Scarred For Life

Chapter 13

"It's always a dance with you" I said as I looked around the space.

Jinx decided to have her little standoff with Vi down in the pipe works. She plastered the walls with drawings of us as kids with our family. One doodle of dad holding the two of us as Vi stood at his feet stole my attention.

"All these tricks and theatrical performance shit" I said as I stared at the drawing, my voice echoing through the room.

"What can I say" Jinx's raspy voice echoed back from above.

"Alright, everything's all set up" Sevika spoke in a gruff voice as she entered through a tunnel. "I think they've found the bait. It shouldn't be long now."

"So what are you gonna do if they show up with an entire army of enforcers" I called out, putting my hands on my hips.

Jinx hopped down from her hiding spot, sliding down a large ruined statue and plopping to the floor. The kid followed her, slightly stumbling as she struggled to come down the stone slab. I reached out and caught her, setting her down gently to the ground.

"I know Vi, she won't want others involved" Jinx shrugged.

"And if she doesn't come alone?" I questioned.

"Well that's what you two are for" Jinx smirked.

"Correction, that's what she's for" I nodded to Sevika. Sevika raised an eyebrow at me and narrowed her eyes. "What? Someone's gotta keep an eye on the kid"

Sevika scoffed and began walking. She glared at me as she passed. "When this is over, I might just let Jinx kick your ass next"

"If she lasts that long" I muttered over my shoulder.

Sevika made her way up the long slab of stone to a small space above us. The little girl followed after her just as Jinx narrowed her eyes at me as she passed by to do the same.

"I know you, Jinx." I spoke, causing Jinx to stop in her tracks. She turned to me and tilted her head, her eyebrow slightly raising. "I'm letting it happen cause I don't give a shit. It's a shame you're leaving the kid behind though. She seems to really like you...for some reason"

With that, I pushed past her and forced my way up the stone and stood alongside Sevika and the kid. Jinx stared into nothingness for a second, a complex expression painted her face. I couldn't quite make out what she was feeling in that moment. I watched as she cracked her neck before walking away and disappearing behind the ruins of a statue.

I shrugged before plopping to the concrete beneath us. The little girl stared down at the empty space far below, possibly searching for where Jinx disappeared to. I small smile pulled at my lips as I snatched a spyglass from Sevika's waist, earning an annoyed groan from her. I ignored her as I presented the device to the child.

"You can be our lookout" I smirked as I nodded down to the tunnel.

The little girl hesitated before smiling and gently grabbing the spyglass. She fiddled with it for a moment as she got a handle for it. She shoved her eye through the hole eagerly and began looking around the room. I snickered as I watched her.

"You know...you should probably take the kid when we're finished here" Sevika spoke quietly.

I looked up to the woman in confusion as she stood over me.

"Take her where" I questioned as I turned my attention back to the tunnel.

"I know what you and your friends do for the zaunites who want to be helped" Sevika responded, crossing her arms. "Don't worry, that's all I know. You can take her to wherever you take them."