Chapter 90: Prison Break Talks

"A prison break?" Orion asked cautiously, meeting Silco's measuring gaze.

"Yes. We're going to free our brethren the Kirammans and Greyson have been locking up," Silco said mildly as Sevika opened the door and threw herself onto the couch.

Orion glanced back as Silco continued to speak. "We're receiving help from a special group of benefactors. In return, they'll receive special discounts on Syntixi production."

"And what are they helping with?"

"Once we free our brethren," Silco said, puffing on his cigar, "the Noxians will help us gain independence."

"Noxians?" Orion frowned, his mind wandering to Ambessa and her right-hand man. "Ambessa and Rictus?"

"I really must ask, does your magic help you find information, or do you snoop around like a rat?"

Orion shook his head. "Before my imprisonment, I was starting to get to know Topside a bit more, including hearing more about Mel and her family history."

"Uh-huh, I'm sure that's the case," Silco said dismissively, his eyes shifting down to the papers in his hands. "You will lead the prison break after our forces land on Stillwater Hold. Will that be a problem in your... condition?"

A mocking snort came from behind him as Orion's eye twitched. But, breathing deeply, he sighed and shook his head. "It would."

Silco's eyes snapped up to him with a sharp, pointed glare. "What?"

"For two reasons. One, the Noxians will betray you. They're only here to acquire weaponry, and they'll use this to round everyone up, taking Syntixi for free."

"You think I'm not aware of their intent?" Silco snarled, standing up. "How long do you think I've lived for, boy, to not know when I'm being played?"

"Then why do it? If you want me to risk it all, tell me."

"A debt is to be repaid," Silco replied coldly, their gazes locked. "I've given you plenty of lenience and freed you from your jailors- for what would've been a lifetime in prison."

Slamming the papers on the desk, Silco leaned forward, unabated by Orion's shimmering purple eyes. "What gives you the right to know my plans? Plans that all inevitably lead to the nation of Zaun."

Leaning in himself, Orion's face hovered inches from Silco. Behind him, he heard Sevika standing up with a soft thud as her cloak fell off.

"Because I'm the one who can make the operation a success without losing half your forces to Enforcer weaponry. And without revealing your Shimmer-infused warriors. I'm sure you have Syntixi weapons up your sleeves, but Topside—"

Snarling, Silco slammed the desk twice, papers flying everywhere. His menacing gaze snapped to Sevika instead. "Do we have a traitorous rat lurking somewhere?"

"I'll run background checks again," Sevika responded coolly. "Pull out a few people, try to find anyone suspicious."

Nodding, Silco's temper still flared, Orion heard Sevika immediately walk back out of the room as Silco's gaze snapped back to Orion.

Orion could hear his teeth grinding before Silco took a deep breath, leaning back to take another puff of his cigar to calm himself.

"And the second reason?"

"Do you believe in Janna?"

"It's a fairy tale for children. Don't tell me-"

Pulling out the necklace, Orion showed it to Silco while explaining, "She gave me this pendant to help stop my uncontrollable outbursts I've been having. I can help, but not as a killing machine."

"So what use are you other than a glorified officer," Silco asked, his voice trembling. "Sevika could take your place just as easily then. The whole purpose of your existence- your freedom- was to be the monster that Topside feared."

"Does the mention of Janna, the Void, or anything I've said mean anything to you?"

"You've told me fairy tales and revealed spies are among my people," Silco spat. "I suppose I should be grateful you haven't returned to Topside or crawled back to Vander like a dog."

'Ugh, this would be easier if Janna was on standby to just descend,' Orion groaned internally before sighing aloud.

"I can help break down Stillwater's defenses, restrain and disarm people, and anything that won't involve killing for now," Orion explained. "But I want to show them Janna's teachings after I break them free."

Snorting, Silco turned away with a disappointed, disgusted look. "Do whatever you want, boy. As long as you perform in three days. Now get out."

Without another word and a momentary pause, Orion turned to leave.

'I'll need teaching from Janna on wind magic, and perhaps persuade her to descend if possible. Otherwise, this whole 'worshipper' and 'restraint' thing is just a shit show.'

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"Silco, the industrialist, has agreed," Rictus reported as Ambessa was busy relaxing in her bath with her male prostitute giving her a massage. "Though I do not trust him. I believe he will try something."

"Let him," Ambessa said, amused and mockingly. "Their violence will demonstrate to Mel the naivety of her ways and lead us closer to having either Hextech or Syntixi."

"He does not appear stupid," Rictus said, concerned. "They may bring Syntixi weaponry. In that case, heavier losses are to be expected."

Smirking, Ambessa brushed off her male prostitute and slowly rose from the water.

"Good. When will they move?"

"In three days, in the cover of darkness."

Ambessa stepped out of the shower as servants brought her a bathrobe, which she donned gracefully. Her eyes wandered downward for a moment before nodding.

"And any news about... them?"

Tension immediately filled the room with Rictus stiffening.

He shook his head.

"Silence."

"Silence is never good," Ambessa muttered.

"We must be wary. They could strike at any moment. I can't lose Mel too..."