Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Since the times of man they have been scared of what they didn't understand. Monsters who stalked through the darkest of nights and watched them waiting. Thinking of them to be fairytales as they slowly overtook society and slowly reshaping it. In Piltover vampires reigned and fed off the undercity of Zaun. Children learned to avoid topsiders and never look them in the eyes for they would take you away at night. In truth vampires could tell one of their own with just a glance and parents feared having their children taken from them ripped away to never be seen again. The vampires of Piltover were many things and kidnappers of children was one of those things, but they were a dying breed. 

Unable to procreate well, being murdered by the humans they fed off and being more at risk of mutations or deadly illness. Being forced to procreate with humans to continue their generations most of the people in zaun had some sort of recessive vampire gene within their genetics and making it a risk to have a child. Afterall at least 25% chance that they would be born a vampire and the ranking depended on their history or what happened in their family history. Maybe even the hatred the taken child had when it came towards their new families and would help the zaunites kill them slowly raising up. Killing one or two here or there leading to hundreds of their own being murderer as well. As they were creatures of magic and power. They could break a normal human in half or do it from afar. That's what it meant to be a vampire, power, beauty and pride . With some weakness to sunlight, not being able to eat normal human food most of the time and having to be in control of your emotions at all times. All it took was one slip up for a mistake to ruin your life and that wasn't an option. Ever. 

These days they have taken to the sky's and the fresh year that the rich of Piltover blessed the city with. Allowing the people of Zaun to offer their blood for a small amount of coin and to give them that fake sense of freedom. The occasional rejected transformed Zaunite would cause havoc and kill a few people but that was about it in terms of danger. It was safe in Piltover while in Zaun it was a completely different story. Hunters ruled and made sure to keep all of their own safe away from the vampire's grasps. Especially purebloods. They were extremely rare and powerful with the ability to permanently change a human to a vampire. Most other vampires could have drugs or their blood to turn someone but it was painful and didn't always succeed. If the turning failed they could turn into a broken monster or simply die. While purebloods had no such issues and were a beacon of hope in their trying times. Allowing them to have hope and live the best of their lives. 

While hunters had to turn to Piltover's trash to survive and were forced to do dangerous jobs to survive. Hunters made most of Zaun’s income and they would share it with their own making sure everyone got something even for the smallest of jobs. That was who the hunters were, kind and strong who gave their everything back to the people. Plenty of children and adults wanted to join their order to give back to their own. There was only a select group who were able to join, just because it was dangerous and not many people could handle killing. Monster or not. But one thing was clear; Topside and the Undercity had their monsters. 

Children of the Night, 

Children of the Day, 

All in one city.

Feeding off one another.

Both fighting for survival. 

Children tied both cities together. 

A tale of a pair of children, 

On each end of the extremes, 

With shared histories. 

Would change their worlds and possibly heal the damage done.

Chapter Text

The smoky, twisted undercity of Zaun was a world Powder had always known. Her earliest memories were shadows of her sister, of crumbling walls and dim alleys, and the scent of blood and ashes. It was a place where monsters lurked—especially the ones from Piltover, the gleaming red eyes that peaked through the ash and smoke. Powder’s parents had been ripped from her life by those monsters; they had vanished in smoke, blood, and flame. She wished she could remember what exactly happened. 

All she could remember was this one fact. 

Her sister, Violet—or Vi, as everyone called her—had told her the uprising had failed.

Powder had tried to remember. She’d tried to picture her parents' faces, but only shadows and flashes of red stained her memory. Vi had insisted she didn’t need to remember. Those painful memories were best left in a past that had left deep emotional scars on her soul.  But something deep deep inside herself wished to  rebel. She wanted answers. Why had her family been left shattered? Why was she different from the other children?

Most of all, Powder wanted answers. Why was she born different?

She knew she wasn’t like Vi. Her sharp teeth, eyes that flared with an unnatural light, skin that felt sensitive to the touch of sunlight—she was “special,” her family had told her. "Special children don’t go outside," they said. Powder was told it was dangerous for her to play with other kids, that she might get sick, or worse.

She as much as their care brought warmth and love. She wanted to experience everything Zaun had to offer with him . She just wanted to leave and see him. 

Powder had one friend outside of her family: Ekko, the boy with white hair and eyes like dark, melted chocolate. He was the brightest part of her days, slipping into the bar, the Last Drop, when he could manage it, bringing laughter and joy.  Making her forget that Vander practically locked her inside for her own safety. Even on bad days or when it was “too dangerous” Ekko was always there. She clung to their friendship like a lifeline, feeling every beat of his heart when he was near, the rush of his blood through his veins echoing in her ears.

She loved him, in her own way, even though his presence sometimes overwhelmed her, like the scent of food she was forbidden to taste. Sometimes, when she felt the hunger clawing up her throat, she’d send him away, pretending to be annoyed or busy. It was the only way to protect him. It was the only thing she could do. It was the right thing to do. He deserved to keep himself safe from the likes of people like her. 

That was just who this Zaunite little girl was. She was loving, caring and desperate. Desperate to help, to be useful to her family who did so much for her. She wanted to be strong for their sake, strong enough so they didn’t have to worry anymore. 

However, she was far too young to protect anyone. It was impossible for her to be like that. 

After all, Powder was born a vampire who was pretending to wear human skin for the sake of her loved ones. A vampire who would catch rats and other small rodents to suck them dry. 

With enough time, Powder learned to hide her nature, though it had taken more time than she was willing to admit. But, it still had its flare ups. When she was a bit younger, Vander had caught her once, crouched in a dark corner of the basement, a rat clutched in her tiny hands, her mouth red with its blood. Her sharp teeth gleamed in the dim light, her eyes flickering a deep, unnatural crimson. She must've been drenched in it’s blood as it dripped down her chin. She had expected rage or disgust, but Vander had only looked sad, a shadow of worry darkening his gaze.

He’d knelt beside her, wiping her face clean with a cloth and throwing away the drained rat. “Come on, Powder,” he’d said, his voice soft. “Let’s get you something… better.” He never said it was wrong, never made her feel dirty or cruel. But that look of sadness on his face had lingered in her heart.

She wasn’t sure what she was doing herself and Vander didn’t say a word to demean her or say what she did was wrong. Instead, he cleaned her up as she stared at the mirror, she looked like an absolute mess. Her once gray eyes were now a glowing red as she clenched her small hands. God, how she hated those red eyes. Prove of how monstrous she truly was and she knew from Vi she was everything her older sister hated. 

A monster.

 A vampire. 

After that day, Powder tried to live with the undeniable truth. She was a vampire without any doubt. And without a hint of kindness to show herself, she labeled herself like the very same monsters that scared her.

After all, she was just like them. 

She was nothing more than a monster. 

A child of the night. 

She was the very thing Vander and his hunters kill and steal from. But, she could see just how much pain she brought this family. How hypocritical they all were, they killed her kind and hid the truth from the rest of the Lanes. 

Vander even occasionally gave her drinks “spiked” with animal blood, hoping it would curb her appetite. But it was never enough; her hunger clawed at her, a gnawing emptiness that she could never truly satisfy. It made her self-hatred only grow along with the cravings. 

It was a hunger for something far more potent—human blood.

That was one thing this whole situation made her understand far too well. Love made you a hypocrite. It made you a liar and stupid. If the Lanes only knew what Vander was taking care of a little vampire girl and to pour salt in the wound hid her from them. What would Vander do if it came to light? Would he hand her over? Would he give her their blood or worse? Kill them if they found out? But there was always the worst possibility that always buzzed in the back of her mind. 

Vander could hand her over to the monster’s upstairs. 

But, she knew if he did it would’ve been for the best. If her being sent to Piltover would protect them, so be it. How Powder loved them all, she loved Vi and her very annoyed brothers. She loved their home in the Lanes and Zaun. 

However, would that love be enough to keep the monster at bay? Would that same love protect her family? She knew that Love kept Violet around when she was dripping with rat blood. Love kept her family together when things got hard. That’s all she needed. All she wanted to know. 

Even with all the convincing she kept telling herself, that this should’ve been enough. When her family's love was more than enough that’s when the doubt creeped into her mind like a specter. Hounding her with every possible ‘what if’ —it was more like a plague of doubt— especially when their blood smelled like the best cooked meals she could never have. Or how she could hear how their hearts pumped their blood through their bodies, hell it taunted her with the one thing she could never have. Vander would never allow it, “too dangerous” as he loved to call it. 

Vi was always one to care less about the consequences of her actions, never thought of the unthinkable consequence of giving in to Powder. Offering her own blood to a vampire that was nothing more than an infant would have been a disaster. Powder didn’t have any self control and Vander knew that. Vi did too, but her sister was suffering and that’s all that mattered to her. 

That meant Vander had to play the villain most days between the duo. Always stepping in before Powder could even get a taste and before Vi accidently threw away her life. That was his job as their father. To ease Powder’s insatiable thirst, Vander had to start regulating her blood intake for everyone’s safety. It had the unfortunate side effect of putting her on a strict diet. 

Vander had to fill her stomach with something and what he did fill it with hurt like no tomorrow. The burgers, fries and small pieces of meat that made it on their plates all tasted rancid. Oh, the poor little vampire would never get what she needed and the thirst would only ever get worse. When she got too moody Vander provided the small vials of animal blood and just enough to keep her going. Powder thanked Vander everytime and she always wondered how far he had to go to obtain it. 

As the years went by and she was nearly seven years old, animal blood quickly had become the norm. The small vials had quickly became a cup a day and with enough time it wouldn’t be enough. She needed something stronger, something she could never get her hands on. 

Powder needed human blood. 

Oh, poor Powder. She would never get something that priceless. 

She knew that at the tender age of seven as she watched her sister punch the air. She knew that as she sat on the edge of the bed swinging her legs back and forth. For as long as she stayed in a house full of hunters and people who wanted to protect her. She would never get a single drop, along with a few other things.  

‘Vi’s going to become a hunter. Just like Vander. Like, Mylo and Claggor. I can’t join them…Because I’m a monster.’

Intrusive thoughts, unwanted and unneeded. She knew better than anyone what her family was, a family of hunters who were the symbols of Zaun’s rebellious spirit. They were honorbound to protect their home and everyone who lived there from the threat that was Topside’s ruby-eyed monsters. As much as she could control her cravings, becoming a hunter was never something she could do. All it took was one glance from a Topsider and her whole life would be flipped upside down. 

It wasn’t something Powder could afford, not for such a small act. 

Not for a singular glance. 

At least, she couldn’t do that. 

But, even with all of her family's love, Powder felt an odd sense of loneliness.  

Vi’s voice broke her thoughts. “Powder? Whatcha starin’ at?” Powder glanced up at her sister who just finished her last punch through the air. How her concern made her feel so uncomfortable, that her sister could tell that something was bothering her and she wasn’t even looking. 

But, Powder’s unblinking stare was more than enough to speak all the words she couldn’t say. That’s all that deadpan stare was as Powder stared deep into her sister’s soul. Violet’s soul was pink like her hair and filled with so much love. 

Powder flinched, realizing she’d been staring. "Nothing. Just… I thought maybe I could visit Little Man." She could feel the burning of embarrassment appearing on her cheeks. 

A soft smile curved Vi’s lips, full of that warmth that always seemed to soothe Powder’s troubled heart. She ruffled Powder’s blue hair. “Sure, you’ve been doing better, and I don’t think Vander will mind.” Powder’s heart leapt at the permission, she could finally take a small and quick glance at the Lanes. 

“Really? You really think I can go?” Powder’s voice was full of cheer and delight as she saw Vi’s small nod before she ran out of the room. 

She hadn’t left her home properly in months, hardly even stepped a few feet outside the Last Drop to be precise. That left very little for a girl her age with much to do and would resort to helping Vander around the bar when the boredom was really bad. Leaving wasn’t always an option and especially when Vander grounded her last month for sneaking out in the middle of the night.

What could she say but she was hungry and there was hardly anything she could call a proper meal outside of her family. Vander had to pull her back into the Last Drop and passed her a cup full of this thick red mixture. Whatever was inside made her tired, no –it made her sleepy. But, it made her cravings better. 

Now here she was, her blue hair bouncing behind her as she skipped up the steps towards the front door. Vander was cleaning up the bar for their opening hours, which must’ve been soon as a few of the regulars were already taking their seats. Powder caught a glance at her brother’s helping Vander out by wiping the bar clean. They probably lucked out by not finishing their chores on time. It wasn’t any of her business as she skipped towards the door and prayed that Vander didn’t see her. 

“Powder.” Her father sounded tired, yet his voice still held his signature affection and that was all it took to stop her in her tracks. She was so close too, Powder already had her hand on the handle of the front door. “Where are you going?” Powder needed to take a deep breath to find her courage. She had to if she wanted to go outside even briefly. 

“Benzo’s, just to see Little Man.” She hesitated just a little as she looked over at Vander who just sighed. 

“Come home before it’s dark and avoid the enforcers if you can help it.” Powder was over the moon as she opened the door as she beamed at Vander. “Have fun, kiddo.” She was already running out the door. 

“Don’t jinx anything!” Mylo’s taunting echoed in her ears as she continued running to Benzo’s. Don't be a Jinx, she just couldn't be. 

Right, don’t Jinx anything Powder. 

The bustling streets of Zaun surrounded her with noise and life. Hunter’s making their patrol and others who were getting ready for tonight’s hunt. Their sharp blades made her flinch as she made her way down the busy streets. Vendor’s were calling out to the passersby, others were too busy selling their own wares as thousands of unknown rainbow of souls passed her by. Powder’s heart soared; her few moments of freedom felt precious, and she breathed in the damp, metal-tinged air of her city. 

The resourcefulness of Zaun made her tinker’s heart buzz with inspiration and filled her with hope. It also made her hungry and it wasn’t the time for her vampiric hunger. It was time to see her best friend, Little Man, the little boy who looked at her with such kindness. Who built things with her, who she shared her dreams with and never had the courage to tell him about her real nature. Not after hearing what happened to his parents and why he was with Benzo. They were murdered by a rogue vampire who sucked them dry. That hearing the words she never wanted to hear. 

A young boy, who’s hatred left unknown scars on her heart. 

‘Powder, I hate vampires. They’re evil monsters! I’m going to become a hunter and get back at them! Just you wait, I’ll protect you!’

As much as she wanted to protect him from those very same monsters. She didn’t know if she could. Protecting him from people like her was practically impossible in her current state. After all, he hated her kind and the salt that would make the truth that much worse was she hid it. She was what he called ‘evil monsters’, ‘selfish bloodsuckers’ and yet she could hear his heartbeat quicken when she was around. 

Powder did want to tell him and desperately so. She couldn’t possibly risk his hatred and throw away their friendship for the truth. Ekko was far too special to her and she couldn’t pinpoint why. It wouldn’t matter anyway, Ekko wouldn’t know if she could help it. 

After all, Powder was already opening the front door of Benzo’s shop. 

“Little man?” Her voice was soft as she looked around the dim, storefront. It was empty, which was quite odd. Benzo and Ekko were early risers and were usually stocking the store around now. But, Benzo was nowhere to be seen. Just as she was about to call out again, she heard a loud crash from the back.

“Shit!” Ekko’s voice echoed, and she saw him emerging, rubbing his head with a pained smile. “Hey Powder!” 

Powder smelled him, before she saw him—a metallic, sweet scent that made her head swim. Blood. She saw the small scrape on Ekko’s forehead, a trickle of crimson trailing down his brow. Powder’s world narrowed to that drop, her breathing turning shallow, hunger clawing at her insides.

Ekko’s toothy smile rooted her in place as her head began to spin. “Oh, this? This is nothin’ don’t you worry.”

Powder’s eyes scanned his body from head to toe, searching for whatever would be causing his injury. It didn’t take her long to find the small scrape on his forehead. 

“Ekko…you’re bleeding.” Powder tried to keep herself calm and not rush out of here. She needed an excuse to leave. 

But, the smell of blood was far too much for her to handle. She watched as Ekko touched the wound on his forehead and winced as he brought his fingers down to his face. He must’ve just noticed that he was in fact injured and bleeding. It was minor and wouldn’t leave any lasting damage. But, it still needed some level of first aid. 

“I’ll… I’ll find Benzo!” She stammered, backing away, but Ekko grabbed her wrist, laughing off her worry.

Her eyes widened as her eyes snapped down to his hand that stopped her retreat. He had touched her with his bloody fingers by pure subconscious instinct. "Oh, this? It’s all good, doesn’t hurt one bit." he said, his grip warm on her skin. But all she could focus on was the blood. It was as if her whole body screamed for it, every nerve ablaze with need. 

“Little Man, please… let go,” Powder’s voice was trembling as she attempted to keep herself in check. She was trembling —-she was scared—- with every thought going through her mind. 

The world around her quickly lost all its color other than the red bloody wound on Ekko’s forehead and fingertips. Soon, the blood turned vibrant as it practically called out to her for a taste. Then the pounding of her own heartbeat was in her ears and quickly got drained out by Ekko’s. His blood rushed through his body like a waterfall and it made her feel horrible. But, there was just this primal urge to feed for a small taste. The urge was dizzying and downright painful. 

Her cravings were never this bad, they never hit her this badly. But, Ekko’s blood was special, it smelt sweet and delicious —no, it smelt heavenly. No. Powder. No. She shouldn’t even be thinking how good Ekko tasted. He was her friend and it wasn't a meal! At least he shouldn’t be. 

“Powder?” Ekko looked at her with a sickening level of concern and Powder was rooted in place. She attempted to pull herself free, but Ekko fought her at every turn and kept his hand firmly on hers. “Powder!” Ekko shouted trying to get through to her, he caught a glimpse of her face. She was terrified and looked like a wounded animal. 

Without hesitation, Ekko pulled her in and hugged her tightly. Normally this would have calmed her down, but it made things worse. She could practically feel his heartbeat. Powder didn’t move as her resolve crumbled around her. They must’ve stayed like that for minutes, before Powder’s heavy breathing clung to him like a lifeline. She tried to think of their good memories and how much he meant to her to fight off the cravings. As much as she tried, it was a losing battle with his blood still in the air. 

“Don’t hate me,” She muttered, it was more of a wish to whatever God could hear her. “I’m really sorry, Little Man.” 

“I could never hate you, Powder.” Oh, how those words stung. 

Powder wrapped her arms around his neck as Ekko’s cheeks were bright red for having her so close to his face. “You okay?” 

He was greeted with a sharp pain to his neck and that’s when it hit him. He stiffened, then cried out as her fangs sank into his flesh. The taste of his blood was overwhelming, rich and warm, and it consumed her senses. She could feel the tears streaming down her face as she crossed the line of no return. Powder and lost to something so primal it was already a losing battle. But, there was one thing she knew for sure. Ekko tasted so damn good. 

“Powder!” Desperation quickly took hold of Ekko as his body started to lose all of its strength. His vision was blurring and shaking as he attempted to force Powder off him. His every attempt had come back with failure, Powder was far too strong and moving made her fangs dig deeper. 

The world blurred around her. Ekko’s panicked voice was a faint echo in her mind as he tried to shove her away, but she clung to him, pulling him down with her. This was what it meant to be a vampire, this sense of ease as the hunger washed away. She couldn’t see the amount of blood that was escaping her mouth as it spilled all over her clothes. Powder couldn’t even notice that she was killing her best friend. His screams for help didn’t even reach her ears. But, it did bring a crowd and didn’t take long for the news to reach The Last Drop. 

A sudden force tore her from Ekko, and she looked up into Vander’s stricken face, his hands gripping her shoulders tightly. “That’s enough,” Vander’s caring voice was full of fear and disappointment. His love for her was there, just masked with the truth of the situation. 

Powder stumbled back, the taste of Ekko’s blood still fresh on her tongue, her eyes went to the wound on his neck before traveling up to his face. She must've done this a few times before a strong kick pushed her into Vander’s chest. Ekko kicked her away and stumbled into Benzo’s arms. 

Benzo slowly lowered Ekko to the floor, he was gasping as his every breath stung, he pressed a hand to his bleeding neck to attempt to stop the bleeding. Ekko did give her a quick glance. But, when he looked at her, it wasn’t the kind face of her friend. It was the face of someone looking at a monster.

“Ekko–I didn’t mean to!” Powder looked over at her father for help. But, her eyes quickly returned to a now crying and terrified Ekko. Her own tears intensified as pulled herself off Vander and made a few steps towards Ekko. 

“Stay away from me! You, you… you! ” His voice came out as a screech as he attempted to find the words through his own sobs. ““You… you’re a monster, Powder! You’re a blood sucking monster!” His voice broke, each word like a dagger, and she recoiled, feeling as if her world had shattered. “I hate you!” 

Powder had heard more than enough, she had ran out of Benzo’s shop with such speed she could barely hear Vander shouted after her. 

Powder had run until her legs gave out, each step carrying her deeper into the twisting maze of Zaun’s back alleys. She had run from every single one of Vander’s men who attempted to catch her as she fled. Ignored every Enforcer that attempted to call out to her and cared less if they saw her crimson eyes. Tucking herself into one of Zaun’s dark alleyways, she curled into herself, pressing her knees to her chest, her small frame wracked with silent sobs. 

The memory of Ekko’s terrified face was burned into her memory. She couldn’t unhear him say those words to her and they left her broken. It was because he was right. Powder was in fact a monster. She had become the very thing he despised. As much as she hated herself for what she had done, it had felt so right. As much as she fought her own urges, she thought she had control of them. 

Now, crouched alone in the dark, she could feel her chest tightening, her tears drying on her face. Her throat still ached, raw and thirsty. How long could she keep going like this?

A shadow shifted at the mouth of the alleyway, and Powder’s heart leapt with a sudden, unfamiliar fear. She looked up, trying to stifle the red glow in her eyes. The figure drew closer—a woman in the uniform of an Enforcer— she was screwed now. 

“Are you okay, child?” Her voice was firm, but there was an odd gentleness to it. She knelt down beside Powder, who shrank away, clenching her fists as she tried to hide her face.

Powder opted to say nothing as was far too exhausted to run —not like she would’ve made it far– and to think of some sort of excuse. She didn’t have the strength emotionally to stop what was about to happen to her.  

“Wait,” The woman murmured, her brows knitting as she looked closer. “You’re one of Vander’s children, aren’t you?” That made Powder flinch as the woman picked her up and held her close to her chest. Powder attempted to wiggle free and perhaps to calm her nerves the officer’s eyes flashed red for a moment. “Shh, you’re okay. You’re okay.” 

Like everyone else in Piltover, this offer was also a Vampire and for whatever reason it felt so comforting to know that. To have that confirmation that she was okay and that she was safe. 

“Who… who are you?” Powder asked, only offering a small smile.

“Grayson, my dear.” Her voice was rough, but there was a kindness to it that made her approachable. 

With Powder semi-calmed down for the moment, Grayson walked her out of the alleyway and into the lantern-lit street. They were greeted with a disheveled Vander who struggled to catch his breath. 

“Grayson, give Powder back to me,” Vander begged, as Grayson gave him a look that spoke more than any words could. “Please.”  

Grayson’s grip loosened as she glanced between Vander and the trembling girl in her arms. With a sigh, she handed Powder over, but her eyes lingered on the pair for longer than she had meant too. “Vander, you know the rules. Topside will hear about this—about a vampire child in Zaun attacking a Zaunite? They will bring the Enforcers, if I don’t bring her back tonight.” 

“I’ll handle it,” Vander repositioned Powder and began to walk away. “Thank you, Grayson.” 

Powder had stayed in her own separate room from that day forward. Spending her time alone as she cried until she fell asleep. No one could console her, not Vander or Vi who usually had the easiest time of it. Mylo had tried and failed miserably. The only one who had any signs of success was Claggor, he had stayed there in silence as Powder cried on his shoulder. 

Powder was just a mess of tears and depression. She barely ate any of the food that Vander cooked for her and the few times she did —she threw it up. It killed her family to watch her suffer. To watch her end up such a mess. When Ekko dropped by to speak to Powder, they had to turn him away. Powder didn’t want to see him and it was because his terrified face was already scarred into her memory. It was only a couple of weeks since the accident and she just couldn’t forget or forgive herself for it. 

Maybe, it was a cruel joke, but her eyes never went back to normal after that —neither did her cravings. Vander was forced to give her drinks spiked with animal blood. Just to make her consume something. He couldn’t provide her with any human blood in case the Enforcer’s smelt the iron. 

Even with Powder keeping a low profile, true to her word, Grayson had returned with an army of enforcers. It had happened almost instantly, Topside wasn’t one to help the Undercity. But, one of their kind in the Undercity? That made them move quickly. Enforcer’s littered the streets in search of a small vampire child. Their active presence put Vander’s family in a rough position, there was building unrest and anger building. But, Vander did nothing. He couldn’t. 

After all, they didn’t want to potentially have Powder ripped away from them. But, their resources to protect her and keep her with them were quickly being stretched thin. With their methods to keep Powder hidden slowly disappearing one after the other, Piltover only seemed to put more resources in their search. Their methods were extreme, from fanning out fresh human blood through the Undercity to searching homes. 

The tactic with the highest success rate was the fanning of fresh blood, they managed to catch a few reckless hungry children with it. But, none of them were the little girl with blue hair. Because of that, Topside kept looking and kept coming back. Vander had to hold Powder just to keep her in the basement, to keep her safe. Forcing her to stay inside brought a level of pain he had never experienced before as a father. But, it kept her here with them. 

It was a losing battle, Vander knew that Powder would fall into Topside’s trap with enough time. But, they would keep trying until that day came. Even if they had to chain Powder in the basement, kicking and screaming. Vander would. Anything to keep his family together. 

Tonight was like any other night in Zaun, Powder was starving, her throat was dry as she yearned for some fresh blood or the mixtures that Vander made. She needed anything, even a rat would do. Her body just needed it. This was what it meant to be a vampire and it was terrifying to have this hunger that would never end. As a rat ran by it was already in her hands and sucked dry. 

So good. But not enough, she needed more. Just a little more. 

The sweetness of blood filled the air. Powder could smell it, even through the damp mustiness of the basement. It was delicious, rich—a scent that made her mouth water, her fangs press painfully against her gums. She needed it, it would help with this hunger. Her ever changing body would finally have some level of relief. She dropped the last drained rat and walked towards the door, hands trembling with hunger. When she reached out, she found it locked. Vander locked me in again, she thought, anger bubbling inside her. He doesn’t trust me… He thinks I’m a monster. This wasn’t just hunger; it was something deeper, that demanded to be fed. Her control fell at her feet and without another thought. She had kicked the door down with all of her strength.

She knew her family would hear the broken door soon, but she had only a few minutes, just enough to find where the scent was coming from. She didn’t fully understand why she was doing this, but she knew one thing—it was out there, and she needed it.

Powder pushed open the front door and stepped into the cool night. She saw them immediately, men and women in blue uniforms, clustered around a tall woman who wore white with golden accents glinting under the lamplight. The woman held her wrist, blood dripping from a small cut, and a faint, knowing smile played at her lips as she noticed Powder.

“Come here, child,” the woman said, her voice soft, soothing. She extended her bleeding wrist, holding Powder’s gaze. “Drink your fill.” 

Powder couldn’t think. She walked forward, drawn by the promise of relief, the overwhelming scent of fresh blood calling her closer, until she was standing inches from the woman’s outstretched arm. The woman who offered her a meal was surrounded by Enforcers. She had recognized one standing behind her new meal, Grayson stood proud behind her. They all looked so beautiful standing guard, but the woman before her was the real beauty. 

The woman opened her arms as if to offer an embrace and Powder just fell into it. She looked into the woman’s eyes one last time before lowering her mouth to the bleeding wrist. As her lips touched the wound, she felt relief for the first time in weeks. Her fangs were quick to take a bite and this woman’s blood had seemed to make her hunger disappear. Her crimson eyes had returned to her original blue. It was far too late by the time Vander and his family had made it out of The Last Drop. They had ran out and with all of their urgency they were far too late. 

“Powder…? Powder!” Vi’s frantic scream as she attempted to make a futile break for her sister and was only pulled back by Vander. “No! Powder! Powder! Vander! Let me go, I need to get to Powder!” Vi screamed, tears streaming down her face. She fought against Vander’s arms, but he held her back, Vander refused to fight for Powder. He had betrayed her. 

“Vi, please…I don't get yourself killed. We…we already lost Powder,” Vander muttered, his voice barely a whisper as he pulled her close to his chest. Vi could only hold home and whaled into his shirt. This was it, everything he had worked on to try to keep his family whole was gone in a heartbeat. 

Piltover had taken Powder and his family was one member down.  

The woman in white glanced at Vander and gave him an apologetic look as she turned to Grayson with a nod. “For the safety of the Undercity, we must take the girl into our protective custody. I’m sorry to say, Vander. But, you don’t have the means to take care of one of our own.” Vander attempted to interrupt, but Grayson quickly continued. “That child is in the hospital. In critical condition, Vander. I’m sorry, but this was for the best.” 

Grayson’s words were honest and stung. Ekko had spent the last few weeks in and out of the hospital fighting for his life. His moments of recovery never lasted long and if they handed Powder over earlier they could’ve avoided the whole thing. They also didn’t have the methods to keep Powder well fed and safe. Especially when the truth of who attacked Ekko came to light and that they hid her. If Powder stayed, she could’ve killed someone and she would never be able to come to terms with that.

Vander’s shoulders sagged, but he nodded, defeated. “Keep her safe, Grayson. Please,” Vi stared up at Vander and her heart broke. She had neve seen him look so defeated in his life. 

“We will. We take care of our own.” The woman smiled softly, Powder was cradled close to her chest. Powder’s eyes were heavy as she took one last glance back at Vander and stretched out a hand. But, it didn’t take long for her eyes to close and she fell asleep. 

As she drifted into a deep sleep, she heard Vi’s anguished cries behind her.  It took Vander, Mylo and Claggor to hold her back; this was something that burned deep into their memories. As Vi fought the three men to fight the Topsiders, she ultimately lost. Their combined strength held her in place, but Vi had made them really work for it. As her love for her sister became a type of strength that made Vander proud as she fought to the very last second to get her sister back. After the Enforcers disappeared from sight, Vi collapsed to the ground and screamed. Their family just went back inside with the bitter taste of defeat in their mouth. They had all dealt with their loss in their own ways. 

Vi, threw herself at every fight that came her way and became stronger to protect her family. Attempting to get strong enough to bring back her sister, so they could finally become a full family again. 

Mylo for his part became good at gathering information and skilled with a crossbow. Gathering information on Powder’s whereabouts to see if she was doing okay. When they were younger they didn’t get along, but he did care and wished for her to return. 

Claggor was still a teddy bear who tried to practice restraint and yet he still became a powerhouse in his own right. Through underhanded tactics and just throwing himself with the hunter’s paperwork. He managed. 

Vander took it the hardest, other than Vi, throwing himself at alcohol and smoking to manage his grief. Powder was his baby girl, his youngest and innocent. She deserved to be at her family's side and he just wanted to see her grow up. But sometimes, his coping mechanisms weren’t enough. He hunted and allowed his rage to control him as he mercilessly murdered any vampire he found. 

While Piltover celebrated, they found their mysterious blue haired vampire child and she was more than they could’ve hoped. She was just what they needed, sure she was mentally scarred from what led up to her ending up getting to them. It didn’t matter, they had ways to help her and make her forget. Because they had something much more important. 

 Another pureblood. Just like the woman in white that brought her to them. They had everything they needed and they were going to make this child perfect.

Chapter Text

Years went by without Powder in the Lanes and they felt her absence. How Vander became stricter and filled with unchecked fury. How Mylo slept around and tried to do something useful with his life. Losing that confidence and ego that he had by the buckets. Claggor retreated back into his shell and lost himself in work trying to forget about his pain. Poor Violet…became a force of nature. A one woman wrecking crew. Throwing her fists into anything that was remotely from Topside and sending those who dared speak ill of her lost sister to the emergency room. One thing never changed, Vander’s children all took up the mantle of being hunters. Just like they hoped when they were children, when Powder was still around. Before the violence forged them anew in flames of hate and rage. When days were simple and they would be welcomed to her laughter when they got home. Would things be different if she was still around? There was no answer to that question. 

Time moved on and waited for no one. They knew that and worked on ways to make Zaun better. To stop the cruelty of Piltover and to stop their insatiable hunger for their blood. To stop the cycle of violence and tears. Just so no other family had to deal with losing a loved one. So, they could bring their loved ones home. That’s what Vander and his children worked towards. A hopeful dream, a dream that could bring Powder home. Back to them. Back to the places where she belonged. A dream that could be possible with enough determination and time. All they needed was enough time. 

Time and more time. Something humans didn’t have and was constantly slipping down the hourglasses of their lives. Ekko knew this. Ekko knew time was limited and he was just granted a longer time than most. Because of the accident when he was just a child and the same accident that took Powder away. Ekko knew it changed him and he was stuck in between what made him human or what made him more like her. It didn’t change him completely as Benzo spent a lot of his coin on treatments to keep the affliction at bay and put him in a painful state of limbo. Not human, not a vampire just in the gray between. Because of her. 

Powder. Piltover’s miracle child. Their beloved little pureblood. They did something to her, Topside had too. Powder was innocent and had no real signs of vampirism. It was more that he didn’t want to accept that the signs were there. From how she threw up food and would kiss his injuries before they disappear completely. Ekko just didn’t want to accept that his childhood crush was something he hated. Something he despised. He just wanted to remember her as the one person who brought color into his world. Someone who was gone with time. 

Years weren’t kind. Time wasn’t ever something kind to him and his loved ones. He followed Vander’s children into the Hunter profession and he was damn good at it too. A natural leader and was able to have his own squad under his command. The Firelights, just like the bug Powder loved so much. The bug that symbolized the hope for the future of Zaun. His hope and dreams for Zaun. Hope that merged with his hate for Topside and that wished for them to all burn for Zaun’s suffering. For his suffering. For Vander’s rage. Vi’s tears. Mylo’s depression and self loathing. Claggor’s fear of losing someone else. He needed them to pay in blood. They spilled plenty already and it was about time Zaun had a go. 

This time things were different. 

This time they were stronger. 

Faster.

Better. 

Ready. 

Ready to light the fires of war and change. 

*****

The Last Drop, a hub for hunters and where they would go to find work. It served alcohol and various types of food. But, it was no longer just a bar and was now a hunter’s headquarters. Specifically, Vander’s headquarters and if you were lucky enough to work for him. Well it just meant you finally made it to the best of the best. Able to go on the hardest and most difficult assignments against their friends above. Vander and his children lead the charge, leading themselves closer to war. A war they welcomed and yearned for. What the Lanes yearned for. A War for Change and Freedom. That’s why they fought so hard and why the youth joined the cause. Why Ekko was there and spacing out through Vander’s plans for the night. 

“Earth to Little Man! Hello? Are you good?” Claggor called out to him waving his big hands in his face and started to laugh as Ekko’s reflexes kicked in. Ekko grabbed Claggor’s wrist before pulling it behind his back before letting him go. 

“Oh. Yeah. Of course.” It was a good recovery Ekko thought to himself as he shook his thoughts out of his mind. Daydreaming again of the years long gone and caught again. At least it wasn’t Vi again. 

“Yeah, right. What were you thinking about this time?” Claggor was amused and took the chair next to him as he watched Ekko clean his gear. 

“The Future. A future where things are different.” Ekko’s voice was genuine and laced with painful memories that controlled him. 

“Ekko…” Claggor was a comfort man for him and one of the few of Vander’s children who mostly remained the same. “We’ll get that better future. I'm sure of it.” Claggor rubbed Ekko’s back as he sat up and grabbed his pistol from it’s holster. “Come on, Little man. We have a hunt and Vi waits for no one.” 

That was all Ekko needed to hear, he was a leader of the Firelights but he was still a part of Vander’s clan of hunters. He was assigned to help them with their mission Topside and he wasn’t going to miss it for the world. It was his time to shine and to cause some chaos. To remind Topside who this city belonged to and it was sure as hell didn’t belong to monsters. 

“Right, let’s hit them hard and knock their breath out of their lungs.” 

****

Topside was the city of luxury and excess always having more than they needed. Always insatiable. Glamorous, intelligent and yet slaves to their desire. Not much of a city of progress and yet they still moved forward. One step at a time and it didn't matter how slowly. Progress was still something they walked towards. With their two Purebloods at the heart of their progress and the angels of their society. One was still quite the troublemaker in her mid teenage years. She grew to be beautiful and graceful. Jaw-dropping. Her long silky blue hair that reached the floor and sea blue eyes that sucked you in. She had a line of suitors as her adopted Mother, Mel waved away. None were good enough for her daughter. Not even a single business venture was enough to change her mind on the subject. Powder was someone she never thought to get close to. But the child’s warmth and genuine kindness was heartwarming. 

Yes, Mel’s daughter didn’t come to her undamaged but there were spells and enough magic to help. All it took was a spell to seal away any painful memory she had and she was docile. Hungry and a slave to her own desire just like her. She would protect her child with her life and rebuild her lost family ever so slowly. 

There were times where her protection wasn’t enough and when the magic failed. Where the true monsters came out to play and took the poor child away. Taken out of her bed when she was 13 years old and was missing for months. Mel was just beside herself with worry and her two husbands went to lead the search for their child. But, Powder came back bloody and on death’s door. Almost drained of her blood and Mel had to give some of her own to save the poor child. Since that day the magic she had casted on Powder became unstable and memories of years long gone would torment the young girl. All her family could do was embrace and hug her until she forgot again. 

Yes, she was a real monster and a monster who loved this child so much. A child who brought color into her eyes and was nothing but trouble. But, Mel loved Powder’s trouble. Her pranks and her laughter. Turning a blind eye when the newly affected that attacked Zaun, had her child's blood and focused on keeping her city safe. To keep her family safe. To keep Powder safe and sound with her for the rest of eternity. 

“Mel! Mel! Look!” Her daughter’s long braided hair bounced behind her as she held a golden mechanical butterfly in her hands as some flew behind her. Powder’s white lace dress was bunched up in her hands as she ran towards her with some white flowers in her hair. 

“Those are lovely, my dear.” She smiled as some of the butterflies rested on her hair and shoulders. Powder was intelligent and everything she made was beautiful. It brought smiles onto the faces of her people and made them forget about their Hunter problems even for a while. 

“She’s progressing at an alarming rate. Soon she’ll be a fully grown woman.” Jayce’s loud chuckle as he walked behind his bouncing daughter. Viktor slightly behind Jayce wearing a smile on his face. 

“You sound like an old man, Jayce.” Mel giggled as she walked her small little family just enjoying the peace they had. 

“Sometimes, I think he is.” Viktor laughed as he leaned onto his cane for support as he stood next to Jayce. 

“Wouldn’t be too sure about that.” Jayce pouted as he pulled Viktor closer to his family and smiled as he looked at their daughter’s invention. She was definitely special and something Piltover was going to have to watch out for. Even with those gray petals that feel down within her blue irises. That stupid spell to stop her pain. The stupid spell that reminded them all what their happiness cost. 

“Powder, do you want to go into town for a bit. We can get some more materials for our next project.” Viktor spoke up as Powder jumped up and down excited she did need more materials. 

“Could we Mel?” Oh god, not the puppy dog eyes. Mel’s weakness. Screw it, her daughter was too cute and she was with her fathers. Nothing bad could truly happen, right?

“On one condition. Powder, it’s your sixteenth birthday in just a few days. Pick out a pretty dress for the masquerade, I do mean a formal dress. Piltover will be watching.” Mel could see Powder deflate as sighed to herself. 

“Do I have to?” Powder didn’t bother to hide their annoyance or dread from having to pick a silly dress for her own birthday party. 

“Come on, Pow. It’s just a silly dress, it won’t be long and then we can just easily continue where we left off.” Mel shot Jayce a disapproving glare, but his words did win her over as she ran off to get ready to leave. 

“You’re too soft with her, Jayce.” Mel muttered as she rubbed her temples. 

“She’s right. She hasn’t even learned an ounce of political affairs for Piltover. Or bothered herself with the council. We can’t keep treating her like a child.” Viktor wasn’t always the sort to follow every single rule, but Mel was right. Powder needed to grow into an independent young woman and it wouldn’t be possible if they just doted on her constantly. He would love to keep doting on his daughter until he got old and gray but that wasn’t good for her development. 

“She has just a few more days before her birthday. Let’s enjoy her being our little girl for just a little longer.” Jayce scratched his chin in slight embarrassment, never in his life he thought he would care this much for the girl Mel brought home. They all didn’t expect too and found themselves as proud parents with a nice surprise. 

 Mel sighed as she looked at Powder running down the hall and turned her heels allowing her family to get ready for their outing. She had more pressing issues to deal with and those were those pesky Hunters that plagued her people. 

***

Vi led the hunt as they stalked the bridge that separated her from her sister and it fueled her anger. Her siblings and Ekko behind as she tightened her heavy metal gauntlets getting ready for a fight. She was going to send them a message, a message so loud they couldn’t turn the other way. A message for them to bring back Powder or else. A message to everyone on the other side of the Bridge of Progress. 

“Everyone ready? This is going to get messy.” Vi’s determination was enough to get the boys blood pumping as they readied their weapons. 

“You bet your ass we are. I don’t know about you, but I was born ready.” Mylo cocky tone only made her scoff and a small made its way on her face as Claggor nodded. 

The staggering of the hungry and broken vampires slowly walked onto Zaun’s side of the bridge. Their targets were now in their  sights and it wasn’t the day Vi was going to take prisoners. It was no mercy and just violence. Those broken children learned that it was something that was a sick enjoyment. The sick fun that made their blood pump and the music of their souls beat inside their ears. Nothing but the sick enjoyment of murder and vengeance. 

Vi charged towards them as the vampire's bones cracked as they hissed before running towards their prey. They smelt the blood on her knuckles and they were so hungry. Mylo covered his sister’s engagement shooting bolts as Ekko came in behind her throwing all his weight in his swings landing his bat to their skulls. Claggor joined their duel to the death and used his weight to throw them towards his sister who smashed their heads to the ground. Blood and flesh was everywhere as they ripped them apart. The unchecked anger of the people who lost everything. Piltover was going to feel it all and this scene they were preparing on the bridge was just the beginning. 

After all the warning has been sent and the war is just around the corner.

Chapter Text

Piltover’s stores were always open late and as the people walked about getting ready for Powder’s birthday. They all wore various fancy dresses and suits greeting them as they passed by. Powder adored how everything shined at night and how the soft light from the street lamps lit the people. It was magical and reminded her of a place that she only ever saw in her dreams. A dream with a pink haired girl who was always so kind and a big buff man who always gave the best of hugs. They were nothing but that, a dream. She needed to remind herself of that as the line of dream and reality blurred. Those dreams meant nothing and were just her fantasizing about the city below. 

The Undercity of Zaun. 

A place where Powder was never allowed to go and for reasons unknown. Mel said it wasn’t safe and that they killed their kind if they went over the bridge without permission. She knew what it meant to die and she wasn’t scared of it. It was being put into an endless dream, a sweet embrace. Powder knew that dying for her wasn’t an option. Mel, Jayce and Viktor poured their souls into her upbringing making sure she was the best she could be. No, it was more than that. She couldn’t die and leave her family behind. So, she decided to live the best life she could and share every moment with them. 

Giving them a bright smile and linking her arms with theirs as they walked. They went to various places, dress shops, looked at jewelry, got some makeup for Mel and stopped for a snack at a local bakery. Powder still didn’t find the right dress for her party, nor the right pieces for her next project and she was stumped. Upset. Annoyed. 

“Ugh…” Powder whined as she hit her head on the edge of the glass table and pouted.

“There’s still plenty of places to look. We only just got here.” Viktor gave her a small smile as he heard another huff from his daughter. They did just get through the first few blocks of the commercial district and already came empty handed. 

“I knoow. But, they don’t have it. This next project needs to be big! Progress Day is just around the corner and I can’t go empty handed!” That was what this whole thing was about? That was too funny for Viktor and Jayce to keep to themselves as they burst into laughter. 

“Kiddo, you have another week and you don’t need to make us proud. We’ve seen your accomplishments firsthand.” Jayce’s voice went back to proud father territory as he ruffled Powder’s hair. 

“Jayce is right. You’ve accomplished things above your years and even gotten Heimerdinger’s attention.” Viktor admitted as he took a sip of his dark roast coffee as Jinx jumped back to her feet and slammed her hands down on the table.

“You mean, the Heimerdinger? The same wizard who taught you and Viktor? He noticed me?” Powder’s voice was booming with excitement as she jumped up and down shaking the table with her. 

“Yeah, you can thank Viktor. He’s been showing your notes and inventions. When you're older he’s looking forward to seeing you at the academy.” Powder’s eyes snapped to Viktor who was sheepishly taking awkward sips of his coffee. He was embarrassed and didn’t suspect his own husband to out him. 

“Come on! Let’s go! I need to find something that will knock his socks off!” Powder was too excited to hear the reason for Viktor showing her off to his old Professor. She definitely wasn’t patient to wait for them to finish their drinks as she grabbed her bag and started making her way out of the bakery. “Come on! Let’s go! Let’s go!” 

Powder was a bundle of unchecked energy and one that Piltover struggled to control. But she was their joy and their bright light for the future. At least that’s what the man of tomorrow thought and he was right. His family was the future of Piltover and if they weren’t. Well there was no weren’t in this equation. He was going to give them everything and assure Piltover a bright future. For Powder. For Viktor and Mel. A future where they could remain like this for the rest of their lives. Going shopping together, looking for new materials and thinking of new inventions for the betterment of Piltover. Just needed to get rid of those pesky Hunters. Those same damn hunter’s that made showing Powder the world difficult. That gave Mel those terrible headaches as she tried to find a way to stop their plans. 

Walking through the well lit streets of Piltover with a heavy mind as Jayce kept his eyes on his bundle of trouble. Who was just a couple feet ahead of him, skipping down the streets. How she glowed brighter than any light he’d ever seen, how beautiful she grew up to be. How she remained pure and innocent. Jayce and Viktor just knew.  This was it no hunter was going to get their hands on their daughter as much as they wanted too. Maybe it was parental instinct, but they knew something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong. Something was in the air. 

Blood. Blood hung in the air and it was faint. Faint enough for Powder to continue skipping down the street blissfully unaware. She was too distracted with a long silky dark navy blue dress, it was decorated with various gold accents and was quite flattering from the store window. Their daughter found her dress and that meant they could make an excuse to go back home. 

“That one! That’s the one.” She grinned as she pointed at it with such vigor, Viktor sighed she learned to have Mel’s sense of style of dress. Oh well. 

“It suits you, Pow.” Viktor forced himself to put a smile on his face as Powder grinned back at him. It was slightly too mature for his tastes for what a sixteen year old girl should be wearing. But her fashion sense took after Mel and the other upper class ladies when it came to evening dresses. While her everyday wear was more of his and Jayce’s style when they weren’t on the clock. 

The group entered the store as the bell rang in front of them and one of the workers quickly rushed out from the back. Jayce and Vikot quickly got to business as Powder wandered around. It was filled with various types of dresses and other apparel, everything too fancy for her tastes. Calming back down and getting bored, the smell hit her. It hit like a truck as she quickly made her way outside to investigate. Smelling the cold air as her feet pulled her towards the smell. Powder picked up her pace from a speed walk to a jog before breaking out into a sprint as she heard Viktor yell for her to come back. She wanted just a taste and she would go back. Human blood always managed to take such a tight hold over her mind and the feeling it gave her. Pure bliss . Powder could tell her eyes were glowing as she made her way closer and closer to the Bridge of Progress. It was the one thing that kept the Undercity away from the people of Piltover. Did that mean she could meet someone from the Undercity? Oh, she wanted to and she wanted to hear what it was like. First, a little sip of their blood then a small chat. 

Powder was now on the outskirts of Piltover and dangerously close to the bridge with the thick scent of blood in the air. Looking about to see various bolts and bullets stuck in the walls around her. On further inspection, plenty of ash around too. A sign of a vampire's death, she needed to leave and leave quickly. It was now way past her head and even with all the training Grayson could give her. It meant nothing against real combat experience and she was just a sheltered noble girl. 

Turning on her heels to leave she saw something in the corner of her eye. A person trying to fight someone off them in the alleyway. Without a second thought she dashed over with terrifying speed and with a mighty kick sent them flying to the wall in front of them. 

“Hey. Are you okay?” She bent down to check his injuries from the looks of it he was about her age. Long white hair styled in dreadlocks with chocolate brown eyes. A handsome pretty boy, that’s for sure. 

“I didn’t need your help.” He spat as she pouted and stood back up. 

“For the record, I saved you and you’re not even grateful!” She was annoyed, yet worried she recognized this boy from somewhere. She just couldn’t quite put her finger on it. 

“Like, I said. Your help wasn’t necessary, Vamp.” There was the venom Mel and Jayce warned her about the hate of the Undercity for her kind. No doubt, he was from the Undercity and from the smell he was the one who was bleeding. 

“You could’ve just said thank you, toots.” She walked over the other unconscious individual and bent down to check the damage. Other than the wall, that was bent in and the poor woman’s broken face and having some bones twisted in the wrong places. She looked to be mostly fine, other than her groaning and hissing that was normal. One thing she knew for certain was that she was only partially turned and there was a mercy that should be given to all who failed the transformation. 

Death was a mercy and a mercy the noble took upon themselves to share to those who were unfortunate enough to be only partially turned. They wouldn’t survive much longer than this and would attack anything that had a pulse. She knew this and she watched her family exercise the right multiple times. It was a mercy, a privilege to be put down by their hand instead of a Hunter’s. A privilege. A mercy. Just keep saying that to yourself, Powder. Lifting up her leg once again before pressing down on her neck. 

Crack. Muffled gasping was able to be heard before another loud crack. Then silence. 

They stood there in silence as Powder sat down by the woman’s corpse, she had a few more minutes before she turned to dust and there was one final thing to do. One last thing to complete their mercy and their privilege. Gently grabbing her wrist and slowly bit down. Fresh blood rushed into her mouth as the woman’s memories flashed in her mind. She was an only mother with two children who were taken away and she was found by an aristocrat from Piltover. He offered her power if she was strong enough to handle it and failed, becoming the shell of who she once was. How tragic. Powder felt every ounce of her pain and her despair. It was miserable and yet it was something she couldn’t stop herself from shedding a tear for. 

The boy on the other hand didn’t hear her cry and picked up his weapon for another swing. Not today. Powder caught it with one hand, her emotions now taking full control of her strength as her eyes glowed. She was pissed that he could interrupt their send off, she didn’t care if he saw cry or not. He ruined their send off and she was never going to get a proper one again. He was going to pay for it and at least wasn't going to leave with that accursed weapon of his as she tightened her grip on the bat. She bent it up, before tossing it out of his hands. Powder's red eyes were bursting with rage and the woman's sadness as she clenched her fists. Were these how Hunter's were? Were they all this cruel and didn't respect their traditions? It was infuriating. 

“I didn’t know monsters drank their own dry. Doesn’t even surprise me anymore…” He looked her dead in the eye and his mouth dropped and his voice fell flat. “Powder…?” He took her in, burning her expression into his brain and reached out to see if she was real. 

“Do I know you?” Her voice was inquisitive as she wiped her tears and stepped away from his reach. His name was on the tip of her tongue. “Wait…You’re..You’re..” She snapped her fingers as she heard Viktor and Jayce screaming out to her. 

“Powder?! Shit! Where did you go!” Viktor’s voice was strained and accompanied with a fit of coughs.
“Powder?! It isn’t safe here, we need to go!” Jayce shouted at the top of his lungs. She jogged to go back to them as her wrist was snatched back and it sent her into a panic. 

“Let me go! Let me go! Vik-” The familiar young man quickly covered her mouth, before a large wave pushed him back and Powder ran for it. Her magic left little blue orbs in their wake as it escaped her fingertips and just like their owner. It was stunning.

Chapter Text

Humans are emotional, impulsive and reckless to a fault. It was just a part of their nature to fight and adapt. All things that fit Vi to the letter, she was a one woman wrecking crew and a mother hen when it came to her team always keeping tabs on them. They were family and family sticks together. Watching each other’s backs and keeping each other safe. 

Family keeps each other safe…Until you can’t. 

Her unrivaled rage and sorrow filled her muscles that lead every punch. They would feel it all, what human emotion would accomplish, what the Undercity would accomplish and more importantly what she would accomplish. Killing a few low tiers wasn't anything special and she had bigger fish to fry. This was only the beginning and she was ready. 

Vi slammed one of her gauntlets into their skull, blood and spit went flying. She was able to see their disfigured faces as they flew into the lamp post. Bloodied, beaten and bruised. Still staggered to their feet for another round red eyes glowed with rage and let out a hoarse roar. Even vampires would fight tooth and nail for their own survival. It just wasn’t enough, Vi’s determination was stronger than their will to survive. 

‘Family sticks together.’ 

Vi readied herself as she waited for her enemy to launch themselves at her.

‘They’ll work. I’m sure of it.’

Gathering her strength for one punch. One punch to send them straight to the big man downstairs. 

‘I’ll always be there for you, Powder.’ 

Slam. Slam. Slam. Slam. 

It had more punches than necessary and whatever this vampire looked like was nowhere to be seen. It looked like chucky spoiled soup with the chunks of their skull pointing in unnatural positions. She was dripping with blood and various types of body tissue as she looked around the battlefield. Mylo and Claggor were in the middle of cleaning up. Ekko was nowhere in sight. Shit. 

“Have you guys seen Little Man?” Vi was nervous and she was praying it wasn’t something her voice was willing to give away. 

“Why would we? We were busy with…killing these shitheads.” Mylo shrugged as he shot a bolt into one of their skulls. 

“Claggor. Please tell me you saw him.” Vi sighed as she wiped the blood off her face and started jogging ahead.

“He was chasing after one that escaped back into Piltover.” That was it. Vi pulled off her gauntlets and tossed them towards Zaun’s side of the bridge. 

“That little!” Vi bolted forwards to get one of her ever so silly chicks. That stupid little chick that ran into the den of wolves. God, what if something happened to him. What if she lost him?

“Wait! Vi! Fuck, come back!” Claggor screamed and it only made her speed up. She needed to find Ekko and find him fast. 

She climbed to the rooftops and scanned the area for Ekko for something. Nothing. Well, shit she thought as she jogged from one roof to another. Going deeper and deeper into enemy territory with still no sign of Ekko. He was in so much trouble when she got her hands on him. Vander was going to hear this and there was hell to pay. 

Vi knew he despised vampires and he’s despised them since they were kids. But, to the extent of going this deep into enemy territory for a kill? That was a new low for him. Vi couldn’t let him get ripped apart by those monsters and she couldn’t lose someone from her team. He was probably going to die by her hands when she found him and she was alert to make it happen. 

“Wait! Come back here! We aren’t done- Shit! Fuck!” A very familiar voice roared as she turned her heel and ran over. 

Ekko was soaked, dripping head to toe as blue orbs lit up the alleyway. He was standing holding his now destroyed weapon with an expression she knew too well. Ekko looked like her when she lost Powder to the Topsiders. Defeated, mad and confused wanting to do more. Just too weak to do anything about it. 

“Little Man, let’s go.” Her voice was calm and lacked its original fury as she hopped down next to him. 

“No.” Ekko spat as he walked past her and Vi grabbed him by the shoulder. 

“No? Did you forget you abandoned the mission? That you could’ve gotten yourself killed going this deep by yourself?” That familiar rage was coursing through her veins and she was this close to knocking him to bring him home. 

“I saw Powder.” Vi could have sworn she felt something inside her break as her grip loosened. 

“Excuse me? You saw my sister? That’s impossible, Vander said she was put in a coma.” Vi was starting to lose her composure and started to pull Ekko by arm back to Zaun. 

“She was right there. She was the one who did this to me. Fuck, Vi! I’m not lying!” Ekko barked as he was dragged away. 

“Just shut up. We’ll talk when we’re back in Undercity.” 

The journey was quiet and Vi was having trouble keeping her emotions in check. Her baby sister was okay, those Topsider’s didn’t do anything to her. She was alive and well. Not in a coma, not hurt, alive and safe. That was all Vi wanted and her goals were closer to being realized. She could get Powder back and they could be a family again. Vi only had one thing in her way. Piltover. The city of vampires and the city of progress. Her little sister’s jail cell. She was going to rip that city apart, brick by brick to get to Powder. If something was done to her, she was determined to undo it and bring her back home. Where she belonged. 

Vi whistled Mylo and Claggor back over, briefing them quickly about Ekko’s little stunt before making their way back to the Last Drop. To let Vander deal with Ekko before she hung him over the tallest building by his feet until he promised to never do that again. 

The Last Drop was packed with hunters as Vander stood at the bar pouring drinks and saw the look on his children's faces. Putting the bottle down and going around the counter to open the door to the basement. 

“Wait downstairs.” 

They all took their seats as they waited, Vi took her old armchair from her youth, Mylo and Claggor took the sofa next to her and Ekko took Powder’s old seat, the couch across from the other boys. Vi had a hand on her face as she leaned deeper into her seat waiting for Vander to arrive. No one spoke a word and it was all from the presence Vi was giving. She was pissed and no one wanted to end up being her punching bag. So, they shut up and remained still to not urk her. 

Vander didn’t come down until ten minutes later, whatever he needed to do it seemed to be important. It weighed heavy on his mind and Vi could tell. She watched Vander tear himself apart, for the Lanes, for Zaun, for them. The guilt hit like a truck, the gray hairs in his beard, the creases around his forehead and between his eyebrows. The years weren’t kind to him nor anyone else in Zaun. Just hit Vander harder, what did they expect? Of course, the stress would hurt when a whole city relies on you. When you have children to feed, people to watch out for, threats inching closer to home and knowing much weight blood truly had. 

“I heard you, kids were reckless during the job. What have I told you time and time before?” The disappointment in his voice was just enough to make the kids sink even farther into their seats. “Especially you, Ekko. I know you hate them. We all do. But, that’s no reason to go and get yourself killed. If they get away, let them go. They’ll be back, they're always back and there will be another opportunity.” Vander tapped and ran his fingers across the couch where Ekko was sitting. 

“Listen-” There was no room to speak, Vander wasn’t finished and he didn’t care for his reasons. “You listen here. You’re a part of a team, Ekko. You should know this already, you have your own team and I know you wouldn’t do that if you were with them. Who did you put at risk tonight?” Vander was furious, Ekko was smarter than this and should’ve known better. He was Benzo’s adopted son and hell he was like a son to him too. 

“Vi.” Ekko muttered as he stared at her blood stained bandage knuckles. Reckless as ever. 

“No. You put your whole team at risk. What if there were more of them and they came out of the woodworks? It would be them against however many of those monsters. They could've died while Vi was going after you. It would’ve been their blood on your hands.” Vander’s voice made Ekko flinch as he gripped down on his pants. He knew he screwed up and it was all her fault. Although he knew, his mind wasn’t fully processing Vander’s words as they were still processing seeing her. Seeing Powder. 

“It won’t happen again.” Ekko mumbled as he stared down at his damp clothing, it was proof she was alive and right within his reach. 

“It better not, now tell me what happened during that mission.” Vander was still disappointed but he still needed his information as he leaned on the side of Vi’s chair. 

“Only a few low tiers and seemed to be recently turned. Counted at least five of them, not including the one Ekko killed in Piltover. Ekko knows the rest.” Vi’s voice was heavy and for as long as Ekko knew it meant something was on her mind. He had a pretty good guess as to what it was as he felt Vander’s gaze fall onto him. 

“One fled to Piltover and I went after her. But, I lost em and they managed to get me to the floor. Before I knew it during my struggle, someone kicked them off me and sent them flying. I didn’t recognize them until I saw her face, but that was Powder.” Vander went white as a sheet for a moment, but you could still see the shock in his eyes. 

“You saw, Powder? How is she?” There was that desperate voice of a broken father who just regained his hope. Hope that his youngest daughter can come home. 

“She looked to be fine. Didn’t recognize me and yet still came to help. Still dropped a waterfall on my head. She got me wet, soaked and it’s going to take hours for my clothes to dry.” Ekko's ears flushed when he said what his big mouth said. He dropped ammo right into their laps and wrapped it into a little bow. Ammo they could use for weeks and it could be heard from the faint giggles from Vander’s children. All but Vi who glared at the ground. 

Cough. “It seems the plans are going to change and we will need to increase the month's work. If that was Powder, that means our information is outdated or Piltover is keeping information. We’re going to need to figure out their plans and confirm where they’ve kept Powder. Lucky for us, Topside is holding a gala for one of their brightest. I need you to crash it and gather information. By crash, I do mean attending the gala and learning as much as possible. It’s too dangerous to start a fight, so that means this is a pure reconnaissance mission. Understood?” Vander scanned the room for their nods, Mylo looked disgusted while his brother just sighed and gave a curt nod. Ekko just nodded before turning his gaze to Vi, who was still in the same position she was in before. 

“ Vi . Do you understand?” Vander’s voice got more irritated as Vi simply understood as he dragged his hand down his face. “Prepare yourselves you have four days to week at best, I have a feeling they're going to delay that gala. Get some rest.” That was their cue to leave as they all stood up and went their separate ways. Vi went and picked up her gauntlets before making her way upstairs. 

Violet’s head was a mess and all her thoughts were for her sister. How she was or what she could say when she saw her again. This was her chance to get her back and she didn’t need anyone else to change her mind. More importantly she needed to blow some steam. A lot of steam. Something to punch, something to fight. There was only one thing that was going to help with her unchecked emotion and rage. Killing some pesky vampires. 

********

Back on the bridge leaning on one of the thick pillars, waiting, lurking. Waiting for her prey and they came in droves to the scent of her blood. It drove to go feral over just the scent alone and she smelt delicious. There was no back up here, just her versus that hoard and that was just enough for her. A hard, brutal fight that she could empty her emotions on. 

She ran forward punching, dodging and ducking her way around the battlefield. There were too many for her to take on easily and they did get some good hits. Deep scratches from her waist to upper chest and lower arms were the worst out of the bunch. But, Vi kept fighting, they were way worse off than she was and she was never going to give up. She was never going down easily and sure as hell not without seeing her sister again. Powder was her inner strength, what helped her stay alive when it mattered. 

‘Vi! Look! I made Mylo!’ 

She could see red as she felt her body get slammed into a pillar and her shoulder being bit down on. It hurt, everything hurt. But she kept her eyes on the tall tower of Piltover, where Powder was. 

‘Can you teach me how to fight like you? I want to be strong too!’ 

She could hear Powder’s giggles ringing in her ears as she felt her gauntlets fall to the floor. This gave her enough strength to send a strong punch to the side of the vampire's face and knocked them off her. She wasn’t done yet, she was never done. Not until Piltover paid for what they did to her family and they paid in blood. Even if she was pushed to her limits like she was now and only standing due to adrenaline pumping through her veins. 

Bang. 

Was she hearing things? Was that a gunshot, she could have sworn she didn’t tell anyone where she went. None of her vampire buddies were armed and she killed most of them. At least twenty, maybe twenty five? Whatever it was, they could go to hell. She didn’t need their help, even with her shaky vision at best. 

Bang. Bang. Bang. 

A woman with dark blue hair was jogging towards her as muttering something that didn’t quite reach her ears. It looked like she cleaned up the rest of them and that meant adrenaline was wearing off. Pulling herself back towards the Undercity with heavy steps, forcing one foot after the other. Vi only made it three steps before slipping on the blood of her victims and sending her down to the cold stone floor. 

“Are you okay?!” Her unknown savior came running to her side and pulled her into her lap. She smelt sweet, just like the terrible cupcakes Vander used to make. But, she was an enemy from where she was running from and not someone who could be trusted. 

“Who the hell are you?” Vi spat and attempted to force herself off the woman’s lap only to fall back down seconds later. Not an ounce of strength left in her body remained and she was starting to get tired.  Really, really tired. 

“Caitlyn. But, that doesn’t matter….you need…” Her words didn’t register in her ears as she was slowly falling unconscious and she didn’t need to after all she had her comeback. 

“Whatever, Cupcake.” 

Then the world went black and she was welcomed to dreams of ages past. Before her unchecked fury. Better days, days when Powder was still there.

Chapter Text

Memories are said to shape who you become, shape your very soul and how to take in the world. They are a powerful motivator or a powerful tool to break one’s sense of self. As they can haunt you and have such a tight hold where they never go away. Some say memories are an intimate part of you. Something to keep close to your heart and not share with just anyone. As they can give people power over you and without your knowledge as well. That’s what memories are and they’re something someone shouldn’t forget about. 

Ekko couldn’t take his mind off the blue haired hellion he saw today. She was older and grew up to be even more beautiful than Vi. Like time it changed her just like everyone else. The way her eyes glowed in the dark was new and different. But, the way she cried over a loss was the same. He remembered the way she cried when he told her how her parents died and that she could barely remember how they looked or sounded like. That she wanted to remember so she could share some of Vi’s pain and burden from that day. He remembers how she bit down on her bottom lip to keep herself from crying and that her gray eyes looked like stained glass.

Ekko remembers how they hugged. How Powder threw herself at him one afternoon when she was home alone and begged him to stay with her until they came home. How she would watch Vi and her brothers leave for small missions from the attic after they left. Those memories were of a better and easier time. Not like the days he would have anymore. 

He suffered from the effects of Powder’s attack just a few weeks after she disappeared. When the doctors told Benzo that he was turning and they had to act quickly if they wanted to save him. How Benzo destroyed his savings on a treatment that only let him remain half human and half vampire. This was the curse that Powder left him and the remaining results of their pure friendship. He couldn’t hate her for it, she was born differently and from talking to Vi she hated it more than anyone else. She didn’t want to be born as something she viewed as monstrous. 

Damnit, Powder. Why did it have to be you? If it was anyone else this would’ve been so much easier. 

The girl who got taken away and changed sides was supposed to be a villain. Cruel, merciless and bloodthirsty. But, Powder was none of those things. She was kind, sweet and always made sure everyone was okay. Just like tonight, she jumped in to save him without knowing who he was. Powder was still in there, just changed. She was stronger, faster and a slave to Piltover’s ways. He remembered seeing her on the front page of the Piltover paper and couldn’t help but cry when he saw it. Ekko drove her away and couldn’t help feeling like he played a major part in her running into Piltover’s arms. But what could he do? He was eleven years old when it happened and didn’t have many options available to him. Ekko tried to go and see her but Vander wouldn’t let him. Saying Powder needs her space right now and it isn’t safe to see her. What it really meant was she was changing and getting more vampiric from tasting his blood. 

‘Y’know, Little Man. You were the first time Powder ever tasted human blood. She used to drink from the rats she found or what Vander gave her. If she was here, I know she would’ve apologized to you. You were her world and her glimpse into Zaun. I hate to admit it, but you were like her savior.’ 

Vi’s voice echoed into his mind, he knew she would’ve apologized and never would’ve turned him. She wouldn’t have done what she did, she wouldn’t and she would’ve remained in Zaun where she was safe. He could only imagine what her life was like in Piltover and if they cared about her at all. His curiosity was starting to bother him and he needed to know if they were or not. If they weren’t he had a chance to redeem himself as her Boy Savior. 

Ekko wanted to know and he had a one good excuse to go Topside to find out. He had about four days at worst and a week at best, that's what Vander said. More than enough time for him and his Firelights to go in and out without being caught by Piltover. They were “allowed” Topside but it was suggested to avoid the den of the beast as much as possible. They were looked down upon and there was a high chance of being killed. But, the Firelights were one of Vander’s ace squads and specialized in undercover reconnaissance. As they had all sorts of people on their team and that was their greatest advantage. 

Scar, was a vestaya whose family ties were tightly woven with the vampires of today. 

Amalia, a girl around his age who specialized in disguises and allowing them to blend with the people of Piltover. She was pretty with her long chestnut brown hair and emerald eyes who always looked at Ekko lovingly.

Eve, a girl who was their main jack of all trades and had no sort of specialization. She had bright pink hair and crystal blue hair. 

Rover, a guy who had the passion to hit anyone from topside over the head with a baseball bat. He was similar to Ekko, in that he was part vampire from a screwed up fling with a vampire boy. Rover was one of the oldest at nineteen, he had unkempt dyed silver hair with his brown roots and blue eyes that flashes red in fits of anger. 

Kat, she was their active messenger and informant. She was like Powder, a girl who was supposed to get sent to Piltover and managed to get away. Kat was one of the younger members of the group, with long black hair and ruby red eyes. 

Lucas, their main gunner and a lad with a problem with seeing blood. A true peacemaker with chocolate brown hair and hazel eyes that Ekko could've sworn only saw good in people.

They all were a part of his main team and they were the ones who were going to join him on his little trip topside. This was going to be an important personal mission and one to help Vander’s plans for the gala. They had outdated information from their booker and he needed to change that. Outdated information gets you killed in their business. That’s why the Firelights existed and the other was to spread the hope for a better world. A better world for all the children of Zaun. For Ekko and his friends. 

One where Powder came back home. Where he got to apologize for his harsh words all those years ago. 

********

People say nothing grows down in Zaun and that their harsh environment makes it impossible. The Firelights knew better and built their base around the biggest tree in Zaun. It was the symbol of their community and the symbol for what was to come if Vander’s plans became a reality. Vander’s plans were near impossible, but still in the realm of possibility. That’s why the Firelights believed in his judgement and followed his plans most of the time. There were times when they first made their squad where things were rough. But, over the years they managed and climbed the ranks to being tied with Vander’s children. They were just another memory of the pain they needed to go through to make their dreams a reality. Just like everything in Zaun, it comes with a price and their injuries were just that. A price to pay, a memory obtained to make it happen. 

But, with that all being said it was still a beautiful sight that made your worries disappear. It was the Firelights pride and joy. But, today wasn’t the time to enjoy the sights. They had business to attend to and they needed to get to make it work. They needed a plan. It didn't take long for Ekko to gather all his teammates for a meeting to discuss their plan..

"Make sure everyone is on the same page, I'm going to a quick rundown of what happened tonight. On the mission with Vi's squad, we have found out that our information is outdated. And that means we're going to be pulling some extra work to fill in those blanks. Starting with Vander’s daughter who was taken away. Powder has been seen alive and not in a coma like we were told." Ekko tried his best to keep his voice steady and hide the emotion when he spoke her name. 

"We might be able to see what's up with her. Y'know, give Vander some peace of mind on the whereabouts of his kid. Maybe, he'll finally drop the bottle when he knows she's alright." Kat's voice was beaming when she found out they could do something for Vander. She had a firefly personality, bright and a little shy. 

"Giving Vander some peace of mind is always a good idea in my books." Lucas matched Kat's beaming attitude and made them almost too hard too look at.

"Aren't you two sunshine and rainbows? Aren't you forgetting, we're going topside. The den of the beasts and how are we even going to find this girl anyways?" Rovor wasn't amused at all from their happy-go-lucky attitudes of being alright going Topside. Ekko wasn't paying much attention as his memories took hold of him.

“Well….” Eve spoke up and pulled out a map of Topside. 

***

It was a memory of him and Powder when she was drawing. He remembered her drawing about what the world looked like outside of Zaun and that she wondered if it was prettier than Vi described. Ekko would always hear her ask about stories of the world outside the Last Drop and started asking him what it was like one day. He knew she was barely allowed to leave and when she was. She was restricted to staying within the Lanes and being extra careful to avoid every enforcer they walked past. 

This memory was a few months before she left and it was one he remembered well. One of the last times Powder ever asked him about the world outside. This memory was no different from the rest. Meaningful and haunting. 

"Hey, Little Man. Do you have any stories for me today?" Powder asked with a bright smile on her face as she stopped drawing to look up at him from the table. 

"Welll, there was this huge fight today! Vander had to step in! It was real messy and Vander was pissed." In reality it was only a normal fist fight, it was such a normal occurrence in Zaun and yet for Powder who's world was this small building and their stories it meant so much more than that.

"Little Man, you don't need to lie to me. It was another usual day and nothing happened right?" Powder's smile didn't leave her face as she went back to her drawing. But there was a small hint of disappointment and it killed him.

"Sorry. Just I wanted to give you a better story than Benzo's shop was pretty dead. That we had barely any new stock or many customers." Ekko mumbled as he took his seat next to her and watched her draw. She was drawing the Lanes with her family in the middle, it was full of color and different than her usual style. It was more realistic and off putting without her normal graffiti style. 

"I don't need a better story. What I need is the stories of your normal life. I might not be able to leave often, but I can imagine the Lanes through you and the others." Her voice was somber and distant as she drew. She never complained about not going outside and would just find places to take in the sights from within the Last drop.  

“Powder…You shouldn’t give up on yourself like that! You’ll be able to see Zaun yourself! You’ll see, you’ll get better!” Ekko knew he picked the wrong words to say and if he chose differently maybe she’d continue asking him about the outside world. 

“Ekko. I can’t get better, that’s just impossible.” She stopped to look at him as he saw her gray eyes tear up, but she didn’t let a single tear fall. She was stronger than that and he knew that but she still gave him the drawing with a big smile. 

Ekko kept it for the next few months at his bedside before the accident. Afterwards he destroyed and cried about it for hours. After that was his last gift from Powder. 

****

“Earth to Ekko! Hello, are you good? You spaced out real good there.” Amalia was annoyed as she waved her hands in Ekko’s face and only stopped when Scar grabbed her arm. 

“Earth to the best buddy, you good mate?” Lucas’s concerned voice managed to pull him back and yet he was still hearing Powder’s voice in his head. 

‘Little man’s going off to space again! Haha!’ 

“Sorry, last mission got me fucked up. What do we have?” Ekko rubbed his forehead trying to get Powder out of his mind and prayed that her voice would stop hunting him. 

“The plan is to get our vampires to ask around and find out the most recent gossip. While the rest of us stalk the city for any sort of information. May that be reading their history books or to the smallest thing in the newspaper. We do have some places of interest, the private Highschool for gifted minds whatever it’s actually called. The square, it’s said the council brings their blue haired daughter out there for walks and lastly the academy district they seem the most loose lipped compared to everyone else.” Eve smiled at her little plan as she placed pins in each location as she spoke them. 

“This is risky, but we need this information. We have too many enemies and this might help the people who are stuck going to the gala.” Amalia spoke up as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and pulled out some of the pins. “If we really want to do this right, we should focus our efforts around the noble houses if we’re focusing our information around the gala.” 

“But, if we do that we have a bigger chance of getting caught. It’s littered with enforcers and they’ll try and capture the vampires before killing the rest of us.” Rover barked back as Ekko felt the fight about to happen. 

“Not if we all split up and cover as much ground as possible. You’re all more than qualified for the tasks at hand and Ekko trusts that we can all make it back home safely. Right?” Scar was Ekko’s savior and he was so glad he was his right hand man. Because Scar always knew what to do when Ekko was unable to. 

“Right. Remember, we aren’t trying to appease Vander. We want to get enough information about everything going on Topside. Powder is not the priority, but it would be a nice gift for him and his kids.” Ekko needed them to forget about making Vander happy here, they needed to get information. Regardless of how much they all wanted to give back and make up old life debts. But, if they got blindsided with finding Powder, if he got blindsided with finding Powder there would be no new information for the upcoming missions. Meaning people would be going in blind and getting themselves killed. They needed to do this right the first time. 

“We start tomorrow morning at the crack of Dawn and we’ll be there until nightfall. Get your sleep and make sure you have everything you need. You’re dismissed.” 

Ekko’s declaration got plenty of cheering and screams of excitement as they all left to their own rooms for the night. Only leaving Scar learning on the table, not looking impressed and Ekko could only guess what he wanted to talk about. He met Scar in his early years shortly after Powder left and dealt with him as he recovered. He was like his older brother and he had that expression of concerned family that Ekko knew he was going to get a talking to. Instead of dealing with Scar directly he turned his heels and left he was already too tired to deal with any more stern talks. 

“Sit down, Ekko.” Without a groan of objection Ekko sat down in the nearest chair and looked over at his brother. 

“What’s up, Scar?” Ekko rested his tired head on his hand. 

“You look like you haven’t forgotten about her nor moved on.” Scar was right, he didn’t move on nor did he forget. There were too many things from his childhood he couldn’t let go and she was one of them standing in the middle of everything else. 

“I have.” His tone came out more aggressive than he intended and he could see the small glare on Scar’s face. 

“You don’t space out like that. That mission messed with you and if you don’t snap out of it people are going to die. Again .” 

“I know! I know that okay! There’s going to be no repeats of that, we’re all going to come home safe.” Ekko shivered from remembering that bloodbath and knew they could not afford another mess up like it. 

“You don’t have to handle this alone, friend. You can rely on us and we can help you get through whatever is troubling you.” Scar’s tone softened when he saw Ekko’s troubled face and spoke to his heart. You’d never lose anyone anymore, Ekko. We’re all family here. That’s what Scar meant to say and it warmed his heart a little. 

“Thanks, I think I’m going to go and get some sleep.” Ekko felt more like himself now and had his head a bit more in the game. Scar gave him a nod of approval and left to handle his own matters. 

That night Ekko dreamed of a rather fond memory from his youth with Powder. When times were good and they could just have fun.

Ekko? Hey Ekko! Tell me a story! 

A story? Sure. There was once a princess who lived with her loving family. They were poor and she wasn’t allowed out much. So, she drew her own little world and fell deep into it. She never wanted to come back out, until she met her first friend. They spent every moment together and they built a world together out of wood and cloth. Once they said they would stay together forever, never one without the other. One day, the princess told her friend a secret and he picked the wrong choice of words. After that day when the friend went to apologize the princess disappeared. He asked her family and they said she was taken by an evil kingdom. The friend swore to make sure to bring her home safe and sound. That he would save her and they could continue being together forever. 

I don’t like this story, Ekko. 

It’s just a story and don’t you think it’s like us?

Yeah, I think so. Does that mean you’d stay with me forever Ekko? 

Yeah, duh. 

Even if I was taken away from an evil kingdom? 

If that ever happened, I’d bring you back and save you. 

Just like a hero. You’re really a boy savior. 

No, I’m your Boy Savior. 

Exactly!

Chapter Text

We all lose things over time and the things we lose go back to the treasure troves of time. Sometimes, they’re returned and we can have another chance to appreciate what we’ve lost. A second time to treasure it and keep it close so there’s no next time. As precious lost treasures should be kept near one's heart and not lost with time. As they’re precious for a reason and mean something to you. 

The Firelights woke up at the first rays of light and all checked their gear together as they sat around the tree for breakfast. It was a barebones meal and yet it did the job. It was going to be a busy day with all their running around Piltover. All of them were dressed for the part too, they needed to blend in to avoid getting caught even if that meant wearing Piltover clothes for the day. 

Ekko replaced his work apron and baggy jeans with a black spray paint formal hoodie and dress pants. It was more of a comfort decision than anything else as he gave himself a nod of approval. He walked out to see his friends all dolled up and looking absolutely stunning. Even if they lived in the Undercity, they knew how to dress for the occasion. He could feel their energy and their excitement for the mission ahead. This made his blood pump and matched their energy. These were his people, his family and hell they were his biggest motivator. 

As the Firelights made their way across the Bridge of Progress and remembered those unspoken rules. The rules that kept their cities divided. 

No, vampires can set foot in the Undercity without risking death and vice versa. 

Respect the culture as it’ll keep you alive. 

Lastly, don’t involve yourself with the affairs of the other city. 

Now, the firelights were going to be breaking those rules for the sake of the mission. They had no respect for Piltover’s culture of excess and didn’t want to understand it either. They were just born lucky and that was it. Born to feed off the Undercity, to murder them for their own needs. That was what Piltover was, a leech, one that needed to be taken care of and couldn’t be happier to make a reality. So, you can only imagine what was going through these teenager’s minds as they walked through Piltover.

Anger. 

Rage.

Sadness.

Determination.

Despair. 

All of them had their excitement slowly go down the drain the deeper they got. It made sense they were being reminded of how much Piltover took and seeing stores selling their blood made them sick. But, it was a sick sort of curiosity that came as well. They wanted to know if the common civilian knew about the skeletons in the Piltover’s closet. The amount of blood that was spilt and how much they lost to give them their paradise. 

A paradise the Firelight’s couldn’t find the power to talk in. It felt like they would drown if they spoke up as they saw the occasional vampire walk by. This was a wolf's den and this time they weren’t the hunters. They were the prey and it felt like the city itself was letting them know. Ekko could feel the change within his team and was fighting himself to let them go back. This was unbearable, like an ever present dread that never left. Making sure you knew and remembered your worst nightmares before telling you weren’t welcome. 

“This is disgusting, we’ve been here for at least an hour and I want to go back home.” Rovor broke their eerie silence as placed his hand over the two holes in his neck. 

“We just got here, Rovor.” Eve was clearly annoyed and her steps were getting heavier by the minute. All of their steps were getting heavier as they walked and they could feel something in the pit of their stomachs. Something bad was going to happen. 

“Yeah, Rovor! We just got here.” A familiar voice echoed around them as they pulled out their weapons. The street was empty and seemed to trap them as they huddled together back to back. 

“Who are you?!” Rovor roared as he pulled out his pistol only to shoot at a shadow that rushed by. 

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Now, Why are you here? You know the rules.” The female voice was getting quite amused as the building fell in front of them and they were forced into the alleyway. 

“We aren’t here to cause problems!” Lucas yelled back, he only for a giggle to come out from their mysterious guess. 

“The city tells me otherwise. You better be glad I found you first.” The girl's blue hair could be seen running down the alleyway as she giggled. Ekko knew this giggle better than anyone else, they were dealing with Powder. 

“The city tells you otherwise?” Scar questioned as Kat’s eyes widened when she realized what was happening. 

“The city is alive. It seems they finally played their ace. We won’t get anywhere in Piltover, unless we have their permission.” Kat replied as she stopped walking and caught the attention of the others. 

“Kat, what the hell do you mean by the city is alive?” Ekko was irritated as he got his team into a sticky situation and one difficult to get out of. 

“The city is alive and responds to purebloods. It hasn’t been used in centuries and that’s why we forgot about it. I remember my mother mentioning it and I thought it was just a myth.” Kat continued as she looked around for Powder and a way out. 

“So, what I’m hearing is we’re fucked.” Amalia sighed as she placed her bag down and sighed as she dropped the floor to rest her legs. 

“Don’t be so pessimistic, Amalia.” Lucas gave her a bright smile as he rubbed her back. They couldn’t continue like this and Lucas could tell they were fighting more than normal. If a fight happened right now they would be dead and no one would know about it. Lucas felt a pair of hands on his shoulders as a girl hummed in his ears.

“Don’t be so pessimistic. I found you and you’re all alive right? So, there should be smiles all around.” Powder had an amused smile on her face as she tapped her fingers on Lucas’s shoulders.  

“Powder . What the hell do you want?” Ekko’s unamused expression met her amused one as she ran her fingers through Lucas’s hair. 

“I want you out of my city. You’ve been causing my mother problems and at least I can deal with you myself. But, that one.” Powder pointed at Ekko as she let go of Lucas who ran straight into Eve’s arms. “You and I are going to have a little chat.” 

“Why me?” Ekko stepped in front of his team and glared down at Powder.

“You’re the hunter from last night and I want to show you something.” Powder kept her smile on her face as she stepped into Ekko’s personal space and stood right against his chest. 

“Show me, what?” He spat back, his feelings and yearnings to see her again disappeared. He needed to keep his friends safe and deal with Powder later. 

“Something. But it has to be shown to you alone. Don’t worry, if your friends leave the city I can promise them their safety.” The tension in the air was thick and made the Firelights shut up to allow Ekko to think. 

“If I don’t?” Ekko needed to know the other side coin to weigh his options.

“You and your friends will be killed. I’m not the only vampire who can sense the thoughts of the city.” Ekko went pale as he groaned. Oh, he fucked up and now had to fight the clock for them to get out. 

“Shit.” Ekko cursed as he threw his weapon into the floor. 

“Time’s ticking. What’s gonna be? Live and come with me for a few hours or have my mother and the council rip you to shreds?” Ekko already knew the answer to that question as he tossed his bag at Scar.

“Go home.” Ekko looked at Scar who just nodded as he started picking up their things to leave. 

“Wait! You can’t be serious!” Eve shouted only for Rovor to grab her arm and drag her back the way they came. 

“I said, go home.” With a single order they left and it was two left who stood there in silence. 

There were no words spoken between them as they watched them leave. When they left Ekko’s range of sight, he turned to face Powder who was standing there with her hands against her back. Her hair was tied back in a long braid that was decorated with various flowers. Just like their reunion last night and she was just in different clothes. This meeting she was in Piltover’s private school uniform, a mix of white, blue and gold. Even now he’s getting reminded that she belongs to Piltover. But, the biggest thing that stood out to him was her eyes. Blue eyes with gray petals falling within them, it was strange to stay the least.

“What’s with your eyes?” Ekko muttered under his breath as Powder leaned into his comfort zone to look him in the eye. 

“Mom said it was to help with my PTSD. It’s a spell that makes me forget the pain.” Powder smiled at the thought of the gift Mel gave her as she tapped on her eyelids. 

“Don’t you want to remember?” Ekko sounded more like he was begging her, instead of being inquisitive. 

“No. I know my past to an extent. I’m born in Zaun where I got adopted by a noble house. Before, I was Powder Talis Medarda, I was just simply Powder. A girl from a family who had no way to take care of me and my needs and I got caught by enforcers after attacking a boy my age. I don’t remember much else.” Powder sounded sad but at the same time she had a smile on her face.

“Do you feel bad for attacking that kid?” Ekko's voice cracked as he spoke as the boy he kept locked away started to crawl from the depths. The boy he thought drowned to keep him as the strong independent leader he’s supposed to be. 

“Of course. If he was here, I’d apologize. Right, Boy Savior?” Ekko stiffened as she cupped his cheek and touched her forehead on his. “I’m sorry for what I did to you.” 

“How did you know?” Ekko held her hand tightly as he felt her warmth. This was his Powder from years earlier, the same girl who laughed and played with him as kids. She doesn’t remember him anymore and that might be the best for now. 

“You and I are linked. I can sense the people I’ve turned. It’s just what I can do.” Powder took a few steps back and started to walk back. 

“How long have you known?” That stopped her as she placed her hand on the wall as the broken building from earlier started to put itself back together. 

“Since you entered the city. Piltover is quite the gossiper.” She let out an angelic giggle as Ekko walked behind her. 

“What did you want to show me?” She didn’t say a word and just led him farther into Piltover. His earlier sense of dread was gone and he was able to move like he used to. 

They walked side by side without a word spoken between them. Ekko looked around the city, who was more alive than ever. All the inventions around, the mechanical butterflies that flew about and just how happy the people looked. They didn’t look like the monsters, not even close he was able to see the world Powder saw. A world that was beautiful and full of joy. No one was frowning or unhappy. All of them were content. 

“Do you understand now?” She turned around as she grabbed his hand in hers as she gave him a smile that rivaled the sun above. 

“I see, the world you see Powder. But, that isn’t enough to make me forget the pain of the Undercity.” Seeing Powder’s bright view of Piltover broke his heart, she forgot her roots. This wasn’t the same Powder from his childhood, this was someone who was a victim of Piltover’s ways. 

“Then, let me understand. I might be able to help you. My Mom is on the council, she can do something about it.” Ekko saw an opportunity to bring Powder back home and one where she wouldn’t be able to leave. 

“Come to Zaun with me.” Ekko pleaded as her eyes went wide as she stepped a few feet back. 

 “Go to the Undercity? But, that’s forbidden without a permit.” She was puzzled by what he was trying to offer. She was curious, sure and she always wanted to go down there.But, her parents refused and she didn’t want to give them any extra headaches.  

Ekko didn’t bother to explain farther as he pulled her along, she needed to see the beauty of Zaun. She showed him the beauty in Piltover and he was going to repay the favor even if he didn’t care for its beauty. There was only one thing Piltover had that he considered beautiful and that the younger vampire girl behind him. Powder was Piltover’s beauty, without her there was nothing in that horrid city. 

“Wait! We can’t! I don’t even know you!” She was trying to fight his grip but her body didn’t want to listen. He felt so familiar and his touch was so gentle. 

“You do.” Those two words shook her world as she lost the will to fight back. But, she couldn’t help but smile as she enjoyed her time with him forgetting about the previous night. 

The pair walked through the city peacefully until they made it to the edge of Piltover’s side of the bridge. There was what Powder was worried about, her parents surrounded by over a dozen Enforcers. They did not look pleased as Mel pushed past them and held her arms out. 

“Powder, come here. Step away from him, he’s dangerous.” Mel’s voice held no malice as she looked at Powder and gave Ekko no time of day. 

“But, Mom! He just wanted to-” Jinx was interrupted by Jayce who held tightly into his hammer. If he was willing to bring out his weapon, something terrible must have happened and this wasn’t something she should’ve gotten involved in. 

“There’s no but Pow. There was a massacre last night and we have proof the hunters did it. Step away from him.” Powder looked over at Ekko with a look of pure horror, as she dug through his eyes for the truth. 

“No way. That’s impossible.” Powder muttered as she shook her head only to shove Ekko away from her. “You killed my people? How can you be that cruel?” Powder sensitivity was starting to show as she ran straight into Mel’s embrace. 

With a single nod Jayce ordered the Enforcers to take Ekko, poor Viktor looked down and felt sorry for the child. He saw himself in Ekko and knew he was only going to put himself in a painful situation if he continued to involve himself with his daughter. Ekko on the other hand struggled as the enforcers gang up on him, it was painful as he struggled out of their grip and only got sent a strong punch to the stomach. 

“Stop. There’s no reason for violence in front of my daughter. Send him back, we don’t need any more Hunters looking for him.” Mel held Powder even closer to her chest as she spoke. It was a personal safety to make sure Powder was actually there and not going to disappear. Disappear and go back to her real family. To leave her alone after she loved her so dearly. 

As the Enforcers took Ekko away, Powder gently got off Mel’s chest. She needed to know who he was. “Wait! I don’t even know your name!” Her voice was loud, clear and desperate. A deep part of her wanted to call out to him and see him again. 

“Ekko! It’s Ekko!” He screamed back as he was being pulled back over to Zaun. Back home empty handed. 

“I’ll…No, We’ll meet again! I promise you, Ekko!” She shouted back before Mel pulled her back into her embrace. 

“Never, do that again Powder. I was terrified. What if something happened to you?” Mel was on the verge of tears as she held her. The hug was so tight and full of love. It turned into a bear hug as Viktor and Jayce joined soon after. 

“Powder, that was beyond reckless. Even if you’re Jayce’s daughter.” Viktor muttered near her ear as he held his family. 

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to help.” Powder couldn’t help herself and started to cry from the reactions of her parents. 

“You don’t need to put yourself in harm's way. You always help us, Powder. Our days are brighter with you in it and that’s the biggest help of them all.” Jayce ruffed her hair as they broke the hug as they gave her a bright smile and wiped her tears. 

“Come, let’s all have lunch before taking you to school.” Mel grabbed her hand as Viktor took Powder’s other hand and Jayce linked arms with Mel. 

Powder unknowingly gave up much more information than she should’ve, but Mel had a plan and that would require some manipulation. Lucky for her, she was a master of manipulation and always got what she wanted. By the time, the boy reported on his mission the invitations had already been sent. They wanted to walk into the wolf's den so terribly, so be it let them come. 

Come and forsake your dreams. Allow yourselves to be consumed by the city of excess and progress. Come to me, you dirty little animals.

Chapter Text

If there’s light there’s always darkness and it’s where the most horrific or twisted individual’s live. Where monsters wear the skin of man and walk amongst us. Where no soul is safe and the best course of action is pray you aren’t found to be their next victim. If you are, you have my condolences and prayers that you can escape. But, sometimes the dark is found within or rotting somewhere where people overlook.

Piltover never looked within their borders for problems and allowed it to fester and rot. Never bothering to deal with as they were dying and couldn’t afford to send forces to deal with their issues instead of the Undercity issues. It was a matter of food or issues they couldn’t ignore. The answer was obvious and finding measures to keep them from dying out. That’s all Piltover could afford and if it hurt the Undercity then so be it. 

There was a mansion on the wealthy side of town and it was home to a man with pure desire or was greed? He never was able to be satisfied, never able to look past his dreams. Dreams of freedom from their vampire masters, free to go back home without being killed for his genes. Free to get rid of his racist brother who drowned him in the river Pilt and disfigured his right eye. His beloved, older brother, a hero for the Lanes but wasn’t anything but a murderer. How he hated him, but respected his goals and what he once stood for. Not anymore, he’s too busy protecting his kids and they’ve made him weak. Weak and ripe for the killing. He would take up their dreams and make it a reality in a sea of blood. After all, it’s quite crude the base violence required for change and he was willing to spill it gladly. 

He was going to steal Vander’s throne and use the bloodshed to spark a civil war one Piltover could not ignore. Nor, fight at their full strength as he would have a trump card and one that would make Piltover weak at the knees. He just needed a distraction and he had a young man who just volunteered. 

“Deckard. Do you know why you’re here?” The man asked, holding an injection needle in his hands, spinning the needle from one hand to the other. 

“Boss, whatever I did. I promise, I didn't mean to.” Deckard was normally very confident and cocky with fits of violence. But, in front of this man he seemed like a scared little child. 

“I haven’t said a word and yet you’re shaking in your boots.” He spoke slowly and yet intimidatingly calm.

“...Then why am I here?” He muttered as an older man came by and passed by to hand over a veil of purple-pink liquid.

“Do you remember what I said about power?” Deckard gulped as the man looked over at him with a glowing golden eye.

“No?” Silco sighed as he sat up and walked up towards the young man.

“Power comes to those who are willing to do…anything to achieve it. Tell me, boy. Are you willing to do anything for power?” The man was right uncomfortably close in his personal space as Deckard leaned back.

“Yeah. I need to get stronger to beat up Vander’s bitch.” Deckard barked as the man smirked and returned the boy’s space. 

“Good. Stay on standby, we’ve been invited to our target’s party.” Silco smiled as he clenched the vial in his hands. 

Vander would understand the consequences of his actions and get his vengeance by hurting him where it hurts. His family and the Lanes. They would feel his pain and would make their old dream a reality. But, until that happens he would be waiting in the shadows. Stalking, waiting for a chance to strike. Because this had to be perfect and knew it would ruin Vander.

******* 

Vi was sleeping in a sea of memories with her family and one where Powder was able to smile without a care in the world. A world without vampires, pain or suffering of any kind. A place where she could just be her sister and Vi would’ve been given a chance to see her grow up. That’s all she wanted was more time with her little sister and yet fate refused to give it to her. She was born “normal” and Powder wasn’t cursed to drain the blood of the living for the rest of her life. But, she was still her sister by the end of the day and she loved her more than the damn world itself. 

“Hey Vi.” Powder called out to her, she couldn’t have been older than seven, maybe eight. 

“Do you think I was wanted?” Her voice was quiet and shivering clearly trying to keep herself from crying. 

“Of course, not. Mom and Dad loved you Pow-Pow. I remember the few weeks before you were born and how Mom would ask me if I wanted to listen to your little heartbeat. But, do you know what my favourite day was?” Vi smiled as she pulled this version of Powder into her large frame. 

“No?” Powder’s voice was muffled as she buried her face into her sister’s stomach.

“The day you were born, it was my greatest joy and the day I had someone who meant the world to me.” Powder slowly disappeared and Vi was left alone once again. 

“Wake up!” A female voice cried out as  Vi looked around and yet there was no one there. “Please! Wake up!” She cried out again as this time her world was going black once again. 

******* 

Vi was rudely awoken by a tall woman with long navy blue hair and blue eyes. She was quite the beauty and from the looks of it from Piltover. By the large room that was decorated with expensive furniture and a soft comfortable mattress. Whoever, this girl was why the hell did she bring a Hunter to Piltover? That made no sense, unless this girl was stupid or naïve. Maybe, both. 

“Thank god, you’re awake. You’ve been out for three days and we almost lost you there. But, what were you doing taking so many halflings yourself?” She was pushy and straightforward yet stunning. 

“Letting off steam and teaching you topsiders a lesson.” Vi barked back as she pulled herself up from the soft silk sheets. God, how everything ached and how heavy her body felt. 

“You almost died.” The woman reminded her as Vi only shrugged and took a look at her fists that were neatly patched up. 

“I’ve been through worse, Cupcake.” Vi was already pushing herself off the bed and shaking off the pain. 

“My name is Caitlyn, not Cupcake.” She growled back as her fangs poked out of her crimson lips. Caitlyn wasn’t impressed by Vi’s antics and she was debating why she saved the girl’s life in the first place.

“Cupcake, just suits you better. If I’ve been out for three days, that means that stupid gala hasn’t started yet right?” Vi saw an opportunity, one that would give her some information about what was going on. But more importantly information about Powder.

“You mean Powder’s birthday? I’m surprised that information about her party got outside of Piltover. Why do you care anyways?” Caitlyn went from concerned to inquisitive in a matter of seconds as Vi sighed and gave her a smile. 

“Can I trust you, Cupcake?” It was an honest question and one that Vi was surprised she asked her enemy of all people. But, she felt something between them, a connection unlike any other.

“Of course.” Caitlyn was slightly curious and yet had a bad feeling brewing in her stomach.

“I’m looking for my sister. I have information that she will be at that party.”  Vi muttered trying to not give a name or anything else. 

“I can help you and possibly change your mind on the people of Piltover. We aren’t the monsters you think I am. Rest for today, the party is tomorrow and I’m allowed one partner.” Caitlyn gave her a hopeful smile that Vi scoffed at. But, there was something off about this feeling she had with Caitlyn. 

She was different, kind, somewhat pushy and naïve. You could say her privilege made her naïve too and yet here was Vi standing next to her enemy. With thoughts that she was special compared to other vampires she knew.

That reminds me of the story Mom use to tell to me and Powder when we were little. 

Maybe, because of Caitlyn’s looks but, with the dark navy blues of her hair was exactly like her mothers. It was enough to make her remember a better time, a time when things were so much easier. 

“Girls, let me tell you a story of magic and wonder. A myth that was proven true. One of love and fate.” Her mother was always a fan of stories like these and Powder ate them up. While Vi was on the level of “too mature” for silly romance stories. 

“Oooh! Tell us! Please!” Powder cried as her eyes glittered as Vi just gave her a nod. 

“It starts with a princess, a girl more beautiful than the setting sun. The story says she was the first vampire and the queen of the night. But, she was lonely and wished to find a partner to spend the rest of her eternal life with. So, she cast a spell to change fate. A spell to ensure her children would always have someone to love them. A spell that helped me find your Father and through our love we had two lovely girls. All because of her spell to help us find our soulmate.” She gave them a big old squeeze as Powder giggled and Vi had a look of concern on her face.

“Does that mean, Powder will find someone and leave?” Vi muttered as her mother gave her a sad smile. 

“One day, she will. But, so will you Violet.” She gave her oldest a bright smile as Vi frowned. It was impossible, it was a spell for vampires not humans.

“But, I’m like Dad. Human.” Vi remembered how confused she was as her mother grinned and shook her head. 

“Violet, your blood is special. You may be human, but you have the heart of a vampire. Strong, powerful and beautiful. I believe the spell will lead you to your soulmate. You’ll feel a connection, a connection so strong you’ll allow them in. No, mental walls will stop you from being yourself with them. Just, have faith.” Her mother’s soft and sweet tone echoed through her head. 

If her mother was right, this might be the feeling she described and one Vi didn’t understand. She felt vulnerable, slightly weak and yearning to be around her favorite Cupcake. How she smelt like freshly baked cupcakes, so sweet and so tempting. It drove her to things she never thought about doing before and it was honestly somewhat frightening. But, maybe just this once she would allow herself a new friend. A partner who would help bring Powder back to her. 

“You got yourself a deal, Cupcake.” Vi gave her a smirk as she put a hand in front of her. Caitlyn took it with an annoyed expression and yet she still had a faint smile on her face. 

“For the last time, my name is Caitlyn. Not Cupcake.” She snapped back at her new nickname and it only made Vi laugh. 

“But, Cupcake suits you.” She was too busy laughing to try and sound serious. Which only made Caitlyn sigh as she tried to finger out Vi’s ridiculous reasoning. 

“Why is that?” Caitlyn wasn’t impressed and she was annoyed but it was an endearing nickname. 

“You’re sweet, just like a cupcake.” Vi smirked once again and Caitlyn was taken aback. She had to cough to recompose herself and pray she didn’t see the slight blush. 

“Go and rest. We have twenty-four hours before the party and you need to be at your best. I’ll cover the rest.” That was all it took to make Vi sit back down and prepare herself for the cursed party she was about to go to. 

One more day and I’ll see Powder again. Just one more day and we’ll be together.

Chapter Text

There's a saying that goes like this, there's nothing stronger than a mother's love. Which is a half truth, yes, their love is unconditional. But, when you live for an eternity things are more complicated. That love becomes something more than that, it becomes a shield to protect their child from evil. They throw caution and mortals out the window when it comes to their child. After all there's nothing a mother won't do. 

Mel paced around her study and thought about how her enemy was going to handle her invitation. Yes, it was extreme and if Powder ever remembered she would despise her. But, this was for the safety of her new family and one that meant the world to her. It had to be done and she could just throw him into Stillwater. Anything to keep them safe and together. Mel just needed something to make sure Powder was safe. 

Before she knew it, her legs were taking her to Powder's laboratory. She was trying to keep a normal walking pace, it slowly sped up until she was sprinting to her daughter. Mel lost her composure when it came to her and her husbands. They're her family and she was willing to do absolutely anything in her power for them. It wasn't something she had before, family wasn't something often found back home and those who shared her blood weren't exactly family. They could never be considered family, she made a new one with her own hands and they became her world. Her everything. Powder might not be family by blood or through marriage, she was her daughter through the law. But, she didn't care about the law or the other silly things that people used to consider what family was. Powder was and always would be her daughter. 

Please. Please, be alright. Please, stay as you are . Mel's thoughts were everywhere and repeated over in loops. She arrived in front of her daughter's small laboratory in their manor and very quietly cracked open the door. 

The room was dim with only a few lights flickering and the glow of hextech around. Mel was able to clearly see roses, almost thousands around Powder and it seemed they came from her body. They wrapped themselves around her slim body so tightly, that there was blood going down her fingertips and dripping into the floor.

"Powder?!" Mel shrieked as she slammed the doors open in and saw a very confused Powder looking at her. 

"Mom? Are you okay?" Powder got off her chair and bolted over and gave her a tight squeeze. 

"...I'm fine, my dear. Just worried." Mel squeezed Powder as tight as she could manage without hurting her. 

That was nothing, Mel. It was just stress, there was nothing to worry about. Powder is alright and you're just stressed beyond belief…Powder is fine. She’ll be fine. Mel kept repeating it to herself as she hugged her daughter. 

"Worried? About what?" Powder blinked and tilted her head to the side. 

Powder was beyond confused and starting to worry herself. Mel was the definition of Piltover's grace and pride. She was never worried, if she was she never vocalized it. At least, never to her directly. 

"Just about how to make your birthday a success. I'm just worried you're going up too quickly, my dear. I just want you to be my little girl." Mel's voice was tender and quiet as she placed a kiss on Powder's forehead. 

"Don't worry, I'm always here. You've said it yourself, family always sticks together." Powder's words warmed Mel's heart as she broke the hug.

"I'll leave you to your inventions. Don't worry about Progress Day, you'll shine brighter than anyone else. Even the Man of Tomorrow. Mel turned her heels and took one last glance at Powder before leaving. 

“Can I invite someone, maybe a few people?” Powder mumbled as Mel froze at the door and looked back at Powder. She looked hopeful and gave her big old puppy dog eyes. Her weakness. 

“Who, my dear?” Mel’s surprise showed in her voice as she blinked at her daughter's request. Powder wasn’t the sort to invite people to Progress Day, it’s been strictly a family event and always denied bringing anyone. 

“Violet. Can you bring Violet and Ekko this year?” Powder sheepishly tucked back a lock of hair behind her ear. 

No, you can’t do that. You can have anyone else, Powder. Anyone else. You can even ask to bring my mother. But, not them. Absolutely not. Was what Mel wanted to say and she had to hold herself back. 

“I’ll ask Jayce and Viktor.” Mel’s voice lost its kindness and dropped into a cold tone. Not one Powder heard often and yet she still wanted to push it. 

“But, they’ll say no. Please, Mom . Just this once.” Powder begged as she walked forward and tried to close in the distance. 

“I’ll ask your Fathers, but if you know the answer it’s best to keep expectations low.” Mel left with tears in her eyes, she was losing her. She couldn’t lose her. Not ever. 

Mel slid down the side of the door and silently let her tears fall. She never wanted to get as close to the change as she did. It wasn’t a part of her plans, Powder was a business venture. A tool to help her gain more control and power over Piltover’s people. But, she got something priceless, a daughter. A perfect daughter and one she always wanted. One she always struggled to get after her marriage to the two men, but Powder became the one thing she was missing and made her stop chasing the dream of her own child. Powder made her weak, she was a strong and prideful Piltovian woman. So, why did it hurt so much? Why couldn’t she let Powder leave the nest? She took her away from her family and she had the right to know them. But, she used to scream, cry and rip herself apart when she thought about them. Powder’s happiness was all she wanted and being with her made Powder happy. She had a family that loved her and supported her regardless of what she did. Because to her, Powder was perfect.  

While her mother cried, Powder felt a single tear start her waterfall of tears and emotions. She could have swore she just met Ekko today, but why did it feel like she knew him for years? He felt so familiar and yet so distant at the same time. Hazy memories, names of people she didn’t know and a feeling of being ripped apart were all so strange. Powder was suffering as her heart was aching and she stumbled back to her chair. The pain was unbearable, as she tried to scream for help and yet her voice wasn’t something that came to her. All she could do was suffer in silence alone, while Mel sat outside crying.

Mel was a mess, that was for sure but she heard Powder’s quiet and that was enough for her to run back in. She pulled herself off the ground and pushed the doors open. Powder was struggling to keep herself conscious and that her pain was immeasurable. Mel could tell from the scratches on her face and just the sheer amount of blood that was dripping from her body. The worst thing that appeared were those dreaded white roses, the same she saw in that vision just moments earlier. White roses, where poisonous to vampires and cursed. Yet, the significance of them for vampires went back to centuries and even eras. They meant death and rebirth. But, more importantly salvation through death, it was an omen of bad luck and that someone was going to die a miserable death. 

“No. No. No. Please. Jayce! Viktor! Please!” Mel screamed from the top of her lungs as she pulled Powder into her arms. 

Mel was shaking and still managed to stumble the words out of her mouth for her magic. One to heal and protect her daughter. She wasn’t going to lose her and it was all because of that stupid seal. If it wasn’t going to be stable and do its job then Mel would cast another one. One that protects Powder, one that would always make her be with her. It wasn’t dangerous for Powder, but for poor Mel it could kill her. But, it didn’t matter, Powder’s safety was what mattered if she died how would they go on? She was their sunshine and their little girl. There wasn’t any other option and if her life could save her. Then it was a price she was willing to pay.

Mel cut her wrists and opened Powder’s mouth allowing her blood to drip down her throat. Her golden engravings that she had around her body and her blood turned gold. It was painful, but Powder was getting better and she felt her soul burn. She was turning her magic into an active barrier that would activate based on Powder’s emotion and physical well being. But, it would have another effect and only one that would activate under one condition. 

“Mel?!” Jayce ran into the room as he watched Mel bleed from every pore in her body. 

“Leave us, Jayce! I can save her.” Mel smiled as her blood went down her face and mixed with her tears. 

“You’re going to get yourself killed, Mel! This is enough!” Jayce ran to her side as he tried to pull her off Powder. She was cold and shivering for a vampire of her status. 

I don’t have time for this, we can save both of them. Jayce’s thoughts were fast and determined like his sparks of thunder. They coursed through Mel’s body and she didn’t fall unconscious like he planned. She finished her spell through pure determination and motherly love before she passed out. Viktor limped in and stumbled into the scene. 

“Jayce? What did you do?” Viktor had a look of horror as he saw sparks of his magic around Mel. 

“Viktor, just please help me. They need help.” Jayce picked up Mel into his arms and started walking towards the door.

“Clearly, but you didn’t answer my question. Jayce. What did you do?” Viktor walked towards Powder and took one of the clean work towels into his hands. 

“I stopped a disaster for the family.” Jayce’s voice was one of regret as he smelt the burning of Mel’s flesh and yet she was still breathing. Just barely. 

“Jayce. We’ll be talking later, but right now go and call for a doctor.” Viktor was disappointed, but he had to take care of Powder. 

Jayce just nodded and took Mel away as Viktor focused his attention on Powder. He gently touched the roses blooming from her blood and wiped them down slowly. It was the first time since he saw a rose that was almost crystal like in nature and that changed in terms of shape depending who it was around. It was sharp, chipped and some pieces were breaking off entirely. Viktor knew what this meant and yet he didn’t care. He knew that everything he did was to protect his family and help vision of a better Piltover. But, he cared about a home that was long gone from him. Viktor wanted to help change the dynamics between Piltover and Zaun. Because he wanted Powder to not have to choose and have both families. He knew what it was like to be alone and not have any parents. Ripped away from everything you ever knew and having to start over fresh. It was his life, he was overshadowed by Jayce, because he didn’t want the fame, all he wanted was the science and the inventing. Maybe, by doing this he would save his family and stop the war that was coming just on the horizon. 

“What exactly happened here?” Viktor mumbled as he rubbed Powder’s face with a cloth. 

There was something odd about her blood, there were pieces and chunks mixed inside. Even the ones that were on her arm, it looked like things were growing and growing quickly. Viktor knew for a fact it wasn’t a pureblood trait, under better conditions he would have asked for a sample. But, he had plenty from the flowers and the blood around Powder herself. 

“Powder, you’ll be just fine. I promise you.” Viktor gave her a small smile as he got up and started to look for the first aid kit. 

Viktor cleaned Powder up and placed all the towels into a bag. A bag to figure out what happened, white roses that appear like that are rare. They are produced only by vampires who have lost themselves. Vampires that have a close link to destiny itself, at least, that’s that the books said. A gift from the First Blood to their chosen children or those who were gravely injured in the past. Both were concerning as there was no real science behind it and it seemed to be random. But, Viktor was ready and determined to find out just what those roses meant. Besides, he was the man for the job. He didn’t have his family's ethics and was willing to do anything to help. Even if it was something that would be unsafe for Jayce’s standards. This wasn’t the time and if he wanted to finally do something he would have to act fast. Because, Jayce wasn’t a patient man and when it came to his family even for the answers they needed. Jayce was weak and didn’t understand that the results outweighed the risk or even the cost. 

Powder would be safe, free to explore the world and not be trapped inside her bird cage. She would be different from him and walk a different path. Yes, his lovers wouldn’t be happy with that. It didn’t matter if they would be or not, what mattered was Powder’s happiness. In the remaining time left, Viktor would give his daughter the world in her hands and his lovers would understand in time. 

“Sleep, as when you wake everything will be better. I promise you, there won’t be any reason to have that seal anymore. You’ll be free and you can fly. See the world for me and those who no longer have wings capable of flight.” Viktor kissed her forehead as he pulled her arm over his head and attempted to take her back into her room. 

He felt Powder shift slightly and mutter things in her sleep. “I’m so sorry, I just want to stay with you. Forever.” Viktor froze as a maid came running over and helped him with Powder.

Viktor walked side by side with his assistant and made sure Powder was placed into her room safely. He went back to her lab and felt every ache in his step. He overdid it, he couldn’t do anything and it bothered him. Viktor couldn’t even carry Powder back, he wouldn’t use magic to heal her wounds like Mel or Jayce. All he had was an immortal life with a body that wasn’t suited for it. After walking for a few moments, he reached the lab and picked up the bag. He made sure to check the contents, the once light blue towels that were stained red were now stained silver. Viktor would need to ask Mel about it later and ask for Jayce’s assistance. But, he would have to buy his body some more time and needed to continue his research. Through that he would obtain the information required to save himself and Powder. But, first he needed to speak to Jayce and give him an earful for his earlier actions.

Chapter Text

Most of us are lucky to have people not disappear. To be safe and sound most of the time. Sometimes, they’re taken, spirited away would be a term often used. But when you’re in the middle of a war, what would you do if a family member was taken or went missing? How would you react? Would you leave them for dead? Or spend every resource you had to find them? Regardless of what you think is the right decision. That decision is yours and only yours to make. That means it’s only left to you and falls on your shoulders.

Mylo and Claggor were waiting for their older sister to come home to make sure she was okay. She left to calm down and get rid of some steam. But she was gone for hours and she didn’t make it back home to the Last Drop. Vi always made it home every night and would check if everyone was home. She did this every night after Powder went missing, the boys thought it was just her way to cope after losing her sister. But, they soon found out how deep her trauma ran, from how she would brutally beat or tore other vampires limb by limb. She hated them, she wanted them all gone. They could see it, the blood bath she was willing to leave behind for her sister. It scared them but they knew when they lost Powder. They were going to join their family in their bloodbath for their lost loved one. 

But the two brothers understood one thing, they couldn’t panic. Vi, was the strongest and took every punch. Sometimes with her face, but she wasn’t one to straight up die. She had a mission to protect her family and bring her sister back home. Vi was not going to die before she did these things. The brothers knew that and yet she wasn’t home for her regular check ins. They turned to look at their father Vander, who was leaning on the bar waiting for his daughter to come home. She didn’t show up. As the hours passed and Vander started to look more worried. 

“Boys, gear up. We’re going to look for your sister. Vi, should be fine but we need to look for her.” Vander didn’t look well, the boys knew that much. From how he was deep into his drink and the bangs under his eyes made the once youthful appearance disappear in seconds. 

“Vander, we can go and look for Vi ourselves. Get some sleep.” Claggor needed his dad to sleep, he was the leader of the Lanes and all the hunters. If he wasn’t okay or looked under the weather that made room for people to try and get his position. 

“I’m fine. Get your gear, now.” Vander’s stern voice was enough to shut up his sons and they left to grab their gear. 

Vander stared at the where his heavy metal gauntlets were, he gave them to his oldest so she could protect his older children. Violet was strong, ruthless just like him. His daughter was too much like him, from how she acted to how she fought. Vi was just like Vander in his youth, reckless and always made her decisions based on her emotions. That’s what made Vander terrified. His daughter never backed out of a fight and it didn’t matter to her how many people were there. Vander needed to keep his family safe, they were strong children and Vander knew this. But, they were all reckless and yearned for a fight. He knew that was because of their mutual trauma of losing Powder. 

But, Vander knew he failed as a father. He couldn’t help his children deal with their trauma well enough. There was nothing Vander could do to keep his children out of dangerous situations. Vampires weren’t going to let them just do whatever they wanted. They would hurt, betray and even kill their own family if they had too. 

Because they weren’t all monsters. Only some and Vander couldn’t teach his children that. No, he couldn’t they’ve been through enough. His children deserved a happy life, one with smiles and one where they could be together. It wasn’t right to raise his children in ignorance but he didn’t have it in him. Especially doing this alone and raising three children it was hard when they wanted vengeance. 

Vengeance. A word Vander hated to his core and one that carried too many memories. Ones of a much better time and one where he almost had everything. Where Zaun was almost its own nation, where brother’s and families were together. Where his kids had their families and they didn’t need to suffer. Where once upon a time, he and his brother would always do things together. Days when Silco would often give him advice and remind him that he was never alone. With an occasional joke he and there. Those memories were long gone, but yet so precious. Maybe it was the alcohol but it brought back old memories. 

Zaun was a gore fest, bodies littered around and slowly turning to dust. Blood on almost every surface in the area that would soon be called the Lanes. The small bits and pieces of organs stuck in between Vander’s fingernails. Vander watched as Silco’s knife pushed through the vampire’s side, the fresh blood spilling out of the wound seemly only helping his blade to slice it’s host apart. The ‘Monster’ fell back into the cold Zaun streets into a pool of its own blood. But, you could clearly see the Monster’s insides, the soft pinks and the snow white bone along with the small bits of skin keeping the vampire’s side together. 

It was going to die, but the young men weren’t going to allow it a peaceful or quick death. They normally just would watch it slowly die, it was satisfying and clenched their thirst for vengeance. 

“That was a clean kill, Brother.” Vander called out to Silco and walked over to greet him.

Vander finished his kill earlier and decided to lean against a wall earlier. He was always surprised to see how Silco killed. He was always so clean, making every strike count and they were always so brutal yet precise. Vander on the other end, he was messy and allowed himself to get covered in his victims blood. He was covered head to toe in bits of organs, blood, flesh and clumps of hair. 

“Brother. You’ve come to watch. If you were watching that whole time, you could’ve helped.” Silco wasn’t impressed and fling his knife down to get rid of the blood. 

“It looked like you had it covered.” Vander was right, Silco really didn’t need his help and it was one of the few times where he didn’t jump in. 

“You look like you have something on your mind.” Silco was straight to the point like always. But his voice was gentle and caring one you would use on your older sibling. 

“Oh, I was just thinking about the future. What if you weren’t here? What would our plans be then?” Vander never worried about these things often, but he needed his brother in arms there with him. Their biggest plans were years in the making one they plotted together. Years of planning, years building up the manpower and they only had a few more years to go. They were almost twenty five and their plans were going to happen in two years. 

“You would go on without me. This plan means more than our lives, Vander. We must be willing to sacrifice anything at all, even our own lives.” Silco spoke true, this plan was one that they needed to do anything to achieve. But, Piltover would not bend so easily and Vander wasn’t completely willing to allow himself to lose anything to them. Not anymore. 

“Silco? What do you mean? I can’t do this alone.” Vander accidentally let those slip from his lips and heard Silco laugh. It wasn’t a normal laugh, it was loud for the young man. 

“You’re a fool if you think you’re doing this alone brother. You have that woman, you often went to her for help. Maybe, if you can cool her down after she caught you stealing Piltover secrets.” 

“Amalie still wants my head. She won’t help me.” Vander chuckled, Amalie Grayson the daughter of the current head of Piltover Security. She has everything he wanted in a woman, strong, stubborn, a fighter and always put people above what Piltover considered the law. 

She was his-

Vander’s memories quickly disappeared when he saw the bloodbath that seemed to occur on the bridge. Blood, and remnants of ash covered the bridge. It was the place often with the most halflings to kill and Vi would often do the graveyard shift to protect this area of town. If she went anywhere, this would be the first place to go. 

 Mylo was the first to run forward to look around and Claggor soon followed. But, Vander knew something was wrong. The bridge was too quiet. Not a single enforcer, no halflings and yet his very familiar pair of gauntlets on the ground. 

“No…” Vander muttered as he ran over to look at the gauntlets. 

The boys soon went over to their father and that’s when their hearts dropped. They were all trying to distract themselves from the possible ‘what ifs’. Vi was strong, they all knew that. But, if those were here, where the fuck was Vi? Was she safe? Was she dead? Did she get eaten alive? They needed to pick themselves up, but they were frozen in their thoughts. 

 Mylo needed her to help himself afloat. His sister often helped him become a better person and she was soon someone he looked up too. He was an asshole, uncaring and stubborn to the core. But, Vi made him remember where he came from. What he lost in his youth and what mattered most to him was family. 

Claggor always talked more whenever his sister plagued him with questions about the future missions. The times where she tried to help him with getting to know more people. Or the times where Claggor became her shoulder to cry on, during the anniversary of her sister’s kidnapping. How they supported each other, always watching each other’s backs. Dealing with Mylo and trying to get him back into a better state of mental health. Now, he had to lose another one even if it was temporary. 

Vander and Vi were always together even since they were little. She became a leader after watching him and wanting to be like him. He remembered her always training and mimicking the way he punched while adding her own touch to it. He needed his oldest, just because he couldn’t lose another child. Losing Powder was more than he could handle and watching his children suffer with her absence. 

Vander scanned the bridge as Claggor instantly flagged him down and pointed at the trail of blood leading into Piltover. 

“Vander, look at this, it’s fresher than the blood over here.” Claggor pointed out as Mylo looked around and found bullet cases nearby. 

“Bullets over here too. Whoever shot these, might know what happened to Vi.” Mylo pointed out as Vander signed. He hated to do this, but he was a leader and needed to go back to their HQ. 

“Let’s head back and form a bigger crew. We’re going to need it if we want a shot at finding your sister.” 

They turned on their heels and took one last good look at the bloodbath on the bridge. They swore to get Vi back, even though that meant having to destroy Piltover in the process.

Chapter Text

Desperate times means desperate measures, but what measures are too far? How do you define ‘desperate measures’? Is it giving everything you have against a wall and seeing what sticks? Fighting a losing battle, where you won’t be coming home? Or is it when everything seems lost and you finally lose your moral compass? Sometimes doing whatever it takes is enough. Because, some battles require you to come on top and sometimes that means putting your life on the line or losing your own life. As some battles require the ultimate price to make sure your loved ones are safe. 

Mel understood her decision and what she did to her daughter. What that meant to her and how limiting her actions would now be. She did it for her daughter, for her family. Family was the most important thing now, she had barely anything else left. Sure, she had power, status, fame and yet she wasn’t happy. The only time she had any happiness was with her small family. Her two husbands and their daughter. Powder wasn't an ‘adopted child’ anymore she was like her own flesh and blood. She had her mannerisms, Jayce and Victor's love for inventing along with science. Powder was a perfect blend of all three of them and she had the heart of an angel as well. Her beloved daughter and the proof of the love their little family had for one another. 

But her family had its issues, like all families. They were extremely protective and Jayce’s little stunt from earlier was proof of it. Nothing harmful could ever befall them, if it did all hell would break loose. Victor’s morals have been declining as he’s been looking for a way to save his soul. Jayce is reckless and jumps to the easiest way out. Manipulated into doing acts of violence and sending the Enforcer’s to clean even the smallest of their family messes. Markus has learned to despise their little family and yet using them to try to get more power. Mel would always pull strings to get whatever she wanted…regardless of the consequences. 

But now, laying in this bed and having Jayce watching her every move. All she could think of was how did they end up like this? Powder was fine, before she met that boy and those roses started to appear. 

Powder will be okay. She has to be okay. That boy has nothing to do with it. Nothing at all.

Mel’s thoughts started to enter a dark place, what if they silently removed him from the picture? Would Powder be alright then? Would she despise her? Would she understand why they did it? No, she couldn’t hurt her daughter but what if it was possible? It didn’t matter anymore. She had her protection and that’s all that mattered now. Protection that would last a lifetime. That surpassed death itself, that was the power of her Love. A Mother’s Love. 

“Mel. What did you do?” Jayce wasn’t pleased in the slightest, but his voice was dripping with worry and anger. 

Jayce. Poor Jayce. He finally found a family and you’re willing to take it away. What does that make you, Mel? You’re just like your mother. Heartless, cruel, emotionless, a temptress and nothing but a manipulator. A voice she learned to suppress came back with a vengeance. A voice that she learned to ignore over the years, a voice that embodied her doubts, fears and traumas. Mel understood her daughter well and she was doing anything she could to make her feel better. But, would Jayce feel better or more importantly would he understand? 

“You know what I did Jayce. I don’t regret it. I saved our daughter, the reason why we’re here.” Mel was straight to the point and honest. Brutally honest. 

“You could’ve died, Mel. You would leave us behind, like that?” Jayce took a few steps forward and Mel stared at her hands. He was right, she could’ve died and now that was something she soon wouldn’t need to worry about. 

“You know exactly how that spell works. How are we going to explain this to Powder?” Jayce was beyond upset, he failed and hurt his wife. He was losing it, it was something soon out of his control and yet he needed to control it. 

“We don’t need to explain it. Nothing is going to happen.” Mel knew she was wrong, she could feel herself slipping away and she had no other choice but to forge ahead. 

Forge ahead, forget the pains of tomorrow Mel. Enjoy your time, because even for an immortal life is fleeting. No, time is fleeting. Remind yourself what have you lost, what are you willing to do now? All you can do is support them. Victor and Jayce need me more than ever. I can’t allow him to suffer. Mel knew she would need to prepare them for a future, she had no power to see. But, she did know one thing. It would be one of pain, torment and suffering. 

“Mel. You can’t be serious. We built this city together. Viktor and I need you. I need you . I can’t do this alone.” Jayce was pleading for her to remove the spell and sadly this was one of those spells she couldn’t just take back. 

“Jayce. You know better than anyone else, I can’t just do that.” The sorrow in Mel’s voice killed Jayce’s heart. Not even for him, she was willing to give up their daughter. 

“No…Please. Mel. You can’t do this, I love you and Viktor. I can’t give up our daughter. I love her as much as the rest. We’ll figure something out, Mel. Together. Please don’t just give up like this.” Jayce knew he lost and it was written all over him. But he wasn’t going to give up so easily. 

“Jayce. There’s no cure for that illness of hers. It has no cure.” Mel’s words hit him like a truck at a thousand miles per hour. 

No cure. 

No cure? 

No cure! 

They lived for thousands of years and there was no cure? Not even for the advances in their technology or research. There was nothing they could’ve done. Mel did the best she could and there was no great mind in Piltover that could save her or their daughter? Truly? This was the best they could’ve done? No, fucking way. Jayce was not going to accept that at all and he was going to find a path to save them. Even if that meant making that path himself. 

No matter what it took. Whatever it takes, he would save them.

Chapter Text

Sometimes, when you struggle all you can do is stare out at a place that means something to you. A place that brings you peace and allows you to think clearly. We all have that space like that, may it be on a cliffside, your old school or a garden. They all come in different shapes and sizes. But, they are all special in some way to someone and they will always be special in different ways. As these places mean something to the individual and that meaning is enough to bring them peace or hardship. 

Powder stirred in her bed as she kept the demons at bay and voices she didn’t recognize came to welcome her to the realms of dreams. The voice wasn’t one of kindness or malice. But, it was monotone and it lacked all emotion. These demons clawed at her as they tried to calm her as she was being pulled forward.

No, please! Let me go! Please. 

These creatures had no face and kept pushing her into a garden of white roses. These roses were whiter than snow itself, pure and yet painful. She could feel the thorns pressing into her skin and forcing themselves to shed her blood. They seemed to be trying to drink her blood and their colors changed slowly. The roses that drank her blood were slowly turning powder blue and some of the roses around it were different shades of blue. It was beautiful and yet being alone in this field made her feel lonely. So, many thoughts were racing through her head as she looked for a way out. This was her dream, she should be able to control it. But, nothing she tried would change. Everything remained the same and the pain only got worse. 

She seemed to stay there for hours as she looked around and attempted to escape this nightmare. But, she could feel there was someone there with her. Staring and watching her from afar. 

“Child. You can stop looking for a way out. There’s no way out unless I let you.” A woman’s voice echoed out into the garden. It wasn’t cold, but it was warm and motherly. A voice that she imagined queens and rulers to have. 

“Why can’t I leave?” Powder wasn’t going to waste anymore of her time and cut straight to the chase. She needed to leave and go back to her family. They were waiting for her to wake up. 

“Because, I want to talk. It’s been so lonely here, my dear child.” The woman's voice sounded so sad and sounded like an upset child. 

“Talk about what? I need to go back.” Powder didn’t want to stay and allow her to talk. She didn’t want to spend another second in this hellhole. 

“Go back where, child?” The woman questioned as Powder felt her head ache as invisible pressure pushed down on her. 

Who was she trying so hard to go back to? Did she have someone she was trying to go back to? 

What was she trying to accomplish here?

“I don’t know.” Powder’s voice was quiet and distant. There was something wrong here and yet she couldn’t put her finger on it. 

The wind rushed around her pulling various rose petals with it as they danced around her. It didn’t seem to stop dancing around her as she started to see a figure within the petals in the wind. Her purple hair fluttered around her as a bright smile covered her face. This was almost hypnotic and yet she felt her body pulled back. 

She found herself laying in the bed of roses as she saw her mother’s golden markings on her skin. Powder couldn’t understand what was going on, but it didn’t matter anymore because she was back in her room and laying in her bed. She blinked a few times before she sat up and was welcomed with Viktor reading a book in the corner of the room. 

“You’re awake now, Pow-Pow. How are you feeling?” Viktor's soft voice was all she needed to hear after the insanity of her dream. She never realized how much Viktor just grounded her and made her heart calm stop racing.  His voice was always something that made her worries disappear. 

'He's always been so kind to you hasn't he? Oh, how must you adore him.' The woman's voice echoed in her mind as she did her best to ignore it. After all the woman wasn't real, she wasn't ever real. She was just imaging her, right?

“I’m feeling alright, how long have I been out for?” Powder saw Viktor’s mouth open but it was interrupted by Jayce answering that question before his partner even could. 

“About 10 hours, but it’s alright. Come, Powder, I want to show you something. Vik, you’re coming too.” Jayce gave them his million dollar smile as Powder pushed herself out of bed and followed him occasionally looking back at Viktor. Lately, he’s been looking worse and it was an unusual occurrence for Viktor to leave at this hour. So, why would Jayce ask him to go with them? 

Powder was curious but kept her mouth shut to see where this was going to go. But, it wasn’t long until she found out that neither Jayce or Viktor said a word. It was awkward silence and tension wasn’t something she could ignore or even attempt to break. Something happened while she was asleep and couldn’t help but feel that she was responsible. The silence continued until they walked through the city and climbed to the roof of Piltover University. The university gave the group a good view of Piltover, the various white and grays of the buildings or the aircraft flying in and out of the airship harbor. It was breathtaking from the sun setting over the horizon as it only highlighted the magic present in the city. Small bit of rainbow colored glitter over the building or lining the streets. 

This was the beauty Powder remembered when she was a child. She didn’t ever understand why people called Piltover beautiful and not the people who lived there. To her they were the true beauty this city had to share to the world. But, now she understood just why people called Piltover the city of Beauty. She could feel the heart of Piltover beating and hers syncing with it. 

“Do you like the view?” Jayce was the first one to break the silence, as Powder nodded with only the same excitement. It was the same smile Jayce remembered when she was a child. A smile that made him attach himself to the girl as his own. Perhaps that was why he brought them here. 

“Yeah, it’s fantastic!” Powder’s excitement was almost intoxicating as it made her Fathers smile as well. 

“It’s beautiful, but why did you bring us here Jayce?” Viktor was the one to cut straight to the chase. This was the one thing that made Powder reassured that something definitely happened when she was asleep. It wasn’t something she wanted to ask about and just have moments of peace before the truth was revealed. 

“To enjoy some family time, before Powder’s birthday in a few days. Although, Powder, what do you see?” Jayce’s tone was almost accusatory and almost looking for something. 

What was going on? Powder thought to herself as she searched her brain for any signs of her parents fighting in the past. But, as she looks through her memory nothing comes to mind. So, why? Why was Jayce sounding like he was testing her loyalty?

“Jayce.” Viktor’s stern tone and his glare wasn’t enough for Jayce to back down. What was going on?

“Answer the question.” Jayce’s voice was low and demanding. It was terrifying and yet she couldn’t find herself to decline. 

“I see a beautiful city and yet something sleeps in the darkness of the city. This city is crying in pain and unlike the city I saw a few days ago. The core of the city is screaming in pain and all we can see is the beauty.” Powder didn’t understand why she was saying this, it felt like someone else. It felt like a spirit was taking over her body at that moment as she saw the same purple haired woman next to Jayce. 

The woman smiled as she walked around him and grinned. She was almost trying to get a reaction from Powder. But, Powder’s glare towards Jayce was enough to make the woman laugh loudly. This was it, she knew whatever was going on here was something supernatural. 

``Such kind parent’s you have, child. This one is awfully secretive.” The woman smiled as she danced around Jayce. 

“Interesting, Powder.” Jayce nodded and yet he didn’t say much at all. He just stood there looking at the view with a slight look of anger. 

This wasn’t the view Powder knew Piltover had, but it was soon going to be something she would learn to get used too. She never saw Piltover to have this sort of corruption, but now this spirit was showing her something darker that laid underneath it all. There was only superficial beauty in the city and yet she felt so alone. Jayce wouldn’t allow Viktor to speak and Mel was busy. Caitlyn wasn’t around either to keep her company, as she was doing her rounds and yet she wanted to see her so badly. As Caitlyn was always there when her parents couldn’t be and right now she really needed her. No, she needed anyone. Mel, Caitlyn, maybe even Ekko.

Chapter Text

Having skeletons in your closet is never something someone wants to have. But, we all have those secrets we can’t tell another soul. All those potential secrets that could ruin your reputation or ruin your life. But, that’s why we keep them hidden and make sure to go to great lengths to keep it a secret. As some things should just remain unknown for the peace of mind.

Vander was pacing back and forth in his office with his best friend Benzo sitting in a nearby chair. He knew there was something wrong with Vi’s disappearance and there wasn’t any news about her whereabouts. They’ve been looking for hours and there was absolutely nothing. It was like Vi just disappeared, it would’ve been easier if they found her body or something. At least then he would’ve known that happened to her, but the anxiety coursing through his body made it hard to breathe. His sweating palms, rapid breathing and restlessness as paranoia starts to fill his mind. 

“Vander.” Benzo’s stern yet kind voice was able to catch his friends' attention and yet Vander’s expression was one of tired despair. 

“What?” Vander’s stare was empty and he didn’t notice the food his children left on his desk. 

“We’ll find Violet, just say the word. The Lanes are ready for a fight and you’re the one we’re waiting for.” Benzo’s grin was the one thing that got through and he knew they weren’t equipped for a fight. Especially one so close to their enemy's prime, under the starry sky and where blood would be shed if they couldn’t find Vi. 

“We’ll fight if we have to, but keep fighting to a minimum and make sure everyone comes back alive.” Vander was still nervous as he remembered what happened before on the bridge years ago and he vowed he would not have a repeat of that hell. 

“Let’s gather the crew, I only gathered the best.” With that they left and they were welcomed by about 45 people inside the Last Drop and they all looked like they were looking for a fight. A fight to get back one of their own that disappeared in Piltover. 

“You know the mission by now, it’s a simple one. We will be looking for Vi, one of our own and I want every single one of you to come home alive. Avoid fighting any pointless battles and make sure you cover one another. Claggor, Mylo, Ekko and Benzo you’re with me. Let’s move out.” With a few simple words, the mission was started as they marched towards the Bridge of Progress and onto their battlefield. 

The Lanes already removed some of the mindless monsters around the bridge and all they had to do was make their way there. Bringing Violet home was the only thing on their minds, Ekko’s thought about his childhood friend on the other side and plans of bringing her to her true home. It was a cold night, the air was still and the scent of blood was strong in the air as they walked through the streets of Zaun. Fresh blood only got stronger the deeper they got as they walked into the fog being a barrier between both cities. 

“This gives me the creeps.” Mylo snarled as spat out his anxieties and stared up at the bridge. 

“No shit.” Ekko held tightly into his bat and made sure his hoverboard was easily accessible. 

“It ain’t lookin good, Vander.” Banzo pulled his firearm close to his chest as he stepped near Vander to cover him from any incoming attacks. 

“It looks like we pissed off Piltover.” Vander’s tone was one of annoyance as he felt the ground beneath their feet as moved and was moving them forward. 

The way the bridge moved was chaotic, spikes shooting up and attempting to protect its children. Walls appeared behind them to stop their escape and various mechanical butterflies scattered around the floor. Some broken and others in perfect condition. But, the group of men remained silent to make sure their enemies didn’t know where they were. 

“It looks like Piltover is out of tricks-” Mylo’s grin as he stepped over into enemy grounds and grinned like he was told that he just achieved rank 1 in his fathers company. As if almost out of spite and like Piltover could hear him he was launched forward by the ground going up and forward. “Have I mentioned I hate this city?” Mylo grumbled as he pushed himself up and dusted himself off.

“Pfft, Nice job Mylo. This city is never out of tricks, but gotta say Piltover loves you. She gave me quite a nice transition from the bridge to actual stable ground.” Claggor gave his brother a gentle smile and attempted to keep his laughter to himself. 

“Mylo, if we get back home, you should work on your landings. That was horrendous.” It didn’t matter what stupid thing Mylo did or what happened to him it was something that brought Vander a little bit of joy. 

“Whatever.” Mylo grumbled. 

“I think that was a fantastic landing, my boy!” Benzo’s loud laughter really tossed away the stealth approach. 

Ekko looked around to see if there was anything watching them or vampires about. He was always a bit of a lucky young man and there was nothing around. But, Piltover stopped having a fit and it was time to search. They moved in a group and as a seamless unit as they stalked the streets of Piltover. It was a peaceful 30 minutes of searching and turning corners as they walked into the Plaza of the Shopping district. The fog was awfully thick and more of those golden butterflies were around. They knew they were being watched as they could feel the burning of red eyes staring holes into their heads. 

Go home. 

A feminine voice echoed into their minds, it was angry and yet polite. Vander knew this voice well; it was Piltover, well the skeleton in the closet. 

“No.” Vander growled back as the voice was silent for a moment. 

Very well. I will ask one more time, go back . 

“No, without my daughter.” Vander was quick to snap back as the voice gave him an angelic giggle. 

Which one? I believe you gave one up willingly. You asked me to take care of her and I have. She is now one of my beloved children. You have no need to worry, you may go home my dear old friend.  

“What?” The youngest boys looked over at their leader, shocked. Vander their leader, someone who cared so much about family gave up one of their own. 

Her words were like daggers to his heart as Benzo gave him a reassuring pat on the back. He had no choice, he had no choice! He didn’t have the means to take care of a vampire child! She was a danger to him and the others. Right? One bite from her meant turning and Violet’s blood wouldn’t suffice after long. He had to give her up. Vander took a glance at Ekko, who lost most of his humanity from his youngest. He had no choice. But, he made no attempt to help her. He locked her up and fed her rats as that was all he could get his hands on. 

“We’re here for his eldest, Vi. Pink hair, tall, a bit of an attitude. The older sister of your ‘child’.” Benzo was quick to step in and stop his friend from saying the harsh reality of his situation. 

Violet, that child is soon to be something quite special as well. But, I do not believe it’s up to me if you find her or not. This is not a place for mortals and I cannot guarantee your safety. This is the last time, I shall ask. Please go home, Vander, Benzo, Claggor, Mylo and Ekko. My children of the underground, please don’t allow your blood or life to be lost here. This is my mercy to you.

“Give me my child, Morticia.” Vander growled yet Mortica didn’t answer and she never answered any one of Vanders screams. 

“Dad, what did she mean by you giving up one of your daughters?” Claggor’s defeated voice was even more painful than Morticia's harsh warnings and had to finally come clean to his family. 

Vander lied and told him that Powder was kidnapped by Piltover, that he had to hold Vi back so she wouldn’t be killed by the Topsiders. Telling them they had no choice but to accept that they would have to forget about getting Powder back. They wouldn’t be able to take care of her properly in the Lanes or anywhere in Zaun. It just wasn’t possible. 

“She’s lying, Clag! She has to be!” Mylo’s laugh was almost forced as he looked at Vander with pleading eyes. Eyes that begged him to tell them all that she was just one lying bitch and that their father wouldn’t give his youngest sister up. 

“...” Ekko was at a loss for words and yet his guilt was unimaginable. If he didn’t bleed that day, Vander wouldn’t be in this situation and he would have his youngest with him.It was his fault. His fault. His hellish past few years was his fault. “It’s my fault, I’m sorry.” 

Vander’s head snapped over to Ekko and then to his two sons. He was stunned and couldn’t help but stand there mouth slightly agape. He couldn’t find the right words to tell Ekko that he was wrong and why. Benzo was frowning and trying his best to stop himself from telling the story himself. Everyone was too preoccupied to see the butterflies move and position themselves around them. In seconds they exploded with various types of different colored gas. One by one as they smelled the gas they felt their bodies relaxing and started to feel quite drowsy.

“Good job, my dear. We’ll bring them for questioning.” Mel smiled as she braided Powder's hair from distant table. 

“This is better than Jayce finding them.” Powder giggled as Mel finished up with her hair. 

“Indeed. Come, shall we call the Enforcers?” 

Chapter Text

We all have to deal with family, may it be good or bad. A family is something we all have and may not want. But, we all make our own family, may it be by a found family or the ones we were given. Now, what happens when we have to meet family that we never met before. Those who have been tossed out or never bothered to keep a relationship with those who they once called family? Awkwardness and a test of patience. You never know what you’re about to walk into and it feels like walking through a mine field. 

The floor was cold and hard without any mercy on their comfort regardless of how pretty their jail cell was. A fancy room with a bed on the far right, big windows locked from the outside with chains and a lock. But, those who knew Piltover and the magic held within would know it was a foolish endeavor. Vander knew that already, the skeletons in his closet would be put out for everyone to see. Piltover itself would never allow him to hide anything and it didn’t forget the promises from years past. The kind hearted man who wished for a better life for his loved ones and the same man who made deals he regretted. It didn’t matter, it was a past that was gone with the wind and only scars remained. 

Regardless, Vander if he was born with any magic at all wouldn’t turn back the clock. Time gave him children that meant more than the world to him. It wasn’t easy to raise them and he didn’t even know if he raised him well. They filled the void after he lost another family member and did more to atone for his sins than anything before it. This was his atonement for his past mistakes. It just had to be. 

“Brother.” A voice so familiar and one that haunted his nightmares. His beloved little brother who would share his dreams and the same one he left behind. The man's voice wasn’t one of love or joy. It was the opposite, disdain and outright hate.

“Brother.” Vander’s tone wasn’t one of hate and yet it held nothing but the shell of a broken man. Looking over at the man who leaned close on the door and didn’t seem to move any closer. 

“It’s been too long.” How his words seemed empty and yet there was more buried emotion behind every word. 

“...It has been a while, you can say that.” Oh, how Vander prayed this wasn’t a nightmare of sorts. How many times he had this dream to see his little brother again and how many times he wished to apologize.

“It seems like you’ve gotten yourself in quite a bind. How the Hound of the Underground has fallen and yet still lives.” Only his brother could taunt him like this and get away with it. If it was anyone else he would beat them to a bloody pulp. 

That’s when it sinked in, his brother wasn’t supposed to be here. He was supposed to be buried six feet under, his last remaining family giving up his life for his dream and being the food for Piltover to feed off. His cost for the same silly dreams he had as a child and one he wasn’t really ready to pay. 

This is an Illusion, Vander. Trick of the mind, this is not your brother. Keep telling yourself that. This isn’t him. 

“Are you even real or a nightmare, Silco?” Vander watched Silco’s face coil up with slight anger and surprise. It wasn’t something he was expecting to hear from his brother, but his anger soon disappeared. 

“I wouldn’t consider myself alive, Vander. Turned, changed into a monster and forgotten by your last remaining family.” His tone was one of a dead man who had nothing but ambition and that was the only drive left. Maybe, that was all he had left but Vander didn’t know. 

“You could’ve told me you were alive.” Vander was quick to snap back, he would’ve accepted him. He would’ve! 

“Vander, you’ve become quite the lair. You knew better than anyone else that wasn’t possible. I died for you to become nothing of importance! We had a dream, Vander! A dream!” Silco lost his composure and shouted back every emotion he held for over the years. 

“I didn’t know. I didn’t know the price! It should’ve been me.” It was years ago back when they were nothing but young adults and wished for a better life. Those years where they didn’t know any better and had dreams of their own. 

Silco was furious and yet said nothing. He didn’t have a response to Vander telling him he should’ve died instead. He remembered the man who laughed and fell in love with a woman just like him. How normal he was and yet had dreams of a world that would make everything better for them. It was nothing like the broken man he saw in front of him. Lost, beaten and had nothing left other than the children who were waiting for him. Maybe, he did have one thing left and that was fatherhood. Something that made him weak. 

“Mel Medarda is waiting for you.” Turning to leave with Vander running to keep his brother in his line of vision. 

Nothing was said as he turned various hallways and walked past similar doors. The building was finer than anything Zaun had to offer. Even if you gathered everything that was worth any amount of money, they probably couldn’t buy a home here. Fancy vases, painted pictures of the family that lived here. A bright smile from a blue haired girl who seemed to be about sixteen or so. Her bright blue eyes seemed to hold the world and yet the artist seemed to capture every small detail. The dimples, her freckles and the white dots going down her irises. But, most importantly, the bright smile that lit up the hallway. Just like the smile his youngest used to give him. As he stood there taking her in and remembering Powder. What would she be like if she was this girl's age? They had the same hair color, yet the facial features were slightly different. Maybe, that would be for another time. Silco was calling out to him as he opened the door. 

Walking through, he was welcomed by a dark skinned woman who he saw often in the paper. Mel Medarda, the same woman who came down herself to take Powder away. She didn’t seem to age a year from that day and looked like she didn’t have a hair out of place. But, she looked tired and weak. Something was wrong, as weak wasn’t the right word. She looked sick, like something was wrong with her body and she couldn’t heal it herself. From his understanding, vampires didn't scar, didn’t get sick and never looked tired. But, she looked like she needed to sleep or get some blood in her system. 

“Vander, it is a pleasure to meet you again.” Mel greeted him sweetly but slightly pained. 

“I would say it’s my pleasure, but we would both be lying. What’s the reason you brought me here? Where’s my kids and Benzo?” Even if Mel was sick, Vander wasn’t going to be nice. She took his daughter away from him and forced his hand. 

“Silco, you’re dismissed.” Mel shot him a smile and Silco didn’t say a word but left the room without question. “Vander, I assure you they’re safe. I wanted to speak to you before the council meeting.” Mel walked over to a table with various cups and a pot of tea. 

“What do we have to talk about? From last time, I checked a Topsider never needed to speak to Zaunite before.” Vander took a seat next to her as she poured herself a cup of tea. 

“We never needed to speak after the laws that protected your people were created. But, this is about the child we share. We need to speak about Powder . Think of it as a family chat.” Mel spoke as if he would listen to what she had to say. But, once again Mel twisted his arm once again and he would listen as it had to do with Powder. 

“What’s the issue? I thought you had it all under control.” Vander leaned back and remembered what he said to Grayson that he wanted them to keep her safe. What in the seven hells did Mel what to say?

“Powder, as you know, was given to us to take care of. As her adopted mother, it is my duty to protect her and that is what I have been doing. But, Powder is sick and we have exhausted every resource we have to get better. But, this isn’t something we vampires can fix so easily, it’s poisonous to us you see.” Mel dropped two pills in her tea as she spoke. Something they couldn’t fix that was poisonous to Vampires and that could be anything. Vander had a strange feeling she was asking him for help, but he would let her keep talking. “In simple terms, there’s this strange occurrence with powerful Vampires. That summons white roses from their bodies and their blood attempts to escape their bodies. We have it as an omen of death and rebirth. We have no cure for it, but I’ve heard that the undercity might have something that may help.” 

“Help? What sort of help could I give? I never once heard of it. But, you’re telling me Powder has this incurable disease that can happen randomly?” Vander had to laugh at the stupidity that was coming out of Mel’s mouth. Zaun had no way to help, they had no means to help their own halflings and yet once again he was helpless to help Powder even slightly.

“But, you do. Zaun is the ruins of the city that once stood here before Piltover was built. You can save Powder and I can buy you time.” Mel pleaded, her eyes were filled with determination and conviction. 

“If there’s a cure and if I can even find it. It would take far too long if Powder dies before then…it would be pointless.” Vander hated every word he was saying and yet she needed to know the truth. The ruins were in Zaun, but far too dangerous and expansive. It might take months, maybe years exploring the whole place. 

Mel opened the draw on her side of the table and slid a small wooden box over to him. “I can buy you time.” Mel snapped back. “I can buy you as much time as you need.” 

Vander opened the small box and was welcomed by sealed letters with his name on them. “How would you plan on doing that?” He spoke as he searched for the letter with his name on the front and started picking at the wax seal to open it. 

“I have my ways. I have access to anything magic can create and you have the minds of the Undercity who know how to make the impossible possible. Please.” The way Mel flicked her wrist as magic twisted around her fingertips as she looked at him struggling to open his letter. 

“My crew won’t be too eager doing a job without payment. But, you have me and my boys.” Vander knew his men and women well. They needed money to survive, but his family wouldn’t take a penny if that meant helping Powder. 

“They’ll be paid a good sum, I assure you. None of your men and women will starve Including yourself and your family. I know another thing will sweeten the proposal.” With a snap of Mel’s fingers the letter was neatly open and the contents placed in front of Vander. 

The contents read in big fancy letters, An invitation to Powder Talis Medarda’s Masquerade Ball in celebration of her birthday. Vander looked up at Mel who motioned him to keep reading. He read it and flipped through the letter that only held other formalities. But, on the very last page it held the item that was going to sweeten the deal. 

To Vander, I grant you and your family unlimited access to any Piltovian facility. This includes full Piltover citizenship, a home of your own and half custody of Powder and full custody after my death. Powder will keep her citizenship and is freely allowed to go to Zaun whenever she pleases. However, please allow Viktor and Jayce to keep their positions in her life.

Thank you,

Mel Medarda and Viktor Talis. 

It was short and sweet. Everything Vander ever wanted, Powder was going to be his child once again and yet everything was falling into place. How the tea was making Mel look better and from her sickly appearance when he came in. All the pieces were falling in place and how grim the situation was. 

“You got yourself a deal.” Vander didn’t want to say anything to worsen the woman’s pain. He knew how hard it was for her to do this and he knew that Mel truly loved Powder like any other mother would. That she was doing this for her, that she was willing to die for her daughter to get better. 

“Thank you, now come with me. The council is waiting and Jayce doesn’t know about this. He won’t understand, so please keep it between us.” Mel picked up her tea to take with her as she got up and Vander just nodded as he placed everything back into the box. He placed it in his vest’s inner pocket and followed her out. 

They walked for about ten minutes, before reaching golden doors leading to a room with his crew and a wide table for the councilors. Mel Motioned for him to meet them as Vander scanned the room. Mel already was making her way over to her seat and yet there was Powder seating on the table in a white dress. She was swaying her feet back and forth, almost losing one of her flats in the process. He kept his eyes on her as he walked to his crew. Mylo seemed a little bruised, clearly trying to get into a fight on his way here. Claggor was glaring at Jayce and the other councilors. Ekko seemed to want to take them all out of here and perhaps kill a few in the process. Benzo knew there wasn’t much he could do and had pulled a chair for him to sit down in. 

“Dad!” The boys yelled as they tackled him and Vander returned the squeeze. It was only a few hours but it seemed like they were worried about him. 

“I was startin’ to believe you kicked the bucket.” Benzo laughed as he welcomed Vander back. Yet, Ekko didn’t say a word to him and Vander knew it was because it was his belief that he caused Powder to be taken away. It was something they would need to speak privately about when they got back. Ekko was too young to believe such things that weren’t true to speak of. He was bright and someone people relied on a bit too much. 

“It seems all of you are back.” Jayce announced staring down at them with a glare of his own. “These Zaunite’s trespassed outside of designated visitation times and triggered Piltover’s defense mechanisms. Explain yourselves.” There was a demand Jayce was known for and yet there was something off. He seems a little more ruthless from his tone alone. 

“We came looking for my daughter, Violet.” Vander responded as calmly as he could. He knew they would walk out of this with their heads still on their necks and he couldn’t touch them. 

“Piltover told us as much and you can be grateful that Powder told us as much.” Jayce raised a hand and Vi stumbled from outside the darkness towards them. She was covered in bandaids and given new clothes. But, alive and well yet had her mouth covered with a cloth. 

Vander’s family were quick to help her to her feet and from how jelly-like her movements were she seemed to be drugged. It seemed that Mel’s influence didn’t reach Vi in time to be treated with any sort of kindness. But, she seemed grateful to see him and gave him a sloppy hug. Although Vander saw a woman with dark hair step a few steps forward to help her and got pulled back. 

“We have returned your daughter. Yet a punishment must be given. We cannot allow other Zaunites to believe they can break our laws or agreements.” Another counselor with a large golden gear around her neck spoke while tapping her fingertips on the wooden table. 

“Yes! A punishment must be given!” A male counselor yelled back as he played with an object that looked almost toy-like. 

“Mercy should be given.” Powder muttered quietly as she played with her hair. 

“Pardon, my child. What did you say?” A small dwarfish man with large ears and furry body asked with gentle tone one a grandfather would have for their granddaughter. 

“Give them mercy.” Powder repeated loud enough for everyone to hear. Many gasps were heard in the audience and yet Powder stared at her parents pleading with them. “Give them the same mercy as you did for me all those years ago. I’m a zaunite by blood-” Powder was interrupted by Jayce standing up and Mel grabbed his hand shaking her head. 

“Let her finish, Jayce. Please.” Mel waited for him to sit down before giving Powder a smile. “You can finish, Powder.” 

“They’re a family looking for their lost family member. We should allow them to walk away.” Every word was said with a smile looking at her parents.

They remembered her standing in the same spot Vander and his crew were. How timid, underfed she looked and more importantly how scared she was. Mel might’ve brought her back, but there were traditions they needed to do. What family she was going to be given too and yet no family was willing to back then. She was going to be sent to an orphanage if Mel didn’t step up to adopt her. 

“This is very kind of you, my dear. What do the rest of the councilors believe? Was no one touched by her words?” The furry old man asked again as he placed his hand up and a light turned on above him. 

“Professor Heimerdinger, please.” Jayce sighed as Mel put up her hand and a light was placed on her. One by one hands were up and Jayce was the minority. Powder hopped on the table and cheered. 

Vander knew he raised his children right when they remained silent. But, he could see in their expressions that they had many unspoken words to say and emotions to sort. How Benzo held Ekko back and covered his mouth as he tried to speak. His scars were too deep for him to keep his words to himself. Yet, which sort of words weren’t ones Benzo was willing to risk their safety on. 

“Be grateful, you have a kind and understanding soul defending you.” Jayce spoke as he grabbed his things and walked out. Clearly something was wrong with him and perhaps it was his pride was a little wounded by losing like that. But, they were in the clear. 

“Powder!” Mylo screamed as she looked back at them confused. He ran quickly to her side and gave her a tight squeeze. “I’m sorry…I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be such a dick.” Powder gave him a pat on the back as she pulled him off her. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude. But, do I know you?” Powder said it with such a kind smile that only pushed the dagger even more. 

“What are you kidding? You don’t remember me, what about Clag? The one you called your big ol’ teddy bear? Vi, the one you use to hide behind? Vander! The man who always gave you fruit juice when I made you cry!” Mylo was almost crying as Claggor held him back, he was making the situation worse. 

“Mylo, this isn’t the time..” Claggor whispered as the guards started closing in on them. 

“Then when is it a damn good time?!” Mylo shouted back as Claggor looked away from him. He had him there, but he was hurting and couldn’t even process his own emotions. 

“I don’t know, but we can see her another time maybe. Sorry…Miss.” Claggor pulled Mylo over his shoulder and walked back to Vander who was helping Vi walk by pulling her arm over his shoulder. 

“It’s okay! I hope you guys make it home safe!” Powder waved them off as she looked over at Ekko who wouldn’t make eye contact with her. 

“Thanks, kiddo.” Vander gave her a sad smile as Benzo dragged Ekko away. 

As they were escorted out, Mel gave them a hug as she watched Vander leave and could only pray she would be able to keep her side of the promise. But, for her to do that she would need to help them with their supplies and work on her and Powder's health. 

With Vander and his crew it was a silent painful walk of shame home. They had Powder in their sights and she grew up to be a beautiful young woman with a heart of gold. But, it was clear to all of them that the pain of her not knowing them hit them like a ton of bricks.

“They did something to her.” Mylo announced as they walked over the bridge and had a long pause in between. “They just had too.” 

“Mylo, are you even hearing yourself?” Vi snapped back, only to wince in pain from her wounds. 

“Let’s keep this to ourselves for 45 minutes at least until we get home.” Vander ordered, he needed some time to think.

Think about the horrible decision he made as a leader and the excellent decision he made as a father. He already betrayed the Undercity by accepting the job and yet it didn’t feel wrong. But, he still needed to break it to his family, Benzo and Ekko. There was so much to do and yet such little time before the party. 

Time before the Gala: Six days left. 

Chapter Text

What does it mean to be a parent? That means protecting more people than just yourself. May it be a life you helped create or a life you took in. But, you must protect them regardless or give them a chance for a better life. As you learn and grow to understand parenthood that knowledge will help your children. Even if you don’t want it to. 

Pushing the doors of the Last Drop seemed heavier than they did before and it was a weight only Vander could feel. They saw Powder again and she saved them from whatever punishment Piltover wanted to give. But, the person they saw wasn’t Powder. The sweet little girl who built things in the basement and gave him a smile whenever they saw each other. His little girl was gone and replaced by a woman from Piltover. Even with that knowledge, he had hoped his little girl was still in there. 

“What the fuck was that?” Mylo wasn’t pleased and he did listen to Vander. It just didn’t matter. He was so close to having his family back and apologizing for being such a dick. 

All eyes were on him and he had no way to actually explain it. How could he? He didn’t know what happened over the years with Powder. But, he had to tell them something. 

“I don’t know, but Powder seemed well.” Vander knew he couldn’t lie to his kids and his close family friends. 

“That’s bullshit!” Vi was staring down at the box in his possession. “I want the truth and only the truth.” 

“What the hell happened back there? There were like snowflakes or petals in Powder’s eyes!” Claggor banged his hand onto one of the nearby tables. Vander looked over at his children and couldn’t handle their eyes. 

All they held was the pain they’ve been carrying for all these years. Since when did their pain become something he couldn’t see anymore? Did he really stop trying to figure out ways to stop their pain? Vander knew he couldn’t remove it completely and just gave them an outlet to throw themselves at. An outlet he wished he never had them experience, violence and the battlefield. 

“Benzo, lock the door. Everyone take a seat.” In seconds everyone pulled a chair for themselves and placed them near Vander. Vander even pulled one for himself and mentally prepared himself. “What do you remember about Powder?”

“She was taken by Piltover and a crybaby.” Mylo was lucky enough to be far away from Vi who threw one of the napkin holders his way. 

“Powder always hugged Vi’s leg when she was scared.” Claggor knew that would make the mood at least a little better. As some giggles were heard around the room and Vi’s small smile. 

“She was my best friend.” Ekko spoke up and everyone fell silent. Ekko was one of the closest people to Powder before the accident and the main reason why his situation was so tricky. 

Everyone stared at Vi who couldn’t say a word. It was like anything she said might’ve corrupted her view of her little sister. The perception she had that was so close to her heart and something she never wanted to tell anyone. It seemed like it went through to Vander who nodded in acknowledgement. 

“Powder survived off Vi’s blood and mice blood until she was taken away. That’s no way for a child to live. What happened to Ekko was going to happen regardless, we weren’t prepared or ready.” Every word was like a knife to the heart, he knew they weren’t able to take care of Powder’s situation. But, having to admit that to his kids was salt in the wound. 

“She was fine! I had it under control!” Vi’s voice was close to a yell as she stood up and tried to argue with her father. “I had it all under control. We didn’t have to give her up.” 

What are you willing to lose, Vi? Mylo? Claggor? We already lost Powder . How hunting his past words were. How much they haunted him and how much weight they held. Vander couldn’t stop thinking how much he might’ve ruined his kids with his own grief. He couldn’t tell her another lie to make the reality of the situation better. Vander regretted what he was going to say and felt another mistake about to come out of his lips. 

“Powder almost killed you countless times.” Vander retorted, Vi would always excuse her sister’s actions to protect her and never cared about herself when it came to Powder. 

 “She was still a kid and didn’t know how to control herself.” There was another excuse and one Vander remembered vividly. How he had to rip Powder off Vi so she didn’t accidentally kill her.  “But, now we have another chance.” 

How everyone raised a brow to what he meant by being given another chance. It could mean anything and meant something different for each of them. But, how could he convince them to push aside their hatred for Topside to see Powder again? 

“What chance?” Vi snapped as she reached for the box on Vanders side. She wasn’t stopped by Vander and opened the box. 

She pulled the first piece of neatly folded paper out and started to read it out loud to the rest. 

To Vander,

 I grant you and your family unlimited access to any Piltovian facility. This includes full Piltover citizenship, a home of your own and half custody of Powder and full custody after my death. Powder will keep her citizenship and is freely allowed to go to Zaun whenever she pleases. However, please allow Viktor and Jayce to keep their positions in her life.

However, if Powder dies before the agreement you and your followers will be subject to Piltover’s full military might. You will become our feeding grounds and the agreement from 25 years ago will be found void.  

Thank you,

Mel Medarda and Viktor Talis. 

Vander knew there was something else attached to the letter that was like that. He read it when he was Mel and he agreed to the terms. He was given a job and it wasn’t one he could fail. But, he wasn’t going to allow his family to get involved completely. 

“What is this about Vander? Powder is going to die?!” Vi screamed as she stared at her father with tears in her eyes. 

Dad! How could you let them take her?! She was all I had left. It wasn’t time to remember those painful memories. Vander remembered what Vi told him when Powder was taken away. All of those painful words she screamed at him when she watched Powder leave. How many days he spent hoping to rewind the clock. 

“Mel Medarda has asked us to investigate a cure at the bottom levels of Zaun.” Vander watched everyone perk up and Vi wiping her tears. “But, the mission starts after the gala. But, we’ll be sending recon crews in before we go in.” 

That was all that was needed to make them forget years of trauma for a short while. A small flicker of hope. Hope for a reunion with a loved one. For Powder to walk the streets of Zaun again and be a part of their family again. 

“We can start anytime!” Mylo stood up and walked past Vi. “Let me take charge of the recon teams.” 

“Only if you take Claggor. Vi, you’ll be helping them but with a combat team of your own and Ekko you’re looking for intel. You will be in contact with Victor, while me and Benzo deal with the council.” Vander watched the kids get up and start preparing immediately 

This will be enough . Vander’s thoughts were getting worse and his paranoia was setting in. He knew the easiest would be to wait for Mel to die and take Powder back by force if he had too. But, he wouldn't know how to save Powder if Mel died before the deal was finished. But, there was more than just Powder to worry about. His brother who ended up on the other side of the bridge and the deal he made with Morticia. A deal that might’ve been the reason they were in this mess. 

“ Vander .” Benzo’s harsh tone was enough to stop Vander’s thoughts and welcomed him back to reality. “What’s the matter?” 

“There’s more than just vamps, topside.” Vander sighed as he sat down and ran his finger over his wrapped arm. 

“Silco? He’s still alive?” There was a crack in his voice as he spoke Silco’s name. He looked at Vander’s small nod and that was enough to make him curse under his breath. “What happened wasn’t your fault, Vander. He made his choice. Don’t let it happen again.” 

“It doesn’t seem like there’s a choice. The kids are going down the same path.” He saw how much Vi took after him and how much his mistakes influenced her. 

“ Vander. Look at those kids. They’re ready to fight, because you taught them the small pleasures of life.” Benzo understood that his old friend was still traumatized by that eventful day 25 years ago and how he didn’t want that for his children. 

“Those kids deserved better. You and I both know that.” The two men looked over the children they raised and frowned. 

They did the best they could for their kids and even then that wasn’t enough. How little they could actually provide to them and how often they ended up hungry or beaten. But, they always found a way to smile and make the best of their situations. But, it wasn’t a way for them to grow up and was an insult to the children who looked up to them. 

Ekko, who lost everything and was taken in by Benzo. Who grew up to lead a band of headstrong men and women who looked up to him. Because Benzo pushed him to make something of the cards fate gave him. Vi learned to become a strong fighter to protect her loved ones and hoped to bring her sister home. Yet, Powder’s absence affected her the strongest. Claggor, who never enjoyed fighting, took his sister’s passion and helped her with everything she did. Never letting her out of his sight unless she needed to cool down. Then there was Mylo. How much he attempted to be like Vi and was never able to measure up. Took his anger and put it into the same guns or bows his little sister loved to use. He never was able to forgive himself for making her life a living hell. 

“We’re human. We don’t have an eternity to make things right. But, when you look at those kids, what do you see?” There was a clear answer, Benzo was looking for when he asked that question. Vander took a good look at the four kids who were busy running around the bar. Their excitement, the smiles on their faces and the hope that made the room brighter. 

“I see the future of the Lanes.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 16: Sparks of Something More

There’s always someone special for everyone, someone who understands them down to their core. A person who can be there right at their side, regardless of what happens. Someone who means the world and so much more. This special person makes the world brighter and opens your eyes to such a beautiful future. But, more importantly, they bring a smile to your face. 

Vi was restless, angry and wanted something to punch —someone or something to blame. Vander’s words were living in her head rent-free and it was driving her nuts. They could finally fix things and Powder would be able to come back home again. If they did things right and managed to do something. This wouldn’t be like the day they lost her, no they would be a family again. Powder would have her old life back, changes and all. She would have Vi back in her life and her family would be whole again. 

Baby blue, Pow-Pow, Powder. 

How she longed to see her baby sister again, even if it was just for a moment. To have a conversation, to hear her laugh, to see her express herself. Even if Powder had changed and held no love or anything for her she needed to see her. Even if it was a hello, it would’ve been enough. 

Vander kept a close tab on Vi and hardly allowed her any time to slip Topside. But, today Vander was asleep and utterly knocked out. The exhaustion had finally caught up to him and that left some room for Vi to finally take the trip Topside. Quickly taking a glance at the clock, it was the perfect time to pay her sister a visit. Everything was lining up and her bad luck was finally turning for the better. 

Jumping to her feet, she made sure to check if her brother’s finally caught their much needed rest. Mylo was passed on the sofa with his mouth wide open as a bottle of alcohol cradled to his chest. Claggor was leaning against his bed frame reading reports after report. 

Vi wasn’t the quietest person in her family and Clagger had already noticed her. “I ain’t gonna stop you, Vi. You’re going to see Powder, aren’t you?” The way Claggor didn’t bother to look up as he spoke made his tone almost accusatory. 

“I have to, Claggs.” Vi pulled the reports out of his hand. “Come with me,”

Claggor froze as he shifted through his pockets and pulled out a small pouch. “Someone has to make excuses for you if Dad wakes up.” 

He always was a bad lair, Vi always knew those obvious tells of his. How he shifted his weight as he dug through his pockets. How he always offered to stay behind to make some sort of excuse. The biggest tell was that Claggor didn’t meet her gaze and instead tossed the pouch over. 

“What’s this?” Vi asked as she caught the small pouch. He had no reason to give anything to her and this was small enough to remind her of something that she had lost years ago. 

The thick velvet did little to hide how expensive the pouch itself was. It wasn’t much bigger than her hand as she slid out the contents and it was a small box. She had recognized it immediately, it had belonged to her mother. Vi could’ve sworn she had thrown it into the River Pilt out of grief and anger. It was one of the very few possessions she had left from her time before Vander’s adoption. This box was a part of a matching set, it was from her Mother’s wedding and the other box had belonged to her Father. 

One box was supposed to be given to Powder for her sixteenth birthday and the other given to Vi herself on hers. But, Powder’s box had been given to Vander for safekeeping. When she got hers it almost immediately got tossed into the river. It was a painful reminder that she had in fact failed to protect her sister. But, more importantly she had failed her parents. 

But, there was her box, given back to her by her new family.  

“Claggor? Did you jump into the river to get this?” She couldn’t control the shaking of her voice as she stared between her brother and the small box in her hands.

Claggor shrugged off her question as if to say it meant little to get it back for her. “I saw you toss it. When Vander took me in, I remember how you held that small box in your sleep and never opened it. You even gave it to Vander, along with Powder’s saying your Mom would’ve preferred it like that. I just couldn’t let you lose it.” 

He must’ve gotten a cold as he searched the river for it. Having to jump into the river’s cold, almost freezing water just to get it back. Vi had gone back for it days later and never found it. It took days to have her body return to normal after that. But, Claggor never mentioned that he got it back. He must've waited for a good time to return it or for her to mention the loss. 

“You’re the best, Claggs.” Vi turned her back and walked a few steps before turning around and hugged the lights out of Claggor. “Thank you.” 

With that, Vi ran out of the bar and never looked back. She had a mission and that meant more than waking her family as she slammed the front door open. This was the push she needed to finally see Powder and handle any situation that came her way. While she ran to the bridge, Claggor had stood up and turned on the lights. 

“Welp, should’ve known that was gonna happen.” Mylo sighed as he pulled himself up. “Didn’t think she was gonna just run off though.” Mylo wasn’t the most pleased with the recent events and yet couldn’t bring himself to fault Vi. They wouldn’t be able to stop her anyways. 

Claggor shrugged as he went to pick up his reports that scattered all over the floor. “I had a feeling she would. She’s been looking for Powder for years, we all have.” 

“Are we tailing her?” Mylo asked as he watched his brother kneel down and pick up a piece of paper. Claggor wasn’t the sort to throw something with that much sentimental value. But, Claggor seemed to be mad, annoyed and everything in-between. 

“No.” 

“No? Then what’s all this for?” Mylo was quick to get back on his feet as his question left his lips. Pulling on his shoes as he saw Claggor make his way to the door. “Where you goin’, Claggs?” 

“I need to look into something.” Claggor motioned at the papers in his hands. “Something doesn’t add up here.” In truth, Claggor had a bad feeling about something and he needed to look into it. Just for his own piece of mind. 

Things didn’t add up now that things were close to the brink of change. Vander had mentioned that Powder had drunk Vi’s blood in the past. But, she had never suffered any sort of changes like Ekko did. Vi was always stronger, faster and was able to take almost every hit without issue. No, human being could punch as hard as she did. It just didn’t add up, she wasn’t a halfling either. Claggor was always there and could tell something was wrong —hell, he was one the receiving end of some of those punches. They broke bones. 

The worst part, Vi seemed human in every way. There was no bloodlust, no cravings, just speed and strength of those monsters. These developments should’ve been looked into. But, they weren’t. What if Vi was more like Powder than they originally had thought? He needed to get to the bottom of this. This could’ve been the clue that they needed. Hell, it could cause the death of them and Claggor refused to allow that to happen. 

As the boys went to search for answers, Vi was already crossing the bridge over into Piltover. Caitlyn was already waiting for her as she leaned against one of the bridge’s many pillars. It was almost odd to see her there, almost like she was waiting for her. When Caitlyn noticed someone approaching she had turned to see her and she almost lit up. 

“Hey, Cupcake! Lookin' for me?” Vi teased, nudging Caitlyn lightly on the shoulder when she was close enough. “Or did you just miss me?”

Caitlyn turned, flustered but clearly relieved, her cheeks faintly pink. “Actually, yes,”The hint of a smile breaking through her usually composed expression. “I was hoping to see you.”

“Mm, I knew it.” Vi chuckled, unable to resist. Caitlyn looked lost for a second, and Vi could tell she had something important on her mind. “So, what’s up?” Her shit eating grin made Caitlyn’s tension practically vanish. 

“It’s about your sister.” Caitlyn tried to keep her tone consistent, but there was concern in every word. “Councilor Medarda asked me to tell you everything—about your sister, I mean.” 

“We shouldn’t talk here.” Vi replied, it really wasn’t. They needed some sort of private space to speak about such a touchy subject. 

“I have to ask, who is she to you?” Caitlyn asked, there was this odd feeling in the pit of her stomach. 

“She’s my sister.” As Vi spoke those words, Caitlyn’s expression dropped. 

Powder was a sensitive subject, especially now that she was so close to finally getting her sister back. But she appreciated Caitlyn’s straightforwardness. She’d rather talk to her about it than anyone else.

“Follow me.” Caitlyn motioned for her to follow as she walked further into Piltover. “And… I’m here to help.” Caitlyn muttered just loud enough for Vi to hear. “I really am, just know that.” 

“I know.” 

The blanket of silence that followed between them was comforting and sweet. Vi's mind kept drifting back to Zaun—the grating metallic clinks, the musty, sulfur-laden air, the dark alleys woven through her memories. Piltover was a different world entirely, with its sleek, polished streets and buildings that seemed to scrape the sky. The contrast unsettled her, and she found herself feeling an odd mix of curiosity and resentment. In Zaun, the people fought and bled for every scrap they could claim. Piltover would never understand just how much they suffered as they levied in pristine paradise. 

As they reached Caitlyn's building, Vi noted the tall stone façade, clean and white, unmarred by rust or decay. Caitlyn led her up a winding staircase with polished railings that gleamed under dim lighting, the air perfumed with something delicate and unfamiliar.

They stopped at the third floor, and Caitlyn unlocked the door to her apartment. Vi’s first impression was one of understated elegance. She stepped in, and the scent of lavender and fresh linen filled the air, so different from the gritty smell of the Last Drop. The apartment was warm and inviting, with sunlight filtering in through tall windows, casting a soft glow on everything inside. Unlike what she expected, it wasn’t grandiose or overbearing. Instead, it was tidy and cozy, with a few personal touches. 

The main room was an open layout, with light-colored walls and sleek wooden furniture. A soft, woven rug lay on the floor, framing a low coffee table that was scattered with books—some with worn spines, others newer and pristine. Vi caught glimpses of titles about law and Piltover history, with a couple of classic novels that she guessed were favorites.

Along the far wall, a large bookshelf spanned from floor to ceiling, filled with an wide-range of mix of books, trinkets, and photos in simple frames. Vi caught sight of a younger Caitlyn in a few of the pictures, standing next to what must have been her family—a proud, stern-looking father and a poised mother, both impeccably dressed. She could’ve imagined her own mother in those exact same clothes and it hurt. 

To the left was the small kitchen area, which was sleek but unpretentious, with marble countertops and brand new appliances. A small bowl of fresh fruit sat on the counter, next to a few empty coffee cups that seemed hastily rinsed and placed to dry. The cabinets were neatly arranged, but it still felt like Caitlyn had used the space. Vi could tell Caitlyn spent time here, not just passing through but really making it her own.

A door led off to the side, likely to Caitlyn’s bedroom. But it was the balcony that caught Vi’s attention, with large glass doors framed by sheer curtains, softly swaying in the wind. Beyond the glass, Vi could see the view of Piltover stretching out before them, a city painted in shades of gold by the sunset. 

Caitlyn placed her keys on the entryway table and glanced at Vi, noticing her quietly taking everything in. “It’s not much,” Caitlyn said, a touch of humility in her voice, though Vi could tell she took pride in her space.

“Not much? This stuff used to be the stuff my dreams,” Vi muttered, a hint of wonder creeping into her voice despite herself. “It’s like… a whole different world in here.”

Caitlyn looked around, a small smile softening her expression. “It’s just a place to rest,” 

“Take a seat and make yourself at home.” Caitlyn unlaced her boots and slipped them off as she made her way to the kitchen. 

Shortly after Caitlyn returned with a pot of tea and two cups. “About Councilor Medarda asked me to tell you. I’ll be your guide and partner during your search for a cure.” 

Vi’s eyes narrowed at the obvious surveillance Piltover was placing over her. “Got it, cupcake. So, what’s in it for you?” 

“Nothing,” Caitlyn admitted, but Vi knew there had to be something in it for her. “It’s just the right thing to do.” 

“The right thing to do?” Vi repeated, she was a Piltoven, there truly nothing in it for her? Even if it was the “right thing to do”, she wouldn’t be wasting her time on it. 

“I just want to help, it’s my job as an Enforcer to help the citizens. That’s really it.” Vi really wanted to believe her. But, she just couldn’t. 

Vi’s gaze dropped to her tea, the steam curling into delicate wisps as she absorbed Caitlyn’s words. "So, the Councilors put you up to this because she thinks you can keep me on a leash." Her voice had a hint of sarcasm, but her shoulders relaxed a little.

Caitlyn shook her head. "No leash—think of it more as having a partner who knows the city. And the council,” she added with a small smile, “Tends to trust me. In a way.” 

Vi raised an eyebrow, smirking to keep things light. “Are you asking to be my partner? Shouldn’t I be the one asking you, Miss Officer?”

Caitlyn made the fact she was an Enforcer such a small thing. It should’ve been anger she felt and yet. There was nothing, but sparks of joy and warmth. Caitlyn was special in a way. Kind and fair, unlike the other Enforcer’s she had seen. 

“In a way, I suppose.” Caitlyn replied as the faintest red dusted her cheeks. 

“Alright, where do we start?” Vi asked as Caitlyn smiled as she sat up and went to go and get something. 

Caitlyn returned with a large stack of books. “First we go through these.” 

“You’re kidding?” Vi asked. 

“We have all night,” Caitlyn countered. “We better start now.”