💥 OPEN; "I buried the unseemly urges"

[opheliac]

Who: jinx + YOU
Where: outside of pessiria forest for prompt 1, in aldrip for prompt 2.
What: meanwhile while the event has been going on, jinx was in rumpitur this entire time so she... missed everything. but now she is back in town and trying to do an errand but... there are some difficulties.
Warnings: mention of drugs, spoilers of arcane, and aggression side-effect.

❝

All thieves & lovers are faithful admirers of sin. By that design, I'm a player of your violin.

❞

A. ❝ I cast on your heartstrings a spell. ❞ (cw: mention of drugs + spoilers of arcane)

( when she makes it out of the PESSIRIA FOREST, her knees buckle and she sinks down into the grass; dead weight. her long pool of her azure locks shields her from the sunlight above her as her forehead plops against the earth. her calves are burning and her feet ache of pins and needles from the non-stop sprinting between here and RUMPITUR. jinx didn't think about stopping the entire way through, because it's a way for her to really see just what this new shimmer body of hers is really made of. they say it takes a full day to travel from one village to the next, but the teen enjoys a challenge and with her inhuman speed, she believed she could half that -- maybe less. and well, it didn't take her the whole day. but who truly knows when she doesn't have a sense of time at all with no watch or clock on her person.

swallowing up air to fill her lungs, jinx tosses herself back to lie on the grass -- holding onto a brown sack of goods. during her time in RUMPITUR, she got talked into doing an errand for a local who stated if she completed this delivery to ALDRIP for him, he will pay her handsomely. jinx was never the one who cared for money, but what got her interested was the scrap he was prepared to give up. and to her, that's worth way more than anything. the poor girl hadn't built a thing since she got here, and she's becoming rather restless about it. tinkering is one of the many things that can calm her thinking (besides causing destruction). and if she is going to make new sunglasses for scott, she's going to need materials. )

( but now that she's out of the woods, maybe she should take this time to freshen up somewhere. jinx's been living rather... poorly to say the least. her hair no longer in those twin braids but now wild and free with knots, twigs, and leaves. her attire is completely different too; a complete contrast of what she came here when she arrived. and not to mention, she's been starving all month and jinx can't seem to figure out why that is. she's been eating the same amount as everyone else in the world, but... it never seems enough for her. nothing is filling and it makes no sense to her. could it be the shimmer's doing? no. no that can't be it. there are no side-effects with the serum... that she's aware of. it's not like she stopped and had a lovely chat with singed after the surgery. but maybe her constant hunger isn't anything worth concerning and hey, as long as there's food in her belly, it's whatever! )

( she should get a move on, she reminds herself but instead, jinx continues to lie peacefully as the sun kisses against her pale complexion; eyes shut. it's not every day that a zaunite had such luxury to feel the green grass tickling one's skin and get any rays of sunshine. the air is still something she is getting use to, sometimes finding herself breathing a bit too hard than she should. )

'It's nice getting above it all, huh?'

( her sister in a much younger age rings in her ears, in which she can't help but to scuff up a tiny chuckle. )

Yeah...

B. ❝ & all you must do now is swear... ❞ (cw: minor side-effect of drug including: aggression)

( she is getting side-track, jinx is very much aware of this. but her hunger is really getting the best of her and she can't seem to focus on anything with her stomach screeching. and this is the second fruit she stole and scoffed down -- and yet... it's still not fucking enough. the frustration is boiling, and with the sack over her shoulder, the teen stomps through the town while purposely bumping shoulders with whoever is in her path. the thought of wanting to shoot the first person she sees for no good reason is lingering more than it should, and she very well might do it if she doesn't get a damn meal in her in the next ten minutes. the teen throws a death threatening glare at every person she sees, gritting her teeth at the sight of locals looking rather content with themselves. how dare they look so fucking jolly and fine when she's here practically starving to death?!

unable to keep her temper at a minimum, jinx turns on her heel behind a building -- throwing the sack of goods as far as she can (thank goodness it didn't bust). the teen yells out her tantrum as she kicks and punches the establishment nearest to her. what the hell is wrong with her? this shouldn't be such a big deal, but somehow it is. and all she can think about now is to tear the entire world apart because what else is she suppose to do with this feeling? how else is she suppose to get rid of it besides being violent right now? then before jinx realizes it, a pink tear drips down her cheek with her nose stuffing up that she needs to sniffle through to breathe. why is she being like this? feeling suddenly defeated, the girl presses her forehead against the structure with her eyes closed.... with her stomach still growling. )

C. ❝ That you'll fall right into my arms. ❞ ( WILD CARD )

these two prompts aren't doing it for you but you want to do something with jinx? this is the place to do it. feel free to PM me, hit me up @ discord (bunchew), or @ plurk buttlet

Comments

B.!

[kiseijuu]

[ Shinichi isn't out and about too much. After the locals were acting.... strange recently, Migi's been trying to keep him a bit isolated, just in case there's some sort of sickness going around. There are so many unknowns, and the alien will always prioritise Shinichi's safety, as it guarantees his own survival.

But part of survival is eating.... and given that Shinichi's nutrients are consistently absorbed by Migi, the boy is generally always hungry. It's time to make a Trip For Some Nourishment, as Migi would call it (such a completely weird fucking way to put that), and he's meandering his way towards the bakery Usagi showed him, when he..... sees someone not too far away. A girl with her head pressed to a building.

Shinichi pauses, but doesn't immediately approach, or immediately recognise the girl. Not in that clothing. But her hair.... blue and long, tumbling free and downwards. There's not many people he's met with hair that colour..... Shinichi's eyes widen as he slowly approaches, confused and a little nervous. The last time he'd spoken with Jinx, she'd openly talked with no remorse about murdering people. But how long ago was that...? It's been a while, and he hasn't really seen her around. ]

Jinx....? [ The boy finally speaks up, drawing closer. As he does, evidence of her upset becomes more clear, and alarm registers in him with a flip-flop in his chest. He's giving a sharp gasp as he suddenly moves up right next to her. ]

Oh— Are you okay?

[opheliac]

( great. the last thing she really needs right now is someone approaching her and to get her to explain what's going on with her. because she doesn't know what's going on with her -- only that she is upset and starving. and if only it was someone she didn't know and was a complete stranger. by that cause, she can just say whatever she wanted or do whatever she wanted to that other person and they will never cross paths again. ... although, she could still do that here with this familiar face. but should she? it's rare but jinx actually took a liking to shinichi and that weird hand of his. and as she decided before... she does need allies.

when the boy is close, jinx jerks her head sharply to him -- her eyes glistening threatening and dangerously before she answers: )

Does it look like I'm okay?!

( that came out in way more venom than she hoped for, but it felt damn near good to just bite back at someone. the hothead girl pulls back from the wall -- her pinks piercing fiercely to his. )

— Lemme guess: you're gonna say next that I should calm down and we can work whatever is wrong with me out, huh? Love to burst that bubble for ya, Specs, but I'm in no mood.

[kiseijuu]

[ Shinichi's immediately flinching back a bit as Jinx's head turns so severely to him, those pink eyes flashing angrily his way. Up until this point, although he knows some of what she's capable of (which is murder), it's been.... hard to truly been afraid of the girl he'd met at the festival. Sure, he's been intimidated by her, but not extremely afraid. She's around his age, she's a fellow victim of this place, and she.... she's never seemed mean or aggressive to him.

But seeing those eyes looking at him like that, and the way the girl snaps the words, so full of poison... Shinichi's heart is skipping beats, and he's taking a step back. Only for Jinx to pull away from the wall and more towards him, causing the boy to give a startled sound. Migi's probably watching all of this, waiting to see if he needs to step in, but for now the alien stays still and quiet. ]

N-no...! I just— You looked really upset, and.... [ His eyes roam around a bit, taking in the girl's hair, tangled with twigs and dirt. What... happened to her..? ]

I just want to help you.

[ Despite everything, even his own fear causing his heart to patter like a frightened animal trapped in his chest, he can't run away. He wouldn't. Slowly, he lifts his left hand, reaching it out towards Jinx a little. Not touching, simply holding it up placatingly. ]

Have you been hurt.....?

[opheliac]

( she scoffs out a hard breath when he points out the most obvious thing on the planet. of course, she looks upset because she is upset. anyone with eyes can see that, although, he is wearing glasses so maybe the lens are loosing its effect on them. and the teen wastes no time to smack his hand away when it seeks for her -- another last thing she wants is for anyone to remotely touch her. )

No, I'm not hurt! I'm just fucking pissed! — I've been hungry since this morning and no matter what I eat isn't good enough. I'm so... sick of it!!

( turning on her heel, jinx goes off to retrieve the bag of goods she tossed earlier. and while she is on the verge to just abandon this stupid job she vowed she would do, she knows it's extremely important to get this done or else all of her other plans will fall apart. the blue-haired girl swings the sack over her shoulder again in a grunt before shifting her gaze back to shinichi. )

Look, I'd back the hell away if I were you. 'Cuz I got this stupid crap thing to do and I'm in a hurry.

[kiseijuu]

[ Shinichi gives a startled sound when his hand is smacked away — he quickly withdraws it, holding it close to his chest as he stands there with his own anxiety rising. This isn't good.... She's mad, extremely mad, and fueling that isn't his intention. Maybe he should leave, after all....

...But then he hears the girl say what she does next. She's been.... hungry all day, but what she eats isn't good enough....? Shinichi thinks of the townspeople acting strange, and of Migi's concerns that there might be some sort of illness or danger....

His eyes widen, alarm flaring up in a fresh way now as he watches Jinx retrieve a bag and sling it over her shoulder. Could she be sick....? Maybe it's completely stupid to not leave a person who's so angry, but it wouldn't be the first time Shinichi put himself in danger to try and help someone else. He can't leave her like this...! ]

Jinx— Look, I'm not trying to make you angrier, I promise. But if something's wrong, if you're sick... I could try to help you. You said you're hungry....? I could bring you something. Or maybe take you to a doctor.

[ His brow knits, concern etching in deeper. ]

Please, will you just... come with me?

[opheliac]

Take me to a doctor and I'll be sure you'll be Pow-Pow's favorite thing to waste bullets on. ( not that she had ever mentioned her machine gun, pow-pow to him before but the way she threatened him just now... definitely not something good. )

And I'm not sick...! I told you I'm just pissed off and hungry! What's that so hard to get, Egg head?!

( or lack of an egg head. isn't there a dumb saying about how wearing glasses are suppose to make you smart? although... he did mention about bringing her something. )

... But what kind of somethin'?

[kiseijuu]

[ He might not have "met" this Pow-Pow before, but the mention of bullets is, yes, pretty telling....! Shinichi takes another slight step back, but even now.... it's not his own safety he's predominantly concerned with, here. His left hand slowly moves to his right wrist, fingers gently curling around it. He's sure that Migi is listening to all of this, and he knows painfully well that the parasite will not hesitate to protect him if he thinks he's in some kind of serious danger. That would interfere with Migi's own survival, after all.

And while his wayward hand may be pretty "friendly" with Jinx up until now... Shinichi knows it doesn't actually have loyalty to anything. Migi would attack anyone that threatened his survival. He has before.

The boy swallows, eyes wide as he listens to her. He certainly has no plans to use force, he was hoping Jinx might just see some reason to his words, but.... she's so angry. What should he do...? Shinichi's casting a desperate glance around the area, as though for someone who could possibly help.....

That's when Jinx asks the question, and he's swallowing again as his eyes snap back to her. ]

What kind of.... oh—! Um, well, I was heading to the bakery, actually..... did you know they have one here? Usagi showed me....

[ Nervous, he's rambling a little. Pushes his hand back against his chest a bit more. ]

They have really good things there. I could bring you something, or— or take you there!

A

[rebellions]

[ There's only so long one can sit around doing nothing and waiting for something to happen, and while the desert escapade did provide some change (it was awful and he doesn't want to talk about it), the reality that he'll be stuck in this world for the foreseeable future finally sets in, forcing Ragna to try and figure out how he's going to go about his daily life here. Finding some way to make money would be a great start, and thankfully, there are people who are willing to pay him for getting rid of various beasts that wander out of the nearby forest (the name of which he never bothered to learn) and get a bit too close to the town's settlements. It's simple enough, and killing things is something of Ragna's specialty anyway, so he sets out to do exactly that.

But what he finds near the entrance to the forest is no monster at all. The sight of the girl sprawled across the ground stirs up a memory in Ragna ─ a memory from the before times, back when everything was simple and safe and he could spend his days the way she is right now, lying in the sun and enjoying its warmth without a care in the world. At the time, he thought, no, genuinely believed his whole life would be like that, filled with the rustle of leaves in the wind and slosh of water in the nearby river.

He had been a fool back then, thinking that could last, but he doesn't hate the memory. No, what he hates is that tiny, naive part of himself that still wishes he could go back to the way things used to be.

Ragna shakes his head, as though that could rid him of the hollow feeling in his chest that appears every time he stops to reminiscence about his past. None of that matters right now, and thinking about it won't change anything. Might as well focus on the reality in front of him instead. He walks across the meadow towards Jinx, letting the rustle of the grass beneath his boots announce his presence. ]

You're a mess, Smurfette.

[ Gee, thanks, Captain Obvious. ]

[opheliac]

( she really feels she could just lie here for the rest of the day or maybe forever. and perhaps she should look into that in a later day when she isn't on the job.... that she should get up and do. ragna is right on the money that the crunch of the grass alerts her someone is coming.

but even if a stupidly rare case he could approach her in silence, the voices of the dead would be screeching at her to watch out. they're not always helpful, sometimes they cause more harm but good. but if jinx dies, they die -- and they certainly don't want to be shushed forever. so without opening her eyes or taking the slightest peek, jinx grins idiotically that only a parent could love. )

And you're still ugly, Raggie.

[rebellions]

[ He doesn't particularly care what people think or say about his looks, mind you, but an insult, no matter how juvenile, is still an insult and there's no way Ragna will take it lying down without responding in kind. You know, like a real adult. ]

Says the chick who looks like she got run over by a lawnmower.

[ There. With that settled, he plops himself down on the ground next to her, taking a look around the area. At least she picked a really nice spot to take a break at... or whatever it is that she's doing. He glances down at the girl, wondering what the hell she's been doing to end up like this─ actually, scratch that. There sure were times when his siblings would wander off into the forest and come back looking kind of similar to how she is right now, so he knows better than anyone it doesn't take much other than letting an irresponsible kid do their own thing. And to think she was trying to lecture him on survival... ]

So, what are you up to? Dancing with the wolves like a feral child that you are?

[ Given who it's aimed at, it's probably not even an insult in this case? More like an observation. ]

[opheliac]

( while she has no clue what a lawnmower is, jinx can piece it together on what it could be. lawn being the grass and mower with cutting. therefore, it must be something that would trim lands and what not. she wonders if piltover had something like that for their little claim of grasses. both cities were mostly nothing but buildings, but topside had a few greens than hers. anyhow at the question, jinx tilts her head over to peer up to him while lifting up her hand with the brown sack. )

Makin' a delivery for a guy in Rumpitur.

( which again, she should really get a move on and head to aldrip if she wants to collect the scrap items that's waiting for her. )

[rebellions]

[ Hey, he should be doing his job, too, but... eh, there's no rush; sitting here in the sun is definitely more appealing than hunting for monsters. That's why Ragna has no intention to criticize her for taking a break. Commenting on the fact she's doing it at all, however, is a completely separate matter. ]

Huh... Gotta be honest, I didn't peg you as the responsible kind.

[ Not that it would be a bad thing, but it's in stark difference with what little he knows about her. He assumes there's just something she wants out of that deal, but it doesn't stop the corner of his lips curling up in a tiny smile. ]

You're telling me you've actually been a good kid all this time?

[ He's mostly just teasing her, but to be perfectly honest, he doesn't think she's that bad of a person. ]

[opheliac]

Are you kidding? I wouldn't be caught dead doing something good if I didn't get anything outta of it.

( she lets the bag flop back down by her side, her feet swaying from side to side. the last thing she wants to be labeled around here is the "goody-two shoes". after all, this place is meant to be a prison and if the lesson "be what they fear, jinx" isn't more relevant than it is now, nothing will. )

— I get a big jackpot if I do this lil' dumb errand for the guy and I'd be a whack job to not say, "yes".

b

[bulleting]

[It's the commotion that gets Caitlyn's attention. It's not like she's seeking out Jinx, and has been pleasantly surprised at the peace and quiet without her bothering them, but she also knows Vi's been worried about her.

But once an Enforcer, always an Enforcer. Her immediate reaction is to move towards the loud yells, and as she breaks through the crowd, she finds...Jinx.

Of course.

Seeing Jinx like that, leaning against the building, crying.... it makes Caitlyn almost sad for her. She is sad for her, for her and Vi, given what they went through. Losing their parents, losing their family, all because Piltover didn't bother to care about the Undercity. But pity doesn't erase everything she's done, to her, to Vi, to the other dozens of Enforcers and good people in Piltover that didn't deserve what she did to them.

There's a long moment where she doesn't know what to do. She knows approaching Jinx won't end well, but it might be even worse to leave her there, causing a scene in the middle of town. She shoots a quick message to Vi, letting her know where they are, hoping maybe if she comes it will help calm her, but that means keeping her there and putting her attention on her. Sigh.]

Jinx? Are you alright?

[opheliac]

( hearing that very familiar yet haunting posh accent is like a record scratch to her, or nails clawing on a chalkboard. when she takes a step back to look over at the woman, she doesn't bother wiping off her single tear, because well, the damage is a little done now. but as long as she doesn't shed another one, she'll be squared away. the devil dances underneath that smile of hers and jinx stands more upright -- the pink pupils glistening ever so vibrantly. )

Wellwellwell! — If it isn't my least favorite dessert. We really oughta quit meetin' up like this. You.... defenseless... and me without my babies. How else are we gonna have a fun conversation?

[bulleting]

[Nevermind. Fucking hell, why did she do this to herself again? All because she was trying to do something nice. SIGHS LOUDLY. But Caitlyn's jaw tightens, trying to fight back a smart remark. Stay calm. Stay calm. Vi will be here soon and handle this better.]

I only approached you because you seemed distressed. If you're fine, I'll be leaving. Vi's on her way, anyway.

[this wasn't going to get anywhere but whatever. Vi can't say she isn't trying for her.]

[opheliac]

Mmmm, of course she is.

( she stands ever so sweetly with her fingers lock behind her back. again, the girl thinks if she should stay put or take one little step closer just to rattle her chains. it will certainly make her feel a wee bit better after the unknown rage of a day she's having. )

'Cuz if there's one thing I've learned about the two of you, is that you're both so inseparable it makes everyone wanna gag.

( the smile on her face is tight and the devil is written all over it, but jinx doesn't budge still. )

Oh! I gotta ask ya: What's like being replaced, hmm? Have ya met Vi's other girlfriend yet? Her new number one? Woof, hate to be in your shoes. That's gotta smart knowing you're being tossed aside for someone cuter.

[bulleting]

Is it so bad to enjoy each others comfort and company? [They're in a fucking strange world?? How dare they stay near each other?? But Caitlyn's cheeks still feel warm at the comment. Her and Vi still haven't talked about exactly what they are, but all the same, Vi's very important to her.

But at the replacement comment, Caitlyn can't help but laugh. Was Jinx really trying to pin them at each other?]

Replaced? Really, that again? No one is replacing anyone. Vi can have more friends. I'm glad she made friends without us here. And guess what? Mizuki is my friend now too. Maybe if you stepped back for a moment and let yourself feel something other than anger and hatred, you could have more friends here too.

[opheliac]

( caitlyn isn't the only one that's getting a laugh out of this -- because jinx, too, crackles at her statement. although, there's a sharp bite to that laughter of hers. her spine straightens with her chin held high as if trying to make herself taller than the other woman. )

Ha, strike two! — Boy, you're really blah for brains. In case you haven't heard, I've made plenty of friends! One of em is most deadliest person around next to me.

( gloat, gloat, gloat. )

I even got a crazy hand that's WICKED into me, it likes to touch me and everythin'.

( weird flex, but that is jinx in a nutshell, after all. and growing tired of staying put, the girl bounces on forward to caitlyn -- skipping around her as if she's playing "ring around the rose" without her participating. )

But hey! Whatever makes you feel good, Enforcer. Be sure to tell yourself that the next time you see Vi flirting. 'Cuz she does that, y'know. She was a real hot shot when we were younger. Everyone wanted to be her or get with her.

( after a few laps around caitlyn, she prances right on back to her forgotten bag. )

I bet that hadn't changed about her.

b;

[laserguy]

[It's not like Scott's trying to bump into people that he's feeling Super Uncertain about. Like, he's totally indebted to her for agreeing to build him a new pair of sunglasses and everything, but that doesn't mean he's entirely comfortable around Jinx either. In fact, he wants to avoid her on a normal basis, but... she looks super miserable and fuck, is she crying??

........

Maybe that's an inclination that he should definitely avoid her and go about his day, especially with that display of rage he saw earlier, but Scott finds himself moving towards her anyway. It just... seems sort of shitty to leave her alone? Not try at all to see what's going on?]

Hey, uh. [Scott pauses for a second as he tries to figure out what to say.] Something the matter?

[opheliac]

( if isn't boy wonder himself? and if only she was in a better mood to see him again. because interesting enough, the bag of goods she is meant to be delivering has something to do with his glasses! but unfortunately for the two teens, she is not in the mood to let him know or to really chat about it. instead, she greets him with a stare -- eyes narrowing a bit with an irritating huff of her breath. )

Oh nooooooo ♪! Everything is just goin' so swell. Can't you just tell?

( ha, sarcasm. )

[laserguy]

[It's sort of weird when he's not the moodiest teen in the vicinity-- and okay, guess dumb question gets a dumb answer, he'll accept that. Scott raises a hand to his hair, ruffling it slightly, while trying to figure out what he wants to say to her. Man, he's sort of crap at this, isn't he? His go to in just heading to the mall or watching a movie isn't available, not to mention that he doesn't think they'd help in this situation anyway.

He soon shoves his hands inside the pockets of his jacket, trying to look not at all awkward about this. He only partially succeeds.]

Alright, I get it, I get it. [.........] Hey, wanna come with me to grab something to eat?

[opheliac]

( it's not possible for her to do, but if she could -- her ears would twitch of interest at the mention of grabbing a bite. )

That depends. Are you payin'? 'Cuz I'm in the middle of a run — ( jinx cocks her head over to the forgotten bag, gesturing to it. ) — to get coins and whatever else the old greybeard's gonna give me.

[laserguy]

[Scott turns his head slightly to look over at the bag that's been tossed aside. He really hasn't thought much about it until now, just figuring that it's filled with random crap that Jinx has picked up. As long as it's not going to you know, blow up, it's not much of his business.]

Yeah, sure. This place kind of sucks on its own without also being hungry. [He shrugs lightly, not finding himself minding too much about buying food for her. It's the least he can do and well, it sucks being hungry. Scott hates being hungry!!] Just don't order the whole fucking menu and I'll cover you.

[He's surviving in this world, but he's definitely not rich or anything.]

[opheliac]

No promises, Shades.

( because right now, she feels she can literally eat anyone out of house and home. and that's due to unfortunately not putting one and one together that this new shimmer body of hers is in need of desperate fuel. maybe she or someone will figure out the root of this sooner or later (before she faints). but for now, jinx quickly scoops the bag and hurries over to be at scott's side. )

— I can go just about anythin' at this point. So whatever food you're taking me, I'll eat.