4 Months Later
As 14-year-old Vi walked through the streets of Zaun, she felt the need to be vigilant and cautious. This was her usual mindset when she and her crew navigated the Undercity, but lately, she had been even more on edge.
"Have you guys noticed that the streets are getting cleaner?" Milo asked with confusion as he looked at the clean, unencumbered wall to their left. "This wall here used to be covered in old crap and trash. Now look at it. Clean as a whistle. For the lanes, at least."
"Not only that," Claggor took a few deep breaths without grimacing. "It's easier to breathe, too. I mean, there's that nasty smell, and my lungs still burn a little, but it's not as bad as it used to be."
"Something's up," Vi murmured, her brow furrowed as she crouched down to inspect the new addition to the city street. The ground was marked by strange, circular, vent-like formations, their edges crisp against the rough ground. Curious, she reached out to touch one of the vents, her fingers brushing against the cool surface. Instantly, she felt the gentle yet firm suction of air drawing toward it, creating a soft whooshing sound. "These weren't here last week. Powder, do you have any idea what these are?"
Powder, the most inventive and technology-gifted of the four, kneeled beside her sister and probed the vents. "It's some kind of vent. It's almost as if it's taking the thick air out from the streets… at least, I think that's what it's doing."
"Come on, you can't know that. That thing is probably a new sewage line or something." Milo scoffed, causing Powder to frown. "Huh? There's another one over there."
Everyone turned to see where Milo was pointing, their curiosity piqued. They noticed another vent nestled within the cracks of the pavement and then another just a few feet away. It soon became evident that a network of these vents was scattered throughout the streets, strategically placed to combat the smog that hung heavily in the air. Each gridded opening worked diligently, suctioning away the noxious fumes that clung to the atmosphere as if trying to cleanse the environment with each powerful pull.
Vi frowned, her brow furrowing as she surveyed the streets she had always called home. The air felt different—tinged with a faint scent of fresh paint and cleaner streets that glistened under the muted light of the nearby neon signs and lights. But it wasn't just the revamped scenery that caught her attention; it was the eerie absence of the usual suspects.
The shadowy figures who typically loitered in the alleyways, making clandestine deals and peddling drugs or weapons in plain sight, had seemingly vanished. Instead, only familiar neighborhood residents moved through the streets, going about their daily routines. They exchanged nods and greetings, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity and caution, as if aware that something fundamental had shifted in the fabric of their community. Vi felt a pang of unease settle in her chest, sensing that the familiar rhythm of life around her had been disrupted.
"Follow me and stick close," Vi said as she climbed up a hanging ladder within an alleyway.
Once they climbed onto the rooftops, they paused for a moment to absorb the breathtaking panorama of their city. The sprawling urban landscape that lay before them was infused with vibrant changes that extended far beyond their immediate block. They could see the streets below, now adorned with efficient new ventilation systems that protruded from buildings like metallic branches, directing fresh air into the bustling avenues. The difference was striking; the once grimy sidewalks sparkled with cleanliness, free of the litter and grime that had lingered for years.
"Look." Powder pointed to a pair of men across the street.
Vi squinted as she watched the two men talking to one another while pointing down at a spot on the ground. After a few moments of conversation, one of the men walked over to a large box and unclasped its lid. With a heave, he pulled out a large metallic box. After placing it down, he pushed a series of buttons on the side of the box.
To everyone's surprise, the metallic box transformed into a metallic-looking crab. The crab moved around for a few seconds before moving close to the location both men pointed at before it began to dig.
"Is that how these vents are being made? Those cute-looking crabs?" Powder guessed as she watched the crab work.
"I don't get it," Claggor said. "Who's putting in these vents and why? I mean, not that I'm complaining about the cleaner air, but still… why?"
"We need to tell Vander," Vi said.
••o••o••o••
"Okay. Steady, steady. Good! It's locked into place!" Xavier gave one of his Chappie robots a thumbs up before two other Chappie robots, or CHAPs, worked together to secure a large mechanical steel box into place.
The steel box stood as a testament to human ingenuity, part of a larger initiative that included twenty state-of-the-art filtration systems Xavier had meticulously designed. Each unit was strategically connected to the major water resources flowing through Zaun, aimed at delivering clean, safe, and drinkable water to its inhabitants.
Recognizing the river that bordered Piltover and Zaun as the largest and purest water source available, Xavier set about implementing an innovative water extraction system that lay hidden beneath its surface. This groundbreaking approach ensured that the community would no longer be reliant on the contaminated and unusable water resources that had plagued Zaun for years.
"Connection points secure. Initiating systems check…" a mechanical voice announced as one of the CHAPs connected a wire to the water filtration system's control board. "Systems check completed. No errors found. All systems are operational."
"That's the last one. Let's fire this baby up!" Xavier grinned while Zeri stood behind him with an impatient expression.
The young girl had a large red gun hanging from her side by a strap. Silver gauntlets covered her arms, with intermittent green tubes pulsating along their frames. Thanks to her training with Zavika and her own personal abilities, Zeri had appointed herself as Xavier's assistant and guard, even though it wasn't necessary.
Much to her happiness and Xavier's annoyance.
Still, he'd let her do as she'd like. He needed her for his future plans.
Xavier, Zeri, Chross, and his assistant are currently at the city's newest water treatment plant, located near Zaun's Alcove District.
Over the past several months, Xavier has implemented hundreds of new and efficient pipes throughout the city with the help of his CHAP robots and Robo-Crabs, which served as his construction crew.
Typically, this would have been a massive and expensive undertaking. Fortunately, thanks to the resources provided by the Chem-Barons, he now has access to the necessary funds and materials. Xavier worked diligently to add new pipes, sewer lines, and infrastructure throughout the Undercity.
A deep, resonant hum vibrated through the expansive room as the treatment plant roared to life. Instantly, the heavy gates that had held back the rushing river water swung open, unleashing a powerful torrent that surged into the vast, cavernous reservoirs of the plant. The once-empty basins quickly filled with glistening waves.
"Can you believe that something so straightforward could have been put in place to provide the citizens of Zaun with clean water? Piltover has completely turned its back on this city." Chross said with frustration and astonishment as he observed the treatment center in action. The dozens of CHAPs operated swiftly and precisely, calibrating the water plants' systems. "It's disgraceful."
"Trust me, what we have here is much more advanced than anything that Piltover has currently." Xavier confidently said while turning to a CHAP robot. The robot raised a hand and gave him a thumbs up. "And just like that, we have clean water in Zaun."
"Hooray!" Zeri jumped in excitement and clapped.
With the plants' activation, the citizens of Zaun now had access to a network of newly established water stations, which provide much-needed fresh water for their daily needs. These stations have become vital lifelines for the community, offering a reliable source of hydration in an environment often plagued by scarcity. Additionally, the recently constructed bathhouses are a welcome sanctuary for those seeking cleanliness and comfort.
A major improvement in public health has also come in the form of large public restrooms strategically placed throughout the city. These facilities play a crucial role in curbing the spread of waste and disease, helping to create a healthier living environment. By providing a safe and sanitary option for personal hygiene, the restrooms contribute significantly to the well-being of the citizens, reducing the risk of illness among a population that has suffered for far too long. Together, these developments not only enhance daily life but also symbolize a step towards progress and revitalization in Zaun.
Eventually, Xavier planned to install new plumbing pipes in homes and businesses. However, this was a good beginning.
"How are things going with the filtration systems?" Xavier asked as he led Chross, his assistant, and Zeri out of the operations room.
"The filtration systems have been integrated into 40 percent of the city. However, all this sneaking around is hindering our progress," Chross stated, his tone carrying a hint of reproach. This remark elicited a stern look from Zeri.
Xavier raised a calming hand, stopping Zeri from speaking out. "There's a reason for that."
"Vander?"
"No. He's not an issue. I'm referring to Piltovers rats sneaking around our city and keeping tabs on us. We can't let them know about our advancements." Xavier entered the treatment plant's completely automated control room. "We're not at the point where we can handle a direct confrontation with them."
"Even with your machines?" Chross asked as he turned to the lone GD-Mech in the room. This mech and four others were in charge of protecting the plant from intruders or attackers.
"Yes, even with my mechs. At least, not with their current numbers."
"Is it not possible to establish a large army? With a sufficient number of your machines, Piltover would think twice before moving against Zaun. Given the resources we have provided to you, I believe this should not pose a significant challenge," Chross stated, his fist clenched in judgment.
"Heh. No, I won't be using the GD-Mechs for that… I have something else in mind for Piltover when they decide to poke their noses in our business." Xavier grinned as he thought about his latest line of machines.
"Oh, you're talking about Optimus and the others!" Zeri said. Recalling the large machines Xavier and several of his Chappie robots had been building for several weeks.
"Optimus?" Chross asked suspiciously. "What, pray to tell, is that?"
"Sorry. I can't let you know about that yet. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise."
••o••o••o••
At one of Zaun's newly inaugurated water stations, a throng of residents gathered outside, their faces a mix of curiosity and skepticism as they took in the sleek, modern facility. The building stood gleaming under the dim light, its walls immaculate and inviting. Several polished valves glistened, poised over a deep basin designed to collect any excess water, a testament to the station's thoughtful design and utility.
To one side, a staggering array of seventy-five 5-gallon jugs was meticulously arranged on sturdy shelves, their clear plastic shining like crystals. Adjacent to this, a series of water bottle filling stations beckoned, accompanied by neatly stacked boxes brimming with free reusable bottles, each one emblazoned with the hopeful logo of the initiative.
Yet, despite the impressive sight laid before them, the Zaunites browsing the scene seemed hesitant to step forward. This trepidation wasn't born out of ignorance regarding the water stations; rather, it stemmed from a deep-seated wariness that had been ingrained in them throughout their lives in Zaun. They understood that in their world, nothing came without a price. The notion of something being truly free felt foreign and unsettling, leaving them to contemplate the hidden costs that might lurk behind this generous offer.
Two imposing figures loomed nearby, clad in thick black clothing and towering helmets that concealed their features. Their hands rested behind their backs, exuding an air of authority. Unbeknownst to the onlookers, these figures were CHAP robots in disguise, meticulously programmed to ensure order and oversee the proper use of the facilities.
Amidst the unease, a girl, around 11 years old, with tousled short brown hair, slowly stepped forward. Her dry mouth and parched throat served as relentless reminders of her desperate state of dehydration. No one intervened as she crossed the threshold into the open building, the sterile brilliance of the overhead white lights flooding her senses.
The girl hesitated as she approached one of the unmoving CHAP robots, her heart racing. She then cast her gaze towards a brightly colored poster adjacent to the water bottle filling station. The image depicted a clear, step-by-step guide on how to use the station, marked with bold text and vivid illustrations that rendered the instructions easily digestible.
With a determined reach, she grasped an empty bottle, her fingers trembling slightly as she twisted the cap off. She positioned the bottle beneath the sleek dispenser, and to her surprise, a glowing green light illuminated, signaling the start of a mechanical marvel. Clear, crisp water cascaded into the bottle, sparkling under the bright lights and filling it rapidly. Gasps of amazement rippled through the small audience as they watched the liquid rise. Just before the bottle threatened to overflow, the flow halted automatically, as if the machine had a mind of its own.
Eagerly, the girl raised the filled bottle to her nose, inhaling deeply. The refreshing scent of pure water filled her senses, and she pulled away with wide, incredulous eyes—an explosion of hope and disbelief danced within her.
"It doesn't smell." The girl said. Placing the neck of the bottle in her mouth, she took a tentative sip. "It tastes like… nothing. No nasty taste."
Throwing caution to the wind, she lifted the entire bottle to her lips and let the cool liquid cascade into her mouth. With every refreshing gulp, her thirst vanished, and she released a deep, satisfied sigh that echoed through the dusty air.
Noticing the guards remained oblivious to the commotion, a wave of eager patrons surged forward to experience the marvel of the new water facilities. Gasps of disbelief filled the atmosphere as clean, crystal-clear water gushed from the bibs, an unending stream that sparkled in the dim light. In the Undercity, where such pristine water was nothing short of a dream, this moment felt surreal—an oasis amid a harsh reality. The sight of free, fresh water flowing like a river left everyone gathered in pure awe, their eyes wide with wonder.
It didn't take long for the citizens of Zaun to rally around this newfound treasure, their excitement palpable.
As people began filling their containers, the atmosphere brimmed with energy. Yet, as is often the case with precious resources, tensions flared, and disputes erupted over who should fill their jugs first. However, the abrupt and authoritative presence of the undercover CHAPs cut through the chaos like a knife; their mere appearance restored order with an iron fist. With steely glares and firm voices, they swiftly organized the crowd into orderly lines, reminding everyone of the importance of civility.
Once chaos subsided, eager hands reached for the once-bountiful 5-gallon jugs and bottles now brimming with that crisp, refreshing water, ready to be taken home. Each jug, filled to the brim, held the promise of hydration and relief, but the rules were clear: one jug per person. The limited access only heightened the value of this precious resource, and with each filled container, the community's gratitude soared.
The expansive public restrooms and bathhouses were initially met with skepticism, and their technological sophistication left many residents feeling uncertain. However, that apprehension quickly dissipated as the community learned to navigate these advanced facilities with ease.
In the restrooms, the CHAP robots dutifully monitored every corner, ensuring that the spaces were used responsibly and maintained in pristine condition. They accomplished this through clear, informative guidance, patiently explaining the proper etiquette for using the facilities. However, their adherence to order could also take a more aggressive turn; with swift, decisive interventions, they swiftly dealt with those who dared to create disturbances or leave a mess.
The bathhouses experienced a similar transformation. Patrons eagerly crowded the shower stalls, drawn by the enticing array of soaps, body wash, and conditioners provided for their use. Despite the amenities designed for comfort and cleanliness, some individuals would attempt to pocket the fragrant soaps or linger long beyond their designated time. Yet, the vigilant CHAPs were ever watchful, quickly and effectively curbing such rogue behavior, restoring harmony to the bustling environment.
On occasion, larger groups attempted to undermine the authority of the CHAP robots, eager to seize control of the water stations and amenities. Yet, these rebellious efforts were short-lived; the sight of imposing GD-Mechs marching toward them sent a chill through the would-be agitators, halting their actions and reestablishing a sense of order and security within the community.
From there, It didn't take long for the people of Zaun to approach these new facilities with proper respect and care. Otherwise, broken bones and severe injuries would quickly follow from the robotic guards.
Seeing such violence would have normally turned the average person away, but this was Zaun. The people realized as long as you didn't do anything you shouldn't, you'd be okay.
••o••o••o••
Luka, a middle-aged man with a lean frame and slightly unkempt hair, stared in disbelief at the new water fountain in the park. As he took a cautious sip from the bottle he had just filled, he muttered under his breath, "What the hell? I can't believe it. It's real. Free drinkable water?"
His eyes widened in astonishment as he surveyed the bustling crowd around him, who seemed equally amazed by this unexpected amenity. The cool, refreshing taste of the water was unlike anything he had experienced in a long time.
Luka had heard about the amazing new free water stations being set up throughout the city, but he initially dismissed it as an elaborate joke. However, his curiosity eventually got the better of him, and he decided to go out and find one. To his surprise, it didn't take long. The water stations, restrooms, and bathhouses were indeed plentiful and located all over the city.
After greedily drinking his water, a large smirk grew on his face. "Oh, man. Thisis perfect!"
Luka glanced around the street and noticed several happy but distracted people, along with children playing. With no one paying attention to him, he quietly slipped into a nearby alleyway. As he walked, he frowned at the unusual cleanliness; there was a surprising lack of trash and debris in the usually messy Undercity.
"Something's definitely going on here. Hah! This info should get me a nice haul!"
Luka was a man of cunning and survival instincts, shaped by the harsh realities of growing up as an orphan on the unforgiving streets of Zaun. With no family to offer support and little in the way of strength or intellect, he turned to a range of dubious tactics to scrape together a living.
One of his more lucrative methods involved selling valuable information to a connection he had forged with a shadowy figure among the Piltoven Enforcers. This mysterious man, whose name Luka never learned, paid handsomely for any relevant tidbits that could give him an edge. Like Luka, the Enforcer was a master of opportunity, navigating the dark alleys of power and influence with a shrewdness that resonated with Luka's own survivalist instincts.
The information Luka painstakingly collected revolved around the pulse of the city—rumors of impending assaults or planned heists targeting Piltoven's precious supplies and hidden caches. Each piece of intelligence spent was a gamble, and selling it to his Enforcer contact proved to be a lucrative enterprise for Luka.
However, as he peddled his knowledge, he felt no remorse for the Zaunites whose fates hung in the balance; the thought of sending his fellow citizens to their doom or to the dreaded Stillwater Hold didn't weigh on his conscience. For him, survival came first, and every secret sold was just another step in his relentless quest for a better existence amid the chaos of the undercity.
As long as he got paid, Luca was okay with whatever he had to do.
Above a desolate rooftop, an odd-looking bird perched precariously, its peculiar head twitching with curiosity as it spotted Luca advancing steadily northward. The creature emitted an eerie, mechanical chirp as it flapped its wings and followed his path with unsettling persistence.
"Free water through Zaun. This is monumental! I can't even imagine how much I could sell this information for," Luca mused, his mind racing with possibilities.
Just as he was reveling in his thoughts, a sleek, towering robot emerged from the shadows, stepping out from a darkened corner where it had been lurking. Its armor gleamed in the dim light, a glossy black surface set against lanky limbs that moved with an unsettling grace. The robot's forearms and hands were notably robust, designed for power rather than finesse, reminiscent of the infamous Super Battle Droids from the Star Wars saga.
Startled, fear surged through Luca, instilling a primal urge to flee. But before he could react, a jolt of pain shot through the back of his head like lightning, blinding him with its intensity.
Collapsing onto the cold, hard floor, Luca struggled to orient himself as he looked up just in time to see another towering menace above him—a second Super Battle Droid, its menacing silhouette casting a dark shadow.
The B2 Droid loomed over him, raising its mechanical leg with deliberate menace before bringing its heavy foot crashing down onto Luca's head, plunging him into a world of darkness and unconsciousness.