Heading to Zaun
“Jayce!? Hello! Are you home!??” Caitlyn shouted while knocking hard on the door. “Coming.” Another knock on the door “I’m coming!” Jayce opened the door to see Caitlyn standing outside with a wide smile “Hey Cait, what happened are you ok?” Jayce said with a concerning tone. “I’m alright but I’ve got something for you.” “Oh something for me?” “Yes something for you” Jayce’s opened the door all the way “Well come in” as Caitlyn entered she turned to Vi “Let’s go Vi” Vi follow Caitlyn and Jayce to the work room holding a small box.
At the work room, Caitlyn started looking around “So, what did you get for me?” Vi gave Jayce the small box. When he opened he saw it. “Where did you get this!? You know I’ve looking for this for a long time!.” Caitlyn smiled “That’s a secret.” “Cait I’m serious. Where did you get this?” “I said it’s a secret, don’t worry about that” Jayce knew Caitlyn wasn’t going to tell him so he just gave up. “Well thank you” he said. “I can now repair my hammer, thank you little bird” smiling he turned to his hammer and started working on it.
“What do you want in return. Because I know this is not for free.” Caitlyn smiled and looked at Vi. “Vi is taking me to Zaun.”
Jayce stopped working on the hammer and turned to Caitlyn. “Repeat that. I think I heard wrong. You’re going to… Zaun!?” “Yes, I’m going to Zaun” Jayce started laughing. “Ahhh. Pheww that’s funny.” “What’s funny?” Jayce kept laughing “what makes you think your parents are going to let you go?” Caitlyn chuckled “that’s where you come in.” Jayce stopped laughing “what do you mean?” “Well I know you’re going to Demacia again in three days.” “Yes that’s right” “well, let’s just say I’m going with you but instead of Demacia, I’m going to Zaun.” “No, no no no. I’m not lying to your parents.” “Jayceee! Pleaseee” “No Caitlyn, here take this back” Jayce handed the box back to Caitlyn “No Jayce it’s a gift. You need it to fix your hammer. Don’t worry I’ll figure something out” said Caitlyn getting up and walked towards the door.
“Cait, wait” Jayce sighed he looked at Vi “You better take good care of her because if something happens to her, it’s on you and on me.” Vi nodded. “Thank you Jayce” “but promise you’ll take care and if something feels off, you come straight to my home until I get back.” “I promise” said Caitlyn raising her index finger towards Jayce. He also raised his index finger and touched Caitlyn’s.
Leaving Jayce’s home Vi asked “may I ask, why do you trust Lord Talis so much and what was that little index touch thingy?” “Well me and Jayce grew up together. I know he’s older than me but he’s the only that saw me for who I was. He didn’t care about my last name or where I lived, he was always there to help me and protect me. He’s the one that attended with me to those fancy meetings the rich families have, he’s my only friend. As for the index touch, well that’s the way we promise something.” “Like a pinky promise?” Caitlyn chuckled “yes like a pinky promise.”
Three days later it was time for Jayce to head back to Demacia. Vi carried Caitlyn’s luggage and together they headed out were Jayce was waiting for them while talking to the queen. “Ah there you are. Please take good care of her” the queen said looking at Vi and Jayce. They both nodded and put their luggage on the cart pulled by two horses.
“Alright this is it. This your stop” said Jayce getting down from his horse and helping Caitlyn down the cart while Vi took the luggage. “Remember our promise” “Yes Jayce don’t worry” “Alright” he said sighting. He hugged Caitlyn tightly and rode off. “Well now we walk” said Vi. “Yes lets go”
The city wasn’t far away from Piltover, but Caitlyn would easily get distracted by how different it was so it did take longer than expected. After a some time they finally made it to a place called The Last Drop somewhere in Zaun.
Vi opened the door for Caitlyn to enter, “Welcome to my home Princess.” The smell of alcohol and cigarettes was unpleasant for Caitlyn but she managed to stay put until they made it to the bartender station. “Hey, kid welcome back said the woman cleaning some glassware. “This is Caitlyn” said Vi “Caitlyn, this is Sevika.” Confused at why the princess was at the bar Sevika extended her hand “Nice to meet you princess.” The bartender shook Caitlyn’s hand. “So where’s Vander?” “He’s upstairs talking to your sister.” Vi sighted “What did she do” “what didn’t she do” “Alright I’ll go check, follow me Caitlyn.”
Caitlyn followed Vi to the basement of the bar and left her luggage there on a sofa. “Wait for me here, I’ll be right back” Caitlyn sat down and nodded sitting down on the old couch.
Vi walked up the stairs to her father’s office. “You don’t just burn up a building like that.” “Why not, they were bothering her what was supposed to do?” Vi could hear her sister and father talking. When she made it to the end of the stairs there was a little girl with a man sitting beside her. The little girl jumped off the chair to hug Vi. “Woah easy there Isha.” Picking her up in her arms. “Welcome back Vi, it’s good to see you.” The man said with a smile “Good to see you too Silco.” “Well since you’re here I’m going head down to help Sevika, I’ll see you around” “Before you go would you do me a favor?” “Yes what is it?” “Could you get me some rooms?” After some arrangements Vi nodded as Silco left. “Alright, let’s see what’s the problem” said Vi to Isha.
“Next time you tell me ok?” “Yes yes I’ll let you know I’m sorry” Vi entered the room. “Vi!!!” Shouted Jinx and ran towards her sister hugging her and Isha in a tight hug. “Hey Pow Pow. How’ve you been?” “I’m happy now that you’re here” “Vi, welcome back” said Vander opening his arms for a hug. Jinx grabbed Isha to let Vi hug Vander. “What brings you here?” “I wanted to see my family and well I…I brought a friend with me” “A friend!?” Jinx laughed “you a friend?” “Powder cut it out” said Vander. “I’m glad you brought a friend with you, where is she?” “She’s at the basement” without asking Jinx grabbed Isha with both hands and headed down the stairs towards the basement. “Powder wait!” Called Vi but it was already too late.
Jinx slammed the door open startling Caitlyn “Hey!” Shouted Jinx with a big smile that dropped as soon as she saw Vi’s new friend. “Caitlyn Kiramman!? The princess of Piltover!?” “Ummm yes, hi” said Caitlyn extending her hand to greet Jinx. “and you are?” “Ah yes I’m Powder but you can call me Jinx” said Jinx shaking Caitlyn’s hand “and this is Isha.” Isha also extended her small hand and Caitlyn with a smile also greeted Isha.
“Caitlyn?” Said Vi entering the room. “Vi! Why didn’t you tell me your friend was the princess of Piltover?!” “The Princess of Piltover?” A large man behind Vi said Caitlyn didn’t recognize. “Just Caitlyn” said Caitlyn extended her hand to greet the man. “Caitlyn” he said shaking Caitlyn’s hand. “I’m Vander, all this girls’ father and two other boys that should be coming back from work soon.” “Well you met my family now let’s take you to your room. Well come back later.” Said Vi taking Caitlyn’s luggage. The both waved goodbye to Vi’s family and headed out, leaving everyone at the bar stunned.
They both arrived at probably the nicest building in Zaun. Caitlyn followed Vi inside and up to the upper floors. They entered a room with a bed large enough for two people to fit in. “This is your bedroom, I’ll be next door if you need anything.” Said Vi putting down Caitlyn’s luggage on the bed. “Thank you” “No problem. Rest for a few hours I’ll pick you up before the sun sets so we can go explore Zaun. Wear something comfortable because we’ll be walking a lot.”
Caitlyn was laying down on the bed exited to explore Zaun with Vi. She quickly got up as she heard a knock on the door. When she opened she saw her. She was even shorter without the armor. She was wearing a white shirt with a red jacket. Some dark pants and boots. Her arms and hands were wrapped. She was finally able to see her neck. She had a tattoo in the shape of gears. She had never seen that one before because the armor would cover her neck. “Shall we go Princess?” “Just call me Caitlyn” Vi smiled “Shall we go Caitlyn?” she asked again “we shall go” replied Caitlyn with a smile.
They both walked side by side now, no two steps behind her. This felt different, it felt nice. Vi opened the door to let Caitlyn into the Last Drop. “Vi!” Called out a slim guy with messy hair. “Welcome ba- oh who’s this” he said looking at Caitlyn “this is Mylo one of my two brothers” “Mylo, this is Caitlyn the pr- ” “The princess of Piltover, I know who she is” he said bowing his head. “Caitlyn it’s just Caitlyn” replied Caitlyn with a smile. “Where Claggor?” Vi asked “he’s at the back making dinner.” “Alright see you around Mylo” “see ya” he waved goodbye.
They headed to the back of the bar towards the kitchen. There, Claggor was making something that Caitlyn couldn’t recognize but it smelled very delicious. “Hey Claggor” “Vi! Go to see you, and I’m assuming your Caitlyn?” “Ah yes I’m Caitlyn nice to meet you” “Yeah Powder told me, so, what brings you here to the undercity?” Asked Claggor preparing some sandwiches. “Well I wanted to get out Piltover and do something fun.” “Ah I see, well here you go” he handed each a sandwich “Enjoy them. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to cook.” “Thank you” said Caitlyn grabbing her sandwich and following Vi back to the bar again.
“So, how long is you brother going to stay at Demacia?” “Around five days.” “Great we can do a lot in five days.” Vi said bitting her sandwich. “What do you wanna do?” “Mmmm well, take me anywhere to be honest. I’ll be happy anywhere.” “Alright then finish your sandwich and we’ll head somewhere I know you’ll like.
After finishing their food, they both headed to what seemed like a small open field. “Do you have good aim?” Vi asked opening a gate to enter the field. “You’ve seen me shoot arrows and hit the target every time. I never miss.” “We’ll see about that” said Vi.
She went to a small group of people and came back with a piece of paper. “I bet on you, here you’re number seven.” “What!” “You better win” “but what do I do?” “Oh there, number seven, it’s your turn” “but what do I do!” “You’ll see right now”
Caitlyn walked towards her designated spot. They gave her a bow and tree arrows. She was the only girl participating. She looked back at Vi who was leaning against a tree and she raised a cup she had in hand. “Draw!” Said a loud voice quickly Caitlyn drew an arrow breathing slowly aiming at the target “loose!” Caitlyn released her arrow hitting right at the center of the target. When she looked around at the other competitors, they all stared at her. She was the only one that had hit dead center.
After a few more shots people started gathering around Caitlyn to see her take down even moving targets. Everyone clapped and cheered once she hit the farthest moving target. She was having fun and laughing along with the people.
“That was impressive” Vi said “thank you” Vi handed Caitlyn a drink “you’re an alright shot” “I’m an excellent shot” replied Caitlyn taking the drink. “Well we should head back home we’ve got way more stuff to do tomorrow.” “Alright let’s go”
Once they arrived at the building they were staying, Vi dropped Caitlyn off at her doorstep and then headed to her room. Caitlyn was tired but she couldn’t stop smiling at the fact that she enjoyed spending time at the shooting range. She took a warm shower and headed to bed falling asleep as soon as her head landed on the pillow.
A knock on the door woke Caitlyn up. “Caitlyn are you up?” “I’m coming” replied Caitlyn rubbing her eyes with her hands. “Don’t worry you don’t have to hurry up. I’ll be downstairs waiting take your time”
After a few minutes Caitlyn headed down to meet with Vi. “We’re going to get breakfast and then I’ll take you to the sea port.” They walked together to a bakery close by. Vi opened the door for Caitlyn. “After you” “Thank you.”
“So what do you want?” “There are so many options” said Caitlyn looking at the pastries on the counter. “Oh what’s that?” Pointed Caitlyn. “That’s a cupcake.” “A cupcake?” “Yes a cupcake” “I’ve never heard of that before” “yeah unfortunately they don’t make those in Piltover” “I think I’ll have the cupcake”
“Wow this tastes so good, thank you.” Vi just smiled taking a sip of her juice “alright let’s go.” They got up and headed to the sea port. Caitlyn had been to beach before but here it was different. Here she felt free. “This is such a nice place” “It is. Many ships that come from Bilgewater usually come here as a checkpoint or to rest.” Caitlyn was amazed on how different it was from Piltover. They walked together along the shore for a few hours towards a seafood restaurant.
The food looked a bit odd but seeing that Vi enjoyed it, Caitlyn decided to try it too. She forgot all her table manners with this food. Her mother would have had a heart attack if she saw how Caitlyn was eating. But she didn’t care her mother wasn’t here anyways. She was here with Vi to enjoy Zaunite food.
Once they were both satisfied, they headed back to the beach to walk back home. “What did you think about the food cupcake?” “Cupcake?” “Yes. Cupcake” Caitlyn started laughing at the silly nickname “It was actually better than I expected” “well I’m glad you liked it. Tonight we’ll head to the highest part of Zaun. You can actually see Piltover from here.”
After sun set, Vi took Caitlyn to see Piltover. The problem was, they had to climb and jump through buildings to make it to that spot, something Caitlyn couldn’t really do. So they started slowly but eventually, Caitlyn got the hang of it.
Under the moonlight, Caitlyn and Vi ran and jumped across the rooftops laughing enjoying the cold air of the night. Their hands accidentally brushed together before jumping onto another rooftop making Caitlyn nervous and she miscalculated the length of the jump. Vi reached out and grabbed Caitlyn’s wrist just in time pulling her with all her strength. The momentum sent them both falling back Caitlyn landing on top of Vi. This time, the space between them was smaller than the time she had tackled Vi. They were so close they could feel their heavy breathing and hear their hearts beating fast. They gazed into each other’s eyes with relief.
The moment became awkward. Caitlyn rapidly got up and apologized to Vi “it’s alright. Are you ok? “yes yes I’m fine.” “Well that was intense” said Vi with a nervous chuckle. “But look we’re here.” The view was amazing. Caitlyn could see the low and soft colors of Zaun and far away she could see the tall towers of Piltover.
They sat down at the edge of the building. They spent hours talking about the cities. Then they layed down on their backs to see the stars. “I have a question if you don’t mind?” Said Caitlyn turning her head towards Vi. “What is it?” Replied Vi still looking at the sky. “How old are you?” “Ohh I thought you were going to ask something more serious. Well I turned nineteen years old this past winter.” “Oh then happy late birthday” “haha thank you” “how old are you?” “Me? I’m nineteen too but I’ll turn twenty this summer. So I’m a year older than you” “oh really? Happy early birthday then.” “Haha thank you.” “Well we need to head back, tomorrow there’s a festival and I want us to go. Well spend the whole night there so we need to rest.” Together they got down form the rooftops and headed back home each one to their respective rooms.