Queen takes Rook
Leaning her forehead against the acrylic wall, Vi’s thoughts swirl through her mind like hurricane force winds. She’s kissed, (or supposedly been kissed by), Cait now twice. Unfortunately, the first one she didn’t remember, and it sent her into a frenzy of what she assumes was guilt. Vi would need to apologize for that. Cait can’t go around thinking she’s a trauma trigger, especially if it’s going keep them from doing more of what happened at campus. Thinking about the last part tugs a smile from Vi’s tense muscles.
Exiting the shower, Vi wraps hair and body in towels before heading into her bedroom. She throws herself on her bed, resting on her back so she’s able to stare blankly at the ceiling. It was only a matter of time before Sevika called her back into her office to administer some sort of punishment. Most likely it would involve running and Vi hated running.
She lets out a groan and wipes her hand down her face. Her legs flop as though she’s a toddler throwing a tantrum. After a few moments, she just lays there, in silent meditation. Suddenly the negative implications of their actions disappear and all that remains are Vander’s words from after their dinner.
“Lex would hate to think you’re holding yourself back on her account.”
The unmistakable ache of hurt and loss creep in slightly as Vi closes her eyes so she’s able to picture her face. Would she be okay with this? After all, according to Caitlin they’d been school mates, even friends.
The thought of being with another woman in that capacity sends a shiver down Vi’s spine. It’s not like she’s never thought about it, but this is the first time she’s wanted it. Cait appeared in her mind at that point. She had been through her own battles and wondered what scars were left upon her.
“Just need to take it slow.”
A knock at the door jolts Vi out of her thoughts. Quickly she throws on some clothes and runs to see who has come for an uninvited visit. Ripping the door open, once again she’s greeted with blue eyes and navy hair.
“I can’t stay, but I wanted to give you this.” It’s an envelope. “My mother is hosting a going away party for before I leave this weekend to head back to Ionia.”
A pang of hurt hits Vi’s chest. “Wait. Why are you heading back to Ionia? Cait, if it’s because of this…”
“No. Gods, no. I’m here and committed. I just told Sevika I want to bring this program and town a title.” Caitlyn can see Vi’s body physically relax at the sentiment. “No, I’m finishing my last quarter of classes. I’m not officially transferring my school status until the beginning of the next school year.”
“Makes sense. So why are you telling me about your mom throwing what I assume is some fancy party?”
“That envelope holds an invitation. She wants you to attend.”
Vi finally opens the envelope and pulls out a piece of the fanciest paper she’s ever seen. The letters are ornate and surrounded by vines and flowers. In true Vi fashion, she smirks.
“Does she want me there or do you?”
Caitlyn clears her throat. “Perhaps I did some persuading to secure your invitation.” She smiles, her eyes brightening at the words. “Please consider it. I’d love to get to spend some time with you before I’m gone for the next 10 weeks.”
Vi stares a little longer at the words in front of her. Glancing up she can see Caitlyn is pensively pleading her case. “Cupcake, I wouldn’t miss it.”
- - - - - -
“Hold still!” Powder admonishes her sister as she fidgets in her seat. “If you want to look presentable, you’ve got to let me work.”
Vi huffs and attempts to settle into her chair. Her arms fold into her check in protest. “Fine. Make it quick though, I don’t want to be late.”
The sisters remain silent as Powder works through Vi’s hair and makeup. The catcher has never been one to make a fuss over herself, keeping thinks natural looking and simple. Tonight, however, Powder wants her to make a statement. She wants the color pallet on her face to stand out against the tailored black tux she plans on wearing. It’s her “I have to represent the university in a professional manner” attire.
“So, this girl. You sure she’s worth getting tangled up with?” Powder breaks the silence with the sentence Vi is sure the whole family has been thinking.
“I don’t know yet, but my heart says I have to at least see.”
Silence returns and hangs between the two women for a few moments. Powder sees the tiny smile on her sister’s face that extends all the way to her eyes. She can’t help but smile in return. “It’s good to see you happy again.”
Vi hums. “Thanks, Pow. It’s good to feel happy again.”
Before the situation can spiral into further talks of Caitlyn, Vi changes the subject. “So, you decide what your plan is? You joining me at my prestigious university or are you staying here to attend Zaun…with Ekko?”
The face of the younger sister blushes. Vi knows the answer. Vander had already told her, but she wants Powder to tell her. It’s not that she’s upset, she just wants Powder to stop feeling like she’s got to hide Ekko from her. Part of Vi thinks it’s because Ekko is basically another member of the family, having been a long-time friend of Powder’s. Then Vi remembers how after Lex, Powder discussed Ekko less and less to Vi. She assumed Powder was afraid it would upset Vi more than she already was.
“I’m staying here. Ekko didn’t just get accepted to the physics department, his presence there convinced Heimerdinger to leave Piltover to teach at Zaun. He’s special, Vi. I really think he’s going to change the world someday.” The admission is quiet, yet proud. Vi can sense her sister means every word she says, but Powder looks pensive. Her eyes stay transfixed on the back of Vi’s head, so they don’t make eye contact with her sister’s in the mirror. Both of her hands are rested on Vi’s shoulders, trembling.
Vi reaches her right hand up and latches on to Powders left hand. It pulls the younger sister’s attention to Vi’s reflection. “I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy after having to put up with my shit for so long. Be with him, Pow. Hold on to him. He loves you and you deserve that.”
Arms wrap around Vi’s chest and begin to squeeze to the point where she can’t breathe, but she doesn’t care. It’s real and finally feels like a wall has come down between them.
“When’d you get so smart?”
“Someone has to be the brains in this family.”
A hearty laugh escapes from the younger sister’s lungs. “Bullshit, Sis. We both know I’m the brains and you’re the Braun.”
Vi rolls her eyes and attempts to straighten her bow time. Stopping, she catches the gaze of her sister again. “The older you get, the more you look like mom.”
The words stop Powder in her tracks. She can’t help, but smile. Her cheeks begin to turn a rosy shade of pink as the compliment warms her heart. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. You’ve got dad’s nose.”
Vi laughs. “Eh, I don’t know about that, but I definitely got his temper.”
Another round of laughter. “Alright, Cassanova. I think you’re ready. Go sweep that Piltie Princess off her feet.”
- - - - - -
Caitlyn felt like she was suffocating. Every time her mother forced her to attend one of these stupid events, Caitlyn had to present herself as the future head of the house. It meant she had to be well tempered and cordial to men and women who were only there for their own personal gain. At the core of each of these parties was her mother’s never ending need to put on full display their wealth and power. Nothing was ever truly a celebration of Caitlyn. It was always a political ploy.
The ace found her way to the outside balcony just off the ball room. Her body leaned onto the railing as she let the warm evening breeze blow against her body. Nights like this often reminded her of visiting Noxus. Maddie’s family had lived on the coast, another symbol of undeserved wealth. The only benefit of the visits was it afforded Caitlyn the opportunity to inhale the gentle breeze that blew inland from the ocean. The scent of saltwater was intoxicating.
Unconsciously, her thumb had started rubbing her ring finger where the engagement ring had once rested. Caitlyn had fallen deeply in love with Maddie, yet now she wonders if it had been a ruse all along. With Maddie exiting Ionia for Noxus, that feeling continued to grow. Many nights they’d lie in bed, discussing their heritage. It always led Maddie to question a variety of things regarding the political structure of Piltover and Cassandra’s influence politically. At the time, Caitlyn thought nothing of it. After all, Maddie was a political science major with a dream of one day holding a high seat in the Noxian government.
“It was a political partnership.” The realization hits her as she stands by herself. Maddie had never truly cared for her. She was simply looking to create a political connection with the Piltovian government and what better way to do it than to marry the daughter from one of the oldest houses in the city. Knight takes rook.
“Are you alright, my love?” Tobias broke through the fiery rage building in Caitlyn’s chest. Her head whipped around to find the man stepping through the large open doors, a gentle fatherly smile on his face. The sound of the party was echoing through the halls of their house and migrating outside. The voices of people living a lie.
“Just needed a bit of fresh air.” She looks down at her ring finger again and grimaces. “How could I have been so foolish? I was nothing more than a pawn in her own ambitions.”
Tobias hums. Unlike his wife, he had been accepting of Caitlyn. He never mentioned it to his wife, but his daughter knew and loved him fiercely for it. “Sometimes, love makes us do the strangest of things, my dear.”
“She announced her transfer to Noxus the day after the news broke that I was leaving Ionia for Piltover. It all makes sense now. She was only there to get to me. It wasn’t a partnership of love. It was a partnership to establish a political ally here for Noxus. That way whenever they needed an ally to step in and fight by there side, they had our army at their disposal. Little did she know Mother never approved.”
Her father places his hand on her shoulder. His gaze looks out amongst the city buildings that are beyond the gate that protects their home. “Your mother knew Maddie was in the relationship with you for the wrong reasons. Her family has notoriously been used to create political marriages with other governmental entities for years. Maddie’s father is Noxian by birth while her mother was from Zaun. The union did not create the allegiance they had hoped it would, so, they came for you.”
All her life Caitlyn has felt used. Used by her mother to present the façade of being a perfect family and house. Used by her academic institutions to demonstrate her excellence in studies and extracurricular activities. Used by the women whom she’d have relations with until they got what they wanted. And now, used by some Noxian whore to try to gain political power.
“Well, may she get a full taste of what war is really like since she’ll now have to give four years of service to the Noxian army after graduation.” Bitterness exudes from the sentiment. Her hate cannot be hidden away any longer.
“I’m fine with that.”
Vi. Caitlyn hadn’t even known she was there. Tobias turns to see the woman standing just beyond the threshold, giving her best attempt at being confident. It is obvious she doesn’t belong, but she is trying to appear as she doesn’t care.
“I’ll leave you two to talk shop.” Dutifully, Tobias returns inside. He makes no acknowledgement of Vi and it bothers Caitlyn. Yet, it doesn’t bother her enough to turn her gaze away from the woman in the tightly tailored suit.
“You look..”
“Dashing? Handsome? Badass?”
“Sexy.” The word causes Vi to swallow hard and her pupils to dilate. Her goal was to simply blend in, but Powder had been insistent on her making a statement. Her pink hair was slicked back and pulled into a bun. Her eye makeup was colored to make her grey eyes pop. Lips were a pink selected with the intention to mirror her hair. The color stood out boldly against her black suit. Caitlyn was loving every part of it.
Vi slowly made her way to the balcony where Caitlyn stood. She leaned her back towards the railing until the small of her back could go no further. “Well, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the fact the back of that dress doesn’t leave much to the imagination.” Her smile is infectious. Caitlyn mirrors it as the words register in her heart.
“So, I take it by that little conversation you and your father were discussing the ex, correct?”
Caitlyn shook her head. “I’m convinced she’s why Ambessa was attempting to recruit me to Noxus. It had nothing to do with my abilities and everything to do with my future political prowess.” Vi can see the hurt in Caitlyn’s eyes as she admits she has come to the realization she is nothing more than her name to some.
“Well, if it makes you feel better, when Ambessa tried to recruit me out of high school, I pretty much told her to pound sand. I don’t tend to enjoy finding myself associating with warm criminals”
Caitlyn sighs and takes a step back. A propaganda image of her mother she’d once seen in Zaun flashes in her memory. It had been titled “The War Pig of Piltover”. She was posed regally in the Kiramman navy and gold. The family crest stitched on her blazer. In her younger years, it had always made Caitlyn angry when Zaunites would insult her mother. Yet, the older she got, the more she understood their sentiments.
“Vi, I need to talk to you about tonight.”
“I know. I know. I’ve already gotten the lecture from Ekko, Powder, and Vander. Be on my best behavior and don’t embarrass you.”
Caitlyn laughs. “What makes you think I give a shit what others think?” Vi was struck by the statement. She had just assumed Caitlyn wasn’t just playing the part of the perfect noble daughter, she WAS the perfect noble daughter. Apparently, she was wrong. “Vi, my mother is not happy you’re here. I suspect she knows I have feelings for you that a more than just that of a teammate.”
The admission makes Vi blush which warms Caitlyn’s heart back up. “I, uh, well, that’s okay.”
“Vi, I can’t guarantee she’s going to be warm and welcoming when she greets you.”
The catcher’s bravado is back. She leans in like she’s going to kiss Caitlyn, but instead moves to her ear, “I’m okay being your dirty little secret for right now.” It takes every ounce of energy for Caitlyn to not rip Vi’s clothes off right then and there. The woman pulls her head away and smiles, “Listen, this is new and I’m okay with taking this slow. No one has to know what’s going on until we figure things out.”
“Coach knows.”
Vi lets out a loud, barking laugh. “Okay, well Sevika knows, but that’s sort of on us. It’s okay, Cupcake. I’m not here to push you in to something that’s going to hurt you or that you’re not ready for, and I know you feel the same way. I just, I want to see where this goes. Can’t lie, sucks you’ll be gone for 10 weeks, but I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere.”
“And my mother?”
“Well, everyone knows she’s not exactly the biggest fan of people like us.” Caitlyn shakes her head. Another family truth she cannot hide from.
“She’s been pushing Tailer Devos on me tonight. Discussing what a strong build he has and how successful he’s found himself in the weapons industry.”
“Tailer Devos beat the ever-loving shit out of his last girlfriend and is only out of jail because his daddy has the weapons contract with the Piltovian army. That’s going to be a no from me.”
“Caitlyn. I see your guest has arrived. Shall we move this conversation inside so that the rest of our guests can get a chance to meet such a treasured athlete from the university?”
Busted. Caitlyn rolls her eyes, and proceeds to follow her mother, motioning for Vi to follow.
- - - - - -
The site of Cassandra Kiramman again causes every hair on Vi’s body to stand at attention. She’d managed to keep her composure the day of the recruitment visit because she knew Sevika had been counting on her. Tonight, in Cassandra’s own home, surrounded by the nobility of Piltover, things were not so easy to ignore. She was smug and arrogant, holding her head high as if her hands weren’t drenched with blood. In Vi’s mind, she was no better than Ambessa.
“Ms. Lanes, a pleasure to see you accepted the invitation.” Her words a calculated and antagonizing.
Vi attempts to present a respectful smile, but she knows it demonstrates nothing but disdain. “Yes, I was pleasantly surprised you’d be so kind to welcome me into your home. It’s very lovely.”
No, Vi didn’t have the political savvy of the woman in front of her, but she did know how to choreograph a curt conversation. Their distrustful gazes are locked on one another as Caitlyn uncomfortably shifts her head left and right. She can tell there is something unsaid between her mother and Vi but does not quite understand the significance of it.
“Caitlyn, darling, why don’t you go find your father. I’m sure he would love an opportunity to boast of your talent to many of the alumni in attendance tonight.”
Caitlyn looks to Vi for approval and she simply nods. Her eyes are not longer soft. They hold a darkness that concerns Caitlyn. They tell a tale of some sordid history she is unaware of. Her memory recalls a comment Vi had made while discussing her reasonings behind not choosing Noxus when being recruited. “I tend to try and avoid war criminals.”
Cassandra’s reputation outside of the boundaries was no hidden family secret. Many foreign to Piltover had considered her a ruthless, unempathetic leader. While not the leader of the council, she was second in command and had the ability to use her influence to get what she desired. During the Zaunite/Piltovian Civil War, Cassandra had been tenacious in her attempt to maintain the unity of the two entities. The commanding officer of Piltover’s military, Marcus, had been given full authority to use whatever means he felt necessary to keep Zaun under control. The man followed the orders. Orders that had been sent to him by none other than Cassandra Kiramman.
Once Caitlyn is out of range, the Zaunite and Piltovian council woman drop the fake niceties act. “I trust you know Caitlyn is the one who made the special request to have you present, not myself.”
Vi chuckles wryly. “I am not foolish enough to believe you of all people would invite me into your home.”
A hum escapes Cassandra’s lips. After taking a drink, she continues. “I want to make myself abundantly clear that Caitlyn is only back in Piltover because I do not condone her quitting. Once the little Noxian wench destroyed Caitlyn’s heart, she was ready to throw away years of hard work and simply fade into existence. I convinced my daughter to come home and finish out her decorated career here because I know she can once again earn the hardware she so desires.”
This was the first time Vi had been told Caitlyn had planned on quitting. Her mind runs through the rolodex of admissions the pitcher had made to her and none of them even alluded to the thought she’d wanted to quit. Everything had seemed to point toward she wanted a fresh start away from the memories of her ex-fiancé. The truth was deeper.
“Well, I assure you, Coach Sevika believes we can achieve greatness this season.”
Another hum, another drink. “My dear, believing and achieving are two vastly different concepts.”
Vi can feel the anger boiling in her chest, but she knows she must remain calm. Exploding in front of half the alumni association as well as the Board of Governors of the university will only bring negative effects to the team. Closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath, she simply responds, “Yes, that is true.”
The councilor smirks knowing she has backed Vi into a corner as though she were a wounded animal. “Let’s get straight to it, my dear. Caitlyn is a Kiramman and has a great deal of expectations for her in the future. Once she has finished her athletic career and graduated, she will take her rightful place next to her father at his trade business. She will marry a suitable husband, most likely for political gain and not love, but still, it will be someone who can stand by her side when the time comes for her to take over the duties as the female head of house. She will also produce an heir.”
The words coming out of this woman’s mouth are disgusting. She discusses her daughter not as someone she loves, but as someone she controls. Vi realizes Caitlyn is not a daughter created to be loved and respected, but instead a daughter created simply for political gain and control. Her heart breaks even more for the ace.
“Here I thought the rumors of your homophobia were exaggerated. Tell me, are the policies you push regarding the matter reactive to the fact your daughter digs chicks or are they preventative?”
It shifts the momentum of the conversation for a moment as Vi sees the woman recoil. Vi is perhaps the first person other than her daughter to attack her in her own home in such a manner. Thoough Cassandra has the homefield advantage, Vi has never been one to believe where you play the game matters. What matters, is you finish with the higher score.
“I will not have her entangled in another scandal because she’s found herself in bed with another woman, especially one from the other side of the river.” Finally, Cassandra says was Vi has suspected. Vi’s Zaunite background will always hold her back in the city even if she is one of the most respected athletes in the history of the university. “Your presence in her life in any capacity beyond being a teammate will not be accepted by House Kiramman. Do I make myself clear?”
Vi breaks her gaze with the coucilor long enough to find Caitlyn on the opposite side of the room, listening to her father weave a tale of victory and greatness regarding his daughter. She truly believes Tobias loves his daughter. He does not see her as a game piece in some political game of chess. Caitlyn catches Vi staring and smiles, lifting her glass of champaign up as a greeting.
“Crystal.”
“Good. Now, one last question and I will send you on your way home.”
“This should be rich.”
Cassandra rolls her eyes and ignores the sarcastic comment. “Does my daughter know the truth behind the death of your parents?”
The question causes an earthquake in Vi’s heart. Images of that night still haunt Vi’s dreams. Only she and Vander knew the actual truth of what had happened. She was supposed to go with them. It was a simple trip to the store. Last minute she decided to stay home, opting to watch Powder and Ekko so a babysitter didn’t have to be called. Her mother and father kissed her and her sister goodbye and stepped out the door. The little kids had turned on some cartoon. Vi had just started making popcorn for them when the explosion rocked their apartment building.
The fire was hot and raged for hours. Whatever accelerant that had been used in the explosive device burned forever. By the time the flames were fanned, all that remained were charred, unrecognizable bones. Vander knew their connection to he and a man by the name of Silco was the reason they were killed.
The men had been helping run the underground spy ring that was being used to collect intelligence on Piltover military tactics and plans. Their identities had been leaked when one of their top spies had been captured and tortured by Marcus himself. He’d mentioned their closest allies were Vi’s parents. In retaliation for countless military ambushes that had occurred because of intel discovered by the spies, Cassandra wanted to bring pain like they’d never experienced before to the men. That pain was in the form of killing Vi’s parents. She’d known Vi and Powder could have been collateral damage, but she hadn’t cared, the end game was reunification. The tactic worked and not long after the explosion a peace treaty was signed and the two entities reunited under one banner.
Tears start to well in Vi’s eyes, but she would be dammed before she lets the woman in front of her see them. She bites the side of her cheek to help her regain her composure. If anger is her dominant emotion, she will not cry.
“No.”
“Good. Keep it that way and I’ll see that the man sitting in Stillwater prison for the death of your former lover gets the justice you so desperately wish to enact yourself. Wouldn’t want him to find some loophole to freedom.”
“Are you blackmailing me?”
“Not at all. I’m simply saying occasionally the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Victorious in the battle, Cassandra walks away from her defeated opponent. Caitlyn can see Vi’s demeanor has drastically changed after the conversation with her mother, but before she can investigate, Vi leaves without any acknowledgement of Caitlyn. Before she can follow, Caitlyn’s mother is by her side with an arm interlinked to hers. It’s a sign for her to not follow. It’s a chess move. Queen overtakes rook.