Chapter XXV: The Innocence We Couldn't Save

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The streets of Zaun were bustling as they made their way to the healer's commune, a hidden place deep in the heart of the Undercity that was known to those desperate enough to seek it out. People crowded the streets, their voices blending into an indistinct murmur, their eyes flicking with curiosity and wariness as they passed by. Vander moved slowly, a dark cloak pulled tightly around him in an attempt to conceal his monstrous form, his gaze lowered to avoid unwanted attention.

Mila walked alongside Vi, her fingers occasionally brushing against the knives in her holster, a habit that seemed to comfort her in the face of uncertainty. Vi kept her gauntlets strapped firmly to her hands, her eyes scanning the crowd, always alert. There was an unspoken tension between them. Neither of them knew what they were to each other now. The lines between friendship, love, and the pain of their past were blurred in a way that left them both unsure.

So much was said already, words she couldn't take back, and now there was no hiding from the truth that had been laid bare between them.

Jinx walked a step ahead, her blue hair falling around her face as she led the way. Her eyes flickered from Vander to the people they passed, her expression guarded. Isha held tightly onto her sleeve, her small feet keeping pace as they moved.

The commune was marked by a series of makeshift tents and structures that had been cobbled together. It was crowded, people moving in and out, some with injuries, others with desperate looks in their eyes. Mila felt her heart quicken as they approached, her gaze flicking to Vander, then back to the crowd. They couldn't afford to draw attention here, not now.

Finally, they reached the entrance, where a gate had been set up, guarded by a couple of individuals whose eyes were sharp, their postures tense. As they approached, a man stepped forward. He looked familiar, and Mila's eyes darkened as recognition dawned.

The man smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent a chill down her spine. There were scars, or something resembling scars, on his face, where the shimmer used to take over. A single strand of hope passed through her. Maybe, if that healer was able to help him, they'd be able to help Vander as well.

He approached, his eyes flicking between Vi and Mila. "Vi, Mila." He spoke, but his words felt measured, cold, distanced. "I hoped you two might return."

"You filthy traitor." The dark-haired girl said, her gauntlets humming louder, like they were sensing her emotions. Meanwhile, Mila's blades pulsed constantly, aligned with the rhythm of her heart. She could feel the rings on her fingers tighten, feeling their anger.

"Yes." The man looked down at the weapon, then up at both of them, seeing the hardened eyes of the blonde. "That was me at my worst." His head bowed down. "Simply awful. But the Herald has freed me of my past self. He's given me a chance to make amends."

His words took them both aback. Her eyes darted to a man that gave out water to those in need around them.

"All are welcome." He continued. "But, I must ask you to surrender your weapons. This is a place of peace."

"Ugh." Powder said, pointing the gun at his face. He did not flinch, his eyes remaining that same, mysterious and unfamiliar way. Vander growled behind them softly, and Isha hummed, stepping closer to the man.

Violet was the first one to remove her gauntlets, letting them fall on the floor and gesturing for Mila to do the same. But there was something in the air of this place, something that urged her not to. Her hands turned into fists, gears turning in her head, trying to figure out what felt so wrong.

Before she could say something, Jinx also lowered her gun, removing the HexTech gemstone from inside and giving it to the gatekeeper. Both of her friends looked at her expectantly, waiting to do the same. But she couldn't. Her arms were stiff, unmoving, and removing them felt like leaving the only remaining protection.

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