The Chem-Barons are a coalition of landlords, factory owners, crime lords, and corporate tycoons who use their wealth and hired muscle to control Zaun and protect their interests in the underworld.
The six shadow leaders—Silco, Finn, Renni, Smeech, Chross, and Margot—held significant control over the operations within the Undercity. However, their influence had limits, particularly concerning major decisions and public actions affecting Zaun. Those responsibilities rested with Vander, known as the Hound of the Underworld.
The six shadow leaders gathered in an expansive room, seated around a long, polished table that stretched like a bridge between them. The high ceilings soared above, adorned with intricate moldings that caught the light streaming through the numerous large windows. Sunlight filtered through the glass, casting gentle patterns on the polished wooden floor, enhancing the atmosphere of quiet intensity.
On the south wall, a vibrant tapestry of large flowers and lush vines thrived, their colors rich and vivid against the cool, neutral tones of the room. The plants climbed elegantly towards the ceiling, their cascading leaves creating a sense of life and growth amidst the serious discussions that had been held in this room.
"My patience is running thin, Silco," Renni said as she turned to Silco. "I'm starting to doubt this tale you spun about this boy's achievements."
"This is a waste of my time." Margot leaned back in her chair and inspected her painted fingernails.
"Patience. He will be here." Silco spoke in a low tone. Despite his words, a simmering anger rose within him at Xavier's lack of respect.
"This boy, Xavier, has indeed invented some rather impressive weapons. The blades and firearms I've acquired from him hold significant potential. Perhaps, with enough of them, we could finally take down those damned Topsiders," Chross muttered, resting his elbows on the table. "Still, I struggle to understand how this boy is capable of anything you've claimed, especially considering he can't seem to arrive on time."
"If that gutter rat isn't here in another five minutes, I'll find and gut him!" Smeech growled and smashed a furry fist on the table. "My time is precious!"
"How precious could it be? Do you have to go lick your balls or something?"
Everyone's heads snapped up to see Xavier standing upside down on the ceiling above. The soles of his boots glowed as he defied gravity. "No wonder Zaun is in such a sorry state," he said. "With people like you running things, it's no surprise Piltover looks down on us."
With a twitch of his fingers, his boots stopped glowing. Gravity took its hold over Xavier and pulled him down to the table below him. With a spin, he landed on his feet. A sharp pain shot up his leg, but it quickly faded, thanks to his healing abilities. Rising, he looked at the gathered Chem-Barons with a slight smirk. "The name's Xavier. I'd say it's nice to meet you all, but that would be a lie."
"You!" Smeech growled, pulling a sharp knife behind his back.
Before the Yordle could launch its attack on Xavier, four massive, imposing robots descended from the shadows, crashing down from the ceiling into the corners of the room with a thunderous clatter. The air crackled with tension as everyone—except for Chross and Silco—leaped to their feet, their eyes wide with awe and terror. The towering figures of the black robots loomed ominously, their polished surfaces glinting menacingly in the dim light. With a swift, mechanical twitch, razor-sharp, serrated blades extended from their forearms, gleaming like a predator's fangs ready to strike.
Were they up there this entire time? Margot thought as she took in the looming threats surrounding them all. Her pink eyes landed on Xavier's confident form. Did he make these?
Xavier meticulously designed the robots in the likeness of Gipsy Danger, the formidable mech from one of his brother's all-time favorite movies. Each robot was engineered with combat in mind, necessitating a considerable investment of time and resources to source the specialized parts and materials required for their construction.
In comparison to their cinematic counterpart, these iterations of Gipsy Danger, known as GD-Mechs, were notably less powerful. If they ever encountered Jayce's sophisticated future Hextech weapons, the GD-Mechs would stand little chance and would likely be obliterated instantly.
Despite their limitations, however, these robots were no pushovers. They boasted the combined strength of six men, providing a robust physical presence on the battlefield. Several advanced weaponry systems were hidden within their reinforced armor, including retractable blades, energy projectors, and projectile launchers. As a result, they emerged as a significant force to be reckoned with, capable of delivering devastating attacks in close-quarter combat and holding their ground against various threats.
With time and the proper power source, Xavier's GD-Mechs would be unmatched even by Hextech.
"How long were you up there?" Silco asked carefully, his eyes focused on the four GD-Mechs.
These are much bigger than the two from before. Much more powerful. Silco thought. His mind swirling with ideas on how to utilize them to progress his plans. One of the robot's glowing eyes turned to him as if reading his mind, causing Silco to frown.
"Ever since this one came into the room," Xavier said, pointing to a nervous-looking Finn, "I've wanted to find out exactly who you all are. You can learn a lot about someone by observing how they move and how they talk. Honestly? I'm not impressed by any of you."
Renni, undeterred by the four intimidating robots around her, maintained a steady gaze. "You've got quite the audacity, don't you? Do you really think that because you possess a bit of power, you can disregard us? Do you believe you can intimidate us with these mere machines?"
"You gathered us here for a reason. Now speak your piece." Chross stared at Xavier from his chair, his eyes steady.
"Very well, Scooter. Let's get to it. I'm sure Furball over there can't wait to go lick his balls," Xavier walked across the table to the lone chair at the end of the table. Jumping down, he took a seat and propped his feet up.
Smeech growled, but a low hum from one of the GD-Mechs forced him to settle down. One by one, those who were standing took their original seats. Their eyes carefully moved back and forth from the mechs to Xavier.
"Okay, let's get this meeting started," Xavier sat up and leaned forward on the table. "I'm sure my pal, Silco, has already given you a brief overview of today's topic, so let me get into detail... You all suck at running this city. Like, absolute horse shit."
"Polluted air fills the lungs of every citizen, while the water they rely on is contaminated beyond recognition; the infrastructure is not just lacking, it's crumbling. Rampant crime runs unchecked, thanks to the lack of an enforcement system. The quality of life in this city is abysmal, and it's evident that there is a complete disregard for environmental sustainability. The chemicals and toxins that Piltover and your corporations release into Zaun are wreaking havoc on our community. This waste mishandling leads to hazardous materials seeping into our streets and waterways, threatening the very drinking water and food supplies that families depend on. Not to mention the countless dead or disabled children thanks to the unchecked pollution."
"I could go on ad infinitum about the myriad problems plaguing us." Xavier's gaze hardened as he looked at the Chem-Barons; the earlier levity in his demeanor completely evaporated. "And for what purpose? To swell your wallets at the expense of countless lives? You often point fingers at Piltover, blaming them for the dire state of Zaun, but the truth is, you share equal responsibility for its decay."
"Watch your words, Xavier," Silco stated firmly. "I get your frustration, but let's be clear: we are the reason money flows through Zaun. We're the reason this city hasn't fallen into chaos and death. Show some respect. The problems you speak of have existed long before we took control."
"And what exactly have you all done to improve things? What new ideas or solutions have any of you thought up to help improve the lives of the citizens of Zaun?" Xavier's words cut deep.
"You make it sound so easy. What? Do you think implementing a solution to problems that have plagued this city for decades and centuries is so easy to fix? Don't be delusional." Margot said.
"Hah! I knew this meeting was a waste of time! What did you expect to happen, boy? Do you think if you run your mouth, everything you say will magically come to life? Don't make me laugh!" Smeech laughed and made to leave. "This was a waste of my time. Watch your back out in the streets, boy-"
One of the GD-Mechs moved incredibly fast. With a swing of its metallic arm, Smeech's head flew off his shoulders in a shower of blood and gore.
"What the hell?!" Renni jumped to her feet, but when she saw one of the mechs moving closer, she immediately sat down.
"Xavier. What is this?" Silco said. "What have you done?"
"I truly meant it when I said I wanted to help build Zaun into a nation that could surpass Piltover. However, I did lie when I claimed I wanted to work under any of you. No, this meeting is to establish the new hierarchy for this city." Xavier leaned back in his chair, a lone mech standing behind him like a sentry. "My plans can proceed with or without any of your involvement. This is my way of showing some respect for all the hard work you've done in the past. Join me in creating a new Zaun—a better Zaun. If you do, you will have the chance to rise and become one of Zaun's future councilors. If you don't, well... you can take a wild guess about what will happen."
The atmosphere in the room grew thick and heavy. Smeech's steadily growing cold body sat as a constant reminder of their sheer lack of power. Despite its stillness, the body attracted the most attention from the Chem-Barons. There was no shred of doubt in their minds that Xavier would go through with his threat should any of them refuse.
"This future city of Zaun… Tell me more about it." Margot said. "I need to know what it is I'm going to work towards."
"What? Just like that?! He killed Smeech!" Renni roared, her eyes glaring at Margot. "Do you not realize what this means?"
"I realize that if I don't take this offer, I'll be joining Smeech. I'd rather be part of the future than be a corpse in the past." Margot said.
"You have no spine!"
"I… I, too, will join." Finn muttered weakly, his eyes never leaving the intimidating forms of the mech's black forms.
"I, as well. I've been alive long enough to know when to fall in line. I quite enjoy my life. No matter how restrictive it is." Chross said, his hands landing on his wheelchair-bound legs.
Seeing three out of the remaining five Chem-Barons agreeing to join Xavier, Renni sighed and ultimately nodded.
"Very well… I will join your cause." She said, defeated.
All heads turned to the fuming Silco, who hadn't taken his eyes off Xavier. The man was brimming with rage as he did his best to keep his composure.
"This wasn't part of our deal," Silco said.
"Sorry, Silco. Deals change." Xavier said. "Personally, I rather like you. Your methods, while a bit barbaric, are effective. Out of everyone here, you are the most formidable. Still, I don't like you that much. Whether or not you join me doesn't matter. I can always have someone else take up your position. Maybe Savika? Once she hears what I have planned for Zaun, I'm sure she'll change her tune."
"She will not."
"I doubt that. But if she does, I'll just throw her corpse in with our furry friend here." Xavier said while looking over the dead body in the room. "Now, what will it be, Silco? Join team Xavier and help this city become great, or die here because you couldn't throw away your ego. The choice is yours."
Marching behind Silco, a GD-Mech held his blades at the ready. Its looming presence made Silco take a calming breath; his anger was beginning to lose to his growing fear of death.
"Ah, hold on. You did help set up this meeting, so I owe you for that," Xavier said as he stood up and walked over to one of the windows in the room. "Otherwise, I would have had to track down each and every one of you individually. Then, I would have had to threaten and convince you one at a time, which would have been a drag. So, as a thank you for making my life easier, I'll give you a glimpse of Zaun's future."
Pushing the window open, Xavier pulled out a telescope from one of his cloak pockets. He motioned for Silco to come to stand beside him. After a few moments, Silco stood up and walked to stand next to him. He found it odd that none of the mechs followed him closely to ensure he didn't hurt or strike Xavier.
Was the young man that confident he wouldn't try anything, or did he lack any fear?
"Here. Look straight at the building with the waving blue flag." Xavier instructed as he pointed in the building's general direction.
Silco's frown deepened as he wrestled with his thoughts, but he ultimately did as Xavier said. He scanned the surrounding rooftops, his keen eyes catching sight of something unusual. Rising defiantly against the skyline, a series of sleek metallic towers had sprung up, their surfaces glinting ominously in the afternoon sun. Despite their striking presence, he chose to bypass them for now, focusing instead on his pressing objective.
After navigating through the maze of buildings and alleyways, Silco finally zeroed in on his destination—the building adorned with a vibrant blue flag, fluttering like a beacon amidst the concrete jungle. It stood resolutely about two miles away, its silhouette hinting at both promise and peril in equal measure.
Standing on its rooftop, he spotted a girl with green hair pulled into twin pigtails wearing a large blue jacket.
"See the girl on the roof?"
"…I do."
"Watch this," Xavier grinned and pulled out a thick black box with several buttons on its surface, accompanied by a small screen from his cloak. After pressing a few buttons, he lifted it next to his ear and spoke. "Zeri, It's me. Wave your arms around."
Silco raised a brow in confusion but turned back to refocus on the girl far away. Suddenly, he saw Zeri doing exactly as Xavier said. Next to her head, the girl held another black box.
"Wait… is this?"Silco whispered, his eyes growing wide at the realization of what exactly he was seeing.
"Yup. Long-range communication. This isn't even the furthest it can be used. While a bit bulky and still in its prototype phase, these phones will be able to be used throughout this entire city." Xavier grinned as he passed the phone to Silco. "Go on. Try it."
After taking the phone, Silco copied Xavier by raising it to his ear. "Hello?"
"Huh? You're not Mr. Xavier. Who's this?!" Zeri said as she placed a hand on her hip. "Don't try to steal Mr. Xavier's invention, you hear me!"
"Incredible," Silco muttered as he looked down at the device in his hands. "This is... revolutionary."
"Ain't it? Hell, if everything goes as planned, we'll be able to communicate with anyone around the world." Xavier grinned and placed an arm around Silcos shoulders. "Don't tell me you don't want to see what kind of world that's going to be. Especially with the Nation of Zaun being the sole owner of this level of technology."
Silco remained silent and stared at the phone for a long time. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and predictions as he imagined and calculated the future of Zaun. With every passing moment, he weighed the implications of what Xavier could bring to their long-abandoned and abused city. If this initial demonstration was just a glimpse of Xavier's potential, he couldn't help but wonder what other groundbreaking innovations and strategies he had yet to unveil. Silco's heart raced with anticipation and uncertainty, each possibility more tantalizing than the last as he calculated the power dynamics and opportunities that lay ahead for Zaun.
Finally, Silco came to a decision.
"Very well… I'm expecting great things from the Nation of Zaun." Silco said, causing the rest of the Chem-Barons to watch them with curiosity over what it was that he had just used that convinced him. "Even with all of us on your side, you still have one last obstacle standing in your way."
"You mean Vander? Don't worry about him... I have something in mind for the domesticated Hound of the Underworld." Xavier chuckled and walked back to his chair. "Keep the phone. All of you will be receiving one anyway. Call it a perk of being on my team."
Once he and Silco were seated, Xavier grinned and leaned on the table.
"With that out of the way, let's talk about Zaun's future. Shall we?"
<<|||>>
AN: Before some of you can type away, I am aware that the Chem-Barons rose higher into power after Vander's fall and Silco's rise to power and that some characters like Finn weren't in their positions before the time skip, but their early inclusion doesn't really affect the overall plot. Just roll with it.
P.S. Be sure to leave me some comments!