#ekko: nah

[rainysofsunshineao3]

Ekko: "Sometimes taking a step forward means leaving a few things behind,"

*Short Haired Jinx Exists*

[cacston]

These bitches be dissing everyone's hair! THEY DISSED EKKOS HAIR.THESE BITCHES BE BLIND

[misfits-of-zaun]

“You really don’t get it. Do you?”

Jinx almost sounded as tired and fed up as he felt. Maybe he wasn't the only one who'd had a sleepless night over this, then. Albeit probably for very different reasons.

The side of Ekko's mouth twitched infinitesimally; the faint ghost of a wry smirk.

"I could say the same about you," He returned without any real bite, taking advantage of this temporary lull to sweep his gaze over the room for signs of any damage, missing or moved objects that could grant further clues as to her headspace - or indicate any efforts to construct traps.

After all, if Jinx had been effectively trying to pull the pin on all of this, she would have likely been expecting the next set of feet entering her room to belong to her executioner. And whether it genuinely was the outcome she'd decided she wanted or not, Ekko found it impossible to believe she'd accept anyone coming to kill her without putting up one final fight and going out with a - probably literal - bang at least.

The back of his neck prickled as Jinx finally sat up and fixed him with the full weight of her attention. Reflexively, Ekko felt his chin lift upwards and his shoulders shift back a fraction as he met her gaze, emulating the unflinching confidence he so desperately wished he could manifest. At least he had the muscle memory to carry him through.

Keep your shit together.

For a horrible heartbeat, he thought Jinx was going to fly at him again. His stomach tightened; the ache in his chest intensified, like the cruel heel of a palm pressing into a deep bruise.

Then Jinx was up and moving towards the window, making a point of peering out as if to survey the bloodthirsty mob surely waiting for her. She made a sound of scornful disappointment at the obvious lack of an audience, and paced back away again, directing a spinechilling look over her shoulder at him as she went.

Swiftly stomping down on how that made him feel and stuffing it into his bulging box of Things To Deal With Later, Ekko made a point of remaining precisely where he was, and raised a single challenging eyebrow at her.

What, were you expecting me to bring backup? Go fuck yourself. I'm not scared of you.

On the other hand, the concept that he could be about to get forced into a kill-or-be-killed stand-off with what was left of his childhood best friend, purely because being dead with Silco was that much more preferable to Jinx than being alive with him?

Yeah, that fucking terrified him on a deep visceral level.

Don't think about it. Just keep your damn shit together.

“Hmn.”

In an unexpected turn of events, Jinx elected to flop back onto her bunk and stare up at the ceiling with a reticent sort of expression - a disarmingly unthreatening move.

“We both know I don’t wanna do that.”

With anyone else, in any other context, this behaviour would have demonstrated a tacit surrender.

But something about Jinx's expression, about about her tone of voice, about the way that neither of them defused the oppressive tension lingering in the air, just made his stomach curdle in grim anticipation. Ekko couldn't put his finger on why.

He knew better than to question such a strong gut feeling, though.

"Well, it's your choice. I'm not here to make you do stuff you don't wanna do." Admittedly, the choice of words was rather pointed, and there was a note of faintly acidic exasperation seeping through into his voice now.

Don't you dare. Whatever it is you're thinking about, don't you fucking dare.

"Instead of talking about what we already both know, then, are you gonna tell me whatever it is you do wanna be doing? Because you were on such a roll about your thoughts before - you might as well get it all out."

@f1shbonez

Charred Bridge

Ekko splashed some water on his face, and resignedly set about re-applying his face paint. Sunlight was filtering through his window now; he had to face the day and whatever came with it, whether he felt ready or not.

He hadn't slept. He'd spent hours unpicking what had happened. Repeating the memory in his mind over and over, analysing every freeze-frame in his memory, in an effort to glean some new detail he'd missed - as if the key to what to do next was buried somewhere, waiting to be gleaned from the right scrap of information.

Mostly it had felt a lot like going blindly in circles and clutching at empty air.

His friends had tried to help. Eve in particular had been surprisingly diplomatic and compassionate about the whole thing. There had been no "I told you so", or any pressure towards a certain specific decision, in spite of what he knew they were all thinking.

Is this it, then?

The redness was gone from his face now; there was no lasting physical mark, only a little residual tenderness. Just like last time, the real damage from the blow was in the resounding devastation of what it represented.

A lot of the violence Jinx committed was from a distance. Shooting, blowing things up. It was easy to be detached with that kind of distance. A slap was up close and extremely personal. It wasn't her style.

And yet she'd gone for precisely that with him twice now.

He now knew where she'd learned it from - and it made it sting so much worse, that she was trying to hurt him and push him away in the exact way Vi had hurt and rejected her.

I don’t wanna be rescued. I'm Jinx now.

You’re not my family. You’re not! You’re not -!

Ekko shut the glass cabinet above his sink with a little more force than was strictly necessary, and turned away from his reflection. He could fix up his hair and clean up his face to make it look like he hadn't been up all night over this shit, but the real armour he needed was calm, decisive action.

By the time he reached the stairs, that strange, seething feeling started up under his skin again. He felt twitchy, on edge, as he descended the steps on autopilot. He didn't know what he was heading back into. The quiet on the other side of the door told him nothing.

It took a moment to spot her (was not getting immediately attacked a positive sign or not?) But when he did, fhe sight of her triggered a strong gut reaction - a violent swooping sensation in his stomach with a sharp pang, not unlike missing a step on the way down the stairs and then getting impaled with a broken piece of the bannister while trying to regain his balance. A jolt of apprehension and hurt and bitter grief that he had to swallow down, down, down.

You get one shot at this. Make it count.

"...So, are you coming down for breakfast, or are you still feeling like an asshole?"

The query was dryly sardonic, his expression deliberately neutral and bordering on nonchalant. But his eyes were unflinching, shrewdly evaluating.

He made a point of folding his arms and leaning against the doorway, as if this was business as usual and there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. As if his heart wasn't absolutely hammering, as if he wasn't waiting to find out whether the childhood friend he'd worked so hard to reach for was about to drop another match and send his world up in smoke for a second time.

This was the only card he had left to play.

Either this would work, or it wouldn't.

Either she'd understand what he was trying to say, or she wouldn't.

Do I look like I'm running away?

@f1shbonez

[one-sleepy-dragon]

y'know what, i've had it. from now on, every arcane character who doesn't have an explicit love interest in the show is aro, ace, or aroace.

viktor? aroace.

sevika? aro lesbian.

ambessa? aro bisexual.

jinx and ekko? demi aces, both of them.

silco? heimerdinger? grayson? aroace, the whole lot. jayce and mel are straight, cait and vi are lesbians, everyone else is aro, ace, or both. end of story.

[agonizedembrace]

it is done 🫡

[shokuto]

People really theorize that Eve (the redhead Jinx kills in Episode 4) was Ekko’s gf without considering the implication of him laying up a girl who pointedly resembled Vi enough to remind her baby sister of her lmao

[nickeverdeen]

Hey, could I get an imagine with Ekko x introverted!GN!reader who looks scary, serious and cold at first glance, but is actually just socially awkward and very geeky and silly once you get to know them? Like, they're very creative and love coming up with stories, as well as infodumping about random stuff they're into at the moment, like criminology or extinct animals.

Thanks!

Unmasking the Introvert | Ekko x gn!reader

Pairings: Ekko x gn!reader (romantic)

Type of fic: I’m not sure

Warnings: None

Summary: Ekko is slowly getting to know your true side

—————

Ekko had always been intrigued by you. From the first time he’d caught a glimpse of you in Zaun, he’d pegged you as the silent type, intense with that don’t-mess-with-me aura. You were usually found in the corner of any room you entered, often watching others with a gaze that could cut through glass. Most people didn’t get close enough to try talking to you, content with spreading rumors instead: some said you had a secret criminal past; others thought you might have alchemical powers that could hypnotize anyone with a glance.

But Ekko didn’t buy it. He knew better than most that appearances could be deceiving. So, he decided to talk to you himself, casually striking up a conversation at the Hideout one day after he’d noticed you tinkering with something in the corner.

“Hey, whatcha working on?” Ekko leaned over your shoulder, watching as your hands deftly tightened screws and adjusted wires.

Caught off guard, you jerked slightly, glancing up at him with wide eyes. But you quickly masked it, pulling up that familiar guarded expression, making Ekko smirk a bit. He wasn’t easily intimidated.

“Just… something I’m building,” you replied coolly, your voice steady but your eyes shifting nervously. “Helps me think.”

Intrigued, Ekko leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Mind if I watch?”

You didn’t answer immediately, but after a brief pause, you nodded. As he watched, you slowly began explaining each piece of machinery, your voice growing a bit stronger and more assured with each word. After a while, he noticed the hardened look in your eyes beginning to soften. By the time you’d finished the explanation, your whole demeanor had relaxed just a bit.

A few days later, Ekko bumped into you again, and you couldn’t help but launch into an animated explanation about something random you’d been reading about—extinct animals. Before you knew it, you were on a full-blown tangent about the Moa bird, a giant flightless bird from New Zealand that had been hunted to extinction centuries ago.

“They were enormous, like ten feet tall, with these long necks! And did you know their legs were so powerful that one kick could shatter bones?” Your eyes lit up as you spoke, hands gesturing wildly. “It’s kinda sad… but also fascinating how ecosystems just change when one creature disappears.”

Ekko just grinned, genuinely enjoying the infodump. He’d never expected that someone as intense-looking as you could be so endearing in such a nerdy way. “That’s cool, I didn’t know that. What got you into extinct animals?”

You shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. “I just… like learning about things. And sharing them, even though I know most people think it’s boring.”

“Boring? Nah, I think it’s cool. You got any other fun facts up your sleeve?”

You blinked in surprise, before diving into your latest fascination—criminology. He listened as you passionately detailed the science behind forensic psychology, your eyes lighting up as you explained how criminals are profiled. At one point, you started mimicking a detective’s voice, spinning a little story about a fictional thief in Zaun who’d slipped through the Enforcers’ hands multiple times.

Ekko laughed, “You’d make a great storyteller. Ever thought of putting all these ideas into a book or something?”

The suggestion took you aback. “I don’t know… I just think people wouldn’t really get it.”

“Bet they would,” Ekko said with a reassuring smile. “And hey, even if they don’t, I’m all ears.”

Over time, your quiet bond grew stronger. Ekko made a habit of stopping by to hear your latest “random obsession,” and you found yourself looking forward to sharing with him, little by little letting go of the intimidating front you put up for the world.

One night, he found you on a rooftop, writing notes in a worn-out notebook by the light of the moon. You looked up as he approached, giving him a slight nod in greeting, but he could see the glint of excitement in your eyes.

“What’s on your mind tonight?” he asked, settling down beside you.

You paused for a second, before leaning in and saying, “Alright, so imagine this: a heist, set in Piltover, but the thieves are all masked vigilantes from Zaun… and they have this backstory, see, where they all have these ridiculous alter-egos…”

And as you spun your tale, Ekko watched you with a smile, feeling lucky to be the one who got to see you like this: genuine, animated, and maybe a little silly.

[thenationofzaun]

The way Ekko has been surgically removed from the Vi/Jinx story is criminal. He is the only other surviving member of the family from the Act 1 era, and the closest relation to Vi after Jinx. They keep trying to push the "Vi has nothing left in Zaun/everyone in Vi's life has changed" angle to force Caitvi and her enforcer arc, but Ekko is right fucking there! Leading a tight-knit group just like Vander did, opposing Silco just like Vi does. So what the fuck is Vi talking about, with everyone she loves changing? She should be ecstatic that she still has Ekko right? That she still has someone she knows from her childhood who is alive and fighting Silco? Little Man, the kid she hosed down whenever he got dirty, the little boy she taught how to fight.

They are trying to push the angle that joining the enforcers is her only option, when joining the Firelights is still on the table for her. But nope, for some reason, she doesn't think about or care about him. Doesn't look for him, doesn't care if he survived, doesn't return to the Firelights. This is such a glaring hole in the storytelling but the show thinks it can distract me with pretty visuals and music videos.

First ever thing Vi should have done in Season 2 is look for the Firelights. Reunite with Ekko and talk. About Jinx, about the war, and what they want to do about it. Caitlyn got to talk with Jayce, why not Vi and Ekko? Instead they make Vi get drunk with a nameless new character? Maybe Ekko could invite Vi to join his side, Vi tells him she needs to be there for Caitlyn first during her mother's funeral but she will return. And then Caitlyn gets to Vi. Offers the badge, convinces her joining the Firelights isn't the best option, that the strikeforce is where she truly belongs and can be the most help to prevent collateral damage to innocents in Zaun. Just like how Vander worked with Grayson to prevent collateral damage to innocents. So Vi takes Caitlyn's offer, betraying her promise to join Ekko. Returns to Zaun but in the enforcer uniform. Have Ekko actually react to this. The video game has some lines from Ekko admonishing Vi as a traitor, right? Why aren't they including it in the show? Why isn't Ekko at all involved in Vi's plot, reacting to her enforcer arc?

Oh right, because they added a billion other plot lines into the show and they don't have the time to explore so many character dynamics anymore. Suddenly Ekko is involved with Heimerdinger and now the Arcane is fucking with the tree, and Ekko has to get packed up and sent to another dimension. Okay.

Season 2 makes it seem like Vi and Ekko are complete strangers. Vi has no curiosity about him, and he has no curiosity about her. He fought Jinx so Vi could talk to the Council. Last thing he knows, Jinx blew herself up. Now suddenly it turns out she survived and killed the very Council Vi was supposed to meet. His reaction to this?? What does he think happened to Vi?? Nah, let's have him joke around with fucking Heimerdinger while breaking into Jayce's lab. It's so unnatural.

[xetlynn]

Arcane Imagines- Violet

Sweet and Sour

Requested by: @m0ranna "vi and a s/o who looks, seems and acts very soft but is actually a beast when fighting."

[arcane] [main page]

Summary: you and vi have been apart for some time, and when she sees you all the feelings come back.

“Hey, someone’s here for you.” Your only employee, Mexi says, you hum in response waving that you’re coming. You feel slightly grateful to stand up from your desk and be done with all the paperwork for just a moment. It’s been slow running Benzo’s old shop. Nobody has really come in, especially now with everything going on between Zaun and Piltover so money’s real tight.

 You walk out into the shop from behind the counter after your employee leads you there. You look up with crossed arms. “What can I do for you?” Asked with a fake interested tone.

“[Name]? You own the place now?” A familiar voice rings in your ears. Your eyes widened to look more clearly at your past friend/crush. “Violet?!” You jump over the counter, pulling her into a tight embrace. You hadn’t seen her since that horrible, idiotic heist that went so wrong. “Hey!” She holds you close to her, before pulling you back to get a better look at you. 

“You still have that sweet innocent look.” She whispers, pulling you into another hug. Taking in your scent as tears fills your eyes. “How did you get out?” You back away this time, holding onto her shoulders to make sure she doesn’t go away. “Uh, see that pilty officer out there.” She points to the dark haired lady standing outside the shop with her hands on her hips seemingly impatient. “Yeah?” 

“Her, I don’t know why but I’m not complaining.” Vi chuckles and you smile at her. “Want to invite her in?” It stuns her when you offer that, even Mexi was taken aback. She gets nervous, walking into the back so she doesn't have to speak to an officer. “Eh, she can experience the undercity a little more.” Vi waves it off, jumping onto the glass counter to sit down. 

“Looks the same in here.” She sadly sighs, browses the place. “Tried not to change it drastically. Benzo did a pretty good job.” You frown, thinking back to the man who was like a father to you. “Is Ekko…” 

“Nah, he’s doing his own thing now. Unfortunately it's the same with your sister.” You groan, reminding yourself of the blue-haired girl's antics with Silco. “Powder? What do you mean unfortunately?” Vi perks up. “She’s not really Powder anymore.” You start, hugging yourself as you think back to when Ekko begged you to fight with the fireflies. 

“Let’s talk about something else.” You pick up a random gadget, fidgeting with it in your left hand. “How’s the free life?” 

“I want to talk about Powder.” Vi gets off the counter, walking towards you. “Vi, no. You’ll find out on your own. I really don’t want to get into this.” You tell her simply, pleading silently with your facial expression. She wants to argue with you, beg for you to say more but she can’t. Not when your eyes are full of fear and sadness. You’ve always been so sweet-looking. So kind to people, giving them the benefit of the doubt. Which is rare in the undercity. It’s also stupid to most. 

“Okay, okay. I- I don’t know, I’ve only been free for a few hours. This was the first place I went to.” She averts eye contact now. “Hm, I’m the first person you wanted to see, huh?” You joke, there wasn’t really any other option sadly. “Of course.” Vi smirks, nudging your arm. 

“I’ve missed you.” You turn to her, pulling her into another hug. “I don’t want to let go of you. It’s like you’re going to disappear at any moment.” You whimper out, trying not to cry. Vi’s face softens, kissing the top of your head. “I promise I’m not leaving again.” Her hands go to your waist just letting you cling onto her. 

“I’ll kill you before you get the chance to leave me.” You say, causing her to scoff out a laugh. The door bells go off and you both let each other go to see that officer standing there. 

“Sorry to interrupt, Officer Caitlyn Kiramman.” She bows down to you before looking at Vi. “We should get going, I have important things to get to.” 

You raise a brow on why Vi needs to go with this lady so badly. Vi sighs. “Give me a moment.” She tells the officer whose face contorts into an annoyed expression. “I’ve given you quite a few moments to reunite with your girlfriend here.” Cait spits out, obviously very antsy to get where she needs to be. The both of you awkwardly glance at one another now with flushed faces.

“Uh, it’s alright. I’ll see you later Vi.” You chuckle, taking her hand in yours. “There’s a fight in that one arena we used to go to behind Vander and Benzo’s back. It’s huge and you should come. Just like old times.” You propose to her, your face full of hope that she agrees to come. 

“You can bring your bodyguard too.” You tease making her playfully roll her eyes. Cait tries to bite back a smile at the joke. “I’ll be there. I promise.” Vi squeezes your hand before letting go. “It’s at the usual time as well, I hope you remember.” You tell her as she leaves with the girl. “Oh I remember!” Vi calls back. 

When the door shuts behind them and the bells still ring in your ears you let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding. Mexi comes out of hiding. “You two are dating?” She asks curiously. You choke on your spit. “Huh?” 

“Well the officer said you were her girlfriend and neither one of you denied it.” She shrugs her shoulders, taking out her box of things to put away. “Oh, I mean we had a small thing as children but I haven’t seen her in 7 years. I’m sure she doesn’t think about me that way.” You ramble, putting the gadget back that forgot you were holding. 

“I don’t know. The way she looked at you says otherwise.” Mexi winks, your face heats up. “Whatever.” You mutter, going back behind the counter and heading into the back to finish the paperwork you had. 

•••

Vi and Caitlyn rummage through the crowd of people, trying to find you. “I don’t know if we’re going to find her before the fight!” Cait shouts over the yelling and the music that blasted. “I’m gonna try!” Violet huffs, shoving past all the people, getting to the front where maybe she could spot you on the other side of the arena. Her eyes traveled through the sea of moving bodies. “C’mon.” She mutters to herself. She didn’t want you to think she didn’t come. She had only made it five minutes before the fight even started because of what Cait and her had to do. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen!!!” The announcer screams into the mic, only making everyone louder with their cheers. As he speaks, Vi only zones everything out, trying her hardest not to panic when attempting to find you. 

“Isn’t that her?” Cait points down into the arena with eyebrows scrunched together. Vi’s eyes shoot down to see you standing there against a large woman. “Shit, what’s she doing!?” Violet urgently asks, gripping onto Caitlyn. “I think she’s about to fight.” 

Vi gives her a dirty look, giving her attention back to the scene in front of her right as the announcer starts the fight. The woman attempts to attack you but you swerve out of the way. You look up to see Vi and Caitlyn. You blow them a kiss before turning to the woman and throwing a punch. 

The lady doesn’t dodge it in time, getting hit right in the eyebrow. She tries to throw hits at you but you maneuver around them, hitting her in the right places to cause her to stumble. Vi leans over the edge, now cheering for you. “Kick her ass!” She shouts. Even Caitlyn was amazed at your fighting skills. She wasn’t expecting that from someone so… cute and sweet looking. 

You swiped the lady's feet out from right under her. Going in for the punches. The larger lady attempts to push you away with no avail. 

But when she sees an opening after multiple hits to the face she shoves you off of her. Getting herself up. You roll away, jumping to your feet, you weren’t paying attention when she gets a hit to the middle of your face. Violet gasps, nails digging into Caitlyn’s arm. The dark blue haired girl doesn’t pay attention though. 

You spit out blood, wiping your mouth before going after the woman with more passion than before. Looking like a beast in the ring. You go right for her head, only taking a few hits for her to be back on the ground. 

Not even five minutes into the fight and you win. Leaving her knocked out. 

The announcer commentates as the crowd goes wild. Violet listens to all the people saying how little miss [Name] out there is undefeated. “Holy shit.” Cait whispers. You pump your fists into the air, jumping around for yourself. You have blood guzzling down your nose but you’re having a blast with the attention. You look up, locking eyes with Vi who has a look of bewilderment. You chuckle then motion with your head to the exit doors. She immediately understands what you’re saying. “Meet me at her shop, I’ll see you later.” Violet places a hand on Caitlyn’s shoulder before pushing through the crowd.

You and Vi used to sneak and see the fighters in the back frequently as children. Not to meet them or anything but just to say you were in the same room as them. Even then it was kept a secret between you both. 

She sneaks through the men guarding the doors and slips into the very first room she can. Hands snake around her from behind. “Hey!” You scare her, making her jump away from you. She turns with her fists up in defense. You roar into laughter, mimicking her stance. She pouts from being made fun off and smacks your arm. “Why didn’t you tell me you were fighting?! I didn’t even know you could do all that!” She exclaims as you grin. 

“I wanted it to be surprising! Wasn’t I so amazing out there?” You lift your arms, flexing your muscles. “Yeah but honestly I did not see that coming from someone so… adorable?” She tilts her head as she tries to find the right word to call you.

 “Awe I’m adorable?” You poke her side, heading over to the full body mirror in the room, taking the wraps off your hands. “I mean, you’ve always been pretty cute. Like y’know sweet looking. I’ve never seen you even hurt someone!” she maundered, speaking with her hands flailing trying to explain what she meant with bright red ears. 

“Desperate times call for desperate measures. I don’t exactly enjoy being some beast fighter but it pays the bills.” You lean against the little table beside the mirror. Staring off into space at Vi’s shoes. “The shop not doing good?” Vi asks. “It’s seen better days. I have enough for everything except paying Mexi but I’m not letting her go. She’s helped way too much for me to do that.” You sigh, thinking about the young worker who you practically took under your wing. 

“So you risk yourself so you don’t have to fire just one person.” She quizzes and you go to defend your actions but she just snickers. “Gosh you really are too sweet for your own good, [Name]. I love you so much.” She holds her stomach as she laughs. Amused by how kind you are. “You love me?” You attempt to tease her but her face drops, realising what she said. “I mean, yeah! I’ve been in love with you since we were kids.” She speaks so nonchalantly it catches you off guard. When she said she loved you, you thought of it as a family thing. Not romantic. You weren’t upset but your mind was spiraling now. 

“I’m sorry if it’s too much. I don’t even know if you have a partner already or something. I’ve been gone for so long I just. I’ve never stopped thinking about you even though we were only 15.” She over-explains, and you go up to her, putting a finger to her lips. “I love you too, Violet. I wasn’t kidding when I said I missed you.” You tell her earnestly, your hand going to her cheek. 

Her shoulders drop, relieved by your words. “Oh thank god, I thought I had just scared you or something. I feel so stupid.” You shush her with a small laugh. “I forgot how much you talk when you’re nervous.” You whisper as she plants her forehead on yours. “I only do it with you.” She shamefully admits. 

“Mm, really?” You ask before locking your lips on hers. She moans into the kiss, deepening it by bringing you closer to her. The kiss was rough, making up for lost time. Wandering hands over one another's bodies. 

When you pull apart you grin, throwing your arms over her shoulders. “We're dating.” You state, not asking but telling her. She shakes her head. “I didn’t know that.” 

“Well you do now.”

 You peck her lips. 

•••

Time passes and Vi comes into the shop whenever she can, you let Mexi watch over so the both of you can go out. Always in cute light colored clothes in such a dark place. 

People never understood how you were so bubbly, giving to others and dancing in the middle of Zaun. 

Violet loved it, watching as a street performer played and you danced to music. Children joining you. Even a few adults. It was these moments the undercity needed. A little distraction from the horrors about to come. 

You’d have these sweet moments everyday and then night comes and you’re in people's nightmares. Fighting to pay the bills you said. Fighting to win and prove you’re more than what others call a weak minded, overly nice girl. And Vi’s there to support her girl through it all. 

Loving every second. 

[sherbertquake56]

okay I’m dropping some of my fable arcane au thoughts before the new episodes drop tomorrow even tho most of it is based on season 1 anyway—

so some basic taggings for you that I based the AU around:

1. Icarus as Jinx.

powder vs jinx is just the sherbert vs icarus name thing. toxic father. unhealthy relationship with sibling. a lil crazy and maybe evil. thinks that they are at fault for the things around them. lil bombs? nah- little SPLASH potions. hearing and seeing mylo and claggor? it’s Haley- it’s literally Haley—

2. Fable as Silco.

okay fable’s design WAS partially inspired by silco— they literally look the same— they’re both a man with two priorities: take over and make his own nation & care for child.

you know the ending scene of season 1? where they’re sitting at the table? THAT. With Jinx assuming that he’s gonna give her up to topside and him getting the first chance to talk and saying “her name is JINX!” i could write an essay on that for icarus. they’re so toxic and it’s so perfect. also that scene at the start of s2 ep2? YEAH THAT—

3. Centross as Ekko

This one is controversial and up to debate but i will die on this hill— SO THE S1 BRIDGE FIGHT. I am so willing to put aside any possible prison duo gay-ness in this AU for that rivalry/fight. they were friends!!! they were so good!! and now they wanna KILL EACH OTHER!! it’s great.

It’s also specifically thinking of Ekko’s tree home as solstice— older Ekko very much has the vibe of Violet specifically-

4. Arisanna as Sevika

I DONT KNOW WHY BUT IT MAKES SENSE TO ME. It’s specifically vexed Ari during the coworkers era but idk it just feels right— I look at her relationship with Silco and Jinx and go ‘hmmm this could be something’

[I will also say there is an argument here for swapping Centross and Ari tho— big tree city as Ari rebuilding the records goes hard, and angsty fighty toxic with jinx centross is also good— it’s like 50/50 for me]

5. Isla as Vander

LET ISLA BE A BADASS IN THIS AU. SHE DESERVES IT— something something raising vi and powder alone, something something the backstory with silco— there’s something there and it hits really hard in scenes where vi sees vander and helps her get back up— also I look at jinx and vander and I go “mmmm this is in fact how icarus sees Isla”

6. Rae as Vi

This was obvious given the above but LISTEN— in this ALTERNATE UNIVERSE OF EVENTS I think it would be fun- do I think that vi perfectly fits canon rae? no. But in this world it would KICK ASS. rae deserves to beat some people up— got kicked out of the overworld (zaun) by fable (silco) and had to go to the end (piltover) to get away from him?? rae end prince aus are already here so why not end rae also punching people huh??? also. gay people.

———

Okay— here’s where I need some help, thoughts, and opinions from you all…

1. Caitlyn.

POLYAMORY IS HARD TO TAG AND I DONT KNOW WHO FITS BEST?? For me, season 1 Caitlyn fits best as Caspian, but season 2 Caitlyn is more for Fenris— so I’m very stuck. yes absolutely give thoughts on this please—

2. Viktor as Aax (but how does that work)

Viktor absolutely should be Aax— mr. Scientist / lab experiment / turned religious figure vessel for god is CORRECT. But honestly the rest of Piltover gang is really hard with Rae as Vi— Jayce/Viktor/Mel is yelling at me to be the polycule but aGH— ya know??? very stuck on this so I instead look at the coworkers and go “mm good yes—”

Random other tags I think also make sense:

- Ulysses as that Telchin looking mf Stev— mans took out one lil medical device as his fish self and I said YUP

- The hexcore big orb thing underground as Quixis— big white glitch orb room make things go wack. couldn’t be easier than that.

———

Anyways that’s all— I’ve been rotating this in my mind for like a week and have had way too many thoughts about it thank you for your time—

[oreo-oro-orero]

Jinx: "Hey Ekko what's the Wi-Fi password?"

Ekko: Oh it's, I..Love..You..Jinx."

*Jinx laughs nervously*

"Haha...that's funny...my name it's Jinx."

Ekko: "That it is."

Jinx: "Oh I get it...this is some type of prank or something!"

*Ekko now in another room*

Ekko: "Nah, it's been that way ever since we were kids."

Jinx: "Oh...."

*Jinx calmly gets up and locks herself in Ekko's bathroom and frantically texts Vi to ask her what to do*

[cherrysnax]

Caitlyn has aspects of her that I like.. but I feel liek. nothing about her for tha most part

arcane mutuals can be I honest abt something

[constantfragmentation]

It's bugging me...

The inconsistencies and a lack of detail and continuity in S2. S1 was all about the tiniest details.

Don't get me wrong, the animation is gorgeous, BUT --

The underwater scene is where Jinx lets Silco go.

He was RIDDLED with bullets. Yet, not a mark on him?

Why is his damaged eye closed? I thought he didn't have an eyelid. Artistically, I think having his lifeless eyes glazed over would have been more dramatic, considering it's Silco. Nah, he just sinks like Jack to the depths of the Titanic.

How deep IS the Pilt River?? I'm assuming that's where she 'buried' him.

The whole first act is so damn rushed.

No one seems to wonder what happened to Silco? He was only the main person holding the Underground together by the strands of his pomade hair. His death is a BIG deal, yet it's glossed over. No one questioned any of it???

Sevika is just, okay, let's move on like it's another day (granted, Zaunites are probably predisposed to be like that, but that doesn't make for good storytelling if you're not letting the audience in on anything), and chatting it up with Jinx as if they just bonded. I didn't feel that happen. I like that they low-key ripped into him post mortem, because that feels natural but what got them in that room together DOESN'T.

I want to know how these characters FEEL. You got that in spades during S1. But S2 is just expecting you to assume or they would attempt to take the time to use what would be great writing and evolving these characters.

Caitlin is hurting, I get it. But she went full Commando Psycho mode. Girl, everyone has lost parents, siblings, etc... She doesn't even flinch when Vi tells her Enforcers killed BOTH her parents. She's lost a beloved sister... but Cait is affronted when Vi shirks from becoming an Enforcer. Let's just forget what PIltover did to Zaun for generations and to LOADS of people.

Vi? Oh girl. What happened to you?

Jinx is a bit better but not much. I don't buy Silco's death was a zap to the brain to chill her out a bit. She's still my Chaos Queen but unless there is something to explain some shit in the following episodes, I'm going to be really ticked at the lack of care in characterizations with who are the supposed leads in this story.

Jesus Viktor. That's it. That's all I got.

Well, I did LOL when he woke up and gave Jayce the "bye Felicia" in 2.2 seconds.

We don't get to know what Ekko is thinking since all this shit went down? As far as he knows, Jinx is dead and to learn to she bombed Piltover?

The music videos substituting for the plot are REALLY bugging me. It's lazy writing. The music was used well in S1 to ENHANCE the scene (well, except for giving Imagine Dragons an animated cameo). Here, it's used as exposition, but it's not nearly good enough.

Useless characters and side-characters. Poorly executed plot devices. Uninteresting plot devices and trying to use the S1 parallels for characterizations.

S1 took time to introduce and flesh out these characters, even the side-characters.

We only had Vander for 3 episodes but he was a HUGE character. Marcus, Mylo, Claggor, Benzo, Grayson, Finn.... all were interesting and played an important part.

Jayce continues to be blah. So I'm not bothered.

Ambessa looks to be the new villain but it's not hitting with me. Plus, there's zero foreshadowing on some stuff in her arc that would have been useful last season.

I like Mel but I'm waiting to see what happens with her.

Hermydingding going all Mission Impossible. Just stop. Does he not give two furry fucks about what happened to his fellow councilmembers and Piltover?

I feel like RIot is trying to shove way too much into one season and sacrificing good story-telling to do it.

I miss the details.

So far, I'm really underwhelmed with this season.

[dissapointu]

can u do arcane characters w a stoner gf? LOL

ARCANE character w/ Stoner Gf

————————————————————————

Jinx:

“Yo, babe,” Jinx practically bursts into your room, a cloud of smoke following her like some kind of neon whirlwind. “Wanna go on an adventure with me? I found the perfect spot to just… chill. I swear, it’s got the best vibes. Like, the air feels all spongy or something, y’know?”

You raise an eyebrow at her, still wrapped up in your blanket burrito. “Spongy air, Jinx?”

“Yeah!” She flops down next to you, tossing a handful of glittery confetti in the air for no reason. “It’s like the air’s alive or something. Like, it’s gonna hug us.”

You laugh and take a hit from your joint, exhaling slowly. “You’re insane, but I love it. Let’s go, then.”

Jinx’s face lights up like a sparkler. “YES! THIS IS GONNA BE EPIC!” She grabs your hand and drags you out the door, giggling all the way.

Vi:

Vi leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, trying not to laugh at you. “You’re high again, huh?”

You nod lazily from your spot on the couch, a goofy grin plastered on your face. “Vi, everything’s so smooth today. Like, smoother than a buttered pancake.” You giggle at your own joke.

Vi rolls her eyes but can’t help but smile. “You’re something else, you know that?”

“Yup. I’m your something else,” you say, winking. “Wanna join me in being ‘smooth’ and vibing for a while?”

She snorts. “I’ll pass. But, hey, don’t get into too much trouble.”

You wave her off lazily. “No promises!”

Sevika:

Sevika walks in like she owns the place, her usual scowl softened by a rare hint of amusement when she sees you lounging on the couch with a blunt in hand. “You’re stoned again, huh?”

You take a slow drag, making sure the smoke curls perfectly before releasing it. “Maaaaybe… but everything’s, like, super chill, Sev. It’s all about balance.”

She raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, but she doesn’t seem bothered. “Balance, huh? Well, just don’t burn the place down or do anything stupid.”

You laugh, tapping your fingers on your temple as if deep in thought. “What’s the point of not doing something stupid if you’re having fun?”

Sevika just shakes her head, turning to leave. “You’re impossible.”

Silco:

Silco watches you carefully, his piercing gaze never leaving your face as you sit across from him, half-lidded eyes. “You’re intoxicated, aren’t you?”

You lean back in your chair and smile lazily. “You could say that, but I’m more of a peaceful thinker right now.”

He sighs, exhaling through his nose. “It’s a wonder you function at all, considering this behavior.”

“Hey,” you say, giving him a lazy grin. “I’m functional. Just… a little more chill than usual.” You take another drag from your joint, blowing the smoke in the air with a satisfied sigh. “You should try it. Lighten up a bit.”

He stares at you for a long, silent moment. “I’ll pass.”

“Your loss,” you wink.

Vander:

Vander sits across from you, a protective yet amused look on his face as you munch on snacks in a haze of bliss. “Girl, you’re getting high off your own supply, aren’t you?”

You giggle, offering him some chips. “Vander, you should try this—life is so much better when everything’s, like, sparkly.”

He chuckles, shaking his head fondly. “You kids today…”

You lean back in your seat, looking at him with wide eyes. “Vander… why do we even need a whole bunch of rules? What if, like, we just… did whatever made us happy? Like… all the time.”

He smiles warmly, leaning back as well. “Some rules are there for a reason, kid.”

You pout dramatically. “Yeah, but sometimes rules are dumb. Can’t we just… have fun? Live in the moment?”

Vander laughs, knowing he won’t win this conversation. “You’re a handful.”

“Yup, but you love it,” you tease.

Ekko:

Ekko’s usually the level-headed one, but when he sees you zoning out with a vape in your hand, he can’t help but smirk. “You’re not getting into too much trouble with that stuff, are you?”

You blink slowly, your brain doing its best to process his question. “Trouble? Nah, Ekko. I’m just vibing.”

“Vibing, huh?” He steps closer, leaning against the wall. “You’re high, I get it. But don’t forget what you’re working for. You gotta stay sharp, even when you’re chillin’.”

You stare at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Stay sharp? Bruh, I’m sharper than a cactus right now. Don’t even worry about me.”

Ekko shakes his head, clearly trying not to laugh. “You’re something else, [Y/N].”

Jayce:

Jayce looks at you with concern as you lazily lounge in his lab, barely able to keep your eyes open. “I’m not sure this is a good environment for you, [Y/N].”

You look up at him through half-lidded eyes and grin. “Jayce… the world is, like, so complicated, and you’re over here making machines that could, like, change the world, man. You’re a visionary. You need to take a break too, y’know?”

Jayce seems taken aback, his expression softening a bit. “I don’t have time for breaks.”

“Dude,” you say, slowly sitting up and making an exaggerated Zen pose, “you gotta find your inner peace, or you’re gonna explode. Just take a second to breathe, man. It’ll make everything easier.”

Jayce blinks, unsure how to respond, but you catch a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’re weird.”

You nod sagely. “I know, right?”

Viktor:

Viktor enters your room, looking at you with his usual stoic expression, only to notice the haze of smoke hanging in the air. He raises an eyebrow. “I see you’re indulging, [Y/N].”

You blink slowly, lifting your head off the pillow where you’ve been sprawled out. “Indulging? More like floating, Viktor. The vibes are unreal. Everything is just… like, in sync, man.”

He crosses his arms, taking a moment to assess your state. “You do realize you have a lot of work to do, yes?”

You wave a hand dismissively. “Meh, work can wait. But this… this is, like, enlightenment.”

Viktor gives you a look, but there’s an almost imperceptible twinkle in his eyes. “I’ll leave you to your… enlightenment, then.”

Caitlyn:

Caitlyn stands in the doorway, looking at you with a raised eyebrow. “Really? You’re high again?”

You smile and wave lazily from the couch. “Come on, Cait, don’t be so serious. Life’s a lot more fun when you just let go.”

She rolls her eyes but steps inside, sitting next to you. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Impossible in the best way,” you say, offering her some snacks. “Come on, live a little. We could just, like, watch the clouds for hours. Don’t tell me you’ve never just wanted to do nothing.”

She smirks but takes a chip anyway. “You’re not gonna make me start smoking, are you?”

You grin mischievously. “No promises.”

[bardicinspired]

People really out here going "Ekko and Heimerdinger are the only unproblematic ones" I'm sorry????

HEIMERDINGER???

Created this city centuries ago Heimerdinger??? Was council leader and did nothing for decades while Zaun wilted under Piltover's boot Heimerdinger??? Restricted technological progress because he was afraid and did not explain his reasoning Heimerdinger???? Confronted with a dying student he mentored and only could say "the brightest flames burn out the quickest" Heimerdinger?? HAD NEVER STEPPED FOOT INTO ZAUN IN HIS 300 YEAR OLD LIFE HEIMERDINGER???

Nah. Ekko is the only unproblematic king here. Heimerdinger can take his gerbil-looking ass and get the fuck out.

[dragonshoard]

On another note, I ain't justifying shit with the below I'm trying to explain/discuss the environment both these characters came from.

Can we talk about how no one is CHECKING Cait for her actions??? You can argue that Vi tried but did she? did she really? And was Cait in the right mind to accept the advice? Nah. Everywhere else that girl is being ENABLED and APPLAUDED for her actions. Also how she stands virtually alone, especially after the last fight with Vi.

Caitlyn's actions were entirely selfish. So are Jinx's. But people are reacting to those actions and creating their own understanding of why they are happening, which forces Caitlyn and Jinx to react despite the original intentions. Caitlyn is being told she must be a leader, that she must fill her mother's shoes while also literally drowning in grief. Jinx has just lost Silco, her sister, and her general purpose in life. She is passively suicidal at best. Despite ALL of that, she's going to be pushed into the revolutionary leader role in the coming episodes. Both of them are in NO right mind to be leading anything.

Was violent revolution the right answer? Hell if I know. Historically, peaceful revolt didn't seem to have ever been effective in Arcane canon, but there was also never a genuine effort on the part of Piltover to start talks and sabotage at worse. Because Zaunites are seen as a lesser class, a lesser people. Even their vote for independence was laced with that sort of belief.

Because there was no one from Zaun's ruling class at that table. Not Silco, or Ekko, or anyone that could be considered someone of significance (Viktor does not count). Zaun, despite being the subject of the topic, was not offered a seat at the table voting on their own damn independence. Instead, it was a group of individuals who had enabled the oppression of Zaunites whether consciously or unconsciously to make that decision.

It is important to recognize that the oppressed party (Zaun) has certain disadvantages which makes revolution necessary. Not just desirable - but NECESSARY.

Piltover was never going to let go peacefully, no matter what they “declared”. Their tech is literally polluting Zaun's water. Zaun's people are resources to be exploited. And that's not even talking about the literal resources. Or the Ambessa situation.

They're also twin city states, canonically. Far too intertwined to be truly independent of each other. The declaration of independence would have only been the start of a very long battle (and watch how that fragile peace would've shattered with or without Jinx).