktor opening his eyes and immediately asked: “Hey, are you okay? What happened? Another memory?” He accompanied his questions with his hands, physically checking if Viktor was alright. One still holding him behind his back, another on his chest, which then moved up to his forehead before retreating back. 

“Yes, I. I think I am alright. And also yes, it was another memory. I saw my mother, the late empress. She was combing my hair. I asked her when my father was coming back. His name is Corvo.” Viktor said, bringing a hand of his own to his chest and then neck to help calm his rapid breathing.

“Where are they now?” Jayce asked, finding it weird that he hadn’t seen Viktor’s parents, he’d assumed they would be in the palace. Maybe away for a time? Retired? Darker thoughts entered his mind the longer he thought about it. What if? What if they were dead?

“I don’t know, the memory wasn’t exactly recent.” Viktor responded to Jayce’s question and stood up. Jayce let go of the gentle hold he had on his partner. Though, his expression was still one of worry. 

“How are you feeling?” Jayce asked him. While yes, he asked how he was feeling at that moment, the question was actually far more than that. Ever since, everything happened, they hadn’t had a chance to speak.

“I’m alright, a little tired perhaps.” Viktor replied.

“V, I’m glad you’re okay, but how are you feeling about the rest? Do you want to talk about what happened?”

“Frankly, I don’t know how to feel. I feel, conflicted.” Viktor made a gesture towards the bed, urging them both to sit down to continue their talk. “I did horrible things, I took away those people’s wills. I took their lives under the guise of healing. And the worst part about it? I didn’t even realise what I was doing. I genuinely thought I was helping them.”

Viktor buried his face in his hands. Then, curling his arms around his shoulders, sinking into himself, making himself smaller. Not wishing to be seen. He knows that what he did was wrong, there’s no denying that. But there’s also no denying the euphoric feeling he felt as Herald. He felt free, in control. Free of pain, of suffering. He felt like he could free others as well, make them evolve with him. Let them taste the arcane. A good, a glorious evolution. He truly believed it was for the best.

Jayce reached out to Viktor, wrapping himself around him and pulling him close. Pulling him into his arms and squeezing him tight, yet gentle.

“It's alright. I know that nothing I say will be able to take what you currently feel away, but we are here now, together.” He rubbed at Viktor’s back, trying to comfort him. He heard Viktor trying to muffle some sounds. Viktor was crying. Had Jayce ever seen his partner cry? He continued rubbing at his back, tightening his hold on him. “It is okay. Everything will be okay.” He then felt Viktor tense completely before going numb. 

“It is okay. Everything will be okay.” A man told him as he was dragged away. Away from… his mother’s corpse. A clear stab wound through her chest.

“No!” He cried as he thrashed around, trying to break free of the man’s hold on him. He couldn’t believe his eyes. His chest hurt, so much. The pain was indescribably painful, as if he had been the one to get stabbed. He watched in horror as they dragged Corvo away. The young emperor begged, begged for them to listen to him. Begged him to believe him when he said that his father wasn’t guilty. 

Viktor was shaking when he came back from the memory. He started crying heavily, tears and snot running down his face. Clutching at his chest for the same pain he had felt in that memory. Complete and utter heartache. He felt Jayce’s presence, trying his best to comfort him, guiding him to the bathroom to wash off his tears as they kept and kept flowing. He’d seen his mother get assassinated. They had blamed his father.

As his cries started to dim down he started muttering under his breath. Echoes of the things he had cried out the day of the assassination. The ache in his chest wasn’t leaving. It felt too real, too strong for something that was only supposed to be a past memory of a world he’d never lived in. Before he knew it he was sitting on the closed toilet seat, Jayce kneeling before him, a spitting image of the way they first met in this world. 

Jayce reached out with a towel to wipe at Viktors tears, using his other hand to rub slow circles on his waist. Viktor hadn’t even realised that he was clutching on for dear life on that arm. Impossibly, it felt like his chest tightened even more at the sight. Jayce had no idea what he was seeing, and yet he still did his absolute utmost to comfort the other man. Viktor gently pushed the towel aside and leaned down over Jayce, seeking his warmth to comfort the phantom pain that he felt nestle in his chest. There was no undoing that knot now. No clearing away that trauma.

“Thank you.” Viktor said after taking a deep breath.

“Of course Vik. Anytime, for anything. I’m here for you.” I love you. “I care for you.”

Viktor held onto Jayce as they stood up and walked back towards the bedroom to sit on the bed again. 

“Are you alright? Is there anything I can do? What, what did you see?” Jayce questioned the moment they sat down. Viktor then noticed that Jayce had brought the towel with him. 

“Honestly Jayce? I feel like my chest is going to explode from the pain.” 

“What? Should we go get a doctor-”

“No, it’s not, physical. Jayce I just, I just watched my mother get assassinated.” Viktor interrupted.

“What?!”

“My father was being blamed for it. I was getting dragged away by a man. No idea who he was.”

Jayce hugged Viktor. Viktor continued to speak, his tone somewhat detached, like he was trying to distance himself from his body in order to process, deal, with the pain. 

“It feels wrong. I feel so strongly for her, but I don’t really remember what she was like, I don’t remember what my father was like either. But I know I loved them both so deeply. It’s like- I have all of these feelings, but no memories of where they come from.”

Back in their universe, when he was Herald of the commune. He had felt something similar, yet completely different. Whenever he took care of someone he saw their memories, and felt a faint echo of their feelings. But it all felt clinical, almost mechanical. He was but an observer, watching and running through their memories while taking away their physical pain. But now. Now it was the exact opposite. He remembered things in faint echoes, and felt everything like being thrown in the raging flames of a bonfire.

Viktor wrapped his arms around Jayce. They hugged and stayed like that until Viktor’s breathing evened out. Sleep lulled at him, wanting to drag him under. The memories were exhausting.

“I think I’m going to fall asleep.” Viktor said, his accent highlighted by the sleepiness in his tone. Jayce made a motion to end the hug so his partner could lay down and rest, but Viktor only tightened his arms around him more. 

“Stay, please.” Viktor said, almost pleaded. Jayce was only slightly taken aback. 

“Of course.”

They manoeuvred themselves in a lying position, one in which Viktor was mostly on top of Jayce. His head rested on his chest, arms tucked under his shoulders. It was his way of continuing to hug Jayce without uncomfortably crushing his arms. In turn, Jayce’s arms were wrapped around Viktor’s back and waist. He was rubbing small circles on his back.

“Thank you.” Viktor said again, before Jayce’s steady heartbeat and comforting warmth pulled him into a deep slumber. Jayce continued rubbing Viktor’s back, but before long he fell asleep as well. They both dreamed. 

Viktor’s mind ran through different moments after his mother’s assassination. Corvo had rescued him and put him back on the throne. It was difficult, being emperor of the Isles, but not impossible. He had help from his father, who almost never left his side. The lessons were boring, the nights in the safe room were long, but eventually they had made it through the rat plague and the city had started to rebuild what was lost. 

They both had training, How to move, unheard, unseen. How to knock someone unconscious in many, many different ways. How to shoot a pistol, a crossbow. And finally, how to fight with a sword. Viktor’s training came from none other than the royal protector himself, his father, Corvo Attano. The best swordsman in all of Karnaca. Jayce’s training happened through an academy, an institution. 

They knew that at some point, the emperor would need a new royal protector. Jayce Talis was determined to be the next in line from the moment he had seen the young emperor trip over the corner of a carpet in one of the palace hallways. He was there to receive tutoring when he saw it happen. 

The moment came sooner than anticipated however, as one day, Corvo simply vanished. Some believed he left. Others thought he had had enough of living in a palace, enough of the responsibilities and stress that came with the job and had killed himself. A select few thought it was the work of The Outsider, considering the rumours about the royal protector’s exceptional abilities, bordering on the occult. None had proof of what had happened.

And so Jayce Talis became the new royal protector. One moment he was still in the process of finishing his training, top of his classes. The next he was in the royal palace, waiting to formally meet the emperor and discuss their, hopefully temporary, partnership. The former royal protector has not returned to this day. And they had become more than just business partners. They became lovers.

There seemed to be a pattern, the last partnership between the empress and royal protector was just as much of an open secret as the current one was. The royal protector only had chambers for the sake of formal appearances, but most of his sleeping hours were spent in the emperor’s sheets. It was the best kept open secret in all of Dunwall. 

Jayce woke up first to Viktor still laying on his chest, in the same way as he was before falling asleep. His head hurt, similar to a hangover, though he knew for a fact that he hadn’t drunk anything. He knew that what he saw in his dreams were memories, felt it in the familiar way in which Viktor’s body felt against him. The familiarity felt strange. He didn’t specifically remember anything that would paint them as lovers. He didn’t remember any specifics about how they slept. Didn’t remember the way Viktor looked in the heat of the moment, head thrown back in pleasure. Yet he knew what it was like. He felt the love he already had for him, it somehow grew.

He didn’t mean to wake Viktor, but apparently his slight shifting was enough to do so anyway. He briefly wondered if Viktor remembered the same things he felt. If he too suddenly felt like their current embrace was one of many suddenly familiar feelings. He should. Jayce thought. 

“Hey.” It was Viktor that spoke first. “I just had the strangest dream.” He rubbed at his eyes before sliding off of Jayce and laying on his back beside him. Stretching lazily, almost like a cat. Viktor then turned on his side to face Jayce, a slight blush on his face. “It wasn’t a dream, was it?” 

“No…” Jayce responded. “We are…”

“Lovers.” Viktor finished for him. “When I woke up, being in your arms felt so… natural, like we’d done it a thousand times before.” 

“Yeah, it felt the same for me.” Jayce felt awkward, like somehow having those memories were an invasion of Viktor’s privacy. However, it’s not like it was his fault for remembering how his body felt. He loved Viktor with all of his heart, if not more, but he couldn’t help but feel like this would somehow make things awkward between them. All this despite having kissed nearly the instant they saw each other. How would kissing feel now? Jayce wondered and his eyes glazed down at Viktor’s lips. Immediately he pulled them back to look at his eyes instead.

“I, eeh, Viktor?” Jayce began, not knowing how to start. Not truly knowing what he wanted to say either. Viktor gave him a questioning, yet patient look. “What does this mean? For us?”

“What do you mean?” Viktor questioned, his voice low with just a tinge of embarrassment.

“We, eh, we kissed. But we didn’t really define what we are. I guess?”

“We’re partners, what else?” Viktor said but it was like Jayce hadn’t heard him at all.

“I mean- I think I understand what you mean now by suddenly having feelings you didn’t have before, but it’s different because I did, I mean, I do , have feelings for you. And I would love for us to be, well, more, but if you don’t want that- it’s fine and I respect you and-”

Viktor took Jayce’s hands to interrupt him from the spiral he was currently going through. “Hey. Jayce. Calm down, breathe.” Jayce tried his best to do just that. “What did I tell you?”

“Huh? What?” It felt like Jayce’s thoughts came to a halt, suddenly he wasn’t even able to form even one coherent sentence. 

“I told you that in every timeline, only you mattered. That includes this one.” Viktor started. “As for what we are, partners, right? Only maybe more now? In a romantic sense?”

“Viktor you don’t have to do this just because the us in this universe were lovers.”

“I’m not saying this because of the memories, Jayce. I genuinely…” Viktor closed his eyes for a moment. “I love you, Jayce. I love you so much and I have loved you since the day I met you.” 

“So you- I- fuck. Me too Viktor. I love you too.” Tears started forming in Jayce’s eyes, Viktor reached out to wipe them away with his thumb. “I love you too.” Jayce repeated and reached out to put a hand over Viktor’s one on his cheek. “So does this mean we, we’re lovers then?”

“Yeah, if you want us to be. We can take everything slowly, I think we both need things to go slow after everything that happened.” Viktor suggested.

“Yeah yeah, no rush no rush. Haha.” Jayce laughed awkwardly while looking at Viktor. Part of him couldn’t believe this was happening. For fucks sake they ended up in another universe where they were already lovers and he still somehow didn’t believe it. Despite everything he saw in the memories. Everything he felt. He was so excited, not only was he alive, with Viktor by his side, but they were lovers. He was truly smiling like an idiot now.

Viktor smiled back at him, he too was happy. He too, had wanted this to happen from the start, from the moment they had met. He absentmindedly ran his fingers over the royal insignia that was beautifully embroidered on the blankets beneath them. 

The reality of their confessions, the weight of the memories they just regained, it all felt fragile - like even the slightest shift could rip the veil they were both placed under.

“It’s funny, I’ve wanted this, I’ve wanted you for so long. And now that I have you, I don’t even know what to do. I still don’t feel like this is even real. Like I might wake up and it’ll all be gone.” Jayce said after a moment of silence. 

Viktor responded by reaching out for his hand and intertwining their fingers together. “I don’t think this is a dream. It feels too real to be one, the pain I felt earlier, the one I still feel now… but doesn’t matter, what matters is that we’re together. We have all the time in the world to figure out the rest.”

“The pain, is it your heart? Like heartache? Because of the memories from before?” Jayce asked, simultaneously relieved and concerned at the same time. 

“Yeah, it’s… it’s not going away.” Viktor shifted, his expression turning more somber. “Tomorrow marks another year… the anniversary Alexi told us about, it’s the anniversary of my mother’s assassination.”

“You were there weren’t you, when it happened?” Jayce asked, already knowing the answer. “It must feel strange to remember that, to remember anything. I feel it too, this sort of familiar strangeness.”

“Yeah I was there, but I would rather not talk about it right now… I would rather focus on, well, us? If that’s alright.”

“Of course that’s alright V. Like you said, no need to rush.”

“It’s overwhelming in a way. Knowing that we've done this all before. That we’ve… loved before.” Viktor said, voice barely above a whisper, but heard by Jayce nonetheless.

“It’s alright though right? Now we just get to do it again.” Jayce responded, matching Viktor’s tone. Viktor’s lips curled into a small, tired smile. 

"Yes. Again." He said, squeezing Jayce’s hand.

Silence settled over them as they laid beside each other on the bed. The impossibly soft bed, with blankets as soft as the finest of furs. They were, after all, the finest of furs. With his other hand, Jayce reached out and started tracing small circles on the knuckles of Viktor’s hand. The familiarity of the gesture made Viktor’s heart clench in the strangest way, like he had known this touch for many years, yet was feeling it anew all at once. 

“We should do something tonight.” Jayce suggested after a moment. “Something just for us. Before tomorrow comes and the weight of it all sets in.”

“Like what?” Viktor raised an eyebrow at the suggestion.

“I was thinking maybe, a date? Our first one? I know technically we’ve had dates before-” Jayce paused mid sentence. “First for us, that counts for something doesn’t it?

Viktor took a moment to think before nodding. “Alright. Where would you like to take me, Royal Protector?”

“How about the gardens? If I recall correctly, which I still think is incredibly weird, the palace has gardens. It’ll just be us, maybe a bottle of wine and some of those delicious pastries from the kitchen? We could go steal some.”

“You’re suggesting we steal from my own palace?” Viktor chuckled.

“Borrow, borrow.” Jayce corrected with a grin. “I’m sure they’ll have enough for tomorrow, or they can just make more. They’re probably better fresh.”

“Fine, I’ll allow it. But only because it’s you.” Viktor rolled his eyes, he found himself genuinely amused. Jayce squeezed his hand before pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

“Then it’s a date.”

— — — 

The palace corridors were quiet at this hour, which was pretty late, considering they had slept through most of the day. Jayce and Viktor moved through them with ease, their steps unhurried, their hands occasionally brushing, but never quite linking as they walked. Like before, it felt both familiar and new, like tracing the edges of an old memory and feeling it settle into place. 

They eventually reached the gardens, the scent of the flowers mingling with the hush of a nearby fountain. The moonlight cast a beautiful glow over everything, but it wasn’t their only source of light. There were lanterns spattered around the gardens. It was peaceful, untouched by the burdens of the day or the weight that was to be tomorrow.

Jayce had gotten everything ready. He found Alexi and told her about their plan to have a little picnic in the gardens. She helped him from there. Got some aged wine, two cups, a neatly wrapped package of pastries that still held the warmth of the kitchens and a blanket for them both to sit on. As well as two small pillows, just in case. He took the blanket out and laid it out on a patch of grass. They had a clear view of the moon once they were sitting. 

Jayce watched Viktor sit down and stare at it, clearly in thought. He couldn’t blame him, there was also a lot on Jayce’s mind. From what they would do next to rule an empire. The Empire of the Isles. Viktor’s empire. All the way to the ways he wants to make love to his partner. He did his best to hide the latter, feeling like it wasn’t the moment for thoughts like that.

“You look like you belong here.” Jayce murmured as he continued to watch Viktor.

“I should hope so. It is my palace after all.” Viktor stopped watching the moon and turned to him, amused.

“You know what I mean Vik.” Jayce said, nudging his partner lightly and looking where Viktor was looking before, the hauntingly beautiful moon. “You just, fit. Here, in this place. In this life.” This left Viktor quiet for a moment. Jayce started to take out the wine and pastries.

 “I don’t know if I agree.” Viktor admitted. “But I suppose I have always been good at adapting.” Jayce uncorked the bottle and poured both of them a glass of wine. He unpacked the pastries and placed them down between the both of them.

“To adapting, then.” Jayce said. “And to the both of us, together. Be it a first or not.”

“To us.” Viktor replied, raising his cup and clinking it against Jayce’s. Then they drank, the warmth of the wine spreading through them. The distance between them was easy, like settling into a rhythm they had once known by heart.

Tomorrow lay another day ahead. Who knows what challenges they would have to overcome. Maybe life in the palace wasn’t as simple as this first day has given them a taste of, or maybe it was. Maybe they could spend the rest of their years like this.

Or perhaps not.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: A long day in Dunwall

Why do they celebrate the anniversary of an assassination? Fifteen years ago, in the middle of a plague that nearly destroyed Dunwall, a paid killer assaulted the palace where Viktor was born and stabbed his mother in the heart. In the aftermath, the men who sent the assassin tried to use Viktor as a pawn in a game of power. They would have succeeded, but his father, Corvo Attano hunted them down and cut their conspiracy to pieces. 

All these years later, is he the ruler his mother wanted him to be? Now, they face a new crisis – a monster the papers are calling the Crown Killer has been picking off his enemies and dressing it up like the new Royal Protector and he are responsible. He doesn't know whether to get on a ship and sail to the opposite side of the world, or to have everyone around him executed.

The morning light filtered through the drawn curtains of the emperor’s chambers. Viktor was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed. He was hunched over, fingers absentmindedly tracing the arcane scars etched into his legs. His gaze was fixed on the floor, but he wasn’t truly seeing it. Mind clearly somewhere else.

Jayce stirred behind him, hand sweeping blindly across the sheets. When his fingers met empty space, his eyes flickered open, momentary panic flashing across his face before he spotted Viktor sitting at the edge of the bed. He blinked blearily before propping himself upright.

“Vik?” Jayce’s voice was thick with sleep as he reached out, resting a warm hand against Viktor’s back. “Are you okay?”

“It’s morning already.” Viktor said without looking over to Jayce, exhaustion clearly in his voice. Jayce sat up properly, scooting closer to sit beside his partner.

“You didn’t sleep, did you?” Jayce’s concern deepened. He wrapped his arms around Viktor in a sideways hug. Viktor gave him a noncommittal shrug.

“Couldn’t.” Viktor’s voice was strained, his words heavy. “Or didn’t want to. I just feel like suddenly everything is starting to sink in. Whenever I close my eyes, I see them. The people from the commune. Everything I did is haunting me, and the new memories I got from being Emperor in this world aren’t helping me feel any better either.” Viktor confessed.

“I think I know what you mean, it’s a lot. And I know it’s hard on you… but hey, it’ll be alright. I’m here with you. You don’t have to go through it alone.” Jayce said.

Viktor sighed, leaning back slightly into the warmth Jayce offered. “I know,” he admitted. “But sometimes, it still feels like I do.”

Jayce reached out and pressed a gentle kiss on Viktor’s hand before pulling away just enough to catch his gaze. “You’re not alone, V. Not today, not ever.”

“I know, Jayce.” Viktor said with a sigh. 

“Vik, you know I love you.” Jayce squeezed Viktor’s hands in his, his grip steady and warm.

“Yeah I know, I love you too.” Viktor replied and laid his head on Jayce’s shoulder. 

“There’s something else bothering you isn’t there?” Jayce asked after a moment of silence. He felt the way Viktor’s posture was tense, even though he tried his best to seem relaxed. They’ve been partners for years, of course he knew his ins and outs. Yet this was also coming from this new muscle memory that he seems to have since remembering they were lovers in this world.

“I’m just nervous.” Viktor told Jayce. “I’ve never liked being seen, and for an anniversary like this… there’s going to be a lot of people. You told me yesterday that you think I belong here, but I really don’t see it.”

“You’re the most brilliant and wonderful person I’ve ever met, of course you belong here.” Jayce retorted. Viktor scoffed, shaking his head.

“Amongst the high class? Royalty? Really Jayce?”

“Yes.”

“You cannot be serious.”

“I am. You belong here, Vik.” Jayce squeezed Viktor’s hand tighter.

“That’s easy for you to say. You–” Viktor hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “You’ve always fit into places like this. Strong, charismatic, brilliant in a way people see, a way they want to see. Me?” He shook his head. “I've spent most of my life in the shadows. No one looked at me twice unless it was with pity or out of suspicion.”

Jayce didn’t know what to say to that, even if he wanted to deny it, he knew deep down that it was true. Still, it pained him immensely that Viktor saw himself like that. Jayce showed it in his expression. Viktor continued speaking.

“Back in our world, in Piltover, I was a cripple from the Undercity. A scientist who was tolerated because of his mind, not because he was wanted. I wasn’t someone people looked up to. I wasn’t meant to be seen.” He swallowed, his voice quieter. “And I didn’t want to be.”

Jayce knew this, he knew of the way he preferred the edges of a room as opposed to the centre. He had known of Viktor’s reluctance to step into the light. He felt the familiar ache settle into his chest. He should have said something, done something back then. When Viktor was hunched over his desk late into the night, pushing himself past exhaustion. When his limp grew worse, his body betraying him more and more each passing month. All Jayce had done was watch, too caught up in his own ambitions to realise just how alone Viktor had felt. 

But this was different. Here, he was the ruler of an empire, and there was no hiding from that. Jayce ran a hand down Viktor’s back, the other still holding onto his hand. Trying to ground his partner with his touch. “You’re not that man anymore.”

“No? Then who am I, Jayce?” Viktor let out a soft, bitter laugh.

“You’re Viktor. The same Viktor who saved my life when I was standing on the edge, that helped me break into Heimerdinger's lab for the slightest chance that hextech would work. The same Viktor who fought to prove himself when everyone underestimated him. The same Viktor who always had a mind too sharp for anyone – sometimes even me – to keep up with.” Jayce paused, taking a deep breath and leaning in, pressing his forehead to Viktor’s. “And the same Viktor I fell in love with.”

“I am so sorry Viktor. I should've been there for you.” Jayce continued, not breaking eye contact. “I should have told you how much you mattered – not just to science, not just to Piltover, but to me.” His hand tightened around his partner’s. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

It was Viktor who looked away, who pulled away, who pushed Jayce away. “I never had to stand in front of a crowd before. It isn’t me. I don’t know how to pretend to be someone I’m not.”

“You’re not pretending.” Jayce reached out, pulling Viktor back toward him. Not letting him get away and drown in self-pity. “You think ruling means becoming someone else? It doesn’t. You don’t have to change, Viktor. The world needs you. I need you. As you are.” Jayce’s thumb brushed over Viktor’s cheekbone. “You are meant to be seen, Vik. You always were. They just didn’t know how to look at you before.”

Viktor felt a tightness in his chest loosen, the words grounding him more than he had expected. He didn’t say anything, but Jayce’s words struck him deeply. Hearing Jayce say that, so simply and confidently almost made him feel like he could take on the whole world. It was a steady warmth against the cold doubts swirling in his mind.

A knock on the door broke the moment.

“Your Majesty.” Alexi’s voice came from the other side. “I need to speak to the Royal Protector about some final preparations.” Then she paused for a moment, listening. “And I’ve brought your garments for the anniversary.”

Jayce sighed, pressing his forehead against Viktor’s for a brief second before pulling away. “I’m sorry I have to go. We’ll see each other in the throne room.”

As Jayce moved to open the door, Viktor found himself gripping his sleeve, holding him back for just a moment longer – just long enough for him to kiss Jayce on the lips. A quiet thank you and I love you.

Then the moment passed, and the day began.

— — —

“Watch your step, majesty.” Alexi warned Viktor as he approached the entrance to the throne room. 

“I am not looking forward to all the ceremony today.” Viktor grumbled while Alexi was adjusting the collar of his dress-shirt. She then gave him a sympathetic smile in return, taking his right hand and placing a ring into the palm.

“Your signet ring. There, you’re ready.”

“Thank you, Alexi. Open the doors.” He told her before putting on his ring, and she did as instructed, opening the doors to the throne room. There were all kinds of people there. Well, actually there were all kinds of nobles, as well as guards. The throne room was decorated with banners and hanging flowers were placed upon the support pillars. Above the Imperial Throne, hung a portrait of his mother, in plain view to everyone who entered the room.

Jayce was already inside, speaking to captain Ramsey. When the captain noticed him entering, he started announcing his arrival. “All hail His Imperial Majesty. Viktor Kaldwin!”

Kaldwin.

Of course he knew that that’s what his last name was, but that didn’t mean that it didn’t feel wrong. He grew up in the undercity, he wasn’t supposed to have a last name. It was yet another thing that made him feel like he didn’t belong here. The people in the room all turned to face him.

“Loyal subjects,” Viktor started, clearing his throat before continuing, “We’re going through a difficult time, but today we honor my mother, the late empress, Jessamine Kaldwin. May her memory survive through the ages.” Then he started walking towards the throne at the very end of the room. Jayce walked beside him, bringing a hand to Viktor’s lower back. 

“You look tired, Viktor.” Jayce said, sympathetically. To be honest, all he wanted to do was spend more time with his partner, but that would have to wait until after the ceremony. For now they had to keep up appearances.

“Every year, I think the anniversary of Jessamine’s death will be easier, but it never is. I wish Mother was still the Empress. I don’t think I’m very good at this.” Viktor told Jayce, recalling the conversation he had had with him that morning without alerting the others in the room. However, someone was definitely listening to every single word he said, as well as how he said it. So it was best not to make his doubts too apparent. 

“We’re still learning. Don’t worry about the rabble-rousers. And we’ll catch the Crown Killer, eventually.”

“Remember what Alexi said, that people are saying it’s you? That these assassinations are a misguided effort to protect me?”

“Viktor, you know that’s not true... No. Someone is trying to make us look guilty by targeting your enemies.”

“...I wish I could just run away from all this.”

“Sometimes you do, you think I don’t know about your nights out on the rooftops? Courage, the ceremony will be over soon.”

They stopped before a small memorial to Jessamine, not far from the throne. Both Jayce and Viktor set down a rose in front of the memorial, although there were already several other roses there. Viktor then took a seat on the Imperial Throne, now looking out upon the room. Almost immediately after he was seated, Ramsey came in with a short bow followed by a small announcement.

“Your majesty,” Ramsey started, “before we begin the day’s observances, we have an unexpected visitor; the Duke of Serkonos.” As he was saying this the huge and heavy, wooden double doors to the throne room opened and in walked the aforementioned duke. 

“Ransey says the duke is bringing special gifts.” Jayce murmured, standing on Viktor’s right. 

“That’s intriguing.” Viktor answered simply. 

“His Grace Luca Abele, Duke of Serkonos!” Ramsey announced to the room. 

In front of the Duke walked two mechanical soldiers. Thin, tall robots with heavy footsteps. They each had four arms, yet instead of hands, they had swords. The way the light reflected off of them made it clearly look like they’d been recently sharpened. The robots used their large sword-like arms to tap a rhythmic salute on their chests. One that followed the movement of their feet each time they set a foot.

“Mechanical soldiers? Amazing.” Viktor gasped. Though part of him definitely found this a wonder of engineering, intrigued as to how they were made. Another part of him knew exactly what they were. Weapons. Made to take lives, not to improve them. The resemblance of the situation was bordering on the uncanny. They were sent into a world where they weren’t the one to make the weapons, but the ones to… use them? These were supposed to be gifts? Viktor didn't let his discomfort show despite the way this seemed to make his skin crawl. 

Jayce, on the other hand, seemed to be more on his guard about the situation. “What is this Ramsey? I didn’t authorise those things.” He barked.

So Jayce hadn’t authorised them…? 

But then that would mean that he had known about them. Viktor knew he would have to talk to Jayce about this later. 

The two soldiers along with four guards formed a pathway for the duke to approach Viktor, who was seated on the throne. He raised his arms and started speaking, his tone almost mocking.

“Your Imperial Majesty and Royal Protector Jayce Talis, a native of our homeland. Serkonos offers condolences on this sorrowful day, and gifts to remind you of our nation, the rising star on the southern horizon!” The Duke of Serkonos stepped forward until he was right before Viktor on the throne. He bent down to kneel before him, locking eyes with him defiantly before bowing his head low.

“We thank you, your Grace.” Viktor responded, wishing for the Duke to just leave and for the day to end.

“Save your thanks, for now, I give you the greatest gift of all: Family. I present to you the lost sister of Jessamine Kaldwin. Your rightful Empress, Delilah Kaldwin.” As the duke spoke, he got up and slowly turned around to walk towards the carriage that was brought inside when he first entered the room. On cue, Delilah gracefully walked out of it. She was dressed completely in black, with tight yet elegant pants that complimented her figure and a complementary black vest adorned with what looked like roses, black roses and flowers. 

“Impossible.” Jayce breathed out in disbelief, perhaps a tinge of anger that Viktor picked up on.

Viktor quickly turned to Jayce and asked: “My mother had a sister?” As if his partner would know the answer. In the meantime, Delilah approached the throne.

“My dearest nephew. Hello.” She said, the sweetness in her voice didn’t even try to hide the thorns hidden behind it. 

“It’s not true.” Jayce said firmly but a hint of doubt poking through. Delilah approached him, raising to point and waving a finger in front of his face. 

“My father was Emperor Euhorn Jacob Kaldwin, and Jessamine was my younger sister. At the time of her death I wasn’t ready to make myself known to you and I was forced to leave Dunwall. But now, I’m home.” She turned around and dramatically gestured to the room, as if she owned it. 

“If you really are my mother’s sister, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.” Viktor tried to alleviate the situation. He’d been Emperor for a total of one day, yet he wasn’t about to give up on the throne to a stranger. 

“Little sparrow,” Delilah stated, “blackened by bad memories. I’m here to relieve you of your crown.” She walked towards him. Towards the throne. “My father’s promise, whispered to me in secret so many years ago, is now fulfilled.”

“Watch your tongue!” Jayce intervened. “Viktor Kaldwin is the son of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin.”

Delilah proceeded to walk over to Jayce and place a hand on his cheek. This was immediately slapped away by the latter.

“Royal Protector, how naïve to think you could get away with these murders.” She accused him of being the Crown Killer. Then, she turned to Viktor. “Living in my palace has protected you, but that’s over.” She raised her arms up high, now addressing the room in a booming voice: “Hear me, all of you. Your rightful Empress has returned!”

“All hail the Empress Delilah! First of her name!” The Duke announced.

After that everything happened in a blur. Disloyal guards pulled their swords to attack. The mechanical soldiers turned to the still loyal guards in the room, as well as innocents. They raised their bladed arms and cut through them like it was nothing. Screams and cries of pain could be heard. The air smelled heavily of blood and the sharp edges of metal.

“Arrest Viktor Kaldwin and his Royal Protector for the Crown Killer murders!” The Duke bellowed through the madness.

Some guards turned to the throne, amongst them was Captain Ramsey. Jayce managed to stop some of them, but eventually was overwhelmed and held down. He snarled as he was brought to kneel before Delilah. Viktor tried to fight off Ramsey, but being an unarmed man put him at a disadvantage and soon, he too, was stopped and forced to his knees.

In a desperate attempt to escape, Jayce somehow managed to break free from one of the guards and stabbed Delilah right through the chest. A lethal blow. It felt like air was sucked out of the room, everything and everyone seemed to go still for just a moment. 

And then it all rushed right back. Delilah didn’t die, instead, she pulled Jayce’s sword right out of her chest and said: “Your sword can’t still my heart.” Right before throwing the sword to Captain Ramsey who, in turn, kicked Jayce down, knocking him right out. Viktor crawled the short distance to him, to try to help him. They needed a way to escape, but what could Viktor do when Jayce was unconscious? He looked up at Delilah, defiance and anger burning in his eyes.

“Sweet boy. Over time you’ll come to love me.” Delilah cooed. “Perhaps someday you’ll see me as the mother you lost. But until then, you’ll be kept out of trouble.”

“I’ll lock Viktor and Jayce in their chambers.” Captain Ramsey intervened. “Then I’ll bring them to Coldbridge prison until their trials.” With that he hit Viktor in the back of his head with the handle of his sword, making him lose consciousness as well.

Viktor felt himself being dragged along the carpet, the same carpet that led to his chambers. He opened his eyes and heard someone faintly speaking: “My father lost it all when I was a boy.” It’s Captain Ramsey. “So now I wear this uniform, and I send twenty-year-olds to patrol the Rose Gardens instead of drinking with the men from the shooting club.” Then Viktor was dropped to the floor, dizzy and unable to stand up on his own.

Oh how this reminded him of a completely different situation. 

“Captain Ramsey, I heard shouting—” Alexi began but soon noticed Viktor on the floor and instantly tried to help him up. “—Lord Viktor! What happened?!” She exclaimed in horror. With her back turned to Ramsey, he had the perfect opportunity to stab her right through the torso. So he did.

“That’ll be all, Captain Mayhew.” He said coldly, cruelly. Dropping  her onto the floor, right in front of Viktor, Ramsey continued as if nothing happened: “So that’s the Royal Protector’s fancy weapon? What kind of sword folds in half?” He dropped the sword next to Alexi and started dragging Viktor across the floor once more. Viktor passed out again.

Ramsey didn’t allow him a moment of peace however, as soon as he was in the Emperor’s chambers, he kneeled before Viktor on the floor and mercilessly shook him awake. Then, Ramsey started speaking to him again. 

“There’s a legend in the Tower Guard about the Emperor’s last resort, a safe room inside your chambers holding enough gold to buy a good-sized island. And they say that this ring—” He held up Viktor’s signet ring, the one that Alexi had given him just before he entered the throne room. He must have taken it when Viktor was unconscious. “—is one of only two keys to exist.” He threw the ring upward and caught it again with one hand before leaving the room, and locking the door.

“What… What happened… Alexi, the throne room… Jayce!” Viktor mumbled hurriedly, trying to get his bearings.

Viktor then gathered enough strength to stand up, immediately looking for his partner. They had said something about bringing them both to this room, right?

After a couple moments of panic he realized that, thankfully, he was right. Jayce was with him in the room, propped up by the desk, still unconscious. Viktor approached him with a concerned look on his face.

Fortunately, when Viktor knelt down next to him and took his hand in his, Jayce stirred for a bit before regaining awareness.

“Vi…Viktor? Hey …what happened?” Jayce's voice was harsh, disheveled. “Oh by the Outsider… my head is killing me.” 

“Outsider?” Viktor questioned before shaking his head. “Nevermind. A coup, I think? We have to get out of here.” Viktor said and Jayce's eyes sprung wide open, as if just remembering what had happened, pain forgotten. He stood up and walked over to the door, instantly rattling the doorknob but it was futile. It was locked. 

“Ramsey locked us in here, he also…  oh Jayce…” Viktor approached Jayce and grabbed his arm, pain no longer in his movements but his eyes. “He— he killed Alexi. Stabbed her with your sword… there was nothing I could do. I-I couldn’t move. I felt paralysed.” Jayce’s eyes shot open in horror at what Viktor told him and in less than a second he wrapped his arms tightly around his partner, whispering to him that everything would be alright.

“We have to get out of here.” Viktor whispered after he’d calmed down a bit. He got up to look through the keyhole and saw two guards standing out in the hallway. He realized that they couldn’t go through there, even if they had a way to break down the door. When the guards started murmuring amongst themselves, both of them eavesdropped through the door. 

“Sir, how long is it going to take Captain Ramsey?” One of them asked.

“Hold your horses Corporal Dias. Ramsey knows what he’s doing. The man is moving up in the world— He’s old blood. One of the good families, and now that he’s helped the rightful Empress take the throne, the Ramseys are going to be back in fashion in Dunwall. You’d be smart to remember that.” The other guard responded gruffly.

“Those bastards are working with Ramsey and the Duke of Serkonos.” Jayce muttered bitterly. Viktor nodded in agreement. 

After that, they both turned away from the door and started looking for another way out. Once they spotted an open window, they carefully stepped onto the sill, which led them on a precarious ledge outside. Through there they managed to enter another room. One without a door that could be locked, however, at the end of the hall was Alexi, harshly propped up against the wall, though still laying on the floor.

She was bleeding out.

“Lord Viktor, Lord Protector.” Alexi called out weakly when she saw them enter through the window. “I can’t believe Ramsey’s a traitor.”

Jayce rushed to her, grabbing her by the shoulder in an attempt to steady her. “There’s a coup underway.” He hushed, answering quickly as if that would preserve her strength.

“You’ve got to get out of the tower—” She pleaded and nodded to the both of them. “—Through the safe room. There was a captain, e-earlier today, down at the docks. Looking for you, Royal Protector. Find her.” She handed Jayce his sword, the one that Ramsey used to stab her. 

“Get out of Dunwall.” 

With that, the rest of her strength was used and she fell into the deepest of slumbers: death. 

“Alexi, I’m sorry.” Viktor choked out. “Goodbye.”

Viktor couldn’t bring himself to look at her anymore, if only he had been stronger, or faster, maybe he could have saved her. She didn’t deserve to die like this, no one does, and now the guilt of it all will start gnawing at his bones. Jayce laid her down and then stood up, taking Viktor by the hand and guiding him to the entrance of the safe room. The only problem was that it wouldn’t open without one of the two keys. One of the two signet rings. Neither of them had either anymore, both having been taken away by Ramsey. 

They silently crouched behind a guard in the hallway, it was one of the two that they had heard speaking through the door. Jayce stood up behind him and locked him in a chokehold for a couple seconds, effectively knocking him out. Viktor knew that Jayce could do this, heck, he knew that even he could do this. But seeing it was something else. He didn’t want to do this, to hurt people. Even if these were traitors, he knew that it had to hurt because at the end of the day, these were still his people, in a sense…

The two of them silently went down the stairs where they saw the other guard. He almost spotted them but at the last second Viktor managed to grab him and mimic Jayce’s action from before. His own strength was impressing him in a way that felt wrong . He really just wanted to get out of here and forget about everything that happened.

They opened a side door to the throne room and saw Ramsey speaking to two other guards.

“With the throne room blocked off, we should have the time we need. Just stay here and stall anyone who comes by. I’ll be back when I have searched the royal chambers, assuming I don’t accidentally lock myself in this damn safe room.” Ramsey said. 

“We’ll cover for you if anyone from the Duke’s party returns… This is exciting. Everything’s changing.” One of the guards responded in an almost gleeful tone. 

“Yes. The natural order is re-asserting itself. The Ramseys once hosted the Kind and Queen of Morley, did you know that?” Ramsey asked. “I spent my childhood playing with the Buntings and the Boyles, the cream of society.”

“And very soon you’ll be back at the top, Captain.”

Jayce and Viktor heard Ramsey’s footsteps approaching, and quickly went back to the entrance of the safe room, ready to surprise him.

By surprise they mean to choke him out, at the very least. 

“Ramsey’s family fell from the aristocracy and apparently the man holds a grudge.” Jayce explained in a hushed voice to Viktor while they were waiting for him to get to the spot where they were waiting for him. “How it’s anyone else’s fault? —Well, that’s beyond me.”

“But one way or another, Ramsey’s too dangerous to be left in play.” Viktor whispered back to Jayce. 

When Ramsey approached the safe room they were ready. Viktor tackled him while Jayce choked the man unconscious. Then, they both searched him to find their signet rings. 

“This won’t ever leave my hand again.” Viktor huffed. Then they went over to the entrance to the safe room. 

“Anton Sokolov made this lock.” Jayce said, as if he were speaking of Heimerdinger, their old mentor. In a way it was fitting, Anton was an old friend of them both, a mentor to both Viktor and Jayce in this world. And a great inventor, bringing his creations to the people. The lock clicked and the mechanism opened the heavy door hidden in plain sight by a bookcase. The two men stepped inside.

The two of them then looked through the safe room. It was cozy, with enough food and water to last them for months. Though the only entertainment consisted of a very few and scattered books. Inside they found the reserves that Ramsey was speaking about, the ones they could buy an island with. Unfortunately those won’t help against Delilah, even if they had a way to carry them all out with them. 

They also found another sword for Viktor, the same kind that Jayce had, one that can fold in half. As well as, of course, a pistol and some ammo. 

“I have a feeling we’ll need this.” Jayce remarked when picking the pistol up. 

“More weapons, of course. Well at least we know your aim isn’t the worst, but what about mine?” Viktor retorted, a little bitter about the time Jayce had quite literally, shot him.

Jayce gave him a look, one that both said sorry in the most sincere way known to man, while also asking him why he would bring that up now of all times. “I think you’ll do just fine.” Jayce spoke quietly while he thought of Viktor’s ‘Hexclaw’ prototype, and later his third laser arm in his Herald form.

During their search, they also found a spyglass and a mask. The mask was mechanical and had belonged to the previous Royal Protector. It had a built-in spyglass from the time of the rat plague. When Jayce tried it on, it fit Jayce a little too perfectly, but they weren’t going to concern themselves with it. At least not right now.

They spent a little longer in the safe room. Ate some of the fruit and listened to an audiograph left by Viktor’s mother. When they were ready to leave, they felt like they were forgetting something. 

“Ramsey.” Viktor said. Stopping dead in his tracks and suddenly staring at Jayce.

“Eh, Yeah. What about him?” Jayce asked. 

“He’ll wake up eventually and cause more problems. He’s too dangerous. We should lock him in the safe room.” Viktor suggested.

“Lock him in here? Are you sure?” 

“He’ll have plenty of things to survive here. Besides, he’ll get what he wants. The Imperial Suite atop Dunwall Tower.” Viktor mocked him. 

“I’m sure he can stay put until this is all set straight. Yeah, knowing nobles, I’m sure he’ll enjoy the rations and well water, oh and sleeping next to a fortune.” Jayce joined in, tone filled with sarcasm.

Once they carried Ramsey's unconscious body back to the safe room and dropped him right next to the Imperial reserves, they used the other door to the safe room to exit onto the Dunwall streets. Or rather, rooftops, for now.

It felt strange to travel by rooftops to make it to the main streets of Dunwall, the ones that led to the docks. They had to get there and speak to that captain. It was their only hope of escaping this godforsaken city and figuring out what the fuck was going on. 

“Somehow Delilah survived getting stabbed through the heart.” Jayce murmured pensively while helping Viktor travel from one roof to another.

“She has to be some sort of witch, how else would that be possible?” Viktor interjected, following Jayce’s lead as he led them to the streets. “Could the arcane be responsible for this?” 

“I don’t know V, maybe the captain knows more. Until then we just have to focus on getting there.” Jayce said, glancing at Viktor before turning his attention back on the road. “We’ll think about how any of this was possible later.” 

Then, while they were approaching a ledge, Jayce held out a finger over his lips, signaling for Viktor to be quiet. He felt a burning in his left hand again, the same one he’d felt right before Alexi first knocked on his door. The same he’d felt when the Duke of Serkonos first walked into the throne room— Like it was some sort of warning that something, or someone was coming.

Sure enough, they reached a ledge and right below was a guard so Jayce took the opportunity to try out a move he’d seen in one of his memories. A drop takedown. He crouched low, taking a steadying breath. Then he dropped from the ledge, slamming into the guard below and driving his head into the ground with a solid thud.

Jayce then stood up and opened his arms for Viktor to jump down as well. He caught his partner and their noses brushed briefly causing them both to still for half a second. Then Jayce put him down and they continued making their way towards the docks. 

Suddenly, they heard a loud alarm blaring and they figured they'd been caught, that all of their efforts to remain unseen and stealthy had been compromised. To their great relief they saw that it was just the alarm signaling the arrival of one of the small trains transporting goods from one part of the city to the other.

With that fear and panic out of the way they still had to figure out a way towards the docks. The only problem, of course, were the dozens of guards that lithered and blocked the streets to their destination. “The city is crawling with the Duke’s men.” Jayce observed. The gate for the train opened, allowing the heavy train through. 

Their eyes followed which way it was headed: the docks. Fuck, why hadn’t they though about this earlier? If they could somehow get on one of those trains, then they wouldn’t have to fight or sneak their way past guards, they would just have to ride along on top of it until it got close to the docks and then just jump off on the platform. Easier said than done though. 

Viktor tried using his spyglass to look for a way onto the suspended train tracks. They will have to wait for the next train, since the tracks are electrified. Just getting too close would electrocute them to death, not exactly what they wanted to achieve. Jayce saw what Viktor was doing and joined him in looking for a way. 

They did find a way to get onto the train, they would only have to climb onto a bit of outside furniture and heavy pipes.

Unfortunately, there was a guard captain speaking to three other guards standing in their way. They pressed against a low rising wall and leaned in as much as they could without being seen, doing their best to listen in on what he was saying.

“Listen up, I have bad news.” The captain said. “Ramsey is missing, Corporal Moore checked the Royal Quarters and Viktor Kaldwin and the Royal Protector Jayce Talis have apparently fled the Tower. We’ve got to find them. That’s it, you’ve got your orders. Spread out and find the fugitives. We’re in this with the Duke of Serkonos, sink or swim. There’s no way to turn back now.” The captain then gestured for the other guards to spread out as instructed and crossed his arms, he himself watching the streets carefully. Soon after, there was an announcement through the city’s speaker system. 

“Attention Dunwall citizens. Today of this sad anniversary we mourn the tragic slaying of our beloved Empress Jessam—” The announcer was interrupted. “— Huh? Get off– Stop it !” Then sounds of him being beaten resounded through the speakers before another voice continued.

“The former Emperor, Viktor Kaldwin and his Royal Protector Jayce Talis, have been accused of high crimes against the state. Anyone caught harboring them is equally guilty of treason and be put to death.” A new voice rang.

Jayce and Viktor looked at each other, nodding in agreement to their sudden yet silent plan. With the two of them moving practically in sync, they both found a way to avoid the guards and make their way onto a platform, then, onto some pipes near the gate, in order to be able to get on the next train. Now all they had to do was wait. For how long? Neither of them were sure. It hadn’t even been five minutes and the loud and blaring alarm announcing a train’s arrival started going off. Not long after the gate opened, they found themselves on a moving train. Holding onto each-other, and the train, for balance. 

“Attention Dunwall Citizens! As of today, Delilah Kaldwin is our new Empress. All hail Delilah, first of her name.” A monotone voice announced, like he’d been saying the same thing for a while now. “Further, the former Emperor and Royal Protector are now wanted for treason. Anyone found harboring Viktor Kaldwin or Jayce Talis will be fined and arrested!” A slightly more energetic, yet angry voice continued.

The train was supposed to be passing through another gate, but there was a slight problem: they were on top of it. Clearly, they wouldn’t fit under it so they were forced to jump onto the roof of said gate and run across it before the train continued on without them.

“People of Dunwall, stay indoors! You’re advised to stay indoors during this time of unrest!” A guard shouted from beneath them.

The two of them then jumped off the moving train with Jayce’s arms around Viktor, steadying him, even though he didn’t truly need it. Viktor was very fine doing things completely on his own now, the thought though, was appreciated. Just like that they made it to the other side of the city, unnoticed by the guards. 

“Right now all we have to do is get to the boat.” Jayce panted out, breaths coming in quickly from the adrenaline of jumping on and off a moving train.  

“Right, seems like an easy plan but there's a flaw seeing as you're talking about that ship over there, in the middle of the water.” Viktor huffed in frustration, holding onto Jayce out of habit, mostly.

“We could just run along this pipe—” Jayce gestured towards a drainage pipe that led further towards the water. “–And then jump in and swim the rest of the way.” 

“Okay sounds reasonable, but Jayce, there’s one problem.” Viktor muttered sheepishly. 

“What is it? Are you hurt? Please don’t tell me you’re hurt.”

“No I’m not hurt… I just… I don’t know how to swim.” 

“Oh.” Jayce blinked at him, the adrenaline still fading from his system. “Wait, what?”

Viktor sighed. “I grew up in the Undercity, Jayce. There weren’t exactly swimming lessons available …besides, the closest thing we had to open water was heavily polluted.”

“But… You’ve been in Piltover for years, haven't you ever—?”

“–When would I have learned?” Viktor interrupted, his voice sounding exasperated. “Between studying, research, working in the lab and dealing with… other complications, I didn’t exactly have the time. And even if I did…” Viktor tapped his right leg, bringing Jayce’s attention to it. “I hardly would have risked it. Water and I do not mix well.”

“Didn’t you try some kind of physical therapy in water before?” Jayce asked, his voice quieter now. 

“I did, and you should know I stopped quickly with it because it made me uncomfortable.” Viktor answered back with a slightly harsher tone than he had intended. Jayce looked at the ground. Viktor immediately noticed and frowned, feeling guilty. “Jayce, sorry. I did not mean to be so brash. It is not your fault.”

“I know, It's fine Vik. Uhm… new plan?” Jayce mumbled, glancing between his partner and the ship. 

“Yes, please.” Viktor answered. 

“Okay. No swimming. That’s… fine. We just need to find another way across.” 

“What about a boat? —there’s a small one over there.” Viktor said while pointing in the direction where he saw a small boat near the docks. It was unfortunately guarded. Well that's great. 

“Someone will definitely notice if we try to get that one. I’m not sure we can fight all the guards in this city at once. The ones in the palace we could sneak up on… but this? I don’t know Viktor.”

“Then what about a bridge?”

“All the way to open water? There’s no bridge to the ship V.”

“Then perhaps a particularly friendly pelican will help us out!”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I, because unless you have another way, Jayce, I do not see many options.”

They both fell silent, staring at the dark water. Staring at the ship that rocked in the distance, their beacon of escape, just barely out of reach as if taunting them. Jayce took a deep breath and placed both of his hands on Viktor’s shoulders. “Okay. Viktor, new plan. You’re just going to have to trust me.” 

“Define trust.” Viktor narrowed his eyes, already knowing what Jayce meant. 

“I’ll be with you the whole time, I won’t let you go under, I swear.” Jayce told him.

“Jayce… ”

“Viktor.” Jayce squeezed his shoulders in assurance. “Look I know you don’t like this, you might even hate this, but we’re out of options and if we stay here any longer one of the guards is going to look up and see us. Then what’ll we do?”

Viktor looked at the water like it had personally offended him. Jayce was right, he hated this. Every instinct told him to not do this— that this was a bad idea. But… but Jayce was with him. So it would be okay… right?

“Fine.” Viktor finally said after glancing between the guards and the water a few times. “But if I drown I’ll come back to haunt you.”  

“I won’t let you drown, I promise.” Jayce reassured him. 

With that (and after a couple moments for Viktor to muster the courage) they ran across the pipe, hand in hand and jumped into the water. The cold hit them like a shock. Viktor barely had time to suck in a breath before the water swallowed him whole. Panic spread through his entire body, he desperately clawed at Jayce through the water. 

A strong arm quickly wrapped around him, yanking him up. They broke the surface in a burst of splashing and sputtering. Viktor coughed, water stinging his eyes and throat, his fingers dug into Jayce's arm like it was a lifeline.

“I’ve got you, I’ve got you.” Jayce murmured quickly, doing his best to keep them both at the surface. Ignoring the pain that Viktor’s nails digging into his forearm caused him. “You’re okay, just hold on.” 

Viktor was not okay, but he also couldn’t argue through his panic. Jayce adjusted his hold, one arm wrapping firmly around Viktor’s waist while he used the other to wade through the water towards the ship. “Just breathe, alright. I’ve got you, we’re almost there.” Viktor’s hand dug into Jayce’s shoulder now. He hated this. The water was cold and he felt helpless.

“You’re doing great.” Jayce reassured him. 

“Do not patronise me.” Viktor responded and purposefully dug his nails into Jayce’s skin this time. Jayce winced slightly but he did his best to ignore the pain. 

“Okay, fine. You’re doing terribly, but you’re still alive, and we’re almost there.”

“This is the worst day of my life.” Viktor groaned dramatically. Jayce didn’t argue, just tightened his hold on his partner and kept swimming. 

After a tiring swim, they made it close to the ship's edge where there was a small boat they could get on right next to the ship. Jayce swam towards it and when he got close enough he started counting down quietly. Viktor looked at him confused for a moment before, with great effort, Jayce hoisted Viktor up onto the boat before pulling himself on it as well. He saw Viktor trembling, held down by the weight of his wet clothing. 

“Never again.” Viktor said as he laid down in the small boat to the best of his abilities. 

“Told you I wouldn’t let you drown.” Jayce snorted tiredly and flopped down beside him, nearly breathless from the exertion. 

“Came here to warn the Royal Protector, maybe too late. Now what?” A woman’s voice sounded from above them on the ship. “Is there any chance I could slip past all these uniformed assholes and get into the Tower myself? Do I still have it left in me? What am I going to do?” She sounded angry and a bit crazy seeing as she was talking to herself. “Somethings going on at Dunwall Tower. All across this cursed city. Where are you Jayce Talis?” The woman groaned in frustration. “So there’s some kind of shit storm happening here in Dunwall, the old man has been carried off to who knows where, and I’m out of money for any more operations. Just great.”

That’s when Jayce and Viktor climbed the rest of the way onto the boat, catching the woman on board by surprise. She was missing an arm and an eye, but despite the brief look of surprise on her face, she quickly regained her composure.

“Lord Viktor, Lord Talis. You won’t get far with that face stamped on half the coins in the city.”

“There’s a coup underway and we’re being blamed for the Crown Killer murders— I don’t care what my face looks like.” Viktor blurted, clearly growing annoyed.

“Right then, my name is Meagan Foster—” She started. “—I work with an old ally of yours, Anton Sokolov. We learned something scary down in the south, and I came to warn you.” 

“We know Anton,” Jayce answered in response. “The Duke of Serkonos is here, with a woman named Delilah.”

Jayce’s gaze hardened as he recalled the rest of the horrific events that followed in the throne room.“ They massacred everyone in the throne room and then she did something we can’t explain right now. There was nothing to do but run.”

“Sometimes that’s all you can do.” Meagan murmured solemnly. “This is my ship, the Dreadful Wale. We can head out as soon as you’re ready.”

“We need to get to Karnaca where the Crown Killer murders started,” Viktor firmly stated. “Delilah must have been down there for a while and we’ve got to figure out what is going on.”

“You’re Corvo’s son, I’ll give you that. Should we go? It'll take us a couple of weeks to reach Karnaca. Even with the canal.” Meagan said. Both Jayce and Viktor looked at each other before silently agreeing with a nod. 

“Yes. We’re ready.” They both said in unison.

— — —

Soon after, the pair changed out of their wet clothing and ate dinner. It was nothing fancy, just some warmed up canned food heated over a barely working stove, however, it could be worse seeing as they could have no food. Afterwards, Meagan showed them to the only unoccupied room on the ship . Upon entering, the two glanced around the room, which was a sad little cabin with a small desk and bed that was practically just as small. It was very similar in size to the single bed that Jayce had in his childhood room. Not to mention, far, far , smaller than the one in the Emperor’s chambers. Even smaller still than the one in the Royal Protector’s room. 

“Uhm…well… Yeah, sorry about that I know it's no place for royalty but—” She stood right in the doorway of the room, gesturing to its interior. “—as you can see this is an old creaking boat and not a palace. But I’m sure you two will make do. Word travels quickly, even all the way to Karnaca. Don’t be too loud though, I still want to be able to get a good night's rest.” Meagan concluded and then promptly left them to their own devices in the room. Alone. 

Right, they were lovers. People knew of that. And Meagan was expecting them to have sex .

“Viktor…?” Jayce muttered, blushing from head to toe, barely being able to make eye contact with his partner. “Would you want to do something intimate like that..like…erm… together?”

“Oh.”

Oh. It’s not like Viktor didn’t want to, quite the opposite. He really wanted Jayce and he has been wanting Jayce for years . But now ? On this ship? Right after they had somehow survived and escaped from a coup?

Viktor gave a small nod, walking over to Jayce and gently grasping his hand, leading him towards the bed. 

He sat Jayce down on the edge of the bed, slowly pushing him until he was straddling his lap. They didn’t break eye contact through it all, which resulted in Viktor almost tripping over Jayce’s feet once. That earned them a warm smile and slight chuckle from the taller man. Once they both settled, they were back to kissing each other. Just like that first time in the palace, they started slow. This time, however, the pace quickened rapidly because of the hunger that they’ve both been feeling for years. Viktor licked at Jayce’s bottom lip in between kisses and Jayce obediently opened his mouth for him. It felt sublime, warm and wet in the most perfect way imaginable.  

It wasn’t long before Jayce’s cock grew hard. And, honestly , could he be blamed? Having his partner on top of him. Their bodies pressed together. Their tongues dancing around each other. Their eyes opening from time to time, just to smile and close them again. They didn’t need to see each other, they have done that enough over the years, the secret staring, the stolen glances. Now it was time to feel.

When Viktor first felt Jayce’s boner, he had to momentarily break away from the kiss while he began to blush impossibly deeper. Jayce looked up at him, slightly panicked that he had done something wrong. But not a moment later, Viktor ran his hands over Jayce’s neck reassuringly. He stopped behind his ears, pulling him closer and kissing him again with the same fervour as a moment before.

A few heartbeats later, Viktor’s hands started moving away from Jayce’s neck. Touching him lower, over his arms and chest. Using his hands to whisper over the surface of Jayce’s skin as he slowed them down, putting more and more time between sweet kisses. He felt the way his caress made the muscles he touched go stiff. The way Jayce’s legs stiffened between Viktor. For some reason,  that seemed to evade Viktor, Jayce was growing nervous and this in turn made Viktor feel a little anxious too.

Jayce took the initiative, breaking away from Viktor’s mouth and instead, opting to kiss his neck instead. He first looked at Viktor for permission, which was granted with a short nod, allowing Jayce to eagerly kiss, lick and suck on his partner’s neck.

He left bruises, love bites on the underside of Viktor’s neck before moving up higher. He licked his way up to Viktor’s ear, following the scars left on him by the arcane with his tongue. Jayce slid his tongue inside Viktor's ear and the latter basically shivered in Jayce’s lap. Viktor tightened his grip on his partner’s arms, while Jayce gripped Viktor’s waist more firmly, always mindful not to hurt him. 

As Jayce continued to lick and suck on Viktor’s ear, Viktor started to grind his hips against Jayce’s. Oh how delightful it was to feel Viktor against him.

Yet, there was also something extremely wrong with this, and it wasn’t just the ‘deja-vu’ feeling he kept having whenever he touched Viktor or vice-versa. 

No, it was something else. 

“Hey, Viktor?” Jayce asked. “...Are you enjoying this?”

“Eh… Yes, I am. Is there something wrong?” Viktor answered him. Genuinely confused about why Jayce was suddenly stopping them.

“Then why…” Jayce looked away for a second, needing to gather his courage for a moment. “Why aren’t you getting hard?”

“Oh… right. You don’t know…” Viktor looked away shyly, not sure how to tell Jayce this. It’s not like he thinks that his partner will have any problem with it, but still. “Eh Jayce, I’m-, I, I don’t have a cock.” 

“You don’t?” Jayce wondered, staring at Viktor in confusion. 

“Yeah, I don’t. I’m… trans.” Viktor confessed. 

“Oh.” Jayce grunted simply, the gears turning in his head before—

“—OH. Okay. Phew . I thought it was something else.” Jayce chuckled nervously, letting out a noise of relief and pulled Viktor into a hug. 

“Something else? Like what?” Viktor questioned, a little curious as to what went on in Jayce’s head.

“I don’t know, a deficiency of some kind, or remnants of what the Hexcore had done to your body…” Jayce murmured quietly. He felt extremely shy, not necessarily about the subject, but about Viktor’s hips slowly grinding against his boner. “So we can continue? You were feeling good?”

“Yeah, definitely.” Viktor punctuated his words by grinding harder against Jayce, trying to find the perfect position to pleasure them both. In the meantime their lips found each other again in a heated kiss. Jayce was no longer afraid that Viktor felt like he had to do this for his sake. His partner was also getting pleasure from this. 

Kissing felt familiar. Running their hands over each other’s clothed bodies felt familiar. Grinding their hips together felt familiar. It also all felt good. Really good . So good that Jayce, overcome by his feelings of love and admiration almost came in his pants from this friction and the kissing alone. He had to let his partner know before that happened and he would be forced to die of mortification.

“Wait— Wait, hold on.” Jayce brought his hands to Viktor’s hips to stop him from moving. Any more pleasure might make him metaphorically explode, wetting the dry clothes they had just received from Meagan. Viktor wasn’t exactly aware of why Jayce was stopping them. His quick mind immediately growing anxious at the prospect that maybe Jayce wasn’t okay with him being trans. 

“What… what is wrong?” Viktor hesitantly asked, his expression betraying the anxiety he tried to hide from his voice. 

“If you keep going I might— No, I will cum.” Jayce confessed, dropping his head to Viktor’s shoulder in an attempt to calm himself down. It was Viktor’s turn to feel surprised.

“Oh. Alright. We can eh— Take a break?” Viktor suggested.

“Viktor?” 

“Yeah, Jayce?” 

“How far are you willing to go with this? I don’t want to go beyond any of your limits. Or beyond what you want to do together.” Jayce said, his voice careful, searching for any apprehension.

“What do you mean? Do you have something in mind…? Or are you asking what my boundaries are in general?” Viktor mussed, his brows furrowed in thought.

“Both, I guess. I, eh… I really want to be inside you.” Jayce's face flushed, his words stumbling out as he nervously awaited his partner's response.

“Oh Jayce ,” Viktor breathed out, looking away from Jayce, “I would love that. Really. But I don’t know if I can right now. I mean physically I could… eh… with some preparation. You feel quite big against me. However, It’s really this feeling of ‘deja-vu’, ‘deja-vecu' that's bothering me. Whenever we touch I feel like we’ve done this before. And it feels strange. I don’t really like it.” 

Jayce tried his best not to let his disappointment show but Viktor caught on quickly by continuing. 

“But… that doesn’t mean that I'm not incredibly turned on right now. We could do something, but maybe not penetrative sex?” Viktor suggested.

“Viktor? Is there something specific you’d like me to do…?” Jayce asked. 

“I thought maybe you could finger me?” Viktor opted shyly. “But I also want you to feel good, so maybe you’d let me touch you at the same time?”

“Essentially, jerking each other off?” Jayce confirmed. 

“Yeah, pretty much. We should undress though, since that’s why we stopped before.” Viktor teased and then proceeded to wink at Jayce.

Jayce suddenly stood up and picked Viktor up along with him, teasing his lover by rubbing their hips together just a little before letting him gently down so they could stand next to each other. Then they both started undressing. Jayce was quick with it. Took everything he was wearing off as fast as he could. In the meantime Viktor was slow, almost making a show out of it. Glancing at Jayce — who just sat down on the bed — before taking off his underwear. He hunched over to gently place it on the floor near his other clothes, effectively giving Jayce a full view of his cunt. Needless to say, Jayce was salivating at the sight of Viktor, nude, bent over before him. 

“Like what you see?” Viktor asked playfully, his sudden confidence gained from his partner’s loving gaze. 

“Yes.” Jayce immediately responded. His brain could barely form coherent thoughts anymore. All he knew, all he saw was Viktor. His Viktor. “They are all over your body.” Jayce reached out to brush his fingertips over Viktor’s back. There were circular scars there, in the places where heavy bolts used to hold Viktor’s spine somewhat upright. He pulled Viktor closer to him, making him stand between his legs, back turned towards him.

Jayce was enamored by the swirling patterns on Viktor’s skin as he slowly reached out to touch him, running his fingers along the pastel lines in worship. Viktor was beautiful, he simply couldn’t help it. Jayce leaned in and kissed along the lines he’d just traced on his back. Kissing each place where a bolt had once been. Kissing every mole on Viktor's back.

He could tell Viktor was starting to get just a little bit impatient, but Jayce wasn’t done. He was a man on a mission, the mission being: worshipping his lover’s body. Jayce made Viktor turn around — to face him this time — so that he could continue loving him.

Jayce ran his hands over Viktor’s chest, tracing scars, both old and new. The new scars left behind by the arcane, in swirling, colourful patterns. And the old scars, still somewhat red and angry, left behind by an old surgery. He gently kissed the old scars and then looked up at Viktor, meeting his gaze for the first time since he’d seen him naked. He leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, before wrapping his arms around him and pressing his head against Viktor’s stomach.

Viktor, in turn, wrapped his arms around Jayce’s head, tenderly petting his hair while gazing down at him. After a moment that seemed to stretch endlessly, Jayce pulled away slightly, looking his partner in the eyes. Those beautiful , intelligent eyes that saw the world so differently from how he was seeing it. 

While yes, he absolutely enjoyed the way Jayce was treating him, and yes , he loved the way Jayce was looking at him with such admiration, such love . He also wanted more, so he carefully cupped Jayce's face and slowly forced him to look downwards. When Jayce’s eyes landed on Viktor's cunt again he audibly swallowed.

“Can I?” Jayce asked.

“Can you? Can you what?” Viktor asked. 

“Can I finger you now?” Jayce asked again, gaze not leaving from where it was fixated on his partner’s crotch. 

“Don’t you think I should sit, or at least lay down first?” Viktor hummed, teasing Jayce further. He then sat down next to him, swinging one of his legs behind Jayce. Effectively making Jayce sit between Viktor’s legs. Oh the sight, it made Jayce’s cock twitch, the first drops of precum leaking out of it.

No more words were spoken from there, Jayce did his best to adjust their position, taking Viktor’s other leg and placing it on his lap. He brought two of his fingers to his mouth and started licking them, coating them in saliva. Then he brought one of them to Viktor’s already slick folds. 

Oh the sweet, sweet, sound that escaped Viktor’s mouth when that first finger breached him. How wet his partner already was, all for him. The way Viktor clenched around him when he put in a second finger. Jayce thinks he wouldn’t have lasted long if he were to fuck Viktor with his cock. He wasn’t even being touched right now, yet he was twitching and leaking merely from the sight. From the sounds that Viktor made and from the way he was tightening around his fingers. 

Then, when Jayce was barely moving his fingers, Viktor reached for his cock. Oh— that felt heavenly . He stopped moving completely, and so did Viktor. Jayce opened his eyes to look at him.

He hadn’t even realised he had closed them.

“Why’d you stop?” Jayce asked.

“You’re the one who stopped first.” Viktor pointed out. “I’ll try my best to match the rhythm you’re using to finger me. That way you can, sort of, control your orgasm?” 

Okay now, that, was hot. His partner touching him, but he was still in control of the rhythm and not only that but it would be the same rhythm that he was fingerfucking him with? Oh yes. Absolutely. Jayce’s cock gave the response by twitching in Viktor’s hand.

“Oh, you like the idea of that?” Viktor asked. “Then what are you waiting for?” 

That was the last push that Jayce needed to start moving again. Only two of Jayce’s fingers going in and out of Viktor felt like at least three of his own. However, it was solely on those nights when he was fortunate enough for his hand not to cramp up and for his back and leg to allow him this simple pleasure.

Viktor felt Jayce’s gaze on him as his pace picked up. Viktor matching it to the best of his ability. He felt Jayce being close in his hand, whenever he would get close, he'd slow back down and bite his lips. Yet, he never took his eyes from the fingers that were pumping in and out of Viktor’s cunt. Eventually Jayce slowed down his pace almost completely. Weird, Viktor didn’t feel like Jayce had been close that time.

“Viktor…” Jayce began, his voice trailing off with a flush. Viktor nodded, silently telling him to continue. “Can I… there really isn’t any other way to say this but, can I lick you? Your… uh…”

“My cunt?” Viktor asked. 

“Yeah, I wasn’t sure what you wanted me to call it.” Jayce responded quickly. 

Viktor was obviously considering this. While yes, he was still experiencing whatever that  strange muscle memory thing was called, it was going away the longer that Jayce’s fingers were inside of him. He also took in the way his partner was looking at him, almost literally drooling like a dog at the sight. He couldn’t deny he was curious about how it would feel. Even though he somehow knew that he would get that same deja-vu, deja-vecu.

“You can…” Viktor started, “but please do be careful… eh no one has done this to me before. I’m not exactly sure how it feels.” Viktor confessed after thinking for a bit. Jayce’s fingers were still inside of him, he moved them in and out for a little longer before pulling them out with a slight pop sound. Jayce then maneuvered them both so he was laying with his head between Viktor’s legs, holding onto his thighs in order to hold back. 

Jayce looked up at Viktor from where he was situated. In response, Viktor nearly lost it from seeing his partner there, a part of his fantasies finally fulfilled. Viktor nodded, letting Jayce know that he could begin doing whatever he had in mind.

Jayce licked Viktor’s folds slowly, all the way up to his clit. 

Oh, it felt good. Oh, it felt familiar. Oh, it felt…

… weird .

Why did it feel weird? Jayce sucked gently on his clit, the pleasure overwhelming for hardly even a second before he moved lower, dragging his tongue along his wet cunt. Before he put his tongue inside and started softly licking in and out of him.

By now Viktor was a blushing mess, covering his face with his hands, trying to hide the embarrassment he felt. There was something wrong , he felt like he was being watched, and not just by Jayce’s loving gaze.

Jayce then stopped and looked up at Viktor in concern when he started tensing his muscles. Something told Jayce that it wasn't in pleasure, but rather, distress. 

“Viktor? Are you okay? If you don’t like this we can stop. It’s okay.” Jayce reassured him, already starting to move his face away from his partner’s cunt.

“Don’t get me wrong, Jayce. The things you do with your tongue…” Both Viktor and Jayce reddened at that. “...Are beyond wonderful. But I have this sense, like I am being watched. It feels off.” Viktor told his partner. 

“That’s okay. We can stop, if you think that would help you feel better.” Jayce told him. 

“I don’t want to stop. Maybe just stop with this and go back to your fingers? Those felt really good inside of me.” 

“Alright, but will you let me take care of myself? I really want to be able to please you before I cum, but I don’t think I can hold back much longer.”

“Okay. So I just… lay back and do nothing?” Viktor questioned, eyeing him warily. 

“Yeah, just let me take care of you.” 

In a moment’s notice, two of Jayce’s fingers were back inside of Viktor’s tight cunt. While he moved them in and out of Viktor, he used his thumb to rub circles on his lover’s clit. His free hand was wrapped around his own cock, pumping and squeezing as needed to hold himself right on the edge. Sometimes he would curl his fingers just right and Viktor would make the sweetest of sounds.

His rhythm eventually picked up. He asked Viktor if he would like another finger, to which he responded with a nod, a moan and by clutching around the two fingers inside of him. It wasn’t long after Jayce added said finger that Viktor came. With three fingers inside of him he arched his back off the bed and threw his head back, mouth open in a silent scream. Right after, Jayce came as well.

After a couple seconds spent, trying to catch their breaths, Jayce used a blanket to cover himself as he walked to the small bathroom to look for something to clean up their mess . He came back right after and first cleaned Viktor and then himself. He then took Viktor to the bathroom with that same blanket wrapped around them. They fell asleep right after they laid down together on the bed. Cuddling, holding each other like that first time they’ve slept together. Viktor partially on top and a blanket draped over them while they both drifted off into a dreamless sleep, tired from the events of the day…

— — —

Hours later, the pair both woke up at nearly the same time, and with the same peculiar feeling deep within their chests. 

“Are we still aboard Meagan’s ship? It feels… odd.” Viktor commented. They quickly got dressed, but when they tried to open the only door in their little room, they found that it was locked. Or at least, blocked in some way or another. They turned around and saw what could only be described as a dark and cold abyss before them. It was like a piece of the room was carved out and instead replaced with this cold and black stone. 

“What is this place? Where are we?” Jayce asked. They walked on the black stone slates over to what seemed like an empty doorway. The wall consisted of another one of those slates, same as the ones they were walking on.

“I can feel something moving closer. Watching.” Viktor said eerily.

“Does it feel familiar to you? This place?” Jayce asked again as they continued walking towards the doorway. 

“No. Does it to you?” Viktor asked, nearly there.

“ Yes .” Is all Jayce could say before a figure appeared before them. A pale man with eyes completely black, no light escaping out of them.

“Figured that the time would come when the Arcane meddled with the Void. Though I wasn’t expecting two, fairly young men to come out of the whole ordeal.” The man remarked.

“Who are you?” Jayce questioned.

“I go by many names, Outsider, Great Leviathan, God, Devil. None are truly correct though.” The Outsider told them. The duo had no idea what to say in response but now they knew what the strange feeling that they had felt before was. It was coming from him . He was the source of it all. In one way or another.

“Seems there isn’t much talk of me in the safety and comfort of the Imperial Palace. Though, it isn’t quite as safe as you’ve thought, is it?” The Outsider mocks. 

“We're here just so you can make fun of us then?” Viktor replies with an irritated tone. 

Two can play it that game.

“Oh calm down, herald , you’re here because you want to take your throne back aren’t you?” The outsider said.

“Herald?” Viktor asks, dumbfounded.

“Weren’t you the Herald of the Arcane in your previous life? Before you became Emperor of the Isles?” The Outsider raises an eyebrow at him. 

“You know of the Arcane?” Jayce asks him.

“Well you see, the Void is much like the Arcane. The Void leaks, bleeds into the cracks of the world where little dare venture. The parts that the rich and powerful tend to want to forget about. The Arcane corrupts, it grows and attaches itself to things like a parasite. Of course I know of the Arcane. However, there tends to never be any kind of overlap between the two. until now, that is. So pardon my curiosity.”

The Outsider disappears from sight, a trail of black knifelike particles surrounding him before he appears again somewhere else, followed by those same strange particles. “You want to take back the throne and not have to live as fugitives? There’s no point in lying, I know and see all.”

“Right, and you’re going to help us with that?” Jayce questioned.

“I’m merely going to give you a tool. You do with it as you please.”

“What kind of tool?” Viktor inquired, sceptical about this ‘God’ and his powers. He knew of how magic can, and often will do the opposite of what it promises you. 

“The same mark as the one on the hand of your sweet Jayce.” The outsider gestures to Jayce’s hand.

My sweet Jayce? Viktor thinks.

“My mark grants you certain powers.” Viktor feels a burning on his left hand before the outsider continues speaking. “The influence of the Arcane will not reach through the Void. I know it is both a blessing and a curse to you. As it can only keep your body from crumbling in on itself for a certain time, unless aided of course. The marks caused by your old body will stay as they are, but they will be sustained by the Void instead of the Arcane. I cannot make you as powerful as you were when influenced by the Arcane, Herald, but I can sustain your life.” The same mark that was on Jayce's hand now adorned Viktor’s.

“Why would you do this? What’s the catch? What is in it for you?” Jayce demanded.

“Too many questions, Royal Protector. But to answer them simply: interest, and a shared goal. I enjoy watching the chaos spread through the realm, but Delilah has been a thorn in my side for far too long. You get rid of her and I will guarantee that his body is not the factor that takes his life.” The outsider looks at them intently before continuing, addressing Viktor.

“Frankly, I never expected us to meet. I watched your mother die at the hands of schemers who wanted your little empire. You were then rescued by a man in a strange mask, the same one that your lover seems to wear now. I thought that was the end of the excitement. But someone yanked the rug from under your feet. You've lost your throne and your father. And I promise, Delilah won't just give them back. So what are you prepared to do about it, your Imperial Majesty? And are you clever enough to do it without spilling a river of blood?”

He disappeared out of sight, before appearing again on another platform. One that was impossible to reach. Not without using their powers at least. Jayce blinked up to it, remembering how to use his powers had come easily to him. If only he could have used them against Delilah. Little did he know that would have made little difference.

It was different for Viktor, not only was it more difficult, since he really was using these powers for the first time. But also because he didn’t teleport in the way Jayce did, instead he pulled himself towards the other platform. A very strange sensation in his stomach, like swallowing glass. Once they were both on the platform the Outsider started speaking again.

“There's no one quite like Delilah. I watched her pull herself up from blood and filth, until she was in a position to steal from the wisest scholars in the Empire.” He moved again, urging them to follow.

“Survival and ambition, art and magic, with a cunning that makes fawning sycophants of those around her. All of it leading to what you saw at Dunwall Tower. Delilah's playing the long game. She took all the abuse the world could deal out, and now she has a crown. But I'll let you in on a secret; she's got her eyes set on a much greater prize.” He led them to a pedestal. On it was a mechanical heart, still beating. 

“What is this, it feels — familiar.” Viktor took it in his hands and before him appeared the spirit of his mother. 

“I know you, do you remember? It’s been so long and you’ve been through so much. Even as an echo of myself, it’s good to know you’re there.” The spirit said. 

“Mother? You’re here, but not here. In my hand, but somewhere else.” Viktor said in disbelief.

“Only the last of my essence, with you for a while. If only I could reach across this great expanse and take you into my arms. But I have this to offer, my gift and my curse. Summon me to your hand, and I will guide you when I can.” She said and then disappeared. 

This left Viktor blankly staring at the heart in his hand. It also felt like it was guiding him towards something. Runes , he somehow knew. The Outsider was nowhere to be seen. They followed the heart to a shrine on which there were two runes. Both of them had the Outsider’s mark carved into them. When they touched said runes the Outsider appeared again. 

“I have one more gift before I let you leave, Herald.” The Outsider called out to them from another platform. They used their powers to get to him. “It is also for your dearest Jayce, the gift of telepathy. Use it well, for I feel like you will need it in the coming months.” 

He then spoke once more before Jayce and Viktor left, his tone impermissible.

“And remember, I am always watching .”