CHAPTER 4:1

"Hey, wake up."

Vi groaned. "What?" she wondered and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "What is it?"

"We've arrived at Zaun." She looked up at Jayce and he gave her a skeptical look. "How a woman can sleep! I thought you had passed out accidentally of some allergic reaction." He paused and rubbed his chin. "Though I didn't try to get any help..."

She grimaced and rose to her feet. "If you have any problems about my sleeping habits," she said and stretched out her arms and legs, "you're more than welcome to talk them out with my fists. How about it?"

"I'll pass," he answered and held up his hands in a relinquishing gesture. Jayce's expression was serious, but a smile soon spread across his lips. It was so contagious that Vi was forced to smile as well. "But really, you sleep like you're dead," he added teasingly.

Vi rolled with her eyes and sighed. "Whatever, let's go."

He was watching me sleep. She tried not to feel uncomfortable as their arms made contact when they both reached for their belongings above their heads at the same time. Jayce looked at her and excused himself, but didn't seem to be bothered at all. What was he doing meanwhile? Did he observe me during the whole trip or just for a moment?

Vi glanced out of the dirty window and was surprised with the immense number of people waiting impatiently outside for their turn to enter. She hadn't thought that this way of traveling between the cities would become so popular so fast since it was so new and unusual - what if the train would get stuck midway due to some techmaturgical error? - but seeing the many relieved faces, she realized that this truly was a genius invention. It was the worlds quickest transportation tool and available for anyone at anytime. She suddenly wondered who the arcitect was and how many thanks he or she must've gotten. Hers, for one at least.

They swiftly moved through the unusually crowded train to the nearest doors. She almost hit a kid in the back of his head with her bag but managed to miss him in the last possible moment. To her luck, Jayce had ordered a private cabin for the two so the journey had been quite relaxing, but when she followed the stream of people heading for the entrance and exit of the underground station, she couldn't help but feel how out of place she was. It was all too much and she couldn't wait until they had finally gotten out.

"Have you been here many times?"

Vi shrugged. "Depends on what you mean by 'many times'," she replied, loudly so that she could be overheard the rumbling of the environment. "I can find somewhat around here, yes. But it's not a place I prefer to stay for a longer period."

"I see," he answered and pointed up a staircase to their right. "This will be a good place to get to the hotel."

"Hotel?" she repeated and followed him up to ground level. The night was approaching quickly and heavy clouds were gathering on the sky. Vi inhaled deeply, too happy to finally be out of the small and cramped area of the trainstation to care about the slight stench coming from the sewers. She was outdoors and free. "What do you mean?"

Jayce searched his back pockets and pulled out a grey card. "A hotel is an establishment where people can spend their nights with a roof over their head and be served breakfast in the morning for a price. It's very practical."

"Yeah, yeah, I know what a hotel is." She looked away and tried to ignore the sudden spark of hope inside her chest that had ignited her cheeks with a sudden flare. "And you better care because you are starting to sound exactly like a certain emotionless robot we both know..."

He chuckled. "Claire has emotions. That's what makes it all even worse."

"I see." Vi pulled up her hood and prayed fiercely that she had stopped blushing and turned back to Jayce. "So? Hotel?" she asked and crossed her arms.

"Well," he replied and scratched the back of his head, "I only have a vague idea where to go from here so don't scold me if I won't find right the first couple of tries."

Vi frowned and pushed her hands into her pockets. "So you don't know where exactly it is?"

"Correct," he admitted and nodded. "I thought you would be able to guide me... but I guess you wouldn't know all the streets. My fault." Jayce sighed. "If you wait here, I'll go asking around here. Someone must know. Maybe I can even find a touristbureau."

"Why shouldn't we both ask around?" she asked confusedly. "It would save a lot of time."

Jayce was serious. "Because I don't want you to lose yourself around here. It's quite a large place," he answered. Vi raised an eyebrow at him, challenging him to see if he was telling the truth, and after a while he gave up. "Alright, alright. I don't want to lose track of where I am. Satisfied?"

She shrugged and sat down on a nearby bench. "Don't take too long; I'm really hungry."

He nodded and hurried away. Vi watched his tall frame disappear into the sea of bodies and faces and kept focusing on his back until he was only a blurry shape, mixed into an uncountable amount of colours and shapes. She tore her gaze away from him.

What am I doing here? With him? What am I thinking about pushing myself like this? It's bound to snap sometime – anytime – and I know it. Soon. I should just walk away and bash my head into the nearest wall. I'm playing with fire and it will hurt me. Only... I want it to hurt me.

Vi sank down into the bench with a tiresome sigh. "Fuck... I'm so fucked," she whispered and tried to find a comfortable position to sit in. Her choice of place was uncomfortable and probably very dirty, and she could bet all of her gold that her black, newly washed pants would have dusty marks. But she didn't care.

If actually something happens... Vi shook her head. No, nothing will happen. He's not even available. Caitlyn and he are only having a phase... it will pass soon... And most importantly, he doesn't see me more than a friend. And he's my friend as well. Nothing more.

She smiled, even though there was nothing to be happy about. Her smile was bitter and unhappy. It's such a fucking irony, that something like this happens to me. Destiny always seem to want to fuck with me, especially when I'm at my toughest. Fuck it all.

Vi rested her head against the backrest of the bench and stared up into the darkening sky. The clouds were mostly shifting in different colours of brown, but a sickly green hue filled up some spaces as well. They were ugly, and covered the otherwise so beautiful nightsky. She couldn't help but compare herself to them.

Cait is extremely attractive... I'm not. I've never felt like I need to do something, but seeing her succeed so much better than me so effortlessly is really a taking a toll on my confidence. She's so certain in herself. How to talk; how to look; how to walk; how to shoot; everything is so perfect in her life. She never has to worry about some creepy-ass stalker sending letters every once in a while, who writes so coolly and casually like she knows him or her. She never has to worry about having to search for her long forgotten sister. She never has to worry about being alone. I really do admire her and she's my best friend – but I envy her of so much. So much that she has, I wish I had more than anything.

And she just throws it away like it's nothing.

Vi straightened and then rested her elbows on her knees. She buried her face into her hands and exhaled. But how can she know better? I can't blame her for anything; she doesn't know anything else. She and I are so different in many, many ways but does it makes us any less equal? No. It doesn't matter if you are a simple shopkeeper married to one of the councilpersons of Piltover. All people are in the same right to fight for happiness.

"Hey!"

Jayce's voice woke her from her reverie and Vi bolted to her feet. "Wh-what?" she stammered as he approached her. She stifled a yawn.

He smiled excusingly. "I thought you were sleeping. It looked like that at least. And then I thought something worse had happened."

"What are you talking about?" Vi creased her forehead and unfortunately failed to prevent another yawn. "I-wa-ne–"

"Aha, I understand perfectly, yes."

Vi rolled with her eyes. "I was never tired," she corrected and he nodded understandingly in sarcasm.

"Certainly," he replied and smiled.

"Who cares," she said irritably and picked up her bag from the bench. "Do you know where we're supposed to go?"

His amused expression vanished in an instant and Vi grinned. "I thought so," she continued. "But don't worry, I'm sure I can find it."

"What?" he exclaimed. "So you actually know this place?"

"Tell me where it lies," she quickly said. He looked surprised at her and she smiled. "I might actually know more than I've told you. My fault."

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "So you tell me I've been running around like a moron for thirty minutes... when you actually knew where it was?"

"Well, I knew about hotels as well but you seemed like it was necessary to explain it all to me..." Vi's smile widened and she nonchalantly shrugged. "I only thought I should return the favor. In a different form, of course."

"Damn you," he muttered. "Why did I take you with me?"

Vi snatched the card from his hand and read the small print. "'Thanks for deciding to stay at us for your visit in Zaun, and we will try our best to suit your tastes. Vendetta'." Vi grinned. "Sounds more or less like a brothel to me. Are you sure this place is safe?" she asked Jayce and gave him a light punch across his shoulder.

He grimaced and gingerly rubbed the place she had hit him. "Ouch," he replied emphatically. "And yes, I'm pretty certain that this place will suffice. At least for me."

"What do you mean?" she asked and frowned as he smirked. "Hey, what is it?"

"Well..." Jayce shrugged. "I never said I'd pay a room for you. Do you have any money?"

Vi soaked her lips. "Ehm," she nervously started, "I might have something, but I don't think that will be enough to rent something at a hotel. Are there no cheap inns around here?"

"I don't think so," he replied. "Lately, Piltover and Zaun have gone crazy with reconditioning the cities. And I can agree that taverns are a bit old-fashioned."

She sighed and put her arms on her hips. "Then I'll be sleeping on the streets. Great."

Jayce chuckled amusedly. "Don't worry, I was just kidding. I'll rent a room for you."

"Glad you decided to," she answered morosely and glared at him. "Or I wouldn't help you find to the place."

He opened his mouth to reply but Vi cut him off. She was feeling exhausted in every limb of her body and it was getting late. A cool wind swept back her hood together with her pink hair and she shivered. "Can we go now? Or were you planning on standing here all night?"

Jayce smiled. "Sure, you lead the way," he said and gestured for her to go first. "I'll follow you."

Vi nodded and set off in a quick tempo. They passed a street, into a large avenue where they passed numerous kinds of different boutiques and restaurants. She was amazed at the strangely designed articles hanging in the shop windows. There were tools, toys and weapons, food, snacks and drinks everywhere she looked and the vivid nightlife energized her spirit. She changed her oppinion of Zaun; it was rather nice at this time of the hour.

They continued deeper into the loud city. Her attention caught on a gigantic shotgun resting in a beautiful case as she passed a workshop. It was shining in gold and iron, and the wood was as polished as could be and coated with some kind of dark oil. The weapon was impressive in its design and size, and Vi stared at it in awe. A person from within hurried out – a man in his fifties, with a long reddish beard and smug features – and started ranting about the shotgun. He spoke so quickly and said so many unfamiliar words that Vi couldn't keep up with him. But when she decided to interrupt him and ask what the price of the gun was, Jayce interrupted her.

"We're not interested in anything," he said explanatory and placed his arm around her shoulders. "Neither of us are able to shoot."

"Then what are you standing here for!" rumbled the shop keeper angrily. "You're taking up space for other potential buyers. If you're not gonna buy anything, you oughta leave!"

Jayce nodded and smiled excusingly while leading her away from the store. Vi numbly followed, too shocked by the red-bearded man's sudden outburst to protest, before she stopped and looked back. It was all empty behind them.

"What buyers?" she muttered irritably. "Jayce, what was wrong with the man? Was he drunk?"

Jayce shook his head. "Unfortunately not," he replied. "I guess he's in a bad mood; all this uproaring with the trains must've attracted lots of thieves from Piltover or other places." His expression was serious. "That's the only problem with the new transports. It opens up for so much organized criminality. And it's not especially expensive to travel either so I reckon many troublemakers are strolling around here from Piltover and vice versa. Must be making lonely people like him anxious."

"How did you know he was lonely?" she wondered and pulled on her hood again. Jayce was still touching her and she tried to fight back her rush of emotions. "Sure he's a loser, but that doesn't necessarily make him solitary."

"He wasn't wearing any ring." Jayce started walking again and his hand forced her to follow. "And he's pretty old. Seemed kind of shady as well."

Vi decided not to answer and they went further into Zaun. They were on the commersial and residental area of the city, as Jayce had told her earlier on, but she could see the high pillars of smoke rising from the factories in the distance. The sky was too dark for her to distinguish the brown clouds but she could still see some spots of green here and there. The night was colder than she had anticipated such an industrial heavy city to be and she was suddenly glad that Jayce was holding her.

But her conscience was tearing at her. She couldn't help but feel guilty by the fact that she was here instead of serving Piltover with the best she had to offer, side by side with Caitlyn. Here she was, in an attempt to run away from all of her pain and memories – with Jayce. That was what she scorned the most. It looked horribly bad and wrong, even though this never was the way she had planned. Vi had hoped to get drunk at bars and get into irresponsible gang fights. She had wanted to forget and disappear from the world, at least for a while until she had finally realized and acknowledged that her sister was back. She had heard the whispers already. The talks and rumours around Piltover, of a young woman with the most terrifying sadistic humour. Her sister had even gotten an alias by the growing few who had encountered her mayhem. They called her "Jinx".

It's not even close to her real name, Vi thought and huffed. Probably means she had something to do with the rumours as well. She doesn't want to be recognized by them, but still send me a message. She has come back from the dead to stay. If I only knew where to find her...

"Something funny?"

Vi shook her head. "No," she quickly replied. "Nothing at all. I'm just... happy to be here."

Jayce chuckled. "Certainly. I never thought I would say it, but Zaun has its nicer places," he said with the slightest sarcasm. "I didn't think the city would've gone through such a dramatic change since five years ago."

"You were visiting here more frequently then?" asked Vi curiously. She knew almost nothing about Jayce and his past and she wondered about how it had been. He had told her only bits and pieces in a joke or two.

"Yeah," he replied. "As a student I attended to Piltover at the Yordle Academy. I actually met Ezreal there – though he wasn't a student yet – in my first year. He had recently excavated Piltover's whole tunnel system and was there to leave his research notes and hold some kind of lecture exclusive for teachers only. I..." His voice trailed off and he swallowed before continuing. "I met Cait there as well. She was there to listen to Ezreal and I saw her with her parents. I had already proven myself a good and hard-working student, and they both remembered my name even though I had never formerly introduced myself."

"I never heard Caitlyn talk about her parents," said Vi quietly and frowned. "Why is that?"

Jayce didn't reply and Vi glared up at him. He shoved his hands into his pockets, leaving her back exposed to the cold. "And I guess you know why," she continued. "Why? Please tell me, I promise I won't speak to Cait about it."

He sighed. "She told me once about it, and that was quick so don't ask about any details," said Jayce and he met her gaze. His intelligent eyes were sad, but not for him or for Caitlyn... They looked at her condolatory. "Cait never wanted to mention it when you were around and told me to do the same. She said you'd never had any parents to grow up with and made me promise that I should respect it by not bringing it up."

Vi went cold in an instant. When did she get to know about that? How? Who told her? I certainly didn't. She tried to calm down but she couldn't. Her thoughts were swirling in her head, faster and faster until she started to feel naseous. If she knew that, what else might she already be knowing? How many of my dark secrets does she know about? When was she planning to confront me about it? Or was she just going to continue pet me like I'm a child? Why does she think she has the right to do this? What makes her so much better than me?

Many things, a voice whispered to her. She's the Sheriff of Piltover. She has everything a woman wants. Influence, power, money and appearance. You were nothing but her little charity project, something for her to become even more famous. She converted a street puppy to her own personal guard hound. Isn't that impressive?

"...well and there it was. I finally graduated. I have many contacts in Zaun thanks to my many stays there and they remain my friends yet today. Of course I got friends locally as well, both in Demacia and Piltover, but most of them are only acquaintances. The people I finished school together with mostly decided to move to Zaun since we had been studying to become techmaturgicians and it was highly requested here. And that's how I met Viktor."

"Aha, I see," said Vi. She hadn't even listened to half of it. "Interesting."

Jayce slowed on his steps. "Are you getting too tired to speak, Vi?" he wondered teasingly. "Or are your thoughts straying away from me and my extraordinary and verbal autobiography? I will only tell it once."

"No, I'm not tired." Vi refused to admit her fatigue. She looked away from him and her eyes swept over a sign. Vendetta, she mused. Where have I seen this before?

Vi stopped and pointed at the building. It wasn't especially large and the outer décor was boring, but she thought it looked nice. A soft and cozy light shone from almost every window. "Isn't this..." She crosschecked the sign to not be mistaken. It said "Vendetta" in golden letters. "... the hotel we're supposed to check into?"

"It is," affirmed Jayce. He gave her a smile. "I see you weren't talking rubbish. You knew where it was."

Vi glared at him. "Of course I knew," she replied and headed into the hotel. "You think I'm just going around saying stuff I can't prove I'm right about? Huh."

Jayce hurried to her side and chuckled. "I didn't say that, I only didn't think you'd actually find the place. Sorry, I was surprised."

"Right."

They entered the simple double-doors and a tiny bell rang from somewhere. A woman appeared out of seemingly nowhere and she gave them a polite smile. She was young and attractive, and dressed in dark appropriate clothes, to Vi's genuine surprise. Vi also noticed that she examined Jayce in much appreciation and her in less. She clearly liked what she saw... but what woman did not fall for his looks?

"Hello, and welcome to Vendetta," she greeted them. "What can I help you with?"

Jayce gestured for Vi to hand him the card and she quickly obeyed. He then showed it to the woman. "I have booked a room for me here," he replied and returned the smile. "And I was also wondering if I could rent something for my friend here as well. She came with me unplanned."

The woman looked at them confusedly before gathering herself and gave them an excusing look. "I'm terribly sorry, but we're full house. There's absolutely no room left."

"Why is that?" asked Jayce before Vi could speak. She whispered a curse. "It was empty when I booked."

"It's the trains," she explained. "There are more people here than ever. I'm sorry, but we have nothing to offer. Would you still like to stay here?"

Vi sighed. "Jayce, you stay, I can find another place to spend the night," she said and looked at him. "I don't want you to spend any money for me; I'll manage."

He shook his head. "No, definitely not," he replied then handed his card to the woman. "Here, scan it." Jayce then turned back to look at Vi. His voice was calm and so were his features. "We're sharing room then."

"What? No!" she exclaimed but it was too late. The hostess had already pulled the card through a small computer she had picked up from a black bag hanging over her shoulder and across her chest. "Jayce–"

"Don't protest," he interrupted firmly. The woman typed something on the computer then pulled the card through it again before handing it back to Jayce.

"Six nights on the Vendetta," she noted and typed it onto the keyboard. She then put it back into the bag and gave them another smile. "Glad that was arranged. The card is the key to your room, which is number 32. Breakfast is included and room service is available at anytime of the day. Have a nice stay!"

Jayce nodded. "Thank you for your services."

"Jayce, I'm not–" started Vi but he ignored her. Jayce grabbed her by her wrist and forced her into the elevator. She tried to get away but he didn't let go of her even the slightest. He clicked the button for their destined floor and the door closed.

Vi sighed in frustration. Where is this night leading off to, really? "Seriously, Jayce," she said and tried to shake him off. It didn't work. "Jayce, I'm fine outdoors, really. I grew up there and know a couple of things. You don't have to be so... overprotective. I'm not like–" She realized what she almost had been saying and paused.

"You're not like...?"

Jayce was staring at a spot in the wall and his voice had been emotionless. Vi didn't know if he was challenging her to say it or warning her to not say it, but she had never seen him so angry before. He was consumed with an unexplainable, cold wrath and she didn't know what to say or do to calm him down. His grip around her arm tightened.

Vi swallowed. "I'm not like... I'm not like Caitlyn."

She was scared what he might do – if he would freak out and hit something – but he just exhaled and said a simple: "I know."

The elevator doors opened and Jayce exited them quickly, forcing her into a short sprint to catch up with him. His strides were long and soon they reached room number 32. Vi was too busy with her thoughts to bother fighting against him anymore.

I know... What "I know"? What does he mean by that? "Jayce, what are you saying?" she asked as she entered the room. It was sparsely decorated with a double bed, a ragged old couch and a small toilet. She saw a small screen built into the white painted walls.

Jayce sank down on the bed with a groan. "I meant what I said. I know you're not Caitlyn." He buried his face into his palms. "I'm damn aware of that."

"And what's wrong with me?" she asked, suddenly feeling furious. What the hell... Vi dropped her belongings on the floor. Her gauntlets hit the floor with a loud bang that probably made echoes several levels down. "I'm not Cait – so what?"

"I just..." Jayce sighed and rubbed his temples. "I don't know."

"You're foolishly in love with the coldest woman in the world," she suddenly blurted out and clenched her fists. Jayce looked at her in shock but she knew it was too late for her to take back what she had said. "Why did you even bring me here? Because you wished I was your dear Cait?" she continued with stern determination. "Is this some kind of sick game you're pulling off?"

"Vi," growled Jayce warningly. "Drop it. You know it's nothing like that."

She huffed and crossed her arms. "I bet she's so cold you can't even sleep with her. Oh yeah, I forgot: she only has you for pleasure. Like a fucking pet. Does she force you out of her bedroom as soon as she's satisfied, you idiot?"

Jayce immediately rose to his feet and approached her. His tone was hostile. "Watch your words," he spat and their eyes locked. "You don't mean them."

Her eyes were starting to fill with tears."I do, of course I fucking do."

She wanted to look away from him but she couldn't. She couldn't hold it back anymore. Vi swallowed and inhaled deeply before continuing.

"Because I'm an even bigger fool for being in love with you," she whispered.