Jayce Talis quotes from Arcane

Jayce

Professor Heimerdinger, I... I believe I have discovered something truly incredible: a way to harness magic through science.

Heimerdinger

Magic?

Jayce

Yes!

Heimerdinger

No.

Jayce

No?

Heimerdinger

The Arcane is dangerous, Jayce. A force of nature. Science cannot control it.

Jayce

Surely, we, the pioneers of science, can use it for good. We are the champions of discovery. Why fear it when we can master it?

Heimerdinger

Jayce, enough.

Jayce

This is the city of progress. Think of the wonders we could create! Let me prove—

Heimerdinger

Enough! You don't understand what's at stake. But how can you? That's a burden that only I here carry: time. I have seen this power in the wrong hands. It corrupts, consumes, lays waste to civilizations. That cannot happen here, my boy. It must not.

Viktor

Am I interrupting?

Jayce

[angry and startled] The hell's your problem?! [sees Viktor is holding a book] What's that? Another list with my name on it?

Viktor

Actually, yes. But only because you signed your notes. Every page, I might add. Eh, a little egotistical, don't you think?

Jayce

Is that why you came? To insult me?

Viktor

[shakes his head] No, no, I was... I was intrigued by what you said at the trial.

Jayce

[bitterly] That makes you the only one.

Viktor

Yes, well, I wanted to talk about your work. This, Hextech theory of yours.

Jayce

It's not a theory. I saw with my own eyes what magic can do, the lives it could save. You've no idea, how beautiful it is. And now it's gone. No one believed me.

Viktor

Nobody's ever believed in me. A poor cripple from the undercity? I was an outsider the moment I set foot in Piltover. I didn't have the benefits of a patron or a name. I simply believed in myself. Which is why I'm here, because I think you're on to something. I want to help you complete your research.

Jayce

No one thinks it can be done.

Viktor

When you're going to change the world, don't ask for permission. [holds out a bracelet with a gem within. Jayce takes it after a moment]

Jayce

I don't even know your name.

Viktor

It's Viktor.

Mel

Hm, willing to risk exile for your endeavor. That's quite the conviction.

Jayce

Councilor! Uh... What a surprise to see you, huh?

Viktor

[at the same time] Wait a minute, this isn't my bedroom. [chuckles] How could I have...

Jayce

[knowing they're caught] Please. We can prove that it works.

Mel

Hmm. You couldn't do so earlier today, how is tonight any different?

Viktor

We figured out how to stabilize it.

Mel

You're the Professor's assistant.

Jayce

No, he's my new partner.

Mel

Even if you manage to prove your theory, the Council would destroy it.

Viktor

Heimerdinger will recognize the potential.

Mel

[chuckles] He already does. It scares him. It scares them all.

Jayce

What about you?

Mel

I recognize that any worthwhile venture involves risk.

Jayce

[desperate] Councilor, this technology, it's real. And no matter what happens here, it's going to change our world. We should be the ones to lead it. Piltover, the land of progress, equality, innovation. I know it sounds impossible, but when have we ever let that stop us? Please, just give us a chance.

Mel

One night, gentlemen. Impress me, or I'd suggest you pack your bags.

Jayce

[attempting to sneak up on Caitlyn, ends up getting his arm twisted by her] Ow ow ow, Cait!

Caitlyn

Serves you right. [makes eye contact with her mother]

Jayce

You still avoiding her?

Caitlyn

I'm working.

Jayce

[sarcastically] Oh, I can see that. I mean, there's so much crime to thwart outside your family's tent.

Caitlyn

I can only imagine the strings she pulled to have me posted here.

Jayce

It's your fault, really. For not following her into a career "more befitting your station."

Caitlyn

[sighs] She'd do anything to keep me from seeing the real world.

Jayce

Well at least you'll have front-row seats to the speech.

Caitlyn

Speech?

Jayce

Mhmm. I'm giving the big address tonight.

Caitlyn

Hmm. We really have descended to anarchy.

Jayce

Have fun herding the drunkards. [they laugh]

Mel

You did well today.

Jayce

I had a good teacher.

Mel

It's only a matter of time before those old fools on the Council officially accept your research.

Jayce

[sighs] My father put hammers in the hands of the people, and they built this magnificent city. Imagine the wonders they could create if we put magic in their hands.

Mel

The world will never be the same. The Medardas usually only take from the world. We're not often in the position to give anything back. [she brushes her hand against his]

Jayce

I couldn't have done it without you. [Mel smiles and kisses him]

Vi

You want to make Silco pay for what he's done?

Jayce

I could have you arrested.

Vi

You guys really like to bandy that threat around. You ever been to Stillwater?

Jayce

No.

Vi

[scoffs] So you just wave an arm, have someone dragged off, don't bother to find out what it does to someone being stuffed in a stone box for weeks, or months, or even years?

Jayce

[sighs] Yeah. I want to make Silco pay.

Vi

I want in.

Jayce

There is no in. You heard the Council.

Vi

Fuck the Council. You said you were tired of doing nothing. That's the only sensible thing that came out of anyone's mouth tonight.

Jayce

I'm not a vigilante.

Vi

[sarcastic] No, you're a victim. [she observes and puts on one of the atlas gauntlets. It powers up and she looks at it happily] This so people notice you when you raise your hand in the boardroom?

Jayce

We built them for mining the fissures.

Vi

[gauntlet clanking] Hmm. Someone close to me had a pair of these. You're the first-person Caitlyn looked for when we made it to topside. Of everyone up here, you're the one she trusted to do something.

Jayce

[sighs, putting his hammer down] What do you want me to do? Arrest him?

Vi

Silco controls the undercity with Shimmer. Shut down his supply, and it's only a matter of time before his own people turn on him.

Jayce

And how do we do that?

Vi

Take out his manufacturing facilities. Hit them hard and fast, before he can react. [Jayce looks into the fire for a moment. Vi holds out her gauntlet hand in a handshake gesture] So, we got a deal pretty boy?

Jayce

Am I interrupting? [he sits down] Remember the Distinguished Innovators competition?

Viktor

I remember you notching gears in the carriage over.

Jayce

They started cranking the engine and the whole thing was rattling. I thought a loose cog was gonna take someone's eye out.

Viktor

[smiles] At least you didn't throw up.

Jayce

[chuckles] Everything made sense then.

Viktor

[after a moment] You have to destroy it.

Jayce

[thinking he's talking about the hammer] I know.

Viktor

The Hexcore. [Jayce looks surprised] I... I can't do it. You have to. Please.

Jayce

[sighs sadly] What about your disease? Without the Hexcore-

Viktor

[coughs violently] Promise me.

Jayce

[sad] Okay. Okay. [stands and touches Viktor's shoulder] I promise.

Viktor

We lost ourselves. Lost our dream. In the pursuit of great, we failed to do good. We have to make it right.

Silco

Perfect place for an ambush... and you without your hammer.

Jayce

... I was reminded recently, of what brought us together in the first place. The threats beyond our walls.

Silco

This city has a short memory.

Jayce

Progress.

Silco

[shrugs] Far be it for me, to stand in the way. [withdraws a list and plants it on Jace's chest, smirking]

Jayce

[reads, incredulous] Free trade routes... Blanket amnesty?! Unrestricted access to the Hexgates, sovereignty?! You really think you're in a position to demand all this?!

Silco

I give you credit for your stunt, boy. Didn't think you had the stomach. But the big display, followed by a request for parley... You're tipping your hand. You're afraid.

Jayce

[looks away] I am afraid. Today, I got a glimpse of what war between us might look like. Your people wouldn't stand a chance. Council couldn't care less. I'm trying to save you, from annihilation.

Silco

[smiles, shakes his head] ...Well, well. Not the fresh-faced Academy pledge, are you? [sharply] You want peace, this is the price.

Jayce

You'll discontinue the production of Shimmer?

Silco

Half-there already.

Jayce

Return the Gemstone? [Silco nods]... And I need Jinx. [Silco's face darkens] She has to pay for what she's done.

Silco

They weren't her crimes. She was working for me.

Jayce

Believe me, if I had it my way, it'd be you rotting in Stillwater. But we can't make a deal with a snake, and cut off it's head. We both have our shitty parts to play. [slaps the list against Silco's chest] Get me Jinx, and I'll give you your Nation of Zaun.

Jayce

Hey, Sprout.

Caitlyn

How'd you find me?

Jayce

Your dad.

Caitlyn

Mother and I used to come here when we needed an escape. [chuckles dryly] One of the few places we never argued.

Jayce

I'm sorry I haven't been around.

Caitlyn

How's Viktor?

Jayce

[sighs and sits down] I can't even tell if he's still in there.

Caitlyn

Ever since it happened... three faces keep spinning through my mind. I see mother. When they found her. And every fiber of me just sinks, like a stone swallowed in dark water. [turning angry] But then there's Jinx. Laughing. I want to tear that laugh from her throat forever.

Jayce

Cait. [touches her shoulder]

Caitlyn

I know. I just understand now how easy it is to hate them. One vicious act... [sighs] Then I see Vi. I asked her to put on the uniform. Suffice to say, she declined.

Jayce

[chuckles] Vi? Wear a badge?

Caitlyn

She thinks those gauntlets of yours will solve all her problems.

Jayce

[sighs] What if she's right?

Caitlyn

Hextech may keep us alive, Jayce, but it's not what will save us.

Viktor

[to a sleeping Jayce] Jayce?

Jayce

[awakens, surprised at Viktor's new form] Viktor?... My god...

Viktor

What... am I?

Jayce

You're... you're alive. [chuckles shakily] You're-- you're alive! [hugs him. After a moment, Viktor reciprocates] Oh! Oh, oh uh- you must be cold.

Viktor

Cold. No, I don't think so. I sense a... charge. [Jayce wraps a blanket around his shoulders] A potential. A recursive impulse. Unpleasant, but... "cold" isn't its name. [looks back at the cocoon he came out of] The Hexcore.

Jayce

Viktor, it saved you. Somehow it- it adapted to your injuries, changing and evolving. It was as if it was... connected to you. [Viktor studies his hand] I did my best using the notes from your leg. Recorded everything. There are still so many questions, but-

Viktor

I was supposed to die. You promised to destroy the Hexcore.

Jayce

[shaking his head] No. Don't you see? Heimerdinger was wrong. We were wrong! It's not as bad as we-

Viktor

It killed Sky, Jayce.

Jayce

[softly] What? No...

Viktor

She had such dreams. [visualizing Sky behind Jayce, he walks over to the table] As did we once.

Jayce

I'm going to resign from the Council. I understand now. My place was always here in the lab with you. [puts an arm around him] We'll make this right! Together.

Viktor

[picking up his notes] I must say goodbye to this place now. To you. [begins to leave]

Jayce

Goodbye? Viktor, you're my partner.

Viktor

Our paths diverged long ago. It was... affection, that held us together.

Jayce

You think it's so easy? To turn your back while your whole city looks to you for salvation? To cling to principles while your best friend bleeds out in your arms? I never asked for this! [Viktor is silent, and then turns to leave again] Where are you going?

Viktor

Goodbye, Jayce.

...Salo? What are you doing here?

Jace. One could ask the same question.

[indicates Salo's metallic, glowing legs] How are you walking?

[smiles] Who do you think could mend, such a broken creature? Would you want, to speak with him?

Viktor

[through Salo] Jacye. I feared I wouldn't have the chance to speak with you again.

Viktor? [approaches, dragging his deformed war-hammer]

Viktor

[through Salo] I would prefer to converse in person. [Jayce experiences another flashback] But there's so much work, to be done.

How are you doing this?

Viktor

[through Salo, gazing at the Wild Rune] I suppose this is somewhat beyond where we left off.

Is Salo still in there?

[smiles] Where else would I be? You have my solemn vow, that anything you discuss, will be kept in the strictest confidence. I owe Viktor... everything.

Viktor

[through Salo] Very kind, Salo. I have so many breakthroughs to share with you, Jayce.

[angrily] I thought you were done with Hextech! [experiences another flash] And me.

Viktor

[through Salo] I was clouded by emotions. Come. Visit me. See, what I've accomplished. I've helped so many.

Viktor

[through Salo] As we always promised we would.

Viktor has truly worked wonders.

Hextech isn't a miracle. It's a curse. We have to end it, Viktor. We have to.

Viktor

[through Salo] ...You seem different. Something happened. [Salo approaches Jayce] Now I see it. You, too, have touched the Arcane. [Jayce looks away] Your mind suffered.

...I can't let you leave.

I'm... sorry, you feel that way.

I'm sorry, too.

Mel Medarda

... Jayce? What happened to you?

...[looks away] Doesn't matter.

Mel Medarda

Something... happened to me, too.

You're the reason, we didn't die in the attack.

Mel Medarda

Apparently so.

How long have you known?

Mel Medarda

It started then. Feelings I... couldn't explain. But this... [examines her Mage's tattoos] I still don't fully understand.

[angrily] Why just me? Why not save all of them?!

Mel Medarda

It wasn't a decision! One moment you're addressing the Council, and the next, we're standing in rubble! I didn't have any greater awareness!

How can I know you aren't lying to me?

Mel Medarda

Why would you think I am?

Because you used me! And Viktor, for Hextech! You called us "investments."

Mel Medarda

Two brilliant young inventors who shared a penchant for impossible surprises. [Jayce begins to experience flashbacks from the apocalyptic reality] Carrying magic from myth, to machine. Rallying the hope and hearts of a nation. You were a wise investment-

Viktor

[speaking through the figurine] Allow us a moment of civility, Jayce. We must talk.

Viktor. [approaches] How did you get in here?

Viktor

You once benefited, from my knowledge of this place.

That was a long time ago.

Viktor

Had you given me the chance, I would have shown you the merits of my work. Our work.

No, this is your obsession. Everything you've done to these people, you did alone. [he swings, but the figurine easily dodges several attacks, then flies up to the ceiling, hiding in the shadows as Mel and Jayce search for it]

Viktor

Perhaps. But I'm alone no longer. I now speak with all their voices.

Say what you came here to say.

Viktor

Somehow, I think you already understand what must transpire, to complete my mission. I would prefer to do so in peace. The Noxian has other intentions.

Mel Medarda

Mother?

Viktor

...The Arcane, stirs within you. [he begins to break through her spells, but is knocked back by Jayce's hammer; Mel collapses, exahusted.]

Viktor... for all our sakes, stay away from the Hexgates. [he charges the figurine again, but it easily dodges his attack, then slams him against the Council table]

Viktor

Your mind has become rigid, Jayce. Fear, clouds your judgement. This chain of events, started with you. [Jayce attacks again, but the figurine flies over his swing, then traps him in its' arms.] In my confusion, I was unable to reconcile this. But I now understand. The Glorious Evolution, is destined. Let us instead do this once again as partners.

My partner... died in this room.

Viktor

...It was my sincere desire to avoid this.

Viktor

Doctor... you may begin the process.

Jayce

[after being transported to the Hexspace by Viktor] This... is what you see? [he looks up at the glowing, full-evolved version of Viktor]

Viktor

This conflict. This senseless waste. I know their minds, Jayce. They want better lives, but emotion clashes with reason. Humanity's self-corrupting contradiction.

Jayce

You've always wanted to cure what you thought were weaknesses. Your leg. Your disease. But you were never broken, Viktor. There is beauty in imperfections. They made you who you are. An inseparable piece of everything... I admired about you.

Jayce

I thought I wanted us to give magic to the world. Now... all I want... is my partner back.

Viktor

Why do you persist? After... everything I've done?

Jayce

Because I promised you. [he hugs him. Viktor sees Jayce's memories of the ruined future, in which he spoke to the mage]

Jayce

[flashback] Why did you ever give me this? Why? [the mage reveals his face to be an older version of Viktor]

I thought I could bring an end to the world's suffering. But when every equation was solved... all that remained... were fields of dreamless solitude. There is no prize to perfection. Only an end to pursuit. [showing a flashback of him giving the rune to a young Jayce] In all timelines... in all possibilities... [montage of Jayce and Viktor working together] Only you, can show me this. [current Viktor hyperventilates, changing back from his evolved form. He pushes away from Jayce, breathing heavily and staring at what he's done]

Viktor

You must go, Jayce. [Jayce touches his shoulder]

Jayce

[taking the rune from his wrist and placing it in Viktor's hand] We finish this together. [they hold each other as the rune explodes, sucking their physical bodies inside of it]