"How does it feel, kid?" Sevika questions as she leans forward with her elbows on her knees, lighting her cigar. It's rare for her to sit in her usual spot these days. From her posture and the relief she exudes as she crashed onto the couch, I could tell that she missed this place. However, I loathe to call this office home.
"It feels wrong." I replied as I set aside another inventory report. This is Silco's throne, his domicile of schemes and intrigue.
Sevika blew out a ring of smoke. "You'll grow into it; give it a few more years."
Looking down at another flattering piece of paper, it's another request.
"How much growing do I need?" I asked as I read a request from Claggor. He's asking for specific parts for a chamber of his own. From the items listed, it has Ekko's mind all over it. I sighed as I grabbed a pen and signed my name on the lines. With everything in my soul, I hope that Claggor came up with this himself.
"Usually, kids can't wait to grow up," she pointed out.
"And now, you see what happens when regret sets in." I replied as I placed the request sheet to the side and grabbed another sheet of paper.
"Yet, you do most of the paperwork," she reminds me as she knocked ash off into the ashtray.
"Are you volunteering out of charity?" I asked, as I wouldn't mind Sevika's hidden talent in tolerating the monotony of signing papers to be sent back and forth between people and places.
"Depends." She blew out a torrent of smoke this time. "Do you pay volunteers?"
My eyes sharpened as a few calculations caught my attention. "Only if their name is Sevika."
She stood up and walked over next to me. "Is something up?"
The tone in her voice suggests that I might react in a manner that requires a physical solution.
"Someone's playing with my sparks." I analyzed as I ran the numbers in my head again and arrived at the same conclusion. It's being done in Zaun, but the titleholder is a company in Piltover.
"What do you want me to do about it?" she asks with practiced preparation in her voice.
"Personally." I placed the pen in a cup beside my lamp. "I want to handle this myself."
"When you handle things, we lose money and customers," she pointed out.
"When I handle things, it reinforces obedience. Come on." I lean back in his throne. "You should be used to this by now."
Sevika put out the cigar against the back of her glove and picked up the paper. "My time on the council taught me new ways of handling top-siders. Especially their nobles."
"So, they play by different rules?" I acknowledged more than I asked.
"You know they do," she confirmed as she read the report and pocketed the paper. "That's why they need a reminder from a trusted face, rather than..."
"A kid?" I finished her sentence.
"A kid that chooses when to act before thinking." She dropped the cigar in the bin beside my desk. "Come on, we're done for the day."
I looked out the window to see the sun setting. "Already?"
"Yeah, already." She grabbed my jacket off the hanger. "Let's get moving."
"Fine, fine." I fell to my feet. Huh, is this chair getting smaller? "You might as well be in that chair, since you like to boss me around all the time."
She placed the jacket on me. "Come on, arms out."
"Yes, Mom." I whined disgruntledly as I pushed my arms out into the sleeves of the jacket. I don't know how he managed, but after Silco coerced me into a suit store, he put me in this thing. It looks off, but it's functional. A mash between a business suit and my preferred overalls. It looks weird, but Sevika insists that it looks professional. More importantly, she likes it, so there's that too.
"Always a smartass," she said with a smirk as we made our way to the first floor.
As we pass our employees, I've noticed a shift in behavior; they seem to be, well, behaving. No usual brash attitude, threats, shouting, or generally gut-wrenching behavior. They are suspiciously nice. The adults performed all the heavy lifting, while the children made perfect chambers of all authorized sizes. The factory runs as a smooth engine of ingenuity. All too perfect for my liking.
"Excuse me, sir." Our mailman greeted me with an envelope and proceeded to deliver the rest to the mailroom.
"Just had to get one under my nose, huh?" I grumbled as we reached the front door.
"Welcome to the working world, Owen." She stretched her long arm out and opened the door.
The security team greeted me with the usual marks of respect. It isn't just me; Sevika can sense it too, I know she can. Generally, I don't ask them if they saw anything suspicious; that would require trust. Frankly, I'm rather vulnerable in that area. An untrustworthy group of roughnecks is a happy accident just waiting for me. The only reason why they tolerate me is because of Silco and Sevika. If I were to allow my paranoia to take over, I could guess their strategy. They're using me to fortify his factory, incorporating my technology into his palace. When I have nothing left to give, I'm screwed. He made his mind up years ago; he wants me gone. He'll make it look like an accident; he's good at that, but so am I.
"So you do like to live in your head," she said as she patted my shoulder, pulling me closer as I was about to bump into someone.
"Great, who told you?" I asked.
"Vander, then Silco. I didn't believe it until I saw you do it in front of the council," she confessed.
Her grip is firm and secure. Don't know what to make of this. She's really worried about me, huh?
"I've got a lot on my mind. I have to read people and papers. All of that is melting together." I explained as we approached the Last Drop.
"Take tomorrow off." She more or less ordered rather than suggested as we came to a stop in front of the door.
"I don't have days off." I exclaimed.
"You're right, first thing in the morning, it's the usual," she announced as she crossed her arms.
"You want to hurt me again." I said with a playful pout.
"Keep that up and I'll hurt you for real," she warned with a glare.
"Sparring is supposed to be educational, not a death sentence." I chastised
"Ha!" Sevika covered her mouth as if she were embarrassed of laughing out loud. "Don't worry, you'll feel the difference."
I watched her walk away as I contemplated my will tonight. When I entered the bar, I was amazed by all the decorations the Drop underwent. Brand-new equipment replaced the old and true relics. A new music machine, a lighting system, and a few innovative drink dispensers are making Vander's job irrelevant. It's busy in here; families are having their own party in their booths, while the floor looks to explode in celebration at any moment. It's so lively; I feel out of place in it. Then there they are, talking and laughing while stuffing their faces with edible-looking food. The people that saved me from being just another body to dump in the gutter. I'm not done giving them what they deserve. Mylo finally grew a spine to talk to the waitress with the dreads. And wouldn't you know it? She seems to be enjoying his company for the moment. Claggor's back onto the counter, like a proud older brother, keeping track of his progress. Each second that ticks by, Mylo seems to ease into the conversation, not so tense with nervous energy, but excited that he finally broke through his anxious barrier. Vi is engaged with Vander about something important. It doesn't appear to be anything serious, maybe. Can't tell at this distance; their faces have to be—
"HEY!" I jumped at the sudden realization that I had been ambushed by the blue muffin. "Stop being a stranger and come eat!"
She grabs my hand and pulls me through the crowd. Stop being a stranger, huh? I have been a stranger lately, haven't I? The days have flown by. I've worked so hard for so long that I haven't noticed how much I've missed. Has everyone's hair gotten a bit longer?
"There he is!" Vi managed to clearly voice while her mouth was full of food, while I stepped up on the stool.
Vander placed a hearty bowl of protein stew in front of me. "Bulking up there, aren't you?"
Powder pats my back and waves as she dance-walks towards the jukebox.
"Really? Haven't noticed." Looking down at myself, the changes aren't all that noticeable. He moved on to attend to a customer before I could say more.
"Are you sleeping here tonight? Or in Silco's bed?" Vi asked out of nowhere.
As soon as I shot her a death glare, she nearly laughed her face into her plate.
"Come on! You can't blame me!" She wheezed as chunks of food fell on her plate.
Watching her trying to recover from her routine, I couldn't help but be amused at her attempt to lighten my mood. I was two spoons deep till she spoke up again.
"You're getting as grumpy as Silco, dressing like him too," she pointed out.
"And that's what makes me sick." I admitted.
Vi straightened her back as she took a sip of her drink. "I would be too if I had to look like him."
"Glad you understand my burden." I replied as I paused at the strange texture of what I assumed to be meat.
"What you are feeling right now is heat, I promise." She gave me a side-eye.
I returned the spoon to my mouth, skillfully spit the meat onto the spoon, and lowered it onto a napkin.
"Hey, that's the good stuff," she promised, and I don't believe her.
"For you, I bet." I shot back as I dedicated myself to picking through the protein in this bowl. Vi giggled all the while we ate together.
"There you are!" a familiar voice called out to me.
It's Ekko; for some reason, seeing his face brought me a mixture of peace and joy. Something that I haven't felt in a while.
"Hey, it's been a while." We did our handshake.
"You need a haircut," he pointed out as he scratched the side of his head.
"Really?" Reaching up to touch my hair, I'm surprised that I haven't put much thought behind it. I almost have an Afro.
"Like you didn't notice all that," she said in skepticism.
"Been looking over a lot of things lately." I admitted as I stared into the empty bowl.
"Let me cut your hair. At least you wouldn't have to worry about that anymore," he offers.
I relaxed my shoulders. "Sounds good."
"We're going to hang out afterwards, right?" Vi asked with a longing that she shouldn't have to feel. The faint look of hurt on her face didn't linger for long, but it was there, and I feel like trash. I should find a way to make time for them.
"Of course." I forced myself to look at her. "You know what? We're going to do something wild when we're done."
That lit her face up. "What? Seriously? Like what?"
I lowered myself to the floor. "Something that will light up the sky."
Instantly, horror filled their faces.
"Don't worry, it's nothing like that, I promise." I waved my hands in understanding.
"You can't scare us like that." Ekko said as he rubbed his shoulder.
"Aww, but that's what I'm good at, unfortunately." I couldn't meet Vi's gaze. "But hey, I found a new profession."
That's when I forced myself to look at her, and it is as I feared. She has the same look she had on the beach; she's afraid of me.
"It's going to be harmless fun, I promise." I tried to be as sincere as I could.
She snapped out of it. "It better be; I'm looking forward to it. Go on, get out of here."
That was her stamp of approval.
We made our way to Benzo's Pawn Shop, and wouldn't you know it, he's sleeping on the job. He's sitting on a stool while dozing off on his elbows. Benzo must have slept on the counter often, as I would be wired awake by paranoia alone. Ekko raised a finger to his mouth; I knew what he wanted to do. I made a sign to suggest that we both scream at the right moment; he agreed with a wide grin. Creeping behind him, we prepared ourselves for the moment of a lifetime. We assumed our positions and counted down from three. When Zero came, we made our voices heard.
"AHHHH!" I've never seen a man his size turn around so fast before. It was funny until I saw the metal pipe in his hand. He looked at me and the howling Ekko, whose eyes were shut tight due to his laughter. Benzo quietly placed the pipe back under the counter.
"Ekko, Owen. You two scared me half to death!" He looks to be going out of his way to play along.
"I know!" Ekko somewhat recovered from his laughing fit.
Benzo shook his head but gazed longingly at his little boy. "So, Owen, did he put you up to this?"
"We are partners in crime." I said as I pulled Ekko to my side.
"That's my boys, sticking together," he praised as he reached his arms out. I followed Ekko into Benzo's embrace. I don't know the guy much, but as far as I'm concerned, we are all family.
"We're going to be in the back; Owen needs a cut." Ekko was announced as Benzo released us.
"He, uh, oh." He looks at me. "Oh, well, go easy on him."
"What do you mean? I know what I'm doing." Ekko said with confidence as he drags me to the back. I look at Benzo for elaboration, but he has a sly smile on his face. That was an expression that carries more of an exaggerated threat of deceptive danger, I hope. In the back room, there is a spacious area that looks more like an inventory room.
"This is where we keep our stuff." Ekko voiced my guess correctly. As he closed the door, we made our way to the second room. "This is Benzo's room."
There's a lot of old stuff in here. Incomplete devices are scattered on top of shelves. Pictures and journals are stacked in the corner, nearly touching the ceiling. His bed isn't as big as it should be, nor is his room. He closed the door as we proceeded further.
"And this is my room." "Ekko!" he announced as he hopped on a mini trampoline and landed on his bed, while his shoes left him midair.
I applaud him. "You were waiting to show someone that trick, weren't you?"
He shrugged as he stepped off his bed and grabbed a chair. "Powder has seen it."
"Had Powder over a few times, huh?" I asked as I sat down on the chair he provided.
"Yeah, she's my best friend." He stated it as if it should be obvious as he grabbed a little box from under his bed. What he pulled out is a contraption that appears to be bladed; it's difficult to describe, as I've never seen something like it before.
"This cuts hair." He turns it on, and it makes buzzing sounds. "See?"
"Right..." I hope he knows what he's doing. He placed something on it, some kind of cover? A guard?
"Now, hold still," he requests as he approaches me. Doing as he asked, I remained as still as I could. The device touched my head and ran from the back of my head to the front. Then, a roll of my hair fell onto my lap.
"See? You're going to look great when I'm done," he claimed as he continued cutting my hair.
Because I don't know when to keep my mouth shut, I had to let it talk. "Sorry, I haven't been here for you all."
"What do you mean? We're building Zaun together like you said we would." He reminds me.
"We are, but I imagine that we would be doing it closer, side by side. Not at a distance like this." I disclosed as I felt half of my head breathing in the smog air.
"I get it, but things are good, and it's only going to get even better." Ekko encouraged me, as he pulled my ear down, to get the hard-to-reach patch of hair.
"That's what I'm aiming for, better, beyond better, actually." I won't stop until Zaun becomes the capital.
"Now it sounds like you want us to work harder," he complains as he shifts to the other side.
"Is that so wrong?" I tease.
"Uh, yeah? We barely have any time to play," he pointed out.
That hit me in the chest. "I'll make it up to you all, I promise."
"Yeah, I heard about your promises," he said as he was about finished.
"Let me guess, from our special blue friend?" I inquired.
He chuckled as he brushed the hair off my head. "Yeah, she is special alright. You can wash your head now."
Moving over to the sink, I ran the water. He was quiet, but I know he wants to talk about her, and so do I.
"Is she special to you?" I asked as I waited for the water to get warmer.
Ekko let the question hang in the air a bit too long. "Yeah, she is."
"Sure sounds like it." I assumed the water was taking its sweet time getting warm.
"What are you wanting me to say?" he asks, sounding rather irritated.
I turn the water off. "I just want to know how things are between you two."
Silence settles in. Thanks to that, I get to hear the building breathe. The winds outside blew enough to be heard, but not enough to shake the place. Can't avoid this.
"How is she?" I asked again as I turned to face him.
He seems visibly agitated. "She's changed."
"She mentioned that once before." I informed him as I kept my eyes on him. Ekko has grown a bit, but not enough to make me worry. However, I shouldn't underestimate anyone, especially him. If we come to blows, I doubt that the noise would penetrate through to Benzo. Ekko shut three doors, putting two rooms between us and Benzo; he planned this.
"She used to," he begins, pacing. "She used to cry out of nowhere and start hitting her head."
I don't know what to do or say about this. Powder has always seemed somewhat normal around me, besides the whole bomb prototypes.
"I couldn't do anything about that." He starts blinking rapidly. "I couldn't help her, but then you came along."
Talking now might cause him to lash out at me.
"You helped her when I couldn't." He placed the device back into the box. "I'm sorry."
I watch him put the box under his bed, and then in a swift motion, he crashes into me. Not wanting to hurt Ekko, I'm prepared to grapple with him. As it turns out, he only wanted to hug me, quite aggressively, I might add.
"You have to help her, please," he begs. Great, he's begging and crying, two things I still detest.
I start rubbing his back. "Can't do it alone; we all have to be together."
"I don't know what's wrong; I don't know what's wrong with her." He continues as I felt my shoulder getting wet.
"It's simple, we need to work closer together, that's all." I concluded it's happening again. Memories of that future flood my mind. Distancing myself from Powder turns her into that monster, Jinx. Leaving her with Vi to be continuously insulted by Mylo, then there are the hexorbs that sealed our fates. Once again, I miscalculated. If I am to avoid that future, I have to keep Powder glued to me, like a second skin. But am I doing this because I care for her? Or is this to avoid the future? There is duty, and then there is the affection that I still share for her. However, it has changed, and it worries me. Powder will find out, if she hasn't already. I don't feel the same for her as I once had because of what I speculated in that med room. Just speculation, no proof at all. What Ekko is alluding to is all I have to go by. He wants to tell me, but he can't bring himself to say it. That's why he's hugging me and crying, like a child wanting to avoid punishment. Losing Powder to insanity is tearing him apart; perhaps losing me due to betrayal will set him off as well.
"I'll take care of it, okay? I pat the back of his head. "Don't you worry anymore."
It took him a while, but eventually, he calmed down and released me.
Looking at my damp shoulder, I sighed heavily. "All this better be just your tears."
He smiles as he wipes his face. "It's all my eyes."
"Better be." I warned as I returned to the sink.
"It doesn't get hot." Ekko spoke up.
"And now you tell me?" I complained as I turned the water on anyway and washed my hair and my troubles down the drain.
"Alright, so what are we doing?" Mylo asks as he keeps watch around the corner.
Everything is here; all we have to do now is assemble this all together.
"We're going to give these topsiders a light show of a lifetime." I stated as I began constructing the custom launchpad to the firework box.
"There you go again." Vi grumbles as she proceeds to do her part.
"This is kind of pushing it." Claggor nervously hands Powder a screw.
She receives it fluidly as her focus becomes her worst enemy. Vi and Ekko aren't working as hard as her. With hands flying across the rockets, she has to wait for everyone else to catch up. She doesn't want to mess this up, even if it's just for fun. Ekko reaches in to secure the wires to the antenna whenever Powder allows it.
"This is going to be badass," she said mostly to herself.
Vi softly slapped her arm as she shook her head. I chose a spot that no one paid much attention to. Around this area, the antenna should be able to receive the signal. It's not near any residential buildings or businesses. Just a place where construction lingers between abandonment and continuation.
"Alright, Mylo, it's your turn." I announced.
As soon as he knelt beside me, Vi got up to take his place.
"And all this baby needs is my signature," he boasts as his fingers work diligently on securing the gears and locks properly. He moves just as efficiently, if not more so, due to his ability to feel for weaknesses in machines. Looking up at Powder, I manage to catch her eye, only briefly, before she returns her gaze towards the box.
"And done," he announced as he pulled his hand back and lifted the lid from the ground. Together, Powder, Ekko, Mylo, and I placed the lid over the rockets, making sure that they aligned with the openings.
"Finished?" Vi looks back at us. Ekko gave her a thumbs-up. "Then let's go."
In our usual formation, we retreat towards Zaun. Powder began applying the finishing touches to the trigger. While she did so, I couldn't help but notice her hesitance to continue our unspoken affectionate game. It was our thing to bump into one another and brush skin. Ekko seems to have no problem participating. Powder, however, only managed to do it once and stopped after that. Maybe it was out of habit, and now she's putting in conscious effort to avoid me. Enforcers regard us with mild suspicion as we pass by, just like any other group of kids. I suppose it also helped that I dress apart too.
As we reached Zaun, Vi spoke up. "Alright, do we do it here?"
"No, we need to get a bit closer, over here." I lead us to a house that is aligned, more or less, to the construction site. "This is perfect."
We just stood there, watching the construction site, waiting for it to catch fire.
"Powder, if you please." I requested as I pressed my hands together.
"It's ready," she informed as she primed the trigger. All she needs to do now is pull.
I nod my head. Vi laid a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. That's all she needed to pull the trigger. We waited, but nothing happened.
"It takes a while for the signal to catch it." Powder informed, she pulled it again.
Mylo sighed loudly as he crossed his arms. Given that he understands how much of an impact he has on Powder's self-esteem, he chooses to remain silent, for now anyways. We waited for over a minute in silence before someone spoke up.
"The smog isn't as heavy anymore." Claggor mentioned as tension and boredom fill the air instead.
"You know—" Mylo began.
"Don't start." Vi commanded as she gave Mylo a side-eye.
He threw his hands up and began to pace behind us. Powder lowered her head and looked over the build of the trigger.
"I got it right; I know I did." Worry and frustration began to settle in her chest.
"We just have to get a bit closer. I bet that's—" Ekko suggests it before sounds of explosions begin to erupt across the bridge. It grabbed our attention, as what followed the sounds were brilliant lights that streamed into the sky.
"WHOA!" they all collectively chant in wonderment.
When the rockets reached the peak of their flight, another explosion followed. It was louder than the launch and more colorful. The explosion expands into a flower formation, blooming wide in a display that temporarily lit up the sky. Gasps of awe and screams of terror erupted from the crowds in the streets. Most didn't know what was happening, but there are some who appreciate something spectacular and unexpected. Powder lowered her hands to her sides, her mouth wide open in awe. Looking over at her, the brilliant lights illuminated her face, making her appear radiant and otherworldly. Taking a chance, I stepped closer to her and bumped my hand against her. Awareness returned to her, lowering her gaze from the blazing sky to my hand. I felt the reluctance in her hand; she wanted to make the effort, but the fear of securing what was once ours was holding her back. As she raised her eyes to meet mine, I couldn't help but show her how I feel. She pulled her head away but locked her pinky around mine. It's a small step towards what needs to be explored. Then, unexpectedly, Vi lowered her arm from Powder's shoulder and pushed her into me. Powder looks back at her in annoyance. Vi responds with a smile and nods her head to the side. Turning towards me, she struggles to meet my gaze.
"You want to go?" I asked over the sounds of the growing cheers, screams, and explosions.
She nods her head. "Yeah."
As we turn to leave, I don't look back. Powder kept her head down. Her legs move with a stiffness that I've never seen before. Going out of my way, I move my fingers to grab her entire hand. When I felt Powder meet the effort, a welcoming sensation of our hands fully connecting brought me back to the moment where it was pure and natural. The affection that was meant to be special, between only us. It was meant to be special. We arrived at our glamorous spot of dirt, the hill that looks over Zaun. We sat down in silence. All was still, except our fingers, which were tracing circles over the knuckles. I can feel her fear as well as her feeling mine. This distance has to be sealed, it can't go on like this. Before I could formulate a word, Powder burst out in a laughing fit.
"At least you enjoyed yourself." Finally, some levity.
But as she turns her face to me, she reveals herself to be stuck between laughter and crying. Her confusion and pain were evident on her face. What the hell is going on? Bringing her left hand to her mouth, she began feeling her face, in disbelief of what she was experiencing. Shaking her head, she mouthed the word "what," as she was at a loss on what to do from here. I pulled her head onto my chest.
"Stay with me, Powder. I'm here." I reassured her as she released her screams and tears onto me.
As I hold onto her, feeling my chest growing wet with every second that passes, I am overwhelmed with a sensation that is hauntingly familiar. Memories of that dreaded future's past creep to the front of my mind.
The horizon, Zaun, Piltover, flashes of that future replace the world as I know it. I am in a body that's built strong to fight a war that should have never happened. My mind has been scrambled and scarred beyond comprehension. Horrors, nostalgia, and sorrows alike fill my heart, nearly to the point of giving out. In my arms cries the psychotic terrorist, who can't bring herself to cease her desire for chaos. Her long braided blue hair lies on the ground, covered in dirt.
"I can't keep losing people like this, Jinx; it has to stop." I declared, but with a lower voice that would have shaken mountains, but now it barely shook my bearded chin. Jinx raised her head, revealing her ruined makeup from all the crying. Her circular face was now angled and mature. She sits with her thinning but deceptively athletic frame as closely as she can. Whether it's out of fear of letting go or anticipation of an assault. I honestly couldn't tell.
"I can't stop," she admitted, with a raspy voice, as if she had taken up smoking.
"Don't say that, please." I beg as I cup her face with my right hand. Her blue-grey eyes appear as innocent as I remember.
For the first time, she smiles without the intent to kill. Grabbing my hand, she kisses it.
"You begged. Thought that was your biggest turnoff?" she chastised.
"That rule doesn't apply to me." I retorted.
"Rules, huh?" She looked down at the ground. "Vi was all about rules." "Vi was all about rules," she repeated softly, her voice tinged with sadness. I could see the pain in her eyes, a reminder of the past we both tried to forget. It was then that I realized how much she had changed since our last encounter. Her demeanor was no longer cold and calculating but warm and vulnerable, a stark contrast to the woman I once knew. As she looked up at me, I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes, a silent plea for understanding and forgiveness. Despite everything that had happened between us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of compassion towards her, knowing that we were both victims of our own mistakes and regrets. In that moment, I knew that it was time to let go of the resentment and anger that had consumed me for so long and to finally move forward with a sense of peace and closure. rather vulnerable and raw. The walls she had built around herself were slowly crumbling, revealing a side of her I never knew existed.
"Stop." I hugged her tighter, hating that I did so. "Just stop."
"That's more like it, demand it," she said as that smile spread across her face. I know what's coming next. She truly can't help herself. Something else has taken over. A wrongness has poisoned her soul. This can't be her. That's when it dawned on me—of course it isn't. It's Jinx, not Powder. I'm in love with Powder, not the monster who killed her. I looked down at her manic smile and grabbed her face.
"Before you lose your mind again, just give me this." I request as I lower my lips onto hers. This time, she didn't bite through my lip. As I pulled back, everything shifted instantaneously, as if I was always here. All was as it should be when I pulled away to see Powder's face, now calm and soft.
"I hate that monster," she admitted as she threw me to the ground with her embrace.