Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vi threw her flask against the wall as she stumbled through the alleyway.

“You stopped me.” C̶a̶i̶t̶l̶y̶n̶ said to her in disbelief.

She ripped her enforcer jacket off, hating she ever put it on in the first place.

“I had the shot.” She insisted.

She kicked the random trash around her in fury.

“I wasn't going to miss.” She tried to argue, whether it was towards Vi or herself, she didn’t know.

She spewed the contents of her stomach onto the ground below her. Her hands holding the part where she was hit with the rifle.

“I keep telling myself that you're different.” She said venomously.

She slammed her fists into the wall repeatedly, even when they were bloodied and bruised.

“But you're not. It's her blood in your veins.” She said with hate.

She wailed at the top of her lungs.

“Then why are you the one acting like her?” Vi accused with just as much hate.

She sank to her knees and cried her eyes out, remembering the look of anger and spite on C̶a̶i̶t̶l̶y̶n̶'s face. If there was ever any regret, she didn’t bother to remember, and she honestly didn’t care.

She left her, she left her there to wither in her own pain and misery.

All that crock about showing that not all of them supported Pow-Jinx.

The compliments, the tender touches, the look of want and caring in her eyes.

WAS IT ALL BULLSHIT?!

As she was asking herself this, she noticed the entry to an abandoned building.

She silently made her way inside where she found some stairs.

Her sister had gone insane and was forced to fight her and then nearly kill her.

She eventually found herself outside again on top of a lookout.

She put on the very badge that represented the murderers that killed her parents, practically spitting on their graves.

She slowly walked over to the ledge and looked down.

It was a drop high enough to kill someone.

The woman she loved turned her back on her.

Her feet found themselves just inches away from the edge.

She didn’t know what else to do.

She just wanted all the pain to stop.

She just wanted all of it to end.

So, with a deep breath, she closed her eyes and-

“Am I interrupting something?”

The sudden appearance of the voice and their question made Vi whip around in a startle.

There was someone standing by the doorway, a figure hidden in the shadows. This made Vi clench her fists in defense.

“I seem to be finding myself in a routine with this situation recently.” The male voice said with a thick accent after a moment of silence between them. Definitely someone from Zaun.

“…Does that routine include a tendency to scare people into slipping off buildings?” Vi asked pointedly.

“I was merely trying to get your attention. If you don’t want to slip, perhaps you shouldn’t stand so close to the edge.” The man said with mild amusement, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

“Well gee, thanks so much for the advice.” Vi said sarcastically. “If you’re here to rob me, I already used my last cog to get a flask. Find someone else to bother.” She said dismissively, the statement itself was a lie but she was ready to take this guy on if needed.

“Apologies, but I tailed you more out of curiosity than finance.” The man reassured her. Not much good it did as it just raised Vi’s suspicions of him.

“And what makes me so special?” Vi asked with scrutiny.

“I saw the gauntlets you left back down on the streets. I must say, the thought of them being used for melee combat never crossed my mind. But considering the functions they hold; I suppose one would be tempted.” The man said casually.

That made Vi raise an eyebrow in confusion.

“And how would you know that?” Vi asked, wondering just who the Hell this guy was.

“Because…” The man began to say as he stepped out of the shadows, revealing his blue cloak and purple-metallic skinny body, holding a cane in his left hand. “I helped make them.” He finished as he brought his hood down, revealing his pale face and brown hair that was bleached on the ends.

Vi’s eyes widen in faint surprise, realizing who she was talking to.

“It was my mission to give Hextech to the people, glad to see it somewhat worked out.” He said with a small smile.

“You’re the Golden Boy’s partner. You helped create Hextech.” Vi stated with a suspicious eye. “Last I checked, you were in a coma.”

“Viktor is my name. And obviously, that’s not the case anymore.” Viktor told her as he went to stand by her side, looking out at the Sumps towards him.

“Obviously not…” Vi said as she looked his body up and down, clearly seeing that whatever was going on to his body wasn’t natural.

She first heard about Viktor through gossip at Stillwater, rumors roamed around about Hextech and that someone from Zaun helped make it. She wasn’t sure how much of it was true or how to feel about it if that was the case.

On one hand, she felt disappointment and rage that one of her people would purposely help Topside flourish even more than they already had. On the other, she couldn’t help but respect the fact that someone actually managed to escape the slums and make something of themselves.

The first time she actually saw the guy was when she rushed into Jayce's lab to get his hammer during the memorial attack. As she grabbed it, she took notice of the pale man’s face sticking out of a magic cocoon. Creeped her out to say the least, but at the time she couldn't dwell on the details. Honestly, she was happy to leave the room as soon as she could.

And now here he was out of all places, looking more machine than man.

“So why aren’t you resting up on Topside? Finally got tired of living the fancy life in Piltover? Or did you and the Golden Boy get into a fight?” Vi asked sarcastically.

Viktor stayed silent for a moment, still observing the smoky atmosphere that was Zaun.

“…I realized that my path wasn’t aligned with Piltover’s objectives. Nor Jayce’s for that manner.” He finally said quietly.

“…Is he the one responsible for that?” Vi asked as her eyes gestured to his body’s makeover.

“I was caught in the blast that struck the Councilor’s building. Pretty sure I died.” Viktor said simply.

Vi couldn’t help but look down in shame, knowing he met that fate because of her sister.

“I asked him to destroy Hextech, instead he used it to bring me back to life and then helped create weapons with our technology, both things that were against my wishes. I was disappointed to say the least.” He continued to explain.

Now Vi really was surprised, the fact that this guy was willing to destroy the very thing he helped create, the very thing that helped Piltover prosper was a shock to say the least. She had many more questions about that statement but instead she said with a quiet voice in regard to Jayce, “Yeah…well…join the club…”

They stood there in silence for another moment, both contemplating their next actions.

“…So…did you really come all the way up her to share your tale of heartbreak or did you actually want something from me?” Vi asked. “If it’s the gauntlets, take them. Don’t really need them anymore.” She said quietly.

“Actually, I was hoping you would put them to good use.” Viktor told her, making Vi look at him in confusion. “Having decided to reside back here in Zaun, I need to get myself reacquainted with the surroundings. I thought maybe you could provide some protection so to speak.” He proposed to her.

Vi scoffed and rolled her eyes at that. “No offense skinny, but I’m not exactly in the mood to be helping others right now. Or anymore for that matter.” She said bitterly.

“Fair enough. I just figured you could use a distraction from your current troubles.” Viktor said casually. “And I’m willing to pay for your next hangover in exchange for your assistance.” He told her as he reached into his cloak and pulled out a small bag with cogs inside.

She eyed the bag with a raised brow.

“I could just take that from you. Something tells me you wouldn’t put up much of a fight.” Vi said in a bit of challenging tone, wondering what he was playing at.

“Very true. But something tells me you’re a bit more honorable than that.” Viktor said with a smirk.

They stared at each other a bit longer before Vi finally sighed in defeat.

…

They walked side by side at a slow pace due to Viktor’s condition. Vi observed her surroundings, looking for anything suspicious, gauntlets back on her arms.

The Sumps were filled with malnourished children, people praying to a mural of Janna, homeless families, and shimmer addicts.

They could see the effects that the Grey had on its citizens, burns on their skins and wearing poorly made oxygen masks, ones they constantly fought over.

“I didn’t realize how much worse it’s gotten…” Viktor said sullenly as he looked around.

Vi couldn’t help but put her head down in shame, knowing that she played a part in it.

“Yeah, well…that’s what Topside’s best at. Figured you would have realized that by now.”  Vi said bitterly.

“…You never told me your name.” Viktor said, deciding to change the subject.

Vi contemplated telling him. Telling him her name meant opening up, which meant the chance of another relationship that could shatter like all her others. On the other hand, it was unlikely she was ever going to see this guy again so what was the harm?

“It’s Vi.” She said quietly.

Viktor chortle at that. “Viktor and Vi, like something out of the funnies.”

Violet gave an amused snort at that. “Sounds cheesy.”

They wandered around a bit longer and it became obvious that Viktor didn’t have a clear designation.

“Hey skinny, do you actually have place in mind of where you want to go or are we just wandering around aimlessly?” Vi finally asked.

“Wherever my path leads, is where is my place will be.” Viktor told her.

“Do you ever give a straight answer, or do you just like to speak in riddles?” Vi asked, mildly annoyed.

“Only on the weekdays.” Viktor said with a smirk.

“(Scoffs) You’re worst than my sister.” Vi said with quiet bitterness. “Okay, then answer me this. Why did follow me into that building?” She asked bluntly, both stopping in their tracks.

“With how deep we already are in the Sumps, you clearly didn’t need or want protection before. Nor do you care about having your mining gloves back, so why ask me to escort you? Why did you…” Vi couldn’t finish the last part of her question as it venomous to say on her tongue.

Viktor watched her solemnly, seeing the pain on her face.

“It wasn’t too long ago I too found myself in your position, Violet.” Viktor admitted, surprising Vi. “I was blinded by my hubris and arrogance, and it ended up killing my research assistant. She died, trying to help me.” He said with mourning in his voice.

Violet looked at the man with shock, but also a sense of understanding. Knowing what it was like to make mistakes that had dire consequences. Perhaps the two of them were more alike than she thought.

“So what got you off that ledge?”  She asked softly.

Before he had a chance to answer, his face lit up in recognition and he turned his head to his right, as if he heard something, this made Vi tense.

“What is it?” Vi asked as she looked in the same direction, putting up her defenses up just in case.

But there was nothing there, just a wasteland of a place that she once called home, now it was filled with nothing but shriveled-up shimmer addicts, wanting to get their next fix.

Viktor started walking towards the area without saying another word, suddenly looking like he was on a mission. Vi looked at him dubiously before following him, wondering what changed his demeanor.

They continued walking pass the tents that held the addicts, Vi glaring at them to make sure they didn’t try anything.

They soon stopped in the middle of its location as Viktor looked around.

“There a specific reason why you wanted to go in here?” Vi asked, not understanding this at all.

“Perhaps…” Was all Viktor said as he continued to look around.

“Okay then...” Vi said wearily, getting tired of the guy’s mysterious attitude.

Suddenly she heard some scuttle around them. She turned around and saw a shimmer addict shakingly hold a knife towards them.

“C-C-C-C-C-Careful not s-s-s-scrape up the gear. Won’t s-s-sell as well.” The addict stuttered as other addicts started to circle them.

“Viktor.” Vi said, getting his attention.

They were soon surrounded by many addicts, looking like feral animals trying to intimidate their prey. Unfortunately for them, Vi wasn’t easily intimidated. Neither was Viktor apparently as he barely reacted to the ambush.

“N-Nothing personal, friends. We got n-n-needs we can’t ignore.” The shimmer addict said as he got closer to them, poorly threatening them with his knife as he kept twitching.

Vi finally recognized who it was.

“Huck!”

Vi gritted her teeth and powered on her gauntlets, knowing she should have done this the last time they met.

“You filthy traitor…” Vi muttered angrily as she started to make her way towards him.

Only for a hand to block her path, Viktor’s hand to be exact.

Vi looked at him in confusion, wondering what brought this on. But Viktor only continued to look at Huck solemnly, as if analyzing him.

“So much senseless pain…” Viktor finally said as he started to approach the addict.

This surprised Vi because while Huck wasn’t exactly a threat, she doubted Viktor was much of a fighter himself.

“What the Hell are you…” Vi tried to say to him.

Huck tried to brandish his knife some more towards the metal man, but he just kept coming towards him. He stopped a few feet in front of him and the two suddenly had a stare down, Viktor’s face remained unchanged.

It seemed Viktor won said stare down as Huck eventually dropped his knife, just as confused as Vi.

Vi quietly approached them, wondering just what Viktor had planned.

She saw him slowly raise his hand up and she could see a purple energy glow through the veins of his metallic skin. The hand reached towards Huck, who flinched back but didn’t run away otherwise.

Vi’s eyes widened with curiosity and anxiety as she heard electricity surge through his hand and his eyes started to glow.

Suddenly, the hand latched onto Huck’s face and a shockwave blew through the area, pushing Vi back a couple of inches and even knocking down some of the shimmer addicts who were watching the scene happen in awe.

Wind continued to blow around them as purple lights shrouded their vision. Vi covered her eyes with her gauntlets but the moments she could see were moments that included a pulsing energy surging from Viktor’s body to Huck’s body.  She watched in awe, wondering just what was going on.

Before she could question it more, there was suddenly a blinding white light that enveloped the crowd.

When the ringing left her ears and her vision cleared, she could see Viktor crumpling to his knees in exhaustion. She dropped the gauntlets from her arms and quickly went over to him and crouched down to his level to see if he was okay, putting her hand on his shoulder.

“Viktor! What was that?! What did you…” Before Vi could continue to berate him, her eyes caught a glimpse of Huck, and the words died from her mouth as her attention was now locked on him.

Gone was the growing lump on his head.

Gone were his glassy eyes.

Gone was the twitching, shriveled-up body that was ravaged by shimmer.

Instead, she saw a man with clean skin and a straighten posture.

A man who looked as those he was reborn with the chrome-like material on his arm and face and the white streak that coursed through his hair.

A man who was cured of his shimmer addiction.

“Holy shit…” Was all Vi could think to mutter in her state of shock and awe.

Huck himself was transfixed by his transformation, wondering if he had just experienced a miracle.

Suddenly, she felt a metallic hand on top of hers and turned to see Viktor looking at her with a small smile.

He turned towards the crowd of other addicts. “You need not suffer anymore.” He told the onlookers, his tone meaning every word of it.

Huck stared at the man as he wept with joy, feeling enlightenment like never before.

Vi looked around as the addicts fell to their knees, relief washing over their bodies. Something they had not experienced in a long time.

Vi wasn’t sure how to react to this.

One moment she was escorting a guy through a sea of broken people, the next she was keeping company to a healer with God-like powers. It was a lot to take in to say the least.

Viktor looked back at Vi, who stared at him anxiously, as if silently asking a question that seriously needed answering.

In return, Viktor’s smile grew bigger, and he gave her a simple nod.

To which then a small ray of light showered over them.

Genuine sunlight.

And that was enough for Vi as she let out her own breath of relief and smiled at him.

A smile that was filled with the same emotion that the addicts were feeling.

A feeling she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Hope.

Chapter Text

The white faded from Jayce's eyes, his breath heavy and winded.

He thought for sure he had died then and there.

But whether it was luck or fate, or the Gods' grace, he was somehow still breathing.

He quickly looked at his surroundings and saw they were in a grassy, forest area. Much like the place Viktor had transported him and his mother to when he was a child.

He then heard the sound of a child crying, he looked to left and saw a young girl clutching Jinx at her waist as she sobbed. Jinx did her best to comfort the girl but she honestly wasn't doing any better as she had her own tears in own eyes, along with a badly broken nose still dripping with blood and a couple of missing teeth.

He then looked to his right and saw Caitlyn trying to nurse a twisted and mangled broken arm, she tried to fight against the pain but it hurt so much to even move.

It all started flashing back to him.

The blood.

The brutality.

The cruelty.

It was all horrifying to witness. As if he was forced to watch a snuff film.

And he caused it.

He caused all of it.

"What have I done?" He whispered to himself as he wrung his hands through his hair.

"J-Jayce..." Caitlyn stuttered as she tried to comfort her brother-figure with her only working hand. But she couldn’t find any words that could console him.

H e didn’t see her though. He just kept repeating "What have I done?" over and over again.

He said he wouldn't fail.

That was his vow.

But not only did he fail. He made thing worse.

FAR, far worse...

To be revealed....

First off, thank you all so much for all the love you’re giving this story. I did not expect to become so popular, this was just a spur of the moment kind of thing!

I’ll admit, I didn’t know where to go with this story at first. But thanks to the comments, specifically AnEnemyAnemone and Danidoesathing, I now know what path to take this on. And it’s going to be taking the Angst train!

I’m not going to spoil too much, I was even apprehensive about posting this tease as I want there to still be surprises for people to read. But I also wanted everyone to know where I was heading with this particular story.

I’m going to get rid of some tags as they are not relevant to the story anymore and also add ones that are.

So buckle up! It’s going to be a wild ride!

On a positive note: Isha will live in this story ^_^!!

Chapter Text

Jinx walked amongst the many citizens of Zaun as they made their way towards the entrance of the commune she heard about. Isha kept her guard up, acting as a lookout to find any potential threats. Members of said commune were helping those that were sick or injured through the entrance.

“This is the last place people said they saw her.” Jinx thought to herself.

She would never tell anyone, but she kept tabs on Vi throughout the months. She first heard about her reappearing as a pit fighter in the lanes, even making a bit of a name for herself as she rose up through the ranks. Jinx started attending said fights and silently cheered her sister on. She was a brutal savage in the arena, clearly a lot of pent-up rage that she was expressing with her fists.

Jinx loved it.

Then one day, she just disappeared. She didn’t lose a fight or get disqualified. She just stopped showing up out of the blue.

Jinx’s initial worry was that she was dead, that she finally drunk herself off a bridge or something. But then she started asking around and learned that when she wasn’t in the pit fighting or at The Last Drop getting drunk, she would often find herself visiting the lower sumps.

Which led her to the commune, a place where apparently some so-called “Herald” had the ability to heal others of their ailments. Whether it be cuts, burns, broken bones, or the after-effects of shimmer addiction, he could make it go away like it was nothing.

Jinx personally thought it was bullshit and she didn’t understand why Vi would ever come visit a place like this. Just looking at the entrance, she could tell there was cult-like behavior going on here and it just raised red flags for her.

But if her sister really was here, and if there was really a miracle healer who could help Vander…

Maybe it was worth checking out.

Jinx soon felt a small hand wrap around hers and saw Isha give her a reassuring smile. She gave a small one in return and was glad to have her by her side.

They soon made their way towards the “gatekeeper” of the commune, who greeted them with a warm smile.

“Hello, you’re Violet’s sister. Pow-“

“Jinx.” She said venomously, her warning radar now on the MAX as it confirmed Vi was or at least had been here at some point.

“’Jinx’, apologies.” He said without evening batting an eye. “If you’re here, I’m guessing you want to see your sister. All are welcome of course, but I must ask you to surrender your weapons, this is a place of peace.” He spoke.

Jinx rolled her eyes with a scoff and quickly pulled out her gun to point at the man’s head, which he looked at with mild concern. Isha came up to Jinx’s side with a scowl and gave a reaffirming “hmph”.

“Try not to be so trigger-happy. Huck is just doing his job.” A voice called out to them.

Jinx’s eyes widened in shock as she recognized that voice, she tilted her head to see the person that was standing behind Huck and gave a small gasp of surprise.

It was Vi.

She looked different, not just in appearance but in emotion as well.

She was dressed in the same way as the other members of the commune, a robe-like shirt that was wrapped around her shoulders and waist. Black trousers came between her legs, as well as gauze that was wrapped around her left arm and both her bare feet. The things that stood out the most were the chrome marks that were imprinted on her forehead, how they reflected against the sun, letting you always know they were there. As well as her eyes, they were the same as Huck’s, the same mixture of blue and gold that had light leaking out of it.

Her hair was longer, no longer dyed black like it once was, half of it reached her shoulders while the other half that was shaved was growing back. Like the other members, there was a white streak that ran down the middle.

Her scars were gone as well, replaced with the chrome-like material as it wrapped around the skin a spatter of paint.

Even the tattoo of her name was gone, as if never there in the first place.

Her face though? Her expression was…relaxed?

Jinx has never seen Vi relax, not after their parents were murdered. Even when it was just the two of them hanging out, she always had a look of anxiety, as if worried someone was going to snatch her away if she didn’t stay close.

But now? None of that was there. No anger, no bitterness, not even a hint of a scowl.

Just the same warm smile Huck gave her.

And for Jinx, it was quite unnerving.

She had a bunch of things she wanted to say, many questions she wanted to ask and yet the only thing she could think of saying was:

“…Vi?”

Vi continued to look at her with that same smile before she started walking up to them. When she was just a foot away from them, Jinx started to tense up, thinking she was going to lash out at her.

But instead, surprisingly, she pulled her sister into a gentle embrace.

“Hello Jinx.” Vi said with a calm demeanor.

Jinx stood there in frozen shock, not sure what to make of this.

Last time they saw it each other, they were trying to kill each other. Now all of sudden, she’s happy to see her?

But for the moment, Jinx didn’t want to question it. She just wanted to feel her sister’s embrace. So she tucked back her gun into her holster and wrapped her own arms around Vi.

They stood like that for a moment, basking in the warmth.

Only for a hand to suddenly pull said gun out of said holster, the hand belonging to Vi’s as she quickly pulled away from Jinx with her gun now in her possession.

“What the-Hey!” Jinx sputtered, angry and confused by the sudden action.

“No weapons.” Vi said with that same warm smile, now looking more like a smirk, as she ejected the hex-crystal from the gun before handing it to Huck. “You can have it back when you leave. Assuming you came here for a reason.” She said with a polite tone.

Jinx grunted with annoyance but didn’t curse her either.

“It’s Vander…he’s alive…” She said plainly.

Vi’s eyes light up in faint surprise, clearly not expecting that. She then averted her eyes in a different direction and her face twisted in conflict, as if she was having an internal conversation with someone.

Jinx was able to speak up to get her attention when Vi turned back to Jinx with that same smile. “Why don’t you come meet the Herald. You can tell him about this discovery.” She suggested as she gestured them to come through the entrance.

Jinx was still apprehensive though. She thought Vi would be more shocked or just flat-out deny what she was saying was true. Instead, she seemed…detached? As if she heard what the weather was going to be like for the day.

“Why does he need to know? It doesn’t concern-“

“Anything you want to say to me; you can say to Viktor.” Vi reaffirmed. “Besides, I doubt you came all the way here for me. It’s a good probability you heard what our commune is all about, which means you know what Viktor is capable of. Something tells me you’re hoping he can help.” Vi deduced with a look that asked: “Am I wrong?”

Jinx stared at her in perplexion, not sure how to take Vi’s words.

Vi just smiled in return and turned around. “Come on, I’ll give you the tour.” She said as she gestured them to follow her. “Later, Huck.”

“Goodbye, Violet.” Huck said with a small wave.

That was another thing that caught Jinx’s attention.

Violet.

Since when did she like to be called Violet?

Only people she ever let call her Violet were her and Vander. And even then it was on a rare occasion.

That fact this random guy was calling her Violet and she didn’t even flinch raised even more red flags for her.

Jinx and Isha looked at each other, and Isha just shrugged her shoulders and went after Vi. In the end, Jinx could only huff her breath and followed them.

As Vi brought them through the commune, Jinx could see they surprisingly had a lot of things going on for them. Crop plantations, filtration systems, even a forge, somehow they brought it all together in the sumps of the undercity.

Jinx would be impressed if she wasn’t so bewildered by her sister.

Members who passed by gave a friendly wave or hello, some even gave a little bow in respect as if she held some sort of title, and Vi returned each one with a reciprocating grin and nod.

“Seems you made yourself at home here…” Jinx observed with a mutter.

Vi appeared to take that statement to heart as she flashed Jinx a big grin in return. “It’s been life-changing Jinx, you have no idea.” She said with genuine happiness. “Viktor created something remarkable.”

She wasn’t sure why, but Jinx felt like there was a deeper meaning to that statement than the way it sounded.

As they were finally making their way towards a giant sanctum which Jinx was guessing was Viktor’s camp, she was met with another surprise.

“Violet. How good to see you. Here to meet with the Herald?” A man asked in a friendly manner as he exited the sanctum and walked towards them.

The man in question was former Piltover Counselor Salo.

“Afternoon, Salo. And yes, that’s precisely it. I’m guessing the lazy Messiah is having you run more errands for him?” Vi asked in a joking manner.

“Come on Violet, you know there’s only so much he can do.” Salo said with his own chuckle.

The whole exchange between the two of them had Jinx staring at them wide-eyed and mouthing “What the Fuck?!” to Isha who was just as bewildered as her.

“Ah, you must be Jinx. I believe you blew up my legs.” Salo said, finally addressing Jinx as if he just noticed her. His statement wasn’t made in a harsh manner, just one that was stating a fact

“Uh…yeah…guess that issue solved itself.” Jinx said awkwardly, not sure how to respond, as she eyed the chrome glint across the man’s now healed legs. “Your miracle man I’m guessing?”

“Who else could heal such a wounded creature?” Salo asked with a smile. “I’ll let you go to him now.” He said with a nod before going on his way.

“Don’t be too long.” Vi said with a wave.

“Okay…what the Hell was that?!” Jinx asked incredulously.

Vi just raised an eyebrow at her in confusion. “What?”

“Since when are you all buddy-buddy with a fucking Councilor?!” Jinx asked again with heightened anger.

Vi simply shrugged her shoulders. “People change, Jinx. Viktor gave him a different path and he’s taking advantage of it. All these people have.” She said simply as she waved her arm to the community that was there.

“They owe Viktor everything.” She said with a sense of finality that Jinx didn’t like.

“Very kind, Violet.”

They turned their heads to the direction of the voice and saw the Herald himself approach them. He was wrapped in a blue robe and Jinx could see his body was made of metal, Jinx would be fascinated if she wasn’t so cautious of the guy.

Vi didn’t seem to notice as she gave him a smirk and quickly went to his side, giving him a playful punch on the shoulder. Jinx couldn’t help but feel a rush of envy rise in her chest but quickly bit her tongue.

“So, you’re the infamous Jinx I heard so much about.” Viktor stated as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Vi, both giving her the same smile.

“Yeah. And you’re the tinfoil healing guru that Violet told me nothing about.” Jinx said with an edge to her voice.

Viktor seemingly took no offense and just chuckled at her statement.

“Come. You can tell me all about the issue with your father.” Viktor said as he gestured them to come inside his place of residence.

Jinx widened in surprise, wondering how he knew about Vander already.

“Always like to be mysterious, don’t you Vik?“ Vi asked teasingly as she followed him.

“It’s part of my charm.“ Viktor said with a smirk.

As the two shared a laugh, it just made Jinx growl in annyoance.

...

 Jinx told them how the beast once known as Vander ravaged his way through Stillwater, massacring people left and right. She told them how she almost became a victim when the beast suddenly hesitated and said her dead name. Vander ran after that and she tried to follow him as best as she could, eventually losing him in the old fissure mines.

She came here looking for Vi, feeling that she would want to know and maybe help get him back.

Viktor listened to her story intently, sitting on the ground with Vi standing behind him. Jinx couldn’t tell what she thought of all this as she kept her expression blank.

“So do you believe me or I am just having another one of my crazy hallucinations?” Jinx asked with a bored tone.

“I was brought back to life with wild magic, Jinx. Your father coming back as a giant wolf doesn’t sound too far fetch from that.” Viktor said with a smirk.

“At this point, nothing really surprises us anymore.” Vi commented with a shrug.

“So what then? Are you going to help us find him or not?” Jinx asked impatiently.

Viktor looked up at Vi and they looked like they were having a silent conversation with each other.

“Say I do help you with this, what do you plan on doing with him? Did you want Viktor to help him?” Vi asked.

Jinx thought about it for a second. “I mean…I don’t know how much you can help him considering he’s all wolfy now. But maybe you could get him back to a place where he’s less likely to rip someone to shreds whenever they get 20 feet near him.”

And once again, Viktor and Vi share a look with each other as if they were communicating,

“Okay, what the fuck? Do they have some sort charades schtick going on?” Jinx thought with annoyance.

She was about to ask about it but then Vi spoke up.

“Very well. I’ll join you on this search of yours.” Vi said simply as she held a hand out to Viktor.

“And I’ll be happy to help him if my abilities deem so.” Viktor said as he took the offered hand and pulled himself up.

The two of them then grasped both their hands together and placed their foreheads against each other.

“Be safe, my rusovláska sestra.” Viktor said quietly.

“You forget who you’re talking to, my hubený bratr.“ Vi asked with a smirk, making Viktor snort as well.

Jinx crossed her arms and looked away with a pout.

Isha patted her leg to get her attention and signed: “Jealous?“

Jinx scoffed at that. “Please, if she wants to shack up with the metal fortune cookie, that’s her business.“ She muttered.

Suddenly, Vi walked past the two. “Alright, let’s get going.” She said casually.

“Wait, what about your gauntlets?” Jinx asked.

“I got rid of those months ago, no need for them here.”  Vi explained. “Besides, you said that Vander hesitated when he saw you right?”

“Well yeah-” Jinx tried to explain.

“Which means he recognized you enough not to attack.” Vi further stated.

“Yeah, but-”

“If that’s the case, then I have no need for the gauntlets. Unless you want me to hurt Vander?” Vi asked.

“No! But-”

“Then it shouldn’t be a problem.” Vi concluded. “Now come on, it’s going to get dark soon.” She said as she continued her way towards the entrance.

She left a sputtering Jinx and a confused Isha behind.

“She’s different…” Isha signed to her.

“Tell me about it…” Jinx agreed with an annoyed tone.

She looked back at Viktor, who was now meditating, and gave a look of mistrust.

She didn’t know what he did to Vi, but she didn’t like it one bit.

To Be Continued…

Finally have a new chapter out!

So I was originally going to have this particular chapter come much later. I was going to show how Vi and Viktor’s friendship grew and how she eventually came to be a member of the commune.

Buuuuuuut, I thought it would be more fun to hit my readers with a whiplash of “Holy crap, Vi’s been converted!”

As for the how and the why, that’s going to come through flashbacks instead.

For those wondering, she is not a full-on husk like the other members(Salo for example), she still retains some of her personality. Her and Viktor have a special bond after all. How special? You’ll have to wait and see!

Until then, hope you liked the chapter and comment to tell me what you think!

Chapter Text

Vi walked towards the newly-made entrance of the commune that Viktor and his followers had built.

She had just got done with a fight and wanted to use some of her earnings to help the place flourish, she felt a responsibility for the place after all.

And to Viktor.

She saw Huck at the entrance greeting newcomers, word of Viktor’s gift was starting to spread.

“Violet. Welcome back.” Huck said with a gentle smile.

“It’s just Vi, Huck.” Vi reminded him again of what felt like the 100^th time.

Ever since he got healed by Viktor, he became a different person. Not just physically, but personality-wise too.

He was a lot calmer, didn’t stutter anymore, even stood up straight.

Vi wasn’t sure if that was because of the shimmer out of his system or something else entirely.

“New garms?” Vi asked with a raise eyebrow as she gestured to the new outfit of his.

“Indeed. It’s to help symbolize our rebirth given by the Herald.” Huck explained.

Vi couldn’t help but snort at that. “’The Herald’? He’s really going with that?”

“What better title to describe one who helps all of those in need?” Huck asked with a friendly tone.

“Yeah, yeah. Peace and harmony and all that junk.” Vi said with an eyeroll. “Is he busy? Wanted to catch-up real quick.”

“He’s on his way down. He’s expecting you.” Huck told her.

“Of course he is.” Vi said as she made her way past Huck, already used to Viktor somehow psychically figuring out she was here before everyone else.

“By the way, Vi. I do believe the Herald had a rule about no weapons inside the commune.” Huck said in teasing manner as he gestured to her bloodied fists.

She responded with a smirk and flipped him off.

It had been at least a couple of months since she met Viktor and she was amazed by how much progression the commune had.

The residents managed to clear out most of the trash and drugs, camps were being set up, even crops were starting to grow.

It was something she never would have imagined seeing in her lifetime in the Undercity.

Too bad she was too fucked up in her own mind to appreciate it.

She soon heard the clanking of a cane and saw Viktor approach her.

“Vi, how lovely to see you.” Viktor said with a smile of warmth.

“It’s an honor to be in your presence, Mr. Herald.” Vi said in a joking manner as she gave him a mock bow.

“Don’t you start.” Viktor said with an eyeroll.

“Who am I to disrespect loyalty?” Vi said with a smirk. “Still though. Herald? Never took you for being egotistical.”

“The people here gave me the name. Not my fault if it sticks.” Viktor reasoned.

“Mm-hm. I’m sure you don’t love your adoring fans sing your praises.” Vi continued to tease.

“Did you come here with a purpose or just to annoy me?” Viktor asked with a deadpan.

“A bit of both. But mostly to give you this?” Vi said as she pulled out a small bag of cogs and handed it to Viktor. “It’s a bit of my earnings from today’s fight.”

“Is that what the new look is all about? I thought you were showing off your Halloween costume.” Viktor said this time with the teasing tone.

“Okay then, Skinny. How about I just give this to someone who will actually be grateful for all the punches I take inside the ring.” Vi threatened, but her tone had no malice in it.

Viktor looked at the bag and he turned solemn.

“Vi…you know you don’t have to keep giving me the money you earn. The commune will flourish just fine without having to deprive you from your own expenses.” Viktor told her.

“Hey, it’s no big deal. The rest of it goes to rent and booze anyway.” Vi said dismissively, trying to joke it off.

But Viktor could see the implications behind that statement.

But before he could further comment on it, their little banter was interrupted.

“What the Hell is she doing here!?”

They turned to see a woman carrying a small boy in her arms. He had a torn-up gas mask on and looked very frail.

“You got some nerve being here after what you did!” The woman said angrily as she glared at Vi.

“Madam, please. This is a place of peace, there is no need for hostilities.” Huck tried to reason as he came up to them.

“Why did you even let her in here?! She’s part of the reason why my son is dying!” The mother said with rage as she gestured to her weak son.

Vi realized he was dying from the Grey.

“All are welcomed in the Commune.” Viktor told her simply.

“She shouldn’t be! That Piltie dictator released that poison into the air and you helped her! You betrayed your people and you think we would just forget about it?!” The woman continued ranting.

“I…I didn’t think…” Vi tried to come up with some reason for committing the atrocities she did.

Nothing came to mind. Because she knew she was right.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Viktor take her side.

“Violet is fully aware of the consequences of her actions. She is trying to make amends for it and that’s more than enough to let her stay.” Viktor told her with a respectful tone.

“But she doesn’t deserve it!” The woman exclaimed.

“Who are we to decide what a person does or doesn’t deserve?” Viktor asked with a raised eyebrow. “You come into our home with the intention of wanting your son to be healed. Is he less deserving of it simply because of how his mother treats people?”

The woman froze at that, realizing her blunder.

“No, no! Please, I don’t care what happens to me just please save him, save my son!” The woman begged, tears starting to form in her eyes.

Viktor gave her a gentle smile and approached the two.

“As I said, all are welcome.” Viktor said as his eyes started to glow and he placed his fingertips on the boy’s head.

And just like always, once the lights fade, the boy appeared good as new with fingerprints on his head and a white streak on his hair to go with it.

He looked at his body with amazement and then at his mother, who cried with joy and tightly hugged her son.

The residents around them gave a joyous applause, happy to have another go through the rebirth.

Vi was always in awe by the sight, but this time all she could feel was guilt and sorrow for what caused this boy to be healed in the first place.

Viktor gave a cough to get her attention. He inclined his head towards to orb so they could speak privately.

Their walk was silent and he gestured at Vi to sit down on one of the rugs.

She did so without complaint.

“Your bandages need changing. If you don’t do it more often, it could lead to an infection.” Viktor told her gently as he reached into the desk that Vi found for him.

“Thanks for the tip, dad.” Vi said sarcastically.

Viktor just sighed and eventually pulled out a first aid kit.

“What? Not going to use your mystical powers to heal my wounds?” Vi asked mockingly.

“They are not required for minor injuries. Though it could maybe get rid of that sarcasm of yours.” Viktor said as he sat down across from her.

“Doubt it.” Vi said with a smirk.

Viktor in return just gave her a tired look.

Vi, getting the message, sighed and raised an arm towards him. He took it in a gentle grip and started unwrapping the bandages.

They sat there in the quietness, not saying anything for a bit as she let Viktor do his work.

Eventually Viktor decided to lead the conversation.

“You don’t have to keep blaming yourself, Vi.” Viktor told her.

“Don’t I?” Vi asked quietly.

“You thought you were offering a solution to the end of the fighting. Your intentions were well-meant.” Viktor continued,

“Doesn’t change the fact that I helped harass and torture a lot of innocent people!” Vi said angrily, more at herself than him.

Viktor didn’t say anything for a moment as he finished putting on her new wrappings.

“Is that why you feel the need to let others bash your brain around? To poison your organs with alcohol?” Viktor asked with a raised eyebrow. “Or is it because you did it all for her and she still left you?”

Vi hitched a breath at that, before standing up in a hurry and giving him glare full of rage.

“Fuck you, Viktor.” Vi said, this time very angry at him.

“You don’t have to keep carrying this burden, Vi. It’s not all on you.” Viktor told her.

Vi replied with a flip of the bird as she didn’t even look at him.

“The fuck does he know anyway? He thinks because he’s some miracle healer he suddenly knows better than everyone?! Well fuck him! Because I don’t need his help! And I’m doing just fine without it!” Vi thought angrily to herself.

She wasn’t sure when she would come back to the commune, if ever.

To Be Continued...

Well clearly she came back!

I was originally was going to have this chapter be longer but I decided to just have the part where Violet, Jinx, and Isha look for Vander be by itself.

But now the plot thickens! What exactly happened that caused Vi to not only come back but become part of the commune? You'll have to wait and see!

Until then, comment and tell me what you think!

Chapter Text

Violet was content.

That was how you could summarize her feelings nowadays.

Ever since she was healed by Viktor, she had adopted a new perspective on things. Things that gave her a new appreciation for life.

No longer did she have to feel burdened by guilt or anger, like she had to be punished for her misdeeds.

She could just live.

And she had Viktor to thank for that.

“You flatter me anymore and my face will become a plum.” Viktor said with a chuckle from inside her head.

“Can’t help it if its true.” Violet thought with a smirk.

“Yo! Little Miss Sunshine! You coming?!” Jinx called out to her as she opened the entrance to an abandoned mining shaft.

Violet simply smiled and followed after her.

As soon as they entered, Jinx clapped her hands and a bunch of spores started glowing.

“This is where I lost him.” Jinx told her as they walked through the tunnel.

“Plenty of solitude here, makes sense.” Violet commented as she clapped her hands to get the spores to glow again.

Isha took a closer look at the spores with interest.

“Cool, huh?” Jinx asked as she plucked one from the ground. “Not even toxic.” She said as she put it in her mouth to eat it.

Only to make a “bleegh” noise and stuck out her tongue.

“Preety yure.” Jinx said with her tongue out.

Isha groans in disgust and continues on her way.

“They’re certainly beautiful. I think Viktor would find some use for these back at the commune.” Violet said as she plucked a couple and put it in her knapsack.

“Would certainly be an entertaining light source.” Viktor said with a smirk.

Jinx looked at her with a curious eye, as if trying to figure out a piece to a puzzle.

“You see the cool wall art out there? I’m practically a hero in these parts now.” Jinx said smugly.

“Well you definitely worked hard for it. Glad things are working out for you.” Violet said with genuine kindness.

That just got a twitch out of Jinx, not the reaction she was hoping for.

“Well it does beat how things were when you decided to throw in with the Piltie goons who murdered mom and dad.” Jinx said, a bit meaner this time.

“Indeed. It was a grave mistake on my part. A mistake I’ve come to terms with at least.” Vi said with actual remorse and acceptance.

Jinx huffed in annoyance and turned back towards her.

“You know, you’re a lot less fun to annoy!” Jinx said with frustration.

“I wasn’t aware that having a conversation required being annoyed.” Violet said with a shit-eating smirk.

“You know you’re just antagonizing her, yes?” Viktor asked

“Eh, give her a taste of her own medicine.” Violet thought casually.

“It’d be better than whatever it is you’re doing right now!” Jinx said as she came to halt in their walk. “Where’s all the banter and snide comments that would come out your mouth?! The Vi I knew would at least put up a fight of some sorts.” She said bitterly.

Violet just sighed tiredly at her.

“What do you want from me, Jinx?” Violet asked simply, making Jinx look at her in confusion.

“I tried to let you back into my life, and you rejected me. I tried to fight you on your terms, and you nearly killed me. And even after all that, you still aren’t satisfied. It seems all you want to do is keep starting fights that don’t need to happen in the first place.” She said with an analyzing tone.

Jinx stuttered for a moment, wondering where the Hell that came from.

“Well gee, Doc! Didn’t realize being in a cult made you an expert in psychology! Clearly hanging out with the metal fortune cookie has made you into a softie!” Jinx said disappointedly

“Perhaps I should speak to her? It might help her get a better understanding of our commune.” Viktor offered.

“Bad idea. It’ll just put her more on edge than she already is.” Violet told him.

“You might not realize it, Jinx. But Viktor helped me more than I could have ever possibly imagined.” Violet said as she walked past Jinx and Isha and clapped her hands again to light up the tunnel.

“How? By turning you into a barefoot hippie that doesn’t even use her fists anymore?” Jinx asked sarcastically. “Doubt you could even land a punch on me if you wanted to. Not that you could have before.” She said offhandedly.

That actually got a bark of laughter out of Violet, surprising both Jinx and Isha.

“And what’s so funny?” Jinx asked with annoyance.

“Apologies.” Violet said before taking a moment to catch her breath before stopping in her tracks again to look at them. “You’re an expert shooter, Jinx. You’re very elusive and have a mind that rivals Viktor’s. But when it comes to a fist fight, it’s clear who the winner would be.” She said casually.

Jinx’s face grew from annoyance to anger.

“Says the girl who had to use over-sized bitch mittens to even stand a chance against me, which she didn’t even design herself.” Jinx countered.

“Oh, so the shimmer infusion doesn’t count as cheating?” Violet asked with a raised eyebrow, now the one getting on Jinx’s nerves.

“Slap incoming.”

It was like watching it happen in slow motion when Jinx’s hand appeared next to Violet’s cheek.

Which gave her the opportunity to quickly block it with ease.

This definitely shocked both Jinx and Isha, wondering how she could have seen that coming.

Violet then pushed Jinx’s hand away and quickly swung her own hand across Jinx’s face.

Resulting in a wet *CRACK* and stumbling done to the ground.

Isha quickly rushed to Jinx’s side who groaned with pain and sat back up. She reached up to her nose that was now crooked and bleeding, she stared at it flabbergasted, wondering what the Hell just happened.

“What! The fuck!?” Jinx asked with disbelief as she held her broken nose, Isha glared at the woman.

Violet simply smirked at them. “Like I said, a clear winner.”

“I tried to slap you and you break my fucking nose?!” Jinx asked with aggravation.

“You attacked me first; I was simply defending myself.” Violet said nonchalantly as she kneeled in front of her.

“Still! You could have-MMF!”

Jinx didn’t get to finish her statement though as one of her braids was suddenly shoved into her mouth by Violet, who then grabbed her nose and snapped it back into place. Jinx let out a muffled scream in pain at that, making Isha jump onto Violet’s back and start hitting her.

Violet simply sighed and pulled the kid off her, holding her by the back of her vest.

“Relax kid, I was just fixing it.” Violet said with a bored tone.

Isha then took Violet’s arm and bit right into it.

Normally, this is where Violet would grunt in pain and throw Isha back in frustration.

But she didn’t do that, she didn’t even flinch.

She just stared at Isha with an amused expression.

Long enough to the point where both Jinx and Isha were getting weirded out by it. Violet wasn’t surprised, they got themselves hurt all the time.

Nowadays, pain was irrelevant for her.

“You done?” Violet finally asked after a while, blood seeping from her wound and leaking down Isha’s mouth.

Isha quietly relented and wiped her mouth off from the blood. Violet put her down and stood back up.

“Look, we can go back and forth and continued this ridiculous feud of ours. Or we can cut our losses and just work together to find Vander. Sound good to you?” Violet said to her like a parent giving their child a lecture, while taking some of her wrappings and putting it around the bite mark so it wouldn’t keep leaking blood.

She offered Jinx a hand, who hesitated at first until she quietly took it and let her help her up.

The three came towards two tunnels that both headed in different directions, one on the left and one on the right.

Jinx and Isha looked at each other, wondering which one to take.

“He went down this way.” Violet said as she walked down the tunnel on the left.

Jinx raised a questioning eyebrow. “And how do you know that?”

“Shimmer. He reeks of it.” Violet said solemnly as she went further into the tunnel, without even looking at her.

“That’s how the Hexcore was able to evolve, right?” Vi asked.

“Indeed, the arcane has certain bond to it now. It should make tracking your father easier.” Viktor told her.

While they were having their internal conversation, Jinx and Isha just stared at her with confusion.

“She’s starting to creep me out.” Isha sighed.

“Yeah…” Jinx agreed with a quiet nod.

She was going to need to have a “conversation” with Viktor when they were done here and find out what just what he did to Violet.

…

Eventually, the two came across an old break room, a small area where miners could eat and drink. It seemed to be the place where Vander and Silco used to hang out as the girls found their uniforms.

Jinx came across a letter that was written by Vander:

"Silco, I've looked everywhere, but...it's clear you don't wanna be found.

I'm sorry.

When she died, I lost my head. I told myself what I did to you was for the greater good, that you deserved it. But the dirt was on both our hands. Anyway, you know where to find me.

Blisters and bedrock.

V.”

Jinx stood there in silence for a moment, processing what was written.

“If he had found this, maybe everything might have been different.” Jinx said sadly, Isha grabbing her hand in support.

Violet took the letter and gave it a quick glance over.

“We can’t change our past, Jinx. What we do now is all that matters.” Violet told her as she hovered the letter over the candle fire and let it burn.

She then tossed it onto the ground and went back out into the tunnel.

Jinx watched this with her mouth agape and went after Violet with heated footsteps.

“HEY! What the Hell is your problem?!” Jinx asked angrily.

Violet continued to walk but turned her head over her shoulder to give Jinx a questioning look.

“Not sure what you mean.” Violet said casual.

“You and this dumbass new attitude of yours!” Jinx yelled as she wildly gestured to Violet’s appearance. “You break my nose! You don’t react when Isha bites you! You’ve been treating this whole search-and-rescue like it’s a chore! And now you burned what is probably the only possession of Vander’s! You’re like a completely different person!” She said with bewildered rage, trying to understand what was happening to her sister.

“I am a different person, Jinx. One who doesn’t let her past eat her alive anymore or react violently to petty insults and insinuations.” Violet told her in a calm manner. “I’m living a happier life, maybe you should try it instead giving yourself a migraine.” She said in a joking manner.

Jinx was getting really ticked off now.

“You must have gone through one Hell of a bad breakup to get like this. What is your Piltie girlfriend up to these days?” Jinx quipped, hoping to find something to break her.

Turns out that it worked as Violet suddenly stopped in her tracks and clenched her fists in frustration.

“Violet…deep breaths.” Viktor advised with a careful tone.

“Oooh! Finally struck a nerve in that lobotomized personality of yours?” Jinx asked with a shit-eating grin.

Violet did indeed take a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

“What Caitlyn does is none of my concern. She’s living her own life back in Piltover.” Violet said in a neutral tone.

“Oh man, the breakup really was bad! She must have torn you a new one if it turned you into a zealot.” Jinx said in antagonizing teasing tone, finally knowing which buttons to push.

Violet turned around and looked at her intensely.

“Jinx…I am asking you to drop it. Now.” Violet said with a dark tone in her voice.

“Violet. Don’t let her bait you. You’re better than this.” Viktor told her.

“Not sure I care at the moment, Viktor.” She said, venom coursing through her veins.

Jinx’s grin just got bigger, while Isha was starting to get nervous.

She didn’t like the look in Violet’s eyes.

She couldn’t figure out why, but it disturbed her.

“There’s the sister I know and loathe! All I gotta do is mention your precious cupcake!” Jinx said with a mocking tone at the end.

Violet was about to show her different she was if it wasn’t for the sudden noise they all heard.

They stared down the dark tunnel, the ground starting to rumble as they heard it get closer and closer.

“Guessing that’s Vander?” Violet asked, having calmed down.

“Something’s got him riled up.” Jinx said cautiously as she crouched next to Isha, who was starting to get scared.

They soon saw a red light charging towards them.

“You might want to get out of the way.” Violet said, still in a calm manner.

“No! Vander, no! It’s me!” Jinx tried to reassure the incoming monster, ignoring Violet’s advice.

Violet ran towards the hulking beast and leaped over him, giving him a kick on the head while she was at it.

Jinx and Isha moved out of the way in time as Vander crashed into the wall. Violet landed back on the ground and got a good look at him.

He was no longer human, instead looking like a large wolfman as Jinx had described.

“Well he’s certainly hairier than the last time you saw him.” Viktor observed.

Violet simply rolled her eyes.

“Don’t hurt him!” Jinx said with concern as she held Isha by her side.

“Not sure I could.” Violet said quietly as Vander charged her again.

Vander roared and tried to swipe at Violet again, who dodged the beast’s attacks without even breaking a sweat.

“Any ideas?” Violet asked.

“Make contact with him, I should be able to calm him down.” Viktor told her.

Violet’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Are you sure we’re ready for that?”

“We’ve been practicing this for weeks now, Violet. I trust you.” Viktor reassured her.

And that was good enough for her.

“Vander, please. Don’t make me…” Jinx said weakly as she held her pistol towards him.

The man-beast looked at her and they could see he was struggling inside that head of his.

“Jinx. Put it down. I got this.” Violet told her with ease as she stood in between them.

“Wha…What are you planning?” Jinx asked, not sure what she was doing.

“Something Viktor and I have been working on.” Violet said with a smirk.

Soon Vander regained his senses and charged Violet again.

And once again, like it was slow motion, she could see Vander upon her, ready to strike.

Instead, Violet quickly placed her palm upon Vander’s head and breathed in.

…

Violet opened her eyes and found Viktor standing next to her.

“Viktor?” Violet asked with mild surprise.

“Hello Violet.” Viktor greeted with a small smile.

They were both in their astral forms when inside the Arcane.

“It worked!” Violet said excitedly.

They both took in their surroundings.

“This looks familiar.” Viktor commented.

“The Last Drop. Before Vander…” Violet started to say before setting her eyes on said individual behind the bar.

He was younger, no grays in his hair, no beard yet. He was Vander in full stride.

“Vander…” Violet said with a nostalgic tone.

It was clear this was a memory of his.

“What's the occasion?” The Vander from the past asked, looking at someone across from him.

They looked to see who he was talking to, and their eyes widened in surprise.

It was a purple-haired woman in a stitched together sun dress, choosing a song from the jukebox.

“Hmm. Can't a lady just be in the mood for a familiar song?” She asked in a sweet tone.

“Not this lady, and not this song.” Vander joked as he started to prepare drinks.

Violet could feel her breath catch in her lungs as the lady turned her head and smirked at him.

“That’s…” Viktor started to say.

“…Mother…” Violet said breathlessly.

The woman, better known as Felicia, danced her way towards the counter as the song picked up.

Violet wanted so badly to run up to her and hug her with all her might. For so long, all she had of her mother were the memories. Memories of her nurturing kindness, her strong-will, and her unrelenting detail for making the perfect stew.

But now here she was, full of life again, and all Violet could do was stand there frozen in place.

Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Viktor looking at her with understanding.

“She’s beautiful.” Viktor told her.

“Yeah…she was.” Violet said as she gripped his hand in return.

“Tonight, a harebrained scheme these two bozos cooked up to turn a dank crack in the earth into a thriving, healthy community became a reality.” Felicia said to them as she swirled her drink around.

“Tonight, eh? You hear that, Bozo 2? We made it. We're done.” Vander said teasingly as he clanked his glass with Felicia.

Bozo 2 was a skinny man with long hair in a ponytail, working in his journal.

Violet got a closer look and could see that this man looked familiar.

“Oh, you're sadly mistaken. I'm Bozo 1.” The man said with a smirk.

Violet’s eyes widened once more in surprise as she realized who it was.

“Silco?” Violet said with shock.

“Seems he and Vander knew each other before everything happened.” Viktor said with a raised eyebrow.

Violet wasn’t sure how to react to that. She remembered the animosity the two had for each other back at that warehouse, so it just made her wonder what happened between them. She was also frustrated as to why he never said anything about him before.

And then remembered the letter Vander wrote, and she had a feeling that her mother may have been the catalyst to all of it.

Before she could think about it further, her mom dropped a bomb on the two Zaunites.

“I'm knocked up.”

The men looked at her with surprise before Vander took her drink away and gave her a cup of juice instead.

Viktor could help but snort at that. “Always prepared.”

“He’s a bartender, that’s his job.” Violet said with a smirk.

They could see Felicia was anxious about the whole thing, wondering if she was up to the task of being a mother.

“Hey, you're gonna be a great mother.” Vander reassured her.

Violet and Viktor both smiled gratefully at that, knowing she really was.

“I started trying to come up with a name, and it hits me that this one word is a decision she's gonna live with her whole life. I can't protect her from the shit down here and work out how to be a parent at the same time.” Felicia said solemnly.

Violet wished she could comfort her, even it was just a memory.

“Then I realized, I don't have to.” Felicia continued.

“Hmm? Why's that?” Vander asked curiously.

“Because the second I told you, I put you on the hook.” Felicia said with a sly grin.

“She’s definitely your mother.” Viktor said with a chuckle.

“Damn right.” Violet said with a proud smile.

The two could see the chemistry between the three adults, it reminded Violet of her own childhood with Mylo, Claggor, and Jinx when she was still Powder.

Perhaps things would have been different had it not been for the massacre on the bridge.

“Remember Violet. We can’t change our past…” Viktor started to remind her.

“…What we do now is all that matters.” Violet finished. Sad but accepting of the concept.

“To Zaun, then. Blisters and Bedrock.” Silco gave his toast and the three clanked their glasses together.

After a moment, Vander spoke up.

“I've always liked the name Violet.”

And for Violet, that was the most shocking of all the revelations.

She could see the gears turning in Felicia’s head as she gave Vander a smile.

“…He…he named me?” Violet said, loss for words.

Viktor gave her a supportive smile.

“Makes sense a father would name his child.” He said with quiet joy.

Violet made her way towards the man and saw him in a new light.

She realized then that this man was always destined to be the one to shelter her, to guide her, to protect her.

Because this man truly was her father, and he was standing in front of her.

“Vander!” Violet shouted with tearful glee as she wrapped her arms around him.

…

She opened her eyes and saw her father back in his wolf form, but now he was embracing her just like she was embracing him.

She pulled back and looked into his blue and yellow eyes, and he could see the recognition he held for her. For his daughter.

Violet could feel the tears running down her cheeks as she cupped the man’s large face.

“Welcome back, father.” She whispered with unbridled joy as she touched her forehead with his.

Jinx and Isha soon joined her in the embrace, Jinx crying pink tears of relief.

Violet wasn’t sure how to react. Truthfully, she wanted to have Vander all to herself.

“Remember Violet. He’s her father too.” Viktor reminded her.

As much as Violet wanted to argue with that, she knew he was right.

She thought she moved on from Jinx, but perhaps their time together could prove to be beneficial in the long run. Especially if it meant her father got to a better state than before.

Thus, she slowly wrapped an arm around Jinx’s shoulders, surprising the girl. Vi simply nodded and wrapped her arms around the three of them.

They stayed like that for a while, just basking in their company.

That is until Viktor popped in again.

“It seems we have an unexpected obstacle.” Viktor told her neutrally.

Violet perked up at that.

“What is it?” Violet asked, knowing Viktor wouldn’t have interrupted their reunion if it wasn’t important.

“Salo is dead.”

To Be Continued…

The plot thickens!

So here we get to see more of what the mindset is with Vi(or Violet as she prefers to be called now) since she was “healed” by Viktor. As you can see, she’s not a complete shell of her former self, but merely picked up more of Viktor’s mannerisms and has learned to control her impulses more often, unless it involves Caitlyn that is.

And yeah, Violet HATES Caitlyn in this AU. Why? You’ll have to wait and see.

As for Jinx, she doesn’t hate her. She’s just done with her. She has come to terms with how their relationship is now and doesn’t feel the need to patch things up as she has moved on with her life.

Violet has even picked up some of Viktor’s abilities, which will have a deeper dive later in the fic.

And now that she learned of Salo’s death, it means she knows of Jayce’s return as well. Will she be able to stop Jayce from completing his mission?! Tune in next time and find out!!

Until then, comment and tell me what you think!

Chapter Text

It would be another month until Viktor saw Vi again. Something told him that she may still have been angry with him about his comments concerning Cait.

Not his fault if he was being honest. But perhaps he didn’t have to be so blunt.

After all, he liked Vi. He enjoyed her company and was a breath of fresh air from the usual routine that involved healing people and maintaining a commune.

When he thought she wasn’t going to come back at all, he received a word of mild concern from Huck in the middle of the night.

He made his way towards the entrance and found a very intoxicated Vi being held by Loris. Viktor had met him a few times, either picking up Vi for her matches or bringing people who needed to be healed. A nice fellow even if he was a man of few words.

“VIK!!” Vi shouted with drunken glee as she pulled herself off the man and stumbled her way towards Viktor. “My main metal, cult leader guy!” She said with slurred joy as she wrapped her arms around his neck like he was a dog.

She had black paint running down her eyes, suggesting that she had got done with a pit fight earlier.

“Loris! Th-eis the guy I t-old you about!” Vi said with garbled excitement as she looked towards Loris and pointed at Viktor, now just having an arm wrapped around his shoulders. “He’s got super wird, but su-oper cool voodoo powers that make people glow!” She rambled on as she waved her hands in exaggeration.

“I know Vi. We met before.” Loris reminded her before nodding at Viktor, which he returned.

“I mean look at Hucky here!” She pointed out as she then let go of Viktor and pulled Huck into an embrace. “He’s was all warty and purple-ly and Gods knows what else! And now look at him, he’s shiny! Literal glow up!” She said with a giggle as she smushed the cheeks of a puzzled Huck.

“Thank you, Vi.” Huck said with smushed lips.

“I can see that.” Loris said tiredly but also a bit amused.

“Celebrating a little too hard?” Viktor asked, no judgement in his tone, just stating a fact.

“She got into a little scuffle back at The Last Drop. Figured she could use a familiar place to sober up.” Loris explained.

“Sober up? HA! I’m just get-tting started bro!” Vi balked as she pulled a flask from her black jacket.

Which was quickly snatched by Viktor. “I think your brain cells have received enough damage tonight.”

“Ahhhh come ooooonn! I ain’t sailing!” Vi tried to argue as she tried to grab the flask, only to trip on her own two feet and fall into a barely conscious state on the ground.

Viktor sighed and gave his attention to Huck.

“Take her back to my quarters.” He told him through his thoughts.

Huck nodded and pulled the limp Vi up, who was still garbling gibberish.

“Thank you, Loris. I’ll make sure Vi receives proper rest.” Viktor said as he started to follow Huck.

“Sure.” Loris simply said, before something else came to mind. “You know, she talks about you all the time.”

Viktor paused at that.

“Does she?” Viktor asked, not expecting that statement.

“A lot of it is when she’s drunk but you’re probably one of the few remaining people she counts as a friend.” Loris told him. “So…thanks.” He said before going on his way.

Viktor wasn’t sure what to say to that.

The only real friend he had was Jayce.

And then the explosion happened, and everything changed.

He was glad he came into Vi’s life when he did, but he didn’t think she saw him as a friend. They were friendly to one another but he never thought it was anything more than that.

Perhaps he should investigate this claim later on.

By the time he made his way back to the dome, Huck was waiting for him.

“I put her on a cot next to yours, my Herald. She’s resting right now.” Huck told him.

“Thank you, Huck. Feel free to get some rest, I’ll have Lena take over for you.” Viktor said as he sent the message to the woman.

“Thank you, my Herald.” Huck said gratefully before going on his way.

Viktor entered his quarters and saw Vi, who was now asleep and curled up on the cot, as if trying to protect herself from all the bad on the outside.

Viktor remembered how he first met her. So lost and filled with regret and bitterness.

It seemed after all these months, she still felt the same.

Viktor quietly lifted a hand up.

He could make it all go away, let her finally let go of all her pain and suffering and be free.

He brought his hand over to her head…

And brushed her dyed-black locks, hoping to comfort her.

Flashes of her past came to light, people that were lost to tragedy. It explained a lot and yet explained nothing.

“You can ease her suffering right now, Viktor. It would be better for her.” Sky told him as she appeared next to him.

“Only if she agrees.” Viktor told her.

He would present the option to her sometime later, he wouldn’t want to heal those without their consent first.

He wasn’t sure what it was, but every time he found Vi in his company, he felt lighter. Like the world wasn’t so bad and didn’t need to be perfected as he envisioned.

Yes, she was flawed, and yet her flaws are what made her so unique.

Still, he wished she could see what he could see, as it would make their bond even closer.

Sometime later, while Viktor was meditating as he didn’t need sleep anymore, he heard muttering come from the slumbering Vi. She started twitching as well.

“No…no…” Vi muttered anxiously.

“Vi…?” Viktor said with a raised eyebrow.

“No…Caitlyn please…no…don’t leave me here...!” Vi muttering became louder as tears started to sprout from her eyes. “Help! HELP!”

Viktor could see she was having a nightmare and started to intervene.

“Violet, wake u-”

As soon as Viktor put his hand on her shoulder, he suddenly found himself on the ground with a wide-eyed Vi breathing erratically, holding him down by the neck and a fist aimed at his face ready to strike.

Her eyes shook like a ravage beast, ready to pounce on those who dare cross her.

Before he had merged with the Hexcore, Viktor would have been scared by this action. But now, he was merely surprised by the sudden movement. She was a lot faster than he had realized.

Eventually, Vi’s pupils dilated, and she could see who she was threatening.

“V…Viktor?” Vi asked, starting to breathe at a normal rate again.

“Hello Vi…” Viktor said solemnly.

Vi then noticed her hand around Viktor’s throat and quickly pulled it back, as if it was burnt.

“Wha…where…” Vi stuttered, trying to figure out what was happening.

Before she could think about it anymore, she brought a hand to her mouth and quickly ran out of the dome to vomit.

Viktor lifted himself back up and grabbed a rag for her.

After she was done spewing the contents of her stomach, he offered the rag to her and she took it quietly, giving a silent nod in thanks.

He then proceeded to fill a bowl with water and he gave that to her. “Thank you for not messing up my rug.” He said with a smirk.

After spitting out the water she used to gargle her mouth, she snorted weakly. “Didn’t realize you cared so much for the decor.” She joked.

“Eh, it ties the room together.” Viktor said casually with a smirk.

Vi didn’t respond and just looked towards the commune in silence. With that, Viktor got a bigger bowl of water with another rag and sat next to the sobering pit fighter.

He gently grasped her shoulder to get her attention; she flinched at the movement but calmed down when she saw it was Viktor. He then cupped her chin, surprising her.

“What are you…” Vi tried to ask.

“You look like a ghoul with all the makeup on your face, don’t need you scaring the kids.” He said with mild amusement as he dunked the rag into the water and then brought towards her left cheek.

“You…you don’t need to…” Vi tried to say, but the words were lost in her throat.

“Shhh…” Viktor gently shushed her as he continued to wipe her face. “It’s just me Vi. You don’t have to put on the tough guy act for me.”

Normally Vi would take offense to that remark but she was too tired, too hungover, and honestly too depressed to even argue.

So she let him work and they sat together in silence.

“May I ask what your dream was about?” Viktor eventually asked.

Vi rolled her eyes at him. “Gonna turn all therapist on me?”

“Just making conversation. Besides, it seems like it was bothering you. Talking might help.” Viktor offered as he continued to clean.

Vi stayed silent for a few moments before finally sighing.

“I was in Stillwater for a long time, you know that?” She asked him.

Viktor simply shook his head.

“Seven years it turns out. Seven years and I come back to a world I don’t recognize and a sister who turned into a monster and hates my guts. Funny enough, all it took was one night. One night for my entire life to upend, one night for me to lose everything and everyone I cared about. Ain’t that cruel irony?” Vi began as she gave a sarcastic chuckle.

“I was back there. I was back in my cell, and I could feel these eyes on me. Judging me and filled with scorn, those eyes belonged to Vander, Claggor, Mylo, and Powder. Except she wasn’t Powder anymore, she was Jinx. She took Powder and killed her right in front of me!” Vi continued, her voice rising in despair.

Viktor assumed these were the people he saw in the flashes.

“I tried to move, tried to get away but I was chained down, forced to take their judgement, their insults, their disappointment. But the real kicker was the one who put me in there in the first place, the one standing guard, it’s Caitlyn.” She whispered. “She’s standing there with this stern look on her face, a look that says, ‘You deserve to be here!’, ‘You’re worthless!’ And I’m begging her to let me out, begging her to help me!” She says as if pleading for her life.

“But she just stares at me and lets me be tormented.” She finished.

Viktor doesn’t say anything, just puts the rag back in the bowl as he is done cleaning her face.

“I keep trying to tell myself that it’s just a nightmare. They would never say those things, do those things. But the fact is I’m the reason that they’re gone. I’m the reason Powder is Jinx now and why Caitlyn hates me. The fact of the matter is that I am worthless!” Vi said with finality.

“…I’m worthless.” She finished with an empty voice.

They stayed silent for a moment longer before Viktor finally decided to speak up.

“You asked me once what got me off the ledge of a building.” Viktor began. “Jayce reminded me what we were building towards. What Hextech was supposed to be for others. He was a light at the end of the tunnel that I needed at that time.” He spoke.

The statement surprised Vi, she knew they were partners, but she never realized how close they were.

“I followed you that day because I knew what it was like to hurt. To blame yourself for the misery of others. To want to end it all, just to make the pain stop.” He told her solemnly. “I wanted to be someone who truly helped. Not for their own benefit, but because it was the right thing to do.”

He then cupped Vi’s cheek with his hand.

“I saw a life that did not deserve to be cut short. Because you are not worthless, Vi. Your life will never be worthless. Your heart shines brighter than you realize. And the world would be a lot sadder without you in it.” He said with complete sincerity.

Vi looked at him with shock as she could tell he was completely serious.

All these revelations, these truths. It was too damn much for her.

Because the next thing Viktor knew, he suddenly had Vi wrapped around his waist and crying into his chest.

Viktor made no move to push her off, he just wrapped his own arms around her and brushed her hair.

…

Vi could feel the sunlight in her eyes as she let out a groan. She could feel her skull pounding against her head as she sat up.

As her vision unblurred, she took in her surroundings. She was in Viktor’s private quarters, sitting on a cot next to his.

It was then the memories of last night came flooding back to her.

The nightmare.

The answered question.

The kinship.

“Wide awake I see.” Viktor spoke up, getting her attention.

He was standing by the entrance of his orb, looking at her with a small smile.

“Uh, yeah.” Vi said awkwardly. “…Thanks for…last night…”

“It was no trouble.” Viktor said simply, his smile did not leave.

“Didn’t mean to fall asleep on your floor, I was going to go back to my apartment but I was just really tired and…” She tried to explain.

Truth be told, it was the best sleep she had in a LONG time.

“As I said, no trouble.” He repeated, no malice or annoyance in his voice. Just that same gentle tone and smile.

Vi wasn’t sure what else to say.

That was a lie. She knew what to say. What she wanted to ask.

But she was a coward, so instead so got up and took her leave.

“I guess I’ll see you around.” She said as she made her way past him.

“Violet.” He spoke her full name, making her freeze in her tracks. “You need to only ask.” He told her kindly.

She looked back at the commune leader and could see he meant it. He meant it now as he meant everything he said the night before.

She didn’t want to ask. She didn’t want to be a burden. She didn’t want to get him hurt like she had everyone else.

…And yet…

She wanted to give it a chance. She wanted something else besides all the pain and bitterness she always felt.

So with that, she mustered up all her courage and asked with a rare timid voice:

“Can I stay?”

Viktor smiled and held his hand out to her, which she gladly accepted.

To Be Continued…

And now we see what got Vi to stay at the commune in the first place. She doesn’t get healed yet, oh no, that comes with the next flashback chapter.

For now, it’s a mixture of angst and fluff and the strengthening of a bond.

Next chapter we’ll be returning to the present with Jinx seeing how commune life is and how her sister fits into all of it.

Until then, comment and tell me what you think!

Chapter Text

As the three made their way back to the commune, the more anxious Jinx got about letting Vander near the Viktor.

Even though they shared a hug, Vi barely acknowledged Jinx or Isha on the trip back. All her attention was focused on their dad, which was understandable considering it’s been years since they seen him and was now a giant wolf creature.

But Jinx was worried, from what she has seen of this “healed” Vi, would the same happen to her father? Would he be changed just like he was.

They were greeted by Huck again, who seemed delighted by Vander’s appearance instead of the usual fear one might feel when seeing a large beast.

“Vander. You found him.” Huck said with joy as he approached the man beast.

Vander growled at the man as he approached but Vi quickly calmed him down.

“It’s alright, father. He’s a friend.” Vi said in a gentle tone as she rubbed his side.

Vander grunted a bit more but eventually relented. Vi nodded at Huck and he petted her dad on the head.

“The Herald is expecting you.” Huck said simply.

Vi nodded and they made their way inside.

The healed members of the commune turned their attention towards Vander and watched him with unbridled happiness. As if they were the ones whose father they had just reunited with. It was starting to creep Isha out.

And Jinx was starting to like this place less and less.

“You seem troubled.” Vi said out the blue, surprising her.

“It’s nothing.” Jinx tried to rebuke.

“You haven’t said a word the whole walk back so it must be something.” Vi stated.

Jinx was also getting really tired of Violet’s new analyzing personality.

“If you really wanna know, I don’t think Vander being healed by that metal twink is a good idea.” Jinx said with annoyance.

Vi, instead of being offended, looked at her with a suspicious brow. “You want him to stay like this?”

“No! But come on! Look at these people! Look at you! You’re telling me Vander would be better off like that?!” Jinx asked incredulously.

Once again, instead of being mad, Vi simply rolled her eyes.

“I suppose it makes sense…” She said in a patronizing manner.

Jinx and Isha raised eyebrows at that.

“What makes sense?” Jinx asked in annoyed confusion.

“It unsettles you. People who are balanced and undisturbed. You believe if someone is living a free life, there must be something wrong with them. Otherwise, your own hardships end up being your fault.” Vi said matter-of-factly.

Isha cringed at that, feeling that burn.

Jinx’s eye started twitching and her mouth looked like it sucked a lemon because she was about five condescending words from breaking her sister’s jaw.

The two arrived at Viktor’s quarters, who was waiting for them with a pleasant smile on his face.

“Welcome back.” Viktor said with a small smile.

Vi made her way over to him and gave him a tight hug, which he gladly returned.

Jinx huffed and looked away in annoyance. But Isha could see the jealousy in her eyes.

“Father, this is Viktor, my bratr.” Vi said kindly as the two approached Vander. “He’s a healer who helped me and I’m hoping he can do the same for you.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I wish it could have been under different circumstances, but I would be happy to free you from this pain.” Vi said gently as he raised a hand towards Vander’s head.

Only to have it snatched by Jinx.

“Before we do that, I need to have a ‘chat’ with your bratwurst.” Jinx said coolly.

“Jinx…” Vi said tiredly.

“It’s alright, Violet. Why don’t you take Vander to the greenroom? You can get him situated there.” Viktor suggested.

The two look at each other, silently communicating, and eventually Vi gives a reaffirming nod.

She gives Jinx a warning look before guiding Vander back towards the houses.

“Go with them. Make sure the others don’t try to spring some culty shit on our dad.” Jinx told Isha.

The small girl gave a salute and quickly followed after the two.

“What can I do for you, Powder?” Viktor asked in a casual manner.

To which, Jinx grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into a wall.

“First off, never call me Powder again. It’s Jinx, got it?!” She said venomously.

Viktor, not showing any fear, simply nodded.

“Second, I want you to tell me just what exactly it is you did to my sister!” Jinx demanded.

“I gave her a new chance at life, that is all.” Viktor said simply.

“Bullshit! You did something to her! She’s not acting like herself!” Jinx said angrily.

Viktor snorted at that.

“What’s so funny?!” Jinx asked, not in the mood for his games.

“I just find it humorous that you don’t want your sister to change, despite the fact you insist on how much you changed.” Viktor said with a smirk.

“You-that’s not-STOP PSYCHO-THERAPYING ME!” Jinx said with aggravated annoyance. “I want to let my sister out whatever spell you put her in and we’re gonna go on our merry way to find a place to actually fix Vander and not turn him into a zombie like everyone else here!”

Viktor fixed her with a stare, as if contemplating his next words.

Eventually he sighed and looked at her solemnly.

“Do you know how I met your sister, Jinx?” Viktor asked.

Jinx paused at that, wondering where he was going with this.

“It was on top of a building, ready to jump off the ledge.” He told her.

That caused Jinx to freeze, even relaxing her grip on Viktor.

“W…What?” Jinx asked, not sure she heard him right.

“She was in a dark place. Having lost both her sister and the woman she loved very dearly. She wanted to be free of the pain, free of the torment, free of the guilt that she let weigh on her.” Viktor continued.

“You’re…you’re lying!” Jinx insisted angrily. “Vi would never-”

“Never what? Take the worst drastic measure because you and that woman put her on that ledge?” Viktor asked, sounding a bit emotional since the first time they met.

Jinx took a step back at that, feeling the salt on that wound.

“N-No. I-I wasn’t trying to…I just…” Jinx tried to explain.

“I got her off that ledge, Jinx. But it didn’t stop that night. The torment, the guilt, the pain. It was all still there. When she wasn’t fighting in the pits, she was drinking herself to death. She chose to punish herself because she felt that’s what she deserved. For abandoning you, for almost killing you, for letting her go.” Viktor continued as he turned to look out towards the commune.

“I care deeply for Violet. More than I ever thought I would. I couldn’t stand seeing her in pain, so when I gave her the choice to be healed, she accepted.” He said solemnly.

“But…but she’s…” Jinx tried to rebuttal.

“She’s what? Happy? Carefree? Finally at peace with herself?” Viktor asked rhetorically. “Do you really hate seeing your sister in such a state? Or do you want to just keep punishing her for what happened between you two all those years ago?” He asked more seriously.

“Of course I don’t! I…I just…” Jinx tried to explain, but she honestly couldn’t think of an answer.

“I understand that you have suffered as well, Jinx. You were both dealt a bad hand when you were children. You chose a way to process it, and Violet chose hers. I’m not asking you to accept it but maybe empathize why she did it.” Viktor told her gently.

Jinx stared at him at a loss of words, not sure how to respond.

With that, Viktor made his way towards the greenhouse.

“I won’t heal your father if that’s truly what you wish. But perhaps stay for a bit and see why Violet chose this path.” He told her kindly.

Jinx stood there, still feeling conflicted about the whole thing.

…

“I was hoping for more pushback on your end.” Violet thought with a bit of annoyance as she brushed Vander’s arm.

“That would just drive them away. No, if you wish for your father to be healed, you’ll need to show her how he can benefit from being here.” Viktor advised as he watered some plants.

Normally the two wouldn’t find the need to communicate telepathically when they were in the same room, but considering Isha was watching them like a hawk, they decided to play it safe.

Violet sighed. “Easier said than done.”

Since their time in the mines, she could see Jinx’s danger meter was in the red. She clearly didn’t approve of the commune and its practices so she wasn’t sure how convincing her to stay would work.

“She has missed you. I can see it in her eyes and her memories. Perhaps this will provide an opportunity for you two to reconnect.” Viktor reasoned with a smirk.

Violet didn’t know how to feel about that. The two were still on opposite ends of what they perceived as logic but maybe they could come to an impasse if necessary.

“And what about Jayce?” Vi asked.

When she learned that he returned from some different dimension and immediately killed Salo afterwards, her concerns for Viktor skyrocketed.

What if he came here? What if he tried to ruin everything they had built?!

“That’s a problem we can work out later. Right now, focus on your father.” Viktor told her.

“Viktor…” Violet deadpanned, wishing he would take it seriously.

“My first and main concern is to make sure the people of our commune thrive. Vander is one of those people now. Please do not worry.” Viktor reasoned with a small smile.

Violet sighed tiredly at that. “Always so stubborn.”

“Look who’s talking.” Viktor quipped.

The two shared a laugh at that, which just caused Isha to look at the two with a weirded-out expression.

“We should probably start using our mouths, otherwise the kid is going to think we’re crazy.” Violet said.

“Isha, would you like to help me set up space for Vander here? Depending on how long you plan on staying, it would be wise to make him comfortable.” Viktor suggested.

Isha eyed him suspiciously but gave him a firm nod and went over to help.

Jinx decided to make her appearance then.

“Hey, uh…can we talk?” Jinx asked quietly to Violet.

She looked over at Viktor who gave her a nod.

The two left the greenhouse and walked around the commune.

“You said you were in Stillwater all those years you were gone.” Jinx began awkwardly. “…What was that like?” She asked.

Violet looked at her with a calculating eye, realizing she was trying to reach out. Perhaps Viktor was onto something.

“Survival. I was never sure if the next day was going to be my last. In prison, you can’t afford to be weak, otherwise you’d be eaten alive. Statistically, I’m part of the majority that should have died when I was thrown in there.” Violet said solemnly.

Jinx took her words as she looked downcast towards the ground.

“I didn’t realize how bad you had it…” Jinx said.

“That’s because you never asked.” said Violet.

“I know! I get it! I screwed up! I jinxed it like I always do!” Jinx said with angry regret.

“(Sighs)I don’t think you do get it, Jinx.” Violet said tiredly.

Jinx just looked at her confusingly.

“I’m not saying these things out of hostility. They’re facts of the situation. You think I’m harboring animosity towards you, but the truth is I just moved on with my life. Why bother keep dwelling in the past when I can just look forward to the what the future can hold.” Violet told her gently. “You’re doing that with Isha. Am I not allowed to do that with Viktor? Is Vander not allowed to have that?” She asked.

Jinx was getting there; she just needed a little wiggle worm.

“And maybe…we can find a new path that can have all of us in it again.” Violet offered, sweetening the deal as she put her hand on Jinx’s shoulder.

Jinx thought about it, Violet could see the conflicted thoughts going on.

“I’ll think about…I want to see what this cult of yours is all about before I let the aluminum weirdo mess with our dad’s head.” Jinx said.

Not exactly a victory, but not a loss either. Violet will take what she can get.

“Of course. Come, see what we’re all about.” She said with a kind smile as she gestured her sister to follow her.

…

Jinx got a feel for the commune.

It was definitely well-organized; everyone kept on schedule and took turns with everyday duties and chores.

The children received the necessary education and playtime and felt at home.

No one complained, everyone got along just fine, it was all perfect.

Too perfect for Jinx’s liking.

Even in a place like Piltover, stingy as they were, the people there still acted in a more human way than the bizarro members.

As for Vi, Jinx’s assessment was right when she thought her sister was a well-respected member here.

When she asked the others about her, they were quick to address her as The Herald’s Right Hand, the Red-Headed Mediator, or The Herald’s Sestra.

Despite some quips here and there, there was never any real bite in her conversation with people and she was friendly to all of them. She found herself looking after the kids there occasionally since some were orphans.

And when she wasn’t hanging out with Vander, it was always with Viktor. They ate together, meditated together, they even slept in the same quarters together!

Honestly, Jinx would have thought they were in a relationship if she hadn’t found out Vi had been getting it on with some of the women there. Not that Jinx needed to know the details of that.

Vi certainly fit right in with the crowd, and that was the problem.

Her sister wasn’t dumb; she would have caught onto these red-flags just like she did. So what could have happened that would have made want to be healed in the first place? Was it the cupcake dictator? Or did she really hate her life so much that she felt turning into one of these people would bring her happiness?

Was that Jinx’s fault? Did she push her too far away?

The voices soared through her head, calling her what she already knew.

She was a Jinx, always making things worse for people.

During that internal conflict, she felt a small hand rest upon hers.

It dragged her out of her thoughts and saw a concerned Isha look at her.

Jinx couldn’t help but smile at her, she thanked Janna the little ankle-biter came in her life when she did. Otherwise, Jinx definitely would have been swallowed up in darkness by now.

“Jinx, come on!” Vi called as she came up to her and took her hand. “The ceremony is about to begin!” She said excitedly as she pulled Jinx and Isha towards the crowd.

Right now, it was the middle of the night and Viktor had called a meeting of sorts with the entire commune. They were gathered together with a huge firepit in the middle, Viktor stood in front of it with Vi, Jinx, and Isha right by his side.

“Thank you all for coming tonight.” Viktor began. “It fills my heart with joy knowing that our community has grown so much.”

The members cheered and gave praise to their Herald. Jinx and Isha both just rolled their eyes.

“Tonight, I wish to properly celebrate the discovery of my sestra’s father, Vander.” Viktor said as he gestured to greenhouse, where Vander was currently sleeping now.

Everyone gave a roaring applause at that, congratulating Vi.

“He has a long road to ahead of him, but he will not only have my support but of his daughters as well.” Viktor said as he gestured to the three girls.

The crowd cheered for the Herald’s sestra, which she took with pride. While Jinx and Isha got simple nods of approval and claps of appreciation.

It was very clear who was getting the special treatment around here.

“Violet, would you like to begin us off?” Viktor asked with a smile and a tilt of his head.

Violet accepted the invitation and touched her forehead with his, smiling kindly at him.

She then gave a smile towards Jinx and Isha as she walked towards the center of the area.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and began to sing:

Then off to reap the corn

And leave where I was born

I cut a stout black thorn

For to banish ghosts and goblins

Jinx’s eyes widened in shock. The last time she heard her sister sing was all those years ago when they lived in the Last Drop with Mylo and Claggor. Whenever she had a nightmare, her sister would snuggle with her and would sing the old nursey rhyme their mother would sing to them.

Her voice was soft, gentle, petite, and barely went over an octave.

A brand-new pair of brogues

To rattle over the bogs

And frightened all the dogs

On the rocky road to Dublin

One, two, three, four, five

Now though? It was strong, powerful, passionate, as if it rock the entire roof off The Last Drop if it wanted to.

Where did this come from? Was it always there within Vi? Or was it something she gained when she was healed by Viktor?

Soon she heard the sound of a fiddle, she looked over and saw a small band playing makeshift instruments.

And as if like magic, the whole community came alive.

Well, in the merry month of May, from me home I started

Left, the girls of Tuam were nearly broken-hearted

Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother

Drank a pint of beer, my grief and tears to smother

Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born

As Vi sang, the members around them clap their hands and stomped their feet in rhythm of the music.

Cut a stout black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins

Brand-new pair of brogues, rattling over the bogs

And frightened all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin

One, two, three, four, five

Around the four of them, the members started to form a circle, dancing and clapping their hands in stride.

And then they all sung together:

Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road

And all the way to Dublin, whack-follol-le-dah!

Every person sang these lyrics, from the elders to the young children, they all knew these words as if they spoke them every day.

The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed

Called me-self a fool, I could no longer stand it

Blood began to boil, temper I was losin'

Poor old Erin′s Isle, they began abusin′

While Viktor didn’t partake in the dancing, he thumped his staff on the ground in rhythm with the beat. Vi however, was fully immersed in the community, clapping her hands and dancing with joy.

She even started riverdancing! Since when Vi knew how to riverdance?!

Even Isha was getting into it, doing her own jig.

"Hurrah me soul," says I, shillelagh I let fly

Galway boys were by and saw I was a-hobblin'

With a loud "Hurray!" joinin′ in the affray

We quickly cleared the way on the rocky road to Dublin

One, two, three, four, five

Those in the circle joined hands and started moving back and forth in synchronized form as they made the circle smaller and then bigger again.

Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road

And all the way to Dublin, whack-follol-le-dah!

The crowd sang with all their heart and soul.

Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road

And all the way to Dublin, whack-follol-le-dah!

They gathered around Viktor and Violet and lifted them up upon their shoulders.

Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road

And all the way to Dublin, whack-follol-le-dah!

They all finished together like a giant roar and they laughed with immense joy as they celebrated their savior and his right hand, who hugged him with all her might and howled at the moon.

Jinx observed all this, and unlike the others, she wasn’t feeling joy or elated.

No, she was scared.

This place wasn’t right.

She had to get them out of here.

All of them, even if she had to take Violet kicking and screaming.

…

“Last night was truly wonderful. Even you were more lively than usual.” Violet thought pleasantly as she walked through the commune to go see her father.

“What can I say? I like a good party.” Viktor told her.

Violet snorted at that and before she could comment further, Jinx ran up to her.

“Vi!” She shouted to get her attention.

“Hello, Jinx. I hope last night’s festivities were fun. Where’s Isha?” Violet asked.

“She’s running an errand for me. Doesn’t manner, where’s dad?” Jinx quickly asked.

This is it! She was going to let Viktor help him!

“I was about to see him at the greenhouse. Have you decided to let Viktor heal him?” Violet asked excitedly.

“Yeeeahhh…no.” Jinx shut down. “We’re going to get him, pack our shit, and get the Hell out of here!”

………………………………………………...What?

It felt like a record skipped in Violet’s head.

She wanted to leave? With their father? Abandon her home? Abandon Viktor?!

“Violet, stay calm. Ask what brought this on.” Viktor advised

“Whatever do you mean?” Violet asked calmly.

“I mean exactly that shit! I have known you all my life and you have never talked that way before you let that metal guru ‘heal’ you!” Jinx said angrily as she finger-quoted “Heal”. “He did something to you! He did something to all these people!” She explained.

“He did do something, Jinx. He saved me.” Violet insisted. “He saved all these people. From death, and from themselves.” She reasoned.

How could Jinx not understand this?

How could she not see all the good that Viktor was doing?

“And what does involve, huh? Turning them into dolls? Look around you, Vi! These people are existing but are they actually living?! You’re telling me you’re happier this way?!” Jinx asked incredulously.

Violet was really starting to get angry; she could feel her fists tightening.

“Why wouldn’t I be?! What life did I have before this?! Being an angry drunk who always got into fights? Too heartbroken over a woman who was too deep in her own revenge because you decided to throw a tantrum?!” She shot back.

Jinx’s eyes shot wide at that, very offended by that statement.

“Violet, you’re taking it too far.” Viktor tried to tell her.

“Just taking a page from the Jinx playbook!” Violet said angrily.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Jinx asked venomously. “Do I have to remind you that I killed Silco because he was going to kill you first!? I chose you over him!” She said vehemently.

“Exactly. You chose. You chose to stay with Silco. You chose to alienate yourself from Ekko. You chose to make me your enemy. Everything that has happened is from our own choices and you can’t keep putting all that blame on me just because you didn’t like how things turned out!” Violet said forcefully as she picked her sister apart. “I have chosen to live a better life than the one I had before, and I don’t need your approval for it!” She said with finality.

Jinx stared at her with rage; Violet could practically feel an attack coming on.

But then, oddly enough, she took a deep breath and calmed down.

“Last night, during the celebration. You all seemed pretty in synch with each other.” Jinx began.

“What of it?” Violet asked, wondering where she was going with this.

“It’s just I never realized a commune could memorize a song so well, even the children seemed to know the lyrics. And the dancing, oh man, you guys were solid! You all matched each other’s moves, no one stumbled or anything! I would have figured at least one person would have tripped and made a wrong move at some point.” Jinx said in an overly friendly statement.

“And?” Violet asked in a bored tone.

“Just stuck out to me is all. The way you all looked at each other, the same way you look at the fortune cookie, as if you know all know what’s going on inside your heads.” Jinx said with an edge in her voice.

Violet lifted an eyebrow.

Oh. So that’s what this is all about.

Instead of getting angry, she simply breathed a sigh of relief. And then chuckled.

“Is that what’s been bothering you, Jinx? The fact that our minds align when Viktor heals us?” Violet asked with a sense of ease.

“So you’re not denying it?!” Jinx asked angrily.

“Why would I? I meant for it to be a surprise when Viktor would begin to heal Vander, but you finding out now will just make convincing you easier.” Violet told her gladly.

Jinx lost her anger and looked at her with shock.

“Are you serious?” She asked, completely baffled.

“Of course I’m serious. Becoming one with Viktor and all those here is the best decision I’ve ever made.” Violet said with joy, not noticing the look of dread slowly evolving on Jinx’s face.

“Vi, that’s…you can’t mean that.” Jinx said, starting to sound scared.

“Don’t you see, Jinx? If we were all to truly understand each other, know what we were thinking and feeling, the world would be so much better. Silco never would have wanted revenge on Vander, you wouldn’t have launched your missile, me and Caitlyn…” Violet froze at that last part before shaking it off. “…might still be together. Everyone could be so much happier if they were let Viktor heal them.” She reasoned with her.

Violet thought Jinx would see the reasoning behind that, instead she took a step back in fear.

She feared her. Why did she fear her?

“I knew it…Viktor brainwashed you…” Jinx accused.

“No! Viktor saved me! What part of that do you not understand?!” Violet asked incredulously.

“You’re talking crazy! And I don’t mean my kind of crazy, I mean delusional crazy! I get that he saved you from going splat, but he’s got his strings in you! He’s controlling you like a fucking puppet!” Jinx implored.

Wow, Jinx really was losing it this time.

Violet couldn’t help but laugh at her for thinking such a thing.

“Oh Jinx, you clearly spent too much time being paranoid about others because what you see isn’t delusion, it’s evolution.” Violet said with certainty. “That’s what Viktor’s commune is all about.

It’s the final Glorious Evolution.”

She could feel Viktor’s presence when she said that, and she welcomed him with open arms. He was trying to create a utopia for all, and Jinx was trying so hard not to see it for some reason.

Not that it mattered to her, she would make sure Viktor would complete his mission, with or without her help.

Before the two could argue this further, Viktor came into her mind again.

“We have a situation at the main entrance. General Ambessa and her noxians.” Viktor told her.

Violet’s eyes widen in surprise. “Is…is she…”

“She is among them, yes. I can go out to meet them if you prefer.” Viktor offered.

“No. It’s not a problem.” Violet thought adamantly as her fists tightened. “I must take care of something. We’ll continue this later.” She told Jinx as she went on her way.

“Wait! Vi!” Jinx tried to stop her, but she was already running towards the entrance.

Once she got there, she could see a large man dressed in Noxus garbs, mohawk on his head and a spear in his hand, stand before Huck in an intimidating posture. Not that Huck was scared of course, but it was a good time for Violet to jump in.

“You really want to see how that ends?” Violet called out to him and the rest of the battalion that was there.

She stood next to Huck and gave the man a hard stare. “Watch what happens.” She said with a warning tone, daring him to try something.

The man gave her his own scathing stare and tightened his fist around his spear.

“Vi?!” A voice called out to her.

Violet turned her eyes towards the voice, her scowl not leaving her face.

The blue-haired woman she directed it too looked at her with shock and confusion, as if seeing a ghost.

“Hello…commander.” Violet said with a blank voice.

To Be Continued.

Now Caitlyn has come into play, and it’s not going to be a happy reunion, I can tell you that right now.

Originally, I was going to have Viktor start healing Vander like he does in the show, and I was going to have Violet join him in doing so. But RandomNon3859 made a good point about Jinx not wanting Viktor to touch Vander after seeing how Violet acts, so I had to write around it instead.

I also wanted to make sure I captured just how deeply involved Violet is with the commune, to the point where she agrees with Viktor assessment with humanity. Not that she’s in a trance like some have theorized, that will be explained in the next flashback chapter.

And yes, Sinners is the Best Film of 2025 and I had to reference that scene from the film in my fanfic!

Until next time, comment and tell me what you think!