Author's Note 2
Dear reader,
If you are reading the story during the time I'm writing it, I owe you an apology. I've taken longer to write this chapter because it took me quite some weeks to realize the story needed a diversion right at this point, the ecuador.
I can't predict how the story will unfold in the series since there are new characters to be announced and merged into the story. Therefore, know that from this chapter on, the story is to unfold towards the true nature of a fanfiction. All plots will have closure while keeping it as true to Arcane's energy as I'll be capable of channeling.
Letting my imagination take the wheel and surrendering to what wants to come through my fingertips.
Thank you for being on the other side.
Enjoy xo
Chapter Eight: The Last Drop of Hope
– Who is Singed? –Taric asked, completely oblivious to his doings.
– He's the scientist behind all of Silco's tyranny –Ekko explained–. He'd fund his research in exchange for power.
– I bet it'd be a profitable exchange –Jayce uttered with sarcastic ignorance.
– He didn't care what his experiments would do to people! –Ekko snapped, remembering Benzo's fatal destiny as a result of it.
Jayce was taken by surprise. The group just stared. Little man composed himself, returning to the present moment, then added:
– That's how shimmer came to be.
A veil of sorrow covered the ambiance. The few Firelights present lowered the gaze. The memory of those who were lost throughout all of these years because of the deadly substance was forever embedded in their hearts. Synchronously, the more Heimerdinger listened to how Ekko spoke about this doctor, the itchier his mustache would get. There was just this familiar feeling that he could quite pinpoint, nor quite shake off either.
While the group was immersed in the emotional body, Caitlyn kept her index finger glued to her chin, thinking. And suddenly, she put two and two together.
– Ekko, do you know if this Singed could alter human DNA?
– Pfff, be sure of that.
Vi felt she was onto something right away. Just as if she had read her mind, the enforcer turned around to face her before Vi could form the question.
– What if this is how Jinx got such reflexes? –Caitlyn asked, remembering the knockout at the macabre dinner reunion.
– Her eyes… They were pink.
Caitlyn turned towards the group to further explain, particularly to Jayce who hadn't seen the effects of shimmer first hand.
– I've seen what shimmer does to people. They mutate, and stop being themselves. But Jinx was still herself. It almost felt as if…
– As if shimmer had become a part of her –Vi finished the sentence, having a newfound clarity to the puzzle.
Caitlyn nodded. Jayce brought both of his index fingers to his temples trying to grasp it all in a simple manner.
– So you're saying that Jinx now has enhanced speed and strength thanks to shimmer being embedded in her DNA?
– It seems you're starting to catch up –Ekko smirked, crossing his arms.
– Then let me gather a troop.
– I said I'm going alone –Vi began to say in an angry tone.
– I know –Jayce interrupted impeccably–, but if diplomacy doesn't work, we must be prepared to make her surrender.
Vi scowled as her fists closed tightly. But then, Caitlyn wrapped her hands around the fist closest to her in an attempt to calm her down. Suddenly, a very fed up Ekko made way and took two steps forward to meet Jayce face to face.
– And that's why we are going with her –he scowled before getting real close to Jayce's face–. Now, if I were you, I'd make my way out before we change our mind.
The Topsider Councillor took a look left and right, finding unfriendly faces staring at him with the same intensity as their leader's. Ekko made his point. He stepped aside to gain some distance, and suddenly his gaze got somber.
– I've seen what rushing into plans can do…
Jayce immediately made eye contact with Vi, intending to bring to mind what happened the last time they jumped into action without proper planning. The death of that kid was something Jayce wasn't going to forgive himself for, let alone forget. Notwithstanding, one thing he was sure of was to never repeat that mistake again. And he was committed to bring it to terms.
– If we join forces, we can not only raid the shimmer plant but dismantle Silco's cartel.
He made a pause. Jayce realized the group was listening, so he allowed the inspiration to take over.
– The crimes committed by Silco and Singed are not only against Piltover, but also against the citizens of the Undercity. We have the technology and the menforce to cease this nightmare –he locked eyes with Ekko–. Let me bring backup to ensure this ends here.
Unconvinced, Ekko was giving him the side eye. Despite his little receptiveness on making a deal with him, Jayce didn't want to give up. If the Councillor wanted to truly make amends, it would take more than a corny speech to make this new alliance happen. He puffed his chest, and one by one, Wonder Boy made eye contact with everyone present.
– I know an apology won't solve things, but it's a good start. Let's join forces and work together on building better relationships between our cities –he extended his hand towards Ekko–. What do you say?
That unexpected proposal for peace and teamwork got everyone holding their breaths for an instant, Ekko included. However, Heimerdinger cleared his throat. The attention landed on him immediately as the squeaky voice of wisdom raised amidst the tension.
– Jayce, it is noble of you to come forth with such initiative. But you well know that you can't speak for the entire council.
– I know, but they'll have to listen. Hostel and Salo are dead, and we all had unanimously voted for peace to Silco's proposal anyways.
Everyone's eyes almost left their sockets.
– You what?! –Vi exclaimed– You were actually going to give him what he wanted?
– That no longer matters –he mourned.
– Of course it does!
– I told you, Vi, none of us wants to start a war!
– Well, you should've thought of that 20 years ago! –she yelled, enraged.
– ENOUGH!
Taric's roar dissolved the entanglement at once. Everyone's perplexity became evident, for it was the first time they saw the lion Taric kept within his benevolent demeanor.
– What is wrong with you two? In fact, what is wrong with all of you! Have you forgotten the real issue here?
Silence was the only answer anyone was able to evoke.
– People dying in the streets of Zaun! Now, also in Piltover! Entire families being torn apart because of a barbarous scientist and a ruthless yet traumatized teenager who has only known pain and deceit! –He then turned towards Ekko– Your people, hunted down and forced to live in the shadows –his gaze now went onto Jayce–. And your corrupted security system has been an expensive cost to the citizens of the Undercity. The Council is so occupied looking for ways to expand that it has forgotten to sustain its foundations
Jayce opened his mouth to protest, but Taric imposed his deep voice firmly before the councilor made a sound.
– Heimerdinger has already explained to me the convenient agreements amongst the Council member's. How candid of you to lay off the only sensible person capable of preventing the past from repeating.
Caitlyn couldn't help but to inquire Jayce with her gaze, demanding an explanation in regards to that bold statement. But Taric wasn't done just yet. His eyes went glossy, then fixed them in the entire group.
– Haven't you all suffered enough?! When are you going to be willing to let go of all of your stupid grudges and grow up in order to work together?!
His voice echoed in the plaza, which now had even more ears listening closely from the balconies and closeby spectators. His words were cutting deep like a knife, a pain that was needed to achieve change and to wake up the Firelight community and its allies. Outwardly, Jayce was able to compose himself and attempted to speak.
– That's what we are trying to…
– Enough with trying! –Taric interrupted once more, impeccably– If you truly want to put an end to this war, you must understand one thing. Violence is never the solution.
He then took two steps forward and placed one of his big hands on Vi's shoulder, who continued to stare at him with astonishment.
– Vi, I believe in what your heart wants to do. Trust it will know the way to connect with your sister's heart as well.
Taric's confident smile irradiated peace, and for the first time in that entire conversation, Vi could feel within her heart the possibility of the encounter with Jinx to work out without the involvement of her backup team.
The group calmed down. There was a renewed sense of purpose and companionship much appreciated by everyone. Heimerdinger looked at Taric with endearment, for he couldn't be more satisfied with having incorporated him into the team. His energy was exactly what these two nations needed.
As the sun was setting, Councillor Medarda observed the last rays of sunlight of the day with a peculiar presence; the type of presence one experiences when they have been close to not seeing the sun ever again. Her eyes, lost in the distance, mentally traced every detail of that image. Perhaps she would even make a painting of that sunset if the opportunity presented itself at some point, even though she was well aware that no painting could ever match the natural beauty of the golden hour.
A quick knock on the door brought her back to her study. She was leaning on the edge of the glass window, and she did not mind the intrusion at all. The door opened. It was Elora, her dutiful and loyal assistant.
– Miss Medarda, your mother…
– Out of my way, I said!
The groan resounded all over the room. Elora yelped in fear as she jumped to the side. She had been knowing Ambessa Medarda for years, but it was the first time she had seen her so infuriated. The robust woman made it to the center of the room in only a few long steps, but her daughter seemed to not be bothered by the forced display of power.
– Leave us! –Ambessa Medarda shouted.
Elora gulped, bowed and put her hand on the door handle. She looked at Mel as an act of respect before obeying. She knew how much she hated her mother giving orders as if this was her castle. However, this time, Mel turned her head slightly and nodded with a gentle expression on her face. This calmed Elora down, and with a hidden smile, she then closed the door.
– If you continue to treat my staff this way, I'm afraid I'll be spending a long time condoning interviews to fill up all of the missing spots.
– Cut out that sarcastic tone, Mel! How can you be so relaxed? Your life has been attempted to.
– And yet it took you a full day to come check on me –she sneered, cold as ice.
Mel gently moved from the window frame to the desk table, her hand tracing its shape in the form of oak wood. Ambessa watched her move with a smirk on her face.
– You know well how to take care of yourself. Besides, I already did my part when I gave you the magical tattoos.
Mel scoffed, bewildered at the cockiness and insensitivity of the woman who she once called mother. Ambessa recovered her scowling demeanor, shifting her attention to the matter that brought her to meet her daughter.
– I've heard you've stopped the counterattack against the rebels.
– You heard well.
– The hell are you thinking?! If you don't act now, you are doomed! Holding back after what happened will just reinforce their disrespect. We have to show them who is in charge!
– Is that so? –her calm tone threw the militant off– And by the way, there is no 'we'. You have no voice over the decisions taken by the city's Council.
Mel kept her condescending tone on, maintaining her mother on edge on purpose. Ambessa almost growled.
– What are you playing, Mel? I've educated you to be better than this.
But this time, Mel didn't repress her feelings.
– You've educated me to be ruthless and uncaring! But that is not me, mom!
– No, you are weak and a sentimental wimp.
And suddenly, Mel jumped over the desk in a quick move that Ambessa didn't anticipate. Her hands acted promptly, pinning a small dagger to her carotid. Perplexed, Ambessa held her breath the moment she met Mel's glossy eyes and angry face expression. The time froze until, slowly, Mel removed the dagger and shoved her. The large woman didn't defend herself and almost lost balance.
– I am not weak, Ambessa. I have a strong heart and a strategic mind. And what's more important, I am no longer afraid of you nor your inexorable commentary. You always pushed me to be more like you, but I am like my father. And that is my greatest asset.
Ambessa's pupils dilated the moment Mel evoked her father. Inexplicably, her heart skipped a beat. It felt as if that dagger Mel held against her neck a second ago had made her way through her stomach, like an invisible force squeezing her from within. She closed her eyes, and a scornful huff left her lips.
– You are indeed like your father. And your current decisions will lead you just towards the same destiny as his.
Mel got afflicted by that sting, unable to cope with such heartlessness. She scowled before her body let go of all the tension at once.
– Leave.
Ambessa opened her eyes abruptly.
– If you are not willing to take charge of the city, someone else will!
– Maybe, but that someone will for sure never be you.
– Argh!
Infuriated, the muscular woman lifted the desk and threw it right beside where Mel was standing with just one hand. The loud noise of the glass shattering echoed across the entire room. The desk went through the window and disappeared; a thud let them know it had reached the ground, the sound of wood wrecking and Mel looking at her mother with fire in her eyes.
– If you are not going to do anything for your city, I'm going to find someone who will.
Ambessa turned around waving her characteristic cape.
– Guards! –Mel shouted.
Two large, well armored figures appeared on the other side of the door, right before Ambessa could set foot outside the room.
– Make sure my mother reaches her ship and departs from Piltover, immediately. Do not lose sight of her.
The soldiers nodded, then tightened the grip on their weapons. Contemptuous, Ambessa lifted her gaze above her shoulder to meet her daughter's eyes.
– You are making a mistake, child.
– Goodbye, mother.
The bubbly tubes continued to pump liters and liters of green liquid at a rhythmic pace. The dim illumination of the space made it hard to see the areas which were further away from the multiple tubes that filled the lab. Singed was immersed in reviewing the collected data of the latest experiment.
– Are you done with that, yet?
The blue haired teenager's voice didn't hide the boredom of having to continue to wait around for the results Singed was looking for.
– Patience, my dear. Science is all about patience.
– Ugggghhh why are old people so obsessed with patience!
She threw her hands in the air before letting her weight fall into a rundown chair with wheels. Signed chuckled while keeping his attention focused on the papers in his hand. He set them aside to examine a microscope sample of a dark purple substance. It looked similar to shimmer, but its composition was denser.
– Precisely, because we are old. But I guarantee –he turned to face Jinx– that I wasn't so patient at your age.
He gave the teenager a comforting crooked smile, to which she replied with an annoyed huff. The scientist picked up the sample from the microscope and poured it back into the small tube he got it from. He closed the lid and got up from his chair.
– Done.
Jinx shot up from her seat.
– Finally!
She eagerly reached out to grab it, but Singed quickly moved it away from her reach.
– Before you use it, let me tell you one thing.
Jinx sighed–. Oh, please, no more dramatic angsty speeches. I had enough with Silco.
– This is not a speech, it's a warning.
Jinx's eyes widened, thus dropping the childlike attitude and actually paying attention.
– You asked me for a serum that erases memory. I am giving you something better.
He raised his hand and showed her the little flask. Jinx looked at the dark purple substance.
– It looks like goo.
– Yes, it's meant to be sticky. It penetrates the skin, so it must be applied not ingested.
– And what does it do, exactly?
– You must apply a small dose of this size –he demonstrated the right amount with this index and thumb– on the back of the neck. That will paralyze without killing. Then, you'll have around 15 seconds to tell your sister whatever you want her new reality to be. Once the vibration of your words are encoded in the substance, it will permeate the skin and infiltrate the nervous system, causing a full reset on her brain.
– And her memories of that enforcer will be erased, right?
– If that's what you choose to encode in the substance, yes.
– And… What if I give her the wrong dose? –she asked, hesitantly.
– It won't kill her, but if the wrong dose is given, the DNA can easily mutate. And if that happens, there is no way to know what will happen next.
Jinx could feel her heart accelerating. Despite the hate she carried, the thought of having her sister turn into a monster like it happened with Vander was an outcome she truly wanted to avoid. Singed extended the serum to Jinx, who picked it up carefully. She looked at it in deep thought. A moment of hesitation made her question her decision, but then Mylo's glitched voice appeared once more.
She closed her eyes, wishing she could shoot his annoying face. She shook him off with a sudden, frenetic movement. Once he went quiet, she looked back at Singed as she put the serum in her pocket.
– Once I erase her memory, I want you to erase mine, too. I'll tell you what to say, and you are going to make sure it happens as planned. Once the portal is finished, we will leave through it. But make sure it's destroyed after we leave, and then you can keep the gemstone.
Singed made a crooked smile.
– At your service, dear.
To be continued…