Smoke And Mirrors

The Maven of the Strings

The Institute of War looked like nothing else in the entire Runetera. It was located exactly in the middle of the land, connecting it with the Summoner's Rift, the Howling Abyss and so many more locations. In addition, it was a place of gathering for all kinds of people, from mages to warlords, from marksmen to Void creatures, thus the place was always crowded and busy, like a bee nest. However, Caitlyn noticed that it was unusually overcrowded that specific day, and the upsetting atmosphere that had been set confirmed her suspicions. She bet her hat that the Institute was completely alerted due to Jayce's accident and they couldn't hide it, no matter how hard they tried.

As Caitlyn made her way through the main hall, she saw numerous of her fellow co-champions walking towards hexetech portals, specifically designed to transfer them in the Fields of Justice. None of them seemed to be worried about the recent events that took place in the City of Progress, either because they weren't aware of them or they simply didn't care. Both speculations seemed legit to the sherrif.

After pushing through the crowd, she finally reached the reception, which thankfully wasn't as crowded, probably because today's matches had already started and most champions were already teleported in the fields. The receptionist was nothing else than an advanced hexetech robot, designed to serve solely as a receptionist. These robots boasted about their high-level intelligence and claimed to be as cunning as humans in most cases. They were always happy to serve you but if they had been programmed not to given certain information, there was no way you could get it.

"Good morning, Sherrif" one of them greeted Caitlyn as soon as she reached the information desk "How may I help you today? As far as I'm concerned, you haven't been summoned for any games today"

"I'm aware of that" Caitlyn nodded "I'm here for some more serious matters concerning Piltover"

"It will be my pleasure to help you out with everything you need"

"I was wondering if there was any process with Jayce. He's a valuable members of the force and I need to know what happened to him and if he's cured now"

"I'm afraid I cannot help you with that ma'am" was the robot's response, something that Caitlyn had expected anyways "Perhaps you could ask a Summoner to inform you"

"Well, I really don't have the time to play your games. Can you at least answer with a «yes» or «no»? I'd appreciate that a lot"

"I'm afraid I cannot help you with that ma'am"

Caitlyn sighed in frustration. There was no way she could ever retrieve any information from this machine. She turned on her heels, feeling more sorrow than ever. She knew no Summoner would be so reluctant so as to give her any accurate information on the case. Risking her position as a champion by seeking the truth herself wasn't wise either.

In all her fury about the recent developments, she didn't notice a floating figure walking towards her way and she bumped into her, almost knocking the bluette off her feet.

"Oh...!" Caitlyn exclaimed "Sona! I'm so, so sorry! Are you alright?"

The Maven of the Strings smiled kindly at her and there was no sign of anger in her expression. Sona always had this effect that everyone around her seemed to be calmed and at ease. It was always both a surprising and a welcoming feeling, and it was no different for Caitlyn this time. She really needed to be calm for a little while. Sona played a note on her instrument, sending the vibe towards the sherrif, who for some odd reason, could understand the message behind it without having any specific knowledge. Sona was a mystery herself and Caitlyn had always wondered how her magic worked but it wasn't the case.