Ending the Cycle || A Timebomb Fanfic

XV

It's currently 3 AM and I have a final at 8 AM (please pray for me)

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"No, no, no, Kuro," Jinx said with a light laugh, nudging the small girl's hand aside as she inspected the makeshift trap they were building. "Not that one—get me the other tool. This one won't let me get the trip wire tightened properly." Her voice was gentle yet firm, carrying an unexpected patience as she worked on the outskirts of the camp. The early morning sun spread a soft glow over the scattered tents and half-rebuilt structures, and the faint hum of the sanctuary beginning its day drifted toward them.

Kuro, grinning from ear to ear, hopped over a small pile of salvaged scrap metal and rummaged through a bundle of tools. She'd become Jinx's shadow these past few days, trailing after her with starry-eyed enthusiasm. Initially, the camp's mages and refugees had watched Jinx with wary eyes—this strange, blue-haired woman with a history of violence. But as the days passed, they'd seen how gentle she could be with the children, how tirelessly she worked to reinforce the camp's defenses, and how earnestly she tried to prove she was more than the chaos whispered about in her past. Now, many regarded her with quiet respect, even gratitude.

Kuro's family, in particular, had taken a special liking to Jinx. They'd seen her shield the little girl during the raptor's terrifying descent and knew that whatever else Jinx might be, she would protect them. As a result, the line between suspicion and trust had blurred and faded. While Jinx's unconventional ways and wild grin still puzzled some, there was no denying the bond she'd forged, not only with Kuro but with the community at large. A mother-daughter closeness seemed to have sprung up between them—one of necessity and affection—rooted in shared laughter and small kindnesses.

Kuro finally found the correct tool—a small, rusted clamp with a handle painted a chipped red—and trotted back, her curls bouncing as she went. "Here!" she declared proudly, handing it to Jinx.

Jinx flashed her a wide grin and adjusted the goggles perched crookedly atop her head. "Perfect," she said, focusing on the trip wire. Kuro leaned in, captivated by Jinx's every move, even though she didn't fully understand what any of it meant. Jinx worked quickly and efficiently, explaining in simple terms: "We hook this wire here, see, so if a bad guy comes stumbling along, they'll trigger the line and—"

With a final, deliberate squeeze of the clamp, Jinx stepped back and slid the goggles off her face. "Anddddd done!" she announced with a flourish. She gestured to the contraption hidden beneath bushes and trees—if tripped, it would send a small, noisy explosion to alert the camp. Nothing lethal, just enough to scare off intruders and buy everyone time.

Kuro giggled, her eyes bright. "What happens when they set it off?" she asked, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Jinx tapped the side of her nose knowingly. "They go BOOM!" she said with a playful wink. Then, unable to resist, she scooped Kuro up and gave her a tickle under the arms, provoking a burst of delighted laughter from the child. Kuro's giggles rang out, clear and happy in the quiet morning air, and Jinx found herself laughing too—truly, warmly—something she never thought she'd do so easily in a place like this.

As they stood there, silhouetted by the rising sun, Jinx realized how much had changed in such a short span of time. Just days ago, she was a stranger in a makeshift refuge, haunted by her past and unsure of her place. Now, with Kuro in her arms, the little girl's trust and laughter echoing in her ears, Jinx felt something unexpected blossoming inside her—a sense of belonging. This sanctuary had given her not just a purpose, but a reason to protect, to teach, and to care.

"Alright, kid," Jinx said gently, setting Kuro back onto solid ground. "You better get going. I bet your mama's already got breakfast waiting on the table." She ruffled the girl's curls fondly, the faintest of smiles playing at her lips.