Ding‑ling‑ling…
The pleasant chime sounded, and Duke swiftly answered on his tablet communicator. Orianna's worried face appeared on the screen, her eyes red from tears. Duke immediately sensed something was wrong.
"Orianna, is everything okay?"
"Duke... Neeko is missing!"
"What?!"
Duke's expression hardened. Neeko, how could she disappear? Vander was missing already, and now Neeko too?
"Orianna, don't panic. Maybe she wandered off somewhere unfamiliar, playing, she'll return when she's tired."
"I thought so too, until today. My father and I have searched all day with no sign of her. Someone said they saw her heading into the southern jungle!"
"She's truly gone."
"Are you certain nothing out of the ordinary happened before she disappeared?"
Trying to steady his thoughts, Duke considered possible motives before speaking.
"Neeko said she'd been dreaming about her homeland, about her ancestors and elders leading her to a withered tree."
"That's, " realization dawned. Duke forced a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I know what's going on. I'll find her, I'll have her video-call you when she's safe."
"Will you really be able to find her?"
"Trust me, I will! Also, reach out to Janna and ask her to come here. I need her help."
"I'll pray to Janna right now and inform her immediately!"
After the call ended, Duke rubbed his forehead in thought. He'd disrupted Neeko's path, but fate had its own ways. By destiny, Neeko was meant to journey alongside the Vastayan sailor Crete to Ixtal's Harelport, and into the jungle, where she would meet Nidalee.
As the first openly acknowledged same‑gender attraction in Riot's roster, Neeko's feelings for Nidalee were heartfelt. But even as they roamed the wilds together, Neeko kept dreaming of her homeland, of ancestral spirits and ancient trees.
She understood then: the trees needed color, renewal, just as her soul longed for a new tribe. Her mission became clear, and she left, leaving Nidalee behind, heart aching.
And now... it was happening again, right under Duke's nose.
Born with mystical sensitivity, Neeko received final spiritual echoes from her Oovi‑Kat ancestors in visions. They called her to build anew: a tribe blending Vastaya, Yordles, humans, anyone who shared that dream.
Arriving in Harelport, she began that mission. The dream consumed her, and she slipped away silently.
"What?" Duke murmured.
Nidalee, seeing his expression, tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
"A young Vastayan girl I've been caring for, she's gone astray."
Nidalee's curiosity was piqued. "By the way, what's that clear device you were using earlier?"
Duke placed the communicator on the table. "This? It's my prototype, allows real‑time video and audio communication across distances."
Katarina's eyes glittered with intrigue, such technology would be a monumental asset for Noxus. Duke caught her glance and deflated the moment: "Don't get any ideas. Only I have it. No blueprints exist, not yet."
"Then how about you come back with me?" she pressed, offering Noxus' resources.
Duke smiled. "I'll get what I want myself."
He glanced toward the river vortex where "Tamm" would appear. He wondered about Katarina's sister, human or snake? Her transformation could herald a greater event: the Resurgence of Shurima.
"A warning, don't let your sister go to Shurima," he advised. "It's dangerous, those ruins... people turned into snake‑folk."
Katarina bristled but didn't reply.
Duke summoned Tamm from the vortex. "Neeko's missing. Go retrieve her."
He handed Tamm a tracker, Neeko had one embedded just in case. Duke believed it was a smart precaution.
Tamm accepted and vanished. Duke looked at Nidalee, her eyes now fully feline, delicate fur sprouting across her face.
"That catfish just gave me bad vibes," Nidalee murmured.
"She's a demon," Duke replied calmly. Katarina stared in shock.
"You tamed a demon?"
"Exactly. That's why you should stop resisting. Join Noxus as my spy, you'll get everything you want."
Duke cast a knowing smile at Katarina; he'd never set foot in that country, and with good reason. Until he had the means to protect himself fully, he would avoid it.
As he awaited updates via Janna, he briefly reconsidered alliances, especially building alliances in Ixtal to support resource ventures and fund his Hextech innovations. A new base of power, quietly erecting a financial empire with Freljord and Ixtal's help.
Just then, Rengar attacked again, but Duke monitored him magically, ordering Pride to subdue him swiftly. Instead of punishment, Pride gave him an ionic wave perm, his mane now vibrant and rainbowed. Nidalee winced sympathetically.
At that moment, Tamm reappeared from the vortex carrying Neeko, her hair shifting between deep blue and violet.
"Want to square off with me, Thicc One?" Neeko cajoled.
Duke waved Tamm away. "Tamm, go. I'll handle her."
Neeko froze when she saw Duke. "Duke?"
"You ran away from home?" Duke's face darkened.
"Explain yourself, little runaway Neeko!" he teased.
(End of chapter)
We're still in the early chapters fam! and to everyone who's joined the Patreon, thank you so much! 🙏Your support truly means the world. You're the reason this story keeps growing, chapter by chapter, world by world. I promise to give it my all! more content, more depth, more epic moments, to make sure your support is always worth it. You're part of the foundation that keeps this universe alive.
🔹 Hexcore Initiate – 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Arc Reactor Elite – 35 chapters
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