Chapter 5
Vi quickly made her way to the air boat docks, while taking extra precautions to not be seen. As she got closer, Vi looked to the large town clock, that sat at the top of city. "3:30, I still have time". She found a secure dark hideout that she could wait in while she watched the comings and goings of the dock workers. She waited hoping she would spot a familiar figure, but no new faces were heading towards the large air balloon filled ships.
4 o'clock was quickly approaching, Vi new she had to make her way to the air ship sitting at dock 2 now or should would lose her chance out of here. Vi took one more quick look around, before taking advantage of the empty passage.
Darting behind barrels and boxes to keep out of site, she finally found herself in front of the boat. She saw a large figure holding a clipboard counting inventory. Vi slowly approached the large man pulling the blue ticket from her pocket and handing it to him.
The man took the ticket, flipped it over and spoke "payment".
Vi looked at him confused for a moment before remembering the small bag of trinkets tied to her waist. She untied the bag and reluctantly handed it over to the man. "It should be enough for 2, but I don't think my partner is coming". Vi said while looking towards the ground, hiding the disappointed look on her face.
The man dumped the bag of trinkets on a table next to him, taking a moment to examine each one. A smile growing with each new trinket to examine. "Very well, follow me". He stuffed the trinkets in his pockets, and led Vi below the ship. Crates and barrels lined the walls with what Vi could only imagine were lavished goods to trade amongst the other cities of Runtera. The man walked to the middle of the ship, bent down and opened a trap door. He motioned for Vi to enter. Vi walked to the trap door unable to see much in the darkness below. Only the outlines of a few cloaked figures sitting along the wall of the small room were able to be seen. Vi began walking down the small steep steps, before the man put his hand on her shoulder. "Once we take off, it won't take but a few minutes for us to arrive. Your to keep quiet and stay below until someone comes and gets you".
Vi nodded then spoke. "where exactly are we going"?
The man laughed while giving Vi a swift quick in the back throwing her down the rest of the steps, closing the trap door behind her. Vi angerly found her footing while making her way to the wall only able to see from the light that broke through the floorboards above. She found an empty spot in-between two strangers. She sat against the wall trying to get comfortable with the large bag on her back containing her gauntlets, and rations from Ekko, and although she didn't want to admit it to herself a couple of the dead council women's trinkets that she kept for herself. She knew she would need some form of currency, and didn't want to start a new life in a new place as a thief. No that would be left behind in this horrible place she no longer wanted to call home.
Vi settled in closing her eyes prepared to wake up to something new. But before sleep could take her, small whispers could be heard filling the silence.
"When are going to leave"?
"Is this safe"?
Amongst other random questions between the strangers. Vi chose to try and ignore them. As she sat herself back, she felt the stranger next to her begin to get restless. Before Vi had the chance to check on the stranger, she could here a loud voice call out. Prepare for take off. Just then the boat began to shake and become unsteady. Vi braced her hands against the ground trying to hold herself in place. She could feel the air ship begin to move. Just then a soft whisper came from the stranger next to her.
"Thought you'd never make it sis". Vi threw her gaze to the dark figure to her right. A familiar pink glow came from under the hood.
"You came but, how did you get on without payment"? Vi said concerned.
"Oh you know, me and Chuck go way back". Vi looked at Jinxed with hesitation. "I don't think his name is Chuck". Is all Vi could come out with.
Jinx just let out a quiet menacing laugh, causing discomfort from the other passengers.
Vi smiled hoping Jinx couldn't see the little bit of fear forming on her face. Jinx pulled herself closer to Vi while linking her arm through Vi's. "This is going to be fun". Jinx said pulling Vi in even tighter.
They sat in silence while minutes passed, before Jinx spoke once again. "So how did you get enough coin to buy passage, not even I could rob enough undercity folk for that amount"? Vi sat in silence for a moment.
"I robbed the Sherriff".
Jinx immediately burst into laughter, tears falling from her face. Vi couldn't help but to join in. The thought of someone robbing the Sherriff and using that money to smuggle the most wanted criminal out of her city, while illegally using their precious hextech gates was just to unbelievable.
"After this heist, I may become more wanted than you". Vi said as she continued laughing.
Just then a loud voice shouted "prepare to enter the gates".
All went silent.
Within seconds Vi could feel a large force pushing her back against the wall. Flashes of blue surrounding them. Seconds turned into mere minutes, before it felt like they were now being flung forward. Suddenly everything came to an abrupt stop.
Everyone seemed just as shook up as Vi, as they were all managing to make their way back to their seats.
Vi turned to look at Jinx, just as her sister was about to speak. Vi quickly put her hand over her sister's mouth, while bringing her finger to her own, motioning a shshing sound.
Just then they heard footsteps entering the boat. "Do a quick sweep before we let them dock".
They heard boxes being thrown open, while rummaging through the contents above. Vi and her surrounding neighbors all had a look of terror on their faces, as they heard the footsteps standing on the trap door above.
"All clear".
Everyone took in a breath of relief as they felt the boat pull forward into the docks.
They all sat and waited patiently to be released into a new world. Before they knew it the door was opening from above.
"Alright we only have a small window to get you all out of here before they come collect the inventory. You will have to take turns leaving so as to not draw attention. Once off the ship you are on your own. Oh, ya welcome to Demacia".
Vi and Jinx looked at each other with excitement, as they waited for their turn to be let off the ship.
The man grabbed Vi ready to take her up the steps, "wait she's with me please we can't be separated". The man huffed in frustration but turned and grabbed Jinx too.
As he led them off the boat, they both had to opportunity to look at the great new city. "Go down the stone steps, take a right, walk a bit, and you will be in the center of the city". The man said as he pushed them both forward and walked away.
Vi, and Jinx walked in the direction of the city center as they marveled at the structure they were on. It resembled a large white stone fortress, with a beautiful blue sky hovering above. The city center was enclosed by a large dome structure.
"We need to remain unseen as much as possible. Keep your hood up, and don't use our real names. Were outsiders so we will already stand out, but we can't bring unwanted attention to ourselves". Vi said while looking at Jinx who didn't look like she was paying any attention to what Vi had to say. "Do you understand, you're a wanted fugitive, it's only a matter of time before they realize you have fled, and they start reaching out beyond Piltover".
"Can I be called Cherry"?
"What"? exclaimed Vi
"Ya I think I want my new name to be Cherry, I know it doesn't match my hair, but that's what I want to be called".
"Whatever the hell you want Cherry". Said Vi as she just shook her head.
They found their way to the city center, standing in front of the entrance, as shops selling all types of goods lined the walls. It filled them with both excitement and fear as they walked towards their new lives.
I hope you're all enjoying the read so far. I definitely have a few more chapters planned, just trying to find the time to get them written up.