Tides of Zaun

XVII

Ambessa paced in the council chamber, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she gestured emphatically. "We need Jinx to look like the garbage she is," she said, her voice sharp. "She's from the trenches, Jayce. Mel died at the hands of a girl. Not even a woman. A GIRL."

Jayce rubbed his temples, exhaling deeply. "Any moves from the underground?"

"No," he replied, frustration threading through his words. "But we know the gates are being reinforced as we speak. How long until the execution?"

A cruel smirk spread across Ambessa's face. "Next week," she declared, striding down the hall with purpose. She paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "And if you hear anything about her sister, let me know. I'm very invested in her whereabouts."

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Vi stood in the dimly lit training room, the rhythmic sound of her fists striking the punching bag reverberating off the concrete walls. Sweat dripped down her brow as she unleashed her frustration in a flurry of powerful jabs and hooks. Each punch felt like a release, an attempt to exorcise the anger that had been building inside her since Caitlyn walked out of the council room.

"How could she?" Vi grunted, her voice filled with incredulity as she threw another punch, sending the bag swinging wildly. "After everything we've been through together, she just up and leaves?" She recalled the late-night conversations, the moments of vulnerability shared over cups of cheap whiskey, and the way Caitlyn had leaned on her during her mother's funeral.

With each strike, her thoughts spiraled deeper. Did Caitlyn even understand my situation? Vi felt the heat of betrayal coursing through her veins. She had put aside her worries about Jinx to be there for Caitlyn, to support her through her grief. And what did she get in return? A breakup because she dared to bring up her sister's name for the third time. Vi's fists pounded against the bag harder, more aggressively. "I consoled her! I was there for her!" she yelled, the words escaping her lips like an incantation. "How could she not do the same for me?"

She took a step back, breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling as she wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. Vi caught her reflection in the cracked mirror across the room, a picture of fury and hurt. Her wild pink hair framed a face etched with determination and vulnerability. I should be out there looking for Jinx, she thought, her heart aching at the thought of her sister trapped and alone, likely thinking no one cared about her anymore.

Vi landed one final punch, her fist connecting with the bag with a force that sent it flying to the other side of the room. She let out a primal yell, a mix of rage and sorrow echoing through the empty space. After a moment, she trudged over to the water cooler in the corner, desperate to quench her thirst and her rising frustration. As she took a swig, her ears perked up at the sound of hushed voices drifting from the bar area.

"What's the deal with this guy Warwick?" a random man at the bar asked, his tone laced with intrigue.

"Rumor has it he's some sort of monster," another voice replied, lowering his voice as if sharing a dark secret. "He was trained by Singed, and he's been involved in some shady business around Zaun."

Vi's curiosity piqued, her interest overshadowing her previous anger. She leaned closer, straining to hear more. "Where can I find him?" she interjected, her voice sharp and demanding, cutting through their conversation.

The first man turned to her, surprise flashing in his eyes. "You serious? You don't want to mess with that guy. He's dangerous."

"Dangerous? That's the kind of thing I'm looking for right now," Vi replied, her tone fierce. "I need to find Jinx, and if this Warwick knows anything about her or what's been happening, I want to talk to him."

The second man exchanged a glance with the first, his expression wavering between concern and admiration. "Alright, but if you're going after him, be prepared. People say he's twisted, involved in things you wouldn't even believe. He's more than just a name on the street."

Vi felt a surge of determination, the fire in her belly ignited by the challenge. "I've dealt with worse," she replied, her voice steady and resolute. "Where do I find him?"

As they shared what little they knew, Vi felt a sense of purpose begin to bloom within her. She was no longer just a frustrated girlfriend; she was a sister on a mission. And this time, she wouldn't stop until she found Jinx and brought her home, no matter what it took.

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Jinx's eyes narrowed with curiosity as she leaned forward. "So this man Singed was your old mentor?"

Viktor nodded, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his features. "He was brilliant—unorthodox, but brilliant. He gave me some shimmer when this happened." He shifted slightly, pulling up the hem of his pants to reveal a patch of purple, mottled skin on his leg. The sight of it made Jinx wince, a pang of empathy mixing with her curiosity.

"What even happened?" Jinx asked, her voice softer now, as if trying to piece together a puzzle.

Viktor's expression turned serious, the confidence he usually exuded giving way to a shadow of regret. "It was during my experiments with Hextech. I thought I could unlock its true potential, harness it to solve the disease that's been plaguing me. But my ambitions clouded my judgment. I was reckless." He took a breath, his gaze shifting to the floor, lost in memory. "I thought it could help me find some kind of cure. But I thought wrong."

He handed her a stack of documents and photographs, the paper crinkling in her hands. As she flipped through them, her eyes widened at the diagrams of a rune matrix, Hextech crystals glowing ominously at its center. Viktor's invention shimmered with potential, yet it felt like a cruel joke now.

"What's this?" Jinx murmured, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns.

"It's a Hextech model I created," Viktor explained. "It's supposed to evolve and learn from its surroundings, adapt in ways we could never imagine. But it's become more of a curse than a blessing." His voice dropped, the weight of his words heavy. "Singed gave me shimmer to help with the pain, to give me some strength to walk around on this leg sometimes. But it came with a price."

Jinx looked up at him, her brow furrowed. "What do you mean? What kind of price?"

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "It changes you, Jinx. It's a crutch, not a solution. You become dependent on it, and it doesn't just change your body—it warps your mind. It's like... being torn between the person you are and the monster you could become."

Jinx's heart raced, the echo of his words resonating with her own struggles. She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms. "And you think I can help you with this?"

Viktor's eyes softened as he gazed at her. "I believe in your genius. You've created chaos, yes, but you're also capable of brilliance. I need you to help me find a way to destroy this," he said urgently, his voice low and sincere. "Maybe if we can destroy it, we can find a way to get you out of here."

Her mind raced as she processed his plea, a whirlwind of thoughts colliding. "You think destroying it will set me free? What if it doesn't work?"

Viktor leaned closer, earnestness pouring from him. "We won't know unless we try. This Hexcore isn't just a machine; it's a weapon—one that's taken enough lives." His voice dropped to a whisper, almost reverent. "It's a reminder of the horrors we've both faced."

Jinx's heart tightened, her defenses wavering. "Why do you care so much, Viktor? I'm just... Jinx. I'm a wreck."

"No," he interrupted, his tone firm. "You're so much more than that. You're a survivor. You've endured more than anyone should have to. If anyone can help me understand how to dismantle this thing, it's you."

Jinx bit her lip, contemplating his words. A small flicker of hope ignited within her, battling against the despair that had taken root. "Maybe I could," she said finally, a hesitant smile creeping onto her face. "If I wasn't dying in a week."

Viktor looked at her with a mixture of determination and warmth. "Then let's change that. Together, we can find a way."