Chapter 18: Trial
Leaving Grayson, who was lost in her thoughts, Niko turned with the intention of attending to a few more tasks when he felt a small bump on his back. Turning his head, he found Yako had jumped onto his back and hugged him, and suddenly a voice sounded in his head.
~Thank you, Niko~
Niko smiled and was about to respond when he remembered something and, without saying a word, gently patted Yako's back.
Turning back around, he headed toward the anvil and sat on it, his gaze drifting toward the room's entrance.
[Host-]
'Can you tell me something?'
[...]
'I see.'
Rising from the anvil, he crossed his arms as he stretched and let out a yawn.
"Well then, back to work."
_______________________________
At the same time, at The Last Drop tavern in Zaun, night had fallen and the group of children sat on stools facing Vander, who was cleaning a jug as usual.
Benzo, seated beside him, sipped from a beer jug, glancing occasionally at the children and sensing their nervousness. Vander glanced at the children and sighed, then turned to start cooking some food.
The aroma filled the room, catching the attention of the youngsters and even Benzo, whose gaze shifted to Vander's back. Without delay, Vander turned around with five plates of bacon and eggs.
"Eat up and wipe those looks off your faces."
He set the plates before them and then crouched down to grab five glasses and a jug of juice. Vi, seated directly across from him, raised her eyebrows slightly, looking at Vander with confusion.
"How did you manage all this?"
As Vander poured water for them, Vi's question momentarily froze him, causing him to spill some water. He turned to find a napkin to clean up, avoiding Vi's gaze.
"When I went upstairs, I found various ingredients that should last a few months... He must have bought them."
Vander displayed a somewhat sad smile, visible to Benzo, who felt a pang of confusion. It was unnecessary to say whom Vander was referring to, and upon hearing this, Powder stopped eating and, after taking a sip of water, addressed Vander.
"Where's Niko? Why isn't he eating with-"
*BAM*
Powder's words were cut off by a loud noise that alarmed everyone in the tavern. All eyes turned toward a pair of young individuals known for frequenting the tavern.
The two young people gasped for breath, leaning on their knees as they spoke in fragmented words.
"V-Vander, Niko, H-He, the enforcers, store."
Vander approached them with two chairs, helping them up and seating them.
"Catch your breath and tell me clearly."
The youths nodded, and after a few breaths, they exchanged nods before one of them spoke.
"About twenty minutes ago, two Enforcers were outside Niko's store. One of them was swinging his baton and hurling insults."
Vander's face paled slightly as the other continued.
"The Enforcer attacked Niko, but he destroyed the baton with his hand. It seemed like he was going to retaliate, but the Enforcer's partner stopped him, and they both entered Niko's store. Shortly after, the woman came out and said something to her partner, who left, leaving her alone. Then she went back inside."
Silence filled the room after their account, and Vander's gaze turned towards Vi, who had dropped her stool and bolted towards the door. He moved quickly, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her back to the other children.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
Vander saw the hatred in Vi's eyes and sighed, reminded of the same look he once had.
"That's what I'm asking you, Violet. What are you doing?"
Rising to his feet, Vi headed back towards the door, albeit limping slightly.
"I'm going to rescue Niko from those damn enforcers from the surface."
Vander shook his head, gripping Vi's forearm tightly.
"Stop. Stop!"
"SILENCE."
Vi trembled in terror at Vander's shout, and he sighed again, lifting her onto a stool and sitting her down.
"Violet, they have weapons. If you can't even do it for me, how do you expect to handle them... Just look at the faces around you, Vi. You're not the only one worried here."
Vi followed Vander's words and noticed how the other children seemed to tremble slightly, their eyes vacant, especially her younger sister, who was shaking dangerly.
Hurrying off the stool, Vi ran towards Powder, embracing her and trying to calm her.
"It's okay, Pow Pow, everything will be fine."
Powder seemed to stop trembling but didn't lift her head, speaking almost inaudibly to her sister.
"...Vi."
"I'm here."
"Niko... Are they going to kill Niko like they did with... mom and dad?"
Vi fell silent upon hearing this, and tension filled the bar. Ekko recovered from the shock, glancing repeatedly between Benzo and Vander, his eyes pleading for urgent help.
"N-No, please no."
Unlike the others, upon hearing Powder's words, a wave of guilt washed over Vander, reminding him of past events as he touched the left side of his torso.
"Benzo, stay with them."
Without waiting for a response, Vander turned and headed towards The Last Forge, clutching the lighter that Niko had given him tightly in his hand.
Running through the streets, Vander's actions drew the attention of those who recognized him; some tried to follow, thinking he might need help, but he quickly scared them off by picking up speed.
Within minutes, he reached the shop, slightly out of breath, and began pounding on the door.
The loud sound echoed down Mercantile District's street, catching the attention of passersby. Upon seeing who caused the noise, some stopped, ready to assist if needed-such was the respect Vander commanded.
*PUM* *PUM*
"Niko!"
*PUM* *PUM* *PUM*
"NIKO!!"
Footsteps approached from the other side, and Vander paused as a small grille opened, revealing Grayson's surprised face.
"Vander."
"...Open the door, Grayson."
Without a word, Grayson shut the grille, furrowing Vander's brow. Just as he was about to knock again, the door swung open, revealing Grayson holding Yako in her arms.
"You-what?"
"Come in, I'm drawing attention."
Vander glanced back, meeting disapproving gazes from those around him. Nodding to them, he entered the shop and shut the door behind him. Inside the reception room, he could hear the hammering from the forge room, and his body relaxed slightly.
Leaning against the door, he lit his pipe to calm himself further.
"Nice lighter. Did the boy make it for you?"
Vander looked expressionless at Grayson, giving a simple nod. Grayson raised an eyebrow, leaning on the counter.
"I thought you were going to knock the door down. What's with the change of mood?"
Vander looked at Grayson again, taking a puff from his pipe before gesturing towards Yako.
"Niko broke a wrist for that kid. He wouldn't let you hold him if he didn't trust you."
After finishing, Vander heard a faint laugh and saw Grayson give him an amused smile.
"...What?"
"Do you know why he trusts me?"
Vander looked a bit annoyed as he kept silent. Grayson, taking his silence as a refusal, raised a hand and pointed at Vander.
"Because you trust me, or at least that's what he says."
"...Excuse me?"
"He explained how our backgrounds made our coexistence difficult, but collaboration created a bond of respect to prevent larger problems in our respective cities. At least, that's how I interpreted it."
Vander looked somewhat surprised and, after pondering for a moment, couldn't help but smile as he looked in the direction of the hammering. Grayson's face turned serious, and she left Yako on the counter.
"Vander, why have you come?"
Vander also adopted a serious attitude as he took another puff of his pipe.
"I could ask you the same. Why have you come, Grayson? I thought you said I had two days."
"It would have been two days if someone had committed to handing him over. Given your repeated refusals, I had no choice but to get involved."
Vander frowned and looked quite angry at Grayson. "And now?"
"...He's not willing to work for the Kiramman. So, now you know."
"...Exile or Stillwater Prison."
Vander clenched his fists in fury, then looked up at the ceiling. Grayson's voice brought him back to reality.
"Violence won't solve anything, Vander, you know that perfectly well."
"...So what do you suggest? That I just hand him over?"
Vander clenched his fists again, and his whole appearance screamed helplessness. This sight struck Grayson, leaving her momentarily silent.
"...I've witnessed his abilities."
Vander looked at Grayson and saw her looking at Yako.
"They aren't aware of his intelligence and creativity. If they were, knowing his strength and even if he's Zaunite-"
"The merchant families would try to recruit him. If he refuses and is exiled, they... they would have him killed to avoid future problems."
"...He's got a good head on his shoulders, Vander. I hate to say it, but prison is his best option."
The atmosphere became tense, and for a few minutes, Vander was lost in thought.
"I was thinking of turning myself in."
Grayson's eyes widened in panic, and she started shouting at Vander.
"No! Absolutely not, Vander, without you, this place would collapse."
Vander smiled slightly and took another puff from his pipe.
"He said the same... And I have a feeling that if I do it, he'll bring me back, dragging me if necessary."
Releasing an internal sigh of relief, Grayson glanced at the somewhat dejected Vander and gestured for him to follow.
Standing near the forge door, Grayson opened it, allowing Vander to see Niko, deeply focused with slightly red eyes and working on two beautiful blue-red couloured gauntlets.
[IMG here]
Grayson carefully closed the door and moved away from it, returning to the counter, observing Vander as he returned to his spot, his eyes reflecting surprise.
"I'm sure you've already thought about it, Vander. That's not a genius, not even someone, let alone a child, could work under these conditions... If he was from Piltover..."
Vander didn't respond, taking another puff and turning his gaze back to Grayson.
"...I saw him writing some letters before... I left the room when tears began to fall on the paper."
Realizing something, Vander lowered his gaze and left the shop without saying another word. Grayson watched from a distance as he walked away, seemingly burdened with immense sorrow.
_____________________________________
Two days later.
Niko was in the elevator with Grayson, observing as the lighting around them shifted to a deeper blue, completely overshadowing the green hues of the gases. Upon reaching the top, both stepped out of the elevator, and Niko, walking ahead of Grayson, turned around.
"Thanks for letting me arrange everything yesterday."
Grayson observed the genuine smile on Niko's face, then his eyes involuntarily shifted to Niko's hands, which were restrained by large platinum handcuffs connected by chains. Despite feeling conflicted, Grayson managed to respond with a smile.
"It's the least I could do."
Niko was dressed in a simple black outfit, and along with the handcuffed hands and being escorted by the enforcers' chief, he inevitably drew attention from passersby who met his gaze. Seeing the commotion caused, Grayson decided to act quickly and hurried to the enforcers' office.
"I'm sorry, Niko."
"It's fine, doesn't bother me."
Showing a slight grimace due to the discomfort, Grayson quickened his pace, and Niko followed suit, arriving at their destination within minutes.
An imposing building appeared before Niko as he entered it, seeing various types of people inside—some enforcers, others handcuffed like Niko, and others carrying piles of papers in their arms.
'I guess paperwork is unavoidable even in another world.'
Pulling Niko out of his thoughts, Grayson appeared beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"It's time."
"Already?"
"*sigh* House cases take precedence, and you're the only one today."
Niko hesitated for a moment but nodded and began walking alongside Grayson, encountering a flight of stairs. Upon climbing them, he stood before a massive building that he recognized as the one next to the Academy.
"The Council Building. It was constructed generations ago by the founding council members, where decisions are made, trials conducted, and it's the primary focus of importance in the city. It represents Piltover's progress."
Upon hearing a voice behind him, Niko turned around, facing a man gazing up at the top of the building.
"Oh, sorry if I disturbed you, young one. You looked impressed by that, so I couldn't resist giving you a little explanation. I'm Professor Lymere, pleased to meet you."
Niko looked at him with some confusion, while the professor glanced between his hand and Niko's, realizing they were chained together.
"Oh."
"*Ahem*"
Hearing a cough beside him, the Professor turned his head, coming face to face with Commissioner Grayson.
"S-Sheriff Grayson."
"It's not allowed to speak with a suspect just before the trial, be cautious, Mr. Lymere."
"Of course! I apologize greatly. The excitement of bringing my nephew to his first trial clouded my judgment, and I'm not entirely attentive to what's happening around me. Lately, he's been sad and hasn't ventured out from home much, eats more but shies away from wanting to go out, so I thought to bring him, and-"
Niko couldn't help but intervene before Grayson could cut him off.
"Excuse me, but you talk a lot. You seem more nervous than I am, and I'm the one being judged, so I'd appreciate it if you calmed down and took a breather."
The Professor Lymere was surprised by the boy's courtesy and, after inhaling and exhaling for a while, addressed Niko again.
"Thank you, young man... Good luck."
"...I appreciate it."
Niko turned to Sevika and gave a nod, signaling that he wanted to enter, and she reciprocated, beginning to walk, with Niko following her when suddenly a voice rang out again, causing Niko to stop abruptly.
"Ah, there you are, Ezreal!"
"Uncle, don't shout! You have to behave in places like these."
"Ah, right, my bad. Come on, let's go in, and maybe that'll clear your head."
Niko turned around, meeting Ezreal's surprised gaze.
"Wait? Nikko?"
Turning back, he prepared to resume his path when a hand touched his shoulder.
"I'm telling you to wait, idiot."
Niko didn't need to turn to know who it was, and gritting his teeth, he let out a small voice.
"Move."
"Nooope."
"...What?"
"Noooooope."
"..."
Setting aside the sadness, a small vein popped on Niko's forehead, and before he could turn, Grayson's hand interrupted the exchange between the two boys.
"Control your nephew, Mr. Lymere. I reiterate that it's not allowed to have contact with a suspect."
Ezreal looked angrily at Grayson and pulled his hand away.
"I'm talking to my friend."
"...Is he your friend, Niko?"
Niko took a moment to breathe and sighed, continuing to walk.
"He's not-"
"I AM."
The volume of Ezreal's shout made Niko turn around, finding Ezreal tearing up and sniffling.
"I am your friend."
Niko turned back and walked on under Ezreal's shouts.
"...I KNOW YOU DID IT FOR MY OWN GOOD."
Tears welled up in Niko's eyes, and he took another step.
"I WAS AFRAID OF LOSING MY ONLY FRIEND."
Grayson watched as Niko trembled slowly and turned to look at the boy behind them.
"I WOULD NEVER BE AFRAID OF YOU."
Niko's steps halted, and with a tear, he turned back under Ezreal's final shout.
"SPARKING IDIOT!"
Upon hearing the last phrase, Niko began to laugh, turning completely and revealing his chained hands to Ezreal.
"W-What? Niko?"
Raising both hands, Niko pointed at Ezreal with a smile.
"I'll leave it to you."
Lowering his arms, he turned and resumed his pace.
"NIKO!"
Ezreal was about to run after him when his uncle grabbed his shoulder with a serious expression.
"Not now, but we'll talk at home."
Following his uncle's gaze, Ezreal watched as the doors of the building opened and Niko moved farther away. Grayson, who had been observing the entire scene, showed a smile and inclined his head slightly.
"You have a good friend."
"...I know."
The door opened fully, revealing a room filled with pillars, and in front of them, guards formed a path covering the audience of the trial. In the center of the room was a round table with seven seats, and the room's lighting decreased as they advanced. With each step, the windows and the dome above them closed, and when he finally reached the center of the room, the only light fell directly on him.
Among all the council members, one person made their presence known, being the first to speak.
"We appreciate the participation of Professor Heimerdinger after a long time of focusing on his research."
The professor seemed half asleep, but the person speaking sighed and approached, shaking him by the shoulder.
"Professor Heimerdinger. Professor."
"Hmm? Oh, uh. Allow me to apologize for my behavior, I've been burning the midnight oil with a new revolutionary research, and... I'm digressing, my apologies. Thank you for waking me, Councilor Medarda."
Niko quickly glanced at the woman and could recall her from the series.
'Mel Medarda... She's got a lot of glitter on her face.'
Mel Medarda, who was returning to her seat, suddenly turned her head and narrowed her eyes at Niko while flashing a smile.
{And also terrifying senses}
Heimerdinger finished rubbing his eyes and, fully awake now, saw the person who would be judged today, causing his eyes to widen and a voice to escape him.
"N-Niko?"
This reaction didn't go unnoticed by Mel, and her eyes showed some interest in the boy who stood with his head bowed in the center of the room.
"Niko from Zaun."
Upon hearing his name called, Niko lifted his head, looking at Councilor Kiramman.
"You're accused of aggravated assault, endangering the citizens of Piltover, and sowing terror by displaying violence in public places. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
iko appeared somewhat impressed and noticed a slight hostility in Elora Kiramman's gaze.
'Sowing terror? Not at all spiteful.'
Looking around, Niko saw everyone's eyes on him—some with disdain, others with contempt, curiosity, or sadness. Among them were Viktor, who decided to freshen up with Professor Heimerdinger, and Ezreal, who stood imposingly beside his uncle.
At one point, two councilors began whispering to each other: one with aristocratic blond features, Salo, and another older, dressed in flashy golden attire, Hoskel.
"Councilor Salo, can you remind me why we're prosecuting someone from Zaun?"
"I'm puzzled too; apparently, he attacked a member of House Kiramman, broke his hand, gross."
{He looks like a low cost Vladimir}
'Pffft.'
Although these whispers were exchanged quietly, they resonated throughout the room, earning both of them a glare of anger from Elora.
To everyone's surprise, Niko showed no nervousness and let out a big yawn as he stretched, holding up the enormous handcuffs binding him.
Those who had been laughing at Niko's yawn suddenly fell silent, and a tense quiet filled the room as everyone's gaze turned to the same lazy boy, only to find that the chains restraining him were now broken.
'What the hell, Niko?'
"GUARDS."
In response to Elora's shout, the dozens of enforcers who had been forming a barrier between the trial and the public rushed towards the circular table, surrounding Niko.
Encircled by soldiers pointing weapons at him, Niko remained calm and, after glancing between Grayson and the chains, he smiled and gestured with his hands.
"Oopsie."
With calm and finesse, Niko moved both hands over his chains. Amid the enforcers' shouts, he began to join the chains together with some force.
"Apologies to everyone, I'm dying for taking a nap"
Letting out another yawn, he closed his eyes and began rubbing them. Suddenly, Councilor Bolbok stood up and approached Niko, alarming everyone,
Mel was about to intervene, but seeing Niko ignore him, she simply watched. Niko looked at the android in front of him, raising his palms in confusion.
"Hey, do you need something?"
This interaction caused all the councilors, except Heimerdinger and Medarda, to frown.
"He's rude."
"What do you expect from someone like him?"
"After all, he's from that place."
Murmurs from the crowd filled the room; the noise was faint, but it caused Niko to turn with a smile, looking at those responsible for the remarks. Those who met his gaze were intimidated and unconsciously lowered their heads.
Letting out a snort, Niko shook his head, and upon feeling something touch his hands, he turned to see the android touching the handcuffs.
"...Incredible."
As Niko prepared to ask him something, he found that Councilor Bolbok was already returning to his seat, and Councilor Shoola, with a strange gear accessory spinning on her neck, intervened.
"Could you tell us what caught your attention, Councilor Bolbok?"
"...Of course, I don't know if you've noticed, but the handcuffs on that boy aren't ordinary steel; they're Freljord Platinum, and those chains are made of Noxian Black Iron, the most durable metal in Valoran."
All the metallurgical experts in the room quickly shifted their gaze to Niko's hands, confirming the truth in the councilor's words with a shiver.
"Moving Freljord Platinum handcuffs with such ease... Is he even human?"
Councilor Shoola's words emphasized the importance of the matter, causing the murmurs to grow louder, and Elora had to intervene.
"Quiet, please; no more interventions that stray from the topic. Again, Niko, do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone