Bilgewater
Damn. Bear shouldn't have been anywhere near there, screw Rat for not watching closer. Now she and Bear were caught because she protected the little 7 year old mercenary-in-training.
"Look at this one, look at those eyes. So shimmery." One of them came closer to her. "You've been using recently? Heard about your stuff."
Oh, jerk! He cut her cheek and then tasted it. You are really going to pay for that.
"Wonder if that is going to work for me," he teased her. Then, he looked funny. "Uh?" He looked at his foot. "That pesky pain in my foot went away. Well, shimmer really does run through your blood doesn't it? I'll be back."
Oh no. This is going to be really, really bad.
"Powder!" Bear called to her. "Are you okay still?"
"Yeah." Bear still had to check on her. The whole damn group of felons were all enjoying cutting into her. Her blood apparently made pain disappear, made scars disappear, and they were enjoying themselves seeing what else would happen.
"Interesting. You know, we could straight up sell her to a big wig around here for a lot of cash. They can figure out what to do with her, and we get the goods."
Hmm . . . I wonder. Shimmer was a healing drug, but she never actually had anyone taste her blood and get restored. Shimmer didn't really restore like that, it was just for her restoration. That? That could be Anatoly's power magic. "Nah, its temporary, always wears off in 24 hours. If you sell me to a big wig and it fades off? Ooh, you guys aren't gonna live that long."
They couldn't tell if she was bluffing, so they waited.
Before bedtime even hit, three had died while another one was trying to kill her like it was her fault.
But she had been able to bust out of her chains, the shimmer giving her that edge, and took him out. She grabbed the key and let Bear out. "You ready to go home, Bear?" Bear jumped in her arms. "Yeah, let's go."
Laurent Village
When PJ returned back with Bear, she found more than half of her team . . . dead. It was a lesson to never leave her behind. Only Wolf, Piggy, Raven, Monkey, Butterfly, and Butterfish remained.
"Powder-Jinx!" He had scooped her up right away into a hug. "I thought I lost you."
"There's only eight mercenaries now. Out of 12, there's eight left." What a shame. "The number of jobs we can take now is gonna suffer."
"I will find more to join, no worries," he said. "No one will ever leave you behind again. What happened?"
"Powder has awesome powers in her blood," Bear couldn't help but say to Anatoly. "They were being mean and cutting her and licking her and they were healing."
"Bear? Shut it, Kid." She could feel him giving her more energy. "Don't need that, already healed."
"Those fiends cutting you, they are dead!"
"Yeah, they are. It's your power. Mixed with shimmer, they were all dead in a couple of hours," she told him.
"No one else can use it like that." He grabbed her hand and put it on Bear. "He has my energy already. Try him."
"Try a 7 year old? No thanks." She watched him summon the Butter twins. Damn. "Why are we doing this?"
"You might be due for a new career in the village. If you don't kill them, you can be a healer for general problems," he said.
A new position would be good. "Piggy." She was full grown. Piggy came out.
"Put your hand on her. However you release your shimmer, do that," Anatoly insisted.
PJ did it. A couple of wounds from their previous adventure were healed.
She had been observed for a week straight until PJ got her new position. Minor injury healer for the village. She kept shorter hours during the day, only open for a couple of hours. Eventually though, his mother and father found out.
She played it very cool, didn't mention her doctors. Subtly explained her 'accident' that sent her into an experimental shimmer treatment. They were interested in that, and saw how it worked themselves.
Then they left her alone.
She watched ConJon come over toward her with her hand covered.
"I . . ." She looked ashamed. "I burned myself."
"Not my first time, ConJon." PJ took her hand. "There you go."
"Oh, that's so much better, thanks, PJ," ConJon said. "Come by later for a free trinket. Any flavor you want. I have something for Hijinx too."
"Ooh." Best pies. PJ looked around her. Ah, that's why she mentioned the name. "Hijinx. How are you, enjoying the outside?" Hijinx came over to her lap, then to her shoulder and around her neck. "I'm Dr. Jinx now. Have you ever heard of a more unfortunate doctor's name? People will be lining up to see Dr. Jinx." Hijinx made his usual awesome monkey sounds. "We are a totally professional duo."
"My, my, my. You are different."
Heimerdinger approached her. It was a strange feeling to know someone so well, yet never had met them. For three years, he had come to know a different Powder and Ekko much better than his own universes. "Hello."
"Hey," she greeted him with the little monkey around her.
So this was supposed to be the maniac of Zaun, that then helped save Zaun and died? Well, she didn't look very dead from there. She also didn't look maniacal at all. Perhaps the strange drawings on her stand were weird, but that was about it. "Sorry. You sounded like someone I knew."
"No prob," she answered back. "You a new guy?"
"Oh no, I'm a special resident."
"Oh hey, a yordle, huh?"
Yes, yordles were always welcome in the Laurent's village without deals, as long as they worked the same way. "I only come so often," he assured her. He was quite glad he did so! Since he was making his way back to Piltover after such a long journey, he decided to take a small look.
Not a very big look, he didn't want to get too bogged down. He just wanted to see the new people that arrived and what they had to offer. Some of the greatest discoveries could be found among hidden mage village dwellers. Usually their work was not focused on magic but pure unbridled hard working creativity. Since he was coming back though, there was someone he also wanted to tackle talking to. Ever since he went from Piltover to staying in Zaun for a little while, she had been on his mind. Not letting himself recognize the bad resting in the good in favor of enjoying the positive. He knew it was a mistake now.
He had a reason to come back there, as hard as it would be. Yet, there had been an unexpected guest. What would have brought her to their village?
And, he was not disappointed at all as he looked at this new Powder. "Would you look at those eyes. Have you had shimmer work done on you?" Yet, she looked quite fine. "I love your hair."
"Aw, thanks." She leaned forward with her crown of braids. "You know something about shimmer?"
"Well, I am a resident scientist here," he joked. "Would you mind terribly if I just took a blood sample of yours? I know that sounds crass but-"
"Where's your place?" She was quick to ask. "Are you sharing with Sal the Scientist?"
He didn't know that person except for the board, but it probably would be. It was empty last time he looked past it. Once he pointed, she was quicker to move there. She hid in the back of the stand. "Give me a syringe."
Uh? He watched her draw her blood. "You don't have to be so covert about it. This is my job."
"Yeah, but freaking Anatoly limits my freedoms a lot more."
Oh. That didn't sound good. That sounded like Miss Margaret's position. If they were keeping someone with her intellect hostage, there could only be one reason why. "Did you strike the ten year deal here, Dr. Jinx?"
"No, Anatoly 'accidentally' couldn't help himself and struck it for me. Also, the Dr. thing is just a joke, I'm no doc."
"Oh, I knew it!"
"Mm? Sorry you didn't like the doc joke. Not my fault, the Laurent's put it there."
"No, no, not that Miss Jinx." Oh, I knew it! That was not going to fly. Ekko's life here is . . . He shook his head. It's too unfair. Too offtrack. I couldn't be there when my student needed me the most either! The least I can do. A little investigation. Before he came in, the first building had a place to see and get to know the residents. Her official name in the village was so long. "Why does the village have you officially labeled with such a long name?"
"Ooh you mean Powder-Jinx-Pow-Pow-Hi-Pow-Pow-Jinx, blah, blah, blah?" she asked. "It's Shields idea. People whittled it down to like five, but it used to be 20. It? Well, it helps me not put so much to a simple name."
Hmmm. Exposure is a good idea with a naming trigger, but that's far too much. Why is Miss Shield's doing that much? He had met Miss Shield's before, they had been good friends last time he came. However. "It's been more than ten years, I was hoping the board of residents was old. Why is she still here?"
"They won't let her go. She's too dang unique," Dr. Jinx said as she took out some bobby pins, letting her braids fall as she crossed her arms. "Her only hope is if I can fight myself and her out. Her and Cake. Swords. Bear."
She's still here? That's not fair. "Hmmm." Everyone made their own deal to stay in the village. Several hidden mage villages had their own rules, depending on what the mage was hiding. But the Laurents? Ten years, that should be it.
It was true, throughout Runeterra there were few places that knew how to really improve on the mind. The ancestors of Dr. Schwartz, they had loved the village and made their lovely family there happily for some time. Most people enjoyed the village with a passion.
That's why he loved to visit now and again. The good moods, the positive vibes, he loved those! They never worried about enemies attacking, figuring out money, or decisions about a home or food or clothing. They worked their heart out on their passion. Dream come true for most people.
Then, there were people like Miss Margaret. If he had visited just two years sooner. He could put it down to love blinding a young lad, but . . . not like that.
And now? Miss Jinx was trapped there having made no deal, and poor Miss Shields. This village is askewing too much. His current thoughts started to change though as he looked at the results of her blood. "Fascinating," he said to Jinx. "Have you ever felt a sense of addiction within you for more shimmer than you receive?"
"Nah," she said, "I'm a short burst kind of girl."
"Right. It's a safety mechanism of your body," he said. "This is extraordinary work. Whomever did this was really, really putting their love into it. They made sure that while you used it, you couldn't fall prey to it's side affects. Look at this."
She immediately sprinted over to look at the telescope. "Whoah . . ."
"Mmmhmm, mmmhmm," he encouraged. "Now, one second." He grabbed a magic container. "Fill that up."
"Anything smaller?"
"Just try."
Jinx put her hand over it. Her eyes glowed, meaning she released her shimmer. A small amount permeated the container. "My muddy healing stuff got caught in a container. Cool."
"Yes." Heimerdinger took it. This is fascinating! Magic is scientifically changing her! Magic and science working together. It was a specialty of his, though he tried not to overuse his magic when possible. "You see, you are using Anatoly's magic, to repurpose shimmer to be like yours."
Jinx just looked at him oddly.
"No addiction. Healing properties. Do you happen to use outside shimmer?"
"Yeah, Swords puts it in my stuff. He says it doesn't affect me but makes the meds the right kind of texture."
"Dr. Swords? Is someone new in charge of healing mind medicine?"
"No, it's just the name I call him since I had a Shield. He liked it, so it just stuck."
"You have a Shield and a Sword. Oh!" Dr. Schwartz. Oh goodness. She was most definitely Powder. She hardly even called Ekko by his own name.
"Heimerdinger!"
Heimerdinger waved as Miss Shields came over. Promptly. Immediately. She was running toward him with something too. "It's good to see you. Though it shouldn't be. It's been over ten years."
Miss Shields looked a little sad. "I'm too important. They like having each branch for the mind here."
"Like it or not, it isn't fair," he remarked. "You have done some beautiful work in the past, and it looks like your skill is only improving."
Miss Shields blushed slightly. "I try my best. Jinx saved Cake, and then fought for us. I had to take her in. PJ is a wonderful person."
"Yes, but several names too far of a person," Heimerdinger had to say. Miss Shields didn't look well.
"Um? Jinx? Do you mind if I show him your list?"
"I guess not. What's it a list of?"
Miss Shields didn't answer and handed him a folder. Heimerdinger opened it. Oh boy! Wow. Goodness. Yikes. Oh.
"Is that a list of my old achievements or something?"
Well, he could see why Ekko had been so harsh against Powder at first. He went to more pages though, and saw more interesting stuff like how her progress had been going. Oh. Ohhhh . . . "Miss Jinx."
"Yeah?"
"You have come quite far in two years." He gave her a little smile, and received one back. "Oh yes, very far."
"I can lick just about anything, as long as I have my Sword and Shield," she said.
"Heimerdinger? Did you ever . . .?"
Ah. "No." She wanted him to check the green magic containers that contained Anatoly's magic. It only made sense, she wanted to leave. She should leave. Everyone who wanted to leave, should be able to leave. This wasn't right. "Why did Anatoly strike Jinx before making the deal?"
"Oh." Shields sighed and rolled her eyes. "He fancies her."
"He's always trying to say he's going to marry me, even though he has to be with Raven. That's why he's always up in my business," Jinx answered before slipping something in his-
"Young lady, I am not-!" He felt in his pocket. He barely folded it back to look inside. Oh, good gracious! She had a tiny tube of the green magic! It was small enough, he easily hid it away. "How did you get a tiny one?"
"Emergency for mercenary," she said. "I'm not mercenary anymore. It's my last one. You're the only person whoever checked on me before like this."
She was going to trust him with it. She must be desperate. An absolute stranger, but apparently the only one who let her close to technology or science. "I will look into it, Miss Jinx."
"Thanks. Really."
She had Powder's soft eyes. A slightly edgier attitude, but overall? Oh, good. She is good. He was glad to know that. The longer he held that magic though-
"Powder-Jinx, what are you doing in there?"
Oh yes. The young Anatoly grew up. It sounds like he's just as bad as the father.
"Meeting a new person in the village, getting cozy, getting comfy, just talking, you know?" she said.
"Are you creating things in there? You better not be creating things," he yelled. "You are not allowed! Creating is bad for you."
"Mmmmhmmm." Yes, that's precisely why she had not been out yet. No microscope. No work. No creation of any kind. He watched Anatoly's hand almost rest on Miss Shield. And with his magic always a potential weapon.
"Sorry, Anatoly," Miss Jinx quickly apologized. "Was just visiting, nothing else. Won't happen again. I'm out." She hopped out of the stand without even using the door, and went toward Miss Shields. "It's fine. I'm going back to work." She tugged on Miss Shields. "Come on, Shields, let's go and talk about girl stuff."
To protect those she cares for, she must bend to his will.
"One second!" Shields tried to move quickly to whisper something to Heimerdinger. "He has memory magic too, please help Jinx!"
Memory magic? Not just power, but memory magic too? Not at all a good combination! "Worried for the village or Miss Jinx?" He whispered back.
"Jinx, wholeheartedly. He wants every facet."
"How many divisions?"
"I think two. He states he wants to cure her, but I doubt that."
"What are you two whispering about?" Anatoly called them out.
Heimerdinger noticed the next ruler in line staring at him. "Yes, Junior?" He remembered the little tyke didn't like that. "Where's your father, boy, I haven't seen Anatoly around here yet."
"What were you whispering between each other?" he demanded.
"Mind healing stuff," Miss Shields covered as she took the folder back from him. Ah, she had used it as an excuse. "It's also his field, so I just wanted some advice."
"Oh, I've only dabbled. Not extremely proficient," he offered. "Much better in the scientific field. Your daddy would know that."
"I know that you are considered a special resident . . ." Anatoly didn't look happy. "So, I can forgive the intrusion. But. That is going to be my wife, so please do not do scientific things around her."
Absolutely, that same obsessed look his dad had. Except he is an even stronger mage. "Don't worry. I am going to be leaving soon, but I will be back though."
"You don't have anything on you from the village do you?"
"No." He checked Heimerdingers big pockets where he could stash a normal sized container of magic. "I could have checked myself for you." They were very careful with those containers.
But. The tiny size of the container might finally go unnoticed.
Anatoly finally left. Heimerdinger wasn't eager to see his father, so he would head on out now. The faster, the better. He had things to do now.
"Heimerdinger?"
Ohh! All the happiness was quickly getting pulled away. The duty he had originally when he came, he could get it done better later now thanks to Miss Jinx. "You." It sounded so cold, he still didn't want to say it. Poor girl. "I'm sorry. I have to get going now. It was nice seeing you again." No, not a girl anymore. Poor woman.
He was not making the same mistake twice. Okay, Heimerdinger, you must figure this out! Playing with a mage with an unusual ability all by himself wouldn't be fun. It was not his speciality to take on people like this. Having another inherited ability on top of that would make it even worse. It wasn't something like an elemental magic to dodge, it was something messing with the mind, and he already owned Miss Jinx.
Each life was important, and if they could be saved, they should be saved. To take out the powers, took out a hundred percent of everyone there. Even Miss Jinx seemed to understand that.
However, there were too many reasons he had to make a stand and stop this now. He should be able to recruit some outside help too like Ekko.
Speaking of Ekko? It would be nice to see his old pupil soon again. Oh, I wish I could tell him now but . . . it's too risky yet. This could still turn out bad just because you were eager, Heimerdinger. Ekko could be patient, but when he wanted something, he really went for it. He doubted he'd be able to keep him out of the village.
It was more than just taking down someone with a weapon, or punching someone out. Even when they figured out how to break the tie, every villager there was a weapon to use against him. If Ekko got innocent people killed, Heimerdinger would feel terrible for the boy.
Plus, the threat to Miss Jinx. Miss Shields did not get spooked easily, she often tried to keep herself in a good frame of mind. Whatever she believed was happening or wrong . . . was usually three times worse in actuality.
While inaction was not right, too much action was also not right. Ekko's name day should be coming up. The other Anatoly always offered bonus things for the ones he liked. If Miss Jinx had extra eyes on Zaun, then maybe . . .
Zaun
"Ekko? I brought someone to you."
Someone brought straight to the village to him? Only Vi had that permission, but they would have said that straight out. So who was it?
"Good to see you, Ekko, my boy."
Ekko froze as he heard it. A voice long since dead since the war with Viktor. He turned around and saw him. "Professor . . . Heimerdinger?" He was alive! Ekko went to hug him, overcome with joy. "You made it!"
"Yes. My kind just have to take things a little differently in most, well, everything," Heimerdinger said as he patted him back.
"But how?!"
"Oh, several subareas here and there. The point is I'm here." He showed him a small green liquid in a container. "Would you like to help me figure out some mage magic I've managed to contain? If you do? I think I could help you remake something that never existed in this timeline?"
Oooh. "My baby. The Z drive?"
"If you have any-."
"I got some illegal hextech. Let's get to looking at this mage magic thenge