Never Let it be said that working as a nurse in the sole hospital in the Undercity was a thankless job or an easy one. Varla, a young nurse who worked in the undercity, knew that more than anyone, having helped the sick and dying who rarely were able to speak, let alone use their manners. It was tiring work, but Varla knew it was necessary since she knew they needed her help.
Especially with the owner's decision to become allies with the Children of Zaun, a rebellion group consisting of revolutionaries aiming to take control of the undercity since Piltover clearly had no interest in its sister city. In exchange for protection and receiving much-needed supplies, they can bring their wounded for free. This meant treating the rebels with their bruises, stab wounds, and lacerations who had a tendency to swear or curse at her as she tended to them. She would like to go a day where one rebel didn't yell at her for stitching their wounds, but that is not in her power, and they were still her patients and would treat them regardless. Her life changed when, by chance, Varla encountered two men who came into the emergency room due to a stab wound from a brawl in an alley way.
It had been one day at the hospital, where Varla had been helping a patient, when Miriam, the head nurse of the hospital, came to the room. She was irritated with the two patients in the emergency room at the West wing, who had been giving her lip over the wound. In an attempt to appease her, Varla went to treat the two who she would learn the names of: Vander and Silco. Upon meeting the two in the emergency room, Varla was charmed by their presence and bond; Their banter and care for each other endearing. After stitching Vander and informing him to come back in a couple weeks to remove the stitches, the pair invited her over to the Last Drop for drinks on the house for her in gratitude. She found herself looking forward to more interactions with the men; however, when Miriam revealed the two in particular were the rebellion's leaders, she was more nervous than she should have been as she approached the bar. She had finally gotten time off work, allowing her to finally take the chance to see them again, but she remained still as she stood in front of the entrance.
Varla knew being skittish about entering and finding the men was foolish, especially since they took the time to volunteer and help her out at the hospital since Vander's recovery, even going so far as to keep her company during her small breaks. But then there's also the possibility of her unwittingly interfering with their cause and upsetting them and their members, which was the last thing she wanted. Though absentmindedly, she recalled how the two seemed to pay more attention to her and how she reciprocated their flirtation for a bit. It also didn't help that they were considerably attractive; Vander, the taller of the two, was massive, well above 6 feet, and easy on the eyes. His gray-blue eyes held a sense of strength and charm that endeared her. Silco, the smaller of the two but tall as well, was lanky, more limb than torso. While his face wasn't conventionally attractive like Vander's , he was handsome in his own right, especially with his blue eyes that had an allure to them that matched his voice that brought shivers to her core.
Regardless, they are the rebellion's leaders, and she had no place to participate or be involved beyond a causal friendship. She knew her place, and where she's from, and just wanted to get through the day without incident. Even so, it wouldn't hurt to talk with them more, right? How can it hurt her or them in the long run?
"Alright, here goes nothing." Varla spoke to herself.
With her resolve steady, she entered into the Last Drop.
The Last Drop was bustling with life, the light from the candles and light bulbs giving a warm glow to the establishment. In one particular booth, a small group of rebels had gathered to relax from their long day of smuggling and gathering intel regarding enforcers. Six were at the booth, drinking their gin and laughing as they recounted past adventures to each other, even if it had happened as recently. At the head of the booth, was Vander, the leader of the rebellion, who sipped at his gin. By his right side was Silco, his best friend and second in command, who merely smirked as the former laughed at a punchline from one of the members.
Pax, the one who made that joke, was a heavy-set and talkative man with a distinct laugh with goggles resting on his head, their communications specialist, and the repairman. A bit of the drink spills onto the man on his left, Felix, a skittish and wiry man who so happened to be a notorious pickpocket, proven when he pulled out Pax's wallet in a humorous attempt for payback.
Which Pax quickly snatched back.
Ivy chuckled as she laid her head by her boyfriend's shoulder, Will, the two recent members of the group but also the most dedicated. Will was a miner with powder blue eyes and dark red hair (definitely red and not pink as he would say), but he had a knack for crafting together tools and other gadgets for them to use. As such, if they needed him to build something, he would do it with the help of Pax. Ivy, the blue haired woman, despite being petite in stature and thin, can fight like the best of them, her fists known to knock out anyone at first punch. Which was how she and Will first met; he meant to ask her for directions when he touched her shoulder to get her attention, and she socked him in the jaw in response. The next thing they knew, Will asked her out shortly after waking up in a makeshift doctor's office, and they had been going steady since.
"— And that's why I call dibs on our new ax we got!" proclaimed Pax.
"B-but I found it!" responded Felix.
"But I called it. Respect the dibs, Felix."
"Respect the- Don't be a baby, Pax!"
"You're being a baby!"
Ivy rolled her eyes at the banter before she turned her attention on her leaders, who on occasion would glance at the entrance as if waiting for someone. Considering how they're acting, Ivy decided to ask them.
"Waiting for someone, you two?"
Vander and Silco turned their attention to Ivy, who held a rather mischievous glint in her eyes as her smile went wide like a Cheshire cat. Will took notice of his girlfriend's smile and knew exactly what she was talking about, and so he turned to the two as well.
"Reminds me… aside from drawing up plans for sabotage and gathering tools, you two have been staring at that door for a while now."
Ivy gladly spoke next after seeing her boyfriend's grin.
"Ya know, I have heard you have both have been hanging around the hospital lately. Seeing someone, perhaps?", teased Ivy.
Silco's eyes turned to look the other way as his expression changed to slight annoyance at her bold question, though the faint blush on his face gave it away. Vander kept his cool and grinned at Ivy.
"Now, Ivy, I see where this is going and you're not gonna get it from me."
'"Probably some cute nurse right?' chuckled Pax, 'Did you win them over with your 'devilish charm' as you'd say?"'.
Vander snorted at Pax's words, none of them seeing the slight tinge of grimace on Silco's face. Silco knew his brother was charming and handsome, and could easily get women into his bed, even women Silco had expressed interest who clearly favored the other.
"We only just chatted a couple of times before, and we've mostly been providing the hospital with additional supplies. Silco and I invited her over to have free drinks given to her." responded Vander.
Will let out a low whistle before speaking.
" Free drinks? Damn, you two must be really into this nurse if drinks are on the house for her when she comes."
" She's a dedicated nurse who works her arse off in that hospital, of course she deserves a drink." Silco responded, the corner of his lip twitching slightly upwards at the thought of her. Vander noticed the small smile, which lead to his own spreading wider, which led to the other members noting that their interest to this nurse is more than just a potential fling.
"So, then, what's their name?" asked Ivy.
"Varla." Both men responded.
It so happened at that moment, the nurse they had been talked about came into the pub, quickly heading over to the counter.
The two men quickly look over and spotted her, her worn gray shawl held closer to her body as she looked around the bar, and the members took notice as well. She's a young woman, around Ivy's age, with reddish brown hair tied in a half-up bun, tanned skin despite the sun not reaching the undercity, and a pair of distinctive green eyes that matched well with her hair. She held her skirt as she sat on one of the stools, surveying her surroundings before she stayed still.
The next thing they knew, the leaders got out of their seats and walked over to where Varla was, small smiles on their faces that grew as they came closer. Pax turned to Will and Felix as he whispered.
"Ten coins that they end up spooking her."
"Pax!" Ivy whispered back, slightly scolding Pax. "Give them a chance… 20 if that nurse ends up with Vander."
"Deal."
With that, they turned to watch their leaders talk to this nurse.
"Glad to see you here, Varla."
Varla's head turned up when she heard Vander's voice, to which she quickly spotted him and Silco who have now reached her.
"Hello again."
Varla smiled at the two, happy to see them again after enduring the long hours of work. Vander and Silco took the seats opposite of her on either side, Vander's smile making Varla's heart flutter a bit.
"Anything you would like to start off, darl'?"
"Oh… um… " Varla muttered as she tried to think of her answer, a light blush blooming in her face, to which Silco took this opportunity to lean in closer to her, making her blush stronger.
"No need to rush now, Varla, drinks are on the house for you tonight."
The tone and heat on his voice sent shivers to his spine in a pleasant, but she managed to calm herself down a little before responding.
"Alright. T-Thank you Silco."
It so happened that Benzo came by and spotted the three.
"So, this the girl that got you two in a tizzy?"
Silco lightly cringed when he heard Benzo's voice, to which Vander laughed when he heard one of his friends.
"Benzo! Good to see you!"
Benzo snorted as he chuckled.
"So tell me miss, these two giving you trouble lately?"
"Oh! no, no trouble at all, they've been quiet helpful lately with the hospital. It really helped with the workload and their company is very much appreciated."
"Hmm. Alright."
Benzo looked at the two, but his gaze seem to linger on Silco more.
"She's alright, just don't scare her off."
Benzo went over to the faucet to prepare more drinks for the patrons as Varla turned to Vander and Silco.
"Benzo's nice. Another friend of yours?"
"Oh yeah, Benzo and I go way back. He's as tough as they come and can serve a mean punch, though, not as strong as mine.", Vander responded. Silco scoffed lightly as he spoke next.
"He's also incredibly stubborn and has a tendency to rush ahead. Can't remember the amount of times we head to pull him out of danger."
"Ah, come on Silco, just cause Benzo rushed quicker with your heist at Topside's docks doesn't mean that it wasn't a complete failure."
"It would have been perfect if he had just waited for my signal." Muttered Silco.
Varla lightly giggled at his slight pout, which cooled down his annoyance slightly, while Vander smiled at her giggle.
That is when three beers got in front of them from Benzo, who quickly left to serve another patron. Varla quickly let out a quick thank you to Benzo before sipping her beer.
"Really, thank you both for inviting me here."
Vander and Silco turned to her, raising their mugs to her.
"Your welcome to come visit anytime, doll."
" Always."
Varla smiled at them both, raising her mug for them to tap together.
From the booth behind them, the group of friends took notice of all this and looked at each other, all with this knowing look. These two, are more than interested in this nurse, and whatever this could lead to will be interesting in the long run.
Months have passed since the night Varla visited the Last Drop, and as time passed, the more comfortable and at ease she had become with Vander and Silco and eventually with their friends. Whenever they were there, Varla found herself laughing at Pax's jokes, noting and asking questions of how he pickpocket so that she both protect herself from being pick-pocketed. Varla especially became good friends with Will and Ivy, with the two women becoming close like sisters as they talked about their jobs and gossiped a little about any news they heard. they each saw that the nurse was kind, generous, and loyal, ready to help those in need and being the comforting shoulder for them on a troubled day. Traits that had drawn the leaders of the rebellion to her.
Vander and Silco especially had gotten close with the nurse, and finding themselves in a friendly competition on who would be the one to woo her heart. Well, Vander saw it as friendly, but Silco had managed to hide his more serious intentions as he thought of ways to win Varla's heart. To them, they see Varla as a caring and beautiful soul with a nurturing heart that suited her for her role as a nurse. Each bit they learned of her and talked with drew them closer like moths to a gentle flame; such as how her and Miriam became the equivalent to a mother and daughter after the later found her as a teen and helped her get a job at that hospital. How before hand, Varla had managed to study medicine and healthcare via the books she found, having studied over the few text books that landed on the paper mill. Or how, to their surprise, that despite Varla being so pretty, never had a relationship with anything, citing that her work kept her too busy for romantic or casual endeavors.
Well, at least it meant less competition for them and more time for them to win over her. For Vander, she's the gentle warmth that does what she can for others even if she has nothing to gain, simply because she wanted to help. For Silco, she's the tiny flame of kindness that he has to protect and keep for himself, the warmth providing much needed relief to the cold that surrounded him.
Sure, there was a slight hiccup to their plans when, on a day where both confessed to her, Varla's response was that they were all busy with their respective work, and she would not feel comfortable getting in their way even if she didn't have so much to do in her job. Despite their insistence that Varla's presence would be no trouble, they agreed to wait till significant process had occurred with the rebellion, when things wouldn't be as tense.
Then, Varla would decide for herself.
However, that meant that Silco's efforts for the nation of Zaun had doubled. Which they had all noticed, Vander especially; Benzo made a quip on how the rat seemed to scurry more, going back and forth with potential plans for the birth of Zaun. Whilst Vander looked over the reports and the paperwork, he spotted Will and Ivy chatting among themselves, flirting before they shared a kiss.
Vander wondered how Varla's lips would taste like, how she would be if he took her in his arms, how she would blush at his actions. If all else, Varla would get a better life than what she had now, even if she stated more than once she's content. He recalled how when the night of his first meeting with her how she had appreciated Silco's help when it came to tending his wound. From what he and Silco had done to help, it was the much needed assistance they all deserved.
They were lucky to have the hospital help them, especially since this was the sole hospital in all of the Undercity. They do what they can with the limited supplies and tools at their disposal, and with so few workers it was nearly impossible to help them all.
But Varla and Miriam always stepped up.
Each time, despite how their patients would be snippy at them, they retained their duty and calm them down. He and Silco had seen the times where those patients have been less than friendly to Varla, and if not for her to declare that she is fine and Miriam threatening them to not harm any of the patients, they would have had more than a few words with them regarding their insults towards her.
Neither were happy, of course, especially Silco. But they would honor her wishes.
Vander would, at least.
But Silco, he would do anything to gain any advantage that would reward him and their cause, especially if it made Vander happy.
Even more if it meant he can have Varla sooner than later.
With this plan that he had been forming for a while, he finally found the way to make it happen.
He just needed his friends to gather what was needed, and then, everything will be perfect.
Silco was walking through the streets, the air thicker than usual, a sign of an upcoming storm. He was headed to one person he wanted to see the most, Varla. Both to talk to her and to distract himself from the various talks he had with the others that were… not as enthused about his plan as he hoped.
He tried, with each of them.
But they all had this to say to him.
"Look Silco, I get what you're saying, I do, but striking the enforcers at such a populated area topside can lead to a lot of damage beyond those helmet-headed jerks. I'll see if there's any info about their routine and training, that I can give and set up a plan with Vander."
That had been Pax's response when Silco pointed out a busy section on topside that they could strike back.
"Boss-man, even if I get the materials you want, which I easily could, what you want built sounds hella dangerous. And I don't wanna know what you're gonna use it for."
It was from when Silco gave him a list of materials he wanted for Pax and Will to construct, which Felix crumpled up and threw toward a trash can before walking away.
"Silco, I will not make this! This-this is too much, I'm an inventor, not a killer."
Will's response was worse after he looked over the suggested blueprints, before he handed them back, daring to appear appalled at this goal. Ivy so happened to catch parts of the conversation, enough to know that it was dangerous, which was why when Silco was about half-way out the house, she caught up to him and spoke about plans he talked with Will about.
" Silco, Zaun is important to me too… but whatever it is you're planning, leave it. We'll look for another way."
They had all rejected his plans, his solution, his way of making the nation of Zaun a reality! But Silco knew that this was the surest way toward their victory, to their dream, to their purpose! But they recoiled at the plan, which he found frustrating. He already knew that Benzo would laugh him off and tell him to lay off the cigarettes, and that Vander…well, if all the others had said no, then what makes him think Vander could say yes? Luckily he had managed to find someone who could give him what he wanted, the tools needed for his plan to succeed. By chance he went to the caves where he met a banished scientist from topside who was more than willing to craft and build what he wanted and the best way it can be activated.
It had been weeks since the meeting, since getting the scientist to construct and perfect the tools.
Now, they are finished and soon to be shipped to Piltover tomorrow, having confirmed the completion just an hour ago.
Filled with impending excitement for what's to come, he knew he wanted to see Varla first.
Not to tell her about his plan against Topside, no that would be a surprise.
He just wanted to see Varla because he knew that of all went well, he and the Children of Zaun would be very busy for the following weeks.
Better now than never.
The evening sky was darkening to give way to night in spite of the clouds forming over, blocking nearly everything.
Varla was grateful for the night.
She always found solace in how the noise seem to muffle and the few street lamps on gave a comforting glow in darkness.
It especially helped that this weekend would be her time off from work, giving her time to relax and sleep in for a little. That is if she shook off her habit of rising at 4 in the morning. If she were lucky, she could go to the Last Drop and see her friends again. Varla smiled to herself as she thought about Will's plans to take Ivy out on a secluded spot by the river for a romantic date, with her giving a little input given with what she knew about Ivy. Those two, she could tell that despite them only meeting a few months ago, that they were both clearly in love and have a future together. A future that not many could have due to everything in the Undercity: A family.
Varla remembered telling Vander and Silco how she had never been in a relationship with anyone, but what she didn't share as of yet was how once in a blue moon, she thought about having a family one day. The first step would be finding a partner who also shares the same desire of having a family, and having children whether naturally or adopting some of the foundlings running around the undercity. Gods knows how many children are there, having no one else in their lives who could protect them or guide them.
She had been a foundling too, having lost her parents in a fire that… best not dwell on it now, Varla thought.
It would be nice to start a family, but she knew that meant looking for the right one who would be happy to have one with her. So far, from what she seen from Vander and Silco, they both are interested in her, the fact they confessed was more than enough proof. Even though, a part of her doubted their affection.
Varla was a nurse, nothing more.
How can she of all people offer-
There was a knock at her door.
Varla got up from her chair and walked over to the door, peering up to a peephole to see Silco outside. Quickly she opened the door.
"Silco! What are you doing here?"
"Good evening to you too, doll.", smirked Silco, his voice carrying the same confidence and heat that brought shivers to her core. Yet this confidence felt different in a way Varla could not describe as Silco stepped inside and walked to her small living room.
"I take… something happened? Something good?", asked Varla.
Silco turned his head, his smirk growing larger as he looked at the nurse with his blue eyes slowly burning to her person.
"Better than good. The greatest."
Varla noticed how his smile now grew larger and his eyes grew with excitement, which prompted her to get on her feet to head to her small kitchen.
"I-I see… You can sit anywhere you like, I'll be bringing something to drink. Any preference?"
"Perhaps that whiskey I got you recently?"
"Of course."
No sooner than later they were seated opposite of each other, where they both had drunk only a quarter of their pint of whiskey. The booze having loosened up the tense feeling Varla was having as she laughed at his latest misadventure from Silco.
"Benzo really did that?!"
"Vander had to drag that blundering idiot from getting more tipsy considering how much stained on that carpet. Benzo never knew when to walk away."
"Oh come on Silco, he's not that hard headed. Everyone loves him."
"Benzo clearly doesn't like me." Snorted Silco as he crossed his arms and looked to the heater on the side of the room.
"I'm on of the leaders of the children of Zaun and he still sees me as this troublesome rat. I'm just trying to do whats best for all of us, for our city, our people, and you!"
Silco then turned to his glass, the amber liquid reflecting back his eyes as he stared down.
"This city deserves better than Piltover's scraps, we deserve better than to be regarded as rats and stay that way! You especially Varla, you deserve so much more than this! "
"Silco, it's fine. I'm happy just being a nurse-"
"But you are more than just a nurse, Varla! I want you to have a better life than this because you are precious. You do so much for Zaun and Piltover gives nothing in return! In fact, if they bothered seeing you, they realize they have a skilled and kind doctor here! A gem among what they call a trash heap! I want them… I want them to know just what we are, what we are capable of doing. I want them… to see the darkness and pain they put us through… and make them feel every second of it… Then, they will finally, respect us."
Varla grew quiet at his words, unsure what to take of all this. She knew that Silco was the most passionate of the two, with Benzo having told him to not get on another one of his speeches when it came to preparing for a job as Ivy described one of their meetings. Yet the fervor and heat in his voice felt off, and Varla didn't know how to feel about it. The silence was deafening, making the previous mirth fade to nothingness. Silco took notice of Varla's silence and continued to speak.
"This plan… the one I have now… it's going to change everything for the better. I know you're feeling nervous, but this one… it will work. I love my friends, Varla, I really do, especially Vander. But with everything going on, I want to show them that this plan I have, can work and bring together everything we ever wanted."
Varla looked at Silco for a moment, her nervousness fading away as she spoke.
"This plan… it can do that?"
Silco stood up and took his glass of whiskey as he went down on one knee in front of her, reached out and held her other hand.
"Yes, and more. It's.. admittedly its rather ambitious, but I'm sure once its over, we will be one step closer to gaining our freedom. To gaining everything we ever wanted, that's all that matters. "
Varla felt her heart stop for a moment when his hand held her own, noting how warm it was to her own. There were more shivers to her spine, comfortable ones , as she looked into his eyes again and saw passion, determination, and admiration. Despite what she was feeling earlier, this was still the sweet and loyal man who went above and beyond to help her out along with Vander. His devotion was endearing, and she knew as long that was kept in mind, she had nothing to fear.
"Well, I'm sure you can do this. Just… be safe, Silco."
"I will be, Varla."
Silco and Varla felt the heat between them grow as the whiskey started to slowly fog their minds. Not enough to cloud their judgment, but the way their eyes meet as the meager heater continued its duty to warm the already heated room from the cold outside. Finally, Varla snapped out of her trance, looking at her empty glass and noting the time on her old wall clock.
"It's getting late. I'll just take these now, you should hurry back."
Varla reached over and took Silco's empty glass, and walked over to the tiny sink to wash. But as she did, she felt Silco right behind her, his breath warm and close. She turned her head upwards to look at Silco, who at this moment, took it to kiss her. Varla lightly gasped at this action, but she found herself not pulling away. One kiss turned to two, then three, then six, as his hands held her waist as the kisses deepened.
It was one night.
One night where their emotions, their heat, and their desires had led them to Varla's small bed in each other's embrace. Varla had fallen asleep after the events that occurred, but Silco remained awake, taking in just what they had done. He turned his gaze onto the naked sleeping woman, appearing more angelic and beautiful than before. No 'I love yous' had occurred, but he supposed it would only be a matter of time till he hears them from her. Just as it would be a matter of time where the path to Zaun's birth would be drawing to its conclusion. Then… everything would be perfect. The goal that he, everyone, had sought after is coming near; and while the woman he loves had yet to confess her love for him, he knew for sure that after tomorrow, she would be his.
Fully, and truly his.
Those were the thoughts that he had as sleep finally claims him.
Silco made sure to wake up early like Varla, getting ready to set his plan in motion. Yet no words were shared between them, not knowing what to say to each other after their night together, as hinted by their small blush. Varla had prepared a meager meal of gruel and coffee for them both, but Silco had informed her he had to leave in response. But before he left, he turned to her and spoke.
"Varla… I have something to tell you, something important… but I want to wait till my plan is complete."
"How so?"
Silco took a deep breath, before he gazed back at Varla, a warm smile on his face.
"Because if all goes well tonight, then I want you to hear from me. About everything… and what you mean to me."
Varla's face grew red at his statement, her heartbeat racing, which was why she merely nodded in agreement as she lacked the words to say. As he left though, Varla thought over his words… and grew worried that the words he spoke did not bring the usual warmth she felt in the past nor that her heart beats with anticipation… rather it was beating with dread.
Silco set forward to the meeting spot, to get everything ready for his plan. He got his weapon, placed them on the crates packed for Progress Day, and finally, he started the timer. Silco was barely able to keep his smile as he saw those damned enforcers carry it towards Piltover. In all his excitement, he hadn't noticed Benzo nearby, who had came to pick up some items for his new shop from a merchant.
Not that it mattered to him anyway.
If all goes well, then their victory will rise to the horizon.
He'll show Piltover that they cannot continue to regard its' sister city as worthless.
He'll show the Enforcers that they cannot have their way with Zaun's citizens just because they could.
He'll show his brother Vander and the rest of the rebellion just what he did to gain them the path to victory.
He'll show the Undercity that he is more than a filthy rat meant to die forgotten.
He will show them all.
"Has anyone seen Silco?"
Vander's voice rang out as the group gathered up in their base. The day had been going decently enough; progress day occurring on topside which meant enforcers were more concerned with rowdy drunkards from topside rather than whats below. Vander had arrived after sleeping off a hangover from last night, leaving him no time to recall whether Silco had returned last night or not. Considering there was no sign of the man in the Last Drop, Vander went to base, hopeful to find him there.
"Not since last night, no." confessed Felix, which Pax agreed with his nod.
"Probably to cool off." muttered Ivy, her tone a bit more cool, which got Vander's attention.
"About what?"
The group turned to look at each other, avoiding their leader's gaze as if mulling over what to say.
"About what, Ivy?"
Will was the first to speak, sighing as he looked at Vander.
"Silco wanted me to build a certain weapon to be used today. But what he wanted and from what it's supposed to do… it's rather destructive."
Vander's eyes narrow at Will's words, to which he turned his attention to the others, who quickly respond.
"Today is Progress Day, and Silco wanted me to check which places would be the best to strike back at the Enforcers, but it was too risky, I told him that." Claimed Pax.
Felix then spoke next, " He wanted me to gather up some materials for that weapon Will mentioned, but I said no."
Vander wasn't sure to respond, but he quickly responded.
" I know Silco can be rather forward with his plans, but I'm sure it'll blow over once he comes back. This is Silco after all,what could he do?"
That got the group to be silent, either looking at the floor or at each other until finally, Ivy spoke.
"Vander, I know Silco is a close friend to you. You two have been through thick and thin, but… Silco is more than reckless. He's becoming dangerous."
Vander frowned at her accusation.
"Dangerous?"
"Yeah.", Spoke Will, licking his lips before continuing, ' There's being reckless and then there's being extreme. Silco is becoming rather extreme. The weapon was just the latest to show how far he's going."
"How so?"
Felix raised an eyebrow as he spoke next.
"What about that time Silco managed to impale one of those enforcers on a fence? After getting them wasted on booze?"
"Or how Silco seemed to not trust us with vital evidence to take down that chem baron that screwed us over? He looked about ready to ruin him by that glare he gave." Stated Pax.
Ivy swallowed thickly before looking back at Vander's, whose looked incredulous at what everyone was saying, and yet doubt was creeping to his own eyes too.
"Silco does want to free the undercity, but more in a way that screams absolute power over everyone. It was all there Vander, that part of him that just wants control … Who knows what he could do-"
They all heard a distinctive boom, and while the sound is muffled, the fact that their base had trembled from the noise raised an alarm in them all. Everyone else on base got up, mutters and shouts ringing through as some members went to check outside, others remaining inside, and those in-between arguing about leaving or staying. That's when Benzo came in, panting after running a considerable distance from the bridge all the way back to base.
"V-Vander! There's been a bombing topside! Near the entrance and at the plaza. Gods it's all in flames!"
"Benzo, breathe!"
Vander rushed over to hold Benzo as he slowly regained his breath.
"What bombing? Do you know who did it?"
Benzo's breathing has steadied, but his panicked face morphs to that of contempt. What he said next had shaken them all to their core.
"It was Silco. Spotted him carrying something and placing it to the carriages…. I saw him… and that bastard was smiling when the flames burst."
Vander's face held shock and disbelief, something Benzo caught on.
" Head over near the bridge. You'll know what that rat has done."
The leader immediately ran out, heading to the streets as the group slowly stepped outside their base, their faces growing in horror as they spotted the growing smoke and ash rise from across the river, looming over the undercity with it's hellish red glow.
Vander had only managed to get to the desolate houses near the surface before he fully stopped at the sight.
It looked like hell had been brought to the surface.
Great fires are reaching above, with distant shouts of Enforcers rushing to get water and find anyone among the flames, not bothering to look over at the onlookers from across the bridge staring in awe and horror. Sirens had been ringing through the bridge, a haunting knoll that would speak of great tragedy.
Vander could not connect how all this damage, all this blood, all this chaos have been caused by his friend and brother Silco.
So engrossed into the growing horror of whats in front of him, that he did not notice Silco running towards him in excitement.
"Vander! Do you see this?"
Silco was smiling, his joy at what he accomplished showing brightly in his eyes.
"My plan worked! I knew it would but look! I did this, this is just the next step for all of us! To show them all what we can do and are capable of!"
Vander still faced the flames, but Silco's words still made it to his head, processing all that's being said. Silco doesn't notice this, continuing to speak as he gets closer to Vander.
"Soon, our dream will come true! The nation of Zaun will be our new reality."
It's there, that Silco placed a hand on Vander's shoulder, his smile still present as he continued to speak.
"Vander, this is what we've been fighting for, and together we'll-"
The next thing Silco knew, Vander's fist hit him hard in the face, making him land down on the floor. The smaller man's left face bruised with a small cut on his cheek, his left eye swollen. Silco looked at Vander in disbelief, not yet realizing just what Vander did to him or why he reacted this way. Vander's expression was something he had never seen before, not at him, never at him. He looked furious at him, his eyes wide with anger, his teeth clenched, and the bloody fist still raised.
"Silco… do you realize what you've done?!"
Vander picked up Silco by the cuff of his shirt, his free hand now pointing to the flames still roaring beyond the bridge, the shouts now with with cries of grief and horror.
"Why did you go through this plan when everyone told you not to do this?! Why did you ignore them?! This isn't just enforcers dying, but also the ones innocent who got caught in your bombs!"
Silco glares at Vander back, spitting out a mix of saliva and blood from his mouth before speaking.
"You say it like was some great tragedy, but we both know those topsiders aren't innocent, they never were. They're not our people, they benefited from this system, why shouldn't they die too?"
Vander's rage continues to grow at Silco's callous words, prompting him to pull him closer to him face to face. But Silco continued to speak.
"Their deaths are a sacrifice for Zaun to rise, for us to rise and be seen."
Vander gave a low growl as he spoke next.
"What about the ones from our side then? They have nothing with us, and now thanks to you Enforcers will come and drag anyone of them to make them pay for all this!"
Vander dropped Silco to his feet, who glares at him back, anger rising at the wounded man as he stared incredulous at his brother.
"Doesn't matter… as far as I know, they're also children of Zaun. This is our war and theirs too. Their deaths will be a sacrifice for all of Zaun; they don't need pity. We never received pity and they shouldn't expect it now."
Vander's anger faded as it truly sink in the truth of his brother's nature. He took a deep breath, groaning as he tried to think over what should be their next step now that Silco caused this massacre. Finally, Vander spoke as he looks back at Silco, fury in his eyes but his voice low and soft.
"You are a monster, Silco. Sick and twisted…This has to stop before I let you harm anyone else in your destruction…"
Vander shut his eyes as he realized what he had to do… he hated it, but he knew it had to be done. He went to Silco and grabbed him by the arm.
"I'm turning you to the Enforcers, tell them that only you caused this. That way they'll spare everyone else in the undercity from your actions."
As Vander started to pull him towards the bridge, Silco's undamaged eye widened in disbelief. Soon the smaller man starts to struggle, trying to pull himself away from Vander.
"No no! You're sick! You've lost your mind! We've finally reached our goal and you want to turn back! Coward! Monster! Betrayer!"
Silco then reached down and bit Vander's hand grasping his arm, making the taller man let go in surprise, not expecting this feral side of him to show. Silco took this opportunity to run, to which Vander then begun his chase. Silco's heart was pumping faster than before, adrenaline rushing through his body as he runs through the alleys, bumping to the walls as his swollen left eye limited his vision. He only looked back once, and fear surged to his head.
The Vander that was chasing him wasn't his friend.
It was a monster.
Wrath was present on his face as he ran towards Silco, shouting at him to come back and face what he's done. But Silco kept running, fear setting in deeper, the only instinct to follow being to run and hide from this threat. The threat being his brother, his friend, who stood by his side and defended him from the thugs. The brother who patched his wounds and joked to comfort him, the brother who had promised to always be by his side no matter how much the world turned against them. The brother, who long ago as children, promised to protect him.
Where was that brother? Where is the brother who promised to protect him and be by his side? Where was the brother who shared this dream with him? All Silco could recall now is the anger, and disgust, and rage over what happened on Vander's face. Worse was the disappointment as he said he would turn him over to the Enforcers, as if he was nothing to Vander. Did the others think so too? Was that why their friends all refused his plan? Was Benzo waiting for this moment to throw him out after everything he did to show just how much he wanted their dream to happen?
Is he left to rot for trying to do whats best for them all?
The chase was short, but it felt like eternity to them all. By the end of the chase, they had arrived near the bank of the river, polluted by the toxins and industrial waste. There, Vander finally grabbed him by the shirt, pulling him back but keeping his eyes out to make sure Silco didn't escape again. Silco was weak from all the running, his legs nearly giving away if not for Vander's hands, panting as he caught his breath, but he has not given up.
Vander's heads filled with the conversations from his friends earlier, recalling their worries and fears about Silco, about how Benzo warned Vander about Silco being a rat and a creep. He thought back to Miriam and how she tried to be between Silco and Varla, how she expressed that Silco should no get close to her surrogate daughter, not wanting him to endanger Varla with his ideas.
It was all there, everyone had tried to show or warn him about the person Silco was, and Vander had done nothing to quell this side of his brother.
And now they would pay the price.
Vander had only been able to contain himself before he fully turns his sight to Silco, still panting as the blood trickled from his mouth, snarled in defiance.
"Silco, its over. You have to surrender… this is for everyone's sake. For our friends' sake… for Varla's sake. Don't drag her to our fight and make her pay for what we've done."
Silco stopped moving, his right eye widened with shock. His face caked with dirt, sweat, and blood; then his expression turned to disgust as he defiantly looked back at Vander.
"I won't ever stop fighting. And rich coming from you about Varla… I've seen how you look at her. How do you think she'd react when she learns how you turned me to the enforcers? How would they see you if they learned you turned me to our enemies? If anything, you're the traitor."
Vander looked down at Silco, and for a moment he saw his best friend and brother, smiling back at him as they talked about their dreams. The hopeful look in his eyes as they shared their adventures to their friends, and how genuine his care for Varla was during their visits to the hospital… that wasn't the Silco in front of him now.
"No… We have the power to change our city, and you've chose to destroy it. You betrayed Zaun and our people… and you betrayed me."
Silco's right eye widened at the accusation, his face dropping to a blank shock at Vander's words. Then it morphed to disgust as it sunk in just what Vander was saying to him.
"Mark my words, Vander… As long as I breath, I will never stop.. I will never let you get in my way… Only way you can is to drown me.. right here in this river."
Vander's hands shake slightly, trying to keep his head calm as Silco continued to goad him, trying to call his bluff. But each taunt wore away his patience the more Silco spoke.
"Do it, Vander! Drown me like the rat you see me as! Kill me brother-!"
Vander's hands dragged the smaller man to the river, and pushed Silco's head underwater.
Silco couldn't breathe, rapidly he tried to claw and kick his way out, struggling to return to the surface for air. But Vander's hands held his neck tight, tighter than a vice grip. From above, Silco could not see his face, dark and empty as he kept Silco underwater. He couldn't see the angry tears streaming down his face as the rain poured above him, as he struggled to keep Silco down.
Silco's life flashed before his eyes, recalling everything he and Vander built together, the formation of the Rebellion, meeting Varla and their night together. It all morphed to now, the desperation to live fueling his thrashing till gradually, he was losing consciousness.
Silco had thought about death many times before. First as a starving child, then when he was left behind on a job gone wrong, to when Vander and him barely escaped from the enforcers. He imagine how he go, and now… it almost felt peaceful. Perhaps it was better to stop…
His hand felt Vander's dagger.
Silco's eyes were closed, but with what remained of his consciousness he took the dagger from Vander's holster and drove it to Vander's arm.
The pain seared to Vander at the shock of the stab, which allowed Silco to surface, gasping for breath as he started to run away. Vander tried to grab him only for Silco to slash Vander's arm, making him cry out in pain as finally, Silco escaped.
Silco made sure to be out of Vander's view this time, now sequestered behind the remains of a burned down house, the ashes and blackened wood keeping him company. Silco felt the left side of his face grow hot, hotter than what he knew off, gnawing and eating at his skin but no matter what he did it continued. His left eye was the worse of all the pain; it was as if it had been set on fire, burning through his eye lid and feasting on the cuts his blood seeped from. He looked down and saw that he had Vander's dagger still, looking closely to the reflection he saw the beginnings his left side of the face slowly darken, the bruising of his neck growing black from Vander's hands.
He truly was weak after all…
The reality of his situation finally hit Silco, his good eye widened as he slowly began to laugh at the absurdity of it all. He was no longer welcome back to his home, to his friends. They disown his just as quickly as Vander had.
He thought about Varla and his laughter grew harder.
He knew Varla.
She'd never betray him, she was too good and kind to view him as a monster. But they be surrounding her in response to what happened, leaving her vulnerable.
Silco was truly, utterly, and devastatingly alone.
Abandoned by the brother he loved.
Finally, his laughter gave way to a heart wrenching, anguishing scream.
The trek back was quick, but to Vander it was an eternity as he sort through the pain on his arm and what he had done to Silco.
It was a disaster.
Without Silco, it only be a matter of time before Enforcers came down, seeking whoever they deem responsible. Didn't matter if they were a smuggler, a beggar, or a merchant. In the eyes of the enforcers, they are all guilty.
All because he couldn't see just how monstrous Silco truly was until it had been too late to stop him.
Vander didn't know how he can face his team now after everything. How would they respond to Silco's attack? To him attempting to drown him in that river? He was nauseous, and it was more than what he is feeling in his arm. He got back to base, where along side the frantic chattering and growing arguments, Ivy was the first to spot him.
"Vander! You're back!"
The group of friends rush toward him, and quickly take notice on his injury, and soon enough, they each spoke.
"Your arm! What happened? Where's Silco?"
"What did Silco do?!"
"Whats the news on topside?"
Vander didn't respond, as he looked at the other rebels who were waiting on his response to the questions. He looked back at his friends, concern growing on their faces. Finally, he gestured them all to a secluded room to talk privately. Once they reached there, Vander spoke.
"Silco was the one responsible for the bombings topside."
The shock in their eyes told him everything what they feared to be true. Vander continued to speak, not looking at them.
"Silco had no remorse for what he did… I told him what would happen now cause of it… I.. I tried to give him to the enforcers, but Silco got away. I chased him down, told him he had to stop. He wouldn't so… I..I tried to…"
Vander couldn't complete his sentence, but the hand on his shoulder, Benzo's hand, urged him to finish.
"I tried to drown him in the river… he escaped and now… he's gone."
There were no words spoken among the group of friends as they processed Vander's words. The catastrophe happening topside would soon follow below, and there would be many who would suffer… cause of Silco.
Vander tried to down Silco, their friend, their comrade, all because Silco had attacked first… and they would all be punished for his actions. Ivy was the first to do anything to break the silence in the room. She went to Vander's side and slowly pulled his injured arm to see the slash cut, the skin around it darkening. Vander looked up to his friend, his face stained with tears. Ivy got out the first aid kit and rolled out the bandages to wrap around his injured arm; Vander looked around and saw not hate or disgust from his friends, but solemn understanding for what he did.
"C'mon Vander… We should get you to the hospital to check this over. They could purify your wound before it scars."
Vander slowly nodded, getting up from the crate he was sitting on and walked with the group quickly to get to the hospital…
When the group finally arrived the hospital was empty.
Completely void of life as they went in.
Except for one person.
It was an elderly man missing his right leg and left arm as his coughing fit had led the group to his side. Ivy was the first to ask the older man as the others stood back.
"W-where's everyone? The staff, the nurses, the doctors?"
The old man's coughing fit subsided for him to wheeze out a response that send cold shocks to their core.
"A-A fire happened, topside. All their doctors were there… but there were so many injured and dead… too many for topside medics to handle. "
The old man wheezed as he regained his breath.
"En-Enforcers came here… not too long ago… took everyone topside for help. But… they found your mark. They know this hospital helped you all… and now… they will be all gone. Everyone… will be sent to stillwater… all because of you."
His tone became bitter as he looked at them all.
" This was our only place to heal, and you troublemakers had to make our lives worse by dragging us to your useless fight! Mark my words, this fight for this so called 'nation' will only kill us all!"
His outburst prompted another coughing fit, but that didn't stop his glare. Ivy tried to help but the old man smacked her hand away, prompting Will to step forward and glare at the old man. But Vander spoke next as he tried to diffuse the situation.
"What about the other patients?"
"Enforcers kicked them out… sent them away. So don't be surprised that everyone out there is dying or dead."
Pax and Felix ran down to get anything to help the old man despite the nastiness of his venom, and it's by chance that they see a closet being shaken from the inside. Quickly they picked the lock and opened the door to reveal Miriam, gasping for air as she nearly fell forward.
"MIRIAM?!" ,shouted Felix and Pax.
"SHHH!"
Miriam shushed the two men, checking both directions before looking back to the men.
"Are the Enforcers gone?"
The two men nodded, to which another coughing fit rang out, prompting Miriam to quickly run to the noise to find the man.
"Oh my!"
Miriam was soon by his side as she put her ear over his lungs.
"Pneumonia… You two! Get some hot water and bring it over here now!"
The others stood in shock at Miriam's prescence, which made the older woman look at them all.
"Don't fucking stand there! Get the other patients back here and get everyone here now!"
They all quickly rushed to get everyone else to join for this emergency, either by running to gather supplies, treating the patients, and the most skilled quickly treating the wounds. In the chaos they has yet to ask how and why was Miriam alone, and to Vander, ask if Varla had been among those taken. It's only once everything calmed down, once the patients were treated or resting in their rooms that Miriam spoke with the friends in a secluded area.
"Enforcers came to this hospital, demanding every single on of us to pack up and head topside and leave everyone else here. The owner tried to fight back, but it was by council's orders… then he had the audacity to share that mark… I was in the hallway when the shouting began. They still wanted our help… but it seems like they'll all stay in prison afterwards… One nurse pushed me inside and locked me away… I suppose it was so someone would be here… Oh this is a disaster… all those people… they're good, honest men and women… what would happen to this hospital now?"
They all stood in awkward silence as they see Miriam groan in pain as she sat down, exhausted from the events. Finally, Vander spoke.
"Was Varla… Was she among the ones taken?"
There was fear in his eyes as he uttered those words, realizing and imagining what the enforcers would do to her just by her association with the hospital. To his relief, Miriam shook her head.
"No you twit… She.. she had the weekend off. I contacted her while we worked, asked if she's safe. She was in her home but…"
"But what?", asked Vander, worry growing on his face. Miriam turned her head to see Vander, and responded.
"She told me that she couldn't come to help because she's sick… after spending the night with Silco."
The group's eyes widened, especially Vander's at Miriam's response. The older woman stood up from the crate and began walking towards the door.
"It could just be a damn flu from that fool… but I'll be bringing a few tests just to be sure."
Miriam was one foot away from the door before she turned around to see them.
"Tell me the truth… was Silco the one who started the fires?"
The whole group couldn't answer despite knowing so, and it was only Benzo who gave it by his solemn nod. Miriam sighed as she then turned to Vander.
"Come with me, Vander… it do good for her to see a friendly face."
They did arrive to Varla's home, who was quietly sobbing upon seeing Miriam and Vander, running towards the older woman's arms. It appeared that the full news of what happened to her fellow doctors and nurses had reached her, and all she could do is weep for them. Varla then turned to Vander, concern growing in her eyes as she noticed his dried tear streaks and the wound on his arm.
"Vander? Are you alright? Where is Silco?"
Vander couldn't respond, his throat drying up, not certain of how he should tell her about how their friend had been responsible for this. Miriam then came forward, holding out a few pregnancy tests to Varla, who looked at the woman in alarm.
"It is early, I know… Try in a few days though… then he'll tell you."
Varla nodded slowly, then spoke.
"Please… don't leave me alone tonight…"
Miriam nodded, then turned to Vander, who looked between Varla and Miriam, before he shook his head.
" I can't stay… but I will send word for you every day… be safe Varla."
Varla then came forward and gave Vander a hug, burying her face to his chest. It took everything in Vander to let himself pull away from her warmth.
It was chaotic in the following days; having to deal with what damage the enforcers had done due to the attack, running around providing more supplies for medical care, and trying to find Silco among his friends. But Silco was not found.
He had completely vanished and no one knew where he was.
Then, Vander received a message from Varla and Miriam, telling him to come quickly. Vander left with Will and Ivy to Varla's place, where the couple stayed behind as Vander entered the building to see Varla sitting on her chair and Miriam rubbing her back. He looked at Miriam, who then directed it to the test in Varla's hands.
It was positive.
Vander knew that this was the last thing he should do; after all, He tried to kill him in cold blood. Silco being the father of Varla's child meant he had no right to be in their lives after what he did to him. Silco should be here, helping Varla with the pregnancy, and be the one to hold their child when the delivery came.
Silco would have adored their child and given them the world if he could.
And expressed eternal love to Varla for what she gave him.
But aside from Miriam, Varla was alone. And as much as their friends cared about Varla, after what occurred in the attack, they also felt as if their presence would harm Varla and anger Miriam more after what Silco had done.
Silco could be dead, or arrested and not heard of again…
But he owed it to his brother that he protect Varla and the child. For Silco, as the last promise to him, he would help Varla and care for the babe.
It was why he not only gave his word to Varla that he would protect and care for her and the babe… it was why he lied to her and told her that Silco had died in the crossfire of the massacre.
Varla had wept for Silco, but was comforted by Vander's promise, deciding to be strong for her unborn child as Silco would never return to her life.
When Miriam confronted Vander privately with the friends about why he had lied to Varla about Silco, he responded.
"I'd rather she remember him as our friend and compatriot in death… then learn that he was responsible for her pain. That her child not know the monster that was their father."
Then, Vander made everyone promise to never share the truth with Varla. That they will deal with Silco privately should he show again, and this time… they stop him for good. Each of them promised and swore to Vander: Pax, Felix, Miriam, Benzo, Will, and Ivy.
In the following year, Vander would make regular stops to check on and help Varla as her pregnancy continued in spite of his increased duties. He'd be the one helping her with chores around her home, to rubbing her sore feet and guiding her up and down the steps as he belly swelled. Eventually, after much talking, Varla would move to the Last Drop due to how she needed space to raise her child since her apartment would be too small for them both. During the time, the friends would slowly connect with Varla again, soon giving their well wishes to her pregnancy and gifting her the necessities for her baby, along with a few toys from topside once the tension cooled down enough. Some of the doctors and nurses had been released by that time, but a few, such as the owner, did not return. It was by a collective movement by the rebellion that they were able to find another owner who would help them and the hospital, letting it open once more to the rebellion and the time continued, Varla and Vander felt their companionship grow to something more, though they knew it was too soon, especially with their situation. Yet it wouldn't go away.
Then, one summer day in May, Varla gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
A daughter named Anya.
Vander was there in the delivery, holding her hand through labor, and the first to see the child. Varla's tears streamed down her face as she held her daughter close, who calmed from her crying as she was brought to her mother, cooing softly. Varla kissed her little head before turning her smile to Vander, who was trying to leave to give her privacy, only for her to reach out and hold his hand gently.
Then, Vander and Varla shared their first kiss.
More time would pass since that day.
Vander took this time to help Varla more with the little girl, being the one to feed her, play with her, and sung her to sleep. Seeing the way Vander interact with her child, Varla grew more fond of Vander, remembering all he did to help her and the hospital, and how he respected her decisions.
He's the kind, strong man that she wanted in her life.
Suffice to say, one night after putting Anya to bed, Varla took Vander to her own bed and slept together for the first time.
And received a light scolding when they learned of her pregnancy again a week later, and some teasing from Benzo.
Now, at this moment, Vander was staring into the two cradles holding baby Anya, and her little brother, Pietro.
His son, and Varla's.
By first glance, most would assume they were twins due to how close they are in age and size, but he and Varla knew, along with their friends.
Vander reflected on how his friends are fairing since then, and it had been better, if slightly. The most was with Will and Ivy, who in spite of their youth, planned to save up for a small wedding and perform the special song unique to Zaun, the song of their vows, and how they plan to have children of their own.
They all have little ones coming to this world, their lives just beginning. Though, Vander had hoped by the time he had children, they be brought to the free nation of Zaun… with Silco by his side.
Even if Silco's methods were vile that didn't mean Vander or the other had given up. They'll get their nation of Zaun, of freedom.
Of new beginnings.
Especially for their children.
And Vander would be damn sure he give that future to their children, their hope, no matter what cost may bring.
Especially for his family.