A/N: A bit of a huge switch up this time! That's right, Violyn POV all the way! Hope you guys enjoy this one, because I've been nervous 'bout it since the second I decided I was gonna DO a chap POV pulling entirely away from Jinx and the kids. I will say it is VERY narrative heavy but I had a blast writing it. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this one!
Chapter Summary: Caitlyn and Vi begin investigations and preparations as Jinx's late night note causes a stir. With the threat of this year's Progress Day coming up, Piltover's Finest finds themselves on high alert for The Loose Cannon's next move.
Word Count: 13,874
—CAITLYN—
She had never seen Vi like this.
Or at least, nothing close to this for a long while.
The entire manor had been covered in Wardens and Enforcers within minutes, while her wife had helped lead the searches for nearly every room. It wasn't stress or paranoia driving her, but an authoritative sense of duty. A direct distraction. Caitlyn had told her Jinx wouldn't place a trap so obscure or random in another part of the manor with a note in their bedroom, but Vi didn't want to take chances.
"She's already nearly killed your mom before, Cupcake, if anything it's for both your ease of conscious and mine."
She understood that as well.
In fact, Caitlyn was touched by it. Vi knew her sister—to some degrees—and knew while there was a high chance no traps were laid in their home, she still conducted a massive search to put both her and her parents at ease. And in all honesty, Caitlyn appreciated it. Because despite her logical reasoning, a big part of her past trauma flared at the prospect of hearing Jinx having been inside their home again without anyone realizing. Caitlyn knew despite it all, Jinx wouldn't mess with them this way.
But still…
Caitlyn approached their bedroom, trailing her eyes toward the nightstand where they found the note and bunny. She could only assume the main reason Vi was pressed on like this was because she didn't want to face the meanings behind the note and gesture. Her wife had told her before the significance of that stuffed bunny, and how its presence during that fateful tea party all those years ago was no accident but of some sort of twisted symbolism. Even she could gather that this gesture of Jinx's, had some very poignant meaning behind it.
But her wife?
Caitlyn watched her zip past the hallway in front of their bedroom, coming to collect the last report of the squad investigating the basement. The brief barking of orders and appreciation was all she needed to know things were wrapping up. She knew for a fact Vi just couldn't focus on looking deeper, so it was easier to throw herself into some form of work. It broke her heart, knowing how exhausted her wife was… over something that her sister no doubt did with nonchalance and lack of care.
Caitlyn glanced at the nightstand from her seat on the edge of the bed and frowned at the bunny.
Even still…
"Why do this, Jinx?" she muttered to herself.
She'd never been one to tip her hand for a wild Poro chase. She had done things to egg them on of course, to rile them up. She had left graffiti behind before, filled with taunts or mockery slander, but nothing like this. Nothing so… personal and unrelated to her usual M.O.. It was one thing for this to just happen, but another for it to happen now. It wasn't just coincidence. This had to be a ploy, a challenge. Perhaps even a pre-apology for the worse to come.
Because in just a week's time, Progress Day was coming up.
And there hadn't been a year yet that Jinx missed it.
Caitlyn had half a mind to grab her personal notepad from her dresser on her side of the bed and begin jotting down ideas. But before she could, she heard footsteps approach the door and stop. Turning toward it, she sadly smiled at the sight of Violet panting heavily and beaming at her.
"Manor's clear," she softly announced.
Again, Caitlyn knew for certain there'd be nothing and yet her heart still swelled with relief.
"I asked Enforcers Molo and Geen to stand guard for your parents' room—"
"Vi—"
"I know she wouldn't try something again so soon, Cupcake, I do," she quickly interjected. "But it's for your parents' conscience."
Caitlyn shot a small appreciative smile. "You can say our you know? They keep saying you're their daughter."
Vi flushed a bit as a frown came on her face. "Right."
Shit.
Why did she say something like that when her sister just graced them with her presence? Family was a bit of a sore topic right now. Caitlyn sighed to herself. Good job Cait. "I imagine Mother tried to deny the gesture?" she asked, hoping to get Vi away from the dark thoughts.
It seemed to work as she chuckled, nodding as she walked over to their bed. "Yup. But after I cracked down Tobias was the one who said thanks." She sat beside Caitlyn, putting herself in the empty space between her and the nightstand. "Everyone else is pulling out now. But Cait, if you want I can catch someone and—"
"I don't need someone stationed outside our room for my well being," she easily replied, "I have you here with me tonight."
Violet smiled. She leaned in and pecked Caitlyn's lips. "How are you feeling?" Caitlyn shot her a blank look. "We'll talk 'bout me in a bit, I swear." Vi chuckled. "I just want to know if you're feeling okay."
Caitlyn took a breath.
How was she feeling?
"Perplexed," she answered, locking eyes with her partner, "And confused. But honestly more driven to solve this if anything else." She sighed, closing her eyes. She opened them and looked at Vi. "Okay, your turn."
Her wife's hand found hers, and the two shared a comforting squeeze. "I don't like it, Cupcake," she softly said, "She's never given us advance notice of her presence before Progress Day. Especially not so close to the day!" She thumbed over Caitlyn's hand. "She's trying something different this year. And I don't think we're prepared for it. Last year's riot at the zoo was a good reminder that Jinx could really be everywhere, so widespread deployment is the only way to keep a good eye on things."
Caitlyn frowned at the reminder. Each year, they did their best to prepare for the madwoman's antics. Increased security at certain locations, more stern and thorough checks of public venders or performers at events, and even hiring undercover Zaunite Enforcers to keep an eye out for any Loose Cannon movements. Each year was a new humble experience about what Jinx was capable of. Last's was an example that Jinx would truly choose any random target for pure amusement as she set loose all the animals from the zoo.
Surprisingly, no deaths but lots of injuries. This year they prepped with having more Wardens and Enforcers available during Progress Day in order to spread them out carefully throughout Piltover. It was a surefire way to keep an eye on everything and anything in case. It wasn't the most effective strategy, but it was something they had to tell the Council to make them believe they're trying. In all honesty? As terrible as it sounded, she and Vi had resigned themselves to the fact that they couldn't preemptively prevent Jinx's mayhem from happening: they could only respond and react to it.
Vi's points were solid, sure, but none of what she was talking about now was what Caitlyn was thinking about.
"Vi," she gently stressed, "We can think about work tomorrow." Her wife's shoulders sank a bit. "Tell me how you're feeling."
Violet took a breath as she gave her hands a squeeze. "I'm scared… Cait. It's not that it's just an apology—'c-cause that could be her just messing 'round—but it's that she left this note with my toy. I…" she pulled away from Caitlyn and scooted over to the nightstand, plucking the toy off and holding it in her hands as she turned back to Caitlyn. "I honestly thought she threw this away. Or-Or blew it up or somethin'! I thought I'd… never see it again. Much less in this way…" She looked down at the toy again. "I… I'm worried she's going to do somethin' desperate, o-or if she's crying for help… and… this is the last warning I'm gonna get."
Caitlyn's heart broke at the pained look on her lover's face. She was equal parts torn and confused. Talking about Jinx… it was once a sore point of their relationship early on. These days, they've worked through it. These days, Caitlyn was able to understand Vi's drive but also work on her own reasons why she wanted Jinx reformed and safe. Jinx might've been a sore topic here and there, but they managed. Though in the end, there was only so much she could do.
With a pained sigh, she reached out and placed her hand on her wife's shoulder, gaining her attention. "Would… would you like to schedule an impromptu session with Cilene?"
Vi's body stilled for a moment. "No," she said surprisingly instantly. Before Caitlyn could even open her mouth object, Vi cut her off. "I don't need a second to think 'bout it Cait. I'm fine with still only seeing her once a month." She shot her a small smile. "I know how it sounds but I honestly think I need to work. Progress Day's barely 'round the corner—"
"And yet we still have time to sleep, eat, and rest," Caitlyn countered, snaking a hand into one of Vi's to caress her thumb over it, "so it stands to reason that spending two hours with your therapist isn't a waste of time."
"I know," Vi nodded. "But I don't need it." She chuckled, pulling her hand back to rub her head awkwardly. "I think—no, I know I'll definitely need another chat after Progress Day but… I wanna work through this first… on my own, before going to her."
"You don't have to."
Vi smirked. "I know, Cupcake. But…" she looked down at the toy with a sad smile. "A sad truth I came to with Cilene is that I… don't really know Powder as much as I used to. Especially these days. She's been Jinx longer than she's been Powder and…" she shrugged. "I've accepted that it's just a chase now."
They've talked about this before.
But she was going through the motions.
Caitlyn could only wait and listen.
"I… I can't try and predict what my sister wants or is up to. But I can work through my emotions to make sure she's not hurting anyone. I can look into this further." She turned to Caitlyn with tears brimming in her eyes. "I can't figure out how I feel or how I want to feel right now and… and I'm okay with that. I just want to work so no one else gets hurt," she softly admitted.
Caitlyn let out a relieved sigh.
That was the biggest truth she'd get from her right now.
And she was grateful Vi was willing to share that.
Smiling, she leaned over and placed her hand over the one Vi had holding the toy. She caressed it carefully as she said, "But promise me, be it me, my parents, or Cilene, when you're ready to talk… you'll talk?"
Vi nodded as she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Caitlyn. She felt her wife's embrace and returned in kind. The two sat there, soaking in their warmth for several seconds to a couple minutes. However long it was… the faint sob that eked out made the Sheriff's heart quake. They soon found themselves in bed, cuddling close together. There was no more crying than that, but Vi's face was all Caitlyn needed. The clenched grip in her hands was all she needed to feel. And in between their bodies…
The stuffed bunny.
Whatever Jinx's plans were this time, she could only hope it wouldn't end in more misery.
—VI—
The bright and grandiose decor of the Council Room was always an unsightly sight to Vi's eyes no matter how long she'd been living Topside.
Long forgotten were the ways of dramatic dimming and shuttering the windows, ever since The Split. No windows at all, just bulk blast proof walls, a sign that they learned from their past. Jinx's spark had set in many motions towards Piltover's way of governing safety and security. Methods that her Cupcake had to mitigate and oversee once she came into power as Sheriff. Vi had been all too eager to aid Caitlyn in how to look like a peaceful force rather than a militaristic and imperial one. Her advice and guidance, led to her enrolling and enlisting, which led to her being the top Enforcer of the whole force. A whole butterfly effect from her once shitty day in a prison cell in Stillwater to now, with her standing by witnessing a briefing report with the Sheriff of Piltover and the Councilors.
"—nd what is you and your partner's action toward last night's incident? Your response!" Councilor Salo shouted. "Especially with Progress Day so soon!"
Vi felt the eyes of both the Wardens on guard and some of the Councilors fly toward her as Caitlyn breathed out a quick sigh from her stand on the podium.
The staring was something Vi grew used to and loathed.
Jinx.
It was a topic they just couldn't help but spare glances her way. She was her sister. She was responsible for bringing her in. But even now they knew the personal stakes were amped. Caitlyn couldn't not report the incident nor the details of it tk the Council. She personally vowed to herself not to be another Marcus since the day she became Sheriff. But aside from that, Caitlyn wanted them to know everything about Jinx because she wanted them to understand her the way the two of them did.
Vi allowed it but honestly thought it was a fool's errand.
But there were few on the Council who actually sympathized with Jinx's story and Vi's by extension. Cassandra, even before she and Caitlyn were engaged, advocated for their efforts the moment she learned the truth. She was the first to stand by Caitlyn's testimony of Jinx's past in that as Councilors they had a duty to care of all their people. Even after The Split was decided, Cassandra affirmed bringing Jinx here was better than Zaun. Part of Vi wanted to muse it was because she was simply dating her daughter that the old woman gave them a pass. But she knew deep down the mother inside of her broke for Jinx even though she tried to kill her.
Jayce wasn't one Vi was surprised about, but hearing how sincere he was for Cait's mission was the part she was more shocked about. She knew he cared about her well being as a friend and was always willing to vouch or cover for her, but the fact that he agreed with her and Vi's mission to bring in Jinx was something she was a bit touched about. She'd never tell Man of Progress that though. He also seemed to sympathize and pity the story Caitlyn had told them all, but more so felt inclined on the notion of proper safety and healthiness for everyone. He collaborated with them from the beginning about possible institutes or facilities they could register her into to rehabilitate her.
Caitlyn always said Vi had final say, but she could only tell Pretty Boy that they'd wait and see once they got her.
Mel was the biggest surprise actually.
With her nerves heightened, Vi's fists clenched as she gave into her subconscious and spared a glance at the Councilor swaying her thoughts.
Half Hextech cybernetics, the woman was half the squishy flesh she used to be but not at all steeled in her heart. She was always ready to back anyone's statement, be it Caitlyn's revised safety methods or Jayce's consistent research toward Hextech medicine machinery. She was kinder and more open after she pulled through her surgery, like a perspective set in. Her Noxian necklace was off the record credited as the saviour for the Council's supposed Super Mega Rocket incident. She and Cait had heard from Jayce later that Mel's necklace was enchanted from the Ravenbloom Conservatory in Noxus, a school housing Mages that was capable of shielding its user from devastating attacks. But whatever it was capable of wasn't a match for a Hexteched up Shimmer bomb.
She practically saved everyone in the room that night, but at the cost of her body being the user.
Vi watched as the woman folded her cybernetic hands together and rested her chin on them, her eyes darting toward her fellow colleagues. Her forearms, entire right leg up to her mid-thigh, and her left calf down—all Hextech cybernetics. Jayce was a wreck after he worked on it for a week straight with Viktor and in the end, they could only manage so much. Yet after all that, the woman was arguably unreasonably open to hearing any and all ideas as to how they could manage The Split with Zaun's independence, how they could safely and peacefully govern their people, and what to do with Jinx. It was like near death offered new insight or at least… no regrets.
In all her years living up here, Violet became an Enforcer, a Kiramman, and a Piltovan. And Vi had learned that maybe… not all these people weren't as heartless as she wanted to make them out to be. That they could have bad days like her and still grow, like she wanted to.
"Enforcer Kiramman?"
Vi blinked in surprise as she realized Mel had addressed her directly. The Councilor's eyes had locked onto hers with concern as she gestured toward her with an open palm. Vi cleared her throat and straightened up. "Yes, Councilor Medarda?"
She seemed to smile a bit sadly at her professionalism but Vi couldn't help herself. Aside from Cassandra, she was practically the only Councilor she gave open respect to. "I'd like your opinion on this topic." It was her way of saying, This is your sister, you should have a say.
Salo groaned as he slumped in his seat, but Vi carried on. She walked up beside her wife and placed her hands behind her back, standing tall. "It's entirely new territory," she admitted. Jayce breathed out a sigh as Cassandra looked around nervously toward her colleagues. "Jinx has never let us catch wind of her within at least a month before Progress Day, this is as close to the wire as it gets."
"So what do you propose?" Hostel inquired in his gravelly voice.
Vi bit her lip. "The Sheriff and I are getting to it, but we're currently working on employing double our forces throughout all of Piltover, sparing Wardens patrolling around, to keep as many eyes and ears open as possible." This seemed to make some of the Councilors nod in satisfaction as some solution was being suggested. But with hesitance, she looked at Caitlyn. This morning, they talked a lot about their plans before they went and had breakfast with Tobias and Cassandra. They didn't want to say anything until the meeting. And it was Caitlyn's idea but—Caitlyn nodded at her with a small smile. Cupcake was willing to take the heat for this, but they were partners. "We also discussed—"
"Based on my idea," Caitlyn chimed in pointedly, shooting Vi a warning look, "that this incident shouldn't be made known to the public 'til after Progress Day." From Jayce and Mel to Shoola and Salo—even Cassandra—their eyes were wide with surprise. Before they could burst into a fit of murmurs, Caitlyn continued, "I suggested this because I believe we needn't worry our citizens with Jinx."
"You want us to lie to them?" Shoola clarified in disbelief.
"Omit," Caitlyn weakly replied, nodding, "but… yes. For now."
Vi took a breath. She needed to back her up here. They were wasting time over this. "Jinx has always made a move every year, the people have come to accept that. Even with the fear of that known they still want to celebrate Progress Day. They still come out in public and trust us," she explained to them, "But… reminding them of her, days before the event will only spread fear and anxiety. And… And I think that would only encourage Jinx more."
"So we just blissfully let our citizens wander about not aware that that madwoman is plotting?" Salo remarked.
Vi scoffed. "Bliss is your mot—"
"What my wife is trying to say," Caitlyn hastily interjected, "is that we know her better than anyone here. It's why we tasked ourselves with capturing her, right?" Vi internally smirked at that. The reminder was a smart ploy to get them to back off, to remember who was responsible for this. "Throughout the week we will be slowly increasing our patrol force so as to not raise suspicions or worry for when Progress Day's security is in full swing. All I ask, Councilors, is that you trust my Enforcers, Wardens, and I are doing our utmost best to ensure this year's Progress Day will not only be safe, but prepared for any of Jinx's pranks."
With reluctance bordering half the room and full faith on the other, the meeting was adjourned. The concluding remark being that as long as they ensured the citizens were safe and not afraid to celebrate, they had their support.
"Finally," Vi muttered as she and Caitlyn walked down the halls. She could feel her wife's stare burrowing into her but she didn't spare looking at her side. "I know, I know, 'just because I don't like him doesn't mean—'"
"Are you sure you don't want to talk?"
The two stopped walking in the middle of the corridor.
Vi turned to Caitlyn to see her staring at her in concern. "It's just," her wife gently went on, "I could… feel you were antsy back there."
Vi tucked her hands into her pockets. "Already told ya, Cupcake, I just wanna sort this out as quickly as possible. We still need to organize and map out the patrol routes and schedule all our available forces for this Saturday."
Caitlyn's hand slipped around Vi's left wrist. "Darling, please—"
"I told you," she smiled at her reassuringly, pouring all her sincerity into her words, "I'll talk when I'm ready."
A crowd of Piltovan students with a tour guide rounded the corner, and it was as good a sign as any for the two to make their leave back to the station. With a reluctant sigh, Caitlyn made sure to grab Vi's hand and hold it the entire way through as they exited the building. Even under all these frustrating feelings, her partner was still ready to remind her that she was there for that. And that was enough to make Vi smile just a bit.
The drive to the Piltover Precinct was quiet and reflective. Having a driver meant both she and Caitlyn could sit in silence and let their thoughts wander absently. She didn't mean to be closed off or unresponsive, but judging by her wife's comforting hand placed atop hers, there wasn't any malice in her sentiment. Vi couldn't imagine what was going through her partner's mind, not all of it at least. In all the years they'd been together, doing their duties, Vi had learned how compromising and understanding Caitlyn could be. The early stages of their pursuits, of their partnership, Vi's biases affected a lot of her judgement.
But Caitlyn was almost always willing to compromise.
All she needed was perspective, if she was going to meet you halfway. Probably months into their official relationship—there'd been a year or so of flirting—Caitlyn was the one to gently suggest therapy for Vi. It was a scary experience but not one she regretted ever since. Cait was never upset if Vi told her there were some things she wanted to keep between her and Cilene. Cait never got upset with her if she was too brash or opinionated about certain decisions that came from aristocrats or even the Council. She appreciated her voice like it was gospel and Vi couldn't help but be in awe of that.
And now?
Vi cast her eyes at her partner, who was staring out the window with a pensive look but a warm smile. She could easily tell her eyes were fixated on the passing citizens of the streets they drove through. From children to old couples walking about: it was the lifestyle she wanted to preserve and protect. A lifestyle Vi couldn't see in the daily streets of the Undercity. Her partner was dreaming up and looking at vision beyond her eyes, a sight Vi could only imagine. She was no enforcer when it came to making her goals into reality. That kind of dreaming was something that stayed inside her.
It was the kind of passion Cilene said she shouldn't be ashamed of, even if she couldn't go as far as others.
She wanted to want bigger things.
Piltover.
Zaun.
She just wanted people to be safe.
No more Violets and Powders.
This kind of thinking continued to swell over her even as she worked away at her desk. She had begun digging into any and all chatter she could hear from the Zaun streets as well as reports about anything Jinx-like. Vi couldn't wrap her head around it. Typical bombings and shootings, but something about the reports she'd heard from the undercover operatives across the river seemed… concerning. Vi flipped over another file and cupped her chin, reading over its report. It seemed like the earliest reports she could get on anything regarding Jinx was well over five months ago. The past few months… it seemed like Jinx was… inactive?
"Ooh, careful folks," Vi looked up from her desk and frowned at the woman with a long black comb over mohawk approaching her, "Kiramman's got her thinking face on!"
A round of chuckles erupted in the office space and Vi smiled back at the Warden. "I'm surprised you know what thinking looks like, Mir."
The laughter increased as Mir feigned an aghast look.
A larger Warden came from behind and placed his hands on Mir's shoulders, shooting her a tired look. "Can we just get a cup of coffee normally for once?" Kepple pleaded with an exhausted tone. Mir simply shrugged as she sided up next to Vi's desk. "Sorry Vi, she's been a bit pissy since she got stuck with an early morning patrol."
Vi smirked back. "Aww, all by herself? How did Piltover fare against Warden Mir's impatient temper?"
The woman in question rolled her eyes as she sat on Vi's desk, crossing her arms. "Hardy har." Her eyes cast on Vi's files, and a sudden serious look overtook her. "Chatter's been going 'bout the Precinct. You two okay?"
The pink haired woman shrugged. "Well, if you heard the chatter then you also heard nothin' happened." She smiled at the two. "We're fine, guys."
Kepple frowned a bit. "Sure, but that's not what she—"
"I've got business anyways," Vi interjected, waving the files about. "Checking on our operatives across the river."
Mir's eyes widened. "Hmm, good luck with that." She scoffed.
Vi furrowed brow. "You know something?"
"'Member Asako?"
"Zayne Asako?" Vi clarified. "He's undercover at a cask factory, right?"
Mir nodded. "He and I usually meet up for some weekly bevs and what not, but recent dirt's that Zaun's kinda in a bit of tizzy."
"Tizzy?" she echoed.
"Dunno, he said he's been too deep in the factory to get enough scoops on the word on the street," Mir explained, "but Jinx? Last he heard 'bout her was that a shipment they made to the docks a month back had her involved."
Vi furrowed a brow. "She blow it up?"
Mir shook her head. "Zayne doesn't know."
Vi blinked in disbelief. "How could he not know? It's her."
She shrugged. "Dunno. Whatever happened was hush hush, but he did know the higher ups—Baroness Renni too—didn't have anythin' to complain 'bout."
"So nothing went wrong," Kepple chimed in, seeming confused. "What's relevant about that?"
Vi sighed. "It's relevant 'cause if Jinx was involved… even nothing happening is still crazy." She shook her head as she dropped the file on the desk. "Why wasn't this in his last report?" she asked Mir. She recalled about two files ago she picked up his and it had nothing of note about Jinx.
The black haired woman shrugged once again. "He keeps saying he's too deep to really get out of Zaun. Anytime he can it's always related to the factory work he's doing, anything else would make him look suspicious. Sorry Kiramman, but not every officer we have is on Jinx duty."
Vi scowled. "I know, Warden Mir."
"H-Hey, I didn't mean it like that," she amended as she hopped off the desk, "I just meant that keeping tabs on her isn't always as easy."
Vi sighed, nodding. "I know… but… it's Zaun. Pipes talk and walls peer, someone like her causes news wherever she goes." She slumped back in her chair and looked to the ceiling. The last time they heard about Jinx Topside, she had blown up Jayce's latest Hextech mobile was nearly a year ago, about a month or so after last year's Progress Day. Vi… she hadn't heard or seen her sister since the zoo riot. She was busy with a sting operation that day of the bombing, but heard from Caitlyn that Jinx was in and out, barely anyone could see her.
Other than that, no other activity from Jinx. Not even that one bomber who stirred up a few months back, despite how desperate half the Council wanted to pin it on Jinx. Caitlyn was quick to settle that as well. And it wasn't long until Sevika pulled up with the head of the culprit, which made Vi frown at the memory. Piltover's way of doing things versus Zaun's, Vi might've been a bit biased toward preferring Topside's lack of more… extreme results. Regardless, all that ruckus was at most the highlights—and Jinx was a no show. Not a word from her at all. Not even on Caitlyn's end.
"Vi?"
She looked to Mir. "Huh?"
"You need our help on this or—"
"Nah," she shook her head. "You just came off a shift, you deserve your rest." She leaned forward and lowered her voice, "'Sides, you'll need it. Don't spread it out yet but Cait and I are working on doubling our patrol force for Progress Day, so we need lots of well rested officers if we're gonna have a full day."
Kepple whistled at that. "Well shite, I guess I'll go start my lunch break then, because that is something to process," he mused as he walked away, bidding the two ladies a wave.
Mir frowned. "That's practically an army you're talking 'bout," she whispered.
Vi shook her head. "Not in full swing. We're spreading it out gradually throughout the week but on the day of? There'll be pairs stationed at practically nearly every block." She sighed, knowing how it sounded. "We need reassurances. For both the people and the Council."
"Aye, aye, boss," Mir saluted. "So what're you doing today? Digging through the rest of this?" She vaguely gestured toward the small pile of papers.
Vi looked at them and frowned a bit. It wasn't going to get her anywhere. If anything, it'd be risky to even reach out to their undercover operatives and ask them to keep their eyes and ears peeled. No, she had to do this. She scoffed, shaking her head as she stood up, tilting her head as she looked at her desk. Who was she kidding? She just wanted answers herself. And she wanted to hear them herself.
"Gonna head straight into the fire myself," she declared. Mir's eyes widened but Vi simply shrugged with a smile. "I've still got my own contacts, and it's better to hear from the Poro's mouth, right?" She stepped away and shot the Warden a two fingered salute. "Have a safe trip home, Mir!"
"Good luck, Vi!" she heard her shout as she walked down into the hallway leading to Caitlyn's office.
With a gentle rapid knock on the door announcing her presence, Vi turned the knob open and began, "Hey Cupcake, I'm gonna head down—" she stopped herself as she realized who was sitting across from her partner.
"Into Zaun?" Cassandra finished, looking even more concerned than Caitlyn. "Please tell me not by yourself?"
Vi sheepishly smiled. "Uhh, hi, Cass." She waved. "Didn't know you stopped by?"
"I wanted to check on Caitlyn, to see how she was," she simply explained.
"You were probably gathering your files when she slipped in," her wife guessed.
At Vi's nod, Cassandra tittered. "'Slipped in', you make it sound mischievous!"
"Mother, I am trying to work here," Caitlyn gently stressed.
Cassandra sighed. "I know, I know… but—"
"As I've said for the ninth time in the past ten minutes, I am okay. And I'm managing." She smiled at her, then glanced up to Vi. "So, Zaun?"
"Yuuup," Vi nodded. "Nothin' that shouldn't take up more than the rest of the day. Usual contacts, Jericho, Babs, Ekko," she casually listed off. "I'll try to be lowkey but I'm still bringing my gauntlets."
Caitlyn nodded. "That's fine. The pretense of you looking for Jinx isn't an issue," she reasoned out, "She knows we'll be looking and keeping an eye out anyways. It's information we're after." Her calm expression shifted into a gentle plea as she added, "Just please comm in on the radio whenever you're on your next move to your next contact? And when you're on your way back?"
"Of course, Sheriff," Vi winked, smirking back. "I'll be gearing up and heading out now then! Cupcake, Cass," she nodded before departing. But as she made a move to exit she heard Cassandra's chair skid.
She turned and watched as the older lady grabbed her cane and rose up. "Hang on dear, I was just making my way out too," Cassandra said in a haste as she followed after Vi. She bid a parting goodbye to her daughter before entrapping the two of them in the hallway alone. Vi felt a bit weird being in such close proximity to her, especially with the woman's eyes staring into her skeptically.
"Uhhh, need somethin' Cass?"
"Mother," Cassandra stressed, narrowing her eyes. "Honestly, Vi, after everything you've done for my daughter, husband, and I—" she cut herself off, sighing as she shook her head. "How are you?"
Vi internally cringed. "Um, I'm oka—"
"Don't give me that, dear," the woman warned, sternly raising her gloved index finger, "It's bad enough I have one daughter stressing about this. I don't need the other dancing around me either."
Violet chuckled, embracing the warmth of her mother-in-law's words. "I'm… I'm managing." She tucked her hands into her pockets and shrugged. "I'm worried, honestly. It's something different from my sister's routine and I'm worried it's a cry for help too."
Cassandra nodded. "Despite all things, she's a capable woman. She wouldn't get wrapped up in something she couldn't handle."
She smiled. "I know. You and Cait say the same thing but—"
"Worry still lingers of course." The elderly woman nodded, letting out a sigh. "I mean, I know you'll be fine. And I know you'll come back. But yet here I am," she said as she brought her free hand to Vi's shoulder and rubbed it comfortingly, "making sure you're okay and asking you to come back home to me in one piece."
"I'll try, Cassandra. But it is Zaun after all," Vi mused back with a wink. She turned and headed toward the lockers, shouting over her shoulder, "I know you're busy too but be sure to take a break here and there as well! Practice what you preach and all that!"
Hearing the faint chuckles of the older woman's laughter brightened Vi's mood. She needed it for the next part of her day.
—VI—
Entering Zaun, it wasn't as easy as she'd like. Not ever.
It may have been as simple as walking through a bridge, but it was her. She couldn't afford to walk into there without her Atlas Gauntlets but even without them people knew who she was. Zaunites looked at her with disgust and disdain. It was like Zaun itself judged every move she made. Every time she reentered her home town, this feeling got heavier and heavier. Like endless eyes peering at her from all over—it wasn't like the typical spying or stalking she knew Zaun was capable of. There was no sense of prying eyes from distance or disguised under the veil of innocents. No, it was every eye whose gaze she passed through.
The whispers of contempt and judgement, the scornful stares and scowls, and even the blatant derogatory remarks. Her life up Topside meant her home of origin no longer wanted anything to do with her. But there were exceptions. Few in the streets who didn't look at her like she was a traitor. Or at the very least, few she could probably grab a drink with and chill. Wandering into the market district first was probably not the best choice for low profile, but she was hardly going for discretion with her giant gloves.
Her arrival at Jericho's stand was practically a trumpet blare. People parting away and gasping in shock as they realized who she was. There was a patron with a haggard smell on the right end of the counter so she sat herself on the other end, unbeknownst to the chef himself as he was facing his grill. She tapped her gauntlet's fingers on the counter, garnering the fishman's attention in an instant. The look on his single eye was one of pure shock and surprise.
"VI!" he garbled out, waving his giant cleaver. "IT'S BEEN TOO LONG!"
She sheepishly smiled. "Yeah, 'spose it has, huh?"
He approached the counter with a wide grin as he slacked his cleaver into his cutting board shoulder. "WHAT'LL IT BE? YOUR USUAL? OR SOMETHING SMALL?"
Vi shook her head. "Ah, no, not today."
"Then why the Hell ya here?" the other customer grumbled out.
She shot him a glare. "Need a permit to sit here?"
The man scoffed. "'Course ya'd say somethin' like that."
"KNOCK IT OFF, VEKO!" Jericho warned, shooting him a glare.
The man clicked his teeth and continued to munch on his fried fish.
"SO IF YOU'RE NOT HERE FOR FOOD I ASSUME IT'S A WORK VISIT?" Jericho sighed, shaking his head. "DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU VI, I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING CRAZY BIG RECENTLY."
"That's fine," she replied, "I came to ask 'bout my sister."
The man on the other end of the counter entered a coughing fit, probably choking on his food, as Jericho's eye widened. "YOU'RE CHASING HER AGAIN," it wasn't a question, but an accusation.
Vi frowned a bit.
It was no secret to Zaun that Jericho was a very neutral party at times, but also had some biases to certain customers. He never wanted to get in between the squabble she and Jinx had, but that didn't mean he wouldn't put out bits of helpful info here and there. Nothing scandalous, but just minor things like telling her and Cait that yes, the bullet wound injury she had did in fact heal up. But on Jinx's side, he was like a wall that wouldn't budge.
She sadly sighed. "Progress Day's coming up—"
"OF COURSE!" Jericho lamented. "WOULDN'T WANT THAT TO BE RUINED!"
"Jericho," she gently pleaded. "I just wanna know if you've heard anything with her. Has she come by recently? Has she said anything? Has anyone here said anything?" The patron snorted and Vi levelled a glare at him. "You wanna speak up, smartass?"
"Ain't nothin' I know that all of Zaun doesn't already know, Kiramman," he spat out.
"VEKO, SHUT UP!" Jericho demanded.
The man sighed and lowered his head to his nearly finished meal.
The way that sounded…
Vi turned and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You have seen her."
He barked out a laugh. "OF COURSE I HAVE, VI! SHE COMES HERE EVERY SO OFTEN!" He shrugged, folding his arms over each other. "BUT SHE HARDLY TALKS ABOUT WORK WITH ME, ONLY DOES WHAT YOU DO—COMES TO ME FOR GOSSIP."
A pang of guilt hit her. "Hey, I don't only come to you for gossip, you have the best food in both cities," she quickly defended. That managed to earn a laugh from him. She smiled a bit as she thought on his words, something about them stuck out to her. "Since when does she have 'work'?" she asked.
Jericho scoffed. "THE WAY SHE IS? IT'S PRACTICALLY A JOB WHAT SHE DOES. BUT NO, WE HAVEN'T SPOKEN ABOUT ANYTHING RELATING TO TOPSIDE RECENTLY."
"When was the last time you saw her?"
"YESTERDAY," he casually answered.
Vi blinked. "Did she have anything with her? Like aside from her usual kit. A bag? Or a doll?"
Jericho shook his head. "NOTHING HAPPENED WITH JINX THAT WAS OUT THE USUAL FOR HER."
She let out a sigh. Well, at least knowing she was out in public yesterday was something. She offered an appreciative smile as she stood up, removing her right hand from her Atlas Gauntlet. "Thanks Jericho," she said as she dug in and tossed him a couple golden hexes on the counter, "I'll be sure to drop by for a real meal sometime. With Cait too!"
He laughed. "IF SHE LEARNED TO STOMACH IT, THEN YEAH!"
She chuckled back as she slid on the gauntlet. Turning away with a wave, she departed from the stand. The eyes continue to linger, and she still trudged on. She sighed under her breath. She didn't doubt Jericho was being honest. She trusted that he told her everything he knew, he wasn't one to withhold things from her—not when it was important, not when lives were at stake. Yet still, the way he spoke made Vi feel a bit sullen. Much like the people of Zaun, Jericho's perception of Vi changed. It wasn't always as amicable as she hoped. Sometimes she felt like he looked at her and saw a Topsider.
That was how it was all around.
Seeing her streets she grew up with all changed, with more liveliness or darkness, it made her a bit sad. It was like the stuffed bunny. A reminder she once left strung up about her bad days, about how in the end, preserving was all she needed. But it had become… tainted? No. She still cherished and treasured its meaning. Much like she did with her relationships with Zaunites whom she once saw on a daily basis. She talked about it with Cilene once, how as much as the past could haunt her, she didn't have to let herself continue to be burdened by it. The more time passed, the more Vi started to consider that; she had nearly been living in Piltover as long as she did in Zaun. That alone spoke volumes for how merged her history was.
But her relationships to her past—her sister, Jericho, Babette, Ekko—those types of people were the kinds of people she couldn't let go. They were the embodiments of Zaun she still endeared. And, her sister aside, they were people she could still return to with a smile and open arms… most of the time. Her next venture: Babette's brothel. Babette herself was known to be a very discreet source of gossip. While Baron Chross, boss of the Hush Company—a network of informants and spies all throughout Zaun—Babette was an unofficial member of the company (though technically all members of the Hush Company were "unofficial").
Gently knocking on the red door with her finger, Vi braced herself with a quick breath as she stood eye to eye with the window hole. The second it slid open, she was greeted with a skeptic eye and a begrudging sigh. A few clicks of locks later, and the door came open, with a large man narrowing his eyes down at her.
Huh, guess the bodyguard changed since the last time she came down here.
She wiggled her giant fingers as she smiled. "No harm, just here to see Babs is all."
The man simply stepped aside and let her through, shutting the door behind her as she strolled in. Walking into the brothel heavily armed like this might've been overkill, but Vi didn't want to leave anything to chance in Zaun anymore. Especially with that new bodyguard, she could never tell who was in whose pocket these days. Not with her hardly ever keeping up with Zaun gossip. As she reached the curtains at the end of the hallway, she peeled it open and quietly greeted, "Knock knock?"
Sure enough, blowing a cigar from behind her big desk, was none other than the female yordle herself. She smiled widely as she tilted her head. "Well I'll be, it seems to be half of Piltover's Finest has decided to grace my presence today," she coyly smiled, gesturing to the open chairs around her office, "Vi, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
Vi chuckled as she sat on the small couch on the left of Babette's desk, letting her giant hands fall to the cushions. If there was one thing she appreciated most with Babette, it was that business was always straight to business with her. She could be a sociable sort, but she was also one to get to brass tacks pretty quickly. "Have you heard anything about my sister recently?"
Babette's eyes grew a bit, an observation Vi knew was pure reflex. Something happened. "Depends on what you wanna know."
"What?" Vi balked. Since when did she say anything like that before? "What do you mean?"
"What exactly are you looking to hear about?"
This… was tiptoeing. "You know something?" Vi guessed, leaning forward.
Babette sighed.
"Babs, you have to tell—"
"I know that Jinx stops by here, at most a couple times a month, and no I haven't seen her recently." Babette tapped her cigar holder over her ashtray.
Vi felt a bit queasy about hearing that kind of information. Even with all the craziness of everything, she was still her sister. Her little sister. And hearing that she frequented the brothel? Vi cringed with a brief shiver travelling down her spine. Since when did this become a thing? "Is she… a regular?" Janna, why was she even asking this?
Babette chuckled. "I think you'd hear about that in Zaun if she was a regular here."
Vi sighed. "Okay, but what else would she come here for? My sister is hardly the gossip sort."
"Even Jinx preys off intel, Vi," the yordle quipped.
"And what kind of intel has she been after?"
"Nothing that'd be relevant today," Babette shrugged.
Vi frowned. "What 'bout yesterday? You hear anythin' about her being out in public?"
Babette shook her head. After a couple seconds, she levelled a curious stare at Vi. "Is this another annual chase? Is the playing field Zaun for a change?" she mused, raising a brow. Vi chuckled, shaking her head. Suddenly, Babette narrowed her eyes, seriously looking at her. "Or are you trying to get an early start since Progress Day is in less than a week?"
If there was one thing Vi didn't appreciate about Babette, it was that over the years intel went two ways with her. While she would give out what she could to close friends she also wouldn't hesitate to get info off them as well. It wasn't hard for her to fish for intel, especially the sort that came from casual conversation. Sometimes it was clear to Vi that if life had been different, Babette would've made an excellent detective. Though Vi knew two could play Babette's game. With a smile, she simply stood up and winked. "Thank you for you time, Babs."
The female yordle laughed. "Anytime, Vi, anytime."
Another dead end.
While yes, she had been getting info, none of it was enough to point her anywhere. And the big issue was if that was how it was going to keep working out, then she couldn't waste anymore time down here. They needed the rest of the week to prepare for Progress Day. With haste, Vi made her way into the pipe network within Zaun. Following the memorized route in her head, Vi made her way to the Firelight's base. Ever since The Split, frequenting Ekko's home was something she absolutely had to do with the utmost discretion. She looped around two times, and made sure the entire way through she wasn't followed.
Though, it hardly mattered as she was about two-thirds of the way through, the lookout Firelights came in from the secret passages. The pipes were practically their domain. They knew them inside and out and even made their own adjustments to routes. Five Firelights came swooping in on their boards, all cocking their heads at her skeptically. Vi simply sighed and raised her giant hands innocently. "I come in peace. Like the other dozen times I came here," she dryly stated.
A couple minutes of awkward escorting later, Vi overheard one of the Firelights say something on the radio addressing Ekko, giving her the sense of who her welcoming party at the front door was. As soon as they arrived, the door was already opened and Ekko himself was standing in the centre of it, head tilted with his mask hanging at his hip. She smiled at him and waved but Ekko merely nodded back.
"Vi, whattya need this time?"
Yikes, talk about a cold reception.
"Aw, c'mon Little Man, since when do I have to need somethin' from you just to see ya?" she teased, standing right before him.
Ekko shrugged half-heartedly. "You tell me. More than half the time that's all the case seems to be."
Vi seethed a bit inside as a pang stabbed at her heart. Wow, was that how it looked these days? She frowned a bit as a sigh escaped her. Well, if today was anything to go off of, he wasn't wrong, huh? "Sorry, Ekko," she sincerely replied, "I… I get caught up Topside."
"I know," he simply said. He glanced back at the giant tree behind him. "I get it." Turning back, he jutted his chin out at her, prompting her as he asked, "Well, what is it?"
Might as well get to brass tacks then…
"My sister." Ekko's brows raised, and credit to his reputation, he didn't give off more than that. "Have you heard anything about her recently? Any sightings? Has any of your men seen or heard anything?"
A few seconds of staring and Ekko sighed. "Everyone clear out," he ordered. Within seconds, the five Firelights that escorted her retreated back into the pipeline while the guards scurried off further in the compound. Vi felt a bead of sweat at this gesture. What did he want to say that he couldn't say in front of everyone else? He crossed his arms as he leaned up against the frame of the giant vault door. "What do you want me to say, Vi?"
She blinked. "Wh-What?"
"I can't always just help you with this chase," he explained exhaustedly. "You chase her, it causes a mess—nothing's changed."
"The fuck is this coming from?" she asked, tilting her head.
Ekko scoffed, shrugging. "I just don't have reassurance that you and Caitlyn really are equipped to chase her."
"And you are?" she retorted.
He didn't answer.
"What's different this time 'round?" he shot back.
Vi sighed. "Nothing, Ekko, okay? Nothing. But something is different with her," she whispered, checking their surroundings to see if they were truly alone. He picked up on her heistance and stepped closer. "She left a note in mine and Cait's room last night. With a toy I gave her when she was… Powder. The note said, 'I'm sorry'," she told him. Ekko's eyes widened at that. "I've been hearing practically nothing useful all day, Little Man, but right now I'm still looking for her 'cause… 'cause I just gotta know if something's changed with her. I need to know anything so I can be the slightest bit ready."
Getting that confession off her chest another time felt good.
But it felt better with it being Ekko of all people.
With a pleading look, she silently begged him to give her any leads.
In response, Ekko sighed. "Sorry Vi." He shook his head. "My people and I don't have anything on Jinx these days. She keeps off our radar." He turned away, making a move to leave while looking over his shoulder. "For what it's worth though, the way you make it sound… while this year may be different, I don't think it'll be as bad as you think."
With that parting remark, Vi frowned as her childhood friend walked away. "That worries me just as much," she admitted.
Taking her leave, Vi hopped on her radio and contacted Caitlyn as soon as she exited the pipes. She told her she came up dry and was coming home. Caitlyn told her she appreciated her efforts nonetheless and that they'd have a late lunch together before clocking out. Vi just walked with a sad frown as she made her way back to the bridge. Back over across the water again. It was all dead ends. She hadn't expected a lot of information, but she still expected something helpful. Whatever her sister was up to, it was nothing even Zaun was prepared for it seemed.
Vi only hoped she and Caitlyn had the time and resources to prepare. Because regardless of what it all meant, regardless of the lack of intel, it didn't change what she thought. Whether her sister had ulterior motives with the bunny or whether it legitimately was a cry for help, Vi wouldn't change what she set out to do the moment she became an Enforcer. She wanted to stand tall and remind her sister each time… no matter what, she'd be there to catch her. Whether she fell or was arrested, Vi was going to be there.
And it was a promise.
—CAITLYN—
She had breaks.
Between her father and Vi, all the members of the Kiramman family were constantly reminded of not overworking themselves. Her mother hardly stayed late at her office at all in the past week, Vi didn't stay buried in files or at her desk, and Caitlyn didn't skip any meals! It was an honest win for the Kiramman family—at least, that was what her father said last night. Today was zero hour. Or more accurately, zero day. An entire week's worth of planning, scheduling, and careful rehearsal culminated to this day.
Nearly a thousand active Wardens patrolling in pairs of two, several hundred Enforcers on standby, and triple guard for all high profile citizens.
With the promised contribution from Clan Kiramman, Medarada, and Talis, Caitlyn's forces today were guaranteed compensation for overtime and double shifts. Many of her men were all too eager and ready to stand by Caitlyn's orders, which made her feel guilty at first. But Vi was quick to remind her because of her work she had aspired for, many within their ranks strived to keep Piltover safe at the end of the day. So that was what most were willing to sacrifice. Of course there were few who had vastly protested, but Caitlyn had officially stated at the beginning of the week—when this plan came to be—that it wasn't a required act of duty but those who did serve would be paid.
And of course that managed to bring in some of the naysayers.
In the end, Piltover was well armed with its police force, more than it ever had been. The gradual increase had worked as she anticipated, not many civilians even noticed the increase and those that did assumed it was for Progress Day. Many inventors, businessmen, and politicians were excited with the added security too. Since rumours started up that people believed what was going to be unveiled must be the cause for all this, the big wigs decided to play it up like it was. In the end, at the stroke of six in the morning, Caitlyn had her rifle slung onto her shoulder and her full uniform in gear. With a tip of her hat, she marched out of the locker room and into a packed precinct. It was the most packed it had ever been, filled with Wardens and Enforcers who hadn't even seen each other before because of their varying shifts.
She walked on over to the hallway leading into her office, where stood by the entrance to the corridor, was none other than her partner. She waved at her with her giant gloves and leaned against the wall, making Caitlyn smile as she stood beside her. The room was silent from the moment she entered the room, all waiting for her direction. Placing her hands behind her back, she stood tall and firm as she began, "I'd say good morning, but frankly, I think more than half of you want to be back in bed." The entire office uproared with laughter and chuckles. "And for that reason, I'd like to begin with how grateful I am that you all are here today. The late night to morning shift has already begun, and they're clocking off soon. In just an hour's time, you'll be all deployed.
"You know your assignments, your roles, and most importantly… the main objective. I'm sure many of you heard about the recent incident with Jinx." She felt Vi bristle a bit as many in the room began to dart their eyes around while many others just nodded. "It is true that this is the closest we've ever been to hearing about her before Progress Day. And it is true that many of the planning and rehearsals we've done, from the Inventor's Gallery, to the Progress Day speech was in response to what happened. But let me state, that Jinx… isn't our main objective here.
"We've done our investigations, we've done our pursuits and theorized all we could, but nothing will change the fact that the obvious is Jinx will be here today. Like every year, she will do something to Piltover. It can be harmless, or very lethal, but we are not here because we expect you all to be ready to stop Jinx." Caitlyn sighed, squeezing her hands tightly. "The main objective is the Piltovans of this city. The main objective are the children longing for the fair. The aspiring inventors and scholars who seek to broaden their minds today. The men and women who want to celebrate this city's founding as a testament to celebrate the life they lived. The main objective, is protecting and preserving the peace of Piltover.
"Enforcers, Wardens, I asked you here today not because I needed a surplus of officers. But because I trust that the badge you all wear, you will carry with the utmost respect and honour for this city." Caitlyn smiled at them all, sensing the rise of excitement but also pride in the audience before her. "Violet Kiramman and I are on standby throughout all of today. We will be patrolling same as you, but we are working the most of this shift today because I wouldn't put any of you through something I wouldn't do myself. And…" she looked to Vi, who nodded. "And because the rules haven't changed. Jinx is our responsibility. Unless we call on you, unless you are ordered by us to help, your first priority is the people. Now, we have just under hour left until you're all deployed… so let us do our very best, shall we?"
"Yes Ma'am!" the room saluted and shouted as one.
The room began to disperse and Vi sided up next to her, smiling. "Nice speech, Sheriff," she winked, "sounded real stoic and fancy." Her smile shifted into a smug one as she jutted her hip out. "But I think preferred the one you were rehearsing in the shower earlier—
"Noted." She rolled her eyes and ignored the flush on her cheeks. She really wish Vi would let her know when she entered the bathroom while she was in the shower. "How are you feeling?"
Vi frowned a bit. "Fine, Cait, like the five other times you asked me this morning." She chuckled. "And that's saying something 'cause the morning's just beginning!"
Caitlyn laughed. "Right, sorry." She bit her lip and brought her hand out, rubbing her wife's arm just above the sleeve of the massive gauntlet. "I… I mean aside from your sister. I… I know Progress Day isn't always… a fun time of year for you."
Her wife's brows raised. "Could say the same for you, Cupcake," she quipped back.
"Hah, sure," Caitlyn replied. "But a concussion and a few bruises from an explosion is hardly anything compared to your reservations." She didn't mean for it to sound like a therapeutic accusation. But she did know, while not entirely up there, her partner had some misgivings toward Piltover's annual event. The same way one would lament about their own birthday or celebrating Mother/Father's Day for personal reasons, Vi disliked the day. "I… I just want you—"
"I know," Vi smiled warmly, "you're always open for me to hear. I know." She let out a breath. "This year is a bit more tense for me because even though I am fully with our idea, an-and I know it's necessary and they don't mean any harm—"
"Having an army of officers walking around innocents sets something off in you?" she guessed.
Vi sheepishly nodded.
"I think that's a rational response, darling," she gently mused.
Vi chuckled. "Don't I know it." She opened her giant palm and closed it again. "It's always different 'cause I remember I'm also walking alongside them each year, and it's the same this time around. I love seeing people get excited about today, but also know it brings out our citizens more… patriotic sides." She shrugged half-heartedly. "I just… I hope we don't have any problems with our forces and the Zaunites who are coming to visit."
Caitlyn nodded empathetically at that. Though both cities held ill opinions of each other, many Zaunites would admit Progress Day was a party worth giving some attention to. Or at least, the carnival itself. Fact was, the social differences were almost always an issue in disputes during this time of year. In fact, some years Jinx's pranks revolved around incidents where Piltovans and Zaunites had scuffles and she just happened by. Of course as Caitlyn prepared the slowly increasing patrol size throughout the week, she had many rehashed reminders along the same lines of her speech today.
This wasn't about Piltover and Zaun…
"It's just about Piltover, celebrating itself," she softly said. "A day of entitled selfishness, as you've once put it?"
"Something like that," Vi smirked. The two shared a look, staring into each other's eyes. It was an easy moment to say it'll be okay. But they let their passion sink in privately through their eyes alone. With a chuckle, Vi stepped back and shrugged. "In any case, Cupcake, I think we better get a head start. The early morning festivities are about to begin."
Caitlyn nodded. "You're right, Violet, better now than later," she mused.
With that, the two walked side by side, making their way down and out of the precinct. And as soon as they exited the building, the cusp of dawn broke and graced their faces as the life of Piltover began to slowly awake. Banners and streamers flying, big brand vans and truck rolling in the streets; the preparations were beginning all around. The people were getting started. With a smile, Caitlyn looked to Vi and grabbed the pinky of her oversized glove. "Our turn?"
She winked as she leaned in, pecking Caitlyn's cheek softly. "Let's get started Cupcake."
Progress Day, had officially begun.
—VI—
They'd practically worked a twenty-four hour shift.
Of course there were breaks, but they were on the clock for the entirety of the day. Even though Progress Day barely took up two-thirds of it. They just had to be alert. The start of the day saw them right in the heart of the city itself, where the festival was. Seeing Piltover's Finest—as much of a PR stunt as it was to Vi's lament—was the quickest and more assured way for Piltovans to feel safe in an instant. They patrolled the grounds for most of the morning, and while they had a big show of being at the front gates together they actually separated the rest of the time.
Vi could only see her wife's hat in the distance at certain times, smiling at the sight of it. Other times she'd wave, making her and the kids around them laugh. She could count on one hand how often she saw her that morning. Though Vi knew it was for good reason. The fair itself was a massive area. Many of their Wardens stationed were here and in the morning to early afternoon, it was the most populated and lively place in all of Piltover. From then on, as time dwindled to noon hours, they had their first break.
She heard from dispatch Caitlyn was eating at a hot dog stand and Vi reported back she was eating at a burger hut. While her partner was immensely embarrassed at having to not only report that she was going on break, but what she was eating as well, Vi was all too keen to remark about her meal. She knew Cait would be focused, so she made sure—secretly—that every stationed officer that saw her, if able, would ask if she had a snack or something. And that when she did, she would radio dispatch so they could let Vi know.
She received an open announcement on her radio about five hours in, directed to all Enforcers and Wardens, "That while I appreciate everyone's concern please do not keep harassing me with my diet today." And after that, received a direct comm from her partner scolding her not to do that ever again.
Needless to say, Vi had a bit of a peppy smile into the afternoon hours of the day. From there, she and Caitlyn actually dispersed more widely. Caitlyn stationed herself at the Inventor's Gallery while Vi patrolled the outskirts of the city, mainly focusing on docks and other typical areas known for misdeeds. She had a squad of fifty Enforcers backing her then, helping her canvas areas in wide spurts that without a wider eye, would noticeably look like a massive strike force. But to the citizens, they all just assumed it was a standard patrol with Vi gracing them all a smile.
It was the more tiring aspect of her day, walking around endlessly but also keeping a smile and watchful eye and everything and everyone. Despite her Zaunite origin Vi still had a reputation nonetheless, and she couldn't afford to look panicked or afraid. So she held strong. She walked proud and tall, among countless innocents praying to Janna that nothing would wipe their smiles in the next instant as she walked among them. Even with all the tension and fear… Vi's heart fluttered at the joy.
This was Piltover.
The happy citizens, the blissful lifestyle, the calmness—it was the reality her wife strived to protect. One Vi couldn't see the future of, the dream of aspiring and taking action. There was a reason Caitlyn was the one leading their men today, rousing the speech. And there was a reason Vi stood beside her, ready to support. This was a life worth protecting. And each hour that passed only cemented her resolve… but also stroked her nerves of fear. She had her afternoon break with a collective calm and hope flowing through her, as well as a nice coffee house sandwich (and Caitlyn did eat too, she checked).
But when the late evening came, everyone was on high alert.
Vi could only theorize the last big show would be the Progress Day speech, given by Mel this time around. The Council was informed the Sheriff of Piltover was on overwatch while Violet stood guard right at the helm of the stage. A prosperous promise this year as Piltover promised to finally begin mass production of Hextech into everyday appliances. The progress toward simplicity was beginning and the crowd all but roared at the exciting new wonders ahead of them. Piltover was already in its age of Hextech, but this was the beginning of a more lean, gradual curve.
And the anticipation of a chemmed up bomb kept her on edge even throughout the gala. A semi new tradition that followed up about half a decade ago, where after the Progres Day speech the highest class would gather at the massive banquet hall a couple blocks away from the Council Chambers Hall and mingle. Social connections, networking, and typical aristocratic behaviour. The kind of stuffiness Vi loathed but had been dragged along with courtesy of being Caitlyn's plus one at the request of Cassandra. Jinx had crashed it once, supposedly by accident, with a firework show.
But nothing happened.
And now?
It was 11:45 PM.
Vi and Caitlyn had rendezvoused right outside the party. Vi had called her around half past eleven and asked they meet. There, as soon as her wife came into view, she noticed she was on her radio. She kept an ear out as she approached her but Caitlyn already finished. "Alright, thank you," she replied back before letting her radio fall back to her hip. "Just another batch reporting they're turning in for the night. Precinct's getting swarmed every fifteen minutes with another group."
She wanted to make a joke, to quip about the paperwork to come the day after, but she couldn't. "How long… do you think…"
Caitlyn shook her head. "Vi, I don't know…"
With a sigh, her eyes pulled toward the night sky. More specifically something in the distance. Caitlyn followed her line of sight and sighed with her, bringing her hand into Vi's Atlas Gauntlet, they stood beside each other. An audible gulp from Caitlyn and impatient foot tapping from Vi. She had so much to say about what happened today. About the anxiety and worries yet also the hope and joy. Vi had many things she wanted to ask Caitlyn right now, about how she was feeling, about what her day was like.
But Vi knew it was pointless.
There was only one thing on her mind, on both their minds.
It was the same thing they'd both been staring at.
The clock tower.
They had been watching it like a hawk for the last ten minutes. It seemed foolish to say out loud, or even read, but it was like a curse. A moment they didn't wish to… well, jinx. They realized, as they gathered outside the banquet hall, the time before them was passing into uncharted territory. The dozens of Wardens stationed guard around them had similar reactions, almost all of them transfixed on the clock tower. Heck, even some partygoers leaving the gala stopped and noted the moment before them.
At each minute hand move, the silence seemed to beat louder.
And by the fifth time the minute hand twitched, Vi dropped her right Atlas Gauntlet and embraced her wife's hand, letting their fingered interlace tightly as it continued to tick by.
Then?
The hour hand turned and just like that…
It was midnight.
Progress Day was officially over.
Vi turned and stared at her wife, gawking at her in disbelief. "She… she didn't do… anything."
—JINX—
When Jinx woke up that morning, she felt a strange itch at the back of her head.
The kind of itch that scratched and prodded her brain, like she was ignoring it or too sucked into something else that she just forgot about it.
Had she forgotten to do something?
"Ehhh," she waved her hand as she hopped off her futon, "if it was important I'd 'member!" She shrugged before putting her bed back into couch mode and carrying on. A series of cymbal smashing turned her attention over to the giant clock, making her blink in surprise. It was 10 AM. She had slept in before but this was a rare time since the brats hadn't woken her up! Poking her head over the edge, she looked for the two.
In Evi's training/studio wing, Jinx could see her spray painting on another metal sheet, using a collection of green and pink. Turning to the opposite wing, Jinx watched as sparks flew all around Zel's workshop area. "Hey!" she shouted at the top of her lungs to get their attention.
And it worked!
The two stopped what they were doing, silencing all noise as they looked toward her.
"Mornin' Mum!" Evi shouted.
"Good morning, Mom!" Zel waved, lifting his goggles up.
She frowned at them. "How come none of ya brats woke me? Ya missed out on breakfast!"
"Ahh, brunch is fine," Evi waved off.
"We thought you could use the rest!" Zel added.
Jinx felt warmth at their replies. Darn sweet brats. "Cute, but don't do that if it means you two starve!" she shouted. "Whattya want?"
"Pancakes!" they said with no hesitation.
She snorted. "Suuure, 'cause that's brunch-like," she muttered to herself. "On it!" she told them, waving down before pulling away from the edge. She hurriedly walked over to her workshop area, turning on the gramophone to the news station. She blanched when she realized it was the Piltie News. The one thing that sucked about Zaun News' unofficial officialness, was that they didn't actually have a twenty-four hour station schedule like Piltover. It must've been the manpower or something, but it sadly meant the radio just wasn't always playing.
She sighed as she walked over to the kitchen. Pulling on her apron and going through her fridge, she pulled out a carton of eggs. One stack of pancakes practically went all to Evi but they still shared, so a lot was needed. She quickly prepared a bowl then raided her pantry cabinet for some flour, sugar, salt, a couple sticks of butter, and baking powder, placing it all on her nearby counter. As Jinx turned on her burner and began to oil her pan, she pursed her lips. "Nah," she muttered, shaking her head, "There's somethin' I'm missing…"
"—elebrates well into today! Piltover is still riding high—"
She turned her head to the gramophone, her eyes squinting. Jinx gasped, turning back to the counter. "That's it!" She rushed toward the fridge. "I forgot the milk! Doi!" She smacked her forehead. She placed the jug on the table and smiled. "Time to get to work!"
It wasn't long until the first batch was done that the kids had come up and waited for her at the living area. It wasn't long after that that the three were soon munching on stacks of pancakes dripped in butter. No syrup because well, that was hard to come by in Zaun. Jinx swelled in the comfort of the late morning, watching her kids smile and eat. It was moments like this where she was just content with her life. Moments like these? It was all she needed.
"No way."
"E, c'mon," Zel begged.
"No way," Evi affirmed.
"I swear, a paint grenade would be awesome!" He pointed to Jinx. "Heck, you think Mom's paint bombs are cool? Don't you want your own?"
Jinx snorted at the sight of her daughter rolling her eyes with a mouthful of pancakes. She swallowed, shaking her head. "Zel, why're ya even thinking 'bout that?" she asked, tilting her head as she pointed her fork at him. "Oh!" She gasped. "You're in another rut and need a distraction!"
"I am not!"
"Then how's your 'hybrid' design coming?"
"Fuck off," Zel grumbled, stabbing the last of his pancake.
"Aww, c'mon Rook," Jinx cooed, leaning over to pat his head, "Your thinking's not bad. Another project is a good distraction!"
He beamed and looked to Evi, silently asking once again as he chewed.
Evi just frowned. "No.
"C'mon!" Zel pleaded.
"I'm not wasting any of my paint for your bombs."
"First off, they're be your bomb," Zel corrected, "and if it's that much of a big deal then I'll buy my own paint to test with first!"
Eiv groaned, throwing her head back. "I don't wanna waste any of my paint period. That shit's expensive, bro!" Jinx snorted, pulling the two's attention toward her. "Jinx, c'mon, tell him it's expensive."
She blinked at her. "E, I practically invented paint bombs." At Zel's chuckle, her daughter slugged his arm, prompting the two to get into a slap fight. She simply just sighed as she rose up and collected their dishes. "Whenever you two are done sissy fighting," they ceased instantly, "a good change of pace could be just winding down?" she lightly suggested.
Zel made a pensive face as Evi pulled away from him, rising to her feet as well. "We can just chill by the gramophone, maybe listen if the Zaun News is on?"
Jinx clicked her teeth as she began walking away. "Just Piltie, sorry brats."
"Ah, shite, well somethin' is better than nothin'?" she heard her daughter reply as she approached the central hub.
Her son chuckled. "Why not?"
The excited pitter patter of their footsteps was the last thing she heard before ascending into the bathroom. Even after all these months Jinx still couldn't get around to making a pipe system for a sink in the kitchen area, there was just no practical design for it. At least, not one that was safe and easy to repair if something happened to it. Which meant no dangling pipes over a chasm. The process of collecting buckets at a time to leave in the kitchen area and washing dishes in the bathroom was really tedious at first. But eventually, the bathroom just adopted the mix of dishes and shower soaps.
Jinx giggled as she scrubbed at her pan.
Moments like these, once again, where she found herself thinking about safety and mundane chores being sweet. Janna, she was living her best life, huh? Humming Get Jinxed, she continued to clean and dry her dishes. Not even when she was young, could Jinx remember herself doing a chore like this. The early days, the days before The Split, the days after the Split: her highest high was doing dishes after eating pancakes with two kids. Two wonderful kids. She giggled once again, smiling like an idiot as she looked at herself in the mirror.
A reflection she had seen time and time again.
Practically no different than a year ago.
But this time?
She felt like her smile had more heart in it.
Her brow curled a bit at that thought. "A year ago?" That pricked her brain. "Huh… somethin' sounds familiar with that…"
"Jinx!" she heard Zel yell.
She jumped, quickly drying her hands and running to the ladder. "Yeah?"
"Come here!" Evi followed up.
With haste, she descended the ladder and rounded the turbine, meeting the two at her workshop desk. Evi was sitting on the edge of it while Zel took her chair, the two smiling at her with eager faces. She furrowed her brows, associating that look with the excitement of them giving her Zapper or something else. She cocked her head. "What's up? What's with the dopey grins?" she pointed at them.
"We just heard on the Piltie radio," Zel shouted, jerking his thumb at the gramophone, "Progress Day was yesterday!"
"It was?" Jinx asked, bewildered. Had it been another year since her zoo riot already? Where had the time gone? She glanced toward the gramophone.
"—iltovans continue to celebrate into today! Treating it like it's a Second Progress Day!" the caster announced. "Meanwhile, local authorities are still on patrol and standby, assuring citizens they are ready for whatever The Loose Cannon has planned—"
"Apparently you threw Topside in a tizzy 'cause they thought ya were gonna do somethin', hah!" Evi laughed, slapping her metal knee. "Genius!"
Jinx furrowed a confused brow.
Zel chuckled, clasping his hands together eagerly. "So what's the plan: lure them into a false sense of security and then strike?" He grinned up at her. "I can help you make a batch of Chompers?"
"And I can stock up your paint bombs," Evi chimed in, raising her hand.
"Oh so you'll use your paint for her projects, but not mine?"
"'Cause hers involves sticking it to Topside and yours is 'cause you're bored."
"Not 'bored', I'm in a rut!"
"Hah! So you are in a rut!"
Before they could even get into another bickering match, they waved their hands dismissively at each other and turned back to Jinx, smiling. "So?" they both prompted her.
Jinx stared at the two's eager faces.
Not long ago did she have a smile like that for a day like yesterday.
Janna, it was yesterday.
All she was doing yesterday was sleeping in with the kids (as per their scheduled cuddle time). That was her highlight at least. The kids went to the arcade again for most of the day, leaving Jinx to nap. It wasn't far off from a regular day like any other. But Piltover? They were off celebrating their founding day. Without her for once. Jinx could only snort at the realization.
Last year's Progress Day had been a couple months before she met these kids, and she could avidly remember counting down the days to the next one. But the second they entered her life? It was like time itself only mattered to these two and their futures. Thinking outside of them, these two made Jinx want to be better than focusing on herself. She thought back to about a week ago, when she left that note for her sister and her sister-in-law. Jinx smiled, thinking about what it must've been like to have a day where she wasn't bothering them.
It must've been boring.
And stressful, thinking she'd pounce at any time.
But Jinx could only smile.
She placed her hands on her kids' shoulders, making them tilt their heads owlishly. "Eh, who cares?" she shrugged. They blinked at her, exchanging a look of shock before turning back to her. She giggled at their shared confusion.
"You're… you're not going to do anything?" her Urchin asked, clearly surprised. "No explosions? No show? No nothin'?"
Jinx blew a raspberry as she waved her hand. "Pilties can stress all they want." She placed her arms around the two and hugged them tight, much to their collective complaining at her strength. "I got all the entertainment I need right here."
"Janna, that's cheesy," Zel muttered under his breath.
"Sappy o'clock, already?" Evi teased.
Jinx ignored their remarks and continued to squeeze, making them gasp a bit as she swayed her body side to side. After a few seconds of them tapping on her shoulders for the release of freedom, she granted their wish. But not before giving them each a peck on the forehead before pulling away. Even with her sappiness, she could see the flushed and happy looks on their faces. She stood up and smirked. "Now if ya excuse me… I have dishes to wash."
A/N: Don't mean to overshare, but these past few months have been very hard on me family wise and having to do my part has been a bit rough. Right now, my downtime consists of gaming, reading, archery, and writing. Writing is one of my favourite things and I love to write to entertain others. Guess I'm just trying to say thanks for all your guys' lovely comments and active enjoyment. Not only does it brighten my day but it's just nice knowing something I'm creating is, at least in some small way, making someone happy. So thanks for continuing to actively enjoy this story even with its delays!
Anyways, regarding the chapter!
Jinx's last year prank is a reference to her Get Jinxed video. I'm not saying what happened in that scene in that video is canon to this fic, but just that the idea itself is.
Following Violyn's POV was something I was set on doing the second I picked up y'all were excited to see their reaction to Jinx and the kids. I always said this story had a big theme healing the past, but I really wanted to emulate the past relationships further with both Vi AND Cait. I've repeatedly said that this timeline is set in the Runeterra ways of how everyone is aged up/acts, but that wasn't ENTIRELY true. The relationship between Piltover's Finest and The Loose Cannon was something I wanted to show the growth of in this story. Meaning, how they get to an amicable point with each other, mainly Jinx and Vi. So yeah, we're in for a ride. ( ^‿^)
Is the rest of the Council really old at this point? Definitely! But they still remained unchanged (though some may be closer to retirement than others). I know Mel's necklace being what saved them is kinda of oversaturated/cop out theory most use in these fics nowadays to sway how they miraculously survived but... I don't care. Personally, I don't think something like this would ACTUALLY happen in Arcane but I'm merely using it as a semi world building expansion but also as an expository method to just shoehorn how it was dealt with. Simple as that, so sorry if it's not as satisfying but frankly it's not the biggest important piece to this story.
Speaking of! Don't bother asking about Viktor. He's not relevant to this story nor my character's motivations. If you're truly curious all you need to know is that no one knows where he's staying (could be Zaun, could be Piltover). After he helped Jayce develop the cybernetics to save Mel he saw the potential himself and sloped down there. But he's practically a recluse who's devoted to his mission of using augmented cybernetics within the everyday person, so a shut in. Wants to be left alone is all. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Also, yes, yes, Wardens Mir and Kepple are a Runeterra card. Mir actually showed up in chap 1! Their card name is Patrol Wardens! As well as Zayne Asako, his card is Sting Officer! Just some more fun tid bits! Don't worry, not important characters or anything!
Vi's interaction with Zaunites is not far off from canon depictions. Ekko isn't entirely on the best of terms—still amicable of course—but most view Vi's Enforcer role as a betrayal to Zaun. I know it's not a unique thread to tug on but I kinda have to in this fic because while there's themes of healing and growth, the relationships of the past is also very prevalent. Vi's relationship to Zaun is not a forefront, but it can't NOT be mentioned. And in case it isn't clear, while the obvious conclusion is that Jericho, Babette, and Ekko are lying to protect themselves and their interests they're all also lying because they know Jinx is at her best with Evi and Zel. As twisted as it sounds, they all think this cat and mouse thing the sisters have is the most destructive thing about their relationship. Hence why they all get a bit sad when they realize Vi is asking about Jinx.
I know it seems like I'm holding your hand with this explanation, but it's more so 'cause the perspectives we have are limited to isn't always capable of going to the actual depth and variety of the characters themselves. My biggest appeal toward Arcane is that EVERY character is flawed, and while they have an extensive time and format to pursue that kind of theme I don't exactly have the same liberty. On that note, I hope my portrayal of Vi and Caitlyn wasn't bad! Of course they're a BIT different given their circumstances and situation, but I still wanted to capture semblances of their canon personalities. Either way, feel free to discuss your thoughts in the comments! Thanks again for your patience! Next chap is a doozy!
Next chapter update: October 28th (likely a couple days later than that again!)
Stay safe and stay lovely y'all.
Until next time,
- Bleh
