It was the Firelights' usual gathering day again.
Van sat behind the bar with a heavy heart, watching the Firelights trickle into the Last Drop, laughing and shoving each other as they came.
"Hey, shorty. How are you still the same height?"
"It's been one week. What exactly am I supposed to eat to grow that fast?"
Ekko scoffed at Jinx's teasing. He had always been bothered by his height, but by now he was slowly getting used to it.
His goal was to become an excellent successor to the Lanes. If only he could be like Van, able to scare off half the room just by standing there.
Sadly, some things could not be forced. So he had settled for putting more work into the soles of his boots.
"Hey! Gert! What are you looking at?"
Jinx threw an arm around the neck of a dark-skinned girl and asked.
"Mm-hm~"
Gert simply held up the drawing in her hand for Jinx to see. On the paper was a detailed, beautiful bluebird.
"That's gorgeous! Who drew it?"
"Van."
"Van? What's he giving you that for?"
"What do you think?"
Gert was a well-known tattoo artist in the Lanes.
"Van's getting another tattoo? I remember he already has a bunch. Let me think… an eye on his right chest, Zaun's symbol on his shoulder, an axe, mechanical gears around his waist and stomach… Is this going on his back?"
"Exactly."
Gert confirmed it. The drawing was very fine, and it looked like Van had put a lot of effort into it.
Of course, turning that drawing into a tattoo on Van's body would take even more effort. Still, if she was tattooing Van, Gert had to give it everything she had.
"It looks amazing! Gert, how about putting one on my back too?"
"No, Powder. Last time I tattooed those clouds on you, Van gave me no end of trouble for it… Besides, Van has broad shoulders and a wide back. Your little body can't fit this."
"Come on! Just simplify it. Give me a smaller one."
"Only if Van agrees."
"Don't worry. I just need to act cute a little and he'll say yes."
Jinx snickered, then pounced over to the bar.
"Hi, Van! Long time no see!"
"It's only been a week…"
"A week isn't short… You look like you're in a bad mood."
"It's nothing. Just… thinking about things."
Van took out his lighter and lit the pipe between his teeth.
"Ooh! Pretty lighter. Looks expensive. Rare to see you spending money on yourself."
Van smiled a little stiffly and put the lighter back into his pocket.
"Hey~ Don't make that face. If something's wrong, just say it."
"I do have something to announce today."
"Ooh! Big announcement!"
Jinx jumped onto the bar, threw one arm up, and shouted.
"Everyone, come here, come here, come here! Torvan has a big announcement!"
"Uh…"
Van watched the Firelights gather around, then glanced awkwardly at Jinx, who had made herself the center of attention.
He had planned to wait until everyone had finished drinking and having fun before saying anything.
"All right! Everyone's here. You may now give your speech."
Jinx pressed her fingers together under her chin and stared at Van.
Van looked slowly over everyone present. Then he took a drag from his pipe and gave Jinx a meaningful look.
Just that look was enough for Jinx to realize something was wrong.
"…What is it?"
"I…"
Van took another drag. Under the eyes of the Firelights, he slowly rose to his feet.
"In a few days, I'll be going topside… for Zaun's future."
The moment he finished, the whole tavern went silent.
Everyone froze where they stood, stunned by the sudden news.
Jinx most of all. Her expression locked in place, her eyes drifted, and disbelief filled her pupils.
"The Lanes look prosperous on the surface, but beneath that, danger is everywhere. I don't want the Lanes to end up like the rest of the Undercity. I don't want Zaun to keep rotting like this forever. So… it's time to take this step."
Van's gaze swept across them, firm and leaving no room for argument.
"I'm informing you, but I'm willing to hear what you have to say."
"How can you do this?"
Sati was the first to speak, jumping in the instant Van allowed it.
"The Lanes need you. All of us need you. How can you just—"
With Sati opening the door, the others immediately began talking over one another. All of them were trying to convince Van not to leave, saying it was fine for him to stay in the Lanes, that things did not have to change.
Only Jinx remained frozen. Scar kept his face cold and said nothing. Ekko stared deeply at Van and stayed silent too.
"All right. You've said enough. I don't want to hear more."
Van lightly tapped his pipe against the counter, and the room quieted down in an instant.
"Ekko. I want to hear from you."
"I…"
Ekko looked at the Firelights staring at him, then at Van's eyes. He pressed his lips together and finally forced the words out.
"If you go topside… I can probably handle the Lanes."
"What the hell, Ekko? What the hell are you saying?"
"Good. Then it's decided."
Van cut off the voices turning on Ekko and gave him a nod.
"Come with me later. I need to speak with you."
Under the Firelights' stares, Ekko nodded back just as firmly.
"Heh… You two planned this already, didn't you?"
Jinx, who had kept her head lowered in silence until now, spoke in a heavy voice and slowly lifted her head.
"You'll let Ekko take your place so you can go topside. Is that it?"
"Powder…"
"I was wondering why you were suddenly willing to spend money on yourself. That fancy lighter, all gold and silver… Let me guess. That topside girl gave it to you?"
Jinx stared coldly at Van.
Van kept smoking and did not deny it.
Ekko could not keep watching and tried to speak.
"Powder, don't—"
"You shut up! Ekko, I'm not talking to you!"
Jinx stood up and looked straight at Van.
"So in the end, you've already decided to leave. You're going topside no matter what, right?"
Her eyes reddened. Beneath that cold stare was a deep, bitter disappointment.
Van had thought he might feel guilty. But in that moment, he found he could meet Jinx's eyes without shame.
"Liar!"
Jinx swept the bottles and cups off the table, sending them crashing to the floor. Then she shoved through the crowd, threw the door open, and rushed out of the Last Drop.
"Powder! …Damn it."
Ekko stomped once and moved to follow her.
"Come back, Ekko."
Van, who had stayed silent until then, spoke in a low voice and stopped him.
"Let her calm down on her own… Come with me. I still have things to tell you."
[End of chapter]