Ope, I Guess I Stopped Just Lurking

Updated 11/16/25

To End A War: A Zaunite Viktor Universe (JayVik)

Series Summary:

The life and times of Shimmer Doctor Viktor Talis and his unhinged puppy dog of a partner Jayce Talis. If someone had told the Machine Herald he would eventually be living in a cottage by a stream with four children with the Man of Progress of all people, he would have assumed they were very high on Shimmer.

Status: Trilogy. Main story is complete. Series of one-shots depicting their lives after the main story is planned.

Series Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/4731367

To End A War

Summary :

For years, a war has been brewing in Piltover between the Council and the First Family of Zaun. With reports of Mel Medarda sneaking around his city, Silco decides the time is now to spring a trap and steal the other half of Piltover's Golden Couple. But what is really going on behind golden doors? Or: A politics-driven dark romcom featuring unhinged puppy dog Jayce and Shimmer Doctor Viktor.

Rating: M

Status: Complete :)

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/63334120/chapters/162251734

A Bunch of Fancy Papers

Summary:

Life was looking up for Jayce Talis. The conflict between Piltover and Zaun came to an end with the Progress Day Peace Treaty. He could finally move on with his life and focus on building a future with his beloved soulmate, Doctor Viktor Talis, with their family and friends by their side. Unfortunately for Jayce, a bunch of fancy papers won’t magically solve all the issues that caused the conflict in the first place. But hey, at least his relationship is strong!

Rating: M

Status: Complete :)

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64257886/chapters/164932888

The Family of Tomorrow

Summary:

Two years after Zaun’s Independence Day, Councilor Jayce Talis and Doctor Viktor Talis have fully settled into their new normal with their adopted son, Blitzcrank, and expecting twins any day. Unfortunately, their past isn’t ready to be laid to rest with Singed still a constant shadow hanging over Viktor, Ixtali eyes ever watchful on Jayce, and the return of Ambessa Medarda. Or: Miracle Doctor Viktor and his unhinged overgrown puppy dog of a husband are finally forced to deal with issues they kept pushing off for later. Like what exactly is Warwick and why is he so obsessed with Viktor’s father?

Rating: M but honestly straddling the line between T and M. Better safe than sorry, yeah?

Status: Complete :)

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64573849/chapters/165848821

The Life and Times of a Retired Councilor

Summary:

With Vander cured, Singed dead and gone, and the Black Rose seemingly driven away from Piltover and Zaun, life has finally calmed down for Doctor Jayce Talis and his family. Or as calm things can be with a miracle doctor husband, a magical best friend, and five kids to wrangle. That’s not even taking their chaotic extended family into account. Between marriages, competitions, politics, and Janna-knows-what-else, Jayce certainly can’t say he’s bored. Or: A series of connected one-shots depicting the life and times of Jayce, Viktor, and their entire extended family after the events of The Family of Tomorrow.

Rating: T

Status: Technically in-progress but my brain is currently very disinterested in this universe.

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/69848831/chapters/181271156

The Defender of the Arcane and His Herald (JayVik)

The Defender of the Arcane and His Herald

Summary

Viktor and Jayce Talis made the ultimate sacrifice to end the Arcane Apocalypse. The old mage overlooking his ruined world thought his task was finally complete. The Arcane had other, grander plans. Her Defender would Ascend. Or: How Jayce Talis ascended to godhood on his quest to save Viktor and stumbles into his true destiny. If you can’t beat them, join them.

Rating: M - currently has some very very mild smut.

Status: Complete :)

Act 1: Into the Commune – Chapters 1-3

Act 2: Ascension – Chapters 4-12

Act 3: A Tale of Two Cities – Chapters 13-27

Act 4: Happily Ever After? – Chapters 28-40

Epilogue

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64296049/chapters/165042310

The Multiversal Shenanigans of Viktor and Jayce Talis

Summary

After sacrificing themselves to end the Arcane Apocalypse, Jayce and Viktor thought it was the end of their story. Instead, they found their work is far from done. There are other timelines that need saved, after all. Good thing they have the help of other versions of themselves! A series of one-shots depicting Jayvik undooming other timelines. Reading the main story is not required.

Rating: M

Status: It's a one-shot collection to be updated as I get brainrot lol

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/67159045/chapters/173429332

Coming Soon Maybe... The Angel of Zaun and His Dragon

Summary (may be edited as this is *very* in the early stages)

Life was good for the Herald of the Arcane, Viktor Talis. Zaun and Piltover were at peace with him and his darling Jayce overlooking them as their patron gods. They had a small army of adopted children. His commune was thriving. Yes, life was good. But one question haunted him: Why does the Arcane need a Defender? Ancient magic rumbling from the Shuriman deserts hold the answers.

Rating: Probably M. This version of JayVik don't need to sleep and gotta pass the time while everyone is asleep ~somehow~ lol

Status: Drafting it. I have too many ideas and need to narrow it down some, so I don't get in over my head.

Manuscript Snippet

Meet the Medardas (MelJayVik)

Summary

Mel Medarda was sent to Piltover on a mission: spread the Medarda family’s influence to a new land more suited for her strengths. Now the youngest councilor in Piltovan history, she finds herself wanting another ally and needing to secure her family’s legacy in Piltover. On paper, Viktor is Heimerdinger’s assistant and a lowly professor at the Academy. In reality, he is secretly the yordle’s protégé and wishes he could do more for the Undercity. And Jayce Talis? He just wants to be included for who he is and not what he can do for someone, for once. Or: Fox seeks out Cat, and they adopt an oblivious golden retriever.

Rating: M

Status: In-progress. Three Act Story.

Act 1: Fox Meets Cat - Chapters 1-19

Act 2: A Comedy of Miscommunication - Chapters 20-?

Act 3: *Title Pending - I'm indecisive lol*

Part of the Meet the Medarda universe. Can be read as a stand-alone seeing as it's a role swap fic. You are free to go in blind like Ekko and Ekko.

Chapter 1: The Ol' Switcheroo

Chapter Link

Summary

Ekko had no idea why he woke up in some fancy Piltovan home after coming in contact with an anomaly. What he did know was that he needed to find his way back home, preferably without tipping off the older brother he suddenly had.

Ekko Medarda went to sleep in his bed and woke up near the HexGates with Heimer. They don't know how they ended up there, but they both agreed they needed to find his big brother. ASAP.

Or: What if Ekko ended up in a different universe after coming in contact with the anomaly? And what if he swapped places with his counterpart, leaving the other Ekko in the canon universe?

Snippet

Ekko woke up with a start and took a moment to catch his breath. Was confronting Talis about the Firelight Tree’s leaves changing and then encountering that wild rune all just a strange dream? He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm down. What a weird dream. He must be more anxious about confronting Talis with Heimer than he thought-.

His head jerked up when he felt something soft on his arm. A probably handmade spider stuffed animal tied to a stick bounced up and down on his arm before trying to land on his head. A single young giggle filled the room when he tried to swat the spider away. The toy disappeared with some scurrying sounds. What the actual hell?

Ekko went to ask who was messing with him so early until he actually looked around the room. His words died in his throat. This wasn’t his room! This wasn’t his bed. He wildly looked around for a light and quickly turned on the bedside lamp.

Where was he-? A painting of his kid self and Benzo stole his breath away. Unfamiliar photos were all over the place. Him with Powder, Vi, Mylo, and Claggor. Several photos of him and Benzo. Him and Heimer in disc runners years before he met the yordle. His mouth open and shut when he saw a younger version of him and Jayce Talis. What the fuck?

And why was the calendar wrong? It was 989, not 990!

Who was the brown-haired man with amber eyes in over half the photos? Mystery man and a very young Ekko right around the age when Benzo took them in. Him and the man with Powder. Him and the man with Vi. The man kissing his head while his younger self happily showed off a paper to the camera. Him, the man, and a woman that looked vaguely familiar. He noticed more pictures with Jayce in them. Why was he dressed like a Topsider in-? Was that him graduating from the Academy?

omg it's finished ._.

Chapter 55: Epilogue

Chapter Link

Summary

The Medarda-Talis family welcome their twins. Heimerdinger has a chat with his great-great-great granddaughter.

POV: Jayce, Heimerdinger

Snippet

“You did so, so well, V,” Jayce choked out with happy tears streaming down his face. Viktor didn’t respond, but that was okay. After a long labor with only a single castration threat, his amazing, wonderful, flawless husband was holding their twins for the first time.

Jayce sat on one side of the bed with Mel on the other. His equally amazing, wonderful, flawless wife smiled warmly at him with a few tears in her eyes. She reached over and squeezed his hand while Viktor met their twins. After a very uncomfortable pregnancy and a month stuck on bedrest, their husband could take however long he wanted to hold the twins for the first time. He deserved it.

There was just one, uh, problem they had to stop avoiding now that the twins were here. Little Ambrose Rudolph Talis-Medarda was peacefully in Viktor’s arms. His twin was also currently peaceful, but there was one itsy bitsy task that was now urgent.

I totally forgot to post on tumblr ._. in my defense, I posted three chapters in three fics in three days. I was too busy crying over finishing my almost 260k MelJayVik fic. Sorry!

Chapter 15: Bitch Fest

Chapter Link

Summary

Jayce does his best to make sure Viktor is doing okay after the failed raid. Qiyana meets with an important Zaunite.

POV: Jayce, Qiyana

Snippet

“Why am I meeting with this woman?” Qiyana asked even as she trailed behind the god. The Herald could create portals. Why was he making her walk? Ugh. At least it was too cold here to worry about sweating. She pulled her new coat around her closer. At least that exiled noble delegated to bodyguarding took her shopping after Orianna finished her tour of Piltover. She quite liked this luxurious feeling coat she picked up on the noble’s coin.

As much as it pained Qiyana to admit, yesterday’s failed attack on Piltover was eye-opening for her. For someone who claimed to only dabble in the water element, the Herald effortlessly manipulated the ocean to his whims.

The Herald was a god, and she was but a mortal. It was a sobering thought for the usually proud woman.

Chapter 54: Legacy

Last chapter of Act 3 and second-to-last chapter of fic ._.

Chapter Link

Summary

Viktor spends quality lab time with his family. Mel reflects.

POV: Viktor, Mel

Snippet

“V! Here’s the parts you asked for!” Jinx cheerfully announced as she rolled over to his work desk. He could only hope she wasn’t going to roll over her braids and fall off the chair. Again.

“Thank you, sister,” Viktor murmured and accepted the parts for Cassandra Kiramman’s prosthetic eye. She yet again clung to him from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder. She was quite lucky he was used to not having personal space between his husband and his children.

“I get to put together the one we’re going to try to bully Silco into using, right?” she asked right in his ear.

“Yes, Jinx. Cassandra already knows me and vetted my work. It is nothing against you personally. She has a history of only allowing my starlight and I to work on her projects,” he assured her. Jinx fidgeted and almost caused him to drop his tool on the system of intricate gears. With a curse, he barely regained his grip in time.

“Give your brother space, lass. He’s doing delicate work,” Cecil gently reprimanded.

As if on cue, a small explosion of light went off from where Jayce was doing Janna-knows-what with Isha, Cecilia, and Edna. Viktor yet again just barely stopped himself from damaging the intricate mechanisms inside the prosthetic eye.

“Pretty!” Cecilia cheered and clapped her hands excitedly. Isha jumped up and down in delight. Edna…looked less enthused. That was never a good sign.

“Jayce Talis,” Viktor preemptively called out.

Chapter 53: Happy Birthday, Princess!

Chapter Link

Summary

Heimerdinger makes it back to Piltover just in time for his granddaughter's birthday. What did he miss in his absence?

Or: the one where MelJayVik manipulate and distract Heimerdinger.

POV: Heimerdinger, Jayce

Snippet

Heimerdinger fretted as he checked his pocket watch. It had taken much effort, but he was going to make Edna’s birthday party! He was not missing his granddaughter’s second birthday! Humans had so few birthdays, and he refused to miss a single one. He didn’t care if his fellow yordles didn’t understand his attachment to his boy and his growing family. If Heimerdinger wanted to fit in with his people, he wouldn’t have founded Piltover in the first place.

“Fastest ship to Piltover,” he requested at the HexGate desk and presented his special pass. There were perks to his son and son-in-law creating the technological wonder. “I need to get to my granddaughter’s birthday party,” he added in hopes of encouraging the humans to hurry.

“Ah, this way, Founder Heimerdinger,” the attendant stated. The yordle felt some of his tension bleed away when he was boarded for take-off five minutes later. Why, he may even be early for little Edi’s party!

Oh, he hoped everything was okay after that nasty, nasty business earlier in the week. Mel was there. She would handle Piltover as always, and his boy was more than capable of covering for him at the Academy. Yes, everything surely was fine.

Heimerdinger spared a glance around Hex Tower once they arrived to Piltover. Everything seemed to be running smoothly as always. It looked like any other bustling Saturday-.

He paused. Why was the House Medarda Banner hung under all the Piltover banners? Oh, he hoped Mel didn’t pull strings for Edna’s birthday. Cecilia would be so put out that her house banners weren’t flown for her birthday. He’d have to talk to-.

Maybe it was Jayce! Viktor would never do something like that, but Jayce was such an indulgent parent. The man would be more focused on making one child happy without thinking how his other daughter would react.

“Founder Heimerdinger, a HexCarriage is here to take you to your son’s home,” another attendant informed him. He furrowed his brows again. Why was everyone calling him Founder today? How odd. He’d have to ask Viktor once he saw his boy.

Chapter 52: Her Mother's Daughter

It's the climax of the story :o

Chapter Link

Summary

Jinx comes over for breakfast. Mel makes the best out of an unexpected situation.

POV: Viktor, Mel, Caitlyn, Piltover

Snippet

Caitlyn steeled her nerves as she waited for her cue. While she always knew public speaking was in her future as Heiress Kiramman, she didn’t expect her first public statement to involve one of the biggest conspiracies in Piltover’s history. With the death of one councilor at the hands of another, a press conference was necessary to keep their people informed. Perhaps she would feel more prepared if she wasn’t also overseeing Silco’s plea deal.

That was an issue for tomorrow. Today, she had a public to update.

“Let me fix your hair, dear. This moment is going to be in the history books. We need you to look your best for our descendants,” Mother stated and fussed over Caitlyn’s uniform.

Frankly, she had more important matters on her mind than how she will look in the history books. Like the discovery that her girlfriend’s little sister was Jinx and all that fallout. She was already dreading the inevitable planning session with Mel. Nothing against her intimidatingly competent sister-in-law, of course, but it would be a difficult discussion. She hoped she still had a girlfriend by the end of it.

Jayce caught her eye and gave her a reassuring smile. Her big brother would have her back like always. She was grateful he would be standing behind her, but Caitlyn did not enjoy that Mel felt it necessary for her safety. Even with Silco seemingly cooperating so far, it didn’t change the fact that only one Chem-Baron was confirmed to be on-board for the sake of her son.

She especially did not like that Mel and Jayce both practically begged Viktor to stay home. That was not like them to exclude their husband from anything. Caitlyn had a sinking feeling that Mel was knowingly withholding information from her again. Ambessa Medarda may have stayed back to supposedly spend time with her grandchildren and son-in-law, but Caitlyn recognized the matriarch’s men scattered throughout the crowd.

Chapter 14: Sunny With a Chance of Smiting

Chapter Link

Summary

Jayce heads out to help save another universe while Viktor holds down the fort back home.

POV: Jayce, Viktor, Viktor

Snippet

“What’s going on, Abuela?” Jayce asked the Arcane as soon as he manifested in the Astral Realm.

She wrapped her arms around him, growing until she was tall enough to fuss with his now fiery hair. “As I told you, a once stable universe just destabilized. Their Herald is dangerously close to falling.”

“Can he be saved?” Or did he yet again have to kill another version of his partner? It was a hard task, but it was a price he was willing to pay to have his partner safe from corrupted magic. His Viktor was worth it.

“I hope he can be. He and your counterpart already had their soul marks.”

Jayce whistled. That was a first. His and his partner’s counterparts didn’t earn their soul marks on their foreheads until Abuela Arcane was confident the timeline was stable.

“What happened?”

Chapter 51: Tomcats and Monkeys

Chapter Link

Summary

Ambessa is proud. Jinx has an interesting night.

POV: Ambessa, Jinx

Snippet

Jinx’s mind fully wandered off as the two started an intense but very boring discussion about the future of Shimmer. At some point, Silco even pulled out a map for some reason.

“I’m bored,” she whispered to Hammerman.

“Want to hear about what HexTech we’ve been working on?” Hammerman asked with wide eyes. Isha nodded excitedly and scrambled onto his lap once the octopus armed man finally put them down. That may have been the record for world’s longest hug.

To Jinx’s delight, she actually understood pretty much everything he was saying! Yeah, she could tell there were some engineering terms she didn’t recognize, but she was actually following along! She clutched her now slightly crushed box closer. Maybe her work was actually right!

No, it had to be! She used Big V’s notes! He knew everything. She had to prove she was more than just a jinx!

“…can I ask what you’ve been doing with V’s book notes?” Hammerman slowly asked once he was done babbling about his own work.

“I activated a HexField and, um, got something to show him.” Her first instinct was to make a gun, but she knew Viktor didn’t exactly like them. Instead, she leaned in on one of her other skill sets.

“Have you tested it yet?” was asked more seriously.

“Uh huh.” She had a few new holes to put decorations in to show for it. She was still getting used to the whole aiming bit. It was very different from her guns, but she was getting the hang of it! She would just have to be super-duper careful during the demonstration.

“With the gem?”

“Yup.”

“And nothing exploded or accidentally set on fire?”

Chapter 50: Domino

See chapter for CW.

Chapter Link

Summary

Jayce shows off his social skills. Viktor's meeting is interrupted after an emergency. Mel attends a council meeting.

POV: Jayce, Viktor, Mel

Snippet

Viktor cleared his throat. “As a reminder, required class materials must be posted publicly for incoming students by the end of today,” he started as he continued working down his boring but necessary agenda. The administrative side of academics was not the most exciting, but he could acknowledge he was excellent at it. There was a reason Cecil was stepping down and handing over his title.

“Come in,” he called out when a very insistent knocking came from the door.

“Councilor Heimerdinger, Consort Medarda, we need you to come immediately. Please take the children with you,” an enforcer hurriedly ordered, looking harried. That… was not a good sign. Oh Janna, was Mel’s plan to try to make Silco see reason backfiring on them?

“Now what is the meaning of all this?” Cecil demanded with an outraged look on his face. He was very busy teaching Cecilia math and ignoring his actual job, after all. A very important task, apparently. What was he going to do with his mentor?

“We will explain shortly. Councilor Medarda has called an emergency meeting. All immediate family members of councilors are to be on lockdown. The Defender of Tomorrow will be keeping guard of the families. Please, Councilor Heimerdinger. Time is of the essence.”

“I, ah, suppose we are done for the day. It seems something is going on. Please be mindful of any further instructions we are given. Should we lock down the Academy first?”

(sorry I was pretty sick and forgot to post this chapter)

Chapter 49: Well, Hello

Chapter Link

Summary

Ekko makes a decision. Silco has an interesting conversation.

POV: Ekko, Silco

Snippet

“You want to work with Silco?!” Ekko yelled in shock. He flew up, only for Viktor to gently but insistently push him back down on the couch.

“Do you really think I would tentatively agree with the plan if there wasn’t more?” Viktor softly asked.

“You agree with Mel’s crackpot idea?”

“Let her explain more, brother. Please. You do not have to agree, but I would like you to at least listen before vetoing the idea.”

“Fine. Fine. But I am very skeptical, Mel!”

“You reacted better than I did, little man,” Vi admitted.

Ekko flicked his eyes to Viktor. There was no world their big brother would let Mel bring up an upsetting topic without him there to support them and help explain. “She threw her glass,” Viktor clarified. He clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, but settled back down into his seat.

“This better be a good explanation, Mel,” he ground out and stared daggers towards the woman.

“Can I sit next to you?” Mel requested. He couldn’t quite read the look in her eyes, but he nodded anyways. She sat down on his other side. “First and foremost, Ekko, we will go ahead with our original plan of putting that man’s head on a stake if you do not agree with our other idea. The initial plan is not off the table. We would only spare his life if all three of our Zaunites agreed. Silco still hurt your family.”

Chapter 48: A Scheming Interlude

Chapter Link

Summary

Despite all the madness happening in their Moonbeam's family life, Mel and Jayce still head out to the Hoskel Summer Gala with zero ulterior motives.

(aka 2.8k words of MelJay putting a scheme into action)

Snippet

“It feels wrong getting ready for a gala with everything going on,” Jayce muttered as her husband adjusted his bowtie. Her lovely view of his strong shoulders was rudely robbed from her as he pulled on his red Talis-Medarda jacket. The T across his shoulder blades still did something to her even after all these years.

Mel sighed and finished touching up her make-up. She spared a moment to yet again appreciate her husband’s fine ass in tight, formal pants and replied, “I know, Starlight. I know, but we still have other obligations. We can leave early, but we need to make an appearance.” There were appearances to keep up and plans to keep progressing.

“What excuse are we using this time?”

She hummed in thought as she picked out a necklace. “Hm, we used Viktor having a bad pain day last time. We should probably keep him out of it.”

“How’d he talk his way out of this one anyway? I thought he was coming with us to this one!” was complained this time with a pout.

“Didn’t you know he’s feeling worn out from bad morning sickness?” Mel dryly replied. She was giving Viktor a pass. Her older husband had been through enough lately without dragging him to a gala. He hated galas, and her plans did not rely on him like they did Jayce. If she didn’t need Jayce tonight, she would have gone without him.

“Can’t we use that as an excuse to leave early-. He’s actually fine and wasn’t hiding it from me, right? Right? You know I had an investor meeting this morning, and Cece insisted on being my secretary today, and you know she’s the one who normally tattles when he tries to hide his morning sickness and-.”

(that awkward moment when you go to post a story update and realize you didn't post one for your other story)

Chapter 12: When Exactly Did We Sign Up For This?

Chapter Link

Summary

The Ixtali royal family seek out Jayce and Viktor for their aid.

POV: Milio, Qiyana (both are LoL champions from Ixtal)

Snippet

Qiyana just stared at her father in mortification as the supposedly proud man kneeled. “Merciful One, my eldest was paralyzed by my headstrong youngest. I have been informed by Young Milio that you may be able to help him heal her.”

“Ah, yes, of course. Is she here?” Another puppet appeared and walked out. Milio tugged its hand and dragged it over to her pathetic sister. Hector walked over to the portal and handed the Angel a concha. The halo brightened in what she could only call delight.

Qiyana couldn’t stop her scowl as the puppet gently grasped her sister’s chin and softly spoke to the fire brat. If Inessa didn’t want to be paralyzed, perhaps she shouldn’t have been a failure.

“How have you been doing today, Viktor dear?” a very old woman asked.

“Eh, I am fine. The crocodile in my basement is still not doing well even with my Jayce’s aid, I am afraid.” What? And what kind of weird, foreign name was Viktor?

“You two boys have a history of accomplishing anything you set your minds to. How are your new plants doing?”

The halo’s light intensified as she happily started babbling about her plants bought for her wedding anniversary.

“The Angel is a very skilled Nature Elemental from the stories. Perhaps they can offer you a new perspective,” her father noted. His eyes flicked to Milio making another attempt at healing her pathetic sister. Ugh, she hated being compared to the fire brat! Yes, he was actively developing new Fire Axioms for others to learn, but he only had one element. Qiyana had three. So, what if she hadn’t developed new Axioms! She mastered more Axioms than the brat could even dream of.

“My Nature Element is perfect,” she sniffed back. What would the Angel know about the jungles regardless? She ignored said Angel rejuvenating a wilting jungle plant with a lazy flick of a purple and gold hand.

“Perhaps Lord Dragon can succeed where his great-uncle failed.”

Chapter 47: Help from the Family

Chapter Link

Summary

Elora helps out Vi. Isha is on a self-assigned mission.

POV: Elora, Isha, Viktor

Snippet

Isha smiled happily as she wrapped herself up nice and cozy in her new blanket. She didn’t care that it was too warm out for a blanket. She finally had her own blanket! The girl made herself into a cocoon of coziness and made a sound to catch Jinx’s attention.

“Yeah, Isha?” Jinx asked after a few attempts. Isha was getting a little worried if she was being honest. Jinx hadn’t been herself since… probably since she realized her sister wasn’t dead and had been sent away by her well-meaning brother.

She still made an excited noise to show off her cocoon.

“You going to turn in a butterfly or something? Or a butterisha? Get it?” Isha giggled as her favorite person also laughed at her own joke. That was a good sign then! Jinx was laughing!

Jinx reached out and turned on the music. Isha happily watched her go back to her work with a lot more energy. She rolled over to her bag and double-checked everything was packed for later. She had big plans, after all!

Music rattled the hideout, but Isha was unbothered. She pulled out her picture and made some finishing touches. She was giving it to someone in a bit. She had to make sure it was perfect to make a good first impression!

There wasn’t a clock nearby because she and Jinx took it apart, but she knew it was about time to head out when Silco appeared. An extra grumpy looking Silco.

“Jinx,” he started. Her big sis either couldn’t hear him over the music or was ignoring him. Isha thought it was a bit of both. “Jinx! Jinx!” The spoilsport stalked over to the modified record player and turned off the music.

“That’s me!” Jinx chirped back. “Hi, Silco! What brings you to my lair?”

“I hope you fully understood what you have unleashed,” the man bluntly stated and slammed Jinx’s bounty poster on the workbench. That number looked longer than she was used to seeing.