but she'll be waiting in Lupin, but she's standing in front of the bar this time. she's already got a drink in her hand, and Ekko's drink behind her. this time, there's no mixer.
[It's not long before Ekko waltzed into Lupin with his hoverboard tucked under one arm, quick to lean it against the bar area where Vi was waiting for him drink in hand. Sitting down at the bar stool beside his counterpart the boy pressed his back against the bar top with a solemn sigh, left hand running through his white dreads preparing himself for the likely rough conversation ahead of them. Giving her a once over he immediately notes her new hairstyle as a bit of an earnest smirk washed over his features trying to lighten the tension in the air before things got heavy.]
Nice haircut.
[Motioning with a nod of his head towards the drink close at hand beside his companion that she wasn't actively holding purchase.]
That for me? You're really starting to become a bad influence you know that?
[Playfully teasing her a bit more with a nudge of his elbow against her side chuckling modestly under his breath.]
[it feels like every time she sees him, she wants to hug him. hug him because he showed up here, and hug him because... well. you know.]
Thanks. It was the depression.
[a beat, and a small smirk.]
I like balancing being a good influence and a bad influence.
[but then she moves to grab him and pull him into an embrace anyway. if she's successful, it's a strong one, stronger even than the last time she'd hugged him when he got here.]
I didn't really get the chance to do this after... everything. [they should both know what she's talking about. the next couple of months after the war had been busy, and both of them had been grieving in their own ways.] But thank you, Ekko. You're really the best.
[Scoffing a bit instinctively at the initial rebuttal knowing she was trying to be facetious yet earnest in the response, Ekko closed his eyes with a subtle nod in understanding. He was about to speak up when Vi unexpectedly closes the gap between them to wrap her arms about him in a tight embrace, blinking wide eyed in shock before realizing what was happening. Slowly but surely his own arms move to mirror her as a solemn sigh escapes his parted lips with a shake of his head voice little louder than a whisper now.]
That's not true, Vi...I wasn't able to save Jayce with my last ditch effort to stop the Herald.
[Burying his face into the crook of her neck now with a grit of his teeth hiding his face in shameful defeat.]
And Jinx I...I couldn't save her after bringing her back from the brink only to have her taken from both of us. All the hardship you've been made to endure...I'm sorry.
You can't always save everyone. You saved... so many people that day, Ekko.
[she doesn't let him go, not yet. because he's hugging her back, and the way he buries his head into her neck means that he needs this. needs his big sister to be... just that. his big sister.]
No, you weren't the one who let her go. [her voice cracks a bit.] I had her, right there. On that ledge you found me on. But Vander... he had a hold of her. I almost had her. I could only grab her with one arm, the other one I knew I couldn't support her with.
[her grip only tightens on him.]
She took the gemstone out of my gauntlet. Forced me to let go.
[Despite his best efforts to do just that Ekko often found himself coming up short and taking the brunt of others mistakes. As a leader it was far easier to just take the fall and accept accountability for unfortunate circumstances whether they were avoidable or not without him. Although he knew Vi would not accept that fact being just as headstrong if not more so, letting it go this time around simply keeping his face hidden in fear of showing the pained expression stricken over his features. The pang of loss which echoed through his entire person when he found out Jinx had been lost to them was much the same when Heimerdinger sacrificed himself to return him to their rightful timeline, a crushing blow of defeat feeling response for not being able to do more in the heat of the moment.
Vi had never explicitly explained how it all went down besides the fact that Vander in his crazed state of mind sought to kill both the sisters, completely losing control of what little sanity remained in the transformation enacted by Singed and Viktor both. To think their father was alive this whole time was nothing short of a wonder but had been tortured and twisted into a monster which ultimately overtook him in the end. A solemn sigh escapes Ekko's parted lips with a shake of his head, muttering out little louder than a whisper after silently taking a moment to completely process everything.]
It's not your fault either...I guess we both cannot keep beating ourselves up over the past, all we can do now is make the best of the time we have all together in this world.
[Which is exactly what Ekko planned to do given he had little to no idea just how long that might be given his first iteration here was not very long. However; If he had a choice this time around the boy wished to stay here with everyone who'd been taken from him before their time, those closest all having been brought to this simulation and wouldn't take it for granted.]
[Vi laughs a shaky laugh before she finally lets go of him, using the time it takes to walk around the corner to wipe at her eyes and compose herself. there's very few people she'd break down for, and more that she needed to be strong for. she always felt like she needed to be strong for Ekko -- to be his rock, even if it seemed impossible at times.
she reaches across the counter and drains the rest of her drink before starting herself another one. she shakes her head now, though.]
When Cait got me out of prison... I had no fucking clue what I was in for.
[it had started so simply. she was going to find her sister and then take down Silco. and then it turned into... all of that.]
[When Vi finally pulls back to move across to the bar where her drink was waiting for her to guzzle the rest of its contents back, Ekko dips his own head using the back of his long sleeve to remedy the tears which threaten to spill over his own cheeks. Despite his efforts to act hard in the face of adversity his older sibling was one of the few who saw the barriers which he put up around himself crumble at her mercy. Such was the infliction of her sorrowful words countered by the comforting embrace from one of his closest companions.
Slowly sashaying to sit beside his counterpart Ekko leans his elbows on the bar top with an breathy burst of forced laughter nodding in agreement. Thinking back on the past he too cannot begin to comprehend just how everything unraveled after both Benzo and Vander's demise, losing not only Jinx to the vile tyrant of Silco but Vi in turn being hauled off to prison in turn thinking her dead as well.]
None of us had any real notion of what horrors laid in store...But we had to press on in hopes of creating a better world for those we've lost along the way.
[An exasperated sigh leaving him the boy turns his full attention towards Vi with an earnest smile.]
Despite all the suffering we've endured along the way I'd like to think we've finally achieved a semblance of peace.
[Ekko's so right. she thinks about everyone she's lost, and then everyone she lost after getting out of jail. she almost lost Ekko. she almost lost Caitlyn. it'd made her unravel, but just the inkling of hope from Jinx and Caitlyn had made her want to fight. even if she didn't think she could anymore, she still did.
for them. for everyone. and now, she was going to have to keep going without her sister, at home. for the first time in her life, her goals didn't align with anything to do with Powder or Jinx.]
I hope so.
[she takes another drink, gaze looking down at the glass as she puts it back down on the table.]
For the first time in my entire life, I don't have a specific goal to fight for. At home, I mean. Since Silco's dead, and Jinx... [she clears her throat.] I don't really know what to do with myself now.
[Much unlike that of his counterpart Ekko was used to striving to create a better world on his own since having lost both Vi and Powder from a tender age. Despite putting on the act of a strong individual who thrived working by himself the truth of the matter was with every loss his defensive barriers put up to guard his emotions slipped leaving cracks in his armor. Losing Jinx in the final battle with Viktor and Ambessa was the breaking point which rendered the usually stoic boy rather distressed, usual optimistic thinking falling at the wayside as he dwells in the monumental loss.
Vi's words strike true with him as an audible gasp emitted past his parted lips, brows furrowing in disdain as a subtle nod of his head is given in return. For he too was at an impasse of what lied in store for him next in their journeys back home in Runeterra without any real motivation to keep pushing him forward for the first time in his life as well.]
Guess that makes two of us...After years of fighting for the equality of Zaun we finally have achieved that goal.
[A brief pause bowing his head solemnly in dismay when she makes mention of Jinx's loss which had quite the effect on him too.]
I...had thought to work together with Jinx to continue the betterment of our people but now...I'm not sure what I'll do either.
[she's so proud of Ekko, honestly. the last time she'd seen him before prison, he was that terrified little boy that had just seen Benzo die. but he'd been able to push past all of that, had been able to help people... and that's a strength she wasn't sure she would've had if she was in his place. for that little boy to pick himself up and make something good of it all...]
Yeah, and in the most dramatic way, too.
[she's well aware that it's not going to be perfect. that there's a lot of grudges and generational biases that they're going to have to work through. but if there's even a bit of hope in that respect, she'll take it.
the idea that he'd wanted to work alongside Jinx makes her heart sink, though. she imagines what they would've accomplished together...]
You'll figure out something. [she looks back up at him, smiling a bit.] If that little boy can save so many people in Zaun and head the Firelights, he can accomplish anything.
[The initial dismay that shrouded Ekko's thoughts upon Benzo's deal was devastating leaving the young boy in a state of disarray but was swiftly able to pick up his feet. Unlike Jinx he was able to push through the loss of those closest to him for the betterment of their people, striving to create a world that would be devoid of further suffering so everyone would not have to endure the hardships of his past.]
Wouldn't be home without the flare for dramatics and heartbreak along the way, right?
[A teasing joke made in levity of the rather serious topic of conversation trying not to dwell on everything he's been through in the past and now present. A solemn sigh escapes Ekko's parted lips as he looks towards his hands, curling them tightly into fists with a subtle nod of his head.]
Sometimes I think you all give me too much credit...Sure I was able to accomplish great feats but it hasn't been without its fair share of sacrifices.
Vi looks at Ekko for a long moment, considering him. she hates it that he's had to have so much on his shoulders so young. sure, she's proud of him for it, but he shouldn't have had to do it. even though it's expected in a place like Zaun, it doesn't make it right.]
Unfortunately... bad things happen along the way. You can't save everyone. Trust me, I know.
[it's so incredibly unfortunate that she knows that firsthand, too.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2025-01-07 12:15 am (UTC)I'll make my way there now shouldn't take me long.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-07 03:01 am (UTC)[she doesn't know if she can stand much else.
but she'll be waiting in Lupin, but she's standing in front of the bar this time. she's already got a drink in her hand, and Ekko's drink behind her. this time, there's no mixer.
she really needs it to work, and work quick.]
Action;
Date: 2025-01-09 03:16 am (UTC)Nice haircut.
[Motioning with a nod of his head towards the drink close at hand beside his companion that she wasn't actively holding purchase.]
That for me? You're really starting to become a bad influence you know that?
[Playfully teasing her a bit more with a nudge of his elbow against her side chuckling modestly under his breath.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-09 04:12 pm (UTC)Thanks. It was the depression.
[a beat, and a small smirk.]
I like balancing being a good influence and a bad influence.
[but then she moves to grab him and pull him into an embrace anyway. if she's successful, it's a strong one, stronger even than the last time she'd hugged him when he got here.]
I didn't really get the chance to do this after... everything. [they should both know what she's talking about. the next couple of months after the war had been busy, and both of them had been grieving in their own ways.] But thank you, Ekko. You're really the best.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-11 09:14 pm (UTC)That's not true, Vi...I wasn't able to save Jayce with my last ditch effort to stop the Herald.
[Burying his face into the crook of her neck now with a grit of his teeth hiding his face in shameful defeat.]
And Jinx I...I couldn't save her after bringing her back from the brink only to have her taken from both of us. All the hardship you've been made to endure...I'm sorry.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-15 04:36 pm (UTC)[she doesn't let him go, not yet. because he's hugging her back, and the way he buries his head into her neck means that he needs this. needs his big sister to be... just that. his big sister.]
No, you weren't the one who let her go. [her voice cracks a bit.] I had her, right there. On that ledge you found me on. But Vander... he had a hold of her. I almost had her. I could only grab her with one arm, the other one I knew I couldn't support her with.
[her grip only tightens on him.]
She took the gemstone out of my gauntlet. Forced me to let go.
no subject
Date: 2025-01-21 02:13 am (UTC)Vi had never explicitly explained how it all went down besides the fact that Vander in his crazed state of mind sought to kill both the sisters, completely losing control of what little sanity remained in the transformation enacted by Singed and Viktor both. To think their father was alive this whole time was nothing short of a wonder but had been tortured and twisted into a monster which ultimately overtook him in the end. A solemn sigh escapes Ekko's parted lips with a shake of his head, muttering out little louder than a whisper after silently taking a moment to completely process everything.]
It's not your fault either...I guess we both cannot keep beating ourselves up over the past, all we can do now is make the best of the time we have all together in this world.
[Which is exactly what Ekko planned to do given he had little to no idea just how long that might be given his first iteration here was not very long. However; If he had a choice this time around the boy wished to stay here with everyone who'd been taken from him before their time, those closest all having been brought to this simulation and wouldn't take it for granted.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-24 02:43 pm (UTC)[Vi laughs a shaky laugh before she finally lets go of him, using the time it takes to walk around the corner to wipe at her eyes and compose herself. there's very few people she'd break down for, and more that she needed to be strong for. she always felt like she needed to be strong for Ekko -- to be his rock, even if it seemed impossible at times.
she reaches across the counter and drains the rest of her drink before starting herself another one. she shakes her head now, though.]
When Cait got me out of prison... I had no fucking clue what I was in for.
[it had started so simply. she was going to find her sister and then take down Silco. and then it turned into... all of that.]
no subject
Date: 2025-01-29 01:06 am (UTC)Slowly sashaying to sit beside his counterpart Ekko leans his elbows on the bar top with an breathy burst of forced laughter nodding in agreement. Thinking back on the past he too cannot begin to comprehend just how everything unraveled after both Benzo and Vander's demise, losing not only Jinx to the vile tyrant of Silco but Vi in turn being hauled off to prison in turn thinking her dead as well.]
None of us had any real notion of what horrors laid in store...But we had to press on in hopes of creating a better world for those we've lost along the way.
[An exasperated sigh leaving him the boy turns his full attention towards Vi with an earnest smile.]
Despite all the suffering we've endured along the way I'd like to think we've finally achieved a semblance of peace.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-04 12:41 pm (UTC)for them. for everyone. and now, she was going to have to keep going without her sister, at home. for the first time in her life, her goals didn't align with anything to do with Powder or Jinx.]
I hope so.
[she takes another drink, gaze looking down at the glass as she puts it back down on the table.]
For the first time in my entire life, I don't have a specific goal to fight for. At home, I mean. Since Silco's dead, and Jinx... [she clears her throat.] I don't really know what to do with myself now.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-09 09:59 pm (UTC)Vi's words strike true with him as an audible gasp emitted past his parted lips, brows furrowing in disdain as a subtle nod of his head is given in return. For he too was at an impasse of what lied in store for him next in their journeys back home in Runeterra without any real motivation to keep pushing him forward for the first time in his life as well.]
Guess that makes two of us...After years of fighting for the equality of Zaun we finally have achieved that goal.
[A brief pause bowing his head solemnly in dismay when she makes mention of Jinx's loss which had quite the effect on him too.]
I...had thought to work together with Jinx to continue the betterment of our people but now...I'm not sure what I'll do either.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-12 07:51 pm (UTC)Yeah, and in the most dramatic way, too.
[she's well aware that it's not going to be perfect. that there's a lot of grudges and generational biases that they're going to have to work through. but if there's even a bit of hope in that respect, she'll take it.
the idea that he'd wanted to work alongside Jinx makes her heart sink, though. she imagines what they would've accomplished together...]
You'll figure out something. [she looks back up at him, smiling a bit.] If that little boy can save so many people in Zaun and head the Firelights, he can accomplish anything.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-16 08:46 pm (UTC)Wouldn't be home without the flare for dramatics and heartbreak along the way, right?
[A teasing joke made in levity of the rather serious topic of conversation trying not to dwell on everything he's been through in the past and now present. A solemn sigh escapes Ekko's parted lips as he looks towards his hands, curling them tightly into fists with a subtle nod of his head.]
Sometimes I think you all give me too much credit...Sure I was able to accomplish great feats but it hasn't been without its fair share of sacrifices.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-23 03:15 pm (UTC)[it was always drama between Zaun and Piltover.
Vi looks at Ekko for a long moment, considering him. she hates it that he's had to have so much on his shoulders so young. sure, she's proud of him for it, but he shouldn't have had to do it. even though it's expected in a place like Zaun, it doesn't make it right.]
Unfortunately... bad things happen along the way. You can't save everyone. Trust me, I know.
[it's so incredibly unfortunate that she knows that firsthand, too.]