Current status: Work in progress!

“So, here’s the thing.” Cait started. “My parents attend rather stuffy events around this time of year. To meet with the other nations, help ‘present ourselves’ to the world.” She started making a trail with her fingers on the map hung on the bedroom wall. “Targon is the meeting point for nations this year. Plan is to sail around the edge of Shurima to get there.”

“And?” Vi questioned.

“And I was wondering if you wanted to come along. I attend them too. Company would be nice.”

“Will I have to wear some fancy-ass Piltover suit?” Vi smirked.

“Oh, you will. But don’t worry. I’ll be suffering right alongside you. The boat leaves tomorrow—what do you say?”

— — — —

Somewhere across the way in a lab among the sprawling corridors of the Academy, a similar topic was on the tongue. Assembly of nations, Piltover presentation, highlighted advancements… Jayce and Viktor were packing. Jayce had been offered the position of heading a speech on the newest trade and transportation Hextech features, and he wasn’t going anywhere without Viktor.

Viktor flipped through the presentation notes for what had to be the 10th time that day. “Are we sure we do not want to lead with an example of our developments? Simply feels like it would be a stronger introduction.”

Jayce was packing a bag. It was near overflowing with a combination of binders, books, and a handful of personal care items they kept around the lab. “How about I give the introduction a go both ways, right now? You can tell me how it sounds.” He buckled the bag shut, with some effort. “I’m almost finished with packing here, anyway.”

Viktor handed him the notes. “I’d like that. Let’s hear it, man of progress.”

— — — —

Whenever Vi thought she’d seen all that encompasses Piltover’s ridiculous wealth, especially from being the partner to a Kiramman, something new takes her by surprise. In this case, it was a boat built with more money than the last five generations of her family combined had, in all likelihood.

Beautifully lacquered dark wood floors supported white pillars, leading to a spacious, long, curved ceiling adorned with gold decals. Floral and geometric shapes. A grand half-sphere light on the ceiling, an ornate table with plush chairs lining each side, and… Caitlyn, standing there, lips slightly pursed and looking like she was ready to move on and simply settle down.

And so, they did.

The bed, no surprise, was heavenly. Vi tossed her suitcase to the foot of it before folding her hands behind her head as she leaned back onto the pillows. The boat rocked gently, almost imperceptibly. Sleep wouldn’t have been hard in that moment.

Caitlyn smiled softly at Vi relaxing on that bed, light from the morning seeping in through the circular window to her. She was ready to lay right down next to her. But she couldn’t just yet.

“We should head up to deck for the sendoff of the fleet. I believe we’re about ready to sail.”

— — — —

“We’re almost off!” Jayce smiled at Viktor, hand on his shoulder. A billowing flag with the academy seal, followed by a smaller flag with the Ferros house seal underneath, adorned the mast above them. Around them were boats flaunting Medarda, Kiramman, and Tariost flags, all with a shiny Piltover symbol on the mainmast sail.

There was fanfare from the docks as the ropes were untied, the anchors lifted, and the sails opened. With a creaking rock from the boat, they were off, waving to the people gathered around to see them depart.

Viktor was caught slightly off-balance as the boat pitched backwards from catching the wind in its sails. Jayce reflexively tensed himself and his hold on Viktor to counteract the sudden tip, both of them stumbling forward slightly. The two of them were in high spirits, and chuckled at their misstep. They were officially on their way.

Later, in the cabin, Viktor tossed a book at Jayce while they sat unpacking. “I thought you’d find this one interesting. It’s a newer release.”

Jayce opened the cover. Thresholds of Science: Influences of the Body on the Mind. “Have you read it yet?”

“Not yet. I brought two copies, though. No better time to take a look than the next few days, right?”

They deeply enjoyed the moments where they had few pressing research and engineering demands, a gap that was filled by long chats about whatever esoteric topic had caught one of them recently. Viktor had a soft spot for biology, and the absolute strange, wonderful marvels it involved. Jayce had some passion for the budding sociological and psychological sciences. Fields filled with infinite questions for them to discuss—far, far more unknowns than knowns.

They knew how they were going to spend their day from here.

— — — —

Vi and Cait took a deep breath of the cool ocean air as the boat made its way forward, cutting through the water.

“What’s Targon like? Ever been?” Vi asked.

“The majority of it is essentially inaccessible. Absolutely towering mountains. Most people live in the low to mid-lying regions. Gorgeous, though, and a great center of unique culture and impressive building techniques.”

“Hm,” Vi said, interested.

Caitlyn continued, though not on the topic of Vi’s question. She had the picture of Vi earlier, comfy on that bed, on her mind. “I don’t know about you, but I think we both deserve to rest for just a bit while we’re here. Cabin?”

“Oh, you aren’t going to talk my ear off about your newest cases on this trip?” Vi chuckled.

“Believe me, I will, and you should be thankful that I’m offering you a nap first.” Cait smiled back.

“I better take that offer, then. Lead the way, cupcake.”

They started back towards the inner portion of the ship, and Vi’s head briefly spun as she turned away from the ocean and the boat pitched slightly to the side. Her walk momentarily went uncoordinated, before she was able to right herself.

“Are you alright?” Caitlyn asked.

“Fine, no worries. Wave caught me off-guard.”

— — — —

Viktor squinted down at the book in front of him, which ended up requiring more focus than he had anticipated. To his dismay, the rocking of the boat was distracting.

He knew he could possibly get motion sickness, from the one or two times he’d actually been anywhere besides solid ground. Distinguished Innovator’s competition came to mind. He’d hoped he’d have no issue with the sea, but planned ahead, just in case, and took a precautionary capsule of ginger.

Seemed like it hadn’t been completely enough. The words occasionally swam on the page when the boat sloshed up against a wave. It was manageable, though, and Viktor’s conversation with Jayce about synaptic density continued.

Jayce soon set his book down with a satisfied sigh. “I say we break for a minute. I’m going to get something to drink, can I grab you anything?”

“Mm… whatever you’re having, thank you.”

— — — —

Cait and Vi had a picture-perfect opportunity for some rest. Day clothes were swapped out for ones that were more comfortable, sunlight still warmed the room, and they laid on an all too comfy bed. Which would have been great, if Vi didn’t have the growing sense that boats didn’t agree with her.

She was laying stomach-down on the left side of the bed, arm hanging over, and felt every movement of the ship. It wasn’t unbearable, just uncomfortable and strange. Hard to get to sleep when half of your brain was reflexively dedicated to you being jostled around.

Wasn’t all bad, though. Cait’s soft face rested on the bed, eyes closed, and she rubbed Vi’s spare hand with a thumb. Cute. At some point, that ceased, and Vi knew Cait had drifted off to sleep. Vi was thankfully not far behind.

But it didn’t last long.

A particularly wavy patch of sea roused her, kicked her from sleep. She sat up, before immediately regretting it—her senses were shot by the swaying of the cabin, and she quickly shut her eyes to block out some of the stimulation. A fist went to her mouth. She suppressed a gag. I am not puking right on our bed.

“Vi?”

Shit. Caitlyn was up.

“Everything okay?”

She shakily replied. “Could you, uh… grab a trash can?”

Caitlyn’s eyes went wide with realization. She moved to quickly grab the bin on her side of the bed, passing it over to Vi, who took it with an unsteady arm.

“You didn’t tell me you get seasick.” Caitlyn prodded.

“I didn’t—ug.” Vi gulped as the ship rolled her forward. “I didn’t know I did. The only time I’ve ever been on a boat for long was after too much chloroform. Didn’t blame the boat for making me feel like shit.”

“Okay, okay, hang in there.” Caitlyn put a hand on Vi’s shoulder. “Let me get you a water. I’ll be right back.”

— — — —

The condensation formed on Viktor’s glass. It had been filled with a sweet, lightly fruity drink that went untouched. The liquid inside moved slightly with the rocking of the sea.

Talking had pared down to shorter and shorter sentences as Viktor’s attention slipped. He’d developed a headache, and nausea that lingered in his throat.

“-and I’m thinking this could really be put into development.”

Oh. Jayce was talking.

“Viktor?”

“Eh? Sorry.”

“Hey, you alright?”

He wasn’t, really. He felt drained, and, admittedly, queasy. Even the minor swaying of the room was enough to make him progressively worse, nevermind the larger pitches and rolls. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could stay there.

He pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. “Actually… I believe I need some fresh air. We’ll continue this up on deck?”

There wasn’t much conversation-continuing that did end up happening. Rather, Viktor stood gripping the wall off the port of the ship, looking unbelievably pale, as Jayce hovered nearby. Walking up to the deck had pushed him over the edge, and his stomach churned with every sway.

Jayce’s brows knitted together with sympathy and worry. “I’m sorry—I would have packed something for you if I’d known you’d get motion sick.”

“ ’S fine. I should have known to bring more myself. Assumed I would get used to the motion, though.”

Viktor went quiet before gagging sharply over the side of the ship. Jayce went to put a hand on his back. After that was spent, Viktor weakly spoke again.

“...I can only hope this doesn’t last.”

— — — —

“How long is this trip again?” Vi said into the bucket.

Caitlyn didn’t want to say, really. As if not acknowledging it would keep it from being true. “Three days.” She said with a sigh.

“Ugghhhhhhh.”

“It’s… possible you’ll get used to it. I can ask my parents if we have anything on board to help, too.”

At this point, evening was setting in. Caitlyn let her family know that Vi wouldn’t be joining them for dinner anytime soon, and as much as she hated to leave her alone in that state, she figured it would be a worse idea to bring her own food into their room. She did return with some carbonated water, however—better than the flat stuff, at least, but all they really had.

On the boat over, things were not much better. Jayce and Viktor both knew they couldn’t stay up on the deck all night. Far too dangerous, far too uncomfortable. Moving sounded awful, and it did nothing to help with Viktor’s increasingly upset sense of balance, but they managed. Back in the hull of the ship, on the cool tile floors of their room’s bathroom, Jayce and Viktor sat. For the first time of what would likely be many, Viktor retched into the bowl as the ship rocked to the side.

It’d be a long night. And a long following day. Nevermind the third one.

When they finally reached their destination, the two Zaunites practically stumbled out of their respective ships. Christ, dry land. The ground beneath their feet still seemed to sway with a phantom motion, and sympathetic glances were cast at them by their partners for several hours after they’d gotten off board, but there wasn’t a feeling better than no longer being trapped at sea.

“I think I’d rather be thrown overboard than do that again,” Vi groaned to Cait.