[He quickly realizes what Vi is referring to when she mentions people's deaths because of their actions, shaking his head as a solemn sigh escapes his parted lips now. She was still holding herself responsible for things long since passed and completely out of her own control, losing her adoptive siblings along with her father all in one go. A concerned expression crosses Ekko's face as he moves to gently rest a hand on his counterpart's shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze.]
That wasn't your fault, Vi. You and I both know by now it was Jinx's interference that caused the explosion. But the real culprit more than her is that bastard...Silco.
[Gritting his teeth thinking back to how the man's lackies killed all those Enforcers along with Benzo in cold blooded murder before dragging Vander off along with them.]
You were just doing what you thought was right and trying to save Vander...I just...Wish I could have done more if I was able to help maybe this all could have been avoided.
[They could have all been together still, even Powder with them as they lived out their lives happily without the threat of Silco's influence looming over their shoulder in the dark of the abyss.]
You wouldn't have been able to do anything, either.
[there's a squeeze on her shoulder, and her eyes blur for a moment. but then she forces that down, and sighs quietly. even though Ekko and Cait keep telling her it's not her fault... it's still something she'll carry forever.]
I was responsible for all of you, though. You looked up to me, followed my lead. And...
[even though she was fighting back tears, there's a lump in her throat that makes her stop talking. she can still vividly see everything that she'd done, all the people that were murdered because of the choices she made. like a lightning fast unraveling from a thread she pulled.
[Ekko knows how hard Vi can be on herself and how much pressure was on her shoulders to lead by example but that didn't mean she had to go it alone anymore. He'd learnt a lot through his time alone after the whole ordeal and despite the pang of loss he felt knew there was nothing he could ultimately do now. They couldn't keep dwelling on the past and had to move forward, that was why he formed the Firelights to rise up against the scourge of the Undercity that plagued their home.]
We have to strive for what's ahead of us now and can't be burdened by our past, Vi.
[Usually it was her giving console to those who needed it most but here and now the boy savior could tell she was emotionally vulnerable with the threat of tears cascading down her cheeks. Stepping in closer to wrap his arms about her person, Ekko embraces his big sister in a tight hug, a hand resting at the back of her head to thread through her short pink locks in a comforting fashion.]
Listen...I don't hold you responsible for any of their deaths I could never do that. What we need to do now is not squander their sacrifice and put an end to the oppression back home so no one else has to suffer like we did. Together. Just like old times.
she's usually the one who has to be strong. she can't just break down, especially in front of Ekko. but the tears blur her vision anyway, and a few fall when she knows he can't see it. she hugs him back tightly for a moment, and then composes herself and rubs her face with the back of her hand.]
Man, you're not supposed to be the one consoling me.
[she pulls away though, a bit of her trademark smirk back on her face. but it just... helps, somehow, knowing that someone sane was here and actually understands. she still hasn't completely told Caitlyn about everything that's happened... and would it really even be the same? she wasn't a part of it, even if Ekko wasn't at that warehouse specifically.]
Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, I always am. I just... wanted to say that. Because we didn't have enough time at home.
[A lot of things had changed over the coming years after the events which unfolded at the warehouse, Silco ripping everything the pair had ever known from their hands with the snap of his fingers. They both suffered in their own ways but Ekko and Vi both hardened their resolve, hatred stoking the fires which raged on inside them as they looked to get back at the self appointed tyrant who'd destroyed their lives. Unlike Jinx it made them each stronger in their own way, the pair growing up to despise the man for what he'd done to them and fighting against the corruption that was brought in his wake in their own way. Of course it would have been great if they were able to combine their efforts this whole time but at the very least they were reunited after such a long time apart, the boy savior giving her up for dead until the fateful day she re-emerged in the Lanes.
Although he was usually far more reserved nowadays he could at least show some compassion for his beloved older sister whom was the more supportive one in her time of crisis. When she pulls away from the embrace to wipe away a few stray tears which stained her face, Ekko simply nods solemnly followed in short by a hushed bit of breathy laughter.]
You always were the stronger one between us, I was the brains and you the brawn, remember?
[The master planner known as 'Little Man' who meticulously laid out their devious schemes enacted against the top siders while she carried them out to the letter. Well most of the time anyways.]
Guess we'll just have to make up for lost time then, huh?
[A bit of hopeful optimism ushered forth as a sincere smile slowly breaks over his lips.]
no subject
That wasn't your fault, Vi. You and I both know by now it was Jinx's interference that caused the explosion. But the real culprit more than her is that bastard...Silco.
[Gritting his teeth thinking back to how the man's lackies killed all those Enforcers along with Benzo in cold blooded murder before dragging Vander off along with them.]
You were just doing what you thought was right and trying to save Vander...I just...Wish I could have done more if I was able to help maybe this all could have been avoided.
[They could have all been together still, even Powder with them as they lived out their lives happily without the threat of Silco's influence looming over their shoulder in the dark of the abyss.]
no subject
[there's a squeeze on her shoulder, and her eyes blur for a moment. but then she forces that down, and sighs quietly. even though Ekko and Cait keep telling her it's not her fault... it's still something she'll carry forever.]
I was responsible for all of you, though. You looked up to me, followed my lead. And...
[even though she was fighting back tears, there's a lump in her throat that makes her stop talking. she can still vividly see everything that she'd done, all the people that were murdered because of the choices she made. like a lightning fast unraveling from a thread she pulled.
Claggor. Mylo. Benzo.]
I failed all of you.
no subject
We have to strive for what's ahead of us now and can't be burdened by our past, Vi.
[Usually it was her giving console to those who needed it most but here and now the boy savior could tell she was emotionally vulnerable with the threat of tears cascading down her cheeks. Stepping in closer to wrap his arms about her person, Ekko embraces his big sister in a tight hug, a hand resting at the back of her head to thread through her short pink locks in a comforting fashion.]
Listen...I don't hold you responsible for any of their deaths I could never do that. What we need to do now is not squander their sacrifice and put an end to the oppression back home so no one else has to suffer like we did. Together. Just like old times.
no subject
she's usually the one who has to be strong. she can't just break down, especially in front of Ekko. but the tears blur her vision anyway, and a few fall when she knows he can't see it. she hugs him back tightly for a moment, and then composes herself and rubs her face with the back of her hand.]
Man, you're not supposed to be the one consoling me.
[she pulls away though, a bit of her trademark smirk back on her face. but it just... helps, somehow, knowing that someone sane was here and actually understands. she still hasn't completely told Caitlyn about everything that's happened... and would it really even be the same? she wasn't a part of it, even if Ekko wasn't at that warehouse specifically.]
Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, I always am. I just... wanted to say that. Because we didn't have enough time at home.
no subject
Although he was usually far more reserved nowadays he could at least show some compassion for his beloved older sister whom was the more supportive one in her time of crisis. When she pulls away from the embrace to wipe away a few stray tears which stained her face, Ekko simply nods solemnly followed in short by a hushed bit of breathy laughter.]
You always were the stronger one between us, I was the brains and you the brawn, remember?
[The master planner known as 'Little Man' who meticulously laid out their devious schemes enacted against the top siders while she carried them out to the letter. Well most of the time anyways.]
Guess we'll just have to make up for lost time then, huh?
[A bit of hopeful optimism ushered forth as a sincere smile slowly breaks over his lips.]
no subject
I'm the stubborn bitch. Either word works.
[she wipes at her face again and turns away, motioning for him to follow again as she starts to walk off.]
Sure will. Did I tell you Cait's here too?