Vi still wasn't home. It had been hours since she left and just as long since Vander had left to look for her. Powder was getting very worried. Sure, Vi was never one to follow a curfew, but she always let her know where she was, when she'd be back. And with the enforcer presence, it only caused Powder's anxiety to spike even more.

Mylo and Claggor had made it back, not too long after Alek had left. They had gathered a bunch of junk to use as weapons, including a baseball bat and hedge trimmers. The only thing that was decent in the stack was Vander's gauntlets.

Mylo: We'll, if the enforcers hit tonight, we'll be ready!

Claggor: Dibs on the bat!

Mylo: No no no no, I found it!

Claggor: But I called it!

Mylo: I found it!

Claggor: Respect the dibs!

Powder ignored them. She just stared at the stuffed bunny Vi had given her. It helped comfort her as she worried. Almost like a piece of her was there. However, her worry was short lived as she heard the basement door open and the sound of someone descending the stairs. It was Vi, thank goodness, but her face showed nothing but dread. Powder spring boarded off of her bunk as she collided with her older sister, wrapping her arms around her.

Powder: Oh you're back!

Powder lifted her head to see her sisters face. Vi looked like she was on the verge of a panic attack. Her breathing was erratic and her eyes darted around. She was almost in tears. Powder had only ever seen her sister cry once that she could remember. At the bridge.

Vi broke away from her sister's embrace, taking notice of the pile of weapons Mylo and Claggor had collected on the coffee table. She went to grab one that would suit her, her mind instinctively reaching for Vander's gauntlets. Mylo grabbed her wrist in confusion.

Mylo: Hey! Those are Vander's! Slow down! What's going on?

Vi breathed heavily, collecting herself.

Vi: Benzo's dead.

The news hit them all like a ton of bricks. Dead? Had the enforcers already made their move? Who else had been killed?

Claggor: Dead?

Vi: They took Vander.

Mylo: Who took Vander?

Vi: I don't know. But I need to help him.

Mylo: We're going with you.

Vi let out what Powder could only describe as the closest thing to a whimper she'd ever heard from Vi.

Vi: Whatever killed Vander, was like nothing I'd ever seen. It tore him apart.

Vi's fists we're clenched so tightly, she was sure they were about to start bleeding from where her nails indented into her palm. Claggor placed a large comforting hand on Vi's back.

Claggor: You're not doing this alone Vi.

Mylo: Yeah, he's our father too.

Powder moved back to her bunk, gathering up all the gadgets she had completed that night.

Mylo: Do you know where they took him?

Vi: Ekko followed them. The old cannery next to the docks.

Vi gathered up the gauntlets into her pack.

Vi: He said-

That's when Vi noticed Powder. She was packed up, and ready to go with them. Vi sighed, not knowing the best way to break the news to her younger sister.

Vi: I need you to sit this one out Powder?

Powder: What?

She was confused. Vi always told her how capable she was. How essential she was. She could help them. She knew she could.

Vi: You're not coming.

Powder: I'm not afraid.

Vi: It's too dangerous.

But family stick together, you said it yourself.

She was getting angry, as was Vi by the look on her face.

Vi: I know what I said-

Powder: I want to fight, I can help!

Vi: You're not ready!

There is was. She had been lying to her the whole time. She didn't believe in her. Not really. She only humored her. She probably thought she was just as much of an inconvenience as Mylo did.

Vi: You're all I have left. I can't lose you.

Vi put her hand to Powder's cheek, but she couldn't feel it. She felt numb. She felt so stupid. She felt tears streaming down her face.

Vi: Here. If they come for you, take this and run. Wherever you are, light it up, and I'll find you.

Vi handed her a flare. Take it and run, huh?Seemed to be the only thing Vi trusted her to do. Vi was wrong. She could help. She knew she could.

Vi hugged her close but Powder couldn't find it in herself to return it. Vi broke away from her and joined Mylo and Claggor at the door, taking one last look back at Powder before leaving. Powder began to sob louder than she had in a long time.

————————————————————————

Powder cried for what felt like hours. Her cheeks stained with tears and the whites of her eyes bloodshot. She tried tinkering with her monkey bomb as a way to distract herself, but the sobs kept coming and coming until it felt like she was about to drown. In her frustration, she ripped the head off of the monkey bomb before throwing it and the body against the wall. She screamed. All her anger and self loathing overflowing her senses to the point she thought she couldn't breathe anymore. She put her fist to her temples, punching herself repeatedly. She screeched again, grabbing her trunk full of her inventions and lifting them above her head in a fit of rage, with full intent to smash all of her hard work into bits.

She hesitated. Not very long, but just enough to have a moment of rationality. This wasn't worth it. It was Vi's fault, not hers. They're was no reason to sacrifice what was near and dear to herself over her stupid words. She crumpled to the floor, letting go of the trunk as the contents spilled out in front of her on the floor. She held her head in her arms as she continued to weep. A moment passed as she tried to collect herself, slowly raising her head as she still felt her tears sliding down and off of her chin.

She was caught off guard from what she saw in front of her face. Small blue embers and fumes swirled around as the gemstones shook erratically. The sight was familiar. Almost like... almost like the explosion back in Piltover. So this was the cause? The gems were explosives. Maybe that wasn't their intended purpose, but that didn't change the fact.

Powder thought for a moment. The gems were extremely dangerous. And as their possessor, made her extremely dangerous. With these, Vi would see her as useful. She could take down whatever monster Vi had seemed so shaken by. She could save them. Powder wiped the tears from her eyes with a new look of determination in them.

Powder: I can help them.

—————————————————————————

Alek hated dreams. Not because he ever had bad ones, but because he never had any. He always hated hearing from either Powder or Ekko about the latest adventure they had the night before like it was the latest episode of the local radio show he had forgotten to listen to. He was jealous, he knew, but it wasn't fair.

Tonight was a night like all the others. Dreamless black boring nothing. Well, at least it started that way. Until the blackness turned into an earthquake. He kept shaking back and fourth, as if he was about to lose his footing and fall into the abyss. Alek waited for picture to appear, anticipating his first grand crusade in the dreamlands.

???: Alek!

Who was that? Perhaps his squire? Or maybe a detective partner as he investigated a homicide case.

???: Alek!

Alek's eyes flitted open, revealing two deep ocean blue eyes very close to his own. He felt groggy for a moment before realizing he was back in his bedroom. No dreams again it seems. Oh well.

Alek: Powder? What are you doing here? Are you okay?

She was clearly distressed. Her eyes were bloodshot, and cheeks were flushed and puffy. She has been crying.

Powder: Vander's gone.

Alek: What? What do you mean gone. Where did he go?

Powder: He was kidnapped. Vi and the others already went after him...

Alek: And they sent you to get me?

Powder paused for a moment. Seemingly not knowing what to say. Her eyes looked downward as she clutched her left elbow in her right hand?

Powder: ...yeah. Yeah, they sent me to get you.

Alek paused at her response. It came off so... weird sounding. He couldn't exactly say why, but there was no time. She must just be freaked out by all that's going on. He'd put in on the back burner for now. Their friends needed them.

Alek: Right give me just a few moments, and we'll head out.

Powder gave a small nod before backing away out of the bedroom and closing the door behind her. Alek quickly changed out of a baggy t shirt and sweatpants he used as pajamas. He slipped into a snug pair of cargo trousers with quite a few holes in them and a simple grey long sleeve shirt. He grabbed his pack that sat on a desk chair and emptied the contents out onto the bed, tossing his books and studies aside. He rounded the bed to his nightstand and opened the bottom drawer. Inside was an old dull knife, two smoke bombs, and a handgun.

The knife was given to him by Vander. Alek had seen him handling it at the bar when he was ten. Vander had taken it away from a couple of brutes who were playing five finger fillet at a nearby table. Alek thought it looked cool and begged Vander to let him have it. He eventually relented, and it wasn't until a while after that Alek realized it seemed to be just an old dining knife that had been sharpened and eventually dulled after some use. He assumed Vander only let him have it because, unless he was extremely reckless, he couldn't really hurt himself with it. Still, a knife was a knife and it could still do some damage, even in its current state.

The smoke grenades were given to him by Powder for a birthday last year. She had drawn a dinosaur on one and an eagle on the other.

The handgun he had found after what he assumed to be a drive by near Benzo's shop a few years back. One of the goons had tossed the gun when they were making their escape. It was in decent condition, but it only had four bullets in the magazine, and he didn't exactly know how to get more ammo. He only took it thinking it was a good idea to have in case he had a break in.

Alek gathered up his arms and stuffed them into his pack and zipped it. He threw it over his shoulder and made his way into the living area. He found Powder waiting, playing with one of her many hair clips in nervousness. She raised her eyes to him.

Powder: Ready?

Alek: I think so.

Powder led him out quickly, trying her best to keep her nerves in control. From what she could tell, Alek was doing the same. He instinctively reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes as the elevator began its long descent to the ground floor.

Alek: So Vander's kidnapper. Do we know who he is?

Powder shook her head, only knowing what info Vi had given her.

Powder: No. only that whatever killed Benzo was nothing like Vi had every seen.

Alek chocked on smoke as he was taking a drag.

Alek: What?! Benzo's dead?!

Powder nodded as she felt tears filling her vision. She had been so hung up on her own troubles, the reality of the situation had only just begun to sink in for her.

Alek: Damn it...

Silence hung between them, neither knowing what to say. Neither was able to comfort the other because they couldn't even comfort themselves. The elevator opened and the two made their way into the streets.

Alek: Where are we headed?

Powder: Ekko said the old cannery by the docks.

Alek nodded. He raised his hand to take another drag from his cigarette. Powder noticed that his hand was visibly shaking.

Powder: ...are you okay?

Alek turned his head to her, blowing smoke out through his nostrils.

Alek: ...you know, I've never been in a real fight. Sure, scraps like the other day but... but nothing that was really really dangerous...

Powder held her breath for a moment. What was she doing? This was her choice to be useful. Why did she go to Alek? He could have woken up the next morning being none the wiser of the danger that now faced them both. But she couldn't help herself. She couldn't explain why she went to get him, it was just... instinctual.

Powder: Alek... you don't have to go.

Alek just stared at her, his gaze became as hard as stone, even as his hands still shook.

Alek: ...I'm not gonna leave you...

Powder felt her breath hitch as he said it with such conviction. She should have known better. He had promised her after all.

Powder: ...okay...

Alek took another drag. Powder stared at the cigarette. She used to never like the smell whenever patrons at the Last Drop would smoke them. Now the faint smell was a bit comforting. It always meant Alek was close by.

Powder: ...you think I could try?

Alek turned his eyes to her. He hesitated, his eyebrows lifted in surprised.

Alek: I'm not sure Vi would be happy if-

He was cut off by a look of annoyance covered Powder's face.

Alek: ...uhm sure I guess.

Powder took the cigarette. She hesitantly took a small drag and immediately began coughing. It tasted gross! It felt like someone had shoved burning coals down her throat.

Alek rubbed her back to comfort her. Powder coughed a few more times and wiped her watering eyes as she stood up straight, composing herself.

Powder: I don't think I'm gonna do that again...

———————————————————————

The cold night air felt colder when they approached the old cannery. What was once just another run down building Alek passed every once and a while, had taken new meaning in his mind. This was where Vander was being kept. Whoever or whatever lied within was probably prepared to kill them without a second thought. He felt clammy, but tried his best to act brave as he followed Powder to a spot on the side of the building near some old scaffolding. There was a gap in the brick and mortar big enough for Powder to see through.

Alek: what do you see?

Powder: not much. Just a few goons. I think I need to get higher.

Alek looked toward the old scaffolding. He placed his foot on the rusted bars, trying to boost himself up onto the platform. However, the metal was far too rusty to support his weight, and the bars broke into pieces. Alek stumbled at the sudden lack of footing, but retained his balance as he hit the ground. The scaffolding shook and threatened to topple over.

Alek: We'll, looks like that's not gonna work.

Powder looked back at the cannery wall. The boards had not been stained in many years and the wood looked brittle and rotten. However, there were spots that seemed to be a little more reenforced than others. Specifically where the boards met the wall studs. She put her foot onto the board, gentle testing her weight on it before climbing upwards.

Powder: Be careful where you put your feet.

Alek: I'll do my best.

Alek followed behind Powder as they ascended the wall to what seemed to be a small ledge and an open window. He was taken out of his observation as a board Powder was on broke away, barely missing him as it fell.

Alek: you alright?

Powder: I'm okay.

Powder regained her footing and continued to climb, eventually reaching the ledge, Alek right behind her. The ledge was small. Barely enough room for one person, let alone two. Powder had to practically sit in Alek's lap for them both to sit and see through the window.

Inside they could see Vi on a catwalk, fighting off numerous thugs with Vander's gauntlets. It was honestly quite the sight. Alek knew Vi was scary tough but this took it to a whole new level.

Alek: So Blue, what's our plan?

Powder: The gems. I think I can make another explosion like back in Piltover.

Alek: Explosion? But what a about Vi?

They both jumped at the sound of a terrifying scream. They turned their eyes back through the window to see what could only be described as an abomination. It seemed to be a husk of a man, yet twice the size. And his arteries and veins glowed a haunting shade of purple. It sent shivers down his spine just from the sight of it.

Alek: what the hell is that?

Powder: I think that's what killed Benzo...

Vi sprinted toward the monster without hesitation, leaping towards it to land a staggering blow to its head while its back was turned. However, even without seeing her, the monster grabbed Vi by the throat with staggering speed.

Powder: Vi!

Alek was speechless as he felt his heart pounding against his ribcage in fear. He felt so small. The monster threw Vi to the floor. It seemed as if Vi didn't have the strength to stand, let alone escape. Yet, she forced herself to crawl back into the cell behind her and closed the door, keeping the monster at bay. However, the monster did not give in. It pounded against the metal with such unrelenting force, Alek could feel it shaking the entire building.

Powder reached for her trunk full of her invention, pulling out the monkey.

Powder: Do you think the others we'll be safe from the blast?

Alek turned his head back to the monster pounding on the door.

Alek: That door looks like solid steel. I think so. Hell, if that thing can't break through, then that's good enough for me.

Powder pulled the head from her monkey gadget, revealing a compartment. She fit two of the gems in there and tied one around it's neck.

Powder: You have to work. For me, okay?

She twisted the key on the monkeys back to prime it, before placing it inside the window and slapping its head. The monkey began its long slow walk.

Seconds felt like hours for the two of them as the monkey walked, until it finally reached its destination, at the feet of that monster. Alek turned his head away, squeezing his eyes shut and covering Powder's ears with his hands. He counted every moment that passed by, waiting for the blast. He waited as only silence filled his ears. He waited until he couldn't take it anymore. Against his better judgment, turned his head to the open window and peaked through.

Blue filled his vision. Suddenly he felt himself flying through the air and pain crossing his face. Every thing felt like it was in slow motion. He saw Powder a few feet away, falling as well. He reached out his hand to her, but she did not see him. She was mesmerized by the blue spectacle that surrounded the two of them. Suddenly, time resumed itself as he felt himself collide shoulder first into the brick wall of a neighboring building. He heard a pop as he slid down the wall.

He landed and his mind felt fuzzy. So fuzzy, he could barely feel pain. He went to cradle his head but as soon as he lifted his right arm, it exploded with pain. Alek yelped and let his arm fall limply at his side. He felt like he was going to be sick. He attempted to cradle his head again, this time with just his left hand. It felt warm and sticky. He looked to his side catching a small reflection of himself in a broken glass bottle. He had a large gash on his face, reaching from right under his left eye to the corner of his jaw. It was bleeding badly.

Where was Powder? Was she hurt as well? Alek tried to force himself to his feet, but his equilibrium was off and he tripped over himself landing right onto his injured arm. He let out a yelp in pain, tears threatening to spill over his face. He forced himself back into a sitting position. He removed his pack from his back as the strap was digging into his injured shoulder.

Alek: Powder...

He heard no response. Just the sound of crackling from the fires that burned around him. He took a moment for the world to stop spinning. When it seemed to slow, just for a bit, he tried to stand again, this time more successful than the last.

???: Well, hello.

Alek turned his head to catch sight of an unknown man, appearing from the ruins of the cannery. He was covered in ash and his face was twisted. He seemed psychotic as Alek could not see the irises of his eyes as his pupils were fully dilated.

Alek reached for his pack sitting on the ground. However, just because he was not so dizzy that he couldn't stand, the sudden movement made his head spin and he fell to the ground again. Still, he was in arms length of his pouch and pulled out his gun. He held it in both hands as he sat up with his back to a pile of rubble.

Alek: S-stay back!

The psycho only chuckled as he approached slowly. Alek felt his nerves kick into overdrive as he could see himself visibly shaking. He couldn't even hold the gun straight as the psycho got closer and closer. When Alek thought he had come extremely too close for comfort, he fired a shot into the air, causing the psycho to hesitate.

Alek: Don't come any closer! I'll do it! I swear to God I'll do it!

The psycho just stared at him, no emotion showing on his face. Alek's face was a whirlwind of emotions. Emotions that betrayed him as the psycho continued his approach.

Alek: ...please don't make me do it...

Alek had a clear shot. Even with how badly he was shaking, he couldn't possibly miss with how close his assailant was. However, he was frozen up. He couldn't do it. He felt tears streaming down his face.

The psycho grabbed the top of the barrel. As soon as Alek felt the man try to tear the gun from his hands, instincts took over and he pulled the trigger as many times as he could even after he no longer heard gunshots. Alek felt blood spray over his arms and face as the body of the man crumpled and fell to the ground.

Alek sat perfectly still for what felt like an eternity. He stared at the now lifeless body of his attacker. A life he ended. He felt sick.

Alek turned his head and vomited onto the street, he could barely see through his own tears as he continued to dry heave when his stomach was empty. He felt disgusting. He needed to get away. Far away from the body. He couldn't look at what he had done.

He tried to stand again but couldn't find the strength within him to do so. He crawled to a nearby ally, just out of sight of the body. He told himself he would just stay their for a moment until he could stand, but his eyes felt heavy and he couldn't keep the sky from spinning. He lost consciousness.

————————————————————————

Powder could not find Alek after their fall. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air. She called out his name but she couldn't hear much of anything over the fires that roared around the remains of the cannery. These were the fruits of her labor.

It had worked! Her bomb actually worked! She was the one who saved the day and beat the bad guys! She couldn't wait to rub Mylo's face in it. She was never gonna let him live it down.

Powder turned the corner and was met with the sight of her sister, standing with her back turned to her.

Powder: Vi it worked! Did you see me?! My monkey bomb finally worked!

She felt so giddy, but her excitement was short lived as her sister stared at her with a look of horror.

Vi: ...You did this?

Powder was confused. She had saved the day, hadn't she? Everything was supposed to be fine. She was a hero! She noticed the body at Vi's feet it looked somewhat familiar, but like the monster from before, it's body was twisted and strange. Almost unrecognizable.

Vi: Why? Why did you do this?

Powder furrowed her brows. Suddenly nothing seemed so perfect. She began to stutter and felt her nose start to run

Powder: I- I was- I was saving you...

She looked over to see a pair of blood soaked goggles. Goggles Claggor always wore. No. No this couldn't be real. She felt tears streaming down her face.

Powder: ...I only wanted to help. I only wanted to help. I ONLY WANTED TO HELP!

Vi: I told you to stay away.

Powder: please-

Vi: I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY!

Vi struck Powder with an open hand. The crack of the impact made her ears ring. Powder screamed and fell to the ground hard, pain stinging through her left cheek. She could feel her heartbeat pounding in her ears as her sobs grew louder and louder.

Powder: No! Why did you leave me!

Vi caught her face in her left hand, pulling her in close so they were eye to eye. Powder could see unrelenting rage in her eyes as she stared. It frightened her terribly.

Vi: Because you're a jinx! Do you hear me?! Mylo was right!

Powder: No! No! Vi please!

In that moment, Vi realized the severity of what she had done. As she looked at her sister's face, full of tears and blood running from her nose, blood she had drawn, she felt like a monster.

She deserved it, didn't she? This was her fault. Vi stared at her hands as the conflict swirled within her. What she did, what she said was justified. However, Powder was her sister. And she hurt her.

Powder: Violet please!

Vi turned her gaze back to Powder. She wanted to forget. To just ignore what had happened and take Powder home. But she couldn't forget and she didn't think she could forgive her either. For in that moment, even though it was only for a moment, she hated her sister.

Vi stood without a word and walked away.

Powder: Vi! Vi come back, please! Please! I need you!

Vi ignored her as Powder's screams were eventually drowned out by the fires around her. She turned the corner, out of sight from her sister.

Powder cried as her sister left. It wasn't the same frantic, hysterical, crying from before, but a soft sorrowful weeping. She was alone. Everyone was gone. Her family was dead, save for Vi. And Alek was lost to her. She felt every muscle of her body grow cold and numb as she brought her face down to the pavement of the street. She could do nothing but cry, praying that eventually her body would just dry up and die.

???: Hello little girl. Where's your sister?

Powder used all the strength she could muster to lift her eyes up. She saw a man looking down at her as he kneeled in front of her. One eye was cold. The other was evil.

Powder: She...

Powder threw herself into his arms, knocking the man over. In all her loneliness, she latched onto the only thing she could find.

Powder: She left me.

Powder buried her face further into the man's waistcoat, staining it with her tears. It reminded her of Alek. It soothed her.

Powder: She is not my sister anymore.

It was only after a few moment that she felt the man's arms envelop her. Her anxiety slowly retreated and she stopped shaking.

???: It's okay. We'll show them. We will show them all.