The last year of Viktor’s life had been a blur. After the explosion, he spent months in the hospital, in and out of consciousness. He knew that if it wasn't for his job, and likely Jayce’s influence, that he would have been let go a long time ago. But he did get…better. If the weakened state his body was in could be called better, then yes, Viktor was better.

Jayce pulled away from him and their lab, engrossed with his duties as a Councilor and his relationship with Mel. Viktor was left alone, in a cycle of waking up, taking his boatload of meds, going to work, and then dragging himself back to bed. And when the war with Noxus erupted, he couldn’t evacuate in time. The lab had too many dangerous components that needed to be locked up, and he wasn’t fast enough to catch the last of the evac transportations. So he just quietly went back to his home, waiting for things to be over.

Noxus and Ambessa won, of course. The Noxians were always going to win, the two sides of Zaun and Piltover were too divided to gather enough good forces quick enough. So Viktor didn’t bother fighting the Noxian’s when he was dragged out of his home and amongst the group of living Zaun soldiers and enforcers.

Ambessa walked along the line, looking at all who were left from the other side. Her gaze flicked over Viktor’s legs, and he could see in her face that he was done for. “We don’t need cripples in our new, glorious city. You will be executed at a later date, so prepare yourself.” She said, before continuing along the line.

When she was done, she called forth one name in the language Viktor didn’t understand. The man stepped forward, drenched in blood and grime. He was….familiar to Viktor, somehow. Ambessa spoke, “You have once again proved yourself a dependable, loyal force.” She waved her hand, “And strength warrants rewards. Whichever of these Piltover’s you want, you may have.”

The man and Ambessa spoke for a few moments, before she nodded shortly. She looked mildly annoyed, but still stepped forward. “You.” She said, gesturing to Viktor. The warriors behind them moved, grabbing Viktor and dragging him forward, dumping him at the man’s side. Viktor was shocked, glancing between Ambessa and the man.