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honeygr-ls · 1 month ago

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The Shadows And The Light - Chapter 6

Ao3 - Honeygrls

wo weeks had passed by since Silco had left the clinic when a mysterious letter appeared on your door step. It was on a particularly gloomy afternoon, the sky cloaked in thick gray clouds, when an unexpected delivery arrived at your front door. As you opened the door, it revealed a mysterious black envelope on the doormat. The envelope had a deep black seal which seemed to have an eye imprinted onto it. A shiver of anticipation coursed through you as you reached down, curious yet apprehensive about what this dark envelope could contain.

You opened it up carefully, tearing the seal with a satisfying rip. You unfolded the letter and read its contents.

“Your contributions to Zaun do not go unnoticed. Join us at the Blackwater Gala – An evening of alliances, gratitude, and opportunity. Please dress accordingly.

–Silco.”

The Blackwater Gala was the stuff of legends, whispered about in the dimly lit taverns and bustling streets of Zaun. It was an exclusive affair, drawing the elite of the city—from influential Chembarons to power-hungry gang leaders—each eager to indulge in a night of extravagance so rarely seen in the undercity. The gala was held in an old done up warehouse from what you had heard.

You had also heard intriguing tales of the events that unfolded within those walls, where the music was loud, and laughter mingled with the sharp scent of shimmer-infused drinks. Guests wearing the newest of Zaun's fashion and the most intricate hairstyles

Yet, beneath the shimmering exterior lied a murky reality filled with rumors of shady transactions whispered in hidden corners as well as scandalous accounts of drug deals and illicit sexual favours.

You'd never attend something so debauched, the very idea setting you on edge but declining didn't seem like a viable option, not when Silco himself had written you a personal invitation.

You sighed, groaning into your hands before shoving the letter into your pocket and heading back inside. You slammed the door with an irritated huff, stomping into your bedroom to see if you had anything good enough to wear.

You began to rummage through the back of your closet, pushing aside old shoes and forgotten sweaters. As your hands brushed against a large, sturdy box, curiosity piqued. You carefully pulled it out, dust collecting on the surface as you placed it on your bed. With a gentle tug, you lifted the lid, revealing the treasures within.

Among the items, your eyes fell upon one of your mother’s old dresses, a vibrant reminder of her youth. It was from her twenties, and you had kept it all these years, cherishing it even after her passing. With a mix of nostalgia and excitement, you pulled the dress out, feeling the soft fabric glide through your fingers.

You took a moment to admire its design before trying it on. Standing in front of your mirror, you adjusted the straps and looked at your reflection. The dress was short, barely grazing your upper thighs, and the black shimmery fabric caught the light beautifully. It hugged your curves just right, accentuating your features and giving you a sense of elegance.

A soft laugh bubbled up from inside of you as you smoothed your hands down the dress. This would be perfect.

__________________________________

You stepped into the warehouse, looking around In awe as you took in the sights before you. Crimson and golden banners hung from the steel rafters, chem-lights casting an otherworldly glow that danced around the place. The air was heavy with mingling scents of expensive alcohol, smoke and something faintly chemical.

Your steps faltered as you made your way further into the extravagant room glancing around at the hoards of different people huddled into their own respective circles. You smelt small amidst the large crowd of people, each of them seeping with confidence and mischief.

It wasn't long before Silco approached you, his movements measured and smooth as always. “You came.” He said, his eyes flickering over your appearance with a brief lift of his brow. “Good. You've earned your place here tonight. But remember..” His voice dipped, low and laced with warning. “This isn't a room for naivety, remember to keep your wits about you, hm?”

With that he was gone, melting back into the crowd as effortlessly as he appeared.

You exhaled slightly, your hands tightening around the glass handed to you by a passing waiter. Your eyes swept around the place once again, hoping to find a certain familiar face within the packed room. All you could pick out was Chem-barons, gang leaders and influential merchants mingling in a dangerous dance of power and deception.

And then, at the far end of the room, you spotted her.

Sevika.

She was leaning against a steel pillar, her figure adorned in her usual attire which made your brows furrow in confusion. Her smokey eyes scanned the room, and for a brief moment, they locked onto yours.

You flashed her a shy grin, but she quickly looked away, her expression unreadable.

Your expression soured as confusion tightened in your chest. You were excited at the thought of seeing Sevika again; it had been a while since Silco had left, and you were eager to reconnect with her. However, it seemed she didn’t share your enthusiasm.

With a defeated sigh, you walked over to the hors d'oeuvres, hoping to eat away your disappointment.

____________________________________

It wasn't long before you realized how truly

out of depth you were. Conversations buzzed around you full of threats and empty compliments. You tried to stay out of view but it was difficult when so many eyes lingered on you, curious and calculating.

When you finally found refuge in a quiet, dimly lit corner near the drinking fountain, your chest heaved with relief. The heavy energy of the gala seemed to melt away, replaced by a small sense of calm. That was until the faint sound of polished shoes against the floor drew your attention.

Your stomach dropped when you noticed the man approaching, his presence oozing an unsettling confidence. He carried himself with the kind of casual arrogance that only a man could muster up. His sharp suit, tailored to perfection, gleamed under the chem-light, but it was his smile that sent a chill down your spine.

It wasn’t a friendly smile—it was the kind that slithered under your skin, full of false charm. His golden teeth caught the light as his grin widened, his dark eyes gleaming with interest.

Your heart raced as recognition struck you. It was Finn, one of the most infamous Chem-Barons in Zaun. Stories of his twisted dealings and ruthless methods had reached even the quietest corners of your clinic. He was a man who thrived on power and fear.

And now, his attention was fixed solely on you.

“Ah, the healer,” he drawled, his voice a low, menacing purr that seemed to wrap around you like smoke.

You stiffened, your pulse quickening as you forced yourself to meet his gaze. “Mr. Finn,” you greeted cautiously, inclining your head. Your tone was polite, but the rapid pounding of your heart betrayed the unease swirling in your chest.

“Just Finn,” he corrected smoothly, his smile stretching wider to reveal a glint of gold teeth. “No need for formalities, doll.”

The nickname struck like a cold draft, making your stomach churn. The oily sweetness of his tone made your skin crawl, but you forced a tight smile, determined to keep your composure.

“Tell me,” Finn continued, his head tilting slightly as his sharp eyes roamed over you, assessing and lingering too long. “How does someone like you earn an invitation to a place like this?”

You straightened your posture, trying to ignore the way his gaze felt like a physical weight. “Silco invited me,” you replied evenly, willing your voice not to waver.

Finn’s expression shifted subtly, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smirk as his eyes narrowed. “Of course, he did.” His voice held an edge of mockery, though his smile remained intact, plastered across his face like a mask.

He took a deliberate step closer, his polished shoes clicking softly against the floor, the sound eerily measured. “You’ve been quite the talk of the evening, you know,” he continued, his tone dripping, “Zaun’s own little hero with a heart of gold. Tending to the needy, expecting nothing in return. Selfless.” He leaned in slightly, his head tilting, “It’s almost…naïve.”

The insinuation struck you like a bullet, but you forced yourself to stay calm, your fingers tightening around the edges of your glass. “I… I do what I can,” you replied, taking a cautious step back, but Finn’s movements mirrored yours, closing the gap effortlessly.

“Such modesty,” he murmured, his voice dipping lower as he leaned in further, his breath warm against your skin. The cloying scent of his cologne was suffocating, making it hard to think. His sharp features seemed to loom closer, filling your vision.

“But surely,” Finn continued, his voice softening to a predatory whisper, “someone as kind and beautiful as you must be used to admiration.” His words slithered into your ear, the low growl of his tone making your breath hitch involuntarily.

You instinctively flinched, your body tensing as he leaned even closer, his presence overwhelming and intrusive. The heat of his proximity made your stomach churn, and an unpleasant shiver ran down your spine, leaving you frozen.

“Excuse me,” you said firmly, taking a step to the side to put space between you and Finn.

But he shifted smoothly to block your path, his movement fluid. His sharp grin widened as he tilted his head, studying your reaction with an unsettling intensity.

“There’s no need to rush off,” he drawled, his tone light but with an edge that felt like a subtle warning. “I only want to get to know you better. Surely a healer like you can spare a little kindness?”

Your pulse quickened as unease swirled inside of you. “I’m not interested,” you said, keeping your voice steady despite the unpleasant knot forming in your stomach.

Finn’s grin twisted into something darker and sharper, his eyes narrowing slightly as if resisting only intrigued him more. “Ah, playing hard to get, I see,” he mused, taking a slow, deliberate step closer. “I always did enjoy a challenge.”

The words sent a chill down your spine, and you instinctively took a step back, feeling the cool metal of the drinking fountain press against your back. Trapped.

“Come now, don’t be so quick to run off—”

“Back off.”

The words cut through the tension like a blade, low and dangerous, the weight of it vibrating in the air around you.

Your heart pounded, and relief flooded your chest as Sevika stepped out of the crowd, her towering frame a protective barrier between you and Finn. Her expression was as cold as steel, her jaw tight, and her mechanical arm gleaming ominously in the dim light as she stood beside you.

Finn turned toward her slowly, his grin faltering for just a second before he schooled his expression back into something cool and unaffected. “Sevika,” he greeted smoothly, though the slight edge to his voice betrayed his irritation. “Always so quick to play the hero, aren’t you?”

“She said she’s not interested,” Sevika stated flatly. She didn’t so much as blink as her gaze pierced into Finn, a silent warning in her expression.

Finn raised his hands in mock surrender, a lazy smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “No harm in having a conversation, is there? We’re all friends here.”

“Doesn’t look like she wants to be friends,” Sevika shot back, taking a step forward, her broad shoulders squaring as she towered over him. “So, I’ll say it again: Back. Off.”

The air between them grew tense, a silent standoff as Finn’s smirk faltered again, his face shifting into an irritated scowl. He glanced between you and Sevika, the corner of his mouth twitching as if weighing his next move.

“Touchy, touchy,” Finn finally said, taking a deliberate step back but keeping his eyes locked on Sevika’s. “You really should learn to relax, Sevika. You might live longer.”

“Keep testing me, and we’ll find out how long you’ll last,” she growled, her voice a low rumble that made your stomach churn and, oddly, brought a sense of comfort at the same time.

Finn chuckled, though the sound was humorless, and shot you one last unsettling glance before turning on his heel. “Enjoy the party,” he called over his shoulder as he melted back into the crowd, leaving a trail of unease after him.

For a moment, you stood frozen, your heart pounding as the tension slowly began to dissipate. You turned to Sevika, who hadn’t moved an inch, her gaze still locked in the direction Finn had disappeared. Her shoulders were tense, and the muscles in her jaw flexed as she exhaled sharply through her nose.

“Thank you,” you said softly, your voice wavering with lingering nerves.

Sevika’s head snapped toward you, and for the first time that evening, her stern demeanor cracked. A faint flicker of awkwardness crossed her face, though she quickly schooled her expression into something more neutral. “Yeah,” she muttered, shifting her weight uncomfortably.

You offered a small, genuine smile despite the lingering tension. “I mean it. That could’ve gone a lot worse if you hadn’t stepped in.”

She looked away, rubbing the back of her neck with her flesh hand, her mechanical fingers clinking softly at her side. “It’s nothing. Just… don’t let idiots like him corner you again.”

Her words were gruff, but you could hear the concern buried beneath the rough exterior. The realization made warmth bloom in your chest despite the unsettling encounter that had just happened.

“Still,” you said gently, “I’m glad you were here.”

Sevika glanced at you from the corner of her eye, her lips pressing into a tight line. She gave a short nod, but the stiffness in her posture made it clear she wasn’t used to being thanked, especially in this way.

“I’ll, uh, keep an eye out,” she muttered, taking a small step back. Her eyes darted away briefly before she added, almost stumbling over her words, “You should stick to people you trust.” She paused, visibly uncomfortable, then cleared her throat. “Anyway... take care.” And with that, she turned abruptly and walked off, her mechanical arm whirring softly as she melted into the crowd.

Before you could fully process Sevika’s abrupt leave, a bright, chaotic burst of blue energy descended upon you.

“Well, well, well! What do we have here?” a high-pitched voice chirped from behind.

You turned just in time to see none other than Jinx, (Whom you learnt through gossip in the clinic that she was Silco's daughter) bounding toward you, her wide, manic grin lighting up her face like a spark. Her vivid blue braids swung wildly as she closed the distance, her eyes darting between you and the direction Sevika had just disappeared.

“Oh my GOD!” she squealed, clasping her hands together in delight. “You’re the girl Sevika never shuts up about!”

Your heart nearly stopped, your brain racked in confusion trying to catch up with what she’d just said. “W-what?” you stammered, completely caught off guard.

Jinx stopped right in front of you, leaning forward with a smirk as if she were sharing the most juiciest secret. “You heard me! Sevika’s been talking about you! Like, a LOT.” She wiggled her eyebrows exaggeratedly, her voice dropping to a stage whisper. “You must be very special!”

You blinked, your mouth opening and closing as you struggled to find a response. “I… I think you have the wrong idea—”

“Wrong idea? Pfft!” Jinx waved you off, her expression completely unserious. “Don’t play coy with me, doc. I mean, who could blame her? You’ve got this whole cute, shy, healer vibe going on.” She tilted her head, eyeing you up and down. “Kinda adorable, if you ask me. Totally Sevikas type too!”

“I’m not—she doesn’t—” you tried to explain, but Jinx wasn’t listening.

“Bet she likes your little ‘I just want to help people’ thing. So noble, so selfless! Classic hero stuff!” She twirled one of her braids around her finger, a dreamy look in her eyes. “It’s so weird hearing Sevika talk about anything that isn’t punching people, booze, or punching people while holding booze! You’ve gotta be a big deal.”

Your cheeks burned hotter with every word, and you shook your head furiously. “I think you’re misunderstanding—”

“Oh, sure, sure,” Jinx interrupted, waving her hand dismissively again. “I get it. You’re too shy to admit it. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. Your secret’s safe with me.” she said with an exaggerated wink.

“It’s not a secret because it’s not a thing!” you insisted, but Jinx only cackled in response, clearly enjoying your flustered state.

Before she could say anything else, a shadow loomed over the two of you, and you turned to see Sevika standing there, her brows furrowed in irritation. “Jinx,” she said, her voice sharp with warning, “what the hell are you doing?”

Jinx spun around, unfazed by Sevika’s stern tone. “Oh, hey, Sev!” she chirped, grinning like everything was alright. “Just having a little chat with your favorite healer. You know, the one you won’t stop gushing about?”

“Jinx,” Sevika growled, her jaw clenching.

“What?” Jinx said innocently, throwing her hands up. “It’s cute. You’re cute. She's cute. It’s all cute!” She giggled, skipping back a step.

Sevika’s face turned to stone, her discomfort obvious as she shot a glare at Jinx that could have burned the whole building down. “That’s enough.”

Jinx pouted, clearly enjoying pushing Sevika’s buttons. “Fine, fine,” she said with an exaggerated sigh. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone.” She wagged her fingers at you in a teasing wave as she backed away. “Have fun, doc! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

And with that, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving you standing there in stunned silence and Sevika looking like she wanted to punch the nearest wall.

You finally dared to glance at Sevika, whose lips were pressed into a tight line. “She’s… lively,” you offered weakly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Sevika rubbed the back of her neck, her flesh hand clenched into a fist at her side. “She’s an idiot,” she muttered, her eyes flickering to yours for a brief moment before darting away. “Ignore her.”

Sevika cleared her throat awkwardly. “You okay?” she asked, her voice almost hesitant.

“Yeah,” you replied, the corner of your lips lifting in a small smile. “Thanks to you. I thought I'd be there forever.”

“Yeah… she has a tendency to do that,” Sevika said, rolling her eyes and groaning softly. Her mechanical arm flexed slightly, the faint whir of it breaking the tension. “Always running her mouth, stirring up trouble wherever she goes.”

She sighed heavily, her frustration evident as she looked off into the distance, avoiding your gaze. “Half the time, I’m cleaning up after her messes. The other half? I’m wondering why Silco keeps her around.”

You tilted your head, curiosity igniting within you despite the lingering awkwardnes. “She’s unpredictable, sure,” you ventured carefully, “but… isn’t that part of her charm?”

Sevika snorted, shaking her head. “Charm? Yeah, if you think charm is blowing up half the Undercity because she got bored.” Her lips twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smirk before she quickly schooled her expression back to something more neutral.

A small smile tugged at your lips as you watched her. “You care about her a little, though,” you pointed out gently.

She stiffened slightly at your observation, her brow furrowing as though she didn’t like being caught in such an admission. “She’s a pain in the ass,” Sevika muttered, glancing down at you.

You nodded, the corners of your mouth still quirking up. “Well, for what it’s worth, she seems to care about you. She… uh, definitely thinks highly of you.”

Sevika’s gaze sharpened, her expression unreadable as she looked at you. “That so?” she said, her voice low.

“Yeah,” you said, feeling a little heat creep up your neck. “She, uh… she said you talked about me. A lot.”

Her face immediately hardened, and her jaw clenched. “Jinx exaggerates,” she said gruffly, the words coming out so quickly it almost felt rehearsed.

“Does she?” you asked, raising an eyebrow, a smirk growing on your face.

Sevika’s mechanical arm twitched, her fingers flexing as though she needed something to do with her hands. “Look,” she began, clearly uncomfortable. “It’s not like that. You’re… I mean, you helped Silco. That’s important.”

Your lips parted, but you hesitated, unsure how to respond. The tension between you hung in the air, and for a moment, neither of you said anything.

Then, Sevika let out another sigh, running a hand down her face. “Forget it,” she muttered, her voice quieter now. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

You stepped closer, your voice soft. “Sevika… it’s okay. I’m not upset.”

She glanced at you, her grey eyes searching your face. For a quick moment, something vulnerable flickered in her gaze, but it was gone as quickly as it came. “You shouldn’t trust people like me,” she said flatly, her tone almost clipped.

You frowned, taking another step toward her. “Why not? You’ve done nothing but help me tonight.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she shook her head. “You don’t understand.”

“Then explain it to me,” you said, your voice firmer now, your brows furrowing.

She hesitated, her posture stiff. But before she could respond, a commotion erupted on the far side of the room. Both of you turned to see a group of eople arguing loudly, the heated fight drawing attention from everyone nearby.

Sevika took the moment of distraction, taking a step back and straightening her shoulders. “I should handle that,” she said abruptly, her tone clipped.

“Sevika—” you started, but she was already moving away, her long strides carrying her through the crowd before you could stop her.

You watched her go, a mix of frustration and curiosity swirling in your chest. Whatever was going on in her head, she clearly wasn’t ready to talk about it. But something told you this wasn’t the end of this conversation—just the beginning.

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imjustavenuxwithaboomerang · 2 months ago

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watched the s1 finale with my sister two days ago (but it was like semi-late when we finished watching and then some shit happened the next day so i didn't post her thoughts until now):

"vander would go on my hear me out cake"

"she has the fighting equivalent to blue balls. she's all revved up and no one to punch" (about vi when jayce left her with the gauntlets)

"i think you're just talking out of your ass" (about silco after renni's son died)

"i would've had your son killed for this" "i would've punch him in the face cause who the fuck does he think he is"

"you could go back to noxus if you like to talk about it so much" (about ambessa)

"with respect, i don't give a shit what any of you think of me anymore" "period, kind of attractive of him to say, just that though. i don't forgive how you've neglected viktor"

"this is a dinner party from hell"

"i was hating him but now i feel bad for him" (about heimerdinger)

i jokingly called the show a masterpiece sometime after we finished watching and she went "i wouldn't say that" so do with that what you will

"kay but the thing is, nothing he said was wrong" (about finn after he died)

"are they flirting?" (about jayvik when they were on the ledge)

"i feel bad for her but i'm not sad that he's dead" (about jinx and silco)

the credits rolled and she went "i'm sorry what" which is so me-watching-arcane-for-the-first-time-coded of her to do

"there's too much moral greyness for me"

okay and then i had her list her top 5 and bottom 5 characters (she struggled to find three more top characters after the first two, probably tells you a lot about her viewing experience)

top 5:

vander: "he has clear morals and he's just trying to protect his people and he's a good father figure"

ekko: "he's the little guy, when we first meet him that is, he's like a tech wiz. and for him to build this place, i'm proud of him"

caitlyn: "she's an actual good enforcer like she's actually trying to listen to the people"

viktor: "he just wants to help people and he's looked over a lot and downgraded so he tries not to do the same"

claggor: "he's just a homie, he's a ride or die, literally, i don't know, he just has a special place in my heart" (that "literally" was UNNECESSARY)

bottom 5:

silco: "he is the archenemy. he is persona non grata. he. killed. vander. so- he's also a crime lord who doesn't care about his own people. silco doesn't have a code. silco has no scruples"

sevika: "sevika is just annoying. why she tryna kill vi all the time? i mean vi's tryna kill her but-"

marcus: "i hate a crooked cop"

jinx: "the crimes. like the killing of those six cops, and the almost killing of caitlyn, and the kidnapping of cailtyn. like she's obviously a pawn of silco's so that's why she's lower than silco but she did some crime independently"

ambessa: "ambessa's a bad mother"

special mention: deckard: "he is bad, he was really creepy and a predator" and any of silco's goons (reason is obvious i guess)

and these are her thoughts on some of the characters who aren't in either of those lists (no ranked order, just the order she spoke about them):

jayce: "i don't care about [him], you're a bad friend and i hate when people are bad friends"

mel: "you're kind of two-faced but i do feel bad about the situation with your mom"

vi: "i'm still upset with what you said to powder but i like that you're trying to make up for it but unfortunately words stick"

cassandra: "booo *thumbs down*" (that's it i guess i don't-)

mylo: "booo *thumbs down* i feel bad that he died but he was really mean to powder"

heimerdinger: "i judged him quickly cause he was a bit annoying but by the end, he had a warm place in my heart and i always go back to him in the orchestra" (the scene with ray chen's insert)

sky: "i feel so bad for her. it's also kind of a commentary. even without meaning to, the man destroyed her to save himself"

tobias: "he cares about his daughter and what she wants and realizes there's a time and place for chastising"

episodes 1 and 2

episode 3

episode 4

episodes 5 and 6

episodes 7 and 8

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