Last night, the rain poured heavily. Today, the skies are clear and bright.
The streets are bustling with people, each dressed in somber and muted tones.
Today is the memorial, a day to mourn and honor the three late councilors.
But for the two individuals drinking themselves into oblivion in a small park by the roadside, it means nothing.
"—gulp, gulp, gulp!"
The amber liquid rushed down Vi's throat like a raging torrent. The alcohol burned, scorching her throat, yet it couldn't wash away the gloom in her heart.
Her sister was gone.
No—
Vi squinted as an image of a lively, curious little girl flitted before her eyes. Her smile was so pure, her gaze so bright.
But as quickly as that little girl appeared, she was replaced by a sullen, manic young woman.
A thin blue ponytail hung behind her, trailing along the ground.
Her slender arms and taut shoulders bore blue cloud-like tattoos. The face Vi once knew so well was now filled with gloom. Pink eyes, shrouded in a haze, and a manic grin carved into her lips.
The girl had been shattered by the young woman. The pain in Vi's heart was palpable.
The Powder she remembered, the clingy kid always trying to prove herself, no longer existed.
Now, she was Jinx.
A menace.
Vi closed her eyes and took another fierce swig.
She had lost count of how much she'd drunk since last night.
All she knew was that no matter how much she drank, the bitterness in her heart remained, and the fire in her chest couldn't be extinguished.
Her murmuring lips spilled words she could no longer keep track of, as Caitlyn's helpless gaze surfaced in her mind.
Her eyes were so lost, so aimless, so pitiful.
She needed Vi. She wanted Vi to fight alongside her again.
Like before. She longed to hear "Cupcake" from Vi's lips, the nickname that belonged only to her.
But Vi couldn't cross that threshold.
She couldn't pretend everything was fine, cast aside the past, and join them.
Sorry, Caitlyn—
Sorry, Vander—
Sorry, Powder—
I'm a complete failure!
The weeds of regret grew wildly in her heart. Tossing aside the empty bottle, Vi reached for another, hoping to find even a drop left to swallow.
As for the curious stares of the passersby in the park?
She didn't care!
After all, she was an outcast in Piltover, with no home in Zaun.
Let them stare!
"Vi? Vi O'Lane!"
A voice, clear and fresh like a young skylark's, made Vi lift her head. She saw someone clad in the blue-gray uniform of the Enforcers.
Honestly, the Enforcer uniforms were hideous, especially with that awkward hat. And they always carried themselves with that haughty air.
Just like Marcus used to—
There was no way she'd ever join the Enforcers or align herself with them.
"And you are?" Vi shook an empty bottle, confirmed it was dry, and flung it aside. "How do you know my name? Pretty sure I didn't mess with you."
The young woman opened her mouth but quickly lowered her head like a timid deer, her gaze darting nervously.
"I'm Nolen… Rookie Enforcer Nolen," she straightened her chest and finally met Vi's eyes. "Maddy."
"And your name's written all over your face," she added.
Vi rolled her eyes, sat up, and glanced at the blue-skinned officer standing beside her.
What were they called again?
Vast… Vastayans! That was it.
A unique race with animalistic traits. Rumors said they were born with magic and lived longer than regular people.
There hadn't been many Vastayans in Piltover or Zaun before Hexgates appeared. But since their emergence, their numbers had grown.
The wealthy ones stayed in Piltover, seeking opportunities.
The poor ones ventured to Zaun, scrambling to find a nook to call home while waiting for their chance.
This blue-faced Vastayan was definitely the former. Look at those eyes, as if everyone was a thief.
Tch!
Vi's sour mood showed on her face. She snapped, "So, what do two 'honorable' Enforcers want? Random inspection or forced eviction?"
"N-No, it's not—" Maddy Nolen stammered. She explained she had stumbled across Vi and, having heard so many rumors about her recently, had mustered the courage to approach her.
Like a curious sparrow, she spoke of Caitlyn's efforts and clashes with other Enforcers for Vi's sake.
Vi fell silent, her grip tightening around the bottle.
Caitlyn had so much faith in her, yet Vi couldn't meet her expectations.
She was a complete mess!
Vi found half a bottle, popped the cork, and downed it.
"Are you—" Maddy hesitated, her concern showing. "Are you okay?"
"Me? Don't trouble yourself." Vi smirked coldly.
Maddy blushed slightly, her voice soft as she replied, "No, I didn't mean that. I just… I'm just…"
BEEP—
The sharp sound of a whistle echoed through the streets, summoning them urgently. Hearing it, Maddy spun on her heel and started to leave.
After a few steps, she turned back to Vi. "Well, it was nice meeting you."
"I've got to go."
She called for her companion and left. Vi watched their retreating figures, her heart sinking with guilt.
The kid was just a curious girl asking a few questions. Why'd she take her frustration out on her?
Ugh—
Vi's growing frustration turned to the passersby outside the park. She slapped her large companion's leg, motioning for him to get up, and headed toward the memorial.
Sitting here sulking wasn't helping.
At least she'd get to see Caitlyn.