Caitlyn was not a person that easily run out of patience. If anything, she was willing to wait for as long as it took in order to achieve her goals. The hunt of Ezreal had lasted endless months, almost a year now. The only fugitive that had been able to avoid arrest for so long, she had to give him that. He had acted carefully and hidden very well. That was why Caitlyn couldn't understand why he was acting so recklessly all out of a sudden.
It hadn't been so hard to locate him since they had eyes and ears practically everywhere. And of course, Ezreal has not alone. His PROJECT companions were always at his side. They were scheming something, Caitlyn was sure of that. A couple of days ago, news came that the infamous Norman Rose had been murdered right inside his luxurious mansions. According to eyewitnesses, this was the job of a couple of PROJECTS, although their identities remained unknown. She had first hand information about the incident through Vi that had been extremely busy due to it. And although she was relieved that such a man was exterminated, Caitlyn couldn't help but worry.
It had been very obvious that the PROJECTS targeted people that were directly related to the PROJECT corporation. The three scientists first, now Norman Rose and they didn't seem to be willing to stop there. It was worrying. Would they be satisfied if the entire company was drowned in blood? As much as Caitlyn didn't agree with their tactics, something like that was hideous. And even though she had agreed not to involve herself with catching the deviants, the recent events only proved how more dangerous they were and how much more preparation they needed before even trying to apprehend Ezreal.
Another thing Caitlyn couldn't wrap her head around was the reason why the boy bothered to help with whatever the PROJECT initials were preparing. He was a thief for all she knew, not a terrorist nor a sort of avenger. Was this a way of paying back for the protection he received? It was a possible answer, although she wasn't entirely sure if his help would mean anything to them. They had proven so far that they didn't need anyone's help as long as they sticked together, which was a major problem.
Which gave Caitlyn an idea.
As the days passed, the suspicious activity didn't die out. In fact, it felt like the PROJECTS slowly returned back to the city from wherever they had been hiding all this time. It worried Caitlyn even more but that way they could gain more information about their whereabouts and their plans. Keeping a close eye on them though proved to be a much tougher task that they had initially anticipated. The amount of times they had almost been caught was overwhelming. Caitlyn was sure the deviants knew they were being tailed after but they didn't do anything about it. Didn't they care? Or did they simply not consider the TPA agents such a great threat? Either way, Caitlyn was sure to make them pay for making such a mistake.
"So, what have we gathered so far?" Caitlyn asked during one of their last meetings.
"Well, we do know that the PROJECTS are back in town and they've been keeping themselves busy," Shen responded.
"And we know that for some odd reason they've been collecting all sorts of explosives," Riven added, tapping her chin.
"Which can't be any good," Twisted Fate commented. "If they're getting themselves explosives, it means that something big and nasty is about to go out and we can't just let it happen."
"Tobias is right. We won't let it happen. Which is why we need to get to Ezreal first," said Caitlyn.
"Do you think that getting him out of the way will actually stop them?" Shen asked in disbelief.
"We can't be sure," Caitlyn admitted. "But if he wasn't important to them, I assume they wouldn't keep him around. Therefore, I believe that losing him would temporarily postpone whatever plan they've got."
"I have to agree with Caitlyn on that one," Riven declared. Caitlyn looked over her. They had come a long way and she was glad they could have civilized conversations with each other and even agree sometimes.
Shen shrugged. "Fair enough, I guess. So, how are we doing this? How do we get Ezreal?"
"It should be done as soon as possible," Caitlyn suggested. "One of those days, preferably. They probably already know that we're after them but they won't expect us attack. In other words, we've got the element of surprise on our side."
"That's good but how are we going to deal with all those PROJECTS?" Twisted Fate inquired.
"We won't have to. All we need to do is distract them long enough in order to get to Ezreal. Once that's done, he'll be easier to deal with on his own. We get him and we're out of there as soon as possible," Caitlyn explained. "I know this sounds like a Vi plan but it's our only option."
"It's our last chance to get him." Shen nodded in agreement.
"And I bet you will have the honors of finally arresting him, won't you Caitlyn?" Riven said teasingly.
"Nothing will bring me more satisfaction than putting this cockroach right where he belongs; begging for life." Caitlyn curled her fist into a ball. "So, I ask you this as a favor, to let me be the one to apprehend him."
"You don't need to ask twice Caitlyn," said Shen. "After all, you've earned it. You've been chasing him since forever."
"Thank you." Caitlyn nodded in appreciation.
"So this it, huh?" Twisted Fate hummed, crossing his arms across his chest.
"What do you mean by that, Tobias?" Riven asked curiously.
"It's soon going to be over. Either it's tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, Ezreal will finally be arrested and we'll split again, each one back to their own respective individual missions," he explained.
He was right, of course. Caitlyn hadn't really contemplated what would happen after that. She had solely been focused on the present and the present only. Twisted Fate was right, they'd split. Isn't that what she wanted all along? To be able to work on herself? Yet somehow, now that he had mentioned it, she dreaded that moment. She hadn't contemplated what would happen afterwards. She was a chrono-agent and yet she didn't know what the future beheld for her. But if there was one thing Caitlyn knew for sure was that this journey had changed her forever.
"Until that happens, we've got plenty of time," she said upon seeing everyone being baffled duo to Twisted Fate's words.
"And what is time even?" Twisted Fate laughed.
"Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future. Time is a component quantity of various measurements used to sequence events, to compare the duration of events or the intervals between them, and to quantify rates of change of quantities in material reality or in the conscious experience. Time is often referred to as a fourth dimension, along with three spatial dimensions," Shen responded graciously.
"Someone's done their homework," Riven pointed out.
"It would be a shame if I was unable to define time out of all people." Shen smirked even so slightly. "Alright, let's focus. We need to go over everything before we act."
"What about Vi?" Twisted Fate asked.
"I'll take care of that," Caitlyn promised.
"Oh, sure you will." Riven giggled behind her palm while Shen and Tobias shared a smirk. Caitlyn simply rolled her eyes.
"Hilarious," she deadpanned. "Can we please focus now?"
Shen cleared his throat. "Right, sorry."
They went carefully over the last details of the plan. This time there would be no backup. This was really up to them. Caitlyn could not afford risking any more lives neither failing again. They were running out of time. Another failure would probably have them removed from the case and then it would be all over.
No, this time they wouldn't fail. Caitlyn was determined. The five of them would succeed, no matter what and no matter the cost.
After agreeing on the last details, all that remained was to set this final plan into motion. But first, Caitlyn needed to inform their fifth member about the upcoming event. The call was brief with the Pulsefire promising to give more details when Vi arrived. There was no time to waste. Once that was arranged, they left their headquarters with the promise to return back there victorious.
The night fell upon them soon. Vi didn't show up until very later.
"What on earth happened to you? You're never late," Twisted Fate asked when the cop eventually met them.
"Norman Rose's murder has really been a major pain in the ass. In all my years as a police officer, I've never had to fill in so much paperwork," Vi responded. She looked stressed indeed, Caitlyn concluded. "So what is this all about? Are we really going to catch Ezreal tonight?"
"Should everything go according to the plan, then yes," Caitlyn replied. "Come on. I need to explain the plan to you before we proceed any further."
Once Caitlyn was done, Vi took a moment to analyze it better. "It's stupid and reckless. I love it." She grinned.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes. "It's not stupid per se. I agree it slightly differs from our usual strategy, however. But we seriously are running out of time."
"That's kind of an irony coming from you," Vi commented.
"She's not mistaken though," Shen interfered. "The PROJECT deviants are possibly preparing an attack that includes an overwhelming amount of explosives. We most certainly don't want that happening."
"That sounds like Jinx's idea…"
"And it seems like Ezreal plays a vital role in that plan so arresting him could possibly prevent it," Riven elaborated.
"Alright, alright, I see your point," Vi reassured with a nod. "Shall we then? As you said, we don't have time to waste."
"This way." Caitlyn guided them towards their destination which was an ammunition store nearby. When they came closer, she motioned at her partners to keep quiet.
They had to stop a block away from the spot since the area was swarming with PROJECTS loading explosives in what seemed to be a stolen truck. The entire store was surrounded by other PROJECTS covering their companions. No cars came by which was strange. It was obviously very well organized and their plan of stopping them looked like a joke. But what Caitlyn was concerned about was Ezreal's presence on the back of the store, near the side parking lot alongside another PROJECT initial that she recognized as Leona. She backed off from the corner to give her companions the last instructions.
"Listen up," Caitlyn said sternly. "Vi and I will go around the block. When we'll get there, I'll give you the signal. You know what to do afterwards."
"Shouldn't Vi come with us? I mean, she could potentially pose a threat against them, plus she's be a huge help for us," Twisted Fate asked.
"As much as I'm flattered by your words Tobias, someone needs to cover cupcake here." Vi smirked.
"Don't call me that," Caitlyn snapped even though she knew it was pointless. "Anything else? No. Let's go then. Good luck… and may we be victorious."
With those last words, they took their separate ways. Caitlyn and Vi had to rush in order to get in spot quickly enough. When they finally went around the block, they came to a sudden halt, pressing their backs against the wall. Caitlyn peeked over the corner carefully to see if Ezreal and Leona where still there. None of them had moved.
"Alright, this is it…" she said to herself, trying to slow down the beating of her heart. The moment she had anticipated for for so long. She wouldn't screw this up. She took a deep breath and then exhaled. She had forgotten that Vi was there with her for a moment until the latter gently touched her arm.
"What is it?" She asked curiously.
"There's something I need to tell you before we jump into what I presume to be the greatest shitshow so far," the police officer said and even though she made an attempt to alleviate the seriousness of her words, her expression said otherwise.
"Is there something wrong?" Caitlyn asked, now concerned.
"Not exactly. Eh…" Vi seemed to hesitate and that was not really her. "Look, I've never been great with words but I probably have to say this since we don't know how this is going to end." She casually pressed a button on her mask and it disappeared, revealing her eyes. "No matter what happens tonight, I want you to know that… that I love you."
Caitlyn was left speechless, her heartbeat skyrocketing right when she had managed to calm it down. She gaped at Vi, unable to process any words to create a proper sentence. She had completely blacked out, which had never happened to her before. Caitlyn was always confident about her words and actions. But for the first time, she didn't know what to say.
"You don't have to say it back. I just want you to know if… if anything goes south because we have a history of getting ourselves in some really troublesome situations," Vi joked, chuckling at her own joke. Caitlyn couldn't help but smile a little bit. "I'm really grateful to have met you. And even though we haven't always seen eye to eye, you somehow made my life a little bit less grey." She gave Caitlyn an awkward half smile, her cheeks painted in a fade red.
Caitlyn leaned in and pressed her lips against Vi's in a soft yet emotional kiss. She was unable to express her feelings at the moment but this was a silent promise that she would one day, sooner or later. Vi understood her so perfectly that moments like these words were completely unnecessary.
Unfortunately, real life was awaiting for them and despite the fact that they'd rather lose themselves in this blissful moment, they had a duty to fulfil. Caitlyn slowly pulled away, watching as Vi gave her a brilliant smile before her eyes disappeared yet again behind the mask.
It was time for action.
"Are you on your positions?" Caitlyn asked through her speaker.
"Ready whenever you are, Caitlyn," came Shen's voice from the other side of the line.
"Go."
The next seconds erupted in a snap. The chaos that followed was expected but even Caitlyn couldn't have imagined the fuss that was created. If they were good at one thing at least, that was exactly it, she realized. She watched carefully as Leona rushed to assist the other initials after Ezreal reassured her that he'd be alright on his own to cover their backs. How wrong he was.
Caitlyn aimed. This was way too helpless of an attempt but she ought to try. She pulled the trigger while Vi held her breath behind her. The bullet barely missed as Ezreal teleported of of the way, shock written all over his expression.
"Go," Caitlyn muttered behind her shoulder at Vi before running right towards him. Vi went to the right, towards the entrance of the parking lot in order to prevent whomever was going to come that way.
"Good evening Ezreal," Caitlyn spoke coldly.
"Oh hey, Cait. It's definitely been a while," Ezreal taunted, charging his gauntlet. He began walking in circles and Caitlyn mimicked his steps.
"Indeed. I wish I could claim that I've missed your face," she retorted.
Ezreal chuckled. "Better have a look at it well because you ain't seeing that pretty face again for a long, long time."
"You can try to run," Caitlyn challenged him. "At least, you'll make this interesting for me but keep in mind it will be no use this time. No one's here to protect you."
Caitlyn noticed how the boy looked hopefully towards the commotion, hoping that someone would show up but was disappointed to see that Vi didn't let anyone approach them. This was just him and her.
"Surrender now. It would be wise to accept the unavoidable," Caitlyn advised.
Ezreal gritted his teeth. "Never."
"Well, that's just too bad," were Caitlyn's last words before she shot again.
Oh, how she had missed their little game as they danced around shooting at each other. The thrill of the chase. If she wanted to, Ezreal would be bleeding at her feet but her orders were to bring him back alive. A combination of luck was also what had kept him safe and sound. Until now, when he had completely ran out of luck. After a couple of exchanges, Caitlyn aimed at Ezreal's gauntlet and didn't miss.
"Shit!" he cursed out loud as he realized his only mean of defense was damaged.
"That was a long time coming," Caitlyn muttered to herself as her finger was about to pull the trigger one last time before ending this one and for all. The net was ready and charged.
But what happened afterwards could have never been predicted by Caitlyn that had so carefully and thoroughly prepared everything. Not even someone so organized and observant like her could have seen this coming.
The next thing she knew was a sharp pain on her sides as she was thrown off her feet and landed to the ground. Her vision became blurry and she could barely make any voices out. She hadn't seen anyone coming, Vi hadn't said a thing! What was even going on?
Caitlyn rolled to the side, trying to get back on her feet but her body hurt. Not as much as she'd expect it it to hurt but still. She heard more voices but she couldn't identify them. She raised her throbbing head slowly.
"What are you waiting for? Run, you fool! Run!"
"Vi…?" The name escaped her lips unconsciously but that voice unmistakably belonged to her.
Caitlyn blinked several times, trying to adjust her vision. Ezreal didn't hesitate to do as he was told as Vi stood between him and his predator. Her expression was painful. No, Caitlyn simply refused to believe that Vi had just helped her arc enemy escape, hadn't just turned her gauntlets against her when moments ago she was confessing her love to her. She simply couldn't not believe it. Nothing made sense anymore.
Until it finally did.
She should have seen it since they discovered that Jinx was alive.
Riven and Shen had warned her. But she hadn't listened.
How could she be so stupid-
"Vi!" She shouted, every inch of her being filling with rage and that bitter sense of betrayal that slowly sank it. "What have you done!"
"I'm so sorry, cupcake-"
"Don't you dare! Don't you dare call me that!" Caitlyn yelled. "You helped Ezreal escape! You fucking hit me!"
Vi didn't answer, which only fueled Caitlyn with even more anger. She didn't even try to deny it. Caitlyn raised her gun. Vi was now the enemy. No, poor choice of words. She had always been the enemy. But Caitlyn had been blinded, lost in her own affairs to even notice. Riven and Shen had warned her. How could she have been so fucking stupid?
"Caitlyn," Vi tried to speak again but Caitlyn heard none of it.
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Caitlyn yelled at the top of her lungs over the overall noise coming from the street. "You betrayed me! You've been lying to me all along!"
The reality of her own words hit her harder than she expected. Everything had been a lie. All the moments they had shared, all the words, the kisses, the promises, the emotions. Everything was fake. None of it was real. Caitlyn could not believed she had been played like that. She felt like a part of herself had just been assassinated.
"I'm sorry Caitlyn! I really am!" Vi's voice broke but Caitlyn didn't sympathize. The only emotion that went through her was pure rage.
"There are not enough sorry's in this godforsaken world that can be enough for me to forgive you!" Her words broke Vi's heart but she simply didn't care at the moment. She deserved to be in pain. How could she play with her like that? "Tell me Vi, have you ever even told me the truth? Or everything has been a lie?"
"I wish I could explain to you but I can't. I'm sorry, Caitlyn. I really am. I know you don't believe me and you've got every right not to." Vi shook her head. "I wish one day I will be able to tell you the truth and the truth only. There are still many things you don't understand. Although, it's better that way."
Caitlyn could not believe her audacity. "Fuck you, Vi! Fuck you! I will kill you. Both of you and your fucking friend!" She she hissed. "Take my word for it even if it's the last thing I do!"
Vi didn't say anything. Suddenly, the store behind them exploded, setting fire to the nearby buildings. Windows shattered all around the block. Somewhere in the distance came faint sirens. The force of the explosion threw Caitlyn off her feet again she crushed on the ground again, her entire body complaining. Through the smoke and fire, Vi still stood still, like the devil moving through hell.
"Don't trust anyone Caitlyn," Vi said. "One day, you might find out the truth."
With those last words, Vi turned her back at her and walked through the fire to meet her real companions and escape through the night while Caitlyn helplessly laid there, unable to move, unable to scream or shout or say anything.
She had failed once again. She had been betrayed by the last person she ever expected. What was even left for her anymore? The angle slowly faded away and was replaced by emptiness. Not even a hint of emotion. Caitlyn was an empty shell. The world spinned around her as the fire continued burning. If she closed her eyes, she'd pass out that was for sure. And that would be her doom.
No, she refused to simply die after she had been humiliated like that. With the last bit of strength she had, Caitlyn pushed herself on her feet. Her entire body was in pain and it had been decorated with scars and bruises. Her uniform was burnt in all different places and her face was covered in dirt. Her eyes remained glued to the burning shop in front of her, the flames reflecting on her eyes.
What a disaster.
This would be the end of her career.
But right now, she couldn't bring herself to care.
Caitlyn walked slowly towards the street. Pieces were burning all around and the smoke towered itself towards the sky. She coughed a couple of times. In the distance, she could hear the sirens more clearly now alongside talking. The firefighters had arrived and were already trying to extinguish the fire. Her companions were there, also in a rough state. Shen was talking with one of the firefighters while Riven and Twisted Fate rested on the side of the road. They were obviously relieved to see Caitlyn safe.
"Caitlyn! Thank the stars, you're alive!" Riven exclaimed when she took notice of the sniper arriving. She tried to help her walk but Caitlyn pushed her away. Was she alive? Being alive meant feeling nothing but a void? She couldn't know anymore. She collapsed down on the pavement. Shen abandoned the firefighter and kneeled down next to her.
"Caitlyn! Are you alright?" he asked, concerned. "What happened?"
"We were betrayed." Caitlyn was not surprised at how numb and emotionless she sounded. "Vi betrayed us. She had been helping them all along."
She was met by a deafening silence, despite the shouts of the firefighters in the background. They couldn't believe it either.
"What?" Riven blurted out.
"She had been lying all along. I should have never trusted someone like her." Caitlyn shook her head. "You two warned me about her." She looked over at the white haired woman and at Shen. "But I refused to listen. You were right. I was completely stupid."
As those words escaped her lips, the void in her heart slowly filled by an overwhelming sadness that soon took over every single cell of her body and the tears threatened to spill. Caitlyn didn't want under any circumstances to have a breakdown down in front of her squad but it wasn't really up to her. She felt herself choke.
"How could she?" she cried out as she buried her head inside her arms, letting her rifle fall down next to her and then she sobbed. Once again, she was the little, helpless girl on the back seat of the car crush. And even though it was possible, time traveling was not an option for her just like it wasn't when her parents died. She was alone once again.
Maybe it was better like that. People always ended up hurting her. Heck, she had known yet somehow she had let Vi into her life just like that and now she paid the price for it.
A/N: Vi, what have you done?
This chapter physically and emotionally hurt me to write, even though I knew it was coming since the very beginning of the story. Alas! It's not over between those two yet. There are more to come - although, not too many. The story is slowly wrapping up. More to come soon enough - hopefully, since I'm stuck at home like everyone else.
Stay strong, stay safe, most importantly stay home and wash your hands!
~Anonymous Crazy Girl
