This moment just breaks my heart. The way Viktor pulls Sky’s notes to his chest in such a delicate, reverential way, like he’s trying to keep her close, desperately clinging to this last piece of her, and then he looks down at his now magically altered hand and leg - a painful, permanent reminder of the life lost trying to save his own - and it’s too much for him to bear and he just breaks down, curling into himself and sobbing in almost a childlike way as he sits among the ashes of the woman who loved him…
I’m not going to go too deep into it because it’s worthy of its own post, but it goes without saying that choosing to end the season with another of Jinx’s hextech explosions to parallel her previous one was brilliant on so many levels, not only to showcase the evolution of her character (the first one was a major catalyst for Powder becoming Jinx and now the repeated act solidifies this identity) but for the story as well. The first time was a big turning point at the end of Act 1, ushering in major change for the characters and a new trajectory for the plot and this explosion will no doubt do the same, launching the story and the characters into a new direction.
The paralleled event also plays on the audience’s memory of what came before. We don’t have to assume that this rocket will be devastating, we’ve already seen what this kind of power can do and we know that it will be on an even larger scale now and this adds another layer of dread to an already shocking turn of events. We know how ferocious that magic-induced fire can be. How it rages and races and incinerates flesh. We already know everyone in that council chamber is going to die instantly without some kind of magical intervention.
We know Viktor and Mel both potentially have built-in magical reasons for survival e.g. Viktor’s connection to the Hexcore and Mel’s tattoos/armor, but what about Jayce?
I feel like the hammer could maybehave been used to protect him (we see the gauntlets shield Vi in her fight with Sevika) but he didn’t have it with him in the council chamber and I don’t think he’d even consider grabbing it not knowing that it can shield him anyway, so I assume either Mel or Viktor will have to protect him, but which one and how?
Though Viktor would know his little body wouldn’t be enough to truly shield Jayce nor would he be able to move in front of him fast enough, I do believe he would sacrifice himself in a heartbeat to try to save him if he could, especially knowing he’s dying anyway. That being said, it’s just as likely that Jayce would try and do the same for Viktor and is the more likely candidate to be able to run to Viktor and tackle him to the ground to try and shield him. The act would still be futile but, in each other’s arms, Viktor’s magic could activate and, in protecting him, save Jayce as well.
If this doesn’t happen however and Jayce instead runs to Mel or doesn’t get the chance to make any decision at all, Viktor’s magic could still involuntarily shield him and he’ll come out mostly unscathed (which will out him) or the magic won’t help him and he could get seriously hurt (which could jumpstart more augmentation).
We don’t know what kind of power Mel has yet but emphasizing her and her armor was no accident and she could very well be the key to saving everyone in that room. If she’s somehow able to hold the rocket at bay while everyone tries to escape (an action that could be extremely taxing and she perhaps can’t hold for very long) she lets it go when everyone is a safe distance away, sacrificing herself to save everyone else (though I do genuinely believe most of the council members will die or at least be seriously injured so I’d hate to see Mel sacrifice herself just for it to be in vain).
Or, if Mel is somehow able to protect one other person besides or instead of herself, she chooses Jayce. Not only because she loves him but because she believes in him as their best choice of leadership for Piltover. This sacrifice to save him would deepen the pain he would already feel from losing her and it could inspire him to continue being on the council to honor her memory despite his previous wishes to leave so he can continue to be in a position to be able to do the things he thinks she would have wanted.
Again though, I genuinely don’t want Mel to die by the way and I’m not saying she’s absolutely going to. I’m still 50/50 on her survival as I can see the storytelling potential in both options honestly, but these are just wild theories and, as of now, I still have hope she’ll live.
As a sidenote, I’m also curious as to the potential radius of this explosion and how many more innocents could potentially be at risk beyond the council. The rocket was aimed at the council chamber, but could the fallout be larger than expected? Could the explosion seriously destabilize that building and cave in other nearby rooms or potentially have debris fall to the streets and harm others perhaps?
Anyway, those are just some scattered thoughts. I know there’s already been a lot of conversation on who will survive and how, but it’s all very interesting to speculate on.
I know we all want to see Viktor and Jayce eventually fight (and I’m so ready for that angst!) but I’d also kind of love to see a scenario where they’re forced to work together against a larger threat at some point and we get to see them fight side by side, combining the full power of their magic and hextech together and, despite their recent differences and newness to combat, are able to sync together well which reminds each other once more of the friendship they once had… and could maybe have again?
Listen, I know The Machine Herald is supposed to have a full metal helmet but I’d be totally fine with Viktor just having a metal mask on the lower part of his face so we can still see his expressive, golden eyes and hot, messy hair similar to the Winter Soldier… at least initially before he upgrades his look to a full helmet or something.
Sometimes I remember it’s only been about 4 months since Arcane ended and we’ve still got about a year and half to go (assuming it comes back late 2023)…
[ vik lives in my mind rent-free and i would do anything for this white man ANYWAYS- ]
+whenever he’s working in the lab (basically 24/7), you come in and pass out on the couch, you’re actually the reason why there’s a couch there, it would be cruel of him to let you keep sleeping in uncomfortable chairs
+the sounds of his pencils scratching his notebooks and the sparks and clangs of his tinkering are like lullabies, he used to try to be as quiet as possible whenever you fell asleep in his lab but you insisted that the background noise was nice
+nah bc this man would be trying so hard to hammer nails or use blowtorches in slow motion as if that would make it quieter
+when you get closer in your relationship, you spend less time laying on the couch and more time on his lap ayOOOO
+he says you’re distracting him from his work but if you dare try to get off of him he will pull you back down at the speed of light (he’s so touch starved but you probably are too LMAO)
+leaves little kisses on your temples and absolutely adores your light snores, sometimes pauses whatever he’s doing just to admire how peaceful you look
+he appreciates when you stay awake to listen to him talk about his observations and discoveries and mindless rambling, you rarely understand what he’s talking about but you enjoy hearing him talk nonetheless
+he thinks it’s kind of perfect how low-maintenance you are, all he needs to do is let you relax in his lap and narrate his actions in that beautiful smooth czech accent of his in your ears and you’re happy AND he can still get his work done (work is his spouse, you’re the side hoe who gets free asmr)
+when he (an extremely rare occurrence) finally takes breaks, you pull him onto the couch and force him to take a nap with you, this man truly needs it- have you SEEN his eyes
+most of the time he’s the big spoon bc he’s most likely taller than you and it’s more comfortable- but also because it makes it easier for him to escape your grasp if he needs to get back to work even though it pains him to do so
+hold him sometimes tho, he needs it
+jayce will sometimes walk in to talk to viktor but immediately halts in his tracks if he sees you two sleeping peacefully, he’s grateful that his fellow hextech partner has someone like you to take care of him
“(work is his spouse, you’re the side hoe who gets free asmr)”
NO BC THAT’S WHAT I THOUGHT WHILE READING THE PENCIL PART
Episode 5 is my favorite. I love that scene “you are hot cupcake” and “what’s gonna be girl or boy?” plus she did a kabe-don!! haha … How not to fall for her?
() - Thief!Vi x Fem!Princess!Magic!Reader - Established secret relationship, cursing, fluff just a lot of fluff, slight angst if you squint
? - Yeah/Nope( a lil )
' - You don’t technically need to read part one as most of the series will be standalones and little adventures but if you want some context go ahead and knock yourself out. Part three will be different :)
The masquerade ball was something that everyone was always whispering about as the season arose. It was huge, almost everyone came especially the high royalty throughout the nation.
But the best part, was the people in the village could participate, they always through a party in the town square to celebrate. Only the highest allowed in the castle. And this year Vi wouldn’t just be following her friends around. Mylo, Claggor and Jinx off doing their own thing.
This year, Vi would be in the castle. The castle filled with kings and queens, princes and princesses, royalty of all kinds included. She’d see the rumored food table with a chocolate fountain, and the many giant ball gowns. The dances that were performed. And finally…
You.
Vi would see you, she’d never got to see you in your fancy gowns. Dressed up to impress other people and to hopefully attract a betrothal. Well, your mother hoped, you knew what you wanted. Or at least had an idea.
And that idea included your Violet.
She’d snuck up to the castle just like every other day, sitting in your window seal as you did your hair. Telling your handmaiden that you had an idea in mind and that you wanted to do it yourself. Not that she minded the extra time to get everything ready.
“Vi, will you help me with this?” You then asked, looking at her in your vanity mirror. Meeting her eyes that hadn’t left you since the moment she’d arrived. Admiring your beauty.
Without saying a word, Vi quietly walked over to you. Standing behind your chair.
“Hold right here.” And she did before her fingers soon trailed down to your neck where a dainty necklace hung. One she’d stole for you, never telling you where it came from. You guessed the same jeweler that the bracelet she’d stolen just the other day had come from.
“Thank you.” You muttered, meeting her eyes in the reflection. “I want to go down to the town square this time.” “Someone-” “I’ll be wearing a mask.” You turned around to her, hand still resting on your bare shoulders. Not yet dressed in your dress, only an evening gown.
“I don’t know.” “Please, you could show me around, I could meet your sister and all the people you’ve told me about.” Vi stared at you fearful eyes, worried of what would happen if anybody ever found out about you and her.
She didn’t care about herself, though the thought of you being hurt after the fact. The thought that if anything happened, you’d be caught in the crossfire, and sent off.
“We’ll see.” “I’m glad you came.” You then smiled, grabbing the mask from the vanity table. “Put it on me? I need to make sure it looks good with my hair.” “Why of course, princess.” Vi said dramatically, taking the mask and placing it on your eyes before wrapping the silk ribbon around your head. Tying it nice and neat so it fell against your hair.
“You look beautiful.” “You haven’t even seen it all yet.” Vi then laughed, kissing the top of your head. “I’m gonna go, I’ll see you down there, alright?” “Alright.”
As the girl disappeared out the window, you wondered if you had the right idea. You wondered to yourself if it was all worth it, living in the moment.
Because you were pretty positive you were in love with the girl you could never be with.
Everyone was antsy, waiting, talking to each other and whispering about the princess.
‘I heard that they’re going to announce the engagement.’
'Well I heard that she wasn’t going to show at all.’
'A marriage still not spoken of at her age, it’s shameful.’
'Personally I think she’ll be a pawn to make another truce.’
’The king wouldn’t do that.’
But out of them all. Vi was the most nervous. Looking around at everyone, fiddling with her hands. They were all so fancy looking, and here she was in a semi-formal suit that Vander had helped her put together. The only person she’d trusted to tell.
Vi swore she’d never been this nervous before, around everyone who had no idea who she was. Waiting for the princess of the entire nation to walk down those stairs, and she’d get to dance with her. Or at least she’d hoped to dance with the princess.
With you.
And there were you.
The room went silent as you appeared at the top of the grand staircase. The giant gown you wore nearly made Violet’s heart stop, staring at you with adoration through her black masquerade mask.
Her mouth had parted slightly, frozen, watching your hand that was complimented by the bracelet she’d gotten you, glide down the railing.
The room erupted into whispers along with a tense quiet as you walked. But your eyes didn’t move, staring right at Vi. Finally making it to the bottom, your father greeting you, your eyes finally tearing from Vi’s.
“Welcome to the nations annual masquerade ball. Thrown by the Y/L/N family for the past one hundred years.” You tuned him out after that, crossing your hands in front of you, a smile on your face as you stared right at Vi standing in the corner of the room. Away from everyone else.
Your family then all sat down, including you.
“Can I go dance now?” You asked your father, your brothers ready to fly from the table. Legs practically shaking “With who?” “A friend.” You replied blankly, giving him a look that only he could see through the mask.
“Fine, mingle, get along please. But I need to talk to you after.” “Of course. Thank you father.” You stood up and pressed a kiss to his cheek as your brothers did your mother. All cheering as they did a mad dash away from the table.
You grabbed your dress as you made your way through the hundreds of guests. Bumping into someone on the way.
“I’m sorry-” “No need, please, may I have this m'lady?” You recognized the dramatic accent anywhere, whipping around to face Vi. Grinning at her.
“Of course you may.” You said, mocking her voice as you took her hand. “You look gorgeous.” She then said almost out of breath, looking you over again as you blushed.
“You look.. amazing. You really know how to clean up Violet.” You looked over her set, admiring the suit jacket by running your hand over it. “Thanks.” You giggled, her face nearly the color of her hair.
You were lost in her eyes, feeling her hands on your waist. Pulling you around the dance floor.
One hand rested on her shoulder while the other messed with the hair on the nape of her neck.
All you wanted to do was kiss her.
Let everyone in the room know she was yours.
“People are looking at us.” Vi then pulled you from your thoughts.
“Let them. Besides, we can leave soon, when they start the games.” “Leave?” “Vi, I want to go down to the town. They always have so much more fun down there, I can see it from my window, and here they’re all so-” “Stuck up?”
You nodded, laughing a bit. Vi spinning you around as more eyes began to land on you, people moving from the dance floor.
“I’ll take you down there, alright?” You didn’t respond, twirling outward before doing a little happy move. “You’re adorable.” “As are you.”
Vi then twirled you, letting you spin out before shuffling over. Grabbing you once more, gliding along the ballroom floor. Both of you so lost in the moment.
You didn’t even realize.
Until you did.
“Nobody else is dancing.” Vi then looked around slightly, both of you gliding around the dance floor as everyone watched.
“Shit.” “Hey, look at me.” Vi’s silver eyes then moved to yours, her hand adjusting on your waist nervously. “They’re looking because we look… amazing.” “Think I’d make a good princess?” Vi then smirked, asking. “I think you’d make an amazing princess.” You grinned.
“Especially with those dance skills of yours.” You whispered in her ear, hearing her laugh under her breath. Slowing your movements down as the song came to an end.
You both then parted and bowed to one another.
The people around you clapping, but you only focused on her.
Your mother then began to announce something. You took a few little steps towards Vi as she did the same towards you.
“Let’s go.” You then whispered, grabbing her hand as you both ran through the crowd. Bumping into a few people here and there. Everyone all too focused on the speech.
Except for one.
“Wait.” You laughed as you made it out to the garden. “What?” “I left clothes over here, I can’t wear this down there.” You laughed, running over to a nearby bush, searching for a box.
The box with your spare clothes.
But it wasn’t there.
“Find it?” Vi laughed. “Vi, Vi it isn’t here.” “What? It has to be, you put it there right?” “Of course I did.”
“Not any other bush?” “No I put it here!” Tears began to appear in your eyes, blinking as one slipped down your cheek. “Vi, do you think-” “No. Let’s just look around.”
And so you did, but it wasn’t there.
And it wasn’t in that bush.
Or that one.
It wasn’t here.
“We can still hear the music from up here.” She then interrupted, trying to ignore her pounding heart.
“Dance?” “Vi..” You couldn’t help the fear that spread through your entire body. Someone had found that box, and you prayed to everything that it wasn’t your mother. “Vi…” “It’s okay.”
Though she wasn’t sure if she was convincing her or you.
“Dance with me? Just for tonight?” She held out her hand, you weren’t sure what would happen in the morning. You didn’t care though. Because you’d live in the moment now.
Resting your head on Vi’s shoulder as she held you, faint music playing in the background. The stars staring down at you both as tears fell down your face. Her thumb running along your cheek.
“Don’t cry sunshine.” “Vi..” “It was probably one of the many, many, many maids.” “Violet.” You laughed, looking up at her whilst she stared down at you, feeling you adjust her mask.
“I hope so.” You whispered, feeling her kiss your forehead. “It’ll be alright.” “Yeah.”
She kissed your lips then, tasting the lip tint you wore, moving to kiss your forehead once again as you rested your head against her.
“It’ll be alright, sunshine.”
You both relaxed against each other. Every bad thought leaving your mind as you listened to Vi’s heartbeat, closing your eyes.
Unaware of the lingering eyes of the man holding the box in his hand. A little smile on his face. The speech he’d brought up in his mind all flooding away.
It could wait until morning.
Only because of the smile on his daughter’s face, brighter than moon couldn’t ever shine, and brighter than the sun could ever burn.
Because he had his person, and now she had hers.
A/n: Bada bing bada boom its been over a month and now here’s part two
