The end
When she finally made it to the Kiramman mansion, she saw through the gates that the family car was gone. Panic surged through her. "Oh no," she muttered under her breath, the sinking feeling in her stomach growing stronger.
Just then, she spotted Jayce coming out of the house, his face stained with tears and looking like he had cried all night. "Jayce!" Vi screamed, desperation in her voice. He looked up, surprise and sorrow etched on his face. "Vi, what are you doing here? She’s gone," he said, his voice cracking.
"Let me borrow your car," she pleaded, her eyes wide with urgency. "Uh, no," he replied, still reeling from the emotional toll of the morning. "I'll explain on the way, come on," she insisted, grabbing his arm. "We have to reach Caitlyn."
Jayce hesitated for a moment before nodding. They raced to his car, and the engine roared to life as they sped toward the airport. Every second felt like an eternity as Vi's mind raced with thoughts of Caitlyn. She couldn't lose her, not like this.
When they arrived at the airport, they separated, each searching frantically for Caitlyn. The minutes ticked by, the departure announcements blaring overhead, heightening Vi's sense of urgency. She scanned the crowds, her eyes darting from one face to another, her heart in her throat.
Finally, she spotted them in the distance. "Caitlyn!" Vi shouted, her voice carrying over the noise of the terminal. Caitlyn turned, her eyes widening in surprise. "Vi?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and hope.
Vi nearly fell in her rush to reach Caitlyn. "Be careful there," said Tobias, steadying her. "Yes, sorry," Vi replied, barely registering his words as she kneeled in front of Caitlyn and grabbed her hand.
"Caitlyn, I know a way that could help you," Vi said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Vi, don’t play with that," Caitlyn warned, her eyes wary. "I'm not playing," Vi insisted, her grip tightening. "There's this guy who was quadriplegic, and now he walks."
Cassandra, rapidly kneeled beside them, her eyes wide with hope. "Where? Who is it?" she asked urgently. "It’s a guy I met who helped me find a job at your house. He told me everything yesterday. With his invention and Jayce’s brain, maybe you could walk again," Vi explained, a hopeful smile breaking through her tears.
Caitlyn's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Vi, her heart aching with the possibility of a future she thought she'd lost. "So what do you say?" Vi asked, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and desperation.
Caitlyn took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Vi's. "Okay yes" she said softly.
Jayce arrived a few seconds later out of breath his face pale “I think I can do it” he said before collapsing into the ground from exhaustion.
“This is Viktor,” Vi said, introducing the tall, slender man who stood beside her. He gave a polite nod.
"Hello, nice to meet you," Viktor greeted, extending a hand to Jayce. He then pulled out a carefully folded set of blueprints from his bag and handed them over. "These are the blueprints of my project," he explained.
Jayce unfolded the blueprints and began to examine them, his eyes widening with interest as he took in the intricate details of Viktor's design. "This is impressive," Jayce remarked, looking up at Viktor. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask me," Viktor continued, handing Jayce a business card. "This is my number."
Jayce glanced at the card, then back at Viktor. "Wait, please take a seat," Jayce said, gesturing to a nearby chair. "I would like you to help me. I don’t think I can do this all alone."
Viktor hesitated for a moment, glancing at Vi for reassurance. She nodded encouragingly. With a deep breath, Viktor took the seat offered to him. "Alright then," he said, a small smile forming on his lips. "I guess we’ll be partners then." "Welcome aboard, Viktor," Jayce said warmly. "Let's get to work and make this happen."
The three of them huddled around the table, the blueprints spread out before them. Jayce began to discuss the technical aspects of the project. Viktor listened intently, occasionally interjecting with his own insights and suggestions.
Three weeks had passed, and Jayce and Viktor worked together day and night to complete the project as soon as possible. Jayce’s technical prowess and Viktor’s scientific ingenuity made them an unparalleled team. They spent countless hours in Jayce’s laboratory, refining the intricate mechanisms, calibrating the energy sources, and ensuring the mechanism’s seamless integration with the human nervous system.
During those two weeks, Vi helped Caitlyn with her therapy using a specialized regimen that Viktor had previously developed to regain some feeling in his body. This program was meticulously designed to stimulate neural pathways and encourage muscle activation. Caitlyn’s therapy sessions were grueling, involving repetitive exercises that targeted her limbs’ strength and mobility.
Despite the intensity, Caitlyn showed incredible determination. Vi would spend all day at the Kiramman house, her presence a constant source of motivation and support for Caitlyn. She assisted Caitlyn with every exercise, providing both physical and emotional encouragement. Vi’s fierce dedication meant she was by Caitlyn’s side through every step, whether it was guiding her through muscle-strengthening routines or simply holding her hand during moments of frustration.
However, despite their relentless efforts, Caitlyn’s progress was slow. The lack of significant improvement was disheartening, but Vi refused to let Caitlyn give up.
“Cait please” said Vi holding Caitlyn’s hand “Vi I can’t do it.” “Yes you can come on. Jayce and Viktor will be done in a few more weeks. Meanwhile we gotta keep trying please.” Caitlyn started to cry. Tears slowly falling down her cheeks. “I can’t Vi” Vi wiped Caitlyn’s tear and place a kiss on her forehead. “Alright then we’ll try again tomorrow don’t worry.” Vi sat down on a chair still holding Caitlyn’s hand.
Vi entered Jayce’s laboratory, the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting in with her. She found the two men hunched over their workstations, dark circles under their eyes and exhaustion etched on their faces. Without a word, she approached and handed each of them a cup of coffee.
“Here you go,” she said, her voice carrying a note of amusement as she placed the steaming cups in their hands. “Looks like you two could use this.”
Jayce blinked and looked up, barely registering the gesture before giving her a tired smile. “Thanks, Vi,” he said, taking a sip and visibly relaxing as the caffeine worked its way into his system. Viktor offered a small nod of appreciation, though his focus remained fixed on the equation scrawled across the massive chalkboard in front of them.
“What’s going on? How’s the project coming along?” Vi asked, leaning against a nearby table with her arms crossed.
Jayce let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his messy hair. “It’s… going. But we’re stuck. No matter how many times we go over this, we just can’t figure it out,” he said, gesturing toward the chalkboard filled with intricate equations and diagrams.
Vi squinted at the board, pretending to understand what she was looking at, before smirking. “Well, looks like you need a genius,” she teased. “Lucky for you, I happen to know someone.”
Jayce raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his tired eyes. “Oh? Who might that be?” he asked.
Vi turned toward the door and gestured dramatically. “This,” she said with a grin, “is Powder, my little sister.”
A small figure stepped into the room, her long blue hair in long braids and her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and mischief. “Hey, Viktor,” Powder said cheerfully, waving at him.
“Hello, Powder,” Viktor replied with a faint smile, his usual reserved demeanor softening slightly.
Jayce stood, extending a hand to the newcomer. “I’m Jayce,” he said warmly. But Powder, instead of shaking his hand, grinned and gave him a playful high five.
“Nice to meet you, sir,” she said, her tone polite but her cheeky grin giving away her lively personality.
Jayce chuckled at her boldness but quickly turned to Vi, a skeptical look on his face. “And how exactly is she going to help?” he asked, his tone more curious than dismissive.
Powder crossed her arms and raised her chin proudly. “I’m top of my class at the Piltover Academy, in the science and mechanical engineering department,” she declared with confidence, the corners of her mouth curling into a triumphant smile.
Jayce blinked, momentarily speechless. “Top of your class?” he repeated, clearly impressed but still trying to process the revelation. “Well, that’s… unexpected.”
Powder beamed, clearly enjoying his reaction. “Yup! You’ve got the best right here,” she said, pointing to herself with her thumb.
Jayce glanced at Vi, who shrugged nonchalantly, her smirk widening. “Told you she’s a genius,” Vi said, clearly proud.
“Well,” Jayce said, turning to Powder and motioning toward the chalkboard, “this is our little problem. Think you can help?”
Powder stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she examined the equations and sketches. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, then turned back to Jayce with a confident grin. “Of course I can,” she said with unwavering certainty. “This is child’s play.”
Vi chuckled, watching as Powder grabbed a piece of chalk and immediately began to work, her small frame brimming with enthusiasm.
Vi waved goodbye to the team, grabbing her jacket and flowers as she headed out into the cool evening air. The bouquet in her hands swayed gently with each step she took, its fresh fragrance mingling with the crisp breeze. Her thoughts wandered back to Caitlyn as she made her way to the Kiramman mansion, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She couldn’t wait to see her.
Pushing open the door to Caitlyn’s room, Vi was immediately met with the sight of Caitlyn lying down, her forehead glistening with sweat. Concern flashed across Vi’s face as she rushed over.
“Caitlyn, are you alright?” Vi asked, her voice laced with worry as she set the flowers down on the bedside table.
Caitlyn turned her head toward Vi, a tired but reassuring smile gracing her lips. “I’m alright, don’t worry,” she said, her voice softer than usual. Her eyes drifted to the bouquet, and she raised her arm slightly, her fingers pointing toward the blooms. “Are those for me?”
Vi nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah,” she said, picking up the flowers again and holding them closer. “Your favorite.”
Caitlyn’s smile widened as she reached for the bouquet, her fingers brushing against the petals. “Thank you,” she murmured, cradling the flowers gently. “They’re beautiful.”
Vi pulled up a chair and sat down by Caitlyn’s bedside, watching her for a moment before speaking. “So, I was thinking—today’s plans shouldn’t be too difficult,” she said, reaching into her bag to pull out a folder of papers.
Caitlyn glanced at the folder, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “May I see?” she asked, extending her arm toward Vi.
Vi hesitated for a moment before handing over the papers. “Yeah, here you go,” she said, carefully placing them in Caitlyn’s hands. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something—Caitlyn’s movements seemed different.
“Wait,” Vi said, her eyes widening as she leaned closer. “Did you just…?”
Caitlyn tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Yes, my love?” she replied, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.
Vi’s jaw dropped, her voice rising slightly in disbelief. “Caitlyn, did you just move your arm?”
Caitlyn chuckled, her laughter light but filled with joy. “I did,” she confirmed, her smile brightening as she flexed her fingers slightly. “Surprised?”
Vi stared at her, stunned for a moment before her expression broke into a wide grin. “Caitlyn!” she exclaimed, leaping up from her chair. She leaned forward and wrapped Caitlyn in a tight hug, her emotions spilling over as she held her close.
Caitlyn laughed again, though it was softer this time, as she slowly wrapped both arms around Vi’s shoulders, returning the embrace. “See?” she teased. “I’m full of surprises.”
Vi pulled back just enough to look at Caitlyn, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She cupped Caitlyn’s face in her hands, brushing back a few stray strands of hair. “You’re incredible,” Vi whispered, her voice breaking slightly. “You have no idea how happy this makes me.”
Caitlyn reached up, her hands finding Vi’s cheeks as she gently wiped away the tears that had begun to fall. “Hey,” she said softly, her gaze locking with Vi’s. “No need for tears, my love. I’m getting stronger. Bit by bit.”
Unable to resist, Vi leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to Caitlyn’s lips, pouring all her love and relief into that single moment. When they finally pulled away, Caitlyn rested her forehead against Vi’s, a serene smile on her face.
“I love you,” Caitlyn whispered, her voice steady and full of warmth.
“I love you too,” Vi replied, her smile mirroring Caitlyn’s as she settled back into the chair, her hand still resting on Caitlyn’s.
Over the span of four long, determined months, Caitlyn’s progress became a beacon of hope for everyone around her. Each day brought its own set of challenges, yet Caitlyn met them head-on, her unwavering perseverance inspiring those closest to her. With the support of her family and Vi, she worked tirelessly in her therapy sessions. Slowly but surely, she regained strength in her legs. The once-fragmented connection between her mind and body began to repair itself, and for the first time in what felt like ages, Caitlyn could feel again.
Her parents were always by her side, offering words of encouragement and lending a hand when she stumbled. Her father would hold her steady as she practiced standing, while her mother, Cassandra, meticulously monitored her progress, ensuring every milestone was celebrated. Vi, meanwhile, became Caitlyn’s constant motivator. She cheered her on during the tough days, cracked jokes to lighten the mood, and wiped away tears when the frustration became too much.
And now, the culmination of months of effort had arrived. Jayce, Viktor, and Powder stood proudly as they presented the completed mechanism to Caitlyn and her parents. It was sleek, beautifully engineered, and built with care—a labor of love as much as a feat of science. The mechanism glinted in the light, a mix of polished metal and intricate gears that seemed to hum with potential.
Caitlyn’s hands trembled slightly as she ran her fingers along the device. “Is this really for me?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course,” Powder said, her eyes shimmering with excitement. “We built it just for you, Cait.”
Jayce grinned, his chest puffed out with pride. “Fully functional, and it’s designed specifically to support your body’s natural movement,” he explained. “This thing will have you up and about like never before.”
Viktor stepped forward, his tone calm and measured as always. “How does it feel?” he asked as Powder carefully help fastened the mechanism around Caitlyn’s body.
Caitlyn shifted slightly, her expression thoughtful. “It feels... weird,” she admitted after a moment. Her gaze lifted to meet Viktor’s, a flicker of hope in her eyes. “But... it makes my body feel lighter.”
Viktor smiled warmly, nodding. “Yes, that’s a common feeling at first. You’ll get used to it,” he assured her. “Remember, the goal is to rebuild your strength. Try removing parts of the mechanism during your sessions to push your muscles further, but don’t skip your daily therapy. Consistency is key.”
Caitlyn’s smile grew, gratitude shining in her expression. “Thank you so much, Viktor. All of you,” she said, glancing at Jayce and Powder as well. “I don’t even know how to put into words how much this means to me.”
“No need to thank us,” Viktor replied, his tone humble. “We’re just happy to help. It’s what we do.”
Before they could say more, Cassandra stepped forward, her ever-composed demeanor radiating warmth. “Viktor,” she began, addressing him formally, “Dr. Heimerdinger from the academy wanted me to pass on a message. He’s impressed by your work and would like to speak with you about heading the academy’s science and mechanical engineering team in Piltover.”
Viktor’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “That’s... quite an honor,” he said, his usual calm tinged with excitement. “Please give him my thanks. I’ll speak with him soon.”
He then turned back to Caitlyn, handing her a small booklet and a sleek cane. “Here,” he said. “This contains detailed instructions for using the mechanism. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me, Jayce, or Powder.”
Caitlyn took the booklet and cane carefully, her eyes misting over. “Thank you,” she said again, shaking Viktor’s hand firmly. “Not just for this, but for believing in me.”
Vi arrived at the doorstep late in the afternoon, her chest tightening with a mix of anticipation and nerves. She’d been thinking about Caitlyn all day—how far she’d come, how strong she was, and the moment she’d finally see her upright again. She raised a hand, hesitating for just a second before knocking on the door. The sound echoed faintly, and she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
“May I come in?” she called out, her voice steady, though her heart was pounding.
“Just a second!” came Caitlyn’s voice from inside. It sounded stronger than Vi had heard in months, and that alone made her lips curve into a soft smile. Moments later, the door creaked open.
There stood Caitlyn, poised and radiant, holding herself tall with the aid of a cane. Her posture was a mix of confidence and concentration, but her expression was warm and welcoming. Vi’s breath hitched as she took in the sight of her—the Caitlyn she knew, standing on her own two feet. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, but she fought them back with a grin.
“Cait,” Vi breathed, her voice thick with emotion. She stepped into the room slowly, as if in a dream. Once she was close enough, she wrapped her arms tightly around Caitlyn, pulling her into a hug. Caitlyn’s balance wobbled slightly, but she held firm, leaning into Vi’s embrace.
“You’re taller than me now,” Vi murmured, her voice low, carrying both pride and a hint of teasing. She could feel Caitlyn’s soft laugh reverberate against her chest, the sound like music to her ears.
“Well, I’ve always been taller,” Caitlyn replied lightly, though the sparkle in her eyes revealed how much the moment meant to her. “You’re just noticing now because I’ve been sitting for so long.” Vi chuckled a bit.
Vi pulled back slightly, her hands still resting on Caitlyn’s shoulders, and let out a shaky laugh. “Okay, fine, rub it in,” she said, but her grin widened. “You look incredible, Cait. I mean it.”
Before Caitlyn could respond, Jayce’s voice cut through the moment. “Okay, let’s take a picture” he said.
Powder, who had been adjusting some of the mechanism’s straps, looked up with an impish grin. Without missing a beat, she grabbed Jayce by the arm. “Alright, out,” she said, pushing him toward the door.
“Wait, I wanna see!” Jayce protested, trying to dig his heels in. “Powder, come on, don’t—”
But the smaller girl was surprisingly strong. She shoved against the tall, muscular man with all her might, her determined expression never faltering. Jayce stumbled forward, his protests turning to laughter as he was unceremoniously guided out. “This is unfair,” he called over his shoulder. “I demand a picture!”
Powder didn’t say a word, only grinning as she closed the door firmly behind him, cutting off any further commentary. The room fell quiet for a moment, save for the faint hum of the mechanism and the soft sounds of breathing.
Vi turned back to Caitlyn, her expression softening. “So,” she said, her voice quieter now, “how does it feel? Standing tall again?”
Caitlyn shifted her weight slightly, testing the cane for support. “It feels... liberating,” she admitted, her tone thoughtful. “And a little strange. But I’ll take strange over sitting any day.”
Vi nodded, her hands slipping into her jacket pockets. She studied Caitlyn for a moment, pride and admiration glowing in her eyes. “You’ve worked so hard for this. You earned every second of it.”
Caitlyn’s smile faltered slightly, her gaze lowering for a moment. “I couldn’t have done it alone,” she said softly. “Without you, my family, Jayce, Powder... even Viktor. I wouldn’t be here.”
“Well,” Vi said, stepping closer again, “we might’ve helped, but this? Standing here? That’s all you, cupcake.”
Caitlyn’s cheeks flushed faintly at the nickname, but the warmth in Vi’s voice wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. “Thank you, Vi,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “For everything.”
Vi smirked, her usual playful demeanor returning. “Don’t get all sappy on me now. I’ll start crying, and that’s not a good look for me.”
Caitlyn laughed again, the sound filling the room with light and life. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she teased, a glimmer of mischief in her expression.
“I wanna show you something” said Vi removing her jacket. She showed Caitlyn her wrist. “Vi is that” said Caitlyn surprised. “yes it’s a cupcake” she said smiling. “I love you my cupcake” said Vi hugging Caitlyn. “I love you too Violet Kiramman.”
Outside, Powder was likely still trying to wrangle Jayce, and the world continued to turn, but in that small room, it felt as though time had paused—just for them.