Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vi’s cries rang out against the walls of the Hexgates as Jinx leaned back, the frozen air prickling her skin. The vent was cold against her back and her breath puffed in front of her. The bandages across her chest were tight as she tried to take deep breaths. The blast had burned her and Vander’s claws had caused some blood to flow, but she was alive. And yet, she couldn’t seem to decide if that was a good thing. Every one of Vi’s tearful shouts made her want to go back. She wanted to be there for her sister. She didn’t want her to think she was dead, to think she had failed her. This is what is supposed to happen. What needs to happen. Vi deserves to be happy. Jinx reassured herself, but she almost didn’t believe this was best. She brushed her singed hair from her face and waited a moment until Vi cried out again. She used the sound of her sister’s grief to cover the bang of her footsteps on the metal pipe. She ran faster and faster, shimmer pushing her forward until everything blurred around her. Smoke and the smell of blood rose throughout Piltover as Jinx found her way through topside to the bridge. She made her way across quietly, holding her head low as if that would hide her from the people she knew. The voices got a little louder, but she drowned them out with the thump of her steady footsteps running across the bridge. She ran and ran as if being chased by ghosts. Once she saw the bar, despite its ruined condition, her heart was warmer. Almost as if the building itself could comfort her. Jinx climbed her way to the roof of The Last Drop just as Vi had taught her all those years ago. Her memory followed her as she climbed, encouraging her to keep going. You’re strong, Powder. Jinx could almost hear her voice. When she reached the top, she was greeted by a sight she didn’t expect. Ekko sat with his back facing her and his knees pulled to his chest, a small folded paper and a lighter in his hands. He still wore the crop top she had chosen and painted. His hair was still pulled back into a bun. The only change since she had last seen him were the cuts on his face and arms, crimson running slowly from each one. He didn’t seem to mind the blood, too preoccupied within his own mind. Jinx watched silently as Ekko burned the paper and the ashes trailed into the night. He sighed and let his legs swing over the ledge.

“I know you’re there.” He said quietly. Jinx didn’t respond. Instead she took a tentative step forward and, when he didn’t stop her, sat beside him. “What are you doing here?” Ekko didn’t look at her when he spoke, keeping his eyes forward as thousands of burning papers arose, dotting the sky with beautiful, false stars.

“I wanted to get a last look over the city.” Jinx mumbled. That was only half true. No airships would leave until tomorrow anyway, but she did have some sort of hope that maybe she would be able to tell him. God, how she wanted to tell Ekko and Vi what she planned to do. But telling Vi would only make her worry more.

“I mean, you’re supposed to be dead.” Ekko turned, his brown eyes staring at Jinx as if he could piece her apart and put her back together better than before. Tear lines ran through his white face paint pulling it down his cheeks. “You promised me you would stay alive.”

“Well, I did.” Jinx chuckled humorlessly. Ekko kept his stern expression. “Jeez, don’t be too excited, Boy Savior.”

“Why did you do it?”

“I…” Jinx sighed, turning toward the skyline. She couldn’t take the way he looked at her, like she was broken, like she needed to be fixed. “I wanted you and Vi to move on. I’ve caused you so many problems. So, if I leave then you can focus on your own happiness. You deserve it.”

“So do you.” Ekko twirled one of his dreads in his fingers. “Where are you going to go?”

“If I told you, that would defeat the point.” Jinx pulled her knees to her chest. “But somewhere far. I need to find myself, as stupid as it sounds.”

“I can’t convince you to stay, can I?” Ekko said, his voice soft.

“I didn’t think you’d be here in the first place.” Jinx smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. She turned back to face him. “How did you know about this place? I thought only Vi and I knew.”

“You brought me here,” Ekko paused. “In the alternate timeline.” Ekko had told Jinx all about the other her. About Powder. About the dance they shared. About working with her. She was almost jealous of how well he had gotten along with her. But that made no sense. Why would she care who Ekko worked with? Why would she care who he danced with? Why would she care at all what he did? A moment of silence rang before Ekko spoke again.“Were you going to tell me?” The truth was that Jinx hadn’t planned to tell anyone. She had planned to use her death as a way to run and never look back. Never return to this place. To these memories. The good and the bad.

“I wasn’t going to tell anyone.” Jinx said quietly. Ekko snapped at that.

“So, you were just going to leave without a word? Let us all think you’re dead?”

“I…” Jinx started. “I told you. I need to go and I knew you and Vi wouldn’t let me.”

“You, at least, shouldn’t go alone.” Ekko put a hand on her shoulder. Jinx needed to move, maybe blow something up. Instead she sat still, letting Ekko squeeze her shoulder.

“I’m going.” Jinx said stubbornly. “You can’t stop me, Little Man I–” She was interrupted by Ekko’s arms wrapping around her and pulling her close. She tried not to recoil at the sudden pull, instead leaning into it. Into his warmth. Jinx’s breath hitched and she swallowed back the lump in her throat. Maybe she didn’t want to go. Maybe she wanted to stay. Yet, despite it all, she knew she had to. After a moment he pulled back and held her shoulders, keeping eye contact.

“Breathe.” He said, holding her shaking body steady. “You’re here now. Just stay.” She didn’t answer.  ”Look, if I can’t convince you to stay, let me at least know where you’re going. Please. ”

“…I can’t.” Jinx stood, pushing him away. “You need to move on, Ekko.” He stood quickly and took her hand.

“Then let me go with you.”

“Ekko,” Jinx pulled her hand away. “I care about you, I promise I do. But please, for your own sake, move on. You need to let me go.” 

“At least let me help you get–”

“Look, just make me a promise, okay. That's all I ask.”

“Of course.” He took her hand again, squeezing it. “Anything.”

“Don’t tell Vi that I’m alive.” Jinx stared at the skyline. She couldn’t take the sadness in his eyes, the yearn for a different answer, a different solution. Ekko paused for a moment.

“Okay.” He said and she pulled her hand away from his. 

“Now, go back to that big fancy Firelight base and just…forget me. Okay?” She was choking up. Jinx turned on her heel quickly and strode away with confidence she didn’t have, tears already threatening to spill.

“Wait, Pow—Jinx!” He called after her but she leapt from the roof with a small thud and disappeared into the night. A fleeting, thin pink streak was the only thing showing she had been there at all.

----

The night stretched on longer than Jinx had ever thought it could. She had tried to fall asleep but instead found herself watching the stars winking at her from above. The voices hadn’t come to bother her, which she was thankful for, yet she almost had a disdain for the silence. She itched to move, to do something. But she forced herself to rest and eventually a dreamless sleep took her. Jinx woke up to the sunrise and fading stars. She was groggy as she stole a cloak off a pile of boxes in an alley and began her trek topside. Jinx slipped the cloak over her shoulders and pulled the hood over her face. Nobody paid attention to her; they all probably just assumed with the dark cloak that she was just another mourner. Another person who lost in the war. She kept her head low nonetheless, as if any of these topsiders would see her as anything other than the trencher who bombed the council. Jinx took the first airship she could sneak onto. She didn’t even know where it was going. But that was the way this was supposed to play out. Jinx cannot exist with Vi or Ekko. Only Powder can, but she was not really either one. The wind blew through her hair as she flew above the twin cities. The airship was generally empty, large wooden crates taking up most of the space, but a few people were aboard nonetheless. Enforcers stood at attention with their backs to the walls of the craft, watching. Thankfully, they paid her no mind. The airship rose slowly and they were off into the wind. Jinx watched The Last Drop disappear over the skyline as she thought about her . Powder may have died in Piltover, but so did Jinx. Now she was nothing but a nameless rogue. Papers crunched against each other in her pocket as she leaned over the railing. She pulled one out, leaving her fake pass. She had made it in case she was stopped, but the enforcer at the gate hadn’t seemed to care. The other paper was a simple thing, stupid even, to keep but she did anyway. She opened it gingerly, as if it could break under her touch. Two stick figures, one shorter than the other, holding hands. The tall one had long, blue braids and pink eyes, her smile too big. The little one had blue hair too but the braids were shorter and the eyes golden. The little one wore a small grey hat with neon colors doodled over it. And in the corner the kid had even signed it. Jinx and Isha. God, how she missed the little rebel. She would have loved this trip: the feeling of the wind in her hair, the smell of the waves as the airship flew over an ocean, the uninterrupted time with the person she had looked up to the most. Jinx stuffed the paper back into her pocket.

An hour passed and then two. Jinx was beginning to get bored of the skyline, she turned and leaned her back against the railing. The other people aboard the airship had become chatty and their children had become restless. The children ran in circles giggling amongst themselves, their little feet making soft pats on the wooden deck. They chased one another around the large crates. Some even tried to clamber over them before being interrupted by their worried parents. Jinx tried to ignore their incessant cries as a girl was pulled off one of the crates by her mother. The mother’s pale hands held her daughter tightly as she calmly explained the danger the girl was putting herself in. The girl’s friends tried to pull her back up by her arm while her mother pulled her down by the waist. The girl wore her dark hair, that she had clearly gotten from her mother, in a single long braid that reached to her waist. Stray brown hairs flew in her face as she scrambled to stay atop the crate. Eventually, the girl was back on the deck of the airship with her arms crossed and a pout firmly stuck on her face. Her mother tried to coax her to sit beside her on a bench with her father but the girl refused. Instead she ran from her mother’s arms.

“Jocelyn!” The mother called. The girl slipped around the other passengers as her mother chased her. Jinx tracked her with her eyes, keeping one hand in her pocket, holding the paper tightly, and the other on her hood, hiding her face. The girl slipped in front of Jinx as her mother caught up. The girl’s dull tan shirt was now pressed against Jinx as the girl backed away from her mother as if playing some game. The girl looked up at Jinx for a moment and, as if realizing that Jinx won’t shove her off, put her attention back onto her mother. Now, stuck between a stranger and the wall of the airship, the girl looked around for a way out. With her wide golden eyes she almost looked like…

“I’m sorry.” The girl’s mother said, putting on a small smile.

“It’s fine.” Jinx responded flatly, but her knuckles were white on the railing. A shadow moved in the distance but Jinx willed it away after a moment.

“Jocelyn, c’mon. You can’t keep bothering this lady.” The mother looked ready to pounce as she kept her green eyes keen on her daughter. Jocelyn stuck her tongue out, blowing a raspberry. Her mother sighed.

“Ya know,” Jinx bent to the girl’s level. “Your mum seems like a smart lady. Maybe if ya go back to her-“ Jinx was interrupted by the airship swinging to the side. The mother dove for her child and wrapped her tightly in her arms. Jinx held tightly to the railing, the wood digging into her palms. Her hood fell and her feet left the ground, but only for a moment. Then it was as if the whole thing never happened. Her breaths were heavy. She checked that the paper had not left her pocket. Good. It’s still here. The girl now held tightly to her mother, refusing to let go when the woman stood.

“Are you alright?” The woman put her hand on Jinx’s shoulder.

“I’m fine.” Jinx shoved her off.

“…I’m sorry again for her.” The woman managed after a moment. 

“Don’t worry ‘bout it.” Jinx looked back down at the girl. “She’s just a kid.” Then the mother turned with her daughter and went back to sit with her husband, who wrapped his arm around her shoulder. An enforcer stepped onto the deck. They slammed their rifle on the deck and everyone went quiet. Jinx pulled her hood back up, watching carefully to see if the enforcer had recognized her.

“On behalf of the Piltover Enforcer’s Guild, we apologize for the rough flight.” The enforcer’s voice boomed, his voice clear without the usual mask enforcers wore in the undercity. “We hope everyone is okay and we will be arriving in Demacia within the next few hours.”

Jinx had hoped the enforcer wasn’t lying but the hours dragged on and on. Maybe she was just being impatient but as the sea stretched on and on, she wondered if they were just going in circles or if Demacia even existed. She had seen it on maps as a child but never considered traveling. Yet, here she was, flying to a land she’d only ever heard of, leaving her past behind. She shoved her hands into her pockets clutching the paper tightly in one and a wrapped cloth in the other. Jinx looked around carefully. Everyone had gone back to their own business, talking while the children played, now staying off the crates. She took out the cloth and unwrapped the stone. It glowed blue as she twirled it between her fingers, turning her pink nail to purple. This was a new start. One that was haunted by past choices, yes, but one that was hers and only hers. She intended to keep it that way.

Chapter Text

Vi’s throat was raw when Mel found her, her cries hardly more than a whisper. Tears streaked her face and her head ached. The pain in her arm was dull to the pain in her heart as the Noxian woman lifted Vi to her feet, holding her steady. Mel had asked Vi something but she could hardly focus on anything. Vi hardly remembered leaving that ledge. All she could think of was her sister and her dad. Her dad who had died and come back and died all over again. She could still see Vander’s face streaked with purple veins from that night. His eyes glossy, a single tear running off of his blank expression. She could still smell the smoke from that night, but maybe that was a new fire, one that burned just as bright. By the time Mel had led Vi out of the Hexgates and down to the city square, she could hardly keep it together. Her breaths were heavy and tears ran down her face. Broken sobs ripped from her throat and she couldn’t stop them. Then she saw her.

“Caitlyn!” She shouted as she broke free from Mel and ran unsteadily to her girlfriend. Cait sat on the ground, blood running through her fingers and down her face. She held the left side of her face closely, but her bright, blue eye found Vi quickly. Vi wrapped her good arm around her, unbothered by the warm blood dripping onto her shoulder. “What happened?” Vi asked as she pulled away, tears flowing still.

“I’m fine.” Caitlyn said, her voice nothing more than a whisper.

“That’s a lot of blood for ‘fine’.” Vi chuckled humorlessly, cupping Cait’s face. “Let me see.” Caitlyn moved her hand revealing her left eye gushing blood, which mixed with Caitlyn’s tears. Mel brought over a cloth before leaving the two to themselves. Vi pressed it gently to Cait’s eye, hoping to slow the bleeding.

“What happened?” Vi asked, trying to keep her voice from breaking as her heart sank lower at her love’s pain.

“Ambessa.” Caitlyn practically spat the name.

“Where is she now?” Vi pressed the cloth harder and Cait winced.

“Dead.” She breathed. “What happened to you?” Cait asked, her blue eye watching Vi’s limp arm.

“I think it’s broken.” Vi watched Cait carefully as if she would shatter under her rough touch. Her eye was getting foggy. Vi looked around sporadically. Enforcers sat against a building with medics treating their wounds and wrapping their cuts. Mel stood beside the enforcers, occasionally pointing to Vi and Cait.

“Can you stand?” Vi asked. Cait gave a solemn nod and Vi lifted her girlfriend to her feet. She slung Cait’s arm over her shoulder, holding her hand, and led her toward a group of enforcers who had been talking to the medics. They had only made it a few steps when Cait went limp and Vi fell to her knees. 

“Help!” She called out. The two of the enforcers turned and ran, wide-eyed toward the women.

——

Vi had laid next to Caitlyn in her bed for hours. Or was it days? She laid still, watching Cait’s chest rise and fall in flawless rhythm. Vi’s arm had been wrapped tightly and bound to her chest in a sling. She hated the itchy thing. It wouldn’t let her move, wouldn’t let her help the medics when they had laid Caitlyn down and bandaged her wounds. She reached out her unbound hand to caress Caitlyn’s face. Her bloody eye had been wrapped with bandages and yet her skin was soft against Vi’s rough fingers. They had done it. They had survived the war. Now all they needed to do was heal. Some wounds, though, will take much longer than others. Vi pulled the large quilt over Cait and herself, careful not to pull at the tubes the medics had strapped to her girlfriend. They had strung her to a fancy contraption that beeped rhythmically. She was told it would measure Cait’s heartbeat and she listened carefully, trying to tell if it had changed but it never did. Cait’s heartbeat was steady and strong, just like her. The medics had told her that it would be a while before Caitlyn would wake up, something about blood loss. Vi didn’t care; she just needed to be there when Cait opened her eye. So she waited and waited. As she laid still beside her girlfriend, her mind wandered. She had tried not to let it. It would always go to the same moment. The same feeling. The same tightness in her chest and weight on her heart. Her gauntlet gripping her sister’s hand, holding her from falling. Vander pulling them both down. Her sister’s damn smile as she fell. That haunting smile as the bomb went off. Then silence. She hadn’t even known what name to call into the smoke. Powder. No, Jinx. Despite it all, Vi still had a hard time calling her sister by that name. By the name that she called her that night. But she had insisted and so Vi had listened. She had lost them both all over again. She had been so close to the perfect family she had had as a child, and yet it had all broken apart. Again. The door squeaked on its hinges as it opened.

“Violet?” A voice asked. Vi sat up to see Mel standing at the doorway. She wore a dark red cloak with a black closure over her chest. The gold markings across her skin shimmered in the evening sunlight.

“It’s just Vi.” She said, glancing back at Cait one more time before striding to greet Mel. “What are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to give you and Caitlyn this before I left.” Mel handed Vi a box, wrapped beautifully in shiny gold paper. A tag hung off it with Violet and Caitlyn Kiramman written in fancy calligraphy. 

“Thanks.” Vi took the box, turning it over in her hands. “Where are you going?”

“Back to Noxus.” Mel turned toward the window, watching the sunset. “It’s time to change the Noxian notion of war. But, before I go, I still have a duty to Piltover. So I’m here to tell you,” Mel said, pinching nonexistent dust off her cloak. “There is a council meeting tomorrow about what to do next for Piltover and Zaun. I would like you to be there.” Her green-hazel eyes looked over Vi’s shoulder. “I think Caitlyn would like you there as well.” Vi sighed.

“I’ll think about it. I’m not one for politics.”

“I’m not asking you to be. But as a Zaunite, your opinion and input could help us start to heal the wounds between our two cities. I have another guest for a different view but your unique perspective, as someone who has lived in both cities, will be very useful.”

“I’ll think about it.” Vi repeated and Mel turned to leave. Vi closed the door behind her. She didn’t care about the politics of Piltover and Zaun right now. She couldn’t. Her mind was too preoccupied with worry. How long would it be? Would she wake up at all? As Vi pushed the thoughts away, she placed the box on the bedside table and laid beside Caitlyn again. Please wake up, Cupcake.

——

Vi wasn’t sure when she’d fallen asleep but the grogginess that greeted her told her it had been a long while. She rubbed the sleep off her eyes and turned to face Caitlyn. Her lashes fluttered and Vi jumped up, driving her good elbow into the bedside table. She winced, but hardly had time to focus on the pain blooming in her good arm. 

“Cait?” She watched her girlfriend’s movements carefully, her eyes wide as if she could miss something simply by blinking.

“Violet?” Caitlyn’s voice was soft and small.

“Cait!” Vi cried and wrapped her arm around Caitlyn, pulling her close. Caitlyn leaned into Vi’s touch and Vi pulled her closer despite the pain rising in her bad arm. They stayed like that for a few moments, Vi holding Caitlyn as if she could fall apart at any moment and breathing in her scent of gunpowder laced with blood and roses. The smell was familiar, pulling Vi from her haunting thoughts of the past and back to the present steadiness of Caitlyn’s heartbeat beeping on the machine beside the bed. She hadn’t realized just how much Caitlyn had grounded her, kept her steady and strong. Vi held Caitlyn by her shoulders, her eyes flickering over every part of her face. Her hair. Her nose. Her eye. Her lips. Focus.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay? I can get the medics back here if–”

“Violet.” Caitlyn cupped Vi’s face with her shaky hands, rubbing her thumbs over Vi’s cheeks. “I’m okay.” Vi couldn’t help the stupid smile that spread over her face. Her worry evaporated as if it had never been there at all. Cait brought one hand down to Vi’s good one, interlacing their fingers. Her smile pulled at her bandages. 

“Thank Janna.” Vi breathed and kissed Cait gently. A knock rang at the door. “Come in.” Vi called and pulled away, putting some space between the two of them, their hands still tied together. The medics came through the door calmly, their paces steady and measured unlike the chaos that had erupted when Caitlyn had been carried in before. No blood this time. No panic. Instead, one medic carried a clipboard and asked Cait boring questions about how she was feeling and signaled to another to begin unwiring her from the contraption beside the bed. After the medics asked multiple questions, checked Caitlyn’s other cuts and bruises, and Vi’s arm, they moved on to Caitlyn’s eye. One medic, a brunette with sapphire eyes, unwrapped Caitlyn’s head slowly. As the bandages came unwrapped they formed a small pile on the bedside table. Caitlyn’s good eye was etched with worry as it watched that pile grow. Vi squeezed her hand and Cait squeezed hers back. Once the bandages were off Vi could see the dried blood that had caked up around the cut. She tried to keep her face neutral but judging by Caitlyn’s concerned expression she supposed she had failed to hide it.

“Is it really that bad?” Cait asked.

“No, no!” Vi held her hands up in innocence, then tried to wipe the blood off. Cait winced. “Does it hurt?”

“Yes. But I can deal with it.”

“Here.” The brunette medic said, pulling Caitlyn’s attention away from Vi. She pulled a black eyepatch out of her blue scrubs’ pocket and handed it to Caitlyn.

“Thank you.” Caitlyn said quietly, her hand holding the eyepatch tightly.

“Let me show you how to put it on.” The medic turned toward the bathroom. “Can you stand?”

“Yes.” Caitlyn responded flatly and followed the medic into the bathroom, leaving Vi alone on the bed.

“These will help with the pain.” One of the other medics said, handing Vi two bottles of pills. “The orange one is for her and the blue for you.” They said. The medic continued on about the medicines, explaining when to take them and how many. Vi listened but couldn’t help her thoughts from wandering to Caitlyn. She watched as she struggled with the medic in putting on the patch.

“Excuse me,” An enforcer stood in the doorway. “The council has requested both of your presences for the meeting.”

“When?” Caitlyn asked, her poised demeanor from when Vi had first met her returning.

“Right now, Miss Kiramman.” The enforcer muttered, bowing his head a little.

“Vi.” Cait turned to her girlfriend and Vi gave her two of the pills. Cait swallowed them as Vi stood, placing the containers of pills on the bedside table as she pulled on her red jacket. She could deal with her arm on her own. The two walked down to the councilors’ room. Cait’s steps were wobbly and unfocused. Vi put her hand on the small of Cait’s back to steady her. When they arrived the room felt empty. Only half the seats were filled and silence rang in Vi’s ears.

“What have you called us here for?” Cait’s voice echoed in the large room.

“We have called this meeting,” Mel’s voice spoke across the room as the two women came to the table. “To discuss how to go forward with the relationship between Piltover and Zaun.” Mel tapped her pen to a paper in front of her. Cait stood beside her mother’s chair for a moment, almost as if considering where she was. She tried to pull it out but her hand simply swept through the air. Vi pulled it out for her and Caitlyn sat down, nodding a thanks to Vi. Then she asked one of the enforcers at the door to fetch a seat for Vi. They did so and Vi sat beside her girlfriend.

“What is there to talk about?” Shoola questioned from the other side of the room. “They can have their independence and we can have ours.” Cait had told Vi about her. Apparently, she had been on the council almost as long as Cait’s mother. Her gold contraption of a neckpiece ticked rhythmically as she spoke.

“What about all of the resources we poured into your war and your pompous bullshit up here?” Vi leaned on her elbow. “Some compensation would be nice.” Janna, how she hated these debates. She had had to go to a few after she had joined the enforcers, a decision that still made her stomach sour. The answer always seemed so simple: give the undercity independence and some resources to get it on its feet.

“Vi has a point.” Cait said, her shoulders tight. “Whether or not we knew it, we have taken a lot from Zaun. It’s time we give something back.”

“What kinds of resources would this entail?” Shoola asked.

“Whatever they need.”

“To what extent?”

“To the extent that the city can get its own government to support it.” Caitlyn said.

“If I may interrupt,” Mel said, cutting some of the tension in the air. “I invited a leader from the undercity to help us with what resources may be needed.” She gestured for someone to come forth from the shadows of the corner of the room. Vi immediately recognized his gait and his white dreads and his red scarf.

“This is Ekko.” Mel introduced him. “He leads the Firelights, a revolutionary grou–”

“The same Firelights that blew up our buildings on Progress Day?” Shoola questioned.

“That was Jinx.” Cait said slowly. “Not the Firelights.”

“But they still worked with Jinx in the end, at the battle against Noxus.” Shoola insisted.

“That had nothing to do with Jinx personally.” Mel’s voice was calm, calculated. 

“Getting back to the reason for this meeting, I’m here simply to help in gaining Zaun the resources to get on its feet.” Ekko brought the conversation back and shot Vi a quick questioning glance, as if to ask why she’s here. He still wore the crop top he had in the battle, Jinx’s paintings a painful reminder of what they both shared. He carried a kind of composure Vi was envious of. He stood as if he knew everything that had happened and everything that would.

“Thank you, Ekko.” Mel said respectfully.

“We should start with smoothing over things between the two cities. Residents of both cities hate the other.” Ekko got to business quickly.

“And how would you go about that?” Caitlyn questioned.

“By destroying our common enemy: Hextech.” Ekko leaned on the table. “Was it ever cataloged?”

“Of course it was.” Shoola said with a drip of sass. “But how would we destroy it?”

“Losing it could have the same effect.” Caitlyn proposed.

“Exactly.” Ekko agreed, pointing his gloved finger at Cait. “Get rid of the research and bury the stones in the river.”

“The river?” Mel questioned. “What if someone found them?”

“You can’t swim in that river.” Ekko said. “It’s practically poison. Besides, no one outside of this room would even know it was there. It doesn’t matter how we do it, but acting on the threat of Hextech will do more than words will. Lead with action then you can talk about it.”

“Ekko’s right,” Vi spoke up.  “A common enemy could help bond the two cities.”

“As the main sponsor of Hextech, Councilor Medarda,” Cait said, turning the attention of the room to Mel. “Do you have this catalog of the Hextech materials?” Mel paused for a moment, tapping her pencil, then responded, “Yes.” 

“Good.” Cait stood stiffly. “Then we are done here. Please, bring the catalogs to the Hextech lab.”

“Miss Kiramman, I’m afraid that is not how we do things here. This is highly unprecedented.” Shoola called after Cait, who had already reached the door with Vi on her heels. Cait didn’t answer, instead pulling open the door and leading her and Vi out. They walked down the hall in silence for a moment.

“Are you okay, Cait?” Vi asked.

“Yes.” Caitlyn answered as she began to walk faster. She rubbed her temples.

“Hey,” Vi sped up her pace to keep up. “Where are we going?”

“The Hextech lab. We need to dispose of this technology quickly.”

“Vi!” Ekko called from down the hall. His footsteps thumped as he ran to catch up with her.

“Hey, Little Man.” Vi said, keeping Caitlyn in the corner of her eye.

“Where are you going?” Ekko asked.

“To the Hextech lab.”

“We need to make sure everything is present before we start throwing it out.” Caitlyn said, her voice sounded far away. Vi slipped her fingers into Cait’s. Ekko seemed to have caught himself rolling his eyes and he spoke again.

“Doesn’t Councilor Medarda have the logs though?”

“She’s gonna meet us there.” Cait said. Mel did end up meeting them there after a while and she did not expect Ekko. She greeted him and then acted like neither he nor Vi were present as she and Caitlyn counted everything from screws, to metal plates, to stones with runes carved in, to the Hextech gems. After a while and a lot of checks, Mel looked up from her clipboard.

“I’m sorry, Caitlyn. How many gems did you say?”

“Six?” Cait repeated.

“Are you sure?” Mel pressed, worry beginning to etch her face. Cait counted again.

“I’m sure. There’s six gems.” Cait said, craning her neck to look at Mel’s clipboard.

“There’s supposed to be seven.”

“One’s missing?” Cait muttered. 

“There’s supposed to be seven.” Mel repeated, immediately lost in thought. Ekko cursed under his breath and Vi could almost make out a name.

Chapter Text

Jinx didn’t know what she expected of Demacia but it definitely wasn’t the rustic little town that greeted her when she landed. She strode from the airship’s deck and onto the grass of a new land with her hands in her pockets and her hood pulled over her face. As she walked through the city, she felt as if everyone’s eyes were on her. Had they heard what she did? Would she have to try a new place? Her brightly painted and bloodstained clothes were probably not helping her blend in. She walked through a line of shops, keeping her head low. Armor, food, whiskey, knives. She stopped for a moment at a colorful clothing shop. The shelves pressed against the walls of the tent were stuffed with all kinds of fabrics. A one-shouldered crop top in the corner of the room caught her eye. Her pockets were empty other than the papers and the gem. Perhaps if she had planned this trip better she could’ve got it. She thought about stealing it, but only for a moment. If this was to play out how she wanted it to, she would need to start over.

“I see you’re eyin’ that top.” A gleeful voice spoke behind Jinx. She turned quickly, drawing her gun on instinct. The woman raised her hands in innocence, her blue eyes wide. “Woah, woah. Don’t shoot.” She mumbled. Jinx rolled her eyes, putting the gun back on her belt and murmuring an apology despite its foreign taste on her tongue. “It’s my fault.” Joy laced its way back into the woman’s voice. “I shoulda known not to sneak up on a traveller. I mean no harm.” She laughed. “But I see you’re eyin’ that top. I’m willin’ to give it up for fifteen bronze pieces.”

“I’m not interested.” Jinx said, turning away from the shop and continuing her walk through the town.

“I could negotiate!” The woman called after her. “Ten pieces!”

“Not interested.” Jinx repeated, leaving the shop. The woman’s price was fair but Jinx needed to work out more pressing matters first, such as the rumbling in her stomach. She weaved her way through the crowd of tourists and their families, children running unsupervised through the lanes. Color and laughter rose into the air from each shop. It was so… different . Her black cloak was beginning to make her stand out more than blend in. She glanced around tentatively. No one here seemed to know who she was. There were no posters with her face, no jinxers, no enforcers, none of Silco’s goons, no Firelights. Jinx took off her hood slowly, breathing in the clean morning air with its scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. As she continued walking one of the running children bumped into her. She paused for a moment.

“Sorry, lady.” The kid said, their brown eyes watching Jinx carefully. “Your hair’s pretty.” They giggled, pointed at it, and then ran off again. Jinx swept her bang away from her face and continued forward. She didn’t know where she was going but hopefully it would be less populated. The constant pushing against people was starting to get to her, starting to rile up the voices. What if this was a bad idea? What if you already jinxed it? What if this is worse than before? They’re gonna know. They’re going to know what you did. Jinx. She pushed them down until they were nothing but a small whisper. Eventually, Jinx made it out of the crowd, passed a large, bubbling fountain, and into a large open field. She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to be here but she hardly cared. She strode up the hill and climbed into the top of the first tree she saw, breathing in the fresh air. The voices quieted. Maybe this would work. Hopefully. Jinx swung her legs onto the branch and laid across it. She sat on that branch for a while, took a nap, plucked at the leaves. She took off her gloves, draping them over a nearby branch then went back to plucking the leaves. The scars on her arms from failed models of her bombs and fights cut into the blue clouds tattooed on her arm. She continued pulling the leaves off the branch, and tossing them into the wind like lost souls. She watched the crowd move and mingle, a mess of colors shifting through the hours. When the branch had almost run out of leaves she heard footsteps. Jinx sat up quickly, almost falling in the process, and crouched on the branch, ready to jump if necessary. She had one hand on a branch above her to stay steady and the other on her gun. The bark dug into her fingers, chipping the paint on her prosthetic. Her cloak hung on a different branch but she decided she could leave it if she needed to. With all the color these people wore she could probably blend in better without it. After a moment of listening and tracking the light footsteps through the grass, Jinx saw her. A blond girl in a pale blue dress, her hair pinned away from her face and falling in perfect, soft curls holding a woven basket. Jinx watched as she laid out a blanket and sat down on it. She then took out more food than Jinx thought could fit in the small basket. By the time she had finished laying it out, the blanket was almost completely full of food. Anything from steak to pie to smoothies, but one thing especially caught Jinx’s eye: a pulled pork sandwich on a big brioche bun. It smelled amazing and Jinx watched it closely, as if it would run away. She drew her gun, pointing it at the girl. No. This is a new start. Jinx told herself and did something she never would have in Zaun. She swung off the branch, falling onto the ground with a thump. The girl jumped back, gasping and putting her hand to her chest. Her mouth was agape and her blue eyes wide. Jinx pulled her knees to her chest. 

“Hello?” The girl’s accent was proper but Jinx supposed that made sense, with the sheer amount of food and the fancy dress. She didn’t answer, instead watching the girl move back to her former sitting position. “So…what are you doing here?” Jinx stayed quiet, her face neutral as she analyzed the girl. Why was she here? She supposed she just wanted to mess with this girl. She glanced between the sandwich and the girl.

“Do you want it?” The girl picked up the small plate, handing it to Jinx. “You can have it.” Jinx took it quickly, taking the sandwich in both hands. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she took a bite of it. It had been days since she ate. Even then, the last thing she had eaten were rations from the Firelight base. She ate the sandwich ravenously, the sauce staining her fingers.

“Wow.” The girl said quietly. “You’re hungry. You wanna tell me your name or…why you’re here in the tree?” Jinx had to pause for a moment. Was she Powder, or Jinx? Or maybe someone else entirely? No, no not Powder.

“Jinx.” She said quietly.

“Jinx?” The girl repeated, turning the name over. 

“Jinx.” She repeated firmly. 

“Okay. Why are you here, Jinx?” Jinx glared at the girl as she spoke. It was none of her business why she was here. “Alright.” She said, lifting a pastry plate to her lap. “Well, I’m Luxanna. Luxanna Crownguard.” She held out her hand. Jinx stared at it for a moment, checking for a lie or tell in her voice, a flinch in her motion. There had to be some plot, some reason this girl was treating her with such a calm demeanor, some reason she hadn’t made her leave or left herself. But she couldn’t find anything. Jinx shook Lux’s hand stiffly.

“What are you doing here, Blondie?” Jinx asked, trying to put her usual pep into her voice.

“It’s Lux.”

“Blondie.” Jinx corrected. Lux sighed.

“I’m here for a picnic.” She flattened her skirt across her legs. “Why are you here?”

“Travel.” Jinx said.

“Really?” Lux handed her a pastry. “Where are you from?”

“Zaun.” Jinx mumbled, tearing the pastry in two. Chocolate filling dripped onto the blanket.

“Zaun?” Lux repeated. “Isn’t that near Piltover?”

“Yeah.” Jinx said. Lux’s blue eyes watched her carefully. Jinx knew that look; it was the same one Ekko had given her while on the roof the other night. Lux was dissecting her body language, her expression, trying to figure out what she could say.

“Is that where you got those tattoos?” Lux changed the subject and Jinx was thankful.

“Yeah. A long time ago.”

“Still cool, though.” Lux said, turning her gaze to the town’s border with its colorful people still bustling. Reds and blues and yellows and oranges and greens and pinks all moving around and yet never touching, never combining no matter how the blob looked from a distance. “If I may,” Lux started, changing her posture to appear more collected but her eye caught on Jinx’s prosthetic finger. “Why did you leave Zaun?”

“War with Piltover.” Jinx said, stuffing a bread roll in her mouth.

“Are you a refugee? I can get you to a–”

“No, I can take care of myself.” Jinx persisted.

“Okay,” Lux held her hands up in defense. “But won’t someone be looking for you? Family? Friends?” 

“No.” Jinx responded flatly. “Ya know, with how many questions you ask I’d assume you’re interrogatin’ me.”

“No, no, no.” Lux shook her head. “I’m just curious. I can stop if you like.”

“Good. Stop.” Jinx said. That was clearly not the response Lux had expected nor wanted.

“But,” Lux picked up the few untouched plates and pulled them towards herself. “I can’t help if I don’t know who you are.”

“I don’t need help.” Jinx said. She knew it was a lie; she should’ve planned this better. Ekko would’ve planned this all out and both he and Vi would’ve been a steady presence, keeping her from acting out. But neither were there. She had pushed them away. Good. They can’t be here ‘til I figure this out.  

“Really?” Lux questioned. “Look, I won’t bribe you with food. It looks like you need it, but if you’re going to be stealing my pastries I’d like to at least help you be able to get your own.” Jinx was quiet for a moment. Was help from a stranger a good idea? Vi had always told her not to trust strangers. She’d said that they would give you gold and stab you in the same motion.

“And how would ya go about that, Blondie?” 

“Get you a place to stay, a job.”

“Ugh.” Jinx complained, falling to lay on her back.

“Will you let me help?” Lux asked. She reminded Jinx too much of Ekko and his savior complex. It had only been days and she missed him. His warmth, his scent, his grounding presence. His obnoxious need to help.

“Ya just dyin’ to save me, huh?” Jinx smiled wryly.

“Is that a yes?”

“Fine.”

——

When Lux had invited Jinx to stay with her for the time being, Jinx had not expected such a spectacular place. Jinx wanted to call her out on her naivety for inviting a complete stranger into her house, a jinx no less, yet the palace had her mouth agape. They had had to travel back through the town but Jinx hardly minded for this amazing place. She’d only ever read about places so beautiful. The grey, stone walls were tall and perfect, without even a scratch. The large wooden door had a forest carved into it, complete with animals and flowers. Banners hung on either side of the door with golden trident-like symbols Jinx could only assume was the symbol of Demacia. Two silver-armored guards stood at attention. Lux strode onward with confidence, her basket looped on her arm.

“Open, please.” As she spoke, the guards bowed. They didn’t speak as they obeyed, opening the doors and revealing a grand foyer. Jinx followed Lux’s gait, trying to hide how amazed she was with this place. Was this what all of Piltover looked like on the inside? Gold trim lined each and every perfect window. A long blue carpet ran through the center and pictures of fancy people lined both sides of the hall. Most were blond, and all wore a golden crown with shiny white gems lining their brows.

“Princess Luxanna.” A guard bowed. “Your broth–”

“Luxanna!” A voice boomed in the hollow hall. A large, armored man with tousled brown hair approached Lux and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her closely.

“Garen.” Lux pushed him away. “I was only gone for a few hours.”

“And yet, you’ve brought in another stray.” Garen said, letting Lux go and turning to Jinx who scowled at him.

“It’s temporary.” Lux reassured him. “She’s a refugee and I just want to help get her on her feet.”

“What’s your name, refugee?” Garen towered over Jinx, but that hardly threatened her.

“Jinx.” She spat.

“Jinx?” Garen practically laughed. “What kind of magic are you known for, Jinx?” He spoke like the word was poison.

“I don’t need magic.” Jinx said, playfully. 

“There’s no magic here, Garen.” Lux said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Then why are her eyes like… that ?” Garen had an expression as if Jinx was offending him by simply being present. Jinx was used to that look. It made her want to be so much worse just for the sake of pissing off the other person. She made her eyes flash brighter for a split second and Garen stepped back, gripping the hilt of his sword.

“Garen, calm down! You can’t say that!” Lux scolded, pushing him aside. “C’mon, Jinx, let’s get you situated.” Lux led Jinx down the hall a little farther and to a small room. “You can have this room for a week.” Lux explained, swinging the door open for Jinx to enter. “My father and brother won’t let you stay longer.”

“Your brother?” Jinx questioned as she scouted out the room, beginning to check corners and drawers for hidden tricks. As if they’d go off while the princess is still here. Jinx still wasn’t sure this was the right move, staying at a stranger’s place. Doubt crept on her at every move. She pushed it down, but it kept rising nonetheless.

“Garen.” Lux answered. Garen was nothing like his sister and Jinx was thankful. Despite all of the bark on her, she had run out of bite. Lux watched as Jinx slung her cloak over the bed in the center of the room. She had noticed the dresser against the wall, but she hardly paid it mind. It would be too easy to hide some kind of bomb there. Maybe she’d try that if things went south.

“Now, what?” Jinx sat on the bed and it creaked under her weight.

“Well,” Lux sat next to her, but Jinx made sure there was still some distance. “What are you good at? What kind of work did you do back in Zaun?”

“Machines.” Jinx said. It was only a half-truth but it would suffice. Lux was naive, not stupid. If Jinx told her what she really did back in Zaun she’d be back at square one.

“You were an engineer?” Lux asked.

“Yeah.”

“Okay,” Lux stood, holding out a hand for Jinx to take. “Let’s get you some…cleaner clothes and go see if there’s an engineering job you can take in town.” Jinx stood slowly, sighing as walking would kill her. She pushed Lux’s hand aside. 

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” She complained.

“They’re covered in paint and blood.” Lux explained flatly as she turned to the door and spoke to a short man in a blue uniform. He wore a hat that Jinx could only describe as stupid and floppy with a feather poking up from the rim. He bowed, left, and came back a few minutes later with a pile of clothes. Lux took them and handed them to Jinx.

“Here. Get dressed and then we can go.” Lux closed the door softly behind her. Jinx obeyed and changed. Admittedly, she was getting sick of the smell of blood and oil that haunted her old clothes. What am I doing listening to a princess, another rich bitch? Just like Vi. She chuckled to herself but even still it did sting. She missed her. They had just started getting along again. Now, Jinx was with a stranger who insisted that she needed help. She did but she’d never admit it, never let the girl have that victory. Jinx was now dressed in a long white shirt and plain black pants that bunched around her pink-laced boots. She stared at her reflection in the mirror on the back of the door. This isn’t right. Jinx put her hands on her hips. A pair of scissors caught her eye. They were small, meant for cutting threads, but they’d work. Jinx took the scissors and cut the shirt shorter and more like the display she had seen in town. She cut and stretched the neckline so it would show her shoulder. She looked in the mirror again. Better. Her tattoos were showing on her shoulder and out from under the shirt. She wished she could paint it, but she supposed this would work. Jinx took the stone and the paper from her old pockets and transferred them into the new ones. Paper on the right, stone on the left. She left the fake pass. Jinx grabbed her cloak off the bed and swung it over her shoulders, opening the door.

“Did you…” Lux paused, her blue eyes looking Jinx up and down. “Nevermind. It looks good.” She turned on her heel and gestured for Jinx to follow. Lux took a long, velvet cloak and did the same. Her shiny, blue velvet cloak put Jinx’s black, stolen one to shame. The two left the palace quietly with Garen nowhere to be found.

Once the two women had arrived within the town square, Lux pulled up her hood and Jinx copied her. There were less people than before yet still too many for the space. Jinx still needed to slip between people and watch every step carefully so as to not step on anyone’s feet.

“Aren’t you, like, royalty, Princess?” Jinx asked under her breath.

“My family is influential, yes, but the attention these people give is never good.” Lux pulled her hood farther over her face. “There are criminals everywhere.” If only she knew who she was travelling with. Jinx thought wryly. Lux stopped in front of a closed, purple tent. A man stomped out of the tent, angrily muttering to himself, shoving past the two women. After a moment, Lux gestured for Jinx to go in. She did, moving the curtain aside, with Lux on her heels. The smell of sweat and gasoline and smoke hit her hard but it was familiar, especially combined with the grating sounds of drills and saws. Jinx’s eyes surveyed the room slowly. A table decorated with large, brightly colored signs was propped in the back of the shop, probably for sales. Behind the table was a wall of tools set on a rolling board. To her right was a saw table being operated on by a brunette woman with her hair pulled tightly into a bun. Sparks shone in front of her goggles and a mask over her nose and mouth, casting shadows across her face. To Jinx’s left was another table littered with tools. A person stood at it, soldering two metal wires together. They wore a black scarf, pulled over their nose. Jinx was in awe, as much as she hated to admit it. Surrounded by the sheer amount of tools and paints and materials, she was itching to use them, to make something . Next to her Lux was having a coughing fit, pulling her cloak to cover her mouth.

“Ya good, Blondie?” Jinx asked, the excitement in her voice obvious.

“Yeah.” Lux answered between coughs. “How are you breathing this?”

“I told you,” Jinx laughed, a high pitched, genuine sound. “I grew up in Zaun. I’m immune, Princess.” She spread her hands, beginning to stride toward the soldering table. Jinx leaned over the table to watch. The person stopped, turning off the iron. Their brown eyes stared down at Jinx.

“Sales are at the back.” They said, pointing to the table covered in signs.

“Was hopin’ for a job actually.” Jinx said.

“Really?” They put the iron on the table and pulled their mask down.

“Yes.” Lux said.

“You too?” 

“No, no.” Lux, pressed her cloak to her face. “Just Jinx.”

“Jinx?” The worker questioned.

“Yup.” Jinx grinned, blowing her hair out of her face.

“Either way.” They sighed. “Go to the table over there. Melanie’ll help you.” They pointed to the back of the store again. Jinx opened her mouth to speak.

“Thank you.” Lux interrupted, pulling Jinx away by her cloak before she could say anything else. The worker pulled up their mask again and went back to soldering. Jinx pulled away from Lux after a moment, walking with an unusual pep in her step. The only workshop other than her own she had seen was Ekko’s and it was always overpopulated with broken hoverboards and playing children. It couldn’t hold a candle to the amount of tools and space and potential this place had. When she arrived at the table, she impatiently drummed her fingers on the side. Lux cleared her throat and pointed to a little bell. Jinx rang it for an obnoxiously long time causing Lux to take it from her, placing it gently on the table. She pinched the bridge of her nose. Jinx smiled; she was glad to mess with someone unused to her antics. The woman from the saw table stopped what she was doing, loudly dropping the metal piece. Her gait was steady, confident as she took off her mask and goggles. Her green eyes complimented her tan skin and her worn, green apron. Ash scored her face and she wiped it away with her thumb. She leaned over the table.

“What are you looking for today?” She asked, her face neutral as she inspected Jinx and Lux.

“We’re looking for Melanie.” Lux said.

“I’m Melanie.” The woman said, her green eyes piercing into Jinx. “What are you looking for today?”

“Blondie here says I need a job.” Jinx explained, pointing to Lux then leaning on the table. “Was hopin’ you had an opening.”

“Any experience?” Melanie pressed, her eyes pausing for a moment on Jinx’s prosthetic.

“About eight years worth.”

“Where? What did you make?”

“Zaun.” Jinx paused. What would Lux do if she told the truth? Report her? Attack her? Leave her? No, she’s stayed this long. That’s hardly enough time. Once she realizes who you are, she’ll know what you do. What you've done. You’re a jinx. The voices crept up on her, making her shoulders stiff and her breaths shallower. Lux seemed to have noticed because she put a hand on Jinx’s shoulder, but Jinx shoved her off. “I made weapons.”

“What kind of weapons?”

“Bombs, guns, explosives.” Jinx kept her eyes on Melanie, who hadn’t seemed to notice the slight difference in her posture. Lux didn’t say anything, instead letting Jinx take the wheel with Melanie and her judgy stares. 

“You’re lucky that bastard quit and I’m desperate.” Melanie sighed, glaring at the door. She shifted her gaze back to Jinx “I can train you the day after tomorrow at sunrise. Got it?”

“Yup.”

“Don’t be late.” She pointed her finger in Jinx’s face. Jinx pushed her hand down.

“Ya don’t need to worry about me.” She smirked. A new start in a new place with new people. But still the voices of her past haunted her, It’s only a matter of time.

Chapter Text

Vi, Cait, Ekko, and Mel had left the Hextech lab quickly. Cait had always walked faster than Vi, but now Vi practically had to jog to keep up with her. Mel’s heels clicked not far behind and Ekko moved behind her with his usual silence. They talked to each other too quietly for Vi to listen. Not that she cared what they were talking about. Cait’s shoulders were stiff and her breaths shallow. Vi knew what that meant.

“You okay, Cupcake?” She put her hand on her girlfriend’s shoulder.

“Where could the gem be?” Cait asked, lost in thought. 

“Well, who else made Hextech?” Vi proposed.

“...Jinx did.” Caitlyn said quietly.

“Jinx didn’t ha—“ Ekko started, darting up to meet the two and pointing a finger in Cait’s face. But Vi interrupted, putting a hand out to block him.

“Cait.” Vi didn’t want to talk about this. Cait knew that; she had to. Vi would help Cait with her problems but she would not overstep when it came to her sister. They had discussed this only a few minutes ago, needing to leave the lab for privacy and everything. The tension was almost palpable when she spoke again.

“We’ll just have to search her lab.” Cait suggested. “Quick and easy.”

“It’s gone.” Ekko chimed in. “She burned it before I found her and I checked all her weapons before we left for the battle. I…I wanted to keep her safe.” He exchanged a look with Vi.

“Then we’re still down one gem." Vi said, changing the subject.

“Perhaps,” Mel said, joining the others at a faster pace. “Someone took it from her lab before she went back.”

“I doubt it.” Ekko explained. “It’s hidden.”

“Helpful, Little Man.” Vi said, sarcastically.

“How did you find it?” Caitlyn questioned.

“She showed me.” Ekko said, his voice carried tension as if he could snap.

“Show me.” Caitlyn stopped and turned to Ekko but her eye was distant, almost as if looking behind him. She scowled.

“No.” Ekko answered, defiantely walking onward.

“Why not?” Vi questioned, following him. “We’d check it and then we can outrule her.” Vi didn’t want to believe that Jinx had stolen it, but she couldn’t put it above her. Jinx had surprised her one too many times. She had learned to predict the dangerous chaos of her little sister, but some part of her still held onto Powder and her wide, teary blue eyes and chubby cheeks.

“It’s hidden on purpose. She wouldn’t like Pilties inside.” Ekko didn’t turn to look at them; he put his hands into his pockets. “It’s a no.”

“What if I go?” Vi proposed, grabbing Ekko’s elbow. 

“Even if I did bring you, the place is practically in ruins.”

“Then we’ll search the ruins.” Vi pressed, and leaned closer to Ekko. “ Please. There has to be something that can help.” She didn’t know if she was still talking about finding the gem.

“Fine.” He sighed, but something in his brown eyes shifted.

“Okay,” Vi said, turning to Caitlyn and Mel. “While Ekko and I try this you two can look into how someone could’ve taken a gem from the Hexgates.”

“I would love to help you all with this, but I need to leave for Noxus.” Mel explained, tapping a ring on her finger. “I have a lot of work to do and must leave as soon as possible.”

“Okay,” Vi turned to Caitlyn. “Can you get the blueprints and look into that idea?”

“Yes.” Caitlyn smiled but it hardly went to her eyes. Vi took her hands and squeezed.

“We’re gonna find the gem.”

“I know.” The two pressed their foreheads together for a moment.

“Then, after that, maybe you and I could go out. Do something.” Vi suggested, pulling away.

“I’ll look into the Hexgates angle.” Cait said, squeezing Vi’s hands a final time then releasing. She turned to go back to the Kiramman Mansion. But for a moment she turned back, calling to Vi. “I’m holding you to that date promise, Violet!”

“You got it, Cupcake!” Vi called back, her cheeks pink. Cait waved one last time and the two separated.

“I should be going.” Mel said with a polite nod, before turning on her heel to leave. Vi turned to Ekko.

“You’re awfully hard to separate.” Ekko scoffed.

“Ha-ha.” Vi faked laughter, but she smiled nonetheless. “Like you’d leave any of us alone as kids.” She nudged him, but he didn’t laugh.

“Let’s go.” Ekko pushed on, keeping his face forward and away from Vi.

——

When the two arrived at The Last Drop, hours had passed. Between getting across the bridge, Ekko’s missteps in remembering how to get to the lab, and dodging the debris that had fallen, it had taken a lot longer than Vi had assumed to make it to the door of Jinx’s lab. Questions ran through her mind as she stared at the door knob. What had Jinx done here? What if she did take it? Why did she let herself…fall?

“Are you okay? You don't have to go in; I can do this myself.” Ekko said softly, his brown eyes watching Vi carefully. Vi forced her thoughts to be quiet and her expression to be neutral.

“I got it.” She said as she opened the door. The hinges squeaked loudly. Vi’s and Ekko’s footsteps echoed in the open area. There was a large open pit in the center of the room, but the rest of the room was covered in Jinx’s paintings and blueprints. The memory of her sister fit this room. Powder would draw on the walls just like this back when their parents were still alive. Vi could almost see her little figure in the shadows with her short, blue hair in a mess of choppy strands and little braids. She cleared her throat, pushing the thought away. 

“What’s with the pit?” Vi asked, letting Ekko inside.

“It’s where the main part of the lab was.” Ekko explained, keeping his back to the wall as he shimmied around the side of the pit to an outcrop on the other side. “She took it with us into the battle.”

“That’s what that was?” Vi chuckled as she followed him. “Classic.” Powder had never liked letting things go; she would hold onto every one of her toys. When Mom had tried to take them away for cleaning or because they were broken she would hold them to her chest as if the toy could run away. When Mom had tried to pull it away, she would cry and cry until she stopped. 

“Yeah.” Ekko said, a small smile on his face. He sounded like he was elsewhere, like his thoughts had him tracking something else entirely.

“Where do you think she would’ve kept the stone, if she had it?”

“I don’t know.” Ekko said, then he got quieter. “She wasn’t…in the best headspace while we were here.”

“Still,” Vi said, stepping over a stone. “I figured she’d tell you. She really cared about you, Little Man.”

“I know.” Ekko muttered, keeping his eyes forward. “She cared about both of us.”

“Oh, no.” Vi snickered, but the look in her eye was sad. “We both know there was something else between you two.”

“Vi.”

“The way she looked at you said it all. She–”

“Vi!” Ekko cried, whipping around to face Vi. Tears welled in his eyes and his expression was almost angry.

“...I’m sorry.” Vi mumbled. She hadn’t meant to dig up his grief. All she wanted was to remember her sister by something that was pure, genuine, kind, even if it was so simple. The care Jinx had for both Vi and Ekko and that kid, Isha, was as genuine as Vi had ever seen her. She’d smile wider. Her laughter was genuine. Her hugs tight, just like how she used to hold her favorite toys as a child. But she supposed that was all the genuine memory she had of Jinx. Vi and Ekko were silent until arriving at the outcrop.

“She–” Ekko cleared his throat and wiped imaginary dust from his top. “She would hide all the important things in here.” He pointed to a little paper decorated with bright pink and blue and orange. JINX WAS HERE was scrawled across the corner and her signature monkey drawing in the center. The bottom had been charred but Vi could still make out small handwriting along the edge as if imitating Jinx’s signature. Isha wuz here. Vi lifted the paper, careful not to rip the names. A small box rested in a hole in the wall. The wood had been charred but it was still together. Vi gingerly took the box out and sat, placing it in her lap. Ekko sat next to her silently as she carefully pushed things around. An old plush bunny, a half-finished grenade decorated as a mouse, a bag of markers, a charred miner’s hat with scrawled blue, pink, and green. The goggles on the hat had a faded yellow swirl and an X over them. Vi’s hand hit the bottom of the box. She dumped the contents onto the floor and Ekko jumped forward in a futile attempt to catch them.

“What are you doing?” He asked, carefully making sure everything was still there. “Something could’ve fallen.” Vi didn’t respond, continuing to dig through the few contents of the box. C’mon Po–Jinx! Please have something I can work with. 

“Vi.” Ekko said, standing and putting his hand on her shoulder. She was tense; she knew it but still she dug through the contents of the box as if something new would appear. “Vi, look.” Ekko said. He held a little pouch now.

“Where’d you get that?” Vi questioned, darting to her feet.

“It was behind the box.”

“Open it!” Vi demanded. Ekko did and sighed. “What is it?” Vi stood and peered inside.

“Just bracelets.” Ekko said, closing the pouch and putting it in his pocket. He paused.“I don’t think she had it, Vi.”

“Last I checked, she did have a gem.” Vi bent back down to the box, turning it over in her hands. Maybe there was a switch or a note or something .

“Vi,” Ekko bent down next to her. “I checked her weapons before we left. Nothing had Hextech and nothing could self-destruct. I made sure of it.”

“Yet she’s still dead!” Vi cried, standing and turning for the door. She hadn’t meant to yell. She hadn’t meant to.

“Vi…” Ekko followed her. “I miss her too, but you can’t make her come back by going through her things.” Vi swallowed the lump in her throat and pressed her back to the wall. 

“I can’t believe you’re so calm about this!” Her voice cracked as started back towards the door.

“Vi.” Ekko said and when she didn’t turn he continued. “Jinx…she didn’t have a Hextech gem when I was with her. Someone else could’ve stolen it.”

“She was unpredictable, Ekko. She could’ve easily had it and you didn’t know.” Vi had made it to the outcrop now. “Did you know she was going to do it?”

“What?” Ekko paused.

“You said you wanted to keep her safe. Did she tell you her plan?”

“She only told me that she wanted to help you.” Ekko spoke slowly. “That’s it.”

“She didn’t tell you she planned to…fall?” Vi paused on the last word, as if were she to say what she really meant she would fall apart. She probably would. 

“No.” Ekko said, his voice choked up. He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “All she said was that she wanted to protect you.” Vi held the doorknob for a moment, her thoughts loud, then twisted it and left. 

“Vi!” As she stumbled over the debris, Ekko called out her name but she could hardly hear him over the laughs of a little Powder running and ducking under the burnt wooden boards. She watched as she played with her stuffed bunny, throwing it into the air and catching it every time it came down.

Protect Powder. Vander’s voice echoed. Protect Powder. Protect Powder. Protect Powder. She covered her ears to try to quiet him, but nothing worked. His voice ran loudly in her ears, haunting. Once Vi had made it out of the old bar, her breaths were shaky and shallow. Her eyes darted over the space, every neon sign directing her focus to a new spot. Everything had changed all over again. She never should have left. You never left. Jinx’s voice was quiet. Always with you, sis. Vi’s eyes darted around as she put her unwrapped fist up. Whoever was messing with her was going to get it. Then she saw it. Vi ran towards the painting, leaving Ekko behind despite her own conflicted feelings. On the wall of a large supply house was a mural decorated with multicolor flowers. Piltovan buildings were drawn along the bottom, colors exploding from them. In the center Jinx stood with her hand high, holding a blue smoke signal. Vi ran her hand down one of the painted braids, watching her face as if she’d come to life. Her painted persona was so different from what Vi remembered her looking like. Her eyes were too small, her hair too neat. Her painted eyes held none of what she had carried. Tears streamed down before she could stop them, her good hand shaking against the wall. Vi curled in on herself as she stood. She didn’t move when she heard pounding footsteps or when arms wrapped around her or when Ekko tried to comfort her. His hug pulled her body against her bad arm. She was almost thankful for the pain, it kept her present. Out of her head. But she could tell he was sobbing too. The way his voice cracked when he spoke and how he sounded just like the little boy she had hugged that night before everything went wrong.

——

By the time Vi had made it back to the Kiramman Mansion, she had made sure that she didn’t look as if she was crying. She had to at least be strong for who she had. Vi took a deep breath and opened the door, keeping her pace as steady as she could.

“How’d it go?” Cait called from the other room.

“F-fine.” Vi called back, stuttering. She closed the door behind her with a click. “She didn’t have the stone. Did the blueprints idea work out?” She went to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of whiskey and two gold-rimmed cups.

“I’m not sure.” Cait responded as Vi poured the whiskey and sat on the table despite the couches surrounding it. She took a sip of the whiskey and hummed to herself the old song her mother had sung to her and Powder, as if she could bring them both back. But nothing happened. Nothing changed.

Chapter Text

Caitlyn walked home with her hands in tight fists at her side. She tried her best for Vi, but they both had conflicting views on Jinx. Even then, Caitlyn couldn’t deny that she had helped greatly in the battle against Noxus. If she had to put that psycho in a good light, that would be the moment. When Vi had told her what happened, how her sister and father had died, Caitlyn had held her tightly as she cried. They had had to pause outside of the lab for a moment, just the two of them before going back to deal with the Hextech problem. She had let Vi feel safe in her arms, but one small part of her still spoke in her ear, thankful that her mother had gotten justice. Caitlyn knew she wasn’t supposed to feel that way. She had pushed it down again and again. Yet it still spoke softly in the distance. Caitlyn could hear it now. Shut up. It obeyed but she knew it was temporary. Once she had arrived home, she removed the eyepatch. It had started to rub against her skin turning it pink. She placed it on the bathroom counter and rubbed her temples. The pain in her head had dimmed after the meds but not nearly enough. Focus. Caitlyn strode to the other room. The shelves climbed to the ceiling, all organized alphabetically. Just how her mother liked it. The computer sat in the back of the room on a small desk and the Kiramman Key beside it. Caitlyn started first at H, poking through each tape, careful not to damage the fragile things. Then she went on to M. Magic. She thought, but nothing on the Hexgates was there either. Then she tried T. Talis. Jayce’s name made her throat tight. She missed him, but still she tried desperately to focus on her job. She tried so hard to stay focused on the tapes’ names. Not it. Not it. Not it. Talis, Jayce. There. Caitlyn gingerly picked up the tape and put the Key in. She then inserted the tape, her hands shaking. She missed but once it was in, the screen went static. She took a deep breath. Blueprints. The static on the screen took a moment to fade, but when it did, Caitlyn was greeted with a young, teenage Jayce wearing a full suit, his hair slicked back. His mother stood in front of him, straightening his tie.

“We’re rolling.” A man said from behind the camera. Ximena scrambled out of frame, giving Jayce a thumbs up. Caitlyn’s mother walked into frame with poise. Her hands folded in front of her, her heels clicking lightly as she strode. Her blue eyes staring at her daughter through the video.

“This is our official welcoming of Jayce Talis into the care of the Kirammans. His intellect and ambition is what we were looking for when choosing to be patron.” Caitlyn’s mother went on about Jayce’s potential for a few minutes and Cait skipped through the tape. Photos, videos, charts. Her mother had kept thorough tabs on Jayce. Every one of his achievements had been documented on this tape. After a few more flips through the charts, Jayce came onto the screen.

“What are you doing?” Viktor asked in the background.

“We need to document this!” Jayce said excitedly. He picked up the camera and placed it on the table. Caitlyn could now see both scientists. Jayce narrated to the camera. “So, this is our second testing of Hextech. We loaded up this,” He held up a cage-like machine with runes carved on its limbs then presented a gemstone to the camera. “With this gemstone and now we’re gonna turn it on!” Jayce grinned. Cait missed that smile, that energy. Viktor rolled his eyes but his small smile was consistent. Jayce placed the blue gem in the center of the contraption and nodded to Viktor. Viktor turned a dial on the side of the contraption, causing it to spin rapidly. Glyphs shone in the air as the gem spun faster and faster.

“Now crank it, V!” Jayce exclaimed and Viktor turned the dial sharply. The gem spun so fast it seemed to be in slow motion. Blue exploded across the screen and for a moment Cait couldn’t see anything, then Jayce came back into focus, laughing. He took the camera and panned to the now stably spinning gemstone. He was off the ground as was the contraption, a barrier of magic around it.

“This is the potential held by harnessing magic through science!” Jayce’s smile was still wide as he floated up. He turned the camera to Viktor. “Vik, say hi!”

“Jayce.” Viktor sighed. “I am not interested in being in your video.”

“Really?” Jayce swam across the air towards Viktor. “Well, I hate to break it to you but you’re already in it. You’re part of this too.” That brought a small smile to Viktor’s face but he seemed to be trying to hide it. Blueprints, right. Caitlyn flipped through more tapes. Jayce had been pretty consistent about taping his progress for the Kiramman files. Cait wanted to stop on every video, every photo. She wanted to relive watching Jayce’s dream begin, despite her knowing of its end. She wanted to be there as a child all over again, looking up at him like he had hung the stars in the night sky. She wondered if he could see the stars, wherever he was. The same stars that twinkled at her day and night. Eventually, after stopping on multiple videos, she reached the end of the tape.

“What?” Caitlyn questioned out loud. “No, no, no. That can’t be it.” Cait stood quickly, knocking over her chair with a clatter. She strode back to the shelves. She searched for another tape, pausing at each one to double check that she had read them right. Her eye was blurry and her head ached but she ignored it, clawing through every tape in the room. It was nowhere to be found. The Talis tape had only made it to the full stabilization of the crystals. She had forgotten how long that had taken. But that didn’t matter right now. She needed to get Vi those tapes. She couldn’t fail her too.

——

When the idea had come to Caitlyn, she wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. But she ran nonetheless. She had restrapped the eyepatch, but it moved as she ran. She must’ve done it wrong, but she hardly cared. She ran and ran to the lab, counting every step she made, trying to keep herself grounded. One, two, three, four… When she finally arrived, she was out of breath and her hair a mess of strays in her face. She pushed them aside and began searching every one of the boxes. Mel must’ve ordered the Hextech things to be boxed up for moving. Sadly though, whoever had boxed the items had not organized them. Everything was mixed up without rhyme or reason. Caitlyn tore the boxes apart, laying every item across the floor at her feet. Metal plates. Dead plants. Wrenches. Screws. Hammers. Nails. After what felt like all day, she was left with only one more box. It was not big but was still awkward for her to lift. She placed it on the table and tore the tape off. Pulling away the flaps of the box, Caitlyn found the contraption that started it all. It was rusted now from not being used. She gingerly picked it up and placed it beside the box. Under it laid a notebook labeled with the Talis sigil. Caitlyn took the book carefully, flipping through it. Jayce’s notes were like scribbles to her eyes. His handwriting had always been bad but this was written as if in a hurry. Every page was signed. Jayce Talis. Jayce Talis. Jayce Talis. Math problems and drawings littered the margins, some scribbles and some full sketches of Viktor’s sharp features. Caitlyn turned the pages, her eye scanning every page for something that would help her. She stopped when a word caught her eye: Hexgates. She glanced at the date. September 10th. She read the page slowly. Jayce’s handwriting was neater that day. That made sense; it had been a big day for him and he had become a public figure. She knew that, and yet every word of his felt so personal, as if he was speaking to her.

Talis                                                                                                            9/10/XXXX   

Today is the day we open the Hexgates to all of Runeterra. It’s taken a lot longer than we intended but I’m excited for people to finally see what we’ve been working on. We spent over two years researching runes for this and I can tell people have been doubting this project. Viktor says that science usually takes longer and I know that, but I just get so excited working alongside him and on our Hextech dream. It’s time to bring magic to the common man, no more restrictions. Mel says I need to write a speech for this big occasion. She got me the money for this project and I think she’s right. She always seems to know how to go about these things. Viktor and I are going to be the ones to pull in a new age of technology, one that will push the common worker forward and into progress. (I should use that sentence in my speech.) We just need to work out the kinks and then we’ll be out with all kinds of things. Hopefully it doesn’t take as long though. Heimerdinger has been nagging us not to this since the beginning. It’ll be good to finally prove him wrong. Now is the time for progress in both Piltover and the undercity. This is the city of progress after all and we need to help each other.

-Jayce Talis

Caitlyn chuckled wryly at past-Jayce’s naivety. If only this Jayce knew what was going to happen. He would’ve been shocked. He never would’ve taken the steps he did. Or maybe he’d do it all over again in defiance, just to prove himself wrong in the end. Caitlyn could still hardly believe he was gone. Maybe he had just… no . Caitlyn closed the book and pulled it to her chest as she stood, her stance wobbly. She searched each box again and finally found the tape. It had been placed under a mug wrapped in old newspaper. She unwrapped it and moved the mug aside. Man of Progress was written across the side next to a picture of Jayce staring into the distance. Magic at Our Fingertips, the newspaper read. Jayce’s photo under it as he announced the opening of the Hexgates. Caitlyn tucked the newspaper into the notebook for later. She took the tape gingerly, her hand shaking. This was all people remembered of Jayce Talis. All anyone ever knew was the Man of Progress, the man who brought magic to their fingertips. But not Caitlyn. Caitlyn knew Jayce. She knew of his hope to help everyone with his technology. Not just to give magic devices, but also food, shelter, resources. She knew of his fear of Viktor’s condition worsening, of it killing him. She knew that that was what he really worked towards, a solution to the conditions caused by situations. Caitlyn supposed no one would remember either one of them. After the erasure of Hextech, their names would be nothing but leaves in the wind. You’d hear them occasionally, but only as myth or fairy tales, never treated as fact. As human. As someone. Caitlyn had burned a paper for Jayce at the ceremony on the bridge. She had burned one for her mother too. But even as she did it she felt that wasn’t enough to honor them. Nothing would ever honor what they meant to her. Her mother had guided her her whole life, always a steady and firm presence. She had laid out the path Caitlyn was to follow as a Kiramman. Jayce had been like a brother to her, encouraging, collected. He had laid out the other path. The path she could follow as an independent, as someone who chased her dreams no matter the consequence. After everything that had happened she still didn’t know what path to follow. Fate or freedom.

Caitlyn took the tape and the notebook and left the lab. She couldn’t stay there any longer. She needed to finish the job Vi gave her, then she could try to figure out her…problems. Caitlyn fidgeted with the newspaper as she walked back home. The large room welcomed her as she took off the eyepatch again. It was wet with her tears. She placed it on the bathroom counter and went back to the computer. She placed the tape inside, Hextech was scribbled across the top in Jayce’s handwriting. Caitlyn watched the screen as the static disappeared and the blueprints blinked forward. She flipped through them slowly. First the spinning contraption then the Hexgates. She started at the base. How could someone steal from here? Every single entrance she could think of had either been guarded or blocked. She moved farther up the tower. Each side had six vents, two bigger than the rest. Someone could fit through them if they crouched, but the gems weren’t there; they were at the base. Caitlyn flipped back to the base, practically pressing her face to the screen to try to find any way someone might have been able to get inside. The small lump representing the energy source stared back at her. When they had been planning how to take down Viktor, Jayce had said that one couldn’t simply pull the gems out. Whoever stole the gem had to have known what they were doing. 

Jinx. Caitlyn pulled her mind back to the screen. But the girl’s laugh echoed in her ears. That damned laugh. Like a sharp and unyielding, out-of-tune melody. Vi’s sister couldn’t have taken it. She told herself but she wasn’t sure she believed it. Oh, how she wanted to. She wanted to believe Vi that Jinx had changed, but none of them could run from their past, especially not her. Besides, Vi missed her. No matter how Caitlyn felt about Jinx she was still Vi’s sister and she would be there for her girlfriend in her grief. Even if she didn’t care for the blue-haired menace. Caitlyn flipped back to the tower structure blueprints. The vents. She could have slipped through the vents. She’d be alive. Caitlyn zoomed into the vents, the projection bright on her tired eye. She couldn’t have taken the gem from the base, but maybe she could have escaped. Slippery bitch. A small smile pulled at Caitlyn’s lips. She wasn’t sure why. She supposed she was just happy that maybe Vi didn’t have to grieve. Caitlyn recalled what Vi had said. She had said that Jinx had fallen down the tower structure from the near top and set off a bomb about halfway down. But they hadn’t found a body. Caitlyn had thought it was because of the blast but maybe… 

Caitlyn played out the scenario in her head, dragging her finger across the screen in the way Jinx could’ve moved. Falling down the tower then pushing off the wolf to get inside the vent. Jinx had been especially fast after shimmer, maybe that had allowed her to escape the blast. Caitlyn put her hand to her chin in thought as the door opened.

“How’d it go?” Cait called into the other room.

“F-fine.” Vi called back, stuttering. The door clicked shut. “She didn’t have the stone. Did the blueprints idea work out?” Cait stood, put the eye patch back on, and came up behind her girlfriend, putting a hand on her shoulder as she poured two glasses of whiskey. Caitlyn had never liked whiskey.

“Maybe. I don’t know who stole the gemstone, but I think…Jinx might be alive.” Cait explained.

“Did the blueprints idea work out?” Vi repeated, pouring the drink into the empty cups.

“I told you.” Cait squeezed Vi’s shoulder. “I don’t know who stole the gemstone but I think your sister may have survived.”

“Did the blueprints idea work out?” Vi poured the drink again.

“Darling, this isn’t funny.”

“What?” Vi turned, placing the bottle on the counter.

“I told you, Violet. Jinx could be alive.” Cait repeated. Then it was as if it hadn’t happened at all. Vi poured the whiskey into two empty cups again.

“Did the blueprints idea work out?” Vi spoke and Caitlyn paused and then spoke slowly.

“Jinx–” Cait started but Vi cut her off.

“Did the blueprints idea work out?” Vi asked and Cait sighed.

“Can we talk later?” She rubbed her temples. Her headache was worsening.

“Okay.” Vi cupped Caitlyn’s face for a moment, giving her a small smile, then she took the glasses and sat on the coffee table, facing the flames. The fire cast shadows across her expression. Something was hiding behind her blue-grey eyes, behind her strong composure. Cait promised herself she’d ask what happened on Vi and Ekko’s trip. She turned and went back to the computer. Rain had started to patter on the window outside

“Vi?” She called.

“Yeah?”

“Jinx–” Caitlyn was interrupted again.

“Yeah?” Vi repeated.

“Nevermind.” She said. Her eye scanned the room carefully. Something was wrong. Everytime she mentioned her name it was as if the world had reset. Was it only if she mentioned her to Vi?

“Jinx.” She whispered. Nothing changed. The trees still swayed in the wind outside and rain still poured down. “But why can’t I tell Vi?” She muttered, thinking out loud.

“I made a promise.” Ekko came into the light, a glowing cylinder device in his arms. The blue light from the machine cast monstrous shadows across his features. “And I’m not gonna let you break it.”

Chapter Text

Jinx was bored. She wasn’t sure if that was a bad thing. She had slept decently, despite the too-soft bed and too-quiet room. She was cold and her limbs were sprawled across the bed. The quilted covers had fallen into a pile on the floor. Sunlight bled in through the single window above her head and birds chirped outside. Someone knocked on the door.

“Ugh.” Jinx pressed the pillow to her face.

“Miss…” They paused. “Jinx, Princess Luxanna is waiting for you in the foyer. She asks that you be ready in fifteen minutes.” Jinx groaned a response and listened carefully as their footsteps retreated. Blondie must love to be up early. Jinx thought as she begrudgingly pulled herself up. She had slept in her clothes. Jinx stood and stretched, yawning still. She rubbed the sleep off her eyes as she went to the mirror. She tried to rub some of the running mascara off her cheeks, but it seemed to have stained. She strapped her gun to her belt and laced up her boots and retraced the path Lux had guided her through to get to the foyer. The blond girl stood in the center of the room dressed in tan trousers and a blue tunic. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, a few curled strands breaking free and framing her face and a knife was strung to her belt. She hardly looked like a princess. Jinx watched her carefully as she stepped forward, her black boots echoing on the shiny, tile floor. Lux noticed her immediately as if she had been watching the hallway. She probably had been. Lux’s eyes lit up as she moved to stand beside Jinx. 

“Good Morning, Jinx!” Her voice was laced with an optimism and excitement Jinx didn’t have the energy for.

“Mornin’ to you too, Blondie.” Jinx didn’t try to hide her tone.

“Well,” Lux bounced as she handed Jinx a small brown box. “I have somewhere I’d like to take you today. I think it’ll be fun! But we need to leave so it’s not too busy.” Jinx half-listened as she opened the box and was greeted with the sweet smell of fresh cooked pancakes. She hadn’t had these since Vander made them for her as a child. He had told her that Dad used to make pancakes for her and Vi when they were little, when he could afford the ingredients. She had tried to remember, but nothing ever came to her. She was sure there were a few memories like that that she had simply made up. Dad’s work as a medic. Mom’s hands covered in ash from projects, her smell of axle grease. Both her parents ruffling her hair when they came home from the mines, the smell of dirt and sweat stuck to them.

Lux asked the guards to open the doors and they did so, allowing the two women to leave. Lux’s grin was obnoxiously wide as Jinx followed a few steps behind the princess’s jumpy gait. She was getting too comfortable at her side.

“Where are we going?” Jinx picked up one of the pancakes and ate it. It was sweet, covered in powdered sugar and tart strawberries.

“The Festival of Seraphine!” Lux exclaimed, spreading her arms. “They say the goddess can hear the souls of people and that allows her to–”

“I know the myth of Seraphine.” Jinx interrupted before popping another strawberry into her mouth. “Music lady hears the sound of souls and directs them to where they’re supposed to be and blah, blah, blah. It’s inane.”

“Well, even if you don’t believe in Seraphine, the festival is a lot of fun.”

“Mhm.” Jinx nodded. “And I’m a rich Piltie on the run from Noxians.”

“What?” Lux stopped and turned to face her, her blue eyes wide. 

“Sarcasm, Blondie.” Jinx walked past Lux, despite not knowing where they were going. The least she could do for Lux was go to her stupid festival. The girl had given her a chance here. Jinx could try to repay the favor. She had never been good at that, always jinxing it one way or another.

“Right.” Lux said, matching her pace with Jinx’s. “But I think the festival will be fun. And it’ll show you some more of Demacia, even if you’re going to go back to Zaun soon.”

“I’m not going back.” Jinx said, not making eye contact.

“Okay.” Lux turned away from Jinx. She must’ve heard the tightness in her voice. Jinx needed to figure this out. Figure out her , who Jinx is. Then maybe she could go back. But for now she would stay in a foreign land, away from the people she loved the most. They deserve better.

Music was played loudly at the festival, combining with the roaring chatter of the people. There were more than before and they were all standing shoulder to shoulder, dressed in blues and purples and silvers. Seraphine’s colors. Lux pushed through the crowd and Jinx followed, her shoulders stiff. After a few moments Lux looked back at Jinx. Her blue eyes seemed to be analyzing her. Jinx was getting too used to that look. She would give to her too often. As more people moved they began to separate the two, the push and pull of the crowd dragging Lux away. Jinx pushed through them and then someone took her hand. She pulled back, but the grip was tight. It pulled her through the crowd quickly as people cursed at her for shoving. She tried to use shimmer to break free but she couldn’t move. There were too many people pressed against her. After a moment, Jinx was broken free of the crowd into a small empty space. Lux moved a strand of blond hair from her face, sweat dotting her brow.

“There’s way too many people here.” She smiled, but the tired look in her eye was consistent.

“Agreed.” Jinx roughly pulled her hand free of Lux’s grip and pushed her hair from her face. Lux stared at her for a long moment, her eyes watching Jinx carefully. Their worried blue almost reminded her of…

“The really popular part of the festival is over here.” Lux said, pointing and trying to put some energy in her voice, but Jinx could tell it was forced. “They say Seraphine can predict your future by listening to the song of your soul.” 

“Amazing.” Jinx said, sarcasm dripping in her tone as Lux led her through the crowds, slower this time so she wouldn’t have to pull her through.

“Look.” Lux pointed to a bright purple tent with silver details tracing the edges. People walked in and out of the tent slowly, peaking over their shoulders as they left, trying to catch one final look.

“What is it?” Jinx asked again.

“C’mon. Let’s go.” Lux pressed, grabbing Jinx’s wrist. Jinx pulled away.

“I’m not goin’ if I don’t know what it is.” Jinx crossed her arms over her chest.

“If I tell you that ruins the surprise.” Lux’s grin was bright still. Jinx hated being surprised, though she was happy to surprise others with a glitter bomb or maybe a paint bomb. Or, hell, even a real bomb if they had pissed her off enough. She had only accepted surprises from one person. One little girl who looked at her like she had hung the stars in the night sky. She missed the pranks Isha played on her. The harmless little things. Drawings on her arms. Glitter in her hair. One time the girl had hidden her tools. She had giggled the whole time Jinx looked for them. The whole thing had resulted in Jinx eventually giving up and making a deal with the little girl. She would tell Jinx where her tools were if Jinx agreed to teach her how to create just like she did. Jinx had taught her how to disassemble all kinds of bombs. She had shown her how they work and how to disconnect the chemical tubes before they had combined. Jinx had also made the little one swear not to make her own. Isha had sworn, putting her index finger to her chin and then putting that hand into the open palm of the other. Promise. She had kept it. Isha had never made bombs of her own. But she had used Jinx’s. She had done the one thing. The one thing Jinx had dreaded. The one thing that made her realize why Vi had never brought Powder anywhere. The one thing that made her understand. She could still see the little girl, pointing a finger gun at her. Pow.

“Jinx?” Lux snapped her back to the present. “Are you okay? We don’t have to go inside.” 

“It’s fine.” Jinx said, pushing past Lux toward the tent. The little girl’s laughter was still bouncing around in her head. Lux followed silently, leaving some distance between them. When they arrived inside the large tent, the loud chatter filled Jinx’s ears. People spoke over each other, some even yelling across the space. It was loud, too loud. People pushed past one another, touching her. She hated it. They all pressed toward the back of the room like children dragging their parents to the park. Jinx took a deep breath. She couldn’t, not here, not now. Jinx darted to the corner of the tent where stuffed animals lined the walls. She needed to be calm. She couldn’t do this in front of Lux. She couldn’t let—

Someone pulled at her arm. Jinx looked down to see the little girl, looking up at her with wide golden eyes. Her short, blue braids fell over her shoulders and paint stained her clothes. Her hat was covered in chaotic, colorful doodles. Jinx smiled softly, her mind quieting.

“ What is this place?” Isha signed.

“I don’t know, Bunny.” Jinx whispered, putting her hand on Isha’s shoulder. It was cold. “Lux says it’ll be fun.”

“Lux?”  

“Some fancy blond chick.” Jinx muttered. “She should be around her somewhere.”

“Jinx?” Lux called, her blue eyes searching the crowd. Jinx raised her hand and Lux’s eyes quickly landed on the other woman.

“I can’t talk to you while she’s here, Bunny.” Jinx whispered to Isha. “We need to be sneaky.”

“Why sneaky?” Isha signed, her hands flipping fast, demanding an answer.

“Well, she doesn’t know about you. You’re my little secret, okay?”

“Okay.” Isha grinned, hiding behind Jinx as Lux strode forward.

“There you are.” Lux sighed. “Don’t run off like that.”

“Sorry, Blondie.” Jinx put her hands on her hips. “I don’t follow anyone’s rules. I do as I please.” Isha giggled softly, causing Jinx to smile. She hated how stupid she must look to Lux, but she didn’t really mind. Not for Isha. Lux sighed and turned towards the crowd as something caused an uproar. The crowd shifted as a group of people pushed toward the door to leave. Isha pulled at the hem of Jinx’s shirt.

“What is it?” Jinx whispered, careful not to draw Lux’s attention.

“Want one.” Isha signed and pointed to one of the plushies. A shark with big, shiny, black eyes.

“I don’t have any money.” Jinx mumbled and Isha pouted. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared up at Jinx with begging, golden eyes. They looked so tired, but still held the admiration Isha had always had when looking at Jinx. Jinx sighed, grabbing the toy.

“But we gotta be quiet, okay?” Jinx muttered. Isha nodded, the excited gleam returning to her eyes. She jumped up and down excitedly, her grin wide and her little braids bouncing. Jinx couldn’t help but smile too, laughing with the little girl. She hardly caught herself before Lux turned back to her.

“Something funny?” She asked.

“No, no.” Jinx said, trying to regain her composure as Isha moved back behind her. Lux turned to face the back of the room.

“I was hoping we could go see the…” She turned back to Jinx and trailed off. “What are you holding?”

“A shark.” Jinx answered flatly, wrapping her arms around the toy tighter.

“I can see that.” Lux said, tilting her head to the side. “ Why do you have the shark?”

“Ish–I want it.” Jinx corrected herself hastily.

“Okay?” Lux hadn’t seemed to notice, or maybe she had simply ignored it. Either way, Jinx was thankful and so was Isha who was practically glued to Jinx’s hip, fidgeting excitedly with her bracelet. “You pay over there.” Lux pointed across the room. When Jinx didn’t move, she spoke again. “You have the money for it, right?”

“Well, you see, Blondie, I want it and I—”

“Of course.” Lux pinched the bridge of her nose. “Why would you buy a shark plushie instead of food?”

“Fair point.” Jinx said, casting her gaze downward, at Isha.

“I can’t have it?” Isha signed.

“I’m working on it.” Jinx sighed.

“I know.” Lux said. “Here’s the deal: I’ll get you this, but that’s it, okay? But you owe me.” Jinx snapped up.

“Of course! Let’s go!” She said too loudly. Lux laughed. Jinx didn’t appreciate being laughed at, but the pure sound of the child beside her joining in caused her to laugh too. She put the shark above her head with one hand, pressing into the crowd as Isha held the other one. Lux followed on the two’s heels. Jinx arrived at the counter quickly, Isha still bouncing happily. The worker’s eyes were tired despite their polite smile.

“Is this all?” They asked, blowing a piece of dark hair away from their face as Jinx placed the shark on the counter.

“Yeah.” Jinx said, turning to make sure Lux was beside her. She had arrived a few moments after Jinx. Lux ran a hand over her hair to neaten it.

“Princess Luxanna.” The worker averted their gaze, bowing their head.

“How much for the shark?” Lux asked, ignoring the worker’s bow.

“Nothing, Princess.” The worker handed Lux the shark, but Lux didn’t take it.

“How much?” She repeated.

“Don’t worry about it, Princess. Royalty needn’t pay for such trivial things from trivial people.” The worker bowed again and Lux sighed, taking the toy.

“Thank you.” She said respectfully, before aggressively handing the toy to Jinx and turning on her heel to leave. Jinx happily took the plushie and Isha’s hand and followed Lux out.

“Here.” Jinx whispered to Isha as the two worked their way through the crowd after Lux.

“Not now. You hold it now. I want it when we get home.” Isha’s little hands flipped quickly through the signs as she kept close to Jinx. The crowd seemed to just ignore her, pushing and shoving past. Lux weaved quickly through the crowd and Jinx had to use a little shimmer to keep up, Isha being pulled behind her. The girl didn’t complain, instead following with her golden eyes glued on Jinx. Lux had stopped outside of a carnival game stall. Her arms crossed over her chest and her face downward as if hiding. Loud bells rang again and again as people won and were handed large, stuffed prizes.

“Whatcha doin’, Blondie?” Jinx asked, standing beside her, keeping just enough distance for Isha to peak herself through. Isha watched Lux closely with wide, analyzing eyes.

“Nothing.” Lux said, smiling but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Just waiting for you.”

“Me?” Jinx put her hands on her hips.

“Yeah. What do you want to do now?” Lux asked. Isha pointed at the carnival game.

“This?” Jinx questioned, “The shooting range?”

“Okay.” Lux pulled some bronze pieces from her pocket, handing them to Jinx. “Here. Good luck. These things are typically rigged.” Jinx smirked. A shooting game? She was made for these. Just like the one back at the arcade years ago.

“Step right up!” One worker called and Jinx stepped forward, Isha on her heels.

“Gimme a gun.” Jinx slammed the bronze pieces on the counter. The worker’s eyes widened but they obeyed, bringing Jinx a toy gun loaded with three fuzzy balls of various colors. Isha clawed at the counter trying to get a better view. Jinx widened her stance and held the gun tightly, taking a deep breath. Her eyes watched the rainbow-colored, three-ringed, velcro target carefully, as if it would run away. The worker leaned their back on the counter opposite Jinx to watch the target.

“The prizes get bigger the closer you shoot to the bullseye, so–” Jinx shot quickly, interrupting the worker’s ramble. The first yellow ball had hit and stuck to the inner ring of the target. The second pink ball then final green had hit the bullseye, pushing the pink ball slightly. Isha giggled, her grin wide. The worker stared at the target for a moment, before turning sharply as Jinx slammed the gun on the counter. She spread her arms, smug as can be.

“I–I’ll go get your prize.” The worker mumbled turning to the stuffed animals on the wall. After a moment they came back and handed Jinx a large monkey plushie over the counter.

“Enjoy, Ma’am.” They said as Jinx took Isha’s hand and strode back to Lux, who sat on a bench like a mother waiting for her children. She looked up quickly as if expecting something else, but when she saw Jinx’s arms wrapped around the massive toy she cracked a small smile.

“What is that?” Lux asked as she stood.

“My winnings.” Jinx smirked as she put it down. It was almost as tall as Isha. The girl hugged its rounded figure, burying her face in it. Jinx smiled as she watched the little girl practically throw herself onto the toy. It didn’t move under her weight.

“Wow.” Lux said, taking a paw of the monkey and squeezing it. The three spent hours at that festival, playing games and simply walking around. Lux bought Jinx and her cotton candy. Jinx had tried to share with Isha but the girl had refused, saying it was too sticky. Jinx kept her eye on the girl after that. Isha had always loved sweet treats. She had begged Jinx for all kinds when the two had lived together. Jinx wrote it off as the girl being uncomfortable with Lux, which made sense. Jinx wasn’t sure when she had gotten comfortable with the princess. She had gotten too comfortable and she knew it. Yet she didn’t leave. She had nowhere to go. No one to go to. The naive princess was all she had, besides Isha. The little girl’s eyes shone up at her as Jinx sat beside Lux on a bench, leaving enough space that the two wouldn’t touch. Lux had complained about her feet hurting so the three had paused and sat. Isha swung her legs off the bench beside Jinx. Jinx stared down at the kid as she listened closely to approaching footsteps.

“Princess Luxanna,” The servant said, wearing the same uniform as the servants inside the castle. “Your brother wishes to–”

“Shut up.” Garen stomped forward, pushing the servant aside.

“Garen!” Lux scolded, standing quickly and checking on the servant. “You can’t just–”

“Lux! Your stray cannot stay here! She’s a–” Garen started but Jinx had stopped listening as soon as Isha stood. He must’ve scared her. That had to be it.

“Isha!” She called after the little girl as she ran into the crowd. Jinx pushed people aside, causing many of them to curse at her but she didn’t care. She ran on and on, following Isha quickly. Isha’s scribbled-on hat fell off and was trampled by the crowd. It’s metal deformed and crushed, the colors dampened and dirtied. The girl ran like a flying bird, quick and smooth. Jinx used shimmer to go even faster but Isha outran her no matter how fast she ran. So she called out to her time and time again, but the little girl didn’t slow down. She wove through the crowd effortlessly. Immediately, arms wrapped around Jinx’s waist pulling her back as she reached for the little girl one final time.

“ISHA!” She cried, her voice breaking and pink-stained tears already flowing. The little girl turned around and smiled. That damned smile. The pain in her eyes was as obvious as were the tears welling in them. Isha pointed a finger gun at Jinx. Pow. Then she was gone as if she was never there at all. Jinx knew she hadn’t been. Lux had never seen her, never even noticed her. Yet it felt real all over again. The tightness in her chest. The heavy breaths. The hot tears. The voices getting louder and louder until she couldn’t take it. She broke free of Lux’s grasp and used shimmer to push her as fast as she could possibly go. By the time she had made it back to the palace, she had opened the door herself as the servants shrugged and shook their heads. They hardly cared what was happening with Lux’s stray.

Jinx locked herself in her temporary room for hours, hugging her knees to her chest. She cried out at every small sound as if she could command the world to be quiet. Her tears never stopped. Eventually, though, they slowed, but the pain in her heart and mind was still numbing. She pressed her hands over her ears, trying to shut them up but that had never worked. You jinxed her. She was never meant to stay. Just a child. You’re a jinx. A jinx. A jinx. A jinx.

Did you really think this time would be any different? Mylo teased. He leaned on the wall beside the door. His gaunt face unmoving as his voice echoed in her head. You jinx everything. That’s just what you are. You’re the reason Vi and Ekko–

“Why can’t you just be quiet?!” Jinx cried as she picked up the scissors beside herself and tossed them at the ghost.

You’re perfect. Silco countered.

Damn it, Powder! Vi’s voice cried. Wake up! Jinx closed her eyes, as if that helped. She refused to let this episode ruin this new place.

Everyone close to me dies. Jinx’s own voice echoed. She opened her eyes. Three things. She told herself. That’s what Ekko said to do. Name three things.

You’ve already ruined this place. Mylo bent beside her, putting a cold hand on her shoulder. Then it wasn’t Mylo. Caitlyn’s form flashed and Jinx stood quickly, pushing her hand aside. Caitlyn laughed. That damn privileged, Piltie laugh. Jinx cried out, pressing her hands to ears as tight as she could.

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” She yelled, squeezing her eyes shut and throwing a small vase across the room. It shattered loudly, spilling water across the carpet. The purple flowers laid on the damp ground surrounded by broken ceramic.

Jinx. A new voice.

“Go away!” Jinx tried to calm her breaths to no avail. They still came heavy and ragged and torn.

Jinx. He said again. Jinx slowly opened her eyes. She didn’t want to see him, not now. He wasn’t supposed to know she was alive, yet he had managed to make it into her head. She fell to her knees, wrapping her arms around her chest and folding in on herself. Ekko bent down beside her and quickly wrapped his arms around her, holding her head up on his shoulder. Jinx squirmed, trying to break free. She pulled at the arms holding her tightly to reach for her gun. Get off. Get off. But she gave up after a moment and chose to hold herself so still one might think she was dead if it weren’t for her ragged breaths and hot tears. It didn’t matter what she did. The ghost of Ekko held her too tightly for her to move, even if just to mock him. She didn’t even have the energy for that right now. But it wasn’t Ekko’s warmth that wrapped around her. He would’ve known better than to immediately wrap her. He knew her better than that. It wasn’t his scent of grass and paint. Instead, the arms around her were pale and warm with sunlight, not work. She smelled of flowers and fresh ink, not of sweat and machinery. Jinx didn’t care. Well, she supposed she did a little. This was supposed to be a new beginning, not a new space for her ghosts. But even with the arms of a different person around her, the ghosts quieted just a little. That was enough for now.

Chapter Text

Ekko stood across from Caitlyn in the Kiramman mansion with only one thought on his mind. Keep the promise. A pink and blue bracelet glowed on his wrist in the light of his device. The Z-Drive hummed on his hip, the Hextech gemstone he had stolen inside spinning slowly. He had taken it as the group was leaving the lab. Ekko knew one gem was still missing and he intended to make sure it was found before disposing of the one he was currently using.

“What are you doing, Ekko?” Caitlyn asked softly. She raised her hands slowly. Ekko watched her working eye closely as it darted between him and the device on his hip.

“Keeping my promise.” Ekko replied quietly, as to not alarm Vi in the next room. Caitlyn sighed.

“She’s alive. Isn’t she?”

“That’s none of your concern.” Ekko glared at her as he held the cord tightly, ready to pull when she said something he deemed unfit. He had no respect for Caitlyn. Especially not after what Scar had told him. The piltie had used the Grey to clear the streets of Zaun. She had put so many Zaunites in Stillwater for no reason. Ekko only held respect for Vi, not for her girlfriend.

“I assume the promise is keeping that away from Vi.” Caitlyn said.

“Yes.” Ekko lessened his grip on the cord slowly, keeping his fist tightly on the handle. “It was her dying wish.”

“We both know she’s not dead.” Caitlyn put her hands in her pockets. “The psycho said it herself. She just can’t die.”

“You don’t know anything.” Ekko spat. He took a deep breath. He needed to be composed for this to work. “Even if you don’t respect her, you have to understand she’s Vi’s sister. And Vi’s heart is too big for her own good.”

“That much we can agree on.” Caitlyn said, a small smile pulling at her lips as she gazed into the next room. “What do you want from me? I assume you don’t want her knowing you’re here.”

“You’re smarter than you look.” Ekko scoffed. Caitlyn scowled. “Tell her you couldn’t figure out who stole the stone. Mention Jinx and I reset it and you’ll do it again.”

“...Okay.” Caitlyn sighed, rubbing her temples. “I just need to know. Why? Why did you take it? Was all of this play at peace for your simple promise?” Ekko paused. Maybe he had put too much weight into her words, but still he worried. She had told him not to follow her but how he wanted to. But his people needed him. He needed to be strong for them. Even if everything in him wanted to run after her like a moth to a light.

“I didn’t.” Ekko explained. “I took mine after you counted them.”

“That could still get you put in Stillwater. You’re harboring a dangerous piece of technology.”

“But you won’t tell anyone. I won’t let you.” Ekko narrowed his eyes. “Now, go. Talk to Vi, comfort her. Do whatever you see fit, but don’t you dare bring her up.”

“Fine.” Caitlyn sighed. Ekko watched from the shadows as Caitlyn joined Vi on the coffee table. Vi seemed to snap out of herself as Caitlyn sat beside her.

“Hey, Cupcake.” She didn’t turn.

“I want to talk about the stone.” Caitlyn prompted and Vi turned to face her.

“Did the blueprints idea work out?”

“I’m not sure.” Caitlyn let out a breath. Vi hummed a simple tune as she watched the flames dance in the fireplace. Caitlyn listened for a few moments before she asked, “Is that singing?” She cracked a small, warm smile. Vi did too after a moment.

“It’s just an old tune my mother used to sing.” Vi spoke softly as if the wrong words would tear this whole thing apart. Caitlyn gently put her head on Vi’s shoulder.

“Are you still in this fight, Violet?” She asked. Vi turned, causing Caitlyn to lift her head to face her girlfriend.

“I am the dirt under your nails, Cupcake.” Vi chuckled quietly, putting her head on Caitlyn’s shoulder. Vi took Caitlyn’s hand in her good one. The blood-stained wraps were gone. That’ll do. Ekko thought as he snuck his way out a window and took up his board from behind a perfectly sculpted bush. He put it under his feet and shot out into the night sky, rain and wind whipping against his face. He arrived at the Firelight base quicker than he had intended. The moon was still high in the sky, shining through the dark grey clouds. Ekko wondered if she was looking at the same moon right now. If maybe, just maybe, he could make a connection. He knew it was ridiculous, but still he hoped. Ekko shook the thought away. He placed the hoverboard on the rack with the others. He trekked through the dark, past the little village of the Firelights’ tents, and into the small treehouse that had become his bedroom over his first few years here. When he had found the tree as a small boy, he had made it his home. He had first simply laid on its branches, unable to sleep, but over time he had gathered scraps of wood and metal. Out of the scraps he had made his home, as had everyone else here. Ekko yawned as opened the door slowly, so as to not wake up any of the Firelights with the squeak of its hinges.

“Ekko.” A voice said. Ekko startled at the sound of his name then pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“Scar, it’s too late for this.” He mumbled. Scar stood in the center of the room with his arms crossed over his chest. There were dark bags under his eyes and his large, bat-like ears twitched. “Where were you?”

“Nowhere.” Ekko said, taking off his coat and placing it on the armchair in the corner of the room. He took off his muddy boots, leaving them by the door. His mattress was on the floor in the center of the room behind Scar, the blanket sprawled chaotically across it. Jinx’s drawings still marked the walls from when she had stayed with him. Her name was written above his strategy board and her monkey on his armchair. Her oil crayons were still on the table to his right. Scar sighed.

“Look, I just want to make sure you’re okay.” Scar strode to the boy and squeezed his shoulder. “Okay?”

“I’m fine.” Ekko lied. “Just need to sleep.”

“Okay. Just…try to tell me next time you leave.” Scar said as he went to the door. “Things weren’t the same while you were gone.”

“I know.” Ekko mumbled. During those months he had been gone in the other universe, Scar had had to lead the Firelights. He had done well and Ekko had told him that, yet Scar still was nervous everytime Ekko left as if the whole operation would fall apart without him.

“Night.” Scar opened the door. Thunder boomed outside followed by a bright strike of lightning.

“Night.” Ekko replied as his second-in-command left. The room was quiet now, save for the chirping bugs and pattering rain. Ekko ran a hand through his hair. He fixed the bed quietly, making sure the blanket was perfectly placed. But he did not sleep. Ekko moved past the bed and to the back wall. He opened a small box and unwrapped a map. A few blue and pink circles dotted the green and white lands, matching her bracelet on his wrist. He had been studying it for days but nothing ever made sense. Noxus was too dangerous. Bilgewater was filled with pirates. Ionia was too fancy. He crossed out the names of the places as he went through them. Where is she?

——

Ekko woke up to a harsh knock on his door and his name being called. He rubbed the sleep from his blurry eyes and rolled the map up quickly, hiding it back in the box. He rose with a groan.

“Be out in a second!” He called through the door. He straightened his wrinkled clothes and tried to shake his tiredness to no avail. Ekko trampled over the mattress on the floor and laced up his boots. He opened the door and was greeted with one of the smaller Firelights. A boy, who couldn’t be older than sixteen, stood at the door patiently. He wore a mask so his face was covered, but his green hair still peaked over the top.

“What is it?” Ekko asked.

“There’s someone at the gate. They want you.” The boy explained, his stance poised.

“Okay.” Ekko said, grabbing his mask off the table and strapping it on as he walked. The boy led him to the gate and after a moment Scar showed up too.

“Fancy seeing you here.” Scar said, his voice deeper through the mask.

“You too.” Ekko said. He yawned behind his mask. “Open the gate.” He told the boy, who obeyed swiftly.

“Did you sleep?” Scar questioned.

“What”

“Did you sleep?” He repeated.

“Yeah.” Ekko said.  Scar sighed and the boy ran off as the gate fully opened. A woman stood in the tunnel, wearing a tan top tucked into her ripped, black jeans. Vi ran a hand through her hair, pushing it away from her face.

“Hey, Little Man.” She gave a small smile. It hardly reached her eyes.

“Vi?” Ekko removed his mask. “What’re you doing here?”

“I was hoping we could talk.” Vi walked in with careful, measured steps. Her good hand was unwrapped and in her pocket, a cast still around the other one.

“About what?” Ekko asked as he stepped beside her, leading her to the empty strategy room.

“Jinx.”

A round, wooden table took up most of the space in the room. A large pin board was hung on the back wall, strings connecting pictures in all directions. The table was surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs. Some were missing pieces and others as perfect as the Firelights had found them. One though, stood out. It was covered in painted drawings and symbols. It was unmistakably hers. She had even signed it across the back. JINX. Vi stared at that signature for a few moments.

“How long was she with you?” She asked quietly. Ekko didn’t answer right away.

“About a month and a half.” He muttered.

“Did she like it here?” 

“I think so…I hope so.” Ekko paused. “What do you want to talk about?”

“I was hoping…” She sighed. “I was hoping you could tell me about her.”

“What?” Ekko stared at her.

“You got a version of Jinx I saw for only a few hours.” Vi explained. “You had her for a month.”

“Vi,” Ekko breathed, choosing his words carefully. “I’m not gonna make this worse.”

“No, no.” She took his shoulders. “I just…want her back. Even if it's just a memory. Please. ”

“I can’t bring her back.” Ekko said. Oh, but how he was trying to. He just couldn’t seem to find her.

“I’m not asking you to. Just tell me about what happened while you were here. Please, I miss her so much.” Vi took one of the chairs, burying her face in her hands, and, after a moment, Ekko sat in one next to her. The memories flooded his mind quickly. He wouldn’t tell her everything. Jinx would kill him if he did. But Ekko told Vi most of it. He told her about bringing Jinx to the base, about how she had stalked shyly beside Ekko. How she had choppily cut her hair and how ash scored her face. He told her about how when he had finally brought her to his room and away from the other Firelights she had sat on the mattress on the floor. He mentioned how it had gotten better but some of those memories were just for him and her. Like the fact that Ekko had given her his jacket to cover her shivering figure. Or the fact that she looked so unbelievably out of place in her own body, like life itself had been sucked out of her. Jinx had sat silently for a while and Ekko had sat beside her. But he didn’t hug her. He had known touch would set off the voices. At least that’s what he had learned from his last attempt at saving her, back when she was just beginning to call herself Jinx. Her pink eyes had stared at the floor for a long moment before she spoke.

“Why are you still here?” Her voice had been quiet and strained, as speaking pained her.

“I just wanna make sure you’re okay.” Ekko had said softly. Jinx had paused.

“And if I’m not?”

“Then I’ll stay anyway.” He hadn’t known if that was what she needed. Honestly, he had hardly known what he could say, but that seemed to have helped. She put her head on his shoulder and he tentatively wrapped an arm around her. He had held her carefully, like she could shatter into a million pieces at any moment. Her pink-stained tears had run down his arm but he didn’t care.

“I’ve got you.” Ekko had said, slowly pulling her into a hug. She had leaned into him, burying her face into the crook of his neck, tears still flowing. He could feel her ragged breaths against his neck. She was here. That was all that had mattered.

A few days passed. He had slept in the armchair, giving her the mattress. It hurt his back but he didn’t mind. Not for her. Even then, he had tried to stay awake, to make sure she was comfortable. He had checked her pulse more times than he’d like to admit, scared that she’d slip away again. It was surprisingly steady. He had watched her chest rise and fall until he had also fallen asleep. Ekko had woken up first and, despite not wanting to leave her alone asleep, he left to fetch them breakfast. A few Firelights had given him crooked stares. They had known who he was taking care of and what she had done. He ignored them and climbed the steps with two trays of toast, small fruit chunks, and glasses of water in his hands. Ekko placed one tray on the railing and opened the door. Jinx had sat, staring at the door with wide and tired, pink eyes. Her mascara had still stained her cheeks, but the bags under her eyes had started to lighten, just a little.

“Good morning.” He had said as he took the tray off the railing and entered the room. 

“Mornin’” Jinx had said flatly, brushing a short strand of hair from her face. Ekko had closed the door behind him with his foot and given Jinx her tray. She had finally started eating again. She popped a strawberry piece into her mouth.

“I was thinking maybe we could go eat with some of the other Firelights. It’d be good to get outside and–”

“No.” She had responded flatly, chewing on a piece of toast.

“Why not?” Ekko had taken a sip of water as he chose his words carefully. “I’d still be there, of course. It would be good for you to leave this room.”

“I know what they think of me.” Jinx had said, shifting the energy of the room.

“It doesn’t matter.” Ekko had moved closer. “Besides, they hardly know you.”

“No.” Jinx repeated.

“How about just the porch? Right outside the door.” Ekko had proposed. Jinx had groaned as she picked up her tray and stood.

“Fine, Firefly. But I’m not leaving that doorway.”

“Deal.” Ekko had said as he followed suit, opening the door for her. She had sat with her back to the wooden door and he had sat across from her. Jinx had lifted a hand to shade her eyes.

“Janna, it’s bright out.”

“Yeah, the tree doesn’t shade here as much.” Ekko had popped a berry into his mouth. The two ate in silence. When Jinx had finished, she pushed her tray away and leaned back, staring at the grey-blue sky.

“Where have you been all this time?” She had asked after a moment, fidgeting with her hair.

“There was an alt—”

“I know, I know.” She had interrupted, keeping her eyes upward. “You told me about the other me. I mean, how did you survive the bridge? I was supposed to die and…you were fine.”

“I kicked the grenade.” Ekko had said as he pushed his tray away.

“Why?” Her voice had cracked.

“When I had you down on the bridge, you looked like…” He trailed off.

“Powder?” She had offered, not letting her gaze come down from the morning sky. When Ekko didn’t respond, she spoke again. “If you’re looking for her, you’re gonna be disappointed, Boy Savior.”

“I’m not looking for Powder. I just…” Ekko had sighed. “I’m here for you . No matter who you are.” After a moment, she chuckled, a small and soft, genuine sound.

“You’re very corny, Little Man.” Jinx had said, finally looking at him. Her eyes still held a weight but it seemed to be getting better. At least he hoped.

“Hey!” Ekko smiled softly. “I’m trying to help.”

“I know.” Her eyes met his. “...Thanks.” Her voice was quiet like she didn’t want anyone to hear.

“Of course.” Ekko had waited a moment, then changed the subject. “What are you gonna do today?”

“I don’t know.” Jinx had said, her eyes watching as people walked all through the base. A few had stared and she averted her gaze. “Maybe draw on something, maybe blow something up.”

“I don’t know about blowing something up,” Ekko had said. “But I can get some art supplies if you want.”

“Okay.” She had stood, putting the tray on the railing. She turned around, putting her elbows on the railing and leaning on them. “What do you have?”

“All kinds of paints.” Ekko stood as well, watching her carefully. He had still been afraid that she might try something. Thankfully she didn’t, instead she had just thrown her head back, her choppy hair swishing behind her.

“Just paints?”

“What do you normally use?”

“Oil crayons.” Her smile had been almost smug, but it didn’t fully reach her eyes.

“Oil crayons?”

“Yeah, Mom got me some when I was little, Silco had stolen them for me from topside, and then I stole some for…” She had trailed off.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Ekko had said after a moment. Jinx nodded, her eyes distant. Ekko hadn’t let her leave the corner of his eye after that. He had jogged down the stairs quickly and got Scar’s attention. His second-in-command had not been thrilled about Jinx’s presence but, thankfully, he trusted Ekko’s judgement. He had agreed to try to find a set of oil crayons and Ekko went back to Jinx.

Scar hadn’t had much trouble finding a set of oil crayons. Apparently they were a popular tool, especially now with all the Jinxers trying to copy her graffiti style. Spray paint and oil crayons. Scar had given Ekko the set of twelve colors and he had run them up to the treehouse. He handed the crayons to her. She had hesitated, as if he would take them back, but once she realized he wouldn’t, she colored everything in the small room. She signed her name on his wall, placed her signature monkey on the armchair and the blanket, her tattooed clouds on his jacket. Color was everywhere. Ekko watched her smooth, practiced movements as she worked. The way her hair flowed behind her as she moved. The way the blue clouds of her tattoos climbed up her side. The way her eyes darted around every detail of her drawings, making sure they were perfect.

“You’re staring, Little Man.” She had said as she sat on the floor and drew at the base of the wall.

“Sorry.” He had mumbled, blinking and turning away. His eyes had traced the shape of the room and, after a moment, came back to her. “What are you drawing?”

“You.” She giggled softly.

“Me?” He questioned, bending beside her to see. She had drawn a rough sketch of his body. The drawn Ekko stood with his hands on his hips. Jinx had drawn his hair messier than he’d like to think it ever got. A mess of white lines dotted with gray she had insisted were his metal accent pieces. She had drawn on his coat in a dark green and had covered it in variously colored scribbles. After she finished him, she moved to work on a figure beside him. This figure was shorter but not by much, which Ekko found inaccurate. He was certainly taller than her. She added her blue hair, short and choppy. Then her black top, her striped pants.

“Ah, I see. That’s you.” He muttered, pointing at the blue-haired figure.

“What did you think I was drawing?” She questioned, her tone smug. He could see a small smile pull at her lips. Whether or not it was genuine was up to fate, but he hoped it was. When she finished the drawing of the two of them, she backed away from the wall, leaning on her palms. The two sat on the floor in silence for a while. Jinx twirled a crayon in her fingers, occasionally chewing on the top, getting color all over her lips. Ekko fidgeted with one of his dreads, staring at the wooden floor, as he thought about what he could say. He didn’t want to ruin the improvement she had accomplished. Did she need the silence? Was silence bad? Before he could figure out the answer to either question she spoke.

“Ekko?”

“Yeah?”

“What was the other me like?” She spoke quietly, as if the moment the words got out she wanted to take them back.

“Powder?”

“Mhm.” She hummed, putting down the crayon and braiding a strand of her hair.

“She was an inventor. She was working hard for an innovator’s competition.” Ekko explained. “She helped me get back to this timeline. I mean, she was…brilliant.” He gazed at Jinx, trying to figure out her reaction. She sighed, her gaze tracing the lines of the wood.

“I know you’re not her.” Ekko added softly, putting a hand on her shoulder. It was cold under his touch. She flinched, but didn’t shove him off. Her shoulders stiffened and he removed his hand. She pulled it back down.

“Good.” Jinx mumbled. Ekko watched her in silence, rubbing his thumb in circles on her shoulder blade. Her voice cracked as she spoke. “Do you remember what you used to call me?” Ekko hadn’t meant to let the reminiscent smile be so obvious, but he could hardly stop it. He had missed their closeness. How they had practically been attached as kids.

“Pow-Pow.” He offered. She smiled, just slightly.

“Yeah.” Jinx mumbled. Ekko paused.

“Why?”

“Just missed the name. That’s all.” Jinx wrapped her arms around herself. “I still…feel her sometimes. Powder.” Ekko didn’t speak, instead carefully listening to every word like it was nectar. His lifeline. That much she was and he knew it. “It’s like she can’t fully go away.” She continued.

“Is that a bad thing?” Ekko asked after a moment.

“Not exactly.” Jinx mumbled. “Just weird.” Her shoulders relaxed. “I did miss the old nickname though.”

“Really?” He watched her features closely as if he could memorize every little thing about her. The curve of her jaw. The pink of her eyes. The blue of her hair. The way she always needed to be moving, even if it was small. The way she drew on his walls. The way she leaned into his touch. The way she smelled of gun powder and paint and oil.

“Yeah. It’s nice.” She had leaned her head on his shoulder. “But what are we going to do now? Noxians are coming and Piltover is at war with us.”

“Look, Pow-Pow,” He said as he pulled her closer. “Let’s work this out one thing at a time. You’re the most important thing right now. The war can wait.” She looked up at him, her pink eyes wide and welling with tears. He rubbed a circle on her back. “Can I have the green?” He asked.

“You are something else, Timeboy.” She said as she wiped her eyes and gave him the crayon. The two drew together until the wall was almost completely covered in drawings. Anything from the two of them to Jinx’s monkey to Ekko’s hourglass. She had drawn another figure, farther from the two of them. This figure was shorter, her hair a mix of blue and brown. She wore a black hat with colorful doodles. Ekko watched as she sketched, her hand shaking. He held her steady until she finished. Jinx drew purple hearts around the small figure, pink tears falling down her cheeks, but she didn’t stop.

——

Ekko had had to leave for a mission the next day. He had tried to get out of it and to send others instead but they needed him specifically. It had been quick, only an hour or so. Even still, he rushed through it despite the fact that she had assured him she’d be fine. Still when she was asleep the night before he took all types of blades and ropes out of the room. Not that there were many but he didn’t want to risk it. He took the tools out of the room and took the paper out of his sketchbook for her to draw on. It hadn’t left her with much to do but he saw that as better than the alternative. Still, when he finally was able to rush back into the room, Ekko had found Jinx sitting on the side of the mattress with her knees pulled up to her chest.

“Shut up.” She muttered, pressing her hands to her ears. Her pink eyes welled with tears as they wildly darted around the room. She threw a crayon across the room and it broke against the wall.

“Jinx.” Ekko rushed toward her. He put his hands on her shoulders, steadying her shaking figure. “Jinx.” Her pupils were fully pink now, shimmer and adrenaline running through her veins.

“Shut up!” She cried, pushing Ekko off. She closely watched something he couldn’t see. “Then she shouldn’ta died!” Jinx yelled at the empty space. “I know! I know! Shut up !”

“Jinx.” Ekko said softly, squeezing her shoulders. Her bright pink eyes shifted to him. He had to admit the pink glow in her eyes was off-putting but still he locked eyes with her. He won’t let her fade away. Not again.

“Ekko.” She had breathed, a pink-stained tear slipping down her cheek.

“I’m right here.” Ekko had said, taking her hand. He squeezed it and repeated himself. “I’m right here.”

“S-she…” Her voice broke as she sobbed.

“I’ve got you.” Ekko had tentatively pulled her into a hug and, when she didn’t pull away, he rubbed circles on her back. He could feel her ragged breaths on his neck and her hot tears on his shirt as she sunk into him. After a moment he pulled away, taking her hands in his. “Can you do something for me?” He asked and she nodded silently, wiping a tear from her cheek.

“Can you name three things you see?” Ekko watched as confusion etched her expression but she obeyed.

“Chair. Blanket. You.” Jinx’s voice was soft, tentative. As if she hoped her words would not be heard.

“Now, three things you hear.” Ekko continued.

“Birds. Firelights. Silco.” When Jinx said his name Ekko had almost scowled, but he caught himself. He couldn’t believe that man could have been anything good for her, yet…

“Now three things you feel.” 

“...Blanket. My hair. You.” Jinx hesitated. Her eyes had softened, the pink fading a bit. Ekko had almost hoped that her blue eyes would come back, though he knew they wouldn’t. Powder was dead. No use holding onto the past. There was no value in it either, not compared to the girl he held.

“Deep breaths.” He had said, squeezing her hands again. “With me, okay?” He guided her through smooth, deep breaths, slowing her tears further. He couldn’t take the sound of her sobs, her cries. He hated them. Something in him just needed to fix it. Her pink eyes stayed on his hands as he rubbed the back of her hands with his thumbs. After a moment she pulled her hands free and held her knees to her chest again and resting her forehead on her knees. Her blue hair cascaded over her shoulders even with its shorter length. It took her a minute to speak.

“Why are you still here? All I do is ruin things… jinx things…people.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Ekko pushed a strand of hair from her face. “Honestly, I don’t care what you say you are. I’m not going to leave you.” He paused. “Would it help to talk about it?” Jinx huffed a breath.

“It’s not a good story, Boy Savior.”

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Sometimes it helps to talk about it.”

“You’re ridiculous.” She scolded without malice. But she obliged nonetheless. “There was this girl, couldn’ta been more than eight. Her name was Isha. She kinda came outta nowhere honestly.” She chuckled, but her eyes held a different kind of pain, one Ekko could never know. Her voice cracked as she spoke. “She was beautiful and funny and creative and smart a-and…you would’ve loved her. She was perfect.”

“Sounds like it.” He had put a hand on her shoulder.

“I miss her…” Jinx had mumbled after a moment, resting her head on his shoulder. Ekko rubbed her back, unsure of what to do. But still, he could tell she was improving. Just talking about it alone was more than what she would’ve done days ago. It would take time, yes, but he would put in the work. She deserved to be happy after everything. She deserved at least that.

“Isha was a good kid.” Vi agreed, drawing Ekko back to the present. He nodded. “Thanks…for telling me about her.”

“Of course.” Ekko said. 

“In all seriousness though,” Vi rubbed her eye and cleared her throat. “Cait sent me to–”

“I’m not interested in entertaining your girlfriend. Definitely not with Jinx’s memory.” Ekko interrupted, standing and pushing in his chair. 

“Ekko, wait.” Vi stood as well, grabbing his wrist. “She just wants to talk about the Piltover and Zaun deal.” Ekko sighed, pushing his feelings aside. He needed to focus. Focus.

“Where?”

——

After Vi had told Ekko about the meetup and thanked him for telling her about Jinx, he led her back to the gate. He led her through the Firelights, who had all come out of their homes for lunch. He must’ve slept in longer than he thought. Everyone moved through the line to get food, taking a tray and methodically going forming a line. A few waved to him and Ekko waved back, smiling despite his exhaustion.

“Hi, Ekko!” A woman called from the line. She held a child on her hip, swaying slowly.

“Hi, Andromeda.” He waved. “How’s–” Ekko was cut off by someone shoving past him.

“Hey–” Ekko turned quickly, ready to reprimand whoever had the nerve to shove past the leader of the Firelights. Instead he found a woman with blue hair, holding a tray filled with food. Her brown eyes held a kind of shock. Not her.

“I’m sorry.” She said, looking between Ekko and Vi, who’s eyes had also caught on the woman’s blue hair. She walked to a table filled with Jinxers. Ekko had known it couldn’t be her, yet one part of him had hoped. Hoped that she had realized that running away alone was a stupid idea. She could “find herself” right here with him. Ekko regretted letting her leave so easily. He wished he had chased her, followed her, done something . Instead he had let her slip away. Vi stared at the table of blue-haired Jinxers.

“Jinxers.” Ekko explained after a moment. “They started joining when Ambessa declared war.”

“Mhm.” Vi nodded, but it was obvious she was hardly listening. She was too busy looking for the same ghost as Ekko. Once the two had arrived at the gate, Ekko stopped. Vi hugged him close, her strong arm holding him tightly.

“You’re welcome to come back whenever you want.” Ekko smiled as they separated. 

“Back at you. You should come visit me in Piltover sometime.” She put her hand in her pocket. “We can make fun of pilties together.” She grinned but it didn’t reach her eyes. Vi continued on and through into the undercity tunnels. She paused for a moment, though, and turned to face him.

“Don’t be a stranger, Little Man!” She called through the tunnel and he waved. Then the stone was moved back, blocking her from his view. Ekko watched the stone for a few moments hoping that maybe she would turn around and he could tell her what really happened. That her sister was alive, he just didn’t know where. But he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. She had wanted to stay secret and he would respect her wishes. Even if he hated them.

——

When the sun had finally set, Ekko shrugged on his coat, took up his mask and his hoverboard, and darted across the darkening sky. He stopped at the airship ports, right where he had been asked to be. Ekko slipped the hoverboard under his arm and wandered around the space. If she was late, he was going to make sure that–

“Ekko?” Her voice cut through his thoughts, her accent strong. She stepped into the light. She wore a dark, turtle-neck sweater and black jeans. Her black boots thumped on the wooden floor. “Nice jacket.” She said. “Is that bloodstain new?”

“Nice eyepatch.” He retorted, sarcasm dripping heavily. “Is it new?” She touched the patch with a finger. “What do you want, Caitlyn?” He continued, his mask deepening his voice.

“I need to talk to you about Vi.”

“I was told this was about Zaun and Piltover.” Ekko countered.

“I didn’t tell her like you asked.” Caitlyn sighed. “But I need your help.”

“Make it quick.”

“She keeps having these…panics and she keeps yelling about Jinx.”

“How does this relate to me?”

“Jinx was a mess but after you had her for a month she was much better.” Caitlyn explained. “How?”

“Just help her out of the panic. Ground her.”

“How?”

“My dad taught me to point out three things I could see, three things I could hear, and three things I could feel.” Ekko hated telling her about Benzo. She didn’t deserve to know about him. Her people were the reason he was dead. She paused.

“Can I ever tell her?”

“What?” He broke out of his thoughts.

“Can I ever tell Vi about Jinx? She deserves to know.”

“Agreed.” Ekko put his hand in his pocket. “But I promised. I’m trusting you not to break it.”

“Fine.” Caitlyn sighed. Ekko was honestly amazed she hadn’t slipped already. He himself was close to telling Vi. Footsteps approached and Ekko darted behind a pillar.

“Miss Kirraman,” Someone said. “What are you doing here?”

“Just making sure everything is in order. How’s the night shift?” Caitlyn’s voice held a fake sweetness as she spoke.

“Same old, same old.” The guard responded, looking at his watch.

“Consistency is good.” Caitlyn said, turning on her heel to leave. Her footsteps retreated as another set approached. Ekko got ready to slip out on his hoverboard at the first chance he was given.

“Hey, Paul.” The new voice greeted.

“Hey, Andrea.” Paul shook Andrea’s gloved hand. “How was the shipment for the festival?”

“Awful.” Andrea explained. “Some lady caused a big ruckus, running through the crowds and shouting.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. She was fast , like unnaturally fast. Like a blue streak running through. It was insane. People got nervous and didn’t buy as much.”

“Yeah, that sucks. Demacia is filled with crazy colors, though. It’s like a big ol’ paint splatter.” Paul chuckled. Demacia. Ekko slipped his board under his feet and dashed off. The guards called after him but he didn’t dare turn around. Ekko flew across the bridge, faster than was safe and back to the Firelight base. He ripped off his mask and strapped it to his belt. People were out watching the stars as the gate was opened for him. Ekko ignored people calling his name as he darted through the people sitting on the grass and to his bedroom. He slammed the door harder than he intended and pushed to the back of the room. He opened the brightly painted box, pulling out the map. He pressed the map to the ground, falling to his knees. Demacia. Demacia. Ekko found it after a moment. It was a large country, filled with green. It was far enough from Noxus and Piltover and it was far enough from Freljord to avoid the cold. The pirates from Bilgewater would never go that far. Ekko stared at the map. Maybe.

“Ekko!” Scar called from the other side of the door.

“What?” Ekko called back. Scar took this as a cue to open the door and stepped inside. 

“What the hell was that? You can’t just leave and run in a panic back inside. People are worried.”

“I can do whatever I want, Scar.” He said, not looking up. Scar looked over his shoulder at the doodled-on map.

“What are you planning?” He asked.

“I’m going to Demacia.” Ekko stood, folding the map up and shoving it into his pocket.

“What?” Scar followed him as he grabbed a bag and stuffed some money and some clothes inside.

“I’ll be gone for a few weeks.” He thought about it for a moment. “Maybe months. I don’t know.”

“Ekko.”

“You’re in charge while I’m gone.” Ekko said as he stuffed oil crayons and some tools into the bag.

“Ekko,” Scar took Ekko’s shoulders, holding him still at arms length. “Why are you doing this?”

“To find an old friend.”

Chapter Text

Vi didn’t expect Cait to come home so late. She had sat by the fire for a long time, finishing both glasses of whiskey after the ice had melted. The fire had danced in front of her, bringing her back to that night. The smell of smoke and blood and what she could only assume was shimmer. Vi let the fire die out when Cait opened the door.

“Where’d you go?” She asked. “I was getting worried.”

“Just needed air.” Cait responded simply.

“Are you going to come to bed?” Vi asked as she left the empty glasses on the table and strode to meet Cait at the door.

“In a moment.” She hung up her coat. “I need to change.”

“Okay.” Vi turned and moved the empty glasses to the counter beside the sink. After a few minutes, Cait invited her into the bedroom the two had begun to share. It helped with the nightmares. Besides, Vi would never complain about waking up in Cait’s arms. Whether she had woken because of the past haunting her or the sunlight didn’t matter with her girlfriend’s arms wrapped around her. She kept her present, grounded. Cait now sat in the bed with the quilted blanket pulled over her legs, a book in her hands, and frustration etched in her expression. She wore blue silk pajamas. She still wore the eyepatch, which Vi knew she was not supposed to sleep with, but she hoped Cait would take it off herself. Cait never liked being cared for; that much Vi had learned about her quickly. She liked to do things without help and at times even denied help when it was offered. Vi picked up the box that Mel had given her from the bedside table and sat beside Cait.

“What’s that?” She asked as she closed the book and placed it on her lap.

“I don’t know.” Vi placed the box on top of the book. “Mel gave it to me for us.”

“For us?” Cait repeated.

“Yeah,” Vi gave a small smile. “I dunno. She just said she wanted to give it to us before she left. Go on, open it.” Vi prompted and Cait pulled at the golden ribbon holding the box closed. She removed the top, revealing two small circles of pure, shiny gold.

“Rings?” Cait questioned, cracking a shy smile and picking up one. She turned it over before sliding it onto her finger. “Here.” She tilted the box to Vi, who picked up the other ring. But Vi didn’t put it on. Instead she turned it over in her fingers again and again, its surface reflecting the moonlight from the window. A solid, gold ring. Two solid, gold rings.

“Is something wrong, Violet?” Caitlyn nudged her, snapping her from her thoughts.

“No, no. It’s fine.”

“It doesn’t look fine.” Cait pressed, taking Vi’s hand. “What’s wrong?” Vi sighed.

“It’s just…this amount of gold would’ve fed Vander, me, Powder, and my brothers for a week. These two rings are just worth so much more than they should be. I know it’s in the past and it’s stupid, but I can’t help but think…”

“It’s not stupid.” Cait squeezed her hand. “Besides, we don’t need the rings. We can get rid of them.” 

“No, no, no.” Vi put on a fake smile. “It’s okay. It’s a gift.” She slid it on. The metal was cold and tight over her scarred finger.

“You never told me about Vander…or that you had brothers.” Cait said, her voice careful. 

“I’m not gonna worry you with the past, Cupcake.” Vi muttered, her gaze stuck on the ring.

“I want to know. I want you to be comfortable with these things.” She prompted. “Only if you want to of course, but tell me. What were they like?”

“Fine.” Vi chuckled softly, turning to face Cait. “But I’m warning you, me and my brothers were chaotic.”

“That’s to be expected.” Caitlyn smiled, watching Vi carefully.

“So, I was about twelve and Powder was eight. Mylo was older than her; he must’ve been like ten-ish. And Claggor was around eleven. Basically, we were all young, naive, and stupid. Vander had picked Powder and I up about five years before, after our parents died. He took in Mylo and Claggor like a year after that. Anyways, that morning Vander had asked me to clean the bar. It was dull and I hated it, but I did it nonetheless. Rubbing the rag in circles and knocking all of the crumbs to the floor to sweep up later. Powder had asked me to give her a cloth too so she could help. She had said that if I could do it, so could she. Powder had always tried to be grown, but she was still small. She had had to stand on her tip-toes to reach the far ends of the tall tables, which she insisted on doing. We had finished about half of the tables in the old bar, when she began to tell me some story that she had read. I think it was something about Janna. I’m not sure, but by the time she finished the story we had finished. Vander came down the stairs, took a towel from behind the bar, and slung it over his shoulder. He began preparing for the day, polishing the counter, the bottles, the small framed photo he kept under the counter.

‘Girls.’ He called. We took the cloths back to him and he put them in a bucket under the counter to wash later. ‘Can you and the boys go to the market? You can pick whatever you like, but it can’t all be sweets.’

‘What?’ Powder complained, already pouting. She clawed at the tall counter, trying to get a better view. The girl had been practically addicted to the little things Mom and Dad used to make us. Pancakes, cookies, whatever they could afford the ingredients to.

‘You’d only ever eat sugar if I let you.’ Vander laughed, ruffling Powder’s hair with his large callused hand. She laughed, the sound high-pitched, genuine, innocent. Vander handed me a small pouch that jingled with the sound of bronze pieces. Mylo and Claggor came upstairs from the basement after a moment. Powder managed to climb onto one of the tall stools. She sat on her knees and leaned over the bar on her palms.

‘Can Little Man come?’ She asked. Vander smiled as he uncorked a bottle for the first customer, a regular, who had already opened the door.

‘Only if Benzo says yes. You can ask.’ He explained. Powder grinned and hopped off the stool, a new pep in her step.

‘Let’s go!’ She exclaimed. She took my hand and began to drag me out of the bar. I smiled.

‘Alright, alright.’ I gestured for Mylo and Claggor to come along and they did, shoving each other and laughing as they walked.

“It didn’t take long for us to get to Benzo’s shop. It was only a few blocks from The Last Drop. The bell rang as we opened the door. Shiny objects reflected the small bit of sunlight across the single room. Anything from old paintings to gadgets to tarnished jewelry. Benzo was bent over the counter with goggles over his eyes as he inspected a small green artifact. He turned it over and over in his fingers, shining a bright light on its stained surface. Masks sat on a shelf on the side of the store and beside a large clock that had been pressed against the back wall. The door to the old, giant thing was open and there stood the white-haired boy we were looking for. He was bent over, snaking his fingers into the clock’s mechanisms and adjusting them with gentle and purposeful movements.

‘Ekko!’ Powder ran to him and wrapped her thin arms around him, throwing her weight onto him and causing both to fall in a fit of laughter.

‘Pow-Pow! I’m working!’ Ekko grumbled but there was no malice in his words. He stood and tightened a bolt on the inside of the clock. It ticked rhythmically, the hands stuck still at four o’clock as they had been the last time I came to Benzo’s shop. He offered Powder a hand and helped her to her feet. ‘Did you get taller?’ He demanded once she was standing again. He ran a hand through his hair and examined her shoes for platforms, rubbing dust off his clothes.

‘Nah, you just got shorter.’ She laughed as she put an elbow on his shoulder, a smug smile already on her lips.

‘Well, well, if it isn’t Vander’s kids.’ Benzo roared from behind the counter, pushing the artifact he’d been studying aside as if he had just noticed them. ‘Hope the old man’s not too hard on ya.’

‘Makin’ us do a lot of chores.’ Mylo mumbled and I elbowed him before I spoke.

‘We just wanted to–’

‘Can Ekko come with us?’ Powder loudly interrupted me.

‘That depends.’ Benzo said, smiling and removing his goggles. ‘Where ya going?’

‘Just the market.’ I replied. ‘Vander is sending us to do some food shopping.’

‘Alright.’ Benzo turned to Ekko. ‘Be back by sunset and don’t be stupid.’ He joked.

‘I know, I know.’ Ekko muttered as he closed the broken clock and gingerly placed the wrench on the counter. 

‘Here.’ Benzo placed a handful of bronze pieces on the counter and Ekko took them. 

‘Thanks, Benzo!’ He called as the five of us left the shop, the bell ringing loudly on our way out.

“When we got to the market, it was like everyone had decided to go at the same time. Waves and waves of people threatened to separate us, but we made it. Even if simply because we dragged one another through. The market was big, all things considered. Enforcers guarded the borders and even sometimes traded with the people. Everyone sold whatever they could in hopes of scraping some coins together. There were stalls for tarnished and slightly rusted jewelry, devices that I had never heard of, clothes, and everything else. Powder stopped to stare at a formerly-shiny mechanical butterfly. It was decorated to look just like the real thing. It flew and danced through the air on colorful, mechanical wings. She and Ekko watched it closely, as if trying to piece it apart with their eyes.

‘We can’t spend the whole time staring at a fake butterfly.’ Mylo teased, bending down to their level. ‘We have important things to do.’

‘Yeah, right.’ Powder turned to glare at him.

‘Do you think the wings work on a gravity-driven, circular motor?’ Ekko changed the subject, drawing Powder’s attention back to the butterfly. ‘The rhythm is perfect.’

‘That’s how I would do it.’ She muttered. ‘It would also keep it lighter than a chem-tech one.’ They talked about mechanics for a while, anything from the material the wings were made of to how to power the small thing. I didn’t understand much of it, but my genius little sister told me so much about it as we walked on, Ekko adding in details occasionally. We walked past more stalls, all of which tried to sell us something. One almost convinced Powder to buy new paints, but I pulled her away. Another almost got me to buy a black leather jacket, but Powder said it would make me look too edgy. I laughed as she joked. We couldn’t have afforded it anyway, but still she tried to persuade me as if I was going to do it. Behind us, Mylo and Claggor had begun talking. They whispered for a bit and then began to shove one another. I turned and broke them up.

‘What are you two doing?’ I asked, holding their wrists.

‘Janna, we’re just messing around.’ Mylo pulled his away. ‘No damage was done.’ He spread his hands.

‘I still think it’s a dumb idea.’ Claggor mumbled.

‘What’s a dumb idea?’ I questioned, turning to Mylo.

‘Nothing.’ He put his hands up. ‘Just was thinking about takin’ some of the nicer pastries that’s all.’ He lowered his tone so as to not be heard. Powder stood behind me and wrinkled her nose, the way she always would when Mylo proposed something stupid.

‘I told him it’s a bad idea.’ Claggor said. I released him.

‘Don’t.’ I put weight into my voice, hoping he would listen. We went through the market like normal and finished our bit of shopping. Fruits. Bread. Coffee. Broth. A few slabs of meat. Powder picked out the treat as usual, a small box of cookies. There were maybe six total in the box and she intended to make sure everyone got a piece. Powder held it close to her body, her arms wrapped around it, protecting it from Ekko’s prying hands. He begged her, but she insisted on waiting until we got to The Last Drop so everyone could have their share. We had begun to leave when someone yelled behind us.

‘Hey!’ A shop owner ran toward us, their dark, choppy hair blowing into their face. ‘Stop!’ I took Powder’s elbow and dragged her forward as she took Ekko’s hand, pulling him with us.

‘What the hell happened?’ I asked as I ran, giving a pointed glare to Mylo.

‘Why do you always assume it’s me?” He demanded as we wove through the crowd.

‘It’s usually you.’ Powder mumbled.

‘Look, I didn’t take that much.’ Mylo muttered. ‘It was Claggor’s idea.’

‘No it wasn't!’ Claggor complained as we rounded a corner. Then Powder slipped. Her foot caught on a stone and she fell to her knees, Ekko falling with her. He tried to pull her to her feet quickly but it wasn’t quick enough.

‘Fuck.’ I cursed as I stopped and turned to face the person who had chased us through the market.

‘You damn kids.’ They said as they cracked their knuckles. ‘Being Vander’s don’t make you special down here.’

‘Powder.’ I took her hand and she slipped behind me as I spoke to the owner. ‘I’m sorry for my brother, just let me pay for what he took.’ I opened the small pouch with only three pieces left inside. I took the money out and handed the owner the coins. They examined the coins, turning them over.

‘Do you know what he stole?’ They demanded. ‘It was worth more than three bronze pieces!’ I turned to glare at Mylo but he had disappeared. Powder shook behind me, gripping my shirt tightly. I placed a hand on her shoulder.

‘I’m sure we can compromise.’ I said.

‘Hmm…’ They thought for a second. Then their eyes met Powder’s. She hid behind me further.

‘That one can work off the debt.’ They proposed, pointing to her.

‘What?’ I demanded.

‘You heard me. The little one can work it off.’

‘No.’ I said, anger already laced into my voice as my hands tightened into fists. 

‘You don’t have the money and you won’t work…then I guess we’ve reached an impasse.’

‘I guess we have.’ I agreed, scowling at the owner as I squeezed Powder’s shoulder. The owner’s eyes darted to the nearest enforcer. They wouldn’t . I hoped.

‘Thieves!’ The owner cried. Then striking a deal didn’t matter. Everyone’s eyes were on us. They stalked towards us and I shoved Powder back and Ekko stumbled with her.

‘Run!’ I commanded, turning to face the owner. I cracked my knuckles and ran forward, landing a punch on the owner’s jaw. My hand stung like hell but I fought on. No one was going to touch my sister. I dodged a few of their jabs and landed a few of my own. Then I heard Powder yell. I couldn’t tell what she said, but then a small, gray thing rolled into the crowd. It was covered in her colorful and beautiful art. It ticked and ticked. I backed away and so did the owner. Then the little thing fizzed out. I watched the gadget, waiting, but the owner didn’t pause. They charged forward and landed punches to my stomach and I bent over, the wind knocked out of me. Enforcers marched toward me with cuffs already in their hands as I watched the owner follow Powder as she backed into the crowd. Ekko was gone. He must’ve listened to me. Why didn’t she? I spat blood. With the taste of copper in my mouth, I pushed myself to my feet and ran, grabbing Powder and dragging her along as I ran as fast as I could. I wove through alleyways and shops, but the enforcers followed me. They grabbed at Powder’s other hand and she screamed. I turned and quickly kicked them off.

‘Run, Powder!’ I cried as I dashed forward. She wasn’t far behind me when we arrived at The Last Drop. I slammed the door behind us and watched it for a moment. No footsteps sounded and no one banged on the door. No one tried to come in. We must’ve lost them.

‘Vi,’ Powder said, taking my hand. ‘You’re bleeding.’ She squeezed my hand gently then quickly went downstairs. She came back with a small box in her hands. It was covered in her colorful doodles. Hearts traced the side and she had signed the bottom. Pow-Pow. She opened it and carefully unwrapped my bloody fists. The bandages stuck to my open cuts, but were pulled off nonetheless. My hands were shaky, like they wanted to keep moving. Keep fighting. Powder did just as Vander usually did for me. She pressed alcohol into the wounds to clean them and then wrapped them in new bandages, but not before panicked footsteps came down the stairs.

‘What the hell happened?’ Vander demanded, taking the cloth from Powder and pressing it to my forehead. His gray eyes searched the room quickly. ‘Where are Mylo, Claggor, and Ekko?’ I stayed quiet and Powder didn’t dare rat out our brothers. Then the door swung open. I stood, immediately pushing Powder behind me. I raised my fists quickly. I didn’t care that I was beaten and bruised and bloody. Mylo stood proudly with a sack swung over his shoulder. Claggor stood at his side with Ekko trailing behind.

‘Sorry we’re late.’ Mylo said, a stupid grin spread across his face.

‘Don’t be too proud.’ I mumbled as I sat back down.

‘What the hell happened?’ Vander repeated, his attention now fully on the boys.

‘We were almost mugged but Vi fought them off.’ Mylo explained.

‘She got us out.’ Claggor added.

‘Yeah.’ Ekko chimed in. ‘She told us to run and that she would deal with it.’

‘And Powder?’ Vander turned to her. ‘Why didn’t you run like your sister told you?’

‘I wanted to help!’ Powder said too loudly then she quieted. ‘But my bomb didn’t work.’ She stared at her shoes and Vander sighed.

‘Next time, just run. You’re small. You can slip away.’ He lectured.

‘It’s my fault.’ Mylo confessed. ‘I got their attention.’

‘Go home, Ekko.’ Vander said.

‘I could help–’ Ekko started but Vander was persistent.

‘Go home and tell Benzo what happened. Whoever attacked you all could still be looking for you. Take the tunnels.’ He explained. Ekko nodded silently and gave us a little wave before slipping out the door.

‘Go downstairs.’ Vander commanded. ‘I need to talk to Vi.’ My brothers obeyed with their heads held low, but Powder was more stubborn. She wrapped and unwrapped my hands again and again. When she seemed to have noticed Vander staring at her, she ignored him and began to draw on my fists with her oil crayons.

‘Fighting won’t get you everywhere, Violet.’ He told me, taking the fist that Powder wasn’t drawing on and shaking it. ‘Do you want these bloody bruises to be the only thing that…’ He trailed off, watched Powder, who carefully avoided his gaze. He let out a breath, his eyes stuck on her small figure drawing away on my hands. After a few moments he spoke again, ‘Powder,’ She looked up at the sound of her name. ‘Go downstairs.’ Powder didn’t respond, instead turning to look at me. Her bright, blue eyes were wide as if waiting for me to fight for her to stay. To say something. When I didn’t, she stood, taking her crayons and box of bandages with her as she sorrowfully went downstairs.

‘I’ll be down soon.’ I called after her, but she didn’t turn. With her head still hung low, she went into the basement and closed the door behind her.

‘I’m willing to fight.’ I leaned in and kept my voice low. Powder was probably listening. ‘I’m willing to fight for Powder no matter what and I’m not gonna sit still while people try to use her. You know what they demanded in order to forgive us? They wanted her .’ I narrowed my eyes. ‘I am not gonna let that happen. Never .’ Vander paused.

‘I’m sorry that happened. I won’t let either of you be separated. Okay? Not while I’m still breathing.’ He pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘But you need to choose your fights. Even if this one was necessary, not all are. Got it?’

‘Got it.’

‘You can’t fight everyone.’

‘I know.’ I said quietly. He pressed the cloth to my forehead again and I winced. When he pulled it away it was red.

‘Okay,’ He said as he put the cloth on a table. ‘Head downstairs and get a bandage for your head, kid.’ He ruffled my hair gently.

‘Thanks, Vander.’ I mumbled, straightening out my hair.

‘Of course, Violet.’ He smiled as he stood and began to go back upstairs. I gave him a small smile as I went downstairs. Mylo fidgeted with his fingers on the couch and Claggor sat next to him, cleaning his goggles.

‘How’d it go?’ He asked quietly.

‘Fine. Same old speech.’ I said, my eyes already on the little, blue-haired girl tinkering with her machines on her bed. I sat beside her and watched as she tightened bolts and drew over the rough metal. I pushed a strand of hair from her face.

‘You okay?’ I asked.

‘Yeah.’ She muttered, not bothering to look up.

‘Same speech about unnecessary fighting?’ Mylo asked.

‘Yeah.’ I said. ‘But I’m willing to fight for our future.’ For Powder. For my family. ‘No matter what.’

‘Me too.’ Mylo agreed.

‘No matter what.’ Claggor chimed in.

‘We’ll show him that we can take it.’ Powder spoke up, cradling a newly finished device. I protected them and they protected me. We were a family even if not by blood.” Vi rested her head on Cait’s shoulder as she finished her story. Cait paused.

“I’m sorry…about what happened to them.” She rubbed Vi’s back. “I’ll fight for you, just like they did. No matter what. From something as big as Noxus to something as small as these stupid golden rings.” She smiled as she took hers off and placed it back into the box. Vi handed her the other one and Cait put the box with both rings into the trash.

“Wait.” Vi smiled. “I have a better idea.”

——

It was harder to find someone to buy the rings than Vi had thought it would be. She and Cait had tried three shops before one finally decided to buy them. They had all said that it would be such a waste to sell the rings. It was always the simple things that reminded Vi just how different things were in Piltover compared to Zaun. But Cait was by her side the whole time and even held her hand when she could tell Vi was fading into her head and the memories that crowded it. Once they got the value of the rings in gold and silver pieces, the two travelled into the undercity. Vi had managed to memorize the way to the Firelight base after travelling back and forth so many times. Sometimes she hadn’t even had a reason to be there. She had just stared at the mural as if she could will everyone back simply by watching their painted faces closely enough. Vi knocked on the large rock that acted as the door and it was rolled aside. She was greeted by Ekko’s second-in-command, Scar.

"What's the piltie doing here?” He questioned, his voice deeper through the mask.

“She’s with me.” Vi explained. “I just wanted to give this to Ekko.” She held out the pouch of coins. “Where is he?” Scar removed his mask and sighed.

“He left.”

Chapter Text

It had been a month or so since Jinx left Piltover and Zaun, leaving everyone to believe she was dead. Her hair, which had been shaved close to her scalp on one side, now puffed out unevenly. She had put it into two small braids, one longer than the other, that hardly reached her shoulders. A few weeks had passed since her…incident at the festival. Sadly Lux had had to let her go. She had gone on and on about how much she wished she could keep Jinx around but her brother and father had insisted the Zaunite was dangerous. The princess had even offered to come with her, leaving behind her family and riches. Jinx had not let her, mumbled a thanks to the princess, and had been on her way. Lux hadn’t really spoken to her since. The tension had been thick every time they were in the same room. The most they had said to each other of these last few weeks were quick greetings. Lux would stare at her, trying to piece her apart, but she wouldn’t let her. Jinx would always send her away with an excuse. I need to go work on this project. I need to make dinner. A friend is calling me. She lied again and again.

Now, Jinx swept her bang away from her face as she worked, goggles catching the light of sparks as she soldered wires together. The final circuit was almost finished. Once the two wires were fused she put the iron down. She attached the circuit to the rest of the machine.

“Damn.” Melanie muttered over her shoulder, too close for Jinx’s liking. “You’ve gotta be the most well versed person I’ve ever trained.” A small smile pulled at Jinx’s lips. She was just glad to be back in her element. Creating something, anything. She just needed to keep moving, keep working. Then her mind couldn’t yell at her.

“Now, just plug it into the battery and let’s see how ya did.” Melanie continued, backing away from Jinx as they both removed their goggles. Jinx wiped sweat off her brow and did as she was told. The small, black battery was a simple electric hub. It spun energy in circles and contained it until the energy had a new place to go. She plugged the circuit in and the machine glowed. Just as she had programmed it to. It spun and shone colorfully and rhythmically. Red, green, yellow, then pink. It cast colors over the workshop and Jinx watched it closely. Don’t break . She thought, willing it to be true. A few others, workers and clients alike, looked up at the light show with wide, curious eyes. Their mouths agape at the dancing shadows cast in color. Each figure moved at its own pace, crossing over one another in a familiar story. The story her mother had told her again and again. It had been her favorite as a child, though she hadn’t understood it. The Myth of the Archer. 

“Wow.” She heard Ada, the newest worker mumble.

“Good.” Melanie said after a moment. She unplugged it rougher than Jinx thought was necessary and everyone went back to what they had been doing before. “I think your client will be impressed. It just needs some paint then you can package it up.” Melanie turned to go back to her own project as Jinx nodded and got the paint buckets from behind the counter. She painted the machine a shiny silver. She put pink details on the edges with careful and precise brushstrokes that were unfamiliar to her shaky hands.

What are you drawing? Ekko asked in the back of her mind. She ignored him. His voice had gotten louder the more time she spent in the workshop. The more time she was by herself. This place reminded her too much of his workshop. Tools hung on the walls, colored paints on shelves, multiple people working at any given time, chatter loud enough to be heard over the saws and irons. Once she had finished the detailing, she sprayed sealant over the paint and left it on the counter. Jinx strode to Melanie for her next job.

“You can go home, kid.” She said, not bothering to look up. “You’re all set. Let me get your pay.”

“‘kay.” Jinx mumbled, removing the apron Melanie had insisted she wear and hanging it up. Jinx had taken some paints to it and to her shirt, both of which were now decorated with bright pink, blue, green, and yellow. She then followed Melanie to the counter, where the strong, brunette woman took out a handful of bronze pieces and gave them to Jinx.

“There you go.” She said, before turning and returning to her project. Jinx walked out of the tent, stuffing the coins into her pocket.

“Bye, Jinx!” Ada, called after her. The girl was too friendly for her own good. Always greeted everyone with too much energy and too eagerly. Jinx held a hand up as a goodbye to the young girl. Jinx trekked through the crowd, which had died down. The sun was setting over the skyline as she pushed her way through the market and to the fountain. Her eyes surveyed the area quickly. Everyone just walked on, stuck in their own conversations. Jinx slipped a hand into the water and pulled out a few of the coins. People had thrown them in for wishes. A futile and immature tradition. She dried the coins off on her pants and put them into her pocket with her pay.

When she finally reached the tree, her feet ached. The workshop had no chairs, no music, no paintings on the walls, no colored lights. None of what made her lab so hers. She unlaced her muddy boots, setting them against the tree, and layed on the blanket she had taken from the palace on her way out. She still wasn’t sure if Lux knew she took it. Her cloak was hung on one of the branches, flowing in the breeze. The sun finally set, leaving the sky dark and the stars blinking down at her. Jinx could still point out the constellations her mother and later Vander had taught her. They were in different spots because Demacia was west of Zaun, but she still knew every one. The scorpion. The twins. The bear and her cub. Her mother’s constellation stories were one of the few things she remembered about her, other than her smell of axle grease. Jinx had told the little girl a few of those old stories too. Now, she could see the figure of the archer in the sky. His bow was drawn and ready to fire at the cluster of stars in front of him. The legend went that he had claimed to be a better archer than the hunting goddess herself. The goddess and her group of hunters had been chasing a boar through the woods. The hunters had tried to kill the boar, but their arrows missed, sticking into the trees. The hunter followed those arrows, tracking the hunters. Eventually, when he had finally caught up to the goddess and her hunters, he spotted the boar and shot it down in a single shot. It fell and he came out of the trees. The hunters turned, saw the archer, and were amazed at his skills. They complimented him and gave him a few small gifts. The goddess congratulated the archer for his skill, but he didn’t know that it was the goddess herself who he was talking to. He didn’t know that these were the goddess’s hunters. The archer had boasted that he was an amazing archer, better than even the goddess herself. He had yelled it to the heavens, believing with all his chest that his words were true. The goddess did not take lightly to this, revealing herself and summoning a scorpion to kill him. The archer immediately regretted his words but it was too late. The scorpion stabbed the archer in the ankle. Poison began to run through his veins. The archer was about to die, when the king of the gods turned him into a constellation to save his life. But the goddess sent the scorpion up with him, so he’d be eternally chased by his fate. Jinx fell asleep wrapped in a stolen blanket and watching the stars. The archer’s bow, that would never fire, pointed at the scorpion, who would never kill him.

——

The sun was at the top of its arc when Jinx woke up with a start. She tried to rub some of the sleep from her eyes. The grass rustled and soft footsteps sounded, as Jinx perched herself in the tree. She drew her gun and pointed it over the hill, ready to shoot whatever dared to step on her ground. Then the blonde girl came forward with her hands up.

“Don’t shoot. It’s just me.” Lux said, holding the stuffed shark in one hand. She wore a simple knee-length, green dress. She stared at the blanket for a moment before sitting in the grass. Her blue eyes stared up at Jinx in the tree. “Can we talk?” She asked and Jinx lowered the gun, hopped down, and sat beside the blonde girl. Lux handed Jinx the shark.

“Sorry, I don’t have the monkey. Someone must’ve stolen it.” Lux explained. Jinx ran her hand over the shark’s soft surface over and over again. It brought a sort of comfort from the thick tension between the two.

“It’s fine, Blondie.” She mumbled.

“How have you been?” Lux asked, fidgeting with her skirt and not making eye contact. She was avoiding something.

“Fine.” Jinx watched her closely, hoping maybe she could piece the princess apart like she had done when they first met. She had learned a few of Lux’s tells but not nearly as many as she knew about her. “What are you doing here, Princess?” Jinx asked, keeping her tone serious.

“Who…” Lux took a deep breath and turned to her. “Who were you back in Zaun?” Jinx squeezed the shark’s fin tightly, its soft form crushing under her grip.

Tell her. Mylo’s voice was haunting. Tell her the truth. Watch her finally realize. Jinx pushed him down. She’d gotten better at grounding herself the longer she was away. The longer she hadn’t had someone to do it for her. She stroked the shark’s fin, counting the blades of grass at her feet. One, two, three…

“I did things I regret.” Jinx explained slowly, her eyes stuck on the shark and her hands shaky. “I became a kind of symbol for Zaun and ended up starting a revolution. Crazy, huh?” She forced a chuckle. “Someone like me, a symbol. It’s ridiculous.”

“Garen told me about the council.” Lux said after a moment. Jinx went quiet, holding the shark closer, like a lifeline. She needed… What did she need? A grounding presence? No, no. Something loud, distracting. Something to occupy the silence. But neither was there, so she found herself rocking. Back and forth. Back and forth. “Why did you do it?” Lux questioned softly. “What could have–”

“I was angry.” Jinx interrupted, her voice low. “I was angry. I wasn’t thinking. It might not’ve been a good decision, but it got Zaun a chance at freedom. They needed it.”

“Okay.” The princess put a hand on Jinx’s shoulder. “But tell me, who is Isha?”

“Isha?” Jinx repeated the name quietly. She paused. “You’re on thin ice, Princess.” She muttered, lowering her voice further. Lux didn’t seem to get the hint.

“You yelled the name into the crowd at the festival. I understand if you don’t want to talk a lot, but I can’t help if I don’t know.”

“I don’t need your help.” She said angrily, clutching the toy tighter.

“Then I’ll just listen.” Lux offered. Jinx looked up at her. Her blue eyes were watchful, caring, waiting. Jinx sighed.

“Isha…was a little girl.” Jinx repeated, rubbing the toy’s soft surface over and over again. She could feel the lump in her throat rise again every time she tried to swallow it. She waited for her to appear like all the others did when she talked about them, but she never did. The little girl was gone. “She looked up to me.” Jinx diverted her gaze, back to the grass as tears welled in her eyes.

“I’m sorry.” Lux said as she squeezed Jinx’s shoulder. Jinx wanted to shove her off, to mock her for her pity. She wanted to tell her she didn’t need it, that it was nothing. Pow. The two sat for a few minutes. Jinx rocked herself back and forth, trying desperately not to let her mind get the best of her. Lux stayed beside her, still. Her hand on Jinx’s shoulder, steadying her. She didn’t say anything. She didn’t need to.

“Jinx,” Lux said as she removed her hand. Jinx didn’t turn as the princess stood, brushing the dirt off her skirt. “Have you eaten? I was thinking we could go get something. Whatever you want.” When Jinx didn’t respond she continued with a small, forced smile. “C’mon, I’ll get you whatever you want. It’ll make you feel better.” Jinx wiped a tear off her cheek and stood, pushing her hair from her face.

“Honestly, I just want Jericho’s.” Jinx said, her voice still low.

“Jericho’s?” Lux questioned, taking and squeezing Jinx’s hand. Jinx didn’t squeeze back. Instead, she told Lux what Jericho’s was like. A food vendor in the middle of the undercity market, selling mysterious fish and tentacles. She watched as confusion and almost disgust came over Lux’s expression. She told Jinx that Demacia didn’t have Jericho’s, but it did have a place that might be similar. Jinx put on her cloak, lifted the hood to hide her puffy eyes, and tied up her boots. Lux took her into town and led her to the side Jinx had never been to. The houses here were more sparse and smaller. Large buildings, in which multiple families lived, were common and stretched into the sky like Piltovan skyscrapers, but less grand. Less people filled the streets, mainly families walking hand in hand and the occasional young couple. They were quiet, only talking to those they knew. Once Jinx and Lux had made it to the market, the crowd was bigger but still not nearly as large as the one at the festival. Lux stopped at a food vendor and told Jinx to find a table. She turned and took the first empty one she saw. Jinx pulled out one of the four stools and sat, watching as Lux talked to the vendor. She came and sat across from Jinx after a moment.

“They said it’ll be out soon. Hopefully it’s good.” Lux explained.

“It’ll be fine, Blondie.” Jinx gave a small smile but it hardly reached her eyes.

“I didn’t mean to dig up grief.” Lux said softly, fidgeting with her skirt. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my place to–”

“It’s fine.” Jinx interrupted. “You’ve been too kind to not be curious. I’ll admit though, it took you longer than I thought it would.” She forced a smug smile, propping her head on her hand as she watched the other girl.

“I didn’t want to press!” Lux defended herself, putting her hands on the table and leaning forward. Jinx laughed and she drew back. She paused for a moment, staring at Jinx with wide blue eyes. “Why are you laughing?”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Jinx tried and failed to compose herself. “Look, Princess, if I really didn’t wanna talk I wouldn’t. Ya can’t make me do anything.” Jinx pointed a finger at the other girl. The vendor called Lux’s name and the girl stood.

“I’ll be right back.” She said as she left to get the food. The blond girl came back a few minutes later with two bowls of tentacle-like seafood in a white sauce. Jinx picked up the slippery tentacles with her fingers and Lux poked at them absent-mindedly with a fork. They ate in silence until Lux tentatively asked, “How is it? Is it like Jericho’s?”

“It’s similar.” Jinx mumbled between bites. “It’s good though.” She reassured her. Sauce dripped down her face and her fingers, but she didn’t care. It did taste like Jericho’s. Just like how she remembered it as a kid, back when everything was perfect. Back when she and Vi and their brothers would sneak out and go get food. Back when Vander would catch them everytime. Back when Vi looked at her with so much care. Back before she ruined it. Shut up.

“I’m sorry I can’t do more.” Lux said as she pushed her food around in the bowl. Jinx laughed heartily, throwing her head back and pushing her thoughts farther down. Her small braids swished behind her. Lux crossed her arms over her chest as she watched Jinx.

“What is with you, today?” She questioned but her stubborn smile didn’t leave.

“You’re competing with Ekko’s level of savior complex, Princess.” Jinx grinned, pushing her empty bowl away and propping her feet on the table. She rested her hands behind her head.

“Who’s Ekko?” Lux asked quietly. Jinx paused. Ekko was her…what? Friend? Enemy? Partner?

“He’s just an old friend.” Jinx explained, watching the skyline. 

“Really?” Lux pushed her bowl away. “What was he like?”

“He's…nice.” Jinx smiled softly, memories flooding her mind and silencing the harsh whispers of her demons.

Chapter Text

Ekko couldn’t believe he waited more than a month to follow her. He couldn’t believe he could hardly even wait a month for her to come back. His plan had been to make the whole journey by hoverboard but the thing had died out after a day. Not to mention, it really hurt his knees. Besides, it had been an impractical idea when he could just get a ride on an airship. He could hardly think straight with his mind running so quickly. The longer he took the more likely something could happen. He was wasting time. Now he walked, through the outer borders of Piltover, to the nearest airship dock. Ekko made the trek slowly, with his broken hoverboard under his arm and his bag heavy on his shoulder. He counted his tired footsteps, trying not to let exhaustion get the best of him. One, two, three… 

The dock was crowded and Ekko got on the first ship he could find to Demacia. He paid for the ticket and boarded quickly, collapsing in on himself with his back pressed against the side of the ship as it rose. The rocking of the ship dashing through the air put him to sleep quickly. Ekko hadn’t meant to. He had meant to watch the skyline, the sunset, and take in the different and new lands as he flew over. Instead, he dreamt of her. Her short, blue hair flowing over her shoulders. Her tattoos climbing up her hip and waist to her shoulder and neck. Her cool touch. Her bright, pink eyes that he had watched regain life itself. Her voice, smooth and taunting. Her simple and harmless pranks. Her laugh that would always start small, as if she didn’t want to let it out, but eventually she couldn’t contain it. Her small smiles when he would complement her. She’d try to hide it but he always saw the way her dark lipstick would pull up just slightly. He dreamt of her colorful and chaotic drawings and her bright smiles when she was happy just to be alive.

——

Ekko finally woke up to sunlight in his eyes and someone shaking his shoulder. For a moment he almost thought he was dead. His limbs were heavy and the bag weighed down his shoulder. He didn’t want to get up. He just wanted to rest a little longer.

“Hey.” The enforcer shook him harder. “Wake up, kid.” Ekko shoved them off and begrudgingly rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “You need to exit the airship.” They explained, their messily-dyed, blue hair peeking over their mask. Ekko pulled the bag closer to himself as he stood. He strode to the exit.

“Wait!” The enforcer called, running after Ekko and holding a black book. “I think this is yours.” They held out the sketchbook and Ekko took it quicker than necessary, sliding it into his bag.

“Thank you.” He mumbled as he turned away. The rustic town that greeted him was not what he expected of Demacia. A row of colorful tents lined the gray, stone streets leading to a large fountain. Ekko’s steps were measured as he stepped off the airship. He searched the crowd for something, anything, that could be hers. Unlike Zaun, where everyone dressed in threadbare, drab clothes or whatever they had, Demacia was filled with color. It was as if someone had spilled paint over the crowds. They moved in a blob of vivid fabrics in every direction. As Ekko was walking he was offered a map of the town by a tour guide, whom he rejected following. The map was labeled with various tourist locations that he hardly cared about. Ekko went through every place on the map. Where would she be? He took a pen and began crossing off locations. Museum? No. Temple to Seraphine? No. Market? Maybe. Ekko drew a question mark there. Then a place within the market caught his eye. It was labeled as a workshop, a welding space. He drew a question mark there too. Ekko searched the area for a landmark and when he found the Temple to Seraphine, he located it on the map and began setting a path to the workshop. He stopped people as he walked, asking if they had seen a blue-haired girl. One after another they shook their heads. By the time Ekko finally arrived at the workshop, doubt had crept into his thoughts. Maybe the guard had been talking about a different blue. Maybe she had just been talking about a blue cloak. Maybe she had never been here at all. Ekko opened the flap of the workshop's purple and silver tent. There were two people inside, both working. One, a tall and muscular woman with short dark hair, stood behind a counter at the back of the room, talking to a customer. Another person, wearing a mask, hood, and goggles, stood at a soldering table with their brows drawn in focus. Sparks flew all around, bouncing as they hit the ground. Ekko strode to the soldering table slowly, the aggressive scent of burning metal and sweat burning in his lungs.

“Hey.” He muttered and the worker slowly looked up. “I was wondering if you’ve seen a blue-haired girl recently. I’m trying to find her.”

“Not today.” They turned off the iron but kept their mask up. They turned their attention back to their work quickly, turning it over in their hands.

“Have you seen her at all?” Ekko questioned. The worker put their project down and leaned over the table.

“Look, a blue-haired girl pops in here occasionally, builds stuff, then disappears. No one knows where she goes.” Ekko nodded as the worker spoke, his thoughts already running. He fidgeted with the edge of the map, pressing it up and down rhythmically.

“Okay, thanks.” Ekko turned to go, but paused. “When was she here last?” He asked over his shoulder.

“Like yesterday?” The worker offered, already turning the iron back on.

“Thank you.” Ekko called as he jogged out of the tent. She was here yesterday. She couldn’t have left already. She couldn’t slip through his fingers that quickly. Ekko asked more people on the street if they’d seen her. He had even chosen a sketch he’d done of her before they had left for the battle to show. Maybe if they saw her face they’d be able to help. He’d describe the color of her hair and her eyes and the etched cloud tattoos, none of which carried their usual brightness in the drawing. He had used just a pencil. It didn’t capture all of her and he knew it, but he hoped maybe it did enough. Yet, he got more head shakes. More and more people hadn’t seen her. A few had offered to help him find her, but he refused. He doubted she’d be happy if he brought a stranger. He wouldn’t take any chances. The cloud of doubt was beginning to grow. Ekko’s heart was heavy, as were his limbs from lack of rest. He was exhausted but he wouldn’t dare stop. He was going to find her if it killed him.

As Ekko passed through the crowd toward the market he paid close attention to every detail hoping something would stick out. Then something did. A quick flash of blue in the corner of his eye. He turned swiftly, already tracking the gray cloak. He followed, noticing the familiar scars on her hands and the blue bang flowing in front of her face. She was trying to be hidden, but he would recognize her anywhere. Even in entirely different bodies in an entirely different place he’d know her. She slipped into an alley along with another person in a short, green dress. Ekko sped to her and grabbed her wrist, turning her around.

“Pow-Pow!” He cried, his grip tight on her wrist causing the skin to redden. Her hood fell as he pulled her closer, until their bodies were almost touching. She looked so small under his grip. He could feel the fast beating of her heart. Her pink eyes were wide and, for a second, dangerous. But she knew him. Her eyes softened as she stared at him, frozen. Her hair had been tied into two small braids that hardly reached her shoulders. Her bang still had traces of the purple dye she had sported for the battle. The dark circles under her eyes had lightened since he last saw her. He watched her closely, memorizing every detail about her. The curve of her nose. Her jaw. The exact shade of pink and blue of her eyes and hair. She wore a new shirt that had been messily cropped, revealing her abdomen, her shoulder, and her tattoos. A new design poked out from under the cloak on her collarbone. She had painted the shirt with chaotic and colorful strokes of yellow, blue, green, and pink. A few light freckles dotted her cheeks and a slight sunburn colored her nose. She was here. He had her and she was real. Her gaze darted to the other person, a blonde woman dressed in a floral dress, but Ekko didn’t pay that woman any mind. He kept his eyes carefully on her as if she could vanish under his touch.

“Jinx.” She corrected as she tried to take back her wrist, but Ekko didn’t let go. He wouldn’t let her get away. Not again. He just stared, relief washing over him. He just wanted so desperately to hold her close and never let her go. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He didn’t know what to say to her. After all, it had only been a month or so.

Jinx’s gaze went back to the blonde woman, who now had a small knife drawn. She pointed it shakily at Ekko. Her blue eyes filled with panic. 

“It’s alright, Blondie.” Jinx spoke softly, but there was an edge in her voice. “He’s just an old friend.” The blonde woman looked between the two for a moment then put away her knife carefully, keeping her hand on the hilt. Then Jinx’s bright pink gaze was back on him.

“What are you doing here, Ekko?”

Chapter Text

Caitlyn was tired. Her feet hurt from travelling around the undercity and her head ached. She squinted in the glaring sun as she and Vi got onto the bridge and travelled back to Piltover. Scar had taken the money after explaining that Ekko had left. Vi had questioned where he went and Scar just shook his head, saying that the boy hadn’t been the same since the battle finished.

When the two women finally arrived at the Kiramman mansion, they only had a moment to take off their shoes and sit on the couch before a knock rang at the door. Cait grumbled and strode to the door. She opened it slowly, peering through the crack as it widened.

“Miss Kiramman.” A messenger bowed. “The council asks for your presence tomorrow at noon.”

“What?” Vi demanded, immediately coming up behind her girlfriend and almost pushing Cait out of the way to get a view.

“The council has started looking for replacements now that the fighting has died down.” The messenger explained coolly as they handed Cait a small envelope. “It is your mother’s legacy and they are hoping you will accept.” They said quietly as they turned and left. Vi reached past Cait and slammed the door closed.

“What the hell?” She complained, clenching her fists at her sides. “Why can’t they just leave us alone?”

“This is important, Violet.” Caitlyn said, turning the envelope over in her fingers.

“Still.” Vi leaned on the door. “Why is it your responsibility? You deserve a break.”

“It was my mother’s place. Her legacy.”

“Do you want it?” Vi questioned. When Cait didn’t answer, she stiffened a bit and softened her voice. “The council isn’t your responsibility, Cait. You don’t have to do anything.”

“It’s what Mother would’ve wanted.” Cait mumbled under her breath. Vi caressed her cheek, her callused hands rough against her face. Her sling had been removed, after she had demanded it be, leaving only the cast on her arm.

“What do you want?” She asked, gingerly stroking Cait’s cheek with her thumb.

“I don’t know…” She mumbled and Vi pulled her into a hug. “You can decide whenever you’re ready.” After a moment she held her at arm’s length, her hands squeezing her shoulders. “Your mother would be proud. No matter what you decide.” Then Cait pulled Vi closer. She cried into her girlfriend's tattooed shoulder, hot tears running down her face. What did she want? Right now, all she wanted was to hold Vi as tightly as possible and never let her go. She wanted to forget the council and all their stupid demands. But she couldn’t.

——

Cait woke up slowly, as if her limbs didn’t want to move. The quilt was heavy over her body and Vi snored loudly beside her. She turned over and smiled. With the sunlight cast across her face, her girlfriend’s features were more relaxed than she’d ever seen. There was no tension in her brow, no tightness in her small smile. A few freckles had even appeared on her cheeks. 

Cait was thankful that the nightmares had finally left them, more or less. There were still occasional nights that one would hold the other as she cried, but they were rare now. They hadn’t had one of those nights in almost a week. Finally, after a month or so, the two were beginning to improve. Cait stood and fixed her side of the bed, leaving Vi cuddled in the warm, quilted covers. She went into the bathroom and began to put on the eyepatch. She had taken it off late last night. She had waited until Vi had fallen asleep; thankfully the woman had been exhausted. She rubbed the scar carefully with a finger. It still hurt, but less so after the pills. Cait finished strapping on the patch and took the pills dry. She quietly got dressed in the other room, pulling on a dark blue pantsuit with gold buttons and embroidery around her wrist. The Kiramman crest on the edge of her collar glared at her as she put her hair into a tight ponytail. Vi stepped in behind her.

“Morning, Cupcake.” She kissed her cheek. “What’re you doing?” She spoke against her skin. Cait could feel her warm breath on her cheek.

“I’m going to the council meeting.” Cait answered quietly as she turned to face her girlfriend. Vi was still dressed in her pajamas: an old white tank top, a pair of pink shorts, and no bra. Her bright hair was a tangled and frayed mess with stubborn streaks of black that wouldn’t come out. Cait tried to keep her gaze on Vi’s grey eyes. “I was hoping you could come with me.” Cait continued. Vi chuckled softly.

“Might need to give me a few minutes.” She looked down at herself.

“Of course, Love.” Cait gave her a small smile in return and left the room. She got a necklace and matching earrings from the jewelry case. She put them on as Vi ruffled through her clothes. Cait had taken her shopping a few days ago. She had let her pick out anything with no price limit. Yet, she had only chosen one simple, black suit. Even then she was yet to wear it. Cait slipped on her shoes, solid blue pumps, before going back into the bathroom. She opened the cabinet door, moving the mirror aside, and took out her makeup bag. She did her makeup carefully, every movement measured and slow and precise.

“Hey, Cupcake!” Vi called from the bedroom.

“Yes?” She called back, closing her lipstick and placing it back in the makeup case. She zipped the case closed and put it back behind the mirror.

“C’mere!” Vi yelled, louder than necessary.

“Okay.” Cait responded and turned on her heel. She entered the room with her heels clicking on the wooden floors.

“How’s this?” Vi put her hands on her hips. She was wearing the suit Caitlyn had bought. The black jacket was tight around her muscular arms, but Cait didn’t complain. The white, collared shirt underneath was a bit wrinkly and tucked into her belt. Her tattoos peaked out over the collar and at the edges of the sleeves. Her thick cast made one sleeve bunchy. Vi still wore her own shoes, beaten boots that she had sewn back together herself.

“Perfect.” Cait muttered, running a hand through her ponytail.

“Great.” Vi said before turning to the dresser and grabbing one of Caitlyn’s hair elastics, putting it into her mouth. She pulled her hair into her hands and held it up.

“Do you think hair up would be good?” She mumbled through her teeth.

“Yes.” Cait answered too quickly. Heat rushed to her face and she turned away.

“Alright.” Vi laughed, taking the elastic and putting it on her wrist. “Hair up it is.” She tied it up in a rough bun. Strands poked out and it fell lopsided, but nevertheless Vi grinned proudly. Cait smiled.

“Do you mind if I…?” She asked as she stood over her girlfriend. Vi took it down and handed Cait the elastic. She put it on her wrist. “Could you sit on the bed? I need to get a better look so there’s no lumps.” She requested. Vi strode to the bed and sat with her legs across the mattress as Cait stood behind her, combing her hair into her hands. It was choppy and soft. It had probably grown uneven after her time in prison yet still it was like running silk through her fingers. Cait ran her fingers along Vi’s scalp and pulled her hair back. The left side was still shaved but she ran her hand over it anyway. Vi sat still fidgeting with her jacket’s edge. Cait tied the pink hair back, carefully wrapping the elastic tight.

“Okay.” She said, removing her hands from her work. Vi stood and went immediately to the mirror. She turned her head, examining.

“Nice.” She grinned. “Thanks, Cupcake.” She put a hand on Cait’s shoulder and kissed her cheek.

“Please don’t call me that in front of the council.” Cait begged, her cheeks pink as she opened the door and the two strode out. Vi winked, her smile smug.

“No promises.”

——

The walk to the council meeting had been slow. Cait’s heels had clicked along the stone path. Vi’s hand was warm in hers. It stopped the shaking. But she knew what she wanted to propose was not going to be taken well. Still she was going to say it anyway. She just needed a good opening.

“Miss Kiramman,” Shoola, the only old council member left, said. “We need to discuss replacements for our late councilors before we make any large scale decisions, especially about Hextech.”

“Of course.” Cait nodded, standing from her mother’s chair. Vi watched from her temporary spot beside her. “I propose that for the late councilors we call upon family. And as for the others, the Kiramman chair included, I propose…Zaunite councilors.” It was done. Nothing could take back her words. Not the collective gasp from everyone, even the guards. Not Shoola standing and slamming down her clipboard. Not Shoola’s shouts and insults. Not the reprimands from two replacement councilors that had been called upon earlier that week.

“I can not believe that you think after everything they deserve to be in these chairs!” One of the new councilors cried.

“I can’t believe you think they don’t!” Caitlyn retorted. “They fought alongside us. We would not have survived without them.”

“They’re savages!” One of the guards yelled. Cait made a mental note to fire them later.

  “You know this! They killed our councilors!” Shoola shouted. “They killed your mother!”

“Hey!” Vi stood, slamming her hands on the table and shaking Shoola’s cup. Shoola stared wide-eyed at the Zaunite woman. “The actions of one person does not reflect on the entire body.”

“What are you even doing here?” Shoola demanded, her neckpiece ticking quickly. “Your sister was the very one who did it! You shouldn’t even be here.” Vi glared at the councilor. Her eyes were dark and she looked ready to pounce. Cait took her hand gently and addressed the small council again.

“This idea of ‘savages versus sane’ is exactly the problem I intend to fix.” Caitlyn continued. “Neither side is innocent. We were polluting their resources and bleeding them dry long before they started rioting.”

“Who would you even have in here?” Shoola asked, sitting back down, her back straight.

“Scar and Sevika.”

“Sevika?” Shoola questioned. “She was a known ally of Silco. Do you intend to bring Silco’s ideas here?”

“No. Sevika can be more than just a soldier.” Cait offered.

“It’s true.” Vi chimed in. “She’s a brave leader. She’s more than you know. We all are.”

“Fine.” Shoola muttered. “What about this Scar? Who are they?”

“He’s the second-in-command of the Firelights.” Caitlyn explained.

“I see. Two undercity gang leaders.” Shoola mumbled.

“Two Zaunite leaders.” Caitlyn corrected. “They are powerful authority figures that could allow us to get some footing in Zaun. The people there hate us. Maybe if we can represent them, we can begin to fix the broken relationship between these two cities. They are both loyal, fierce, and just. This council could use more of those things.”

“Alright.” Shoola complied, her shoulders sinking. “But still I would suggest for now, a temporary councilor position for yourself, especially if you will be leading in new councilors. As a counselor and sheriff you will have all the necessary tools if something goes…askew.”

“Fine.” Caitlyn sighed. She could feel Vi’s eyes on her, but she didn’t turn. She kept her eye keenly locked on Shoola. “Under a few conditions. One: this must be a temporary position.”

“Okay.” Shoola mumbled, her disappointment obvious and biting at Caitlyn’s confidence.

“Two: no deceit in this new council. No underhanded gifts. No under-the-table deals. No paying off witnesses. None of it. If I find out about any of these things, I will do right by the law and have the unjust councilors removed.” Cait glared at the woman on the other side of the table as she leaned on it. “Understood?”

“Alright, Councilor Kiramman.” Shoola said, standing and collecting her things. Cait and Vi beat her to the door and exited quickly. Vi pulled at her collar, complaining that it was too tight.

“I can hardly breathe with this damn thing.” She mumbled. Cait’s thoughts ran wild. What had she just committed to? Was this what Mother would’ve wanted?

——

By the time they arrived back at the house, Cait just wanted to lay down. Her head ached and she was starting to think the patch made the pain worse. Maybe she had strapped it on too tight. She opened the door and let her girlfriend in before following behind her. Vi stepped into the living room and began to stack firewood in the fireplace. She got a lighter and a small flame lapped at the dry wood. She absent-mindedly poked it as she spoke.

“That was fun.” She said sarcastically as she put down the fireplace poker and unbuttoned the top two buttons of her shirt. 

“Yeah. I love being yelled at.” Cait responded with an equal amount of annoyance, removing her jacket and draping it on the coffee table. Vi threw her jacket over Cait’s as she sat on the couch. “I can’t believe them.” Cait continued.

“Yeah they’re crazy.” Vi forced a smile as she watched the fire. Her eyes carried a kind of numbness as she watched the small flames dance and begin to take over the dry wood. She stared at it blankly as the flames grew and grew.

“Are you okay, Violet?” Cait asked softly. Vi seemed to snap out of herself.

“Yeah.” She mumbled. “Just frustrated. That’s all.” Cait nodded solemnly and turned. She strode to the bathroom and swiftly took off the eyepatch, fumbling the straps more than once. Once she got it off, she placed it on the counter and sighed. The pain did lighten without the pressure of the fabric. She rubbed a tentative finger over the scar. It had raised and made her eye permanently closed. The white line was prominent on her tanned skin. She hated it. She hated the mark that it left. She hated the discomfort it caused in moving the left side of her face. Now, she pulled at the skin carefully. Then she heard footsteps and briskly grabbed the patch, holding it to her eye.

“Hey, Cupcake, I–” Vi started but stopped when Cait turned away from her. “What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing.” Cait stumbled over her words. “I’ll talk later, just go back to the living room. Okay?” Vi didn’t listen. Instead, she cupped Cait’s face and turned her to face her. Cait let her. She still clutched the patch in her hand, ready for Vi to leave. Ready for Vi to insult her. She didn’t meet her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Vi repeated.

“Nothing.” Cait stared at her feet.

“I don’t believe you.”

“What?”

“I don’t believe you. What’s wrong?” Vi pressed, rubbing her thumbs over Cait’s cheeks. Cait finally looked at her. Worry etched Vi’s gray eyes as they darted over Cait’s face, trying to pick her apart and figure her out. She hated that look. It broke her every time. Caitlyn’s shoulders slumped and she swallowed the lump in her throat.

“I hate this scar.” She mumbled. “It’s ugly and I can’t see and…” Her voice cracked. “Mother had always said that the Kirammans were a show of perfection and we’re not supposed to be dirty and scarred. And I can’t shoot and…I just…” Cait’s voice was low. She sounded like a child and she hated it. She hated feeling so helpless, so small. Vi wiped a tear that had escaped her eye. Her expression was caring and a soft smile pulled at her lips as she spoke.

“Hey, listen. You’re perfect as is. I wouldn’t care if you were covered in dirt and grease.” Vi pulled Cait to her and gently kissed the scar. “You’re gorgeous, Cupcake.” Cait’s face flushed and her cheeks heated. She blissfully dropped the eyepatch to the floor.

“Besides,” Vi continued, releasing Cait and waving the air. “Scars are just proof you survived. They don’t define you. You’re beautiful, Cupcake. Believe me, I’ll kiss every scar on your body to make you believe it.” Cait breathed. It was shaky but it helped. She took a moment and regained her composure. She pushed a strand of hair from her face and wiped her eye.

“Really?” Cait smirked, her gaze stuck on Vi’s lips as she spoke. She lifted her shirt revealing the large scar on her waist. “Every scar?”

“Every scar.” Vi repeated, bending down and pressing her lips to the skin. Caitlyn’s body heated up as she wrapped her arms around Vi, bending down to meet her and pressing their lips together.

Chapter Text

Jinx locked eyes with Ekko. His grip was tight on her wrist, turning it red. He still wore the crop top she had chosen for him for the battle. The paint had faded but it was still visible. He wore a blue and pink beaded bracelet on his wrist and sweat dotted his brow. Dark circles lined his eyes as he stared at her impatiently. She was silent for a second. What was she even supposed to say? He wasn’t even supposed to be here.

“What the hell are you doing here, Ekko?” She demanded as she pulled her wrist back. “I told you not to follow me!” Jinx wrinkled her nose. She couldn’t believe he couldn’t just let her have this. She worked so hard for it. She worked so hard to be able to start over. She was not going to let him ruin it.

“I just…” Ekko muttered after a moment. “I was worried. I hadn’t heard from you in almost a month.”

“That’s the point!” Jinx retorted, running a hand down her face. “I died in the blast.” He sighed but she continued. “I gave you one instruction: don’t follow me!” Jinx cried. Ekko watched her carefully, like he was trying to memorize her every movement. She sighed. Those soft brown eyes carried so much more than she could ever know. “Does Vi know?” Jinx asked, calmer now.

“No.” Ekko answered swiftly, shaking his head. “No, she doesn’t.”

“Good.” Jinx turned on her heel and gestured for Lux to follow. “Go home, Ekko.”

“What?”

“You’re not gonna make me repeat it, are ya?” She turned and rolled her eyes. When he didn’t respond, she did. “Go home, Ekko.” His face fell. He rapidly moved in front of her.

“That’s crazy!” Ekko cried. “I just spent days trying to find you! Going back would be a waste of time!” He scrambled to find the words, his eyes darting around her face, as if trying to find a lie. Maybe a trick or a prank. But no. She was serious.

“I never asked you to!” Jinx shouted. She huffed out a breath. “Just go. If the wasted time really matters to you, I’m sure you can figure out a way to get it back, Timeboy.” She tried to slip past him.

“I’m not leaving.” Ekko said stubbornly, moving to block her again.

“I’m sorry, what happened between you two?” Lux chimed in. Her blue eyes looked Ekko up and down. “By the way, could I offer you some new, not-painted-on, and not…sweaty clothes?”

“No.” Ekko’s voice was low, his answer curt. He turned his attention back to Jinx. “Why didn’t you just let me come with you?” His brows were drawn and his hands were shaky. She didn’t really have a reason. Not one that he didn’t already know. Jinx had wanted to find herself. She still didn’t even know if she’d started to. Still, she wished she hadn’t come completely alone. It would’ve been nice to have a familiar presence by her side on the rough nights, when the voices were loud and she was cold and alone. But she couldn’t change the past. 

Jinx slipped by him with shimmer and turned out of the alley, Lux following silently on her heels. She could hear his footsteps on the stone, perfectly in time with hers, as he called her name again and again and she ignored him.

“Is this the Ekko you talked about?” Lux whispered, leaning towards Jinx. Then after a moment. “What happened between you two?”

“None of your business, Princess.” Jinx grumbled, her gaze fixed forward. A moment of silence passed before Lux responded.

“I should go.” She forced a smile, smoothing her dress. “Garen will be upset that I've been gone for so long.” Lux stepped away from Jinx and turned back toward the castle, waving her polite goodbye. Jinx gave a small wave back, not turning around.

After a while Jinx had arrived at the tree, his footsteps still mimicking hers. The dry grass crunched under her feet as she hung her cloak and belt on the branches. Her gun swung as she jumped up into the tree. She climbed up, moved her half-finished project aside, and grabbed the small basket. She took down the blanket and laid it on the grass. Jinx sat and opened the basket. She split the little loaf of bread, handing one half to Ekko after he leaned his bag and hoverboard against the tree.

“I doubt you’ve eaten on this long journey to find me.” She said, sarcasm dripping as he took the bread and sat beside her. So close they could almost touch. She could tell from the tiredness in his eyes and his slow movements that he hadn’t eaten. The Boy Savior was always sacrificing for her.

“Thanks.” He muttered. They sat in silence for a few moments. She didn’t look at him, keeping her gaze on her steel-toed boots as she rhythmically pushed the grass with them. Jinx had to admit that his presence alone put her at ease. But that was stupid. She could take care of herself. She didn’t need him.

“Your hair got longer.” He mumbled after a moment. Jinx paused. She turned to face him now. He had been watching her with curious eyes.

“Yeah.” She picked up one of the short braids.

“Now I know how you got those massive braids.” He smiled. She had missed that smile. The softness and familiarity of it. The times that she had made him smile like that as kids and even more recently, before the battle. Jinx giggled as she turned the braid over in her fingers.

“Well, I think this is from the shimmer.”

“Shimmer?” He questioned.

“Shimmer.” She repeated and nudged him with a chuckle.

“How does that work?”

“I’m not really sure.” She gave a small smile, turning her gaze from him. She’d been staring for too long. “It’s weird. I'm still not sure what exactly it does. It’s just…different.” A long minute passed. “You got earrings.” Jinx mumbled as she took a bite.

“Yeah, I thought they’d look good.”

“They do.” Jinx turned her gaze to the sky. The sun had set and the stars now blinked down at them. She laid down and after a minute he did the same. She rested her head on her hands. Their eyes didn’t meet when they spoke.

“Why are you here, Ekko?” She asked, crossing her legs. Ekko took a deep breath.

“I didn’t want to leave you.” He said softly.

“That’s what I asked you to do.”

“I know,” He turned to face her but she kept her gaze up. “But I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine. You should go home.”

“Well, I’m staying for a few days.” Ekko smiled, his gaze still on her. “At the very least, I’d like to explore Demacia a little. I won’t stay. I’m just visiting.” Jinx didn’t know why those words pulled at her heart. She had wanted him to go, so why, now that he agreed, was something missing?

“You’re never gonna let me go, huh, Boy Savior?” She turned to face him with a genuine smile despite her sarcastic words. He turned over and smiled too.

“Never, Pow-Pow. Never.” 

——

Jinx woke up slowly, her limbs were heavy and her body warm. She was sprawled across the grass, which scratched against her bare midriff. She opened her eyes, blinking in the sunlight, and found the blanket now covering the two of them. Ekko’s arm was across her torso, his skin warm from sleep. Her cheeks went hot. Jinx hadn’t meant to fall asleep. She was supposed to be in the tree and he was supposed to be alone on the blanket. She took a breath. She gingerly moved the blanket and his arm, breathing and moving as quietly as she could so as to not wake him up. Once she was free she stood and stretched, a few bones cracking. His bag laid still against the tree, the sunlight brightening the dull green denim beside the hoverboard. Jinx grinned as she dug through his things. Sadly, most of the things he had brought weren’t particularly fun. A map. An extra t-shirt. A water bottle. A set of tools, which Jinx hoped to use later. A large, glowing cylinder rested in the bag. Jinx lifted it by the leather strap. This was the thing that he had used to save her. Again and again. This one was different, though. It was missing the monkeys. The stupid clapping monkeys Powder had added. Jinx scowled at where the monkeys were supposed to be and gently placed the Z-Drive in the grass. At the bottom of the bag was a black book and a small box. She opened the little book and flipped through its pages. Sketches covered every page, all of the same person. Jinx’s eyes scanned every drawing of herself carefully. Some were before the battle against Noxus, others were of her before he had found her in her hideout. In some she had her long braids and in others her hair was shaved on one side like Vi’s. A few even captured the moments after she had messily cut her own hair. In one she sat at Ekko’s desk in his room, hunched over a project. In another she was perched on a ledge, glaring at anyone who passed by. In another she stood with her hand on her hip, covered in paint with a bright grin. Each was done perfectly. Every drawing had been done in pencil and captured her essence. Her smile. Her sarcasm. Her jokes. All of it. At least one heart was drawn on every page. Some he’d even written little notes. Jinx blushed and scrunched her nose. She couldn’t believe him. No way he had missed her that much. No one would ever miss her like that. Then she found a different one. This girl had her face but it wasn’t her. She was happier and there were no dark circles under her eyes. This girl’s hair was cut above her shoulders and she had choppy bangs. She wore a perfect white dress that flowed as she danced. Ekko had drawn her in the middle of spinning, his own figure holding her hand. That page contained three drawings of her. Two in that perfect dress and one of her in work clothes. Her hair up in two little buns and soot scored across her cheek. In every single one she smiled brightly like she had no cares in the world. Powder. Jinx threw the sketchbook to the ground with a frown and took up the box. It was small and the edges were worn. She opened it, revealing the set of oil crayons he had bought her. He remembered. A soft smile tugged at Jinx’s lips. She pulled out the pink one and carefully took his arm. She signed it in large, scrawled lettering. JINX . Not Powder, but Jinx. He didn’t move as she continued, though his eyelids fluttered. She added some purple hearts and green hourglasses. She delicately put his arm down when she finished and went back to the tree, taking up the sketchbook and flipping through the drawings, avoiding the ones of Powder.

“Jinx?” Ekko murmured as he opened his eyes. He shaded them with a hand. “What are you doing?” His eyes widened when he noticed what she was holding. “Gimme that!” He sat up quickly and chased her as she ran, laughing at his shouts.

“Didn’t think you missed me this much, Timeboy!” She called over her shoulder as she dashed through the grass.

“Give it back!” Ekko tried to grab her wrist but she darted away with shimmer every time and eventually into the tree.

“Nah,” Jinx blew her bang from her face and leaned back to hang from the tree by her legs. “This is much more fun.” She kept her sly grin as she flipped through every page, fighting the heat in her cheeks.

“Jinx.” He sighed. “What do you even want with it?”

“Well,” Jinx turned to a drawing of her with her long braids, leaned up, and showed it to him. “First of all: my braids were longer than that.”

“Were they?” Ekko crossed his arms over his chest. His tone was annoyed but his slight smile betrayed him.

“Yeah.” She laughed and pointed to the corner where he’d attempted to draw her monkey. “And this is all wrong.” Ekko briskly took the sketchbook from her and shoved it back into his bag. Jinx put a hand over the warm smile that took over and strapped on her belt, allowing her gun to hang on her hip.

“Where are you going?” He asked, slinging on his bag after making sure it had all of its contents.

“The market.” She tied her boots tight. “I ran outta food.” Jinx turned away and started down the hill when he stopped her.

“Wait!” He called and she paused. “I have money. I can get it.”

“I got money too, Firefly.” She turned with her hands on her hips. “I can handle myself.”

“Still. I can do it.” He stood and hung the blanket on a branch. “Think of it as a gift, if that makes you feel better.”

“Ugh.” She faked disgust as she strode back to the tree. “Fine. Just put this on.” She handed him the cloak. “It might look weird if I’m walking with a stranger.” He pulled it on over his jacket; his mind seemed elsewhere. The cloak laid lumpily over the thick jacket. Dumbass . She thought as the two turned and headed to the market. Jinx weaved through the crowd with Ekko on her heels.

“Where’d you get the new shirt?” He asked.

“Lux. The blond girl.” Jinx replied as she pushed past a man in a yellow shirt. “She took pity on me, ‘cause I’m not a fancy rich bitch like her.”

“How’d you meet?” Ekko continued, watching her every move as if for clues.

“Well, I had been sitting in the tree we just left. She came up with a picnic and I was hungry so I–”

“You stole from a princess?!” He demanded in a harsh whisper, running to stand beside her.

“Calm down, Little Man.” Jinx took his hand and pulled him along as she continued walking. His hand enveloped hers completely. “I sat with her and she gave me some.” Ekko narrowed his eyes. Jinx scoffed. “You don’t believe me. Do you?”

“No, no.” Ekko muttered. “I just wouldn’t think a princess would let anyone near her, let alone…”

“Someone like me?” Jinx offered.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” He said. Jinx gave a crooked smile.

“She’s sweet, but she’s naive.” She explained as she stopped at a food stall. Ekko paid for the food, despite Jinx’s complaints, and soon the two were sitting on a bench in the middle of the market with warm rice balls. Ekko poked at his with a fork.

“What do we do now?” He mumbled.

“Well, it doesn’t look like you'll be listenin’ to me.” Jinx laughed wryly. She paused and took a breath. “I’m glad you’re here.” She mumbled, turning away. He put his hand on hers in silence. It was warm against her cold skin. His hand covered hers completely, before he intertwined their fingers. She let him. “I can’t believe you’re still here after everything I’ve done.” Ekko squeezed her hand and Jinx turned to face him. She tried not to let her voice crack. “I killed people you cared about. People you loved . How can you still be here?”

“I’ve told you this before.” Ekko wrapped her hand in both of his. “Neither of us can undo the past, but I want to help you move forward. I want to be by your side.” 

“Then why was it so easy to leave the first time, Boy Savior ?” Jinx took her hand back and wrapped her arms around herself. Ekko knew why she called him that. He remembered what had happened. He had to. She could still hear it. The drip of the rain outside. The rustling of the wind from the open window through the papers on Silco’s desk. The creaking of the chair as it spun slowly without its owner. The voice of the young Boy Savior who had come to rescue her.

“Powder, c’mon. He’ll be back soon.” Ekko whispered harshly. He had grabbed her wrist.

“No.” She had been stubborn. Too stubborn.

“Why? Powder, don’t you want to get out of here? Let me save you.” He demanded as she kept trying to pull away. When she finally freed herself of him she spoke.

“No! I don’t want to be saved, Ekko. She had spread her hands. This is my home. I’m Jinx now.”

“Powder–”

“It’s Jinx .” She had repeated and then the door had opened, revealing Silco with a cigar in his mouth. His good eye had carefully scanned the room. Ekko was gone, as if he’d never been there at all.

“It wasn’t easy.” He said quietly, pulling her out of her thoughts. Ekko stared at his shoes. “I…I wanted to force you to come with me, but…that wouldn’t have solved anything. Still,” Ekko turned to her. “I wish I hadn’t given up. I just want to be here.” 

She watched the passersby too closely. Something was off. He wouldn’t just say that to her. No, no. Her eyes darted around wildly. Something felt wrong. This had to be a trick. Someone must be playing her. No way this was real. She shook as shimmer filled her veins and the voices rose. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx.

“Jinx?” He said and she met his eyes. She had missed those caring and gentle brown eyes. He watched her for a moment before taking off his jacket and draping it across her shoulders. It smelled like him. Paint and machinery and sweat and grass. She breathed it in. It grounded her, drawing her back to the present, quieting the screams of her ghosts. She laid her head on his shoulder.

“When do you think you’ll be ready to come back?” He asked. She could feel his breath on her face.

“I’m not coming back.” She muttered. Ekko paused, keeping his eyes forward.

“What about Vi?” He asked tentatively.

“She’ll be okay. She’s got her Piltie.” Jinx sighed. “She’s better off without me hurting her.” Ekko sat up and Jinx moved her head.

“Things are different without you. It’s like broken pieces.” He forced a steady tone, but it didn’t last long. “Caitlyn told me about panics that Vi has been having. She said she calls out your name. Hell, I missed you so much I travelled across the whole damn continent. I spent days looking over maps trying to figure out where you would’ve decided to go.” She paused.

“I didn’t even know where I was going.” Jinx mumbled. “I just chose the first airship I saw and decided that would be where I would find my freedom."

“Freedom from what?” He asked, finally meeting her eyes. Jinx’s hand drifted to her pocket. She clutched the paper and it wrinkled loudly.

“Freedom to figure out me. Freedom from the past.”

“No one can escape the past.” Ekko put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her closer. She let him. She put her hand on his and smiled.

“Then I’ll be the first.” Her hand still held the paper.

——

When the two arrived back at the tree, Jinx bounded into the branches. She climbed up to a branch and laid across it. She had taken off his jacket and now it laid over her legs. She held the shark plush to her chest. Ekko took the blanket off the branch and sprawled it across the grass. He sat and the two watched the sunset silently. When the star had finally crossed the horizon Ekko asked.

“Do you want me here?”

“If I didn’t I woulda made ya leave by now.” She said, a smug smile on her face. It faded and she paused. “I didn’t want you to come, but now that you’re here…I-I don’t know if I want you to go.” She stumbled over the words.

“Really?” He questioned. Jinx’s cheeks heated up.

“Don’t get an ego.” She joked, turning away.

“Where’d you get the plush?” He asked. “Was that Lux as well?”

“Isha gave me this.” She mumbled, swallowing the lump in her throat. Ekko stood and met her, now teary, eyes. He didn’t say anything. His eyes said it all as he wrapped his arms around her. She leaned into the crook of his neck and into his warmth. He pulled her closer. This was what she had needed the whole time. The warm, steady comfort of Ekko’s arms around her. His scent of grass and paint and machinery filling her lungs. She leaned farther into his embrace, rolling off the branch and into his arms. His knees buckled and the two fell to the ground. She laid on top of him as he held her tightly still. She laughed through her tears. He smiled and after a moment joined in her laughter. Her pink-stained tears fell onto his skin and his hand drew circles on her back. Her drawings were still prominent and bright on his arm. Jinx stood after a moment and pulled his jacket back on, dusting herself off. Ekko moved to sit on the blanket and gestured for her to sit beside him. She did.

“I missed you, Firefly.” She confessed with a crooked smile. His smile was soft when he spoke.

“I missed you too, Jinx.”

Chapter Text

Vi laid on her side watching Cait sleep. She pulled the covers back over them both. Cait’s skin was smooth and warm under Vi’s touch. The sun had just begun to rise outside as Vi pushed a strand of hair from Cait’s face. Cait’s eyelid fluttered but she didn’t wake up. Vi smiled. The poor girl must be so tired from meetings all day. A knock rang at the door.

“I’ll get it.” Vi mumbled against the pillow before kissing Cait’s forehead and standing. She pulled on the clothes that had been discarded the night before: black, ripped jeans and an old hoodie. She strode to the door as the knocks came louder and more frequent. Vi swung the door open and leaned on the doorframe. A young man stood in a black uniform suit, the Piltover crest decorating his lapel.

“What do you want?” She demanded, a deep frown stuck on her tired face.

“I’m looking for Councilor Kiramman.” He spoke clearly as he put his hands behind his back. Vi hated that title. Councilor Kiramman . Councilor.

“She’s busy.” Vi growled. “What do you need her for?”

“I’m sorry, Miss…Violet–”

“Vi.” She corrected.

“My apologies, Miss Vi,” The messenger continued. “But this is private information for councilors only.” Vi glared at him..

“What is it?” Cait asked, putting a hand on Vi’s shoulder and moving her aside.

“Councilor Kiramman.” The messenger bowed. Cait yawned. She wore a long, silk robe. Its lavender surface reflected the rising sunlight as it bled over the horizon.

“What are you here for?” She questioned as she ran a hand through her tangled, dark hair. The messenger looked between Cait and Vi. Cait rolled her eyes and gestured for him to go on.

“The council has offered to listen to your proposal at noon.”

“This is awfully late notice.” Cait spoke slowly.

“I apologize on behalf of the council, but your attendance is required if you hope to try to move your proposal, regarding the new councilors, forward.”

“Great. Thank you.” Cait mumbled as she slammed the door closed and groaned.

“I can’t believe this.” She ran a hand over her face. “It’s too early for this.” 

“Agreed.” Vi gave an uncomfortable half-smile.

——

Vi stood alone in the shiny streets of Piltover, with her hands in her pockets. Cait was at a council meeting and, after last time, Shoola wouldn’t let Vi be present. The councilor had said that Vi was manipulating Cait, so when Cait suggested the same thing, even when by herself, she had been aghast. So Vi did what she usually did when Cait was gone. She wandered between Piltover and Zaun, eventually finding an old bar tucked into an alley. She sat and got a drink. She didn’t care what it was. The burn in her throat was the only thing keeping her present as she got another. She could almost hear her in the back of her mind now. They kept reminding her of her . Their blue hair and bright paint dotting the drab of the undercity. But none of them were her and they never would be. She was gone. She was gone and it was her fault.

“Hey, beautiful.” A woman said, leaning on the bar. Vi ignored her, waving her away. “Oh, don’t be like that. We could have some fun. Just gimme a chance.”

“No.” Vi waved her off again and the woman wandered off with her head hung low. It wasn’t long before another woman came over. This one was more direct. She ran her hands through Vi’s hair and squeezed her shoulder. Vi jammed her elbow into the girl’s ribs and she doubled over coughing. Vi didn’t turn, instead demanding another drink from the bartender who looked at her with wide eyes. They had begun to blur as they handed her another. The next woman had dark brown hair and long bangs that framed her face. She sat next to Vi and ordered a drink.

“Hey, I’m Nina.” She gave a small wave.

“Hi.” Vi swayed on her stool. Nina took her drink from the bartender and sipped it slowly.

“So, you from around here? I’ve never seen you here.”

“I’ve come here…been here before.” Vi slurred.

“Really?”

“Hmm.” Vi hummed, turning her drink in her hand.

“You wanna get out of here?” Nina asked, smirking. Something in Vi did want to leave the bar. The stench of sweat and alcohol burned her lungs and she was swaying in her chair. She wanted to just fall asleep and not wake up. Vi shook her head. Nina grumbled something and left. Then a man sat beside her. Vi watched him closely as he ordered a drink for himself and one for her.

“Say, are you Vi?” He passed her the drink and she gulped it down. The alcohol had stopped burning and her vision was blurred. She didn’t care. She nodded.

“I heard about your fights. They say you could knock down a guy with one punch.” The man explained. Vi cracked a small smile. Her reputation was a fun thing to throw around. She noticed the bartender’s shoulders tighten when she looked up again. They avoided eye contact and she huffed out a breath.

“What do you want?” Vi mumbled.

“Well,” The man leaned on the bar. “We’re having a fighting tournament here in an hour or so and I was hoping you’d be willing to participate.” He pushed a piece of paper toward her. Zaun’s Fighting Guild Tournament was written in large red letters across the top.

“And if I don't?” Vi slurred, sloshing around the little drink left around in the plain glass.

“Nothing.” The man shrugged. “You did so well in the pit fights. I was just hoping you’d join us.”

“No.” Vi put down the glass. “Those fights are behind me.” She stood on wobbly legs and headed for the exit.

“I told you!” Nina shouted from across the bar. “The Kiramman Piltie made her soft!” Vi whipped her head around. She could hardly see the girl’s eyes widen. She turned and pushed past the other patrons. They cursed at her and a few even backed away. Her footsteps were loud on the old, wooden floor as she approached Nina. She bunched the collar of her shirt, pulling her closer, and drove her fist into the woman’s face. Nina’s nose crunched under her fingers and blood coated her hand. Nina clutched her broken nose and glared up at Vi as she fell to her knees. Vi grabbed her dark hair and forced her to look her in the eye. Everyone was looking now.

“Keep her name out of your fucking mouth.” She spat. She could barely see the tears welling in the other woman’s eyes through the blur of alcohol and rage. Vi threw her down and she fell in a heap of limbs. “Anyone else?!” She called out, her legs numb and her hands in tight fists. Her fingernails dug into her palms but she couldn’t feel it. The man stood from the bar and strode toward her with his hands up, the paper in one. No one dared say a word. The tension was palpable as they all waited to see what would happen next, all their drinks and conversations forgotten.

“You?” Vi scowled at him and raised her fists. “You really wanna do this?”

“No.” The man said quietly, holding the paper out to Vi. She didn’t take it. “Just hopin’ you’ll reconsider.” Vi paused and raised a brow. She stared at the paper. The sparsely decorated red ink on stained brown paper. She swayed on her feet and the room swam in her blurry vision. She could still hear it. That damn laugh. The small laugh of a young Powder running around their old place in the depths of the undercity without a care in the world. Then Jinx, her voice cracking and loud and unpredictable. She couldn’t protect either one. She couldn’t save her. 

Protect Powder. Protect Powder. Protect Powder. Vander’s voice echoed in the quiet bar.

Your sister is Jinx? Caitlyn’s voice came from behind her.

Always with you, sis. Jinx muttered. Then she…

Shut up. Shut up. Vi thought over and over again as she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Then she asked slow, falsely confident, and angry,

“Who do I need to fight?”

——

Vi wasn’t sure when she wrapped her hands. Or when she finished her drink. Or when she took the first punch to her face. She couldn’t feel the pain blossoming in her cheek or her fists. All she could feel was the fire in her veins and the desire to move, to do something . She wasn’t sure when she knocked out the first opponent. Or the second. Or the third. Eventually she stood alone, staggering as she walked the length of the bar with her hands raised in victory, a drunken smile spread across her face. The man from before approached her again as she sat down.

“Nice job.” He handed her an envelope. “Your winnings.” He said as he stood and squeezed her shoulder. Vi followed him drearily with her eyes, watching as he sat with Nina who now held a cloth to her bloody nose. Vi glared at her. Nina knew nothing about her. She knew nothing about Cait. She knew nothing.

It wasn’t long before Vi was kicked out. Apparently throwing punches at anyone who looked at you wrong was a good and quick way to be asked to leave. A tall, strong man threw her down to the ground and slammed the door on his way in.

“Fuck you too!” She called as if he would hear her. Vi slowly managed to get her feet under her and began to trudge home. Well, not home . 

She didn’t remember much of the walk back to the Kiramman mansion, only the pain in her fists and feet and the swaying motion of her body, stumbling over each step. Now that her ears weren’t filled with the cheers and yells of onlookers she could hear them again. She could hear Powder again.

Vi?

“Powder?” She mumbled.

It’s Jinx now. Powder fell down a well.

“I couldn’t…I’m sorry.” Vi slurred as she crossed the bridge. “I shouldn’t have left you.”

You never left. Always with you, sis.

Powder’s gone, Vi. All that’s left is Jinx. Ekko’s voice echoed.

“Shut up.”

Your sister is Jinx. Caitlyn mumbled.

Jinx, Silco spoke slowly. Oh, she’s more than I ever imagined.

She killed my mother, Violet! Caitlyn’s voice blared in her ears. Do you have any–

“Shut up!” Vi cried as pressed her hands to her head. She stumbled up the stairs to the Kiramman mansion and pressed her eyes shut. She tried to turn the doorknob and, when it didn’t move, she banged her bloody fist on the dark wood. After a moment, Cait came to the door. She poked her head through the gap cautiously and when she saw Vi her eye widened.

“Vi?” She asked, her voice desperate and quiet. She still wore her fancy pantsuit from the council meeting and her eyepatch. Her hair was a mess of stray strands falling from a low ponytail. Her eye darted around Vi as if analyzing her damage.

“Hey, Cupcake.” Vi smiled, trying to force herself to sound sober. “Look what I got.” She waved the envelope with her winnings. Cait put a hand on her back and led her inside. She led her to the bed and Vi sat. She placed the envelope on the bedside table.

“Stay there.” Cait muttered as she turned and went to the other room.

“If you say so.” Vi leaned back on her hands. Cait came back after a minute with a small white box, which she placed beside Vi. 

“Give me your hands.” She said and Vi complied. “Where were you?” Cait asked as she removed the bloody wraps from Vi’s hands, revealing her bruised knuckles. She didn’t answer. “Where were you?” Cait demanded, raising her voice.

“There was a tournament and–”

“Were you drinking again?” She interrupted, beginning to wrap Vi’s hands in new bandages. “I can smell it on your breath.”

“Cait.” Vi tried to pull her hands back but Cait wouldn’t let her.

“Were you drinking again, Violet?” She pressed but Vi didn’t answer. She knew what she did. “Why do you keep doing this to yourself? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Your council shit is more important anyway.” Vi turned away.

“Look,” Cait finished one hand and moved to the next, pressing alcohol into the wound. Vi winced. “I’m sorry I’ve been busy, but none of our replacement councilors have answered yet.”

“Even if you’re not a councilor, you’re still the sheriff.” Vi mumbled.

“True.” Cait finished the other hand and moved to pressing alcohol to the cuts on Vi’s face. She hadn’t even noticed them.

“But the council is important.” Vi said with more venom than she meant.

“Not as important as you.” Cait mumbled, putting a bandage on Vi’s cheek. Vi chuckled wryly. Cait stood and got a glass of water. “I’m serious.” She added as she handed Vi the glass. She took it and turned it in her hands, watching the water slosh at the edges of the too detailed glass. Cait sat beside her.

“Thanks.” Vi mumbled, swallowing the lump in her throat.

“Just promise me you won’t do this again.” Cait pulled her closer and she rested her head on her shoulder, fading in and out of consciousness. “I can’t stand to see you like this.”

“Promise.” Vi mumbled, before everything went black.

——

Vi expected the disappointment in Cait’s gaze when she came home late again, but it still stung. This time Cait had been waiting. When Vi finally reached the door and knocked, Cait was quick to open it. She sighed and led Vi to the couch. She had already set up multiple glasses of water and the first aid kit. Vi sat, her limbs heavy from fighting and her head swimming. She watched blurrily as Cait sat beside her and unwrapped her bloody knuckles. Vi didn’t remember much of what happened. Only the look in Cait’s eye as she helped her. A mixture of disappointment and concern. Vi couldn’t shake the guilt that look made her feel. Cait gave her a glass of water and she drank it silently. Vi fell asleep on that couch quickly after Cait left. She watched her figure fade in some false hope that maybe she’d turn around and lay with her. Maybe hold her in her arms. But no. She had done this enough times that Cait must be sick of babying her. She must be so sick of taking care of her. Her and her mistakes.

Vi woke up slowly. Her head pounded and her heart was heavy. Her memory of the fights may be blurry but she remembered Cait waiting for her when she got home. She remembered the silence, the disappointed silence. Vi sat up, causing a wave of nausea. She swallowed dryly and pushed the blanket aside. She ran a hand through her hair.

“Good morning, Violet.” Cait muttered as she rounded the corner. She held a tray with pancakes and tea. She placed it on the coffee table and sat at Vi’s feet. “How are you feeling?” She asked softly.

“Fine.” Vi muttered, wiping sweat from her brow. She lurched and Cait handed her a bowl. Cait got up and held her hair back as she vomited. They stayed there for a few moments. Vi wasn’t sure if it was over. The throbbing in her head was still present as was the waves of nausea. Cait stood silently behind her, rubbing her back.

“I got it.” Vi mumbled, wiping saliva from her lips. Cait nodded and stood to the side, close enough that she could go back to her position if it started again but far enough that Vi could really look her in the eye now. She didn’t wear the eyepatch. Instead, the scar was on full display under her furrowed brows.

“You should drink something.” She pointed to the tray. Vi complied and took a cup of tea. It warmed her hands and the steam smelled of flowers. She took a sip. It burned and tasted like dirt but she played it off. Cait seemed to notice.

“Do you want something else?”

“No, no. It’s fine.” Vi assured her, forcing a smile. “I can handle it.”

“Can you?” Cait leaned on the back of the couch, her eye filled with a combination of pity and curiosity. Her brows were drawn and her eye didn’t leave Vi’s until Vi turned away.

“I can.” Vi placed the cup back on the tray and stood, which was a mistake that caused another wave of nausea. She held it together as well as she could, forcing a bright grin. “In fact, I’m gonna make good on my promise right now.”

“What promise?” Cait questioned. She watched Vi closely, her hands already extended to catch her if she fell.

“I promised you a date, Cupcake, and you’re free from the council today. So, what do you want to do?”

“Maybe another time, Darling.” Cait pushed Vi back down to the couch. Her wobbly legs gave out easily. “You’re exhausted.”

“Oh, please. I’m fine.” She complained, but then everything was black again.

——

Vi opened her eyes, but didn’t bother to sit up. She groaned at the persistent headache that was steady even after her nap. The blanket had been laid back over her legs, the bowl had been replaced, and the tray was gone. She tried to rub some of the tiredness from her eyes. Cait sat at her feet, staring at the small fire that crackled quietly. She had propped her head on her hand. Her fingers were playing with a stand of hair that had fallen from her half-undone ponytail. Dark circles lined her eyes that hadn’t been there last Vi remembered. But that wasn’t reliable. Vi didn’t remember a lot of the past few days. They were all just blurs of punches and the stench of alcohol and sweat and blood.

“Cait.” She whispered. Her girlfriend perked up at the sound of her name, turning her gaze to her. Vi tried to sit up.

“Don’t get up.” Cait muttered and Vi froze. “You need to rest.”

“I can rest sitting.” She said as she stubbornly straightened herself against the arm of the couch. Cait sighed and handed her a glass of water which she drank gratefully, cooling her dry throat.

“Why do you keep doing this?” Cait asked. “Is there something wrong here? I can fix whatev–”

“Nothing’s wrong here.” Vi mumbled. “This doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

“But it does!” Cait snapped. “You have no idea how much I worry when I come home and you’re not here!”

“You’re never here!” Vi shouted. The volume worsened the ache in her head but she didn’t care. “You’re always with the fucking council!”

“The council is important! Piltover needs it!”

“And what about you?” Vi pressed. “You’re exhausted.”

“I’m fine.” Cait insisted, lowering her voice. “And yelling isn’t good for a hangover. You need to rest.”

“ You need to rest.” Vi watched as Cait sighed and pressed her face into her palms. “The council is taking it out on you. Those dark circles weren’t there before.” Vi shuffled to sit beside Cait, despite her tired limbs. She looked up and Vi took her hand, squeezing it despite her weak fingers. “I’ll take you out on a date just like I promised. Whatever you want, Cupcake.” Cait chuckled wryly.

“You’re never going to let that go will you?”

“I promised.”

“Will you promise me you’ll try not to do this again?”

“Only if you promise to take a break from the council.” Vi cupped Cait’s face with a shaky hand. Cait leaned into the touch. “Those snobs can handle themselves for a day or two.”

“I hope so.” Cait raised her eyebrows.

“Will you promise me?”

“I promise.” She squeezed her hand. “Please try not to do this again.”

“I won’t.” Vi gave a warm smile as Cait pushed aside her bangs and kissed her forehead.

“Good.” Cait stood and left the room, coming back a moment later with a small stack of books under her arm and a tray of tea balanced in her hands. “As for the date,” She placed everything on the coffee table. “I’ve got some old books Jayce begged me to read and some tea. And cocoa for you.” Cait added. “I noticed you didn’t take well to the tea.”

“It tastes like leaves.” Vi defended herself, laughing and spreading her arms. Cait shook her head, her smile soft and warm. She pushed a mug toward Vi on a golden coaster. Vi sipped it happily, the warmth of the drink coating her scratchy throat.

“Will you go on this date with me, Violet?” Cait asked, handing Vi one of the books. 

“Of course, Cupcake.” Vi grinned. Vi had always enjoyed reading whatever books Vander could find for her. Anything from fantasy to historical fiction to a biography. She would tear through them faster than Vander could find them. Now, instead of an old, stolen, bootleg copy she would read on her stiff bunk, she sat next to her girlfriend holding a new copy on the soft couch. Her head still spun but sitting with her alone distracted her from it. Vi cracked open the book and so did Cait. They spent hours there, in silence reading. Vi was a faster reader and would get to the plot twists before Cait. She would gasp and Cait would look up, demanding to know what happened, but Vi wouldn’t tell her. She’d simply tell her to brace herself and laughed at Cait’s worried expression. It was nice to slow down. Vi knew it wouldn’t last forever. Hell, nothing did. But maybe this moment was enough to at least slow down time. Time and change that flew by her like a coursing river. It would drown her until someone pulled her out and Cait did. Every single time.

Chapter Text

Ekko stood impatiently outside the tent, swaying on his feet and clicking his tongue. The sound of grinding metal, loud chatter, and flames echoed inside. He had already wandered through the market and along the outskirts of the little town. The tents hadn’t interested him much. The people in town were colorful, but not very social. They just gave him short, one-word answers or didn’t respond to him at all. Now, he was wasting time and he knew it. The seconds ticked by slowly as he waited for her to finish working. She had told him to meet her at sunset back at the tree, but he couldn’t wait. Ekko poked his head into the purple and silver tent. He found her quickly. She was bent over her work, goggles over her bright eyes. She had braided her blue hair against her scalp, but her bang still hung over her goggles. Her top had been stained with motor oil but she didn’t seem to care. Her desk was littered with paints and metal scraps and tools, yet she worked uninterrupted. He wanted to go work with her. He wanted to help her despite how little he knew she needed it. He stared longer than he’d meant to, scared that she might just run away and he’d have to find her all over again. She looked up for a moment and, though she was wearing goggles, he could tell she was rolling her eyes. A small smile touched her lips as she turned away to fetch something on the shelf behind her. Ekko turned and sat by the corner of the tent, watching as people entered and left. She had said she wanted freedom from her past, but everytime she smiled at him like that all he could see was the girl he knew growing up. The girl who would tinker with him, paint all over her walls, and laugh at his dumb jokes. He wouldn’t leave her, not again. He couldn’t.

Ekko tapped his foot swiftly as he glanced up. The sun had only just begun to arc downward. He ran a hand down his face and stood. If he was going to have to wait, he’d do something with himself. He stopped a few locals to ask if anyone knew where he could stay. Most looked at him like he was crazy and quickly answered “no”. One older woman, though, was kind enough to suggest the other side of town. She brushed a strand of grey hair from her face and pointed over Ekko’s shoulder.

“Try that way. The other side of town is a bit more residential.” She explained. Ekko turned and started mapping out a way through the market in his head. He took out his map, which Jinx had managed to scribble on, and showed it to the woman.

“Which way?” He asked and she traced her finger along the roads, ignoring the bright colors crossing them.

“Just like that.” She said quietly, then lifted her eyes to his. “Say, your accent is different. Where are you from?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Ekko responded quickly. “So just southwest?”

“Yes.” She said, dropping the matter, but she still watched Ekko closely as he thanked her. The woman continued walking after a moment, leaving Ekko staring at his map. He glanced at the tent one last time. Then with his bag on his shoulder he began his trek to the other side of town. Surely she won’t run off…right?  

——

Before long, Ekko was greeted with a long line of small houses and apartment buildings. The grass wasn’t as green here and the colors were less saturated. The houses all looked the same and people walked the streets talking quietly amongst themselves. Ekko kept to himself as he strode through the town, taking in the simplicity of it. No huge crowds, no aggressive brightness. It was almost calm. He gripped his bag tightly as he strode down the street. After a while he saw a small sign pasted in the window of a large, gray building. Space for Rent. He knocked on the wooden door and soon enough a short, old man opened it with a creak. He held a cigarette between two fingers and wore an old t-shirt that matched the outer walls of the building.

“Whadda ya want?” He grumbled, looking Ekko up and down. Ekko cleared his throat then pointed to the sign.

“You have space for rent?” He prompted and the man mumbled something under his breath before gesturing for Ekko to follow. The man led him upstairs, their footsteps making the wood groan loudly. Then the man turned off the stairs and down the hallway. He stopped at a door marked B4.

“Here.” He said as he opened the door to the apartment. If you could even call it that. It was a small space, two rooms. A bed was pushed up against the wall, its covers a faded white and its headboard a dark brown. A matching, scratched dresser was behind the door. There was a small, poorly-shaded window above the window that allowed for the sunset light to leak inside. There was a bathroom tucked into the far corner of the small place. Ekko’s eyes scanned the place, it was small but it would work. At the very least it was better than the thin tree at the top of the hill, that was sure to fall soon enough. It sure as hell wasn’t secure enough for anything permanent. Not that he was staying. He wouldn’t. She didn’t want him to anyway. He just needed to make sure she could stay in this new land safely.

“So?” The man mumbled beside him, taking a drag of his cigarette.

“How much do you want for it?” Ekko asked as he stepped inside. This could work. It’d be tight but it could work. At least she could have a roof over her head.

“Eh, I’d say,” The man blew a puff of smoke. “185 gold pieces.” Ekko didn’t have that, he knew he didn’t, yet he opened his small coin patch anyway as if the money could magically appear. He counted out the pieces he had, each put in stacks of ten. Damn it. 

“So?” The man prompted. “Whadya say?”

“I can’t.” Ekko muttered. That price and food and everything else, what he had wouldn’t be enough. The man sighed and took another drag of his cigarette.

“Look, kid.” He puffed the smoke. “I’m desperate, so I’ll cut ya a deal. Ya pay me eighty gold pieces now and ya can work off the rest.”

“What’s the catch?” Ekko put his coin pouch back into his bag and his guard up.

“The catch is that the work is technological. I can’t figure out how to work the damn power and other shit in this remote wasteland and someone young like you might be able to figure it out.”

“When would I start?”

“In two days.”

“Fine.” He held out a hand to shake. “Deal.” The old man shook his hand firmly and Ekko handed over the eighty gold pieces. The man dug in his pocket and handed Ekko a key.

“Don’t burn the place down.” He mumbled as he left. Ekko put his bag down on the dresser as the man closed the door behind him. This new thing could actually work out. He sat on the bed and drummed his fingers on his knees. He watched the sunset over the horizon through dark clouds as he waited for her. Oh shit! Ekko shot to his feet and slung his bag over his shoulders. He closed the door and fumbled the lock but once he got it he was dashing through the town as fast as he could. Once he finally made it to the market, the sun had set and lamps were being lit and people were walking tiredly home. He pushed past them and to the workshop. A tall, brown-haired woman was leaving. Melanie. Jinx had told him about her. A strong woman with an even stronger attitude, especially to people she didn’t know.

“Hey, where’d Jinx go?” Ekko asked her hurriedly.

“She went home, Loverboy.” Melanie smirked. “By the way, we all see you staring at her while she works.”

“She went home?” Ekko ignored her comment.

“Yeah.” Melanie nodded as she turned away. “Don’t fuck it up too bad.” She called over her shoulder as she walked away. Ekko darted to the tree. He was late. He was so late. He ran past the tents and the fountain and up the hill. Rain had begun to fall lightly. Stormy clouds had fully settled in and blocked out the stars. Ekko saw her in the tree immediately, but she didn’t seem to see him. Her gun was raised and pointed steadily at his chest.

“It’s just me.” He called. She lowered the gun at the sound of his voice and jumped out of the tree, coming to meet him.

“You’re late, Boy Savior.”

“I know, I know.” He mumbled. “But it’s for good reason.”

“Really?” Jinx twirled her gun around her finger, her signature smug smile already in place. “And what would that be, Firefly?” Ekko pulled out the key and held it up for her to see.

“A key?” She questioned, tilting her head.

“To an apartment.” Ekko finished. Her eyes lit up for a moment, then she took a step back.

“That’s good.” She hopped back into the tree, pushing her damp hair from her face as she messed with something hidden in the branches. “Get a roof over your head.”

“I was hoping we could get a roof over our heads.” She paused at his words, but only for a moment. Then she was back in motion like nothing happened at all.

“ We? ” She repeated.

“Only if you want to, of course. But I think it’d be good to get you out of the storm.” Ekko pointed up. The rain came faster and heavier now. She dropped out of the tree, put on the cloak, and began to grab her things, her pink eyes glowing in the darkness. She pulled up the hood.

“Only because you’ll make me if I don’t do it myself.” Jinx muttered as she walked past him. Ekko slotted his hoverboard under his arm. She had slung the blanket over one arm and a basket on another. In her hands was a thin, wiry contraption with scrawled drawings on its dirty, silver surface. The shark plush rested in the center of it.

“Do you want me to carry that?” He asked, eyeing the machine.

“Sure.” She shoved the shark plush toward him and he took it with a half-smile, shaking his head as she smirked. “I can handle it, Timeboy.”

——

The rain only got heavier as the two walked to the new apartment. Thunder started booming over their heads and lightning cut through the sky, causing Ekko to flinch and Jinx to laugh at him. The sound cutting through the rain for a fleeting moment like a song. Eventually, though, it got to be too much and they ran through. Jinx was faster, as she used shimmer, but she had to wait for Ekko to show her which way to go. When she finally reached the door to the building she bounced excitedly.

“C’mon, Ekko. Since when were you so slow?” She threw her head back, taking in the rain.

“Hey, I’m not slow.” He opened the door for her. “You’re just too fast.” She strode in quickly, turning down a random hallway. “Upstairs.” Ekko instructed and Jinx rolled her eyes and followed him up the stairs. They creaked loudly under their weight. Ekko strode to the door and she followed, bouncing still. He opened the door and she dashed inside, casting her things across the floor. All except for the contraption which she gingerly placed on the dresser. Ekko put his bag beside it and leaned his broken hoverboard against the wall. He smiled as she threw herself on the bed.

“So? You comfortable?”

“Oh, yeah.” She chuckled. “Beats the rain.” She ran a hand over her face, rubbing the rain onto her pants. Jinx sat up, her small braids swinging. “It’s kinda small, though, and boring.”

“Well, we can fix that.” Ekko pulled out the box of oil crayons from his bag. He watched as her eyes lit up and she smiled excitedly. Ekko barely had time to think about what to do if the landlord found drawings on the wall before she was already happily doodling on the baseboards. He figured he could always paint over it, if all else fails. Maybe he could even just leave them be and the two of them could just stay here.

“Hey, Space Boy!” Jinx called, snapping him out of his thoughts. “C’mere.” She gestured for him to come sit beside her and he did. The floors were cold and they squeaked as the two moved. “Now, tell me, how’d you do this?” Jinx didn’t turn from her drawings as she spoke, pink and purple already decorating the tan wall. Ekko took up the orange crayon and began to sketch. 

“I took some money from the Firelights before I left.” He explained and she giggled.

“Uh-huh. You mean you stole it.”

“ Some of it was stolen from topside, but they deserved it.”

“Boy Savior’s falling.” She teased.

“You wish.” He smiled, watching her carefully cast strokes of crayon across the wall in a smooth and practiced rhythm, covering the dull wall with her colors.

Eventually the walls were filled with drawings. Blue and pink and purple and yellow and orange and green and red brightening the tan paint. The rain was loud outside, though the thunder and lightning had subsided. Jinx yawned beside Ekko and he did too.

“It’s getting late.” He muttered but she shook her head.

“I’m finishing this.” Jinx pressed a new crayon to the wall. Yellow. She drew over the small figure, adding stars around her. The same little blue-haired figure with her colorful helmet she had drawn on his wall back at the Firelight base. Ekko stood and untied his boots propping them beside the door. Then she stood and put her boots beside his before grabbing the shark plush, tossing herself onto the bed, and pulling the covers up. Ekko took the stolen blanket off the floor and stole one of the two pillows from the bed. He threw the pillow down beside the bed and laid on the floor, covering himself with the blanket. He closed his eyes. The floor was cold and the blanket was scratchy but it would work. He’d been in worse situations. It was quiet for a moment, then the covers rustled and he looked up at her. She had turned over and now glared down at him.

“What are you doing?” Jinx questioned, her pink eyes glowing in the darkness.

“Trying to sleep.” Ekko answered, pressing a hand to his face and pulling the blanket closer. Still, the floor was cold and hard. “What are you doing?”

“Wonderin’ why you’re on the floor.” He couldn’t see her but he knew that tone.

“I wanted to give you space.” He explained.

“Oh, fuck that.” She pulled the stolen blanket off him. “You slept next to me last night and you’re practically shivering.”

“Because you just took my blanket.” He retorted, sitting up.

“For Janna’s sake.” She rolled her eyes and lifted the sheets. “I promise I won’t kill you in your sleep, just get off the damn floor.” Ekko complied and took his pillow off the floor, laying beside her. He pulled the covers up to his shoulders. It was already warmer. The two faced each other. He avoided her gaze, his eyes looking everywhere but at her. Ekko tried his best to keep their bodies from touching. When she moved and stretched out her limbs he moved back, careful to keep some distance. Jinx turned to face him and, when their eyes met, his face heated up. He flipped over quickly, but not before noticing the smug smile on her face. She turned over too after a moment.

“Night, Boy Savior.” She muttered.

“Goodnight, Pow-Pow.” He mumbled.

——

Ekko was woken by the sunlight bleeding through the poorly-shaded window. Ekko was shivering a bit. Jinx had kicked off all of the blankets in her sleep and now they laid in a heap on the floor. He had learned that she mumbled in her sleep. What she had said hadn’t made any sense. She had mumbled something about a record and something else about a painting then a name that he couldn’t make out. He slowly turned over to face her. She laid still, her expression more relaxed than he’d ever seen. She looked so at peace, he was worried he would break it simply by moving. Her hair pooled beneath her head in a chaotic puddle of blue, the braids undone. Her shirt had fallen farther down her shoulder and bunched around her ribs. Her blue cloud tattoos peaked out underneath. Ekko could now see the newer design clearly. On Jinx’s collarbone was a small black hourglass. An hourglass . A small smile pulled at his lips. He gently moved a strand of hair from her face and pressed his fingers to her neck. Good. She’s okay. Her pulse was steady and calm as her chest rose and fell in a smooth rhythm. Her skin was cool under his touch like water. After a moment, she groaned and put her arm over her closed eyes, wiping makeup onto her skin. 

“It’s too early.” She complained, yawning. Ekko sat up and leaned to see outside the window. The sun had begun its long climb to the top of the sky that had filled with wispy clouds. It looked to be a few hours before noon. 

“It’s really not.” He smiled as he laid back down, watching her wrinkle her nose in the way she always would when something frustrated her. A small smile pulled at her lips, but she wouldn’t let it take over. 

“I don’t know about you, Time Boy, but I’d rather sleep.” 

“Really?” He shook her shoulder gently, smiling warmly. 

“Yeah.” She shoved him off and turned away from him and the window. She pulled at the sheet she had slept on top of, trying to bring it over her shoulder, but it didn’t move. “Ugh.” She complained, before leaving the sheet half-undone beside her and stretching her limbs out. She kicked Ekko’s leg and he moved back. He held himself closely, careful to stay out of her way, but his eyes were still on her. He smiled slightly. Oh, how he had missed her. After a moment of silence, she rolled over to face him, her pink eyes bright and full of annoyance. 

“What’re you smiling about?” She demanded as she blew her bang away from her face. 

“Nothing.” Ekko muttered. 

“Better be nothin’.” She mumbled as she pressed the stuffed shark to her face to block the sunlight and rolled away from him. Still, she reached her hand out and took his. “We’re not going anywhere, Firefly.” She mumbled against the toy. Ekko squeezed her hand gently before releasing it and standing. She reached out for him as he stretched and got his boots, tying them tightly. He slung his bag over his shoulder. 

“Where are you going?” She asked quietly. Now, she sat in the bed with the shark plush on her lap. She rubbed sleep from her eyes then ran a hand through her messy hair. Her pink eyes watched him closely as if he could disappear at any moment.

“Into town.” Ekko responded, running a hand through his own hair.

“Why?” Jinx protested. “I thought we were just going to sleep today.”

“You can if you want to. I’m going to go get some food and maybe some new clothes and stuff for this place.” He spread his arms, gesturing at the sparsely filled space. She pulled herself out of bed and stretched her arms above her head.

“Fine. Gimme a minute.” She yawned as she strode into the bathroom and she removed the elastics from her ruined braids. Jinx began to redo them, combing her fingers through the blue, as Ekko stood behind her, trying to fix his own tangled mess of hair.

“The braids are nice.” He commented over her shoulder as he straightened the metal cuffs in his hair. “They suit you.” She avoided his gaze, casting hers downward at her feet. Her fingers spun with practiced motion, still braiding as she tried not to smile. Once her eyes went back to the mirror, she held the half-finished braid in one hand and rubbed at the stained mascara on her cheeks with the other, grumbling when it wouldn’t come off, even with water. Ekko put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed, meeting her eyes in the mirror.

“I missed you.” He whispered.

“I know, Firefly.” She said as she tied one of the braids and began the other. “You told me already.”

“I know, but I mean it. I missed you.” A bit of pink tinged her cheeks as he spoke.

“Sure you did, Little Man.” She said, forcing her usual level of sarcasm as she dipped her head again, turning away from him. He went back to the bedroom and fixed the bed, taking the covers off the floor and draping them on the bed properly. He fluffed the pillows as she entered.

“While we’re there, I'm getting new makeup.” She declared, tying her boots.

“New makeup?” He questioned as he tied his as well.

“Yeah, I left my lipstick back in Zaun.” She pushed a braid from her face. “I need a new one.”

“Alright.” Ekko took his coat and her cloak and tossed them onto the bed before fishing in his bag for his sketchbook. He could waste a page on a list. Jinx quickly dove for his coat and pulled it over her shoulders.

“Hey!” He tried to take it back but she was too fast. She stuck out her tongue pointing to her signature and the blue cloud she had drawn.

“It’s mine now.” She teased as she rolled up the sleeves so they weren’t too long. Ekko sighed and took up the old, gray cloak. It smelled of paint, motor oil, ash, and gunpowder. Just like her.

They picked up sushi rolls as they walked. Now Ekko sat and ate as Jinx hung from the bench with her legs in the air, scowling at everyone who walked by. She had given him the rest of the rolls after eating one. Ekko twirled a roll between his fingers as he watched her kick her feet. Her braids hung and swayed as she did. Her hand was on top of his. He didn’t dare move it.

“You know,” Jinx muttered. “I didn’t think you’d still call me Pow-Pow.”

“If you don’t want me to I–” Ekko started but she interrupted.

“It’s fine, Timeboy.” She paused, gripping the edges of his coat tightly and fidgeting with the fabric. “Were…are we always like this?”

“What do you mean?” Ekko asked, putting down the roll and placing his hand on hers.

“Like,” She lifted her head to look him in the eye, but only for a moment. “Are we like this in the other timeline?”

“Kinda.” He muttered.

“What do you mean ‘kinda’?”

“Well, you’re much more fun.” He gave a warm smile.

“Really?” She narrowed her eyes and furrowed her brows. “You wouldn’t rather sit here with Miss Perfect?”

“Nope.” Ekko nudged her. “I’m good right here.” Jinx turned away, casting her gaze at the ground. He put a hand on her shoulder. The skin was red and hot.

“You’re hot.” He mumbled. She grinned and laughed, turning back to face him. Her cheeks were colored pink.

“I know. Thanks.” She smirked. Ekko shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“I meant your skin.” He explained. She looked down to where his hand was and turned over to sit beside him.

“Oh yeah, that’s a sunburn.” Jinx explained, her smile warmer than the sunburn could ever be. 

“You need to get out more.” He teased.

“Eh, I’d rather stay a mystery.”

“A mystery?”

“Yep, no one knows me and I know no one.” 

“I know you.”

“You’re an exception and you know it.” She nudged him with a smirk. They sat for a while, or at least until the sushi had been finished between them. No words were spoken but there was a kind of peace present nonetheless.

Ekko led Jinx into a shop after a little bit. She hadn’t wanted to, saying that shopping was a waste of time and dragging her feet, but she didn’t leave. She followed on his heels anyway, her hands in her pockets. Ekko strode about the store, looking between different clothes. He held up a white, collared shirt. This could work. It would make him look more professional, maybe he could even… Jinx’s laugh cut through his thoughts.

“What?” He asked.

“That–” She couldn’t get the words out over her laughter.

“I think it could be good. Make me look professional.”

“It’d make you look like a Piltie.” She composed herself, taking a deep breath. He chuckled, folding the shirt and putting it back. He lifted a different one, a blue t-shirt with a sunset design in the center.

“How about this?” He asked.

“That one’d just make you look like a tourist.” She strode behind him and leaned over the table of shirts. “Like the kind that ask every dumb question and can’t do anything on their own.”

“Damn.” He muttered as he put it down. “I didn’t know you hated tourists so much.”

“They hated us first.” She gave a wry smile as she handed him a plain, gray shirt.

“You want me to get the plain one?” He narrowed his eyes.

“Oh, I’ll fix the plain part. The options are terrible though.” Jinx explained as she ruffled through a different stack. Ekko grabbed a pair of dark jeans and hung both them and the shirt on his arm.

“You should pick something.” He suggested, coming up to stand beside her.

“I’m fine, besides the money could be put toward anything else useful. Like a record player.”

“C’mon, Pow-Pow.” At the nickname she looked up. “Just pick something. I’ll get it for you.” Her pink eyes gazed up at him carefully, like trying to analyze him. After a moment she pushed past him and grabbed a pair of black shorts and a matching crop top.

“You’re ridiculous.” Jinx murmured as she threw the two pieces onto the stack on his arm. “Happy?”

“If you are.” Ekko said, giving her a small smile. She cast her gaze down at her boots, clenching the fabric of his jacket. He led them to the counter where the cashier began counting the price. Jinx looked up, her cheeks still pink, grumbling something as she took out her coins. Ekko did the same, counting enough between the two of them. A too-bright voice called from across the shop.

“Hey! Jinx!” She called. Jinx turned, no malice in her eyes. But that wasn’t right. Jinx didn’t like being called out, certainly not by someone she didn’t know. Ekko watched Jinx closely, calculating if they needed to run or fight. But she didn’t even look at him. A blond woman with a wide grin ran to Jinx. She wore a long, blue dress with wide sleeves that flowed when she moved. A gold watch peaked out on her wrist as the sleeve billowed. 

“Hey.” Jinx gave her a small smile. “What’re ya doin’ here?”

“I didn’t see you at the tree and–” She paused, looking between Jinx and the cashier. “Oh, I can handle that.” She took out her own coins.

“It’s okay. I can–” Ekko started but the woman interrupted him, her smile permanent. He couldn’t tell if it was fake or not.

“No, really, I’ve got it.” She handed over the coins. “Think of it as a gift.” She turned back to Jinx. “I haven’t seen you in a few days. You weren’t at the tree.”

“Ekko,” Jinx jabbed a thumb in his direction. “Got us an apartment.”

“Nice.” The blond grinned wider, if that was even possible. She turned to Ekko. “So, you’re the famous Ekko. Have we officially met?”

“I don’t think so.” Ekko said flatly.

“I’m Luxanna Crownguard, but you can call me Lux.” She held out a hand for him to shake. “Any friend of Jinx’s is a friend of mine.”

“Ekko.” He shook her hand firmly. She turned back to Jinx quickly.

“Okay, tell me. Were you out in that storm, though? It was rough.”

“No, no.” Jinx shook her head. “We just ran through it. It was fine.” Ekko took the bag from the cashier and thanked them, leaving the shop. Jinx stayed on his heels and Lux beside her. The two talked loudly beside him.

“What do you think of Demacia so far?” Lux asked him after a moment.

“It’s fine. I’ve been to better places and worse ones.”

“Damn.” Jinx giggled. “Layin’ it on thick, Boy Savior.”

“Boy Savior?” Lux questioned. Ekko hated hearing the nickname on her tongue. That was only for Jinx. No one else.

“It’s just an old nickname.” Jinx explained, shrugging her shoulders.

“Okay, I need to know. What did you two do in Zaun? I assume that’s where you met. How’d you meet?” Lux asked quickly and too excitedly, eager to know everything, but he wouldn’t let her have that. It was none of her business. Ekko rolled his eyes.

“We knew each other as kids.” He answered simply.

“What did you do in Zaun?”

“It’s complicated.” He said.

“Actually,” Jinx chimed in. “Ekko led a revolutionary group against Piltover called the Firelights.” Ekko glared at her. Jinx stuck her tongue out and gave him her signature smug smile.

“Woah.” Lux murmured.

“You know,” Ekko kept his eyes on Jinx as he spoke. “A lot of Jinxers started joining recently.” Jinx wrinkled her nose as he returned her smug smile.

“Jinxers?” Lux demanded. “What are Jinxers?” Her curious, blue eyes were wide.

“They were…” Jinx paused, looking for the right words. “My fans. I guess.”

“Oh, my Seraphine!” Lux exclaimed. “What were you two? Zaun’s Royalty? It’s like–”

“There is no royalty in Zaun.” Ekko interrupted.

“Still.” She continued. “You guys must’ve been famous.”

“Sadly.” Jinx commented.

“Well, you’re lucky you don’t have an overprotective sibling at least. Garen has been convincing Father that it’s dangerous for me to leave the palace and now he has been bringing up Mother and that just makes it worse. Now, Father is worried about mages again and tightening my rules. Can you believe it?”

“That’s crazy.” Jinx said, narrowing her eyes. Lux gazed down at the golden watch on her wrist.

“Well, I should go.” Lux said, running a hand through her wavy blond hair. She rolled her eyes. “Garen will be upset if I get home late.” The blond girl waved as she left and Jinx did too. She nudged Ekko until he waved as well.

Jinx and Ekko spent a few more hours in the market. They even managed to find a cheap desk that would fit in the small apartment. Jinx had haggled with the seller to get it even cheaper than it was. She had suggested that Ekko get a word in but he just backed away. She clearly could handle it. The desk hardly fit through the door but they made it work. Jinx made Ekko push it into the corner of the room. Then began the fun part. They hung tools on the walls, put their things away, and started making the place really feel like theirs. Doodles on the walls, half-finished projects thrown across the desk, weapons leaned against the wall. Jinx peered over his shoulder at his wrist as Ekko removed a panel from his broken hoverboard, revealing the circuitry.

“Where’d you get that bracelet?” She asked after a moment. He didn’t put down the screwdriver.

“Vi wanted to go back to your hideout to make sure you didn’t have a Hextech stone. Apparently one is missing.”

“Really?” She leaned on the table. “And it’s not the one in your Z-Drive?”

“I took that after the stones were counted.” He explained, cutting wires and pulling out the battery. “I told her that you didn’t have one, but she wanted to be sure.” 

“And while you were there you took my bracelet?” Jinx turned to the dresser, taking up something.

“You can have it back if you want.” Ekko offered, placing the battery on the desk. She chuckled and then something crashed.

“Shit.” She cursed. He looked up. She stood behind the door, but he could see her back. She moved in a panic, quickly and half-hazardly.

“Jinx? You okay?” He asked, his eyes stuck on her. She took a moment then answered.

“Yeah.” She mumbled. Ekko put down the screwdriver and closed the door. She was holding her half-finished contraption, which had now broken, in two pieces. Her hands were shaky and a faint, blue glow came from one of her fists. Jinx looked up at him with wide eyes, like she’d been caught. Her brows were drawn and her shoulders were tight. Then a small pink paper fell from her pocket. She flinched to grab it before it hit the ground, but her hands were full holding the broken contraption. The paper drifted through the air before falling at Ekko’s feet. The colorful and childlike image stared up at him. Two small blue-haired figures holding hands. Jinx and Isha.

Chapter Text

Jinx stared at Ekko for a moment. Her machine was heavy in her arms and a piece had broken off when she dropped it. The pink paper laid at his feet, it’s drawing staring him in the eye. She had told him about her. He must know what she’s doing now. What will he think? Will he leave her? She might’ve just broken the simple and easy peace they had made. She just broke the only chance at him wanting to stay with her. She still didn’t even know if that’s what she wanted. She didn’t need him. She didn’t need anyone. So, why did she care so much what he would say?

Ekko watched her with wide eyes, his lips parted as if ready to speak but he didn’t. She could see the gears turning in his head, trying to figure her out. She picked up the broken piece and blew her bang from her face.

“What are you doing?” He finally asked.

“You wouldn’t understand.” Jinx said stubbornly, grabbing the paper and shoving it back into her pocket along with the gemstone. She turned and placed the machine on the desk with a thud. She took up a few tools and began fixing the part that had broken off. Without all of the necessary runes, the thing would just explode, or maybe not do anything at all. She wasn’t really sure. The last time Jinx had used Hextech was just to make it explode and that had been difficult. It would be harder to stabilize. She could feel his presence as she worked. She waited for him to speak, to do something other than watch her.

“What is it?” Ekko asked over her shoulder. She didn’t answer. It was none of his business. Why did he care anyway? “What is it?” He repeated and she snapped her gaze to him.

“Just let me work.” She growled and he backed off, his hands up. He sat on the bed as she bent over her work again, piecing the contraption together as she had before. She screwed it back together hastily and with shaky hands. Jinx could feel his intense gaze on the back of her head. She could hear his breathing, the little gasp when he thought about saying something. She tried to ignore it but his eyes were practically drilling holes in the back of her head. She sighed, not bothering to turn around.

“Stop staring, Firefly.” She called.

“If I can’t know what it is, can I at least help you not blow us both up?” He suggested, forcing a playful tone, but she shot him down.

“It’s none of your business.” She glared at the machine as she tightened a socket. He quieted and the feeling of his gaze faded. But this couldn’t blow up. She couldn’t fail. Not again . 

Jinx huffed a breath and began carving the runes into new pieces with the edge of a screwdriver. She positioned them on the axis carefully. Acceleration. Resolve. Strength. Precision. And many more. She remembered rune tech being complex, even when trying to simply make it explode. She could feel Ekko’s presence closer and he leaned over her shoulder. She scowled at him.

“If you turn it on like that, it’ll definitely blow up.” He mumbled, his eyes never leaving the mechanism. 

“Good.” Jinx muttered, trading her screwdriver for a wrench. “Maybe then you’ll leave me alone.” She didn’t mean it with nearly as much venom as she said it. Something twisted in her stomach as his shoulders slumped and he backed away as if he wanted to say something more but thought better of it. She wanted to have him close. She wanted to feel his warmth on her skin and have him talk to her for days on end. But he wasn’t supposed to be here. He couldn’t be here. She couldn’t let him get too close. But that didn’t matter, not right now. This needed to work.  Jinx sighed and feigned annoyance as she waved him over.

“How do I make it stable?” She asked quietly as if not wanting to be heard.

“You don’t want an explosion?” He questioned, a teasing smile playing at his lips.

“Not for this.” She said flatly. They were getting louder. She could hear them whisper in the corners of her mind. You failed her . Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx.

“Okay,” Ekko put a hand on her shoulder as he spoke, pointing to two runes. “You’re gonna wanna separate these two. They tend to counteract one another and it causes problems.” He explained and she nodded, trying to hide the stiffness in her shoulders. He was close, that helped the voices. His hand on her shoulder grounded her, but it was also the only thing she could focus on. He squeezed it as she worked, switching the runes as he instructed. Then he asked again,

“What is it?” She took a deep breath. He can’t stop her. She won’t let him. But he knows how to stabilize the runes and this needs to be stable. She’s depending on Jinx to help her .

I only wanted to help! Powder cried from the shadows.

“Shut up.” She mumbled under her breath. Then she looked up at Ekko for a moment but turned away when he tried to meet her eyes. He’d hate this. “It’s gonna make a hole into a different timeline.” She explained and he raised his eyebrows.

“Why?”

“You’re pushing it, Boy Savior.” Jinx narrowed her eyes.

I only wanted to help! I only wanted to help! Powder wailed again and again.

You’re a jinx! Vi shouted. Powder, wake up! Then Isha’s small voice. The one she had heard only once. Pow.

Jinx pinched the bridge of her nose and breathed. She needed to calm down. She couldn’t let them get the best of her. She needed to focus. Ekko watched her and rubbed his thumb on her shoulder blade. He squeezed both her shoulders and spoke softly, drawing her back.

“I’m sorry.” He muttered. She could still hear the voices as he continued. “What can I do to help, Pow-Pow?” She paused for a moment. What can he do? What can he do that wouldn’t tell him what this thing really does? She hadn’t lied, per say. It was a half-truth. Half-truth. That’s better. Right?

“Gimme that.” Jinx pointed to the sockets. He handed the small box over and leaned on the desk. He pointed to the runes and explained how to arrange them and she obeyed. She stayed quiet as she worked. He was close. Too close. But she didn’t know if that was a bad thing. She could feel the warmth of his hand on her shoulder like a hot comfort running through her veins. She shoved him off after a moment, though she missed him the moment he let go.

“What was it like to travel through timelines?” She asked quietly. If Jinx was going to do this, she wanted to know what she would be put through.

“It’s hard to explain.” He forced a chuckle. “It’s kinda like being pulled through space, if that makes sense.”

“Pulled apart?” 

“No, no.” Then he turned his gaze upward in thought. “Though it’s probably a possibility.” He muttered. 

“So, how’d Powder react to two Ekkos?” She tried to force a smile but the venom when she said her name was obvious as she turned back to her work.

“Well, there weren’t two of me at the same time.” He pointed to one of the runes. “This piece needs to curve farther down, Pow-Pow.” 

“What do you mean there weren’t two of you?” She took it down and fixed it.

“I took the body of the other me.” He explained. “I think I forced him out.”

“Huh.” She mumbled flatly, keeping her eyes on the mechanism. She bit her lip as she worked, using the slight pain to focus. She worked a while longer in silence before it began to get to her. It was too quiet. Normally she’d play a record but they didn’t have a player. She made due with talking to him. She pointed to the pliers and held out her hand. He placed them gently in her fingers.

“Bet you had more fun making out with Powder than working with me.” She joked but her smile was sharp as a thorn.

“Ha. ‘Making out’ is generous, besides—“ Ekko laughed but she cut him off, turning to him and slamming the pliers down. She leaned on the desk in an attempt to look at ease but he could read her. She knew it, yet she faked it all the more.

“What do you mean?” She asked too aggressively.

“I told you what happened with her.” He defended himself.

“Clearly, you didn’t, Timeboy.” Her fists were tight and her knuckles white. She couldn’t meet his eyes without wanting to take back her sting. She couldn’t take the worry in their dark brown.

“We just…we just kissed.” He spoke softly as if his words could break her. She didn’t respond, instead turning back to her work and drawing her brows. A twisted feeling climbed its way through her stomach. Why did she care anyway?

“S-she was just trying to figure out why her boyfriend was acting weird.” Ekko stuttered.

“Boyfriend?” She demanded, snapping her gaze back to him for a moment and almost slamming the machine to the ground. “How much of this didn’t you tell me?” She turned her eyes back to the machine, shimmer burning in her veins when he paused. Jinx carved the runes more aggressively now. The grating sound of metal on metal was loud in her ears as she tried to drown them out.

Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx.

“Let me guess,” She continued before he could answer, pointing at the Z-Drive with the screwdriver. “You’re still seein’ her and that’s why you still have that.” She spat, then under her breath she mumbled. “You always did love Powder .” Her name was like poison on her tongue. Ekko raised his hands and began panickedly defending himself.

“W-what? No!” He shook his head swiftly. “I can’t go back to the other timeline. I—“

“So you tried.” Jinx interrupted, tossing a faulty piece of the machine against the wall. It bounced to the ground with a loud clunk. He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to look at him but she couldn’t focus. All her ghosts danced in the corners of her vision, taunting and teasing her. 

Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. If you couldn’t save her once, why would it change? Soon he’ll see. You’re nothing like his Powder. You’re a jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. She tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let her. He cupped her face, forcing her to look him in the eye. He watched her carefully as he spoke. She could barely hear him over them.

“I came back for you. Not Powder, you. Why can’t you see that?” Jinx finally managed to pull away, throwing the screwdriver on the desk with a bang as the whole thing shook. She hit her fist against her head.

“Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.” Jinx hissed. She stood stiffly and moved to sit between the bed and the wall, pulling her legs to her chest and resting her forehead on her knees. She pressed her eyes closed. Maybe if she couldn’t see them it’d help. At least, now they couldn’t jump out at her.

“Jinx?” Ekko asked, his light footsteps getting closer. She turned away and further hid her face. When he took steps closer, she backed into the wall. He froze and sighed, his footsteps turning back the way they came. She could hear the cranking of sockets and the creak of metal as he worked. The voices were loud but still. She could hear him as she dug her fingernails into the side of her arm. The pain kept her present, even if just a little. Eventually the sun set, and Jinx still sat, holding herself together like broken glass as her ghosts’ cries tore at her ears.

You can never be the Powder he wants. Never the Powder she needs. Just a jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx. Jinx.

Between their words she could hear Ekko’s snores. She peaked up over her knees to find him slouched over the desk, resting his head on his arms. His breaths were smooth and rhythmic as if nothing had gone wrong. Jinx pressed her hands to her ears, trying to shut them up but to no avail. Hot tears ran silently down her cheeks. She didn’t need his help. She wouldn’t. Jinx stared past him and his half-finished hoverboard at her machine. She just needed to finish it. Then everything will be better. Just like it was when she was here. A new wave of tears came at the thought. Ekko would love her . She knew it.

You can’t save her. Mylo’s voice made a chill go down her spine. It’ll just play out the same. You’ll jinx her again. She was always supposed to die .

“No!” Jinx whispered harshly. “Shut up!” She rocked back and forth, digging her nails farther into her skin and drawing blood. “ She wasn’t supposed to die. She wasn’t supposed to die. She wasn’t supposed to die.” She repeated again and again, trying to convince herself.

Whether I’m pulling the pin or not, everyone close to me dies.

“No, no, no, no.” She buried her face in her palms and pulled herself closer. What was it that Ekko always said? Three things? Right, three things. She peaked through her fingers, but she couldn’t see past her ghosts. Mylo lunged for her, baring his teeth. She jumped back, driving her shoulder into the wall. 

You’re not Powder. Vi glared, her mouth unmoving as she spoke and her eyes glassy. You’re not my sister. 

You need to let Powder die. Silco’s voice was raspy as his fake eye glowed in the shadows of the room. Jinx is perfect.

Jinx is dead. Her own voice echoed. Powder fell down a well!

Damn it, Powder! Vi cried, tearstains cutting through the dirt on her too-pale face. Wake up!

C’mon, Powder. A young Ekko whispered hastily, grabbing at her wrist. Let’s go!

I only wanted to help! Powder wailed. Jinx hit her temple again and again in an attempt to quiet them. Vander didn’t say anything as he stood in the corner of the room, only growled as his form shifted between that night and the monster he had been turned into afterward. His eyes were wild, but he didn’t move, just stared.

Pow. The little girl ran away as Jinx turned at the sound. There was nothing she could do but watch. She wasn’t real. None of them were. But they felt real and that was all that really mattered. Jinx laid her head down on her knees, wetting them with tears. Her breaths were ragged and her body shivered as she held herself close, hiding from her past. Her fingers were bloody from picking at her nails and the blood had begun to stain her clothes and her skin. The young woman held herself tightly until she fell asleep, crying, shivering, and alone. Just like the weak version of herself she had killed all those years ago.

——

Jinx woke up to sunlight in her eyes, the plush Fake Isha had given her in her arms. The covers were pulled up to her chin and the shivering had ceased. Incoherent whispers echoed in the back of her mind as she sat up. Her fingers had been bandaged and the blood had been cleaned off. She glanced at the desk. Ekko’s hoverboard was still there, its panel open, but he was gone. There was a small white box with more bandages on the bedside table along with a muffin, a glass of water, and a note. She moved a strand of blue hair from her face. It had been undone and the elastics sat on the table as well. She took the muffin, turning it over in her hands. Chocolate chips poked out through the cake and sugar powdered the top. She took a bite of it, peeling back the wrapper and picking up the note. Ekko’s handwriting was neat over the torn sketchbook page.

Jinx, I have to leave for work, but I’ll be back around sunset. You need your sleep, so I didn’t wake you up, but don’t forget to eat and drink water. Love, Ekko. P.S.: Don’t spend the whole day working on your machine. Take breaks. 

He had drawn a little heart beside his signature, just like the sketchbook. She pressed the letter face-down back onto the table as she swallowed the lump in her throat. He shouldn’t worry so much. She could handle herself. She didn’t need him. She couldn’t need him. Besides, she wanted to be alone while she worked. But, still, she missed his presence as she moved to the desk, finishing the muffin and moving the glass of water with her, only for it to be forgotten. She pushed her conflicting feelings aside as she moved his hoverboard, humming to herself in the silence. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she analyzed one of the pieces of her machine with a misshapen edge. She placed the pieces as Ekko had advised yesterday, making sure that the contraption was large enough to let her through. The voices had left her alone until she began working on the rotating motor. 

She can’t come back. There’s no body for her here.  

“Shut up!” She shouted, shaking her head. 

There’d be nowhere for her to go. You’d just be killing her all over again. 

“Shut up!” She tossed the wrench at the wall, denting it under her signature monkey. She looked around frantically from something that could drown them out but it was just her. She continued to work to the jabs of her ghosts, biting her lip in focus. 

She’s a child! Vi interjected, but when Jinx turned to throw a new tool at her she was gone. Still, she spoke, her voice loud and rough. You can’t save her . You’re a jinx. She was going to die the moment she followed you. Mylo stood beside Jinx repeating five words: She’s never coming back. Jinx tried to ignore him despite the anger bubbling in her chest. Finally, she got the motor running and the noise alone helped quiet the voices. It hummed in her hands and she turned it over, looking for flaws. This needed to be perfect. When she decided that it was sufficient, she began to install it in the main contraption. Then the door opened. She swiftly grabbed her gun from the tool rack and trained it on the figure coming in. 

“Calm down.” Ekko spoke softly, raising his hands. Motor oil scored his face and his white hair was a mess. He held a pair of dirty gloves that smelled of burnt rubber. “It’s just me.” Jinx lowered the gun and hung it back on the tool rack, turning back to her work. She hadn’t been working that long. Had she? Time seemed to blend together between resisting the voices of her past and working to bring her back.

“So,” Ekko spoke as he removed his boots, propping them against the dresser. “How was your day?” She didn’t answer. What did he care anyway? He sat on the bed, placing his bag beside himself and taking out his sketchbook. Jinx ignored him and continued working to the hum of the motor. She finished installing it and took the gemstone from her pocket. Its blue glow washed over her pale skin turning it a sickly color. She gingerly placed the stone in the center of the contraption and it activated. It spun and shook, blue sparks flying. Rune flashed in the air so quickly she only caught one. Acceleration. She noticed Ekko look up and drop the sketchbook in his lap. The two exchanged a look before Jinx turned back to the machine as it began to stabilize, creating a blue-lined hole in time itself. A stupidly hopeful smile spread across her lips. This was working. She’s coming back. Jinx had done it. Then the blue lining became ragged. The whole room shook as the portal began to collapse, crashing down. She wanted to scream as heat blasted her face and blue light and a loud boom filled the room, but no sound came. She didn’t flinch at the explosion. At least if her idea failed she could join her this way. But she didn’t. Instead, she was sitting with the gemstone in her hand, hovering above the contraption. She pulled it back, swiftly placing the gemstone back into her pocket and looking up at Ekko, who stood behind her huffing as blood and sweat ran down his face. His blood dripped onto her shoulder as he spoke.

“Are you okay?” He asked between breaths. He held the glowing cylinder of the Z-Drive as its spinning slowed. His knuckles were white on the handle. She nodded with wide eyes and stood, wiping sweat from her brow. She strode to the bedside table and took one of the bandages. She fumbled it with shaky hands but once she had opened it, she glanced at the gash in his forehead. He bent down silently and she pressed the bandage to it, his blood staining the tips of her fingers.

“Thank you.” He mumbled, placing the Z-Drive on the bed and turning back to her.

You could’ve killed him. Mylo hissed from behind Ekko. It’s only a matter of time before you do.

“Shut up!” She scolded him under her breath.

Why would he save you anyway? It’s only a matter of time.

“Shut up!” She banged her forehead with her fist repeatedly but Ekko grabbed her wrists. Her gaze snapped to him and she noticed his flinch back, despite how he tried to cover it up. Mylo faded into the shadows with a wicked toothy grin. Ekko held Jinx at arm's length, holding her wrists carefully but firmly. Mylo jumped at her from the side, crying out and she flinched back, her pink eyes wide and panickedly darting around the room. Shimmer burned in her veins as she itched to move, to run. But still, he held her. She could see his lips move but she couldn't hear his words, only her name as he squeezed her wrists.

“Jinx.”

You’re a jinx! Mylo was right! Vi’s voice echoed. She stood with a permanent grimace and glossy eyes. She was covered in blood and ash from that night.

She jinxes every job. Mylo chimed in as he flickered in the shadows, his eyes lacking irises.

“Hey,” Ekko shook her wrists, but she didn’t look at him. “I’m here.”

Powder. Vander said her old name slowly, as if it was precious. As if it didn’t hold all her pain. All of her past. His form shifted to the monster and he howled, baring his too-large teeth. 

There’s a monster inside all of us. Silco echoed. Claggor didn’t speak. He simply watched her, disappointment obvious in his glassy and empty eyes. She could hear the sound of his bones snapping as he fell to knees and then to the ground, opening his mouth to cry out but no sound came. After all, she had never heard Claggor cry. 

Powder is dead. Silco stood behind Vander, only visible by his orange eye. You are Jinx now. You need to let Powder die. There is no need to hold on to them. The cycle only ends when you find the will to walk away.

“Jinx!” Ekko’s voice cut through the flashes of her ghosts, some dead and some not.

“You’re not real! You’re not real! You’re not real!” Jinx wailed, tears running down her face and onto Ekko’s hands as he held her. She watched as Vi charged at her, blood dripping down her face as she threw a ragged punch. Jinx backed away from her sister’s bloody knuckles and tripped over her own feet. She fell to the ground with a wince. She hugged her knees to her chest, rocking and hoping maybe, just maybe, they’d leave her alone. 

“Go away! You’re not real!” She cried, her voice breaking as she backed away from the figures surrounding her. Mylo put a cold hand on her shoulder and she flinched away, but he didn’t let go. His grip was like iron as she tried to shove him off, but he wouldn’t move. Then a warmth spread from her hands and then it was wrapped all around her. She could feel Ekko’s breath on her neck but couldn’t make out his words until he repeated himself.

“I’ve got you. I’m real and I’m right here. Right here.” He rubbed circles on her back, soothing the ragged breaths and sobs tearing from her throat. “Deep breaths.” Ekko instructed, breathing with her. “Alright, can you name three things you see?” She paused for a moment, swallowing the lump in her throat.

“Mylo, Vander, Vi.” Jinx mumbled, her voice soft and breaking.

“Okay, three things you hear?” He continued, keeping his arms around her tightly.

“You, Mylo, Silco.” She muttered, Ekko still holding her head. His hand rested over her tangled hair, pressing it to the nape of her neck

“Alright, three things you feel?”

“You, Mylo’s hand, my hair.” She felt stupid. Why couldn’t she just do this herself? Ekko pulled away and held her shoulders. He came into focus through her tears after a moment. His brown eyes looked over her again and again, analyzing as always, trying to figure her out. He wiped tears from her cheeks as she avoided his gaze. She hated how much she needed him. She leaned into him, burying her face into the crook of his neck, and he wrapped his arms around her again. She just wanted to stay there. As stupid as it sounded, she did love his arms around her and his voice softly comforting her just as he did when they were kids. They stayed there for a while until she had no more tears to cry. Once she had managed to compose herself, the two stood and laid on the bed with their hands intertwined. Jinx didn’t want to let go. She wouldn’t. Nothing was said as they laid side by side, staring at the bland, off-white ceiling. Jinx didn’t mind the silence as much if he was there. Her mind didn’t wander very much as she laid there. All she could think about was how grateful she was that he was here. She’d never say it, but she was so glad he didn’t listen to her. She regretted her instructions more than she’d even admit. Jinx turned over to face him. Ekko had fallen asleep, probably from exhaustion, but his hand never left hers. She cracked a small smile. Her Boy Savior truly was never going to give up on her. She wiped the ruined mascara from her cheeks and held the shark plush to her chest with her free hand. She watched his chest rise and fall slowly, his expression at peace and free, until eventually she fell into a dreamless sleep.

——

The sound of bolts being tightened rang through the quiet room, causing Jinx to open her tired eyes. She placed the plush in her lap as she watched Ekko work on his hoverboard at the other side of the room. She took the blanket she had stolen from Lux and draped it over her shoulders to cover her shivering, despite the warm weather. It was too cold without him. She stood behind him, leaning over his shoulder to get a better look. He didn’t turn but she didn’t miss the smile on his lips.

“What are you doing?” He asked playfully.

“Seein’ what you’re doing.” She smiled slightly.

“I’m fixing the battery.” Ekko explained, holding up the mechanism. “It died on the way here.” Her eyes scanned over the board as she pieced it apart in her head.

“Why not just use a rotary motor and spin the fans individually?”

“Chemtech is more efficient for faster flying.” Ekko replied, unscrewing a casing on the battery. She pointed to a circuit on the front of the board.

“That’s the accelerator?”

“Yup.” He turned the board over and pointed to a pressure plate at the front. “This is to make it speed up.” His hand shifted to a plate on the back. “And this is for slowing down.” She watched it closely, her mind running fast trying to understand the complex systems. Ekko put down his wrench and leaned on the table, a smug smile tugging at his lips as he turned to face her. His eyes paused on the blanket around her shoulders but he quickly recovered. Jinx snapped out of her thoughts. 

“What?” She tilted her head. 

“I know that look.” He grinned. “You wanna ride it.”

“I have always been curious how ya got away so fast.” She admitted. 

“Do you wanna ride it?” He asked. She stared at it for a moment. How many of these things had she broken? How many Firelights had she..? 

“If you can handle teaching me.” Jinx cracked a small smile, but it didn’t last long. 

“Well, I still have to fix it first.” When her smile faded, he continued. “It shouldn’t take that long. I’ve fixed worse. Look.” He handed her the battery. “See the chem here?” She nodded. “It’s supposed to be able to get through this junction but there’s a problem with the gate.”

“Here?” She pointed and sat on the desk, the blanket falling off her shoulders and pooling around her hips.

“Yeah,” His gaze flicked between her and the battery. She raised her eyebrows and he cleared his throat. His finger glided along the battery as he explained. “The Chem is supposed to flow this way to create the reaction that allows the board to move. But,” He pointed to a mechanism about halfway down the channel. “This gate is broken. Can you fix it?”

“Fix it?” She questioned.

“Yeah.” He gave her a warm smile. “You fix the battery and I can fix these circuits. It’ll be faster.” He shrugged. “Then I’ll teach you to ride. Only if you want to, of course.”

“How do you know I won’t make it explode?” She turned the battery over in her hands, analyzing it. Some of the wires connected to the Chem channels seemed to be fried.

“I don’t.” Ekko turned his gaze back to the board, still smiling. “But I don’t think you will. You’re too smart for that.” Jinx blushed and turned away from him. She held the battery up to the light. How dare he mess with her like this.

“I wouldn’t put too much faith in it.” She joked, taking pliers from the tool rack. She pulled away the panel guarding the circuits and got to work. She bit her lip and began pulling at the wires, testing their connection and when they broke she fixed them. How she missed fixing things. Vi used to say she could fix anything. Once she reattached the panel she leaned across the desk, propping herself up on her elbow and holding the battery forward.

“How’s that?” She smirked. She watched as he snapped up and backed away a touch. She grinned as he froze for a moment before taking the battery from her. He turned it over and she watched as his brown eyes inspected her work.

“Perfect.” He said and began to put it back into the board. Perfect .

——

“Alright.” Ekko said as he placed the fixed hoverboard in the grass. He had chosen a field far from town to practice. He had brought the box of bandages “just in case”. They now rested in Jinx’s hands as she watched him. He stepped onto the board and pressed the plate at the front with the tip of his foot. The board began to float, pushing the grass aside and glowing its iconic green. He dashed around for a little while, his hair in the wind and a glowing trail following him. Jinx watched as he performed sharp turns and flips and flew farther and farther up. She had never gotten a chance to admire his genius like this. Every time she’d seen these boards in action she had seen them as targets. Enemies. Now, she watched, impressed as he flew around, free as a bug. She used to stick bombs on them. She used to celebrate when they’d explode in a beautiful display of glitter and Chem. She used to shatter them under her heel. Now, she watched as her firefly darted through the sky, his masterful movements completely measured and predetermined. After a moment, he came down and the hoverboard was back in the grass. He stepped off and beckoned her forward. Leaving her thoughts behind, she placed the box in the grass and came forward. She looked between him and the board before stepping on. He took her hand and placed his other hand on her back. She could feel his touch on her skin. Heat rushed to her cheeks but she ignored it, keeping her gaze on her steel-toed boots and trying to hide her face. It was stupid anyway.

“Tap the plate at the front.” He instructed and she obeyed. The board slowly rose off the ground and she put more weight on Ekko’s hand than she’d like to admit. She wobbled for a second but when she got it she put her hand on her hip.

“Too easy.” Jinx grinned and he laughed.

“Okay, now shift your weight. Get used to how the board feels just in the air.” He suggested and she did. She swayed forward and back, left and right. The board moved perfectly with her. She let her grip on Ekko’s hand lessen.

“Now, the plate at the front is to accelerate.”

“You told me a hundred times.” Jinx rolled her eyes and scrunched her nose.

“Press it gently and go forward.” A smile pulled his lips as he shook his head. She pressed the plate and the board dashed out from under her. Ekko’s hand left hers as the board darted up. She fell backwards, her feet in the air and into his arms. One arm was under her knees while the other held her back. She breathed heavily and her eyes were wide. The board was faster than she thought. 

“I-it’s a little touchy.” Ekko stuttered. He tried to force a smile, but the anxiety in his eyes was obvious. His hands were shaky under her and his gaze was stuck on her every move, as if she could fall apart in his arms. She laughed heartily in his arms. This was stupid, even for him. Why not make it worse?

“What?” He questioned, already checking her for injuries. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer.

“Already practicing the bride carry, huh?” Jinx teased with a wide grin. He blushed and swiftly dropped her. She fell with a thud, still laughing. Then the board fell from the sky into a nearby tree with a crash, causing her to laugh harder. His gaze snapped to the sound. “Janna, Little Man.” Jinx stood and brushed herself off. “Don’t get too nervous. I’m just kidding.” He turned to fetch the board, jogging across the field.

“You okay?” He called as he climbed the tree.

“I mean, dropping me on my ass kinda hurt.” She put her hands on her hips. “But I’m fine, Boy Savior.”

“Good.” He came back, keeping his eyes on the board. He placed it on the ground in front of her. “Let’s try again.”

It only took a few more falls before Jinx flew through the air as if she’d been doing it her whole life. Still, she didn’t fly too high. She hated the way the ground beckoned her that high. Instead, she glided around the grass, trying to master the flips like Ekko. Meanwhile he watched, worried she’d break something and constantly reaching for her when she fell. When the two finally decided to go home, Ekko had tried to take the board and slide it under his arm as they walked but Jinx was stubborn. Too stubborn. She wouldn’t get off, choosing to glide beside him the whole way home. Ekko got her to agree to let him keep her steady, as flying slower required more balance than going fast. Now, one hand held hers while the other rested on her back, the box of bandages under his arm. Jinx flew through the streets weaving around lamp posts and forcing Ekko to walk with her. He didn’t seem to mind; he smiled the whole time.

“I got it.” Jinx assured. “You don’t need to hold me steady.”

“You’re still new.” Ekko insisted. “We don’t need you to break anything.”

“Oh, please.” She smirked. “I’ve broken plenty. What’s a bone too?”

“Just let me keep you steady.” He squeezed her hand and she squeezed back. Despite how she wished he’d just let fly free, she was glad he was here to keep her steady. Even without the hoverboard.

When they got home, Jinx had insisted she could fly up the stairs to the apartment, but Ekko wouldn’t let her, claiming it was too dangerous. She shrugged and grumbled and complained but still carried the board up the stairs. Ekko unlocked the door and held it open for her. Jinx leaned the hoverboard against the wall and sat at the desk, immediately placing her focus back onto her contraption. She adjusted it, biting her lip in focus. She could feel his gaze over her shoulder and after a moment she sighed.

“You really wanna know why I’m makin’ this?” She asked. He paused.

“Yes.” He said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and leaning closer to the contraption.

“It’s for Isha. I need to get her back.”

Chapter Text

Ekko had had to drag Jinx away from the machine last night. She had worked herself too much. She had worked to the point of falling asleep in her arms, leaning over the desk. Then she’d jolt awake and continue. It was too much. Even if it was all to get back that little girl. She hadn’t told him much about her. Just that he would’ve loved her and she had made Jinx want to be better. He had gotten her to open up a bit more after she finally told him what the machine was for. She was trying to bring back the little girl that looked at her like she’d hung the stars. The little girl that wanted to be as strong as her. The little girl that brought out something in her she’d never seen. The little girl that had sacrificed herself for her. The little girl that reminded her of…

All while Ekko was in the other timeline. Maybe if he’d been faster he could’ve…, but no. She wouldn’t let him blame himself for it. Even if things would’ve played out differently, had he just been faster, had he not wasted so much time. Even then, he knew he wouldn’t have been able to do anything. Maybe bringing her back was the only way. He didn’t know how she planned to do it or how it would work, but he saw the desperation in her eyes whenever she said that little girl’s name. He could see the tears that threatened to spill every time she thought about her. He would help her fix this. Boy Savior.

He still had his arms around her from last night. She had shivered and cried in her sleep, mumbling incoherently. She had cried out into the darkness for Vi and for Isha only a few moments later. He had pulled her unconscious body close, holding her tightly. He didn’t know how to help. He knew she had had nightmares but it wasn’t usually like this. He had held her throughout the night and he would until her nightmares stopped. Now, she was at peace in her sleep. He carefully checked her pulse and, after finding it steady, kicked off the covers. He took up the cheap watch he had bought from the bedside table. Half past seven. She was going to be late. Ekko nudged her gently, but she didn’t move.

“Jinx.” He muttered and nudged her again. “Jinx, wake up.”

“Five more minutes.” She whispered, her eyes still closed.

“You’re gonna be late.” He explained, standing. Jinx didn’t answer. Instead, she groaned, pulling the covers over her face but Ekko pulled them off. “You need to get up.”

“Why, though?” She complained, finally opening her eyes to glare at him. Dark circles lined the bright pink.

“You’re working today, Pow-Pow.” He nudged her again.

“I don’t have to.” She turned away from him, clutching the shark plush to her chest.

“Yes, you do.”

“I’m tired, Little Man. I’m not even up. Why work? Why don’t you just let me sleep?” She grumbled and Ekko crossed his arms over his chest. She was stubborn as always. Ekko smirked at his stupid idea and dug his hands under her, throwing her over his shoulder. Jinx jolted awake and began driving her fists into his back.

“What the hell, Ekko?” She shouted as she tried to push off him, kicking and wriggling in his arms. He put her down in the center of the room. She wobbled a bit on her feet and rubbed her eyes.

“Now, you’re up.” He gave a smug grin. Jinx scrunched her nose and ran a hand through her tangled hair.

“I’m getting back at ya for that.” She pointed a finger in his face, glaring despite the pink in her cheeks. “Just you wait.” He laughed it off and went into the bathroom. He tied his hair back in a bun as she entered, rubbing her eyes. She tied her blue strands back into a ponytail, blowing her bang from her face when it got too close. Her shirt rode up as she raised her arms, revealing more of her ribs and cloud tattoos. She had worn the shorts that she had chosen the other day to sleep. They hung loosely on her hips and ended just above her mid-thigh. He scolded himself for looking and left the room, his face hot. She finished her makeup, applying the new lipstick and fixing the mascara stains that still stuck to her cheeks. She headed for the door but Ekko stopped her, taking her wrist.

“I thought you were so worried that I’d be late.” Jinx put her hands on her hips and scowled.

“Well, this is kinda important.” Ekko handed her a key. He took out his own and spun it on his finger. “Now, we both have one.” He offered a smile and she returned it, shaking her head.

“Thanks.” She mumbled under her breath as she turned to leave.

“Bye, Pow-Pow!” He called down the hallway. She pinched the bridge of her nose, smiling still, and waved.

——

Ekko made it to the market not long after Jinx left. It wasn’t as busy as usual. The people were more sparse, keeping to themselves. He had bought a loaf of bread and other food to store in the apartment. Now, he stood in the corner of a shop looking at nail polish. Maybe if they were painted she wouldn't make them bleed. Even if it didn’t help with that, maybe it’d just be fun for her. She could use something simple and fun. Maybe he’d paint his nails too. Take their minds off the chaos of cracking the multiverse. He took the box and went to the counter to pay for it when he was stopped. A blonde woman stood beside him.

“Ekko?” She questioned. He sighed and turned, forcing a smile.

“Hey, Lux.” He said. He hadn’t taken nearly as well to her as Jinx did. What did she see in this woman?

“Where’s Jinx?” Lux asked.

“At work.” Ekko answered simply, handing coins to the cashier. 

“Ah, that makes sense.” She smiled. “It’s good she has something to occupy herself with, right?”

“Yeah.” Ekko took the polish and turned to leave, but Lux followed him.

“Why don’t I buy you a coffee and we can talk?” She suggested.

“I really should get home and–”

“Is it immediate?”

“Not really, but–”

“Great! C’mon!” Lux took Ekko’s wrist and pulled him to a different shop. He rolled his eyes, already tired of her unending energy. He was tired of how she dragged him around, only Jinx could do that. Only Jinx. He regretted not just lying to her and going home. Lux ordered two coffees and asked him what he took in his. He shrugged. Coffee and tea were typically found in topside houses. If they were in the undercity, it was only in the more wealthy houses. Benzo had had coffee stored in the backroom from before Ekko was born. He had banned the boy from touching it, mainly because he had had enough energy as is. Lux took the coffees, handing one to Ekko, and sat on a bench. She invited him to sit with her and he begrudgingly joined her. She got into it quickly.

“So, what exactly happened between you two?” She asked, excitedly kicking her feet. This woman was always trying to get into his and Jinx’s business. Why did she care anyway?

“Look, thanks for the drink but our past’s none of your business.” Ekko turned the cup and watched the dark liquid climb at the edges.

“Oh, come on.” She nudged him and a bit of coffee spilled to the ground at his feet. “I need to know the story.”

“It’s not mine to tell.” Ekko explained, hoping maybe she’d listen to reason, but she didn’t.

“Okay, I’ll make a deal.”

“A deal?” He raised his eyebrows.

“Yeah. Just tell me how you met her.”

“And?” He prompted.

“And I won’t ask again.” She gave a warm smile. “Unless, it’s something really bad. Then I don’t wanna know.” He chuckled.

“Fine. But this is it.” He clarified and she nodded eagerly. “Jinx is gonna kill me.” He mumbled under his breath, shifting his gaze to the dark coffee. She wouldn’t want Lux knowing about Powder, that much he knew. Did she tell her about Vi? Vander? Benzo? He’d leave them out. He’d only tell Lux the parts with just them. 

Ekko remembered when they met like it was yesterday. He had been left with Benzo while his parents worked as they had said that he was too small to be left at home alone. Benzo had occupied him by making the small boy do all kinds of chores. He had been sweeping the old shop’s floor when the man spoke.

“Ay, an old friend of mine’s comin’ over.” He had explained, moving aside his goggles. “He’s got some kids ya could play with.”

“Really?” Little Ekko’s eyes were bright with excitement. It had been so long since he’d played with other kids. They never seemed to like the games he did.

“Yeah, two little runts. One’s about your age.” Benzo had said. “But I want this floor swept first.”

“O-of course.” Ekko had already begun sweeping faster. The dust and dirt puffed at his feet as he made a pile. He had gone into the backroom to throw it out when he heard the door open with a ring from the bell.

“Ay, Benzo. How ya been?” A new, booming voice asked.

“Not bad. Yourself?” Benzo had responded.

“Eh, could be better, could be worse. Ya know how it is.”

“Fair enough. Ekko should be around here somewhere.” Benzo had said. The little boy came flying in, practically bouncing from excitement. The other kids didn’t share his excitement. There were two, one with pink hair and one with blue. They had matching worried, pale blue eyes. The blue one hid behind the pink, practically cowering at his presence. A large man stood, holding the taller, pink-haired kid’s hand. His dark hair was slicked back and he had a thick beard. The man looked between Benzo and Ekko for a moment.

“Hey.” He had said, his voice soft as he bent down to the boy’s level. “You must be Ekko, Inna and Wyeth’s boy.” Ekko tilted his head but nodded. His excitement had left at the worry on the other kid’s faces. He hadn’t been sure how this man knew his parents. Maybe through work? That’s the only place they ever were anyway. “I’m Vander.” The man had smiled. Ekko waved shyly and shifted his attention to the kids. He looked between the two of them and Benzo. Benzo nodded and turned to them.

“Why don’t you two play with the little man? Vander and I have some catchin’ up to do.” Benzo prompted but they wouldn’t leave Vander’s side. Not until he gestured them forward. The pink led the blue with tentative steps as if each one were a mistake. The pink one’s hair was cut choppily above her ears. The blue one’s hair had been done similarly, but a bit longer with random, tiny braids sticking out in odd spots. The adults had already started talking, leaving the kids to their own devices. The blue hid behind the pink still, her wide eyes wary. The pink looked back at Vander and after a moment the man nodded reassuringly, a warm smile on his lips.

“I’m Vi.” The pink one said, holding out her hand. Scars lined her shaky fingers.

“Ekko.” He said and stiffly shook her hand like he’d seen the adults do it. Vi’s gaze shifted to the blue behind her.

“This is Powder.” She said, but the blue just cowered further, looking at Vi as if she’d betrayed her. Vi paused, taking Powder’s hand, and nodded toward Ekko. “It’s okay, Powder.” The blue-haired girl took a small step forward, still standing behind her sister.

“Hi, Ekko.” She mumbled, her voice small and unsure.

“Hi, Powder.” Ekko waved, smiling brightly. A long, awkward minute passed before Ekko spoke. “So, do you like drawing?” He asked, his gaze flicking between the two girls. Ekko had noticed Powder’s eyes light up but she stayed hidden behind her sister. He had taken that as a yes and turned to fetch paper and an old set of oil crayons from the backroom. He sprawled the papers across the floor and placed the oil crayons between the three of them, before sitting. He looked up and noticed neither sister had sat with him. That wasn’t right. Powder had lit up when he mentioned drawing and now her eyes were stuck on the crayons. He frowned. Something was wrong. Why won’t they sit with him? He scratched the back of his neck. Before he could come up with a reason, Vi exchanged a look with Powder and sat, the younger sister copying her moments later. But Powder didn’t grab at the crayons, even when Ekko offered them to her. He decided maybe she needed someone to do it first. He took out the green crayon and began to sketch out an hourglass, but still neither sister drew with him. What had he done wrong? Vi nodded to Powder and the younger girl finally took up a pink crayon. She began to draw with shaky hands and her eyes darted up at Ekko every so often as if to make sure he hadn’t moved. She had still watched him with a kind of fear he didn’t understand. The two drew together while Vi sat with her arms crossed, watching Ekko as if he was something to be feared. They covered every paper he had brought, front and back with colorful doodles before Vander pulled the girls away. He had said something about it getting late but Ekko didn’t care. His new friends were being taken away. 

“Five more minutes?” He’d begged. “We’re not done yet.” 

“Sorry, Ekko,” Vander had taken Vi’s hand and when Powder noticed Vi was leaving, she was quick to stand and follow. “I need to get these two home.” Ekko looked to Powder and Vi, neither of which protested. He cast his gaze at his shoes and watched as Vander led them to the door. He waved to Benzo and so did the girls before they stepped through the door. Vi was indifferent, keeping her gaze forward, but Powder looked over her shoulder and gave a small wave. Ekko waved back.

The next time Powder came over was a few days later. This time Vander had left. He had had to attend to some adult business that little Ekko didn’t understand. The girls stood in the doorway. Vi had turned back, looking for Vander, but he was already walking away. When she realized he wasn’t coming back for a while, her gaze went to Benzo.

“The little man’s over there.” He pointed to Ekko. “He’s been waitin’ for ya.” The man laughed then went back to examining his artifacts under his magnifying glass. Since Ekko now knew Powder liked drawing he had pulled every piece of art supplies he could find around Benzo’s shop: old, large posters, paints, the oil crayons, pencils. He was so excited to make a new friend. One that would stay. Unlike his old ones that would leave the moment they saw his inventions. They were always made of scrap metal and tape and he loved every single one. He had even managed to make a few of them move on motors, but other kids were never interested. They only wanted to run around in the mud or chase on another through the streets in games. His parents had always told him his inventions were beautiful, without sparing a single glance. But he knew they liked them. That’s why he made so many. Powder didn’t wait for Vi to sit this time, instead quickly taking up the oil crayons and doodling on an old sign. She had then moved to drawing on the floor, which Benzo was not happy about and later made Ekko clean. She tried everything he had brought but obviously favored the oil crayons. Powder filled each item with chaotic color. She drew animals on many things, writing names for them beside each one. Vi had sat next to her sister with her arms crossed and a permanent glower on her face. Ekko had learned to ignore it as he drew. Especially when Powder would grin at his compliments.

“I like that one.” He had said, pointing to a blue mouse she had drawn. “What’s his name?” Ekko asked.

“ Her name is Mouser.” Powder explained as if it was obvious. Ekko took the yellow crayon and watched Powder’s worried expression as he pressed it beside Mouser. He gave the little mouse a crown and the girl relaxed, a confused smile on her lips.

“Queen Mouser.” He suggested. “And we can put all her mouse people around her down here.” He dragged his finger along the bottom of the page. Powder grinned and grabbed the blue crayon, already beginning to draw more mice.

“What are you drawing?” She had asked him, keeping her gaze on her own art.

“I kinda just drew the shop.” Ekko held up his page. He had tried as best he could but his lines were wobbly and the windows were crooked and the colors were off. Powder looked up and her eyes widened. She briskly took it from his hands.

“How did you do this?” She had demanded. “This is so good!” He laughed and she handed it back to him. She peacefully went back to her art, blue crayon already in hand. A moment passed in silence before she spoke again.

“Vi, you should draw something.” Powder quietly suggested.

“I’m busy, Powder.” Vi had said.

“Busy doing what?” Ekko asked but he regretted it when the older girl’s glare hardened. He turned his focus back to his drawing. Powder pulled at Vi’s shirt until the older girl looked at her.

“Calm down, Vi. Little Man’s nice.” Powder had insisted. Little Man. He supposed that’s how Benzo had referred to him but hearing her say it felt weird. She was littler than him.

“Pow, I’m busy.” Vi persisted, keeping her arms crossed. Powder had scrunched her nose and given an over-exaggerated sigh, continuing to color Queen Mouser’s subjects.

After a while, Vander came to pick the girls up. Powder showed him all her drawings, insisting that they would all be taken home. Vander caved quickly and carried multiple papers in one hand as he held Vi’s with the other. Vi held Powder’s hand and led her out. Vander thanked Benzo and ushered the girls out. Ekko followed them to the door, waving. Powder waved back with a wide grin. 

“You really like that little lady, huh?” Benzo muttered, putting a large hand on Ekko’s shoulder. Ekko pressed his face to the glass of the window. 

“Where does she go?” 

“Home.” Benzo chuckled. “She doesn’t live here, kid.” Ekko gave an overexaggerated sigh. 

“I know, but why can’t I visit her?” 

“Eh, Vander likes bringin’ the girls here. I dunno.” Benzo shrugged. Ekko turned from the window when he couldn’t see her bright, blue hair anymore and clawed at Benzo’s counter, trying to pull himself up. Once Benzo noticed, he lifted the small boy and sat him on the counter, pushing away his glittering artifacts. 

“What’s wrong with her sister?” He asked, leaning forward with his hands on his knees. Benzo laughed. 

“Nothing’s wrong with Vi.” 

“Then why won’t she play with us?” 

“She’s just worried about Powder. She’ll come ‘round. Don’t you worry.” Benzo ruffled Ekko’s hair. Ekko pushed him away, laughing.

The next day, Powder had come alone. Vander had dropped her off and took Vi back with him. Powder had said that Vi had asked Vander to teach her how to fight, but Ekko didn’t really care. His friend was back. He took Powder’s hand and swiftly pulled her through the shop and into the backroom. His inventions lined a shelf, each one shining under the dirty pieces. He took one down and presented it to her. She tilted her head.

“What’s it do?” She asked, her bright, blue eyes flicking between him and the contraption. 

“Well, this one just looks cool.” He explained as he got a different one, putting the first back. 

“Hmm.” She hummed, analyzing it. She must think it’s stupid. After all, why would he make something that does nothing? He grabbed a new one that was taller and more complex. Its metal was cleaner. It had to be or it wouldn’t work. The base had been from an old clock that Benzo had thrown out and scraps from Ekko’s parent’s house. A rod stuck up from the center of the base and a little flag hung from it.

“Oh, that one’s cool.” Powder stared at it, a small smile on her lips. He grinned and switched it on. The metal spun on a small axis, creaking softly. The tiny flag waved slightly as it moved. Powder had watched it with amazement.

“You made this?” She demanded.

“Yup.” Ekko said proudly. “Out of old pieces in the shop and at home.”

“It could use some color.” She had suggested with a hopeful smile.

“You’re right.” Ekko agreed and fetched some paints and the box of oil crayons she loved. They got to it quickly, covering every surface of the machine in bright colors. When they finally finished, after a lot of giggles and staining their hands crazy colors, Ekko had turned the machine back on. It spun all the same, now with a messily-colored pink flag, decorated with a green hourglass. Powder giggled and put her hands behind her back.

“Wanna see something cool?” She had asked, almost bouncing with excitement.

“Yeah!” Ekko answered eagerly. He turned off the machine and placed it back on the shelf. She pulled out a metal cylinder decorated with a colorful beetle, dotted in green and orange and yellow and red. She handed it to him and he turned it over in his hands. 

“Vi told me not to bring my bomb but I wanted to show you.” She grinned.

“Bomb?” He demanded, his hands shaking and his eyes wide. Why would she hand him a bomb ? 

“Calm down.” She assured, taking it back. “It doesn’t work yet. It’s gonna work soon though. Then Vi won’t have to keep saving me.” She clutched the metal like a lifeline.

“Saving you?” Ekko questioned. “From what?”

“Just dumb thugs. I don’t want her to keep having to worry about me. It’s stupid.”  She kicked the floorboard, causing dust to puff up.

“What if I helped you?” Ekko suggested, his hands gripping the hem of his shirt.

“You know how bombs work?” Powder questioned, doubt laced in her tone as she furrowed her brows.

“No, but I’m good at slipping away.” He offered.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” He gave a smile. “I slip away from my parents all the time. That’s how I’m always here. Ma and Pa will come find me soon though, but it’s all part of the game. I’m just really good, so it takes them a while.” 

“If I ran from Vi, she’d never forgive me.” Powder sighed as she put the bomb away.

“Then don’t run from Vi.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Just run from those dumb thugs. Here, we’ll practice now.” He stepped away from her. “If I catch you, I win and if you catch me, you win.” She laughed but the moment he started toward her, she bolted. She ran through the shop recklessly, knocking things to the floor, a few even broke. She darted around the back of the shop and climbed through the pipes that only Ekko knew about. He followed closely behind her, but she was always just out of reach. She giggled as she pushed her way through the vents, wriggling through the tight spaces as he followed close behind. They played multiple times and each time Powder won. Much to Ekko’s disappointment she was much faster than him. She rubbed it in his face every time she won and every time he was just happy she wasn’t scared of him anymore. He was just happy she was smiling and laughing instead of hiding behind her sister.

“When I’m older I’ll be able to get away before you can get me.” He promised, playfully glaring at her.

“Whatever you say, Little Man.” She laughed heartily, throwing her head back. Her short blue hair swayed with the motion and for a moment, nothing mattered but the sound of her joy.

Lux’s voice broke Ekko out of the memory.

“Oh, my Seraphine!” She squealed. “That’s so cute!”

“I guess.” Ekko sipped his coffee. It was bitter. He grimaced. How had Benzo liked this stuff?

“Jinx did say you were an old friend. I didn’t think she meant that far back. How old were you?” Lux questioned.

“Like four, maybe five. I dunno.” He shrugged. “She’s a year younger.”

“Wow.” Lux said. “She never mentioned a sister though.” Ekko played it off.

“I dunno. Whatever she told you is probably more accurate.” Ekko forgot not to mention Vi. Shit. Why would she leave Vi out? How much had Jinx told Lux?

A tall, thin man in a flawless, pale blue suit came forward. He bowed to Lux and Ekko scooted away from the blonde. Royalty. He thought sourly. The messenger gave a sideways glance to Ekko then spoke smoothly to the blonde.

“Princess Luxanna, your brother requires you back at the castle.” He explained. Thank Janna. Ekko thought, hiding his scowl. He was getting sick of Lux and her over-eager need to know all about Jinx. It was none of her business. Lux grumbled something under her breath and waved a silent goodbye to Ekko with a small smile as the messenger led her home. 

When Ekko got home, the apartment was still empty. It was only an hour after noon, according to his watch. Jinx was supposed to be back in two hours, but she never cared about being on time. It would almost certainly not be exactly two hours before she showed. Ekko laid on the bed and pulled out his sketchbook. He opened to an empty page. He began to sketch, humming an old tune Benzo used to play in the shop.

Chapter Text

Jinx burst through the door, kicking it open as soon as she unlocked it. She clutched the box to her chest, its metallic contents clanking against one another. Ekko flinched back but as soon as he realized it was her, he questioned her.

“What’re you doing?” He laughed. “What’s in the box? What’s the hurry?” Jinx strode with determination to the desk and dumped the contents of the box onto it. 

“Scraps that Melanie didn’t want.” Jinx poked through the metal pieces. “They’ll be perfect for this though.” She picked up each one and turned them over in her hands, analyzing them. She took her hair down, letting it fall over her shoulders. Her head ached from working all day but she wouldn’t dare stop. She would get Isha back if it killed her. Ekko stood beside her as she worked, whispering advice in her ear. She ripped a page from his sketchbook, much to his horror, and began to jot down each rune he mentioned. She leaned over her work, her brows furrowed in thought and biting her lip. After a moment, she turned and watched him, sitting on the bed, avert his gaze, burying his face in his sketchbook as she worked. She scooted the chair over to him and pushed down the sketchbook to look him in the eye.

“Hey, Firefly.” She took the sketchbook from his hands. He didn’t bother fighting, instead eyeing the black book in her fingers. She pointed to the machine. “How’s that look?” Ekko stood from the bed. He took the sketchbook from her hands and left it behind, face down. He peered over the machine, examining it carefully. He stared at the base, where the gem would be placed.

“Can I see the gem?” He asked and she hesitated. Surely he wouldn’t stop her now. No, he wouldn’t dare get in her way. Would he? She slowly pulled the gem from her pocket. It had never left her person. She trusted him, but even still she worried he’d stop her. She wouldn’t let him. He looked between her and the stone and, after a moment, plucked it from her hand. He turned it over in his fingers. She watched him closely, ready to pounce if he tried to undo her hard work. He handed her back the gem gently and closed her fingers around it.

“This thing is still dangerous. Be careful.” He muttered then turned back to the machine. “But it should work. This is just a smaller version of what Powder and I made.”

“Good.” Jinx murmured. She took a deep breath then asked softly. “What will happen to her if…if she doesn’t have a body here?”

“I don’t know.” Ekko pinched the hem of his shirt in thought. “It might not let her through.”

“And if it does?” Jinx proposed and Ekko was silent for a moment.

“...let’s readjust it to be more of a door than a window into the other timeline.” He suggested, already handling it, taking down specific runes and altering others.

“Speak normally, Timeboy.” Jinx said, collecting the pieces he had taken down in her arms.

“Let’s make it so that all of her, her body included, can come through.” He explained, his gaze stuck on the machine. He held out his hand to her. “Gimme the Precision one.” He instructed and she huffed a breath, handing him the rune. Ekko added more runes, circling them all around the ones Jinx had set up. Precision, inspiration, resolve, sorcery. She watched him at the desk work with focus, interrupting him every so often with questions.

“Why so many sorcery ones?” She asked.

“We’re travelling through timelines in a way that the Arcane doesn’t like.” He answered, carving precision runes along the structure of the machine.

“We’re gonna be pissing off the Arcane?” Jinx furrowed her brows and sat on the desk, while Ekko leaned forward in the chair. He buried himself in the work.

“All Hextech pisses off the Arcane.” Ekko shrugged. “Can you hand me an Inspiration rune?”

“Which one?” Jinx turned to the pile of discarded pieces.

“The one that has a dot in the middle and a bunch of lines curving around it.” He explained and she handed it over.

“Why are you helping me?” She muttered.

“Why wouldn’t I?” He paused, looking up at her with genuine confusion and curiosity in his smile. Jinx wrapped her arms around herself.

“I’m gonna be settin’ off the Arcane, Boy Savior.” She offered. “Why are you helping me?”

“Well, you’d do it whether or not I helped you.” He laughed, turning back to the contraption. “Besides, if you think it’s worth it, then I’m happy to make sure nothing explodes.” He teased as he added more precision runes.

“What’re all those for?” Jinx asked as she carved more.

“Stabilization.” Ekko slowly forced the thing to spin and it did smoothly, just as she’d designed it. He turned to her, wiping sweat from his brow. “Didn’t you crack Hextech in an old bunker?”

“It wasn’t a bunker.” She let out a small chuckle. “It was my bedroom. Besides, stabilizing it is much more difficult than blowing it up.”

“If you say so, Pow-Pow.” Ekko stood and moved to sit on the bed. Jinx hopped off the desk and watched the machine as if it could break in an instant. She examined the new structure. So many precision runes would help locate a specific timeline, inspiration runes for energy multiplication, sorcery so she could come through completely. She recorded the new runes messily on the sketchbook page. Her hands shook. She was so close to getting her back.

“So, are you gonna try it?” Ekko asked, leaning back on his hands, the Z-Drive in his lap in case anything goes wrong. Jinx paused. The sun had set a few hours ago and the room was a mess. They didn’t even have space for her . They hardly had food for the two of them. Even she knew this place wasn’t ready for her , but she was growing impatient. She took a breath and strode to the bed.

“Tomorrow.” She murmured, yawning as she laid down.

“Tomorrow?”

“I wanna be ready for her.” She whispered, pulling the covers up. Ekko paused, but joined her nonetheless.

“Alright.” He said as he pulled the sheets over himself.

“It’s a bit early for bed.” Jinx joked, turning over to face him and propping her head on her hands. 

“It’ll be good.” Ekko reasoned. “Neither of us have to work tomorrow. We’ll be fully rested and ready to welcome Isha.”

“I can’t wait for you to meet her.” Jinx mumbled, her voice soft and quiet. “You’re gonna love her.” She pressed her face to his chest when she felt the tears coming. She wasn’t sure why they flowed this time. She shuddered as she wrapped her arms around him, too tight for him to escape. She wouldn’t let him leave. He rubbed circles on her back and ran a hand through her hair, moving it back.

“I’ve got you.” He kissed her forehead. “We’ll work this out.” He rested his chin on her head, still rubbing her back slowly. Heat rose to her cheeks, but she didn’t move. She was comfortable in his arms, where she always wanted to be, whether or not tears were flowing. The two fell asleep not long later, in a tangle of limbs and uncertain tears.

——

Jinx woke first. Immediately, she itched to move, to do something . She was wasting time. But she didn’t dare stir. Not while he was still asleep beside her. She laid still with his arm over her torso, her head resting on his chest as she listened to his heartbeat. The steady beat that kept the voices calm. She wouldn’t dare admit how much that simple sound quieted the ghosts and their cries. It was stupid and she knew it. Hell, it was weak, but she still didn’t move. Eventually, he woke and his arm left her side as he rubbed his eyes. When he noticed her, he pushed away, apologizing profusely.

“Sorry, sorry.” He stumbled over his words as he sat up. “I didn’t mean to…I-I was asleep and–”

“It’s fine.” Jinx mumbled as she stood, hiding her face and stumbling into the bathroom. She picked up the hair elastic she had left on the sink and tied back her hair into a low bun. She splashed water against her face and rubbed at her permanently running mascara. She redid her makeup as close as she could to what it looked like when the little girl had lived with her. Some small part of her questioned if the girl would even recognize her. Her long braids were gone. There were dark circles under her eyes, which were still puffy and bloodshot from last night. Tearstains were stuck on her cheeks. Her nose had burnt under the sun. She had gotten a new tattoo and the clouds had faded under scars. Would she even know her?

“You alright, Pow-Pow?” Ekko asked, placing a hand on her shoulder and pulling her from her thoughts. 

“Yeah.” She mumbled, stray blue strands falling over her shoulders. She grumbled as she took down the bun and began to recollect the blue. Her hands shook and strands fell between her fingers.

“Do you want–” Ekko started but stopped when Jinx handed him the elastic. He’d done her hair before, so why did it matter so much? His hands glided over her scalp as he gathered her hair and tied it as she had tried. She watched him in the mirror as he worked. His hands narrowly avoided the nape of her neck as he tied the bun. He had done it much neater, no blue strands poking out.

“Thanks.” She muttered as she left the room and swiftly began to pick up stray items scoured across the floor. She collected metal scraps, tools, clothes, crayons and placed all of them on the dresser. She put the clothes into the drawers, shimmer making her movements faster. She hung the tools up, where the little girl wouldn’t be able to reach them and hurt herself, and hid the metal scraps in the box she had gotten them in. Ekko entered the room as she worked too quickly and sat at the desk, staring at the machine with furrowed brows.

“What’s wrong?” Jinx asked, her shaky hands now occupied with placing her gun farther out of reach. 

“Nothing.” Ekko gave a soft smile. “I just wanted to be sure. It should work.”

“Good.” Jinx said, sitting on the desk and swaying her legs. Her fingers fidgeted anxiously with the hem of her shirt. When Ekko didn’t do anything, she took the machine and placed it in her lap, but he quickly took it back.

“It’ll burn you if you turn it on like that!” He placed the thing back on the desk. Jinx groaned and took out the gemstone. Her hand shook as she passed it to him. Trusting him with that gemstone was trusting him with the fate of her little girl. She wouldn’t let him back out now. She waited warily as his hand hovered over the center of the machine.

“Go on. Let’s go!” She commanded, practically yelling. He turned to her. Her whole body shook with anticipation and anxiety and every other emotion she could think of.

“Are you ready?” He asked slowly.

“Yeah! Let’s go!” She spread her arms, nodding profusely. Her fingers fidgeted with her bang, twisting the hair again and again. Ekko took his hand away from the machine and reached for his bag.

“What are you doing?” She questioned, watching his hand. If he loses my gemstone… She thought angrily but he never broke eye contact with her. He placed a small box on the table and opened it. He began to take out multiple colors of nail polish.

“What are you doing?” Jinx repeated. 

“You’re shaking.” He said as he sorted the colors from lightest to darkest. 

“I’m fine.” She reached for the gemstone but he pulled away, hiding the stone from her.

“Why won’t you just let me have her back?” She cried, practically diving for the stone and almost falling off the desk.

“Just wait a second. Okay?” He said softly, his eyes darting over her analyzing if she’d kill him. She thought about it, but she wouldn’t. “Just trust me. You said you wanted to be ready for her, right?”

“Yeah.” Jinx exclaimed. “And I’m ready.” She reached for the gem again, but still he kept it from her.

“Okay, then just humor me.” He offered. “Pick a color.” She scowled.

“Pink and blue.” She mumbled. Why wouldn’t he just let her do it?

“The usual, huh?” He joked, taking one of her hands gingerly and slowly removing the bandages. Once they were off, he began to paint her nails as she kicked her feet impatiently over the edge of the desk.

“You’re impossible.” She rolled her eyes as he worked carefully, quickly finishing the blue. He knew her usual pattern better than she thought. He paused over her prosthetic but when she scoffed he continued the pattern without it, leaving the faded smiley face she’d drawn on it. He finished one hand and switched to the other. “This is stupid.” Jinx commented.

“Sure, but you stopped shaking.” He gave a smug smile.

“If you say so, Timeboy.” She exhaled, raising her eyebrows. But it was true. Somehow he had slowed down her screaming mind. Ekko let go of her hands, proud of his work.

“Now, we wait for them to dry.” He closed the bottles and crossed his arms.

“You’re pushing your luck, Little Man.” Jinx mocked. He smiled at her, his eyes knowing and she couldn’t take it. She turned away and surveyed the small, sparsely filled apartment. Was this place even good enough for the little girl? It was nothing like Jinx’s old hideout, save for the drawings on the wall. It was too small, too bright, too quiet. In the end though, she hardly cared. She would get her girl back. She’d adapt; the girl was always good at that.

“Oh, by the way,” Ekko leaned on the desk, his gaze on her and ignoring the machine. “I ran into Lux in the market yesterday.”

“Fun.” Jinx muttered sarcastically, her attention elsewhere.

“She asked how we met.”

“Yeah, she doesn’t seem to understand that some things are none of her business.” Jinx said, an irritated expression on her face. Lux had always asked too many questions.

“I told her.” Ekko mumbled.

“Did you, now?” Jinx gave him her full attention now, crossing her legs. “What’cha tell her, Firefly?”

“The basics.” Ekko shrugged. “I left out Powder.” Jinx cracked a small smile.

“So, you told her how you met Vi.” She joked and a smile pulled at his lips.

“No, I mean I told her it was you. Not Powder.”

“Good.” She exhaled, tapping one of her nails with the tip of her finger. It smudged and she groaned, throwing her head back. “This is taking too long. I thought you hated wasting time, Boy Savior. How are you sitting through this?”

“We’re not wasting time.” He explained and she glared at him. “We’re talking.”

“You’re awful.” She grumbled.

“We both know you don’t mean that.” He smiled, shaking his head. 

“And what if I do?” Jinx teased, leaned forward on her palms, a mocking grin on her face. Then he leaned forward too, until their noses were almost touching. She could feel his breath on her face when he spoke.

“Then you’re awful too.” He muttered with a smirk. She backed away, immediately shifting her gaze back to her nails. Her face was hot and her heartbeat was fast and loud in her chest. When will these stupid things dry? She wondered as he shifted his attention to the machine, touching the pieces as if debating whether or not to move them. She tapped the nail again and it smudged further.

“They’re dry, let’s do this.” She spoke too quickly.

“What?”

“I said, let’s go, Little Man.” She raised her eyebrows, trying to inflict her usual teasing tone. “Turn it on.”

“I don’t believe you.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“Why not?”

“Let me see.” He reached for her hand and took it. He poked at one of the nails, smudging another one. “Five more minutes and they should be good.”

“Why are we even doing this?” Jinx complained.

“You need to slow down.”

“What do you mean?”

“You were going too fast. So, I made you slow down.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Maybe.” He shrugged, a smug smirk still on his lips. “But it worked.” It felt like much longer than five minutes had passed when Ekko looked again. Once he had decided that they were done, the sun had reached its peak. 

“Alright, that’s enough waiting.” Jinx hopped off and swept the crumbs from their lunch into the corner of the desk. She swiftly grabbed the machine off the desk and placed it in the center of the floor. She held out her hand to Ekko for the stone and he gave it to her immediately. She didn’t hesitate to plug it in and the machine began to whir. Blue light emitted from the stone as runes flashed in the air and it spun faster and faster. Ekko quickly reached for the Z-Drive. He watched the machine with wide and uncertain eyes, ready to pull the cord.

“Wait!” Jinx shouted as the blue-lined portal began to form. “It’s working!” But Ekko didn’t move, his knuckles were still white on the handle. Then he pulled but she pounced on him, knocking him back onto the ground and taking the device with him. She forced his hand to still, the Z-Drive inactive by their sides.

“It’s going to explode!” He cried, looking past her at the ragged, glowing portal. The ground shook and the flashes became more intense. Tools fell from the wall with loud clunks. Sawdust rained from the cracks in the ceiling and the glass window cracked.

“Just wait!” Jinx cried, keeping her gaze on him. “She has to make it through!” His soft brown eyes were full of panic and yet he didn’t force her off. He didn’t pull the cord. She turned back for a moment as the portal shook violently and cast a bright light over the room. A surge of force hit her back and she dove forward, protecting him with her body, pushing the Z-Drive aside as they hit the wall. They both grunted in pain as they hit one another and slumped to the ground. 

Then it stopped. The shaking ceased. The lights died out. The runes faded from the air as glittering, blue smoke rose from the center of the machine. Jinx rubbed her head as she cupped Ekko’s face. His eyelids fluttered at her touch. 

“Jinx?” He mumbled and she just smiled. 

“Yeah.” She whispered. “It’s me.” The machine’s whirring slowed to a stop and she turned. She watched as the smog cleared, carefully peering at the figure hidden by it, standing in the center of the machine. The little girl huffed. She was reaching for something as if that thing held her life in its hands. She took in her surroundings with panicked golden eyes. She pressed her hands to her head and shook as if trying to readjust her mind. Her short, messily-dyed braids swayed with the motion. Her whole body trembled with adrenaline. Her clothes were covered in Jinx’s signature paintings and a large, white X crossed her chest. She clenched her jaw and tightened her small fists around her colorful helmet. Blood dripped from a large gash on her forehead and burns coated her body, coloring the skin an angry red. Isha’s wide, golden eyes darted around the room again and again before landing on her. The little girl stared for a few seconds, dropping her hands almost in disbelief. Jinx’s head ached from the impact but she didn’t care. Her lips were parted but no sound came out. A small smile had begun to form as relief flooded her like cold water. Isha was here. She had done it. Tears welled in Jinx’s eyes as ragged breaths tore from her throat. Isha paused, tilting her head slightly and narrowing her eyes at Jinx. Then she signed one word. The little girl opened her shaking palm and slowly pressed her thumb to her chin twice. 

“Mama?”

Chapter Text

Ekko’s head throbbed as he watched the blue smoke fade, revealing the little girl, bruised and burnt and bloody. She huffed and her hands moved slowly and shakily.

“Mama?” She signed, her golden eyes glued to Jinx. Mama? Ekko might’ve hit his head harder than he thought. His vision was still blurred as he watched Jinx jump to her feet and run to the little girl, wrapping her arms around her. Both sobbed into each other’s arms as the little girl quaked, adrenaline running out. Her little arms didn’t even reach fully around Jinx’s torso as she pulled her as close as her small, bloody hands would let her. Her blood stained Jinx’s clothes but she didn’t seem to care. She had gotten what she wanted. Ekko rubbed the back of his head. Good, no blood. He stood and strode uncertainly to stand behind Jinx. The little girl repelled at his presence, pulling away from Jinx’s arms and staring at him with wide, bloodshot, golden eyes. Tears cut through the dirt and burns and blood on her face, but still, she glared at him with a kind of ferocity he’d never seen from such a small child. He took a step back as Jinx grabbed the girl’s shoulders, holding her steady.

“It’s okay.” She muttered. The girl’s eyes darted between Jinx and Ekko. Jinx turned to Ekko for a moment before her gaze settled back on the little girl. “It’s okay.” She repeated, trying to smile but it was obvious her emotions were getting the best of her. “He’s a friend.” Her pink eyes looked the girl up and down. When she noticed the blood dripping, she turned quickly and grabbed the box of bandages Ekko had bought for her. Jinx fell to her knees and began to cover the girl’s cuts in bandages. Still, blood dripped consistently from the girl’s head. Jinx pressed her hand to the wound, trying to stop the bleeding, but it simply slipped through her fingers and down the girl’s face. Ekko dashed to his bag and tore a piece off of the shirt he had packed. He stood behind the girl and held the fabric to wrap around her head. The moment the little girl saw the fabric, she ducked into Jinx’s arms. The young woman wrapped her arms around the girl, staring up at Ekko, whose eyes held nothing but worry. Jinx extended a hand and Ekko gave her the fabric. She pulled the little girl off her chest and held her at arm's length.

“I’m gonna put this on your forehead, okay?” Jinx spoke softly, already beginning to tie the fabric around the little girl’s head. Ekko had never heard her sound like that. In fact, he’d never seen her like this at all. He’d never imagined her so careful and calm. Even after she’d told him about the little girl, he’d had doubts. He knew it was stupid not to believe her, but it just sounded so different from what he’d known her to be like. Though, he supposed she was always the one who would sit with him as kids when he was hurt. She was the one who’d wrap his wounds when he’d insisted that it didn’t hurt. Jinx tied the already-stained fabric as the little girl still stared at her. Her golden eyes were puffy from crying and she wiped her nose. Jinx took her hand.

“You okay, Bunny?” She smiled, her voice cracking. “Your skin’s hot.” She held the girl’s hand up and the girl took it back to sign.

“Burned.” The girl explained, moving slower now. Jinx turned to Ekko.

“Get some cold water.” She ordered and he nodded. He took Jinx’s cup from the desk and ran into the bathroom. He turned the squeaky faucet and cold water filled the glass quickly. When he came back the girl was in Jinx’s arms and Jinx placed her on the desk. The girl’s legs hung off the edge as Jinx wiped her tears. Ekko handed her the glass and the rest of the shirt he had torn. She tore it further and dipped a bit into the glass. She pressed the cold cloth to the girl’s burns and she hissed.

“Too much pressure?” Jinx asked. The girl shook her head.

“Too cold.” She signed. Jinx squeezed some of the water from the cloth and pressed it back to the girl’s arm.

“Better?” She kept her eyes on the girl as if she could vanish in an instant. The little girl nodded through clenched teeth. Ekko bent down to the machine that had brought Isha here and began to move it. It was hot on his hands as he moved it to sit beside the dresser and out of the way. Jinx had wrapped the girl’s burns after pressing cold water to each one. The little girl’s arms were almost completely wrapped in gauze, giving the illusion of sleeves under her black top. She yawned and rubbed her eyes with a bandaged hand.

“Still got all your insides, Isha?” Jinx tried to tease, but it didn’t land between her teary eyes and shaky hands. The girl nodded carefully. Then her gaze shifted to Ekko.

“Who’s he?” She asked.

“That’s Ekko.” Jinx said, nodding to him. “He helped bring you back.” Ekko awkwardly waved to the little girl, who analyzed him with wide, curious eyes. She took in everything about him, from the paint on his clothes, to the grease on his hands, to the metal pieces in his hair that Jinx had decorated.

“Where are we, Mama?” Isha shifted her gaze back to Jinx.

“Don’t worry about it, Bug.” Jinx moved a strand of messily-dyed, blue hair from the girl’s face. “We’re safe.” She removed the girl’s helmet, placing it on the desk, and lifted the little girl, who slumped tiredly into her arms. She laid her on the bed and handed her the plush shark. The girl clutched it to her chest and yawned again. “You can rest, kid. We’re safe here.” Jinx muttered, running a hand through the girl’s tangled hair. She turned but the girl pulled at her arm.

“Will you stay?”

“Of course, Bunny.” Jinx cupped the girl’s face for a moment. The girl leaned into the touch, already closing her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere.” She smiled as she strode to the foot of the bed and sat. Jinx turned and watched as the girl drifted off to sleep as Ekko stood at the other end of the room, leaning on the wall. He hated how useless he felt. He hated that he couldn't help the bleeding little girl. He hated that she wouldn’t let him. After a moment, Jinx spoke.

“Stop staring, Firefly.” She whispered. Ekko’s brown eyes didn’t move. His thoughts were running too quickly. Why had she been bleeding? What had happened? What timeline had they stolen her from? How was she here? Why was Jinx so calm about this? How could she be so calm ?

“Ekko.” She called, quiet enough to not disturb the girl.

“Sorry.” He muttered, turning his gaze to the girl sleeping peacefully despite the wounds covering her figure. The adrenaline must’ve worn off from whatever she’d been doing before they took her. Jinx furrowed her brows.

“Something’s bothering you.”

“No, no.” He snapped from his thoughts and shook his head. “I’m just amazed you got her back.”

“It’s somethin’ else.” Jinx insisted, her voice still low as to not wake up the little girl.

“Pow-Pow, I…” Ekko started and she gestured for him to sit beside her. He obliged. “I mean…” He trailed off, his gaze stuck on the floorboards.

“Spit it out, Boy Savior.” She nudged him, a playful smile pulling at her lips. Her gaze shifted to Isha behind them.

“Why’d she call you that?” He mumbled.

“What?” She turned back to him, her smile still stuck.

“She signed ‘Mama’.” He said quietly.

“Didn’t know you knew sign.” Jinx grinned, jokingly nudging him again.

“My Pa was deaf, but that’s beside the point.” He spoke quickly and pinched the bridge of his nose. “You never told me she was your daughter. ” He accused and her smile faded.

“She’s not…” Jinx muttered, her gaze drifting back to the little girl. “But she’s mine all the same.” Her smile formed again as she spoke. Ekko put a hand on her shoulder. She leaned toward him and he squeezed her shoulder as she turned back to him. “It doesn’t matter who her parents are; they’re gone. That much I know.” Jinx mumbled.

“How’d you find her?” Ekko asked tentatively. She chuckled, wrapped in the memory.

“She fell from the sky, Firefly. Isha found me.” She explained and when he narrowed his eyes, she continued. “She was running from thugs tryna put her in the mines.” Ekko paused, but Jinx kept going. “It’s fine. I dealt with it.” She sighed. “But this is a new place for her. She never took well to new things.” Jinx rubbed her eyes as she spoke. Ekko gave her a warm smile and pulled her closer.

“You tired?” He whispered.

“A little, but I’m fine. Besides,” Jinx turned to the girl behind them. She had starfished in the too-big bed. The shark plush had been forgotten as the girl stretched her limbs out, reaching for the edge of the mattress. “The bed’s taken.” Jinx smiled, resting her head on Ekko’s shoulder. He froze. She was close, so close he could hear her breathing. He tried not to move, to make it comfortable for her, despite the heat rising in his face and his racing heart. 

“Calm down, Timeboy.” Jinx mocked. “I’m not gonna kill you.” Maybe she wouldn’t kill him, but she’d be the death of him if she kept this up. After a few long minutes, he could hear her breaths come slow and even. Now, he really couldn’t move. She had fallen asleep on his shoulder. She hadn’t slept well in days. Maybe now that Isha was back, her anxiety had calmed. Maybe her ghosts would finally let her rest, even if just for a little bit. She had said that they were better when the girl had been there. Ekko heard the sheets rustle behind him. He turned, careful not to wake up Jinx. Isha was sitting with her arms wrapped around herself and her breaths were heavy as if trying to stifle sobs. Tears welled in the little girl’s eyes as she stared at the blue-haired woman sleeping on his shoulder.

“Mama.” She signed, tears slipping down her cheeks.

“She’s asleep.” Ekko whispered. “What’s wrong?”

“Mama’s still here?”

“Yeah. She’s right here.” He mumbled as the girl crawled across the bed, wincing every time her burnt skin rubbed against the sheets. “What’s wrong?”

“Mama was gone and everything was burning.” The girl signed swiftly, sobs escaping from her throat. “The magic got her and Vander and the Herald was bad.”

“Sounds like a nightmare.” Ekko spoke softly. He knew she didn’t want him. She wanted Jinx. He didn’t know what to do. When the kids at the Firelight base would have nightmares, they’d cry to their parents and clutch their toys. Maybe that’d help. He picked up the shark plush that the girl had dropped and handed it back to her. She clutched it to her chest with one hand but still reached for Jinx.

“You want Jinx?” He muttered and the girl nodded fervently, her golden eyes begging, wide, and puffy. Ekko carefully lifted Jinx and laid her on the bed, beside Isha. The little girl quickly nestled herself against Jinx’s chest, wedging the shark plush between the two of them and wrapping her arms around the young woman. Jinx stirred and cradled Isha’s head with one hand, reaching out for him with the other. Ekko stepped away, but still she reached. She didn’t really want him there. Did she? He sighed and laid behind her, wrapping his arms around her, careful to avoid the little girl. She still didn’t seem to trust him. He supposed he was a stranger to her. It’ll just take time. Ekko held Jinx in his arms as she held Isha. It was almost perfect.

——

Ekko woke to Jinx aggressively shaking his shoulder and repeating his name. He groaned and rolled over.

“C’mon, Little Man!” She cried, practically shoving him at this point. “Let’s go!” After a moment, he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Isha stood at the door, impatiently tapping her foot. She had already taken back her colorful helmet. She eyed him warily from the other side of the room, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. Two small braids poked out from her messy hair.

“You’re crazy.” Ekko mumbled as Jinx shoved him again, almost knocking him off the bed.

“That’s beside the point, Firefly. Let’s go!” She threw her hands up excitedly. She had replaced the shirt that had gotten stained with Isha’s blood with a black tank top that still revealed her midriff. Blue, pink, green, and yellow paints had been splattered across its surface. Her blue hair had been put into two uneven braids that brushed against her collarbone. Her hourglass tattoo was more visible now.

“Where are we even going?” Ekko asked as he kicked off the covers and stood.

“We’re gonna show Isha Demacia. Besides, I agreed to meet Lux like a week ago. Princess is probably getting worried.” She grinned.

“ Lux? ” Ekko questioned, trying to hide the venom with which he said her name. The Demacian Princess was too worried about Jinx. She asked too many questions, too personal questions. She was too curious and over-excited for her own good. He hated how much she must’ve been able to do for her. He could’ve done it. He could’ve helped her. He did . He’d done more than the Princess ever could.

“Yeah, c’mon!” She squealed and he went into the other room. He shut the door and changed his shirt. Jinx had painted on the gray shirt, just like she said she would. Now pink and blue and green and yellow covered its surface. Her signature monkey was on one shoulder and his hourglass on the other. An X crossed his chest and paint splattered all over the fabric in a chaotic collage of symbols and paint stokes. Ekko neatened his hair, carefully tying it back into a bun. When he re-entered the main room, Jinx was leaning on the doorframe. Isha had occupied herself with Jinx’s oil crayons. She added more color to her helmet, glaring up at Ekko for a moment through her bangs.

“You don’t usually take this long. Who you gettin’ pretty for, Boy Savior?” Jinx teased with a smile. Ekko rolled his eyes and scoffed, striding to the door. He opened the door and cracked his knuckles as he stepped through. He turned back and held it open for the girls. Isha hid behind Jinx when she noticed his gaze despite the warm smile he gave her. She was glued to Jinx’s heels as they walked, keeping the young woman between her and Ekko. Why was she so on guard? Why wouldn’t she relax?

It didn’t take long for them to arrive in the market. People flooded all the stalls, talking amongst one another loudly. Isha stayed close to Jinx, never letting her hand drift from hers. The little girl’s eyes were wide and curious as she took in every part of this new land. Anything from people’s clothes, to the way they spoke, to the bright and saturated color that stained everything. It was a lot compared to Zaun, with its drab colors and shady people. The girl was glued to Jinx as they walked, careful to avoid places that were too crowded. Yet despite the curiosity etched in her expression she was wary. She didn’t let anyone close, choosing instead to stay by Jinx’s side. She occasionally even covered her ears if the surrounding people were too loud. Ekko walked a few steps behind as they pushed through the crowds. Jinx led the group through the market and past the fountain, but when the little girl saw it she tugged her arm. Jinx turned to the girl as she pointed at the fountain.

“Alright, just don’t fall in, Bunny.” She joked, releasing the girl’s hand, but the girl tightened her grip and pulled Jinx until she was out of the crowd. Once she could clearly see her, the girl dashed toward the fountain.

“Why’d you call her ‘Bunny’?” Ekko asked once Isha was out of earshot.

“Vi’s old bunny was her favorite toy back at the hideout. Why? You gettin’ attached?”

“Just curious.” He mumbled as he and Jinx watched the little girl. She climbed onto the wall of the fountain and walked along it, her arms stuck out for balance. “That’s a bit dangerous.” He commented.

“It’s water, Firefly.” Jinx shrugged, turning to face him. “Besides, she’s a tough kid.”

“Even with those wounds?” He met her eyes.

“She’ll be okay. Don’t worry so much.” She nudged him. “What kinda trouble could she even get into? It’s a fountain.” Then, as if on cue, a splash. They both turned to the fountain to find Isha grinning ear to ear, soaking wet, with coins in both her hands. She ran to Jinx and presented her the coins, dripping water all over her boots. Ekko put a hand over his mouth as he tried to contain his laughter.

“You can’t take those, Bug.” Jinx bent down to the girl’s level. “You gotta put ‘em back.”

“Why?” The girl moved all the coins to one hand and signed.

“Okay, look.” Jinx took a few of the coins from Isha’s hand and lowered her voice. “We’ll take these. We don’t need all of those. Those are for other people.” She tucked the coins into her pocket and the little girl sighed, running back to the fountain and dropping the coins in.

“Well,” Ekko laughed, unable to stifle it any longer. “She certainly got that from you.” Jinx rolled her eyes but joined him nonetheless, throwing her head back. Her laughter was music to his ears. He hadn’t heard it in days and it was relaxing, like the sound of fresh water running over stone. He missed the sound of her laughter too much, more than he should and he knew it.

When they arrived at the tree, Jinx strode with confidence, her hand wrapped around Isha’s. Isha’s little legs moved quickly to keep up with Jinx’s motion, but she didn’t complain. She swayed on her feet but walked with the young woman nonetheless, keeping her distance from Ekko. Isha turned to Jinx, tugging on her arm and pointed to the thin tree, miraculously still standing alone at the top of the hill. Ekko had been sure it would fall by now, but no. Jinx smiled and released the little girl’s hand. Isha dashed into the tree, climbing into its branches and pushing leaves aside. She sat on one of the branches so that she was just above Jinx’s eye level when she stood beside her. She grinned as she swung from the branch and Jinx watched her with anxious worry etched in her expression despite her warm smile. Especially when blood dripped down her head and over her cheek. Jinx scooped up the little girl despite how she still reached for the branch. She gently put her on the ground and Ekko stood beside her. The little girl looked up at him for a moment before shifting her gaze back to Jinx. The makeshift bandage had been stained red and despite this the little girl crossed her arms over her chest and pouted as Jinx removed her helmet and wiped the blood from her forehead, shoving the helmet into Ekko’s arms.

“You’re bleeding, kid.” Jinx muttered as Isha tried to pull away. “Just let me clean it up.” She turned to Ekko. “Did you bring the–” Jinx cut herself off when he presented the box of bandages and a roll of gauze he had bought the day before. She gingerly unwrapped the cloth on the girl’s head then beckoned him forward. Ekko took a step and watched as the little girl flinched back. Jinx snatched the bandages from Ekko after a moment and tried to patch the gash on the girl’s forehead. She trembled as blood dripped down the girl’s nose. A few days had passed since they’d gotten the little girl back and they’d hoped that rest would help, but it seems to not have done enough.

“Mama?” The girl signed shyly as Jinx panicked, pressing a small piece of the cloth that she had torn off to the gash to absorb the blood. Her breaths were shallow and her eyes stared at the red as it kept flowing and flowing. It ran between her fingers and down her arms. She didn’t move when Ekko kneeled beside her and handed her the gauze. The little girl still watched him, her golden eyes full of disdain as he squeezed Jinx’s shoulder. She stiffened under his grip and Isha narrowed her eyes then brought her attention back to Jinx.

“Mama?” She signed again. This time Jinx seemed to snap from her thoughts, her hands still shaking but at least she seemed to be present.

“Yeah, Bug?” She mumbled, as if she didn’t want to be heard.

“Are you okay?” Isha’s hands moved slowly through the signs. Jinx took the gauze from Ekko and wrapped it around the girl’s head over the cloth as she spoke.

“I’m fine, Bunny.”

“How are you feeling, Isha?” Ekko sat in front of the little girl, careful to keep his distance as he smiled. Isha shrugged and wiped some more blood from her face, still swaying a bit on her feet. Once Jinx tied the bandage, he spoke again.

“You should sit down. Resting will help.” Ekko suggested, but the little girl didn’t obey. She just huffed, scrunched her nose, and crossed her arms. Jinx stood beside him, anxiously wiping Isha’s blood onto her pants.

“Listen to him, kid.” She watched the little girl carefully as she swayed, a warm smile on her lips, but Ekko knew it was fake. Something was bothering her even if she wouldn’t admit it. “He knows what he’s talkin’ about.” Isha sighed and sat in the grass, her golden eyes still on Jinx.

“Where’s the lady we’re supposed to be meeting?” She signed.

“She should be here any minute.” Jinx explained, sitting beside the little girl. Ekko handed her the helmet and Jinx carefully put it on the girl’s head with a grin. 

“Who are we meeting?”

“I told you, Bug.” Jinx nudged the little girl, who exploded into a fit of giggles as she pushed back. “Her name’s Lux. She helped me get on my feet here.”

“Why are we here? Why not home?” The little girl’s brows were drawn and, just like Jinx had described, her golden eyes watched the young woman as if she’d hung the stars. As if she knew everything that was and is and would be.

“Home’s gone.” Jinx mumbled and Ekko put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Isha ignored him, wrapping her arms around the young woman’s torso. Jinx’s pink gaze stayed on the little girl as tears welled in her eyes. Ekko squeezed her shoulder and gave a warm smile. Home is right here. Everything is right here. He wanted to say, but that was stupid. They had both left so much to be here. Everything was long gone. They had started new with nothing. Nothing but their ghosts and their painful want to be with one another. Even if the world burned around them. Jinx put her hand around the little girl and pulled her closer. Ekko tried to back off, to give them space, but she wouldn't let him. She used her other hand to pull him close enough that he could reach her. He cupped her cheek and wiped away her tears with his thumb. She leaned into the touch and pulled the little girl closer. After a moment, she turned to the girl and held her by her shoulders. Ekko took his hand back and fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. She cleared her throat.

“Lux better have a good reason for bein’ so damn late.” Jinx forced her usual venom as she turned to look over the hill, hiding her face from him. But it was obviously fake. Ekko smiled. He’d wait forever with her. He hoped Lux would never show.

“She probably just got distracted at a shop or something.” He suggested with a tinge of sourness in his tone.

“She’s usually very punctual though. Too punctual. Like you.” Jinx feigned annoyance as her pink gaze rested on him. She paused, then stood. Isha finally released her grip on the young woman and began to copy her. “Stay here, Bunny.” Jinx gingerly pushed down the little girl’s helmet. Isha moved it back, her golden eyes full of confusion as she reached for Jinx’s hand. “I’ll be back in a minute, okay?”

“Don’t go.” Isha signed, still reaching for the young woman’s hand. The little girl’s small hands shook as her panicked gaze darted over the area. When she realized that Jinx wouldn’t stay still she asked, “Where are you going?”

“Don’t worry, kid. I’ll be back in a second.” Jinx smiled, bending down to the girl’s level and squeezing her shoulders. “I’m just gonna see if I can find Lux, that’s all. Just stay here with Ekko. Okay?” The little girl nodded tentatively as Jinx shot Ekko a look that seemed to say, If she’s hurt when I come back, you’re gonna need a new set of eyes . She released the girl’s shoulders and gave her a smile as she turned and began down the hill. Isha stood still and watched Jinx’s figure get smaller and smaller. Ekko sat in the grass, pulling at it as he thought to himself. What was he supposed to do?

“Isha.” He called and the girl turned, her golden gaze still wary. “C’mere. Jinx’ll be back soon.” She turned back to look over the hill but after a moment, obeyed and sat across from him. She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at him. She really was like Jinx. Even the freckles that dotted her cheeks were like Jinx’s when she was younger. Her mannerisms even echoed the young woman. The way she scrunched her nose and glared at him. The way her hair was messily braided. The way her clothes were covered in paint. The little girl had even drawn Jinx’s cloud tattoos on her arm. She really was like her…

“Where’s Mama going?” The little girl signed, her permanent glower hardening.

“Just to check on Lux.” Ekko responded, shrugging.

“Why didn’t she take me with her?”

“She’s just worried, Isha. Besides, she’ll be back soon.” He promised. But when ten minutes had passed the girl had begun to doubt him. He’d gotten her to calm down as she pulled the grass up from the ground around her, but still she asked again and again.

“When’s Mama coming back?” He didn’t have an answer, not really. Then after the third time, the grass rustled as she swiftly got to her feet and ran. Ekko chased her and scooped her into his arms. She kicked and pushed away from him, reaching over the hillside. She tried to escape, like an angel taking flight, but he couldn’t let her. Especially not in her state. Her bandages rubbed against his clothes and she winced as her squirming put pressure on her burns.

“Mama!” She signed again and again as sobs tore from her throat. She begged him to let her go. He hated keeping her here. He hated the sound of her cries. He hated how he couldn’t do anything. He hated feeling so useless.

“She’ll be back.” Ekko reassured her but she didn’t calm. She pushed him away and wriggled in his arms, reaching still over the hillside. Then she paused. Her tears didn’t cease, but it was as if she was holding her breath. She stopped kicking, stopped fighting and put all her effort into reaching over the hillside. Then Ekko saw her. Jinx strode up the hillside with her brows furrowed in confusion and her eyes full only of concern. When she saw Isha’s tearstained cheeks she quickened her pace. Ekko handed the little girl over and Jinx held her close. She rubbed circles on her back as the girl wrapped her arms around the young woman’s neck. Jinx pulled her closer and shot a look at Ekko. He shrugged, a mix of confusion and concern etched in his expression. I don’t know. After a moment, Jinx placed the little girl on the ground despite how she still reached for her. Isha swiftly grabbed onto her hand and Jinx squeezed it. She turned to Ekko.

“Lux stood us up.” She scowled at the grass.

“Are you sure? Maybe–”

“I told you, she’s obnoxiously punctual.” Jinx growled. She must’ve really wanted to see the princess. Damn princess. Ekko thought, but Jinx continued. “Besides, there’s bastards in royal uniforms everywhere supposedly lookin’ for her.”

“And if she shows?” He suggested, despite his disdain of the idea.

“Then we stood her up. Either way we need to go.” Jinx was already pulling Isha down the hillside as she spoke. 

“Why?” Ekko quickly collected their things and followed. “Why not stay here?”

“They know about me.” Jinx muttered. “It’s not safe.” Since when did she care about safety? Just the other day she’d attempted death-defying flips on his hoverboard after he had consistently told her not to.

“What’d you mean?” He pressed, but she didn’t answer. Instead, she looked down at Isha and then back to him. 

“Not right now.” Jinx kept her head down as she led Isha and Ekko through the crowd, pushing people out of the way. She weaved through them, like she’d done this a hundred times. She maneuvered away from the guards, staying in the center of the crowd, hiding in plain sight.

“Pow-Pow.” Ekko whispered. “How much do they know?” 

“Shut up.” Jinx hissed. He didn’t know if her words were meant for him, but she continued forward.

“There!” A guard shouted, pointing into the crowd. “Stop!” They yelled, but Jinx continued on with Isha on her heels and Ekko not far behind. Isha hid behind Jinx’s legs, her grip on the young woman’s hand making the skin redden.

“Stop!” The guard repeated as they pressed through the wave of people. Jinx finally looked up, her pink eyes bright and lethal. Shimmer was running through her veins; she was ready to pounce. “ You. ” The guard spat. Ekko dashed in front of Jinx.

“What’s the problem?” He demanded, putting his hands up, more as a way to hide the woman behind him than anything. The guard’s brown hair had been neatly cut above their shoulders and their gray eyes narrowed on the young woman Ekko was poorly attempting to hide.

“ Jinx is a known threat to the princess.” The guard practically spat her name. A few people stepped back. Ekko turned to Jinx for a moment. Her gaze was cast downward at Isha, who hid further behind her. The young woman’s hand rested on her gun, ready to fire if anyone dared tried to take her little girl. Ekko shifted his gaze back to the guard, whose hands were balled into fists.

“The princess isn’t here.” He explained.

“Exactly,” The guard drew their rifle, pointing the barrel past him and at her. “She’s hiding her.” Ekko could hear the click of Jinx cocking her own gun. His hand drifted to his bag and to the handle of the Z-Drive. He wouldn’t let this go wrong. He’d try again and again until this worked out. Then another guard stepped forward, putting her hand on the first’s shoulder and pulling them back.

“Woah, woah.” Her green eyes were wide and she took the first guard’s rifle from them and slung it over her shoulder. A golden badge gleamed on her chest under long curls of auburn hair.

“I’m so sorry, sir. You’re free to go. We didn’t mean to disturb you and your family.” She bowed her head as she spoke. Family. That didn’t make sense. He was just protecting his friend and her… Focus.

Ekko pushed the thought aside and took Jinx’s hand, pulling her away from the guards. With Isha on her heels, she followed as he led them back to the apartment. He could still hear the guards arguing over their footsteps crunching in the dirt.

“It was Jinx !” The first guard cried.

“It was an innocent woman and her family.” The second corrected. “You have no evidence and you definitely have no right to be accusing her. No matter who you think she is.” Jinx was silent as they walked back to the apartment. Ekko squeezed her hand as he stopped in his tracks. She looked up, her pink eyes back to normal and full of confusion.

“What’s wrong?” She asked quietly. Isha peaked out from behind her, her golden eyes analyzing everything as it happened. Her grip on Jinx’s hand hadn’t loosened. She gripped it like a lifeline.

“Go home.” He squeezed her hand again. “I just need to grab something.”

“Fine.” She released his hand and jabbed a finger at his chest. “Just be back before sunset, Boy Savior.” She forced a smile and picked up Isha, resting the girl on her hip. She walked on, but Ekko didn’t miss how she turned back. He waved and she returned it. After a moment, so did Isha.

Ekko knew this wouldn’t fix the problem. He strode back through the market, stopping at one stall. Maybe it’d help though. Keep her steady. At least, slow her panic. The walls of the store were lined top to bottom with stuffed animals. He walked through the store for a while, before finding what he was looking for. A stuffed bunny rested on the shelf, leaning on its neighboring bunnies. Its soft fur was tinged blue. That wasn’t right. The old bunny that Jinx had said she’d loved was pink. He took the blue bunny and searched for a pink one, but there were none. He quickly bought the blue bunny and a small book, both of which he gripped too tightly as he walked home. The crowd had dispersed after the incident earlier. A few people gave him sideways glances, but he ignored them. This was nothing new to him. It was just Enforcers all over again.

Ekko arrived at the apartment and twisted the doorknob, expecting it to be unlocked, but it wouldn’t budge. She knew he was coming. Why would she lock it? He took out his key and opened the door. Jinx shot up at the creak of the door, her pink eyes bright and her veins full of shimmer as she sat on the bed, one arm around Isha, who sat in her lap, and the other pointing her gun at him. Her hand supported Isha’s head as she ducked. Jinx’s body covered Isha as she kept the barrel of her gun trained on the door. But once she noticed it was him, she relaxed and lowered the weapon.

“Where were you?” She demanded sourly as she loosened her grip on the little girl, who looked up at him for a moment before turning back to Jinx. Ekko locked the door behind him before turning back to the girls. He took out the bunny and strode to the two. He held it out to Isha, who peaked out through her Mama’s arms at him with wide, golden eyes. She glanced at Jinx. She gave a warm smile and a slight nod then the little girl took the toy, clutching it to her chest. Ekko held out the little sketchbook for her. When she didn’t take it, keeping her arms around the plush bunny, he placed the sketchbook on the bed.

“You can draw in there, if you want.” He suggested, pointing to its blank pages. “That helmet’s running out of space.” He joked and the little girl cracked a smile. Jinx loosened her grip on Isha, allowing the little girl to grab the sketchbook, which now rested in her lap. The young woman looked up with a softness in her eyes he hadn’t seen in so long. He sat beside her and put a hand on her back. 

“You okay?” He muttered. She nodded silently, her gaze never leaving Isha as the little girl ran her fingers through the bunny’s fur. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” Jinx mumbled, a smile pulling at her dark-stained lips.

“I wanted to.” Ekko turned his gaze to the little girl. “Your girl deserves it.” Isha turned and gave a toothy grin. One of her front teeth was missing and her face was burnt and scarred, but her smile was so bright.

“Thank you. Thank you.” She signed profusely, then she wrapped her little arms around him. Ekko flinched back. He hadn’t expected her to take so well to him, especially after all her glares and huffing. He turned to Jinx, who laughed as he awkwardly put his arm across the little girl’s back. Then he pulled Jinx closer, pressing their heads together as the little girl shifted to hold them both. Jinx still laughed at him, even when she put her arms around him and Isha. The sound was like music to his ears. An old tune he’d missed so much. An old tune that had been lost in the death and decay of the last seven years. He never wanted that sound to fade. He joined her and then so did Isha. They all held one another, careful not to let any moment slip away as they smiled stupidly, laughing amongst themselves. Right there, it really was perfect .

Chapter Text

Cait sat opposite Vi on the couch, each holding a book. The large chandelier hanging from the ceiling cast a warm glow over the whole room, but Cait had insisted that it was too dark and so she’d turned on a lamp beside herself. The fire in the hearth had worn down to only a few embers. The mantel had been decorated with a few porcelain animals, a picture of Cait’s mother, and a vase of violets. Tea and cocoa were set on the dark, wooden coffee table along with biscuits, cookies, and Cait’s eyepatch. She’d gotten sick of the thing today. The council had been especially infuriating after the silence from her chosen Zaunite councilors had stretched on for a few days. She hoped it was just a slow delivery of the message. They were getting impatient. But still, she laid with her girlfriend as they read like they had the past few nights. She loved watching as Vi read the plot twists and how she smirked up at her. Vi gasped and gave Cait a signature smirk.

“What?” She demanded. “Does Avery die?” Vi shrugged, her smirk consistent. “You know she’s my favorite character.”

“Can’t tell ya, Cupcake.” She moved a strand of pink hair from her face.

“I swear, Violet.” Cait buried her nose into the book, trying to read faster. Then the ground shook. Vi shot up, her fists already balled tightly. Dishes fell and crashed to the floor. Glass covered the floor as windows broke. The portrait of her mother glared down at her as its frame cracked and shattered to the ground. Cait dragged Vi under the coffee table. The two hid with their hands intertwined as they watched everything come crashing down. The ground rumbled loudly as they each tried to steady one another. Vi’s pale blue eyes looked around in a panic as she gripped Cait’s hand too tightly. Cait rubbed the back of her girlfriend’s hand with her thumb, trying to calm her despite the panic rising in her own chest. The lamp fell and broke in a mess of porcelain and wires. The vase fell from the mantle leaving violets in a puddle surrounded by broken ceramic. Then the chandelier pummelled down, shattering the coffee table into scattered wooden pieces. Vi shielded Cait with her body, throwing herself over her.

“Vi!” Cait cried. Vi took her hand and pulled her to her feet, leading her into the next room with a limp.

“Find something to hide under!” Vi instructed, her shoulders tense and fear laced in her voice. “Protect your head!” Cait raised her hands over her head in vain, hoping that she’d be able to stop something from hitting her. The office was lined with bookshelves on all the walls. The desk had been removed only a few days before. The computer laid on the ground surrounded by cables. Vi’s gauntlet had been propped against the wall. Now it glowed and glitched with the arcane. No. The rumbles grew louder and the gauntlet glowed brighter. No, no, no. That doesn’t make sense.

Cait ran to Vi and dragged her by her wrist to the door. She kicked it open and swiftly made her way down the stairs, trying to ignore the loud crashing behind her. Then she slipped. She missed a step and fell to her knees on the wide stairs. Vi tried to turn back, but the ground rumbled again, driving her to her knees as well. Cait didn’t know when the tears had started to flow, but still she reached for Vi, wrapping her arms around her when she finally could. Vi did the same and the two held one another closely as the world fell apart around them. Then it stopped. Just as suddenly as it started, it stopped. The rumbling ceased and all the people who had fled their homes froze. No moved, as if when they did it would start again. Cait peaked over Vi’s shoulder but when she saw all the people she hid her face. They couldn’t see her like this, tears staining her cheeks, quaking against Vi, her eyepatch gone.

“Is it over?” She asked against Vi’s chest.

“I think so.” The other woman mumbled, holding Cait’s head carefully. She didn’t move. She didn’t think she could. She’d just fall again. Vi held her tightly as if she could vanish at any moment. She rubbed her back as she cried. She wasn’t even sure why she was crying.

——

Two days passed before the council meeting was called. The Enforcers had counted the dead, which thankfully were few. Cait hadn’t slept. All she could think about was how Vi’s gauntlet had glitched, just like her gun had in that tunnel almost a year ago when they were hunting Jinx. Something had royally pissed off the Arcane. When Jayce had touched it, it hadn’t been that bad. She flattened her lapel, the Kiramman crest glaring at her in the mirror.

“Where are you going?” Vi leaned on the dresser and did her eyeliner.

“Council meeting.” Cait sighed. The other woman watched her in the mirror as she neatened her hair. Cait knew the next question she’d ask. She’d asked every time Cait had left the house since the surges.

“Why not just stay here?” Vi suggested.

“I can’t. I have to go, Violet.” 

“I can help.” She offered. “I could at least walk you there.” She knew she wasn’t allowed in, yet she’d stand at the door the whole time, waiting for Cait to come back.

“Alright.” Cait agreed. She hated leaving Vi alone with her thoughts. She had cleared the whole mansion of alcohol and she had stayed with her all the time she could. She hated leaving her here. Vi smiled and took Cait’s hand, leading her out of the mansion. They walked in silence, each waiting for the other to speak, but neither did. When they reached the doors, Vi hadn’t wanted to let go of Cait’s hand, clinging to her like a small child. After a moment though, she did and leaned against the doorframe, wishing her girlfriend good luck. 

“You should go home.” Cait said.

“I’m not leaving you.” Vi insisted, crossing her arms over her chest.

“You should go home.” Cait repeated. “I’ll be okay.” Vi paused, her calm demeanor slipping for a moment. She looked Cait up and down.

“Are you sure?” She asked quietly. 

“I got it, Violet.” Cait caressed her cheek and Vi leaned into the touch. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.” Vi nodded and Cait turned away, her girlfriend’s blue eyes following her as she entered the Council room. The moment Cait made it to her mother’s chair, Shoola spoke.

“You’re late, Councilor Kiramman.” Her voice boomed over the room.

“I apologize, Councilor, but respectfully my tardiness is hardly important. That earthquake cost lives. We need to work toward rehabilitation for the injured and the rebuilding of people’s homes.”

“Let us focus on the main problem first.” One of the new councilors suggested. “I assume you saw the way the Arcane pulled at our world during those surges. This must have to do with the missing Hextech gemstone.”

“Agreed.” Caitlyn nodded. “We still haven’t found the gem, but I assure you, we are searching for it. In fact, I’ll send Enforcers to search the rubble after this meeting.”

“Good.” The new Councilor Bolbok commented.

“Will disposing of the technology even fix our problem?” Shoola asked.

“We’re working on it.” Caitlyn assured her.

“Hasn’t the undercity gotten their hands on this technology before?” One of the new councilors asked. “Who’s to say they aren’t planning another revolution?” Caitlyn opened her mouth to object but before she could the door slammed open. For a split second she could see Vi peak over the doorframe, her brows furrowed. Sevika walked in with a confidence Caitlyn was jealous of and a permanent sneer for anyone who dared look at her. Her mechanical arm was covered in Jinx’s signature paints. She covered it with a cloak, but Caitlyn could spot those paint strokes from a mile away. Her short hair hung above her shoulders and dark circles lined her eyes.

“Sorry I’m late.” Sevika gave a mock apology as she shrugged into a seat. “Too many damn hallways in here and the security is abysmal. I can’t believe you weren’t attacked before Jinx.” Shoola cleared her throat.

“Who exactly do you think you are?” She demanded. “This is a private meeting. What are you doing here?” Sevika put her hand into her pocket and the whole room held its breath. She revealed a letter stamped with the Kiramman crest. She slammed it on the table and surveyed the room. All eyes were on Caitlyn now. She took a deep breath and cleared her throat.

“This is Sevika.” She gestured to the woman. “She is one of the Zaunite councilors I recommended.” Shoola scoffed and ignored the woman as she spoke to Caitlyn.

“So what do we do now?”

“We keep searching for the stone.” Caitlyn recommended.

“I can search the undercity.” Sevika chimed in. “As long as the Enforcers stay out .”

“Alright.” Caitlyn nodded. It was the least Piltover owed Zaun. She cast her gaze around the room as the other councilors whispered amongst themselves. When they caught her eye, they stiffened. Then one by one they reluctantly agreed to call back the few Enforcers they’d dared to send to Zaun and let Sevika handle the search there.

“Great, then this meeting is over.” Caitlyn said and stood. She left the room rubbing her temples.

——

When she finally got home, she found Vi laying on the couch, tapping on a closed book that rested on her chest. She shot up at the sound of the door opening and the book fell to the floor. She ran to wrap her arms around Cait at the first chance she got.

“Are you feeling better, Violet?” Cait asked. 

“I’m just glad you’re back.” Vi took her hand and swiftly led her into the office. The gauntlet had been disassembled. Pieces covered every area of the carpeted floor. Wires were cast aside and panels were arranged in the vague shape of the gauntlet’s fingers. “So, I noticed that the gauntlet was glowing during the earthquake.” Vi explained, stepping carefully over the pieces. Cait copied her and met her in the middle of the room. 

“Except there’s no stone.” Cait finished.

“Exactly.” Vi spread her arms. “There was no source of power, yet it turned on.”

“Okay. What does that mean?”

“Well,” Vi fetched a small book sporting the Talis sigil from the corner of the room. “I read a bunch of Jayce’s old notes, because this thing makes no sense.” She chuckled. “And basically, I think what happened is that the Arcane passed through the gauntlet rather than through the stone and then the gauntlet.”

“So there was enough energy in the air itself that it was equal to the power in the gem. Like a surge of energy?”

“Arcane energy!” Vi chimed. Then scratched the back of her neck. “I think at least. Jayce’s notes are confusing.” Cait nodded. The Arcane’s energy had been enough to alter all of reality. Ekko’s Z-Drive probably used that much power, if not more. Then why hadn’t this happened when he used it in front of her? Unless there was something else. Jinx? Cait was almost certain the psycho had survived. Then Ekko just disappeared. That didn’t make sense. Unless he went to see her. But how could he have figured it out without the Hexgate’s blueprints? It didn’t matter. She needed to go back to the Firelights.

“Hey, Cupcake?” Vi snapped her from her thoughts. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just thinking.” Cait mumbled.

“Yeah, this is a lot that neither of us really understand.” She pursed her lips.

“Jayce would’ve understood this.” The taller woman muttered. Vi looked at her with knowing eyes and stepped over the gauntlet pieces to wrap her arms around her. Cait returned the hug. Vi knew grief better than anyone and Cait knew it. She loved and hated how much she needed her steady presence, but she knew she needed her too. They just wanted peace and Cait would do whatever it took to get it.

“I have an idea.” She said. “But you’re not going to like it.”

——

It didn’t take long to get to the Firelight base. They’d memorized the route after Vi’s comings and goings to stare at the mural. Cait always hated standing by and watching her girlfriend’s eyes brim with tears as she gazed at the faces of all the people she’d lost. Jinx had even been added after she helped them in the battle against Noxus. Separated from Powder, it was almost weird to see her up there twice. Scar greeted them at the entrance, his voice cutting through children’s laughter and the buzzing of bugs’ wings and birdsong.

“What are you doing here?” He questioned sourly, his silver mask on his hip.

“I need to talk to you.” Cait got to business quickly.

“Alright.” Scar leaned on the wall and raised his eyebrows. “What’d you want?”

“I was hoping to talk in private.” Her eyes glided through the space full of children and other Firelights who looked at her as if she’d stolen from them. She supposed she had in a sense. She wished she could apologize for how much damage she’d cause. But she knew she could never undo it and an apology would never cut it. Scar slowly led Cait and Vi into the meeting room. Cait caught Vi staring at a chair in the far end of the room. It had been covered in Jinx’s paintings. She’d even signed it across the back. The arms were decorated with pink and blue hourglasses and her signature monkey was at the top. Scar closed the door behind them and asked again.

“What’d you want?”

“Where did Ekko go?” Cait asked and Vi tuned in, looking to Scar for an answer. 

“That’s classified.” Scar crossed his arms. “Not for your Piltie ears.”

“Where’d Ekko go?” Vi demanded, taking a step forward.

“I can’t tell you.”

“The council will blame anyone they can’t rule out.” Cait explained, narrowing her eye.

“Speaking of,” Scar pulled a sealed letter with the Kiramman sigil from his coat. “I got your letter.” He placed the unopened letter on the table in front of Cait. “Whatever you want, it's a no.” She paused.

“Look, we need Zaunite councilors to–”

“Councilor?” He cut her off. “Absolutely not.”

“Why?” Cait questioned. “You could help your people and heal the bond between Zaun and Piltover.” Scar glared at her, his bat-like ears dipping.

“Zaun doesn’t need Piltover. Piltover needs Zaun.” He spat. Cait didn’t miss Vi’s fists tightening. “I won’t give it up that easily. We’ve fought for this and we deserve it.”

“Agreed.” Cait chimed in. “You do deserve this, but the council doesn't think so. Help me convince them.”

“My loyalty is to the Firelights. Not to any council.” Scar remained stubborn.

“Fine.” Cait huffed. “Then what can we do to help the Firelights?”

“We don’t want your help.” Scar remained stubborn. “We can handle ourselves.”

“Without your leader things are more difficult. How can I help?” Cait offered.

“We’re fine. We can handle ourselves while he’s gone.” Scar reassured her.

“Where’s Ekko?” Vi asked quietly. Scar sighed and his shoulders fell.

“He’s in Demacia; he left a few months ago.” He explained, his gaze stuck on the ground at his feet. 

“Why?” 

“I dunno.” He shrugged. “Something about an old friend.” Demacia? Jinx had run off to Demacia? Ekko had to be referring to her. All the other childhood friends Vi had ever mentioned in their group were long dead. Why would he go to her after everything she’d done? Why would she flee to Demacia ? It didn’t matter. She knew where the girl was, that’s all that mattered. She had the stone and Cait knew it. Once the Firelight base was behind them and they were walking home Vi spoke.

“Why would Ekko leave his Firelights for so long?” She wondered out loud. Cait held her tongue. Vi didn’t need to be burdened with this. She was struggling enough as is, with her sister’s supposed death and with Cait’s busyness and now with Ekko’s disappearance. Cait would have to send a messenger. She wouldn’t leave Vi. She wouldn’t put this on her too. She didn’t deserve that.

“I don’t know.”

Chapter Text

Jinx sat, resting her head on her hand, impatiently tapping her foot as she waited for Ekko to come home. Isha laid on the floor, holding her new bunny to her chest as she dragged Jinx’s oil crayons across the paper of her new sketchbook. Jinx was amazed at how well she’d taken to Ekko as she twisted the screws on a new project. Isha had never been much for new things, let alone new people, yet she’d taken to him quite well, all things considered. She’d taken better to him than Sevika, not that that was saying much. Even Jinx herself didn’t care too much for the oaf, no matter how much she gave her after Silco’s death. Jinx’s train of thought was broken by Isha jumping onto her lap and clambering over her tools to face the young woman. Jinx laughed as the girl signed.

“What are you doing?” Isha asked, holding the sketchbook and the stuffed bunny to her chest and waving its floppy ears.

“Just tinkering, Bunny.” Jinx explained and the girl turned to look at the metal for a moment and signed. Jinx put down the project, rolling it across the desk behind the girl.

“Look!” She opened her sketchbook and presented the drawing she’d been working on, grinning ear to ear. Jinx gently took the sketchbook with a soft smile from the girl’s fingers as she excitedly flapped her hands. The chaotic strokes were clearly an impression of her own style as they began to shape three stick figures. The shorter two had blue hair and the tallest had white dreadlocks that reached his shoulders. Streaks of pink, blue, green, and yellow covered the girl’s art.

“Wow, Bug. Where’d you learn to do this?” Jinx pushed down the girl’s helmet and Isha fixed it before pointing to her.

“It’s for Ekko.” She signed.

“Aww, that’s sweet, Bunny.” Jinx said and Isha nodded excitedly.

“Where is he?” She asked, her golden eyes searching the empty room.

“He’s at work.” Jinx explained. “He’ll be home soon, kid.” Isha placed the sketchbook and her bunny on the desk and picked up Jinx’s tinkering project. Jinx let her and bent to grab the oil crayons from the floor.

“What is it?” Isha asked and turned the thing over in her hands.

“I’m not sure yet. At the moment it’s just something to do.” Jinx put the crayons on the desk. “It could use some color though.” She smirked and the girl grinned, already grabbing the crayons and coloring all over the metal. She presented the finished thing to the young woman a few minutes later, her toothy grin bright. She pointed to the plush bunny and then the metal. She’d drawn the bunny in blue with pink explosions on either side. Jinx chuckled and took the metal back, turning it over in her hands.

“Perfect.” She muttered. Then Isha tapped her collar, drawing her attention back to the girl.

“What’s that?” Isha tapped the tattoo again.

“It’s an hourglass, Bug.” Jinx explained. She’d gotten the small tattoo after leaving Lux’s. She’d missed him more than she’d meant to. More than made sense. But she was supposed to be dead. She was dead to him and he was dead to her. So she’d memorialized him in a tattoo as she’d done with everyone else she’d lost. But then he’d come back. She still wasn’t sure if he’d seen it. She hoped he didn’t. He had enough of an ego as is.

“Like the ones on the walls?” Isha pointed to the green and orange hourglasses that Ekko had drawn on the walls beside all of Jinx’s chaotic strokes. Isha’s additions that had only started appearing more recently, but each were appreciated and some even mimicked the drawings that they had added a little over a month before. Hourglasses had decorated Benzo’s shop when they were kids. The symbol of the Firelights. The symbol of Ekko’s gang. The symbol of all he represented and the time he treasured so much.

“Yeah,” Jinx pulled the girl closer. “Like the ones on the walls.” Isha leaned into the hug, wrapping her little arms around Jinx. She rested her chin on top of the girl’s head.

——

It didn’t take Ekko long to get home. He’d always been punctual, sometimes even to a fault. On cue at a quarter past three, the lock clicked and the door swung open. Ekko’s boots padded on the wooden floor as he strode into the apartment. Isha hopped down from Jinx’s lap and ran to wrap her arms around Ekko. He bent to hug her properly and the girl beamed, practically bouncing with excitement. Jinx watched with a smile as Isha released him, grabbed her drawing, and presented it to him.

“That’s so good.” He complemented, gently taking the book from the little girl. He pointed to the figure on the right. “Is that me?” Isha nodded profusely.

“It’s for you.”

“For me?” Ekko asked and the girl nodded again. “Can I take it out of the book? That way you can make more, if you want.” Isha nodded and Ekko slowly tore the page from the sketchbook. He took a piece of tape from the desk and hung the drawing on the wall beside his and Jinx’s art and designs. Isha flapped her hands and bounced, grabbing the bunny to show it the drawing. Ekko turned to Jinx.

“Thank Janna you’re back.” Jinx said, bouncing her leg under the desk. “I was running out of ways to make her sit still.”

“You could never sit still either.” Ekko shrugged and Jinx laughed, stealing the girl’s attention for a moment before she turned back to the bunny, wiggling its floppy ears. 

“What are we gonna do with her?” 

“We could take her to a park or something.” Ekko suggested. “There has to be at least one in Demacia.” Jinx laughed again, running her hand through her hair.

“So she’ll tire herself out?” She offered.

“So she’ll play and have fun.” Ekko corrected and Jinx raised her eyebrows. “...and also so she’ll tire herself out.” He finished, shouldering his bag and shoving in the box of bandages.

“Yeah, she’s got a lotta energy.” She looked to the girl who stared back, fixing her helmet. 

“Alright.” Ekko put his hands on his hips. “Park it is.” He turned to Isha to tell the girl the plan, but she was already ready. Her helmet was set on her head, the bunny plush tight in her arms, and her little Jinx-inspired boots were tied. She reached up to Jinx, who sighed and gave in, standing and carrying the girl to the door. Ekko opened it, tossing his gloves to the dresser and he followed the girls out of the room. Jinx led the way out of the apartment as Ekko walked beside her, matching his steps with hers. He opened the map he’d insisted on keeping, even as they got more used to living in Demacia.

“We should go this way.” He pointed to a path on the map, leaning to allow Jinx to see. She ignored him with a roll of her eyes. 

“I know where I’m goin’, Firefly.” She bluffed, quickening her pace to pass him. She turned left out of the market and toward a plain filled with green.

“It’s actually this way.” Ekko called, pointing right at the intersection she’d just passed. Jinx turned on her heel and followed him the correct way.

“Just testing you.” She mumbled as she strode to meet him. Isha laughed heartily in her arms. Ekko rolled his eyes and continued on, allowing the girls to go ahead, despite Jinx not knowing where she was going. She could feel Isha’s excited stimming as they walked. After a few minutes, she stilled, staring over Jinx’s shoulder. Jinx looked at her curiously.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“Ekko’s looking at you.” Isha signed. Jinx turned and Ekko blushed and averted his gaze to the map. She smiled. He really hadn’t changed that much. She shook her head and turned back to watch where she was going.

“Why does he look at you weird, Mama?” Isha questioned.

“I don’t know, Bunny.” Jinx shrugged. “He’s always been weird.”

“Hey!” Ekko chimed in. Then they arrived. The park was a small, grass-covered area with two wooden swings and a rusty slide in the middle. A few benches surrounded the area for parents and a fence circled the perimeter. A couple other kids were playing; their parents sat on the benches. Jinx looked to Isha. The girl’s golden eyes were wide as she scanned the place and her hands shook excitedly, the bunny still in her fist. Jinx put her on her feet and the girl only looked back for a moment to hand her the bunny before darting off into the green. Ekko sat on the one free bench and gestured for her to join him and she did. It didn’t take long for her leg to bounce and her hands to fidget with the hem of her shirt. She watched as Isha climbed the fence and the side of the swingset, crawling up it with the talent of a spider.

“Is that safe?” Ekko asked as she placed the bunny on the bench beside them.

“Eh, it’s fine. She’ll be fine.” Jinx said, trying to convince herself too. Isha met her eyes and jumped down, signing for her. Mama. Jinx didn’t think she’d ever get used to that word. But still, she stood and went to the little girl, ready for whatever she needed.

“Mama, we should race!” Isha suggested excitedly, a wide grin on her round face.

“Race?” Jinx questioned, looking around at the other adults who just sat watching their kids. They all seemed to be looking at her now. Even some of the kids stopped playing to stare at her. There were too many eyes. She caught Ekko’s gaze.

“You okay?” He signed and she nodded too quickly. She took a deep breath and composed herself. She could ignore them. It couldn’t be that hard. Could it?

“Alright,” She bent down to Isha’s level, giving her a smirk. “But I gotta warn ya, Bug. I’m pretty fast.” Isha giggled and took her hand, leading her out into a clearer area of the park.

“I’m faster.” The little girl retaliated. Jinx raised her eyebrows and put her hands on her hips.

“Where are we racin’ to, Bunny?”

“From here tap the swingset then the slide and then to Ekko.” Isha explained. A wavy line. She could do that. She could easily beat her kid. She wouldn’t even need to cheat. At least until the end. She wouldn’t lose to a child, even if it was her own. Jinx cracked her knuckles.

“You’re on, kid. You ready?” She asked and the girl nodded. “Okay. Three, Two, One, Go!” Isha dashed off as fast as her little legs could carry her, which admittedly was faster than Jinx had thought. She tapped the swingset just as she’d instructed and dove under the slide, gliding on the grass like an angel. Jinx followed close behind her. The other people seemed to ignore her as soon as she’d taken off by Isha’s side. Instead of going under the middle of the slide like the girl, she opted to go around it. If all else failed, she could always use shimmer to beat her. She turned the corner toward the bench Ekko was waiting at with no Isha in sight. She knew she’d win. She hadn’t even needed to–

Then she spotted her patchy brown and blue hair. She sat in Ekko's arms, kicking her feet over the edge of the bench. Once she reached the bench she put her hands on her hips and looked down at Isha.

“How’d you beat me?” She demanded but Isha just giggled, her helmet almost slipping off her head as she laughed. “You cheated, didn’t you?” Jinx accused. Isha shook her head, her grin still wide. Jinx scooped the girl up, her helmet falling to the ground.

“You little cheater.” She ruffled her hair as Isha happily flapped her hands. Ekko had even cracked a smile.

“Pow-Pow, she won fair and square.” He chimed in. Isha paused, looking at Ekko sideways and then to Jinx, her hands halfway through a sign. Jinx shrugged.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it, Bug.” She smiled as she put the girl down and put her helmet back on her head. She pointed a finger at Isha. “I want a rematch later, okay? Now, go get some energy out, Bunny.” She gestured to the park and the girl ran back to the swingset and followed a bunch of kids parkouring about the place. Jinx sat, close enough to Ekko that they were almost touching.

“Tell me how she really beat me.” Jinx leaned back as the kids climbed up the slide backwards. Ekko chuckled.

“Isha could fit under everything, while you had to run around.”

“Damn it.” She cursed under her breath. “That’s changing for the rematch. No obstacles, just a course.”

“You really wanna win against your own kid, huh?” Ekko smiled.

“Oh, please.” Jinx returned it. “I just–” She cut herself off when Isha fell from the swing she’d been climbing up. 

“Shit.” Ekko cursed quietly. “Is she okay?” He asked no one in particular. The little girl curled in on herself for a moment and Jinx wanted to get up and run to her, check if she’s okay. But before she could, the girl was back on her feet. Despite her bruised and scraped knee, she was already running back with the other kids, who waved her on.

“You worry too much, Boy Savior.” Jinx chided, resting her head on his shoulder. “She’s fine.” She smiled and Isha gave her a thumbs up as she ran by.

“Oh, you two are so cute together.” A voice said from behind them. Jinx jolted up and scooted away from Ekko, already glaring at the middle-aged woman who had spoken. Her dark brown hair was streaked with gray and was pulled back into a thick braid that rested on her shoulder. Her gray eyes were sweet and they looked at her too intently. She hated it. Jinx hardened her glare.

“Which one’s yours?” She asked and Jinx snarled. It was none of her business. What did she care anyway? Ekko played it off better than her, a polite smile on his face as he spoke.

“The one with the blue hair and the helmet.” He pointed to Isha as the girl climbed up the ladder and slid down the slide.

“What do you want?” Jinx asked sourly. Ekko shot her a look.

“I just like talking to young couples.” The woman explained with a reminiscent smile. “Reminds me of my late husband.”

“We’re not–” Jinx started but Ekko cut her off.

“I’m so sorry about your husband.”

“Oh, don’t be.” The woman waved her hand. “It was twenty years ago. Oh, my. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Penelope.” She smiled, holding out a hand that only Ekko shook.

“I’m Ekko and this is Jinx.” He nodded to Jinx, who crossed her arms over her chest.

“‘Jinx’, what a peculiar name.” Penelope commented. Jinx scoffed, but her demeanor changed completely when Isha came over. The girl hadn’t expected anyone else. Her eyes were wide as she held tightly to Jinx’s clothes, seemingly trying to hide herself. Penelope just smiled down at her and waved.

“Hello, little one.” She said and when Isha didn’t respond, Jinx chimed in.

“She’s shy.” She said, her sour tone still present as she glared at the woman. Isha copied her. Penelope looked, for a moment, between the two and then spoke.

“Well, I better be off. My son is waiting for me.” She explained, her incessant, cheery smile still present, no matter how much venom Jinx gave her. “It was nice meeting you two.” She waved and walked away. Once she was out of earshot, Jinx exhaled.

“Thank Janna. I thought she’d never leave.” She muttered and lifted Isha to sit beside her on the bench, between her and Ekko. “What’s up, Bunny?”

“Hungry.” Isha signed.

“Okay, what do you want?” Jinx asked and Isha shrugged. “I can’t help if I don’t know what you want, Bug.” The girl shrugged again, playing with one of Jinx’s short braids. Jinx supposed the last she’d seen her they’d been much longer. She wondered if it felt weird for her to see her like this, so…different.

“How about seafood?” She suggested, shoving her thoughts away. Isha paused and looked up at her, golden eyes meeting pink. “You ever been to a Demacian beach?” The girl shook her head and hopped off the bench, quickly taking the stuffed bunny. “Well, get ready, ‘cause that’s where we’re goin’.” Jinx got to her feet and brushed the dirt from her pants. She took Isha’s hand and Ekko stood, collecting the few things they’d brought with them.

——

It didn’t take long for the three to get to the beach. The food stall Jinx had been hoping to eat from had been busy. Lux had brought her here when she described Jericho’s. Maybe a taste of something like home would be good for her. The line had practically stretched around the corner of the pier. So, the three opted to wait by the beach for a bit. Isha had quickly run down to the waves as soon as Jinx released her hand. Now, she excitedly dug in the sand and hunted for seashells across the shore. 

“Don’t go too far!” Jinx called after the girl. She and Ekko sat in the sand next to one another, their hands almost touching.

“Ya know, it wouldn’t hurt to be nice to the people here.” He muttered.

“I don’t need to.” She rested her chin on her palm, leaning closer to him. “I have you and Isha and I have Lux.”

“I need to go back to Zaun eventually.” Ekko said quietly, as he didn’t want it to be true. “And when was the last time you talked to Lux?” His brown eyes seemed to be analyzing her. She scoffed and turned away.

“Why do you care so much?” She shrugged and returned her gaze back to Isha walking across the shore as she looked for seashells. “I’ll be fine.”

“The authorities here are looking for you.”

“Then I’ll go somewhere else.” She offered.

“With Isha?” He questioned. She huffed a breath.

“If you thought I’d leave her, you’re crazier than me.” She laughed. He paused, turning his gaze to the darkening sky when she tried to meet his eyes.

“You…you could come back.” He suggested quietly as if the words themselves could hurt her. “I could hide you in the Firelight base and you wouldn’t–”

“I’m not going back.” She cut him off. “We’ve gone over this, Firefly.” Ekko sighed.

“I’m going back.” He said and she paused.

“When?”

“I don’t know. Maybe in a few weeks.” He stared at his shoes. “The Firelights need me.”

“Then why don’t you just go now?” Jinx asked with more venom than she meant. Truthfully, she did want him to stay. Everything was better with him here. The voices were quieter. The cold was warmer. The grays were more colorful. The loneliness that haunted her faded.

“I need you.” He mumbled, finally meeting her eyes. His gaze was unsteady and his brown eyes held something softer than she’d ever seen. “I, at least, wanna make life easier for you here, if I can.”

“It’s crazy the Firelights can’t handle themselves for a few months.” Jinx teased, cutting through the warm feeling in her chest that his words had caused. “They were fine without you for the six months you were gone in the other timeline.”

“They thought I was dead.” Ekko replied, with a laugh.

“Welcome to the club.” Jinx laid down and rested her head in her hands. He laid beside her and took a deep breath.

“Do you intend to come back at all?” He whispered. He turned over and so did she. They held another’s gaze for a moment before she couldn’t take it anymore and opted to watch the stars begin to appear.

“...I don’t know.” She muttered. “Either way, I won’t be back in Zaun for a long time.”

“...okay.” He managed. The sound of little footsteps pattering toward them made both sit up. Isha held a small seashell in her hands, only a bit larger than a coin.

“Mama, Ekko, Look!” She presented the shell to them, her smile wide as if nothing bothered her. Jinx supposed nothing did. Isha had never told her about anyone who could be looking for her. She probably didn't have anyone, like most kids in the undercity. All Isha had was here.

“That’s beautiful.” Jinx commented with a smile and Isha handed her the shell before darting back down to the shore. She returned moments later with two more shells that looked almost identical.

“Matching!” She grinned as she gave Ekko one and kept the other for herself. Ekko returned her smile. Jinx wished he didn’t have to go. She knew she’d miss that smile. She wished she could just go with him, but it wasn’t that simple. She needed to disappear. He wasn’t even supposed to know she was here. He and Vi deserved better than her. Better than a jinx. She interlocked her fingers with his and squeezed his hand. How she wished she could just be what he deserved. What both of them deserved. Not a curse. Not a burden. Not a problem. Not a jinx .

Isha gave her a sideways glance before running back down into the sand. Ekko turned to her but she avoided his gaze. The line at the food stall had practically vanished while they waited. She released his hand and stood.

“I’m gonna get the food.” She brushed the sand from her clothes. “Can you get Isha?” 

“Yeah.” Ekko mumbled as she turned away. Jinx got the food and turned to find Ekko and Isha at a table. When Isha saw her, she jumped from her seat and ran to hug Jinx’s middle. Jinx returned the hug.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“Where’d you go?” Isha signed, her hands shaking and her signs messy and quick. Her golden eyes were wide and panicked. Jinx rested her hand on the girl’s shoulder.

“I was just getting food, Bunny. Here.” She handed her a small bag of clams, but the girl didn’t eat. Instead, she held close to Jinx as if at any moment she could disappear. Jinx walked back to Ekko with Isha holding onto her clothes. Jinx sat down and Isha sat next to her. The girl’s golden eyes never left her.

“You okay, Bug? I’m not gonna vanish.” Jinx joked but it didn’t seem to land. Isha’s brows were still drawn and her hands were still wobbly. She ate without signing, carefully watching Jinx. Ekko looked between the two of them, his brows furrowed and his brown eyes narrowed. Isha scrunched her nose and tapped Jinx’s arm to get her attention.

“Why is he looking at me like that?” She asked, shooting Ekko a glare.

“That’s his thinkin’ face, Bunny.” Jinx nudged her. Isha scoffed and hopped off the bench, taking her food with her as she sat in the sand of the beach. She turned back every so often as if to make sure Jinx hadn’t moved. Once the girl was gone, Jinx turned to Ekko.

“What’s with the face?” She asked, leaning on her elbows.

“What happened in the timeline she came from?” He muttered.

“What?”

“That timeline was definitely different from this one.”

“Different how?” She narrowed her eyes.

“I don’t know.” He spread his arms. “There’s infinite possibilities for infinite timelines. Piltover could’ve burnt down. We could be dead. People dead here, could be alive there.” Jinx watched as Isha collected more seashells in the sand. Maybe that’s why the girl had started calling her ‘Mama’ after she brought her back. Maybe something had happened to her in the other timeline. Maybe she’d left the girl. No, she’d never do that. Maybe she’d been taken away or worse. Infinite possibilities for infinite timelines. There had to be at least one where they were all happy. Even Jinx and Isha deserved at least one timeline where they were happy and together. Just one would be enough.

 ——

The three arrived at the apartment building late. At least, it was late according to Ekko. The stars blinked down at them through the haze of wispy clouds. Jinx grumbled about his annoying punctuality on the way home, despite the sleepy girl in her arms. Once they made it to their apartment, Jinx laid Isha in the bed, pulling the covers over her shoulders as the girl clutched the bunny plush to her chest and drifted off to sleep. Ekko sat at the desk and began quietly working on his hoverboard, careful to move slowly enough that no loud noises were made and the little girl could sleep in peace. Jinx stood behind him, gently placing the seashells Isha had found on the corner of the desk.

“I thought it was fixed.” She muttered.

“It’s fixed so it works, not so it’s efficient.” He explained quietly.

“So, not fixed.” She reasoned and he shrugged. She pointed at the front fan. “Either way, the torque on that fan is all wrong. If you do it like that, you’ll just spin into the ground.”

“The other fan is made to compensate for that.”

“That makes no sense.” Jinx chided. “Why wouldn’t you just make it not spin down to the ground?”

“It’s helpful sometimes for fast landings and dives.” He explained, turning a bolt. Jinx picked up the seashells Isha had given them and sat on the desk, turning each one over in her hands.

“You got that look in your eye.” Ekko smiled up at her.

“What look?”

“The one where you wanna make something.”

“Really? I have a look for that?” She asked with a teasing smile.

“Yup.” Ekko met her eyes and gave a soft, reminiscent smile. “It never changed.” She turned her gaze back to the shells, hiding her face as pink tinged her cheeks. She grabbed a nail and carefully drove it through the shell. Thankfully, Isha didn’t wake at the sound. Jinx ran a string through the hole and tied the shell around her neck.

“There.” She moved her hair out of the way.

“That’s nice.” Ekko took the shell in his fingers. He was close enough to touch her face. She almost wanted him to. She wanted to feel the warmth of his skin on hers. Her heart raced as her thoughts scolded her for being so desperate. She didn’t need him, didn’t want him.

“You should sleep.” He said quietly as he dropped the shell and it fell back onto her chest. His words broke her from her thoughts.

“What?” Her shoulders slumped. “Why are you so boring?”

“You always oversleep.” Ekko said. “You have work in the morning.” She scrunched her nose as she took up his shell and repeated the process, putting his on a necklace too. Then she did Isha’s. She left the two necklaces on the desk and crawled into bed, yawning.

“Are you going to sleep?” She whispered before she laid down, sitting in the bed. 

“In a few minutes.” He replied, still bent over his work.

“What happened to ‘you should sleep’?” She accused.

“ You should sleep. I’m fine.”

“You’re gonna be watching Isha while I’m gone tomorrow.” Jinx reminded him. “She’s an energetic kid. You’re gonna wanna be rested.” She moved a strand of hair from the girl’s face and laid down beside her. She closed her eyes, but sleep didn’t take her right away. After a few minutes, Ekko rustled the covers and laid on the other side of the bed.

“You should be asleep.” He mumbled after a moment.

“So should you.” She teased with a smile he couldn’t see in the dark.

“Goodnight, Pow-Pow.”

“Goodnight, Boy Savior.”

Chapter Text

Ekko had noticed when Jinx left the bed. Her spot was empty as the little girl stretched out, reaching for her. When she couldn’t find her Mama, she opened her golden eyes. Her panicked gaze darted around the bed and then the room, searching. She gripped the stuffed bunny so tightly Ekko was worried it would pop. The little girl looked to him, golden eyes already brimming with tears.

“Mama.” She signed shakily. Ekko pointed over the girl’s shoulder at the young woman as she came out of the bathroom. Her hair had been done up in a bun, blue strands poking out. Jinx blew her bang from her face and stretched her arms above her head. Once Isha saw her, she relaxed, her shoulders eased and she blinked back her unshed tears. Ekko kicked off the covers and stood, thinking to himself. What could’ve happened to her in the timeline they’d stolen her from?

Jinx headed for the door. She had only just managed to make it into the doorway when Isha hopped off the bed and ran to hug her middle. She tried to pull the young woman back to the apartment, but when she didn’t move, Isha released her.

“Where are you going?” She asked. Jinx ruffled the girl’s messy hair.

“I gotta go to work, Bunny.” 

“Why?” 

“So we can buy you all kinds of cool stuff.” Jinx gave the girl a warm smile but she just held tight to her wrist, still attempting to pull her back inside. Isha pouted as she tugged, begging silently with her golden eyes.

“You’ll be okay.” Jinx reassured her. “Ekko’ll take care of you until I get back.” But the girl didn’t stop pulling. Jinx bent down to her level, taking and squeezing her hands. “I’ll be back at three, okay?” Isha loosened her grip, using one hand to sign.

“Promise?”

“Promise.” Jinx nodded and smiled. She pointed a finger gun at the girl and she did the same, hitting their hands together and firing the fake guns. Then the little girl wrapped her arms around Jinx again. The young woman returned the hug, resting her chin on the girl’s head. They released one another and Jinx moved to Ekko. Ekko leaned into her cool touch as she rested her head on his shoulder.

“If anything happens, you get me immediately .” She whispered in his ear.

“Alright.” He mumbled as she released him. She turned for the door and gave a last wave to the little girl, who watched her every move. “Don’t blow anything up, Pow-Pow!” Ekko called after the young woman and Isha tilted her head. Jinx snickered as she left the apartment and turned to go down the stairs. Ekko closed the door as soon as he could no longer see her vibrant, blue hair. Isha was still trying to poke her head out to find her Mama, but she was out of sight. Isha immediately took up her helmet from the bedside table and began signing.

“Who’s Pow-Pow?” She asked.

“It’s just an old nickname from when your Mama and I were kids.” Ekko explained, running a hand through his hair. “Don’t worry too much about it.”

“Like Powder?” Isha offered, her golden eyes wide and curious. How much had Jinx told her?

“Yeah…like Powder.” Ekko said. The name felt weird on his tongue, like he wasn’t supposed to say it.

“How long have you known Mama?” Isha sat on the bed, kicking her legs. 

“Pretty much my whole life.” He sat beside her. “Why?”

“Mama looks at you weird. ” The girl commented. He cracked a smile. She never was as jaded as she pretended to be. Maybe she did want him here after all. Maybe she’d even come back with him. He’d support her back in Zaun. She wouldn’t be alone anymore. He could help her with her ghosts and she could be safe for once in her life. His train of thought was broken by Isha pulling on his arm. She pointed to the door.

“What?” Ekko prompted.

“Go outside.” The girl signed. 

“Well, we do need to grab a few things from the market.”

“That’s boring.” Isha complained and her shoulders slumped.

“You really are your Mama’s daughter.” He said. She smiled at that. The burns on her face had been fading, leaving pale pink blotches over her tanned skin. Despite those wounds, she still smiled like she could hold the world itself in her two, little hands. “Look, you come with me and I’ll get you ice cream on the way home.” Ekko offered and the girl’s eyes lit up.

“Any flavor?”

“Any flavor.” He nodded.

“Some for Mama too?”

“Sure,” He pushed down her helmet and she fixed it in a fit of giggles. “Some for Mama too.” Ekko stood and pulled on his jacket. He offered his hand to Isha and she took it. 

 ——

Ekko wandered the market for a while, Isha’s small hand in his. In his other hand, he held a small bag filled with the things he’d bought: bread, fruit, bandages. The little girl’s golden eyes seemed to analyze anything and everything all at the same time. She even noticed posters stuck on the lampposts that Ekko had missed. They offered a one hundred thousand gold coin reward for whoever could return Princess Luxanna Crownguard to the King. Ekko ignored the sideways stares people gave him and stepped into a shop. He led Isha through the shop and past the adult clothes section and into the kid’s. The poor girl needed new clothes that weren’t bloodstained and dirty. He knew he couldn’t talk her out of the helmet, but maybe she’d try something new. Jinx had said she hated change though. Still he led her to the back of the store, but the girl stopped in her tracks.

“What is it?” Ekko asked. Isha pointed at a black leather jacket on display. Silver spikes lined the shoulders and studs decorated the wrists. “That’s a bit much for you, kid.” He smiled and pushed down her helmet playfully.

“Not for me.” Isha fixed her helmet with a smile. “For Vi.”

“Vi?” He questioned and she nodded. “Vi’s not here, Bunny.” Ekko explained, using the nickname to hopefully soften whatever his words made her feel. He knew she knew Vi, at least as much as Jinx had let her. Jinx had said that she’d liked her sister, as much as she could after what had happened. Isha paused, her hands raised and ready to sign.

“Is she okay?” She asked slowly, her golden eyes unsure. 

“She’s back home in Zaun.” Though Ekko supposed she was more likely in Piltover with her girlfriend.

“Is she okay?” Isha repeated. Ekko bent to her level and squeezed her shoulder to steady her shaking. The girl’s eyes darted around, as if unable to connect with his.

“Yeah, she’s okay.” He said softly. “She’s with Cait.”

“Mama doesn’t like Caitlyn.” She signed shyly.

“No, she doesn’t.” Ekko shook his head slightly. “But Cait’s not all bad. She was just…confused. That doesn’t make what she did okay, but even she doesn’t think it was okay. She was just confused.” He explained in hopes that she understood. Though he wasn’t sure his message landed, he stood up again as Isha strode to the back of the store. He followed on her heels, careful not to let him out of her sight. Jinx would surely kill him if he did. She cared deeply for the little girl and after all she’d done to get her back, losing her in a store was not an option. Isha wandered the shop in curious silence, her golden eyes peeking at anything they could find. She turned corners faster than Ekko could keep up and then she was gone.

“Isha?” Ekko called, turning his head to either side but she was nowhere to be found. “Isha?” He called again, turning down an aisle lined with colorful tunics and hoods. But still, the little girl was nowhere to be found. Jinx was going to kill him. How had he even managed to lose her? Panic rose in his chest as he searched the shop, but still she was nowhere to be found. He asked a few people if they’d seen her. He’d panickedly described her to each of them: a tan, blue-haired girl wearing a doodled-on miner’s helmet. One by one they shook their heads. He searched the shop again, his pace quick and his heartbeat quicker. He called her name again and again. Until he saw her. The little girl’s fists were tight around a stranger’s dark cloak as she tugged on it. Her golden eyes were welling with tears and her shoulders shook.

“Isha!” Ekko called and the girl turned, but she didn’t release the stranger’s cloak. He took her wrist and began to pull her away from the stranger, but Isha still reached for them.

“Isha, c’mon!” Ekko complained, pulling the little girl’s arm. “I promised Jinx you’d–”

“Ekko?” Lux turned, revealing her face from under the hood. Her bright and neat blond curls fell over her shoulders despite how she’d obviously tried to hide them. Her blue eyes looked him up and down with curiosity. Her dark blue, almost black, cloak reached rust below her knees. She wore black pants and a blue tunic. Oh, Janna damn it. Ekko thought. He’d been around her for half a second and he was already sick of her. Lux looked down to Isha and the girl finally released, confusion etching her expression. The princess was clearly not who the girl expected. Ekko pulled her back and hid her behind him.

“What are you doing here?” Lux asked quietly.

“I could ask you the same thing.” Ekko said sourly, his hand still wrapped around Isha’s shaking wrist. The girl hid easily, peeking out from behind him, her golden eyes analyzing the blonde woman in front of him. Lux bent down and gave a warm smile.

“What are you doing here, little one?” She asked Isha.

“Shopping.” The girl shyly signed. Lux tilted her head and, after a moment, looked to Ekko.

“She said we’re shopping.” Ekko translated as Lux stood. Her eyes scanned over the bags hanging on his arms and landed on the little girl’s blue hair.

“Who is she?” The blonde woman asked, her voice low.

“Jinx’s kid.” Ekko gestured to her.

“Where is she?” Lux bent to see around him and when she noticed that Jinx was nowhere to be found, gave her attention back to Ekko.

“She’s at work.” He explained. “I’m watching Isha right now.”

“Then why was she running from you?” She interrogated. Ekko hated this about her. She just kept talking, asking and asking and asking. He looked down to the girl hidden behind him and raised his eyebrows.

“Mama.” She signed. Ekko sighed.

“She wants Jinx.” He explained. Lux bent back down to the girl’s level, that too-sweet smile already in place.

“So the Princess of Zaun is stuck shopping, huh?” She asked playfully, reaching out to squeeze Isha’s hand but the girl hid further behind Ekko. She got the message and retracted her hand, keeping her playful tone as she continued. “That’s boring.” Isha nodded slightly. Ekko pinched the bridge of his nose and Isha looked up at him.

“Who is she?” The girl nodded toward Lux.

“This is Lux.” He said, trying to hide his sour tone.

“Lux?” Isha questioned and Ekko nodded clarification. “Like who we were supposed to meet?”

“Yeah.” He said flatly.

“You don’t like her?” Isha was too good at reading people. No way he was that obvious.

“What’s she saying?” The blonde woman asked eagerly.

“She’s just asking who you are.”

“Oh, I’m Lux.” She held out a tanned hand for the little girl to shake but she stared at it. “I’m Jinx’s friend.” When the girl didn’t move, she furrowed her brows and looked to Ekko, who just shrugged.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, hoping she had something else to do, other than bother him and Isha.

“The castle isn’t safe.” Lux whispered as she stood.

“Oh, so soft beds and heated floors aren’t safe anymore? Go figure.” He mocked. Lux narrowed her eyes and brushed nonexistent dust from her cloak.

“I see you got some sarcasm from Jinx.” She commented, her bitterness unhidden. “But no, I meant, they’ve lost their minds. They–” She cut herself off at the rhythmic steps of marching soldiers outside. Ekko picked up Isha, despite her squirming, and held her close, turning away from Lux. The little girl complained with pushing away from him and driving half-hearted punches to his chest. But he could take it. He just had to make sure they didn’t get involved in whatever mess Lux had gotten herself into. A guard stalked through the shop, their face covered by a silver helmet with the Demacian crest carved into the side. Ekko held his breath, tightening his grip on Isha. They’d have to pull her from his cold, dead hands if they wanted her. The guard circled the shop, their hand resting on their rifle. Their steps were heavy and metallic, almost as if they weren’t human. Then they turned back toward the entrance.

“Clear!” They called as they left. The rhythmic marching started again and it faded as the guards stalked away. The moment they were gone, Lux took a step closer to him and grabbed his arm, pulling him closer. Isha pushed harder, now trying to be free of both him and Lux. Hopefully, more so Lux. 

“Tell Jinx I’ll be waiting behind Seraphine’s temple.” The blonde woman whispered, holding her hood to cover her face. “I need to talk to her.” Then she turned on her heel and left, her dark blue, almost black, cloak billowing behind her.

“What happened?” Isha asked as soon as she was back on her own two feet.

“I don’t know.” Ekko muttered, his thoughts running fast. He needed to find Jinx. What did Lux even want to tell her? Why did he care so much?

They left the shop not long after their conversation with the princess. The whole situation had managed to put a damper on their mood. Even Isha, who hadn’t been happy about the outing to begin with, dragged her feet as they walked on the dirt path. Dust puffed by her Jinx-inspired boots. The young woman would be home soon. Ekko squeezed the little girl’s hand.

“You still wanna get ice cream?” He asked. “It’ll be our last stop.” 

“Then home?” She signed.

“Yeah, then we’ll meet Mama at home.” He offered and she nodded, though not much excitement had remained in her golden eyes after the guards passed. Ekko led her through the crowd and to the stall.

“What do you want, Bunny?” He squeezed her hand.

“Death by chocolate!” Isha grinned.

“You’re a big fan of chocolate huh?” He returned her grin as she nodded. “One scoop of death by chocolate and one of pistachio.” Ekko told the worker, who turned and began scooping the ice cream.

“Pistachio?” Isha wrinkled her nose. “Ew.”

“Hey!” Ekko nudged the girl, who giggled as she pushed back. “It’s a good flavor.” Isha shook her head.

“What about Mama?” She asked.

“You’re right. What flavor should we get Mama?”

“Cotton candy!” She signed excitedly.

“Cotton candy?” Ekko questioned with a smile. Isha nodded again, her little hands flapping happily. “If you say so.” He shrugged and gently pushed down her helmet. The girl fixed it with a grin. “One scoop of cotton candy too, please.” He said and the worker nodded, handing him the other two cones as they turned to get the third. Ekko handed Isha her ice cream and the girl immediately began licking it. She bounced happily on her feet, her smile bright. Once Ekko paid and got the Jinx’s cup, he led Isha to a bench and the two sat and ate their ice creams. He knew Jinx’s walk home always passed by here. She’d no doubt see them and join them. He couldn’t wait to see her face light up when she saw him and Isha and the treat they’d gotten her. He couldn’t wait to see the smile on her lips and hear her laughter as she made fun of her clients at the machine shop like she always did. He couldn’t wait to sit beside her and have her so close that they could touch. A young woman approached the bench after a few moments, but it wasn’t her. This woman was taller and her hair was dark brown. Her eyes were pale blue and she wore a light blue suit, a gold chain swung from one of her pockets as she walked. She held herself as if the world owed her simply for existing. Ekko put an arm in front of Isha as she approached, her chin high. Her gaze rested on Ekko and she bowed. He narrowed his eyes as she did. The Kiramman crest glared at him from its spot, perfectly embroidered on her lapel. Isha stared up at her with wide and worried golden eyes, ice cream dripping down her chin.

“What do you want?” Ekko spat, keeping Isha in the corner of his eye. Whatever this was she had nothing to do with it.

“I have a message from Councilor Kiramman.” She took an envelope from her pocket and held it out for him to take. He ignored it, leaning back on the bench and squeezing Isha’s hand in hopes to reassure her.

“Councilor?” He questioned, practically spitting the word. “When’d that happen?” The messenger kept her professional mannerism as she held the letter out in the air.

“You’ve been gone for quite a while, Ekko.” Her gaze flicked down to the letter and then back to him. He glared at her as he finally took the envelope from her prissy, too-soft hand. He handed his ice cream to Isha, who took a tentative lick before wrinkling her nose in disgust, as he tore the envelope open. The Kiramman crest seal on its center broke, spreading shards of navy blue wax across his lap. The letter was short and to the point: 

I know you and Jinx have the Hextech gemstones. They have begun causing problems with the Arcane that have spread to Piltover and to Zaun. Return the stones before Progress Day. The Council will not hesitate to use force if necessary. 

The letter was signed by one lone name: Caitlyn Kiramman. That portal really had pissed off the Arcane. If the energy spread far enough to affect Piltover, it must’ve reached at least three thousand miles. The energy probably hit a radius. Other lands probably got hit too. What had that device done? Why didn’t he regret it? Then someone in the crowd caught his attention. Her blue hair was down, brushing against her collarbone, and her pink eyes recognized him immediately. She waved eagerly and quickened her pace toward him as he returned her wave with a smile.

“Leave.” Ekko ordered the messenger.

“I-I’m sorry?” She stuttered.

“Leave.” He repeated and she obeyed with a bow, disappearing into the foot traffic that moved through the market. He swiftly shoved the letter into his pocket as Jinx came over. She put her hands on her hips and gave Isha a smile.

“Who was that?” She asked him.

“Just some lady tryna sell something.” He lied. Jinx didn’t need to worry about Piltover or the Council. She was finally happy and free from them. He wouldn’t worry her with that. He’d sort it out himself and she’d be none the wiser. “Here.” He handed her the cup of cotton candy ice cream. Its cone stuck up from the melting treat.

“Thanks.” She sat on Isha’s other side, placing the girl between them. Isha handed Ekko back his cone as Jinx rambled. “You would not believe how many people tried me today at work. It was insane.” Isha took her hand and squeezed it. “How was your day, Bunny?” Jinx asked and Isha shrugged.

“Kinda boring.” 

“Boring?” The young woman questioned playfully. “What’d he make you do?”

“Shopping.”

“Ugh.” Jinx groaned. “Yeah, that sounds pretty boring.”

“What about the ice cream?” Ekko teased.

“That was the only fun part.” Isha licked her melting cone again.

“Wow.” Ekko chuckled. “I guess I’ve gotta step up my game.”

“Sounds like you do, Boy Savior.” Jinx chimed in.

“We also met your friend.” Isha added, beginning to chew her cone.

“My friend?”

“Lux.” The little girl clarified.

“Oh. What’d ya think of her, Bug?”

“She’s weird.”

“Yeah.” Jinx laughed. “She is weird.”

“She wanted to talk to you.” Ekko said.

“About what?” Jinx furrowed her brows.

“She wouldn’t tell me.” He wished he didn’t tell Jinx about Lux. The princess could handle herself. She wasn’t Jinx’s problem and she wasn’t his. Why should she worry about her? “She just wants to meet you behind Seraphine’s temple.”

“Weird.” Jinx ate her ice cream, staring at her shoes in thought.

 ——

When they arrived back at the apartment, Ekko shrugged off his jacket, laying it on the dresser beside the machine that had brought Isha back. It had begun to collect dust over the few weeks they had had her. He moved to sit at the desk with Isha on his heels, despite how her eyes followed Jinx. He picked up a few of the pieces that Jinx had brought for the portal and began tinkering with them. Isha clawed at the desk, trying to get a better view. He turned and showed her what he was working on.

“What is it?” She asked.

“A surprise for Mama.” Ekko whispered and the girl giggled. “Do you wanna help?” He offered and her eyes lit up as she began to bounce on her feet. He handed her the contraption, which would soon be filled with paint and glitter, and a screwdriver. Surely she’d love a taste of her old chaos. He pointed to a screw along the side of it. “Twist this one so that it’s tighter.” He instructed and the girl obeyed, her knuckles white as she gripped the tool too tightly. “That’s good.” Ekko said, after a minute, taking the machine back and twisting on a new piece. When he turned back to Isha, she held a pink oil crayon in one hand and a green one in the other. She tilted her head slightly, as if asking him for permission. He smiled and gave her the contraption and she happily doodled away as he began cleaning off the desk. Jinx had braided her hair back and now wore his jacket as she strode around the apartment, allowing the too-big jacket to flow behind her. Eventually she sat on the desk and crossed her legs, leaning back on her palms. Isha handed him back the metal which was now decorated with crowns, swirls, hourglasses, and smiley faces with X’s for eyes. He turned it over in his hands and playfully pushed down her helmet.

“Perfect.” He complimented, taking up a tool and continuing his work.

“What are ya makin’?” Jinx asked.

“I can’t tell you.” He smiled, keeping his eyes on his project and ignoring the beating of his heart. “It’s a surprise.” He explained and she laughed. He looked up at her. The braids she had just done swayed as she bent toward him.

“What is it really?” She was close enough that he could feel her breath on his cheek.

“I can’t tell you.” He repeated. “That’ll ruin the surprise.”

“If you say so, Timeboy.” She sat up and shifted her gaze to the ceiling. He stared at her for a moment, before snapping from his thoughts.

“Isn’t that my jacket?” He accused, despite his smile.

“I told you, Boy Savior.” She pointed to the drawings she’d added, her blue cloud and her signature along the sleeve. “It’s mine now.” She smirked smugly. Then the letter slipped from his pocket. The neatly folded paper slid onto the desk and he lurched for it, grinding the chair against the wooden floor, but she was faster. Her smug smile faded as she read. Her face fell and she took Isha’s arm and dragged the girl away from her art and away from him despite her complaints. Her grip on the girl’s arm made the skin turn red.

“What is this?” She asked, her voice low and threatening as she held the letter up.

“I-I don’t know. I just–”

“Don’t lie to me, Ekko.” She growled. “What is this?” The paper crumpled under her grip.

“I promise, I don’t know.” He explained. Her eyes were bright as shimmer ran through her veins. Her arm blocked Isha from him. Despite how the girl signed, she didn’t even turn. “I don’t know how Caitlyn found me,” He held up his hands, trying to stay calm. “But she just wants the stones. That’s it.”

“Caitlyn?” She laughed, but it wasn’t right. How could she laugh right now? “So you’re talking with the Pilties now?”

“What? No. I just had to negotiate with her.”

“Over what?” She fully crumbled the letter, tossing it to the ground. “Me?”

“No, no!” Ekko fervently shook his head. “I never told her about you.”

“Then how’d she know I’m here too?” Jinx questioned, her brows drawn and her movements harsh and sharp.

“I don’t know!” He cried, spreading his arms. 

“Who was that back in town?” She demanded. Then when he didn’t answer right away she asked again, louder. “Who was that back in town?!”

“She was a messenger.” He explained, trying to stay calm.

“You told the Kiramman about Isha! Didn’t you?” She accused, flinching back from something he couldn’t see. Her breaths were heavy and her whole body shook with something between fear and adrenaline.

“I didn’t tell her anything.” Ekko muttered, careful to not trigger anything else for her.

“Shut up!” She shouted, though he wasn’t sure that was for him. Her bright eyes darted around the room, focusing on things he couldn’t see.

“Jinx.” He took a step forward and reached out for her. “Just calm down. I’ve got you. I–” She shoved his hands away, finally meeting his eyes.

“You were gonna give me to them.” She mumbled under her breath.

“What? Jinx, I would never–”

“Stop lying to me!” She cried, running a hand through her, now ruined, braids. The ghost of a smile was stuck on her lips as she gripped her hair. Isha reached for him, but Jinx wouldn’t let the girl move. “You were gonna give me up! You were gonna leave me!” 

“Jinx,” He tried again, his hands raised in surrender. “I would never let them have you.”

“You’re a liar!” She shouted. “A liar! Liar! Liar!” She laughed as pink-stained tears ran down her cheeks. “You only wanted Isha to get to me. Right? That’s all she is to you. A pawn. You just want the stupid Pilties’ bounty.” The little girl quivered from behind Jinx, her golden eyes full of panic and confusion. He stood in stunned silence, watching her tears patter against the floor, unable to do anything. Hell, she wouldn’t let him take a step forward. 

“I told you not to come here.” Her voice cracked. “Why couldn’t you just let me disappear? It was only a matter of time before one of us ruined it!” She cackled as she blinked the tears from her eyes. How had it fallen apart so quickly? She never did want him here. Never really trusted him. Never really wanted him. He was just temporary. Just someone she wanted to forget. Someone she wanted to forget her. Just an obstacle in her way. After all, why would she trust him after he’d left her time and time again?