The Most Undoing Thing

by BlehBluhBlah

Several years after the Split, Piltover and Zaun's symbiotic societies are on the cusp of prospering. With a bright future on the way for many Pilties—and even some Zaunites—Jinx is left with nothing but wonder for what her future entails. But what's she to do when her path leads down to the pair of orphaned Zaunites: bombardier Zel and pickpocketer Evi? Simple: do better.

13. Chapter 13

A/N: Happy Halloween (well, belated)! Meant to post it last night but dealing with trick-or-treaters was a bit of a thing, so this got delayed! Enjoy, ( ^‿^).

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Chapter Summary: As Jinx comes into the realization that her kids are growing up with their own aspirations, she also has to come to terms that they have their own trauma. And there's only two people she can go to for help...

Word Count: 18,799

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—EVI—

Today's job took them up Topside.

It was honestly a bit of a thrill for her, since the last time she and Zel were here was the day they met Jinx. This job was requested because the Barons—Glasc specifically—needed a certain aristocrat who'd been chipping in funds to cough up more coins because they'd been skimping recently. Normally, because of her high profileness, Glasc would handle it herself by way of simply visiting Topside but she decided to employ the three of them, thinking some intimidation would thoroughly get the message across. Evi personally wagered it was truthfully because the old woman had to take care of an accident that occurred at one of her factories.

Despite it all, Evi was graciously eager for the chance. The last time they were here, they were running. But now, they were stronger. She was stronger. The poor girl pouty act wasn't needed anymore. Topsiders could go fuck themselves if they even tried to look down on her. She smiled proudly at the thought. The Evi of today was taller than that. And she was ready to show it.

"Ooh, what's with the grin, Urchin?" Jinx asked from above her, before hopping to a pipe.

Evi looked up the alleyway walls and smiled at the woman's quick scaling. "Excited is all."

Zel brushed past her shoulder with a warning look. "We're on a job, no rukuses," he reminded as he climbed up after Jinx.

She snorted. "Yeah, sure, like I was the one blowing up Topside a few months ago." She began chasing up after her family, smiling at the way she just knew her brother was flushing.

"S-Some of those were accidents!" he shouted down at her.

"Mhmm."

"Listen, I'm just saying you could tone back your excitement a bit!" Zel advised as he hopped onto the roof after Jinx. "Glasc said she wanted—"

"—it low profile, sheesh, I know bro," she dryly replied. As she climbed up, both her mom and brother grabbed her arms, hoisting her up. She shot him a smirk. "Just excited to be back here is all."

"And excitement's fine, E. Just make sure ya keep it focused," Jinx said, patting her shoulder. "Now c'mon! It's broad daylight so we gotta make sure we don't hang 'round too much!" She waved them to follow her as she began running. She hopped to the next roof, and the two quickly followed after her.

"Why couldn't we do this at night again?"

"Jonah's estate is kind of a bitch to sneak into at night. When he's at his office, he's much easier to reach," Jinx explained. "Plus, the threat of us being seen with him in broad daylight is another worry for him too! So if he doesn't play ball fast enough, that's also on him." She giggled, now skipping the rest of the way.

Jonah's office was located near a more urban part of Piltover. Not much traffic that other high profile people would be in the area but enough that the everyday citizen would catch him at least once or twice a week in public. It was a bit of a workout, running from the sewer entrance alley they came from all the way to his office. The issue was that the pipes didn't go far enough, and that Jinx's strategy was never to leave through the same place they entered from. So that meant they had a bit of distance to clear before reaching their objective. On the bright side, it took them throughout places in Piltover neither Zel or Evi had ever been before. Much more high class areas, of course.

They had passed through dozens of parks, plazas, and shopping strips. Half of which were things they'd never even seen in Zaun. Jinx never batted an eye at any of it, which made Evi feel a bit self conscious of her experience. She'd thought she'd seen all Piltover had to offer but there was still so much more the City of Progress had over them. It was infuriating.

"Pilties really like to parade around how much greenery they got, huh?" she bitterly spat.

Jinx snorted. "Not really a brag, Urchin," she replied as they began to walk along a series of apartment building rooftops. "It's just community stuff that makes Topside feel more pretty and nice, encourages Pilties to go outside and all that."

Evi scrunched her brow at that. "But… people already go outside."

"Yeah, but it's usually for work or errands or some shit." She came to a stop and pointed her chin down at a nearby playground. "See those kids? They're playing, but their parents are relaxing and watching. Some are even chatting."

Evi watched the scene beneath her with a weird feeling of… jealousy? It was sort of like what they did—the three of them. But instead it was more… open, and casual. Like they really had nothing to worry about. Like the threat of a mugger wasn't something that would just happen. Sure, the three of them could relax like that sometimes. But Zaun was a constant reminder its streets were dirtied.

"What about that?" The two turned toward Zel, who was looking across the other side of the rooftop and into the distance. Evi's eyes widened at the massive plot of land. It was all grass, but filled with weird stones in the ground. Near one of the corners of this place, were a group of Pilties all wearing black. She… she couldn't recall ever seeing something like this before.

"Ahh, that's a cemetery," Jinx said in a quiet voice. "Or a graveyard? Honestly don't know if there's a difference or if the names are interchangeable or whatever." She shrugged, chuckling. "People bury their dead there."

"Pilties been doing this all this time?" Evi asked, her eyes widening.

How had she never heard of this?

"Not just Piltover, E," Jinx corrected, smiling at her. "Demacia's got some, Noxus, think some places in Bilgewater—lots of places do. Ain't just a Piltie thing."

"We don't bury our dead," Zel pointed, his eyes focused on the sight of the people dressed in black. He looked… distant all of a sudden.

Jinx nodded. "Nooope. Not always. Least not like everyone else does, with all this fancy pancy shit," she halfheartedly gestured toward the cemetery. "It's called a funeral, meant to like, honour the dead. Sometimes people cremate 'em, sometimes the burn 'em like this. For us? Sometimes people come and collect our corpses off the streets, use 'em for creepy sciencey stuff. Or other times the Barons pay the Cleaners and they go and burn whatever pile up of bodies we got."

Evi could recall the Cleaners. She'd seen them in action once after she and Zel fought off a mugger, back when they were ten and nine. They were hiding out, but she caught a glimpse of a crew coming and collecting the body then leaving. She heard all the nearby Zaunites mutter about wanting to get a Cleaner job. Apparently it paid really well. Evi couldn't think about doing something like that: she hardly ever thought about the bodies she left behind, much like her mother's—her biological mother. A corpse was a corpse, simple enough.

"We don't do funerals in the Undercity," he stated, almost as if he was announcing the idea. Evi furrowed a brow as she watched her brother fiddle with his slingshot absentmindedly, still staring out into the distance.

"No we do not, Rookie, no we do not," Jinx replied. "We 'member the dead in our own ways." She turned toward him and smiled, flicking the goggles on his forehead with a giggle. "Ain't that right?" She winked. "Now c'mon, Jonah's office ain't that far from here."

As she ran ahead, Evi spared another look at her suddenly pensive partner. "Zel? You good?"

He glanced toward her before looking back at the cemetery one last time. "I… I think so," he nodded. "C'mon, don't want Mom to do the job without us."

He didn't seem all too bothered or anything, but Evi figured she should take Jinx's advice and focus on the job first and foremost. It wasn't long until they reached Jonah's office. A six story building on the top floor, next to an easily breachable balcony. Jinx knelt down on the roof above the balcony and herded the two of them to either side of her. "Alright, 'member brats, we gotta make sure when we leave it's with the guarantee the uptight asshole is gonna make good on his end."

"How will we know he'll do his part though?" Zel asked. "Won't he just say anything to get us to leave?"

Jinx clicked her teeth and shook her head. "Nah, Rookie, when ya do a threat like this, an ultimatum is what ya got leave 'em with."

Evi's eyes widened in realization. "Like you with your detonator in the Chem-Barons' Council Chambers! O-Or what Sevika had with Zel and I before we met you!"

Her mom winked with a smile. "Bingo, Urchin! Guys like Jonah usually don't take much to scare but we still gotta threaten him with somethin'!" She scooted toward the edge of the roof and giggled. "Just lemme work my magic while you two standby looking cute and scary!"

"W-Wait," Evi hesitantly said, catching Jinx before she swung down. She turned and raised her brow at Evi, making her shrink a bit. "Do… do ya think I could try taking the lead with intimidating Jonah?"

Jinx's eyes widened. She tilted her head as she hummed, clearly pondering the thought. After a couple seconds she looked to Zel. "You want in on this?"

Zel blinked, looking between the two. "Umm, not really? I-I think I'm fine just standing by," he quietly admitted.

"Alright, well, why not E!" Jinx announced, shrugging. "But ya gotta be okay with me stepping in in case of anything, got it?"

Evi nodded. "Fair enough."

If she wanted to be taken seriously, she needed to start stepping up more—especially when it came to jobs like these. As fun as they were, Evi wanted to show that she wasn't just a little girl. And she wanted to be taken seriously too.

Jinx swung down and onto the balcony. Evi took a breath and swung down after her, landing her feet on the railing. Jinx quickly pulled her in and moved to help Zel. Evi occupied herself with peeking into the office. She couldn't make much of anything inside, but she did notice one thing…

Jonah wasn't inside.

"It's empty?"

"Lunch break," Jinx said as she walked up to the door, crouching down toward the door's keyhole. She produced a small lockpick set and began picking it as she said, "Glassky filled me in on Jonah's schedule—he takes an early lunch, so we can spook him when he gets back."

"You know, it still surprises me how professional ya are when you work," Evi mused.

Jinx snorted as the door clicked open. She turned her head over her shoulder as she pushed the door open. "All good pranks taken careful crafting, my lil' Urchin." She winked before taking the lead and stepping in.

The office was fancier than anything Evi had ever seen.

It was like Sevika's and Babette's office combined, but filled with polished furniture. Wooden desks and tables that shined like the sun graced their surfaces. Evi's jaw dropped in awe as she wandered over to the cushion seats off to the side of Jonah's desk. It was no different than the living area set up Jinx had: a table and a couch, but Jonah's was much more posh. Olive green cushions with dark brown wooden accents, and the small glass table with similar coloured wooden framing. She might not have known the fancy labels of the woods or seats, but she knew art and knew this high class setup was expensively nice.

She looked down at the table and scoffed at the plate of biscuits. She just thought it was a stereotypical insult Zaunites made up about how rich Pilties would have plates of biscuits and tea. Looking at the plates right now… it pissed her off. Her stomach growled at the thought of food, making her flush a bit. She turned to her brother and mom and was met with a look of shock and a wide eye face.

"How are you still hungry?" Zel asked as he leaned up against the bookshelf on the other end of the room. "We had a full plate of eggs and bacon!"

Evi simply flipped off her brother as she scowled. "I'm a growing girl," she drly remarked.

"Ya sure are!" Jinx snorted, dropping herself down in the office chair behind Jonah's big desk. As she spun around, she added, "Might also be that metabolism thing."

"What?" Evi blinked.

"It's the process of like, taking the food and liquids you eat or drink and turning it into energy or whatever." She stopped spinning and placed her hand on the desk, tapping her fingers. "Some people, like you, burn a lot of your calories faster than usual so ya gotta keep eating to match it." She shot her a small fond smile. "My sister was like that too. Probably still is, heh."

Evi frowned at the comparison.

She slumped herself onto the couch. She hated when Jinx compared her to Violet. Whenever she mentioned her other brothers, or better yet, herself when she was younger, Evi took pride in the comparisons. But for some reason she got more comparisons to Vi than Zel did. Evi didn't want to be a Vi. She wanted to be better. Better than some traitor sitting up Topside munching on biscuits and slurping tea. Propping her boot up on the table, she scoffed at the plate once again.

She would be better… one day.

"Just have some!" She looked to Jinx, who had her feet propped on the desk and her hands behind her head. "Bastard's already got more than enough for himself—what's a few biscuits?" She punctuated her point with a wink, making Evi chuckle.

With an eager swipe, she grabbed a couple biscuits and began munching on them as she leaned back in her seat. She noticed the grin Jinx had and couldn't help but blush a bit. Despite all things, their mom knew how to read them well. And while she might not have noticed what made her upset, she did know snacks were a decent enough distraction.

"—es, yes, 'tip tomorrow!" came a jovially voice.

Evi went rigid. She looked to Zel, who turned away from the bookshelf and grabbed his slingshot, then to Jinx, who remained nonplussed. She gave the two a silent look, Don't move. At that order, Evi remained in her seat, chewing away at the biscuit in her mouth. The door handle began to jiggle and the dork came open. "Opeli, do make sure to tell any guests that I'll be busy for the rest of the day!" A hummed reply came from the hallway as the man stepped inside, his head kept down. He had a ton of files tucked under his arm as he spun around, slamming the door shut. Feeling a bit mischievous, Evi grabbed another biscuit and crunched it, making the man yelp like a little girl.

His eyes were wide with alarm as his papers fell to the floor. He darted his frantic gaze between the three of them as Jinx lifted Zapper and mimed a shushing gesture.

"Jonah, sir?" came the assistant's voice. "Are you okay?"

His gaze flew to each person in the room one by one, scared for his life.

Evi levelled the man with a stern stare of her own, still chewing on her food as she whipped out her gun and spun it in her hand.

He gulped as he gripped his chest. "Y-Yes… Opeli… I-I-I just dropped my files is all—I can handle it myself!" he hastily added.

"If you say so sir!" came the faint reply.

At that, the three of them beamed a proud smile at the man, prompting him to breathe a relieved sigh. "So… Jinx," the man spoke, straightening himself up, not doubt attempting to look tall and proud, "To what do I the pleasure?"

She beamed and looked to Evi, nodding her along.

It was time!

Okay, if she wanted to do this right, she needed to pull a page from Jinx's book. With that in mind, Evi cheekily hopped out of her seat and walked over to Jonah, spinning the gun with a smile. "Oh, looks like ya dropped your things," she said in mock shock. "Allow me to help ya with that, good sir!" She bent down and scooped up his files with her left hand. Once it was all tucked into one pile, she rose up and handed it to him, still smiling .

He blinked, clearly confused. "Uhh.. thank you? Miss…"

"Evi!" She beamed, grabbing him by the shoulder. She led him to the couch. "And no problem!" She gave him a pat on the back as he sat down. "I think doing favours is all 'bout paying it forward!" She spun her gun once again before gripping on it firmly and training it on the man's forehead, making his eyes go wide. "Wouldn't you agree, Jonah?" she said in a low voice, dipping her grin into a mischievous smirk. At his gulp she giggled, tilting her head. "Why do you think we're here?"

He glanced to Jinx, but Evi didn't take her eyes off of him, settling for staying stern. "I… ransom?"

Evi snorted at that while Jinx cackled. "No, no, no, we're here on business! Right Mum?"

"Right ya are, E!"

The man's eyes widened. "You're… you're her daughter?" he exclaimed in horror.

But a stirring of pride swelled within her. "Yuuup. And that's my bro," she stepped aside and jerked her thumb to her brother.

"Yo," came the quiet reply.

Evi wasn't sure if he was doing anything intimidating, but she couldn't look away to check. "But family business aside, Jonah, we're here 'cause we're doing our job." She tilted her head and frowned. "And that's 'cause you ain't doing yours."

"I-I'm not sure I-I know what you're on about," He stammered, nervously fidgeting over his files.

Evi sighed, shaking her head. "Anyone feel like filling him in?" she asked, levelling a disappointed stare at him that made him wilt.

"What my daughter is getting is at," Jinx chimed in, "is you haven't been funding as much for Glasc's productions." She sighed, and Evi guessed she was moving her hand about, gesturing wildly judging by the way Jonah's eyes flew around Jinx's direction. "And for someone who's first in line to receive her goods, it doesn't look good that you're not chipping in your part, y'know?" She clicked her teeth repeatedly. "Urchin, what do you think?"

Evi grinned at that. She pushed the barrel of her gun closer to the man's temple, enjoying the way his body went rigid. "I think, it's easier to collect payment from an empty office rather than a snivelling coward," she teased.

"W-Wait!" he said in a hushed shout, mindful of his assistant. "I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry! My niece's wedding happened and there was a birthday—I-I just needed to splurge on my family! I didn't have enough to set aside for my monthly funds!"

Evi pouted. "Sounds like excuses, Jonesy."

"B-But, Jinx, surely—if this is true," he looked to Evi and Zel then back to her, "you, a mother, can relate to my predicament?" he pleaded, looking to her desperately.

Another sigh came from her mom and it made Evi smile out of pride. "Of course I can, Jonesy! Buuuut, if you were any smarter you'd set aside a bit more for personal splurges too." Jinx got up from her chair and began pacing. "Seems to me we're not the people you should be 'splaining shit to. We're just here to do the deed."

His eyes flew back to Evi's with a flinch, no doubt put off by her unending stare. Perfect. "Couldn't have said it any better, Jinx!" She let out a content sigh and crouched down, unsheathing her knife from her boot. "Now I'll give ya two options?" She spun the knife in her left hand. "I stab ya in the heart, and we can lock eyes as ya fade into nothingness or…" she flicked off the safety of her gun, "we make a big mess in your office, scarring your assistant for life?"

He swallowed.

"S-Surely there's an option three?"

"Bombs?" The man's eyes flew behind Evi's and for once, she looked back. Zel was still leaning against the bookcase but now had an undermine in his hand, tossing it up and down. "Granted, it's a lot messier," he mused." He chuckled, shrugging. "You're probably familiar with my work? Say… a couple bombings Topside 'bout a few months ago?" Evi smirked at her brother's smugness. He was starting to enjoy this too.

As she turned back, she caught the man's eyes of rage. "You're… you're the bomber?"

"Guilty," came her brother's reply.

The man's sudden rage filled gaze flew to Jinx. "Of course she'd take in the psychopath responsible for all that carnage!" Evi's eyes widened at the sudden disgust in his voice.

"Watch it, Jonesy, that's my son you're talking 'bout!" Jinx warned.

Evi followed suit, punching the barrel of the gun against his forehead. "Now I'm tempted to just do all three options," she said, kicking her prosthetic leg against his chest as she leaned forward, bringing her knife to his cheek.

"W-Wait! Wait! Wait! I'll pay! I'll pay!" he hastily croaked out.

With that, Evi pulled back, still keeping her gun against his forehead, but her knife and foot away from him. "Care to elaborate, good sir?"

He released a breath, sparing a look at Zel with disdain before looking to Evi pleadingly. "I-I'll give you a third of the payment I owe this month, and then the rest will come later this weekend. I-I promise."

Evi hummed, turning to Jinx. To her surprise, Jinx just looked at her, as if waiting for her approval. Woah. That was a cool feeling! Evi turned back and pulled her gun away, smiling at the man. "Wednesday."

The man's jaw dropped. "B-But that's in two days—"

She placed the gun against his forehead once again, silencing him. She blankly stared. "It's a more generous offer than what Glasc'll give ya, take it or take the bullet in your head."

"W-Wednesday it is…"

Evi removed the gun from his face and holstered it immediately. "Perfect!" She lightly clapped her hands together and rubbed them. "Ya mind if I take another?" She asked, pointing to his plate of biscuits. There was only one left. He frantically reached for it and held it up for her. Joyfully, she accepted it and popped it into her mouth, walking away with a wave. She situated herself near the balcony door, chewing happily.

Jonah rose up from his seat and over to his desk, pulling out a small chest from one of his drawers and placing it on his desk. He opened it, revealing the large amount of golden hexes and silver cogs within. "I-It's one hundred now. Th-The rest will come."

Jinx whistled at the sight. "By the looks of it, the rest should come now," she raised a brow at the chest.

He gulped. "F-Fine, one fifty, b-but that's the most I can give right now, I-I swear!"

Jinx beamed at that. "Now there's the business man Glassky talked 'bout!" She slapped the man on the back, making him flinch. "Y'know where to drop it off, I'm assuming since you've been doing this for like, ever." The man wilted at that reminder as Jinx clicked her teeth at Zel and nodded to the chest. "Zel, collect the coins."

Her brother nodded and moved from his spot, tucking his bomb back into his bag and pulling out a small sack instead. He held it out to Jonah and furrowed his brows, noticing the hateful stare in the man's eyes as he filled it coin by coin. Soon after he finished, Zel pocketed the sack back in his bag and shot the man a smirk, angering him further before turning toward the balcony. He and Evi walked out, waving at the man while Jinx lingered.

"Pleasure doing business with ya," she winked.

He sunk his head down, staring at his chest.

"Oh, and Jonesy?" Jinx stood in the middle of the doorframe, grabbing the door handles. "Ya tell anyone 'bout this lil' visit?" She lowered her head, fixing him with a warning stare. "And your niece not being around to celebrate her one year anniversary with her husband is the least of things you'll have to worry about." She pulled the doors shut as she said, "See ya!"

The sight of the man's horrified face made Evi almost cackle. Once they got to the rooftop, she began laughing to her heart's content. "Ah man that was priceless! Dude was sooo scared!" She snorted, slapping her prosthetic knee. "Ah, fucking Hell, too good. Too good."

"Good job E," Jinx patted her back affectionately, shooting her a proud smile, "Couldn't have done it any better!" Her heart fluttered at the praise. "I mean I could've," Evi then frowned, no malice of course but still staring at her mother unimpressed, "but ya did good too!"

"Thanks, Mum," she said with a small smile.

She shot her a wink before patting Zel's back too. "Ya did good too, Rookie. Chiming in the way you did was a nice touch!" she said as she kissed her fingers.

Evi looked to her brother, expecting to see him fluster a bit but his head was staring down at his hands, then glancing upward into the distance. "What was that about," he turned to Jinx, "his whole thing with me?"

Right, that was weird.

Jinx sighed. "Jonah's brother was in the area for that one bombing at Jayce's statue—heard through the grapevine he had to get a prosthetic arm after it." She waved her left arm for emphasis. She shrugged. "One of those fancy ones too, like straight from Pretty Boy's hands kinda tech."

Evi scoffed at that. "Must be lucky to be rich," she commented, kicking her left leg at the roof. Zel had to work his ass off to get her a leg back then. And even then it was shoddier than the one she had now. She shook her head, thinking there was no sense thinking about it further. "C'mon, We gotta fill the ol' wannabe big wigs on Jonah's deal." As she and Jinx made a move to pick up their speed, she noticed Zel didn't. "Zel?" she called out.

He was staring off into the cemetery again, his face now darkened.

"Bro?"

He blinked out of his stupor, turning to her. "Yeah, E?"

"You good?"

He nodded. "Yeah… c'mon, let's just get this to Glasc and get our paycheck," he mused, patting his backpack as he walked past her.

Evi wasn't sure what to comment on for his strange behaviour, but decided he was right nonetheless. It was a simple job on paper, but the getting to and back part was the only stress. But having done it once, they could do it again no problem. With it being well into the afternoon, the streets were much busier and livier. Though that didn't deter their efforts in any way. But even as they ran across the rooftops, Evi got the sense her brother wasn't one hundred percent in the moment. He wasn't keeping up with their stride. Instead he lagged behind a bit. And whenever they came to a stop, his face looked distant once again.

He was deep in thought, that was all she could piece together.

But by the time they entered Zaun, they had no time to talk since a huge market day sale in the market area caused rowdy and active Zaunites to crawl all over the streets. Firelights were hovering high to keep an eye on things, but Jinx decided it was best they didn't loiter around too long. They booked it straight to the Chem-Baron Council Chambers. With the Firelights overhead, pretending not to notice them—as per Jinx's deal—the three of them were left keeping their eyes and ears out as they ran. The fact that Jinx didn't say anything made Evi wonder if her mother was simply letting the boy think quietly or actually oblivious to it.

Judging by the fleeting glances she shot at him as they rode the elevator, Evi was wagering it was the former.

The doors slid open and Evi marched forward with a pep in her step. The guards stationed outside all groaned as they noticed their arrival. She simply waved. "How ya doing Freddie?" Evi beamed at the burly man stood to the right of the door.

He sighed exasperatedly. "My name's actually—"

"Freddie, I remember," she simply replied, bidding him a nod as she Jinx pushed open the doors. A faint groan came from behind that made her giggle as the three entered the room.

The Barons all silenced their chatter and sighed all at once.

"You could knock you know?" Eramis muttered, rolling his eyes.

"I believe we told you contacting our right hands was a more efficient way of handling intel?" Corina snidely pointed out.

Jinx clicked her teeth disapprovingly. "This one's actually for the big lady herself," she winked at Glasc. She placed her hands on the table as she joyfully swung her head side to side. "Zel, hit 'em with it!"

Her brother walked up and pulled out the sack of coins, sliding it across the table to Glasc. The woman inspected the bag before digging into the coins, raising her brow at the amount.

"Jonah paid upfront hundred-fifty, the rest'll come this Wednesday," Evi explained casually.

Renata's brows raised. "Hmm, you and your children certainly are efficient Jinx, I'll give you that."

"I think, we'd like ya to give us our money?" Evi said with a smile.

Jinx snorted, patting her on the shoulder. "By the way, standard pay's gotta rise at least twenty percent." Evi wasn't sure why Jinx was saying this, but she made sure not to make her confusion known as the Barons looked at her in alarm. "Going Topside is one thing, but showing up undetected? In a place like Jonah's? Ooof." Jinx sighed, shaking her head. "Costly, Glassky! Practically took out our entire morning for this!" She pouted and grabbed both her and Zel's shoulders, pulling them close. "Making no time for me and my kiddies!" she dramatically whined.

"Get off," Evi hissed, pushing Jinx's cheek away from hers.

Renata chuckled. "Fair enough. Ten percent, instead."

"Fifteen," Jinx asserted, smiling as she released her and Zel.

Renata nodded. "Meve?" Freddie poked his head around the corner of the door, raising his brow. "Bring Miss Jinx and her children their payment, but increase it by ten percent." The man nodded and walked away. "He may take awhile."

Jinx shrugged. "Ain't no big, we got time," she replied. She sat on the end of the table, kicking her feet around. "What're you guys talking 'bout?"

"Private matters, I'm afraid," Glasc shortly replied.

Evi sighed in a mocking forlorn way. "Of course, thinkin' up the next big ways you can profit from the people is really a hush-hush kinda convo, eh?"

The amount of glares she received would've made her gulp months ago. But they didn't mean shit to her now. Zel hissed a warning, "Hey" but she ignored it. A chilling tension set upon the room, but Evi didn't deter in her stance. These bastards were sometimes no better than the guy they just threatened. Even though Jinx tried to remind her otherwise, Evi couldn't help but see the scum for what they were.

"By the way, Jinx, since we have you here," Chross spoke up, raising his frail hand from his wheelchair arm. "I think—considering our partnership—it'd be appropriate to tell you what my Hush Company's recently caught wind of these days." Jinx tilted her head, prompting him to go on. "Your sister was sighted in Zaun a couple weeks ago," he informed her, "Her usual contacts, of course, but word was she'd been asking about you."

"And you're just now bringing it up?" Evi dryly remarked. Zel shot her a look and elbow to her side but she took it like a champ, snorting.

"Ahh that?" Jinx blew a raspberry as she waved her hand nonchalantly. "Don't worry, she's done her search now."

"It would seem so," Chross nodded, ignoring Evi's comment.

"Still," Renata spoke up, narrowing her eyes, "we would appreciate it if you could let us know beforehand about any more stunts up Topside regarding high profile individuals such as the Kirammans."

Her mother rolled her eyes. "Relaaaax, Glassky, just left a parting note was all. I've squared my beef! She won't be coming for me again!"

Evi scoffed. "Thank Janna for that," she muttered. Jinx had told her all about the note situation one day when Evi noticed the stuffed bunny was missing. Of course her mom made fun of her for having attachments to her hanging dolls but Evi just amended that she'd picked up on attention to detail and noticed it was gone. In a rather obvious way too, actually.

Jinx told her—very casually—about what had happened a couple weeks ago, during the week before Progress Day. A passing errand with her returning her sister's toy and deeming that was that. Part of Evi wanted to feel upset at Jinx for not sharing such a story sooner but she quickly realized her mom's intentions. The woman was letting go and that meant it didn't matter as much anymore. Like the way she didn't mention Ekko or Sevika. Vi and Caitlyn were just more people added to Jinx's vault of faded backgrounds.

If that was how she chose to move on, Evi was all for it.

"You're just worried her being here means problem for you guys," Evi openly stated.

Nearly all the Barons harrumphed at that.

"E," Jinx quietly warned.

"I'm not wrong," she whispered back.

"You're not, but no need to call 'em out like that," Jinx teased, smirking.

"Again, my darling Evi," Renata spoke making the girl scowl, "it's a bigger picture that you fail to see once again. Violet Kiramman represents Piltover's more… militaristic aspects." The Baroness rolled her eyes, almost as if expressing disappointment. "Her show of force and intrusion down here incites worry. Not just for us but for Zaunites everywhere. Unlike everyone in this room, they do not have the means to find out why she's skulking around. We simply want to know things so we know there's nothing for Zaun to worry about."

Evi paused at that. Huh, she hadn't thought of it like that.

"I'm sure your mother could attest to how demonstrations like those cause mass unrest," Renni chimed in.

"Yuuuup!" Jinx nodded. She turned to Evi and Zel. "Told you two 'bout the bombing I accidentally did up Topside right? When I was your age?" At their nods, Jinx went on, "Enforcers rolled up in our streets like they owned the place and herded us around like we were cattle." Her face fell a bit. "No one but your gramps knew why they were here. Even though The Lanes kept a tough face, they were scared outta their minds 'cause of the army of Enforcers rummaging through our streets."

The somber tone in her voice made Evi frown a bit. She knew Zaun had a distrust and distaste for Piltover, but she never considered there being a genuine fear of their neighbouring city because of it. Maybe it was because she and Zel spent a lot of their time up Topside pulling scams, but Renata was right—much to the blonde's displeasure—Evi wasn't seeing the bigger picture here.

"Zaunites deserve better than the worry of being the next victim to some… outsider without a care for their existence," Renata explained, "As former street urchins, you must know there's nothing more fearful than knowing you might die at any moment. And for the Enforcers? That moment can happen in the blink of an eye."

"Or the pull of a trigger," Jinx added.

"Exactly," Renata agreed, smiling through her eyes.

Evi looked to Zel and furrowed a brow as she caught his distant face once again. Did they say something that got to him?

Freddie returned with a sack of coins, placing into Jinx's hand before exiting the room. The woman hummed to herself as she rifled through, no doubt doing a quick count. "I believe that is all?" Renata dryly asked.

Jinx smield, hopping off the table as she pocketed the bag into her satchel. "Sure is! Always a pleasure, Glassky."

The woman chuckled. "Of course." Her gaze fixed on Evi's. "After all, the work we do is for all of Zaun," she said with a derisive edge to her voice.

Jinx scoffed as she tapped both her and Zel's shoulders, motioning them to head out.

Zel already made a move, but Evi felt something prick at the back of her head.

Why…

She stood firm and tilted her head, matching Renata's gaze. "I got one more question." Few of the Barons groaned but Renata seemed like she was prepared, gesturing for her to proceed. "Do… do you always think big picture for the better of Zaun?" Why was she asking this? Why were the words even leaving her lips like this?

The Barons exchanged looks before Renni answered, amused. "Of course! We all are Zaun after all."

If that was true…

"Then…" Evi squeezed her fist. "Then why isn't Zaun a better place?"

A silence drew.

Spending all morning Topside, then running back here, it was something she had to throw in their face. They all seemed taken aback by her inquiry. She half wondered if it was another child-like question they found amusing or if they simply didn't know. She found her answer as Renata chuckled, holding her palms out to her. "Well, what's your solution on how to run things then?"

She blinked at that.

"I… I don't know," she said in a small voice, suddenly feeling insecure.

Jinx's hand was instantly clasped around hers, giving her a reassuring squeeze. Evi looked up to see her mother offering a comforting smile. No, she didn't need this right now. It was appreciated, but Evi felt something stirring inside her. The way Glasc's eyes locked on hers, as if challengingly, made Evi feel… driven. Or… eager? She wasn't sure what it was.

"Well then," Renata replied, "feel free to come back when you do have one, darling."

Her eyes widened at that.

No… Evi knew exactly what she was feeling.

"I will," she smiled. With that, the three turned and made their leave. Heading into the elevator, Evi locked eyes with the life of Zaun beneath them as they descended down into it.

"Gotta say, E," Jinx spoke up, "Lotta balls back there. I like that!"

Evi chuckled, shaking her head as she kept her gaze fixated on their city below.

"Mum? Zel?" She could feel their attentive gazes fall on her. "I'm gonna be a Chem-Baroness." She turned and smiled at them. "I'm gonna make Zaun a better place."

That seemed to shake Zel out of whatever funk he was in as he whistled in surprise. Jinx's eyes widened. "Wow, E, that's a big hurdle to hop over," she lightly replied as she crouched down to match her eye level, "You sure, kiddo?" Her voice was soft, calm.

She knew what Jinx was asking.

But Evi could only keep smiling.

"I'm sure," she nodded. Turning back, she pressed her hands to the glass window as she looked back down at Zaun. "No more kids dying in alleys. We deserve better."

It was a promise.

—ZEL—

Evi's declaration was met with much discussion during lunch. He could overhear her talking with Jinx as she cooked. He resigned himself to sitting at the gramophone, listening to the radio. But that wasn't much better for a distraction either. Piltie news, Zaun news, it was all white noise that only racked his brain further. By the time lunch was actually up and served—a simple steak each for the three of them, with a side of mashed potatoes—his sister's affirmations only continued. Jinx wasn't exactly against Evi's new goal, but more so assuring her that what she was aspiring for came with lots of hurdles.

Zel couldn't believe it, but he also could.

Ever since his and Evi's routine became a solid operation, she set her eyes on the dream of living big in Zaun. Of being respected and known. But also… just living better than the shit they were already in. He could sometimes see the vision she had, but most of the time he followed her because he wanted it to be real. That kind of dreaming was what kept them alive. So he believed she could do it now, with Jinx's help.

The lunch talk didn't exactly leave him much room to chime in. Though he wasn't exactly keen on doing so at the moment anyways. Evi had gone on and on about how seeing what Piltover had made her wonder about what Zaun could have. That though things were better than when Jinx was a kid, they still weren't great. She had ideas about working on making Zaun a place that could have a public park and not be a big mess. The conversation was still going on by the time Zel left.

He needed to clear his head.

Though he was in his workshop, he could only stare at his blueprints.

His recent project, combining his pulse bombs with his undermines, was still a rough endeavour. He had the idea of dissecting each blueprint separately to figure out how to piece them together, but now he had multiple designs that—in theory—worked in some capacities. But nothing was concrete. It was hard for him to focus on it. Especially…

Especially when he was working with bombs.

He released a tired groan as he threw his head back, running his hands through his spiked hair.

He couldn't get his mind off this morning, back Topside. A cemetery. A place to mourn the dead. For a brief moment, he wondered if his mom was buried there. But he doubted it. Instead, his thoughts ran toward the idea that the people held funerals over their dead. How many of the dead had he caused? And then… what Jinx told him about Jonah…

How many funerals were held because of his bombs?

His gaze fell back on his desk, the collection of finished undermines and pulse bombs gathered around. His stomach churned a bit. He'd seen countless charred faces and bodies. But all of them were Zaunites, the kill or be killed sort. The only time he'd seen a burnt Piltie corpse was back when he lost his biological mom, after the bombing, the bodies surrounding them. But even then… those were the bodies he'd seen. How many more ashes of Topside people did he make in his wake?

That he was oblivious to?

He picked up one of his undermines, thumbing over the Shimmer capsule. He wasn't sure why he suddenly felt like his heart had sunken into the abandoned mines beneath them. They had just finished a job with the intention of threatening a man, and yet that wasn't what was bothering him. It was the thought of someone getting killed in his mayhem. He flicked the capsule absentmindedly. He always worked with the idea that he was defacing Topside. That he was scorching off the territory of the same bastards who didn't bat an eye at his mom burning alive or his cries for help.

He never thought about being the same bastard responsible for the same kind of pain for someone else. Someone else with a mom who they probably had see the light fade from. Someone else with a brother who probably lost a limb and was left with a permanent reminder of a stranger's handiwork. Work he was proud of. But aside from the self defence or threats toward thugs and muggers, Zel never stuck around for the aftermath of one his bombs up Topside. He was too busy running to do so. He scoffed bitterly as he threw his head back up, looking toward the upper fans.

"What kind of psychopath doesn't even think about the bodies he makes…" he whispered to himself.

Laugher from above made him smile.

It was Jinx's.

That thought quickly sobered his sorrowful mood.

He was Jinx's son.

Did that mean he had to value explosions and death the same way she did?

Evi wanted to embody her art skills, she wanted to impress her with her eye for detail. Zel felt the same way with his gadgets. But… did that mean he had to be like Jinx? The way she spoke about funerals, the way she had spoken about death before, she seemed to have a good grasp on things. He pulled off his goggles and looked into the lens. Lens he made, but goggles that didn't belong to him.

"Uncle Claggor," Jinx would keep telling him.

He had learned pretty recently that Jinx left a note for her sister from Evi one night. She told him before they went to bed. Zel didn't exactly think highly of Piltover's Finest, most especially the Sheriff, but Evi had a whole other vendetta against Vi. It was kind of the same grudge he knew most Zaunites felt about her. But since learning about her relationship with Jinx, he got the sense her contempt for the woman only grew. It didn't help that her scoreboard was a living reminded of her presence.

He dragged his thumbs over his lens, sighing. He didn't like the two because he thought they represented some of the worse sides of Piltover. Like Renata said a while ago, the "militaristic" aspects." But the way Evi told him about Jinx's nonchalance regarding her "farewell" to Vi, she made it seem like she was burying her hatchet and ridding herself of the drama. Kind of like her past, with her brothers and dads. So much of it was muddled in death. Sometimes, when they hung out, he could see a bit of a longing look in Ekko's eyes and even Zel could tell it was him looking at someone that wasn't Jinx.

Or at least, not the Jinx of today.

But Jinx wasn't letting anything get to her.

Both the Undercity and Topside—rightly—label her a mass murderer but she didn't let herself succumb to the pressures. Or… at least it wasn't bothering her anymore. The voices were such a rarity sometimes Zel would forget Jinx heard them at one point. Would… would that be his future? He gripped at the goggles, feeling his hands shaking.

"Yo, bro!"

"Shit!" he cursed, jumping out of his seat. He turned around and found Evi standing at the entrance to his workshop fan, hanging off one of the posts. "S-Sorry, I was… thinking."

"Yeah… noticed you've been doing that a lot since we finished the job," she observed, shifting her posture to lean against the post with her arms crossed.

He cleared his throat and shrugged. "Uh, whattya need, E?"

"Well… I was gonna brainstorm some more ideas with ya for what I could try to work on when I'm a Chem-Baroness," she smugly declared. He playfully rolled his eyes, but her smile fell. "But now I'm a bit worried." She pushed off the post and walked over, sitting herself on the edge of his desk of finished gadgets. She placed her hands on the table as she swung her feet. "What's up, bro?"

He sighed, looking down at his goggles. "I… I've been thinking 'bout the whole… funeral thing."

He looked up to see her furrowing her brows. "You thinkin' 'bout burying your Mum?"

His eyes widened. "Y-Yeah, well, no. Not really… just at first." He awkwardly rubbed at his head. "H-Have you?"

His sister shrugged. "Nah, not really. I think leaving her in the alley was fitting. Couldn't really do anythin' else, though."

He nearly gaped at her bluntness. Though, to be honest, with Evi he should've expected that kind of remark. "But… didn't you cover her? I-Isn't that kinda like a funeral?"

"Pfft, maybe?" She smirked, shrugging again. "If it is, it's kinda a shite one." She snorted. "Why, you thinkin' 'bout where yours was buried?"

He shook his head. "No, I really only did just think about her for a second." He glanced at the bombs lying beside Evi. "Evi… how do you feel about the destruction we caused up Topside?"

Evi's brows raised. "Is this 'bout what Jonah said? 'Cause Zel ya honestly can't get hung up over it. It's one guy—"

"Out of countless others!" he shouted, rising to his feet.

She startled, holding her hands up in innocence. "Woah…"

He sighed. "S-Sorry," he muttered, sinking back down to his chair. "I just… I never thought about the people I was hurting in the things I did."

"What?" His sister was staring at him incredulously. "Yes you have! We laughed 'bout the Pilties running once—"

"That was before," he hissed, slamming his fist on his workshop table. "Back then I… Pilties were the same thing to me. No different than just… Topside itself. But… Jonah, the cemetery, those people mourning?" His voice fell as he lowered his head. "I… I didn't think about the fact that there might be a little boy in one of those crowds who's crying for help over his dead mom…" he hoarsely said.

Evi breathed out a big sigh. "I'll be honest bro… that's… a lot to unpack." The two shared a chuckle, locking eyes with one another. Her big sister's face was filled with confliction, like she wanted to give him answers but knew none herself. And he imagined his expression wasn't much better in her eyes, judging by the way she sadly smiled at him.

Maybe talking it over would help?

"Tell me," he softly said, "how do you feel 'bout all the Pilties we've killed?" There was no sugercoating the ifs or maybes, it was logically a fact that people were killed in his bombings. And his sister was an accomplice to that. Partners, after all.

To his surprise, he was met with no hesitation as she shrugged. "Got no remorse for 'em," she casually answered. At his visible shock, she went on, "Most especially the Enforcers and Wardens caught in 'em." She shot him a smile that was much like their mother's as she chuckled. "If luck brought us on those streets, then luck also brought them to the wrong place at the wrong time." She pulled her hands back behind her, leaning onto them as she looked up above them, almost as if in thought. "A corpse is just a corpse, Zel. That's all I see to it."

Janna… that was a Hell of a mindset.

He scoffed in disbelief. "Even with your mom?"

Evi smiled at him, nodding. "Yuuup. Call me jaded, but I think losing my Mum that day just made me realize what life's all 'bout. Or at least, what Zaun is all 'bout." She pulled out her knife from her boot and looked at its blade, chuckling at it. "I remember back when I was first starting out, before I met you, I ran into a Piltie kid."

"Yeah… she was walking home to school when you were up Topside," he recalled. It was hardly the first Piltie she ever robbed. But it was the first time it was a girl around her age. Apparently the unlucky girl cried her eyes out when Evi pulled her knife and yelled at her to give her all her money. She had told him this story a couple times. Back then he thought it was because she took joy in the mugging. But now? "Do you remember her 'cause you still feel guilty?" he guessed.

She snorted. "Nope!" She spun the knife in her hand. "I 'member it 'cause it was the last time I ever felt guilty for robbing someone." She looked back down at her knife. "Back then, I rationalized I needed it. That money kept me fed for a good two weeks." She scoffed. "Piltie allowance," she bitterly said. "In the end, I realized that brat's allowance kept me alive for two weeks… and she wasn't even using it." She looked at Zel. "I told myself, 'I needed it more than she did.'" She sheathed her knife and sighed, shrugging at him. "It's kill or be killed, and I've known that for a while."

"And you're…" he let out a breath, "I dunno, at peace with it?"

His sister shrugged again. "I guess I've accepted it for what it was. I didn't have to kill my biological mom's killer, but I did." She looked at him with a fond smile as she hopped off the desk. "I didn't have to kill all those guys who were beating the shit out of you, but each time I did." She walked over and patted him on the shoulder. "What you did brought you here, today. With me and Jinx. I think that means some of it was worthwhile."

Her words… were hardly reassuring. But that was Evi. She had her own ideas, beliefs. Sometimes they didn't agree, but despite her more optimistic views she was also more bitter, and petty. He shook his head as he placed his free hand on hers, his other gripping at the goggles fiercely. "It's exactly that though, E. Some of it was worth it." He stared at her with a pained face, pleading his heart into his next question. "But did that mean every death was worth it?"

Her face shifted into surprise. It was like she was finally realizing how deep he was into this, how much he'd been racking his brian over this. How endlessly his mind wandered to the countless deaths he'd seen over the years, but now the added fear of the deaths he didn't see. The deaths that were mourned over behind him as he ate Demacian fruit and laughed, tinkering with more destruction.

An embrace, his eyes blinked out from the tears he hadn't realized he was holding in.

Evi was hugging him.

"H-Hang, bro… I… hang on," she softly told him.

Another gentle squeeze, and she darted off. He sat there, alarmed. He and his sister had close moments but… what was happening to him? He rubbed at his eyes, seeing tears stained into his gloves' wrists. He was… sobbing? The cries coming from was something he hadn't felt in years. Not since he saw Evi's lost leg. Not since he walked back to Zaun all on his own. Not since he watched his mom die in front of him. He felt… lost.

"I'm here, Rookie." Her voice brought him back, and this time he knew the embrace the moment it happened. Without hesitation he hugged Jinx back, holding onto her fiercely as the woman rocked him back and forth, humming into his ear. He just let himself cry. His voice grew hoarse.

"Dear friend across the river,

My hands are cold and bare

Dear friend across the river

I'll take what you can spare

I ask of you a penny

My fortune it will be

I ask you without envy

We raise no mighty towers

Our home are built of stone

So come across the river

And find the world below."

He heard this song before. Hearing it now, it was like a distant memory. Jinx continued to hum it softly, like a gentle whistle to his ear. The tears stopped hurting and his chest stopped heaving. It was instinct at the point his eyelids fell. It felt natural.

When he opened his eyes, he noticed he was on his bed. Jinx had him cradled on her lap and continued to rock him, smiling back and forth. He fell asleep? No… he napped a bit. He felt that groggy sensation and knew it must've not been long. He stirred, letting her know he was awake but Jinx didn't stop rocking him. "Where's Evi?" he asked, sitting up.

"Sent to get Jericho's 'bout ten minutes ago. Should be back soon," she told him, sitting up with him. Okay, so maybe he did fall asleep for a while. "She wanted to lie with us but there wasn't much room."

"Ah," he uttered. She was probably so worried. Jinx continued to hum, and it felt like a portion of his brain was tickled by nostalgia. "I've heard that song before," he said, moving his hand to hold the arms Jinx had wrapped around him. "I think my mother sang it. But… I don't remember those lyrics, just the… melody?"

"Really old nursery song," she told him, still rocking them side to side. "Called 'The Bridge'. It was from waaay before I was even born, but 'parently folks sung it back when our two cities were close. Back when the rift was only beginning." She shrugged. "I liked it 'cause it reminded me how far back Piltie's hoity-toity up class shit really went. Just… always lounging for scraps." She let out a sigh.

He swallowed, feeling for his goggles.

He was still holding them.

"Did… Evi tell you what happened?"

"Bits and pieces," Jinx admitted. "But she seemed a bit… distraught to really 'splain it. Figured I could ask you anyways." She pecked the top of his head. "When you were ready to talk about it that is…"

He sighed. "Jinx?" She hummed attentively. "Am I… a monster for what I've done?"

She spun him around, moving him awkwardly off her lap but keeping her hands on both his shoulders. "I… I don't think so. But I mean, I consider myself a monster so I don't know if I'm the leading expert on this kinda thing, heh." She offered a sheepish smile, which made him laugh. At least she was honest. "I… know what you are to me. To Evi. You're Zel: you're brilliant, you're sweet, you're considerate—"

"That bomb I set off at the Plaza? I enjoyed watching the Pilties run from it. I remember feeling happy watching them scream and run." He shook his head. He wasn't any of those things she made him out to be. "E and I compete with how many bodies we can rack up sometimes. Is… Isn't that messed up? How is any of that sweet?"

His mom just stared at him with a small smile. "I blew up people for looking at me, we all got our vices and flaws," Jinx flatly replied, "the value of life in Zaun ain't always as simple as we'd like. Same goes for that value to Piltover. Even though they got all those fancy graveyards and funerals they don't always care for every life they've lost. Much like us. But being able to smile after the shit we've gone through? To laugh everyday and enjoy living?" She chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't like to think it makes me a monster when it makes me feel human.

"I have regrets, I don't think I should've killed everyone that I did but it happened. I don't think every outburst I had—especially as a teen—was justified." She looked down and brought her hand over his, thumbing over the straps of his goggles. "But that was how the voices won most of the time back then. Beating myself up over it every. Single. Day. I had to remind myself that whatever helped me sleep at night was the only sensible way of getting by." She raised her head and beamed at him happily. "But now? All I can think 'bout is you and your sister. And how I wanna be good for you two.

"I try not to hang myself up over everything I've done. It'd get too tiring after awhile." She giggled, shrugging. "So I focus on the now. You, Evi, and me. Ain't that enough?"

He was right about Jinx.

She had a whole journey to figure that out for herself.

What did he know?

She had done much worse things but he was kicking himself over his atrocities. Did comparing it make it any better? Should it be compared? He shook his head, pulling his goggles away from Jinx's hands to stare into the lens himself. "You spent your whole life… getting to here, to say that proudly," he said in a pained whisper, "I just realized I'm no better than the people who left my mom to die." He looked up at her, pleading with all his heart.

He wanted her to answer him.

He needed this.

"I… I just don't know how to process this. Th-The facts are all I can think about. The reality is I've never seen that reality! The one of all the innocent deaths," he shouted, clutching at his head. Jinx brought him in for another hug. "I don't know what to look at…. I… I just don't know…" he pulled his head back and looked at his mom. "Please, help me know what to do?"

Her face was filled with a look of hurt he could describe as something personal. He couldn't think much about it. His brain was firing off all the walls. Maybe he said something that triggered her, or maybe she was just so empathetic to his struggle. But after another kiss on the forehead, she placed both her hands on his shoulders and steadied him.

"Tell you what, Rookie, I think I got something that'll help sort that big brain of yours." Jinx ruffled his hair with a smile. "Just gimme a bit, 'kay? I'll have it for ya tonight." She winked, leaning in to peck his forehead before rising off his bed. "When your sister gets back, I'll head out. But I promise you."

He had so much hope for her.

She was Jinx.

She had to have some answers.

Some… something for him.

"I promise you…" she turned back and grinned, "I'll help ya through this, no matter what."

Out of everything he heard in the past hour, that was the one thing he fully believed.

—VI—

Letting her Atlas Gauntlets fall into the bottom of her locker, Vi rolled her shoulders around, soaking up the relief from having her proper arm span back. She released an alleviated sigh as she rolled her neck around. She slammed her locker shut and leaned her forehead against it, letting herself recollect her thoughts in the moment. Not a bad day, but man was it tediously long. Having to lead an operation, as exhilarating as they were sometimes, was taxing when everyone relied on her to call all the shots.

"Tough day, Kiramman?"

Vi turned back and smiled at the woman with a black upswept mohawk who had just entered the locker room. She chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Nothin' too rough, Mir." She tucked her hands into the pockets of her jacket and smirked. "Just glad to be able to do this," she joked, making a big show of her wiggling her hands in her pockets.

Warden Mir laughed as she made her way to her locker. "And here I thought you'd be glad you're getting off early!"

Vi snorted, shaking her head. "You know me. I don't get off 'til the Sheriff does."

Mir's brows raised. "Is that how marriage works?" Her tone and expression were clearly insinuating an innuendo, which sparked a couple chuckles from the other Wardens and Enforcers in the locker room with them.

The pink haired woman rolled her eyes. "Hilarious, Mir," she said with a parting nod as she headed toward the door.

Mir then shouted, "In any case, you'll be pleased to know your other half got back from her weekly meeting with the Council!" Vi beamed at that before stepping out of the room. With a bit more haste than needed. "And there she goes running for the Missus!" Mir mused, stirring another round of laughter.

Vi shook her head and chuckled. Okay, so maybe it was more than a bit, but she was excited. She hadn't seen Caitlyn all day! They still arrived together on time as usual, but Caitlyn had been working on some last minute reports to present to the Council for their weekly meeting and Vi had to head an assault on a gang they'd been tracking. Her end of things capped out pretty well, but she hadn't heard from her wife all day. But lucky for Vi, the woman of interest was just coming into the office area.

They locked eyes from both ends of the room in an instant, smiles forming on their lips.

"Want us to clear the room?" Warden Kepple mused from his spot at his desk, grinning like an idiot.

But before anyone else could react or add on, Classic Cait schooled her expression and narrowed her gaze at Kepple. "I can put you on overtime, you know?"

Silence.

Everyone was either holding back their laughter or fighting back their smiles.

"Any other wise cracks?" Caitlyn challenged, placing her hand on her hip as she raised a brow.

Vi couldn't help herself. With a mischievous smile, she raised a finger and said, "Dinner later?"

As the office burst into fits of giggles and snorts, Caitlyn fought off her blush as she motioned for Vi to come over. With a proud smirk, Vi joined hands with her wife and followed her into the hallway leading to her office. "Must you always make things more difficult?" her partner chided her in a low voice.

"C'mon Cupcake, you wanted to laugh too," she teased.

"That's besides the point, darling."

Vi shook her head as she clicked her teeth. "I disagree! I think that's the only point that matters."

"Of course you'd say that," Caitlyn muttered.

"Then you should know better than to argue otherwise," Vi joked as they arrived at the door. She turned the handle and opened it for her wife. "So what say I help you with whatever ya got left to sort and we—" Vi's voice caught in her throat as she looked into the room.

Her sister was there.

Not just some bomb, or a note and a toy. Just her. In some sort of tizzy, darting all over Caitlyn's desks and bulletin boards, but she was here. And she didn't seem to notice them at all.

Vi couldn't help the softness of what she uttered out. "Powder?"

It had been practically over a year since she'd seen her sister.

And she was here.

In front of her.

Caitlyn stepped in, bringing Vi with her as she shut the door behind her. "Jinx, what're you doing here?"

Jinx stopped her frantic movements and looked at the two, her eyes wide with… desperation? A look Vi hadn't seen on her in a long time. Vi didn't know what to think. Cait, for some reason, pushed them in and closed the door, blocking their only line of retreat. She didn't have her gun and Vi didn't have her gauntlets, while Jinx—as per usual—had her whole kit. Her sister's eyes then locked onto Caitlyn. Instinct told Vi to step forward and buffer between them, but Jinx just shouted, "Where's all your damn files on that bomber?" Vi's brows raised in confusion as she quickly glanced at Caitlyn, who didn't seem all too baffled. "The ones with all their bomb sites! Ya said you were filing them yourself!"

Caitlyn's expression shifted into a brief look of confusion before she nodded. "I did. But because I am efficient I also got it done quite some time ago." She gestured around them as though it were obvious. "About a week after we spoke."

Vi's eyes widened at that. "Hang on, you two spoke?" she exclaimed, stepping away from Caitlyn in disbelief.

Her wife sighed while her sister scoffed. "Not important right now!" Jinx hissed.

"You being here…" Caitlyn turned to her. "I take it you need information?" she tilted her head inquisitively.

Jinx groaned through her gritted teeth, facepalming loudly. She stood there, head in her hand as she tapped her foot, as if in thought. It was then Vi felt a wave of shock overwhelm her. After all this time, after what was practically another year, here they were with another confrontation but Jinx hadn't even acknowledged her once. Instead, she seemed to have an interest with Cait, with a topic they both were already familiar with. The overwhelming feeling of shock nearly took out Vi's knees as she looked between the two. Caitlyn had a very visibly look of regret in her face that made Vi's heart sting.

She had so much she wanted to say right now…

But after some very visibly contemplation, Jinx snapped her fingers and held her hands out—another gesture making Vi realize the woman wasn't even pointing a weapon at them! "Gimme the files!" she demanded, flexing her fingers toward Caitlyn.

"Excuse me?"

"I need to take the files, all of the ones you have on that bomber," she explained, still holding her hands out expectantly.

"Jinx, I cannot give you the files," Caitlyn stated flatly.

At that, Jinx's look of desperation fell into a strange expression of sadness. It was like she just got scolded by Vander or something. A look that nearly made Vi's resolve break and screamed at her to console her sister. Why… was she so up in arms all of sudden? But before she could formulate a response, Vi found Jinx locking eyes with her. She assumed this was it, the moment she'd make some wisecrack or at least acknowledge her. Instead, Jinx let out a quiet breath and lowered her hands along with her head.

"Please," she begged softly, "if you give them to me…" she raised her head, eyes still locked onto Vi's, "I promise I'll… hear you out." Vi's eyes went wide at that. No way. "I-I can't turn myself in, but I'll listen. 'Bout, whatever it is ya have to say to me." She clasped her hands together as she continued, "No fighting, no bombs, no… chasing and running. A chance to air it all out."

Vi looked at her cautiously. "A chance to talk?" she said in a soft voice, hardly believing what she was hearing. There was now way.

"One talk," Jinx sternly added with a raised finger, "That's… that's the best I can come up with right now. Please."

Vi exchanged a look with her wife, the two sharing a silent conversation with their eyes. Jinx had been known to play coy, to put on a fake cutesy act sometimes. But this? This was different. Vi knew that. And judging by the hesitant look on Cait's face, she had a feeling her partner suspected that as well. She was armed to the teeth and had every advantage here. But she chose to bargain. Jinx offered a deal when she didn't have to. Violet had no information here. She was in the dark. She could only look at Caitlyn and silently tell her to make the call.

With a small sigh, the Sheriff nodded then turned to Jinx. "Copies. Only the copies," she stressed, "And you have to examine them with us present and return them."

Jinx blinked. "What? No. I need to—I need them." "I… I need to take them with me."

"That's non-negotiable, Jinx," Caitlyn asserted.

That tone made Jinx scowl, making Vi clench her fists nervously. Not in a preemptive attack, but to calm her nerves. "Cait…" she gently pleaded.

Her partner turned to her and sighed. "It's Precinct Property. It's confidential."

Jinx ran her hand through the scalp of her hair. "Whatever!" Vi stared at her sister in disbelief. She was making many compromises. "But I need 'em ASAP!" she hastily added. She looked between the two and it was then Vi realized she was waiting for them to set up the time.

Violet looked to Caitlyn. They had to get off work in under an hour, but no one would think it suspicious if the two were staying late. They had to be discreet. She nodded at her partner, letting her make the call once again.

"Later tonight. At 9PM. We'll meet then," Caitlyn decided.

Jinx's eyes flew to the clock. "7PM," she corrected, "and it can be near the Eastern port looking out to the bridge."

Vi blinked at that, confused as to why her sister would choose an earlier time instead. But after a silent counsel with her partner, the two nodded. "Seven it is," Vi accepted. They needed to make compromises too if they wanted Jinx to believe they were sincere.

Jinx let out a relieved sigh, and it made Vi double take. She couldn't recall a time her sister let her guard down like that in the past decade. "Alright. See ya then." And in a flash, she was out the window and it was just the two of them.

There was no bush to beat around.

She turned to her wife and set a glare at her. "Talk."

—CAITLYN—

Progress Day had been unofficially celebrated for two days straight, as the result of Jinx's lack of action made people swell with joy. The callous among the people praised it as a blessing, assuming the woman had died. Vi kept her comments to herself but needed an extended session with Cilene the Monday after (her wife seemed fine afterward, telling her it went as well as any other session as per usual). Surprisingly, there were also those in the minority who apparently "missed" Jinx's antics. Deeming the unofficial tradition to be the spicier part of the event. Jinx's inaction caused more uproar and chatter than Progress Day itself. Promised projects, winners of contests, debuts of new shops—all second to Jinx.

It sparked a bit of a controversial topic in the week following Progress Day, where the divide was that Jinx's yearly disturbance had become a part of Progress Day tradition like the gala, while others claimed it was the start of something new. Those who missed Jinx were accused of being people who were never victims to her pranks or at least, injured because of them, only seeing her yearly terrorist attacks as a spectacle of wonder. Caitlyn had to deploy many Wardens to break up disputes over fights about the topic.

And a part of Caitlyn wondered if that was the prank?

By not doing anything Jinx had shown Piltover she had won, that they wanted her.

Or at the very least, gave her attention.

But today was neither proof nor denial of that inquiry. Because Jinx had her own motives and goals once again. But like Progress Day, Caitlyn just couldn't see where it was leading to. The issue was that this time, she couldn't bounce off Vi because she was left in the dark. Having to fill her in briefly back in her office, she could sense Vi was stewing. Unfortunately there wasn't much time to discuss then since Caitlyn needed to make sure no Wardens were scheduled to be stationed near Jinx's meetup spot and if there were, she needed to reschedule them quickly. And then there was the case of making copies of all the files Jinx asked for—with discretion.

Vi accepted the time for her to collect herself, retreating outside for some air. Seeing her partner's frustration and hurt pained Caitlyn. It wasn't a secret she meant to keep. She just thought it was something that'd be in passing, she never expected it come back something like this. But she kept it from Violet. And as Caitlyn tried to finish her last few files, she could feel Vi pacing all around the precinct. They agreed to wait until the evening shift patrol cleared from the locker room before gearing themselves.

When the time came, they had just barely over an hour to gear up and head over.

Caitlyn locked the door and it was just the two of them. She decided now was the best time to bounce off her ideas now that they had the chance. "Why is she even looking for anything related to the bomber? There's been no activity from the bomber at all these past few months, and I doubt she'd be out of the loop in hearing that Sevika dealt with them." She finished loading her last mag before slotting it on her belt. "Perhaps she doesn't know that yet? And she's still investigating on her own?"

"Or maybe it's something else entirely," Vi bitterly muttered as she slid on her last gauntlet.

Caitlyn released a small sigh, looking at her partner with a sad look. "Are you still upset with me for not telling you I spoke with Jinx?" It was a stupid question when she said it out loud but—

"What do you think, Cupcake?"

Hearing that nickname in that tone never sat well with her…

"It… It wasn't something I thought was worth noting," she lamely explained. God, why was she avoiding this?

Her partner lifted her head and looked at her incredulously. "She's my sister, it's always worth noting." Violet took a breath and held out her giant palm. "You told me the cases went cold because the bomber incidents decreased. You never mentioned Jinx being a reason for why that was."

"Vi, pursuing that as a lead is hardly anything to stand on. It would've just been another useless chase. That was why I was more focused on proving and delegating the fact that I knew your sister wasn't the culprit for any of those crimes," she explained, pointing to the small stack of files on the bench in the middle of the locker room. Caitlyn bit her lip as she stared at Vi's pleading face. She sighed. "I didn't mention the encounter because… because there was nothing to mention. I thought it was simply a passing matter. She needed intel and so did I. She had no other aims during our discussion and honestly worked with me rather reluctantly."

A fond smile overtook her as she recalled Jinx's cooperativeness then. Crassness aside, the banter wasn't too dissimilar to the first few times she and Vi worked together as partners on cases. She enjoyed that feeling, even if Jinx didn't.

"Why did you help her then?"

"Because we both needed help."

"The real reason, Cait."

"That is the reason, Vi. I needed information on my investigation and she needed something to distract herself," she admitted. She let out a breath. No, this was something she knew she was doing the moment she caught her in her office. "I… I thought it'd give her something to do. I couldn't pursue it since I wagered its origin might loop back to Zaun but she could. Someone on the rise, competing with her? I knew it was only a matter of time before she started looking. I never expected she'd actually go to me for my resources but when she did… I just thought it was the best chance to give her a distraction."

"So you just treat my sister like a child playing a game?" Vi spat out, her face filled with horror.

"Isn't it always been games with Jinx? I was willing to help her start a new match," Caitlyn quipped back shortly. "But today was a good showing that she wasn't playing around," she added, trying to loop back to the matter at hand.

But Vi wasn't having it. She clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. "You can't just manipulate my sister into doing whatever—"

"Darling, please do not twist and frame my actions that way…" she tiredly warned her. Frustrations and anger aside, she didn't want them pushing into a narrow minded back and forth. The pleading look in her eyes was enough to make her partner sigh.

A moment hung between the two as they locked eyes.

This was a waste of time.

And in her eyes, she could see Vi felt the same.

"You're right. I'm… I'm sorry. It's just…" Violet closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. Her voice fell to a soft pitch, "I-I've talked 'bout this day for years and years now with Cilene. 'What would I say if I had a chance to air it all out with Jinx?'" She chuckled humourlessly as she sat down on the benc, right beside the files. "Silco… I-I know he was like a father to her. I've made my… peace with that. But the manipulation?" She looked at Caitlyn with a worried look. "Cilene once pointed out to me that maybe in Jinx's head, she felt manipulated a lot growing up. By my words or someone else's an-and I just can't deal with it if my last shot with my sister was fucked because I did somethin' that triggered her insecurities or-or her trauma! More than I already do by just existing…"

Caitlyn's eyes widened.

Oh God.

Her heart quaked in agony as she instantly moved to her wife. Sitting beside her, she placed her hand on her shoulder. She was always behind the belief of rehabilitating Jinx, of helping her. But she treated her like cattle back then. "I'm… I'm so sorry Violet. I… I hadn't considered those ideas when I first spoke with her." She shook her head, frustrated with herself, "I… I guess I was being selfish and manipulative…"

"No," Vi shook her head, "you were playing the hand you got." She gently lifted her giant hand and patted it on Caitlyn's head, shifting her hat around. It elicited a laugh out of Vi, which was a win. "You might've not played the best game, but neither did I back then." She chuckled, shrugging as she pulled her arm back.

They weren't doing this to bring her to justice, not entirely. No, they were doing this because Jinx's past deserved justice. She deserved to be treated well and cared for. And Caitlyn affirmed that belief everyday since they began chasing. Since she told Vi that she would be with her every step of the way. Because, even in all the years of chasing, moments like what happened months ago etched into Caitlyn's mind: the little leaks of Jinx's kinder side.

It existed.

She let out a brief laugh. "I… I don't know if it's any consolation, but chatting with her in an amicable sense? Back then?" She glanced at the files then to her wife. "It was a nice change of pace. And I think extending the trust of her not hurting me helped a lot."

"Heh, it probably did. You say she likes games, but doing what you did told her you weren't playing either—probably why she was so receptive to your help." Vi chuckled. "She usually takes open reassurances like that, big displays."

Caitlyn nodded. "It's why catching her has been harder for anyone who isn't us. They aren't as malleable as we are when it comes to her," she mirthfully pointed out.

To her surprise, Vi didn't smile back. Instead, she narrowed her gaze and dropped her smile. "But… But none of that should matter right now." She rose up from the bench. "Because we're not going into this thinking we can arrest her or with the intentions to investigate why she's doing this."

Caitlyn nodded, following her wife's trail of thought. "We're adhering to her demands," she concluded, rising up after her.

"If this is our last chance to get it all out there… we need to start thinking about how we can convince my sister we just want her safe."

"No matter what it takes," Caitlyn finished.

With the files tucked in Vi's hands, the two set out from there.

—JINX—

This had easily blown up further than she anticipated.

And today started so well! A simple job up Topside, her little Urchin got to be all big and tough and they got paid! But then Evi said she wanted to be a Chem-Baroness. If someone told Jinx that her daughter—who had been regularly dissing those Baron bastards on a daily basis—wanted to be a Baroness? She'd laugh at them so hard she'd lose a lung. But Evi was serious. Lunch had been such a hurdle to clear up with her. Jinx didn't think the idea was bad… but with Silco, she knew the efforts it took to reach that level. The six that held the seats were unchanged for a decent while for good reason.

And the few that had been there since Silco's time?

Well, it was easy to state that Evi had a lot to work on. Yet, the blonde only felt more driven as Jinx went on. It was amazing hearing her daughter going on and on about a future for Zaun. It reminded her of Silco but more Utoptian than his aspirations. Safe public spaces, more communal areas, healthier streets. She wanted no more kids like her in the streets. Evi wanted Zaun to thrive better than Piltover, not just through ecommerce, but with its people.

Renata's challenge to her definitely sparked a match, and Evi wanted to prove to those six Zaun could prosper more than it already has. But making a safe space, Jinx tried reasoning it wasn't too different from Little Man's Firetwerp setup. Evi only countered that she wanted something out in the open, everywhere. Nothing hidden, like Piltover. Free space, in public space. Their jaunt up Topside had easily influenced her. Jinx knew her daughter wanted Zaun to live like Piltover because it deserved that chance. But she never would've guessed their job would also plague Zel's thoughts too.

"Janna, Rookie," she muttered from her spot leaning against the wall, looking over Zapper, "ya never fail to make me worry over ya."

The space was cramped enough that no one would notice them. It wasn't exactly private property, but with how big Piltover was they had lots of spots that had great views that no one noticed. It was why a lot of deals could go down in alleys or quads like these. She pushed off the wall, pacing around the pavement as she reminded herself her reason for doing this.

Zel was hurting.

Jinx didn't have the answers. But she knew he liked fact and reality. It was something he often considered when it came to literally anything. He liked knowing how things ticked, how it all functioned. The reality of their relationship, as a family, was that they all had different values when it came to lives. Jinx wasn't as malice or casual about death anymore, but she didn't shy from it. Evi was sometimes too gun ho or eager to commit the dirty deed, sometimes without a second thought. Zel? He struck Jinx as a middle ground between the two. She figured since they were all Zaunites, the two could manage.

But he wasn't managing. He was too pure sometimes. He didn't have the same bitterness like Evi, or like she did when she fired at the Piltie Council. Even though his past was trudged through pain just as worse as theirs were. He just wanted to hurt symbols. He wanted to make things explode for fun. He wanted to help his sister so they could make money. He wanted to show Jinx he could create things like she did, that he had brilliance in his designs. Jinx got the sense that killing the Zaunites they did these past few months, it wasn't his issue. Or at least, not yet. No, his problem fell on a hypocrisy he created for himself.

It came down to his own inquiry: how was he any better than the Enforcers?

Jinx scoffed at the thought. Her sister was one—she had to come to grips with those moral quandaries ages ago. But Zel had a point again. She figured herself out after all these years. He was just coming into the realization he might not want to do what he does. That thought scared Jinx. Not the idea that he wouldn't kill, or that he'd be upset or disgusted that she and Evi would continue to kill. No, the idea that her little boy wasn't ready to consider differing views. Not when the reality he'd seen wasn't enough yet.

WE NEED TO LEAVE!

She rolled her eyes. "Fuck off, ya haven't even been 'round," she muttered. She had to stay and do this. She doubted there was anything that could be said that she hadn't already heard. Whatever her sister and Hat Lady had to air out, Jinx could listen to. She'd do it because her son needed those files.

As haunting as it would be, bringing Zel those files would give him some closure. How many deaths, what destruction was done, but also… his growth of his work. How his bombs grew. The day she killed her brothers and dad, she was met with a cold hard reality in the same night. Her first bomb that worked, but didn't do what it was intended. The deaths she caused, the aftermath of everything she'd set behind for Silco, it was all her. But then she became who she was now.

That trauma hurt, but she grew.

Zel wouldn't be forced into a bad situation here.

She'd be there for him.

"I can help him with this," she softly said, holstering Zapper. She reached behind her head and patted Fishbone's nose. "We gotta help him. We got this, Fishbones. He's got us, Evi, maybe Little Man, definitely Ames and Babs, Jerry if he gets tipped, possibly Sevikki as a last resort?" She snorted, moving her hand away from her rocket's nose. "Shit, Fishbones, when did a village grow all 'round me?"

Footsteps.

She rounded toward the source and pulled out Zapper, keeping her senses alert.

Out from the alley leading into the open quad, was none other than Piltover's Finest. Jinx could barely see the clock tower from this small cramped quad, but she could definitely make out they were about fifteen minutes earlier. And judging from the looks of surprise on their faces, she gathered they weren't expecting her to be here too. She had gone straight from the precinct to here, figuring there was no time to waste. But seeing their gear made her keep Zapper trained on the two. It made sense why they were armed, and why they'd want to show up early. Likely to case the joint and have every angle covered in case. But Jinx's cautious side screamed at her that they could be setting something up.

TRAP!

TRAP!

She rolled her eyes, sighing. That was the most obvious warning though.

"You're… already here?" her ever observant sister stated.

"Yup, got places to be," she brushed off, "now that that's the case can we hurry it up then?" She holstered Zapper and held her arms out freely, demonstrating her show of good faith.

The two shared a look then took a couple steps closer. Hat Lady shouldered off her gun, gently placing it on the ground. Fat Hands straight up dropped her gauntlets, letting the thud echo out. Jinx smirked. That was how it was, huh? She pulled off Fishbones, Pow-Pow, and Zapper, gently placing them on the ground behind her. After unbuckling her satchel of Chompers and adding it to her pile, she stepped away and approached the two. A few metres of distance, just the three of them.

Her eyes darted between the two. Hat Lady still had a messenger bag on her, no doubt containing the files. On the off chance this went south, Jinx knew she could take Caitlyn. The issue would be her sister. Vi could handle Shimmered up people and wouldn't let Jinx get away with anything on her partner, giving Caitlyn time to get her gun and gain the advantage. And if Jinx darted back for her weapons Vi would be fast enough to make up the for the distance and slow her down while Caitlyn armed herself—

She let out a breath.

They wouldn't do that. This was a show of good faith. If they really wanted to talk… they knew this was the best way to show it. But still…"I just wanna make this clear. If you try to screw me over in any way right now," she narrowed her gaze at them, "Piltover will choke on its own ashes when I'm done with it." Her son's health was on the line with this, she wasn't playing around.

"Jinx, you trusted us—me, to do this," her sister gently said, "I'm showing you can trust me. This is just precaution."

"Fair enough, sister." She crossed her arms across her chest and smirked. "Alright, go on. I'm assuming it's talkie talkie first then files?" She shrugged, waving her fingers prompting. "Go on, hit me."

The two exchanged a look and Vi let out a breath.

"Couple weeks ago," she began, making Jinx furrow a confused brow, "the week before Progress Day. You left a note and that stuffed bunny I gave you." She opened her mouth, like she was struggling to find the words, then sighed. "Why? Wh-What was the deal with that?"

"Ah, that! I accidentally did that on purpose!" she answered.

"What?"

Jinx rolled her eyes. "I purposefully wanted to apologize, but accidentally caused a stir," she explained. Sheesh.

Vi gestured toward her aimlessly. "What… what did that mean?"

Janna, they didn't get it? She looked at Caitlyn, sighing. "It was addressed to both of you, y'know?" Hat Lady's confusion grew. "I get it now, okay? Or maybe part of me always did but now was when I realized I should say it." She was stronger now. Smarter. She had grown. This was for Zel, for her kids. She locked eyes with Vi. "I get that you can love Caitlyn and me." She looked to the Sheriff. "And that you weren't competition for her. That it isn't some… thing that's limited for each person. I… I get it, and I just wanted to let ya both know. That I'm sorry for all the pain I caused ya. 'Cause it was gonna be the last time I ever bothered either of ya."

Both their eyes went wide at that and it made Jinx shift uncomfortably. This was why she wanted to do it over a damn note. She thought that was obvious! An unbearing silence hung for a good minute or so. Jinx was tempted to just swipe the files but she figured they needed a moment to process her simple concept. Janna, this was gonna be a long talk…

"How was I supposed to get that from that?" Vi finally exclaimed.

"Darling—"

"Using your wife's big brain?" Jinx shot back, pointing at the woman. "Thought that was why ya married her, she's smart enough for the both of ya!"

Vi balked at that, but before she could say anything else Caitlyn raised her hand. "So… Progress Day?" she chimed in, raising a brow. "That had no correlation?"

Jinx snorted, holding back her laughter. "Ah yeah, forgot 'bout it this year! Man, heard that you two were stressing over me, huh?" Judging by the looks of frustration and annoyance, she figured she nailed that one on the head. She shifted her foot, raising brow at the two. "Is that it? No pitch? 'Cause for one chance I didn't think you'd just ask for a clarification," she mused.

She expected more tears or something, more of a speech.

"I just had to know," Vi replied. Taking another breath. She matched Jinx's gaze and offered a small smile. "Jinx, I… I know that Silco meant a lot to you." Of all the words her sister could've led with, Jinx never expected those. "I understand that now." Jinx's heart felt queasy at that.

LIES!

you know… it's not…

Jinx clenched her fists, grounding herself.

"It took me a couple years to… really get that." Vi chuckled. "Had to see a therapist," she added. "But eventually… I understood. You're Jinx now, I… I get it. Powder's…" she held a breath, shaking her head. "She's dead now. T-To you. I'd like to think my little sister is still around but… what I think doesn't matter. I… I've only ever wanted to tell you that I'm sorry what I said, back when Silco died." Jinx's eyes widened. "He… just died and I—" she it her lip, closing her eyes. Opening them, she looked at Jinx with a sad face. "And I told you it was okay now." She scoffed, looking down at the ground.

Jinx halfheartedly chuckled. "Yeah… was kinda messed up. But hey, I tied y'all up so empathy wasn't exactly in high demand that night." She was joking, but she also wanted to let them know she understood her faults. The past was the past. Why was Vi keen on bringing it up again?

"But afterward," Vi continued, "when the chasing first started? You were hurting. Our… Zaun was hurting, and you were mourning Silco. I… I was mourning Powder." Jinx held back her urge to scoff at that remark. "But you needed someone. M-Maybe not me, but you were hurting and no one was there for you. Instead, we chased you." She brought her hand up to her forehead, as if the weight of her decisions were suddenly coming back to her. "It wasn't any better than what I did the night Vander died… I… I wasn't there for you."

Hat Lady's hand flew to her sister's, giving her a comforting squeeze.

Jinx would've recoiled at the display before, but now she was grateful for it. Her sister was… really hurting right now. It was all on the line, and she wanted to set it all straight. Her voices would try to tell her they'd say and do anything to get her to come in. But Jinx knew better. Violet was being real here. She wanted to wrap this up and just tell her that the past was the past, and to move on but then Vi continued.

"I am sorry about that. But that's not what this is about. When… when we," she looked to her partner, "came to the decision of chasing after you, it wasn't something the council protested. They cleared our investigations and operations 'cause they understood you deserve some justice but also some peace. But when I said I finally got it, I didn't continue chasing you because it was my job… neither of us did. We did it because… all we've wanted for you is to get better," Vi explained. "I don't chase you 'cause I want to bring you in and throw you into Stillwater. I do it 'cause… no matter what, I want you to know I'll be there to catch you, if you ever fall." She shot her a small smile, and shrugged. "That's as good as a pitch I can make right now."

Jinx chuckled at that.

It was hardly a pitch.

She just wanted to let her know she wasn't going to be set on death's row the minute she was caught. She wanted Jinx to know that when trial came, they'd both be by her because they actually understood her. She scoffed at that. A question about why she left them a note and a reassuring speech that she was finally being heard. Not a pitch. It was no different than what she did in the brothel straight to Sevika's face. It was a declaration, they were making it known.

Her gaze flew to Caitlyn. She had just been glancing between the two with her sheepish eyes, and it was making her feel weird. "You don't have any two bronze washers to add to this?" she asked her.

Hat Lady shook her head. "I figured you would prefer I kept my part in this as minimal as possible."

Jinx shifted at that uncomfortably. All this considerate shit was making her feel… well, feel. It was too much right now. "I'd prefer if ya said somethin' so this doesn't feel like I've got a watch dog staring at me," she muttered. She understood Caitlyn was more of the considerate sort, but man was it irritating that this conversation was working out in a way she would've wanted years ago.

Was it too late?

To air it all out?

Jinx glanced back to her guns, to Zapper. She turned back and looked down at her tattoos. With a sigh, she closed her eyes. "Gimme a sec," she told the two.

She left that apology because she wanted it known that it was behind her now. She couldn't keep focusing on Vi anymore. Or Caitlyn. Or Topside at all. Evi and Zel were her future. She wanted to see where Evi's dedication would go, to see her be a Chem-Baroness. And she wanted Zel to be happy, to live a life where he could sleep well at night and not burden himself with his traumas. She wanted them to live better than she did. It was as simple as that.

But when she tallied up the requirements it took to get there, her sack didn't exactly require much to carry. Working for the Barons was for money to put food on the table and hobbies alive and well. Fixing the arcade was something that was their space, not hers. Ekko coming back into her life was a happenstance she didn't exactly hate. Babette being chummier with her more than usual, it was something she didn't think she'd ever be on the receiving end of, but she needed her help from time to time. Much like Jericho and Amy.

Caitlyn and Vi?

Jinx could only open her eyes and see the bag of files. Right now they were just a stopping point, getting her to help her kid. Did she want to be with Vi again? She rubbed her tattooed arm and shot the two a small smile. Vi had a good life. Caitlyn, a good job, and a nice home. Jinx? She had her kids. That was all they both needed, she thought. Letting out a sigh, she figured her decision was simple. If her sister and sister-in-law were squared with how Jinx was wired, and she was fine letting it all lay behind her, then nothing else needed to come of this.

But still… because they were sisters…

"I told you," she softly spoke, looking to Vi, "when I said you made me… Jinx… it wasn't all bad. I said you're the reason I'm alive." She scoffed, thumbing over her tattoos. "Powder couldn't survive in Zaun, she could never survive Silco or Sevika. Jinx… was how I got strong. So when I said you were always there… it wasn't always for bad reasons. I-I don't mean as a voice in my head but—Janna this is corny—the one in my heart." Vi's face upturned into something that Jinx could only describe as touched. But she wasn't done yet. "I am still Powder," she told her, making Vi's eyes widen, "But I'm also Jinx. The name's all that changed, Violet."

Her jaw nearly dropped at that. She hadn't called her by her name to her face in years. Let alone her full name. Jinx could only chuckle at the disbelief across both their faces.

"That's all I got to say back," she added. "'Cause, I… I'm glad, you told me what ya did, but I just had to correct you there. But my answer's no." Sadness overtook her sister's face while Caitlyn only frowned. They really believed she'd come back, huh? That was… touching. "I ain't coming with you two," she went on, "I'm… I'm happy where I am." She shot the two a bright smile, thinking of her kids. It was the most believable thing she could do, because it was true.

Caitlyn spoke up. "Jinx, we can get you proper help. And a fair trial. We can work something out between the Chem-Barons and the Piltover Council—grant you some leeway," her voice was desperate and pleading. She had a lot riding on this too.

Janna, they both really cared.

But Jinx didn't anymore.

"I already got all the help I need," she replied, shaking her head with a genuine smile. "What ya have Topside? That ain't for me. I'm happy ya have it, both of you," she honestly said. "I… I am sorry 'bout the shit I pulled on you." Caitlyn's face shifted into an appreciative smile, she was glad she could see what she was trying to say there. "Zaun and Piltover have already moved onto better things, and trust me, I ain't hanging back anymore." She chucked, shaking her head. "I have my future now, but that stops and stays back in Zaun. I have all I need and my reasons to do better." Her gaze flew to the messenger bag. "And one of those reasons could really use those reports, Caitlyn," she gently pleaded, looking up at her.

The look of surprise at hearing name was quickly schooled as the Sheriff nodded, handing the bag over. "It's everything we have related to Finley," she informed.

Jinx furrowed a brow. "Who?" she asked, pulling a couple out.

Caitlyn mirrored her reaction. "The bomber? Sevika brought his head to the Council and told us he was the—"

"Ah, right right," Jinx nodded. Shit, she didn't know they gave a name. She thought it was some nobody. "Not really good with names," she teased, shooting the two a grin. The two shared a look she couldn't read, and figured they were still processing what she had said. Fair enough, gave her time to look over the files at least.

Her eyes lit up as she flipped through the first one. It was exactly how Zel described her first bomb! A public park trash can. That was all that was damaged, aside from charred grass. Her eyes flew to the casualty reports. Seven injured, one died from internal bleeding. She should've frowned at the sight but she remembered what this all meant. She quickly read through it before moving onto the next. The casualties ramped up, but the deaths weren't as numerous as she expected.

She knew what she could tell Zel now.

Reality was cold, sometimes surprising, but she was seeing glimpses of his past growing and growing.

Her fingers clenched. But she needed to show him this upfront for him to really believe it. It wasn' that he wouldn't believe her listing off the statistics, but he needed to see this for himself. A wake up call. Vi cleared her throat, causing Jinx to glance up from the files and realize the two were still there. How long was she reading all these?

"So, uh, whattya need the files for then?" her sister asked, making an attempt at conversation.

Jinx just snorted, "It's none of your concern, don't worry." She winked, tucking the last document back into its file.

A gonging chimed and Jinx jumped, turning her head to the clock tower. It was 7PM! "Oh shit, I gotta go home and cook dinner!" she muttered. With this moving faster than she thought, there was still time for her to cook Zel's favourite meal. She turned back to the two, who were staring at her confusedly for some reason and decided to make a pitch of her own. "Please, I… I need to take these with me. They're just copies!" The Sheriff looked hesitant but Jinx couldn't wait around for this. Zel needed these now. "I… I don't have time for this right now! I'm needed—I can't stay here long."

"Fine, Jinx," Caitlyn quietly said, shocking her.

Vi's reaction was similar. She learned over and whispered, "Cupcake, you sure?"

Her partner nodded. "I trust she wouldn't do anything too elicit with these."

Jinx breathed out a relieved sigh. "Wasn't gonna anyways." She chuckled. "Thank ya, Hat Lady," she softly said. She tucked the files back into the bag and shouldered it. She turned around and rushed to her gear, putting it all on with haste. She glanced back, noticing the two hadn't even armed themselves either. Of course they didn't. She stood tall and smiled. "I… thanks for this. Really. You guys have no idea how much ya helped me here today. Like… more than ever." Their faces were filled with smiles and Jinx was glad.

She turned away, ready to leap off the edge and head into the pipe system below the ports, but stopped. Turning her head back, she looked at them softly. "Next time, I can promise I don't want it to end with bullets flying and chasing. So I'll try to stay outta your collective hair." She winked. "Just… stop looking, okay? I'll come find you, if I need to."

She then leaped off and down, heading back to her home within the city below.

—VI—

Watching her sister leave, it ached Vi's heart more than she thought anything ever could. This was a goodbye, or that's how she intended it to be. She pleaded all she could into her words, and it honestly seemed like Jinx understood it. But the way she reacted, the way she processed their words… it felt like they got to her too late. Or… or something else. Vi felt to her knees, letting a laugh escape her. "After all those years… it ends with her calling it off?" She scoffed. "Was I too late?"

Caitlyn crouched down beside her. "No darling, I don't think you were." She rubbed her back softly. "I… I think she had something else going on." Her tone was reaching that kind of theorizing mode Vi knew too well, which made her worry.

Was there something else really going on? Why Finley? What relationships did she have with a dead man? She sighed, moving to sit on her butt instead. "You really let her have those files?" She still couldn't believe it.

Caitlyn shrugged. "She was right, they were only copies."

"Yeah, but that was the bag I got you for your birthday last year, wasn't it?" She shot her a pout.

"It was indeed." Caitlyn chuckled. "It was a rather nice bag too, but I'm sure she's making better use of it than I ever did."

Janna, her wife was awesome.

Vi let out a sigh. "Alright, hit me. What's racking your brain?"

Her partner smirked, sitting beside her. "She was desperate. But also sincere. More desperate and sincere than either of us had ever seen. Or at least not since the first time you and she reunited." Vi nodded at that reminder. The day she first saw Jinx after getting out of Stillwater. "Back then it was because she had conflicting things plaguing her."

Vi's eyes widened. "Like Silco and me." She shot up to her feet. Her sister said she was needed. This was someone else involved. Her gaze flew to the ledge her sister leapt off of, overlooking out to Zaun. She told them she was done… but Vi wasn't. This… was a whole new side to her sister. And she wasn't prepared to let go when she, for the first time in a while, got to see her in good head space. No voices, smiling, and no malice. But if it was the result of someone else? Her worry only increased. Turning down to Caitlyn, she frowned. "I-I know she told me—us, to stop looking, but…"

"I understand." She was already on her feet, holding her shoulder reassuringly.

"I also know it's pointless to even try, but I have to tell you, Cupcake." She grabbed her wife's hand from her shoulder, holding it softly. "I don't expect you to help. You don't need to. I know you've always said it's our job together but this time… it's different. I just need to know she's okay. There's no chasing, no catching, none of that."

"Vi, I'm worried for her too." Caitlyn smiled. "It's obvious she's changed a lot in these past months, and… I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned as to who that influence was."

"You're sure it's someone's influence?"

"I'm as sure as you are," Caitlyn smartly replied. "Because I know you already suspect the same."

Vi sighed, nodding. Giving her partner one last squeeze as they both looked out to Zaun.

Something was up.

And she was going to get to the bottom of it.

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A/N: THIS was the chapter. Violyn and Jinx's conversation was THE scene. What birthed this fic into reality, was this. moment. I think, to me, every writer has one or four scenes they perfectly envision and sculpt when creating a story. The moment of confrontation between Vi and Caitlyn with a changed Jinx, was something I had in my head for a while. It wasn't entirely fleshed out, definitely grew and grew after each chapter I uploaded. But here we are! All these chapters culminating to THIS moment, it's been exciting. More exciting with the anticipation of what's to come!

Seeing all your guys patience and eagerness toward the two meeting Jinx with kids, I only laughed. Is it technically a slow burn? I suppose so! When I said this arc revolved around Vi and Cait I MEANT it.

It's a bit of a fun callback, but the locker room talk consisting of Caitlyn accurately figuring Jinx was in a rut and needed a distraction is a nice way of proving what Jinx thought in chapter 1. Caitlyn DOES know her well. It isn't ALWAYS just Vi. I wanted to hammer in the idea that though the two are sisters, Caitlyn has some room to fit in here that shows her understanding of the two as well. Along with her seeing the sisters' similarities at times.

Looping back to Vi, I always find it amazing how in fics where Vi has gone to therapy and etc, some writers still portray Vi as someone who just doesn't get Jinx's relationship with Silco. Not to say they're bad writers or that going to therapy just magically aids all observational problems, but I feel like Vi would work through eventually that Silco WAS a father figure for Jinx, whether she liked it or not. So in this timeskip, Vi UNDERSTANDS that, but she hasn't had the chance to communicate it to Jinx because of the running and chasing. Along with the acceptance of calling her Jinx and such. The same way Jinx has made her peace about it, so has Vi.

They've just yet to communicate it TOGETHER... until now. ( ^‿^)

But not's let discount our lovable brats! Their growth is just as important in this story! Evi striving to come into a higher role, a higher cause, is something I thought up last minute in my writing process for this series. I know that seems weird, given how much more POVs she has over Zel, but her character longing to BE something greater was something I worked towards gradually before I realized how good this dream was for her. She strikes me as the same type of Zaunite who'd become a Baroness through spite and sheer will.

Now Zel's guilt? That was another get-go planned route. I said in the way beginning that these kids have no qualms about what they do but I never said it would ALWAYS not be a big deal. I've always leaned into Zel being a more emotionally... influential kind of kid. He has a lot of heart on his sleeve, and emulating it with a hard cold fact was something I kinda wanted to do to parallel Powder's shaken reality from her trauma. Zel working through his OWN gripes about the deaths he caused opens a nice avenue for discussion with the family. Growth is what this arc is about, and the kids are growing up!

Let's hope Jinx can guide them well...

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Review Responses:

unseenw0lf: "Eh, Piltover Shmiltover!" Jinx, probably.

Arian Penmage: I'm really touched to hear that! It's honestly really validating! Glad to see you've joined the ride! ( ^‿^)

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Next chapter update: November 11th! (likely to be a couple days late again)

Stay safe and stay lovely y'all.

Until next time,

- Bleh