Chapter Text
Jinx was gazing up at the wooden planks above her head, staring at the carvings left by someone… different. She let out a long sigh, she could feel tears welling in her eyes. She killed Silco, betrayed him, all while being left with nothing more than a few cuts! Caitlyn and Vi were practically glued to her side. Sevika was with her sometimes, but she kept disappearing to ‘tie up loose ends’. Honestly, Jinx was just grateful she was there at all, she knew Sevika and Caitlyn had their reservations for each other.
But there was one thing missing in this beautiful family photo.
Her father.
Sometimes she saw him, in the corner of the room, scribbled on the walls or the margins of the books Vi read. He was everywhere, Silco.
Vi was laying next to her, an arm was curled around her body, Caitlyn was at the edge of the bed, sitting up. They were both asleep. Jinx couldn’t join them in the realm of dreams, her nerves were frayed and her eyes wild. Shimmer was coursing through her veins, mixing with only a hint of metallic blood to create a sickening mix of substances. That wasn’t the only consequence of her crime, though. Her fingers danced along the skin alongside her face, painting a clear mental image–rough scars pulled tight against the skin of her cheek, some cutting across her lip and trailing down her neck, clavicle, then bursting along her arm in sharp patterns that must've been caused by stray chunks of metal. Some of her hair was scorched off, coiled and damaged.
No wonder Vi was crying so much.
Jinx barely remembered the events leading up to this. She knew she was with a scary monster, then in agony, and now she was here, with one less father figure than she had previously, and a dull ache that tugged at the back of her mind. The harder she tried to force everything out of her head, the pain, the guilt, the more insistent it got, slamming into her skull with the force of six-hundred men.
She rolled over, snuggling into her sister, trying to will the world back to how everything was before the fire.
She was safe, safe! She was safe. Everything was fine, okay, perfect, even, and she was safe.
Powder squeezed Vi tighter, molding her into her younger self in her mind, until Vi squeezed back.
“Woah- woah, hey, Powder, what's wrong?” Her strong arm held her close while Vi moved so Powder was in her lap. “You’re squeezing me so tight you’re about to suffocate me” Powder clung to her, she felt .. Small, like an injured animal.
“Am I a… bad daughter?” She mumbled. Vi’s soft blue eyes met vibrant purple, worry flooded her gaze and she pulled Jinx close to her chest. “No, you aren’t, what makes you think you are?”
She couldn’t hold it back anymore, tears spilling from her eyes, hot and dangerous, spilling onto Vi’s shirt.
“V-Vander an-and” Vi pulled her close to her chest, Jinx tucked her head into the crook of her older sister's neck. “Shh, it’s okay, Pow, you aren’t a bad daughter, okay? None of that was your fault.” Vi tried to reassure her, but Powder could hear her voice trembling.
“I don’t believe you.”
“Powder, please, just listen to me okay? You were only trying to help- I should’ve never-”
“It’s all my fault and you know it, you just don’t want to believe it.”
“Powder-”
“No- Violet, I’m a bad daughter and I killed my family and I’m going to kill you, Mylo was right- you were right-”
“Powder.” she said firmly, one hand planted itself firmly on Jinx’s cheek, thumb wiping a violet tear away. “You are not a bad daughter,” her voice was resolute. “It wasn’t your fault, it was mine, okay? I couldn’t protect you.” She murmured, “I left you, it was my fault, not yours. Don’t blame yourself, Pow”
Powder’s eyes softened, “You promise?”
“I promise, Powder.” She murmured, rubbing circles into her back. “I’m so sorry, for everything.”
“I don’t care anymore, Vi,” she mumbled, nuzzling into the crook of her neck again.
──°｡˚✩✄༺ ︻╦╤─ ༻✄✩˚｡°──
Caitlyn woke stiffly, pain running down her neck and spine. Her head was pressed against the wooden plank, thick hair tousled and knotted. Her eyes peeled open, squinting in the low light. She planted one hand in the spot where Jinx was, panic stabbing through her heart as she realised all that was left was warmth left over from her body. Caitlyn gripped the side of the bed frame and pulled herself out, trying her best to run through the house on her sore leg.
Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a golden light coming from a crack in the kitchen door. Caitlyn limped closer, hand reaching for the door handle. She twisted it, shoving the door open and looking around. Her eyes caught a large figure, her first thought was that they were an intruder, but no, a closer look proved that it was just Vi, with Jinx clinging onto her back. Her gaze softened, meeting Vi's as she turned from her position at the stove.
“Morning, Doll.”
Caitlyn barely suppressed a smile. “It’s Caitlyn, and good morning.” Her voice was gravelly, exhausted. She cleared her throat to hopefully sound normal. Vi was grinning at her.
“Course, so, Caitlyn, do you like pancakes?” Vi said, a little too brightly for Caitlyn’s taste.
“I do.” she huffed. “Could I have some-”
“Tea? Of course.” Vi adjusted her hold on the oddly quiet Jinx, turning the stove down to pour a cup of tea for Caitlyn.
“Thank you.” She grumbled, taking the mug in her hands and staring at the muddy water. She sighed softly, feeling the warmth burn her palms.
Vi turned to continue flipping pancakes, making a stack that was probably as big as her head. Jinx yawned, squeezing Vi tighter. “Did I fall asleep?” she grumbled. Vi chuckled in response. Caitlyn saw her nod. Jinx slipped off her shoulders and stood beside her sister. “How much longer?” She groaned, rubbing her violet eyes, those would take some getting used to.
“Not long, go sit with Cait, be patient.”
Jinx sidled up beside her, plopping herself down on the chair. “Heya Caitie, how did you sleep?”
“Fine, my neck is aching, though.”
“Makes sense, you were sleeping as stuff as a rod.” Jinx straightened her back and closed her eyes, making an exaggerated snoring sound as she did.
“I do not snore!” Caitlyn exclaimed. A smug grin spread across the small girl's face.
“Yeah you do, your mouth hangs open and there's drool all over the bed and-” Jinx turned animated as she described Caitlyn’s alleged snoring.
“Don't be rude, Pow” Vi cut her off, placing a tall stack of pancakes in front of Jinx before ruffling her hair. “You don't snore- well, you don't snore like that.” Vi smirked.
These two were insufferable.
Caitlyn melted, finding herself smiling too.
Fuck.
Vi set down a plate that had a stack of pancakes, it was about a quarter of what Jinx had, but Caitlyn couldn't complain. Jinx had been eating well since Vi got here, her cheeks were fuller, and her ribs were jutting out less than they were 3 days ago. Caitlyn never ate much, anyway.
“Is Sevika dropping by today?” She mused, stabbing a pancake with a fork. Jinx gave a big shrug. But Vi piped up.
“I think she's stopping by this afternoon, she’s got a meeting with the Chembarons.”
Caitlyn nodded thoughtfully, taking a small bite from her pancakes.
She heard the stove flicker off with a loud ticking sound and after a moment the stool beside her shifted and Vi sat herself in it.
“Are they good?”
“Could be better.” Caitlyn teased. “But I won't complain.”
“You better not, I've seen your cooking.”
“I hate you.”
“The feelings mutual.”
Vi and Caitlyn shared a look, it was a halfhearted glare. Vi broke first, soon the two women were consumed in a fit of giggles. Only then did Jinx look up, offering them a quizzical look before turning to devour her pancakes again.
“Do you want to do anything today?” Vi brushed her arm gently. Caitlyn thought for a moment, biting her lip.
“Could we go to my house?”
“Of course,” Vi smiled softly. She hadn’t been there since they first met- so it’d be good to have a look at the place without glaring at her every millisecond.
Jinx brightened “We're going to Caitlyn's house?” She grinned. “I haven't been there in sooooo loonnngggg,” Caitlyn found her stool being shaken. She turned to stop her, but Jinx had already ceased her shaking at the movement. Caitlyn brushed a crumb from her cheek with an affectionate grin. “As much as I enjoy being with you lot, I do miss sleeping horizontally.”
“You could sleep in my old bed, you know, I'm not using it.” Vi pointed out after swallowing a mouthful of pancakes.
Caitlyn sighed in response. “I know, I guess it would save me the neck pain.” She rubbed her neck to emphasise her point, eyebrow twitching at the tense muscle she found.
“Then it's settled, you can sleep up there tonight.” Caitlyn sighed, but nodded nonetheless. “Alright then,” Vi started, standing up. “You two go get changed while I clean up.”
“I can help you!” Jinx exclaimed, hopping up from her seat to dart towards her sister and pouncing on her.
“Go with Caitlyn and get changed, Pow, I’ve got it, thanks for offering.” Vi smiled and pried a disappointed Jinx off of her. Caitlyn got off her seat and moved towards them, her hand pressing into the counter for support, Vi caught her gaze. “C’mon Jinx, you can help Vi another time.” Caitlyn rested a hand on Jinx’s shoulder, who reluctantly sighed and trailed after Caitlyn. Her scarred face was screwed up, violet eyes full of frustration.
Caitlyn led her to their room, sitting on Jinx’s bed and patting the space beside her. “Talk to me, Bug.” Jinx melted at the nickname. She crawled onto the bed, resting her head in Caitlyn’s lap.
“I think Vi still thinks I’m a Jinx” She mumbled “Vi said she didn’t but.. I still don’t believe her.” Jinx played with the fabric of Caitlyn’s sleep shirt. “I think she thinks I’m still going to mess everything up. And I think she’s right. I am a Jinx”
Caitlyn rubbed her arm. “Well I don’t believe you,” She spoke with a firm voice. “Have you seen her? Vi loves you, she definitely doesn’t think you’re a Jinx, okay? Do you understand me?” Caitlyn squeezed her arm, grounding her. “I’m sure she just wants to protect you.” She assured her. She pulled her up and kissed her forehead before bringing her into a hug.
“I can’t speak for her, though.” Caitlyn started, “Why don’t you ask her about it?”
Jinx sniffled and clung to her.
“Okay Beetle.”
“Let’s get changed, yeah?”
“Yeah.”
──˚₊ᕦ✄𖹭⭒˚｡✦❀✦｡˚⭒𖹭✄ᕤ₊˚──
Vi peeked into her childhood bedroom, watching with a fond heart as Caitlyn allowed Powder onto her lap, making her teenage sister seem more like the 7 year old she’d left. Fuck. Vi shut the door, fanning her face as she marched down the hall. Powder. Oh Janna, Powder. The barrage of memories came on all at once. Emotions she'd been holding back for years came crashing down on her. Vi collapsed onto the floor in the living room, hiding. A chubby face filled her gaze, big blue eyes and a quivering lip.
“Pow.” Violet warned, putting her hands on her hips like a disappointed father. (Like her dad does.) “Put it back. That’s for Mum and Dad’s lunch with the important people?” She prompted, gazing down at her guilty sister, who currently had four muffins in her arms. “Please, Violet? Nobody’s gonna know!” A four-year-old Powder protested in babbled English.
Violet made her put the muffins back.
But she still took one. Just for them to share.
She wasn’t a mean big-sister, but she wasn’t a bad daughter, either.
A few days later Violet's world came crashing down in a sea of red. Smoke clouded her vision, she couldn’t see anything. Her wide eyes searched for her parents, for Vander, for anyone.
She stumbled through the darkness, pushing past angry people. A person fell beside her. Then another. And another. Loud, cracking noises fired, flames lit up in the distance. She coughed.
“Powder?” Violet called feebly.
Violet spotted a glimpse of blue hair in the corner, immediately running over, skidding her knees and she crashed down.
“Powder? Pow-pow? Can you hear me? I've got you, come with me” Violet guided Powder to stand, she was quivering, or maybe it was Violet. She pulled Powder close.
“Sing the song mother always sings to us, okay? Then she’ll come and get us,” she murmured softly, hand in Powder’s hair.
“Dear friend, across the river…”
Powder began to sing quietly, but Violet tuned it out, focused on finding her parents.
She froze.
Powder hushed.
Vander stood above them, a guilty expression on his face.
At his feet was her mother and father.
Violet collapsed.
Powder fell onto her.
She pulled Powder close as she cried for her parents.
Vander took them back to The Last Drop.
3 years later, smoke flooded her vision again. Her arm crumpled beneath her. A monkey bomb's head lay in front of her. Everyone was gone. Powder didn't listen. Vi cried. Getting herself free from the rubble and breaking down, trying her best to wipe her tears and stay strong. Mylo and Claggor were gone, and Vander died in front of her. Powder…
It was all her fault.
Why must she lose everything in fire and destruction? Why must she lose her family in something so pretty?
Powders screams haunted Vi for the next 8 years.
They still did.
Vi felt a horrible weight in her chest, pushing her into the hardwood, crushing her with an iron grip.
She wished she could just.
Forget it all.
“Viiiiiii,” a whiny voice broke her from her memories. When did she start crying? Vi pushed herself up, resting her head against a knee in a poor attempt to compose herself. The next call that came was a little more insistent. “VIOLLLETTTT CAITLYN SAID SHE WAS GOING TO LEAVE WITHOUT US IF WE DON’T FIND YOU NOWWWWW!” There was a quiet exclamation of, “I did not say that!” Vi heard some shuffling noises, and a bit of bickering, before she finally wiped her tears and got up.
She swung the door open to Powder on Caitlyn’s back, one leg slung over her shoulder and her arms around her neck in a faux chokehold. Caitlyn had a bored expression, though there was a playful glint in her eye. The taller woman straightened up.
“There she is!” Powder exclaimed. “What? Were you worried about me beating Caitie up?” Vi smiled affectionately.
“Terrified.” Vi affirmed, holding her arms out. “Now get off her, will ya?” Jinx didn’t waste any time in clambering off Caitlyn and leaping onto Vi, which sent Caitlyn stumbling back, Vi just barely saw her catch herself before falling. The force of Powder's jump elicited an "ompf" from herself as Powder collided with her.
Her sister swung around to sit on her shoulder.
“Onward!” Powder hollered like a captain commanding her ship. Vi studied her. Noticing that she was wearing Vi’s clothes, and how her Purple eyes were puffy and shining. The brawler's gaze fell on Caitlyn, who had a tweak in her brow, and the hint of two teeth biting on her bottom lip.
Vi rolled her Powder-free shoulder and hooked her other hand around Powder’s legs. “Lead the way,” Vi smiled at the ex-piltie, gesturing for Caitlyn to go ahead of her.
──°｡˚✩✄༺ ︻╦╤─ ༻✄✩˚｡°──
The journey to her apartment was long and exhausting… for her. Pain was pulsing from her tibia and spreading, she could barely walk let alone run without support. But, stubborn as ever, she refused to let Jinx or Vi help her. She was a grown adult, she could run through the undercity with a sore leg! Eventually, though, she asked for a break, being on the brink of tears and barely being able to think, making her finally concede. Caitlyn let out slow, controlled breaths as she tried to will the pain away… it didn’t work. Vi suggested they walk from now on, Jinx agreed wholeheartedly.
When they were finally there, Caitlyn took off her shoes and beelined to her room, shutting the door so she could crumple onto her bed without being perceived. Caitlyn was buzzing, and not in a good way. She sat up and pulled the pant leg of her aching limb to her knee, assessing the damage. There was nothing, really, a few faded bruises and almost-healed scrapes from three days prior, scars, obviously, and the distinct twist in her leg that she’d had even since she was 16.
This is stupid. A kinky leg won’t make me this weak in the span of a couple days, I haven't even been walking around that much!
Maybe that was a lie. Her nightly walks of Zaun recently probably weren’t helping her leg.
Caitlyn bit her lip as she pulled a bandage tight against her calf, trying to stabilise it. She pulled her pant leg down and continued with business, trying to pretend that the bandages did much of anything as she stuffed clothes and other items she needed into bags she found laying around.
Once Caitlyn had finished ransacking her room, she opened the door and dumped her bags outside her room. When she looked up she found Caitlyn and Vi going through some of her things, Jinx sharing exciting stories about each of them, each one that she knew, at least. Caitlyn rolled her eyes affectionately and moved to the next room.
She pretended not to notice how Jinx’s excited chatter stopped as Caitlyn cursed under her breath trying to get into the bathroom.
Eventually, Caitlyn had three bags packed, one of which was just an absurdly heavy blanket that Jinx made Vi carry, because of course she did. Vi and Jinx insisted that they walk home, much to Caitlyn’s dismay, she was already moving locations, probably permanently, and she couldn’t even do it quickly?
At some exhausting point in the day, they made it back to the frankly vibrating last drop. Apparently, even though both people who (technically) owned the bar are dead doesn’t mean it won't stay running. Caitlyn just sighed, wrinkling her nose at the scent of alcohol like she did every time.
They moved all her stuff into the basement, her heavy ass blanket laying on top of Vi’s old bed. All of them collectively cringed as it lay flat, hoping the rickety framework wouldn’t cause a collapse. Jinx said something about getting equipment to fix it. Caitlyn heard her and Vi talking about something with hushed voices and just rolled her eyes. She lay her doberman plush that Jinx made atop her blanket before joining Vi and Jinx on the bottom bunk, trying not to wince when she jumped down.
“What are you two talking about?” Caitlyn asked as she plopped herself down beside Jinx, posture suffering as she fit herself under the bed.
“Oh- nothing much, y’know. Business.” Caitlyn raised a brow at Jinx’s words.
“Right, Business.”
“We were talking about how we should try to get the Last drop into our possession so we could get some cash in, that’s all, Pow is just pulling your leg.” Caitlyn noticed Jinx’s eyes fix on Caitlyn’s injured leg, before staring unblinking at Vi before and the two started to laugh quietly.
“What’s so funny?” Caitlyn asked, eyebrows pushing together in confusion.
“It’s nothing, Caitie, don’t worry about it,” Jinx said, a grin still plastered on her face. Vi was much more composed, a soft smile gracing her face as she replied, “Just sister stuff, that’s all.”
“Right. You two are so slick, is there mud on my face or something?”
“I’d tell you if you had mud on your face” Jinx assured, patting her on the arm sympathetically.
“You two are impossible,” Caitlyn sighed, smiling softly. “I can definitely tell you two have the same blood in your veins.”
A silence fell over the trio, comfortable and still.
Then.
“Can we go find spare parts so I can stabilise the bed?” Jinx exclaimed, clambering out of the bed with a massive grin on her pale face. Vi nodded, standing next to her, before Caitlyn could stand up Vi stopped her.
“You stay here and get all of your things settled, besides, I think Sevika’s going to be here soon and I still think she hates me given the whole arm-thing.” Caitlyn stares at her, expression deadpan, then she retorted with, “The same arm-thing where I started a fight with her? You want me to greet her into your home with open arms?”
“Yep!” Vi called, they were out of the door before Caitlyn could blink.
──˚₊𖦏⭒˚｡⋆❇✖❇⋆｡˚⭒𖦏₊˚──
Vi and Powder ran out of the house giggling, leaving the confused and stunned Caitlyn in their dust. Powder tugged on Vi’s arm, a giddy grin painted over her face. “Come on, those old junkyards have doubled in size since you were here last time!” Vi chuckled, letting Powder drag her along.
They made it to the junkyard in record time. Powder was clambering over the metal fence, ahead of Vi. She was laughing happily, braids swinging from her head. Vi was following close behind, making sure she didn’t fall.
TWANG!
Vi jolted at the sound of something heavy hitting the fence. Vi immediately pulled herself up to Powder, grabbing her and dropping to the ground, placing Powder on the ground. She peered up at her sister, her eyes wide. Vi kept Powder close, a hand on her shoulder.
“OI.” A heavy voice growled. Loud clunking sounds rung out. “What are you girls doing out here?”
“We came to get some scrap metal. It’s allowed.” Vi said. Her voice was even, but Jinx could hear her sister’s heart pounding in her chest. The enforcer had silver armour and helmet that covered their face in darkness. Spurts of brown hair stuck out from under the metal. Red fabric was draped around them, and they were huge. “I know it’s allowed.” They growled, but the enforcer still advanced. Jinx was pushed behind Vi seconds before the enforcer yanked Vi forward. The pink-haired girl’s face was smushed into the metal fence. “I’m searching you. Stay still.”
“Vi!” She yelped, jumping for her sister.
Her head hit the ground before she could blink, the enforcer had swung their baton into her chest, sending her backwards. Vi was staring at her, eyes wide and muscles taut as she got jostled by the enforcer. Jinx could see the guilt and fear in her eyes, poorly concealed by her anger. She saw Vi’s chest heaving, how her fingers gripped the fence and her eyebrows pushed together, she was trying so hard to stay together. Vi grunted as the enforcer pulled her arm into an awkward position.
Jinx felt a buzzing in her ears, her blood rushing around her body, a heat flooding her brain. Colourful dots filled her vision and she could feel her body growing misshapen. Her (?) arm shot out, pale and ghostly. The purple of shimmer was obvious in her veins. It hurt, it burned.
A scream tore from her throat, grating on her ears. Jinx felt like she couldn’t control her body. She just watched as one of her arms tore the enforcer off Vi and ripped them to shreds. In moments the enforcer was nothing more than torn flesh and guts. Jinx’s bulging arm deflated, shrinking back into a normal size. Jinx looked down at her mucky arm, blood and skin jammed under her nails, she smiled. She laughed. Jinx’s voice was raspy due to her screaming, she smiled so wide her cheeks hurt.
“Powder! Powder, are you okay?” Vi crouched in front of her, cupping her face “I’ve got you, it’s over… you were so brave, so so brave.” Vi pressed her forehead to Jinx’s before hugging her close, an arm wrapping around her back and a hand pressing into her hair.
Jinx snuggled into Vi, “Can we go get those spare parts now? I’m fine.” She grumbled. Vi scooped her up before setting her on her feet. “If you’re sure.” Jinx nodded in response. It didn’t hurt anymore, there was just a leftover ache in her body. “I’m sure, Vi, Promise.” Vi smiled, she couldn’t resist her baby sister.
“I’ll go up first and help you over.”
“Fine.”
──???──
How long have I been here?
Trapped.
What is this ache in my chest? It feels as if my heart is being torn apart and rebuilt over and over, as if my blood is not my own.
There are tally marks on the wall. Have I left them? Or are they a tally of the blood that has spilled here?
I'm so hungry.
My hair is probably a mess… It's funny to think that, yes? I've been trapped for gods know how long and I'm thinking of my hair!
She raised a slow, shaky hand to run through tangled braids.
I knew it.
Mother… What would you think of me now?
She closed her eyes.
──???──
“You'll be fine, I promise, everything's going to be okay” He cradled the frail man in his arms, clinging onto him. “I can't lose you too…” He forced tears not to fall as faces covered his vision. His mother, his girlfriend, his patrons. All dead or lost to time.
A shimmering tear dripped onto the frail man's face, rolling down like it was his own.
“I'll make sure you're okay, you have to be okay.”
“I'll do anything.”
He whispered as he stuffed blue orbs into his satchel, anything he could find, anything he could hide. This magic, it was a gift, not a weapon. He couldn't bear to continue on like this.
The Hexcore glared at him, it has been growing brighter and brighter recently, like it was planning something.
“Hey.” He mumbled, sitting on the desk. “Still doing that… I wonder what he'd think of you now.” He paused, sighing softly. “Look after him for me… While I'm gone? He wouldn’t make the journey. Not in this condition.”
“Please?”
“We're friends aren't we?”
The light grew stronger, beating on his eyes until he closed them.
“I'll take that as a yes. Can I take him to you? Yeah, yeah I'll do that.”
He stood, shaking out greasy brown hair and moving back to his partner.
“It's gonna take care of you”
He wheeled him over. The Hexcore pulsed and spun. He could almost see his dear friends' veins. The engineer ran his fingers through short brown and blonde hair, cupping the owner's face before planting a soft kiss on his forehead.
“I'll be back soon, I just need to hide these… I'll get us food, okay? Then I'll be back, you'll be back. I’ll save you.”
He jimmied the lock on the window before slipping out into the cold of the night.