ã€ŠHer Gun to His Headã€‹


 Chapter 1: Disruption...

    Perfect and blue.

    She peered adoringly into the wonderful magical cosmos swirling around within the tiny, blue orb she held delicately between her fingertips ¡ª it reminded her of the fascination she¡¯d once felt all of those years ago, discovering some proto-form of the very same gemstone in a Piltovan well-to-do¡¯s workshop.

    Jinx cradled her head in her other hand, cushioning it against the thick wooden beam she lay upon. Her body-length braids of hair dangled down into the space below, but she lay high enough that she remained concealed.

    ¡°¡ªWasted a perfectly good night of gambling, though,¡± a hoarse female voice spoke, ¡°I was up for the second time this week.¡±

    An older male voice grunted disinterestedly in response.

    ¡°Kid held his own, though,¡± she continued, ¡°only cut the crap once I¡¯d stepped up on him. Guess he didn¡¯t feel like finding out where that would¡¯ve gone¡ª¡°

    Jinx rolled over lazily, gazing down at their conversation. Sevika sure did like to talk her boss¡¯ ear off. She held her gemstone up in front of her, placing it over Sevika¡¯s head; given the forced perspective it appeared roughly the same size.

    ¡®What an improvement that¡¯d be,¡¯ Jinx thought, to entertain herself.

    She looked over at Silco, who appeared to be penning a letter of some sort while he pretended to listen to his second-in-command¡¯s tale.

    She cast her mind back to the previous week, when she¡¯d been sitting up here, lamenting to him about how certain she was that she couldn¡¯t endure it¡­ that she wouldn¡¯t be able to overcome the frightful memories which had prevented her from tapping into the little stone¡¯s power ¡ª her head had been a maelstrom of noise that it seemed nothing would be able to make quiet.

    She remembered the cold sting of the river waters caressing her face, of holding her breath and being submerged in their murkiness. But she¡¯d trusted him in that moment ¡ª it had felt like they were going under together. And when he¡¯d lifted her back up and she could see the night sky again, her mind had felt clearer¡­ as though the louder parts had simply washed away¡­

    He could¡¯ve convinced her it was that easy, at least¡­

    Sometimes, when he looked at her, it almost seemed as though her own experiences were being reflected back at her through his eyes ¡ª both his natural one, and the piece of glass replacing the one he¡¯d lost.

    Neither of them were strangers to loss¡­

    It did ease her mind, a little ¡ª the thought that she might at least be understood by somebody¡­

    ¡°¡ªAnyway,¡± Sevika went on, ¡°we should probably think about doing something about the riff-raff bothering the workers in the smelting district¡ª¡°

    ¡°On the contrary,¡± Silco declared, turning in his chair to face her for the first time in the conversation, ¡°those sorts of petty domestic matters are hardly of concern to us right now.¡±

    He gazed upon the letter he¡¯d finished writing, holding it decisively before his own eyes, as though admiring his work.

    ¡°Our world¡¯s about to change,¡± he continued. ¡°Our foremost priority at this moment is to ensure that we aren¡¯t spread too thin.¡±

    It amused Jinx to see Sevika¡¯s expression ping pong between faith and doubt.

    ¡®He knows what he¡¯s doing, you troglodyte,¡¯ she remarked internally.

    ¡°I trust you understand what needs to be done,¡± Silco reiterated.

    Sevika¡¯s conflict remained present on her face, but she nodded with an affirmative grunt, and left to go get done whatever it was that he¡¯d impressed upon her to do.

    After a moment, Silco closed his eyes and let out a kind of meditative exhale.

    When he opened them, his eye immediately found hers. He silently outstretched his hand toward her, beckoning her down from her hideout in the rafters. His expression was warm; inviting. She couldn¡¯t really remember the last time he didn¡¯t looked stressed sitting in that chair¡­

    She acquiesced, lowering herself slowly until her toes hovered a few feet above the surface of the desk which filled the centre of the room. She dropped down the rest of the way and sat cross-legged before him.

    He merely looked at her for a moment.

    ¡°Would you show it to me, again?¡± he finally asked.

    She anxiously nibbled her bottom lip while she presented the gemstone to him.

    He accepted the gift from her once more, and it was apparent that he was now fully convinced of its value.

    ¡°Mm,¡± he hummed in approval.

    A small part of her felt that only now was he fully convinced of her value, too ¡ª no more reassignments, no more encouragements to take a break from action, no more getting benched in favor of Sevika. No, it was as he¡¯d said ¡ª now that she¡¯d cracked Piltover¡¯s prize for him, the playing field was finally even. She¡¯d been the one to give that to him.

    He glanced back at her, and it was almost as though he could read her thoughts. He moved his chair closer to the edge of the desk and reassuringly gave her fingers a squeeze.

    ¡°How we proceed from here will decide the fate of Zaun, Jinx.¡± He spoke in a soft tone. ¡°We cannot afford to overlook anything¡­¡±

    He delicately brushed a stray blue hair from her face, while she simply looked back at him.

    ¡°Which of your ideas do you favor the most, as far as the design of the weapon?¡± he asked.

    She experienced a burst of energy in response to the question.

    ¡°Well,¡± she began excitedly. ¡°First, I was playing around with the idea of some kind of laser beam, because why not? It¡¯s magic, right? Plus, I could totally carve their dumb, fancy Capitol into a giant picture of a monkey face or something!¡±

    She cackled to herself and Silco returned a small smile.

    ¡°¡ªBut then I thought, actually, that seemed like the kinda thing that some poindexter from up there would invent, so instead I¡¯m stuck choosing between trying to build a flying-machine I can use to rain Chompers down from above, ooorrrr a big ol¡¯ rocket-launcher with a magic-infused payload,¡± she concluded proudly.

    Silco leaned back, giving her conundrum some genuine consideration.

    ¡°The latter does sound simpler to engineer, no?¡± he offered, ¡°less moving parts¡­? In more than just the literal sense¡­¡±

    She contemplated what he¡¯d meant by that. She supposed he was being protective over her, or something ¡ª invading Piltover alone by air put her at a higher risk of being captured, or whatever, than simply firing a missile from a distance.

    She figured she¡¯d be a good daughter, for once.

    ¡°Okay, Fishbones it is!¡± she agreed.

    Silco raised an eyebrow, curious of her meaning.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she giggled, attempting to lower her energy for him, ¡°the scheme I¡¯m kinda going for with this one so far has a set of metal jaws at the opening of the firing canister ¡®cause I thought it¡¯d look scary, which ended up sorta turning the entire design shark-themed¡­ I call him Fishbones.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Silco let out a wisp of a chuckle. ¡°Well, it¡¯s very you, isn¡¯t it?¡± he said.

    She bobbed back and forth, in satisfaction.

    Silco raised the gemstone up to his eye-line once more, perhaps in admiration of the possibilities it afforded him. She noticed him begin to drift back into deep thought, as he often did, but she didn¡¯t feel like leaving his company just yet. Searching around his desk for something to stimulate her attention, she noticed the letter Silco had been writing. She picked it up and gave it a skim-through.

    ¡°Your big ultimatum to Topside?¡± she pestered.

    He hummed in agreement.

    She continued down the page. ¡°You¡¯ve got spots here for the Chem-Barons to put their seals too, huh?¡± she added.

    ¡°Well, yes, I¡¯d like to quell the potentiality for the first page of Zaun¡¯s history to detail a hair-trigger civil war between factions,¡± he explained. ¡°I¡¯d daresay that at least half of them will be opposed to the path we¡¯re about to take, but securing some form of agreement from them will save me a future headache¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± Jinx mused. ¡°¡­I can tell you were using your scary voice when you wrote this,¡± she giggled.

    He appeared to grow disconcerted by the manner in which she was handling the document.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t crease it that way, Jinx,¡± he said, plucking it from her fingers.

    She impishly pouted at him in response.

    ¡°It¡¯s true that in recent years I¡¯ve become romantic toward the notion of a nation birthed from fire,¡± he said of her previous comment, while she clambered over to sit on this edge of his chair. ¡°Frankly, I think that resilience is born that way,¡± he went on, ¡°instilled by moments of consequence; those that shape one¡¯s destiny¡­ I believe that whatever manages to emerge from such an experience will have attained the ultimate form of agency ¡ª a true freedom from any would-be shackles...¡±

    Jinx¡¯s gaze had dropped down toward her boots by the latter half of Silco¡¯s monologue, as she connected his words to some of her own experiences.

    He must have noticed her shift in disposition. ¡°¡­The past can only hinder you if you let it, child,¡± he reassured her.

    ¡°I know, it¡¯s just¡­¡± she faltered, ¡°what if it just makes you weaker, and¡­ you can¡¯t¡ª¡±

    ¡°You,¡± he took her by the shoulders, ¡°are stronger than I could ever have imagined you to be.¡±

    She didn¡¯t feel convinced.

    Despite his conviction, and the hundreds of times he¡¯d repeated such a sentiment in the past, she failed to feel adequate against his persistent idealization of her. She couldn¡¯t help it.

    She decided not to let him know it this time, however.

    She fell on top of him and squeezed tightly, hoping to prevent him from continuing his speech to her. He seemed to reluctantly get the message, and hugged her back.

    ¡°Think you¡¯ll come down to the bar tonight?¡± she wondered, without moving away from him.

    He thought for a moment.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± he replied. ¡°I do need to arrange a communication with our Topside friend, however.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure,¡± she said.

    ¡°Is Thieram no longer good company¡­?¡± He slowly lifted her away from him, apparently deciding that their embrace had come to its natural conclusion.

    Part of her wanted to correct the record on the affable bartender¡¯s name, but she figured he¡¯d only look at her strangely. She instead hopped up and headed toward the door.

    ¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± she grinned. ¡°Well, if you come on down later, I¡¯ll buy you a drink¡­!¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± he half-chuckled at her tongue-in-cheek remark.

    She giggled and skipped out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

    ~~~~~

    Useless.

    It¡¯s all he could find it in himself to feel. Part of him didn¡¯t even want to look at his own reflection, as he tossed down his set of brass keys. He always felt compelled to anyway. The badge was the first thing to catch his eye, after tearing himself away from looking at the defeated look in his own face. He unclasped it and slammed it down onto the table top with ire.

    Sheriff¡­

    Marcus pinched his nose between his eyes, trying to imagine another path. Trying to imagine what the sheriff of Piltover should look like. He already knew the answer. It looked like the woman whose grave he¡¯d visited just days ago. She¡¯d never have found herself in this situation.

    No¡­

    He opened his eyes again. He still had leverage in this situation. Silco had relied on him too often. Why was the man so adamant on protecting his most troublesome miscreant? Attempting to predict who he¡¯d be willing to sell up the river, versus who he¡¯d be sentimental about¡­ Marcus was better off flipping a coin.

    His daughter¡¯s portrait sat facing him. He sighed, somberly reminding himself that he was all she had.

    His mind was pulled away by aggressive rapping on his door.

    ¡°What is it?¡± he demanded, to the sight of three of his officers standing urgently at attention outside his door frame.

    ¡°Sir!¡± the highest rank of them implored, ¡°a foot-chase has developed outside the training barracks ¡ª eight officers down!¡±

    Marcus did his best to compartmentalize the staggering casualty count in his mind, as he reached for his badge and re-pinned it to his chest. He finally began to hear the low wail of the city alarm in the distance.

    ¡°Send orders for the bridges to be raised, immediately,¡± he ordered, ¡°and I want every officer on duty with a rifle in their hands this time.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sheriff!¡± the officer complied.

    Marcus nodded, hurrying along with his subordinates.

    ¡°Do we have descriptions on any of the culprits?¡± he asked.

    ¡°All we¡¯ve received reports on so far is a male in foreign attire and light colored hair,¡± the officer replied.

    ¡°Weapons?¡± he demanded.

    ¡°¡­Nothing reported, sir.¡±

    Marcus looked on in bewilderment. Surely Silco wasn¡¯t foolish enough to have let one of his monstrosities loose to wreak havoc on the citizens of Piltover?

    An elevator led the squad down to the ground, where they met up with half the Council Guard, who didn¡¯t look eager to have been called into action.

    ¡°Everybody fan out!¡± he barked. ¡°Apprehend anybody who matches the description!¡±

    The enforcers fastened their helmets, and set off after their phantom target.

    A few moments later, his junior officer returned with rifles for the both of them.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he grunted, loading a bullet into the chamber.

    His eyes bolted up at the sound of a winded shriek, followed by the sight of one of his officers skidding across the pavement and landing on his side, as though he were fired out of a cannon.

    ¡°Behind me!¡± he ordered the junior officer, raising his firearm and stepping out from cover to investigate.

    The wailing alarm had mostly cleared out the civilians doing their evening shopping, leaving only empty streets. Marcus moved promptly toward his fallen officer, keeping an eye out for whatever assailant could have inflicted such damage.

    ¡°Is he breathing?¡± he demanded of his junior officer.

    Marcus didn¡¯t hear the answer ¡ª down the barrel of his gun, he observed a slender figure at the other end of the street, standing with their back to him and holding something in their hand.

    ¡°Drop that, now!¡± Marcus yelled with authority.

    The figure straightened up, and turned around. It had tall, spiked hair jutting out on either side, almost like horns.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be warned again ¡ª drop the weapon!¡± Marcus desperately ordered.

    The cackle he received in response sounded like it came from a young man, maybe even a teenager. The kid began moving forward to where Marcus could make him out more clearly ¡ª his attire was as strangely foreign as had been described, though the skintight black upper garment revealed an intimidating level of musculature. The object in his hand appeared to be the helmet of the officer laying next to Marcus.

    He drew in a series of short breaths as he prepared to fire his gun.

    Marcus again heard the kid snicker from a distance.

    ¡°This is the ¡®weapon¡¯ you¡¯re afraid of, eh?¡± he taunted, an uncanny grin creeping across his face.

    The crack of the gunshot rang out through the emptied streets, as he pulled the trigger without hesitation ¡ª Marcus had no appetite for any type of back-and-forth with this creep.

    Perhaps his arrangement with Silco had simply run its course ¡ª the very fact that the rabble from the Undercity were becoming this bold as of late was proof of it. He knew well that the Council would only tolerate so much before demanding Trencher heads for all of these crimes.

    The thoughts bounced around in his head as he snapped into action, recoiling from the shot he¡¯d just fired. But, something wasn¡¯t right¡­

    He heard his junior officer¡¯s gasp before he realized what had happened. The pointy-haired kid remained standing, holding the officer¡¯s helmet he¡¯d somehow used to catch Marcus¡¯ shot. He dangled it before him, plucking the collapsed bullet from the dent it had made on impact.

    He¡¯d aimed for the head, though¡­

    Marcus released the spent shell and prepared to load in another round, breathing quickly.

    ¡°Shoot hi¡ª¡° he began to yell at the junior officer, who promptly fell backwards with a thud, as the dented officer¡¯s helmet ricocheted off of his face.

    It all had happened in the blink of an eye. Marcus almost couldn¡¯t bring himself to turn again and look upon his advancing adversary ¡ª a baser instinct within him was telling him to run.

    The fear began to compound. By the time he¡¯d managed to load a new round in and peel his eyes back toward the attacker, he felt like a prey animal waiting helplessly for its predator to complete the kill.

    This amused the devil-haired kid to no end. He flashed a smile that only heightened his menacing aura.

    Marcus mustered all the fortitude he could to raise his rifle once more and attempt a shot, but the outcome felt predetermined ¡ª the moment he made a move, the kid was upon him, without even a moment to blink.

    ¡®Has to be one of those Shimmer-infused abominations,¡¯ he thought in resignation, as he was knocked to ground, the air leaving his lungs.

    He felt utterly powerless ¡ª the kid sent the weapon careening across the pavement and deftly pinned down Marcus¡¯ limbs.

    He leant over his fallen prey, as though to gloat.

    ¡°This is all the welcome party I get, eh?¡± he snarked. ¡°Even if all of you had ganged up on me, you couldn¡¯t kill me.¡±

    Marcus wondered for a moment whether he could be reasoned with, whether there was any way for him to make it out alive.

    ¡°Who¡­ the hell are you?¡± was all he managed.

    The kid flashed his unpleasant smile again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you all call yourselves peacekeepers¡­¡± he snarled, ignoring his question. ¡°There ain¡¯t ever gonna be peace until you¡¯ve all got somethin¡¯ real to fear¡­¡±

    Marcus¡¯ ears pricked up to the sound of voices heading their way. It must have been his backup. If he could only¡­

    The kid reacted in an instant, his poised hand appearing where it wasn¡¯t before.

    Marcus¡¯ vision turned black.

 Chapter 2: Face to Face

    She leant over the bartop in boredom, rolling her blue gemstone back and forth between her fingers as the night wound down.

    The bartender approached her empty cup with hesitation, clearly unsure of whether or not she wished it to be taken. She glanced up at him, flashing a false-pleasant smile.

    ¡°You don¡¯t ever kick people outta here, do ya, Chuck?¡± Jinx pondered in a sing-songy voice. ¡°You must get somebody else to do that for ya, huh?¡±

    He stood awkwardly, scratching his head. ¡°Oh¡ª I didn¡¯t accidentally give you booze again, did I¡­?¡±

    In response, she animatedly snatched her cup from the countertop and began loudly sipping air through the straw.

    He sighed. ¡°You always start calling me different names whenever that happens¡­¡±

    ¡°What different names?¡± she demanded.

    ¡°My¡ª¡° he paused, flustered. ¡°Never mind¡­¡±

    ¡°Chuck,¡± she continued, ¡°you¡¯re a good egg, people ever tell you that?¡±

    ¡°Egg¡ª?¡± he puzzled.

    ¡°You know, like, something your mother might say, I don¡¯t know,¡± she drawled.

    ¡°I¡­ haven¡¯t actually spoken to my mother in¡ª¡° he began.

    ¡°Where is everybody, anyway?¡± she cut in, ¡°it¡¯s never usually this dead in here this quick¡­¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ well, I think Silco took a crew with him when he¡ª¡° he started to answer.

    ¡°He came down?!¡± she exclaimed, ¡°I didn¡¯t even see him¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, uh, yeah, it was about an hour or so ago¡­¡± he said.

    She shot him a look that appeared to make him nervous.

    ¡°¡­Alright, Chuck,¡± she said, standing up, ¡°what do I owe ya?¡±

    ¡°You¡ª?¡° He looked confused, and seemingly decided to ignore the question instead. ¡°Just¡­ don¡¯t tell him that I got you buzzed by accident, please¡­¡±

    ¡°What? I¡¯m not¡ª¡° she protested, ¡°if I were drunk, I¡¯d probably have shot ya by now, or something.¡±

    ¡°¡­You¡¯ve tried to, before¡­¡± he meekly remarked.

    ¡°Oh, yeah¡­¡± she giggled, collecting her gemstone and setting her cup down.

    She turned to take her leave.

    ¡°Well, if I don¡¯t see ya¡­!¡± she sang behind her, sauntering outside onto the streets of The Lanes.

    Her face eventually settled into a pout, as she reminded herself that her father had apparently gone somewhere exciting and left her behind. Not that it was unlike him...

    She sighed and continued to stroll down the smog-hazed street, flanked on either side by colorful neon lights and merchant stalls that had closed up shop for the night. The only places that seemed to stay open were the ¡®entertainment¡¯ venues ¡ª Jinx scoffed as she passed by the door to a pleasure house that she knew some of her father¡¯s crew to frequent.

    ¡®Folks really got nothin¡¯ to do these days, huh?¡¯ she mused.

    Not that she didn¡¯t ever get bored ¡ª she did find herself aimlessly wandering the Lanes more often than not, as she was now. The only thing she spent more time doing was holing up in the underground crevice where she slept, tinkering and conceiving of new contraptions with which to blow people up.

    Still, it was better than spending one¡¯s time in a damned brothel, she figured. She couldn¡¯t really imagine needing to resort to something like that just to pass the time.

    She took a glimpse at her gemstone once again. Perhaps she¡¯d do another loop around, and then head back to give almost-ready Fishbones some attention.

    She opted for some sort of scenic route, discovering a rusted ladder on the side of an apartment tower. She clambered up to reach it and haphazardly made it up to the roof, which required a small jump. She drew in a breath of the slightly cleaner air.

    Being up above it all always seemed to elicit memories¡­

    She continued on, tight-walking over to the corner of the roof and hopping the gap to the next building. She always liked to check the alleyways below for anything interesting that might have been happening. Shady Shimmer deals, perhaps, she thought of a group of three oafs below donning some not-so-inconspicuous cloaks. They didn¡¯t notice her peering down upon them, so she moved on.

    She supposed she wasn¡¯t too far from the tucked-away Shimmer manufacturing facility Silco never seemed to want to take her to visit, though she¡¯d managed to stumble upon it on her own plenty of times. The rooftops began to descend from building to building, like a staircase, as they led down the cliff face to the entrance of the factory.

    She heard some type of a commotion as she drew closer. The two gruff-looking men who usually stood guard in front of the place seemed to be trying to rough up some unwelcome visitor.

    She perched herself against a rooftop parapet to get a look at what was going on.

    The dude they were attempting to fend off didn¡¯t look very old at all, and he had weird, white hair, all spiked up at strange angles. He also didn¡¯t seem like he wanted that badly to get in, more so just to mess with them, maybe.

    One of the guards decided to sock him in the face after failing to get him to back up, but the dude just began laughing the moment after it connected. ¡®Must not¡¯a been much of a punch,¡¯ Jinx figured.

    The guard tried grabbing him by the neck, instead, at which point the dude performed a weird, backwards-pirouette-flip away from them, the top of his foot connecting with the guard¡¯s chin as he did it. The guard staggered and almost fell, and the dude landed in front of them in a low pose, his arm outstretched in front of him, supporting half of his weight by his fingers. Jinx found amusement in the thought that he looked kinda like a spider.

    She wanted to move closer to hear their conversation. She vaulted herself up and across to the next rooftop as quietly as she could, and then found herself a vantage point again.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Her face dropped a little. One of the guards barked for help toward the inside of the factory, next to his friend, who appeared to have been knocked-out, but the dude with the weird hair was nowhere to be seen. She¡¯d thought she¡¯d heard him get in a few hits as she was changing position ¡ª perhaps that was all it had taken.

    ¡®What a couple of weaklings¡­¡¯ she thought.

    She sighed and sat herself down, attempting to beat out some dirt that she¡¯d managed to sweep up with her hair braids, along the way.

    She paused ¡ª her hopes weren¡¯t to be dashed so quickly. She spotted her mysterious fighter up high, against the wall of the factory, balancing himself only on the steel architectural detailings of the building. He seemed to be trying to peer through the window, though he didn¡¯t appear particularly interested by what he saw.

    Jinx stayed low, wishing to see what he¡¯d do next if she didn¡¯t announce her presence.

    To her surprise, she watched him effortlessly scale the remainder of the wall, all the way to the top of the factory. She hastily stood, preparing herself to follow him by returning up the way she¡¯d came.

    She was sure glad not to have been carrying her mini-gun Pow-Pow on her back, as she clambered up the next rooftop, in pursuit. She stole a quick glance up to where she¡¯d last placed him, and luckily he didn¡¯t appear to have moved very far.

    She halted at the next gap to cross, as she felt that she wouldn¡¯t be able to attain enough height to reach the ledge above it. She looked to her right and thankfully spotted an alternative way up, which proved to be a shorter route, anyway.

    After she¡¯d made it up, she surveyed the elevated terrain ¡ª she would have to have been at the same height he was when she¡¯d last spotted him.

    ¡®Where¡¯d you go¡­?¡¯

    She grinned to herself, finding the sense of chase rather exhilarating.

    Crouching down low, not wanting to be the one found first, she set off searching ¡ª surely his hair alone would prevent him from blending into the darkness.

    ¡®There you are¡­¡¯

    He stood casually, hands in his pockets, seemingly as close to the edge of the rooftop as his balance would allow. He looked down upon a stready trickle of people leaving a club just below, his nose turned up as though it were his natural expression.

    She wondered if he might attempt to hurt her if she talked to him. She pulled out her pistol and cocked it back before getting any closer, so that the sound wouldn¡¯t give her away just yet. She also felt it wise to remove the jangly buckles from the mouth of her boots. She slipped them all into separate pockets to reattach later.

    He seemed to become bored of the view just as she made her move, so she quickly crept along behind him, hoping to catch up once he¡¯d stopped. She found herself intently observing the way in which he moved as she tailed him ¡ª there was a certain weighted balance about his every stride, hopping from ledge to ledge.

    They both ended up on a somewhat narrow wooden catwalk suspended between buildings, where he paused once again to catch the view. She took the opportunity to close the distance between them, rising from her crouched stance.

    She found herself holding her breath, and so felt pressured to make a decision quickly.

    She pointed her gun at the back of his head, and hastily tried to come up with something funny to say.

    Instead, she felt a jolt as her weapon was suddenly snatched from her, him having turned around to face her in the blink of an eye. Even after his earlier display, she hadn¡¯t expected such speed.

    She rejected the urge to back up, as, in spite of everything, he didn¡¯t actually look too scary.

    He looked at her with a somewhat quizzical expression, his eyebrows furrowed.

    ¡°What are you supposed to be?¡± he asked dubiously, ¡°world¡¯s worst assassin¡­?¡±

    He sounded like he could have been her age, or maybe only a little older.

    ¡°They only payed me to scare ya¡­¡± she retorted, cracking a smile.

    ¡°Yeah¡­?¡± he grunted, awkwardly dangling her buckshot pistol in front of him with his finger, as though unsure what to do with it.

    ¡°I mean, you can admit you were scared, it¡¯s fine¡­¡± she murmured playfully.

    ¡°Heard you comin¡¯,¡± he replied, matter-of-factly.

    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know, I had a little window to shoot ya there, so¡­¡± she countered.

    He continued to look at her, unimpressed.

    ¡°By the way, Shimmer¡¯s not that hard to score around here ¡ª you coulda probably just asked somebody,¡± she added, making a head movement in the direction they¡¯d originally come from.

    He gave her a look of suspicion, perhaps not appreciating having being spied upon.

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s all that goes on in there, I ain¡¯t interested,¡± he replied. ¡°Long as I¡¯m not gonna have some sorta crime gang tailin¡¯ me now, or somethin¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s me¡­?¡± she giggled, attempting a menacing grin.

    He raised an eyebrow, but appeared to begin to lose some interest in the conversation.

    ¡°Yeah, sure¡­¡± he said, ¡°listen, buzz off, will ya? I came up here to get away from you freaks.¡±

    ¡°Wh¡ª?¡± her expression changed, ¡°you¡¯ve got my gun, idiot...?¡±

    He held the thing up again and examined it, this time seeming to notice the colorful consistency between it and her attire.

    She attempted to snatch it back, but he quickly pulled it out of her reach.

    ¡°What¡¯s your problem¡ª?¡± she protested.

    ¡°What¡¯s yours?¡± he retorted, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to follow me¡­¡±

    After a moment of glaring daggers at one another, he reluctantly handed the pistol back to her.

    She briefly checked that the hammer was still cocked back, and proceeded to turn and nail a tin can sitting on the edge of a rooftop about twenty yards away. She looked back at him and confidently blew away the smoke billowing from the end of the barrel.

    He looked more puzzled than impressed.

    He shook his head and lowered himself down to sit on the edge of the catwalk they were standing on, dangling his feet over the drop below.

    His silence didn¡¯t deter her.

    ¡°So¡­ do much else for fun, besides beat the lights outta people?¡± she asked him.

    He side-eyed her. ¡°What¡ª those two twerps back there¡­?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they were bein¡¯ butt-faces¡­¡± she added, with a small smile.

    He was silent again in response ¡ª maybe he was the kind that had big ol¡¯ thoughts bouncing around in their head.

    Jinx held herself by a couple of ropes supporting the catwalk, and leant herself over the edge, swaying back and forth slowly.

    ¡°Ever feel like spittin¡¯ on ¡®em?¡± she asked after a moment, of the people below.

    He looked at her again. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I¡¯m not really from ¡®round here, anyway¡­¡±

    She gave a slight curious gasp. ¡°Really¡ª where¡¯re you from?¡±

    He broke off eye contact in irritation. ¡°Don¡¯t worry ¡®bout it¡­¡±

    It did occurred to her that his clothing was a little out of the ordinary from what she was used to, even with the way Piltovans dressed ¡ª a pretty basic outfit of white, baggy pants which tightened around the ankles, a close, close-fitting black top, and a weird, golden band of cloth tied around his waist. His little black flats with no socks on made his feet look kinda small, she thought to herself in amusement.

    He glanced at her, seemingly not appreciating her eye on him.

    ¡°Gonna tell me your name, at least?¡± she interjected, just as he opened his mouth to speak.

    ¡°¡­Asked you to leave me alone, aight?¡± he attempted to brush her off.

    She rolled her eyes playfully. ¡°Look, if you don¡¯t tell me,¡± she continued, ¡°I¡¯m gonna have to end up calling you Chuck Two.¡±

    He raised a brow at her again. After a moment, his attention appeared to be drawn by the knife holster on her belt.

    ¡°Who¡¯re you out here gutting with that thing, anyway?¡± he asked.

    She shrugged. ¡°Whoever I want ¡ª Firelights, people who try to touch my stuff, Topsiders¡­¡±

    His eye seemed to dart back at her at the mention of Topside.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been up there, you mean¡­?¡± he wondered.

    ¡°Um,¡± she replied, a bit evasively, ¡°sometimes, I guess¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± he looked on.

    After a moment, he stood up. ¡°Well¡­ I gotta find a place to sleep,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Oh, sure¡­¡± she said.

    He looked at her. ¡°Don¡¯t try followin¡¯ me this time¡­¡± he warned.

    ¡°Fine,¡± she replied. ¡°Only did it ¡®cause I was bored, anyway¡­¡±

    He paused.

    ¡°Rooftops ¡®round here your hangout spot, are they¡­?¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°If I feel like it, I guess¡­ or The Last Drop, sometimes¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Place with the loud music?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Oh, like, only on club nights it does¡­¡± she said meekly.

    He seemed to notice some passer-by staring up at the two of them from down below. He promptly flipped them off, which entertained her.

    He gave her another quick glance, but seemed to be content to conclude their conversation. He slowly crouched down, presumably setting his eyes on the next ledge he¡¯d take to exit the catwalk.

    ¡°Name¡¯s Garou, anyway¡­¡± he said to her.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she replied. ¡°Uh¡­ Jinx.¡±

    He nodded. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll see ya, maybe¡­¡±

    He prepared to launch himself, the outline of his flexed back and shoulder muscles distractingly visible through the thin material of his top.

    ¡°Yeah, sure¡­¡± she replied.

    Without another word, he performed a thirty-foot lateral jump over to the nearby building, about as effortlessly as she¡¯d observed him scaling the wall earlier.

    She had to remind herself to release her bottom lip with her teeth when he gave a brief glance back at her, after he¡¯d landed.

    She watched him march off, disappearing into the night.

 Chapter 3: Crossing Threadsâ€¦

    Warm, orange sparks tickled Jinx¡¯s skin as she welded two unsightly pieces of steel together, her music blaring through the cavern as it typically did while she tinkered. She examined her handiwork, putting her torch down for a moment and pulling welding goggles away from her tired eyes. She supposed she¡¯d normally have tried to catch some winks by now, but she¡¯d been buzzing all night, unable to exhaust her own energy.

    It probably wasn¡¯t a bad thing, she thought as she glanced over at her replenished stack of Chompers, the stockpile at least twice as big as before. It wasn¡¯t as though she¡¯d ever be likely to run out of repetitive tasks with which to occupy herself ¡ª perhaps Silco could use a fancy-looking new ashtray, or something. She always got a kick out of giving gifts to people, especially prank gifts ¡ª she did wonder whether Chuck ever kept that nice box full of spiders she¡¯d left at the bar for him a few nights ago. She couldn¡¯t believe she¡¯d forgotten to ask him about that...

    Her mind flashed back briefly to the rooftops above The Lanes, from some hours prior. For some reason she was struggling to remember the name he¡¯d given her ¡ª the mysterious dude skulking about in the shadows. She supposed some mischief might not be wasted on him, if they were ever to cross paths again.

    What was his deal, anyway? She could tell from watching his little scuffle with those two goons before that he did some things just for the fun of it¡­ yet, he¡¯d totally blown her off without a thought ¡ª she was the most fun person in this boring waste-town¡­

    Seemed way too focused on being all serious and brooding ¡ª talk about having your priorities upside down.

    She supposed that the tenor of their conversation was at least different from the way she was normally treated by people around here ¡ª having everybody either feel afraid ¡®cause they think you¡¯re crazy, or just see you as a nuisance who¡¯s gonna mess everything up was getting old.

    Garou, that¡¯s right¡­

    She began to think about how he¡¯d asked her where she liked to spend her time ¡ª perhaps he did see himself crossing paths with her again¡­

    She glanced down at her chest, feeling her heart thudding a little faster than normal, in response to her thoughts.

    Not that she¡¯d never felt excited about something before, but it felt different, somehow. It felt weird.

    She dismissed it, returning to her unfinished contraption. She soon realized she¡¯d been so deep in her daydream that she hadn¡¯t even noticed the repeated low squeal of the record needle skipping. She dropped her tools once more and hopped up to go and fix it, stifling a yawn for the first time.

    She¡¯d only just made it over to the player when Silco burst through the door, a stressed look on his face. He immediately began toward her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve only been here in The Lanes tonight, yes?¡± he said quietly, but with a kind of frantic undertone, ¡°tell me it wasn¡¯t you¡­?¡±

    ¡°Wh¡ª yeah¡­?¡± she replied, confused by his demeanor. ¡°I mean, I was waiting for you at the bar, I guess you went and left though, so I took a walk¡­ why?¡±

    He seemed to straighten up and breathe a sort of sigh of relief at her answer.

    ¡°There¡¯s been an attack Topside,¡± he revealed, running a tense hand through his hair and beginning to pace slowly, ¡°not nearly as significant as the one you carried out, from all I¡¯ve been able to gather¡­ though, reliable information has been all but impossible to come by thus far¡ª¡°

    ¡°Marcus?¡ª you didn¡¯t talk to him yet, you mean?¡± she wondered, moving toward him, in hopes of comforting him.

    ¡°No¡ª he may have been on the scene,¡± he replied. ¡°From all I¡¯ve heard, it¡¯s seemingly being attributed a single individual¡­ which is the part that strikes me, and why I thought that perhaps you¡¯d¡ª¡°

    He paused, staring ahead for a moment, before turning to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not certain how this might hinder us, if at all,¡± he said, slowly backing up to lean against the railing, and allowing her to slink over to his side. ¡°For all I know, it may have simply been some street rat who got their hands on more Shimmer than they could handle¡­¡±

    Jinx let out a small giggle. ¡°Yeah, probably, I mean, didn¡¯t you tell me that half the snotty well-to-do¡¯s up there take the stuff themselves anyway?¡±

    He glanced at her. ¡°¡­I certainly suspect that Finn and a few of the others deal to them, yes,¡± he replied dispassionately, letting his head roll back to gaze at the cavern above.

    She looked up at him, observing how haggard he looked.

    ¡°¡­You¡¯re not used¡¯ta havin¡¯ to be up this late are ya?¡± she pestered.

    He took a moment to stretch his eyes and then turned to her again. ¡°I suppose not recently, no.¡± He exhaled. ¡°I¡¯ve dispatched Sevika to find out all she can from our other contacts, so, if anything, she¡¯s the one who ought feel the most disgruntled tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Serves her right,¡± Jinx smirked, snuggling up by his side. ¡°You coulda totally taken me with you, by the way, instead of leavin¡¯ me behind again¡­¡±

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t had much of a notion that it was going to be an eventful night until I was informed that the bridges had been shut,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Mm, okay¡­¡± she conceded.

    ¡°I¡¯m supposing nothing of interest occurred down here while I was gone¡­?¡±

    She considered recounting her night to him, as she often did, but unexpectedly decided against it.

    ¡°Nothing ever does¡­!¡± she sang.

    He smiled slightly, petting her hair for a moment, before pulling her in front of him and giving her the fatherly look-over.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t slept at all, have you?¡± he surmised of her own tired eyes.

    She gave a delirious giggle. ¡°Fishbones is almost ready¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± he looked concerned, but vaguely appreciative. ¡°You mustn¡¯t push yourself so hard¡­¡±

    She smiled back at him, her eyes beginning to flutter shut.

    ¡°Careful¡ª you¡¯ll fall¡­¡± he said, holding her by the shoulders.

    She steadied herself, rubbing both her eyes and yawning at the same time. ¡°I¡¯m okay¡­¡±

    ¡°You know, there is still a bed for you up there,¡± he added. ¡°I do wish you wouldn¡¯t choose to sleep down here¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine¡­¡± she grinned wearily, ¡°you can let go¡­¡±

    He reluctantly did so, and watched with trepidation as she waltzed over the enormous turbine blade upon which sat her sleeping area, collapsing onto her patched-together mattress.

    ¡°Good night¡­!¡± she murmured through the material.

    He shook his head, and turned to take his leave. ¡°Good night, Jinx,¡± he returned quietly, leaving her to rest in her vast neon cave.

    <hr>

    Jinx peeled her eyes open to an irritating, fluttering sound right by her ear. She made a half-hearted swipe at it when she discovered it to be a firelight insect, whirring by her head.

    ¡®Those things don¡¯t normally find their way down here¡­¡¯ she thought drearily to herself.

    She begrudgingly sat herself up. She supposed it would have to have been morning, though she¡¯d have to wait to find out ¡ª daylight didn¡¯t exactly reach her underground crevice.

    She opted against bothering to change her clothes, so she fetched her small carry pouch and followed the rickety wooden path up the stone face of the cavern until she reached street level. One of her newly assembled Chompers was subjected to some colorful doodles as she climbed, so that he didn¡¯t stand out from the rest.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    She popped the cap back on her paint marker and surveyed the street, hoping that something might catch her eye. She supposed that the caged, adolescent Krug kept by the street vendor near The Last Drop deserved a visit ¡ª those things did make the most adorable little sounds.

    The vendor gave her a somewhat unenthusiastic nod of the head as she skipped over to his stall, allowing her to peel the cover back and take a quick look at the captured creature. She bobbed back and forth excitedly while he absently returned to eating his lunch.

    The Krug gargled at her lazily, showing off an azure glow between its stone body plates. She grinned, wondering if there might be any out there that displayed a pink coloration. Not that she¡¯d ever really be able to keep one ¡ª the thing would easily grow to become twice her size before long.

    She dropped the cover back over the cage and moved on, finding her secret back alley route to the upstairs floor of The Last Drop, and making her way up. Peering through the window that would be her entrance, she scrunched up her face inadvertently at the sight of Sevika brusquely exiting Silco¡¯s office, waiting until she¡¯d gone downstairs before lifting the glass frame and crawling inside.

    She pressed an ear against the door first, carefully opening it and stepping inside once she was confident her father was the only person on the other side of it.

    He¡¯d already begun to light up a cigar, as he noticed her enter.

    ¡°Jinx,¡± he greeted her with a subdued tone, ¡°I have something I¡¯ll need you to do for me today.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡ª okay,¡± she answered, somewhat pleasantly surprised.

    He concluded a puff from his cigar, and leaned forward over his desk, inviting her over. She hopped toward him, taking interest in the large Piltovan city map sprawled out across the surface of the desk.

    ¡°I have some of our people stationed by the harbor side of the Bridge of Progress, as well as these two smaller footbridges,¡± he gestured, dropping some ash from his cigar hand onto the parchment without meaning to.

    She resisted the urge to use her finger to decorate the page with it.

    ¡°From what we¡¯ve gathered, the bridge closures were downgraded to only a partial blockade early this morning,¡± he continued. ¡°I¡¯d still like to know the size of their guard shifts, and how strictly our couriers are being screened for merchandise ¡ª with Marcus remaining unreachable, it¡¯s unclear how long it will be in effect¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡ª still, huh?¡± she replied. ¡°Y¡¯think he got taken out?¡±

    Silco sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll certainly have to entertain the possibility. That, or he¡¯s decided to turn on us. I intend to find out before nightfall¡­¡±

    Jinx had taken her paint markers back out of her pouch, and had begun to add some color to the line work on the map.

    ¡°What about the Shimmer-head?¡± she wondered absently, while she scribbled. ¡°If he made it out, shouldn¡¯t we try to find him?¡±

    Silco slowly exhaled a wisp of smoke. ¡°Strangely, Sevika is convinced that she had a run-in with this person, the night before last¡­ some kid from out of town she says, causing trouble at the gaming lounge¡­¡± He ran a tired hand through his hair, subtly shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s tenuous to me ¡ª virtually all of the visual descriptions that have trickled down thus far have been inconsistent and over-sensationalized, so I fail to see how she might have reached that conclusion¡­¡±

    Jinx smirked and rolled her eyes in amusement. ¡°Sounds like her... so¡ª what, everybody up there are tellin¡¯ tales of some big, scary, monster?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ likely how it would have appeared to Topside ¡ª few of them up there would ever have seen anything remotely like it before¡­¡± he mused.

    ¡°They wouldn¡¯ta seen anything like anything before,¡± she babbled.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Silco replied absently.

    He turned to her, after a moment.

    ¡°I seem to remember you having built yourself a spyglass, some time ago,¡± he said. ¡°It had a magnification lens¡ª¡°

    She perked up a little.

    ¡°Yeah, for looking at airships from the rooftops,¡± she confirmed, ¡°I think I kept it in the stash down there, somewhere.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± he replied. ¡°I thought perhaps you¡¯d fetch it. You have a talent for climbing ¡ª I¡¯d like you to find yourself a lookout point over the bridge, and relay back to me all you can see.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± she replied, pursing her lips slightly. ¡°Sure, I guess I can do that¡­¡±

    He nodded, laying back in his chair with his cigar.

    ¡°Bring your notebook, if it helps,¡± he suggested.

    She got the sense that she was being given busywork, but she didn¡¯t feel like pressing the issue.

    ¡°Okay, well, I¡¯ll see ya later then¡­¡± she inwardly sulked, trudging toward the door.

    ¡°Be safe, please,¡± he quietly called after her.

    ¡®As if that was ever an issue¡­¡¯

    <hr>

    She found herself perched rather precariously between two narrow walls, high above the Fissures, but still nowhere near as high up as she needed to be for the task at hand. She located an open window that she could use to find some footing temporarily, and swung herself up to reach it.

    She glanced inside at the dim interior ¡ª half of the dwellings on this side of the river were abandoned, likely for as long as she¡¯d been alive, or thereabouts. She struggled to remember clearly the fighting that she¡¯d been told about, long ago. She only knew that she¡¯d lived through it, as a small child. Many didn¡¯t¡­

    None of that stuff really mattered though, not to her, at least. She supposed it did to Silco, but he had his reasons. The past was hard to make go away, as much as one might want to.

    ¡®It had mattered to her, too¡­¡¯ she remembered.

    Jinx felt a pang in her head as she tried her best not to dredge up old memories.

    She spotted a staircase inside the apartment leading up to the next floor, which looked more appealing than scaling a stone wall, so she stepped inside.

    The floorboards creaked as she crept along them. The place was kinda weird ¡ª various terrariums littered every available surface, the plants inside having spilled out long ago, growing along the walls and up the ceiling, searching for moisture.

    Jinx wandered into the kitchen, with half a notion to see whether the plumbing still worked. All she found were the open ends of the pipes jutting out from the wall, the sinks and taps having been removed to be sold for coin, presumably. An end table by the staircase sat with its drawer open, a set of unused bandages inside.

    ¡®Yoink,¡¯ she thought to herself, claiming them and stashing them inside of her pouch. Not that proper wound care was really ever her forte¡­

    She kept her footsteps light as she made her way upstairs, and peered through a doorframe which showed her a relatively unobstructed view of Piltover. As she crept closer, she confirmed that the wall had seemingly been knocked out on that side of the building, providing her a useful vista. She observed dull, grey clouds over the entire city. She hoped that whatever lookout spot she did manage to find would have some form of shelter ¡ª she hardly fancied a recon mission spent drenched and shivering¡­

    As she crossed the threshold into the room with the battered down wall, she unexpectedly heard something stir beside her.

    She thrust her pistol out in front of her out of instinct, but didn¡¯t feel the need to cock it when she saw him. Her eyes were saucers for a moment.

    His face instead turned quickly to a scowl.

    ¡°What¡¯d I tell ya ¡®bout following me¡­?¡± Garou grumbled, sat hunched against the paint-stripped wall.

    ¡°Foll¡ª what¡­?!¡± she stammered, ¡°I¡¯m here because¡ª what are you doing here¡­?¡±

    He side-eyed her.

    ¡°I try not to sleep in the same spot twice¡­¡± he replied. ¡°Found this place on my way back from¡ª¡° He paused. ¡°Never mind. Didn¡¯t bring anybody with, did you¡­?¡±

    ¡°No¡­?¡± she answered, her brows furrowed.

    He studied her face for a moment.

    ¡°¡­Cool,¡± he eventually replied, slouching down and aimlessly moving pieces of rubble about.

    ¡°Make it sound like you¡¯re on the run, or something,¡± she remarked, unclenching her facial muscles. ¡°Enforcers don¡¯t really go looking for anybody in the Fissures anymore, you know¡­¡±

    He shot her an expression that she supposed was meant to look mean.

    ¡°Don¡¯t really need anybody keeping tabs on me, aight?¡± he declared.

    She scoffed in derision, but quietly enough that he wouldn¡¯t hear her.

    After a moment, he seemed to chuckle to himself.

    ¡°Say, I heard people talkin¡¯ about some sorta monster attack over the bridge¡­¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Uh, yeah, I heard about something like that,¡± she said, coy about saying too much.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t think people believed in that sort of thing over there¡­¡± he remarked, the impish smile not leaving his face.

    She was finding his demeanor to be curious.

    ¡°Well¡­ I guess that¡¯s just what you call something scary you never seen before,¡± she said. ¡°Topsiders ain¡¯t seen much of anything, over there in their golden palaces¡­¡±

    He cocked an eyebrow.

    ¡°And on this side¡­?¡± he asked.

    ¡°¡­On this side, what?¡± she puzzled. ¡°This is where Shimmer comes from¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± he seemed to tilt his head back in thought. ¡°The pink stuff makes you strong, huh¡­?¡±

    She narrowed her eyes a little.

    ¡°You¡¯re really not from around here, huh?¡± she said.

    He side-eyed her again.

    ¡°Whatever¡­¡± he shook his head, her comment seeming to annoy him. ¡°I still ain¡¯t convinced you¡¯re not stalkin¡¯ me, y¡¯know¡­¡±

    She rolled her eyes at him, stepping over the rubble and toward the edge.

    She attempted to scout out the next leg of her path to the top of the skyline, while he watched her.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t much of a way down that way ¡ª already tried it¡­¡± he chimed in.

    She glanced at him. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to go down¡­¡±

    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°What for¡­?¡±

    She gave a sarcastic chuckle. ¡°Why¡ª you wanna come with, all of a sudden?¡±

    He quietly scowled, clearly not appreciating a taste of his own medicine.

    ¡°Nah,¡± he said bluntly, standing up and rubbing his knuckles, wrapped up in bloody bandages. ¡°Anyway, don¡¯t expect me to still be here when you get back¡­¡±

    The bandages had caught her eye. ¡°Oh, um¡­ I think these could be yours, actually,¡± she said, pulling out the roll she¡¯d found in the drawer downstairs.

    He raised a brow again. ¡°Yeah¡­¡± he replied, gingerly accepting them back from her. ¡°Didn¡¯t want the fresh ones to get dirty¡­¡±

    They looked at each other for a moment, as he began to unwrap the old ones from around his hand.

    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Sure¡­ I doubt ya even remember my name, though,¡± she remarked.

    ¡°Nope,¡± he replied, ¡°remember your hair, though, never seen nothin¡¯ like that...¡±

    She wasn¡¯t sure why, but hearing that made her face start to feel hot.

    ¡°Whatever,¡± she shot back. ¡°Just¡ª go and beat some more people up, why don¡¯tcha¡­¡±

    This seemed to elicit a genuine chuckle from him. He stepped through the doorway and into another room, presumably to go find some tape for his fresh wrap.

    She finally spotted her way up, though it involved a bit of a shimmy across a narrow ledge, which she didn¡¯t exactly look forward to. She glanced back, spotting Garou down the hall tearing off the new bandage with his teeth and using some sap from a nearby plant to glue it down. It seemed he could take care of himself, at least.

    They met eyes as he turned to descend the staircase.

    ¡°You, uh,¡± he began from a distance, ¡°gonna be at that bar tonight? The one you were on about?¡±

    She bashfully darted her eyes away from him at the question.

    ¡°I¡­ y¡¯know, I can be¡­¡± she replied gawkily, ¡°you gonna¡­?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see ¡®bout makin¡¯ it¡­ got somethin¡¯ else to do first,¡± he answered. ¡°Other side of town¡­¡±

    ¡¯Jeez, always so mysterious¡­¡¯ she mused.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she said, ¡°well¡­ I¡¯ll be there, probably¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Cool,¡± he gave a little nod, and hopped on down, out of sight.

    She found the quickening thud of her heartbeat unwelcome, in that moment ¡ª she still had a mission to do.

    At least, this time, there was something kinda fun to look forward to afterward, maybe¡­

 Chapter 4: The Renegadeâ€¦

    ¡®Four, seven, three officers,¡¯ she counted. ¡®Turned away with package under arm¡­ the pink one¡­ no, the pink one mixed with the fizzy orange one,¡¯ her thought continued. ¡®Ugh, I gotta get Chuck to tell me the names of all those drinks¡­¡¯

    Jinx¡¯s focus had been darting back and forth between what she was supposed to be doing, and her night¡¯s plans, for several exceedingly long hours.

    The conditions for folks to be able to gain passage through the bridge blockade appeared to have something to do with the color of one¡¯s shoes, she decided, having completely given up trying to make sense of it all.

    It was surely just random, she thought. Twenty people each hour, or something ¡ª some arbitrary quota.

    One moment of interest for her was when she managed to spy a couple of green glowing sky-trails below her, which she knew all too well to emanate from the hoverboards used by members of the Firelights. They¡¯d only been visible for a few moments, but they were almost certainly heading North¡­ish ¡ª perhaps a clue to the location of their hideout¡­

    ¡®Do-good losers¡­¡¯

    Her face scrunched up in frustration as she heard the pitter patter of rain begin to sound on the sheet metal above her. Slippery surfaces meant she really might die trying to make it back down from her lookout point.

    She pointed her lips and blew a lock of hair from her face, before giving a sigh.

    She supposed it wasn¡¯t so bad ¡ª at least she was getting some missions lately that didn¡¯t have her working under Sevika¡¯s thumb. Though, she hoped the next one might involve some more action, or at least something to keep her more stimulated than merely sitting around.

    Figuring her day¡¯s work to be done, she turned herself around, wondering what, if anything, could be seen through her spyglass if she faced in the opposite direction.

    She supposed she recognized some places which resembled childhood hangouts from long ago, especially near the docks. Of course, the world with which she was most intimately acquainted lay below ¡ª the former deep mining sites which became the undercity Silco referred to as Zaun.

    She sighed and lowered the magnifying instrument away from her eye. She sometimes wondered if this was really all there was ¡ª this push and pull between two shitty places full of shitty people, everybody having to pretend that being born one side of the river made you virtuous, somehow¡­

    She wanted to believe that her father really could make things better, but deep down she was convinced that even if Topside sunk into the ocean, things wouldn¡¯t really change¡­ not in the ways that mattered, at least¡­

    ¡®The world¡¯s gotta be bigger than this¡­¡¯

    She sometimes tried to imagine some faraway place, across the ocean somewhere, where things might look different¡­

    She shivered a little, as the cold began to reach her ¡ª she wasn¡¯t exactly dressed for this type of weather. It made her increasingly reluctant to leave her shelter and begin her descent back down until the rain let up. She glanced down at a bundled up tarp laying beside her, wondering if she could maybe fashion it into some sort of poncho. If it kept her dry, it would have to do.

    It kind of made her feel as though she were wearing a disguise, she thought as she tied the thread around her collar, affixing the thing over her body. She figured she would probably look a little silly to any onlookers, but at least now all she had to worry about were the water-slick surfaces she needed to navigate in order to return to the ground.

    ¡®Perhaps some arm-holes would help with that¡­¡¯ she figured, slipping her blade out of its sheath.

    She really wished she had the ability to fly, sometimes. Surely there was a more elegant solution out there than trying to stay upright without puking on those dumb flying-boards. She¡¯d dismantled for parts more of them than she could count, after failing somewhat miserably in such a pursuit.

    ¡®And yet he just keeps on makin¡¯ more¡­ he really ought¡¯a give it up already¡­¡¯ she remarked to herself.

    Her blood boiled a little at the thought of her former childhood friend. She was half-sure she¡¯d managed to snag him earlier that week in the scuffle on the cargo ship, though much of her memory of it was still a blur. She doubted she would have gotten rid of him that easily, anyway¡­

    Her eyes widened as she misplaced her foot upon where she¡¯d thought a ledge had been, sliding down against the wet surface for several seconds until she thankfully met something solid again.

    She panted, cursing herself. The momentary lack of control over her body had almost made her feel the way she did as a child, learning to hop rooftops in Piltover.

    She shot a glance at the carry pouch fixed to her hip, thanking herself that she¡¯d left the gemstone behind this time ¡ª she¡¯d hardly have enjoyed having to search through sewage grates for the thing were she to have dropped it during her descent.

    Ground level was at least in sight now, though she considered whether or not she felt like returning immediately, in order to report back. After all, part of her did wonder what might be so interesting on the ¡®other side of town¡¯¡­

    ¡°Jinx¡­?¡± she heard a deep male voice say, just as she landed on solid ground. So much for the ¡®disguise¡¯¡­

    She turned and recognized one of her father¡¯s goons ¡ª the large, heavily tattooed one ¡ª as well as a couple others standing by behind him. She figured them to be one of the crews sent out to keep tabs on this side of the bridge.

    ¡°Ya guys might be waiting here an awful while¡­¡± she spoke up.

    None of them appeared to be too amused.

    ¡°Boss said to make sure nobody causes a scene up there,¡± he said.

    Jinx shrugged. ¡°I ain¡¯t goin¡¯ up there, don¡¯t worry¡­¡±

    She got a grunt in response. She noticed the other two looked to be a little on edge around her, which amused her somewhat. She raised an arm up, slowly curling her hand into a finger-gun, pointed at the younger-looking of the two.

    ¡°Bang,¡± she whispered, performatively.

    The big guy she¡¯d been speaking to curled his lip up, unimpressed. ¡°Zeke thinks he saw a Piltie enforcer this side of the river, pokin¡¯ around¡ª¡±

    ¡°¡ªI did, I did!¡± the one she had her finger-barrel pointed at chimed in, and then seemed to regret speaking just as quickly.

    Jinx gave a childish grin as she finally lowered her ¡®gun¡¯ and put the boy back at ease.

    ¡°Well, maybe I¡¯ll go find him,¡± she offered, in a cutesy tone.

    ¡°It was a girl, a girl¡­¡± the boy murmured in response.

    Jinx cocked an eyebrow. ¡°Oh¡­¡± she replied.

    For some reason, that information made her all the more motivated to find the person.

    ¡°Maybe go talk to Silco first, before you¡ª¡° the bigger guy began again, until he was met with a harshly pointed stare.

    After a moment, she seemed to succeed in convincing him to back down from thinking he was in a position to tell her what to do.

    She huffed and promptly took her leave.

    She supposed she could take her time heading back ¡ªa rogue enforcer sticking her head where it shouldn¡¯t be in The Lanes was hardly something Jinx felt she could let go unpunished.

    The lady ones all seemed to wear those dumb, blue dresses, she remembered ¡ª hardly appropriate attire for if one were to get into a fight. It kind of bordered on ridiculous, actually. Not that many of them would ever even have seen combat, those pampered airheads¡­

    She stopped by a nondescript hotel building, which had a hefty set of pulleys and belts installed against its exterior wall that Jinx knew to drive the elevator inside. She wondered how many enforcers passing by this place in years past knew that the elevator also went down, with a push of the correct button.

    Jinx tended not to enter The Lanes that way anymore though, especially at the busy time of day ¡ª bustling crowds weren¡¯t really her thing.

    ¡®No, that¡¯s not it...¡¯ she thought to herself painfully.

    She sighed, casting her mind back as best as she could.

    If anything, she associated the ride down with the feelings of failure she was often forced to harbor when she was younger, back when she went by a different name¡­

    Everything would always find some way of being her fault, no matter what ¡ª she was just a scapegoat to them, nothing more¡­

    She trudged toward the building and burst through the door, her pistol drawn. She almost hoped she¡¯d see them all there, somehow, standing against the elevator gate, so that she could blow them all away¡­

    Her head twitched.

    A drop of water made its way down from the ceiling and collided with the tip of her nose, snapping her back into reality. She wiped it off, turning to look up at the gauntlet of water-damaged ceilings through to a sliver of sky above. The place was somehow even further in disrepair than it once was, she observed of her weathered and overgrown surroundings.

    Out of curiosity, she called the elevator, and was half-surprised to find that the contraption still worked. The machinery all jolted to life, whirring and squealing away, as her ride approached from below.

    Perhaps she ought not keep her father waiting, she thought, as the thing finally thudded to a halt before her¡­

    She wrapped her fingers around the safety gate, and, with some effort, slid the rusty thing open.

    <hr>

    His breaths were labored, from behind his mask, but he figured he wouldn¡¯t have to change positions again for a while ¡ª this was it, he¡¯d been led to right where he wanted to be.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Word travelled quickly through The Lanes. The unrest was seemingly starting to spill out, with people taking the fighting into Piltover itself. They¡¯d shut the bridges over it ¡ª it was anyone¡¯s guess what they¡¯d do next.

    It was surprising, at the same time ¡ª he doubted Silco would have allowed anything like this to happen, given it would only hinder his strangle-hold over the undercity if the Pilties tried to bring the hammer down.

    It had led him to the conclusion that whatever parties were involved, they must have been acting in defiance of Silco ¡ª perhaps they¡¯d had enough of his tyranny, just like everybody else who were too afraid to say it.

    ¡®The Firelights could always use more allies,¡¯ Ekko thought, as he silently affixed his inactive hoverboard to his back.

    It brought him to his current target ¡ª this tall, lean looking dude who didn¡¯t look like he was from around here, at all. Ekko had received a tip a couple nights ago, from one of his guys, that some dude had thrown hands at the gaming lounge where Ekko knew Sevika liked to gamble. Apparently he¡¯d been pretty successful, too, putting more than a few of Silco¡¯s men in the med ward.

    And, the description the tip had given him seemed to uncannily match this dude that Ekko had spotted little over an hour ago¡­ so, he¡¯d decided to tail him ever since.

    ¡®White, spiked-out hair,¡¯ he thought to himself. He supposed that not too many people he came across shared the same hair color as him.

    He¡¯d since seen all he¡¯d needed to see ¡ª whether this dude was working alone, or with a group, was another question, but Ekko had little doubt he was working against Silco.

    It was cleverly hidden, in the rock-face, but Ekko was certain he¡¯d been led right to one of Silco¡¯s secret Shimmer processing facilities ¡ª he even recognized one of the goons standing outside the entry door. Ekko could effectively trace in his head where the supply line must have led, as a small storefront stood at street-level adjacent to a couple of ¡®not-so-abandoned¡¯ warehouses which dotted the cliff¡¯s edge. It was all so obvious that he kicked himself for not discovering it earlier.

    No matter ¡ª he was here now. He deftly pulled out a small transmitting device of his own design, punching a message through it, before returning it to his pocket.

    He cast his attention back to his target, who had simply perched himself on a nearby rooftop, seemingly deliberating upon his next move. Ekko wondered whether or not it was worthwhile compromising his position before backup arrived, in order to try to make contact with this guy. After all, they¡¯d be way more effective if they teamed up¡­

    He was forced to suppress the thought, as the dude was on the move. He had dropped to the ground, and was making his way up to the entrance where the two guards stood. Ekko could just tell the dude¡¯s fists were clenched, inside of his pockets ¡ª he had the body language of somebody gearing up for a fight.

    Ekko slowly stood, unsure of what exactly was about to happen. As he laid a hand on his hoverboard, he noticed in the faint green trails of his fellow Firelights in the distance, as they rapidly approached.

    He exhaled. This would be it ¡ª their big hit on Silco¡¯s regime. He¡¯d be reeling from a loss like this for months.

    The dude below didn¡¯t disappoint ¡ª he dispatched the two guards out front in so little time Ekko¡¯s head almost spun. His movements were not only incredibly fast, but struck him as some perfect balance of strength and form, unlike anybody he¡¯d ever seen fight before.

    Ekko¡¯s eyes widened as the dude marched up to the entry door, and all but knocked it off of its hinges by striking at it with the open palm of his hand.

    ¡®What the hell¡­?¡¯ he thought to himself in disbelief.

    The other Firelights finally reached him, dismounting their boards with barely a sound ¡ª they all understood that they were pretty deep in enemy territory at this point.

    ¡°What¡¯s the play¡­?¡± one of them whispered.

    ¡°I wanna hit it now ¡ª we don¡¯t have time to wait,¡± Ekko replied in a low voice so that everybody could hear him. ¡°Entry¡¯s been made. No doubt the alarms¡¯ll trip any second now.¡±

    ¡°Who¡­?¡± the Firelight puzzled, looking down at the broken-in door.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet exactly, but he¡¯s in there doing damage,¡± Ekko said. ¡°C¡¯mon, we can try to recruit him later. Let¡¯s take that window, so no one can get the drop on us.¡± He directed them to the tall, rounded window visible high above the entry door.

    As if on cue, a siren began to wail from inside the building.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Ekko commanded, as they all launched themselves onto their boards.

    He pelted his melee weapon at the window ahead of them, shattering it before their approach. The other Firelights responded enthusiastically, shouting war cries in unison.

    As they crossed through to the inside of the factory, Ekko realized they had their work cut out for them ¡ª his eyes darted between an expansive complex of mechanical infrastructure, every element pumping purple fluid. It seemed there was more that went into the production of Shimmer than he¡¯d previously thought.

    The next thing he noticed was the staggering number of workers on each of the factory floors. But, something wasn¡¯t right¡­

    His comrades had gotten to work, dismounting and then bashing in any breakable observation windows they could find along the pumping channels, allowing Shimmer to spill out onto the ground.

    ¡°Trash it all!¡± one of them shouted, pulling out a flare and lighting it.

    ¡°Wait¡ª!¡° Ekko commanded.

    It was the workers. Once Ekko had gotten closer, he¡¯d realized it ¡ª they were all children. Every last one of them.

    Just when Ekko thought he didn¡¯t have any scorn left in his heart for that monster¡­

    ¡°Don¡¯t torch it until these kids are out of here!¡± he instructed his team.

    Just as he said it, he spotted another of his Firelights taking some hits from a few older teenagers that had apparently taken up arms to defend the fruits of their labor.

    Ekko cursed to himself, quickly looping around to where his melee weapon had fallen after he¡¯d thrown it, retrieving it and zooming back over to help his comrade.

    He swung his board out against them as he dismounted, catching them off guard and pushing them back.

    ¡°Get the hell out of here! You don¡¯t wan¡¯t any part of this, hear me?!¡± Ekko barked, poking them away with his bludgeon, in warning. ¡°We ain¡¯t here to hurt you, but we will!¡±

    They seemed to get the message, backing up and then booking it in the other direction.

    Ekko locked hands with the other Firelight, and helped her to her feet.

    ¡°You good?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah¡ª fine, thanks,¡± she replied, promptly returning to the task at hand.

    Ekko had all but drowned out the sound of the wailing alarm, but strobing red lights dotting the ceiling reminded him to stay on the lookout ¡ª they¡¯d likely have company before long.

    He hurried over to the balcony, to see if he could make out anything down where the entry door once stood. Nothing.

    ¡®Maybe that other guy took care of it,¡¯ he thought to himself, instinctually flipping out his pocket watch, and checking the second hand.

    He put it away, and leaped down one level, to where he¡¯d spotted a large control valve. Now that they¡¯d busted some of the piping open, the pressure would have released, he figured. He needed to open the valve all the way in order to pump the rest of the Shimmer out¡­

    A piece of debris zipped by his head and clanged against the wall. He quickly spun around. Most of the workers had evacuated by this point, but he and his Firelights certainly weren¡¯t alone ¡ª several large adversaries advanced toward them, on each floor. They appeared to be armored suits of some kind, with long, pointed blades affixed to each arm. He could see the wearers inside of the suits twitching in a Shimmer-induced frenzy, through their windowed helmets.

    This wasn¡¯t good.

    Ekko locked eyes with one, and it barely gave him a chance to react ¡ª it bolted toward him with its serum-enhanced speed, as Ekko hastily clambered over the railing and kicked onto his board. Even still, it launched itself toward him, bursting through the railing like it were paper, forcing him to contort his body in order to narrowly avoid its attack.

    As it plummeted down to the lower level, Ekko searched for his other Firelights, in panicked fashion.

    Instead, he spotted the white-haired dude from earlier. He dashed around on the ground floor, taking on three of the armored Shimmer-monsters at once.

    ¡®Shit, he¡¯s tryin¡¯ to fight them all,¡¯ he thought, shoving his hands in his pouch, searching for throwables.

    As Ekko circled back around, he thought he heard the dude laughing¡­

    His friends came first, though. He filled his hands with crystalline explosives, and flung them in the direction of one of the monsters that was going for a Firelight on one of the upper floors. He boosted toward it for a strike, as he¡¯d landed a direct grenade hit ¡ª the yellow, crystal structures expanding around its body and immobilizing it.

    It wouldn¡¯t be held for long, however, as the thing immediately used its strength to burst free, thrusting its sharpened blade in Ekko¡¯s direction as he made his approach. He bailed from his board in order to avoid being skewered, and catapulted onto the floor beside the monster while trying to land on his feet. He barely had time to pull his weapon into both hands and block the next strike the thing launched his way, being forced to backpedal against the monster¡¯s strength.

    Luckily, he¡¯d already called his board back to him ¡ª it provided a useful distraction as it circled around in the air back to them, and thudded against the monster¡¯s helmet. Using the brief window for attack, Ekko channelled all of his might into swinging his bludgeon up over his head and into the monster¡¯s helmet, the momentum carrying the blunt end of the weapon through the glass, and managing to impact its skull.

    Ekko¡¯s eyes widened as he realized the thing still wasn¡¯t down for the count, backing up as quickly as he could while it flailed around, his bludgeon still jutting out of its helmet.

    The Firelight he¡¯d covered for hobbled over, and returned the favor by tossing a lit flare at the monster¡¯s shattered helmet. The flames instantly ignited the Shimmer mixture pooled around inside of the suit, burning the thing alive in a frightening display.

    Ekko grimaced, and caught his breath, noticing his fellow Firelight holding her side.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, let¡¯s get the others,¡± she said, breathing heavily.

    ¡°No¡ª get yourself to the roof, I got this,¡± he ordered. ¡°See if there¡¯s another way out up there, for if things go south.¡±

    He leapt back onto his board and boosted down to the ground level, where it seemed most of the fighting was still taking place. He observed a warpath of shattered yellow crystals, and several defeated Shimmer-monsters laying motionless in their armored suits on the ground. He landed next to his remaining two comrades, who appeared to be trying to perform some emergency repairs on one of their hoverboards.

    ¡°Shit¡­!¡± one of them exclaimed, throwing a small spanner to the ground, ¡°it¡¯s busted!¡±

    Ekko marched over, to take a look. He was right ¡ª the turbine was bent well out of shape. There was nothing to be done.

    ¡°It¡¯s all good,¡± he assured them quickly, ¡°we can share a board. It¡¯ll get you back, at least ¡ª I¡¯ve done it before.¡±

    He wanted to get out of there as soon as possible, as he could hear fighting still taking place, even though he couldn¡¯t see where the remaining enemies were.

    One of the other Firelights lit up a flare, and went to finally set ablaze the Shimmer mixture that was pooled around them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s torch it, and bail,¡± he said to Ekko.

    Before he could respond, the sounds of violence broke out next to them. An armored Shimmer-monster was flung in their direction, knocking all three of them onto the ground. The flare was sent careening into the flammable liquid.

    Ekko hastily pulled the other two away from the flames that erupted, which quickly engulfed the Shimmer-monster that had bowled them over. It became an even more menacing creature covered in flame, screeching with pain as it went into a slashing frenzy.

    Ekko stood, prepared to defend his men, but was spared the trouble ¡ª the monster took a strike in the chest and was launched back into the heart of the fire, where it presumably perished.

    The dude with the white, spiked-out hair stood where the monster had just a moment ago, panting, with his back to them.

    No, not panting ¡ª he was chuckling to himself¡­

    ¡°Hey¡­!¡± Ekko spoke up, removing his mask.

    The dude craned his head to look back at them, seeming to notice the weapons they had in their hands before anything else. He turned around fully, taking an aggressive stance.

    ¡°We¡¯re on the same side, man, chill¡­!¡± Ekko protested, but tightened his grip in caution.

    The dude cocked his head to the side. ¡°Side¡­? I ain¡¯t on anybody¡¯s side¡­¡± he snarled.

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, man,¡± Ekko attempted to reason, ¡°you¡¯re trying to take on Silco ¡ª us too. Where¡¯d you learn how to fight like that¡­?¡±

    The dude curled his lip up at Ekko, and went to march right past them all.

    Losing patience, Ekko moved over to intercept him. ¡°There¡¯s no point going alone, man,¡± he said, now irritated. ¡°We¡¯d get twice as much done by teaming¡ª¡°

    The moment he put a hand on him, Ekko¡¯s arm was twisted nearly out of its socket. He attempted to recoil, but the dude wouldn¡¯t let go.

    ¡°¡ªThe hell?!¡± Ekko protested, enraged.

    He was ignored, as the dude leaned over toward him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want nothin¡¯ to do with any damned hero squad¡­¡± he growled menacingly.

    The other two Firelights advanced over to help, weapons drawn and grenades in hand, but the dude seemingly lost interest and cast Ekko aside.

    Ekko straightened up, attempting to calm himself down.

    ¡®Who the hell¡¯s this guy think he¡¯s talking to¡­?¡¯ he angrily thought.

    Ekko noticed a glint out of the corner of his eye. Before he realized what it was, the gunshot rang out and his comrade collapsed to the ground, holding his shoulder in pain.

    The white haired dude was no longer a priority ¡ª Ekko¡¯s stomach turned as he locked eyes with Silco, standing at the entrance, flanked by his crew on either side of him.

    The one holding the firearm reloaded for another shot, as Ekko stumbled over toward his friend, attempting to get them both onto his board.

    ¡°¡ªGo!¡± he barked at the other Firelight, who still had a functioning board.

    They managed to make it airborne, but more guns must have been drawn by that point, with bullets zipping by them as they climbed.

    The Firelight he¡¯d instructed to wait by the roof poked her head out, and he pleaded her with his eyes to lead them to an exit.

    He heard a cry as a bullet found its target beside him. He looked back in horror as his comrade spiraled back down toward the ground, out of reach.

    ¡°Shit¡­!¡± he cursed, already trying desperately to keep his other injured friend upright on the board with him.

    He considered it for a moment, but there was no chance of rescue now, not with them being lit up from all angles. It would haunt him later, he was sure¡­

    As they sped away, he reminded his passenger to keep pressure on his wound. He gave a forlorn glance to the female Firelight flying beside him, who¡¯d all but pieced the situation together.

    He closed his eyes for a moment, seeing red. He imagined Silco burning in those purple flames.

    That other dude could too, for all he cared¡­

 Chapter 5: A Truceâ€¦

    ¡®Well, what a lousy decision this turned out to be¡­¡¯ Jinx thought to herself in boredom, unravelling and redoing one of her braids of hair, in order to occupy herself.

    The evening light had begun to wane, through the window to Silco¡¯s office ¡ª he still hadn¡¯t returned yet.

    ¡®It¡¯s been, like, an hour¡­ or two, ugh¡­¡¯ she groaned.

    She could¡¯ve been out there tracking down that idiot girl enforcer she¡¯d been tipped off about, instead of this ¡ª laying patiently up in the rafters with nothing to do.

    ¡®The one time I decide to be a good daughter, and look where it gets me¡­¡¯

    Her ears pricked up to the sound of doors opening and shutting downstairs.

    ¡®Bout time¡­¡¯ she scoffed.

    Silco finally entered the room ¡ª she knew it was him by his recognizable, measured footsteps.

    She craned her head, observing him having already lit up a cigar before he¡¯d even made it to his chair.

    ¡°What happened ¡ª somebody needed straightening out?¡± she greeted him snarkily. ¡°Was it Sevika?¡± she grinned, hanging the top of her body down below her perch, so that he could see her.

    He only offered her a short glance. ¡°You should remain up there for now, Jinx,¡± he replied wearily, ¡°we¡¯ll have a visitor in a few moments¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay¡­¡± she responded, begrudgingly doing as she was told. Though, she couldn¡¯t say her interest wasn¡¯t at least a little piqued. ¡°Anybody I know¡­?¡± she prodded.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯d hope not,¡± he sighed. ¡°Was your day at least¡­ productive?¡± he wondered earnestly.

    ¡°Hmm, yes and no,¡± she mused, ¡°I¡¯d have to read off of my notebook, I don¡¯t really remember what I wrote down¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡ªThat may need to wait a moment, Jinx,¡± he cut in, as they heard footsteps up the staircase outside.

    There was a knock on the door.

    ¡°Enter,¡± Silco replied.

    Only then did Jinx bother to peek over the rafter she lay upon, to see Sevika letting in¡ª

    No¡­

    ¡®How in the hell¡­?¡¯ she panicked, ducking back out of sight.

    The door shut again, leaving just the three of them in the room together.

    ¡°Sit, please,¡± Silco issued.

    She heard Garou¡¯s amused little grunt, as he took his time making any kind of a move.

    ¡®Why in the hell is he in here?!¡¯ her mind kept thinking on repeat.

    The room was silent, outside of Silco¡¯s delicate puffs of his cigar.

    It sounded as though Garou eventually did as he was asked.

    ¡°I hear little voices around here, you know,¡± Silco began, ¡°and they seem to be telling me that you¡¯re the one who put twenty Piltover enforcers in the hospital earlier this week¡­¡±

    Garou was silent, prompting Jinx to risk a little peek below at what was happening. He sat across from Silco about as casually as one could, short of also having his feet up on the desk. She didn¡¯t feel she even had to look over to verify that her father didn¡¯t find this very amusing.

    ¡°My question is¡­ to what end?¡± Silco asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.

    Garou let out a shallow chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re more worried about them, than ¡®bout your army¡¯a monsters that I just sent back to their maker¡­?¡±

    ¡°¡ªWith the help of your little Firelight friends, you mean to say?¡± Silco pointedly interjected.

    Garou quickly turned his nose up at such a notion. ¡°Eh?¡± he puzzled, ¡°I don¡¯t know those losers¡­¡±

    Silco exhaled another slow, wispy ring of smoke.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Silco concurred after a moment. ¡°Yes¡ª luckily for you, our new prisoner has already corroborated as much¡­ I¡¯ll say, I¡¯m certainly far from thrilled that losing an entire processing facility would turn out to be the price of finally obtaining the location of their hideout¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Them?¡± Garou snickered, grinning wickedly, ¡°They¡¯re your big nemesis?¡±

    Silco was silent at the insult. ¡°¡­A minor thorn,¡± he eventually shot back. ¡°On the other hand, depending on the outcome of this conversation, you may find yourself with enough enemies between both cities that even your strength won¡¯t be enough to keep you alive...¡±

    Garou seemed to almost salivate at the threat. ¡°You¡¯d really team up with them to take me on, eh¡­?¡± he mocked, unable wipe the smirk off his face. ¡°Bein¡¯ faced with ultimate evil¡¯d have ya drop your differences, like that¡ª?¡±

    ¡°Spare me your delusions, boy¡­¡± Silco replied dismissively. ¡°You¡¯re clearly far too young to have learned this, but outcomes in this world aren¡¯t determined by merely possessing strength¡ª¡°

    As Silco talked, Garou¡¯s gaze unexpectedly drifted toward the ceiling.

    Jinx froze, startled, as they locked eyes for a moment.

    Garou quickly returned his attention to Silco, smirking to himself over the revelation.

    Jinx lay back against the wooden beam, her heart thumping.

    ¡®Ugh, he¡¯d better not say anything¡­¡¯ she grimaced.

    ¡°¡ªas simple as choosing the wrong ally to put your faith in¡ª¡° Silco continued to lecture.

    ¡°¡ªI don¡¯t put faith in anythin¡¯ outta my control¡­¡± Garou cut in.

    Jinx tilted her head over the other side of the beam in time to see Silco subject him to a look of ridicule.

    ¡°You can put faith in this,¡± he warned, extinguishing his cigar, ¡°the chemtank soldiers are far from my most formidable agents¡ª¡°

    ¡®Gulp,¡¯ Jinx worried, understanding that he was referring to her. ¡®They¡¯d better start getting along soon¡­¡¯

    She heard Garou chuckle. ¡°Startin¡¯ to sound like my old master now,¡± he shot back. ¡°Thought he could stop me from wastin¡¯ that place¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­How touching,¡± Silco condescended. ¡°There¡¯s no shortage of young men in this city taking their rage out on one another because they lack aim ¡ªI do hope you¡¯re not under the impression that you¡¯re somehow unique¡­¡±

    Jinx shifted back over to see Garou lazily get up out of his chair. ¡°Yeah, yeah ¡ª I don¡¯t need the lecture, old man,¡± he said casually, slowly turning to leave. ¡°This dump is just a steppin¡¯ stone for me¡­¡±

    ¡°These ¡®steps¡¯ of yours have a habit of interfering with my plans, I¡¯m afraid,¡± Silco warned, his ire becoming palpable. ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to leave here without an assurance that you¡¯ll be spending the next few days laying low¡­¡±

    Garou hummed in amusement. ¡°What sorta hospitality should I be expectin¡¯ if I spend the night in the bar down there, where you can keep as many eyes on me as you want?¡± he smirked.

    Jinx found herself holding her breath for some reason while she listened, awaiting her father¡¯s answer.

    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be able to handle yourself,¡± Silco reluctantly agreed.

    Garou huffed, before finally making his move toward the door. Sevika swung the thing open before he¡¯d even reached it, presumably having been listening on the other side of it the entire time. The two engaged in a brief stare-down as they passed one another.

    Jinx rolled onto her back once again, releasing the breath she¡¯d been holding onto. Questions swirled around in her head all at once.

    ¡®Why prod me for info ¡®bout the Topside attack if it had been him the whole time?¡¯ she puzzled. ¡®Or¡­ had he only cared about the rumors¡­? Did he really bust into the factory just for a fight some Shimmer freaks¡­? And why were they talking about the Firelights being with him¡­?¡¯

    She swept her racing thoughts to the side for a moment, so that she could eavesdrop the conversation with Sevika.

    ¡°No need to look at me like that¡­¡± Silco began.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re gonna have to explain to the crew,¡± Sevika grunted, taking a seat and lighting up, ¡°how he¡¯s just gonna be cool now, like that¡­¡±

    ¡°What would you have had me do ¡ª attempt to lock him up in our basement, with the Firelight¡­?¡± Silco replied disinterestedly.

    ¡°Boss,¡± she shot back, ¡°I know the only reason he isn¡¯t dead right now is because you think you can use him¡­¡±

    Silco gave a begrudging sigh. ¡°Well, I doubt the boy¡¯s some Noxus spy ¡ª you heard his delusions¡­ hard-headed young men like that are always tempted by the promise of power. He won¡¯t be difficult for me to control.¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± Sevika reluctantly agreed.

    ¡°How is our prisoner doing¡­?¡± Silco asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m confident we can get him to talk,¡± Sevika replied, ¡°I told the men to keep him away from Singed, though ¡ª I doubt pumping the kid¡¯s brain with hallucinogens will help keep his info coherent¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Silco agreed absently. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯d like to go and oversee ¡ª the moment we¡¯re able to rid ourselves of the Firelights, there won¡¯t be any further barriers to our operation against Piltover¡­¡±

    ¡°Uh, yeah, sure thing,¡± Sevika said, putting out her cigarette and then exiting the room.

    ¡°Jinx¡­¡± Silco quietly called, the moment Sevika had left.

    ¡®Okay ¡ª play it cool, play it cool,¡¯ she pep-talked herself.

    She dropped down onto his desk in front of him as she always did, awaiting whatever it was that he would decide to share with her about everything going on.

    Instead, the Shimmer injecting device was placed in her hands, as he lay back exhaustedly in his chair.

    She supposed it was fair that all of the recent hubbub around here would be stressing him out¡­This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    *click*

    He took the eye injection without much fuss, but she lay back silently and let him gather himself.

    She wondered if he was going to ask her anything about Garou¡­ who was presumably sitting only downstairs, at the bar, right at that moment¡­

    She was mostly certain that he¡¯d only agreed to stay in the building because of the plans he¡¯d made with her¡ª

    ¡®Right¡­? Surely that¡¯s it¡­¡¯

    ¡°You know,¡± Silco began after a moment, ¡°a piece of positive news in all of this right now is that Marcus is supposedly still alive ¡ª he was among those incapacitated, but is apparently making a recovery. He may still be of some use to us, even after we make our move¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± she offered, though half of her mind was still elsewhere.

    He turned to her.

    ¡°That weapon of yours may be useful to us sooner rather than later, depending on how quickly this prisoner of ours talks,¡± he added.

    She managed to meet his eyes without her mind being distracted, for a moment.

    ¡°Will you spend some time on it tonight¡­?¡± he hoped.

    She scoffed playfully. ¡°So much for ¡®don¡¯t work so hard, Jinx¡¯,¡± she joked.

    ¡°Mm,¡± he gave the faintest smile. ¡°Even if just for a while, please¡­¡±

    ¡°Okayyy,¡± she drawled. ¡°Only ¡®cus ya asked¡­¡±

    ¡®You¡¯re not saying I have to go do that right now, though¡­¡¯ she thought to herself, not about to be deprived of her plans for the night.

    Silco gave a tired nod. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll be taking some rest, while I can get it¡­¡±

    Jinx frowned a little. ¡°You¡¯re okay, right¡­?¡±

    ¡°Just fine,¡± he replied, giving her a delicate pat on the knee. ¡°We¡¯ll speak in the morning, Jinx¡­¡±

    She pressed her lips together for a moment, but had to admit that she wasn¡¯t exactly feeling much reluctance to leave to go downstairs.

    She shut the door quietly behind her, and took a peak down at the floor below.

    She kind of expected there to be less people, considering there was apparently a whole busted-up factory that needed cleaning up¡­

    ¡®A lotta these idiots don¡¯t contribute very much, if you ask me¡­¡¯ she thought, ¡®just as well ¡ª sitting around and drinking is all most¡¯a them are good at¡­¡¯

    She suddenly pictured Garou sitting at the bar, with Chuck there attempting in vain to make small talk with him. The thought tickled her.

    She ventured down a couple of steps to see if she could verify the image she¡¯d imagined, but was disappointed ¡ª only a bunch of wanna-be-tough-looking grunts ordering drinks.

    ¡®He¡¯s gotta be ¡®round here somewhere¡­¡¯ she thought, resolving herself to descend into the room full of people.

    She was met with a few uneasy stares as she hopped on down, and made her way toward the bar. Nobody ever really seemed to want to be near her. Except Chuck, she supposed ¡ª he was a good egg. A little on the skittish side, but good nonetheless.

    He¡¯d usually spend the first few minutes after she¡¯d taken a seat pretending as though she wasn¡¯t there just to talk to him, but this time he shuffled over to greet her the moment he saw her.

    ¡°Chuck!¡± she exclaimed with an overwrought grin. ¡°What¡¯s the news?!¡±

    ¡°Oh, hey, uh,¡± he waffled, ¡°there was, uh, there was somebody that asked about you.¡± He hastily wiped dry some tumblers for the demanding customers to their side, who seemed to anxiously shuffle away when they realized Jinx was sitting on the barstool beside them.

    ¡°Wh¡ª what do you mean¡­?¡± she played innocent, hoping to extract as much information as possible.

    ¡°He, uh, didn¡¯t really look like he was from around here,¡± he replied. ¡°Wasn¡¯t really sure what to tell him, but he seemed like he knew you, or something. Had like, tall, pointy hair.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure,¡± she said coolly, ¡°like, what¡ª did he say anything about me¡­?¡±

    ¡°W¡ª what do you mean?¡± he puzzled.

    ¡°Nothing¡ª forget it, Chuck¡­!¡± she declared, hopping off of her seat and attempting not to blush.

    ¡°I think he might be over by the jukebox,¡± he offered.

    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± she returned, attempting to see past a couple of tables full of people that obstructed her view.

    She huffed and plunged herself into the crowd. She didn¡¯t bother trying to chit-chat with any of her father¡¯s goons, who all but averted their gaze, pretending she wasn¡¯t there. Wishing she wasn¡¯t there. They could all go to hell.

    ¡°Hey man, quit changin¡¯ the song!¡± one of the grunts beside her suddenly yelled. She turned to see the man curse under his breath and shake his head, returning to his drink. She hadn¡¯t even really noticed the music change, but they were now listening to that one song that she recognized with the dirty, thrashy beat ¡ª the face of the record portrayed an image of a face-painted baby clown shedding a tear. The contents of that jukebox were like the back of her hand to her, having spent countless hours of boredom down here poking around with it over the years.

    She pushed through the remaining people in her way and spotted a familiar side profile. Garou stood leant against the machine, lazily flicking through its contents using the button controls.

    She excitedly hopped over toward him.

    ¡°Hey!¡± she opened, leaning her head into his field of view.

    He turned to look at her and cocked an eyebrow.

    ¡°Oh, hey¡­ you made it down,¡± he answered.

    Her eyes darted away from him for a moment. She was still unsure of how she wanted to account for all of that¡­

    ¡°C¡¯mon¡ª we should get a drink, or something¡­!¡± she replied instead. ¡°I see ya already met Chuck, huh?¡±

    ¡°Hm¡­?¡± he looked at her quizzically.

    ¡°You know,¡± she pointed in the general direction of the bar, ¡°he said you asked about me, or whatever¡­¡±

    He gave a little head shake. ¡°I ain¡¯t gonna be rememberin¡¯ a bunch of names, aight¡­?¡±

    ¡°Bet ya still don¡¯t even remember my name, do ya, Garou¡­?¡± she retorted, in exaggerated fashion.

    He gave a prideful little huff. ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll come back to me at some point,¡± he said dismissively.

    She could¡¯ve sworn she caught the hint of a smile, though¡­

    He suddenly turned to her. ¡°Hey, uh¡­ didn¡¯t wanna continue this somewhere quieter, did you¡­?¡±

    ¡°Wh¡ª I mean, we should go up and see Chuck, first¡­!¡± she replied, half considering grabbing him by the arm.

    ¡°Might go better when it ain¡¯t so lively.¡± He was looking past her. ¡°I¡¯m just sayin¡¯¡­¡±

    She spun her head around to see half the people in the bar stealing glances in their direction, none of them looking particularly pleased by what they were seeing. It was enough to make her feel self-conscious, but at the same time, it was exhilarating ¡ª she was the ¡®bad¡¯ girl talking to the ¡®bad¡¯ boy in town¡­ Them against everybody else.

    ''Well, maybe that''s a tad dramatic of a way to put it, but still¡­'' she mused.

    ¡°C¡¯mon¡­¡± she heard him say.

    He¡¯d begun to move toward the door, so she decided to follow him.

    ¡°There''s no way those guys in there are enough to scare ya¡­¡± she pestered, as they stepped out onto the street.

    ¡°Yeah, well¡­¡± he replied, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure beatin¡¯ on the entire bar was one of the things your dad up there woulda wanted me not to do¡­¡±

    ¡°Uh, yeah¡­ that, uh,¡± she bumbled, reliving the moment he¡¯d seemed to put all of it together. ¡°That was kinda¡­¡±

    He turned to look at her as she trailed off. ¡°It don¡¯t, like, boggle my mind or anythin¡¯ that you¡¯re the daughter of some crime boss ¡ª seem like you¡¯re about it¡­¡±

    She looked at him, hoping to say something witty in return.

    ¡°By about it, I mean kinda¡­ y¡¯know, off the deep end, by the way¡­¡± he cut in, before she had the chance to feel flattered.

    ¡°Pfft, how ''bout you?¡± she scoffed, ¡°seems as though you¡¯re in a contest with somebody to see who can get themselves killed the fastest.¡±

    He smirked at her. ¡°Ain¡¯t nothin¡¯ down here that can kill me.¡±

    ¡°Suure,¡± she retorted, ¡°you should take a swim in the deep waters some time¡­¡±

    He did appear to show a slight interest in the prospect of battling with titanic sea creatures.

    ¡°So, um¡­¡± she began, ¡°what¡¯s the deal with that, anyway? You totally trashed the whole plant, or something¡­?¡±

    ¡°Eh...?¡± he responded, ¡°that was those wackos in the masks, flyin¡¯ around like idiots¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡ª right, yeah, I heard that¡­¡± she replied. ¡°He prefers keeping me outta the loop sometimes¡­¡± she pouted.

    He raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°Well¡­ anyway, you told me ¡®bout how takin¡¯ the purple stuff makes you strong, so¡­ wanted ta see how strong¡­¡±

    ¡°By¡­ taking on the knifey chemtank dudes¡­?¡± she asked, finding the notion amusing.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ got wind of some hyped-up monsters in suits guardin¡¯ the place, so I went lookin¡¯ for ¡®em,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s¡­ pretty weird¡­¡± she giggled.

    He turned up his nose a little at her making fun of him. ¡°¡­Seems like your old man¡¯s tryin¡¯ to spin it like it was those flyin¡¯ wackos that took ''em all out anyway¡­ guess he doesn¡¯t want me to be public enemy number one, for now¡­¡±

    It fascinated her to no end that he would want to be¡­

    She remembered the rush she¡¯d felt spray-painting over Piltover¡¯s ornately decorated city square with her patented monkey-face for everybody to see, little over a week earlier ¡ª seemed like they both might crave it¡­

    ¡°How¡¯d you beat ¡®em all, though?¡± she wondered, mostly to give him the opportunity to brag about it.

    He gave a little shrug. ¡°¡­Seem like you¡¯re pretty good with that,¡± he nodded at the pistol holstered by her waist. ¡°I¡¯m good with these.¡± He held up a clenched fist, half-wrapped in vaguely bloodied bandages.

    ¡®I¡¯ve got these¡­ and you¡¯ve got those¡­¡¯ she heard echo in her head.

    The statement precipitated an unexpected flashback for her. Feelings of self-doubt, unaccepted reassurance¡­ her world, her role-model, her betrayal¡­

    She¡¯d spaced out into a memory haze for a moment, but his voice brought her back.

    ¡°¡­Hey¡ª You alright¡­?¡±

    She blinked a few times, steadying herself.

    Weird¡­

    Garou stood in front of her, puzzling over her vacant expression.

    ¡°You been eatin¡¯?¡± he asked. ¡°Seem like you¡¯re gonna faint, or somethin¡¯¡­¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m okay¡­¡± her cheeks suddenly became flushed.

    He gave her a dubious look-over, then turned to continue walking.

    ¡°¡­Wait¡ª which way are you taking us?¡± she said after a moment, surprised to find them skirting the Wharfside docks now that she was lucid again.

    ¡°Thought you wanted¡¯ta go for a swim,¡± he called back absently, slipping his hands into his pockets.

    She skipped up to reach him as they crossed onto the boardwalk, the old, sea-ridden timber creaking beneath them. Pungent ocean air filled her lungs.

    ¡°Whad¡¯ya normally do for fun, anyway, eh¡­?¡± he asked as they strolled beside one another.

    She shrugged. ¡°Not really a whole lot to do ¡®round here¡­ I dunno, shoot things, blow stuff up¡­?¡±

    He side-eyed her with a raised brow. ¡°Blow stuff up¡­?¡±

    ¡°With these¡­!¡± She retrieved from her belt and presented him one of her colorfully decorated Chomper grenades. She kinda hoped he found the thing cute.

    He reluctantly took it from her, rotating and examining it with some curiosity. It was kinda cool, she thought, having somebody besides her father to show off all of her stuff to¡­

    She noticed Garou¡¯s fingers eventually find the grenade¡¯s pin.

    ¡°You gotta toss it, if you pull that¡­¡± she quietly giggled.

    He took it out, and was mildly alarmed when the thing began chattering in animated fashion, as its countdown to detonation elapsed.

    Deciding he¡¯d had enough of the thing, he teed up an overarm throw, snapping with his forearm at the apex of the motion. The grenade splashed into the sea in the distance, followed immediately by a muffled explosion which spewed water into the air.

    Garou managed a little chuckle at the experience.

    ¡°Where d¡¯you get those things¡­?¡± he wondered.

    ¡°Oh¡­ y¡¯know¡­ I put them together using parts from old Piltovan junk that Topsiders throw out¡­¡± she answered, a little bashfully.

    ¡°Yeah¡­?¡± he replied, leaning up against a post.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got other kinds, too, back at¡ª you know, back at home¡­¡± she added.

    ¡°Hm,¡± he responded, his attention being drawn to her belt again. He gave a little nod at her holstered pistol. ¡°Reckon I could try that out¡­?¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ okay, sure,¡± she blushed, unclasping it and presenting it to him handle-side forward.

    He plucked it delicately from her hand, and then attempted to find a suitable grip.

    ¡°I keep ¡®em loaded,¡± she explained, ¡°so, you can just cock back the hammer and, y¡¯know, go nuts¡­!¡±

    He did as she said, then closed an eye and toyed around with aiming down the iron sight. Satisfied, he glanced around for something to target.

    ¡°Reckon that¡¯d make a tough shot¡­?¡± he asked of a chimney pot atop a tall housing building nearby them.

    ¡°Only if you can¡¯t shoot straight,¡± she teased, though she hoped it wouldn¡¯t discourage him from trying.

    He scoffed quietly, setting up his shot. He took a moment, deciding at the last moment to use a second hand to assist his aim.

    He squeezed the trigger, and they both observed his projectile strike brick, just below his intended target.

    ¡°Eh, whatever,¡± he said, in slight frustration. ¡°Could probably throw it and be more accurate than this thing¡­¡±

    She snatched her weapon back from him before he could do such a thing, straightening up and preparing her own shot. She fired with her dominant hand, the tin chimney pot ringing out in a metallic chorus as it was struck.

    She immediately turned back to Garou, stifling a cheeky smirk. Surprisingly, he reciprocated it.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t givin¡¯ you a medal¡­¡± he retorted.

    She poked her tongue half-out at him.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, little soldier¡­¡± he teased, shaking his head and continuing on.

    ¡°How ¡®bout I get to boss you around now, instead?¡± she chatted, skipping to catch up with him.

    He chuckled a little. ¡°Yeah? Boss me ¡®round ¡ª go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Uh, tell me where exactly you¡¯re taking me,¡± she demanded.

    ¡°¡­Nowhere,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Just walkin¡¯ around.¡± He turned to look at her. ¡°Wasted it ¡ª you gotta win back another one, now. I¡¯ll figure out how¡¯ta work that thing eventually¡­¡±

    ¡°Jee, fine,¡± she giggled, ¡°but whad¡¯ya mean, ¡®work this thing?¡¯ It¡¯s just a gun¡­¡± she teased.

    He smirked and shook his head. ¡°Never got trained with crap like that ¡ª ain¡¯t how you get strong¡­¡±

    Jinx scoffed, entertained by his statement. ¡°Trained¡ª like, what, how to fight? Like there¡¯s a school for it or something?¡± she laughed.

    ¡°Mm,¡± he side-eyed her.

    ¡°What¡ª for real? Where?¡± she puzzled.

    ¡°Not here,¡± he said nonchalantly, stopping walking. He turned to the sea briefly, but then seemed to reconsider. ¡°No¡ª it¡¯d be the other side¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­You¡¯re from across the ocean?¡± she inferred.

    He shrugged, stubbornly insisting on keeping his mysteries at arm¡¯s reach from her. ¡°Journey here was hell in itself ¡ª been nice to sleep back on dry land for the last few weeks¡­¡±

    She wanted to dig deeper. ¡°What¡¯s even out there¡­?¡±

    ¡°Other lands¡­¡± he mused. ¡°Place where they train the body and mind in alignment, or some such crap¡­ after years¡¯a that, I wanted the hell outta there¡­¡±

    She found herself staring out toward the ocean, ignoring the silhouette of Stillwater Hold and attempting to peer further, imagining distant lands completely divorced from the world in which she lived¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s it called¡ª where you¡¯re from?¡± she asked as she turned back to him, suddenly completely entranced by the idea of this faraway place.

    He gave her a weird look. ¡°Didn¡¯t say I''m from there¡­¡± he answered, ¡°just that I was there¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she replied.

    ¡°Anyway¡­ place¡¯s called Ionia. Ain¡¯t nothin¡¯ like this city, tell you that¡­¡± he said.

    She immediately wanted him to tell her what it was like, but she¡¯d become a little conscious of prying too far. She was actually surprised he¡¯d been willing to spend time talking with her for this long¡­ this kinda thing didn¡¯t ever normally happen for her ¡ª the idea that she might even have a friend in this guy¡­

    ¡°Hey, c¡¯mon,¡± he nudged, ¡°there actually is somethin¡¯ I thought I could show ya¡­¡±

    Instead of walking off as he typically did, he actually seemed to wait in order to gauge her interest.

    She found his eyes, and she liked the feeling she got when he stared back into hers.

    ¡°Is it fun¡­?¡± she wondered enthusiastically.

    He snickered slightly. ¡°C¡¯mon¡­¡±

 Chapter 6: Corneredâ€¦

    Field report: fourteen hundred hours ¡ª ¡®Managed to gain passage to the undercity bypassing the blockade. Light amount of rain to contend with. Remained unnoticed amongst large crowds hoping to cross into Piltover. Materials for investigation intact.¡¯

    Field report: fifteen hundred hours ¡ª ¡®Solicited for coin in exchange for contraband several times. Attempted larceny on most recent refusal. Lacking directional orientation since the commotion.¡¯

    Field report: seventeen hundred hours ¡ª ¡®Smog concentration in the lower depths of the fissures makes breathing almost unbearable. Promptly retreated to higher altitude in hopes of questioning the citizenry there.¡¯

    Field report: eighteen hundred hours ¡ª ¡®Recognition of the graffitied symbols photographed at the Piltover bombing site is apparent among some of those questioned, however none are remotely forthcoming. Becoming wary of suspicious glances. Navigation toward the outskirts of the city in progress.¡¯

    Field report: twenty hundred hours ¡ª ¡®Possible front for nefarious export discovered¡ªlarge Wharfside warehouse heavily guarded at all entrances despite no ships operating, due to the river blockade. No determinable means of entry.¡¯

    Field report: twenty-one hundred hours ¡ª ¡®Wharfside docks inactive, tranquil, besides a couple of teenagers playing target practice. Ideal place to take refuge for the night. Delaying passage back to Piltover until more evidence can be gathered.¡¯

    Ekko placed down the small, bound journal after reading its final entry, unsure exactly what to make of it all. The young woman it belonged to lay unconscious on the concrete before him, bound to a brass water pipe.

    ¡°This is what they do now,¡± spoke his right-hand, ¡°they send enforcers down in civilian garb to plant shit, so they can pin Topsider crime on our guys!¡±

    Ekko was dubious.

    ¡°She¡¯s a Piltie, sure,¡± Ekko agreed, ¡°but sending her alone doesn¡¯t make any sense ¡ª her notes don¡¯t read like an undercover job...¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know she is alone,¡± he received in reply. ¡°How do we know they¡¯re not down here looking for us? Silco¡¯s probably convinced them to use us as a scapegoat for everything that¡¯s been goin¡¯ on!¡±

    ¡°Then we question her,¡± Ekko concluded, ¡°see what she knows.¡±

    His right-hand stepped a little closer, clearly disgruntled by the direction the conversation was heading.

    ¡°Or, we just stick her on a boat as she is, let it drift out of the harbor¡­ we got our own to look out for right now ¡ª how long until Silco gets the kid you lost to talk? Our entire existence is in jeopardy!¡±

    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that¡¯s on me?!¡± Ekko shot back. ¡°Fact is, if we get rid of her, then we lose her as leverage ¡ª you see the seal on this book of hers?¡± He picked the journal back up and drew attention to a small, golden crest near its spine. ¡°This is one of the big, rich houses in Piltover ¡ª Kiramman, or something like that ¡ª got strings in the government and everything. Whether she¡¯s one of them, or just hired by them, I doubt she¡¯s a hundred percent expendable¡ª¡±

    Their unconscious hostage stirred for the first time, gaining both the Firelights¡¯ attention.

    ¡°Lemme handle this, Scar,¡± Ekko decided. ¡°We¡¯ll head out again once I¡¯m finished here.¡±

    Scar grunted, reluctantly giving Ekko the room.

    The young woman¡¯s eyelids fluttered open slowly, as she groaned in discomfort.

    Ekko quietly sighed.

    ¡°¡­You don¡¯t know much about being inconspicuous, do you?¡± he began, ¡°can see the blues of your uniform under that getup¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Who are you? ¡­Where am I?¡± the girl grumbled.

    Ekko deliberated for a moment.

    ¡°I think you know where you are,¡± he said plainly, taking a seat at the edge of the room, ¡°and I think you know who I am.¡±

    The girl attempted to flick back locks of dark blue hair from her face.

    ¡°No... I don¡¯t¡­ you have to let me go ¡ª I¡¯m down here investigating a crime...¡± she said sternly, through exhaustion.

    Ekko was at least pleased to have been half proven right.

    ¡°The Topside bombing?¡± he enquired, leaning forward a little, ¡°or that other brawl I heard about¡ª put your sheriff on his ass, or something¡­?¡±

    The girl seemed to notice her field journal sitting part-ways across the room.

    ¡°The bombing, first¡ª several people died¡­¡± she answered wearily. ¡°Somebody down here is responsible¡­¡±

    ¡°See, that¡¯s funny,¡± he said, getting up, ¡°¡®cause pretty much everybody down here knows who did that¡­ and I¡¯m willing to bet that your enforcer higher-ups know too¡­¡±

    A look of befuddlement briefly crossed the girl¡¯s face.

    ¡°I¡ª I¡¯d be glad to take a statement from you¡­ any information you have at all¡­¡±

    Ekko moved closer, squatting down in front of her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re hearing me, Piltie,¡± he condescended. ¡°Even if you ¡®crack the case¡¯ down here, all by yourself, nothing¡¯s gonna happen, you get me? Silco¡¯s got your sheriff on his payroll ¡ª he¡¯d never make a move against him. They¡¯ll just find somebody innocent to drag up to a Topside jail like they always do, and your people¡¯ll be satisfied¡­¡±

    He watched her haggard eyes, as she attempted to piece together her next thought.

    ¡°Silco¡­ the industrialist¡­?¡± she asked.

    Ekko¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly.

    ¡°You can¡¯t be this green, Piltie ¡ª who even are you, anyway?¡± he demanded. ¡°I wanna know¡ª the seal on that notebook of yours has sure caught my eye¡­!¡±

    She seemed a little taken aback by the sudden request.

    ¡°I¡ª I¡¯m¡ª¡°

    ¡°If you¡¯re trying to come up with a fake name, you¡¯re being pretty damn obvious about it,¡± Ekko cut in, tilting his head to the side.

    The girl sighed.

    ¡°Why do you need to know my name¡­?¡± she pleaded.

    ¡°¡®Cause my second-in-command thinks we made a mistake even bringing you back here¡­ I need to convince him that you¡¯re worth keeping alive.¡±

    The girl appeared to experience a mild amount of panic, biting her top lip as she made a decision.

    ¡°You need to tell me who carried out the bombing, in exchange,¡± she stated.

    ¡°I told you, it won¡¯t matter!¡± he shot back. ¡°Not when your enforcers are all bought and paid for¡­!¡±

    She shook her head.

    ¡°Even if that absurd assertion were true, it¡ª it¡¯s not just about getting justice,¡± she replied. ¡°Something was stolen that needs to be returned¡­ something important to somebody close to me¡­¡±

    Ekko half rolled his eyes.

    ¡°What are we talking about ¡ª some family heirloom¡­?¡±

    The girl only looked at him, reluctant to say more. Ekko decided that he was curious enough to find out.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Your culprit¡¯s name is Jinx, okay?¡± he said. ¡°She bombed the square ¡ª the Topsider deaths are on her. Guess she took a souvenir, too. Or, if it¡¯s actually something important, then maybe Silco asked her to take it¡­¡±

    The girl took a moment to absorb what he¡¯d told her, though Ekko hadn¡¯t forgotten her side of the agreement. He stared her down until she returned her attention to him.

    ¡°Your name,¡± he demanded, ¡°and then I wanna know what¡¯s so special ¡®bout this stolen item.¡±

    The girl exhaled in resignation.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kiramman¡­ my name¡¯s Caitlyn Kiramman¡­¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°¡ªbut by the time the dude finished pukin¡¯ up the rest of his guts overboard, he looked about as pale as a damn ghost¡­ so, the ship captain told him to make his way up to the crow¡¯s nest without his shirt on, just in case that fleet of pirates returned to ransack us again,¡± Garou luridly recounted, ¡°y¡¯know, ¡®cause we didn¡¯t have a white flag to wave¡­¡±

    It might have only been Jinx cracking up laughing that caused him to give a small chuckle at the conclusion of his story.

    ¡°And he actually went up there?¡± she guffawed.

    ¡°Uh, nah,¡± Garou replied. ¡°He probably would¡¯a though, captain was a real brute.¡±

    She giggled. ¡°But, what, the two of you couldn¡¯ta taken on some wannabe pirates?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t ¡®bout¡¯a fight anybody ¡ª I was a stowaway,¡± he responded. ¡°Not a single part¡¯a me fancied tryin¡¯ta sail a boat, had things gone awry¡­¡±

    She lay back, resting her head on hardwood. ¡°Does seem like a lot¡¯a work¡­ y¡¯know that Topsiders don¡¯t even navigate their airships no more? ¡ª just zip and they¡¯re right wherever they needa be¡­¡±

    Garou glanced over at her.

    ¡°Mm¡­ that what that big blue light was, eh¡­? Saw it when we made entry¡­¡±

    Jinx kept her mouth shut for that moment, as she found herself feeling compelled to brag about the fact that she possessed the very invention which powered that almighty force¡­ Rather, she¡¯d left the orb itself back at her workshop, but she was finding the idea of showing it to him at a time in the future difficult to rule out¡­

    It might have been Silco¡¯s lessons in her head, but she managed to remind herself how little she still knew about this guy. She peeked over at the inexplicable angles at which his stark white hair jutted from his head, at his sharp facial features, his somehow perpetually bloody and recently bandaged hands and wrists¡­ At the very least, he never seemed to tell her anything that he didn¡¯t wholeheartedly mean, for better or for worse¡­

    She tore her eyes away before he noticed her staring, focusing on her own body. Her feet dangled over the edge of the platform they both had perched themselves on, inside of a decrepit, abandoned shipping warehouse. Moonlight shone down onto her skin ¡ª a vast, busted hole in the roof of the building allowing it in, to pierce the darkness. The large crane positioned overhead lead her to believe that something must have been dropped straight through at some point in time, causing even the warehouse floor to completely crumble in upon itself, and allowing the sea to retake its centre.

    That being neat enough on its own, Garou must¡¯ve decided to show her the place mostly on the merit of the nocturnal phenomenon in the water below them. Jinx contorted her neck to peer down upon countless dark, shimmering, aquatic bodies, writhing and slithering above the water¡¯s surface and submerging again in a kind of moon-lit dance. Garou seemed to think the eels emerged in hopes of feeding, attracted by the scent of rotten, old fish in the barrels still strewn about the place.

    ¡®Or, perhaps they¡¯ve gained a taste for human flesh, and this is some kinda spot for shady interrogations in the night¡­¡¯ Jinx thought, amusing herself.

    Perhaps she¡¯d put the idea into practice.

    ¡°So¡­ guess a journey from another continent must have ya eager to find somewhere to hang your hat, so to speak, huh?¡± she probed.

    ¡°What, like you¡­?¡± he grunted.

    ¡°Uh¡­ I don¡¯t have a hat,¡± she answered absently, eliciting a look of incredulousness from him.

    ¡°Look, there¡¯s a reason I bothered comin¡¯ back here, but that ain¡¯t it, aight¡­?¡± he grumbled.

    She rolled onto her side to face him.

    ¡°Ah¡­ secret reason, huh?¡± she prodded playfully. ¡°Well¡ª whatever it is, did ya do it yet?¡±

    He scoffed quietly.

    ¡°¡­Worried you won¡¯t be able to lay eyes ¡®pon this mug again, eh?¡±

    Jinx looked down at her boots, hoping she wasn¡¯t blushing.

    ¡°No, I¡ª that¡¯s not¡ª¡°

    He gave a little smirk, tossing a small piece of wood into the pool below them and watching the eels tangle themselves over the impact spot.

    She sat back up so that she could see it all happen.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re not just¡­ I don¡¯t know, drifting through, are ya?¡± she asked again, after a moment.

    ¡°Uh, probably not¡­ why d¡¯you ask all these things?¡± he said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, jeez, mister mysterious over here¡­ I just thought, y¡¯know, that maybe you could roll with us¡­?¡± Her heartbeat quickened as she spoke. ¡°It ain¡¯t extravagant living or anything, and the adults aren¡¯t super grateful when us kids are better at their jobs than they are, but... I mean, if you wanna make a name for yourself, there are worse ways to do it, I guess¡­¡±

    She resisted staring at him as she awaited his answer.

    ¡°Look,¡± he began, shooting a glance at her, ¡°I didn¡¯t come back here just to join some team, or fight for some cause¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡ªCause?¡± Jinx giggled. ¡°You think that¡¯s what we¡¯re all about? Think my father¡¯s men are all a bunch¡¯a freedom fighters or something?¡± She shuffled a little closer to him. ¡°If we gotta have a reason aside from the coin, it¡¯s that Topsiders are all assholes, and it¡¯s fun to break their stuff¡­ feels good to break stuff either way, really, but¡­¡±

    He sunk back into the platform railing, offering a wisp of a smile. ¡°And when they break your stuff back?¡±

    She thought for a moment, then shrugged. ¡°We don¡¯t got as much to lose, I guess¡­¡±

    He seemed to react to her statement as slowly as he could manage.

    ¡°How ¡®bout we go up there, right now?¡± he suddenly suggested, sitting up fully. ¡°¡ªWake up their enforcers, show ¡®em some hell?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t tell if he was being serious.

    ¡°¡­You wanna rebel against my father that badly, huh?¡± she replied, with an uncertain chuckle.

    His expression turned. ¡°You¡¯re just his little soldier, ain¡¯tcha? Ever not fall in line¡­?¡±

    ¡°I¡ª What? That¡¯s not¡ª¡° she stammered, scrunching up her eyebrows. ¡°You don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡­¡±

    He sighed, slowly getting up.

    ¡°Whatever,¡± he grunted. ¡°Ain¡¯t gettin¡¯ stronger by hangin¡¯ about all day chattin¡¯¡­¡±

    ¡°Wh¡ª where¡¯re you going?¡± she quietly pouted.

    He clenched and unclenched his fist slowly in front of himself, as though ritualistically.

    ¡°Topside ¡ª told ya¡­¡±

    She sprung to her feet, her brows furrowed.

    ¡°Wha¡ªwhy?¡± she countered, ¡°I thought you just¡ª¡±

    He glanced at her, cocking an eyebrow.

    ¡°You told him that you¡¯d lay low for a bit¡­?¡± she reminded him, becoming irritated. ¡°He just¡­ he doesn¡¯t want anything to happen just yet, not until¡ª¡°

    Garou smirked unpleasantly.

    ¡°So he sent you to keep me distracted, eh?¡± he concluded. ¡°There anythin¡¯ he won¡¯t use you for?¡±

    She scrunched up her face again in incredulity. ¡°The hell is¡ª d¡¯you get a kick outta being an ass or something?!¡± she spat. ¡°If he¡¯s gonna be having problems with you, who d¡¯you think he¡¯s gonna send after you to take you out?!¡±

    He laughed in her face. ¡°So the geezer wasn¡¯t lyin¡¯, eh?!¡± he cackled. ¡°Tell me then, Blue, how you plannin¡¯ on makin¡¯ me fall in line?¡±

    ¡°How ¡®bout I splatter your damn brains across the wall, huh?!¡± she lashed, forcefully pulling her weapon on him.

    He was somehow even faster than last time, moving in on her in a fraction of an instant and wrenching the gun from her hand. She backed up instinctively, but failed to perceive the lack of footing off the edge of the platform until a moment too late.

    Just as the feeling of falling reached her stomach, Garou¡¯s outstretched hand found her wrist, catching her. They both paused for a moment, Jinx supporting herself with one foot on the platform.

    A ticking sound drew Garou¡¯s gaze to his own cloth belt, from which now hung a chattering Chomper grenade, some moments away from detonating. She was certain that her reflexes had surprised him, as his eyes momentarily found hers again¡­

    He hastily unclipped the bomb with his free hand, whipping it away, down into the pool below them. They both turned briefly to watch the serpentine bodies of perished eels bob to the surface of the water in the wake of the explosion.

    The determined look he met her with as she dangled couldn¡¯t help but cause her to crack a smile.

    ¡®Y¡¯look goofier than you think, y¡¯know,¡¯ she mused to herself.

    He didn¡¯t seem to know how to respond to the grin on her face, so he simply helped her back to her feet.

    ¡°Now, how ¡®bout I push you down there,¡± she joked.

    This did amuse him.

    ¡°Well, somethin¡¯ tells me they ain¡¯t havin¡¯ any more dinners¡­¡± he replied, looking down behind himself.

    Jinx knew that her only chance would be to move instantly, and without forethought ¡ª she thrust her palms forward, with all of the might she could muster. It was to her great surprise that he actually ended up in the water below, hurling obscenities her way, as he thrashed around amongst the dead eels.

    It was perhaps the funniest thing she¡¯d ever seen.

    <hr>

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s at least nice to know what your hair¡¯s supposed¡¯ta look look like,¡± Jinx giggled, leaning against an industrial fan on the side of a building, which Garou was attempting to dry himself with.

    She¡¯d tampered with the thing and managed to make it spin in reverse, blowing out warm air from inside of the building. She figured she still had a ways to go to make it up to him, though.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­ y¡¯know those things still shock ya after they¡¯re dead, right?¡± he grumbled.

    ¡°I got¡­ like, a home-made cattle prod back at my workshop if ya wanna shock me back,¡± she jokingly offered. ¡°It ain¡¯t too far now¡­¡±

    He cocked an eyebrow at her, before being distracted by a stranger further down the alley, loudly and frantically dragging a hunk of metal behind them.

    They both turned to stare at the figure, unimpressed, as the person drew closer with their racket.

    ¡°Hey, asshole,¡± Garou called out.

    The person dropped what it was they were trying to move, and stood frozen as Jinx realized what it was they were. She¡¯d recognize those dumb masks anywhere¡­

    ¡®Wait¡­¡¯ she thought, a chill coming over her.

    The Firelight made a run for it, narrowly escaping a bullet as they ducked into an adjacent alley and continued on out of sight. Jinx considered making chase, except¡­

    She gave a glance at Garou, but didn¡¯t have the words to explain. It was more of a feeling...

    She took off, instead. She needed to make it back to her workshop ¡ª so close to where there were. She needed to make sure.

    As she ran, she looked up and saw them ¡ª the faint green trails in the sky. There were more of them.

    ¡¯Those fucking losers¡­¡¯

    She hopped down the stairs, almost falling over herself.

    The trap at the entrance ¡ª the one only Silco knew how to bypass ¡ª it had been activated. Spent nails, blood spattered on the ground¡­

    ¡°Jinx¡ª!¡±

    She ran to him, surveying the ransacked state of her home around her. Her heart rate rose sharply.

    ¡°You¡¯re not hurt¡ª?¡± asked Silco, grasping her shoulders.

    She could already see it. The small, steel box she kept it in. Left open. Emptied.

    She looked up at him.

    ¡°I¡ª it¡¯s¡ª¡° She wanted to cry.

    ¡°They came for their captured ¡ª Sevika took another,¡± he said. ¡°They¡¯re fools¡­¡±

    She leant in and hugged him, clenching her entire face as tears streamed down it.

    ¡°¡­The gemstone?¡± he surmised.

    She nodded her head dejectedly, into his chest.

    He sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll retrieve it, Jinx,¡± he reassured her. ¡°Their hiding days are¡ª¡°

    She felt Silco pull away slightly, his attention elsewhere. She saw his expression turn livid. She spun around to see why.

    ¡®Crap¡­¡¯ she screamed internally, as Garou cautiously wandered down the steps toward them.

    She felt her father¡¯s daggers, but couldn¡¯t bear to look up at him.

 Chapter 7: Loyaltyâ€¦

    ¡°This thing¡¯a yours they took ¡ª what¡¯s so special ¡®bout it, anyway?¡± Garou prodded.

    Jinx only managed a murmur in response. She was curled up in Silco¡¯s chair, with her arms wrapped around her legs, her face pressed into her knees. It was beginning to feel like a long night¡­

    Garou appeared to let his head roll back in his chair after her non-reply, perhaps to rest his eyes. Though, he arguably had the least reason to be feeling worn after the night¡¯s events ¡ª none of it was really any of his problem.

    ¡®He is still here, though¡­¡¯ she thought to herself.

    The sound of footsteps ascending the staircase outside had her perk up. It sounded like several people, however it was only Silco and Sevika who entered once they¡¯d reached the door.

    Jinx hurriedly hopped up and slunk over to the side of the room, planting herself against the wall.

    Garou and Sevika seemed to share some sort of knowing look, as they had previously, however the attention of the room was soon directed at Silco, once he¡¯d taken his seat.

    He ran a hand through his now disheveled hair, however he remained silent as his eyes seemed to slowly drift between Garou and her, and back again. She found it difficult to meet his gaze.

    ¡°While it may come as unfortunate news for those being woken in the night,¡± he finally began, ¡°now that the gemstone has been taken, there truly is no time to lose ¡ª interrogation of our second Firelight prisoner has us confident that we haven¡¯t been fed a false location for their base of operations. We plan to have it taken before dawn breaks¡­¡±

    Silco turned to address her specifically, as he continued to explain the plan.

    ¡°They¡¯ve been using the old, underground ducting system to access the place, however both descriptions seem to account for a large, biological tree at its centre, implying direct access to sunlight¡­ we believe it to be some type of overwrought, glass dome of Piltovan build, which I¡¯ve been told there is indeed some record of ¡ª a type of atrium structure between the older apartment blocks in the Southern District.¡±

    Jinx searched her memories, on the off chance that she¡¯d unknowingly stumbled upon such a place in the past.

    ¡°What this means,¡± he continued, ¡°is that we have the ability to approach from both angles ¡ª the ducts, and from above¡­¡±

    She was almost certain they¡¯d both arrived at the same plan.

    ¡°So, we blow the glass ¡ª rain it down on them¡­¡± she said, gritting her teeth a little.

    Silco hummed in agreement, though he didn¡¯t elaborate any further. Instead, he turned to Garou, who¡¯d been laying back in his chair, examining his fingernails.

    Silco took a measured breath before speaking again.

    ¡°There¡¯s a nice, soft bed waiting for you in a hotel across the street from the bar,¡± said Silco. ¡°I¡¯ve told them to expect you. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be welcoming of a place to lay your head after all of your¡­ troubles over the past week.¡±

    ¡°But w¡ª¡° Jinx began to protest, but Silco held up a hand directing her to remain silent.

    Garou casually raised an eyebrow, seemingly perplexed by the offer. He glanced briefly over at Jinx, then back at Silco again.

    ¡°Eh, don¡¯t bother,¡± he said darkly, rising and strolling out of the room.

    Jinx stood uncomfortably in silence, while Silco murmured something to Sevika, who also proceeded to take her leave.

    Her father turned to her after a moment, with his usual perceptive gaze.

    ¡°What¡¯d you do that for¡­?¡± she pouted.

    ¡°I offered him a choice, just now ¡ª whether he¡¯d realized it or not,¡± he replied plainly. ¡°You¡¯ll find little loyalty in a character like that, Jinx¡­¡±

    She looked at the floor despondently. ¡°He coulda helped¡­ or, whatever¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Come,¡± he ushered, rolling up a paper map he¡¯d just finished notating.

    He placed it in her hands, after she¡¯d trudged over to him. After a moment, she sighed and hopped up onto his desk to sit across from him.

    ¡°I know that it¡¯s been a long night¡­¡± he commiserated.

    ¡°Lotta that going ¡®round lately¡­¡± she sulked.

    He hesitated for a moment, before reaching for one of his cigar boxes. It was the one on which she¡¯d doodled all of those purple animal faces, when she was younger, the one in which he kept his¡ª

    ¡°I offer this only as a last resort...¡± he warned, holding his small Shimmer injector. ¡°For if you find yourself fading¡ª in the shoulder, or the thigh should do.¡±

    Jinx looked at him, unsure what to say.

    He slowly held it toward her. ¡°Not more than a single dose, though¡­¡±

    ¡°Uh, okay¡­¡± she agreed, letting him place it in her other hand.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have roughly three hours,¡± he explained. ¡°I¡¯d like you to take a boat ¡ª they¡¯ll ferry you around Wharf District and through the southern shipping lanes, where you¡¯ll get off, and then the map will show you where to get into position. Sevika will be doing the same for the ground crew.¡±

    She nodded along, absent-mindedly spinning the Shimmer injector on her finger.

    ¡°If you keep yourself oriented in the direction of the sea, you¡¯ll see the flare signal when it¡¯s time to pop the lid ¡ª planted explosives would be preferable. Use¡­ Pow-Pow to pick off any who may try to escape on their boards.¡±

    She was kinda pleasantly surprised he bothered to remember the name she¡¯d given to her gatling gun¡­ though probably only to salvage her mood, if anything, she figured.

    He paused, as though in thought.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°¡­Can I count on you, Jinx?¡± he finally asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

    She leaned forward, nodding her head.

    ¡°I can do it,¡± she assured, desperately hoping he believed her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ª y¡¯know, no more pesky Firelights after this¡­¡±

    Their eyes met for a moment, and part of her was terrified of seeing doubt in them, as she often did¡­

    Not this time.

    The feeling of relief might¡¯ve at least been enough to lift her spirits for the moment. It would¡¯ve, if not for, well¡­

    It didn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s not like he¡¯d owed her anything¡­

    Silco briefly raised his finger to her chin, gaining her attention.

    ¡°He won¡¯t be the last, Jinx¡­¡± he assured her, reading her mind as always.

    ¡°Wh¡ª no, it¡¯s not that¡­¡± she lied.

    He patted her on the shoulder.

    ¡°If you should need an extra pair of hands for carrying your gear, we have people to spare¡ª¡°

    ¡°God, no,¡± she recoiled, ¡°rather have a bit of a sore shoulder than deal with some bore¡¯s idle chit-chat¡­¡±

    ¡°Very well¡­ go on, then,¡± he kindly urged, ¡°they¡¯ll be waiting for you at the north-most Wharf dock.¡±

    She closed her eyes briefly, nodding her head at him.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied.

    They shared one last look of goodbye, as she shuffled out of the room.

    <hr>

    Jinx occupied her short walk back down with making a mental checklist for all of the gear she¡¯d need to bring ¡ª she figured that a damned helper would be needed after all, to her dismay.

    Coming up to the entrance to her workshop, she examined, with disappointment, the exploding nail trap she¡¯d taken the time to re-arm earlier.

    ¡®Not deadly enough to kill a stupid Firelight ¡ª you¡¯re on the chopping block, buddy,¡¯ she thought to herself as she looked upon the dried blood spatters on the ground.

    Careful not to trigger it nonetheless, she shut the door behind her, preparing to embark down the steps to her workshop.

    She slouched over for a moment, feeling a wave of exhaustion come over her.

    The device Silco had placed in her hand before suddenly looked awfully tempting¡­

    It¡¯d wear off by the time the action started, though, she thought.

    She stood up, and attempted to pull her eyelids open with her fingers, as wide as they¡¯d go. It gave her a dizzy feeling, as they snapped back into place.

    ¡®Well, here goes nothing,¡¯ she figured, hopping down the steps until she reached the edge of the turbine blade.

    Yet, again, something felt off¡­

    ¡®Oh¡­¡¯ she thought, seeing her loveseat occupied by somebody other than Mylo¡­

    He casually looked up at her, once he¡¯d noticed her presence.

    ¡°Tell me this ain¡¯t a doll o¡¯ me¡­¡± Garou commented from across the cavern, seeing the apparent similarity in both of their hairstyles.

    ¡°You¡ª how¡¯d you get past the booby-trap on the door?¡± she demanded.

    He merely cocked an eyebrow in response.

    She shook her head, and approached her armory.

    ¡°No, it ain¡¯t a doll of you,¡± she said as she walked, ¡°moron¡­¡±

    He was silent, for a moment.

    ¡°Rather I¡¯d have gone ¡®cross the street, like your old man wanted¡­?¡± he prodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got no preference¡­¡± she replied, attempting to mask a bitter tone.

    ¡°Well, anyway,¡± he went on, ¡°you got some pretty weird stuff layin¡¯ ¡®round here¡­¡±

    She ignored him, causing him to hop up and saunter toward her.

    ¡°What¡¯s that needle thing you got in your hand¡­?¡± he asked.

    She desired to focus the conversation.

    ¡°I assume you¡¯re down here ¡®cause you do wanna come with on this thing, but you didn¡¯t want Silco to know, because god forbid he thinks you¡¯re anything other than what he already thinks of you¡­ have I got that right¡­?¡±

    He shrugged.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t like he thinks you need help, or anythin¡¯¡­¡± he retorted.

    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡± she responded.

    He reached for one of her bombs, but she slapped his hand away.

    ¡°Not that one,¡± she insisted.

    He raised an eyebrow again.

    ¡°You¡¯re mad¡­¡± he guessed.

    ¡°Just¡ª¡± she huffed, ¡°tell me why you¡¯re actually down here¡­¡±

    ¡°Y¡¯know¡­ get your thing back,¡± he shrugged.

    She looked at him trepidatiously.

    ¡°What¡­?¡± he said.

    ¡°¡­Why do you care?¡± she wondered.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t say I did,¡± he replied, ¡°I just, y¡¯know¡ª why¡¯s it gotta be a big deal¡­?¡±

    He seemed to shy from her gaze a little.

    ¡°What¡ª you feel sorry for me, or something¡­?¡± she prodded.

    He turned his nose up at that idea, at least¡­

    ¡°Nah, it ain¡¯t like that,¡± he said. ¡°Listen¡ª when I, uh¡­ when I was little, these three losers used ¡®ta always take my stuff, y¡¯know¡­ no matter how well I¡¯d hide it, they¡¯d always find it¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she said quietly.

    ¡°Back then, I always wished I was strong¡­¡± he continued. ¡°But, I never did anything ¡®bout it¡­¡±

    She couldn¡¯t help but search his face for a sign of insincerity, but she found none.

    ¡°¡­Anyway,¡± he grunted, ¡°you really draggin¡¯ that thing halfway ¡®cross town?¡±

    He was motioning to Pow-Pow.

    ¡°Nope, you are,¡± she said, shoving it into his chest, with some satisfaction.

    She wandered over to the other side of the turbine to try to find her pink and purple duffel bag.

    ¡°So¡­ this is really where you sleep, eh¡­?¡± Garou wondered.

    She popped her head out from the other side of the steel pillar, a crinkle in her brow.

    ¡°Uh, yeah¡­ why¡­?¡± she wondered.

    ¡°¡­Just seems, distractin¡¯ I guess¡­¡± he replied, ¡°colorful lights an¡¯ everythin¡¯¡­¡±

    She laughed.

    ¡°That¡¯s what some people say ¡®bout me¡­¡± she said.

    He stared around a little more, making her a bit anxious.

    ¡°What is the doll for, anyway¡­?¡± he asked. ¡°Punchin¡¯ bag?¡±

    She looked over at Mylo.

    ¡°On worse days, sure¡­¡± she sighed.

    She¡¯d finished packing everything, but she figured she had room to fit just a little more. She hopped over to her painting bench and pocketed a couple of green and pink rattle cans.

    ¡°For the finale,¡± she said as she passed Garou, with a wink. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna like how we¡¯re gettin¡¯ there, by the way¡­¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± he grumbled, following her out of the cave.

    <hr>

    The air was still, and quite warm.

    As nice a night as it was, Jinx was finding herself agitated waiting for the night¡¯s events to play out.

    She turned to Garou, who lounged beside her, with his feet dangling off the edge of the open balcony. The wide, glass dome lay just below them, though little could be made out below its surface ¡ª decades of oxidation from the sun had seemingly turned the material opaque.

    She supposed it was a lucky break that she hadn¡¯t had to worry about being seen as she¡¯d laid a ring of packed charges around the circumference of the dome. Garou had helped¡­ she had found it difficult to resist giggling at the squelching sound his wet shoes had made beneath him as he walked, though ¡ª they¡¯d met some ocean spray on the boat ride over.

    ¡°Your feet all dry yet?¡± she pestered.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­¡± he sniffed. ¡°Lucky you were standin¡¯ behind me, eh?¡±

    She let out a giggle.

    ¡°¡­You two¡¯re real cute,¡± said a sarcastic voice from behind them.

    ¡°Quiet, Bangs,¡± Jinx said to the woman, turning her neck to look at her. ¡°What is it you do again¡ª? Chaperone?¡±

    The woman temporarily lifted a lock of dark hair from one side of her face to give a half-hearted ¡®got my eyes on you¡¯ gesture.

    ¡°What¡¯re we waitin¡¯ on, anyway?¡± Garou contributed. ¡°A signal¡­?¡±

    ¡°Red flare,¡± the woman answered, ¡°from where we docked.¡±

    Garou peered out into the night, struggling to locate the spot she was referring to.

    ¡°¡­Not from around here, are you, kid?¡± the woman asked.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± Garou responded, unpleasantly.

    ¡°Challenge him to an arm wrestle or something, sheesh¡­¡± Jinx chimed in.

    The woman scoffed, pulling her rifle toward her and beginning to clean the inside of the barrel to occupy herself.

    ¡°Least we¡¯re all still awake, huh?¡± she continued, removing the clip from the rifle for a quick inspection.

    Jinx rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Gets harder as ya get older, don¡¯t it?¡± she mocked.

    ¡°Not wh¡ª wait, what¡¯s he doing¡­?¡± the woman urged.

    Jinx barely turned in time to see Garou¡¯s entire body drop down from the balcony, landing on the glass below with a thud.

    ¡°Hey¡­!¡± she called. As she spoke, she noticed the small plume of red smoke in the distance, by the shoreline.

    She looked down again. He appeared to have landed on his feet.

    ¡°The hell¡¯s he on¡ª?!¡± the woman said, from her side.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Jinx sounded, noticing that her remote detonator was no longer in her bag.

    Garou had almost marched up to the apex of the dome, and he held the device in his hand.

    ¡°He wanted to be the first in that bad, huh?¡± the woman concluded.

    Jinx let out a flustered sigh, reaching for Pow-Pow¡¯s ammo belt and feeding it into the weapon.

    ¡°I¡¯d cover your ears for this one, toots,¡± Jinxed warned.

    Garou was standing on the top of the dome, seemingly giving them both a moment to prepare themselves.

    Jinx began to grin a little.

    She gave the woman to her side a little look over, and then held her thumb out to the sky, for Garou to see.

    BOOM.

 Chapter 8: In Flamesâ€¦

    Her eyelids felt heavier than bricks, and yet hours passed by without sleep finding her. Surely it was the position in which she was sitting, or the fact that she still didn¡¯t really have any idea where she was¡­

    Caitlyn attempted again to move her bound wrists around to the bend on the pipe they were affixed to, so that she might lay down, however something was catching. She¡¯d given up trying to twist herself around to see what it was, instead resigning herself to waking up with an ache, if sleep ever did find her.

    She wished she¡¯d known who these people were¡­

    She wished she¡¯d never crossed the bridge at all, in fact ¡ª she felt so foolish¡­

    Whoever this faction was, she was sure that they planned to use her as a bargaining chip, against her mother and the rest of the council. All of this after she¡¯d already been pulled from the force, earlier that week¡­

    She lowered her head, lamenting the fact that she would probably never be permitted to even hold a firearm again¡­

    She felt a tear roll down her cheek, but she wiped it away with her shoulder. Instead, she reflected on the first real pieces of information she¡¯d been able to attain since she¡¯d first embarked on her mission, being on the other side of an interrogation.

    Silco¡­

    The name was familiar enough to her to set her mind in motion ¡ª was there something she¡¯d missed in her investigation, amongst the files she¡¯d previously pulled?

    All she had learned about the figure was that he was thought to be responsible for much of the burgeoning economic activity in the Undercity over the past decade¡­

    As Caitlyn thought about it, she did indeed find it strange that such a seemingly important figure would be so little known, unless¡­ perhaps his enterprise were criminal in nature¡­ in which case, was it possible that it spanned into Piltover? Even into¡­

    No. The notion that Piltovan enforcers could be on the payroll of this man was too far-fetched for her to entertain ¡ª the organization her interrogators represented must¡¯ve had some competing interest causing them to want to besmirch the other¡­

    That said, if Silco¡¯s side were in fact the ones in possession of Jayce¡¯s gemstone, it meant that they¡¯d been tipped off about its existence somehow ¡ª he hadn¡¯t even announced it to the public yet¡­

    The case suddenly felt as though it were only a single connection away from being cracked ¡ª if she could just find a way out of here¡­

    She peered around once again, seeing if she could spot something in the darkness¡­ anything she could use¡­

    Her rifle was all the way on the other side of the room, along with her notebook ¡ª no way to reach it. Seeing nothing else in her immediate vicinity, her eyes were drawn to the pipe she was bound to, itself. It appeared to be bolted to a central pillar, secured by a few rounded clamps. She wondered, if she gained the leverage, whether they¡¯d be able to be forced apart.

    She had little remaining strength, but she managed to shuffle her legs up and under her, in order to press herself away for the pillar. She strained greatly, putting everything she had into the movement, the metal components creaking against themselves as they resisted her.

    She relented, panting, craning over to examine her work.

    If nothing else, she¡¯d managed to warp the pipe toward her, but it otherwise remained affixed to the pillar.

    Perhaps she¡¯d be better off waiting¡ª

    BOOM.

    Caitlyn sat stunned for a few moments, before attempting to shake the dust from her face.

    ¡®What on earth¡­?¡¯ she wondered, a little rattled.

    The tremor sounded as though it had originated from directly above her. The thought crossed her mind briefly that perhaps she was being rescued, but she knew it to be foolish. She needed to get herself out of here¡­

    A hissing sound from behind her head drew her attention. There had appeared a small crack in the pipe at the spot she¡¯d managed to bend it just a minute before, and it gushed hot steam to the side of her.

    Perhaps¡­

    She resumed the same position as before, using her newfound adrenaline to wrench her body with even greater force. She could feel it giving way¡­

    Her face grazed the concrete as she fell forward with momentum, steam gushing out from the now snapped pipe and beginning to fill the room.

    She knew she couldn¡¯t waste any time.

    Her bound wrists were her next obstacle. Instead of standing up, she contorted herself, pulling her feet toward her body such that she could loop the wrist binding around to her front. She then clambered over to the source of the heat in the room, trembling in pain as her hand was blasted with steam, while she used the sharp, metal edge of the broken pipe to slice the binding in two.

    ¡®Rifle¡­¡¯ she thought to herself as she stumbled over to collect her belongings.

    She breathed a sigh of relief as she found her ammunition still in her pouch. She unfolded her gun and loaded its cartridges ¡ª she prayed that her aim wouldn¡¯t be too greatly affected by her exhaustion.

    ¡®Breathe¡­¡¯

    She was beginning to hear voices from beyond the room she was in ¡ª shouting, screaming, fighting¡­ she nestled the stock of the rifle into her shoulder, and slowly inched open the steel door to the outside.

    ¡®A tree¡­?¡¯

    The night was illuminated in flashes of green, and orange, a chaotic mess of combat which took to the air as well as on the ground. Moonlight glinted off an enormous, rounded object which lay in two pieces behind the equally enormous, monolithic tree standing in the centre of the area.

    Her eyes darted up to the open night sky. She struggled to imagine a way up there, if that was to be her escape.

    She crept out instead, hugging the wall, attempting to find the next set of doors.

    The green streaks in the air seemed to emanate from whatever it was the combatants were standing on in order to fly around, however they all were taking heavy amounts of fire from those on the ground, being picked off one by one.

    Caitlyn stumbled backward as one flyer came careening toward her, hitting the wall hard in front of her. She peered over at him briefly ¡ª he was out cold. It looked like he was just a kid¡­

    She instinctively raised her rifle as she spun in the direction he¡¯d come from, lining up a shot on a man approaching the site of the crashed flyer. He held some type of blade, and opted to make a run at her once he¡¯d noticed her aiming at him.

    She squeezed the trigger, and continued on moving before he¡¯d even hit the ground.

    The next opening she came up on was a tunnel, but she pulled back against the wall again when she saw two combatants engaged in a scuffle, one trying to wrestle a weapon from the other¡¯s grip. She caught her breath, deciding what to do next.

    Over at the base of the tree, she made out what appeared to be a person dumping fluid from a dark canister all around the trunk. Oddly, her left arm seemed to be encased in some fashion of metal armor¡­

    Caitlyn took a peek into the tunnel again, to witness the victor of the scuffle beat the other unconscious, before hopping onto his flying contraption and zooming past her.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Before hopping up to make her escape, Caitlyn watched the woman at the tree complete her work, dumping the canister on the ground, before pulling out what looked to be a matchbook.

    While every fibre of her being urged her to make haste, Caitlyn instead raised her rifle again, taking aim at the woman¡¯s metallic left hand, holding the matches.

    ¡¯No, you don¡ª¡®

    Caitlyn¡¯s entire body was jerked forward as she went to fire the shot, striking only the dirt before her. She was swiped at the legs, sending her to the ground, her weapon being wrenched from her grip. She held her hands up in defense, anticipating a further attack.

    ¡°How¡¯d one¡¯a you end up down here, eh¡­?¡± her assailant said, examining her rifle.

    He was young, like her. His stark white hair jutted out at odd angles, and his smirk unnerved her.

    She scrambled to her feet, attempting to make a run for it.

    As she turned, his foot came rushing into her periphery.

    It was the last thing she saw.

    <hr>

    Pow-Pow sure had a kick, alright.

    So much so, that her arms had grown tired before she¡¯d even finished a full belt of ammo ¡ª the Firelights hardly let up attempting to escape out the mouth of the funnel she¡¯d created for them.

    ¡®Like the little bugs they are¡­¡¯

    Worse still, her aim wasn¡¯t as good as usual tonight, so not all of them even went down¡­

    Jinx dropped the gatling gun in favor of her pistol, hoping for a boost in accuracy.

    ¡°Hey, Bangs,¡± she yelled to the woman beside her, ¡°you been keepin¡¯ score, right?¡±

    The woman scoffed, but otherwise ignored her, keeping on her targets with her rifle.

    Jinx rolled her eyes, suddenly growing discontented with their strategy. She plonked her pistol back on her belt and went fishing through her duffel bag, instead.

    ¡°Hold down the fort for me here, toots,¡± she said, finding what she was after.

    The woman looked at her incredulously, as Jinx affixed the end of a rappel rope to a sturdy part of the balcony side railing, beginning to lower herself down to the edge of what was left of the glass dome.

    She tightened the rope around her waist, before kicking off again, sending herself down through the hole.

    She began to realize that she¡¯d made herself somewhat of a sitting duck with her entry¡ª

    ¡®¡ªor a floating duck, really,¡¯ she thought, amusing herself, as a Firelight sped toward her on his board.

    She drew her gun quickly enough to nail him in the shin, causing him to plummet into the tree.

    She looked upon the great, old thing with some awe, as she¡¯d not seen anything quite like it before¡­

    She gained an idea, beginning to shift her weight backward and forward. She gradually built up enough swinging momentum to reach the thing, she only needed to¡ª

    She was swiped out of the air just as she let the rope go, disorienting her to the point of dizziness. She frantically tried to gain some kind of footing, as they sped around, but the Firelight seemed to have her in their clutches. Hands found her throat¡­

    She grasped around, finding the pistol on her belt ¡ª the Firelight was forced to divert a hand to keep her from aiming it. They clipped a small tree branch on their way back around, causing them to lose altitude, but still she failed to gain control in the scuffle.

    She was running out of oxygen¡­

    She decided to drop her legs out from under her, forcing them to either support her entire body weight, or release her. The maneuver worked, in that it sent them both hurtling toward the ground.

    The Firelight attempted to flatten out the landing at the last possible moment, but they were both sent tumbling across the dirt.

    Jinx¡¯s muscles felt like jelly as she attempted to raise herself off of the ground. Everything felt scraped up¡­

    She made it to her knees, and had to rub her eyes a couple time to process what she was seeing.

    An intense orange glow filled her vision. She realized it to be fire by the time she began to feel its heat.

    The great, old tree was to be engulfed by flames, it seemed.

    It felt kinda weird, seeing such a thing burn¡­

    An item on the ground nearby distracted her ¡ª a Firelight mask. With some pain, she got to her feet and trudged over to where her adversary had landed ¡ª they appeared to be frantically fixing up their board.

    Something bothered her about the sight, as she drew nearer¡­

    ¡®Oh, it¡¯s¡­?¡¯

    She went to draw her pistol, but he was faster. He pelted her in the shoulder with a blunt object before she could take her aim, causing her to drop the thing.

    ¡®Should¡¯a taken that damn shot Silco gave me¡­¡¯ she grimaced.

    It was still in the pouch on her waist, but there was no longer an opportunity to do so ¡ª she was tackled to the ground again. She raised her hands to stave off his punches, but she was in an incredibly precarious position.

    He had tears in his eyes¡­

    She managed to pull the pin on a Chomper grenade, holding it up so that he could see it chatter. He backed off of her immediately, attempting to kick the thing away before it went off. He decided to stomp on her wrist so that she¡¯d drop it, causing her to yelp in pain.

    While he disposed of the bomb, she pulled herself across the ground away from him, as quickly as she could.

    Ekko turned to her again, and she could sense his fury.

    ¡°This was our fucking home¡­!¡± he cried, as the tree turned to cinders behind him.

    She had nothing. He hadn¡¯t been wearing the kind of mask he usually wore, so she hadn¡¯t even expected it to be him, but¡­

    She cautiously reached around behind her for the pouch it was in ¡ª if she could just take it without him noticing¡­

    Too late.

    The manner in which he advanced upon her had her convinced he¡¯d really kill her, there and then.

    She tried to kick at him to prevent him from getting on top of her again, but she was far too tired to keep it up for long. He pressed his fingers into her trachea.

    ¡°Destruction¡¯s all you know now, isn¡¯t it¡­?¡± he whispered morosely.

    As her vision darkened, she managed to glimpse Ekko take a hit from the side.

    She gulped air down, regaining herself, as she saw Garou kick him a few times, corralling him away from her.

    Ekko seemed to find a metal pipe on the ground, but Garou parried his swipes away fairly effortlessly.

    Jinx found herself coughing some blood up, as she rolled over onto her hands and knees.

    She glanced up to see another Firelight land by her, presumably to assist Ekko. She looked around, realizing she had nothing left on her to fight with.

    The Firelight tossed a bronze orb Garou¡¯s way, of which Jinx knew full well the contents.

    Ekko¡¯s reaction to his comrade seemed to tip Garou off, as he leapt off his feet the moment the crystal bomb made impact. His foot was snagged as the cluster expanded however, temporarily tethering him, and sending him down to the ground.

    Oddly, this only amused him, as he let out a strange laugh when he looked upon his trapped foot.

    Jinx stumbled to her feet, looking for something she could use to free him.

    ¡®Maybe the fire¡­?¡¯ she thought, spotting a broken off branch that must¡¯ve fallen from above.

    A steel hand graced her shoulder, frightening her for a moment.

    ¡°Watch out, kid,¡± said Sevika, strolling past her.

    She twisted a knob on her prosthetic arm, causing a canister partially filled with Shimmer to spring forth, and be injected into her. Jinx watched her body shudder as she felt its effects.

    Jinx lumbered over to the fight, her entire body feeling numb. She watched Garou free himself in a gravity-defying twirling motion which shattered the part of the crystal which had enveloped his foot. He carried the momentum of the movement into the face of the other Firelight, who collapsed into Sevika. She discarded them, while they advanced on Ekko.

    Jinx hoped she wasn¡¯t the only one who noticed that he¡¯d almost made it back to his board¡­

    Another crystal bomb was flung from elsewhere in the air, encasing Sevika¡¯s entire body. Jinx thought to duck herself down, as the Firelight landed with another one primed in their hand. Sevika¡¯s Shimmer-fueled self managed to simply crack the structure in a raw feat of strength, making a lunge at the startled kid.

    Jinx looked back over at Garou, who suddenly had Ekko pinned down, his foot on his chest.

    She hurried over.

    ¡°Wait¡­¡± she urged Garou. She hardly had much voice left.

    Ekko was staring him down with almost as much ire as he was her, moments ago.

    ¡°You¡­¡± he spat at Garou. ¡°Of course you went and joined them¡­¡±

    Ekko¡¯s eyes darted at Jinx, as she joined Garou¡¯s side.

    ¡°Where is it¡­?¡± she demanded, her tone raspy and weak.

    Ekko tilted his head back, the fight fading from him.

    ¡°¡­I would¡¯ve used it to keep us all safe¡­¡± he glared, misty eyed. ¡°From you, from Topside, from everything¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well¡­¡± Jinx grumbled, ¡°you clearly didn¡¯t think that through¡­¡±

    Garou applied some pressure to his chest, causing the boy to groan in pain, while he reached down and opened one of his pouches. Garou reached inside, retrieving a glowing, blue orb.

    ¡°This it¡­?¡± he asked her.

    She took it from him, brushing it off.

    Ekko caught his breath, looking at her again.

    ¡°This place¡­¡± he murmured through tears. ¡°It¡¯s what Vander would¡¯ve wanted¡­ Powder¡­¡±

    Her head twitched, as she furrowed her brow.

    ¡®Why the fuck would you say that¡­?¡¯

    Her head felt loud, all of a sudden, as she noticed Garou look over at her too.

    ¡®You think I fucking care¡­?!¡¯

    She turned away, beginning to breathe more heavily.

    She was ready to leave¡­ that was it. Tired ¡ª home, sleep. That¡¯s what she needed.

    She heard a muffled voice behind her.

    ¡¯Go to hell, Mylo¡­¡¯

    ¡°¡ªHey¡­ Blue¡­?¡± Garou said.

    She exhaled shakily, and turned to him.

    Behind him, she spotted the green sky-trails of Ekko¡¯s board, from where he had been a moment ago.

    She froze, staring at Garou in disbelief.

    ¡°The hell¡­?!¡± she scolded, ¡°you let him go¡­?!¡±

    He gave her an odd expression.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± he puzzled. ¡°You got your thing¡­¡±

    Any response she might have had was stifled, as smoke was beginning to fill the entire space, the heat becoming unbearable as the fire enveloped the uppermost branches of the tree.

    Jinx managed to spot Sevika, storming toward her.

    ¡°You two¡¯ll get yourselves toasted alive¡ª c¡¯mon!¡± she ordered.

    The rest of her father¡¯s goons were filing out of the oversized ducts, their shirts over their mouths, the night¡¯s work done.

    She almost stumbled over herself following in their direction.

    Garou seemed as though he might¡¯ve been about to extend a hand to help her, so she moved away from him.

    She didn¡¯t feel like talking¡­

    She turned back again at the pyre they¡¯d left in their wake, contemplating it in her delirious state.

    And¡ª there was something else¡­

    Now that she was on the other side of the thing¡ª something at the base¡­ some type of mural¡­?

    She thought it looked like¡­

    The paint had mostly melted, so she gave up straining her eyes to look at it.

    She pinched her nose between her fingers, as her head still ached.

    Powder¡­

    Sharper pain.

    ¡®Shut up¡­¡¯

    She picked at her nails, as they trekked back to the docks.

    Garou wasn¡¯t with them any longer, she realized, taking a glance behind her.

    As they filed onto the boats, Jinx noticed an unconscious girl with a bag over her head be thrown onto the deck. Her clothing looked kinda like¡­

    The drift back home saw the sun slowly peak over the horizon, over the water¡­

    It was pretty, she thought¡­

 Chapter 9: Foundâ€¦

    ¡®Well, you certainly ain¡¯t pretty¡­¡¯ Jinx mused over her completed work, staring down the teeth of the thing.

    Silco had impressed upon her his desire for something that could make a splash, and boy was this it, she thought. It certainly looked the part.

    She didn¡¯t typically care much to do the actual math, but given the output of the gemstone ¡ªwhat¡¯d they call it? Hex-tech? Ugh, lame¡ª she¡¯d calculated the yield on the explosion to be ten times anything she could achieve packing her more conventional explosives into a warhead.

    Painting Fishbones had naturally been her penultimate task, and she didn¡¯t skimp out ¡ª not that she ever did¡­

    It was enough to get her mind off things, at least ¡ª decorating a giant, metal, missile-launching shark bazooka and its big, scary, red projectile to boot.

    That¡¯s to say, it did for the most part¡­ she hadn¡¯t managed to completely scrub the vague, week-old smell of smoke from her clothes¡­

    She¡¯d found herself feeling a little lonelier than usual, too ¡ª everybody including her father seemed to be busy preparing, cranking business dealings into overdrive, as though something big were about to happen¡­

    She knew something was, but she¡¯d promised Silco not to go blabbing about it to everybody. Though, she couldn¡¯t say she was as excited about it as everyone else¡­ part of her already missed the days when he only ran a small-time operation, with her as his little secret weapon, building bombs and learning how to fight properly¡­ before the Shimmer enterprise had become what it was now¡­

    She could only imagine with trepidation what things might be like with her father ascending from de facto mob leader to a real, big-time political ruler of a nation.

    Zaun¡­

    It was his dream, really¡­

    As much as he¡¯d proselytized to her about it, it had only ever been words to her. She¡¯d certainly never fancied herself as an idealist. All she wanted was¡­

    Well¡­

    In truth, she mostly only fixated on the things she didn¡¯t want¡­

    She didn¡¯t want to be left again¡­

    While she enjoyed paying back tenfold every enemy who might ever try to do her harm, the only satisfaction she really gained from it all was the feeling that she might finally be strong enough not to be seen as weak¡­

    It seemed silly, sometimes¡­ she wasn¡¯t weak, not anymore ¡ª she saw how people feared her¡­

    She¡¯d just figured that one of these days it¡¯d all have been enough to silence those echoes of her past that still tormented her¡­

    No¡ª that was what she needed Silco for the most, it seemed¡­

    Sometimes she¡¯d try to imagine how she might go on if she found herself without him, but most of the time the thought only terrified her, and made her feel ill.

    He was the person she did it all for...

    But¡­

    Maybe it didn¡¯t have to be him¡­

    As strange as it made her feel, she¡¯d been missing her new friend.

    The only time she¡¯d really bothered to leave her cave over the week past had been to visit some of the places they¡¯d previously interacted ¡ª she had no idea where it was that he even lived, as he¡¯d never been willing to mention it, and that was assuming he did ever even sleep in the same place twice¡­

    Either way, hoping that they might cross paths again seemed her only chance of finding him.

    Part of her suspected that maybe he just didn¡¯t want to see her ¡ª he did know how to find her, after all¡­

    The day had turned to dusk, it seemed, as she stepped outside with Fishbones strapped to her back.

    ¡®Well, this puppy does need a test-fire¡­¡¯ she thought, pondering different locations that might deserve to have a hole put in them.

    She wore a hood, as she didn¡¯t care to have anybody approach her.

    ¡®Hmm¡­¡¯

    She decided on a brief detour, though she wasn¡¯t entirely sure what compelled it ¡ª she couldn¡¯t recall ever really visiting this place under normal circumstances¡­

    It was only slightly out of the way, but few people seemed to know how to get to the place, which she supposed was probably by design. She kicked a small ladder down, descending half a floor, and continued down a narrow alley until she reached a half-width doorway.

    Inside, it was dark, and it smelled damp.

    Whatever he had going on was always enough to creep even her out¡­

    ¡°Uh, hi¡­¡± she offered.

    Singed peered up at her from a bloody surgical table, his glass eye glinting green under the light of the lamp.

    ¡°¡­What brings you here, child¡­?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Uh, y¡¯know, everybody else is all so busy these days,¡± she began, ¡°you¡¯ve usually got some cool, uh¡­ toys, or whatever, down here¡­¡±

    He hummed in response. ¡°I¡¯m afraid to say that I am no less busy ¡ª I¡¯ve had to move several of my projects ahead of their previous schedules, for various reasons¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­?¡± she replied. She couldn¡¯t help feeling gauche around the strange man. ¡°Uh, anything cool¡­?¡±

    He hesitated before continuing.

    ¡°I fear they may be essential¡­¡± he said, somewhat ominously.

    She glanced over at a large, amphibious looking creature suspended in a cylindrical tank full of fluid, glowing green under the tube lights.

    ¡°What¡ª we running outta fish or something?¡± she joked.

    He removed the nitrile gloves he¡¯d been wearing, and began to clean his hands at a large, metal basin next to where she was standing.

    ¡°It¡­ is my belief that we will not win this coming war, child,¡± he explained, ¡°I have voiced this opinion to Silco several times, but he will not hear it¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she responded.

    He glanced over at her, and the weapon on her back.

    ¡°I understand you¡¯ve managed to get your hands on a piece of the invention which powers their instantaneous displacement gates ¡ª this so-called ¡®Hextech¡¯ technology¡­?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± she chuckled, ¡°you¡¯ll probably mistake it for an earthquake when I test-fire this puppy later¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm, most impressive¡­ however, it will not be enough,¡± he said frankly. ¡°They possess the ability to produce such weapons at an industrial scale, where we do not¡­ I imagine that in such a time, even you will have to once again learn to fear a troop of enforcers¡­¡±

    Jinx wasn¡¯t entirely sure what to say. They did at the very least still have Shimmer, she thought, subconsciously brushing her hand against the pouch on her belt which held her still-unused supply.

    She supposed that the sight of an enforcer did used to be enough to scare her, back when she was¡­

    ¡°¡ªMy work is a contingency, of course,¡± Singed continued, ¡°though I am of the belief that it will save us, it is entirely possible that it will never need to share our air¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Our air?¡± Jinx repeated.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I must continue... uninterrupted, my dear,¡± he said suddenly, attempting to usher her out.

    ¡°Oh¡­ sure¡­¡± she replied, slowly making a move.

    As she passed his surgical table, she got the notion that the blood spattered upon it was unlikely to have been from a human ¡ª damp tufts of fur were strewn about its surface¡­

    ¡°If we should meet again, child¡­¡± he said, before closing the door behind her.

    She stood awkwardly in the alley, unsure what to make of their conversation.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡®Strange fella¡­¡¯ she mused.

    <hr>

    ¡®This world ain¡¯t right¡­¡¯

    It was all he could seem to see ¡ª people looking to get one up on each other. Didn¡¯t make a difference which side of the bridge he was on¡­

    Seemed like he was about to brush with another group of scum, harassing somebody against the wall of the alley for something that wasn¡¯t theirs to take.

    The guy wasn¡¯t willing to give it up, whatever it was.

    ¡®He¡¯s an old man, for fuck¡¯s sake¡­¡¯

    Garou reached for the lid of a nearby dumpster, loudly slamming it closed to gain their attention.

    ¡°You¡¯re blockin¡¯ the way,¡± he growled, ¡°so piss off.¡±

    The largest of them pulled a blade from his jacket, approaching him furiously.

    ¡°The hell¡¯d you just say to me, kid?!¡± he snapped.

    Garou didn¡¯t even feel the need to take a stance against him. He waited until he was in reach¡­

    The guy suddenly pulled back in fright as Garou snatched the blade from him in an instant, turning it toward him in the same motion.

    He held the point half an inch away from the guy¡¯s eye.

    ¡°PISS. OFF¡­¡± he repeated, with a menacing calm.

    The men scattered, leaving the old man to collect himself.

    Garou continued on. The geezer didn¡¯t thank him, and Garou didn¡¯t really care.

    ¡®You¡¯ll spend all your time fightin¡¯ amongst yourselves, instead of¡­¡¯

    He approached the site of the bridge blockade ¡ª rowdy as ever, with the sun starting to go down.

    He drew closer.

    Seemed like some people were being let through ¡ª patted down, orders barked in their ear, paperwork¡­

    He drifted into the angry crowd.

    ¡®You clowns got the same damn color blood in your veins¡­ you think that paper and badges and uniforms really separate ya¡­¡¯

    Somebody was denied ¡ª violently shoved back into the crowd.

    ¡®Maybe if you all just had somethin¡¯ real to fear, instead of fightin¡¯ with each other¡­¡¯

    He felt something brush up against his leg ¡ª some small creature, wearing a helmet.

    It suddenly grabbed him, with its little arms.

    ¡°Hey¡ª beat it¡­¡± he said to it.

    The hazel eyed child looked up at him with a curious expression.

    He reached down and yanked one of her arms away from him.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t your dad ¡ª get lost¡­¡± he reiterated.

    A hand was suddenly placed on his shoulder ¡ª a brown glove.

    ¡°Hey¡ª no children,¡± the enforcer declared.

    Apparently he¡¯d made it to the barrier.

    ¡°It ain¡¯t mine¡­¡± Garou growled, giving his leg a shake, but with no result.

    The enforcer didn¡¯t reply, instead looking him up and down with a disturbed expression.

    Garou noticed that the enforcer had his other arm in a sling against his body.

    The kid seemed to finally get the notion that something was up, pulling away from him slightly.

    A pistol was pulled in front of his face.

    ¡°S-Sir, I¡¯m gonna need you to step over to this side of the barricade,¡± the enforcer said shakily, urging his comrades over.

    ¡®Had to be a damn kid¡­¡¯ he grumbled to himself.

    Garou wasted no time, swiping the gun away from his face and delivering a head-butt to the enforcer¡¯s chest. He felt his sternum shatter as he was sent skidding across the pavement.

    The crowd behind him reacted enthusiastically to the act of defiance, boldly pressing forward as Garou defended himself against another enforcer with the kid still attached to his leg.

    A molotov cocktail spiraled overhead, setting the contingency barrier ablaze, and beginning a full-blown riot.

    Garou ducked his head to the side as a bullet wizzed by him, but the enforcer who¡¯d let it fly was quickly swallowed by the mayhem.

    Garou finally bent down and wrenched the kid off of him properly.

    ¡°You wanna cross¡ª there¡¯s your chance, alright?¡± he scolded.

    He stood back up and began in the other direction ¡ª he didn¡¯t need all of this damned ruckus¡­

    He slipped his hands into his pockets as he walked.

    ¡®Ain¡¯t any different than before¡­ I¡¯m wastin¡¯ time¡­¡¯

    His ears picked up the pitter-patter of small footsteps behind him.

    ¡®Great¡­¡¯

    He stopped, turned and glared at the girl.

    ¡°¡­Got somethin¡¯ to say¡­?¡±

    She opened her mouth slightly, flashing the gap in her front teeth, but no sound emerged.

    ¡®And a mute, too¡­¡¯

    He sighed.

    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna be able to follow me where I¡¯m goin¡¯, kid¡­¡± he grumbled.

    The brat made a little finger-gun gesture, imitating when the enforcers had fired upon him moments ago.

    Garou rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t put it past ¡®em to shoot you too, kid,¡± he said. ¡°Gotta take care of yourself¡­¡±

    He turned to leave, but the pitter-patter sound trailed along behind him.

    ¡®Maybe it just needs some damn food, or something¡­¡¯

    It wasn¡¯t as though he had any coin, but he was sure he could scrounge up something. If nothing else, then¡­

    Maybe Blue would be less mad to see him if this little thing came along too¡­

    <hr>

    ¡®Well, holy hell¡­¡¯ Jinx exclaimed inwardly as she stared at the pile of rubble she¡¯d created, where a small building had once stood.

    The explosion had created a kind of fantastic, blue light show through the smog ¡ª though, igniting the stuff certainly didn¡¯t make it smell any better¡­

    The sparse few crows that had flocked from the site when the excitement took place began to glide back over, squawking at her unappreciatively.

    ¡®Yeah, yeah¡­ at least you weren¡¯t inside¡­¡¯ she imagined telling them, sticking her tongue out instead.

    She¡¯d checked the place for Shimmer-heads well enough, before she¡¯d blown the place to hell.

    Hard to imagine people living down here¡­

    She reached for the strap looped to her waist. The weapon attached to it wasn¡¯t her normal pistol, but something else she¡¯d been working on.

    She bent over and plucked the gemstone from its little hatch inside of Fishbones.

    ¡®You¡¯re not the only one getting a test-fire, you ugly old fish,¡¯ she thought in its direction.

    The new pistol took the gemstone right in its barrel, and a copper channeling guide-point fastened over the top of it with a click.

    ¡¯This one ought¡¯a make a lot less mess¡­¡¯

    She practiced her quick-draw, scaring off a couple of crows in the process, before finally deciding on a target ¡ª some kind of old, hanging sign, its contents long past being legible.

    She took a breath before squeezing the trigger.

    She felt her brain vibrate, as what she could only describe as an arrow fashioned from a bolt of lightning exited the barrel. The metal sign swung back and forth erratically from the impact, and had been zapped to the point of audibly sizzling.

    She grinned, the weapon exceeding her expectations.

    ¡®Might even replace ol¡¯ reliable¡­¡¯ she thought.

    She heard the crunch of dirt behind her, causing her to spin around.

    A cloaked, hunched figure halted before her, their head twitching slightly.

    ¡°Y-you g-got the b-batch f-for us¡­?¡± they managed, their voice hoarse and pained.

    She always felt a little on-edge around Shimmer-heads.

    ¡°Don¡¯t come closer,¡± she urged, ¡°I ain¡¯t got anything for ya, pal¡­¡±

    Their head twitches became more extreme.

    ¡°S-s-smell it¡­¡± they muttered.

    ¡®Oh¡­¡¯ she thought.

    She half-considered leaving it for them, just so that they¡¯d move along, but she wondered what the point would be ¡ª they¡¯d be in the same damn spot again in a few hours after the high wore off¡­

    ¡°Listen, pal,¡± she replied, ¡°part of me¡¯s itching to see what this thing does to a person, and trust me when I say you wouldn¡¯t wanna be around for that¡­¡±

    The Shimmer-head responded by visibly shuddering, before turning to hobble away from her.

    She stood and stared after them for a moment.

    It was strange to think that there was a certain point at which such a thing could change you forever¡­ a point where you could no longer come back, and you¡¯d never be the same again¡­

    She guessed she couldn¡¯t really see what all the fuss about the stuff was in the first place, much less imagine it becoming the fixation of one¡¯s entire life¡­

    She holstered Zapper, and began to get ready to leave.

    Her ears pricked up again.

    The cloaked figure had returned, this time with their fists full of coin, loudly crunching against each other.

    ¡°I said no,¡± she called out.

    They were undeterred, hurriedly approaching her with their head bowed.

    She drew her weapon again, taking a slight step back.

    ¡°You hearing me, creep?¡± she said, ¡°I don¡¯t want your coin¡­ your¡­¡±

    ¡®Blood¡­¡¯

    Many of the small, golden medallions were stained crimson red, which didn¡¯t leave her optimistic that¡ª

    She suddenly felt a sharp pain in the side of her leg as she was backing up, causing her to cry out.

    She spun around to see another cloaked figure, making a crude swing at her with a small knife.

    Hands from behind her clawed and grabbed at the pouch on her waist, while she attempted to clear enough space for herself to fire a shot.

    ¡°Get the hell off!¡± she yelled.

    The knife-wielder nicked her again, but this time on the forearm. She pushed through, smashing the butt of the handle into their face, and using the window to get a shot off.

    The knife was dropped as they convulsed and writhed on the ground.

    Jinx spun around, hoping to hit the initial attacker with the same move, but they instead dropped to the ground, dragging themself away through dirt to be out of striking range.

    She shot a bolt at them anyway.

    ¡®What the hell¡­¡¯ she thought, catching her breath.

    Though¡­

    A golden glint caught her eye ¡ª her Shimmer injector lay on the ground next to the one she¡¯d just shot, purple ooze dripping from the tip of the needle. They suddenly weren¡¯t as incapacitated as their accomplice¡­

    The delayed effect of the stimulant caused them to contract their entire body initially, before leaping at her with a burst of speed that caught her before she could even think to raise her weapon again.

    ¡®Crap¡­''

    She fought and clawed against them, but they were strong. She knew that to fire a bolt at them would also mean that she¡¯d be shocking herself, but it was quickly becoming her only recourse ¡ª the knife dropped from before was out of reach.

    Their body suddenly went limp.

    She kicked and heaved them off of her, while they gargled up purple fluid, completely catatonic all of a sudden.

    ¡®Weird¡­¡¯

    She supposed it was something to do with the micro-dosage ¡ª their body seemed to take it hard and fast¡­

    She needed to get back, to tend to her wounds if nothing else.

    The injector lay on the ground before her, and she considered leaving it.

    ¡®I guess I could clean it¡­¡¯ she decided.

    The slice out of her thigh stung her with every movement, but she slung Fishbones back over her shoulder through gritted teeth, and began back up the way she came.

    She couldn¡¯t help but check over her shoulder any time she heard a noise in the darkness¡­

    As she returned, she found the door to her workshop to be less than sealed shut the way she¡¯d left it.

    She silently groaned. She couldn¡¯t particularly imagine why Silco would bother snooping around in¡ª

    ¡®Oh¡­!¡¯

    She stood in startlement for a few moments, before the pain from her leg reminded her of its presence. She heaved Fishbones onto the floor beside her, and found a place to sit down.

    The expression on Garou¡¯s face read as¡­ bashfulness¡­? Something seemed up, at least¡­

    ¡°You really like to just waltz in here whenever you please, huh?¡± she opened.

    He grunted awkwardly.

    ¡°Figured I¡¯d find you here, y¡¯know¡­¡± he said.

    Jinx winced as she reached for some gauze for her leg.

    ¡°Hurt yourself, or somethin¡¯?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she answered, dousing the gash in alcohol and rocking back and forth to deal with its sting.

    Garou wandered over to look at her.

    She stared back up at him. She wasn¡¯t sure why, but she felt a little self-conscious around him, all of a sudden.

    ¡°Probably ain¡¯t gonna heal right, if you don¡¯t sew it up¡­¡± he offered.

    ¡°Damn¡­¡± she replied, ¡°or¡ª I mean, I know¡­¡±

    ¡°I could, uh¡­¡± he began, ¡°I¡¯ve had a few like it before, I could, y¡¯know, show you¡­¡±

    He was being weird¡­

    ¡°But, uh, listen,¡± he said, ¡°before you go screamin¡¯ in pain and everythin¡¯¡­ I didn¡¯t wanna spring it on you at a bad time¡­¡±

    He was looking past her, prompting her to turn in her chair.

    ¡®Well, that¡¯s a new one¡­¡¯ she thought, her eyes coming upon an unexpected sight.

    ¡°It seemed like it needed somethin¡¯, y¡¯know, to eat,¡± he continued. ¡°Hope you weren¡¯t savin¡¯ that candy for some occasion¡­¡±

    The kid was real tiny, sitting over by Jinx¡¯s bed helping herself to her toffees. Seemed shy, too ¡ª didn¡¯t say ¡®hi¡¯ to her or anything, just sort of stared, reading her, but keeping her answers to herself.

    Jinx shot Garou a highly quizzical expression.

    ¡°What¡­?¡± he quietly scowled. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask the brat to follow me¡­¡±

    Jinx didn¡¯t believe him.

    She¡¯d always suspected the guy had a soft side¡­

 Chapter 10: The Path Forwardâ€¦

    ¡®No¡ª mother, please¡­¡¯

    She writhed around with disconcertment, clawing at her binding.

    ¡®You¡¯ll be in danger¡­ Jayce too¡ª you mustn¡¯t¡­¡¯

    Her mouth was dry. She hadn¡¯t tasted water in¡­

    ¡®I can pull myself out of this¡­ don¡¯t give them what they want¡ª¡®

    Caitlyn¡¯s eyes fluttered open. She hadn¡¯t even been asleep, only in some type of waking dream haze.

    Voices. From the room ahead of her.

    ¡°¡ªThat¡¯s not what I heard. I¡¯ve heard that some burly chick from Noxus has stopped by to whisper war strategy with the Piltovan Council¡ª¡°

    It was a squeakier, male voice ¡ª not one she recognized¡­

    She let her head roll down in front of her, giving her tired neck a rest. She barely had the wherewithal to analyze what was happening in the next room, not in her current state¡­

    She lamented how things had managed to go from bad to worse for her.

    From all she¡¯d managed to learn from her previous captors, this was not somewhere she wanted to be.

    She¡¯d found herself in the lion¡¯s den¡­

    ¡°¡ªa path that doesn¡¯t get us all blown to hell, Silco¡­?¡±

    Her ears pricked up, as she attempted to focus. If Silco was actually there¡­

    ¡°You forget our leverage, Finn,¡± said a sleek, but authoritative voice. ¡°We also have deterrence ¡ª Jinx has successfully weaponized the Hextech gemstone, and Topside will be made aware of this in no uncertain terms¡ª¡°

    ¡°The words of somebody who has no intention to simply deter ¡ª you want this war!¡± another voice cut in. ¡°We all know it¡¯s been your goal from the beginning, Silco ¡ª there¡¯s no use denying it!¡±

    ¡°As always, Renni, you lack the vision to glimpse the entire picture,¡± Silco shot back. ¡°There is no overstating the current strength of our hand¡ª¡°

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, the Kiramman chick tied up outside,¡± the squeaky voice spoke up again, ¡°you think you¡¯re gonna negotiate for the whole bag just with her?¡±

    Caitlyn attempted to calm the rage she felt at herself ¡ª she¡¯d allowed herself to become a pawn in this¡­

    ¡°¡ªeven if we were only to settle for the release of a handful of our people from Stillwater¡ª¡°

    She tried to think.

    ¡®This ¡®Jinx¡¯ character¡­ presumably Silco¡¯s top lieutenant¡­ she¡¯s created a weapon using Jayce¡¯s gemstone which could incite a war¡­¡¯

    Her stomach turned at the prospect of it all.

    ¡®Somebody from Noxus¡­ is it to be believed? That our councilors are being influenced in a similar direction by some warmonger¡­?¡¯

    Part of her couldn¡¯t imagine the Jayce she knew authorizing the creation of mass weaponry out of Hextech, and yet¡­

    ¡°¡ªYou all understand that there is no opportunity without risk,¡± Silco continued. ¡°The kind of power you¡¯ve all tasted thus far, from the dirt I dug it out of for you, is nothing compared to what I promise now¡­¡±

    She had to put a stop to this. She had to find a way¡­

    ¡®Or you¡¯ll never see them again¡­¡¯ her tormenting thoughts crept up on her.

    She was struggling to stay conscious¡­

    She heard the clank of the door swinging open ¡ª a haze of light shone through the burlap covering her face.

    She was being moved, again¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°¡ªand then you just go over it straight, like that,¡± Jinx explained, demonstrating a touch-up of her colored fingernails. ¡°I always go pink and blue, but I got some other shades if ya don¡¯t wanna match¡ª¡°

    The girl seemed to prefer the idea of the two of them wearing the same color, her small hands reaching for the brush Jinx was holding.

    ¡°Mm,¡± she smiled a little at the girl¡¯s choice.

    She looked over at Garou for a moment, who was cleaning a needle off in the bathtub.

    It had certainly hurt, she remembered, glancing down at her freshly sewn up wound. At least, it probably hurt less than it would¡¯ve had she tried to do it herself¡­

    ¡°Wow, look at ya go,¡± she commented at the child¡¯s work. ¡°Now, all ya gotta worry ¡®bout is people finding you kooky, but we don¡¯t gotta care what any of them think,¡± she went on.

    The kid gave her a look in response ¡ª determined? Glad? ¡­Hungry? It was hard to tell.

    ¡®Kids this age usually talk, right?¡¯ she thought quizzically.

    Garou wandered over toward them both, holding a roll of bandages.

    ¡°So you really ain¡¯t gonna tell me what this one was doing with you, huh?¡± she pestered.

    ¡°Already told you,¡± he grumbled, ¡°thing just started followin¡¯ me¡­¡±

    She pursed her lips.

    ¡°Well, you must¡¯a been up ta something interesting this past week¡­ took you this long to come see me¡­¡± she said, abandoning any subtlety.

    He ignored her, instead unspooling and tearing off a length of dressing with his teeth.

    He knelt down with it in his hand, before seemingly thinking better of it.

    ¡°Probably defeats the point if you go over the clothes with it¡­¡± he said awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it here¡­¡±

    He stood back up and began to walk away.

    She finally spoke up once he¡¯d made it halfway to the exit, rising to her feet herself. ¡°You¡¯re not leaving again are you¡­?¡±

    He returned a look of mild confusion.

    She rolled her eyes a little. ¡°You could just turn around, numbskull¡­ it¡¯ll only take, like, a minute¡­¡±

    He still looked mildly uncomfortable, but did as he was told, moving toward a seat nearby and facing the other way.

    She was finding the way he acted more amusing than usual.

    The girl seemed to have been intently observing their interaction from the floor, having finished with her nail art.

    ¡°Just need a sec to patch myself up, kid,¡± Jinx said to her, handing her a set of fluorescent paint markers. ¡°Go ¡®head, let¡¯s see if you¡¯re a better doodler than me.¡±

    The girl took to her task, looking around elsewhere for inspiration.

    She felt a sting as she pulled her partially torn clothing away from her skin. The wound looked to have sealed, and there was no fresh blood, so she got to work wrapping it up.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta see Fishbones in action, by the way,¡± she called out to him while she worked.

    She waddled over to the table beside her for the bandage fastener Garou had left, before delicately pulling her pants back over it.

    She turned back toward him, seeing him checking out the weapon where she¡¯d left it, near the entrance.

    ¡°I¡¯m all done, by the way,¡± she added, hopping over to him.

    He looked at her. ¡°You¡¯re all ¡®bout things that go boom, ain¡¯tcha¡­?¡±

    She giggled enthusiastically. ¡°It was sooo loud¡­!¡±

    He smiled a little, but didn¡¯t share any further thoughts.

    She suddenly felt unsure what to say to him ¡ª part of her wanted to interrogate out of him why he¡¯d bothered coming back again, while at the same time tell him that she wished he¡¯d done so sooner¡­

    The silence between them in that moment was doing little to assuage her.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Thought about leavin¡¯ you be, by the way¡­¡± he eventually began, shooting a glance her way. ¡°Ain¡¯t so bad down here, though¡­¡±

    An odd feeling tickled her chest, hearing for the first time from him that he might actually enjoy spending time with her.

    ¡°Here I thought you were just here to dump a kid on me and go,¡± she joked.

    He turned to look at her, and then at the girl.

    ¡°If you give it a name¡­ don¡¯t make it stupid,¡± he said after a moment.

    She furrowed her brow playfully.

    ¡°Jeez, excuse you,¡± she returned. She began to walk over to check on her. ¡°Maybe she¡¯ll tell us her name!¡± she called over her shoulder.

    Surprisingly, Garou hopped up to join them.

    Jinx smirked when she noticed what the girl had decided to draw.

    ¡°She might have a little crush on ya or something¡­¡± Jinx remarked with a smirk.

    He shook his head derisively.

    ¡°¡­That really what my hair looks like from the back, eh¡­?¡± he commented.

    The girl looked up at them both, proud of herself.

    ¡°Yeah¡ª not bad, kiddo,¡± Jinx said, offering a high-five the girl didn¡¯t seem to know what to do with.

    The air suddenly felt like it had changed. Had the entry door swung open or something¡­?

    She got her answer without having to move.

    Silco¡¯s eyes were as piercing as a snake¡¯s ¡ª both of them¡­

    He traipsed toward the three of them with slow, measured steps, giving her mind time to spin in circles for some sort of explanation that he might not hate.

    He always seemed to feel a tad more intimidating when he wore his big, red-collared coat¡­

    He stopped only briefly to notice Fishbones sitting on its side on the floor, as he walked by it.

    They were silent by the time he reached them. He acknowledged Garou first, in some brief, determined stare-down between the two of them, before his gaze finally settled on the kid.

    ¡®Well, he doesn¡¯t seem so mad¡ª¡®

    ¡°¡­I thought we might talk, Jinx¡­¡± he declared, shooting her a look.

    She nodded wordlessly, unsure what tone would have been wise to take.

    Silco glanced purposefully over at Garou again, before slowly turning to leave, her trailing behind.

    ¡°Um¡­ be back soon¡­¡± she murmured at Garou.

    She followed him back to The Last Drop in silence, trudging along behind him in suspense of what he might say to her when they finally did speak.

    They reached the stairs to his office, passing by Sevika, who didn¡¯t seem to notice her for once.

    Silco surprised her by not reaching to light up his cigar the moment he¡¯d sat down.

    He let out a wistful sigh, instead.

    She approached with some uncertainty, but his body language seemed to invite her over, oddly enough ¡ª she climbed up to his desk as she always did, assuming her usual spot atop it.

    ¡°It took a spirited discussion, but the Chem-Barons eventually assented,¡± he began, as though it were business as usual. ¡°We have their seals, each and every one of them¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s good¡­¡± Jinx replied.

    ¡°Mm,¡± he continued. ¡°How did your test-fire go¡­?¡±

    ¡°Uh, good, it¡¯s big, it¡¯s definitely¡ª yeah¡­¡±

    He nodded, before turning toward the window for a moment.

    ¡°Where is the gemstone right now¡­?¡± he asked.

    ¡°On me,¡± she assured, giving a pat to the gun on her belt she¡¯d taken to calling Zapper.

    He slowly swung back around to face her.

    ¡°You know,¡± he said, ¡°I truly never thought I would find myself feeling reluctant to place all of my cards on the table¡­ to play my entire hand¡­¡±

    She wasn¡¯t sure where this was coming from.

    ¡°¡­What do you mean?¡± she wondered.

    He met her eyes for a moment.

    ¡°¡­You did never mention to me that your pointy-haired friend returned to assist us with dispatching the Firelights¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, uh, yeah...¡± she bumbled. ¡°Seems like he has trouble staying away from a fight¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± he responded, before pausing for a moment.

    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t plan to spring on me that you¡¯ve both adopted that child together¡­?¡± he eventually said.

    Her face began to go red, while she angled herself away from him.

    ¡°You¡¯re being silly, c¡¯mon¡­¡± she mumbled.

    He managed a small chuckle.

    ¡°He¡­¡± she began, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I like it when he¡¯s around, I guess¡­ he¡¯s kinda funny when he wants to be¡­¡±

    Silco moved himself a little closer to where she was sitting.

    ¡°I¡­ suppose I¡¯ve always taken your commitment for granted, all of these years, Jinx,¡± he said. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m best off simply asking you, whether you feel that you¡¯re prepared for this¡­ what we¡¯re about to do¡­?¡±

    She chewed on her lip, while she tried her best to understand what he was really asking of her.

    ¡°I need you behind me on this, Jinx¡­¡± he added. ¡°We can rid the world of every circumstance which ever caused you harm, which caused those we once trusted to betray us¡­ we can have it all burn¡­¡±

    She crawled over and into his arms, misty-eyed.

    She wasn¡¯t even upset¡­ he just had a way of dragging up old feelings, sometimes.

    She could tell how important this was to him¡­

    ¡°So¡­¡± she sniffed, ¡°what do we do¡­?¡±

    He lifted her away from him, and back to a seated position.

    ¡°That letter of mine you read, little over a week ago,¡± he began, ¡°the Piltovan Council will receive it on the morrow¡­¡±

    She listened as intently as she could.

    ¡°Our two bargaining chips, as it were ¡ª the councillor¡¯s daughter, and your weapon¡­¡± he went on, ¡°I plan to leverage them both, however the power of your weapon must be demonstrated to¡ª¡°

    They were both distracted by a commotion outside.

    All manner of noises could be heard ¡ª yelling, clanging, a strange hissing¡­ Jinx saw flashes of blue light up Silco¡¯s window¡­

    Sevika burst through the door, a piece of cloth over her mouth.

    ¡°Boss,¡± she coughed, ¡°it¡¯s bad ¡ª enforcers, a whole troop of ¡®em¡­ gas¡­¡±

    Silco appeared bewildered, rising from his desk to follow her.

    He turned to Jinx quickly. ¡°Do not reveal yourself¡­¡± he urged.

    She tugged gently on his arm in protest. ¡°Wait¡ª we can leave the other way¡­!¡± she loudly whispered.

    ¡°It¡¯s only a show of force to have me meet with them,¡± he assured her. ¡°Fear not, child¡­¡±

    She attempted to think straight, as he began downstairs with Sevika. She only had Zapper on her, as well as a single Chomper grenade.

    ¡®Need a way to deal with the gas¡­¡¯ she thought as she hastily crept toward the window down the hall she occasionally used as an alternate entrance.

    She could faintly hear their conversation, as she scanned for a way she might reach the roof of the place.

    ¡°¡ªa surprise to see you back here at all, Marcus¡­¡± spoke Silco, with his usual bravado.

    ¡°We¡¯re here for the Kiramman girl ¡ª you won¡¯t keep her from us,¡± Marcus replied, not mincing words. ¡°Your people don¡¯t hold up as well against this stuff as you do.¡±

    She had a vantage point, now. The green gas surrounded The Last Drop, and so did the masked enforcers, puffing loudly through their respirators.

    The two armored chemtank soldiers which guarded the door had fallen, motionless¡­

    She looked at the enforcers again. Their weapons¡­ every damned second one of them had one¡­ a blue, glowing gem embedded near the firing pin of the rifles they carried.

    It was Singed¡¯s words which were echoing in the back of her mind¡­ maybe this was more than she could handle¡­

    ¡°¡ªis hardly a place I¡¯d expect a councillor¡¯s daughter to frequent,¡± Silco taunted. ¡°I do wonder who might have given you this false tip¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d be taking a little closer look at your allies, Silco¡­¡± Marcus returned. ¡°Listen, I know this girl has a penchant for sticking her nose where it doesn¡¯t belong ¡ª we can do this without an arrest¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not pretend as though you¡¯d be arresting me for such a thing¡­¡± Silco shot back.

    She watched every single enforcer aim their weapons in unison, seemingly in response to some gesture by Marcus.

    ¡°You¡¯re making a mistake,¡± he held. ¡°You must understand ¡ª they won¡¯t forgive this¡­¡±

    ¡°I think they¡¯ll forgive you just fine,¡± Silco countered, ¡°even if you return empty handed.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t be leaving here without the girl,¡± he declared.

    Two enforcers began to approach where Silco would¡¯ve been standing.

    ¡®You won¡¯t be leaving here at all¡­¡¯ Jinx decided, seeing red.

    Her Chomper flew, chattering through the air at the left-most side of their formation, while Jinx strafed toward the opposite end of the roof, Zapper in hand.

    She knew the gas wasn¡¯t very flammable, else it¡¯d have been too easy, she figured¡­

    The explosion distracted the enforcers into facing the other direction, allowing her to get three quick shots in before she was spotted. The electrification of Zapper¡¯s projectiles was amplified upon impacting her targets¡¯ foolhardy brass armor, sending them careening over.

    She managed to glimpse Sevika getting in on the action before having to take cover. She felt some relief.

    ¡®Keep him safe, you¡¯ll at least have done something right¡­¡¯ she thought in her direction.

    She scrunched up her nose as she noticed that the copper tip of her weapon had become red-hot, so much so that it steamed.

    ¡®Of course I brought a damn prototype¡­¡¯ she cursed herself.

    She looked on with further dread as a set of canisters were lobbed over her head and onto the roof behind her, spewing out more green gas.

    It was already agitating her eyes, before she could even think to cover her nose and mouth.

    She searched around frantically for a way down that wouldn¡¯t get her shot¡­

    There ¡ª a ladder she could kick down, if she could reach it. Her vision was already becoming blurred, her eye makeup streaming down her face¡­

    A blue charged shot wizzed past her face ¡ª they¡¯d already managed to encircle her. She fired off her overheating weapon instinctually, in the direction she¡¯d been shot at, hoping it¡¯d hold on for just a little longer¡­

    She slipped.

    Crap¡­

    Her tumble off the roof was broken by bumping herself against the eaves of a lower level, slowing her momentum enough to temporarily find a hold.

    They didn¡¯t let up shooting ¡ª she had to immediately drop herself the rest of the way to avoid their fire. She zapped an enforcer in the face on the way down, though she suspected she¡¯d pushed her weapon to its breaking point.

    She held the thing up, and missed her next target, badly ¡ª the copper guide-point end had all but melted from the heat.

    Double-crap¡­

    There was no cover. She held her hand up, imagining it might do something, and closed her eyes painfully.

    No shots came.

    The hits the enforcers took sounded painful ¡ª she wished she could make any of it out through her hazed-over eyes.

    She reached out in front of her, as his silhouette drew closer¡­

    ¡°Here¡ª don¡¯t breathe the shit,¡± Garou urged her, handing her a large swathe of dark cloth.

    ¡°Silco¡ª!¡± she pleaded, as he turned around to continue fighting. ¡°Make sure he¡¯s safe...¡±

    He grunted in the affirmative, and rushed forward, further into the green haze.

    She held the cloth he¡¯d given her up to her face ¡ª it did help, a little.

    ¡®Is it¡­ his shirt¡­?¡¯ she wondered of the size of it.

    Jinx holstered the defunct Zapper, instead picking up one of their Hextech weapons¡­ It was crude, at best, from all she could feel of it, probably designed more to look elegant rather than to pack a punch¡­

    ¡®At least it fires straight¡­¡¯ she confirmed, testing it on the face of an unconscious enforcer, on the ground beside her.

    ¡®Ain¡¯t getting up from that one, pal¡­¡¯ she thought, bitterly.

    She circled around to the entrance of The Last Drop, observing few enforcers left standing. The ones left were otherwise occupied, anyway¡­

    She smirked to herself, listening to Garou beat the snot out of them.

    Jinx burst through the doors, checking the corners for anyone who might¡¯ve snuck inside. It was only Silco ¡ª he sat panting at a table, blood running from his nose.

    She lowered the rifle and ran to him. They embraced tightly, her tears turning real.

    ¡°Tried to get in on the action, huh¡­?¡± she somberly joked.

    ¡°Marcus ¡ª he socked me before attempting to deal with you,¡± he winced. ¡°Surprised the boy had it in him¡­¡±

    His eye was clearly bugging him.

    ¡°We should get you upstairs¡ª¡° she offered.

    Sevika burst through the door next, heading straight for the sink behind the bar and splashing water aggressively over her face. She did it only with one hand ¡ª her mechanical arm looked to be all but disabled.

    ¡°So who the fuck ratted?!¡± she posed to Silco.

    He sighed.

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to clean house, it seems¡­¡± he stated indignantly.

    The three of them turned to the door in unison, as the final person entered.

    Garou trudged in, bare-chested and exhausted, his eyes and face red with strain from gulping lungfuls of the gas outside. Blood oozed from his knuckles. Something was up with his shoulder, though¡­

    ¡°Hey, thanks for covering me back there, kid,¡± Sevika said, wandering out from behind the bar. ¡°Oh¡ª you¡¯re hit¡­¡±

    Jinx rose to her feet.

    ¡°Eh¡­? It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Garou grunted.

    It wasn¡¯t nothing ¡ª he had an entire Hextech round embedded in his shoulder blade, continuing to give off blue, electrical discharge as it hung from his charred flesh.

    ¡°Get the boy a shirt,¡± Silco chimed in wearily, ¡°and then send him to see Singed¡­¡±

    Jinx glanced at Silco, before hurrying over to give Garou his shirt back.

    ¡°Should probably get that out¡­¡± she said to him.

    ¡°¡­Maybe you ca¡ª¡° he began, before faltering on his feet.

    She reached out to hold him, but he was heavy ¡ª his body thudded onto the floor.

    He was out like a light¡­

 Chapter 11: Tipping Pointâ€¦

    ¡°¡ªout, you¡¯ll hit his head¡­¡°

    ¡°¡ªcan take another bump¡­¡±

    Their voices were a haze around him.

    ¡°¡ªwhat Singed¡¯ll do with an unconscious subject¡­¡±

    ¡°¡ªto make sure he doesn¡¯t mess him up, then¡­!¡±

    He could feel them, still ¡ª small shards of steel lodged in his flesh. Magic lookin¡¯ bullet must¡¯ve exploded in his shoulder. Strange type of pain¡­

    ¡°¡ªknow if you can hear me¡­ needa check on the kid, I¡¯m hoping you put her somewhere safe¡­¡±

    He had at least done that ¡ª kid would¡¯ve fallen off the damn edge if he¡¯d left it to roam around on its own¡­

    ¡°¡ªtook a shot, looks to be Hextech¡­¡±

    ¡°¡ªon his hand, also¡­ he deflected it¡­?¡±

    He needed to get off of this wacko¡¯s operating table ¡ª he¡¯d be fine, just needed to move¡­

    Wake up, damn it¡­

    His body was probably just recovering, spending all the energy his brain would be using. Maybe this was a part of gettin¡¯ stronger¡­

    ¡°¡ªcutting into him for¡­?!¡±

    ¡°¡ªability to regenerate cell structures unlike anything I¡¯ve seen in a¡­¡±

    ¡°¡ªnot keeping him¡­!¡±

    ¡°¡ªas you wish, child¡­¡±

    Seemed like she was lookin¡¯ out for him at least¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­.

    ¡­..

    Garou¡¯s eyes twitched open, his muscles regaining their strength with a jolt.

    His body felt as though it had just been laying in a fire or something¡­

    He slowly sat himself up, with a wince.

    ¡®Mad lookin¡¯ geezer¡­¡¯ he observed of the figure cleaning some strange residue from his hands on the far side of the dingy lair he found himself in.

    The man must¡¯ve heard him wake.

    ¡°I had expected you to pull through¡­¡± the man opened, half-pleasantly.

    Garou grimaced, checking over his wound. Dark scar tissue, but it seemed to have healed over, at least.

    ¡°I¡¯d considered giving you something to speed along the process,¡± the man continued. ¡°However, I was surprised to find your body didn¡¯t seem to require it¡­¡±

    The man moved toward him, eyeing the affected shoulder.

    ¡°I removed the foreign material from the flesh¡­ you produce new tissue quite rapidly, no signs of hypergranulation¡­ impeccable¡­¡± he mused.

    Garou grunted, shuffling himself off of the bench, out of the man¡¯s reach.

    ¡°Told ¡®em I¡¯d be fine¡­¡± he grumbled. ¡°Where¡¯s the way outta here¡­?¡±

    The door creaked open loudly behind him.

    It was her ¡ª long blue braids swayin¡¯ about.

    ¡°Hey¡­ you woke up,¡± she said, sounding relieved.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t dyin¡¯ that easy¡­¡± he remarked.

    She smiled a little.

    ¡°Wait¡ª where¡¯s Sevika?! She was supposed to¡ª¡° she began.

    ¡°He¡¯s unharmed, child¡­¡± the old dude chimed in from behind him.

    She looked him over, as though verifying it was true.

    ¡°Looked pretty messed up before, you know¡­ wow¡­¡± she commented on his healed wound. She reached out as though to touch it, but pulled back after a moment.

    ¡°Oh¡ª um, I found where you put Isha, by the way, so,¡± she said, quickly changing the subject, ¡°I, uh, y¡¯know, I¡¯m sure she appreciates it¡­¡±

    He checked that the old dude wasn¡¯t creepily listening in on them or anything before he responded.

    Her gave her a look. ¡°Isha¡­?¡± he wondered, slipping his shirt back on.

    She looked a little embarrassed, or something. ¡°Yeah, I¡ª y¡¯know, I wanted some kinda placeholder until she tells us her actual name,¡± she responded. ¡°Or, maybe she never does¡ª in which case, Isha¡­!¡±

    He merely raised an eyebrow at her.

    Seemed like it wasn¡¯t the reaction she was hoping for.

    ¡°Jeez, you can ask me why I chose it later, then¡­¡± she huffed.

    She turned to leave, so he gingerly followed her out.

    The old dude didn¡¯t try to farewell them or anything.

    His vision still had to adjust a little, as they stepped outside onto the street.

    The air was cold.

    ¡°Hey, um,¡± she suddenly said, slowing to a stop, ¡°I think he wants to talk with you, by the way¡­¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± he replied.

    ¡°You know¡­ he wants to talk¡­¡± she restated.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± he said. ¡°What, am I at his beck and call now, or somethin¡¯?¡±

    She rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡ª whatever, you don¡¯t have to¡­ he just told me to tell you¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, sounds like to give me some kind of recruitment speech¡­¡± he grunted.

    She met his eyes. ¡°Wh¡ª I don¡¯t get it then, why do you keep helping us¡­?¡±

    You¡¯re gettin¡¯ pushy, Blue¡­

    ¡°I don¡ª¡° He had to think for a moment. He didn¡¯t really want to make her mad again¡­Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t feel like findin¡¯ you dead, next time I came ¡®round, aight¡­?¡± he replied.

    She continued to pierce him with her stare.

    Not many people could do that to him¡­

    Her eyes finally softened.

    ¡°¡­Um, well, you wanna just, come back with me, then¡­?¡± she asked quietly.

    He flexed his wrist, absent-mindedly.

    ¡°¡­Got a spot for me to sleep, or somethin¡¯?¡± he responded.

    She looked almost as though she were about to laugh.

    ¡°I¡¯ll figure something out,¡± she said. ¡°C¡¯mon¡­¡±

    She waited, seemingly for him to walk ahead of her.

    He did know the way back to her hideout ¡ª guess she was testin¡¯ him¡­

    She seemed to get a kick out of it, at least¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°¡ªJust say that it looks pretty, would ya¡­?¡± she whispered.

    She¡¯d spent the last few hours crudely nailing together and painting a little wooden child¡¯s bed, which Isha had seemingly fallen asleep upon while Jinx had been gone.

    ¡¯She¡¯s all tuckered out¡­¡¯ she thought, worried that she¡¯d started getting the warm and fuzzies about this kid already¡­

    In hindsight, she recognized some of the paint strokes to have been made with a stressful hand, Garou being temporarily half-dead in Singed¡¯s surgery and all, but she didn¡¯t exactly feel like pointing that out to him¡­

    ¡°High sidings were a good idea,¡± he commented. ¡°Won¡¯t fall out to its death¡­¡±

    ¡°Ahh she¡¯ll be fine,¡± she whispered back, amused. ¡°She¡¯s made it this far in life.¡±

    She could tell without even looking that he was shooting her his perplexed look.

    ¡°And¡­ y¡¯know, same with you, I guess,¡± she continued, turning to him. ¡°So, that¡¯s nice¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t need you to go worryin¡¯ ¡®bout me¡­¡± he replied, shying away from her a little.

    ¡°Well, whatever,¡± she whispered, ¡°you¡¯re the one that keeps tryin¡¯ta get himself killed¡ª¡±

    ¡°I ain¡¯t gettin¡¯ killed, I told ya¡­¡± he cut in. ¡°Besides, I was savin¡¯ you, remember¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ uh, thanks for that,¡± she replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t needa thank me¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡ªYou sound like a broken record, you know that?¡± she interjected with a grin.

    He gave her a funny look again.

    ¡°Well, anyway¡­¡± she whispered, ¡°let¡¯s not wake her¡­¡±

    She motioned to Mylo¡¯s loveseat.

    Garou eventually got the hint, and followed her over.

    The place was dim ¡ª she¡¯d only left the purple fluorescents on from when she¡¯d put Isha down to sleep.

    She dropped herself onto her mattress, laying in front of the couch and looking at him in amusement while he figured out what to do with Mylo.

    ¡°You keepin¡¯ this thing for uh, anythin¡¯ in particular¡­?¡± he asked awkwardly.

    She looked at the thing, part of her feeling proud, as though she¡¯d somehow bested it.

    ¡°Just toss it, if ya want,¡± she told him. ¡°Y¡¯know, so you can lay your head.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± he said, dropping the doll behind the loveseat, out of sight.

    ¡®That¡¯s right, Mylo, the grown-ups are talking¡­¡¯

    Garou gave her another strange look, as he found himself a comfortable position.

    ¡°This kinda reminds me of when I was little, y¡¯know,¡± she said, lost in thought. ¡°All sleeping in the same room and all¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± he responded, ¡°yeah, it was sort¡¯ve like that at¡­¡±

    She sat up, suddenly, not about to let him get away with it again.

    ¡°At¡­?¡± she prodded. ¡°You gotta tell me sometime, y¡¯know, or we¡¯ll run outta stuff to talk about¡­¡±

    He side-eyed her. ¡°Just, where I did my training, aight¡­?¡±

    She continued to look at him, expectantly.

    He huffed quietly. ¡°¡­I guess you¡¯d call it a temple ¡ª there was a master, or sometimes a few masters, and we were all disciples¡­ we were made to do all of the upkeep an¡¯ everythin¡¯, y¡¯know, yard work, scrubbin¡¯ tile, all of that type of crap¡­¡±

    ¡°Jeez¡­ were you, like, raised there?¡± she wondered.

    ¡°Was there for the last ten years or somethin¡¯,¡± he answered, ¡°but no, was brought up by my mom¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she replied. ¡°Is she¡­?¡±

    He gruffly shook his head.

    She pursed her lips, looking away for a moment.

    ¡°Y¡¯know, Silco isn¡¯t actually, like, my dad dad, by the way,¡± she said, causing him to raise an eyebrow. ¡°I lost mine a long time ago¡­ don¡¯t remember it all so much¡­¡±

    She saw him shift himself to stare up at the cavern above.

    ¡°Well,¡± he said, ¡°ain¡¯t anybody keepin¡¯ count of these things, anyway¡­¡±

    She supposed he was right¡­

    She noticed he had his arm dangling down off the edge of the seat, with his hand partially resting on her bed. It wasn¡¯t so far away from where hers was, really¡­

    She wondered¡­

    Silco would occasionally hold her by the hand whenever she was feeling particularly distressed, but¡­ she imagined it might feel different, having her hand held by¡­

    He turned his head suddenly, as though he could hear inside of her brain, or something.

    ¡°Y¡¯know¡­ I grew out of wallowin¡¯ ¡®bout this type of stuff a while ago,¡± he said quietly, looking at her hand as well. ¡°But¡­ I guess sometimes it can creep back up on ya¡­¡±

    She thought for a moment.

    ¡°¡­Are you actually gonna, like, stick around, do you think?¡± she whispered. ¡°Like, I don¡¯t know, with everything going on¡­¡±

    He chuckled quietly.

    ¡°Sure, Blue,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll stick around¡­¡±

    She closed her eyes, and felt her fingers interlock with his. He didn¡¯t pull away¡­

    She hoped they¡¯d fall asleep like this¡­

    <hr>

    There was a remarkable quiet out in the fog, in the darkness beyond the harbor, where the sea floor began to drop away from reach, away from fathoming.

    It left one imagining that the world might let them go at any moment, stranding them over the abyss, and leaving them to oblivion¡­

    It would perhaps be a peaceful submission, under some conceivable circumstance, Silco thought.

    He sat in the stillness, while water gently lapped against the sides of their boat as Sevika rowed them out.

    The salty tang of the sea air found his nose ¡ª it felt as familiar as a childhood memory.

    He helped himself to a lungful of it. There was still something he found soothing about it, after all this time¡­

    Their prisoner began to groan awake.

    It looked to be a far from pleasant regaining of consciousness. He leant over, sputtering, his injuries immediately taking their toll. Silco observed the sheer exhaustion on his face as he came to terms with his predicament.

    There was a part of him that still felt pity for the boy¡­

    ¡°I find it regrettable that our paths had to diverge here, Marcus¡­¡± he began. He spoke frankly, as though to an old friend.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure there would have been far more we could have accomplished together,¡± he continued. ¡°I pity that you¡¯ll never be able to see it, the fruits of our years of cooperation¡­¡±

    Marcus took a moment to regain himself.

    ¡°I¡­ I had to¡­¡± he said between labored breaths. ¡°I was¡­ made assurances¡­¡±

    ¡°You mean to tell me that this was all worth it, somehow¡­?¡± Silco calmly replied.

    ¡°They told me¡­¡± Marcus coughed, ¡°that¡­ that my daughter would be protected¡­¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± said Silco. ¡°I must say, that¡¯s quite the level of credibility to assign to those who¡¯d gladly send you to your death¡­¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Marcus continued, ¡°The Noxian¡­ she wants this war¡­ the same one you seek¡­ she wants weaponized Hextech¡­ her daughter¡­ sits on the council¡­ they know you¡¯ve built a weapon with the gemstone¡­ or, at least she¡¯s convinced them that you have¡­ and now¡­ with the Kiramman girl taken¡­¡±

    He trailed off, his voice straining in pain.

    Silco slowly uncapped his flask of water. He leant over and raised it to the boy¡¯s mouth, watching him eagerly accept it.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to know,¡± he said as Marcus finished drinking, ¡°who it was you spoke to from our side¡­¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me¡­¡± Marcus sighed, ¡°the Noxians¡­ they sought them out¡­ I don¡¯t know who it was¡­¡±

    ¡°Really expect us to believe that?¡± Sevika chimed in, while sharpening a blade which protruded from her newly repaired arm.

    ¡°I could¡­ only hazard a guess¡­ seeing as how he¡­ personally¡­ deals to Piltovans¡­¡± Marcus groaned.

    ¡°Finn¡­¡± Sevika concluded to Silco.

    It had been his suspicion also¡­

    Silco took some time to sit in thought.

    ¡¯The Noxians¡­ it must change the equation¡­¡¯ he kept thinking to himself. ¡®Are we really being baited¡­ led to an inevitable demise¡­?¡¯

    He¡¯d begun to feel it creeping up on him, these past few days, this hesitation, this fear¡­ a fear that he worried might cause him to lose his nerve.

    It reminded him of those lessons he¡¯d once learned as a young man, of the follies of seeking power without the will to grasp it¡­ but it also brought to mind some more recent ones. It made him think of Jinx¡­

    She was the key to all of it ¡ª he believed it with every breadth of his being. But¡­

    He hesitated to imagine a world in which Zaun might exist without her in it. He admitted that it pained him, knowing that she¡¯d be at risk, that harm could well come to her, as much as he¡¯d try to prevent it¡­

    He mustn¡¯t let it stop him, he resolved.

    It was all a gamble now¡­

    Sevika had stopped rowing ¡ª they were as far out as they needed to be.

    ¡°There is something in being able to go peacefully, you know,¡± he spoke to Marcus. ¡°Not all of us will be afforded such a courtesy, when our time comes¡­¡±

    He saw the boy¡¯s eyes widen for only a moment, before settling in to resignation. He wasn¡¯t a fool ¡ª he knew why he¡¯d been brought out here¡­

    Silco watched him begin to breathe more steadfastly, shutting his eyes while Sevika slowly shuffled toward his side of the boat.

    Marcus gave a final, curt nod, while Sevika wrapped her arms around his neck in a choke hold.

    He drifted into unconsciousness as peacefully as Silco had promised, before Sevika tipped him backward into the water, the plates chained to his ankles sending him down into the depths.

    The two of them sat silently for a while, accompanied only by the sounds of the sea.

    ¡°¡­Are we really still doing this, boss?¡± Sevika finally said.

    He looked at her.

    ¡°There¡¯s no turning back now...¡± he replied, tepidly. ¡°I still maintain that we have the numbers¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I mean, not like more could ever hurt,¡± she said. ¡°Maybe the Kiramman can trade for some of our guys from Stillwater¡­¡±

    ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± he considered.

    ¡°You think the kid¡¯ll join us¡­?¡± Sevika asked.

    Silco pondered for a moment, gazing out at the sea.

    ¡°¡­If he does, it certainly won¡¯t be out of some allegiance to our cause¡­¡± he answered.

    ¡°Well¡ª allegiance to her, then¡­?¡± she surmised.

    ¡°Mm¡­¡± he hummed.

    He still couldn¡¯t ignore his aversion to it. Though, he could hardly imagine who he¡¯d be to deny her the chance at some type of friendship¡­ and with one her own age at that¡­

    Perhaps the boy would remain loyal to her¡­

    He gave Sevika a look to let her know it was time to begin heading back.

    The beam from Stillwater Hold¡¯s lighthouse faintly lit up the fog around them, as it strobed in their direction.

    There was no denying the boy¡¯s strength as an asset to them, were he to follow them into war.

    He ought to speak with the both of them¡­

 Chapter 12: Respiteâ€¦

    Please¡­

    She shouted at them, screamed, begging them to turn around¡­

    Knew they could hear her ¡ª she knew they could¡­

    They were ignoring her cries¡­

    Stop¡­

    They¡¯d begun to walk away¡­

    She couldn¡¯t follow ¡ª she was falling¡­

    Drowning, in dirt, in rainwater¡­

    It was dark¡­

    She was alone¡­

    All alone¡­

    ¡°Blue¡­¡±

    ¡®Shut up¡ª you¡¯re not really there¡­ neither was Vi¡­ I know it¡¯s not real¡­¡¯

    ¡­

    ¡°¡ªHey, Blue,¡± he repeated.

    She felt his hand on her shoulder, rocking her back and forth.

    Her eyes shot open, her heart still thudding out of her chest.

    Garou sat across from her, observing.

    She¡¯d curled herself up into a ball, it seemed.

    ¡°Think it¡¯s still night out, but¡­¡± he began, gently, ¡°you were tossin¡¯ around a bit¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Jinx spoke shakily. ¡°It¡¯s, uh¡­ it¡¯s fine, I¡¯m okay¡­¡±

    She unfurled herself, trying her best to breathe normally.

    ¡°¡­Should let your lungs fill up all the way before you breathe out,¡± he suggested. ¡°Makes you feel calmer¡­ somethin¡¯ they used¡¯ta teach us, anyway¡­¡±

    She was finding it difficult to focus on his voice, but she tried out what he¡¯d said.

    ¡°¡­Yeah, always thought about it like I was doin¡¯ muscle trainin¡¯ with my lungs,¡± he explained, ¡°like, each time you fill ¡®em all the way is like doin¡¯ a push-up.¡±

    She looked at him as she practiced, hoping he¡¯d continue talking.

    ¡°There you go¡­ well, they¡¯ll be nice and strong for next time, at least,¡± he said.

    It might have been working. Maybe it was just having him here¡­

    ¡°¡­Used to get those kinds¡¯a dreams, too,¡± he suddenly said, in a softer voice. ¡°Ones that feel like they¡¯re suffocatin¡¯ you¡­¡±

    She managed to sit up a bit.

    ¡°So¡­ how¡­?¡± she asked. ¡°How¡¯d you make ¡®em go away¡­?¡±

    He quietly sighed.

    ¡°I, uh¡­ burned it all down, I guess¡­¡± he replied. ¡°Fought everybody that taunted me, ¡¯til they couldn¡¯t lift a so much as a finger¡­¡±

    She turned away a little. She wished she could solve her problems by blowing them all up, or something¡­

    She heard Isha¡¯s light snoring, laying in her bed across from them. She sorta hoped the kid¡¯d make for a good snuggle buddy someday.

    She turned back to Garou.

    ¡°So¡­ everybody over there sucked,¡± she said, ¡°that¡¯s why you came to Piltover?¡±

    He shrugged, looking past her. ¡°I was done playin¡¯ the apprentice¡­¡±

    She thought for a moment, laying herself back down on her side.

    ¡°Is¡­ that why you don¡¯t wanna join us¡­?¡± she wondered.

    He looked at her, seeming a little taken off guard. He took his time before answering.

    ¡°This, uh¡­ this thing you guys got¡­¡± he began, ¡°y¡¯know¡­ you, your old man, that lady¡­ it don¡¯t look like just some job, or whatever ¡ª it¡¯s more like you¡¯s have yourselves some sorta little¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    She found herself hanging on his every word.

    ¡°My, uh¡­ my family, they ain¡¯t here anymore¡­¡± he went on. ¡°And, the losers who tried to replace ¡®em I left with their faces in the dirt, an ocean away¡­ guess I¡¯m just¡­ I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m supposed¡¯ta have one¡­ I mean, I know that ain¡¯t exactly what you¡¯re offerin¡¯, but¡­¡±

    He sure did surprise her sometimes¡­

    ¡°I¡­ um¡­¡± She could hardly prevent her eyes from welling up a little, as she spoke. ¡°I sorta messed things up, with my family before this one, I guess¡­ I didn¡¯t¡­ well, I didn¡¯t really think that I¡¯d ever deserve another chance at all that, but¡­¡±

    Part of her could hardly believe she was managing to talk about any of this without breaking down¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ not really sure I could imagine how I¡¯d have gone on if he hadn¡¯t been there to¡­¡± she continued, gritting through each word, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t think I could ever be alone like that¡­¡±

    He was silent for a moment.

    ¡°¡­That what your dreams are about?¡± he quietly asked.

    Her eyes welled up again, while she attempted to blink it away.

    ¡°Most of the time¡­¡± she responded.

    ¡°Hm¡­¡± He paused again. ¡°You know¡­ since I¡¯m here, I could¡ª¡°

    She found his eyes, hoping it¡¯d prevent him from bailing on what he was about to say.

    ¡°I, uh¡­¡± he said, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I could be your catcher, or somethin¡¯ ¡ª shake you out of it if you¡¯re havin¡¯ one of them dreams¡­¡±

    She hastily wiped away some lingering tears from her eyes.

    ¡°Sweet of ya¡­¡± she managed to giggle. ¡°Don¡¯t much care for how you¡¯re tryin¡¯ta say that Sevika and I are family,¡± she joked, ¡°but, uh¡­ I¡­ I wouldn¡¯t mind that, if you wanted to¡­ I don¡¯t know, live here with me, for a bit¡­¡±

    She saw him smile, just a little, under the dim, purple light.

    <hr>

    ¡°¡ªSo, it¡¯s ready, then¡­?¡± Silco confirmed.

    ¡°It should provide a longer-lasting effect, yes,¡± replied Singed. ¡°I¡¯ve synthesized enough for a week, at least¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± he responded. ¡°And what more do you require exactly, in order to produce the amount we¡¯ll need?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m far less concerned with capacity, than with security,¡± Singed explained. ¡°Having this formula fall into the hands of the common folk may be less than wise¡ª¡°This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Silco¡¯s attention was momentarily captured by the presence of another person in the room with them. Singed wasn¡¯t typically the type to entertain guests¡­

    ¡°¡ªVery well.¡± Silco cut in. ¡°I¡¯ll see it taken care of.¡±

    The stranger sat by in the corner of the lab, hair disheveled, despair written upon his face. He looked to be a younger man¡­

    Singed seemed to notice Silco¡¯s distraction.

    ¡°A mere friend seeking counsel ¡ª don¡¯t mind him¡­¡± Singed assured.

    Silco shook his head, dismissing his own curiosity. ¡°It¡¯s all there, where you usually store it?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± he confirmed.

    Singed looked at him for a moment.

    ¡°Is this to be your only request¡­?¡± he asked, knowingly.

    Silco let out a short exhale.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gained the impression that you¡¯ve been working on something¡­¡± he answered.

    He saw Singed¡¯s facial muscles move just enough that he might have been smirking, beneath his head-wrap.

    ¡°I regret to say that I¡¯m not quite ready for you to see it,¡± said Singed.

    Silco cast an eye at the young man in the corner once more, wondering whether he was subjected to the same level of secrecy.

    ¡°¡­What is it?¡± Silco replied curtly.

    ¡°It is¡­ an organism¡­¡± he answered, hardly giving away the store.

    ¡°A weapon¡­?¡± Silco surmised.

    ¡°An¡­ experiment¡­¡± Singed replied. ¡°But, far be it from me to prevent you from using it as a blunt instrument against our foes, when the time comes¡­¡±

    Silco paused in thought, imagining how poorly things would need to go for him to be resorting to some sort of new monstrosity concocted from the man¡¯s ever-manic mind.

    ¡°I trust you¡¯ll inform me when it¡¯s done,¡± he sighed.

    ¡°Naturally,¡± Singed nodded.

    ¡°¡­We may also benefit from discussing relocation, given the state of affairs,¡± he added, ¡°however, we¡¯ll speak on that when you¡¯re next alone¡­¡±

    ¡°As you wish,¡± Singed replied.

    Silco gruffly took his leave, giving no further thought to the disheveled young man¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°Where d¡¯you usually get food from, ¡®round here¡­?¡± Garou asked, with Isha sat between them at her workbench.

    ¡°Oh¡ª that¡¯s a good idea,¡± Jinx replied eagerly, digging some coin out from a nearby drawer. ¡°Here¡ª could¡¯ya bring us something?¡±

    Garou begrudgingly opened his palm, while Isha turned to watch the transaction take place, seemingly enamored with the shiny items.

    ¡°The stall across from The Last Drop is to die for,¡± Jinx suggested. ¡°If ya like seafood, that is¡­¡±

    Garou slowly got up from his seat. ¡°Whad¡¯ya think I was eatin¡¯, stowed away on a ship all those weeks¡­?¡± he grumbled.

    ¡°¡­Oranges?¡± she teased.

    He gave a little scoff, plucking Isha¡¯s helmet from the table and placing it on her head, giving it a playful shake. She gave a glimmer of a smile back at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind mister grumpy-pants,¡± Jinx reassured her, returning to her work.

    Zapper had just about been returned to its former glory, and then some ¡ª she¡¯d come up with a copper-nickel alloy which she was confident would withstand the heat issue which had previously been the weapon¡¯s downfall. She¡¯d also been tinkering with a way to make the electric bolts arc toward additional nearby targets, for a whole, two-birds, one stone-type deal¡­

    Isha was watching her, intently.

    ¡°I¡¯d give you a test fire, but¡­ this one ain¡¯t a toy, kiddo,¡± she said to her. ¡°And we¡¯re sitting on a big ol¡¯, steel turbine blade, if you¡¯ve got any idea how electricity works¡­¡±

    She searched the kid¡¯s eyes for a sign that she was being understood ¡ª she did come across as pretty perceptive, at times¡­

    Isha made a funny little imitation of being jolted by an electric shock, giving Jinx her answer. It made her smile.

    She gave a glance over the table, at all else she¡¯d managed to finish before it had struck noon. Besides almost getting her killed, Piltover¡¯s foolhardy little incursion had been a total boon for her work ¡ª she now had five additional hextech gemstones to play with, retrieved from the weapons the chosen few enforcers had carried.

    Obviously, one would find a home with Fishbones, but as for the remaining four, she was almost stumped by the plethora of ideas which flooded her mind.

    The main thing this time, she supposed, was ensuring they¡¯d all be safe from any would-be thieves¡­

    She¡¯d found herself gravitating toward the idea of some type of defensive item, for if things got hairy like they did last time. The thought of it did feel like it¡¯d cramp her style, though, just a little¡­

    She looked at Isha again, playing around with nuts and bolts.

    Perhaps the kid could use some protection¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°It¡¯s quite marvelous¡­¡± uttered Singed. The man sounded as though he were salivating with fascination.

    ¡®This was a mistake, I fear¡­¡¯

    Viktor coughed, from deep inside his chest.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t so easy to contain, for transport¡­¡± He spoke with strained vocal cords. ¡°You should count yourself fortunate¡­ that I did not side with the part of myself which saw the incredible risk in bringing it here¡­¡±

    ¡°From what you tell me,¡± Singed replied, prodding carefully at the Hexcore with a pair of forceps, ¡°you had little other choice¡­¡±

    Viktor attempted to clear his throat again.

    ¡°It matters not, I suppose,¡± he said morosely. ¡°The choice has been made... Jayce sees only his enemies, now¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ª this is why,¡± Singed responded, ¡°we leave men like that to wage their wars, alone ¡ª they will only entertain us for as long as we are useful to such efforts.¡± He placed the tool down and went to the other end of the bench to rummage for something.

    ¡°That¡­ benefactor of yours,¡± Viktor replied, ¡°he seems hardly different to the warmonger that corrupted Jayce¡­¡±

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Singed admitted. ¡°But, in my estimation, they are both destined to obliterate one another. His war is his own to wage as he sees fit ¡ª in the meantime, he tests my Shimmer for me, so that I may continue to improve upon it¡­¡±

    The Undercity that Viktor left behind had fared about as poorly as he¡¯d imagined, without Hextech to lift them, to propel them forward and empower them¡­ he direly hoped it was not too late¡­

    ¡°If I may ask, what is this¡­ organism you alluded to¡­?¡± he wondered, of the conversation between the two he¡¯d overheard earlier.

    Singed shifted slightly. ¡°That is¡­ the culmination of many years of experimentation in the study of tissue regeneration¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡­ wish to heal your burns?¡± Viktor guessed.

    ¡°These,¡± he replied, gesturing to his wrapped face, ¡°I have learned to live with. No¡ª I have far loftier aims with this particular pursuit¡­ only, its final piece has up until now eluded me, at what felt like only an arm¡¯s reach¡­¡±

    He spoke with what sounded like a sentimental tone.

    ¡°Yet,¡± he went on, ¡°not a few days ago, I found myself with the specimen I¡¯d been envisioning all of this time, on my very table¡­ almost as though fate had willed it so¡­¡±

    ¡°A¡­ human specimen?¡± Viktor wondered.

    ¡°Yes ¡ª his cells are quite remarkable¡­¡± Singed beamed, eyeing a microscope station by the edge of the room. ¡°The sample I took has managed to persist for days at room temperature, in only a rudimentary preservation solution. It has even recovered from damage ¡ª proliferating without input from the host¡­¡±

    Viktor had strolled over to take a look at the sample slide positioned under the lens. If Singed¡¯s accounting of events was to be believed, it was indeed extraordinary that the cells upon the slide had remained alive¡­

    ¡°¡­Who is this person?¡± Viktor queried.

    ¡°A stranger to myself,¡± Singed answered. ¡°The garb he wore looked Ionian, to my eye¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± Viktor paused to contemplate. ¡°And the wolves¡­?¡± he asked, nodding to the decapitated head of a fluid-preserved specimen filling a large, glass jar beside them.

    ¡°All variables in the equation¡­¡± Singed said vaguely. He¡¯d wandered back over to where the Hexcore resided.

    ¡°The effect¡­ on the targeted appendages,¡± Viktor said, in an attempt to shift the topic, ¡°while remarkable, continues to frighten me¡­¡±

    ¡°You have consumed the second vial now also, I take it?¡± Singed guessed. ¡°You entered my abode without the aid of your cane¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡­ yes¡­¡± he replied. ¡°I simply¡­ I do not know how much of this¡­ flesh must be transfigured in order to cure my ailment¡­¡±

    Singed had retrieved a small, narrow beaker with a pronounced spout. ¡°We will know soon enough, I trust,¡± he said, morbidly. ¡°Mortal dread tends not to let one rest¡­¡±

    Viktor watched him carefully collect a drop of Shimmer from a small, tucked away dispenser. He held the beaker up to his eye-line, observing the fluid droop toward the edge of the glass.

    Singed turned to him. ¡°It is my hypothesis that the entity will reject it,¡± he proposed, ¡°however, I would like to satiate my curiosity¡­¡±

    Viktor had expected such an ask. In his own estimation, the Hexcore¡¯s evident robustness left only its immediate surroundings at risk, were it to receive such a stimulant. It may indeed have no effect at all, as Singed had suggested. Equally, it could well kill the man for standing in its proximity during some sort of transmutation, as a result of the stimulant¡­

    Singed held the Shimmer¡¯s receptacle between some beaker tongs, as far from his body as he could manage, as he sauntered over to the Hexcore again.

    Viktor could never shake the feeling that the thing always seemed to have its attention on him, as though it thought of him, or passed judgment upon him, somehow. He felt it the moment he entered the room, wherever it was being kept. Perhaps, in some strange way, it was his only remaining friend¡­

    He watched Singed tip the beaker forward, cautiously.

    The thing almost seemed to react before the purple drop had even left the glass. Viktor¡¯s eyebrows lifted at the sight of what happened when it did ¡ª within a split second of the liquid contacting it, the Hexcore shot a lance of its own material up and through the beaker, shattering it and causing Singed to drop all he was holding. It then convulsed in a way Viktor hadn¡¯t ever observed before ¡ª its jagged edges blunting themselves and folding in upon one another.

    Singed took another step backward, while both scientists watched the thing eventually settle itself.

    Its usual pulsation had been affected permanently, it seemed ¡ª it now rippled twice around in a quick succession, before resting and eventually repeating.

    ¡°I believe we¡¯d be fools not to consider it a kind of organism, no¡­?¡± Singed commented.

    Viktor stood, approaching cautiously.

    ¡°It¡­ beats¡ª like a heart, now¡­¡± he observed.

    ¡°You¡¯ve fed it organic material ¡ª yours,¡± Singed stated. ¡°Perhaps it aims to pump your blood¡­¡±

    Viktor looked at him, contemplating what he might have been getting at.

    ¡°Do you imagine it has somehow adopted a¡­ symbiotic nature¡­?¡± he pondered.

    ¡°If that is your theory, then perhaps you might remove yourself from its company, temporarily,¡± Singed suggested. ¡°I¡¯d be interested to observe the effect¡­¡±

    Viktor eyed him. It felt like a ploy of some sort¡­

    ¡°If it is all the same to you,¡± he replied, ¡°I desire to attempt a fusion once more, while I still have the strength¡­¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Singed responded. ¡°I should like to observe it ¡ª though, I¡¯d prefer we select a location whereby collateral damage to my lab may be minimized¡­¡±

 Chapter 13: Purposeâ€¦

    ¡®Look at all these idiots¡­¡¯

    Garou irritably swiped at the air in front of his face, as a cloud of somebody¡¯s smoke wafted over his way. He¡¯d far rather have gone somewhere less lively just for grub, but letting go to waste the time he¡¯d already spent waiting on his order was something he fancied even less¡­

    ¡¯These urchin-skewer things had better be all Blue¡¯d talked ¡®em up to be¡­¡¯ he thought.

    He looked around again, at the type of crowd that surrounded him. It was hard to imagine, of any of the fools he saw around him, getting drunk, fighting, dealing, smoking, god knew what else¡­ that they¡¯d ever all band together to fix this damned world¡­

    ¡®Blue¡¯s old man¡¯s a fool¡­¡¯

    Maybe people¡¯d have less time to treat each other like crap if they just had something worse to worry about¡­ some foe they¡¯d have no choice but to share in surviving¡­

    It was an idea that had captured his imagination for the entire time he¡¯d been over there¡­

    ¡®Somethin¡¯ like, twelve years¡­?¡¯

    He barely remembered what age he¡¯d been when he¡¯d left, when¡­ his mother had¡­

    He didn¡¯t feel like picturing it again¡­

    The ding of a small metal bell rang out.

    He gave a gruff nod to the server, paid with the coin Blue had given him, and set off back. He took a nibble of the piping hot food as he walked.

    ¡®Ain¡¯t bad¡­¡¯ he thought, licking his lips.

    Part of him fantasized that he might have a run-in with another troop of enforcers, along the way, so that he could send a clearer message this time¡­

    It had frustrated him a little that they hadn¡¯t even been there for him, the other night.

    ¡®Guess they had some more important business with Blue¡¯s old man¡­¡¯ he figured, glumly.

    Garou felt his shoulder brush past something made of steel.

    He paused for a moment, when he saw her recognize him.

    ¡°Hey¡ª kid,¡± the dark-eyed woman spoke. ¡°You with Jinx?¡±

    He grunted in the affirmative, gesturing with the packed meal he was holding.

    ¡°Was about to get something myself, before goin¡¯ down and fetching you both,¡± she continued. ¡°Wanna save me the trouble¡­?¡±

    ¡°The old man¡­?¡± Garou guessed.

    She nodded. ¡°Boss man.¡±

    He gave a shrug. ¡°Sure¡­¡±

    She paused, giving him a look. ¡°You with us, kid¡­?¡±

    ¡°You all make it sound so dire,¡± he retorted, flashing a little smirk.

    She returned it. ¡°You got some real training ¡ª most ¡®round here don¡¯t,¡± she shrugged.

    ¡°Yeah, well¡­¡± His smirk wore off. ¡°Ain¡¯t exactly how I pictured puttin¡¯ it to use¡­¡±

    ¡°Hey¡ª we all got ideas for how we wish the world¡¯d be,¡± she replied. ¡°Not much you can do alone, though.¡±

    He avoided her eyes, hoping she¡¯d just assume he agreed with her.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± she added, ¡°don¡¯t be too long ¡ª he¡¯s expecting you both.¡±

    He nodded and broke off the interaction, heading in his previous direction.

    He didn¡¯t care that they underestimated him¡­

    Those other assholes didn¡¯t think much of him, either ¡ª right up until their faces met dirt. Hard to dispute a statement like that¡­

    Before he¡¯d even realized it, he¡¯d polished off one of the urchin skewers, his stomach reminding him of how ravished he felt. He folded the pack back up, to avoid being tempted further.

    He took a glance at his hand as he did it, noting the dirtied cloth.

    ¡®Bandages need changin¡¯,¡¯ he thought¡­

    <hr>

    Singed stood over him, while he slowly recovered, splayed out on the ground. He attempted to draw his limbs in toward himself, with a grimace.

    ¡°I imagine that each time would have been equally painful¡­?¡± Singed wondered.

    ¡°That¡ª¡° Viktor coughed, ¡°was not so bad, as a matter of fact¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d built some¡­ resilience, perhaps?¡± Singed guessed, finally offering him a hand to help him to his feet.

    Viktor took a moment to gather himself, before taking a curious glance at his transformed hand, with the Hexcore bubbling away behind it.

    ¡°Hm,¡± Singed vocalized, looking it over. ¡°Supposing you continue, the act of transfiguring your torso may prove¡­ interesting.¡±

    Viktor had considered this already. ¡°I would need to modify the rune-set¡­ ¡°

    He became somewhat distracted by intermittent echoes which bounced around the cavern, above the background noise of the small stream which ran through.

    Part of him had wished he¡¯d kept the small boat he¡¯d once designed, long ago¡­

    ¡°When you¡­¡° Viktor faltered, giving Singed a look. ¡°Did you imagine¡ª that I would...?¡±

    Singed seemed to take his meaning. ¡°I saw a gifted mind,¡± he replied, ¡°and an outsider. You wonder now, whether they¡¯d ever have truly considered you as one of their own¡­?¡±

    Viktor didn¡¯t have much of an answer.

    ¡°You perhaps even wonder,¡± Singed went on, ¡°what exactly it was that he had seen in you, to lift you into their ranks to begin with¡­? Heimerdinger has a talent for spotting the gift, as it were, however, he sees only paragons ¡ª he¡¯ll never allow himself to understand men like you and me¡­¡±

    Viktor quietly sighed.

    ¡°And¡­ men like us,¡± he began, ¡°what... purpose do we serve in this world¡­?¡±

    Singed placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°I believe that we are all mere servants of nature,¡± he said. ¡°When one is given the tools with which to make the world anew, one finds it difficult not to imagine it nature¡¯s will¡­¡±

    Viktor silently pondered the thought, while Singed wandered out into the darkness, back the way they¡¯d come.

    ¡®I¡¯ve long passed any misgivings about making this body anew¡­¡¯ he thought, carefully enclosing the Hexcore inside of the case he¡¯d created for it.

    Both of his hands felt strong, now¡­ strong, but cold¡ª or rather, devoid¡­

    The sensory information he gained from their touch had become less of a feeling, in the conventional sense ¡ª he¡¯d found that the features his fingers detected as they graced any given surface seemed to merely appear in his mind.

    He did not mind this change¡­

    Part of him did wonder whether it would be enough, though ¡ª whether if he plunged his hands into the green, toxic runoff water in the stream in front of him, for example, that he would be unaffected. He needed it to be the case, if he hoped to make the Undercity his home once again, without worsening his condition¡­

    He pinched his nose, with shimmering fingers.

    As a child, he¡¯d always wondered what he¡¯d be capable of doing about it all, were he given the resources ¡ª he¡¯d imagined ways in which technology could correct the various sources of pollution which plagued the city¡­Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    It must become his goal once more, he determined ¡ª safeguarding his own life would be a mere step in service of this aim.

    He looked upon the half-emptied vial of Shimmer he held in his hand.

    Whatever it took¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°¡ªI mean, if you ain¡¯t havin¡¯ any, it¡¯s just all the more for us, kid,¡± Jinx stated with a smile, waving the seafood skewer around in front of Isha¡¯s disgusted face.

    ¡°Gotta tell me what you do fancy some time,¡± she added, ¡°I ain¡¯t tryin¡¯ta starve ya down here¡­¡±

    Isha seemed to make the motion of eating something akin to a sandwich.

    ¡°Oh, you like those flat-press things they make at that one shop down the alley, huh?¡± Jinx guessed, receiving an enthusiastic nod in return.

    ¡°Alright, alright¡ª loud and clear, kid,¡± she said, finishing off the last bite of what she¡¯d been holding.

    She looked over at Garou, to whom she¡¯d offered the lion¡¯s share of the meal ¡ª seemed like he¡¯d needed the sustenance more than she did¡­

    ¡°Whad¡¯ya think¡­?¡± she asked him. ¡°Go for a little wander?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, aight¡­¡± he returned. ¡°Oh, um, your old man¡¯s lieutenant lady said he was lookin¡¯ to speak with us¡­ I don¡¯t know, might be important¡­¡±

    ¡°With us¡­?¡± she replied.

    ¡°I guess¡­¡± he said. ¡°Probably more you, but¡­¡±

    She rose to her feet, licking her fingers clean.

    ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t really want her going hungry¡­¡± she said, looking at Isha.

    Garou slowly stood. ¡°It¡¯s alright ¡ª I¡¯ll take the kid¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡ª you sure¡­?¡± she asked. ¡°You know where the shop¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡ªI know it,¡± he confirmed. ¡°Can meet¡¯cha there, or something¡­¡±

    ¡°You should ¡ª he wants¡¯ta chat with ya anyway,¡± she stated, with a little grin.

    He gave her a half-hearted-looking grin back.

    She bent down before Isha, placing her hands on her knees.

    ¡°Your boyfriend¡¯s gonna take ya for a bite, ¡®kay?¡± she jested, as Isha funnily scrunched up her nose.

    ¡°I know¡ª meet back up with ya in a bit, kiddo,¡± she smiled, ruffling her hair a bit. ¡°Promise.¡±

    She stood again, meeting Garou¡¯s eye. His expression toward her was a lot softer recently, in a way that was hard to explain¡­

    She¡¯d been feeling something lately, too¡­ spending time with him ¡ª it had been doing something strange to her¡­

    For example, it had begun to feel like a chore just to part ways with him, even briefly.

    Maybe it was just her ¡ª she wasn¡¯t sure¡­

    ¡°Um,¡± she began, ¡°you guys should go first ¡ª I¡¯ll lock up and everything¡­¡±

    He nodded, looking as though he might say something.

    He turned to pick up Isha¡¯s helmet instead, offering it to the kid to put on. She liked how he tried to pretend he didn¡¯t care about her¡­

    ¡°You two be safe, ¡®kay?¡± she said after them, as they wandered on up to the surface.

    Garou gave her one last look back.

    ¡°Hopin¡¯ I won¡¯t have to come save ya again like last time, eh¡­?¡± he called.

    She rolled her eyes with a grin, while he shut the door behind them.

    ¡®He has been doing that a lot lately, huh¡­?¡¯

    She exhaled.

    Zapper, a few Chompers, and the empty Shimmer needle ¡ª it was all she could think to bring with her. Perhaps she¡¯d try to get a refill this time¡­

    She hadn¡¯t really touched base with her father in a while, about everything that was surely happening outside of her immediate awareness. It left her to imagine that she might be in for a substantial briefing.

    She kept her abundance of Hextech gems in a small, magnetic capsule, now. And, the hindrance any would-be thieves would encounter in attempting to locate it, was the fact that it lived underneath the mammoth turbine-blade that formed the floor to her home. She dangled herself half off the edge, reaching back as far as she could, and allowing the magnet to find purchase against the steel underside of the blade. It left her fingers with force.

    Retrieving them again always involved a lot of unpleasant metallic scraping, but at least they would be safe, she figured.

    Her newly embarked-upon project sat against her workbench, very much so in the prototype stage. She¡¯d seen Topsiders carry the things around when she was a kid, in order to protect themselves from the rain. Looked dumb on them, but a miniature version for Isha which had some¡­ magicky properties mightn¡¯t be so silly, if it helped keep her safe out there¡­

    ¡®Umbrellas¡¯ ¡ª she¡¯d learned they called them. Little Man had told her that¡­

    Ugh¡­

    She activated the door trap as she locked everything, hopping back as the pull-cord retracted into the hidden explosive trigger capsule, taut against the door seam. She¡¯d begun to worry about it a little the last few times, with Isha knowing where the place was now¡­

    ¡®Garou wouldn¡¯t let her be that stupid¡­¡¯ she had to reassure herself.

    She wondered whether it was just her, or whether the smog outside had gotten worse lately¡­

    She supposed she hadn¡¯t really seriously entertained the notion that they might all be living in Piltovan palaces sometime soon, if everything Silco wanted came to pass. She wasn¡¯t so sure how she felt about all of that, but she figured that it¡¯d at least be welcomed by most of the people scraping by down here in the Fissures¡­

    ¡®If they got the moves to make it out of a fight with Topside, that is¡­¡¯ she internally remarked.

    When she arrived at The Last Drop, instead of heading straight to her father¡¯s office, she had a notion to visit downstairs first.

    ¡®Where else¡¯d they keep their little piece of bait, after all¡­?¡¯

    She slipped past without Chuck noticing her, as he stacked glasses behind the bar. There was a grunt guarding the way, so she turned on her unassailable charm.

    ¡°They awake yet? He wanted me to do some questioning¡­¡± she opened.

    The man turned his nose up at her.

    ¡°Why you¡­?¡± he grunted.

    ¡°Hey¡ª you wanna go up there and argue with him? Be my guest,¡± she shot back.

    She attempted to slip past, but the man stood his ground.

    ¡°I¡¯ll come down¡­¡± he grumbled. ¡°Supervise you¡­¡±

    ¡°Not sure how good you think you are at math, but that¡¯d leave exactly zero people standin¡¯ guard, genius,¡± she mocked.

    The man furrowed his brow, shifting back and forth on his feet. It gave her the opportunity to pass through, while he made up his mind.

    ¡°My pistol¡¯s holstered ¡ª don¡¯t worry, jeez,¡± she called over her shoulder.

    She definitely couldn¡¯t imagine Silco approving of any of it, but it had become something of a curiosity to her¡­

    She inched open the steel door to the pitch-dark basement.

    ¡®It really is a girl, huh¡­?¡¯

    The dark-haired enforcer sat, huddled over, by the edge of the room. Jinx didn¡¯t imagine the wooden chair they had her bound to made for a very comfortable sleep.

    She crept over to the girl, curious of her. She was stirring in her sleep ¡ª murmuring to herself.

    She¡¯d almost have pitied her, if she weren¡¯t wearing the uniform¡­

    It might have been Jinx¡¯s cool breath on her face that caused the girl to wake.

    Jinx pulled back, so she wouldn¡¯t freak the girl out too much¡­

    ¡°H¡ª who¡­ is it now¡­?¡± the girl mumbled. She sounded parched.

    Jinx spotted a flask over on a side table, nearby. She hummed to herself, before deciding to go and fetch it. She did desire a conversation with the girl, after all¡­

    She took a test swig of the thing, verifying it was in fact filled with water, before giving herself a sip. She then returned to the girl, leaning down to her eye-level.

    ¡°Gonna lean your head back, or what?¡± Jinx said.

    The girl gratefully obliged, gulping back as much water as remained in the flask. Jinx grimaced, setting the thing back down by the girl¡¯s chair.

    ¡°Hear you¡¯re from some big-wig family, or somethin¡¯¡­¡± Jinx commented.

    The girl¡¯s breaths sounded pained. ¡°Have you¡­ submitted your terms to them yet¡­?¡± she asked desperately. ¡°Has there been a response¡­? Negotiation¡­?¡±

    The girl began to weep.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t bear to stay down here any longer¡­¡± she sniffed.

    ¡°Let me guess¡ª being pampered all your life didn¡¯t prepare you for somethin¡¯ like this¡­?¡± Jinx replied callously.

    The girl forced her eyes shut, cutting off the tears, before attempting to look at Jinx properly.

    She narrowed her eyes.

    ¡°Who are you¡­?¡± she repeated.

    ¡°Think I¡¯m dumb, or somethin¡¯?¡± Jinx answered. ¡°I ain¡¯t givin¡¯ you my name¡­¡±

    The girl seemed fixated on the faint blue glow emanating from Jinx¡¯s belt.

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ her, aren¡¯t you?¡± the girl said suddenly. ¡°You have Jayce¡¯s gemstone on your pistol¡­ you¡¯re Jinx¡­¡±

    Jinx found herself genuinely impressed. ¡°Smarter than you look, huh, Piltie?¡± she replied. ¡°Your friends are all dumb as doorknobs¡­¡±

    ¡°My¡­ friends¡­?¡± The girl looked at her with ire.

    ¡°Yeah, like, a dozen of ¡®em,¡± Jinx answered. ¡°Came down here in a big ol¡¯ display¡­ it didn¡¯t go so well for them¡­ we¡¯ve got them all tied up down here somewhere, too ¡ª the ones that lived, anyway¡­¡±

    Jinx noticed the girl¡¯s breathing pattern change ¡ª short, forceful huffs. She¡¯d made her mad, alright¡­

    ¡°And¡­¡± the girl spoke shakily, ¡°the bombing, in the square¡­ you were there¡­ that was you too, wasn¡¯t it¡­?¡±

    Jinx wondered earnestly how the girl had come to know so much.

    ¡®Had she seen me¡­? Had¡­ Ekko told her...?¡¯

    Jinx leant down to be face-to-face with the enforcer.

    ¡°And if it was¡­?¡± she taunted, staring her down. ¡°Y¡¯think it¡¯d make up for the amount of us you¡¯ve all gunned down¡­?¡±

    The sound of the door loudly clicking open interrupted their face-down.

    ¡®Damn¡­¡¯

    It was Silco.

    ¡°¡­Come¡­¡± he ushered, in a cold tone.

    Jinx huffed and tore herself away from the seething prisoner.

    ¡°Have fun down here, Piltie¡­!¡± she called behind her ¡ª she couldn¡¯t resist.

    She regretted it by the time she¡¯d made it over to her father however, who pulled her out of the room, shutting the door behind them both.

    ¡°Hey¡ª c¡¯mon, I was just playing with her¡­!¡± she protested.

    He ordered her with his eyes to ascend the stairs ahead of him.

    She grumpily dropped her shoulders, complying with his wish.

    ¡°She,¡± he began, once they were out of earshot of the basement, ¡°is our most valuable bargaining chip, as of now ¡ª I need her alive, Jinx¡­¡±

    Silco stared daggers at the one standing guard, as they passed him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± she sulked. ¡°I wouldn¡¯ta killed her, though¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll forgive me if the tail-end of the conversation I overheard didn¡¯t have me feeling optimistic about that¡­¡± he shot back.

    They entered his office together, assuming their usual seats. Jinx took care not to sit on anything that looked too important ¡ª his desk seemed more cluttered with documents and manifests than it typically did.

    He swiveled his chair around to face her, while she glumly avoided his gaze.

    ¡°Jinx¡ª¡° he began, causing her to reluctantly meet his eye.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­¡± he said. ¡°I hadn¡¯t meant to upset you.¡±

    She managed a small smirk. ¡°¡­You don¡¯t usually forgive me that quick, jeez¡­¡±

    Surprisingly, he seemed amused.

    ¡°I had hoped your friend might join us, you know¡­¡± he said.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ guess you like him now, huh¡­?¡± she replied.

    He seemed not to be able to help but scoff. ¡°That¡¯s an overzealous thing to say, Jinx¡­¡± He smiled a little. ¡°I will say¡­ I do somewhat appreciate that he always seems to be around whenever you find yourself in peril¡­¡±

    ¡°I guess he does¡­¡± She rolled her eyes, grinning slightly. ¡°He is on his way¡­ he¡¯s got the kid with him, is all¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Silco hummed, his face settling into a more serious expression. ¡°We¡¯ll need to make arrangements for that one, in that case ¡ª she won¡¯t be able to join us, for obvious reasons¡ª¡°

    ¡°What are we hitting?¡± Jinx guessed.

    ¡°Well,¡± he replied, ¡°I¡¯m faced with two problems, as of now ¡ª a risk of an internal fracturing, with regards to the Chem-Barons, and a need to make a statement to Topside¡­ a loud statement, which might bring them to the table with adequate terms¡­¡±

    Jinx nodded along. ¡°All that business with Finn?¡± she wondered. ¡°Y¡¯know, him betraying us, and whatnot¡­?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s as good as dead,¡± Silco replied plainly. ¡°Word is that he¡¯s escaped town, but, it matters not ¡ª some of the others were loyal to him, or rather, they profited from his presence¡­ I need something that might buy back some good will from them¡­¡±

    She tried to guess where he might¡¯ve been leading her, but she came up with nothing.

    ¡°Soo, what¡¯s the plan?¡± she asked.

    He turned to her.

    ¡°I fancy a prison break¡­¡± he said.

 Chapter 14: Falling Into Placeâ€¦

    ¡°Jeez¡ª shouldn¡¯t let yourself go hungry this long, kid,¡± said Garou, watching the child ravenously plunge her face into the toasted panini he¡¯d gotten her.

    ¡°You¡¯re gettin¡¯ juice all over yourself¡ª here,¡± he commented, pointing a napkin at her face. ¡°You¡¯ll wake up with ants all over ya, otherwise¡­¡± he explained

    The kid took it from him and wiped off her chin, like he¡¯d told her.

    ¡°Good,¡± he said, giving a little sigh.

    ¡®Blue¡¯d better have somewhere safe to keep this one,¡¯ he thought to himself. ¡®Kid ain¡¯t gonna have much of a chance when the fightin¡¯ starts¡­¡¯

    Garou reached out and forcibly turned her head with his hand to reorient her, so that she wouldn¡¯t absent-mindedly walk straight into a nearby street-beggar¡¯s tent.

    He slowed to a stop after a moment, watching her lick clean her fingers from the sandwich. She gave him an expression of curiosity as he leant down to look at her.

    ¡°I want you to tell me somethin¡¯, kid,¡± he began. ¡°Why¡¯d you cling to me that day? What were you doin¡¯ there on your own¡­?¡±

    He tilted his head in interest as she seemed to look upward, searching her own mind for the answer to his question.

    After a moment, she made a kind of running motion, intermittently turning and looking behind herself.

    ¡®We¡¯re doin¡¯ charades, huh¡­?¡¯

    ¡°What¡ª you run away from home or somethin¡¯?¡± he guessed.

    She pursed her lips, shaking her head.

    ¡°Aight¡ª runnin¡¯ away from somebody bad, then,¡± he said. ¡°Who¡­?¡±

    She thought again, before raising both hands to her face, her thumbs and index fingers forming rings around her eyes.

    ¡°Somebody with glasses¡­?¡± he replied, beginning to feel as though he wasn¡¯t really going to learn much more from their interaction.

    She supplemented her description by making a gesture of one leaning to the side with a cane.

    ¡°Eh¡­ I don¡¯t know this one, kid,¡± he resigned. ¡°They do somethin¡¯ to your voice-box, or what¡­?¡±

    She shot him a cagey look in response, so he didn¡¯t bother to press the issue.

    ¡°Well, whatever¡­ you got away, I guess,¡± he said, ¡°and now you¡¯re with me and Blue ¡ª you should try to learn from her, aight? She knows how to take care of herself¡­ that¡¯s what you should try to be like.¡±

    She stared back at him with her wide, amber-colored eyes.

    ¡®Hope this is gettin¡¯ through to you, kid¡­¡¯

    He gave her a rough pat on her helmet, then stood and resumed walking, hearing her shuffle to catch up with him.

    The sign for the bar lay ahead of them.

    ¡¯THE LAST DROP¡¯ ¡ª It was a quaint name, he supposed¡­

    Inside, there were people scattered about, here and there, sitting and drinking in the middle of the day. He let the kid cling closely to his side, as he drifted through, toward the bar.

    He did remember the guy, from last time¡­

    ¡°Hey¡ª barkeep,¡± he opened, lifting the kid off of her feet and sitting her on the countertop, to the man¡¯s befuddlement. ¡°Mind if I leave this one here? Gotta head upstairs¡­¡±

    The kid didn¡¯t seem so pleased about it, while the man¡¯s eyes darted between the two of them.

    ¡°Oh¡ª¡° the guy replied, ¡°you¡¯re, uh¡ª you¡¯re Jinx¡¯s friend, right¡­?¡±

    ¡°Guess so¡­ this one is too,¡± Garou grunted. ¡°Put her to work, for all I care ¡ª ain¡¯t askin¡¯ for a babysitter¡­¡±

    The barkeep seemed to notice the kid¡¯s matching set of pink and blue nails with a vague sense of woe, as she began to clamber down from the bar and take a look at all of the different bottles of liquor.

    Garou gave a little scoff in amusement, before turning to head up the staircase across from the bar.

    ¡°Hey¡ª¡° a voice from behind him called.

    It was the machine-armed woman, again.

    ¡°You just get here now?¡± she enquired.

    He gave a curt nod. ¡°Blue¡¯s up there already, I reckon¡­¡± he said, returning to climbing the steps.

    She joined him.

    ¡°You two¡¯ve got pet names for each other and everything, huh?¡± she commented.

    He gave her a look.

    ¡®Just when I thought you might¡¯ve been cool, lady...¡¯

    He heard voices from inside the room as they approached.

    The woman used her remaining biological arm to give a knock on the door.

    ¡°Boss¡ª it¡¯s us,¡± she called.

    ¡°Enter¡­¡± the old man returned.

    Blue sat up a little, when the door opened, flashing a smile at him.

    Her old man also gave Garou his attention, while the woman left his side to sit herself down on a couch to the side of the room.

    ¡°Please¡ª take a seat,¡± the man gestured.

    Blue hopped up off of the desk in the middle of the room as Garou wandered over, taking a chair next to where he¡¯d been instructed to sit, with a quiet giggle.

    He gave her a little nod, hoping she¡¯d buy it ¡ª he remained more than a bit reluctant about this whole thing¡­

    ¡°I have a proposition for you, boy,¡± the man opened, tapping off some ash from his cigar. ¡°There is a prison island, off our western shores¡­ countless cells filled with those who would be loyal to me, and to my allies¡­¡±

    Garou watched him give a short glance to his daughter.

    ¡°With our newfound¡­ firepower¡­ I believe we have the ability to take the island, frankly,¡± he continued, extinguishing the cigar and focusing back on him. ¡°Now¡ª I have reason to think that descriptions of your visage have made their way around Piltovan enforcer circles, such that the guards at Stillwater may perhaps even recognize you, fear the sight of you¡­ if you were willing to play the point of the spear on this operation, we could perhaps even release a few of said guards back to Piltover, in order to tout your exploits¡­¡±

    Garou was left with a feeling of suspicion, by the end of the speech.

    ¡°You want me to do all that work for ya¡­¡± he replied, turning up his nose a little. ¡°What does that get me, eh¡­?¡±

    ¡°Infamy,¡± the man replied plainly, holding his gaze.

    Garou simply narrowed his eyes at him, losing taste for the manipulative tone of the conversation.

    ¡°¡ªWe¡¯re all gonna be there, though,¡± Blue quickly jumped in, ¡°I mean¡ª I¡¯ll be just across the bay, with Fishbones, but¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ª Jinx will blow a hole, and then Sevika and yourself will enter with the forward team,¡± her old man clarified.

    Garou looked slowly back and forth between the two. He was finding it difficult to deny Blue¡¯s anxious eyes¡­

    ¡°¡­When¡¯s it all happenin¡¯¡­?¡± he finally asked. He noticed Blue perk up out of the corner of his eye.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t time to waste, I¡¯m afraid,¡± the old man replied. ¡°Topside has rejected my offer for the Kiramman girl ¡ª they seem to think I¡¯ll be willing to part with the gemstones they inadvertently gifted us, as well. A declaration of war may be a mere hair¡¯s breadth away, I feel¡­¡±

    He seemed to give a look to his metal-armed lieutenant, sitting behind the two of them.

    ¡°Tomorrow night,¡± he stated. ¡°See the preparations made¡­¡±

    ¡°Done,¡± the woman replied, standing and taking her leave.

    Blue jauntily turned to him, after she¡¯d left. ¡°Didya leave Isha downstairs with Chuck¡­?¡±

    He hummed in the affirmative. ¡°Dude at the bar, yeah.¡±

    Her old man leaned over the desk, to address them both.

    ¡°I must know,¡± he began, ¡°this¡­ child you two seem to have found ¡ª are we certain that she doesn¡¯t still belong to somebody¡­?¡±

    They both looked at one another, but Garou figured that he probably knew more of the answer than she did.

    ¡°Kid said it was tryin¡¯ta escape somebody,¡± he offered with a shrug. ¡°Ran into me at one of the bridge checkpoints¡­ wouldn¡¯t stop followin¡¯ me, so¡­¡±

    The old man looked to be mildly disturbed by the information.

    ¡°Mm¡­ well¡ª in any case,¡± he said anyway, ¡°we still have some safe-houses littered about¡­ I¡¯d like to keep her in one of them for the time being ¡ª I need both of you focused¡­¡±

    ¡°¡ªAfter tonight, you mean?¡± Blue said. ¡°I don¡¯t want her to be alone for longer than she has to¡­¡±

    He gave her a look. ¡°¡­Be here before noon, then ¡ª someone will be here, ready to move her.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    He saw Blue nod along.

    ¡°Well,¡± her old man said, beginning to get up from his chair, ¡°there is much to be done¡­"

    ¡°Need us outta your hair, then?¡± Blue joked.

    He remained straight-faced. ¡°Please ensure that the weapon will be ready¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, of course¡­¡± she said, quietly.

    Garou slowly stood up after she did, the two of them heading for the door.

    ¡°Okay, well,¡± she added, ¡°we¡¯ll see ya tomorrow, then?¡±

    The old man surprisingly gave them both something of a smile, turning from his window.

    ¡°We¡¯re about to affect everything, Jinx¡­¡± He spoke with a kind of sentimental tone. ¡°This one won¡¯t be for the faint of heart ¡ª do prepare yourselves¡­¡±

    ¡°¡®Bout ta have a town full of prisoners, you mean,¡± Blue jested.

    ¡°Of Zaunites, seeking retribution¡­¡± he replied, pausing for a moment. ¡°Go on, you two ¡ª and don¡¯t be late tomorrow.¡±

    Blue hummed in agreement, as they finally left.

    Garou thought it interesting, seeing the two of them pal around, more or less¡­

    He had so few memories of his own mother, but¡­ the ones he had, well, they were all good ones¡­ it was where he usually went, during periods of isolation¡­

    ¡°¡ªyou listenin¡¯ to me? Garou?¡±

    He took a moment to focus his eyes ¡ª Blue was standing in his face.

    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± he managed.

    She smirked a little. ¡°Well, at least you don¡¯t get on me for spacing out every now and then¡­¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s nothin¡¯¡­ c¡¯mon, let¡¯s go,¡± he said, moving past her.

    ¡°I was just asking if you wanted to go to the docks again, tonight?¡± she said, catching up with him as they headed downstairs. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta set up my shot, and everything¡­¡±

    ¡°Uh,¡± he replied, ¡°sure¡­ yeah, I can come with¡­¡±

    She was quiet for a moment. ¡°Well¡­ unless you got somewhere else to be¡­?¡±

    Isha interrupted the exchange, running over to them with a pair of corkscrews in hand.

    ¡°Oh¡ª hey, kiddo,¡± Blue said. ¡°These for me? What¡¯re they for ¡ª removing eyeballs or somethin¡¯?¡±

    Garou trudged over to the bar, catching the barkeep¡¯s eye.

    ¡°Have somethin¡¯ carbonated¡­?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Oh, uh, yeah,¡± the man replied, ¡°could give you Jinx¡¯s usual, if you wanted¡­?¡±

    Garou gave a glance back at her.

    ¡°Sure¡ª I¡¯ll try it¡­¡± he said, tapping his fingers on the countertop.

    ¡°Chuck!¡± Blue called from behind, just as the man began to mix up his drink.

    ¡°Uh, hey,¡± the man returned, ¡°you, uh, want one too¡­?¡±

    Garou turned to see Blue raise an eyebrow.

    ¡°Chuck¡ª who told ya you could share my secret-recipe grenadine sweet-drink with somebody else¡­?¡± She leant impishly over the bartop. ¡°Thought that was meant to stay between you and me¡­?¡±

    The man stood dumbfounded.

    ¡¯She sure likes to have her fun¡­¡¯ Garou thought to himself.

    He rose from his stool, so that he could reach over the bar to where some tall glass bottles were kept.

    ¡°Here, pal,¡± he said to the man, who tentatively resumed shaking up the metal canister containing the drink. ¡°We¡¯ll take three to go, aight?¡±

    ¡°N-no problem¡­¡± the man replied, beginning to distribute the orange beverage between the three bottles.

    The kid clambered up to sit between them at the bar.

    ¡°Isha¡¯ll take a straw, Chuck,¡± Blue grinned.

    The man obliged, looking eager to return to some other duty which didn¡¯t involve being Blue¡¯s conversational plaything.

    Garou grabbed his drink and slid off of the stool, heading for the door.

    ¡°Take it easy, bar-man,¡± he called behind him.

    The girls joined up with him by the time he made it outside.

    ¡°Whad¡¯ya think¡­?¡± Blue asked him, nodding toward the drink. ¡°I have it, like, every time I¡¯m here¡­¡± she giggled.

    He took a look at the bottle, with a nonchalant expression.

    ¡°Reminds me of back at sea,¡± he replied. ¡°Y¡¯know¡ª oranges¡­¡±

    She laughed. ¡°Well, you figured out the recipe, I guess ¡ª better take it to the grave¡­¡± she jested.

    He gave an amused scoff.

    The kid stood beside them, noisily sucking in air with her straw as she slurped up the last few drops of her drink, having finished before the both of them.

    ¡°You did feed her, right?¡± Blue said in surprise.

    ¡°Eh?¡ª she was just as hungry then, too¡­¡± he responded.

    The kid grinned.

    ¡°Probably just growin¡¯, or somethin¡¯¡­¡± he surmised.

    ¡°Well, if she¡¯s growing, then¡ª¡°

    Blue unholstered her pistol suddenly, popping the clasp off of the front of the thing so that the glowing marble would fall out, into her other hand.

    The kid eagerly reached for it, with wide eyes.

    ¡°Yeah¡ª remember these things?¡± she said to her. ¡°Just wait ¡¯til you see what I¡¯m making for ya, back at the shop¡­¡±

    She stood up again, giving him a glance.

    ¡°Kid gets a gun too, eh¡­?¡± he said.

    She grinned. ¡°Not exactly¡­¡±

    He cocked an eyebrow, taking a swig of his drink.

    ¡°Oh¡ª!¡± Blue said suddenly. ¡°I forgot to get him to fill this thing up for me¡­¡±

    She¡¯d taken out the brass-looking needle contraption he¡¯d once observed her holding.

    ¡°¡­Fill it up with what¡ª the purple stuff?¡± he asked. ¡°What for¡­?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡ª for just in case, I guess¡­¡± she replied. ¡°Whatever¡ª maybe I¡¯ll just pop by Singed¡¯s place real quick, seeing as we¡¯re nearby...¡±

    She quickly swapped bottles with the kid, so that she¡¯d have some more to drink, returning her straw as well. The kid was more reluctant to part with the marble, but she handed it over. Blue shoved the thing in her pocket.

    ¡°Don¡¯t wait up¡ª I¡¯ll meet¡¯cha¡¯s back at mine,¡± she said, beginning to move in the other direction. ¡°You know how to get past the thing at the door, right¡­?¡±

    ¡°I figured it out last time¡­¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°Isha¡ª don¡¯t let him blow himself up¡­!¡± she called back.

    The kid gave him a mischievous smile.

    He rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡ª you just volunteered yourself, kid¡­¡± he said.

    <hr>

    He had begun to feel as though he held his palm against the hazy, fleshy barrier of an unknowable new threshold¡­ of some frightening, advancing phase of being which surpassed metabolism ¡ª surpassed humanity itself¡­

    Viktor had found himself contemplating a great many things, while he dared himself to proceed with his mission¡­ it was only that¡­

    ¡®The human heart ¡ª it must surely hold some further significance than the mere crude function which it serves¡­¡¯

    He shook his head, dismissing such thoughts as superstition.

    ¡®How timely, that these hang-ups should plague me now¡­¡¯

    It was all that was left of his body that remained unchanged ¡ª it was, after all, his lungs which required correction, he hypothesized.

    He traced his fingers under his shirt, over the transition between the skin on his chest and the purple, metallic fibers which now made up his abdomen.

    He in fact felt no need to hunch anymore, as he sat upon a small rock-face overlooking an outdoor enclave which he once called home.

    ¡®Would I be a¡­ creature to them, now¡­?¡¯ he briefly wondered.

    Somehow he hardly thought so ¡ª the Undercity was a melting pot of all manner of peoples, the strangest of which having no less claim to a rung on its ladder.

    ¡®Perhaps more of a food chain, than a ladder¡­¡¯ he ruminated. ¡®Rather a difficult place for a mere scientist to prosper¡­¡¯

    Unless, of course¡­

    He stepped off of the edge of the rock-face, meeting a twenty foot drop down to the ground, the cool air rushing across his face as he fell.

    He took care to curl the tips of his toes upward, as he¡¯d practiced earlier from a lesser height, landing upon the balls of his feet and buckling both his knees and hip flexors in order to compensate for the force of inertia upon his body.

    He slowly rose back a standing position, regaining his breath.

    ¡®Most exhilarating¡­¡¯ he thought to himself.

    He suddenly keeled over, as his airway momentarily failed him, reducing him to a fit of coughs.

    He wiped the drool from his lips, at its conclusion.

    ¡®It is only flesh¡­¡¯ he concluded.

    He occupied his short walk back with thoughts of his old lab in Piltover ¡ª a space he¡¯d attempt to recreate down here, perhaps with some help¡­

    It was a regret of his that the word of goodbye he¡¯d given to his kind assistant had been as brief as it was ¡ª he supposed he hadn¡¯t been so sure who he could trust¡­

    ¡®Jayce certainly would not have allowed the Hexcore to have been brought down here, to the Undercity¡­¡¯ he dwelled.

    He was left wondering, however, as it pertained to Miss Young¡­ she did mention something about her having humble beginnings¡­

    Perhaps he could have invited her to join him, instead of leaving her up there, at the Academy¡­

    He sighed, shaking his head in dismay at the sight before him ¡ª sewage runoff, toxic fumes spilling from cracked mains piping, micro-fragments of waste embedded in the very dirt¡­

    Why would she come with him, here? ¡ª this place was not fit to be a home for anybody¡­ not with what Piltover had allowed to happen to the place¡­

    He certainly didn¡¯t blame her ¡ª a mere cog in the machine, just as he had been, before he¡¯d sprung free¡­ her path was her own to forge, now¡­

    He pressed open the creaking metal door to his old friend¡¯s abode, stepping back inside.

    The place was all but emptied out ¡ª Viktor hadn¡¯t quite expected him to have left so soon¡­

    He gave a careful sideways glance to the large, steel lockbox embedded in the wall in the corner of the room, to which Viktor held the key ¡ª it seemingly remained shut and untampered-with.

    An unsealed envelope lay on the table in the centre of the room. He picked it up, peeling out the letter from inside:

    These few days of collaboration have proven most insightful, however I do not suspect your progress will be hampered by my absence.

    My relocation is only in the interest of protecting the fruits of my work ¡ª I am certain that our paths will cross again, my friend.

    S.

    Viktor folded the note back up and placed it in the pocket of his vest.

    He scanned around the room, imagining the crew of people it must have taken to have had the entire contents of the lab transported overnight¡­

    He stepped over to the lockbox Singed had allowed him to use to safeguard the Hexcore, reaching underneath the collar of his shirt for the necklace containing its key.

    A sound from behind him caused him to freeze ¡ª somebody was attempting to enter.

    He¡¯d locked it behind himself, so the stranger resorted to knocking on the door.

    Viktor considered simply remaining silent and hoping for the person to leave, but he wandered over instead, out of mere curiosity.

    He slid open the vision panel in the steel door.

    ¡®A young girl¡­?¡¯

    ¡°Oh¡ª you¡¯re not Singed¡­¡± she said, in animated fashion.

    ¡°Uh, yes¡­ I¡¯m afraid to say that you will no longer find him here¡­¡± he replied.

    The girl raised an eyebrow, attempting to peer behind him.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t croak, did he¡­?¡± she said, perhaps as a joke.

    ¡°I¡ª no¡­¡± Viktor responded, pausing for a moment. She seemed to be by herself¡­

    He decided to open the door for her.

    ¡°Oh¡ª thanks, stranger,¡± she returned, stepping inside with him. He locked it behind her, again.

    ¡°Jee, this place looks kinda nice without all of the weird, creepy jars of body parts¡­¡± she murmured, seemingly to herself.

    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind my asking,¡± he began, ¡°but¡ª what business do you have with him¡­?¡±

    Instead of answering him, she seemed drawn by the shimmering nature of his extremities.

    She pulled a pistol from her belt casually, gesticulating at him with it. ¡°Whoa¡ª what¡¯cha got goin¡¯ on with your hands there, mister¡­?¡±

    He did his best to remain calm, in the face of her supposed threat. She was just a kid¡­

    ¡°I¡­ am a scientist ¡ª much like him,¡± he replied, ¡°however, I haven¡¯t the luxury of willing test subjects¡­¡±

    She seemed to buy his explanation.

    ¡°Well,¡± she responded, ¡°I do know somebody with a metal arm, so, who am I to judge¡­?¡±

    She looked around the place a little more, before turning to him again.

    ¡°So, what¡ª he just up and left?¡± she wondered.

    It was his turn to be drawn to something of hers this time ¡ª he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling, that¡­

    ¡°Pardon me, miss,¡± he began, ¡°but¡­ what exactly is that, hanging from your belt¡­?¡±

    She followed his pointed finger, toward the item of interest. She unclasped the painted, jagged metal canister from her belt and held it up.

    ¡°You¡¯ll forgive me if I don¡¯t let¡¯cha hold him,¡± she commented. ¡°He has the tendency to blow his lid¡­¡±

    The gears were beginning to turn, inside of Viktor¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Do you mind me asking¡ª who gave that to you¡­?¡± he enquired, careful of tipping his hand.

    ¡°Uh, what should I say¡ª me, myself and I?¡± she replied. ¡°Now, you gonna tell me where your buddy went, or what¡­?¡±

    ¡®Do I form connections where there is merely coincidence¡­?¡¯ he thought earnestly.

    He¡¯d been certain that whomever it was that had designed the grenade which had almost killed him in his effort to dismantle it some weeks ago must also have been in possession of the stolen Hextech gemstone¡­

    At the very least, he¡¯d deemed such an individual the most likely to have been capable of harnessing its energy, with the benefit of his and Jayce¡¯s research notes¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid he has neglected to share that information with me¡­¡± Viktor finally responded. ¡°He¡­ foresees some type of danger¡­ from Piltover¡­¡±

    The girl¡¯s expression turned glum, as she leant with her back against the surgical table.

    ¡°Right¡ª so, I came all the way down here for nothin¡¯, then¡­¡± she said.

    ¡°¡­What was the request, if I may ask¡­?¡± he wondered.

    ¡°Ah, just¡­ he¡¯s got this special strain of Shimmer¡ª it¡¯s whatever¡­¡± she mumbled.

    Viktor eyed her for a moment.

    He slowly slipped his hand inside of one of his vest pockets, drawing out his own vial containing the Shimmer variant of which he presumed she spoke.

    ¡°You¡­ desire this¡­?¡± he asked.

    She looked surprised.

    ¡°Oh¡ª he¡­ gave you some too, huh¡­?¡± she replied.

    Viktor took a moment.

    ¡°I¡­ would be willing to part with it¡­¡± he offered.

    ¡°Yeah¡­?¡± she said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯cha want for it¡­?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± he replied plainly, sauntering over to her and placing it in her hand. ¡°I require nothing¡­ though, I plan to set up for my work in here,¡± he continued, wandering over to the lockbox in the wall. ¡°Perhaps¡­ you¡¯d be inclined to visit, sometime.¡±

    He unlocked and wrenched the thing open, retrieving the case which contained the Hexcore.

    He saw her take some interest in the sounds it made, even from inside of the case. He placed it on the table, beside her, but left it shut.

    ¡°My name¡­ is Viktor,¡± he said to her.

    ¡°Oh¡ª uh, Jinx,¡± she replied. ¡°I¡ª uh, okay¡­ I¡¯ll come visit you I guess, like, tomorrow, maybe¡­¡±

    As she holstered her pistol, he managed to get a slightly better look at it¡­ at the dull engravings on the face of it¡­

    He couldn¡¯t help but conclude upon their resemblance to the Hextech runes he and Jayce had once formulated¡­

    He nodded. ¡°I¡¯d like that very much, Miss Jinx...¡±

 Chapter 15: Breakoutâ€¦

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡ª just sick¡¯a people actin¡¯ like they know what I want¡­¡± Garou complained.

    Isha ran around ahead of them in the darkness of dusk, on the creaking boards of the docks, with one of those toy ¡®Progress Day¡¯ airships Jinx had given her. She held it ahead of herself, making whooshing noises as though she were flying the thing.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t mind stuff like that, when it comes to him,¡± Jinx replied. ¡°It¡¯s just the kinda talk he¡¯s used¡¯ta using ¡®round people¡­ we ain¡¯t all the most upstanding types, y¡¯know¡­?¡± she joked.

    ¡°Well, he ain¡¯t manipulatin¡¯ me into fightin¡¯ a whole damn war for him, that¡¯s for sure¡­¡± he grumbled back.

    She stopped walking for a moment.

    ¡°Didn¡¯tcha pretty well try to start a war on your own, already? ¡ª that one time you¡¯d gone to Topside and took all those enforcers out¡­?¡± she pushed.

    ¡°That ain¡¯t what he¡¯s goin¡¯ for, Blue,¡± he pushed back. ¡°He¡¯s got some kinda political bent¡­¡±

    She gave his statement some thought.

    ¡°Well¡­ I dunno, I think he just doesn¡¯t want them to be the only ones holding the stick, y¡¯know¡­?¡± she replied.

    He paused, before shrugging indignantly and continuing walking.

    She skipped back up to his side. ¡°I¡¯m sure that with you helping us, he¡¯ll be more¡­ y¡¯know, inclined to listen to your input,¡± she offered, in an attempt to commiserate.

    He gave her a look.

    ¡°That ain¡¯t it¡­¡± he grunted. ¡°Look¡ª it don¡¯t matter, we can quit talkin¡¯ ¡®bout it, it¡¯s fine¡­¡±

    She hopped in front of him, blocking his path.

    ¡°No¡ª I wanna know,¡± she said earnestly. ¡°You can tell me¡­ I ain¡¯t gonna judge ya¡­¡±

    He looked to the side for a moment.

    ¡°Y¡¯ever heard of any of the old wars¡ª like, the ones from way before we were born¡­?¡± he asked.

    She thought about it. ¡°Um, I don¡¯t know¡ª not really, I guess¡­¡±

    ¡°Well¡ª the point is, there¡¯ve been wars, factions fightin¡¯ over whatever they thought belonged to ¡®em, for as long as people¡¯ve been around¡­¡± he explained. ¡°There ain¡¯t ever gonna be a stop to it ¡ª it¡¯s just how people are¡­¡±

    She observed his wistful expression as he spoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s ¡®cause popularity, adoration¡ª they go to people¡¯s heads,¡± he continued, ¡°and then they start actin¡¯ scummy, ¡®cause it¡¯s what the people that adore ¡®em want¡­¡±

    He paused again.

    ¡°If this world¡¯s gonna change, then it needs people like us,¡± he said, ¡°to scare ¡®em all into actin¡¯ right ¡ª we ain¡¯t tryin¡¯ta appoint ourselves rulers of society or nothin¡¯, we just know scumbags when we see ¡®em¡­¡±

    She found herself the slightest bit amused by the thought.

    ¡°So¡ª we take Topside down a couple¡¯a pegs by threatening to blow ¡®em all up, or something?¡± she smirked.

    He stepped a little closer to her.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t have to threaten ¡®em,¡± he explained. ¡°If we¡¯re strong enough¡­ that nobody can beat us... they¡¯d have no choice but to give up fightin¡¯¡­¡±

    She noticed Isha pop up beside them all of a sudden, interested in their conversation.

    ¡°Hey you,¡± she said, crouching down to her level. ¡°Done with this?¡± she gestured to the toy airship in her hand.

    Isha shrugged.

    ¡°Why don¡¯tcha try throwing it in the ocean ¡ª see how far you can get it, huh¡­?¡± she suggested.

    Isha gave a small grin at the idea.

    ¡°C¡¯mon¡ª I¡¯ll watch ya,¡± Jinx said.

    Garou wandered over to lean against the railing of the boardwalk, staring out to sea, while Isha teed up her throw.

    It plonked into the water, some yards away from where they were all standing.

    ¡°Not bad, kid,¡± she said to her. ¡°Here¡ª high five.¡± She¡¯d taught her how to do it, since last time.

    She gave a glance at Garou, while Isha found something else with which to occupy herself.

    She thought about what he¡¯d said, again¡­

    ¡®He really thinks I¡¯m that strong, huh¡­? In spite of the times he¡¯s had to come save me¡­¡¯

    She smiled to herself, a little.

    ¡°Tell you what,¡± he suddenly said, still gazing out at the sea, ¡°place could hardly look like more of an eyesore with some big hole in it¡­¡±

    She turned to join him in looking upon the darkened silhouette of Stillwater Hold, off in the distance.

    She hummed in agreement. ¡°Used¡¯ta find the thing kinda scary, back when I was little¡­¡±

    He looked at her, for a moment.

    ¡°So¡ª uh,¡± he said, ¡°where¡¯re you gonna stand, you think¡­? With your launcher thing¡­¡±

    She gave a flick of her head, to behind him. ¡°Probably up on the roof¡¯a that big warehouse¡­ gonna be hard to stay discrete either way,¡± she shrugged, ¡°Fishbones¡¯ll certainly make himself known to the world¡­¡±

    He nodded along, before turning to the ocean again.

    ¡°Lady with the metal arm ¡ª she any good at fightin¡¯, you think¡­?¡± he asked.

    Jinx gave a funny expression. ¡°Ah, I could probably take her¡­¡± she smirked.

    He returned a small chuckle.

    ¡°You guys¡¯ll have an easy time, I¡¯m sure,¡± she added, ¡°just a bunch¡¯a prison guards that are only used¡¯ta pushing around some emaciated wannabes¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± he hummed. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll see¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡ª¡° she remembered. ¡°Forgot to put this thing back in¡­¡±

    She retrieved the Hextech gemstone she¡¯d stashed in her pocket from earlier, popping it back into Zapper and clicking the guide-point over it.

    She checked over her shoulder, that Isha wasn¡¯t anywhere near the water.

    ¡°Check this out,¡± she smirked at him, raising the thing to take a shot out in the direction of the sea.

    When she squeezed the trigger, the electric bolt which emanated from the weapon fired off arcs of electricity in every direction as it zipped out ahead into the distance.

    The water shimmered in a pretty blue display from each arc which made contact with its surface as the bolt travelled, like some sort of magical light show¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°¡ªWhat are¡¯ya, some kind of repairman¡­?¡± the woman questioned.

    Viktor attempted to fix his hair, a little.

    ¡°I merely noticed, ma¡¯am,¡± he replied, ¡°that your boiler appears not to be functioning correctly¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± she said, ¡°yeah¡ª darned thing started acting up a while ago¡­¡±

    ¡°I would imagine it to get rather unbearable, in the colder months,¡± he went on.

    The gruff, old woman eyed him with suspicion.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get the angle¡ª I wouldn¡¯t have a lot to pay ya with¡­ that¡¯s why I haven¡¯t had the thing fixed in the first place¡­¡±

    ¡°I was...¡± he replied, ¡°more so interested in an exchange of goods type of arrangement¡­¡±

    He motioned to the gate attached to the side of her dwelling. ¡°I was hoping you might allow me access to some of the scrap metal you keep in that yard of yours¡­?¡±

    She gave him an odd look. ¡°Oh¡ª really¡­?¡± she exclaimed. ¡°Kid¡ª I would¡¯a let you browse around at some of that old junk¡­ there ain¡¯t anything valuable in there¡­¡±

    ¡°I do not mind ¡ª truly,¡± he offered again.

    The woman took a moment, before giving him a nod. ¡°Well, it¡¯d be strange of me to try to stop ya ¡ª have at it, kid,¡± she said. ¡°The gate¡¯s unlocked, ¡®kay? Take all the time you need¡­¡±

    ¡°You have my thanks,¡± Viktor replied.

    He swung a satchel from his shoulder, which contained a rudimentary set of tools, as he strolled over to the exterior wall against which the faulty boiler was mounted.

    He took a peek over at the scrap pile, while he worked. He didn¡¯t suppose he¡¯d find any rogue canisters of argon gas he could use for his welding torch, but raw material would do for now¡­

    He had some building up to do, but he did seek to eventually replicate his Hex-claw design ¡ª it would prove essential for some of the more precise fabrications he hoped to create.

    Life was certainly harsher, down here, however he found it all far less bothersome than his previous predicament had been. There¡¯d been times at the Academy where he¡¯d truly felt as though he were on the verge of losing his mind, in his struggles with staving off his mortality¡­

    He removed the front casing from the hot water circulator, examining the motor within.

    He thought about what his next step ought be, after setting up his workshop. He found himself inclined to examine the vast ducting system which he knew to lie beneath the city, in a kind of rat¡¯s maze ¡ª the likely source of the smog which plagued the Fissures¡­Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    He gave a knock on the woman¡¯s window, as he managed to get the impeller spinning once again. He refastened the face-plate while he heard her approach.

    ¡°I believe the valve-control should be inside, yes?¡± he called out to her.

    ¡°That was quick, hun¡ª!¡± she called back.

    He heard the thing buzz and sputter to life, beginning to heat up as normal once more.

    ¡°Do tell me, after a few minutes, if the heat is back on¡­!¡± he shouted over the noise.

    He traipsed over toward his prize heap, hoping to find some rust-free fragments small enough for him to carry back with him.

    He pulled his gloves tight over his hands, as he began to rummage.

    A question remained, for him ¡ª whether his body would now be strong enough to survive another offering to the Hexcore absent the shot of Shimmer he¡¯d given away.

    He wasn¡¯t sure he dared attempt it, despite how strong he felt. He wondered, in retrospect, whether his decision had in fact been wise¡­

    ¡®A mere calculated delay¡­ that girl¡­¡¯

    He¡¯d begun to find himself increasingly curious about her, though part of him wondered whether she¡¯d ever attempted to apply her evident ingenuity to anything other than deadly weapons¡­

    If there were a way he could acquire the gemstone she possessed for himself, well¡­

    ¡®It would certainly accelerate my progress, down here¡­¡¯

    He shook his head.

    ¡¯She may well be willing to die, before parting with it¡­ I seek not to spill blood¡­¡¯

    Besides, he had to admit that he found it difficult to view a mere teenager as a murderer, regardless of the truth of it¡­

    ¡®An act in desperation, perhaps ¡ª the Piltover square bombing¡­¡¯

    It mattered not, now. He¡¯d left such aspersions behind¡­

    His carry satchel was full, and he fancied cleaning the grease from his clothing sooner rather than later.

    He gave a parting wave to the property owner, beginning his trek back.

    The sun had disappeared from view, as the late afternoon waned. The cool air that was left in its wake chilled his neck and face.

    He found a surprise waiting for him, as he returned¡­

    ¡°Oh¡ª hey, you are still here¡­¡± Jinx remarked, leaning up against the locked door.

    A behemoth of raw steel lay propped up against the wall beside her.

    ¡®Another weapon¡­?¡¯ he figured. It also had the rune engravings¡­

    ¡°Hello¡ª I apologize that you were waiting¡­¡± he opened.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s fine ¡ª just got here, really,¡± she replied. ¡°Can¡¯t stay long, though ¡ª somewhere I gotta be tonight¡­¡±

    ¡°Most understandable,¡± he said, letting them both inside.

    ¡°Wonder if we go junkyard-diving in the same spot¡ª?¡± she joked, as he dumped the contents of his satchel onto the workbench. ¡°What¡¯cha making, anyhow¡­?¡±

    ¡°As of now¡ª only some more sophisticated tools,¡± he responded, to her disappointment, seemingly.

    ¡°I mean,¡± she said, ¡°a welder, and some solder ¡ª what else d¡¯ya need?¡±

    He gave another look at the enormous shark-shaped weapon she lugged behind her.

    ¡°You appear to be quite the prolific engineer¡­¡± he remarked.

    She gave him a funny look.

    ¡°Well¡­ thanks¡­¡± she said. ¡°Ain¡¯t that why you asked me down here¡ª? So I could help you out¡­?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ª certainly,¡± he replied. ¡°At this time, I seek to design a series of mobile, high capacity air purifiers, so that I may traverse through the city¡¯s ducting system.¡±

    ¡°Uh, sure¡­¡± she said, unenthusiastically. ¡°I guess I¡¯ve heard people saying their masks usually clog up in there¡­¡±

    ¡°Well, yes,¡± he responded. ¡°I suppose the problem I may face is the sheer production rate of the fumes ¡ª the filters themselves may clog up the same as the masks, before I¡¯m able to venture very far¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re ya supposing you¡¯re gonna find in there, anyway ¡ª some sort¡¯a treasure?¡± she jested.

    ¡°A shut-off valve, I¡¯d suspect...¡± he stated. ¡°I could perhaps divert it permanently ¡ª Piltover can dispose of their exhaust elsewhere, as they ought to¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± she hummed. ¡°¡­Well, I¡¯d go for building some sort¡¯a robot to go in there, so I wouldn¡¯t have to ¡ª I wouldn¡¯t wanna be smellin¡¯ all that¡­¡±

    He looked at her, for a moment. It was a curious idea¡­

    She suddenly craned over to look at the watch he wore on his wrist.

    ¡°Damn¡ª that¡¯s me, I think,¡± she said.

    ¡°Of course,¡± he nodded.

    ¡°Uh, before I forget, actually,¡± she added, pulling out the vial of Shimmer he¡¯d given her the previous day, now half-emptied.

    ¡°Only needed some of it, really,¡± she went on, ¡°and, I don¡¯t know, I felt bad that I took yours, so, here¡­¡±

    He found himself surprised at the gesture.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ most helpful, Miss Jinx¡ª thank you,¡± he responded.

    She furrowed her brow, a little. ¡°Hey¡ª you¡¯re the big sharer¡­¡±

    He nodded, unbolting the door for her.

    ¡°Well¡­ maybe I¡¯ll let¡¯cha see my shop next time,¡± she remarked. ¡°Maybe¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡­ would not mind that,¡± he said pleasantly.

    ¡°Oh¡ª¡° she added, glancing briefly at her shark weapon, ¡°and if ya hear a loud boom later on, I¡¯d just go ahead and ignore it¡­¡±

    He certainly hoped he¡¯d have the option to¡­

    <hr>

    Drip.

    Drip.

    She rolled over onto her side, attempting to block out the sound of it by draping her forearm over her ear.

    ¡­Drip.

    She grunted, turning over again to face the corner of the cracked, concrete ceiling from which the water was slowly seeping through. She¡¯d long thought about somehow sticking a piece of gum up there¡­

    Drip.

    She gave a quiet groan, sitting herself up slowly. Her back had begun to ache again lately¡­

    She lumbered over to the vertical bars which formed the fourth wall of her room ¡ª there¡¯d be plenty of time for sleeping once the deprivation set in, she figured.

    ¡°Hey, Cheese¡­ you up¡­?¡± she murmured out into the darkness.

    She wrapped one of her arms around the other side of the cell bars, as though it might experience the taste of freedom on her behalf.

    She heard her cell neighbor grumble his way into a sitting position.

    ¡°I am now, I guess¡­¡± he replied, only loudly enough for her to hear. The man sighed. ¡°What¡¯s goin¡¯ on, Vi¡­? Bad dreams again¡­?¡±

    ¡°Nah¡­¡± she exhaled. ¡°Just bothering you¡­ just ¡®cause¡­¡±

    He gave a quiet chuckle.

    ¡°It¡¯s that leak in the roof again, ay¡­?¡± he guessed. ¡°Can hear it from here too, you know.¡±

    She rolled her eyes a little, returning his chuckle. ¡°Well, if you had to sleep in here, it¡¯d be deafening¡­¡±

    ¡°Probably came about from you punchin¡¯ the wall all the time, y¡¯know¡­¡± he replied.

    She hummed in amusement.

    It sounded as though he¡¯d joined her, leaning against the bars of his own cell.

    ¡°¡­You ever still think about gettin¡¯ outta here?¡± he asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I could bear to add up my count, anymore¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± she responded wistfully. ¡°¡­two thousand, five hundred and ninety one ¡ª that¡¯s mine, man¡­¡±

    ¡°So you do still think ¡®bout it¡­¡± he replied.

    Vi was silent for a moment.

    ¡°¡­I think it¡¯s some of the little things I miss¡­¡± she eventually said. ¡°Things I never imagined missing, y¡¯know¡­? Getting mud on my boots¡­ the smell of liquor I could never stomach¡­ actually¡ª a fella named Jericho ran this street stall in The Lanes, where he¡¯d serve these to-die-for, little, blue rainbowfish with his particular sauce¡­¡±

    She found herself salivating at the mere thought of the food she¡¯d enjoyed as a child. ¡°God I hope he¡¯s still around ¡ª I think those are what I miss the most, tell you the truth¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what you miss the most, huh?¡± he chuckled.

    ¡®¡­Well, not the most, no¡­¡¯ she grimaced silently.

    ¡°Sounds pretty nice,¡± he continued. ¡°Ma always used to feed me stew, as a kid¡­¡±

    Vi smiled. ¡°Think we¡¯ve all have our fair share of that¡­ she probably just wanted to make sure you were growing up healthy¡­¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I outlived her, so there¡¯s that at least¡­¡± he murmured morbidly.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ same here, I guess¡­¡± Vi trailed off.

    She let go of the steel bars to her cell, considering giving rest another try.

    ¡°Hey¡ª if you¡¯d ever consider swapping cells with me, Cheese, I¡¯d really appreciate it,¡± she joked.

    He gave her no response, for a moment.

    ¡°¡ªDid you feel that, too?¡± he suddenly asked.

    ¡°What do you mean¡­?¡± she wondered.

    ¡°There was a weird rumble¡ª didn¡¯t sound like a storm¡­¡± he returned.

    ¡°It¡¯s that cursed hearing of yours aga¡ª¡°

    BANG.

    They both stumbled on their feet, as the prison shook all around them.

    ¡®Felt it that time, alright¡­ what in the hell¡­?¡¯

    She heard the other prisoners in their block all grumble awake in unison, beginning to chatter amongst themselves.

    ¡°¡­You sure lightning couldn¡¯t do that?¡± she called out to Cheese, in jest.

    It was, in fact, a strange development, though¡­

    ¡°Somebody got their hands on some dynamite, maybe?¡± he suggested. ¡°Makin¡¯ their grand escape?¡±

    The alert sirens wailed away outside, however the commotion from inside the prison sounded like more than just the mobilization of the guards ¡ª it sounded like a brawl, or something¡­

    Vi found herself cracking her knuckles, as the ruckus drew nearer. She peered around, through the bars of her cell, at the other inmates ¡ª they seemed to be displaying an intense enthusiasm, for whatever it was they thought was going on¡­

    ¡®Are we being broken out¡ª from the outside¡­?¡¯

    She searched her weary mind, for a moment ¡ª the only faction who would possibly have an interest in setting all of them free, was¡­

    ¡®Does he even know that I¡¯m still alive¡­?¡¯

    She managed to convince herself that nobody would be here looking for her ¡ª these prisoners would surely all have been goons for Silco, or for whomever he¡¯d aligned himself with, over these past years¡­

    ¡®Still¡­¡¯

    A collection of dust and dirt had been eternally forming around the crevices of the floor of her cell ¡ª she scooped some of it up with her fingers, dashing it through her pink hair, until it sent her coughing.

    She couldn¡¯t risk being discovered among them, just in case¡­

    The ragged blanket from her bed made her a kind of shawl, too, as she wrapped it around herself.

    ¡°Vi¡ª you still there¡­?¡± Cheese called to her.

    ¡°Hey¡ª I know this sounds weird, but I need you to stop using my name aloud...¡± she urged him. ¡°I don¡¯t know who these guys are¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ sure, that¡¯s cool,¡± he said. ¡°Sounds like they¡¯re gettin¡¯ us all out, though¡­¡±

    The steel door to their block was rammed open, its thud echoing through their halls.

    Vi¡¯s eyes widened as her cell door clicked open soon after.

    She slowly stumbled over to the thing, perhaps still in partial disbelief of it all.

    All of the other cells had unlocked, too, it seemed.

    She stepped across the threshold.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t been in labor camp with you for a couple weeks, now,¡± Cheese spoke from beside her. ¡°Almost forgot what your ugly mug looked like.¡±

    She grinned warily, quickly stepping over to him and dapping him up.

    He returned her a smile which lived up to his name.

    ¡°Feels like you¡¯ve gotten weaker ¡ª maybe you don¡¯t work as hard without me there to bully you,¡± she retorted.

    He chuckled, releasing her hand.

    ¡°Gonna head with the others¡­?¡± he nodded toward the crowd, filing out through the open door.

    ¡°Got no choice for the moment,¡± she murmured back. ¡°C¡¯mon¡­¡±

    ¡°How¡¯d you get all dirtied up?¡± he wondered, as they slipped in amongst the rest of the inmates.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± she replied curtly, keeping her head low.

    They reached the main foyer, where what looked like half of the prison staff were tied up, beaten and bloody, laid against the wall.

    Vi¡¯s heart-rate spiked violently, as she spotted a familiar face, addressing the crowd¡­

    ¡°¡ªAll of you, you¡¯ve done time ¡ª years of it, some of you, even decades,¡± Sevika announced, ¡°all time that¡¯s been taken from you, stolen, by the real crooks in Topside¡­ what do you say ¡®bout taking that time back from them¡­?!¡±

    The woman spoke with fervor, successfully riling the crowd up.

    Vi ducked her head, pulling her hood down.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got plans that involve all of you¡ª!¡° Sevika continued.

    She felt Cheese gently tug on her shawl.

    ¡°Hey¡ª I don¡¯t know that I¡¯m feelin¡¯ as indignant as all these other guys¡­¡± he said, in a hushed tone.

    Vi nodded, spotting an exit which might not arouse too much suspicion.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± she commanded him, quietly.

    She gave a glance out into the night, through the crumbled, gaping hole that was all that was left of the main prison entrance¡­

    ¡®Would have to have been a lot of dynamite¡­¡¯ she figured.

    They couldn¡¯t go that way, in any case ¡ª the goons with Sevika could attempt to question them if they attempted to head out so soon.

    She found them a way into the kitchen.

    ¡°There,¡° Cheese pointed. ¡°Delivery door¡ª what¡¯cha think¡­?¡±

    ¡°I just hope we can find a way off of the island¡­¡± she replied, leading them through.

    She spotted a lantern, swaying back and forth, dimly lighting up a small, secondary dock.

    ¡®No kidding¡­¡¯

    There was a boat ¡ª small, only fit for a few people. It was perfect.

    As they made their way down however, Vi realized the lantern wasn¡¯t a fixture ¡ª it was being held by somebody¡­

    She balled up her fist, as she approached, unsure what to expect¡­

    The person turned, managing to hear them over the sound of the sea.

    ¡°¡­Ferry¡¯s the other way, aight¡­?¡± he scowled.

    He sounded young¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s two more people¡­?¡± she appealed.

    He sighed. ¡°Eh, whatever¡­ these things are a pain to operate, anyway¡­¡± he said, stepping aside for them to cross over onto the deck.

    He had mad looking hair¡­

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Cheese said to him, hauling the gangway in so that they could depart. ¡°You with the crew back there, or¡­?¡±

    The kid shrugged. ¡°I guess¡­¡± he grumbled. ¡°Everythin¡¯ went down pretty quick ¡ª didn¡¯t care to stick around¡­¡±

    Vi hastily untied the ship¡¯s mooring line from the bollard it was coiled around.

    She might¡¯ve still been in disbelief ¡ª that fact that she was actually out¡­

    Her home sat only across the bay, so close that she could almost reach out and touch it¡­

    There was only one thing that mattered to her, now¡­ her stomach felt as though it were tied in knots, at the thought¡­

    ¡®I know you¡¯re still out there, Powder¡­ god¡ª I hope you¡¯re safe¡­¡¯

    She took a breath, dispelling her thoughts for the moment and returning to the task at hand.

    ¡°You got the firebox going¡ª good¡­¡± Vi remarked at the pointy-haired kid, trudging over to begin shoveling coal inside.

    He showed little care, lounging out at the back of the deck.

    She shook her head and flipped open the regulator valve, allowing the boat to begin to move.

    ¡°Been a while since I¡¯ve been on one of these¡­¡± she remarked. ¡°Cheese¡ª you good with navigation? Just needa get us back to shore¡­¡±

    She paused, thinking she heard thunder.

    ¡®No, there¡¯s no storm¡­¡¯

    ¡°Uh, that sounds like it¡¯s comin¡¯ from Topside¡­¡± Cheese commented.

    Blue light flashed intermittently through the mist, followed by more rumbling, as the sound reached them.

    Her stomach dropped, a little.

    ¡®What it the hell is going on, over there¡­?¡¯

    She glanced behind her at the kid, while they chugged along through choppy water.

    He seemed to be a bit more attentive toward whatever was going on, all of a sudden...

 Chapter 16: Incursionâ€¦

    Vi¡¯s anxiety increased the closer they drew to the shoreline. It looked to be out of some sort of nightmare ¡ª she could make out several large airships strafing over the Southern District, with their spotlights bearing down upon the city streets. The repeated booms following the flashes of blue light only grew louder, though she still couldn¡¯t discern their origin through the fog.

    ¡°No¡ª take us through the shipping lanes,¡± she urged Cheese, when he attempted to bring them to port.

    Her thoughts raced ¡ª had an uprising against Piltover finally come to fruition while she¡¯d been locked up?

    ¡®Or¡ª is this the beginning of it¡­? Taking Stillwater¡ª the first real act of rebellion¡­ one they decided they wouldn¡¯t forgive¡­?¡¯ she theorized.

    Her hand tightened around the boat¡¯s support railing.

    She hadn¡¯t been here¡­ to help¡­ to fight¡­

    She needed answers.

    He would be able to tell her¡­

    She turned to him¡ª the kid who¡¯d helped break them all out.

    He only seemed to be intrigued by it all¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s happening up there?¡± she demanded, having to shout in order to be heard. ¡°Are we in a war with them¡ª with Topside?¡±

    ¡°The old man wanted it¡­¡± he yelled back. ¡°Looks like he got it¡­¡±

    Her facial muscles twitched around her lip.

    ¡°You work for him¡ª?¡± she pressed. ¡°For Silco? ¡ª He wanted you to take Stillwater?¡±

    Cheese suddenly rushed over to extinguish the lantern strung up by the stern of the boat, as they approached land. They all looked up to spot an airship pass directly overhead of them, its spotlight briefly illuminating the patch of river upon which they floated.

    It looked as though dark confetti were raining down from its gondola¡­

    No¡ª they were paper leaflets¡­

    A handful of them fluttered down onto the deck of the boat. Vi caught her breath, hastily closing the boat¡¯s regulator valve so that they could slow to a stop. She picked up one of the leaflets, slick wet from sea-spray. She strained to read it:

    THE CITY OF PILTOVER REQUESTS CIVILIANS OF THE UNDERCITY TO EVACUATE BOTH THE ALCOVE DISTRICT AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT IMMEDIATELY, WHILE A SWIFT MARTIAL OPERATION IS CONDUCTED TO RESCUE THIRTEEN CAPTURED PILTOVAN ENFORCERS, AND TO RETRIEVE SEVERAL HIGHLY VOLATILE HEXTECH ARTIFACTS TAKEN AND HELD BY A CRIMINAL UNDERCITY FACTION.

    SHOULD ANY CITIZEN OF THE UNDERCITY ATTEMPT TO SHELTER, OR IN ANY WAY AID THIS FACTION, THEY WILL BE APPREHENDED AND IMPRISONED.

    BEWARE.

    Vi felt the blood rush to her face, as she became flushed with rage. She cast the paper aside, unconsciously balling up her fist.

    ¡°Hey, c¡¯mon¡ª¡° Cheese urged. ¡°We¡¯re here¡ª we gotta go.¡±

    He offered her a hand in stepping off of the boat.

    She managed to catch a glimpse of what was causing all of the noise¡­ something out of this world¡­

    A large ball of violent blue light erupted from what look to be a hulking, mechanized cannon, from across the river. The ball shot through the air, before seemingly detonating itself over the water, before it reached the other side.

    The explosion was deafening, up close¡­

    ¡®They¡¯re herding us all away¡­¡¯ she thought numbly.

    The kid hopped off the boat after her.

    ¡°Landed us in the thick of it, eh¡­?¡± he remarked, as a troop of enforcers passed ahead of them, their torches piercing through the darkness.

    Vi crept up to Cheese, crouching against a nearby alcove to stay hidden.

    ¡°We can¡¯t let them do this,¡± she said, in a forceful whisper. ¡°We have to fight¡­¡±

    He seemed to grimace at the thought. ¡°¡­What about the kid?¡± he wondered. ¡°We trust him¡­?¡±

    She glanced over to see him wander out ahead of them both.

    ¡°Hey¡ª!¡± she called out to him, still attempting to keep her voice hushed. ¡°Where¡¯re you going¡­?¡±

    He turned back nonchalantly.

    ¡°Got a score to settle with these assholes¡­¡± he answered, slowly flexing his bandaged fingers back and forth.

    He strode off again, causing Vi to turn to her comrade.

    ¡°We can worry about trusting him later¡­¡± she said.

    She set off skulking after him, wondering what it was the kid had up his sleeve to make him so headstrong¡­

    He didn¡¯t keep her in suspense for long, performing an effortless wall-jump up to a nearby balcony as they approached an intersection in the path. Boots on pavement could be heard marching toward their position.

    Vi checked behind, verifying that Cheese had caught up to her.

    She spotted the coal shovel from back on the boat in his hand. He presented it to her.

    ¡°Take it¡ª a weapon¡­¡± he whispered, while they both heard the troop of enforcers draw nearer.

    She vehemently shook her head.

    ¡°You know I¡¯ll be fine ¡ª keep it,¡± she assured him. ¡°Just, boost me up¡­¡±

    She gestured to the balcony above them, and let him lift her by the feet. She grasped the railing and hopped herself over, before turning and giving him a hand up.

    The strafing spotlights from the street briefly illuminated the inside of the apartment. It had seemingly been left by its owners in such a hurry that a set of half-eaten meals remained on the table.

    She attempted to situate herself, as the place returned to darkness. It sounded as though the enforcers had come upon their original position, back at street-level.

    Vi scanned around further, as they were granted another moment of illumination. She immediately realized the mistake in her previous assumption, as she spotted a young couple cowering silently in the corner of the room, fearfully observing the intruding party with wide eyes.

    Vi attempted to present them with a reassuring expression before the light expired, placing a finger over her lips and giving a slow nod.

    She then scurried over to where she¡¯d last spotted the kid, at a secondary opening which overlooked the main street.

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming you get into it with these guys often¡­?¡± she whispered. ¡°What¡¯s your play¡­?¡±

    Cheese crept over to join them in observing the troop of enforcers below. It seemed they¡¯d paused to await further orders, simply blockading the street for the time being.

    The kid shot her a dismissive expression. ¡°Lookin¡¯ ta get yourself locked back up again or somethin¡¯?¡± he quietly replied. ¡°I can handle these clowns¡­¡±

    She furrowed her brow slightly, while he clambered over the railing to hold himself over its edge, seemingly readying himself for some next move.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    She only guessed what it could have been a mere moment before he did it ¡ª he launched himself laterally into a nearby standing street lamp, his feet pointed into a flying kick. The thing toppled over without much resistance as he sailed through it with an impressive amount of force ¡ª at least four unlucky enforcers below lay in its path.

    Vi¡¯s eyes were trained on the kid in awe as he landed gracefully on the opposite side of the troop, and proceeded to lift the flattened lamp from the ground and heftily swing it into the wall of the building from which he¡¯d launched his attack, taking out a further three Piltovans before they¡¯d even had a chance to turn in his direction.

    Vi hopped down after him, making a charge for one of the remaining enforcers, scrambling with their weapon in panic.

    They took a right cross to the side of the head before they¡¯d even noticed her ¡ª down and out.

    The pointy-haired kid¡¯s fighting style was difficult for her to put a finger on ¡ª he spun and kicked with a ferocious speed, maintaining a low, crouched stance through it all. His evident flexibility allowed him to gain an incredible reach against his opponents, being able to contort his body with little effort, in order to catch his opponent off guard ¡ª dodges and parries flowing into immediate counter-attacks.

    ¡®He¡¯s pretty strong¡­¡¯ she thought warily to herself.

    Cheese thudded down onto the cobbled street finally to join them, as the last few enforcers were taken out between the two of them.

    It felt good, being in a fight again, as little contest as it had been¡­

    ¡°You¡¯s work quick¡­¡± Cheese remarked, hitting a partially conscious enforcer in the mask with his shovel, before they could struggle back to their feet.

    Vi¡¯s ears pricked up to the sound of gunshots and fighting, off in the distance. The booming of the cannon back over the river still hadn¡¯t let up, either¡­

    ¡°If we clear them all out of here, tonight,¡± she said to him, ¡°then maybe they¡¯ll be too chickenshit to come back.¡±

    Cheese nodded. ¡°How ¡®bout all these ones ¡ª their weapons¡­?¡±

    She pried from a knocked-out enforcer¡¯s hands a particularly beefy bronze rifle. She pointed it at a graffitied over wall, in curiosity, and squeezed the trigger. It fired with a brief jolt of blue light, its projectile buzzing out and embedding itself deep into the thick concrete, in a startling display.

    Weird¡­

    She tossed the weapon at him, causing him to drop the shovel.

    ¡°You have it,¡± she said. ¡°Ain¡¯t really my style.¡±

    Cheese examined the thing with some fascination, before leaning over to raid the same unconscious body of their remaining spare ammunition.

    Vi spotted the kid gazing casually down the street.

    She wandered over to him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem like you¡¯re itching to report back to the boss, or whatever it is you guys are supposed to do¡­¡± she remarked.

    He gave her that dismissive look, again. ¡°Never said I worked for him¡­¡±

    ¡°For Silco¡ª?¡± she pressed.

    He slowly raised an eyebrow. ¡°Got an axe to grind with him, or somethin¡¯¡­?¡±

    ¡°Look, whatever¡ª¡° she shook her head. ¡°I just needed to know for sure that he¡¯s the one that¡¯s been running things down here, all these years¡­¡±

    The kid grunted.

    ¡°You two should go find some place to hide,¡± he said derisively. ¡°These assholes¡¯ve been gearin¡¯ up, over the past few weeks¡­¡±

    ¡°These assholes are the ones that locked me up and left me to rot in their shithole prison for seven years,¡± she shot back. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised what that resentment can make someone capable of¡­¡±

    He looked at her again.

    ¡°Can throw a punch, I¡¯ll give ya that¡­¡± he remarked.

    She scoffed a little, glancing back at Cheese lining up all of the unconscious enforcers against the wall.

    ¡°Listen¡ª my name¡¯s Vi,¡± she said. ¡°That¡¯s Cheese. Stick with us ¡ª we¡¯ll take the fight to them¡­¡± She pointed in the direction of Piltover.

    He was silent, for a moment.

    ¡°Eh, sure¡­¡± he finally replied. ¡°See how long you two manage to survive¡­ name¡¯s Garou, anyway¡­¡±

    She nodded, hopping back over to help Cheese with discarding the enforcers¡¯ weapons.

    ¡°He cool, or¡ª?¡± Cheese enquired.

    ¡°Think so¡­¡± she responded. ¡°Look¡ª before anything else, I¡¯ve got to find her¡­¡±

    ¡°Your sister?¡± he assumed.

    She nodded. ¡°I just¡ª I know she¡¯s still down here, somewhere¡­ I know it¡­¡±

    Garou strolled over to them.

    ¡°You mind covering us while I try to find somebody down here, first?¡± she asked him. ¡°It¡¯s important¡ª and she can help us¡­¡±

    He cocked an eyebrow¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°He knew it¡¯d lead to this¡­ he just didn¡¯t care¡­¡±

    Ekko handed Scar back his flask of water, after he¡¯d had his fill.

    ¡°There are innocents down there,¡± Ekko replied. ¡°We can¡¯t just leave them all to fend for themselves¡­¡±

    The two of them were perched upon the flat, concrete roof of a tall housing tower, just outside of the cordoned-off Alcove District. Their mask-wearing days lay behind them ¡ª there had no longer been any need for secrecy ever since the Firelights were reduced to a decimated, inoperative faction¡­

    There remained a few of them left, at least, scraping together what they could in order to begin again. They sorely missed their old sanctuary, however, and unfortunately, those who suffered the most from its loss were their children. Hopping between decrepit, abandoned apartments that rarely had clean drinking water was hardly an adequate life for them, for their upbringing¡­

    No Firelight that had managed to escape the assault weeks ago had done so without their young, if they had any, however, for those who fell, their children had been taken by Silco¡¯s men, and almost undoubtedly had been put to work¡­

    Ekko had since taken to spying on Silco¡¯s operation, hoping to spot a face he recognized heading into a Shimmer factory somewhere, but with little luck.

    And now this¡­

    The Piltovan airships crept through the air in darkness, casting condemning eyes upon the District with their search beams. Scar and himself had managed to help a few civilians get themselves out of the area, before the enforcers had shown up¡­

    Ekko turned frustratingly to the sea, at the now-compromised Stillwater Hold. Silco¡¯s stunt surely mustn¡¯t have helped the situation, but Ekko was fairly certain that Piltover had already planned their incursion long before such a move.

    ¡°Yeah¡ª well,¡± Scar replied, ¡°if you wanna head there, then that¡¯s the choice ¡ª we can¡¯t do both¡­¡±

    Ekko pinched the bridge of his nose, in thought.

    ¡°You remember¡ª?¡± he asked him, ¡°how many of ours would have been in there?¡±

    Scar tilted his head back, for a moment.

    ¡°Well, there¡¯d be Annika, there¡¯d be Holdo¡­¡± he paused. ¡°Karlos, oh¡ª and Raya, from the botched job on the air-bridge¡­?¡±

    ¡°Raya lost her mask on that one¡­¡± Ekko remarked, shaking his head. ¡°Silco¡¯s guys might have recognized her, I don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    ¡°Still gotta try, for the others¡­¡± Scar urged him.

    He hummed in thought.

    ¡°They¡¯re landing there with them,¡± he pointed. ¡°Wharfside ¡ª the ferries dock and then set off again, about every half hour.¡±

    Scar pulled his board closer to him.

    ¡°Okay¡ª what are we waitin¡¯ on, then?¡± he replied. ¡°We keep our distance, see if we can spot any of our guys¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Okay,¡± Ekko finally agreed. ¡°But, listen to me¡ª¡° he held Scar by the strap on his shoulder, before he could take off. ¡°If you spot Jinx¡­ you point me to her immediately, got it¡­?¡± he commanded, almost with a growl.

    Scar met his eye, and he seemed to understand.

    He gave Ekko a nod, and they both activated their boards, silently taking to the skies.

    <hr>

    She crouched with her back pressed against a corner wall, kicking herself for not packing an additional rocket for Fishbones, from her prior mission. She almost salivated at the thought of what she could have achieved had her entire stockpile been with her, actually¡­

    The spotlight passed her by, without compromising her position. She stepped out to watch the hulking airship drift away overhead, raising a finger-gun to it, and quietly blasting it down in her mind.

    She heard Mylo from behind her, celebrating the notion.

    ¡°Quiet¡­¡± Jinx murmured, without bothering to look at him.

    ¡°He¡¯s fine¡ª he¡¯s stronger than me,¡± she argued, after another silent instigation. ¡°Just gotta find him¡ª Isha, too¡­ they¡¯re both fine¡­¡±

    The thought did trouble her, a little¡­ but she wasn¡¯t about to let him know that¡­

    She swung the shark-shaped launcher back over her shoulder, jogging across the street into the safety of a covered alley, while the strange rumbling sound continued to repeat behind her, somewhere.

    She¡¯d had a near run-in with a troop of enforcers some moments ago, but they weren¡¯t very observant...

    She should¡¯ve wasted them¡­

    As she moved, she slipped her fingers around Zapper, for good measure, but she was confident that she was out of harm¡¯s way ¡ª Topside¡¯s stupid raining notes had intimated that they were afraid to enter the Fissures, for now.

    She decided to head straight for the safe-house ¡ª god knew where she¡¯d find Silco, at a time like this¡­

    She was hoping that Garou wouldn¡¯t do anything too stupid, and perhaps would meet her there¡­

    ¡®Everyone sure looks panicked about all of this¡­¡¯ she observed of some people running ahead of her.

    The grunts guarding the entrance seemed almost reassured by her presence, for a change, as she approached them.

    ¡°Hear that out there¡ª?¡± she remarked. ¡°That ain¡¯t thunder, folks¡­¡±

    The two exchanged glances with one another briefly, before letting her in.

    She hopped down some steps, before being greeted by Isha¡¯s alarmed hazel stare.

    The kid ran up and flung her arms around Jinx¡¯s waist.

    ¡°Easy, tiger¡ª¡± she responded, ¡°we¡¯re okay¡­¡±

    There were a scant few other people in the safe-house, mostly strange-looking, and mostly keeping to themselves now that Jinx had shown up.

    ¡®Probably not the greatest of company,¡¯ she imagined.

    She pulled Isha off of her.

    ¡°Hey¡ª c¡¯mon,¡± she offered, ¡°let¡¯s head back to my workshop, I¡¯ve gotta stock back up, anyhow.¡±

    The kid nodded, pulling her helmet over her head.

    ¡°Garou hasn¡¯t been back, has he¡­?¡± Jinx wondered, as they headed out.

    Isha shook her head.

    ¡°That¡¯s okay¡ª didn¡¯t think he would¡¯ve,¡± she replied.

    ¡®He¡¯d more likely come back to mine, if anything,¡¯ she told herself.

    They rounded back toward the familiar street on which The Last Drop sat. She spotted her favorite street vendor packing up his things, seemingly readying himself for travel, not excepting the rambunctious, young Krug he kept caged beside him.

    The creature was certainly bigger than last she saw it, almost to the point of outgrowing its cage.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard they get pretty formidable once they¡¯re grown,¡± she remarked, approaching the man. ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d use him for protection.¡±

    The man didn¡¯t pause from his packing. ¡°If you wish to be me,¡± he replied gruffly, ¡°then purchase it from me, and do as you please ¡ª its only use to me now is in gaining a ticket out of this place¡­¡±

    Jinx pursed her lips in thought, watching Isha subtly attempt to elicit an interaction from the thing, from the bounds of its enclosure.

    ¡®Could freeing the thing actually be at all worthwhile¡­?¡¯ she wondered. ¡®More importantly¡ª will Silco notice if the drawer where he keeps some spare Coin is half-emptied¡­?¡¯

    ¡°Will you wait¡ª?¡± Jinx finally replied.

    The man set curtly set down his carry satchel. ¡°Fine¡ª ten minutes.¡±

    She was surprised to see the Krug and Isha engaged in some type of silent conversation, mostly involving head movements and blinks.

    ¡®Jee, well that settles it,¡¯ she decided. It did mean that she¡¯d have to lug Fishbones up some stairs, though¡­

 Chapter 17: Boiling Overâ€¦

    He curled his fingers into a fist as his hand sprung free, carrying the movement through and shattering the fucker¡¯s helmet. He then slickly maneuvered himself out of the way of a thrust with the butt of another¡¯s weapon, stepping in closer and using the enforcer as a barrier between himself and a nearby shooter, cocking their rifle within earshot.

    The one he¡¯d just dodged took a hasty step backward in fright, to their own folly ¡ª it only gave Garou the space to kick them through the air and into their comrade.

    ¡®Can¡¯t believe I ever let ¡®em hit me last time¡­¡¯ he internally remarked.

    His ears pricked up again, as something was sent careening his way. It was hard to tell which direction to dodge, with the checkpoint floodlight turned their way, so he trusted his hearing ¡ª he hopped into the air to his left, as one of their weird, throwable wire snags sailed past where his ankles had been.

    Mid-air was hardly a position in which he fancied himself however, as another shot was fired his way. He twisted his torso around, narrowly avoiding the trajectory of the bullet, and cursing himself for not snatching the wire snag thing out of the air when he¡¯d had the opportunity, to toss back at them.

    He landed, buckling his knees in order to spring himself toward the bulk of their forces.

    He bailed at the last moment, as a chorus of drawn back rifle hammers sounded, instead pouncing at an impudent idiot attempting to enter the fray with a riot shield and bludgeon to match.

    The fucker charged at him with all their might, but Garou merely pulled them down to the ground with him, flipping them over and launching them against the wall with a subsequent extension of the legs.

    He was left holding the shield as the other enforcers loosed their barrage of shots, but he didn¡¯t much care to find out whether the thing would be bullet-proof against those new magicky, blue pellets¡­

    He made a dash for the nearby wall, pushing off with his feet to gain some height again, before whipping the shield through the air like a saucer, straight into the floodlight.

    A shot flew past him from behind this time, as they were all bathed in darkness.

    He knew it to be friendly without turning, as it hit an enforcer square in the shoulder, causing them to cry out.

    He spotted the chick with the tattoos enter the brawl finally too, hopping in from behind them all and beginning to rain punches as they attempted to reload.

    He sauntered over to the last one in line, who looked to abandon fumbling with their weapon in favor of fleeing. He swept their feet out from under them using his own, leaning down and ripping their mask from their face.

    ¡®Just some scared girl¡­¡¯ he observed.

    ¡°Ya¡¯s had enough yet, or what¡­?¡± he growled.

    Her eyes widened slightly, as she struggled in his grip. ¡°You¡¯re¡ª¡° she stammered.

    She seemed as though she recognized him from just his silhouette, in the darkness ¡ª maybe he¡¯d managed to make some ¡®WANTED¡¯ poster somewhere after his previous exploits¡­

    The tattooed chick marched over to them.

    ¡°Trigger-happy jackboots, not so fast on the trigger, huh?¡± she remarked snidely, standing over the girl. ¡°If Topside thinks we¡¯re just gonna roll over and take it, you¡¯ve all got another thing coming¡­¡±

    The girl seemed to raise a defensive arm to her face preemptively. ¡°Only so much that can be tolerated¡­¡± she murmured.

    ¡°The hell¡¯d you just say to us¡ª?¡± she demanded of the girl. ¡°Say it again, or we¡¯ll shatter your pretty cheekbones.¡±

    ¡°Wh¡ª¡° the girl blubbered, ¡°what do you mean¡ª? You people kidnapped the Kirammans¡¯ daughter, murdered our sheriff¡­ you stole several Hextech stones¡­¡±

    Garou reacted slightly to the mention of the gemstones.

    The chick scoffed, from beside him. ¡°If you all just had to spend a day living down in the Fissures¡­ having to breathe that air¡­ living under the shadow of your pompous city¡­ where we¡¯re all treated as less than you¡­¡±

    The enforcer went to cover up her face again, as the chick¡¯s demeanor turned harsher.

    Garou put an end to it, swiftly poking his knuckles through the girl¡¯s makeshift protection and into her forehead, knocking her out.

    He released the girl onto the cold cement.

    ¡°¡­Is it true¡ª what she said?¡± the chick asked. ¡°Silco stole some kid, or something¡­?¡±

    He glanced over briefly to see the burly dude peeling the riot shield from the shattered glass of the floodlight.

    ¡°Told ya¡ª I ain¡¯t his soldier¡­¡± he responded. ¡°What am I supposed to know ¡®bout it¡­?¡±

    ¡°Sure, fine¡­¡± She exhaled. ¡°Listen¡ª I was hoping you could help me, with finding my sister¡­ I haven¡¯t got that many leads to follow up with.¡±

    He looked at her.

    ¡°Must¡¯ve had somethin¡¯ in mind, if you brought us this way¡­?¡± he replied.

    She sighed again.

    ¡°There¡¯s a way down, into the Fissures,¡± she said. ¡°There¡¯s sort of¡­ well, there¡¯s one person I can think to ask¡­¡±

    She turned to her friend as he joined them.

    ¡°Thanks for the cover, big guy¡­¡± she remarked.

    ¡°Seems like we should start doin¡¯ this for a living, or something,¡± he smirked.

    As they began to wander away, Garou glanced in the other direction, at the bridge¡­

    He considered ditching their little party ¡ª he hardly needed ¡®em, after all¡­

    ¡°Just down here,¡± the chick called to him.

    He begrudgingly made up his mind.

    ¡®Maybe check on Blue, first¡­ see she hasn¡¯t gone and gotten herself caught, or somethin¡¯¡­¡¯

    <hr>

    She entered to discover a rowdy commotion taking place, inside of the The Last Drop ¡ª some kind of squabble between the usual bar-goers who served her father, and some less familiar faces¡­

    ¡®Less than human¡ª this one¡­¡¯ Jinx thought in reaction to the Yordle Chem-Baron, blustering about his various causes for disgruntlement while his top-hat-donning henchmen held off those attempting to get at him.

    ¡®Gonna have more steel than fur soon, Smeech¡­¡¯

    The guy had clearly taken to the option of prosthetic replacement with an eager enthusiasm, possessing no remaining biological limbs ¡ª perhaps he¡¯d loathed the feeling of standing shorter than everybody that wasn¡¯t a small child¡­

    ¡°Silco¡¯s had you¡¯s eating the crumbs out of his hand for so long that he¡¯s convinced you¡¯s all that you¡¯re his little, baby birds,¡± he ranted. ¡°And now you¡¯re so dependent on him that you won¡¯t even fly away when he gets half your territory blown up¡ª! Do you¡¯s all even know why Topside¡¯ve come marchin¡¯ in so sudden?¡±

    A three-pronged blade emerged from his mechanical, metal arm, which he whipped through the air in an arc, deterring the front line of his attackers.

    Jinx found Isha¡¯s hand, and pulled her a little closer.

    ¡°He ain¡¯t here to defend you now, is he?¡± Smeech went on. ¡°I can do whatever I want to¡ª¡°

    In addressing the crowd, his eyes seemed to finally come upon the sight of her. His expression turned snide, as she became the new focus of his attention.

    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Miss whim and fancy,¡± he seethed, beginning to approach her. ¡°Eyeball¡¯s little brat with a pistol ¡ª how nice of ya to join us! Where is the old man, huh? I¡¯m sure everybody here¡¯d love for you to tell us!¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    She pulled Zapper on him without hesitating, still holding Isha to her side.

    ¡°Close your eyes for a second, I¡¯ll show ya¡­¡± she loudly retorted, with equal venom.

    ¡°Y¡¯know, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s that itchy trigger finger¡¯a yours that ended us up in this mess to begin with!¡± he scoffed, drawing closer. ¡°I¡¯d bet if we just handed you over along with the Kiramman chick, that might even be enough to make ¡®em leave us alone!¡±

    ¡°Y¡¯know he¡¯s getting your goons outta Stillwater too, right, dummy?¡± she retorted.

    He feigned a puzzled expression.

    ¡°Interesting, considering all¡¯a my men are right here, lady,¡± he responded, ¡°and also considering they all know that gettin¡¯ caught, means that they¡¯re out¡­¡±

    He gave a knowing look to his henchmen, who all seemed to take the threat on the chin. They all seemed to be in league on the matter of the prosthetic limbs, too¡­

    She¡¯d noticed one of them flanking her, as Smeech talked.

    ¡°Kid¡ª¡° she urged, out of the side of her mouth, ¡°Head back to that street vendor, with the animal¡ª I¡¯ll be out to see ya soon¡­¡±

    She released Isha¡¯s hand, and gave her a gentle nudge in the direction of the door, but she didn¡¯t seem to be willing to leave Jinx¡¯s side.

    She frustratingly turned to see the kid¡¯s eyes widen ¡ª it at least gave her the notion to dodge the incoming swipe by the goon flanking her. He wielded a misshapen saw cleaver ¡ª likely blunt as hell, but it still posed a threat.

    This time she shoved Isha away with some force, as they both stumbled toward the ground avoiding another slash. Fishbones thudded to the floor beside her.

    Jinx spun herself around and blasted at the dude¡¯s metal arm, for maximum effect. He went down spasming as the electrical current surged through his body.

    The bar had erupted into a brawl in response, but Smeech seemed to deter his attackers with ease using the reach of his prothetic arms¡¯ spinning blades. It seemed clear that she was his target now however, as three more of his henchmen rushed her.

    She hardly had time to clamber to her feet at all ¡ª she managed to fire off a shot with Zapper which luckily chained from her target over to the one beside him, but the third smashed the weapon from her hands with his bludgeon. She cried out as the impact tenderized her fingers.

    She scrambled backward as he advanced on her, his mechanical limbs hissing and whirring as he wound up for another swing at her.

    She hastily thrust her boot into the tail of Fishbones, which lay on the ground beside her, sending the hunk of metal skidding into his shins and dislodging his footing.

    She immediately twisted her head to the sound of Isha¡¯s whimper behind her ¡ª another of Smeech¡¯s men had circled around to make a grab at her.

    Jinx thwarted her instinct to simply pelt a Chomper grenade at his face.

    She instead swung herself and planted the tip of her boot into the back of his knee, making a lunge for Zapper, laying nearby, as she did it.

    The air suddenly left her lungs, as she took a kick in the ribs just before she was able to retrieve her pistol. She didn¡¯t give up, batting the thing toward herself and preparing to take aim, hoping that Isha had the wherewithal to separate herself so as not to get shocked¡­

    She spun to find the man grunting in intense pain, keeling over and reaching for his groin, while Isha stood with her fist clenched, wearing a furious expression.

    ¡®Guess he ain¡¯t all-the-way prosthetic¡­¡¯ Jinx grimaced, reaching out and tugging Isha away so that she could fry the goon.

    She managed to stumble to her feet, but she knew that they weren¡¯t out of danger.

    ¡°Leaving so soon, Jinx?!¡± Smeech taunted, from close behind her¡­

    She felt a sharp, burning pain along her back, causing her to shudder. She gave Isha a further shove toward the door, turning toward her attacker and receiving another slice in the forearm, as she tried to shield herself.

    ¡®Crap¡­¡¯ she thought as she backed into a wall.

    The Yordle was a monstrous, spinning maelstrom of blades, spindly and terrifying at the close range he stood from her.

    She had no opportunity to extend her arm without it being bisected, so she shot the floor beneath them while flinching from his slashes. They both ate an equal jolt of the electricity which arced from the nails in the floorboards.

    It caused her knees to buckle.

    ¡°Run¡ª!¡± she screamed at Isha, with the little control she had over her mouth. ¡°Get hel¡ª¡°

    Somebody wrenched her backward by the hair, tossing her to the floor once more. Her mind was still hazy, but clearing¡­

    He hadn¡¯t the good sense to disarm her, for which she rewarded him by firing a charge through his eye. She heard it pop¡­

    She painfully craned her head to the relieving sight of an empty doorway, Isha finally having left as she¡¯d instructed.

    Smeech made a groan, from beside her. She saw him twist open a purple vial, which made a pop and began to emit Shimmer, in mist-form.

    She attempted to subtly make a reach for her own supply, in the needle she¡¯d kept in the pouch she had on her¡­

    A metal fist collided with her face, sending her into haziness once again ¡ª perhaps the one goon she¡¯d forgotten to kill¡­

    She lacked the strength to prevent her pistol from being snatched from her, or her arms from being restrained.

    Her blood was all over her¡­

    It looked like a few of Silco¡¯s men who remained in the bar hobbled over to help¡­

    It also looked like they were swiftly impaled, a maimed, by a newly energized Smeech, pumping with a burst of Shimmer-induced adrenaline¡­

    She desperately stretched her fingers toward her belt, toward the Chomper which still dangled from it¡­

    ¡°¡­want her tied up¡­ already reachin¡¯ for her damn¡­ last ditch to blow us all up¡­¡± Smeech¡¯s sneering voice rang sparsely through her ears.

    She had no strength left¡­

    ¡°¡­gotta go¡­ done here¡­¡±

    Another hit to the head¡­

    It was all turning dark¡­

    ¡­

    She was being dragged¡­

    ¡­

    Somewhere¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­.

    ¡­..

    ¡­.

    ¡­

    She kicked her feet as she walked, disturbing the gravel and sending it all about the place. She liked the way it looked when things bounced and scattered ¡ª it just felt satisfying, in a way she couldn¡¯t necessarily put her finger on.

    The man escorting her didn¡¯t seem to mind, either. He hadn¡¯t ever really told her off for anything, actually, save for when she strayed too far from his sight a couple of times.

    ¡®This place isn¡¯t so scary in daylight, at least¡­¡¯ she thought, as the man swung open the gate for her.

    This particular junkyard was always a treasure trove, as long as one knew where to look ¡ª the types of things people from Topside simply threw out to end up down here boggled her mind, at times.

    Old nails were what she was after in this occasion, but she imagined she¡¯d find plenty of spent bullet casings, from which she could scrape the residue of any uncombusted gunpowder that remained within them.

    The only reason she could remember for why she¡¯d only been able to go junkyard diving exclusively at night was for fear of being caught by the property owner ¡ª presumably the dude had some notion of being able to fetch high prices for the stuff that ended up here.

    Well, that was what she¡¯d told her, anyway.

    Whenever she travelled around with Silco¡¯s men, though, the city seemed to open up for her, as though she were untouchable. It really felt like he ran the place, no matter where he took her, or wherever she wanted to go¡­

    It was nice, she supposed...

    She returned to her escort, dragging a full satchel behind her.

    The man nodded, and they began their way back to The Last Drop.

    Even on the streets, things seemed a little different than they once did ¡ª people just had this strange look of wanting in their eyes, and they liked to brandish all of the new things they¡¯d seemed to have acquired recently, be it clothing, jewelry, tattoos¡­

    Some of the tattoos she¡¯d spotted did look kinda cool though, she thought ¡ª especially the colorful ones¡­

    She altered her path to avoid walking through a cloud of purple smoke somebody had carelessly blown her way.

    ¡®Yeah, there¡¯s that, too¡­¡¯ she thought, of the new party drug which had seemed to have taken The Lanes by storm.

    Shimmer, she¡¯d heard them call it¡­

    People looked kinda scary, when they were on it¡­ in their eyes¡­

    Her escort opened the door to the bar for her, waiting for her to enter.

    She took a breath, and headed inside. She preferred to keep to herself, usually ¡ª she still didn¡¯t really know anybody that frequented the place, yet. Besides, they were all a fair amount older than her.

    Until a few months ago, she supposed she would have been heading downstairs with her haul, but her sleeping quarters now lay above the bar, on the second floor.

    She bundled her satchel into her arms and ascended the staircase.

    She quietened her footsteps as she went to pass the door to Silco¡¯s office, wondering whether he might have been alone.

    Hearing nothing, she slowly twisted the handle to peer inside.

    He stood leant against his desk, facing the window, his cigar in hand. There didn¡¯t seem to be anybody else accompanying him¡­

    She failed to sneak inside without him hearing her.

    He turned and looked at her curiously.

    ¡°Oh¡ª you¡¯re back,¡± he said pleasantly, while she stood awkwardly holding the heavy satchel of junk.

    He began to approach her. ¡°What¡¯s in there?¡± he wondered, offering her the nearby couch so that she could place it all down.

    She did so, and wiped her hands off on her clothing.

    ¡°Just some stuff,¡± she replied. ¡°Krester took me to the junkyard.¡±

    She opened up the satchel when he seemed to display an interest in its contents.

    ¡°Check it out¡ª it¡¯s a tube lamp,¡± she said, proudly displaying her find to him. ¡°I wanna see if I can suck the mercury-vapor out of it, so I can make some other colors.¡±

    ¡°Hm,¡± he replied interestedly, sifting through some of the pile with his fingers. ¡°I¡¯d be interested to see the result¡ª oh, you¡¯ve quite the collection of old bullet casings, I see¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she responded casually, ¡°I needed some gunpowder for Mouser 2.0¡­¡±

    He looked at her, holding one of them and seeming puzzled.

    ¡°These are spent casings, though¡­?¡± he commented.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she remarked, ¡°you¡¯d be surprised ¡ª there¡¯s usually still some usable stuff caked inside, in the crevices.¡±

    He seemed to pause for a moment.

    ¡°I can supply you with gunpowder, you know¡­¡± he said eventually.

    She glanced at him.

    ¡°Oh¡ª I just, I don¡¯t know, this is how I¡¯ve always done it¡­ but¡­ okay¡­¡±

    He continued to look at her.

    ¡°¡­You shouldn¡¯t feel reluctant to ask me for things like this,¡± he replied. ¡°I don¡¯t ever want you to feel that you need to scrounge for anything, while you¡¯re under my care.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ okay¡­¡± she responded ¡ª she wasn¡¯t sure exactly what to say.

    ¡°I am appreciative of your talents, you know,¡± he added, with a small smile. ¡°You seem to have more brains at ten, than half of those who work for me¡­¡±

    She meekly returned a grin. His compliments did make her feel happy¡­ they made her feel worth something¡­

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you take these to your room,¡± he then said, helping her wrap it all back up. ¡°And then, I wish for you to make a list ¡ª everything you think you may need, for your gadgetry, I shall do my best to acquire it for you, okay?¡±

    She thought about it for a moment, before giggling a little and giving him a nod.

    ¡°Well¡ª I¡¯ll make it realistic, at least¡­¡± she grinned.

    He gave a quiet chuckle, before looking on in thought.

    ¡°I was wondering, by the way¡­¡± he began, ¡°whether you¡¯d come to any decision yet, on¡­ what you¡¯d like to be called¡­?¡±

    She dropped her eyes.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± she murmured. ¡°No, not yet¡­¡±

    He slowly gave a nod.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he replied gently. ¡°Take your time¡­¡±

    She picked the thing up and scampered from the room, so that he wouldn¡¯t see the tears that had begun to form in the corners of her eyes.

    It was the same reason she muffled her sobs with her pillow, at night ¡ª she just didn¡¯t want him to see her like this, not ever¡­

    She didn¡¯t want him to know how weak, and how much of a screw-up she really was¡­

    Powder¡­

    She reached her bedroom down the hall, and got to working immediately, to take her mind off her thoughts¡­

    You¡¯re a jinx¡­

    She gritted her teeth.

    Maybe¡­

    She didn¡¯t feel like one around him though¡­

 Chapter 18: Crossroadsâ€¦

    She figured it would at least have begun to cure her homesickness, being back after all this time, but¡­

    It only made her blood boil, seeing what he¡¯d done to it, her former home¡­ the legacy he¡¯d erased...

    ¡®No¡ª feels more like he¡¯s parading around with the dead carcass of everything Vander built¡­¡¯

    The state of The Last Drop was the epitome of it all, and it made her feel ill¡­

    Vi felt a hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°Hey¡ª we should probably keep movin¡¯¡­¡± said Cheese, in a low tone.

    She paused, tempering herself, before giving him a resigned nod.

    She¡¯d convinced him to discard his enforcer rifle to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb while they traversed The Lanes, but he¡¯d kept the riot shield he¡¯d collected, and had it affixed to his back under his cloak.

    It only added to his already large stature, she supposed ¡ª nobody was likely to want to mess with them.

    Plus, the third in their temporary trio whom she still knew little about was a force of nature in himself¡­

    She glanced his way ¡ª he seemed to have been observing her reaction to coming upon The Last Drop from the upper level upon which they stood.

    ¡°Got a home somewhere around here¡­?¡± she asked him. ¡°Or are you just a passer through¡­?

    Garou formed a somewhat reticent expression.

    ¡°¡­Lay my head wherever I can, I guess,¡± he muttered.

    He nudged his head in the direction of the neon-defaced building.

    ¡°Pretty sure it¡¯s only the old man¡¯s guys that drink in that spot,¡± he remarked. ¡°Hard to figure this sister¡¯a yours¡¯d find herself in there if she thinks along the lines¡¯a you¡­¡±

    She hung her head, the futility of it all hitting her like a ton of bricks. The Yordle lady at the brothel hadn¡¯t had any knowledge to offer her on whether Powder was alive either¡­

    It meant that Silco was in fact her only remaining lead ¡ª he was the last person she¡¯d ever seen her with, all those years ago¡­

    It felt like a pang in her stomach, every time she forced herself to contemplate what he might have done with her¡­ whether he might have spared her life¡­

    She turned to Garou again.

    ¡°He must have payed you up front, right?¡± she surmised. ¡°For the job at Stillwater ¡ª otherwise you¡¯d be returning to him right now, to collect¡­?¡±

    He raised an eyebrow at her question.

    ¡°Eh¡­ I, uh¡­ did it as a favor,¡± he muttered, to her increasing curiosity. ¡°He ain¡¯t here, anyway,¡± he added. ¡°Wasn¡¯t the plan¡­¡±

    She followed the possible logic in her head.

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ at the docks, then?¡± she concluded, ¡°to meet with the men he¡¯s freed¡­?¡±

    His body language shifted.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t takin¡¯ you to him¡­¡± he grunted.

    She felt her temperature rising once more.

    ¡°What¡¯s he got on you, that you had to owe him a favor¡­?¡± she demanded.

    He narrowed his eyes at her.

    ¡°What¡¯s gettin¡¯ at the old man got to do with your sister, eh¡­?¡± he responded.

    ¡°Because,¡± she said through gritted teeth, ¡°the last time I ever saw Powder, Silco was standing over her, holding a knife¡­ that¡¯s the kind of man you¡¯ve indebted yourself to¡­¡±

    Garou made a hint toward taking a defensive fighting stance, as Cheese marched up to take her side.

    She placed a gentle hand out, to stop Cheese from advancing any further ¡ª she wasn¡¯t sure she fancied a fight with the kid, not after seeing what he¡¯d done against the enforcers¡­

    Garou seemed to know it, too, as he gave a smirk at the very intimation.

    ¡°You¡¯d be wastin¡¯ your time, tryin¡¯ to fight me¡­¡± he taunted. ¡°Listen¡ª you¡¯re tellin¡¯ me the old man¡¯s no different than the rest of the scum in this city, so fuck him¡­ fuck whatever empire he sits on top of, too¡ª I don¡¯t give a shit about any of it¡­¡±

    ¡°Then come with us¡ª!¡± Vi urged. ¡°We can take him down ¡ª you¡¯ve seen what he¡¯s done to this city!¡±

    He sighed, shaking his head.

    ¡°You got airships and peacekeepers stormin¡¯ the place,¡± he argued, ¡°ain¡¯t any way you two¡¯re gonna fix all of this¡­ besides, I have someone of my own I gotta check up on¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­Let us come with you, then,¡± she countered. ¡°If you¡¯re planning on fighting Piltover, then don¡¯t you think this person you care about would be safer if we all stayed together?¡±

    He turned up his nose.

    ¡°Got a little feeling you and her wouldn¡¯t get along so well¡­¡± he grumbled.

    She had half a mind to press further, but she felt herself at an end with him.

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± she resigned. ¡°Look¡ª me and Cheese, we never thought we¡¯d see the outside of that shitty prison, so¡­ for whatever it¡¯s worth, thank you, for that at least¡­¡±

    He gave a nonchalant shrug.

    ¡°Not like I know what you¡¯s did to end up in there¡­¡± he remarked. ¡°That place ain¡¯t exactly strike me as¡ª¡°

    He seemed to trail off mid-sentence, distracted by something out the front of the bar.

    ¡°The fu¡ª¡° he muttered, suddenly hopping the railing and dropping down to ground level, several feet below them.

    Startled, she peered over at what might have captured his attention so immediately.

    ¡®A child¡­?¡¯

    It looked to be a little girl, anxiously attempting to peer in through one of the windows, as though expecting danger.

    Vi looked at Cheese, almost apologetically, as she decided to hop on down after Garou.

    She braced her knees as she landed, and snuck over to him, wary of running into any of Silco¡¯s men as she neared the entrance to The Last Drop.

    ¡°¡ªleavin¡¯ that safe house¡­ why¡¯re you all outta breath, kid?¡± she heard him say to the child.

    Garou twitched his head in her direction when she reached them.

    He proceeded to rise to his feet, and storm over to the door to the bar, kicking it open.

    She wasn¡¯t entirely sure what was happening, but the little girl looked as though she¡¯d been crying¡­

    Vi crouched down next to her.

    ¡°Hey¡ª what¡¯s the matter¡­?¡± she gently asked.

    The girl wiped her eyes, but said nothing in response.

    Vi spotted Cheese out of the corner of her eye, taking the long way down to them. She stood again, so that she could peer through the window to the bar ¡ª at a glance, it seemed as though some type of brawl had just taken place¡­

    She saw the child suddenly decide to run on inside, after Garou, so Vi decided to follow as well.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    She pulled her hood tighter over her head as she entered.

    ¡°¡ªnot just gonna sit here licking our wounds ¡ª boss is gonna kill us once he finds out they took her¡­¡± she overheard one of the injured grunts say to Garou.

    ¡°Who are they¡­?¡± Garou growled.

    ¡°It was Smeech, and his gang,¡± the guy replied. ¡°He wanted his piece, I guess ¡ª said he¡¯d use her to bargain, like, bargain with Piltover¡­¡±

    Garou had his hands around the scruff of the man¡¯s shirt, while he interrogated him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who the fuck that is¡­¡± he muttered.

    ¡°One of the Chem-Barons,¡± the grunt replied, attempting to struggle out of Garou¡¯s hold. ¡°North Alcove District is his territory ¡ª he¡¯d have gotten pushed out by the enforcers¡­¡±

    Garou finally let him go. The man hurried out, carelessly knocking Vi in the shoulder as he exited the bar.

    The little girl stood by Garou nervously, while he simmered.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡° Vi began. ¡°Let us help ¡ª whoever they took from you, we¡¯ll help you find her.¡±

    She heard Cheese finally make his way inside, behind her.

    Garou gave a frustrated huff.

    ¡°The old man¡¯s the only person who might know where to find this creep,¡± he murmured, ¡°and you two¡¯re on your way to go kill him, eh¡­? Seems like I should just lay you both out right now¡­¡±

    Vi stepped in closer to him.

    ¡°I¡¯d never kill him before he told me what he did with Powder¡­¡± she quietly shot back. ¡°You can threaten me all you want ¡ª the fact is, we¡¯ve got the same goal right now, which is finding Silco¡­¡±

    She glanced around at the other henchmen around the bar, still recovering from their injuries. Fortunately, none seemed to perk up to the subject matter of their conversation.

    Garou looked down at the girl, all of a sudden ¡ª she seemed to be making some kind of sign motion, which involved finger pistols.

    ¡°Yeah, kid,¡± he muttered, ¡°if we¡¯re lucky, Blue¡¯ll get herself outta the mess she¡¯s in¡­¡±

    ¡®Blue¡­?¡¯ Vi pondered.

    ¡°If we¡¯re doin¡¯ this,¡± Cheese chimed in, ¡°there ain¡¯t much time to lose¡­¡±

    Garou scoffed, passing between them all and heading out onto the street, with the child following closely behind him.

    Vi turned to her friend.

    ¡°We¡¯ll find her,¡± he said, in an attempt to reassure her.

    ¡°I just¡­¡± she replied, ¡°I¡¯ve got a bad feeling, I don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    They followed Garou and the girl out of the bar.

    <hr>

    ¡­

    ¡­.

    ¡­..

    ¡°Swing it like you mean it, kid¡ª c¡¯mon,¡± Sevika instructed, easily evading her swipe without so much as a half-step backward.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re gonna be scaring anybody with your little frame,¡± she went on, ¡°you gotta let them know within a few seconds that you aren¡¯t to be messed with ¡ª that means fighting with ferocity¡ª¡°

    ¡°This is dumb, though,¡± Jinx finally cut in, with a huff. ¡°What¡¯s the point of me learning to fight with a stick? ¡ª I can just kill them before they even get close to me¡­¡±

    Sevika thrust her hand out and disarmed her, before she had a chance to react.

    ¡°People who plan like that end up dead, kid,¡± she scolded. ¡°You should be able to make use of any weapon you can get your hands on ¡ª you won¡¯t always have the luxury of solving everything with your little pistols¡­¡±

    Sevika held the half-length wooden pole up in front of her.

    ¡°This is just a stand-in,¡± she grumpily explained. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you smack me in the arm with an actual crowbar, kid¡­¡±

    She tossed it back to her.

    ¡°Again,¡± she commanded.

    Jinx rolled her eyes, begrudgingly engaging once more.

    ¡°And you gotta cut that hair¡ª it¡¯ll be down to your elbows soon enough,¡± Sevika droned on.

    ¡°I¡¯m not cutting it¡­¡± Jinx shot back through gritted teeth, as she thrust toward Sevika¡¯s chest.

    She batted the attack away again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let it get too long, kid¡ª it¡¯s a liability,¡± she replied. ¡°You get into a scuffle with somebody, what do you think¡¯s the first thing they¡¯re gonna reach for? People¡¯ll do anything to gain the advantage¡­¡±

    ¡°Not cutting it¡­¡± Jinx repeated, growing irritated ¡ª this brute of a lady had nothing useful to teach her¡­

    Sevika grabbed the scruff of her collar when she drew too close, shoving her back again.

    ¡°You can¡¯t keep letting me know what you¡¯re gonna do,¡± she told her. ¡°Otherwise I can keep doing this all day¡ª you gotta throw some feints in there, to keep your enemy guessing¡­¡±

    ¡®Enough with the stupid lessons¡­¡¯

    A guttural yell came out of her, as she charged the woman, slashing with all her might.

    She delivered her a good wack on the inner elbow this time.

    ¡®Metal elbow¡­¡¯ she sulked.

    Jinx¡¯s third swipe was sent back toward her, causing her to stumble momentarily.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let up, kid¡ª c¡¯mon,¡± Sevika taunted.

    Jinx caught her breath, curling her fingers back around her weapon and scanning for an opening.

    She decided to feint with a stab at the abdomen, before redirecting with her other hand and employing a kind of back-handed thrust she hadn¡¯t tried before, aimed at Sevika¡¯s knee.

    Humiliatingly, she missed completely¡­

    She gritted her teeth, awaiting her teacher¡¯s mocking comment.

    ¡°Well, what¡¯d you think was gonna happen? Just hold it normally, kid, here¡ª¡± Sevika grumbled, holding her hand out to correct her. ¡°Didn¡¯t your damn sister teach you how to fight or somethi¡ª¡°

    She fell silent as Jinx finally connected in a way that made an impact, the tip of her wooden baton colliding with Sevika¡¯s cheekbone. It drew a small amount of blood.

    She wished she¡¯d been in the mood to celebrate¡­

    After a moment of stunned silence, Sevika¡¯s expression of surprise turned to anger. She raised her hand to her face and dabbed the small cut that Jinx had created.

    Sevika opened her mouth, looking at though she were about to castigate her¡ª

    ¡°That will be all for today, Sevika¡­¡± spoke Silco, strolling over toward them both.

    She hadn¡¯t even heard him enter¡­

    Sevika reacted with a look of frustration, as she turned to her boss.

    Silco simply glared, while all three of them stood still for a moment.

    Sevika finally acquiesced.

    ¡°Sir¡­¡± she grunted, quietly storming out of the room.

    They remained in silence for a few seconds, before Silco glanced over at her, outstretching an open hand in the direction of her baton.

    She huffed, placing it in his hand without looking up at him.

    ¡°Forgive what she said, Jinx¡­¡± he said after a moment, ¡°I will speak with her about it, later¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­It¡¯s fine,¡± she murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t care¡­¡±

    He seemed to look at her with some concern.

    ¡°Mm¡­¡± he responded, maintaining a gentle tone.

    He wandered over toward the edge of the room, placing the baton back on its stand, before taking a seat and looking over at her.

    She sidled toward him, still unable to meet his gaze fully. She sat down next to him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ made arrangements for you to be able to spend the morning at the loading docks tomorrow,¡± he began. ¡°I¡¯ve instructed the dockmaster to allow you to oversee whatever you choose ¡ª he¡¯ll even let you operate the crane on something small, if you wish.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± she nodded glumly. ¡°Sure¡ª sounds good...¡±

    He let out a little breath in amusement.

    ¡°I figured you¡¯d be as excited¡­¡± he replied, with a small smile. ¡°In truth, I just need you out, so that I can make preparations¡­¡±

    She finally looked up at him, in curiosity.

    ¡°Given what day it is tomorrow¡­¡± he added.

    She searched her mind for the answer toward which he was nudging her¡­

    The hint of a grin crept across her face when she realized what he was talking about, though she attempted to hide it.

    ¡°Perhaps we¡¯ll allow for an extra slice of cake,¡± he continued, ¡°having neglected to do anything for your eleventh, last year, hm?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­¡± she bashfully replied, ¡°I¡¯m the one that didn¡¯t tell you¡­¡±

    ¡°Well, in any case¡ª forget that I ever said anything, so that way I can at least feel as though I fooled you,¡± he said.

    She quietly giggled, resting her head against his arm.

    ¡°Can it just be us¡­?¡± she hoped.

    ¡°¡­If that¡¯s what you wish.¡±

    She nodded, feeling contented.

    ¡°You know,¡± he added, glancing down at her, ¡°these past couple years we¡¯ve all been together, I¡¯ve not once ever seen somebody make that woman bleed¡­¡±

    Jinx looked up at him again, her grin returning.

    ¡°She¡¯s lucky we were doing some dumb, stick training instead of target practice¡­¡± she boasted.

    ¡°Mm,¡± he responded. ¡°Well¡­ perhaps she can change things up, next time¡­?¡±

    She shifted disagreeably.

    ¡°It¡¯s the same thing, every time¡ª she just finds ways to make me mad, so she can throw me off my game,¡± she muttered, ¡°and then she berates me for it¡­¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a lesson in that, don¡¯t you think¡­?¡± he calmly countered. ¡°Emotion can be a compromising factor, in a fight¡­ now¡ª imagine you were to turn that on your opponent, hm¡­?¡±

    He directed her by the chin to make eye contact with him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve long found that a far more compromising emotion than rage is fear¡­¡± he said, staring at her intently. ¡°Fear allows you to win the fight before it even begins, you see¡ª that way you need not find yourself in a contest of swordsmanship¡­¡±

    She almost couldn¡¯t help but believe his words.

    ¡°Sevika¡¯s never gonna be scared of me¡­¡± she grumbled, darting her eyes from him.

    He gave a quiet chuckle.

    ¡°You¡¯re mistaken if you don¡¯t think she¡¯s going to feel the least bit wary the next time she attempts to push your buttons¡­¡± he replied.

    She managed to look at him again, unsure of how convinced she felt.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her discourage you, Jinx ¡ª you¡¯re stronger than you think¡­¡± he added. ¡°Perhaps you don¡¯t feel it yet at twelve, but it¡¯s your ingenuity that will make them afraid of you, of what you can do, what you can create¡­ and then nobody will be able to stand against you ¡ª nobody will be able to take what¡¯s yours¡­¡±

    Maybe it could be true¡­

    Admittedly, it was what she wanted more than anything else ¡ª some semblance of control, over the course of things, over her fate¡­ she¡¯d adopted the name ¡®Jinx¡¯ in rejection of the very notion of it¡­ she desired to laugh in the face of the very idea of bad omens and curses¡ª all superstitions¡­ she couldn¡¯t jinx an outcome that she herself held the power to determine¡­

    She nestled her head into his shirt, shutting her eyes before they could get all misty.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I just needa fight dirty next time¡­¡± she joked.

    He let out an amused exhale.

    ¡°Keep her in one piece, if you can ¡ª I do still require her services,¡± he joked back.

    She felt his fingers run through to the tips of her hair, as she lay against him.

    ¡°It¡¯s grown rather long, hasn¡¯t it¡­?¡± he commented. ¡°You might think of tying it, so that it will be easier to keep clean, and whatnot¡­¡±

    She thought on it.

    ¡°I never got shown how to do it for long hair¡ª I guess I¡¯ll figure it out¡­¡± she responded.

    ¡°Mm,¡± he hummed. ¡°In any case, go on up and draw yourself a bath, child ¡ª you could use a wash.¡±

    She slowly pulled herself away from him.

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± she replied.

    He gave her a faint smile, as she stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯ve left you the first part of your gift¡ª up there, you¡¯ll find it,¡± he said.

    She perked up, pondering the possibilities.

    ¡°¡­The bubbles?¡± she guessed.

    ¡°The cloudberry scented ones,¡± he nodded, ¡°sourced straight from Piltover¡¯s Green District¡ª¡±

    She cut him off with a hug.

    ¡°Go on,¡± he repeated, letting go of her. ¡°Relax¡ª take your mind off of things.¡±

    She nodded, and left to do as he said, heading back upstairs.

    Sometimes she felt that he was the only thing keeping her calm, or stopping her from spiraling into those intrusive, tormenting thoughts of which she hadn¡¯t yet been able to rid herself¡­

    He didn¡¯t seem as though he wanted things to stay that way, though ¡ª he seemed to want her to find some semblance self-reliance¡­ to become her own grounding force¡­

    That was something that felt impossible, but¡­

    She didn¡¯t want to let him down¡­

 Chapter 19: It Catches up with Youâ€¦

    Ekko¡¯s breaths were silent as he strained to parse out as much of their conversation as he could. Rickety, sea-ridden shipping crates happened to be his only cover, but keeping his presence unannounced was something of a skill he¡¯d honed over the years.

    ¡°¡ªthat they¡¯re just gonna occupy two outer districts and call it a day¡­?¡± he heard Sevika say.

    ¡°Yes, frankly¡ª many of their enforcers would still have been in diapers the last time Topside levied an assault through the Fissures,¡± Silco argued. ¡°I don¡¯t believe they¡¯re prepared to accept that level of casualties just yet¡­ no¡ª they¡¯re squeezing us, but when we fail to flinch, they¡¯ll soften the ultimatum. Perhaps they¡¯ll demand only the return of the Kiramman girl¡­¡±

    ¡°Guess you haven¡¯t bought the rumors about the Noxians putti¡ª¡°

    Ekko had to change positions in order to continue eavesdropping, as they¡¯d begun to move too far away from him.

    He crawled along on his belly, careful to grant himself extra clearance for the flying board affixed to his back, as he navigated the underneath of a raised platform.

    He caught a glimpse of the vessel docked against the pier, with its gangway still lowered.

    ¡®The ferries have stopped moving¡­¡¯ he noted to himself ¡ª presumably it meant that all of the prisoners they sought to bring back to land had finally all been evacuated from Stillwater.

    He and Scar had only managed to spot one of their former Firelight comrades depart from those boats, which left Ekko dismayed at the thought that the others might not have survived their stay in that prison¡­

    ¡¯The might¡¯ve gotten themselves out some other way...¡¯ he tried to convince himself.

    In any case, Scar was on it ¡ª Ekko needed to know what Silco was planning next¡­

    ¡®Maybe even kill him, here and now...¡¯ he seethed.

    He froze, as a gang of Silco¡¯s men marched over the top of him. The disturbed dust from the boards sifted down onto his skin as he lay motionless, waiting for them to pass.

    ¡°¡­seen Chross and Margot satisfied enough that their people have been returned to them, that they¡¯ll lend their strength back to us in defense of The Lanes, without fuss¡­¡±

    He could only faintly make out Silco¡¯s words¡­

    He resumed crawling, detouring around a patch of light which surely would have given him away. Their voices grew louder once more, as he drew closer.

    ¡°¡­how it is that he hasn¡¯t arrived back with you?¡± said Silco. ¡°I¡¯d find it unlikely for him to want to remain on the island¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡ª I don¡¯t know, boss,¡± Sevika replied, ¡°he seemed to duck out the moment it was done¡­ maybe there were other vessels over there he could¡¯ve commandeered¡­?¡±

    Silco gave an exasperated sigh.

    ¡°I should go check on Jinx¡­¡± he muttered.

    Ekko felt his blood quicken at the mention of her.

    ¡°Sir¡ª¡° Sevika protested. ¡°What about our counter-attack¡­?¡±

    ¡°Not until I find her¡­¡± he answered.

    Ekko heard him storm off ¡ª time to move again.

    He thought for a moment.

    Maybe he¡¯d go and find her before Silco did¡­

    <hr>

    She noticed Garou holding the little girl tightly against his chest as the four of them passed through a frantic crowd of people, stumbling over one another in order to get into the nearby bread factory. Its doors had been broken down, and everybody fought each other to get inside first. She spotted Cheese help somebody up who¡¯d fallen, an unlucky step away from being trampled.

    ¡®They all need to pay ¡ª driving this city to desperation like this¡­ Silco, Topside, all of them¡­¡¯ Vi quietly seethed.

    She¡¯d been disappointed to learn that her new ally apparently didn¡¯t share her sentiment, but the fact that he had more than one person that depended on him did challenge what she¡¯d previously thought of him.

    ¡°Hey¡ª¡° she called to him, getting his attention. ¡°This other girl you¡¯re looking for¡ª you said her name¡¯s Blue¡­?¡±

    He looked on disinterestedly.

    ¡°Eh¡­ it¡¯s what we call her,¡± Garou answered, seemingly referring to the child.

    ¡°Is she¡­ her mother?¡± Vi wondered.

    ¡°Nah¡ª ain¡¯t like that¡­¡± he replied. ¡°Never gonna find this one¡¯s real parents unless the little creep starts talkin¡¯, though¡­¡±

    The girl responded indignantly, sticking a tongue out.

    Vi found the dynamic curious, but she¡¯d had another thought she still couldn¡¯t shake¡­

    ¡°Why¡¯d that one at the bar make it seem like Silco¡¯d be mad this ¡®Blue¡¯ girl is missing¡ª? Who is she to him¡­?¡± she asked.

    Garou looked at her over his shoulder. ¡°You really gonna ask me every which thing¡­?¡± he grumbled. ¡°This supposed to help find your sister or somethin¡¯¡­?

    Vi sighed. ¡°Whatever¡­¡± she muttered, shaking her head.

    ¡°¡­Hey,¡± Cheese said, drawing nearer to her. ¡°We got a plan for when we find this Silco guy¡­? I don¡¯t know that we can take this one head on ¡ª sounds like he¡¯ll be surrounded by his guys¡­¡±

    It was a good point ¡ª they¡¯d likely have to tail him from afar, until he was somewhere they could capture him. None of it was going to be easy ¡ª they needed to maintain the element of surprise¡­

    ¡°¡­I know, kid, just¡ª go behind there, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be fine¡­¡± she heard Garou say, letting the girl down to waddle off.

    He glanced at Vi, as the trio came to a stop.

    ¡°Bathroom break¡­¡± he muttered.

    She gave a nod, but realized that it would probably be their most opportune moment to break off from him ¡ª once Garou delivered his news to Silco, signs pointed to it resulting in the both of them departing to search for this mystery missing girl, wherever she may have been taken. Vi was counting on it ¡ª it would give her and Cheese the window they needed to ambush¡ª

    She became startled by an object thrown in their direction. She looked over to see Garou reflexively turn and catch it in his hand ¡ª a small, metal orb¡­

    Her eyes widened and she immediately backed up, watching the thing rapidly expand around Garou¡¯s arm and body, enveloping him within some sort of golden entanglement of jagged crystals.

    She and Cheese bobbed down, as the attacker rushed toward them from the skies ¡ª a green glow through the darkness¡­

    The enemy wasn¡¯t there for them ¡ª he charged straight toward the temporarily incapacitated Garou, his bludgeon crashing down over his head with¡ª

    Garou shattered through the crystal cage at the last moment, twisting his body such that the attacker instead collided with Garou¡¯s extended elbow, sending the person sputtering to the ground.

    At a slightly closer look, he seemed to also have white hair¡­

    Vi¡¯s thoughts began to spin inside her head.

    The boy swung his bludgeon again from the ground, pulling out another grenade.

    ¡°Whoa¡ª HEY, STOP!¡± Vi suddenly yelled, as Garou loomed over him, fingers curled into a claw.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Ekko glanced at her only briefly, as he scrambled backward out of Garou¡¯s reach and up onto his feet.

    She wasn¡¯t certain how mussed up with dust and dirt her hair still was, but she figured that he¡¯d still have had plenty of reason to recognize her regardless¡­

    With Garou halted for the moment, Ekko turned to stare at her properly, looking stunned.

    ¡°What the fu¡ª Vi¡­?!¡± he managed.

    A sound from Garou¡¯s direction cause Ekko to twitch with the second grenade ready in his head, but he stopped himself from throwing ¡ª it was the child, rushing over to Garou¡¯s side with concern on her little face.

    ¡°Ekko¡ª¡° she began, holding out a hand, ¡°it¡¯s okay, we don¡¯t have to¡ª¡°

    He turned to her brusquely. ¡°What in the hell are you doing with him?!¡± he demanded. He then shook his head before she could even answer. ¡°How are you even here¡­?!¡±

    ¡°Stillwater, Ekko¡ª¡° she answered, in a mediating tone, ¡°he got me out¡ª us out. This is Cheese, that¡¯s Garou¡­ I don¡¯t know what you two¡¯ve¡ª¡°

    ¡°Yeah, yeah¡ª I¡¯ll leave ya¡¯s to your little family reunion,¡± Garou cut in with derision, taking the girl on his back. ¡°Tell the little punk if he swings at me again, I¡¯ll lay him out¡­¡±

    Vi had to grab Ekko¡¯s arm to stop him from jolting at him in rage.

    ¡°Ekko¡ª! Just, talk to me,¡± she pleaded, hoping he¡¯d calm down. ¡°Where¡¯d you come from just now? What¡¯s that thing you were flying in on?¡±

    He hung his head, finally unclenching his fists, as Garou disappeared down the street.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about all that¡ª¡° he said. ¡°¡­You were in Stillwater? All this time? Vi¡­ if I¡¯d known, I¡¯d have¡ª¡±

    She pulled him into a hug, preventing him from finishing the thought.

    ¡°You would¡¯ve done nothing, Little Man, ¡®cause that¡¯d be stupid, and you¡¯d have gotten yourself caught¡­¡±

    He hugged her back, letting out a stressed sigh.

    ¡°What¡¯s happened down here, Ekko¡ª? The airships¡­ Topside¡­?¡± she asked him as they parted from one another.

    He glanced over at Cheese.

    ¡°You guy¡¯s¡¯ve been out there fighting them, haven¡¯t you¡­?¡± he surmised, motioning to the shield affixed to Cheese¡¯s back.

    Vi let out a breath.

    ¡°When did it all start, Ekko¡­?¡±

    ¡°Tonight¡ª the assault on the prison, it happened all at once,¡± he answered. ¡°Silco¡¯s been¡­ god¡ª we¡¯ve got too much to catch up on, Vi¡­ you two needa come with me, I¡¯ve got somewhere safe¡ª¡°

    She decided her most pressing question couldn¡¯t wait, though she found herself terrified to ask it.

    ¡°I¡¯m down here looking for Powder, Ekko¡­¡± She focused in on his eyes, searching them for the answer before it reached his lips. ¡°Please tell me you know where she is¡­¡±

    She couldn¡¯t discern exactly what his expression was portraying, before he dropped his gaze.

    ¡°We really do need to talk¡­ c¡¯mon¡­¡±

    <hr>

    ¡­

    ¡­.

    ¡­..

    Her eyelids fluttered open to the faraway sounds of doors opening and shutting, and a flood of green-tinted neon that let her know that she¡¯d forgotten to shutter her window again.

    She must¡¯ve fallen asleep in a hurry¡­

    It could wait ¡ª she was awake now, in any case¡­

    Jinx sat up, rubbing her eyes, attempting to guess at what time it even was. She slid on her color-dyed night slippers, and lumbered over to her door.

    A peek down the corridor outside it revealed nothing out of the ordinary, so she scurried out, down to the wash-up area behind the bar. It relieved her that there wasn¡¯t anybody roaming about to attempt idle chit-chat with her ¡ª the few grunts that remained in the bar snoozed in their chairs, with their hats over their heads.

    The only person she supposed she wouldn¡¯t have minded running into was the dorky bartender, but he rarely stuck around so late¡­

    A grimace passed her face as a grotesque, red-eyed rat darted from the room the moment it was alerted of her presence. She¡¯d many times woken from nightmares to find her fingers or toes being nibbled upon by the foul creatures¡­

    ¡¯Should¡¯ve brought my pistol down with me¡­¡¯ she internally remarked.

    She let out a sigh, draping herself over the cool-box in order to find some reprieve from the oppressively warm and thick air, brought on by the smog outside the building.

    After several minutes of resting her eyes, she reminded herself what lay inside the cool-box, and hopped off to open it up.

    A few remained, intact and wrapped in foil ¡ª the leftover uneaten slices of her birthday cake. She moved herself to the countertop and allowed herself another taste. The sweetness of it was mostly enough to overcome the less than pleasant grittiness she got as she chewed through it ¡ª she supposed it also hadn¡¯t helped that she¡¯d burned the icing using her blowtorch to etch a big number twelve in the thing before it had been cut.

    She hadn¡¯t been under any impression that Silco had baked it himself or anything, but she¡¯d appreciated the thought of it nonetheless. He seemed to have been paying a particular attention to her mood, however, which she¡¯d found difficult to mask ¡ª her recent loneliness, perhaps from lacking of anybody her own age she could spend time with¡­

    These weren¡¯t necessarily things she felt comfortable articulating to him though, as she had a fear the conversation might lead into discussing past events¡­ she wasn¡¯t ready for that, not yet¡­

    It wasn¡¯t just that night, either ¡ª the figments of her once family which manifested whenever she found herself alone had begun to follow her seemingly wherever she went¡­

    Even in that moment, she felt Mylo¡¯s eyes on her, as though the way she ate was somehow wrong, and was letting the lot of them down¡­

    She lost the taste for it suddenly, tossing the rest of it in the trash.

    She rocked herself back and forth, feeling her face begin to tighten.

    ¡®Stop¡­¡¯ she silently pleaded.

    It felt useless.

    She quietly skittered back up the stairs, curling herself onto her bed, atop the covers. A thought occurred to her to reach underneath the bed, where she¡¯d last left it ¡ª the gift she¡¯d hoped to forget about¡­

    She tightly shut her eyes as she squeezed the toy bunny against her chest. It was the only tangible reminder she had of her...

    While she¡¯d likely never be willing to admit its significance to Silco, she was at least relieved not to have gotten rid of the thing¡­

    Sometimes, she doubted that she even could.

    She cracked an eye open suddenly, feeling a slight breeze grace her skin.

    It didn¡¯t seem right ¡ª she was certain she hadn¡¯t left her actual window open¡­

    She sat up, wary.

    It was more than just a little open¡­

    Her pistol was in a small box, on the other side of the room.

    She clambered hastily over toward it, growing anxious at the thought of an intruder she could neither hear nor see...

    Until she did hear it ¡ª an unmistakable creak of the floorboards, behind her.

    She spun around to face the creep with her gun drawn¡ª

    ¡°Powder¡­!¡± he gasped.

    She was frozen.

    Ekko had his hands out, seeming to wonder if she really might shoot him.

    Her arm fell without her input, dropping the weapon on the floor, but still she failed to speak.

    ¡°I¡­ was waiting for Silco to leave the building,¡± he explained, in a hushed tone. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you¡­¡±

    His hair was a bit longer than how she¡¯d remembered it, and he¡¯d grown a little taller, but he still had that same boyish expression he¡¯d always had.

    ¡°W-where¡¯d you¡ª?¡± she stammered.

    ¡°Across town,¡± he replied. ¡°I worked out he¡¯s keeping you here after I spotted you a few days ago¡­ I really thought you might¡¯ve been dead¡­¡±

    He moved toward her, and she hugged him tightly, ignoring the tear welling up in the corner of her eye.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got some people that¡¯d be excited to meet you,¡° he said as he let her go. ¡°There¡¯s a few of us, now ¡ª we¡¯ve found a safe place to live¡­ we¡¯re building it up, we can even grow food¡­ I think you¡¯ll really like it.¡±

    She wiped her face with her sleeve.

    ¡°Wh¡ªwhat people¡­?¡± she replied, still a little overcome with emotion.

    ¡°People just like us,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Some our age, some older, some younger ¡ª we¡¯re just trying to make it right now, to keep each other safe from enforcers and street thugs... everything¡¯s gone to chaos out here¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she responded, ¡°and¡­ you told them about me¡­?¡±

    ¡°I¡ª yeah,¡± he said, ¡°we all¡­ y¡¯know, we share about our pasts, everything ¡ª it¡¯s a part of us, after all¡­ told them all about my memories of you, Vi, Benzo, everyone we knew¡­ I never really expected to see any of you guys again, so¡­ I wanted your memories to live on¡­¡±

    He paused on a wistful note.

    ¡°Sorry¡ª I know you miss them all as much as I do,¡± he added.

    She shifted uncomfortably, stepping away from him slightly.

    ¡°Well¡­ they¡¯re all gone now¡­¡± she murmured, ¡°so, it doesn¡¯t matter¡­¡±

    ¡°I mean¡ª I thought you were gone, and¡­¡± he trailed. ¡°How long¡¯s Silco been keeping you here¡­? He hasn¡¯t been hurting you, has he?¡±

    ¡°What¡ª? no, I¡ª¡° she responded, furrowing her brow, ¡°I live here¡­¡±

    His expression changed a little. She became conscious of the fact that she was still holding the stuffed bunny in her other hand.

    ¡°Listen¡ª we can bring all your things with us,¡± he said, a hint of urgency in his tone. ¡°We¡¯ll be gone before he notices anything¡¯s up.¡±

    Her breathing turned sharp ¡ª she needed to think¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Powder,¡± he said, reaching a hand out, ¡°whatever you think you owe him¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡ªI do owe him¡­¡± she interjected pointedly. ¡°He¡­ he saved me.¡±

    Ekko¡¯s face portrayed disbelief.

    ¡°¡­What do you mean¡ª?¡± he puzzled. ¡°He caused everything that happened to us¡­? Benzo, Vander, Mylo, Claggor, Vi¡­ he¡¯s the reason that they¡¯re all¡ª¡±

    ¡°¡ªStop¡­ that¡¯s not true¡­¡± she sniffed, as her eyes welled up again ¡ª all she could think about was how he might react if she told him who was actually responsible¡­

    He stepped over and grasped her by the shoulders. ¡°Just¡ª come with me,¡± he pleaded, ¡°forget about all of this ¡ª I don¡¯t know what lies he¡¯s told to convince you, but he¡¯s not a good guy, Powder¡ª¡°

    She pulled away from him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know him,¡± she argued, her voice breaking a little. ¡°He had reasons for what he did ¡ª Vander wasn¡¯t protecting us¡­¡±

    Ekko scrunched up his face.

    ¡°¡­The hell do you mean¡ª?¡± he responded. ¡°Vander gave himself up to the enforcers to keep us safe, and then Silco got him and Benzo killed ¡ª he¡¯s a monster¡­!¡±

    She glowered at him silently.

    ¡°He might be back soon¡­¡± she finally said, through gritted teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t want him to find you here¡­¡±

    He shook his head indignantly. ¡°Powder¡ª¡°

    ¡°And stop calling me that¡ª¡° she seethed. ¡°That¡¯s not my name anymore¡­¡±

    He eventually took a step backward, continuing to stare at her.

    She¡¯d just about strangled the poor toy bunny she held behind her back¡­

    ¡°¡­Vi would¡¯ve wanted me to keep you safe¡­¡± Ekko murmured, sounding defeated.

    ¡°I am safe,¡± she shot back, ¡°and Vi¡¯s gone¡­ she abandoned me¡­¡±

    ¡°She didn¡ª¡° he began to reply.

    ¡°She did¡­ she left me¡­¡± Jinx said, definitively.

    He clenched his jaw silently, slowly backing up to the window.

    She watched him climb up onto its frame, and she had to keep herself from shaking ¡ª the rage had come up out of nowhere¡­

    She saw him open his mouth to utter one last statement to her, but she turned her back to him, instead. She waited until she¡¯d heard him exit before she dared to move again, dead-bolting the window and shuttering the blinds.

    With a frustrated exhale, she deposited the stuffed bunny back under her bed and hastily wrapped the covers around herself, letting them soak up her tears.

    Memories of her shared childhood with the boy she once called friend flashed behind her closed eyelids, while she desperately willed herself to sleep.

    She knew she¡¯d dream of the whole lot of them, as she always did¡­

 Chapter 20: Maintaining Resolveâ€¦

    She was curled over atop Silco¡¯s desk while he worked, his ash tray in her hand while she subjected it to some nonsensical doodling with some old paint markers she¡¯d found.

    She could tell that he knew she was in a mood, but she found that he rarely pried unless he had some particular piece of advice to offer her.

    Her bitter encounter from the previous night was still playing on her mind¡­

    She glanced over at him while he licked the open flap of an envelope to seal it. He seemed to notice her eyes on him by the time he¡¯d concluded the task.

    He pressed his index knuckle to his lips, the way he typically did when was uncertain of something.

    ¡°¡­Would you like me to have somebody fetch the remaining portion of the cake from last night?¡± he offered.

    ¡°Oh¡ª no, it¡¯s okay, I already ate it,¡± she replied, lowering her gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t feel hungry today, anyway¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± he hummed, pensively. ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m¡­ regretful that my efforts with our small celebration did little to lift your spirits, Jinx¡­¡±

    She anxiously met his eyes again.

    ¡°No¡ª it¡¯s not¡ª¡° she stumbled, ¡°I liked it, I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡°

    Not knowing what else to do, she clambered over to lean her head against his chest, wrapping her arms around him.

    ¡°I just¡ª I can¡¯t explain it,¡± she groaned, ¡°all I could think about was them¡­¡±

    He was silent for a moment.

    ¡°¡­Perhaps you should ask yourself this, Jinx,¡± he finally said, lifting her off of him. ¡°If they were to see you, now ¡ª this, the real you¡­ what might they think?¡±

    He used the tip of his finger to brush a stray hair from her face.

    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know that they would even recognize this capable young girl in front of me,¡± he went on. ¡°I wonder whether they ever saw her, based on what you¡¯ve shared with me about them¡­¡±

    She thought of telling him about Ekko ¡ª her old friend had likely found her less than familiar for an entirely different reason¡­

    ¡°But¡­¡± she murmured, ¡°what if I¡¯m just¡­ not enough, without them¡­? What if I need them, for when I mess up¡­ and I can¡¯t fix it¡­?¡±

    His gentle stare saw through her.

    ¡°Jinx¡ª everything I¡¯ve witnessed you create, witnessed you learn, all of the ways in which you¡¯ve impressed me,¡± he spoke resolutely, ¡°you did it all on your own strength ¡ª your own talent. You didn¡¯t need them for any of it, and you never will again¡­¡±

    Normally, she¡¯d be reaching to her face to wipe away her tears in such a moment, but none came. In its place, she felt a different kind of feeling¡­

    ¡°You can steer your own destiny, Jinx,¡± he went on. ¡°Don¡¯t let your past convince you otherwise. You need not rely on anybody but yourself ¡ª you¡¯re so strong, and soon you¡¯ll know it¡­¡±

    Something felt strange, all of a sudden ¡ª her eyes struggled to shut¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­

    Everything was getting brighter¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­

    Her head pounded¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­

    Her limbs ached¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­

    She wished she could blink¡­

    ¡­

    ¡­

    ¡°She¡¯s awake, boss¡­¡± a voice echoed.

    The harsh light finally left her alone, and a set of hands released from her eyelids.

    Relief¡­

    Still, it all hurt¡­

    A different voice sifted through her ears ¡ª a more familiar one¡­ it felt like nails on metal¡­

    ¡°¡­didn¡¯t realize Silco even lets his daughter keep a supply¡­ this some sorta special blend, or somethin¡¯, braids¡­?¡±

    She dearly hoped he wasn¡¯t really expecting her to respond¡­

    ¡°¡­takin¡¯ it through a friggin¡¯ needle ¡ª pretty hardcore for a little girl¡­ but I guess you ain¡¯t so little, huh¡­?¡±

    She felt the strength to muster something ¡ª she spat a combination of blood and phlegm in Smeech¡¯s direction, causing the Yordle to snicker.

    ¡°Well¡ª seems like you¡¯ve gotten your faculties back,¡± he said, pulling his own chair closer to where she sat tied up. ¡°So, here¡¯s how this is gonna go, Jinx¡ª¡± He pronounced her name in a mocking tone, as though it were any more funny-sounding than his own.

    ¡°Oh¡ª should I say, firstly, congratulations to me,¡± he blustered, ¡°takin¡¯ down the kingpin¡¯s secret weapon ¡ª you know how many crews out there are afraid¡¯ta even speak your name, you little brat? I don¡¯t even think I¡¯ll bother tellin¡¯ ¡®em it¡¯s all smoke ¡ª rather let ¡®em think that I¡¯m the new big dog in town, knockin¡¯ off the likes¡¯a you¡­¡±

    She struggled against her binding, managing to reorient her hand such that her palm faced upward. She met his eye and made a point of flipping him off.

    He smirked at this gesture also, but not in a way that portrayed amusement¡­

    ¡°Glad you still got your spirit,¡± he growled. ¡°I was thinkin¡¯ we¡¯d play a little game, you and I ¡ª here¡¯s how it goes¡­¡±

    She glanced around at her surroundings, finding little that might reveal to her where exactly she was being kept¡­

    ¡°Focus, braids¡ª!¡± he squalled, clicking about her face with the metal pincers he had for hands.

    ¡°Know what?¡± he went on, ¡°I just thought¡¯a somethin¡¯ better ¡ª I got some questions that need answerin¡¯ ya see¡­ so how ¡®bout this ¡ª for each one that you give me an answer to, I¡¯ll let you keep a finger¡­¡±

    His awful teeth curled into a grin.

    ¡°¡­How ¡®bout, instead,¡± she muttered back with a hoarse voice, ¡°you stuff a sock in it, and I¡¯ll promise not to turn you into a puddle once I¡¯m outta these ties¡­¡± She managed to force out a derisive laugh.

    He slowly pressed once of his steel claws into her shoulder, and she had to grit her teeth together as it drew blood.

    ¡°First question, braids¡ª¡° he pressed, ¡°the Kiramman chick¡ª where¡¯s the old man keepin¡¯ her? I know he¡¯s still got her¡­¡±

    She gave a strained shrug.

    ¡°Beats me,¡° she muttered. ¡°Silco would never¡¯ve told me anyway ¡ª he didn¡¯t like the way I was playing with her¡­¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    She let out a small scream as he dug his claw further into her flesh and twisted, before removing it altogether with a flourish.

    ¡°Ergh!¡ª wrong answer, braids!¡± he sang. ¡°How unfortunate that you¡¯d stumble on the very first question, huh?¡±

    He turned to where his lackeys were standing.

    ¡°Boys¡ª fetch me somethin¡¯ narrow, from over there ¡ª a chisel, or somethin¡¯¡­ grab me a hammer, too.¡±

    Her eyes shot down to her bindings ¡ª she was sure there¡¯d be some slack, somewhere¡­

    They didn¡¯t take long to find the tools he¡¯d requested ¡ª the chisel and mallet were both promptly brought to him, while he seemed to salivate over the prospect of finally being able to inflict some real pain upon her.

    It was starting to feel like now or never¡­

    ¡°Are you fucking dumb?¡ª nutty?!¡± she spat. ¡°If she ain¡¯t still in the basement of The Last Drop then how am I supposed¡¯ta know where the hell she¡¯s been moved?!¡±

    ¡°Listen, braids¡ª if we break the rules of the game now, I just worry you won¡¯t respect ¡®em goin¡¯ forward¡ª get me?¡± he taunted.

    Her struggling was getting her nowhere ¡ª she needed something to cut it¡­

    Cold steel graced the base of her middle finger.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see how you flip me the bird after this, huh?¡± he snidely muttered, raising the mallet over the chisel¡¯s handle.

    She could feel her pulse thrashing in her ears¡­

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t blame ya for closin¡¯ your eyes here, sweetheart ¡ª this is gonna hurt¡­¡±

    It did.

    A lot.

    <hr>

    The kid¡¯s anxiety was beginning to get to him.

    If she¡¯d just stop fidgeting and pleading at him with those wide eyes of hers, maybe he¡¯d have a better chance at focusing¡­

    ¡®We ain¡¯t far, Blue¡­ just¡­ keep yourself in one piece¡­¡¯

    He wondered what the asshole creeps even wanted with her¡­

    The smell of the sea reached his nose, as he came upon Wharfside.

    The tattooed chick and her damned friends were back behind him somewhere¡­ he hoped for their sake they wouldn¡¯t show up at an inopportune time and get in his way¡­

    There were too many damn faces about the place ¡ª how was he supposed to find¡ª

    ¡°Hey, kid¡ª!¡± somebody called.

    He turned. It was the woman with the metal arm.

    ¡°You did make it back,¡± she said, ¡°boss was under the impr¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡ªWhere is the old man¡­?¡± he cut in. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta speak with him¡­¡±

    Her expression grew curious.

    ¡°Yeah¡ª alright¡­ follow me, kid¡­¡± she replied.

    He let her lead him, while Isha gave a sort of glower in the lady¡¯s direction.

    They found him after a short while, barking orders at a group of his goons in a less than composed fashion. He ran a hand through his hair as he turned to spot them.

    ¡°Sir¡ª he¡¯s back,¡± she opened.

    ¡°Welcome¡ª¡° he spoke sternly, facing him. ¡°As you can tell, it¡¯s currently a picnic¡­ I¡¯m surprised that Jinx isn¡¯t with you ¡ª have you managed to run into her yet¡­?¡±

    Garou shifted uncomfortably.

    ¡°Listen¡­¡± he began, ¡°I got back to the bar¡ª seemed like some sorta spill¡¯d happened with some other gang¡­ your lackeys reckon they took her¡­¡±

    The old man¡¯s mismatched eyes slowly grew ablaze.

    ¡°I got no clue where to find these assholes¡­¡± Garou went on. ¡°Your guy said ¡®Chem-Baron¡¯ or somethin¡¯¡­¡±

    ¡°Which¡­?¡± He spoke in a low growl. ¡°Renni¡­? Smeech?¡ª¡°

    Garou gave a head motion in response to the second.

    ¡°Yeah¡ª that one¡­¡± he answered.

    The man looked on for a moment, deliberating through his rage.

    ¡°¡­I know where he holes up, boss,¡± the lady chimed in. ¡°He¡¯s not as clever as he thinks he is...¡±

    The old man came to a decision after a moment.

    ¡°I need you here, Sevika¡ª take charge of this lot,¡± he ordered. ¡°Bring those men I just sent away back here ¡ª they¡¯ll come with me.¡±

    He looked at Garou and Isha, as the woman went off to do as he¡¯d requested.

    ¡°When the time comes, leave the child in my care¡­¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t need you holding back¡­¡±

    Garou gave a gruff nod.

    <hr>

    ¡°I¡­ I need to go to her, Ekko¡­¡± Vi lamented to her friend. ¡°Everything you¡¯ve said¡­ it just tells me that she needs me more than ever.¡±

    The three of them sat atop a rooftop, overlooking the persistently terrifying sight of military airships over the unlucky half of their city.

    ¡°There are more people here that need us, Vi ¡ª innocents, children¡­ especially now with what¡¯s happened with Topside,¡± Ekko argued, in a gentle but persuasive tone. ¡°Silco¡¯s just gonna cut a deal with them, and us regular people¡¯ll be even worse off than before...¡±

    He turned to Cheese while she thought everything over.

    ¡°We can make everything right, starting now¡ª for your parents,¡± he said to him, ¡°you said Piltover took them, just like it did for the rest of us ¡ª they need justice, everybody that we lost¡­¡±

    Cheese looked down, seeming to take his appeal to heart.

    ¡°Look¡­ we¡¯re with you, Ekko,¡± Vi finally replied, ¡°but, Powder¡­ she isn¡¯t lost, not yet¡­ not if I can get to her¡­ you don¡¯t understand¡ª making things right with her was all I could think about for all of those years in that godawful prison¡­ the nights I spent sick with worry that she wasn¡¯t safe, without me there to protect her¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for that¡­ I really am¡­¡± he responded morosely, ¡°but she¡¯s way past needing your protection anymore¡­ the things she¡¯s done, she didn¡¯t do because she had to¡­ she did them because she wanted to...¡±

    Vi sourly shook her head, clenching her eyes shut.

    ¡°She¡¯s still my sister, Ekko¡­¡± she murmured.

    He took a long pause before speaking again.

    ¡°¡­Look¡ª that cretin you were walking with¡­¡± he muttered, ¡°he¡¯s probably your best chance of finding her right now, if it¡¯s true that one of the Chem-Barons have taken her¡­ they seem like they¡¯re in some type of relationship, or something, I don¡¯t know, so¡­ he¡¯s probably got the best odds of finding her¡­¡±

    Vi nodded, as her eyes welled up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll bring her back, Ekko¡­¡± she said, placing a hand on her old friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I meant it, when I said we¡¯re with you ¡ª we¡¯ll come back¡­¡±

    He avoided her gaze, looking on wistfully.

    ¡°If you come back with her, well¡­¡± he said quietly, ¡°¡­we¡¯ll have to figure something out, but¡­ I hope you do, Vi¡­ I¡¯ll take you to meet the others¡ª there are still some of us left, who call ourselves ¡®Firelights¡¯¡­

    She took his hand, giving it a squeeze. He clenched it back in return.

    ¡°We will¡ª I promise,¡± she assured.

    <hr>

    Silco watched the boy rip down the bolted-shut door with his bare hands and proceed to tear through the place.

    The only issue ¡ª it was empty.

    ¡®Evidently the Yordle has more of a brain than you¡¯d concluded, Sevika¡­¡¯ he mulled, irritably tapping against a piece of his coat¡¯s golden embroidery with his finger.

    He held up a hand ordering his men to stand at ease, while he entered the decrepit den in which Smeech seemed to have formerly resided ¡ª where he¡¯d moved his operation to, Silco had only a few guesses¡­

    He let the child follow him inside, to determinedly search around. She almost seemed as intent on seeing Jinx found as he was¡­

    ¡°Garou¡ª!¡° he called to the boy, gaining his attention. ¡°The more you break, the less clues I have to go on¡­¡±

    The boy grunted, but appeared to look past him.

    ¡°Eh¡ª maybe you can ask them¡­¡± he curiously answered instead, balling up a fist.

    Silco turned to spot a different Chem-Baron entirely than the one they were hunting¡­

    ¡°Gentlemen,¡° spoke Chross to his men, in a pleasant-seeming tone. ¡°We come bearing no hostile intent¡ª kindly stand aside.¡± He ventured by what was left of the door, flanked on either side by his similarly dark-spectacle donning henchmen.

    ¡°Silco¡ª¡° he greeted, ¡°news of your venturing personally into this side of town naturally piqued my interest ¡ª I¡¯d have thought you¡¯d have found yourself otherwise occupied, at a time like this¡­¡±

    Silco straightened his coat before speaking.

    ¡°You know¡ª I¡¯ve been told, Chross,¡± he replied, ¡°that the Hush Company has eyes all about Zaun ¡ª I¡¯d now rather like to use them, if you¡¯d care to come to some kind of arrangement¡­¡±

    Chross hummed amusement. ¡°Who¡¯s gone and bit the feeding hand now¡­?¡±

    Silco glared at him.

    ¡°I would actually guess that you well know, Chross¡­¡± he scowled. ¡°Jinx never returned after the operation had concluded, you see...¡±

    Chross tilted his head. ¡°That should be no trouble.¡± He seemed to peer past where Silco was standing, though. ¡°As far as an arrangement, I regret to say however, that I¡¯ll not be willing to discuss any until that child is returned to my possession.¡±

    Confusion crossed Silco¡¯s face, as he turned toward the little girl. She¡¯d seemingly taken to cowering behind Garou¡¯s leg since the Chem-Baron had arrived. The boy himself seemed to be readying for a fight¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I understand¡­¡± Silco responded to Chross, in a low tone.

    ¡°Put rather simply,¡± he replied, ¡°her father owed the Company a debt, which he failed to fulfill before his passing ¡ª by law of collateral, that child is my property¡­ she evaded us once before, and we¡¯d falsely assumed she¡¯d made it over the bridge¡­¡±

    He seemed to shoot a look at his right-hand man, following the statement.

    Silco shut his eyes for a short moment ¡ª they were all wasting precious time¡­

    ¡°How about this¡ª¡° he countered, ¡°if your information proves accurate tonight, you may have the child, and we can table a discussion for the expansion of your territory, to the exclusion of the other Barons ¡ª I assure you, there will be nothing left of Smeech¡¯s little cabal after we find him¡­¡±

    Chross¡¯ gaze held on him for a moment.

    ¡°¡­Most equitable,¡± he finally said, to Silco¡¯s relief.

    He gave a curt glare toward Garou, urging the boy with his eyes not to do anything foolish in response to the deal he¡¯d just made¡­

    He followed Chross and the rest of them out of the building.

    ¡°The creature was lasted spotted finding refuge in Renni¡¯s camp, of all places,¡± he revealed. ¡°I can only conclude she¡¯s given him her safehouse beneath the chemtank armory, in which to do whatever it is he plans to do with his new captive¡­¡±

    Silco scowled. ¡°She¡¯ll come to regret throwing her lot in with him¡­¡±

    ¡°Strange bedfellows indeed, if you ask me¡­¡± he agreed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say¡ª your information lacks much assurance¡­¡± Silco pressed. ¡°You¡¯re certain they¡¯ll be there¡­?¡±

    Chross waved a hand dismissively. ¡°She¡¯s rather unmistakable, that adopted daughter of yours, and, from what I¡¯d heard, she¡¯d lost a fair amount of blood on the way¡­¡±

    Silco stopped walking ¡ª he certainly didn¡¯t appreciate the jab¡­

    Chross seemed to regret it, after a moment.

    ¡°I have more, of course¡ª infiltrating the place should be a breeze, with my knowledge of its layout¡­¡± he quickly added. ¡°Approaching from the Alcove District would be wise, which, of course, is now easier said than done with Piltover¡¯s forces present¡­¡±

    A commotion sounded, behind the two of them.

    ¡°Boss¡ª!¡± one of Chross¡¯ men spoke up. ¡°He shoved off, with the child¡­!¡±

    Both of their henchmen resorted to blaming one another, while Chross turned to glare at Silco.

    ¡°You owe that one to me¡ª I have a long memory, Silco¡­¡±

    ¡°Details, details,¡± he muttered back. ¡°I¡¯m not one to weasel from a deal, Chross ¡ª your long memory should remind you of that¡­¡±

    Silco looked on.

    His anger at the boy would subside ¡ª her fate may well have been in safer hands with him, if it meant he¡¯d get to her in time¡­

 Chapter 21: From Shadowâ€¦

    She¡¯d resorted to biting down on her tongue as a way of distracting herself from the pain.

    Her blood tasted sweet ¡ª sweeter than what little she could imagine, in that moment¡­ perhaps even sweeter than her fantasy of what she¡¯d do to her wretched captor were her restraints loosened and Zapper placed back in her hand.

    The fuzzball turned to her, bristling, prattling the same nonsense he had been those past few hours ¡ª how he¡¯d always get what he wanted eventually; how people who counted him out ended up dead; yada yada¡­

    His mouth and teeth looked grotesque in motion.

    ¡°¡­I wonder how you¡¯d hold up as a rug?¡± Jinx muttered at him with snide disregard, her voice hoarse from fatigue. ¡°There ain¡¯t much of you ¡ª maybe you could go in the bathroom, or something¡­¡±

    Her insults didn¡¯t seem to be original enough to land in the way she¡¯d hoped, but she¡¯d nevertheless sensed the Yordle¡¯s temperament cracking if but a little, as the hours passed without him extracting even an iota of information of any use from her. She¡¯d begun to wonder how much of it he¡¯d be willing to withstand before giving up and simply killing her.

    Her stump of a finger pulsed with pain as Smeech closed in on her.

    ¡°Say, braids,¡± he snarled, ¡°I¡¯d say we¡¯re almost overdue for another round of finger-chop roulette ¡ª wha¡¯da you think?¡±

    She supposed the only part of it all that truly surprised her was that all of these creeps used to fear Silco enough that none would dare act out so brazenly, least of all like this...

    The order of things seemed to be changing, on top of everything else that was going on, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much of it was her fault¡­

    She hadn¡¯t ever really given much thought to the things that Silco scolded her for from time to time, provided that she could get him to forgive her before long, or perhaps even convince him that whatever she¡¯d done was to his benefit.

    If the hours of torture had forced her to grapple with anything, it was the idea that perhaps it had been a mistake, after all ¡ª Hextech, the lot of it¡­

    ¡°Knock yourself out¡­¡± she murmured back.

    The room¡¯s attention snapped over to the loud creaking of the vault door swinging open. A pair of steel stilettos caught Jinx¡¯s eye as the person they belonged to stormed inside.

    ¡°What the fuck is all of this¡­?!¡± uttered the feather-coated Chem-Baron with hostile bewilderment.

    Smeech appeared to actually straighten up in her presence, curiously enough.

    ¡°Hey¡ª Renni,¡± he spoke back, forcing a false charm into his voice. ¡°Nice of ya to pop in¡­ my men and I are kinda busy is all, so we were hoping for a little¡ª¡°

    ¡°¡ªPrivacy?!¡± Renni snapped. ¡°Is that what you were about to say? Do you have any idea of the kind of talk happening out there? ¡­What in the hell are you doing with her?!¡±

    He gave Jinx a curt glance.

    ¡°Nobody¡¯s actually gonna be missin¡¯ her besides the big man himself,¡± he blustered, ¡°and I¡¯d dare say he¡¯s got his hands full at the moment.¡±

    Renni¡¯s incredulity only intensified.

    ¡°You really think that¡­?¡± she glared. ¡°You beat her bloody, cut her up, and dragged her here, under my roof¡ª my son is here, you little rat. This is how you spit on my hospitality¡­?!¡±

    ¡°Listen¡ª I¡¯m a hair away from gettin¡¯ her to talk here,¡± he yapped, ¡°soon as she does¡ª¡±

    ¡°No¡ª you¡¯re done. This is done,¡± she cut in. ¡°You, all of your guys, up to the house ¡ª it¡¯s time we had a talk, or so help me, I¡¯ll sic the Chemtanks on you all. My men will watch her in the meantime.¡±

    Smeech sighed impatiently, but acquiesced. ¡°Sure, Renni¡ª let¡¯s chat¡­¡±

    Jinx haggardly observed Renni have Smeech¡¯s crew swapped out for her own, and the Yordle stomp out in the strange, lurching fashion via his robotic limbs that Jinx couldn¡¯t figure she¡¯d ever get used to.

    ¡°Vincent¡ª¡± Renni muttered at one of the younger ones. ¡°See to your other duties before the night is done, as well¡­¡±

    The young grunt issued his boss a begrudging nod before she marched from the vault, heels clacking under her long coat.

    ¡®Silence¡­¡¯ Jinx winced with a little relief, her head slumping down while the men charged with watching her stood about awkwardly.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t goin¡¯ near her,¡± she heard one of them mutter under their breath, ¡°you keep an eye on her¡ª vault door¡¯ll be unlocked, just holler if she tries anything.¡±

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± she heard the younger one sigh.

    Jinx only wished she could somehow get some rest ¡ª she¡¯d never really figured out how to sleep in uncomfortable positions the way Sevika seemed to be able to.

    She felt the air turn still again, as the door slowly swung shut. The younger grunt in the room with her leant against the wall, seemingly as far away from her as he could manage.

    All she could think to do was to attempt to pass the time, so that she might simply collapse into unconsciousness, or something¡­

    ¡°¡­How am I gonna hurt you if I¡¯m all bound up by these restraints, huh¡­?¡± she quietly drawled, guessing at the reason for his demeanor.

    She sighed and allowed her heavy eyelids to slip shut when he gave little response, but then heard him shift uncomfortably after a moment.

    ¡°Do you¡­ need some water, or something¡­?¡± His voice was meek, but he began to pour her a glass from the nearby sink.

    He stepped over to her uneasily. She couldn¡¯t much hide how parched she was, leaning forward with her lips parted, and flashing impatience with her eyes when he didn¡¯t immediately hold the glass up to her. He seemed like he was gawking at her, instead.

    ¡°¡ªSorry¡­¡± he said, finally helping her quench her thirst.

    She found herself panting by the time the glass was empty, and she still tasted blood. She spat some of it out near the guy¡¯s foot.

    He seemed to flinch from her anxiously.

    ¡°Thanks, I guess¡­¡± she muttered at him. Her face felt so heavy that she thought she might start sobbing in front of him.

    Part of her wanted to wonder where Smeech had gone and put the finger he lopped from her hand¡­

    ¡°How¡­ old are you, even¡­?¡± the grunt named ¡®Vincent¡¯ wondered aloud.

    She hadn¡¯t much interest in entertaining him. Though, it was her turn to flinch as she felt him gently prod the blood-soaked gauze folded over her dismembered finger.

    ¡°Do you wanna fucking die¡­?!¡± she shot at him, with the little energy she had.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Oh¡ª sorry, I just,¡± he stammered, ¡°we should probably get this changed, so that it won¡¯t fester¡­?¡±

    She subjected him to a glare with her blood-shot eyes.

    ¡°What does it matter¡­?¡± she grumbled.

    ¡°I¡ª¡± he began, ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t think Renni will kill you¡­¡±

    She thought for a moment, supposing that it might indeed be true.

    ¡°¡­Better than losing the whole hand, you know?¡± he offered, attempting to infect her with optimism for a reason that was well beyond her.

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± she conceded, beginning to feel even queasier than before.

    She eyed him as he returned to the door to request the materials he¡¯d need to perform the wound-care.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± he paused as he returned, wheeling over a small stool with him. ¡°If I let your hand out, are you¡­?¡±

    ¡°¡ªGonna try to strangle you?¡± she finished the thought. ¡°Might be a bit difficult for me, now¡­¡±

    He seemingly decided to press forward without paying her comment any mind, partially untying her and peeling the sticky gauze away, causing her to wince.

    All things considered, he was rather gentle with her as he worked, though his hands trembled.

    ¡°What is it about me that gets everybody so nervous, huh¡­?¡± she complained.

    ¡°Oh¡ª I¡¯m not, I, uh¡­¡± he began, before seemingly abandoning the thought.

    He quickly reached behind him, retrieving a pocket knife. He used it to cut off the new length of dressing, before re-clasping it to the back of his belt.

    She came to a decision, after a moment.

    ¡°Y¡¯know¡­ it¡¯s, uh,¡± she said softly, ¡°it¡¯s a little overwhelming, being shown kindness like this, after everything they¡¯ve done to me¡­¡± She hadn¡¯t ever had much practice at what she was attempting, but she¡¯d certainly seen other girls do it before¡­

    The guy was almost finished, but he looked up at her, instead.

    ¡°Oh¡ª uh, it¡¯s okay, I¡ª¡± he puzzled.

    ¡°You¡¯re just¡­ you¡¯re really gentle, thank you¡­¡± she added, with a sniffle.

    He seemed to become frozen for a moment, so she gave a nod in the direction of the bandage tape.

    ¡°¡ªYeah, sorry,¡± he mumbled, finishing up.

    She waited until he was about to stand, before wrapping her free hand around his wrist.

    ¡°You¡­ couldn¡¯t spare a change of clothes for me, do you¡­?¡± she whispered pleadingly, gently tugging him closer. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ I¡¯m a little cold...¡±

    ¡°I, uh¡ª well, I could maybe get¡ª¡± he stammered, staring at her nervously.

    ¡°I¡ª if it¡¯s just you and me¡­ I won¡¯t mind if you dress me¡­¡± she continued, in an injured tone.

    He halted for a moment as she said it, before tearing his gaze away and looking out at the vault door.

    ¡°Uh¡ª no, I don¡¯t¡­¡± he said awkwardly, ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea¡­¡±

    He didn¡¯t seem to realize immediately that she¡¯d released his arm from her grip.

    The room fell silent without intervention by either of them, before he remembered that he needed to re-bind her. He fumbled with the knot a few times before getting it right.

    He then hurriedly packed his materials away and marched toward the exit, presenting the other two guards with a convincing explanation as to why he needed to change shifts with them.

    Jinx exhaled, relapsing into biting her tongue as the pain from her wound returned.

    <hr>

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what any of your damn sign language means¡ª I can¡¯t bring you there with me,¡± he argued, while Isha pleaded against his wishes. ¡°If you watched these guys take Blue down, then they¡¯re serious business, aight? You ain¡¯t strong enough, kid¡ª¡°

    She surprised him by thrusting her palms at him, squatted down before her. He quickly hopped his other foot backward to prevent himself from losing balance.

    ¡°Hey¡ª¡± Garou shot back sternly, ¡°I stopped the old man from selling you to that other dude¡ª want me to take you back? Eh?!¡±

    She turned on the waterworks, but without breaking down sobbing. She only looked angrier than ever.

    Seemed like she had a right to be, he supposed¡­

    He grunted in irritation, grasping at her hand and hoisting her upon his back again, while she kicked at him.

    ¡°Whatever¡ª just quit blamin¡¯ me for everything, alright?¡± he called at her, setting off again. ¡°And if you go gettin¡¯ in the way, then I won¡¯t be able to save Blue ¡ª got it¡­?¡±

    He felt a nod against his shoulder, so he let the issue rest.

    ¡®Still would¡¯ve been simpler to leave her with the damn bartender,¡± he grumbled to himself.

    The folks around the city that he passed by looked equal parts panicked and rowdy. He respected the look in the eyes of those that seemed like they wanted to fight, even if it was farcical ¡ª the underdog never won anything¡­ It was true elsewhere, too ¡ª the people of Ionia lived under the stranglehold of a more populous region, without recourse. He bitterly remembered being made by his master to swear against attempting to do anything about it, some years before he¡¯d decided to leave ¡ª self-preservation to the exclusion of all else could only get you so far¡­

    He wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if the whole world was all just the same tale, over and over again, no matter where one went¡­

    It only needed somebody strong enough to end it. To let a new tale be told¡­

    He found himself absent-mindedly flexing his knuckles again.

    Isha suddenly gave a tug of his hair as an airship whirled up above them, creeping through the sky like a Bilgewater whale would underneath a sailing vessel.

    They¡¯d have to have been close now, he thought ¡ª approaching from the Alcove district, as the spectacled geezer had said.

    He let out a breath.

    Blue¡­

    It was hard to suppress the feeling that he might not find her as she¡¯d left him. He wasn¡¯t sure what he¡¯d do about that¡­

    <hr>

    Mold had found its way into the cistern again.

    A small utility closet adjacent to the armory held the dwindling bag of chalk Vincent would add into the frothy mixture in order to return it to a drinkable state. Or, at least attempt to¡­

    His boss¡¯ crew would notice if the task were neglected ¡ª everybody seemed to have taken to hunkering down while Piltover went ahead with whatever it was they planned to do. Renni¡¯s stance seemed steadfastly in favor of allowing Silco and those aligned with him to take the brunt of Topside¡¯s fury, and not to allow herself, or her operation to be put in the crossfire.

    Not that those deliberations were of any concern to a low-ranking grunt such as himself¡­

    A cloud of powdered chalk puffed out of the mouth of the bag as Vincent hoisted it up against his chest, causing him to cough. The closet shuttered, he skipped past the Chemtank armory with his eyes set forward, as he typically did ¡ª the rows of those vacant souls trapped in metal suits unnerved him some. And that wasn¡¯t even factoring the big one¡­

    The musty stench penetrated his nostrils before he¡¯d even let open thehatch on the brick water tank ¡ª they were all lucky to have been surviving on the stuff in such a state¡­

    He tipped the bag over the opening. There was scant left in it before he was satisfied, and he didn¡¯t dare stop mixing until it had all completely dissolved. The chalk usually did the trick, at least for a while, though it was best not to think about such things when filling one¡¯s cup, he figured.

    It had been an exceedingly long night, and from what he could tell based on Renni¡¯s muttering and ranting, Smeech and his crew were near overstaying their welcome.

    Vincent hadn¡¯t ever really laid eyes upon Jinx before, or, Silco¡¯s little demolition diva, as Renni sometimes derisively named her, among other things¡­ He supposed he¡¯d never have thought bruised, bloody and maimed would have been his first impression of the figure whose reputation in the Undercity was so potent ¡ª known as a deadly destroyer; a name to whisper in the dark in order to spook people.

    Though, the few words they had shared did plenty to remind him of why he¡¯d rather not ever find himself at that girl¡¯s mercy. Even getting as physically close to her as he had¡­

    He brushed away the feeling. It was why, despite the grunt-work, it was worthwhile serving in a crew. Protection in numbers, and all that¡­

    Perhaps it explained Renni¡¯s outrage over the discovery that she had unknowingly been hosting such an inciting prisoner ¡ª they¡¯d have Silco¡¯s entire militia upon them before long, if word got out...

    Vincent reached for the knife hooked to his back belt-loop in order to mark the date in the brick, but found himself grasping at air.

    He furrowed his brow ¡ª he usually wasn¡¯t so scatterbrained as to leave it behind. He paused, slowly pondering through several locations whereby he might have left it.

    He shook his head after a moment, resigning himself to backtracking steps once his nightly tasks were done.

    Instead, he reached out with his thumb, and gave a crude attempt at it with his nail, the way he used to when he was a kid, pushing its edge into the brick to make a shallow impression. It would be legible enough for his purpose.

    He cursed, pulling back and examining the split he caused from pressing too hard. A small amount of blood oozed ¡ª not worth licking clean.

    Little prickles of cold air graced the back of his neck as he leant over to collect the depleted bag of chalk, making him shiver. He supposed the sun would be rising soon. A glance around Renni¡¯s makeshift compound revealed little in the way of ascertaining the time of night ¡ª her other guards would only swap shifts at dawn-break.

    A chill crept up Vincent¡¯s spine once more as he trudged around the side of the armory, out of sight from the rest of the compound. It was an uncanny feeling, as the air was otherwise still.

    Suddenly, unconscious to his own thoughts, his ears had become incredibly attentive to the sounds around him. It only left him feeling unnerved ¡ª what was it that had his senses so perturbed?

    He whipped his head around instinctively, chalk-bag still in hand.

    Nothing out of the ordinary.

    Nonsense¡­

    The utility closet lay before him ¡ª other tasks awaited, before he could sleep.

    A crunch from behind him caused him to repeat the motion, dropping the bag to his feet on this occasion.

    He stood, frozen, while a pair of golden eyes peered at him through the shadows.

    Moving his body by even an inch felt like an impossible effort in that moment.

    Whatever the golden eyes belonged to exhaled with a guttural tenor, and sunk down, low to the ground.

    It may have been preparing to move in on him ¡ª Vincent would not wait to find out, stumbling backward over his own feet as he suddenly regained the faculty to move.

    If running had been an option, he didn¡¯t run nearly fast enough ¡ª the muscles in his face contracted the skin tight as he felt the creature¡¯s breath in his ear. It had all happened in the blink of an eye¡­

    Brass, sharpened into razors, adorned blue fur. Its claws were the last thing Vincent would ever see.

 Chapter 22: On the Line...

    She tapped her heel against the concrete floor in as obnoxious a manner as she could, waiting for the goon to make up his mind. She¡¯d felt her own mind beginning to haze over, as the lack of rest turned to delirium. Keeping the drool in her mouth had become equally as difficult as keeping her head from rocking forward.

    ¡°C¡¯mon¡­ I¡¯ve gotta pee¡­¡± she grumbled at him.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you already go¡­?¡± he grunted back. ¡°Hey, Max¡ª she already had a bathroom break, right?¡±

    The other guard muttered something Jinx couldn¡¯t quite make out, from the other side of the door.

    ¡°Your friend¡­¡± she protested, ¡°the one that left earlier¡ª he gave me a drink of water, so¡­ I¡¯ve gotta go again¡­¡±

    The man stomped over toward her. ¡°I¡¯m checkin¡¯ that room for tunnels, once you¡¯re done,¡± he said, beginning to loosen her bindings in rough fashion.

    ¡°What am I gonna dig with¡ª my damn fingernails¡­?¡± she replied miserably.

    He aimed the barrel of his sidearm at her, while handing her a set of cuffs for her to put on.

    ¡°¡­Any word on what your featherful boss is gonna do with fuzzball?¡± she drawled. ¡°She kickin¡¯ him out of the clubhouse, or what¡­?¡±

    The man simply motioned with his weapon. ¡°You talk too damn much ¡ª move,¡± he growled at her.

    ¡°What kinda rounds¡¯ that thing take¡ª buckshots?¡± she went on, beginning toward the door. Amidst her unserious chatting, she expended her remaining energy keeping her attention sharp ¡ª all she needed was the right window¡­

    ¡°Blackpowders¡ª¡± the man responded dismissively, ¡°who the hell puts buckshots in a pistol¡­?¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°People who don¡¯t like ugly gray smoke¡­?¡±

    He poked the gun against her back so that she¡¯d hurry along. Before rounding the corner, she managed to spot the door guard deciding to head out the other way, matchbox in hand, seemingly taking advantage of not having to watch her in that moment.

    They¡¯d have done themselves a real favor by making her remove her boots¡­

    She suddenly halted, and allowed herself to collapse to the ground, much to the guard¡¯s frustration.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡± she panted.

    A steel-capped kick in the ribs knocked the remaining wind out of her.

    ¡°Get the hell up¡ª c¡¯mon,¡± he growled, violently hoisting her with both his hands, just as she¡¯d hoped he would.

    The stupid knife had been poking her ankle the entire time¡­

    She finally retrieved it from its hiding spot, plunging it deeply into the man¡¯s eye just as he¡¯d managed to wrest her to her feet.

    His screaming only lasted for a moment ¡ª his throat was an even easier target.

    Jinx hunched over once it was done, gathering her senses. The brief exertion left her body feeling as though it were on fire. She hoped the adrenaline would soon quell it.

    She attempted to wipe some of the blood from the deed off of her hands, while she scanned around and decided on a direction. The cuffs on her wrists were heavier than when she¡¯d put them on ¡ª she was glad not to have to dig through many layers of clothing before coming upon the small key which released her from them.

    She pocketed dead man¡¯s weapon before she set off, expecting the second guard to show at any moment. She¡¯d begun to wish she¡¯d been lying about needing to pee¡­

    ¡®Crap,¡¯ she cursed¡ª the path she¡¯d taken didn¡¯t present much of an escape route at all. She dreaded having to double back and cross the main compound.

    She racked her brain¡­

    If she¡¯d been in any shape to fight, she wouldn¡¯t have needed to turn to such desperate ideas ¡ª she turned around once more and quickly shot out the lock on the sanitation store, ducking inside and scanning the floor in the dark.

    From her brief past explorations beneath the city, she¡¯d come upon runoff overflow basins that sometimes intersected with the underground ventilation ducts ¡ª which meant that there was a chance she wouldn¡¯t have to wade through sewage in order to make her escape¡­

    Her struggling eyes managed to happen upon the room¡¯s primary drain, covered by a heavy steel grate. It felt rusted over and filthy. She grimaced, heaving the thing with all her might.

    Noises from outside cause her to pause briefly ¡ª gunfire, and¡­ men screaming¡­

    ¡¯The hell¡­?¡¯ she wondered, alarmed.

    She¡¯d put the idea of a last-minute rescue out of her mind many hours ago, but perhaps her pessimism was unwarranted ¡ª could Silco have figured out where she¡¯d been taken?

    She wandered out, lured by the prospect of him being there, so that she could show him that she was alright¡­ that she¡¯d gotten herself out, and would have escaped on her own anyhow¡­

    Smears of blood littered the ground.

    Her hopeful trance was quickly shattered when she came upon the sight of the guard who¡¯d previously given her a glass of water, and unknowingly enabled her freedom by allowing her to snatch his knife when his back had been turned.

    She had to hold her nose ¡ª his face was only barely recognizable, as his body lay contorted and mangled, almost slashed to pieces.

    More disconcerting things could soon be heard beyond the shadows she crept in ¡ª more death, presumably of the equally bloody kind.

    She gripped the stolen pistol so tightly that she nearly pulled the trigger without meaning to.

    The chill brought on by this unknown thing sent her quickly back the way she¡¯d come, and gave her the strength to finally haul the metal grate away from the opening that she might pass through.

    Even her thoughts had grown silent, as she slipped around in the dark. The murk and the wet washed over her ankles, filling her boots, but there lay only one path: straight ahead.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the echo of the runoff flow grew deafening, and that she came upon the junction she¡¯d hoped to find. She slid her feet out of the stream so that it wouldn¡¯t take her with it, down into the lower channel.

    She tilted her head upward. It was pitch-dark, but she could sense an elevation in the lid, where she suspected a vent crossed through ¡ª she swore to herself that she could hear the open shaft. If she were wrong, she wasn¡¯t certain how deep the drop went¡­

    She spent a couple minutes working up the courage.

    ¡®Fuck it¡ª¡¯ she cursed, shuffling out to the furthest available edge upon which she could find balance.

    As she stretched her hand upward, warmer, dryer air graced her fingertips, all but confirming her theory. Though, she wasn¡¯t at all sure how high up the next ledge lay.

    She imagined a death by drowning¡­ Silco had long regaled her with the story of his near-death in the clutches of the sea ¡ª she somehow figured that hers might feel a lot less poetic¡­

    She closed her eyes and drew in a breath, readying herself to jump.

    There was something to it, the feeling that she¡¯d handed her life over to some kind of fate, the moment that her feet left the solid surface ¡ª the moment between, uncertain of whether her fingers would find purchase upon anything at all¡­

    Her heart pounded as she desperately pulled herself up, grateful for the dry, even grateful of the pungent smog that hit her face as she clambered to her feet.

    The adrenaline had indeed kicked in at the right time ¡ª she broke into an almost sprint, quickening as she glimmered a morsel of neon glow from the outside, presuming that it would bring her to¡ª

    Something clotheslined her as she rounded the corner, sending her down sputtering. She wasn¡¯t sure whether her eyes were open or closed as bright, flashing artifacts danced against her vision, dizzying her to the point of nausea.

    Part of her didn¡¯t want to bother attempting to move again, and the brass beneath her felt so nice and full of heat that she considered simply laying her head there, so that she could finally rest¡­

    Whatever lay before her loudly clanked into motion, startling what remained of her senses.

    ¡°GIRL¡ª THOUGHT, PERHAPS A CAT¡­¡± a growling metallic voice boomed.

    It thudded still once more, making way for the quieter tap of footsteps, approaching from only behind it.

    ¡°Miss Jinx¡­?¡± said Viktor.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    <hr>

    She pulled her hood tight once more, growing more anxious of being spotted as the hours pressed on. The fact that Silco was yet to reveal himself had her frustrated, and she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about everything that Ekko had told her.

    Vi shuddered to contemplate what reason Silco had for wanting to keep Powder so close for all these years¡­

    Cheese lay a gentle hand on her arm as her shoulders stiffened.

    ¡°Maybe we track somebody else, if he ain¡¯t showing,¡± he suggested. ¡°Who¡¯s his second...?¡±

    ¡°¡­That one¡ª with the metal arm,¡± Vi muttered quietly, pointing Sevika out from the crowd. ¡°Well, Ekko said so, at least.¡±

    ¡°Mm¡­¡± he replied. ¡°She ain¡¯t been going anywhere either.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we go in and ask her,¡± Vi said, ¡°you know¡ª the convincing way¡­¡±

    He was silent for a moment. ¡°Not sure we could hold our own against that many, Vi¡­¡±

    She wanted to disagree with him.

    ¡°Maybe we get some rest for the night,¡± he said, ¡°we¡¯ve been at this since we got out ¡ª I don¡¯t know about you, but my empty stomach¡¯s been letting me know just about every step of the way¡­¡±

    She sighed. He was right ¡ª she felt as though she were about to collapse...

    ¡®How must Powder feel, then¡­?¡¯ It tore her up inside. Her sister, caught in some type of turf war, if that were indeed what it was¡­

    Vi had spent nights hoping that by some miracle, somebody other than Silco might have risen up and taken leadership over The Lanes the way that Vander had ¡ª she was hardly surprised to learn that everything seemed to have fallen apart under Silco¡¯s watch, with everybody at each other¡¯s throats.

    And Topside certainly appeared to have taken advantage¡­

    But, the biggest stab in the gut was knowing that Powder had to grow up in a world even shittier than the one she did, that she couldn¡¯t spare her that¡­

    Vi swallowed painfully.

    It was all her fault ¡ª she shouldn¡¯t have lost her temper at her¡­ that night¡­ so long ago¡­

    ¡°Vi,¡± Cheese repeated.

    She looked at him.

    ¡°Sure¡­ let¡¯s find someplace close,¡± she said.

    He¡¯d begun to move. ¡°I¡¯ve got it¡ª I know a spot.¡±

    Vi had doubts that she¡¯d sleep. She just needed a way to get to Silco¡­

    <hr>

    Garou let the kid down slowly off of his back.

    At a certain point, it had stopped feeling as though he were sleuthing to find the place ¡ª he could hear a lot of commotion¡­

    None of it sounded pretty.

    ¡®They fightin¡¯ each other now¡­?¡¯ he puzzled.

    The kid was reaching for his hand.

    ¡°If you¡¯re afraid, you shouldn¡¯t be here¡­¡± he said to her, causing her expression to change.

    She pulled her helmet down, almost over her eyes.

    ¡°No¡ª that ain¡¯t gonna cut it either, kid,¡± he grunted. ¡°Just¡ª find a place to hide, or somethin¡¯¡­¡±

    He glanced over again. Despite the lack of any guards or anything else of the sort, it seemed as though they were looking at the entrance to the compound the spectacled geezer had described.

    Though, it wasn¡¯t sounding so lively anymore¡­

    He turned to Isha, peeking up at him from under her helmet.

    ¡°What¡ª you don¡¯t wanna hide now?¡± he sighed, reluctantly squatting down to her level.

    ¡°There ain¡¯t anything scary in there, alright?¡± He said it curtly. ¡°I¡¯m the real monster here.¡±

    Her response was to look cross at him.

    ¡°What¡ª d¡¯you think you¡¯re gonna help me in there, or something? Go on¡ª I¡¯ll bring Blue out and then we¡¯ll get out of here¡­¡± He gave her a little shove in the direction of a small store that looked to be abandoned.

    Garou waited until she¡¯d finally scurried inside before beginning through the posted opening in the exterior wall. He unravelled the bandages on his wrists and hands as he walked, exposing clean, healed skin. Though, he didn¡¯t doubt he¡¯d need new ones before long¡­

    The place was something of a ghost town ¡ª that is, until he began to come upon the bodies. The further in he got, the more the ground was littered with them. It would have been a familiar scene, if not for the excess amounts of blood, and insides strewn about where they shouldn¡¯t have been.

    His head twitched in the direction of something gargling. He strolled over to find the fallen remains of one of those erratic-moving armored suits with the purple tinted helmet-windows ¡ª he remembered fighting a small horde of them some time ago, before the old man had dragged him in, and he¡¯d found Blue there¡­

    Garou tilted his head at the exposed sight of the drugged-up creature inside of the thing, choking on their own blood from a gashed-open belly.

    He began to grow slightly more wary.

    ¡°¡­send the rest of¡­ got a damn death wish?!¡­¡± The voices were faint, but he spotted a shuttered window behind a balcony with some indoor lights bleeding through.

    He quickly hopped up toward it, leaning an ear against the glass out of curiosity.

    ¡°¡ªparties that you¡¯ve put on our damn trail!¡± a woman berated in a hushed tone.

    ¡°It¡¯s some goddamn mindless beast! How¡¯s that got anythin¡¯ to do with her?!¡± a male voice squawked back indignantly.

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know, Smeech, maybe that crackpot scientist Silco has working for him¡ª¡±

    Garou shattered the barrier with his two front knuckles, startling the half-dozen people that occupied the room as shards of glass rattled to the floor.

    He looked straight at the fur-covered one, his eyes narrowed.

    ¡°You.¡± He hoped he¡¯d managed to place the voices correctly. ¡°The girl you took¡ª where is she¡­?¡±

    The fur-ball took a moment to wipe the mystified look from his face, before raising himself up on weird, stilt-like metal limbs.

    ¡°Who the fuck is this guy now¡ª?! Get him out of here!¡± he ordered his goons.

    Garou grumpily took a stance ¡ª he didn¡¯t have time for this¡­

    Instead of bothering to engage the weak-looking grunts, he sprung forward, cutting straight through the crowd at ¡®Smeech¡¯, grasping at one of his spindly limbs.

    A purple cloud of gas exploded between them instead, catching Garou off guard ¡ª a breath of the stuff yielded a weird effect¡­

    He took a club to the back of the head by one of the stupid grunts during the distraction.

    A real weird effect¡­

    Smeech struggled against him, one of his steel limbs in Garou¡¯s grip. A needle-like blade suddenly shot out of the fur-ball¡¯s other arm ¡ª Garou dropped down low to the ground to avoid it, whipping the squalling creature through the air as though he were paper, and knocking the rest of his crew on their asses.

    The woman in the black coat bolted for the door, and Garou didn¡¯t figure to stop her. He had to keel over and cough for a moment ¡ª he wasn¡¯t sure the purple stuff had agreed with him fully.

    ¡°Get up, you idiots¡ª!¡± the fur-ball screeched, untangling himself from them.

    He had an extensive array of bladed weapons crammed into those robo-limbs of his, but Garou was faster ¡ª he sprung forward and caught him with a fly-kick which was sure to dislodge a few ribs, assuming that he had that sort of thing inside him¡­

    They both tumbled out of the building in the direction Garou had entered. He landed on his toes.

    ¡°Egh¡­ fuck¡­¡± Smeech retched, coughing up his innards.

    Garou stood before him, observing with irritation a couple of errant slashes across his own forearm from the scuffle, and watching them begin to ooze blood.

    He looked down again. ¡°Well¡ª? Where is she, asshole¡­?¡±

    ¡°You¡­ idiot¡ª¡± Smeech panted, anxious, ¡°we¡¯re sitting ducks out here, now¡­¡±

    Garou took a glance around the place. The grunts from upstairs seemed to all have hightailed it. It was just as silent as it had been before, if not more so¡­

    He stepped forward and hauled the fur-ball up by the scruff of his shirt. ¡°You gonna tell me, or do I gotta start takin¡¯ your toys from ya¡­?¡±

    Smeech made a feeble attempt at a swipe with one of his knives, and so Garou twisted it off, eliciting a squeal.

    ¡°Alright, enough, enough¡ª!¡± he begged, ¡°listen¡ª your girlfriend, she¡¯s safe! I¡¯ll take you to her¡ª you¡¯ve got my word, alright?!¡±

    Garou tossed him to the ground again.

    ¡°Go on, then,¡± he ordered.

    Smeech gathered himself, but didn¡¯t move, his eyes set straight ahead. After a moment, Garou saw what he did.

    It was dark, but a pair of eyes watched them, unmistakable in their hostility.

    They shone the same color as Garou¡¯s ¡ª under another circumstance, he could have convinced himself that he¡¯d merely spotted his own reflection¡­

    The illusion was dispelled as the thing began to stalk forward into sight, snapping at the air with its brawny snout.

    A wolf¡­?

    It was large ¡ª several times larger than him, but also didn¡¯t look purely animal¡­ it was strapped up with a series of feedlines, chambers and pumps, glowing green and bubbling with potency ¡ª presumably to soup the beast up with additional strength.

    The thing already looked pretty strong¡­

    ¡®Eh, looks can be deceiving¡­¡¯ Garou thought, flexing his wiry fingers.

    He took a decisive step toward it, but its twitching nose was following Smeech, instead. Garou needed the fur-ball alive¡­

    ¡°The fuck¡­?!¡± Smeech fretted, dragging himself back behind Garou.

    The beast snorted, before letting out a threatening, low growl. He watched its muscles tense as it readied to pounce.

    ¡°Hey¡ª!¡± Garou called out, assuming his stance, ¡°back¡ª!¡±

    He¡¯d never been any good with dogs¡­

    Instead of a straight-line charge, the beast hopped from side to side before closing in, at lightning speed ¡ª Garou wasn¡¯t so sure he¡¯d have avoided the tips of its claws had they been thrust at him instead of Smeech.

    Garou plunged his knee into the beast¡¯s side, knocking it off its path, but hardly deterring it ¡ª with a single bound, it leapt straight through him, sending him careening across the dirt, hitting like a damned barge.

    His eyes bugged, as he skidded to a stop ¡ª he couldn¡¯t ever remember being hit so hard¡­

    After a half-second to regather himself, Garou lined up a push kick aimed at its hind leg. Smeech was half in its jaws when it vocalized its pain in response to the impact.

    It wasn¡¯t the only thing that occurred in response ¡ª the fluid-filled mechanical chambers upon its back whirred to life and pumped the green stuff into the beast¡¯s veins like a shot of stimulant. It could only discard Smeech on the ground as its body convulsed, raising up on its hind legs and letting out a guttural howl.

    ¡®It works on a pain trigger¡­?¡¯ Garou surmised, shifting his weight to his toes as the beast¡¯s attention finally turned to him. The two locked eyes, and Garou didn¡¯t think he could dare blink. The beast gnashed its teeth, twitching violently with its abundance of artificial adrenaline.

    The first swipe was impossibly fast. Its claws slashed a tear through the fabric of Garou¡¯s top ¡ª if it had breached skin, he didn¡¯t have time to feel it, as the second and third swipes followed in ferocious succession. It was too much to simply dodge¡­

    ¡®Fuck¡­¡¯

    He didn¡¯t want to have to use it, but he¡¯d surely lose without it ¡ª the stuffy technique his old master had preached¡­ Garou wished he didn¡¯t know it so well¡­

    He began to take the contact instead of dodging it, damning the pain, and redirecting its momentum ¡ª a water flow; a stream running into a basin with which Garou could manipulate his opponent¡¯s output.

    The beast grew visibly frustrated as its flurry began to tire, its efforts failing to flatten the dancing martial artist, and so it instead lunged jaws first, snapping at Garou¡¯s neck.

    Flowing water turned into a rock-smashing fist, as his knuckles slammed the animal¡¯s teeth against the roof of its mouth, stifling its roar.

    He quickly hopped back before the beast could surprise him, casting a brief glance over at fur-ball. He remained alive for the moment, it seemed, hobbling away with half a leg. Alive enough¡­

    Garou panted. He could do it¡­ he could beat the thing ¡ª he¡¯d seen through its primal moves. And, he¡¯d broken the seal on using the old master¡¯s technique, he supposed.

    The hulking wolf¡¯s blood coursed green once more, as it writhed against its forced alchemical injection. He almost felt pity for it¡­

    Instead of growling at him again however, the thing stiffened, sniffed, and licked its lips, experiencing some sort of sensory fulfillment from the act. Garou raised an eyebrow, before turning his hand over and discovering the deep, blood gushing puncture underneath his knuckle.

    The beast licked its teeth again, before its eyes turned glassy, and darkened. They turned red.

    Garou¡¯s foot shot backward the moment he saw the wolf move, but it had grown faster than ever before. Its tongue occasionally shot from between its fangs as it pursued him ¡ª it lusted for his blood¡­

    It was moving differently, too. Garou scrambled to read its new moves, so that he could counter¡ª

    The pain was a bolt of lightning, this time ¡ª it must have been deep. It had slashed through his abdomen¡­

    Garou was losing patience. He curled his fingers into a sharpened fist, thrusting it into the wolf¡¯s eye¡ª

    His eyes widened as he lost the opportunity to pull it back, the beast¡¯s jaws clamping down on his hand.

    He contorted, firing a kick across its snout. The hand was released, but half the flesh taken with it¡­

    Garou almost fall to his knees from the pain, but the monster didn¡¯t let him ¡ª hacking away at his chest and neck with its claws.

    Shit¡­

    He held his arm up, and felt it slashed to ribbons.

    The breath left his lungs.

    His right-side eye went dark first.

    All shit¡­

    Garou¡¯s last conscious thought was of his mother.

 Chapter 23: Collateral...

    She could have been convinced that she¡¯d actually perished back in the labyrinth of sewers, or even before that in the interrogation chair; that being carried down a tunnel in the arms of a great, steel golem was only a projection of her fading mind on the verge of brain-death.

    Jinx struggled to keep her eyes open, though her carriage was anything but gentle ¡ª the thing thudded forward without any grace, puffing steam from its back and sounding with a constant metal crunch as hulking gears transferred kinetic force down to its legs.

    The creation was far and above anything she might have expected from the guy when she¡¯d met him¡­

    Viktor trudged along ahead of them, breathing through the respirator strapped to his face. Purple metallic fibers glimmered in the dim light from underneath his clothing ¡ª she¡¯d only managed a glimpse at him before the machine had scooped her up, but it looked like even less of his regular skin remained from when they¡¯d last spoken.

    ¡°¡­Not too much farther, Miss Jinx,¡± he told her, as she felt herself fading.

    The robot managed to bring her up a steel ladder with her in its arms, and deposited her upon a set of flat stone steps. Only a flickering glow of orange ember distracted her from the night¡¯s sky, as her weary eyes drifted upon the sight of Vander¡¯s face, sculpted in steel.

    She hadn¡¯t been to visit the statue in some time¡­

    ¡°Power-down for a moment, Blitzcrank¡­¡± spoke Viktor, as he leant down to observe the state of her.

    ¡°SEVENTEEN HOURS REMAIN BEFORE RECHARGE CYCLE IS¡ª¡± the machine began to sound.

    ¡°¡ªFor discretion,¡± Viktor clarified. ¡°High importance.¡±

    The golem promptly acquiesced, folding its arms and legs inside of itself, the glow of its eyes and chest turning dark.

    Jinx let her eyelids fall closed again.

    ¡°Can¡¯t stay here¡­¡± she rasped. ¡°Might find me, still¡­¡±

    ¡°You cling to life, Miss Jinx¡ª save your words¡­¡± She heard him open and close some part of the dormant machine¡¯s frame, before returning to her.

    ¡°Do not mind the sting,¡± he warned, before slipping a needle beneath her skin.

    A jolt of vigor snapped her eyes wide as it electrified her nerves, while she saw the blood-vessels crossing through her pupils pulse with purple. She found herself suddenly sitting up, her jaw clenched.

    Viktor studied her. ¡°Who¡­ brought these injuries upon you?¡± he asked.

    Her body shuddered briefly ¡ª she still needed a moment to gather her battered self¡­

    ¡°¡­You wouldn¡¯t know ¡®em,¡± she muttered, dejectedly stroking the remaining part of the finger they took from her.

    She glanced at the strange little modified injecting device he¡¯d used on her. ¡°I don¡¯t know how all you people can actually take that stuff¡­ Shimmer¡­¡± she groaned.

    His brow raised slightly. ¡°Yes, well¡­ I suppose I experienced it similarly, my first time¡­¡±

    Her lips quivered, as she exhaled.

    ¡°I, uh¡­¡± she began, ¡°I¡¯d bet you didn¡¯t expect to run into me again so soon, huh?¡± She managed a sliver of a smirk, but it felt joyless.

    The smile he returned her was a sadder one. ¡°I¡­ wish to know, Miss Jinx¡ª had it been your intention the entire time? To incite Piltover¡¯s fury in this way?¡± He nodded into the distance, his tone turned frosty. ¡°I can only gather that you played a role in this, given your forewarning a night ago¡­¡±

    His expression was unreadable ¡ª what did he want to hear? That it was all some sort of accident? Maybe he could go talk to Silco sometime; the philosophical tirades were always his thing¡­

    ¡°They always wanted to do it to us¡­¡± she glumly shrugged, ¡°hardly anything new here¡­¡± It was her best summation of Silco¡¯s words, repeated to her over the years.

    Viktor sighed, after a moment. ¡°You should accompany me to my lab ¡ª the serum¡¯s effect will wear off, and you will be as vulnerable as before. It would be wise of you to treat that, sooner rather than later¡­¡±

    He motioned to her hand ¡ª the stump had begun to weep again.

    ¡°Crap¡­¡± she muttered, pressing against the bandage.

    The robot whirred back to life upon Viktor reactivating it. It briefly re-tested the range of motion of its various joints, before treading the path back for them.

    ¡°Can he fight?¡± she wondered, as she hobbled along behind it, alongside Viktor.

    ¡°Not by my design, but its capabilities thus far have not always comported with my expectations,¡± he said.

    ¡°¡­So, you did get lonely, huh?¡± she remarked, eliciting a less-than-amused expression from him.

    ¡°It assists me in my work,¡± he replied.

    ¡°What¡ª ¡¯til you turn yourself all the way into a robot¡­?¡± she prodded.

    He gave the small sliver of exposed fiber between his glove and the end of his sleeve a glance. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t believe that¡¯s what it is, Miss Jinx.¡±

    ¡°Right¡ª you experiment on your own skin, I remember...¡± she retorted. ¡°Well, whatever¡¯s going on with all that, it does seem like it¡¯s already taken your sense of humor, if you ever had one¡­¡±

    He side-eyed her, and after a moment, she shrunk from his gaze.

    ¡°Sorry¡ª¡± she muttered, ¡°it¡¯s been a long day¡­¡±

    <hr>

    It was unusual, seeing her boss be led around by one of the Chem-Barons ¡ª their single-serving interests usually left them earning very little in the way of respect from him.

    But Silco had shown up with Chross at his side of all people, and had ordered her to bring herself and a detachment force to yet another location ¡ª no doubt he was under the impression that he¡¯d find Jinx there; the perpetual spanner in their plans, the foolish girl who¡¯d never actually learned to take care of herself despite Sevika¡¯s hampered efforts over the years¡­

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Something had seemed off by the time they¡¯d made it there, though.

    Sevika hazarded a step toward the place, meeting only silence. She could see plenty of fallen about ¡ª had the kid done all this? Boss had mentioned him having gone ahead of them, that they¡¯d likely find him here, but¡­ the scene was brutal, even to her¡­

    Silco joined her side, as their men began to sweep the place.

    ¡°I see more of Renni¡¯s men than Smeech¡¯s¡­¡± he grimly remarked.

    Sevika couldn¡¯t help but stare at one of the bodies, fixated on the nature of the wounds ¡ª they¡¯d been sliced apart, in every direction¡­

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the kid fight, sir,¡± she said to him, ¡°but, I¡¯ve never once seen him rely on a blade¡­¡±

    ¡°Mm¡­¡± Silco was quiet; contemplative. She couldn¡¯t read his expression.

    ¡°Boss¡ª!¡± one of the men called out, standing over a dead somebody.

    They made their way over. ¡°What¡ª?¡± Silco demanded, impatiently.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this¡ª?¡± the man returned.

    They both turned their heads down to look at it.

    The body soaked there in a pool of its own blood, having oozed from countless horrific gashes painting it up from head to toe, but simultaneously, its features were unmistakable ¡ª it was him¡­

    They both stood silently for some time.

    ¡°¡­Take it he insisted on going it alone?¡± she ventured.

    He met her with silence, so she shot a covert glance his way. She¡¯d only witnessed him simmering in such a manner a handful of times before. Dire times¡­

    ¡°¡­Guess he was more of a fool than I took him for,¡± she went on remarking.

    Silco finally tore his gaze from the body. ¡°It matters not¡ª it¡¯s done.¡±

    She could sense his rage. She didn¡¯t imagine there was much she could do short of bringing him an unharmed Jinx that would assuage him; the rational part of her did hope that would be the night¡¯s outcome¡­

    Chross strolled over toward their party before long, flanked by his own grumbling men on either side.

    ¡°You got some sort of insightful explanation for all this, Chross?¡± she spoke up, shifting her head.

    The man took note of Garou¡¯s hacked-up corpse. ¡°Regarding this one? Well, perhaps Smeech is indeed able to make use of that arsenal of blades he had made up for himself¡ª have you laid eyes on him as of late? He¡¯s taken to augmented limb replacement with an even greater enthusiasm than you have¡­¡±

    Sevika eyed him. ¡°Mine wasn¡¯t by choice¡­¡± she shrugged.

    Silco¡¯s flame-fueled gaze landed on Chross. ¡°Is there a particular reason you wouldn¡¯t expect to find that Yordle rat among this pile of corpses¡­?¡±

    Chross stepped back slightly. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯d say it appears the two factions must have turned on one another ¡ª I mentioned that it seemed a shaky alliance, at best¡­¡±

    Silco pinched his nose, between his eyes. ¡°And where, exactly, might they have been keeping her during all of this?¡± he growled.

    ¡°Well, Renni has been known to perform interrogations in the old vault underneath her Chemtank armory.¡± He gestured to the right of them.

    It wasn¡¯t particularly obscure ¡ª by the time they began toward it, several of their men were beginning to make their way out having already searched the place.

    ¡®Damn¡­¡¯ she thought, as they carried out what looked to be some of Jinx¡¯s droll-looking weapons. And, something else¡­

    She caught her boss¡¯ eye twitching a little, as they drew closer.

    ¡°Sir¡ª¡° one of them spoke up, ¡°wasn¡¯t any sign of her, so, we figured to check all of the cold-lockers, and, well¡­¡±

    He held up a bag of ice.

    ¡°We weren¡¯t so sure at first, but, Boss¡ª the painted nail¡­¡±

    Silco snatched the frosted bag away from the man. She noticed his breaths become had more deliberate.

    ¡®Shit¡­¡¯ she silently cursed.

    All stood timidly.

    Her boss wouldn¡¯t tear his eyes away from the sight of his daughter¡¯s severed finger.

    <hr>

    Whatever the thing was, it had certainly captured Ekko¡¯s attention.

    He¡¯d come across all manner of exotic creatures, having been brought through Zaun¡¯s ports for grey market trading from all corners of Runeterra, exposing him to the stunning variety of forms it appeared that life could take. Still, he found himself disturbed by this beast; the ferocity it displayed, and worse, the implication presented by it having been set loose on the city.

    He could only describe it as a wolf, but one grown to the size of several men; a stature which didn¡¯t slow it down one bit, Ekko thought as he pursued the blur of blue fur from the safety of Zaun¡¯s rooftops.

    A familiar presence joined at Ekko¡¯s side.

    ¡°Tell me you aren¡¯t thinking of going anywhere near it¡­¡± Scar urged him.

    Ekko huffed. ¡°Maybe we can divert it ¡ª I¡¯ve already had to watch it cross paths with one unlucky soul¡­ dude didn¡¯t stand a chance¡­¡±

    They both hopped onto their boards when they ran out of roof space, crossing the chasm through the air and landing upon the next building.

    ¡°It¡¯s gotta be something they cooked up¡­¡± Scar replied, ¡°look at all that strapped up on its back.¡±

    ¡°Even still¡­ I¡¯ve never seen anything like it¡­¡± Ekko shuddered.

    Scar seemed to notice how near they were to the Bridge of Progress.

    ¡°You think we can really lead it over there, so the enforcers can try their hand putting it down?¡± he said.

    They both flinched slightly as the beast pierced the air with a low, blood-curdling howl.

    ¡°Oh, shit¡­¡± Ekko quickly hurried ahead.

    ¡°What¡ª?¡± Scar called, his tone hushed.

    Ekko peered down below, steeling himself to take action ¡ª there was a child down there¡­

    ¡°Hide, kid,¡± he whispered in hope.

    Scar grabbed Ekko¡¯s arm. ¡°Wait, man¡­¡±

    The kid was cloaked, cowering behind a dumpster, but the wolf wasn¡¯t moving on; it seemed to sense something in the air.

    ¡°We have to distract it¡­¡± Ekko whispered back.

    Scar exhaled, releasing his arm. ¡°In and out ¡ª bombs first.¡±

    Ekko had his in hand, ready to prime.

    The beast let out a growl which reverberated through the air from below, skulking in a circle while it tried to follow its nose.

    ¡°Go,¡± he whispered, taking the plunge whilst activating his crystalline explosive.

    He landed it at the beast¡¯s hind foot, hearing it sent into a startled fury as the crystals tethered it, but Ekko didn¡¯t dare look back. He beelined for his short, cloaked target, holding his arm out. Scar¡¯s bomb also sounded off behind him, but then there was a shout¡­

    ¡°EKKO¡ª!¡±

    His reflexes were barely quick enough for him to pull up on his board and avoid a swipe of brass claws, sharpened into razors.

    ¡®So fast¡­¡¯ he panted, gathering his senses before he could circle back around.

    He turned to see Scar make a dive toward the beast, bludgeon in hand.

    The wolf was the victor of the collision; Scar was sent careening into a balcony, his weapon falling and clattering on the pavement.

    ¡®Shit¡ª¡¯ Ekko felt wobbly all of a sudden¡­

    He had no choice but to loose his remaining two bombs. Scar¡¯s board teetered on the edge, threatening to fall, too¡­

    He saw the kid in the cloak make a break for it, at the limited speed they could manage. The beast wouldn¡¯t be held for long¡­

    Ekko gritted his teeth and sped down to scoop them up. They let out a small yelp in surprise as Ekko forced them into place on the front of his board.

    He heard the crystals shatter as he knew he would ¡ª he just needed height¡­

    They wobbled violently in the air, as the beast¡¯s swipe partially hit its mark. The board threatened to capsize with the additional weight of the two of them, but Ekko managed to maneuver such that he could counterbalance them.

    He checked on Scar, his heart feeling relief as he spotted his comrade¡¯s green sky-trail above them.

    The beast roared so loudly that it felt like it was right about Ekko¡¯s ears again as they sped off; he could barely bring himself to turn back and make sure that they¡¯d lost it.

    ¡®It can¡¯t fly, you idiot¡­¡¯ he reassured himself.

    He hadn¡¯t felt that type of visceral fear for as long as he could remember¡­

    ¡°Hold on¡ª!¡± he called into the ear of his passenger as they made landing, Ekko lifting them into his arms to dismount from the air.

    He placed them down again, on solid ground; an inconspicuous spotScar had found for them.

    Ekko keeled over, taking some time to catch his breath. He felt a hand on his shoulder after a moment, presuming it to be his comrade.

    ¡°Are you hurt, good lad?¡± an older, unfamiliar voice spoke.

    Ekko was startled by the sight of the concerned Yordle before him, pulling back his cloak for the first time. No¡ª not just any Yordle¡­

    ¡°I cannot begin to express my gratitude, dear boy ¡ª I do hope you¡¯re both alright¡­¡± he went on.

    Ekko and Scar briefly glanced at one another in bewilderment.

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ Councillor Heimerdinger¡­?¡± Ekko ventured, beginning to doubt himself.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± The Yordle looked almost crestfallen, for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ quite glad that my reputation still precedes me, even in times such as these¡­¡± He let out a short, sad chuckle.

    Ekko found himself a little stumped. ¡°I¡­ what are you doing down here, Councillor¡­?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ just Heimerdinger now, I¡¯m afraid,¡± he replied, attempting to sound cheerful. ¡°And¡­ well, I¡¯d rather like to say that I think the citizens of this city might need all the help they can get, now of all times. In fact, given all that just happened, I¡¯d now very much like to begin, if I may, by repaying the two of you. You saved my life, back there ¡ª if I can be of service in any way at all, dear lads¡­¡±

    Ekko and Scar both looked at each other once more.

 Chapter 24: Taking Holdâ€¦

    Jinx was reminded often of the fatigue that still beset her while she concertedly plied Viktor¡¯s brazer torch, forming the three scraps of brass into the form she desired for them, the rough length of her forefinger when aligned in a row. A hot needle bore the holes needed for the hinge pins, and when she¡¯d done that she took to his scrap pile in search of the final pieces she required.

    She¡¯d begun to feel his eyes on her as she worked, if he hadn¡¯t been watching her the entire time. He might not have appreciated how presumptive she¡¯d been in helping herself to the contents of his makeshift workshop.

    She couldn¡¯t care ¡ª she didn¡¯t have to test it to know that her trigger dexterity would be compromised by the absent digit; the difference made to her balance and grip would be like learning to shoot all over again, and she¡¯d been getting herself almost killed enough lately¡­

    She quickly grew irritated and turned to him.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have some little torsion springs in your set the last time I was here? Where¡¯d you move ¡®em?¡± she demanded.

    ¡°Yes, well,¡± he slowly replied, ¡°Blitzcrank would be the reason that much of my supply has since been depleted, Miss Jinx¡­¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± she sighed, squinting at the robot, loudly coiling a length of heavy steel chain around a large, wooden spool. The movements were methodical and uniform in their repetition; rather a curious thing to witness, she thought.

    Viktor came to stand beside her, peering down at her near-finished creation.

    ¡°To replace your finger¡­?¡± he correctly guessed.

    ¡°You think this a pretty sight, or something, Johnny-boy¡­?¡± she grumbled, holding her horridly pale, incomplete left hand up to him.

    He gave it a pitying glance, before returning to her contraption in progress.

    ¡°I do have left some finer lengths of mild steel ¡ª Blitzcrank could bend the rods into your desired shape,¡± he offered.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she replied, ¡°no, I mean, I can do that¡ª they¡¯re that small¡­¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± he responded quietly, beginning to fetch her the materials she¡¯d need while she sluggishly followed him over.

    He presented her with a thin, sawed-off metal pipe with a narrow slot already cut into one of its ends. ¡°Here¡ª this to wind it around, and, well, Blitzcrank fetched me this floor vice earlier today,¡± he said, ¡°it should allow you some precision, at least.¡±

    The rod he brought to her was barely thicker than a wire ¡ª perfect for her purpose. She began to wonder whether Silco had ever tried to poach this guy for work.

    Viktor continued to watch her, while she set on her task. It unnerved her, a little ¡ª did he think she was doing it wrong, or something?

    He spoke after some few moments. ¡°How old are you, Miss Jinx¡­ if you don¡¯t mind my asking?¡±

    ¡°Well, every year my hair grows about six inches, and I haven¡¯t cut it since I was¡­ I don¡¯t know, ten, or something,¡± she shrugged.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± he replied, with some interest in his tone. ¡°And it seems now that you will find yourself tripping on it, should it grow any longer.¡±

    ¡°I guess.¡± She paused briefly. ¡°Why do you ask¡­?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you merely have me reminiscing on something¡­ well, in the place where I studied, a tutor I once knew; an impressive mind,¡± he regaled, ¡°I imagine that if he had ever come upon you, discovered your talents, that, given your age, well, I¡¯m sure he¡¯d have felt quite compelled to convince into becoming his prot¨¦g¨¦, just as he had for me¡­¡±

    ¡°What the hell¡¯s a prot¨¦g¨¦¡­?¡± she scoffed, completing the first spring and setting it aside.

    ¡°One who is mentored by another, more learned mind, so that they may perhaps more easily realize their latent potential,¡± he replied.

    She wondered where he might have been going with this.

    ¡°¡­Was he the one that convinced you to turn yourself all purple-y?¡± she remarked.

    He paused at the question. ¡°No¡ª he vehemently advised against it, in fact¡­¡±

    She held off for a moment. ¡°Well, you built him without any mentor¡¯s advice, right?¡± she said, nodding over at Blitzcrank, who seemed to be scanning his surrounding area for some further manual task to begin working at.

    ¡°Well, yes,¡± he said thoughtfully. ¡°In fact, I may have you to credit for the spark the set me down that path¡­¡±

    He surprised her by pulling out the wind-up monkey toy that she¡¯d made and had brought to him at the outset of her previous visit ¡ª it seemed that her craftsmanship had become a curiosity of his in the interim, given that the wind-up mechanism on the toy¡¯s back was partially disassembled and missing its key, with the fabric around the area pulled back as though the monkey were in the process of being flayed.

    It was an amusing sight, but she had to wonder what significance it held.

    ¡°The toy truly only served for some inspiration,¡± he went on, ¡°but I used to design watch mechanisms, during my free time in my early years of study, and the basic proposition of their design is very much the same as the monkey, as a matter of fact.¡±

    She realized what he was getting at before he¡¯d concluded with his explanation. ¡°You¡¯re saying you have to wind him up for him to work?¡±

    It was the first time she saw him smile, even if only a little.

    ¡°Yes, well, the notion had seemed¡­ odd, when I conceived of it,¡± he said, ¡°however, the size of its frame allowed for rather a large mainspring to be placed inside ¡ª I calculated that Blitzcrank could operate for roughly ten hours before the all of the tension will have released and the mainspring needing to be re-wound.¡±

    She stepped before the golden metal golem, waiting for him to react to her.

    His head clicked and spun in her direction as she was noticed, emitting a brief torrent of steam from the space between its head and neck.

    ¡°How come he steams, then?¡± she wondered.

    ¡°Only a crude cooling mechanism for the fast-spinning gears,¡± he answered from behind her. ¡°It requires me to refill the water reservoir each time he¡¯s re-wound.¡±

    Blitzcrank¡¯s glowing, white eyes were mismatched in size, as though Viktor had used simply used the heads of whatever lightbulbs he could dig out of the junkyard table-lamps he¡¯d managed to get his hands on.

    The machine tilted his head downward. ¡°GIRL IS MISSING A PART,¡± spoke his rumbling, metallic voice.

    She glanced down at her bandaged hand, presuming it to be the subject of his reference.

    ¡°No, that ain¡¯t it,¡± she smirked, waggling it in front of him, ¡°I just haven¡¯t grown all mine yet ¡ª humans are born all stumps, didn¡¯t you know that?¡±

    The brass golem tilted his head. ¡°IF HUMANS ARE BORN ALL STUMPS, THEN ROBOTS ARE BUILT ALL GEARS.¡±

    To her further surprise, he then growled out a chattering sound that she figured was akin to laughter.

    She spun around to look at Viktor. ¡°You gave him a sense of humor?!¡±

    He wandered toward them both, seeming just as startled as she was. ¡°No¡­ I did not¡­¡±

    She turned back to Blitzcrank, grinning. ¡°You got any more¡¯a them, big guy?¡±

    ¡°MMMMMMM,¡± he sounded after a moment. ¡°I PUT THE ¡®GO¡¯ IN GOLEM.¡± Robotic laughter boomed once more.

    ¡°How strange¡­¡± Viktor remarked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say,¡± she guffawed, leaving their company to finally complete the work she¡¯d started, while Viktor tinkered around with his misbehaving machine.

    The prosthetic finger was completed when she slid in a pair of hinge-pins at each of the joints, and affixed it to a small plate which would then bolt into bone; the latter of which she hoped with all her heart would hurt less than the original severing...

    She just needed it done, so that she could get back to Isha ¡ª the kid was probably restless as all hell; Jinx remembered a time when she certainly had been, in a similar instance, waiting on somebody to return with no end in sight¡­

    She hoped as well that the place in which Silco had promised to keep her was as safe as he¡¯d claimed, if any place in Zaun could in fact be considered safe now¡­

    She¡¯d clearly found that out the hard way herself ¡ª she pictured Silco having all of those manning The Last Drop the night she¡¯d been taken killed, should they not have been able to point him immediately to her captors, and even then he might still have offed them just for the lack of competence. She recalled witnessing that fury of his only a handful of times, usually in response to brutish men becoming pushy with her, but as she grew through her teenage years so did she give such men equal cause to fear her fury, just as they¡¯d learned to fear Silco¡¯s.

    But then there would of course always be the odd few that took the reputation she¡¯d earned as a challenge, Smeech being the latest in the line.

    She savored the prospect of teaching him what it felt like to regret such a thing ¡ª she desired to retrieve both Zapper and Fishbones and then to give him a sampling of both¡­

    Or maybe she¡¯d let Garou have him ¡ª something inside her told her that he¡¯d be able to do far worse to the ugly fuzzball¡­

    She oddly remembered wishing on his safety, as he floated off to breach Stillwater, knowing that he wouldn¡¯t need her wishes; he was stronger than anybody she¡¯d ever met, probably more so even than her sister¡­

    But, she only had her memory to go off of, there¡­

    Could Garou have found her? She couldn¡¯t shake the thought that maybe it had been him, the stir in the night that had struck fear in her during her daring escape, when she¡¯d come upon her young guard¡¯s body, all hacked to pieces¡­ it was difficult to imagine who or what else would have had reason to come after Smeech and his crew in such a moment¡­ was it possible that was Garou¡¯s fury¡­?

    She supposed she¡¯d not yet seen such a side of him like she had Silco, if it even existed; was it something everybody had inside them? She didn¡¯t really want to try to imagine what she¡¯d be driven to if all three people she cared about most were suddenly taken from her¡­

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    She looked down at her ravaged finger again. The bandage was stuck with dried blood when she peeled it off.

    She tried to occupy her mind with the oddly jovial robot¡¯s comedy routine to distract from the sting, dousing the gaping wound once more with the bottle of alcohol Viktor had left for her. With gritted teeth, she aligned the reamer tool over the exposed bone.

    She breathed heavily, in and out, but her courage never came. She flinched in surprise as Viktor wandered up behind her, witnessing the attempt.

    ¡°You¡­ perhaps ought bite down on something, Miss Jinx¡­¡± he suggested, concern infiltrating his tone.

    She sighed drearily, feeling tears well up in her eyes again.

    ¡°Would you¡­ do the twisting, Viktor? Please¡­?¡± she whispered. ¡°I just¡­ I don¡¯t think I can¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± he replied, gently placing a clean rag in her other hand. ¡°Pain, it¡­ it hardly ever becomes easier¡­¡±

    His fingers hovered over the alcohol bottle, before he picked it up and held it to her.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t imagine it to be a wise partaking in combination with Shimmer, but it may dull the sensation¡­¡±

    She nodded and took a short swig of the stuff. It was quite the kick compared to how it tasted mixed up with other colorful concoctions the way that Chuck made drinks at The Last Drop, and even then she¡¯d only ever drunk it on accident.

    She twitched her head following the aftertaste, before folding up the rag he¡¯d handed her and stuffing it between her teeth. She watched him slowly line up and then touch the end of the reamer to the cross-sectioned finger bone, causing pain to fire through her body even before he¡¯d begun.

    Her jaw clamped shut in a white heat, with the rag barely stifling her tortured outcry when the reamer began to dig a hole in her. While her focus was scattered into a fiery conflagration of agony, she could appreciate Viktor¡¯s proficiency at the task; she trusted that he took each painful angle with precision, and when he removed the tool she was certain that he¡¯d carried out the task more quickly than she ever could have.

    The finger clicked down via a plate bolt, and then it was done. She collapsed into the chair upon which she sat, sweating and panting, while Viktor used the rag that caught her screams to dab away at some of the weeping fluids that remained.

    She eventually gained the strength to tilt the hand up and give it all a look-over.

    ¡°I should kill them all¡­¡± she muttered.

    Viktor paused. ¡°Why do you suppose they did this to you¡­?¡±

    She gave him a curt glance. ¡°Ah, just¡­ disgruntled wastes of space, upset with decisions my¡ª¡°

    She caught herself. ¡°Decisions that somebody I know made¡­ and, I guess right now they¡¯ll probably be wondering where I am ¡ª I¡¯ve been gone a day now¡­ I needa go back and get some weapons¡­¡±

    ¡°Weapons of your own design¡­ yes?¡± Viktor asked.

    Jinx had stood up, readying herself to leave. ¡°Uh, yeah¡­?¡±

    He hummed thoughtfully. ¡°And you plan to fight them¡­? To fight Piltover?¡±

    What¡¯s his deal, all of a sudden¡­?

    She shrugged. ¡°Better than¡­ laying your head in the sand, or whatever they say¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe those to be the only two choices, Miss Jinx,¡± he remarked, curiously. ¡°I believe we can lift Zaun into something even better than Piltover, in fact ¡ª a war with them will only set us further away from such a goal.¡±

    She crinkled her nose a little. ¡°That¡¯s your plan¡­?¡±

    He held on her eyes, his own twinkling with purple to match the strange, shimmering dermis which crept up his neck.

    ¡°You could help me,¡± he said. ¡°Don¡¯t you think your talents are squandered, being battered and broken while you claw and struggle over some meagre slice in the underbelly of this city, when you could be capable of so much, with that mind of yours¡­?¡±

    For a moment her lips refused to move, but she shook her head. He didn¡¯t know what he was talking about; he didn¡¯t know anything about her...

    ¡°I¡¯ve uh, got¡­ y¡¯know, people I needa know are safe, so¡­ I should probably go now,¡± she said. ¡°Tell Blitzcrank I said bye.¡±

    She shuffled awkwardly.

    ¡°And thanks for, um¡­ for this,¡± she added, raising her now whole-again hand.

    He nodded, but sadly. ¡°Be safe, Miss Jinx¡­¡±

    <hr>

    Is this where I¡¯m going to die¡­?

    Dust sifted eerily through the frayed wooden boards of the floor above, agitating as boots stomped across them, granting her hope that she might receive a meal, or a drink of water, or even better, to be able to eavesdrop a conversation between her guards. The whispers she¡¯d pieced together led her to believe that something was happening out there, though she could not quite determine what, and she¡¯d grown wary of talking herself into hoping again.

    She¡¯d all but given up attempting to tally the days in her head; the comfort of her own bed felt like a lifetime ago.

    Caitlyn closed her eyes again. The only solace she¡¯d been finding as of late was in her dreams, where she¡¯d relive her time in marksmanship academy in the Green District, all those years back. There was a woman¡¯s face she recalled; a distinct-sounding voice, too.

    ¡°What are you shooting for, young Kiramman?¡± she¡¯d been asked.

    It would merely be for her own survival, now¡­ but what was her survival worth? If the twin cities were now at each other¡¯s throats, as the whispers led her to suspect, it was hard to imagine it anyone¡¯s fault but hers; she knew that her mother and father would be both willing and able to move mountains to see her safe¡­ only, moving this particular mountain would invite destruction and casualty on a scale Caitlyn could hardly bear to think about.

    It would stain her conscience for the remainder of whatever life it bought¡­

    She wished she could only communicate it to them, from across the river, that she was sorry, that she was willing to reap the consequences for disobeying them, even if it meant never seeing either of them again.

    I¡¯m not worth it¡­

    Only a single tear fell. She told herself it was the last one she had left; she¡¯d find no justice earning the pity of her captors.

    As she stilled, it occurred to her that the room above her had fallen silent.

    She glanced up at the underside of the floorboards, at the slivers of light they permitted between them, swearing she could make out a shadow in the outline of a person, only one that lay prone and motionless¡­

    A thud, and another shadow joined its partner.

    She expected that someone would cry out, but it all happened without breath or utterance, as though she were witnessing a silent play.

    A key jangled, before being inserted into the other side of the door.

    Caitlyn witnessed a slender, hooded figure slip inside, before promptly shutting the entry behind her in measured manner.

    She watched with trepidation as they approached, reaching out with long, black gloves whose fingers found the buckle of her restraints. She met the woman¡¯s sapphire eyes as she unbound her.

    ¡°Caitlyn Kiramman,¡± the woman spoke, in an accent that reminded her of home. ¡°It¡¯s high time you left this place.¡±

    <hr>

    Her restlessness had payed off, it seemed, as she sat waiting on the last of Silco¡¯s goons to clear out of the strange, walled-off place.

    She hoped that the note she¡¯d left Cheese at his bedpost would explain everything well enough, such that if she perished he wouldn¡¯t come trying to avenge her. He deserved his life, his freedom; if anybody did it was him. Despite being out of Stillwater, Vi didn¡¯t have her freedom yet, at least not really; not while Powder was still out there alone and at risk¡­

    She slowly crept out from concealment. Silco and Sevika had certainly left the place after all of the ruckus was over; she¡¯d seen them, but they hadn¡¯t found Powder here, if that was indeed the purpose of their visit and subsequent raid of the place. Silco had stormed out looking furious, which would have brought Vi comfort if not for the cause of it being that Powder was still missing.

    Was it really possible that he cared for her wellbeing¡­?

    The thought sickened her, and she swore it as absurd; no, he surely only used her for her talents, forcing her to make all manner of contraptions for him to use against his enemies. It was a despicable concept, given how Vi remembered the hopeful spark in Powder¡¯s eyes whenever she created something she was proud of. Vi had shared her sister¡¯s pride in such moments, too; Silco could never hope to have that with her¡­

    All that gave her optimism in her current task was the fact that she had neither seen Garou leave the place. Given that he parted from her in order to join up with Silco, she found it likely that she¡¯d find him inside.

    She couldn¡¯t ignore what Ekko had told her ¡ª how he seemed to think that the two of them were together. Like, together together. It was a little difficult to imagine her sister having grown into an adult in the time since they¡¯d last spoken, but she supposed she was one, now; the eleven-year-old she once knew was only a memory.

    And she¡¯d found herself a lover, if that¡¯s what it was. Vi believed it, in hindsight ¡ª all Garou had continued to tell her was that he was searching for a girl named ¡°Blue,¡± and she now understood that he¡¯d been referring to Powder all along.

    Vi was less sure of his character, of course ¡ª his ferocity in combat seemed underpinned by some unstable kind of rage and callousness that she found a little frightening, but the fact that Powder¡¯s safety was a priority of his at least meant that they were aligned by goal.

    Some movement in Vi¡¯s periphery suddenly caught her eye.

    Oh¡­ why did he bring you here¡­?

    It was the little child Garou had brought along with him, after having come upon The Last Drop. She clambered with her small feet out from inside what looked to be an emptied, abandoned store where she must have been hiding, waiting for it all to be over just like Vi had.

    The girl spotted her as Vi crept cautiously over toward her. She stepped backward anxiously, her expression ridden with uncertainty.

    ¡°Hey, whoa, whoa¡ª not here to hurt you, kiddo. Remember me?¡± Vi spoke calmly and with a friendly tone. ¡°You were being pretty safe there until about a second ago, I was real impressed.¡±

    It seemed to earn the little girl¡¯s trust, but no words escaped her mouth, just as before. Instead, she proceeded toward the entrance of the open gate to the place, glancing back at Vi to ensure that she was being escorted.

    The child was a curiosity to her too, as it sounded as though she knew Powder. Was she some sort of sibling to Garou? They certainly didn¡¯t look alike¡­

    Vi breathed in sharply as she took in the grisly sight of bodies laying everywhere. She hurried up to the girl to pull her close, and attempt to hide her from having to look at all of the blood.

    She didn¡¯t know where to begin looking. She hoped with all her heart that Powder hadn¡¯t had to be anywhere near all of this carnage, that maybe she¡¯d been somewhere else this entire time¡­

    The kid suddenly broke out of her hold, running off in the direction of one of the corpses for some unknown reason.

    ¡°Hey¡ª! What are you¡ª?¡± she called out, catching up to her after a moment.

    The air got caught in Vi¡¯s throat when she saw him; she couldn¡¯t even gasp.

    The kid stepped through the red pool to place a hand on him, vocalizing distress at his motionless state.

    Garou¡¯s once white hair was drenched in his own blood, painting it a dark crimson.

    Vi grew increasingly wary wondering what could even have done this to him¡­

    ¡°Kiddo¡ª we¡¯ve gotta go, okay?¡± she pleaded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯re not safe here¡­¡±

    The girl turned and leapt forward to hold against Vi¡¯s leg, when Garou¡¯s body did nothing in response to her prods and touches besides remain still.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you back with me, to my other friend you met, okay?¡± she said. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡±

    The girl was having none of it, weeping and pulling her on a different direction once they¡¯d passed through the gate.

    ¡°Why¡ª?¡± Vi protested. ¡°What¡¯s that way¡­?¡±

    The girl gave no answer that Vi could discern, besides possibly having something to do with a bed.

    She allowed the girl to lead, but tear found Vi¡¯s eye as everything began to hit her at once, having had to watch the poor girl lose her friend; somebody that was also Powder¡¯s¡­

    ¡®She needs me now, more than ever¡­¡¯ she steeled herself.

    They came upon a strange entry door; the little girl seemed very cautious of it, refusing to make any decisive move in opening it. She instead was peering about the seams of the door.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Vi wondered, but of course the girl¡¯s explanation was difficult for Vi to parse.

    ¡°Just¡ª stand behind me, okay?¡± she ordered, pulling the girl back and proceeding to open the thing, despite her silent protests.

    Vi did notice something amiss as they stepped through ¡ª a cable, cut partway lay spooled on the ground, leading up to a small canister which mounted to the hinge. The canister had a pink ¡®X¡¯ on it¡­

    Vi heard a heavy switch pulled, and she turned to see the child having had activated a set of lights, which dotted their way down.

    The girl pushed forward, taking Vi into the cave that lay below; a cave that looked like it may have been somebody¡¯s home, with a workbench littered with items at its centre, a couch, a bathtub, a mattress on the floor¡­ and the whole setup rested on an enormous, dormant turbine that looked to have served some purpose in the days of the old Fissure mines.

    Vi stepped down onto one of the great steel blades, while the child fretted about checking every nook and cranny of the cluttered layout.

    She couldn¡¯t help but notice the colorful markings which decorated almost every surface; spray-paint of the colors blue, pink, green¡­

    So suddenly did it dawn on her, like being hit by a brick, that she almost lost her balance ¡ª she understood now why the child had brought her here¡­

    ¡°Hey, kiddo¡ª¡± she began, as the lights suddenly went dark.

    Uh¡­

    She could barely see in front of her well enough not to fall from the edge, but the rustle of movement from behind her told her that she needed to move.

    Vi spun around, more confident with the kid being behind her. She raised her fists, listening out for the approaching attacker, but she could detect nothing all of a sudden.

    A draught of air was pulled in through the cave, sending a shiver down her neck while she coiled her muscles, readying for a fight.

    A faint tick echoed through the chasm. Vi craned her head at it, beforeit amplified into a squeaking, metallic chatter. It was behind her.

    As she turned, her senses told her that something sped her way, causing her to flinch to the side. She felt the moving air grace her skin as the object sailed narrowly past her, before stunning her ears with a boom.

    She gained a glimpse at her adversary during the pink flash of light¡­

    Vi¡¯s confusion led her to being slow on the draw as the figure charged her, slipping past Vi¡¯s half-given punch and sweeping her legs from under her. She braced as she fell, but felt the figure slide over the top of her, pinning most of her limbs.

    But she didn¡¯t struggle.

    A flame burst forth from a small, brass torch, igniting with a click from the girl on top of her.

    Vi took in her face as the girl studied her in return; the dark, heavy makeup shrouding her eyes and lips, the nicks and scratches and dirt and long, braided hair could hardly hide the wide, frightened blue eyes that she knew to belong to her little sister.

    ¡°Vi¡­?¡± she whimpered.