𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨: 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞
𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐩

𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒 of outrage sounded throughout the crowd of bystanders as they held their black tickets in the air, tussling back and forth with the opposing fans. Deep in the Undercity the most violent of disputes between two fighters that people enjoyed betting on, the fighting pits.

Mai had drowned herself in the profanities the crowd shouted down at her, her opponent swayed on his feet. Vision turning black in the corners and his nose unrecognisable as it was covered in dark red splotches of blood that dropped down his shirt.

She narrowed her eyes to him with a ugly sneer before running at him, she skidded across the floor so her feet kicked his ankles out. He fell on his front with his hands holding his face, Mai looked up to the roaring crowd with a hard stare, this had become her life for the past month.

Her journeys home would be missing, parts of the night dissolved from her memory by morning as she woke to find herself passed out in front of her door.

Gabby would find her as she woke to the sun and opened to door to see Mai laying flat out. She sighed and dragged the girl by the back of her collar into the apartment that grew emptier each day.

Vi was either drunkenly passed out with Mai or more often than not she wouldn't return home at all, the realisation that she didn't have a sister paining her too much. Gabby's heart already strained as Mai unnecessarily fought but now Violet did so too yet, there would be some moments between the three where there was peace.

Mai and Vi became more reliant on one another as the weeks passed, they had not seen Jinx but rather saw her picture decorated in bold letters on sidewalks and wanted posters. They were the remnants of their broken family, not even blood themselves but united by a fierce bond of devotion. Mai eventually released the hidden secret to Vi, her face grief stricken and preparing herself for a sharp punch to her face.

As Vi saw her lilac eyes rise to the surface, illuminating the scars on her neck her eyes began to water. She pulled Mai into a strong hug, having to stand on her toes to place her arms tightly around her shoulders. The relief washed over Mai and she melted in Vi's embrace, there wasn't an ounce of malice in her hold.

"You did it to save," Vi trailed off sharply, not mentioning her name in front of Mai whose gaze was fixed on the floor.

Her jaw clenched, anger filling her, she had tipped over the line to save her. And now she didn't know if she could stop, she just nodded curtly.

Vi grabbed her hand and gripped it tightly, their eyes met and the pink haired girl held a stubborn look, one that reminded Mai of when they were children. "You can do it again, I will help you, I promise." Her words struck Mai deeply in the heart and they nodded before letting their foreheads touch as they held another close. They were the only family they had left, who hadn't betrayed one another.

𝐔𝐒𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘, in the early mornings when the sun was just beginning to rise, Gabby would wake to see Mai sitting on the window ledge aimlessly staring out. The frown on her face prominent, bruises and a busted lip now an accessory to her attire along with tattoos and braids in her hair. The tattoos replicated that of a small dove behind her right ear, others were in between her breasts and down her back, along with her left forearm. The sight had Gabby blinking twice, she still couldn't seem to recognise her at first glance.

Mai had never spoke of Caitlyn's name since she returned home, not since her and Vi collapsed in one another's arms. The two were the only family they had left of one another, that hadn't committed mass murder or become sociopaths, they were the survivors of a broken family.

Vi had darkened her hair to that of black with reddish tips towards the end, her face was always reddened with marks. A jacket to show she was a pit fighter through and through, Mai had given her a taste of the ropes and she couldn't stop. Yet, as Mai would sit in the quiet in the mornings Vi would sleep, she would curl up to Gabby's form, subconsciously or not but it still warmed the girls heart.

It was a pleasure compared to the rambunctious attitudes of the two, the endless worry and fear that she was losing the two girls. Gabby fretted that Mai was utterly lost, she was half hearted, now an irrevocably different woman. One who thrived for violence and pain, it was as if she was a worser version of the Mai she had first met.

More often than not Gabby would scarcely move in her bed, she was too afraid that any sudden movement would provoke Mai to leave. Or that she would wake Vi and the hands around her waist would loosen their grip. Her fingers soothingly stroked through Vi's hair and she watched her with a tender gaze.

Mai held Link in her hands, the small kitten still sleeping, as it was too early for him to wake yet. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the streets become progressively busier until she saw blue and gold armour. Her irises flashed dangerously, teeth gritting against one another as she stared them down. The two enforcers sauntered up and down the streets, weapons out and jarring towards the people, daring them to react.

She stood up, leaving Link on the ledge whilst stroking behind his ear, she walked to the door.

"Where are you going now?" Gabby's voice was soft but croaky with exhaustion.

Mai had her hand turning the door handle, "for a walk," she said numbly but just as she went to shut the door she added. "I'll bring in eggs."

The words were only small but it still casted a smile to light up Gabby's face, it was a flicker of emotion in Mai's besotted stare. As of this time period Gabby would take what she could get and with Vi in her arms she was able to lay her head back onto the pillows.

𝐌𝐀𝐈 had a sneer on her face as she watched the enforcers turn a corner, her pace matched theirs as she trailed behind them. She knelt down for a moment to pick up something metal, it was thick and heavy in her hands but she carried it like a sword.

They continued walking but turned when they heard the rough clearing of a throat, a yell escaped one as he was kicked back in the ribs. The other was smashed in the face with the object, bending the helmet and cracking the glass of his eye lenses.

"Freeze!" The enforcer who she kicked shouted whilst holding his gun up.

Mai looked towards him blankly before dropping the metal, her eyes lowered and as she blinked he gaped slightly.

He began to fire when he saw the change in colour but Mai was too fast she was behind him in a second and elbowed him between the shoulder blades. He shouted in pain as he heard a crack but it only doubled as she kicked him in the face, his voice ceased.

She looked back over to the man who she had first hit and heard him groaning quietly, Mai turned him over on his back. She removed his helmet and his eyes were wide, the glass from his mask having dig into his cheek whilst he tried to back away further into the wall away from Mai. She gave him a deadpan expression that he found terrifying, it was as if she didn't have a soul.

"Give your commander my regards." Her tone was deep and ugly before she reeled the helmet back and hit him square in the nose.

𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐘𝐍 had a constant crease between her brows as she sat poised in her desk chair whilst the man in front of her gave a full report. His partner was recovering from the possibility of a slipped disk but even the man in front of her was in a horrid state.

"Sh- she said to give you her regards," he seemed to shiver and it was from the coldness in her that burned the image in his mind. Caitlyn looked unimpressed, her hands folded as they rested against her pursed lips, this was the forth attack on enforcers that had been patrolling in Zaun.

"She had dark skin, a sharp face" he gulped, "dark eyes but uh," he seemed to be uncomfortable. He motioned to his neck but winced himself at the pain in his body, "she had scars."

Caitlyn's eyes widened slightly and she clenched her her jaw, "on her neck?" His nod made her release a long breath before she motioned for him to leave, she placed her back in her chair and let her hands fall in her lap. Her fingertips trailed along the metal of her belt, the same belt that had been used to prevent not only her own blood spilling but Mai's too.

The enforcer remembered walking into her home, the place wreaking in silence before she trailed up the stairs to her bedroom. The bedding was untidy and quilt scuffled showing where Mai and her had last ventured for rest, where she nurtured the girl back to health before Caitlyn harmed her.

She felt the bile rising in her throat as it did the night she returned home, she recalled crashing into the dent Mai's body had formed in her bed. The scent of her sending endorphins through her bloodstream as she clutched the pillow to her face, Caitlyn's tears dampening the comforter as she understood what she had lost. She had lost the trust and confidence that Mai confided her with, within an instant it was gone and the guilt gnawed at Caitlyn like a rabid dog.

The reality that Mai hated her, loathed Caitlyn's very existence and the worst part of all was that she had to live with it. She betrayed her, she ruined the bond between them, potentially forever and that thought made her stomach clench as a wave of nausea rushed in.

Caitlyn now hunched over her desk, cupping her hands to the back of her neck with her head down, the memories making her pale faced.

The clicking of a door made her regain her composure, sliding the back of her hands over her face before straightening once more. Her shoulders tensed all the more as Ambessa walked in, the general appeared angered, though that could have been her face.

"Was it the same woman?" Her tone was spiteful as she stared down to Caitlyn from where she stood.

Caitlyn was unnerved, the fascination Ambessa had with Mai led her to be reluctant to share further details about the her, such as her name. So, when she returned to the tower she questioned both her and Rictus but Caitlyn was waved off about the matter, they hadn't spoken about it since.

She nodded and Ambessa scrunched her nose in distaste before turning her back to her whilst she stared down at the unlit fire.

"She is doing it for attention," Ambessa remarked with her hands on her hips.

Caitlyn furrowed her brows, "I doubt that."

"It is for your attention, commander," Ambessa seemed almost bitter as she evoked her words almost sarcastically. "Her recklessness must be put to an end or else an even greater rebellion than those blue haired posse may arise."

Her words made Caitlyn's anxiety grow but she persisted, "what do you propose?"

"𝐕𝐈," Gabby sighed softly as the brawler stood up to hit the punching bag, all she seemed to be able to do was hit things. Her hits became harder and harder and Gabby began to grow more frustrated, "Violet!" The punches ceased and the girl panted heavily.

"What, Gabby?"

"You don't have to constantly push me away," Gabby slid from the mattress to come rest her hand against Vi's prominent muscles. "I am here for you," she cupped her face in her hands and Vi's, low hanging, grey eyes met hers. "Just," she stroked her thumbs over Vi's cheeks, "if you're going to be sad then let me be sad with you."

Gabby could see the inner turmoil in her eyes before she relented, caving like a house of cards before nodding slowly. "I'm sorry, Gabs."

Gabby gave her a genteel smile before she leaned up and the two shared a soft kiss that Vi hummed into, relaxed. "Let's start with sleeping again?" Gabby suggested and elected a small chuckled from Vi.

"You never shy of sleep, do you?" Vi mumbled already succumbing to the warmth under the covers as she allowed Gabby to nestle in the crook of her neck.

"Not when it's with you," Gabby flirted and she felt Vi's chest vibrate with her laugh.

Vi pulled her arms tighter around the girl and looked around the room to see where Mai was only to find voided spaces. Her expression fell slightly, the guilt tugging at her stomach making her feel last nights drinks make their way back up her throat. Vi wanted to take care of Mai, she wanted to protect her from all things evil that had managed to harm her but it seemed Mai was still saving her, even now as she slept under her roof.

Her thoughts were cut off as she heard a small meow and looked down to see Link balancing on her thigh before he settled himself in between the space in their stomachs. Vi let a small smile pull at her lips before she lowered her head and shut her eyes as her lips kissed the crown of Gabby's head, from now on she would do better.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 three parted ways once more, Vi and Gabby venturing further into the Undercity whilst Mai retreated to the rooftops. With Link by her side her steps were careful as she had her hood up and head low looking up at the scenery through her eyelashes.

She felt the warm air of Zaun filling her lungs and brushing against her cheeks with an earthiness that her thinning her lips to prevent a smile. The hard gravel and debris grazed the soles of her shoes that were thinning from years of ware. The tattoo underneath her ear reflecting perfectly her own persona as she tilted her head to look up to the sky.

Her un sleeved arms bare showing off her scars and tattoo on her forearm that was the image of a snake wrapping around the muscle with a bed in of flowers underneath the reptile. Gears, copying that of Vi's, replaced the Snake's eyes and blue flowers, the same pigment as Jinx's, colouring the petals.

Peaking at the crown from the back of her neck wee licks of more ink, at either side of her back lay mythical creatures twisting their bodies so they could angle themselves to face one another. One had been drew in black whilst the other was drew in the darkest of azule colours, small writing down the middle separating the two.

You broke me like a promise

A loud crack that sounded like a deep stoke of thunder made the furrow in her brow to return and she looked across with a sneer. There had been some sort of patrol units placed in random streets, on the look out for Jinx and any of her supporters. It irked her that it was so close to her home, Piltover hadn't gone this deep into the Undercity before.  The enforcers seemed to have spotted one, they had ripped her hood off, revealing her dreads dipped in blue and smashed her head into the metal drain pipe as she fell to the floor.

The line watched the scene in shock, they were trying to declare a statement, that this is what happens when you support Jinx.

Mai pulled her hood over her head tighter and placed Link in her satchel whilst nudging his chin slightly. She used her knife to skid down the small wall before landing on her feet, she prowled round the bodies with her head low. The metal tight in her grip and as she raised her hand preparing to throw it a sharp whistle sounded before an object was thrown.

"Get down!" A man had shouted, diving away from the Jinxer but only thick puffs of blue smoke filled the space.

Mai squinted her eyes as she looked to where the objet was thrown and saw a dark, slim figure holding another object in her hand before she threw it again.

"It's her!" An enforcer shouted and grabbed his gun, Mai saw her shadow slipping away in the smoke as she ran. "Get out of the way!" The enforcers barged through bodies of the zaunite's who placed themselves in her path trying to buy her time.

The four enforcers ran after her with speed before one threw a gadget that had metal wires swinging as they wrapped around her ankles. Her small frame skidded across the floor and she desperately clawed to get the object off of her.

"Nice shot," a womanly voice sounded as they slowed in their footing.

"What a catch, the big prize," he sounded cockey as he strode up to the struggling figure whose hood was still up. "Think of the heroes welcome." His hand went to reach for the fabric, fingers barred and stance aggressive.

A shot in his back made him yell out before his body fell to the floor, the girl had to roll out of the way to miss the weight.

"What the-" the woman was kicked in the stomach making her winded whilst Mai grabbed the hilt of the man's rifle and butted him in his own nose. The woman tried to fire a shot but Mai spun the man round with the gun making her shoot her own man. Mai spun her pistol on her finger before shooting the enforcer in the face over the man's shoulder, she let go of his body. Link peaked his head out with a meow. 

As Mai looked down towards Jinx only to furrow her brows, she was far too small, she stalked over finding it odd how the girl didn't back away and gently tugged her hood down.

"Kid?" It was the same girl who she'd snatched from the fog, she peered up at her with wide eyes, a bucket hat that had drawings like her sister would do. Mai rolled her eyes, "idiot," she stated plainly and in one swift movement sliced her knife down to cut the wires. "Go home."

Mai stood up and went to walk away when a scuffle was heard and she turned back when she felt her hand being grasped by two smaller ones. Her face was desperate as she made small grunts whilst tugging her in the opposite direction.

"What do you want?" No matter how much force the little girl used Mai just peered down at her in confusion as she pointed. "Can you not-" she cut her own words off, talk, was the word she was going to say but held herself back. A sigh left her lips, "alright, alright," she allowed the girl to guide her who's eyes shined brightly. Mai was already kissing her teeth whilst subtly shaking her head as she followed the girl.

𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐗 toyed with a new idea she had conjured up before declaring it garbage but instead of throwing it down the pit she carefully took it apart. She heard the door opened and smiled at the sound, "back so soon, Isha?" She kept her head down as her fingers pulled the metal apart, small pats of feet hit the metal as Isha ran to her side. Jinx looked down in confusion, "what is it?" She followed her excited point and Jinx felt the screwdriver fall from her hands, her mouth parting.

Mai stood at the beginning of the metal footpath, her eyes scanning up and down Jinx's form with her form wary. Jinx stood up and her bottom lip already began to wobble slightly, she looked to Mai's stomach and clenched her fist tightly before flickering her eyes to her neck making her snap her gaze elsewhere. Anywhere she looked Mai had received eternal punishment etched into her body because of what she had done.

Link had escaped from her bag, his soft footsteps being the only noise present as he found an interest in Isha. She looked between the two women in confusion, why were they not happy? Link pushed himself up so Isha's hand would stroke his head and she sat down criss crossed with him in the centre though her gaze darted between the two.

Mai began to walk towards Jinx, purpose in every step and Jinx already prepared herself for the sting she would feel. Her eyes shut tightly and she ignored her instinct to jump back though her eyes widened in surprise as she felt arms wrapping around her and she was pulled into a strong hug.

Mai's chin resting onto of Jinx's head whilst hers was tucked into her chest, the blue haired girl froze for a moment. The contact so unexpected and sudden that she felt her nerves overtaking her before her eyes began to water and she clutched onto Mai's strong body. Jinx's body shook slightly as she quietly cried, Mai shut her eyes tightly and wrapped her arms around her tighter at the sound.

Tension eased from Jinx's muscles as she curled in Mai's warmth, the girl didn't hate her, not half as much as she hated herself.

They pulled apart and Jinx looked up with tear tracks on her cheeks, lilac eyes shinning up at her and the empathy was a dagger to Mai's heart.

"You don't hate me?" Jinx whispered out, scared to say the words aloud.

Pity shined in Mai's eyes as she held her hand up to Jinx's cheek, "no," she mumbled softly, Jinx sniffling quietly at her voice. "No, I could never hate you," the raw truth surged in her tone as she fiercely looked into Jinx's eyes.

"Even after I killed all those people," she muttered quietly, shame in her voice that had her looking to the floor. "Even after I killed her mom."

The memory of Caitlyn crying in her arms flashed in Mai's eyes as she blinked once more before Jinx's face morphed back in her mind. She remembered how her stomach twisted nauseatingly whilst Caitlyn cried and threw herself into Mai's body. Though, her jaw began to clench and she swallowed tightly as she also recalled how Caitlyn had left her on the street in a suffocating anguish as if she were trash.

She didn't assure Jinx that her actions were right or wrong, she knew the girl could see that for herself. Jinx looked up once again her eyes falling from the scars on Mai's neck with guilt filling her to the brim before it landed on her stomach. Mai caught her look and held her shoulders with both of her hands, squeezing them gently.

"It wasn't your fault," Mai soothed gently but it was clear Jinx doubted her as she shook her head. "It is not your fault," she spoke with conviction, her tone sterner, "do not blame yourself, ever."

Jinx's unnatural coloured eyes glimmered with unshed tears, she looked as if she were going to say something before she gave up and threw her arms around Mai once again. Mai returned her embrace, only opening her eyes to look down when she felt a small weight landing on her foot.

Isha stood with one foot on top of Mai's whilst the other was on Jinx's, her arms were wrapped around their legs. Link butted his head against Jinx's shin as he nuzzled the clothing.

"Who's the kid?" Mai asked once the two let go of one another, Jinx wiped her face before looking down at the girl with a soft smile as she watched her become entranced with the animal. Mai was slightly taken aback, she hadn't seen a softer side of her other than now.

"Isha," her raspy voice said her name so softly and her gaze was so tender. She knelt down and nudged the girl whilst running a hand through Link's fur who purred softly, "how come you brought her?"

Only as she stroked Link did Mai's eyes squint slightly as they landed on the metal finger Jinx wore, a fire flared up in her. She remebered Vi telling her Caitlyn hadn't managed to kill anyone but she didn't say she didn't harm her.

Isha looked up before darting off into the small tent Jinx had made and appeared to be rummaging for something. Mai looked to Jinx in confusion who just shrugged, Isha hurried back with a picture frame in her hand.

She held it up to their faces, it was something she had drawn, stick figures that resembled Jinx and Isha held hands whilst next to them stood what seemed to resemble Mai. She was on the other side of Isha and held her hand whilst an arrow pointed off of her body reading, nice giant.

"She likes you," Jinx took the paper from her hands before twirling the strange of brown hair that peaked from under Isha's helmet.

She handed it to Mai who held it between pinched fingertips, she looked over the drawing and felt her heart warming until it plummeted. There was someone missing, Mai gingerly looked to Jinx who was watching Isha roll around on her back copying Link.

"You should see Vi." She physically saw Jinx stand straighter and she began fiddling with the skin around her nails.

"That's- that's not a good idea." She walked over to sit down on her spiny stool.

"I know you're scared," Mai came to stand next to her, placing the paper over the blueprints whilst leaning against the workshop table. "But this pictures missing someone," she pointed to the empty space and Jinx huffed whilst rolling her eyes.

"You're not gonna give up on us, are you?" She asked delicately, as if reliant on the truth and was assured when Mai looked over to Isha. A gentle expression subdued her mean stare and roughened appearance as she looked to her.

"Never."

𝐌𝐀𝐈 returned home, her eyes drifting over to Vi who laid on the floor with her back to the wall and a knife in hand as she marked the wood. She heard the water running and knew Gabby was in the shower, Vi's hair was still visibly wet but Mai ignored it only coming to stand in front of her sister.

Vi looked up with furrowed brows, her cheeks tinted slightly pink, "what?" She thought she was going to ask about Gabby but her face was set straight and lips thinned.

"You need to see your sister."

The abrupt words left no room for dancing along the edge or misinterpreting the idea for another, Vi left the knife on the floor before she stood up. She washed over to the kitchen, her back facing Mai, "she's not my sister anymore, I'm sick and tired of pretending the girl who blew up the tower is my blood."

Mai let a small scoff escape her lips, "she's not gone, Vi."

"How would you know?" Vi's voice began to grow increasingly louder and more aggressive, they were faintly aware of the shower turning off. "Did you go see her?"

Mai bit her bottom lip before nodding as she spoke, "I may have ran into her but I hope you listen to me when I say she's still in there." Vi didn't want to believe her, she thought them too good to be true and didn't want to risk her feeling once more.

"Wake up, Mai!" She pointed exasperatedly outside, "she is gone! She is playing you for a fool and you'rere allowing her to."

Mai's brows furrowed, "why are you so against believing that she's still there?"

Vi went quiet for a moment but her breaths were still ragged and her nostrils were flared, for a moment Mai thought she'd run at her. "Because time and time again, sacrifice, after sacrifice it doesn't matter if your related to her or not, she doesn't care about you." The words sounded bitter as she spoke of her sister, "it doesn't matter how much you push, you are fighting a losing battle and because of that I lost a friend and you lost a-" Vi prevented her next words from forming as a glaze overtook Mai's eyes that reflected a glare.

A pregnant silence ensued as Mai clenched and unclenched her fists to control herself, breathing out shakily she gritted her teeth. "Don't you understand, I let this person in," as they stared at one another Vi felt her face softening, "I let her in, I don't let people in." Mai blinked her eyes free of the tears as she regained her composure, "and in return she broke-" her breath caught in her throat and she bit her lip tightly.

Gabby had creaked the bathroom door open slightly before opening it fully, Vi looked up to her whilst Mai kept her eyes to the floor. "She broke your heart," Gabby murmured softly as she came to stand beside Mai whilst running her fingers over Mai's arm in a soothing rhythm. She shouldn't have felt such satisfaction from the devastation Mai portrayed in her face but it was the most emotional she'd shown in so long.

Mai didn't answer her, Vi looked between the two and then to Gabby whose gaze was pleading and she let out a grunt.

"Fine, where is she?"

Vi looked over to the window that slid sideways and she sucked it a breath though her eyes betrayed her closed fists. Jinx looked over to her sister, a small smile uplifting her face and Vi thought it wasn't her sister, she thought it was a Jinxer as the girl had such a calm look in her eye.

"Hey, sis," her voice was scratchy, she took note of how Gabby had slipped away from Mai's side and to behind Vi's shoulder. A fear dancing in her eyes that Jinx felt designated to turn into something more warm.

"Mai says you've changed," Vi's voice tried to remain sturdy and hard though it shook slightly as she looked over her sister. "How do we know this isn't another one of your shitty tricks?"

Jinx stood besides Mai, her presence that of a comforting Ox as their arms brushed together when a small dram ran into the window after her. Isha held Link in her arms as she walked in an odd way but she didn't want to step on his tail. A gentle smile graced its way onto Jinx's face as she stroked the girls hair when she landed next to her.

Vi widened her eyes slightly the flaccidity in which Jinx touched the girl with, as if she were afraid anymore weight would break her. That's when she knew, Powder was there, clear as day in front of her eyes and she wasted no time in closing the distance between them.

Mai became slightly concerned at the speed in which Vi crossed the threshold with but she gripped her sister's arm tightly. Fingers causing bruising as she dug into her thin arm and stared into her eyes, a passive look being shared between them. The time apart, the destruction either party had caused had created a rift between the two sisters that they slowly began to sew together.

Now, as Vi peered into Jinx's purple eyes, searching for a glimpse of animosity but she found none. Jinx appeared shameful as she looked into her sisters eyes though the two lurched forth into a tight hug, hands clutching each others clothes as they did not want to let go of one another.