Hexed (Vi x POC! Reader)

Disjointed

"How did he..." You trail off. Vi's ankle is up against your thigh, while you and Ekko grip each other's hands tightly.

"Respiratory failure..." Ekko explains miserably. You fall back into silence as you think about how unfair it was. Ty had a short life but you knew he at least enjoyed what little he had. You couldn't help but think about how different it would've been if he was born in Piltover. 'He wouldn't have been sick. He wouldn't have missed out on the many things life had to offer. Ty could've been running around and playing with his friends. He could've been a child.'

"We have to get going, sis." Ekko stands up, "We have... a funeral to get ready for." He sighs heavily. You stand up and pinch the wick of your candle between your thumb and index finger to put it out.

"You're all welcome to stay here until the funeral is called. It should be in a few hours." You say as you pull on a black shawl and give them a small smile.

***

The candle flame flickers in your hands and you watch it closely. It was dawn now and everyone was gathering in the Amphitheater for Ty's funeral. After such an amazing night, sitting here almost felt like a dream. Only a few hours ago, Heather pounded on your door to let you know that Ty had passed away. The news struck a chord and made you desperate to remind yourself that your brother was still here. You felt like you were woken up by being drenched in ice water and brought back to your sad reality. If it wasn't for Ekko's hand squeezing yours, you would've broken down a lot sooner today, but sadly this was a funeral and it had to commence. So you were forced to go sit on the bleachers so he could get prepared to start. You'd be singing the closing song.

You glance at Vi who is looking down at the ground and bouncing her leg. You place a hand on her leg and she stills. "Violet..." You whisper sadly. She glances at you, wraps her arm around your shoulders, and pulls you into her. It was a quiet morning and only the sounds of the twittering birds could be heard.

"I'm so sorry... Losing someone to the Gray is never easy." Vi rubs your back.

"He was so young, Vi... Ty was a great kid. He's been fighting against the Gray since he was a baby. His parents joined the Firelights right away, and since the air is cleaner here, he didn't struggle to breathe anymore. It took a turn last year. We could all see it... but just because you see something coming doesn't make it easier when it happens." You sigh.

"Hawk...?"

You and Vi turn to see Caitlyn standing awkwardly. She hesitantly sits down next to Vi and rubs her hands together, "I um... didn't know if I should be here, but Ekko insisted. I-I'm sorry about Ty." Caitlyn gives you a sympathetic look and you nod in acknowledgment.

"Thanks for coming." You whisper and move closer to Vi. You need the comfort she provides, the warmth that radiates from her chases away the sadness. Ekko starts the funeral, and the tears are falling harder than ever. Your chest aches but Vi tucks you into her side. She stays silent but her arm never moves away from your shoulders.

When the candle started to burn your hand, you held it not caring that hot wax dripped onto your hands and through your fingers. 'Right now was not a time to worry about minor burns.' As the funeral comes to an end, Ekko asks you to come up and sing the closing song. You stand up and walk to the stage feeling everyone's eyes on you. Ekko nods to you and you pick up the microphone from its stand, "We've lost another light tonight. One that had a whole life left to live. In honor of Ty, in honor of all those we have lost... Please join me while we protect them with our shadows." You take a deep breath as a guitar starts playing. The song was one all Zaunites knew. The song is sung on Pitfall Day to commemorate the dark times. It was a deep, twisted lullaby that spoke of the undercity and its sorrows, "♪ Come, little children, I'll take thee away. Into a land of enchantment." You sing from your heart, pouring everything you feel into it, but your eyes never leave Vi's body, "♪ Follow, sweet children. I'll show thee the way. Through all the pain and the sorrows. Weep not poor children, for life is this way. Murdering beauty and passions." The other Firelights sing with you, mourning the loss of your own.