Chapter Text
Jinx’s feet hurt as she trudged through the Lanes, making sure her head was hung low, a permanent scowl on her covered lips. She hadn’t noticed just how thick the undercity’s air was until her lungs had graciously gotten used to Demacia. Now, she had to fight the tickle in her throat as she scrunched her nose at the foul smell. The scent of blood, shimmer, and ash burned her senses, but it was familiar. She’d get used to it again. Her bag was heavy on her shoulder as she pulled the scarf farther over her face. She’d wrapped her bright, blue hair in one of Ekko’s scarves and another over her face. She’d pulled the hood of her cloak over that and yet she still felt like all eyes were on her. Like they could see through her, see into her demons. Like they could tell she’d given up. Like they could also feel the buzzing behind her eyes. She hated it. Stop looking at me! Jinx shifted her focus to the girl in her arms, trying to ignore the burning feeling on the back of her head. Isha rested against her shoulder, golden eyes analyzing every bit of the Lanes they walked by. She seemed especially curious about the Jinxers, though she supposed that made sense. The girl’s blue curls tickled Jinx’s neck as she walked, her helmet hanging loosely in her grip, occasionally bouncing against the young woman’s back. The girl’s hood had fallen a little while ago, but, truthfully, no one was looking for her. They were looking for the leader of the Firelights and Jinx. She could feel it. The way people turned to double-take her covered face and pink eyes. The way some even had the nerve to call out to her. They called her all kinds of names. Names she’d heard before. Those had stopped stinging years ago. She’d heard worse when she worked for Silco. Jinx tried to make her strides as confident as the Boy Savior’s before her, though she couldn’t fight the way her hands tightly gripped Isha’s shirt like someone would take her. She wouldn’t let them. Not again. Ekko walked through the Lanes like he had a thousand times before, confident in his stealth. His mask had been lowered and his hood was high. She wondered why he didn’t cycle through many masks. His owl one had become so obvious over the years. In fact, she used to look for it specifically during jobs, waiting to mess with him in whatever way she could. Later though, she’d learned to avoid it. She never would’ve been able to kill him, no matter how many times she was ordered.
He turned down an alley and she carefully followed, checking around to make sure no one was following. The neon lights dimmed as they left the busier parts of the Lanes as he bent down to pull off a cover in the wall. The moment it came off the stench filled her lungs, stinging her eyes.
“C’mon.” Ekko muttered as he ducked inside. Isha turned and a revolted look took over her scarred face. She looked to Jinx with a bit of disbelief in her eyes.
“Really?” Jinx snarled at the old sewer system Vi used to lead them through as kids. She still remembered Mylo’s complaints every time.
I thought last time was the last time!
Well, this time’s the last time. A young Vi drawled, her voice bouncing around in her head. Thankfully, this wasn’t the one that would have her sliding through the sludge only to fall on her ass on a pile of junk. I guess that wasn’t the last time. Jinx thought bitterly as she put Isha on her own feet and gestured for her to go in. That way she’d be safe between the two of them. The girl scrunched her nose and crossed her arms. But when Jinx didn’t move, she pulled up her hood and rolled her eyes as she slipped inside. Jinx cracked a small smile as she ducked inside after the girl. She tightened the scarf around her nose and mouth as if that would stifle the smell. Their squelching footsteps in the muck echoed throughout the tunnel as she kept her focus on her feet, one step then another, trying not to think about how the darkness allowed her ghosts to hide more easily or what would happen if she was caught. Would they lock her up? Would they kill her? Would Vi find out if they did either? Would she be upset?
“Do you even know where you’re going?” She complained as she kicked dark green slime off her boot, grumbling curses under her breath.
“Yeah, this is one of the fastest routes.” Ekko’s voice bounced against the metallic walls. “You’ll love it, Isha. The Firelight base is full of green and everybody’s nice.”
“Uh-huh.” Jinx drawled. “Wandering through the old sewage tunnel to paradise. Sounds like a shit excuse to get lost.”
“Language.” He chided her. “And we’re not wandering. I know where I’m going.” He paused and Isha stopped behind him. Jinx tried to peer over them both.
“What is it?” She could almost see a fork in the tunnels. She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Don’t tell me you’re lost.”
“I’m not lost.” Ekko insisted as he turned right. “I told you: I know where I’m going.”
“It’s startin’ to sound like you’re tryin’ to convince yourself.” She ducked to avoid slime dripping from the ceiling. “Ugh. Why don’t your fireflies have better ways to get inside? This tunnel is small and…” Her pink eyes landed on more slime, stuck to the walls, the ceiling, her boots, her cloak. “ Disgusting .”
“This is an emergency route. It’s fast but it’s not super developed. Besides, the tunnel widens in a little bit.”
“Great.” She muttered sarcastically. Jinx’s attention shifted to the small girl in front of her. “You okay, Bunny?” Isha raised a little thumbs up, pulling her hood farther down her face. Good. Muck dripped on the girl’s shoulder and she groaned. Jinx took the edge of her cloak and moved the stuff off the girl as best she could.
Ekko was right; the tunnel did widen. It soon allowed Jinx to stand tall and she could even raise her arms and not have to touch the sticky ceiling. Then she began to notice the green marks along the walls of the tunnel. Despite how the spray paint was faded and chipped, it was starkly bright against all of the muck along the metal. Ekko turned down each way, following the bright green like a moth to a flame. That’s it? All these years she’d tried to find this base and yet their mapping system was just spray-painted blobs. Even when he’d brought her here before, she hadn’t been paying much attention to how she got there. All Jinx really remembered was the empty, all-consuming feeling weighing down in her chest and the way her body was cold and still, like she was already dead. She didn’t want to dwell on it. She’d found if she did, that same feeling clawed its way out of the depths of her mind only to haunt her again. What felt like hours later, Ekko stopped. Jinx peeked over his shoulder.
“Oh, perfect!” She chirped sarcastically, grinning brightly and slinging an arm over his shoulder. “It’s a dead end. Congrats, Firefly! We made it!” She gestured to the dark wall, plastered in muck.
“You’re right.” Ekko smirked. Jinx’s smile wavered. Why was he smirking? “We made it.”
“It’s a dead end.” She insisted, rolling her eyes and gesturing to the dirty surface. “Did you lose your vision in Demacia, Timeboy?”
“Nope.” He strode to the wall with an all-too-confident smile and knocked against its surface rhythmically. “Cover your face. Isha too.” He muttered as he wiped the muck onto his cloak. Soon the walls began to shake. Jinx swiftly pulled her hood farther over her face and then fixed Isha’s as well. The girl moved the fabric from her eyes with a half-hearted grumble. The wall was slowly moved aside by a large Firelight, their masked eyes scanning over the trio cautiously. Moonlight casted pale light into the tunnel and along the grass of the Firelight base. The tree was as big and tall as Jinx remembered, a few huts sitting along its branches, though she’d only been within one. The other living spaces were along the walls, circling the tree and that damn mural. The one with all her ghosts’ faces. No, the one with her family’s faces. At least, her past family. Isha gasped, her wide eyes stuck to the massive tree. Jinx cracked a small smile at the girl’s excitement. Everyone must’ve been asleep. The moon was high in the sky and the place was empty. If Jinx remembered correctly, a few hundred people lived here. Thankfully, now only a few guards dotted the edges of the base. They’d be much easier to avoid than a mob of Firelights.
“Ekko?” The masked Firelight questioned, their hands dropping.
“Hey, Bret.” The boy in question waved awkwardly, removing his mask.
“You okay? You know this tunnel’s for emergencies.”
“Yeah, we’re fine.” Ekko waved a dismissive, gloved hand through the air.
“Who’s this?” Bret’s attention shifted to the girls. Jinx ignored him, taking Isha’s hand and pushing past her firefly and the guard. She could hear Ekko scrambling for an excuse behind her.
“S-sorry. Gotta keep moving.” He stuttered. His boots crunched the grass as he caught up to her. Truthfully, Jinx thought it would be much harder to sneak into the Firelight base. Sure, she was traveling with their leader but still. She thought their security would be more… secure . All it was was spray paint directions in the old sewers and a few guards. She was amazed she’d never found this place earlier. Although…that was probably for the best.
“Where are you going?” Ekko whispered beside her.
“Treehouse.” She signed. She wouldn’t speak. Not here. Not around people who might recognize her voice. She was supposed to be dead. She was amazed she’d even convinced herself to come with him. He was damn lucky. Either that or damn stupid. Another person spotted Ekko and Jinx resisted the urge to curse them. She bit into her tongue, the pain keeping her mind off the faces of the mural staring down at her and her mouth shut. Silence hadn’t been her strong suit since she’d taken up a new name. That was all Little Man and his band of bugs. She was much more interested in the loud, almost deafening explosions. Sadly, it seemed she’d need to lose more of her snappy comebacks while she stayed here.
“Ekko!” The Firelight called, waving her hand above her head as she ran from her post, leaving her partner alone. Her short blonde hair flowed behind her as she moved, her brown eyes intently fixed on Ekko. She wrapped her arms around him at the first opportunity and Jinx resisted the urge to tell her to get lost. It had been all of two seconds and she already despised this woman and her eager, toothy smile. Ekko returned the hug.
“Are you okay?” The woman demanded, holding the young man by the shoulders and scanning him for wounds. “Where were you?”
“I’m fine, El.” Ekko chuckled. “I was in Demacia, talking to a contact. Don’t worry.” He smiled. A contact? Jinx could work with that.
“Scar will be happy you’re back.” El chimed, practically jumping with excitement. “I’ll tell him immediately.” She turned and took only one step before Ekko stopped her.
“It can wait ‘til morning.” He assured her, squeezing her shoulder. “Let the man sleep.” Damn it. Why didn’t he just let her go? Jinx was already tired. Her feet hurt and her arms ached, even the little girl next to her was hardly staying awake. She knew he was too. Sure, he’d slept on the airship, but still, she could see it in his eyes. El nodded and then her attention was on Jinx, who pulled her cloak tighter, concealing herself even more. Had she met this Firelight before? Would she know her? Hell, who was she kidding? Everyone would know her. She’d made a reputation off that fact. Everyone knew her and everyone feared her. She itched to move, to run, but it was as if her body was frozen. Her feet remained planted in place. Ekko put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“Oh, excuse my manners.” The Firelight guard grinned and held out a hand for her to shake. “I’m El. What’s your name?” Jinx didn’t shake her hand; she didn’t speak. What was she supposed to say? She couldn’t tell the truth and she hadn’t thought of a lie. She should've thought this through better. She watched as El’s smile faltered and Jinx let her gaze drift to her dirt-caked shoes. She wouldn’t look to Ekko for help. She didn’t need it. She could handle herself. El regained her energy after a moment and turned to Isha, who hid behind Jinx’s legs.
“What’s your name?” El asked sweetly. Isha watched her warily for a moment then looked to Jinx, who offered a slight nod.
“I-S-H-A” The girl finger-spelt her name.
“Hi, Isha.” The Firelight chirped, offering a small wave. “I like your hair. It’s very pretty.” She smiled. Isha returned it, tentatively signing her thanks, still hiding behind the blue-haired woman. Then Jinx lifted the girl up and turned away from the Firelight. That’s enough pleasantries. She knew where she was going anyway. Jinx made her way toward the tree as Ekko said something to El, forcing a laugh. He caught up to her quicker this time.
“What are you doing?” He asked under his breath. Jinx ignored him as she headed up the stairs. He knew where she was going as well as she did. She twisted the doorknob but it just clicked. Locked. Ekko took a key from the pocket of his jacket and wove it into the lock, allowing the door to swing freely. Jinx strode in and placed Isha on the worn, green armchair. It still sported her painted monkey from when she’d stayed here before. Except now, a layer of dust coated every surface, giving each a gray tint as if it were stuck in time. Ekko closed and locked the door behind them.
“What are you doing?” He asked again, not bothering to whisper anymore as Jinx pulled the curtains closed, plunging the room into darkness. Ekko turned on a lamp at the work desk beside the window, casting the room in a warm, orange glow. He laid his hoverboard down beside it. Jinx stood at the center of the room, her hands on her hips.
“Wow.” She muttered, kicking a discarded piece of metal aside. “You have not cleaned since I left.” She giggled. Jinx removed her cloak and tossed it onto the mattress in the center of the floor with its lone pillow and blanket and unwrapped her hair. She combed her fingers through the blue, tangled mess as her pink eyes scanned the room. She could work with this. After all, she’d done it before. She set her bag on the floor, already rummaging through it. Her pink eyes surveyed the room, imagining where everything would go. She’d put the record player on the desk. She’d probably toss her spare clothes on top of his dresser. She’d lay her tools out on the desk, waiting for her to make something new. It wasn’t like she had much packed. Oh, maybe she could even put a couch in that corner for Isha to hang out. Just like her old hideout. Her eyes drifted to her little girl, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt as she sat in the armchair, her cloak laying discarded at her feet. Jinx pulled out the oil crayons and offered them to Isha, who took them eagerly and began adding new color to her shirt, which was already filled with symbols and doodles.
“Jinx.” Ekko called and she whipped around to face him. How dare he. How dare he threaten her safety, her secret. She shushed him as she tried to peek through the gap in the curtains. Good, no one noticed.
“No one’s here.” He assured, leaning against the door and crossing his arms over his chest.
“Just don’t say it.” She hissed. Maybe she was being paranoid, but if someone heard her name, they’d know she was alive and that would ruin her whole half-hazard plan. Paranoid? No, no. She was just…being cautious. Yeah, that’s it. Cautious.
“Your name?” Ekko questioned, raising a brow. She narrowed her eyes. How much would it take for him to understand how risky this was for her? “Okay.” He raised his hands in surrender and moved to stand by her side. “What are you doing, Blue?” He tried instead. Jinx continued rummaging through her bag, taking up the record player and placing it on the far end of the desk, the small stack of records beside it.
“I’m settin’ up.” She explained, a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. He hadn’t removed a single one of her drawings from before. He really did miss her. How could anyone miss her so much? She was a mess. An unwanted and cursed mess.
“For?” Ekko prompted.
“For livin’ here.” She moved her bang from her face.
“The dining space is on the other side of the base.” He neatened her stack of records and moved scrap metal pieces aside, swiping dust off various surfaces as he walked by them. “How do you plan to get over there?” She turned and jabbed a finger at his chest.
“You promised I could stay hidden.” She went back to her few things, allowing them to echo the apartment they’d lived in. “I’m not gonna be sittin’ by your fireflies and makin’ friends.” She shrugged and he sighed.
“Alright.” He said quietly, playfully ruffling Isha’s hair and offering her the bunny and shark plushes from his own bag. “Make yourself comfortable.” He mumbled. She would. This space would be theirs and it would be safe and hidden from everyone else. It’d be just for them . But the way he spoke still pulled at something within her. He almost sounded…disappointed. Jinx knew what he was hoping would come out of her return. He was hoping she’d be happy to be home and bounce back all bubbly and excitedly. He was hoping she’d tell Vi and they’d all be together again. Just like the old days. But Jinx knew better than anyone that the old days were as dead as the girl she’d been back then and that home was a concept that’d been killed along with her. Only a child would find safety in a place so easy to ruin. Jinx shook the thought away as she spread her tools about the desk, the metal clanking against one another.
“You should rest.” Ekko’s careful brown eyes followed her every move. “You didn’t sleep on the ship.” She turned to him and offered a crooked smile.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry ‘bout me, Boy Savior. I got it.”
-- X --
The night was louder in Zaun than Demacia. Jinx knew that. And yet she still found herself lying awake, listening to all the sounds of the city. Each one drilled into her skull like it intended to break it. The firelight’s wings buzzing, the footsteps of the guards crunching the bright grass as they changed shifts, and what she could only assume was gunshots. Isha flinched at every sound as if it hurt her simply to hear it. Jinx wondered if those sounds screamed at the girl like the ghosts screamed at her, threatening to break apart her bones and rip her soul in two. Ekko lay beside her, already fast asleep. His arms were still around her even in sleep. How could he hold her so close? Why did she still question it? Was it a bad idea to come back? Was she even ready? No, she knew she wasn’t. She’d done it for him. She’d done it for the very girl she was holding to her chest and offering what little comfort she could. All she could do was hope she wouldn’t ruin it like she always did. All she could do was hope she wouldn’t jinx it.
It’s only a matter of time. The ghosts mocked. You know what you are. Eventually, the gunshots faded as whatever fight had been happening finally ended. Isha’s little body relaxed, finally calm and still as her breaths steadied. Jinx gently moved the girl’s hair from her face as she carefully stood, doing her best not to disturb either one of them. They needed their rest. Jinx took up Ekko’s orange scarf and wrapped up her bright hair again, making sure no stray strands fell out. She covered her face with his red one, pulling it over her nose. It still carried his scent: paint, grass, and sweat. It was more comforting than she’d ever admit. She really was going soft. She smiled to herself. The cloak was heavy on her shoulders as she lowered the hood over her eyes. She slowly unlocked the door and twisted the knob, peeking her head out. Good, no one’s here. Jinx carefully stalked outside, ready to dash inside if anyone spotted her. She sat on the landing right outside the door and swung her legs between the wooden pillars of the railing. Jinx made sure she was facing away from those guards as the night’s warmth clung to her skin. She watched as the firelights chittered, flying through the night sky, a faint green glow emanating from under the wings of each little bug. Her pink eyes followed one bug as it landed beside her. She held as still as she could, watching it crawl closer and slowly climb onto the back of her hand. It stayed there, closing its wings and further dimming its glow as it laid down to rest. How could it find comfort in her? It didn’t know what she’d done. It didn’t know who she was. It was just a stupid bug. A stupid bug that found comfort in hands that were stained with unquantifiable amounts of blood.
“You okay?” His voice was quiet as his footsteps approached. The firelight flew away, scared by the new presence. It was scared of him but comforted by her. That was a funny thought. It almost made her giggle. She nodded as he sat beside her. He paused at her silence. She could see the gears turning in his mind as he tried to figure out what he could say. “The stars are beautiful.” Ekko’s gaze shifted upward and she followed suit. He was right. The stars were beautiful. Jinx could still name the constellations her mother taught her. The archer. The scorpion. The mama bear and her cub. Each one blinked down at her, their light muffled by the city’s smog. The constellations in Demacia were clearer, but she supposed that made sense. There was none of the Gray there. It was nicer there, quieter, more peaceful. Too bad she couldn’t let go. She couldn’t let go of the one person from her past who had managed to find her. It was a bad call, but she couldn’t tell if she regretted it. She tapped his shoulder to get his attention. His brown eyes were soft, curious, careful.
“You need to tell those guards that I left.” She signed, her gaze shifting to watch her hands.
“I know.” Ekko sighed. Then he smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’ll have to make a crazy excuse though. We’ve never had someone come and go so quickly.” He joked, gently nudging her arm. She didn’t smile.
“Are you sure about this?”
“What? The base?” Ekko chuckled awkwardly. “It’s always been a bit chaotic. People like to get to know one another.”
“About me.” Her bright pink eyes were stuck on him, waiting for the answer that she knew was lying between his words. The answer he wouldn’t say but she knew he thought. His expression softened as he put an arm around her and gently pulled her closer, letting her lean into him.
“Yeah, I’m sure about you.” He offered a warm smile that she couldn’t quite return.
“And if I really can’t come back?” Jinx kept the signs close to her body, almost like she didn’t want him to see them.
“Whenever you’re ready, Blue.” He muttered, rubbing her arm. His touch was smooth, comforting, grounding. It almost calmed her worries. Almost. “Whenever you’re ready.” Ekko repeated as she rested her head on his shoulder. Jinx didn’t think she’d ever be ready. She felt like she’d left her heart on that airship. It was lost to the wind and her love with it. Her past had proven it. She’d mess it up. She’d hurt Vi and whoever else dared to get too close. She was here for him and for her little girl. She didn’t need to come back. She didn’t want to. She just needed them. And yet the ghosts still pried at the edges of her mind. It’s only a matter of time.
-- ⧖ --
Ekko had found the first day keeping Jinx hidden…interesting to say the least. He’d managed to convince the guards from last night that the mysterious woman and her child had left in the night and therefore weren’t at breakfast the next morning.
“Then why’d she head directly for your room?” El asked with raised brows, using her fork to point at the room in question. He knew what she was thinking. Ridiculous.
“The kid was wounded.” Ekko lied, running a hand through his hair. “They left as soon as she was fixed up.” That much had managed to convince her. El went back to her food and Ekko managed to leave the dining area with two full trays for the girls. Two small pancakes sat on each, decorated with bright strawberry pieces. Cups sat in the corners of the trays, the water threatening to fall over the edges as he strode up the stairs. He propped them on the railing and swiftly unlocked the door, placing the trays on the desk and offering a quick smile before closing it again. He wasn’t even sure they’d seen him. Both girls had been sitting on the far end of the room, drawing on his walls. He hated leaving them. It was like they weren’t there at all. Like he’d returned all alone again. He couldn’t even talk to them. Jinx wouldn’t speak if she thought anyone but him and Isha would hear and he couldn’t see signs through the thick curtains. But this was what she wanted and he’d agreed. So he’d keep to his word and hope she’d change her mind. It would just take time. Right? Ekko took a steadying breath and set out to find Scar.
The man he’d left in charge wasn’t hard to find. Scar was surrounded by other Firelights, each asking for orders and details on reforms. He must’ve started something new. That’s good. The Chirean stood at the far end of the round, strategy room, the whole table full of maps and schematics. The chairs had been pushed to the side of the room, allowing more people to enter and view the papers on the large table in the center of the room. As each Firelight saw Ekko, their eyes widened and they backed away, making a path to the center where Scar stood, pointing at various places on a map. The air was held still as he instructed a masked Firelight. Things seemed to have been running smoothly. Ekko was just happy everyone was okay. He never doubted Scar, but still he liked to see it himself. Then the Chirean caught his gaze. His green eyes went wide and his air of authority faltered for a moment. He regained it almost immediately and spoke.
“Dismissed.” His voice boomed in the strategy room. Slowly the Firelights began filtering out, a few of their shoulders slumping. Many even gave little waves to Ekko as they left. He returned each one. Once everyone had left and only the two men were left in the silent room, Ekko went to Scar’s side.
“Seems like everything’s going well.” Ekko offered a crooked smile.
“It’s been a year.” The other man muttered and Ekko’s smile faded.
“I know.” He sighed and placed a hand on Scar’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
“We didn’t even know if you were alive.” He snapped and shrugged Ekko’s hand off. Scar took a breath and ran a hand down his face. “You missed a lot. You can’t keep doing this.” He said quietly.
“I know.” Ekko mumbled. “I’m sorry. I was needed there. I came back when I could.” A half-truth but it would have to work. He couldn’t just leave her. Even if it felt like he did anyway.
“So your old friend was still there?” Scar asked, turning his attention back to the map before him and running a finger over it.
“Yeah.” Ekko muttered, his eyes drifting to the chair pushed to the side of the room. Her drawings and symbols still covered it in bright colors. She’d even signed the back. JINX. He wondered what she was doing right now. Confined spaces were never her thing. She’d always loved to spread her wings and fly free. He’d quickly learned that she and Isha shared that spirit. Scar sighed and pulled Ekko’s attention back.
“I know you miss her, but you can’t drop everything to look for her.” He spoke slowly like these words would break the other man. “She’s gone, Ekko. We both know it.” Scar squeezed his shoulder.
“You’re right.” Ekko’s gaze moved to his shoes. She might as well be. He’d only see her early in the morning and late at night, like a dream. Like a fragment of his imagination. Like she wasn’t real.
“We need you here.” Scar continued. “ I need you here. This place is your creation. Not mine. What’s happening here is good. You need to foster it.”
“I know.” He repeated, finally looking over the map in front of the other man, his eyes catching on different spots highlighted in green and yellow.
“The Kiramman has been trying some new reforms.” Scar explained.
“What kind of reforms?”
“Updated ventilation systems, taking shimmer off the street, Zaunite councilors.”
“Zaunite councilors?” Ekko questioned, his brows furrowed.
“Yeah. Me and Sevika.”
“You’re a councilor?” He asked. Maybe he had been gone too long.
“Janna, no.” Scar put a hand to his chest as he laughed. “That council is nothing but rich snobs on a power trip.”
“Did Sevika accept?” Ekko asked, not finding as much humor in it as the other man. Sure, he was right that the council was full of manipulation, bribery, and power imbalance but if Zaun could get any voice up there…
“Yes.” Scar’s tone evened.
“Do you know what they’re planning?”
“Not really.” Scar scratched at the nape of his neck. “I haven’t heard from Kiramman in a while, but Vi comes down here every so often.” Vi? Jinx would kill him if she saw her. Hell, he couldn’t see her most of the time. Still he wondered, why did Vi keep coming back here?
“When does she come?” He asked. If he could predict it, he could make sure she didn’t figure it out. Even if he prayed that she would and that they could all just be together. Vi deserved to know her sister was okay. Yet, Ekko had made a promise and he wouldn’t dare break it. He was getting sick of this damn promise he’d made.
“She came in last week, but I haven’t seen her since.” Scar shrugged. “This tunnel.” He pointed to it on the map. The tunnel ran straight to the center of the Lanes. They’d used it for raids back when Silco ran the place.
“Okay.” Ekko turned for the door. “Thanks.” He mumbled on his way out. Scar nodded.
Ekko quickly strode for his room. He opened the door and poked his head inside. Both girls sat on the floor, a pile of cards in between them. He caught Isha’s gaze first. Her golden eyes were wide and excited, at least until he didn’t make a move to fully enter the room. Then he shifted his attention to Jinx. Her pink eyes were patiently waiting. For what? He didn’t know. But they held the same thing they used to when they were young. The same look she’d give him when they’d gone a week without seeing one another. The same look she’d give Vi when she’d been away for too long. The same look she’d given Isha when she’d come back. Jinx turned back to the cards in front of her with a quiet sigh. Ekko took his hoverboard from the desk and closed the door again. Not one word was spoken but so much was said. It was carved into the lines on their faces and in their eyes. They just wanted their families back, but there was no way to undo the past. So, he supposed this was it. This was their ending: fighting the past that still clung to them like morning dew on the grass. It would never fully go away. It would just get absorbed into their skin and scars.
Ekko slid the hoverboard under his feet and dashed off into the afternoon sky alone, letting the rush fill his lungs and the wind blow through his hair. She’d love this. Isha too. How long could she keep the girl cooped up like that? How long could Jinx hold herself so closely that she appeared smaller than she already was? How long until he could hold her hand throughout the base? How long until their laughter filled his ears and warmed his heart? How long until all three of them could run away for a night on their hoverboards? How long until Vi could know about their little family? How long until he could call them that? How long until they could be free of everything that had happened? How long? How long? How long? How long?
-- ⧖ --
Ekko arrived at the Kiramman mansion, not completely sure why he was there. He couldn’t tell Vi, no matter how much he wanted to. He knew that. He wouldn’t break Jinx’s trust like that. But maybe, he just wanted to talk to her. Maybe he even missed her. It had been so long. Maybe he just wanted to hug her, to make sure she was okay. The too-big house cast a dark shadow over him. The metal gate had swung open, its lock marked with the Kiramman crest. He made his way toward the house, following the stone pathway and then up the stairs, his pace quickening. Vi was one of two people from his childhood that had survived. She had protected him more times than he could count when he was too small to throw a punch. He’d only caught a quick glimpse of her in the battle against Noxus and the Herald. He’d seen her in the council room before he left but that wasn’t enough and he knew it. He’d been too busy elsewhere. The pale bricks of the mansion climbed high, spires shooting out from all four corners, candles flickering in a few gold-lined windows. Ekko knocked on the massive, mahogany doors, hoping Caitlyn wouldn’t be the one to open them. Vi was here, right? He hoped so. Where else would she go? Who else could she go to? He would’ve known if she joined the Firelights. Scar would’ve told him. The cloud of mixed emotions only darkened as he waited for someone to come to the door. Then Ekko heard footsteps, practically racing for the doorstep. The mahogany swung open on its hinge and Vi poked her head out, a scowl carved into her face. It faded the moment she saw him, her eyes softened and a slight smile was pulling at the corners of her mouth. Her lips were parted like she was going to say something but the words got caught in her throat.
“Hi.” Ekko waved awkwardly, offering a crooked smile. Vi sprung forward and wrapped her arms around him, cradling his head like she used to when they were kids. He leaned into the embrace, eyes brimming with tears. He hadn’t realized how much he missed her after everything. It felt like when he’d found her with Jinx. Like he hadn’t seen her in years. After a few moments, she released him and held him by the shoulders. Her blue eyes met his brown, worry etched in every bit of her.
“What happened? Where were you?” She demanded too quickly, her hands shaking. “Scar said you left and–”
“I’m okay.” He interrupted, placing his hands over hers to steady her.
“Ekko, Where were you?” Vi asked again, almost desperate. He scratched the back of his neck.
“I had a contact in Demacia. I was just going to visit her.” He explained, a half-truth. That’s okay. Right?
“C’mon in.” Vi gestured inside, moving to the side and allowing him through. “Tell me everything.” How he wished he could. Vi led him through the house, which seemed even bigger on the inside. The halls were lined with pictures of past Kiramman matriarchs, each one’s piercing blue eyes following him as he walked. One photo caught his eye. It was small, but it sat amidst the larger portraits like it belonged. Its frame was simpler, warm birch wood, lacking the metallic accents and careful carving of the others. In the photo, Vi had her arm slung around Caitlyn, pulling her closer by the waist as both grinned at the camera, their cheeks tinged with blush. They looked…happy. Vi deserved it. After everything, she deserved to be happy. Even Caitlyn did. After everything that had happened, peace on both sides was deserved, regardless of past actions. Even if he could never forgive her. As Vi led him to the kitchen, he caught Caitlyn’s gaze. She had just turned into the hallway as they left it. The Kiramman offered a polite wave and smile and Ekko returned it, trying to hide his scowl. He didn’t need to like her. He probably never would, but if she made Vi happy, he wouldn’t get in the way. The marble counters of the massive kitchen sparkled in the afternoon sunlight that bled in through the window above the sink. Ekko stood beside the kitchen island watching as Vi rummaged through the cabinets. She brought down two mugs and two boxes, one smaller than the other.
“You like tea, Little Man?” Vi asked, turning on the stove to heat up water. “Nah.” Ekko shook his head and she laughed.
“Agreed.” She traded the smaller box for a different one. “It tastes like leaf water.”
“Well, it is leaf water.” He shrugged and joined her laughter.
“How ‘bout cocoa?”
“Just like when we were kids, huh?”
“Yeah.” Vi mumbled, scooping some of the cocoa powder into the mugs. Her eyes were distant and her voice quiet. “Like when we were kids.”
Soon, they were sitting on the plush, green couch, cookies resting a plate on the coffee table in front of them. The fireplace was dark as the summer heat warmed the house. A line split down the center of the table as if it were cut in half and put back together. That’s weird. Wasn’t Piltie furniture supposed to be better? The table creaked as he placed the mug on a coaster. Vi carefully held her mug, watching the liquid swirl and letting it warm her hands. She took a breath.
“So, who’s this contact you spent a year with?” Vi teased, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. No, their blue held curiosity and almost…pain. He could’ve sworn it hadn’t been that long. The days had blended together, full of all kinds of new things he’d never fully gotten the chance to slow down and appreciate. Anything from the daisies in the field near the apartment or the feel of his arms around her or the laughter of both girls as they messed around, painting everything in sight.
“You wouldn’t know her.” Ekko scrambled for the words, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.
“Try me.” Vi placed her mug on the table and rested her elbows on her knees, leaning forward. He wracked his brain for a way out though, truthfully, he just wanted to tell her.
“Well, she’s like how I remember but…different.” He tried.
“Yeah, that makes sense. People change.” Vi muttered. “How long had it been since you’d seen her before?”
“A while. I wasn’t keeping track.” He lied. It’d taken him 27 days to figure out which country she ran to. 29 to make it to Demacia and finally find her. He counted each one. 32 days after she left, he’d managed to get that cheap apartment. 76 days: Isha came back. 124 days: they fought. 148 days: they made up. 287 days: he mentioned that he had to go back. 376 days: he left and she and Isha came along. But Vi couldn’t know any of that.
“It always feels longer if you’re counting.” She took another sip of the cocoa.
“She has a daughter now though. And it’s just…amazing to watch how careful she is with her. Unlike anything I’ve seen.”
“Wow. She sounds…nice.” Vi paused, choosing her words carefully and running a hand through her hair, a reminiscent smile touching her lips. “I didn’t know your Firelights were so spread out.”
“She’s…an ex-Firelight.” He hated lying to her. The whole conversation felt like he was dancing on the tip of a knife, one slip up and everything would be gone. “What have you been doing?” He changed the subject. Vi was quiet for a moment and placed her mug on the table. She went on for a while, long enough for him to finish his drink. Vi told him about a book series Caitlyn had gotten her hooked on, Caitlyn’s new councilor position, and Caitlyn’s Zaunite councilors idea. Everything that had happened was tied to that woman. It was almost annoying. But he supposed he and Caitlyn were all Vi had. And he’d left. Guilt carved a hole in his chest as he listened to Vi excitedly retell the stories she’d been reading alongside the topsider.
The sun had set as the conversation died down. The sky was dyed with mixed tones of orange and yellow fading into purple. Thankfully, Vi hadn’t asked many more questions about his contact. He didn’t know if he could keep lying to her.
“I should be heading back.” Ekko said as he stood, taking up his hoverboard from where it lay against the side of the couch.
“Oh.” Vi said softly and bent to look out the window.
“It’s getting late.” He offered.
“Yeah. You’re right.” She grabbed a napkin and placed a few of the untouched cookies in the center. She tied it tightly and held them out for him to take. “I know it’s not much but you can give them to the refugees o-or your contact just…don’t be a stranger. Okay?”
“I won’t.” He smiled and she stood to wrap her arms around him. They held one another tightly, not ready to let go. For each other they were each a piece of another life, one they were forced to leave behind over the years. One that faded into vague memories of family, love, and warmth. One that haunted them both, clinging to their cold shoulders.
-- ⧖ --
Ekko arrived back at the base later than he’d intended. The sunlight had almost completely faded, stars poking faint light into the flooding darkness. He swiftly moved to the dining area, snatching two bowls of soup that had almost gone cold. Ekko practically ran back to his room, ignoring the side-eyes a few of the Firelights gave him and not bothering to look back. He carefully slipped inside, relocking the door behind him. His hands shook as he placed the two bowls on the desk and spoke.
“Sorry I’m late.” He managed between breaths. Jinx sat on the floor across from Isha, an old game of checkers that she must’ve found in his closet between them. The girl’s helmet sat beside her, revealing her blue curls, the shark and bunny plushes on either side of her.
“You’re good.” Jinx shrugged and turned her attention back to the game, pressing a finger to her chin in thought. She picked up a red checker and jumped over a black one, plucking it off the board and placing it beside her along with the others. Isha crossed her arms defiantly and pouted as Jinx’s checker made it to the opposite side of the board. “King me.” She chimed, smirking at her victory. Isha huffed. “Don’t be a sore sport, Bug.” The girl slowly and begrudgingly stacked another checker onto Jinx’s. She crossed her arms again and her golden eyes scanned over the board. Ekko watched as the gears turned in her head. Then she picked up one of her black checkers and jumped another of Jinx’s kings. She proudly took it off the board and added it to a stack of red checkers at her side, giggling mischievously.
“There ya go!” Jinx chirped, smiling despite her loss. “It’s not over yet. Still anyone’s game.” Ekko sat between them watching the game play out. He could feel her pink gaze peering at him through the corner of her eye as she moved another checker forward. She didn’t turn to face him when she spoke, her words smooth and calculated. “How’d the first day back go?”
“It was fine.” He said, fidgeting with the metal pieces in his hair. Then he chuckled. “Lots of people to greet.”
“Figured.” Jinx muttered, watching Isha take another checker off the board. “You were gone for a while. They missed you.”
“I know.” He mumbled. He knew he’d been gone without so much as a letter. He knew he’d left them. For that he was sorry. But he wouldn’t apologize for seizing the opportunity to reunite with the woman beside him. He’d missed her so much. Admittedly too much. But he didn’t mind, not really. Still…he just wished no one had to miss any of them. The way one’s heart was pulled at the edges, reaching for someone it could ever touch, was painful. A pain no one deserved. “I talked to Vi.” He said, practically a breath. Jinx froze, halfway through collecting another of Isha’s checkers, her demeanor faltering for just a moment. Her pink gaze was distant, her muscles tense, her back rigid. Then she continued as if it hadn’t happened, her muscles relaxing just slightly.
“Did you?”
“She wasn’t happy I’ve been gone so long.” Ekko awkwardly chuckled, carefully watching her reaction.
“Makes sense.” She shrugged, a reminiscent smile pulling at her lips but she wouldn’t let it take over. “She’s your big sister too. Her heart was always too damn big” She paused, watching as Isha moved her checker. “You didn’t…?”
“No.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it. “I promised you.”
“Good.” She mumbled and moved her last checker forward. Then Isha jumped Jinx’s checker, joyfully removing it from the board. The girl laughed as she raised her hands in victory, a bright grin on her scarred face. “Good game, Bunny.” Jinx stood and ruffled the girl’s hair before grabbing the two bowls off the desk. She offered one to Isha, who took it and slurped the soup greedily, ignoring the spoon in the bowl. Ekko silently cleaned up the game of checkers, resetting the board as the girls ate. Jinx watched him over the rim of her bowl as if waiting for him to speak. When he didn’t, she did.
“You okay, Boy Savior?” She asked between bites.
“Yeah.” Ekko mumbled, moving the board aside and scanning over the room. New drawings covered his walls. Anything from additions to the old ones to entirely new images of all three of them. In an ideal world, happiness was this simple: hold the people you care about as close as you can. If only this world hadn’t pulled them from him every time he tried. He couldn’t count the amount of people he’d lost and yet sitting here, he was ready to try again. Maybe it’d be different. Maybe this world could finally lessen the weight of responsibility and duty on his shoulders and just let him enjoy these slow moments. The ones in which it felt like the air itself was sweeter.
“Did you eat?” Jinx asked, drawing his attention back to the present.
“...Kinda.” He muttered and she laughed, almost spilling the remaining soup.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I was busy.” Ekko raised his hands, defending himself.
“Here.” She offered him the bowl.
“No,” He pushed it back. “You need it.”
“You need it more.” She insisted. “Sounds like ya flew all the way topside and back.” He met her eyes, the swirling pink soft and sure. She pushed the bowl forward again. “Eat something. You’re gonna overwork yourself.” He finally took it and carefully ate. She twirled her hair between her fingers, braiding a strand at her temple as she waited.
Once both bowls were cleared, Ekko revealed the cookies Vi had given him. Isha eyed the treats immediately. Her golden gaze flicked between them and the adults as if asking for permission. Jinx didn’t hesitate, taking one of the cookies and biting into it, chocolate melting onto her fingers. Then Isha’s pleading gaze was on him. He cracked a smile and nodded. She took one and left the last for Ekko. Vi’s gift had made it to someone who had needed it after all. Whether or not either one knew it.