Chapter Text
“Caitlyn, dear,” Mr. Kiramman called out to his daughter. “How is practice with Officer Grayson going?”
Caitlyn looked up from her book—she was reading an adventurous novel about a young girl traveling the world and experiencing the different wonders the lands had to offer. The girl was 12, the same age as Caitlyn.
“It’s going well father,” Caitlyn smiled. “Grayson tells me that I’ve improved since our last meet. She says I’m an extraordinary shot.”
“I do wish you’d pick up some more feminine hobbies, Caitlyn.”
Caitlyn turned her head and saw that her mother had returned home. The comment dampened her mood significantly, but she didn’t let it show. She knew better than to show discontent with her mother’s words.
“Welcome home, mother,” Caitlyn forced a smile. She was very good at that.
“Oh, don’t say that honey,” Mr. Kiramman pat Caitlyn’s shoulder as he walked past her and towards his wife. He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek as to say, “welcome back”.
“I would love a new partner in the next hunt. It’s not as if she’d point a gun at a person. Think of it as a sport and a skill.” Mr. Kiramman smiled. “Plus, she has a talent for it in which you cannot deny.”
“I reckon she got that from you,” Mrs. Kiramman sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”
Caitlyn looks down at her book, she just wished to escape into the fantasy world that the words on the page had to offer. It never failed to cheer her up.
“Caitlyn, any man you fancy?” Mrs. Kiramman asked Caitlyn a couple of years later while at a ball. Caitlyn was nearly an adult.
The ball was a gathering of many noble clans, and of course, the Kiramman’s were involved. Her mother was a councilwoman, she made her appearances anywhere and everywhere she could. Caitlyn hated these gatherings—it seemed like a group flaunting of materialism. Caitlyn wasn’t one exactly for extravagant parties and prissiness… though admittedly she did enjoy a cup of tea like the rest of the aristocrats.
“No mother,” Caitlyn would always reply. “Not yet,”
Caitlyn tried dating… tried. Trying doesn’t mean doing. As a girl a daughter of two high esteemed figures, numerous men have tried their fair share in courting. Caitlyn would always turn them down. It never felt right. Caitlyn never found any interest in dating of the sort. She was scared she was broken.
“Ah, Mrs. Kiramman!” A voice called out to Caitlyn’s mother.
“Mrs. Crownguard! Fancy meeting you here.”
Caitlyn took this chance to finally slip away from her mother. Caitlyn wasn’t one for idle talk—she preferred adventure. Sadly, she would find none of the sorts here. Caitlyn walked around the room, feeling the same ennui from the last portion of the room. Finally, Caitlyn walked out on the balcony. Caitlyn presumed that the balcony would be empty as it was a couple of degrees too cold for comfort, so she was surprised when she saw someone leaning against the ledge. It was a girl; she looked around Caitlyn’s age. Caitlyn watched as she brought a cigar to her lips and took a deep sigh out. The girl leaned her head back as the smoke dispersed from around her lips. Something about the scene interested Caitlyn.
“That doesn’t seem safe.” Caitlyn said as she walked out on the balcony.
“What? This?” The girl pointed to the cigar in her hand.
“That,” Caitlyn nodded. “And the fact you’re so incredibly close to falling off from the ledge.”
“Oh that,” The girl propped herself upright. “I have faith in the architects of Piltover.”
“Fair point,” Caitlyn shrugged. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but you are of the Tariost Clan, correct?”
“Bingo.” The girl smiled. “What business does a Kiramman have with someone like me?”
“Nothing really,” Caitlyn replied. “Just seemed a lot more intriguing than the others inside.”
“I see your intuition is sharp,” The girl smiled. “I’m honored that my individuality was noticed.”
“Cheeky,” Caitlyn mused. “What’s your name?”
“Ariva,” She introduced herself. “Ariva Tariost.”
“Pleasure to be of acquaintance,” Caitlyn greeted. “I’m—”
“Caitlyn Kiramman,” Ariva interrupted. “No need for introductions, you’re pretty popular with suitors. I can see why. You’re even more stunning in person.”
Caitlyn could feel heat run up to her ears. She was used to being flattered, but this felt a little different. She was thankful for the darkness for she was a little flustered.
“You flatter me,” Caitlyn replied. “Though I must say the real spectacle is you.”
Caitlyn walked up to the ledge and closer to Ariva. She smelled of smoke and faint flowers. Lavender.
“You came out here just to smoke?” Caitlyn asked as Ariva brought the bunt to her lips. Caitlyn watched as she blew out the smoke in a straight gray stream.
“That and I’m tired of old nobles.” Ariva laughed. “It’s tiring listening to them talk. I don’t care for politics.”
“Tell me about it.” Caitlyn sighed. “All my mother does is talk about the same old things. I thought this was the city of progress… seems like nothing is changing. Same old issues repeatedly. Nothing gets fixed.”
“I wouldn’t know,” Ariva admitted as she took another deep inhale of smoke. “You smoke?”
“No,” Caitlyn said. She hated the thought of smoking. There were absolutely no benefits in doing so.
“Want to try?” Ariva said as she held the cigar closer to Caitlyn.
Caitlyn looked down at the smoking bunt in Ariva’s hand. She didn’t want to try because she was curious about how it felt or tasted… rather she wanted to try to see why Ariva found it so addicting. She wanted to get closer to her. Caitlyn looked down at the cigar in Ariva’s hand. She didn’t even know where to start. Ariva found amusement in this.
“Here, let me help you.” Ariva chuckled. She stepped closer and brought the cigar close to Caitlyn’s mouth. “Your mouth goes on that side. Though I think you already figured it out with how much you were looking at me.”
Caitlyn looked over at Ariva with a flustered expression. She was at a loss for words—she didn’t know how to reply.
“Now come on, take a deep breath in,” Ariva brought the cigar closer to Caitlyn’s mouth.
Caitlyn took a breath out before wrapping her lips around the end and taking a deep breath in. Immediately, her body rejected the foreign smoke that entered her lungs. Caitlyn started coughing and the smoke exited her body as fast as it came in. Ariva was laughing.
“Too much?” Ariva asked.
“A little,” Caitlyn panted. “Definitely something I won’t try again,”
“Understandable,”
Caitlyn looked over at Ariva, she felt so calm. It wasn’t uncomfortable, nor was Caitlyn forcing a fake front—it felt just right.
“Caitlyn,”
Caitlyn turned her head and saw her mother.
“Mother,” Caitlyn responded.
“It’s time for us to take our leave.” Mrs. Kiramman said sternly. The tone of voice her mother had startled Caitlyn a little bit.
“Coming,” Caitlyn called as she turned towards Ariva. “It was lovely meeting you. I do hope this is not our last meeting.”
“Of course, Ms. Kiramman,” Ariva nodded her head.
Caitlyn smiled as she turned and walked towards her mother. The two of them walked out of the building and waited for their ride.
“Thank goodness I found you,” Her mother signed in relief. “That Tariost is notorious.”
“What do you mean mother?” Caitlyn said a little defensively. “She was quite friendly.”
“Do you not know? She’s one of those… what do you call them… A lesbian!” Ms. Kiramman exclaimed. “That’s not right. I fear she may have been preying on you.”
“What do you mean a lesbian? Like a woman that likes another woman?” Caitlyn couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Exactly,”
“What’s so wrong with that?” Caitlyn asked genuinely.
Mrs. Kiramman looked at her incredulously.
“What isn’t wrong with that? That isn’t normal.” Her mother said. “That’s just utterly sickening. To think someone can like someone of the same sex. Unheard of.”
Caitlyn felt her heart sink. She didn’t think it was all that bad… but now she felt terrible. Caitlyn felt sick to her stomach, a wave of nausea followed by her mother’s words. Was she disgusted with Ariva? Herself? Why?
“You’re right, mother,” Caitlyn replied. She felt terrible as she uttered those words.
The car pulled up and the two entered the car in silence. The trip back seemed like centuries and Caitlyn never felt worse.
“So what’ll it be? Man or woman?”
Caitlyn looked at Vi ask she slammed her hand next to Caitlyn’s head. Caitlyn took a sudden breath as her back hit the wall behind her.
“Um—” Caitlyn’s eyes darted back and forth, unsure of where to look. Caitlyn couldn’t fathom any words. She was at a loss for words. Man or woman? Clearly, it would be a man. And yet, why was her heart racing at the sight of the woman in front of her. There was nowhere to run except further into the wall behind her, which was fruitless. Vi was so close. The smell of musk, sweat, and strangely vanilla was intoxicating.
Vi turned and grabbed the arm of a passing customer, which broke Caitlyn’s trance.
“Hi,” The person said shakily. “I’m Pim. What’s your name?”
Caitlyn watched as a devious smirk spread on Vi’s lips.
“Matilda!” She spoke. “But you can call her whatever you want.”
The nerve.
Caitlyn gasped as her mind was running both incredibly fast and excruciatingly slow.
Get a hold of yourself.
Caitlyn looked back and forth from the customer and Vi. Oh, how she wanted to just give Vi a piece of her mind, but she was right… She couldn’t expect information if she didn’t know how to play along. It was a little humiliating. A Piltover enforcer getting tips for someone who had just come out of jail. Not that she looked down on Vi or anyone else from The undercity… It made Caitlyn realize how ignorant and self-entitled she and the academy above was.
“Ah yes!” Caitlyn said after quickly recollecting herself. “Matilda!”
Caitlyn looked over at Vi for a split second to make sure she didn’t already butcher the alias Vi had created for her.
“My parents named me Matilda,” Caitlyn watched as Vi walked away… great. “After my great-grandmother Matilda the… uh… fireman!”
This was so embarrassing. Caitlyn was never one for improv, but I guess it was better to learn now than never.
“Um, nice.” Pim gave her a thumbs up.
Now Caitlyn felt embarrassment wash over her completely. That was patronizing.
“First day?”
Caitlyn turned towards the direction of the new voice. It was clear and smooth.
“You’re a new face.” The woman put a hand on her hip, which to Caitlyn’s surprise, she was wearing merely a pair of light undergarments to cover up her bottom. Her top was very modest, but the back was wide open. She was wearing long stockings? Caitlyn wasn’t sure. It was nothing to sort she had ever seen in Piltover.
“Yes,” Caitlyn replied. “Could you tell?”
“A little.” The woman was wearing a feathery mask that covered her face completely, but Caitlyn could feel her gaze.
“Sorry,” The lady turned to Pim. “This one’s mine for tonight.”
Pim stood for a second before turning to leave while rubbing their neck. It was kind of a relief to Caitlyn; she’d feel so incredibly awkward if she continued a conversation with Pim. Caitlyn turned back towards the woman.
“I didn’t catch a name,” Caitlyn said. She finally was getting comfortable. Maybe she was finally getting into the groove of things.
“Call me Lilia,” Lilia said. “Follow me,”
Lilia grabbed Caitlyn’s hand and led her a couple of rooms down. The room was full of flowers, leaves, and stone animals. Very fitting for a woman like Lilia. The room was as beautiful as Lilia’s bare back. Caitlyn covered her face as she could feel heat rise onto her face. Now was not the time to be admiring a stranger’s back. Caitlyn had to get information about Silco.
“This is a beautiful room,” Caitlyn said as she looked around.
“Never been here?” Lilia asked.
“First day, remember?” Caitlyn smirked.
“I’ve heard that on top, Piltover had gardens like these.” Lilia smiled.
Lilia pushed Caitlyn down on the couch behind them. Caitlyn let out a little “oof,” and the woman let out a laugh. It pleasantly resonated within Caitlyn’s ears. Caitlyn let out a giggle in response. Lilia took off her mask to reveal a smaller mask only covering her eyes. Even with it on, Caitlyn admired the woman’s beauty. Lilia sat down next to Caitlyn as she rested her head on her head.
“I’ve only ever imagined the gardens…” Lilia placed the mask on Caitlyn’s lap and moved closer towards her. “This is all I’ve seen.”
Lilia pointed to the flowers on the wall. The undercity wasn’t one for vegetation or growth apparently. Caitlyn let out a soft sigh. Lilia smelled of lilacs. A refreshing scent from all the grime and dust from outside.
“I wouldn’t know,” Caitlyn lied. “Though why would I wish to imagine such splendor when one more beautiful than any flower sits in front of me.”
“Your tongue is as pretty as you.” Lilia laughed. “I’m flattered, show me what else that tongue can do.”
“Depends,” Caitlyn shrugged. “Why don’t you tell me about a friend?”
“Who do you have in mind?” Lilia crawled on top of Caitlyn’s lap.
Caitlyn’s heart was racing. She placed her hands on Lilia’s bare hips and brought her closer. This was all for the cause… nothing more. Caitlyn had to convince herself of that. Yet, why was she smiling?
“Who is this Silco I’ve been hearing about?” Caitlyn squeezed the sides of Lilia’s hips, as to entice her. “I haven’t been here long, but I’ve heard many things about him. Heard he’s quite powerful. I’m afraid that I might overstep my boundaries. You don’t want me to get hurt, do you?”
“What do you have in mind for payment if I tell you?” Lilia was playing hard to get. She was growing impatient. Which was good, Caitlyn had to make her more willing to tell her what she needs.
“Tell me,” Caitlyn ran a finger up Lilia’s back. “And I’m all yours love.”
Lilia smiled. It sent shivers down Caitlyn’s body.
“That’s what I like to hear.”
Caitlyn left the brothel. The feeling of euphoria left her as the door closed behind her. Caitlyn felt wrong enjoying what a woman had to offer so much. This was all just for the information. Caitlyn felt disgusting as the thought entered her mind.
It was all for the information. She didn’t learn too much. Caitlyn learned that Silco had a drug that turned people into monsters. Now it was just time to find Vi.
“Goddammit,” Caitlyn muttered to herself.
Where did she go? She left Caitlyn all alone which meant she found something out and went ahead without Caitlyn. How irresponsible. It slightly irritated Caitlyn as she barely learned anything on her end. It just felt like a waste of time. Caitlyn started walking around. The undercity was huge, Vi could’ve been anywhere. Suddenly, Caitlyn heard a loud bang in the direction left of her. Shortly followed by grunts and vicious screams.
“Vi,” Caitlyn breathed.
She quickly unfolded her gun and started running in that direction. She wasn’t even sure if she was heading in the right direction. Soon it sounded like the sound was coming from everywhere before it stopped. The streets went back to a normal volume and soon it was just normal chatter around.
“Please be safe,” Caitlyn hoped saying it out loud would help manifest it into reality. Soon she was suspended overpass.
“Send her your regards,”
It was ever so faint, but it was loud enough for Caitlyn to aim her gun towards the voice. Her eyes fell on something bright purple and Caitlyn remembered what Lilia said about a purple drug that Silco had given people. Without thought, Caitlyn shot the glowing purple capsule. Caitlyn quickly scanned the scene and saw Vi hunched over on the ground and the woman holding her arm. It was robotic. The technology was strange and different from than ones she’s seen on Piltover.
The woman started running but Caitlyn had her gun to the ready and continued to shoot the same spot on her shoulder—never missing her mark. She had to make sure the woman wouldn’t turn around and finish the job on Caitlyn.
Once the woman was out of sight Caitlyn jumped down from the ledge. She was slightly amused that she had gotten better at bracing her fall. Caitlyn pointed her gun down the alley where the woman had run and as expected she was gone.
“Why did you let her go?” Vi was holding her stomach. She was bleeding. That woman really did a number on her.
“Do you ever say ‘thank you’?” Caitlyn sneered.
“He’s gonna know we’re here now.”
“Whose fault is that?” Caitlyn retorted as she put away her gun and adjusted her shirt.
Vi looked down and shrugged. It was pitiful really. Caitlyn kind of felt bad, but if Vi hadn’t left and rushed into a fight then they wouldn’t be here right now.
“You’re an all-right shot.” Vi said as if to break the tension.
“I’m an excellent shot,” Caitlyn corrected with a hint of a smile.
“You gonna help me up, cupcake?”
There was that nickname again. Vi had called her that when they were at the brothel.
“Stop calling me that. My name is Caitlyn.” Caitlyn took Vi’s hand and hefted her up. She was heavier than she looked. Of course, Vi was all muscle.
“But you’re so sweet,” Vi grunted. “Like a cupcake.”
“Shut up,” Caitlyn couldn’t help but smile. It was flattering and oddly made her feel happy. It felt different from others who flirted with her.
“So, women?” Vi asked.
“On what Earth?” Caitlyn said, a little too quickly.
“I saw you chatting up with a female back there,” Vi tilted her head towards the direction of the brothel. “Kind of surprised me a little.”
Vi said that, but really, she was hoping for this outcome all along. She wasn’t lying when she said Caitlyn was hot. She had a thing for uptight women like Caitlyn.
“Like you said, ‘you have to let them think you have what they want’,” Caitlyn replied a little harshly. “The circumstances came to that, and I simply acted the part. Matilda is separate from me.”
“Cupcake, I’m not going to judge you if you like women,” Vi said. She was honestly put off by the tone of voice Caitlyn had taken.
“Well, I don’t, so there is nothing to fret about.” Caitlyn replied.
Vi looked up at Caitlyn and could see a pained expression spread across her face. She couldn’t tell if it was because Vi was too heavy for Caitlyn’s smaller frame or if it was something more. It felt as if Caitlyn was trying to convince herself of what she was saying. Regardless, it kind of pissed Vi off. She was no longer in a mood for chatting.
“We need to get you some help.” Caitlyn said after a couple of minutes of silence. “At least get to shelter. Do you know where we can go?”
“Yeah,” Vi cocked her head forward. Keep going straight and once we get to the edge of town take a left.”
Caitlyn looked over at Vi and her eyes fell on a group of men about a block away. They hadn’t noticed the two, yet.
“They couldn’t have gotten far.” Caitlyn heard one of them say. It was hard to hear, but Caitlyn didn’t need to hear much to determine they were the targets.
“Silco has men everywhere,” Lilia had told her. “Make sure you stay on his good side; he has eyes everywhere.”
“Vi, are you feeling fine?” Caitlyn lowered her voice.
“Define ‘fine’.” Vi replied.
“Fine enough to pick up the pace,” Caitlyn whispered. “Silco’s men are right over there.”
Vi turned to look before swearing under her breath. “I can manage,” she said.
The two picked up the pace as they heard voices yelling behind them.
“They’re here!”
“Fuck,” Vi spat as she hobbled forward.
Caitlyn’s ears were pounding, and she felt her adrenaline kick in. Vi was in no position to fight and Caitlyn was definitely not a fighter. Caitlyn looked around before looking behind her. She saw shadows coming from around the corner; they had to hide. Caitlyn frantically looked for any place they would slip into and grew more anxious as the yells behind them grew in volume.
Vi said quickly as she pulled Caitlyn into a skinny alleyway, and Caitlyn let out a little yelp before Vi covered her mouth. They hid behind a couple of box crates making sure to be out of view for when their pursuers passed by. Caitlyn looked up at Vi, her hand still covering Caitlyn’s mouth. Caitlyn looked at Vi’s face tattoo, according to the records she had tattooed herself. Caitlyn was quickly distracted by Vi’s jawline as Vi turned her head to peer over the boxes ever so slightly.
“I think they’re gone,” Vi said as she slowly removed her hand from Caitlyn. “For now.”
“A little warning would’ve been nice,” Caitlyn exhaled. She didn’t notice that she had been holding it in.
“Doesn’t matter either way,” Vi said. “Important part is that we got them off our trail.”
Caitlyn noticed Vi’s mood had been down. It wasn’t pleasant… was it something Caitlyn said? Vi took a sharp breath in and clutched at her wound.
“Are you alright?” Caitlyn asked once the footsteps disappeared from the distance.
“Fine,” Vi said as she forced herself to get up.
Caitlyn helped her up, which Vi begrudgingly obliged to. Caitlyn could sense Vi’s mood change. It very much could’ve been due to the growing pain in her abdomen, but Caitlyn wasn’t dense to believe that was the cause.
“Go that way.” Vi pointed forward deeper into the alleyway. “Eventually we’ll reach the outskirts of town and hopefully far away from these sons of bitches.”