For more chapters (10+) or if you want to support me, visit https://www.patreon.com/FFAddict. Thank you!
Chapter 49: Ekko
Why were they exposed? Justin and Isaac exchanged glances, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. There seemed to be no issues on either side, so how did Silco discover their actions? Wait a minute... Silco isn't someone who can foresee the future. Even if he did find out that Justin and the others infiltrated the Shimmer factory and were preparing to attack the convoy, he wouldn't have had enough time to gather so many people and set up such an ambush! Justin was puzzled, but the others didn't think too much about it. Punch first, ask questions later!
Vi charged at the enemy first, and Jinx switched her Fishbones to rocket launcher mode, blasting away at the crowd. "Hahahahahaha!" The girl leaning against Justin before was now someone completely different. Carrying the rocket launcher, she specifically aimed for areas crowded with people. The sound of the explosions and the enemies' screams only heightened her excitement, even speeding up her rocket firing rate.
"This crate of rockets actually came in handy..." Justin shook his head, though Jinx alone provided suppressive firepower as if from an entire unit. However, ammunition was limited, and the thugs hit by the Shimmer were relentless, charging through the explosions and already engaging Vi in battle.
"We could retreat to the upper city." Caitlyn had already finished taking photos of Silco's Shimmer smuggling operation scene. "They won't dare come over! Even if the scene's evidence is destroyed, we can use the photos to launch an investigation." "Retreat to the upper city... Haven't you noticed? They've already blocked the way ahead!" Caitlyn turned back to see that customs officers had set up barricades in the middle of the bridge, with a stance of standing by. "Plus, the enforcers who should have been maintaining order at the bridgehead are nowhere to be seen. Clearly, they've been pulled away. Silco truly has far-reaching influence." Justin was convinced now. This setup was too well-orchestrated, definitely not targeting them just on a whim.
So who was Silco's trap really for? "Look over there!" Isaac's keen eyes caught a sudden appearance of figures leaving the houses, tracing elegant arcs in the air and flying over towards them. When Justin saw the iconic hoverboards beneath their feet, he immediately recognized who they were—the Firelights!
"Hey, Justin! And Powder... Is that a new outfit you're wearing today? Very pretty!" Ekko shouted as he hovered above them on his flying skateboard, circling a couple of times before landing. "Little Man? What are you doing here?" Jinx asked, puzzled. "Don't call me Little Man... I was about to ask you the same! I'm here to stop Silco from smuggling Shimmer to the upper city. What are you here for?" "Well, looks like Silco's bait was meant to catch you, and now we're all hooked..." Justin rolled his eyes in exasperation. "We came with this enforcer to investigate evidence of Silco's crimes, and walked right into this trap set for you... Ekko, where are your reinforcements?" Justin remembered that Ekko and his Firelights had recruited quite a few members over the years, enough to fight these ambushers with everyone together. "They've all arrived." Ekko motioned to his few brothers alongside him to wave at Justin. "This is it? Where's everyone else?" "They didn't come. I thought a few of us would be enough..."
"Just a handful of people, and you rushed over! Are you here to get yourselves killed?" Justin was dumbfounded. Were they aiming to die together as one big family?
"We saw you were in danger from over there, so we rushed over to help..."
"We should all retreat to the upper city," Caitlyn suggested again. "I have my enforcer credentials; the customs officers will definitely open the gate for us."
"Uh… how about this? We split into two groups. You head to the upper city and try to summon reinforcements. If that doesn't work, it's fine; just make sure to present Silco's crimes to your mom—but don't go to Sheriff Marcus, he's in league with them. As for us… it might not be much better for us in the upper city."
Justin thought clearly about it. Caitlyn, although she held a noble status, didn't have real power in her hands. Justin and the others had criminal records, and if her mom assumed her child was misled by criminals, Marcus might seize the opportunity to detain them, rendering any plea from Caitlyn ineffective. All in all, fate was best held in their own hands.
"Then brace yourselves; I'm going to get help now!" Caitlyn gave Vi a deep look, then turned and ran towards the bridge.
"I am Caitlyn, a Piltover enforcer! This is my identification, and I demand you open the gate for me right now!"
The customs staff seemed to recognize Caitlyn, hurriedly moving aside the barriers. "Miss Caitlyn? How did you end up with that group of thugs?"
"It's a long story... Where are the other enforcers? Aren't there usually two squads guarding here?"
"We're not too sure about that..." The customs official was evasive, and Caitlyn became anxious. "Prepare a vehicle! I need to go to the police station!"
"Apologies, Miss Caitlyn. We're unable to provide a vehicle for your use," a supervisor-like staff member approached, wearing a professional yet insincere smile and began playing verbal games with Caitlyn.
"Why? I'm an enforcer; I have the right to requisition your vehicles!"
"But we just don't have one available. All vehicles are currently in use."
"What about that one?" Caitlyn pointed to a nearby parked vehicle.
"That one is loaded with goods to be shipped."
"That's just a sedan; it's not even meant for freight!"
"As you know, ever since the Hextech Gate, our place has become a trade hub for the entire continent. The customs' throughput grows daily, and we have to use every available vehicle... By the way, if you could mention the customs' funding issues to your mother..."
"No time for that! This is an emergency; regardless of what's loaded on it, I'm requisitioning it, right now!" Caitlyn was nearly frantic. With Vi entrenched in battle, how could she waste any more time arguing with this guy?
"But that car is carrying goods for Councilor Mel, bound for Noxus. A delay could cause..."
"I'll take responsibility!"
"Then please, Miss Caitlyn, write a note stating the reason for the vehicle's requisition, the time when it will be returned, and sign it, and if possible, provide a seal..."
"Damn it, I'll remember you all!" Caitlyn spat out before storming off, apparently deciding to run straight to the police station.
After she left, even more barriers were added on the bridge. The road between the upper and lower cities was completely blocked.