Chapter Nine: The Reasons the Heart Holds
The night fell upon the streets of Piltover and Zaun. The hanging lights of the Great Giant were the only source of light in the rebels' community. Although, the firelight bugs seemed to be more agitated than usual, probably affected by everyone's energy. The civilians felt on edge, and most of them had already gone inside their homes in spite of being fairly early
Abyss, the female Firelight member, grumpily accompanied Jayce to retrieve his Hextech hammer from the lockers at The Heart. Of course, he was not allowed to enter. But Caitlyn made him company while he was waiting outside.
– I'm really happy to have found you, and to see that you are OK –Jayce said fondly–. I'll let your father know immediately.
– Thanks.
However, Caitlyn had this sad look on her face.
– What's wrong?
– Can you keep a secret?
– Of course.
– All of this time I've been wanting to go back to Piltover to check on you and my mother, but since I got here my thoughts were directed towards finding… well… killing Jinx.
She paused to look left and right in order to make sure no one was close enough to hear them.
– I respect Vi's choice of wanting to talk with Jinx alone. It's a terrible idea, but she's her sister. I can empathize with that. I wouldn't want my sister to be killed right in front of me, either.
Her gaze lowered, unable to say what she really wanted to say. However, she didn't have to. Jayce knew her enough to realize she was beating around the bush.
– But you're afraid you might have to do so.
– What if there is no choice? –Caitlyn exclaimed in a whisper– What if she tries something on Vi or on any of us?
Jayce crossed his arms, a stern look on his face.
– She's that bad, huh?
– You haven't seen her… She cannot be trusted.
A passerby walked right by them. Caitlyn forced a silence and waited for him to be further away. She let out a sigh, feeling disheartened.
– I really have a bad feeling about this.
Jayce placed a supporting hand on her shoulder.
– I know. It's a tough situation to be in, but I believe Vi stands a chance. And if this attempt doesn't work, we will have it our way.
That comment suddenly threw her off.
– What do you mean?
– Piltover isn't just going to sit around and wait for the Firelights to deliver Jinx.
The enforcer frowned.
– What if I delivered Jinx? Would you hold off the attack?
Jayce paused, his eyes meeting Caitlyn's with honest surprise. He noticed a newfound protective side towards the people from the Undercity, which made him inquire if her younger sibling-like friend wasn't getting too emotionally involved into this matter.
– That'll depend on how tonight's raid goes.
– What is that supposed to mean? –Caitlyn lifted an eyebrow, skeptical.
– If Jinx gets arrested, a counterattack won't be necessary. But if you are not successful, I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to do it ourselves –Caitlyn frowned, feeling uneasy about that statement–. Jinx is too much of a threat, but you already know that, don't you?
She went silent. The concern of this war getting bigger tightened her stomach. She couldn't just agree on unleashing an army on the citizens of the Undercity; Jinx was slippery to catch and she knew deep in her heart that too many would perish, caught in the politics this war entailed.
Caitlyn's train of thought was suddenly interrupted, probably for her own good. The double door from The Heart opened and Abyss came out of it with Jayce's hammer.
– Here –she handed it in–. Don't try anything stupid or I'll shoot you.
– I wouldn't dare.
His rascal tone was easy to get on Abyss' nerves. Her reaction made Caitlyn chuckle, as she swiftly grabbed Jayce by the arm and started to walk away, pulling him with her. As they gained some safety distance from the threatening girl, Jayce looked at Caitlyn with a knowing smile.
– So, you and Vi…?
Caitlyn's heart skipped a beat.
– What now?
– I am just asking, no need to bite –Caitlyn scoffed like a younger sister would–. You seem to have grown fond of her.
– I have.
– Is it… the romantic type of fondness?
Her first reaction was to want to brush him off, but then a second thought came in. She hadn't had the chance to discuss this topic with anyone, and Jayce was like family to her.
– Well… –she hesitated– What if it was?
Jayce seemed surprised by Caitlyn's sudden shyness.
– It wouldn't be the first time you fall in love with a woman. What's keeping you at bay?
– Oh, I don't know, perhaps the fact she's the sister of the maniac who has started this war and that's also tried to kill me multiple times? –she let out in a sarcastic tone.
– Fair enough, point made.
However, Jayce seemed unconvinced.
– Is that what's really bothering you, though? –he pushed kindly.
Caitlyn let out a sigh before going silent for a moment.
– I think I'm scared.
– Of what?
Caitlyn felt nauseous all of a sudden. She had never said these words out loud. She had been thinking about her feelings for Vi, even brooding on whether to tell her or just let things flow. With so much happening around them, it felt selfish to even bring it up. However, she also remembered the time Vi cooped her hand after she had the impulse to gently stroke her cheek while lying in her bed. Her pulse accelerated. The memory of her lips up close a few hours ago in the room facing the Great Giant fade in her mind, involuntarily embodying the panic she suddenly felt and made her avoid that kiss using the rebel's crowd as an excuse.
– Are you afraid she doesn't feel the same way about you? –Jayce asked, naively.
Caitlyn closed her eyes and gently shook her head.
– I don't think that's the problem.
– Then, what is it?
– I've never felt something so real for someone I literally just met. It is not the first time I fall for someone, true. But… –she suddenly grunted– Ugh! This is going to sound so cliché but this time…
– Is different –Jayce ended the sentence for her with a knowing smile.
Caitlyn confirmed with a nod.
– It is. It's a feeling I can't describe. She's gone through so much and yet, she continues to try to make things right for the people she cares about.
– She has a strong heart.
– She does. And she's so unapologetically authentic, with the full spectrum of what that entails –she said rolling her eyes with a smile.
Jayce chuckled, too.
– Yeah, I've seen that.
– I feel empowered when she's by my side, like anything is possible. Do you get what I mean?
– I think what you're trying to say is that she makes you feel safe. Is that feeling of feeling at home with someone.
– But it scares me –she sighed, torn between frustration and a tad of anxiety– because sooner or later I'm afraid I'm going to have to make a choice I don't wanna make.
Her eyes met the ground, which made her realize they had stopped walking minutes ago. Jayce was aware of the type of choice she was referring to. He knew well how it felt to be caught in between one's personal feelings and duty matters, but he also kept in mind these were turbulent times; times in which things could turn around unexpectedly at any given moment.
– You know, if you had told me this before the attack at the Council, I would probably be giving you very different advice. But given the circumstances… What the hell. You love her, then choose love.
Astonished, Caitlyn looked up to meet his eyes. Indeed, the Jayce she knew would have gone all about doing the right thing. She stayed silent, feeling there was more that wanted to come out from his brother-like friend. The enforcer continued to listen closely. Jayce took a moment to fill up his lungs, for he became aware it was his turn to honor that moment of vulnerable sharing.
– When I was covered in rubble, I had a glimpse of how fragile our existence is. And it made me realize I haven't spent much quality time with people I love. All I do is focus on my work as a scientist, and lately politics. And I hate it.
– But your work has helped thousands of people.
– I know, but what about my happiness? What about your happiness?
That made a click inside Caitlyn's head.
– We prioritize our duty with the city, with our jobs. But when you don't know how long you're going to enjoy someone's company, priorities change.
The laughter of nearby children playing caught their attention. There were kids of different ages playing hide and seek, and some adults were also participating in the game. They were soldiers of the Resistance, but at that moment, they were parents simply appreciating life with their children.
The words of her deceased mentor, Officer Greyson, echoed at the back of her mind. "It begs the question, young Kiramman, what are you shooting for?" After many years, that was a question she hadn't found a solid answer just yet. But somehow, this conversation made the pieces fit in a way that gave Caitlyn a profound sense of meaning. She knew deep in her heart she wanted to protect the people regardless of their origin, always focused on the collective. Notwithstanding, now she started to see that being able to stand by the ones she cared about the most was giving her a kind of strength she hadn't felt before. A brand new clarity emerged from such insights. She got shivers all over her spine.
Gently, Jayce brought up his hands and placed them on Caitlyn's shoulders. She looked up to meet his eyes and found an inspiring gaze looking back at her.
– Cait, you are a great enforcer. But moreover, you are one of the kindest people I know. The way you care for people is genuine and selfless. If the time to make that choice ends up coming, trust that you will do what's right for you, and no one else.
A tender smile drew in Caitlyn's lips.
– Thank you, Jayce. I really appreciate that.
The two hugged, and when the heartfelt embrace organically came to an end, the familiar voice of the orange-haired inventor drew their attention to the ground.
– Professor Heimerdinger –Jayce greeted him with genuine joy.
– Hello, Jayce.
But he quickly shifted his attention towards Caitlyn. Jayce couldn't help but to feel a bit ashamed, wondering if he was still hurt about the forced retirement he instigated. Nevertheless, he chose not to bring it up. Heimerdinger seemed very focused, but also happy. "Perhaps he has found a new purpose" the Councillor thought to himself. That possibility soothed him.
– We are about to leave –Caitlyn explained–. What's the matter?
– Well, I hope you were not going to leave unarmed! –Heimerdinger joked– I've got something for you.
– This is looking great, Jinx. Well done.
The voice of the Undercity's biggest crime lord echoed in the dark hangar Jinx called home. She grinned confidently in return, satisfied by Silco's approval of the design.
– Do you have all the materials you need?
– I think so. I still have to build it, so I won't know for sure until it's starting to shape up.
Silco placed a hand on the teenager's slender shoulder.
– Let me know when that happens. I believe Marcus is starting to question the meaning of his insignificant life –he sighed dramatically–. I hope it doesn't grow on him, but before it does, the weapon needs to be ready.
– It will, I'm working on it daily.
A tad of nervousness could be felt in her tone. Jinx still had the need to prove herself, sometimes making promises that she didn't know if she could keep, but that she would definitely make them happen one way or another, nonetheless. Silco had complete faith in her adopted daughter, so he nodded once more as an approval.
With a curious smile, Silco softened his voice and asked:
– Have you thought of a name, yet?
Jinx's eyes sparked passionately.
– Yeah! His name is Fishbones!
– Fishbones –Silco chuckled softly like a caring father would–. I like it. It has a punch to it.
Jinx grinned with an enthusiastic nod. She watched her second step-dad walk away, turning up the music on his way out at the volume he knew she preferred. Jinx put on her scientist goggles, ready to get back to work. She waited to see the door shut, and once she was completely alone, she put the goggles down and moved the rolling chair to the other side of the table, where she picked up a hidden notebook.
Reviewing the multiple pages of the note journal, the eager teenager continued to go back and forth between the notebook and a new invention at the beat of the music that was blasting through the magnaphone. While figuring out how to create a Hextech bazooka under Silco's orders, Jinx had been working on the one thing that fascinated her more than guns: portals. Since she saw Piltover's advancements on mercantile teletransportation, her mind could only wonder about the vast possibilities this new mix of magic and technology offered.
– New worlds, here I come!
Jinx eyes shot wide open. It took her a moment to know where she was. She had fallen asleep on top of a desk full of a humongous amount of papers filled with drawings of what looked like an ark and a thousand notes.
– Ugh, come on, Jinx, wake up!
She pinched her cheeks and lightly slapped herself to come back to the present moment. Singed had lent her a room in his secret lab where she could finish her masterpiece. After all, the scientist also had a daughter, and when Jinx showed up and gave him the news Silco was dead he couldn't just kick her out. Plus, after Jinx had turned in some way part of his collection of successful experiments, Singed saw it as an opportunity to closely monitor her evolution.
Suddenly, Mylo's mean laughter appeared in the background. Jinx frowned, but this time without getting angry.
– Yeah, yeah, keep on laughing. Once the portal is complete, I won't have to hear your stupid laugh anymore –she said in an eerie tone.
She got up from the chair and walked towards the materialized version of the ark from the drawings. It was around 2m in diameter, big enough for a person to go through. Jinx looked at it for a moment, then brought her index finger to her chin.
– I wonder if I could make a portable version of this portal…
She rushed back to the desk and started to look at her drawings, frantically looking for a specific sheet.
– Magic isn't bound to the material realm, which means I should be able to open and close a portal whenever I want without having to carry a big ass… Found it!
Victorious, Jinx lifted the paper with both hands. She immediately glued her eyes on the paper and began reading her notes.
– Ahhh, beautiful.
The familiar voice startled the teenager. She turned around at once to look Singed in the eyes.
– So this is your magnificent project.
Jinx watched him getting close to the ark. He examined it closely, appreciating all the details.
– You sure have a skilled hand when it comes to crafting objects. Crude, but effective.
– Did you come here to rate my craft? I thought your new mutation had you all busy –she pointed out in a condescending tone.
But Singed remained calm, still admiring the ark.
– The new mutation is ready for trial. And, in fact, we don't even have to go too far to witness its new abilities.
Confused, Jinx frowned.
– What do you mean?
– A reliable source has informed me that the rebels are on their way.
– What? –she exclaimed, alarmed.
– Don't worry, Warwick will take care of them. He has been wanting to be set free for several months now. I believe he's tired of his liquid diet, and wants to try something more… consistent.
Jinx fell silent, her eyes following every move of the eerie doctor. He truly had a spooky demeanor, and even though she was used to seeing him since she was little, she never felt comfortable in the same room he would be in.
Singed finally broke eye contact with the ark and met the teenager's pink eyes with a crooked smile.
– Come, let's arrange their visit.
[Play "Darkest Night" by Tony Anderson]
Vi was standing by the giant stone wheel that acted as a solid barrier which kept the Rebel community safe from anyone who'd attempt to invade them. She turned around and saw Caitlyn and Jayce walking in her direction. She approached them to meet them in the middle.
– I'm surprised they let you take that back –she said, glancing at the hammer.
– I wasn't going to leave without it.
Vi scoffed with a knowing smile, for she knew well that if the Firelights hadn't wanted to release the hammer, Jayce would have had to go back to Piltover empty handed. Her eyes met Caitlyn's, who gave her a sweet little smile. Vi's face expression softened as she mirrored her. Shortly after, she landed eyes on Caitlyn's new rifle.
– You've got a new toy.
– Yeah, Heimerdinger crafted it for me.
The enforcer made a quick demonstration of how fast she was able to load and offload the weapon. The refined scope was equipped with double glass, which allowed Caitlyn to see further than a regular rifle. Vi wasn't able to hide a genuine smile. Caitlyn's mastery of the long range weapon was a trait she felt impressed by.
– Are we ready? –Ekko asked as he approached the trio, followed by his team.
– Ready –Jayce replied.
– Don't get too excited. We are dropping you off on our way there.
– I know… –he grumbled.
The Firelight squadron was sent off with hugs and an uplifting farewell from their loved ones. The giant stone was rolled to the side and the team went out. Ekko led the way, followed closely by Vi, Caitlyn, Taric, his team, and finally Jayce.
The long sewer system truly felt like a labyrinth. Indeed, Caitlyn wouldn't have lasted long in the streets of Zaun without Vi's help. She would've ended up lost, fooled or scammed. Her mind began to wander on the many possible outcomes not having trusted her intuition would have entailed. They were all leading to different endings, yet all of them had one thing in common: if she hadn't crossed the red line, she wouldn't have had the chance to meet a wholehearted champion, nor have been able to make an alliance with the Rebels.
The enforcer smiled. She was walking right beside Vi, her eyes discreetly glancing at hers from time to time. It took a few times for the brawler to notice.
– What?
Caitlyn simply smiled.
– I'm glad we met.
Vi wasn't expecting that type of answer, yet she seemed to appreciate that moment of closeness. Her lips drew a half smile, as she gently grabbed her partner's hand while still in motion.
– Me too.
The softness of her touch was a trait Caitlyn welcomed fondly. The certainty of seeing that under the fierce look and layers of muscle lied a compassionate soul was undeniable at this point for her. And this warm sensation in her chest was something Caitlyn was starting to get used to.
– Alright, first stop –Ekko announced.
The troop halted and Vi let her hand go as well. Jayce walked up to the front with his hammer in hand.
– Just keep walking 'till the end of the tunnel. The last exit on the right will take you to the beginning of the bridge. Climb up, and you'll be in Topside.
– Thanks.
The Councillor turned around to say goodbye to Caitlyn, hugging each other one more time.
– I hope to see you in Piltover soon. In the meantime, please be safe.
– I will –she smiled.
– I think I can get you 48 hours. After that, I can't guarantee anything.
– I know. Thank you.
– Take care of her, alright? –Jayced said, now looking at Vi.
The brawler smirked and shared a look with Caitlyn.
– Always.
Caitlyn couldn't help but blush. Jayce felt satisfied with that answer, and nodded back as an approval. He said goodbye to Taric as well, even though he hadn't had the chance to get to know him. His figure quickly dissolved in the distance amongst the gas that filled the Undercity's subterranean tunnels.
To be continued...