Last night, the rain poured relentlessly, but today, the sky is clear and boundless.
The streets are bustling with people, all dressed in somber, muted tones.
Today is a memorial service, a day to mourn and remember the three councilors who lost their lives.
But for the two individuals sprawled in a drunken stupor in a small park by the roadside, the day holds no significance.
"—Gulp, gulp, gulp!"
Amber-colored liquor rushes down Vi's throat like a torrent. The alcohol burns, leaving a fiery trail, yet it does nothing to wash away the darkness clouding her heart.
Her sister—her little sister—is gone.
No—
Vi's narrowed eyes flicker with the image of a lively, curious little girl, her laughter pure, her eyes sparkling with wonder.
But that image is quickly replaced by a gloomy, deranged teenager.
A long, slender blue ponytail trails behind her, almost touching the ground.
Her delicate arms and shoulders are adorned with blue cloud-like patterns. Her face, once so familiar, now carries an air of melancholy. Her pink eyes are shrouded in shadow, and her lips curl into a nervous, almost manic smile.
The girl shatters the image of the child, leaving Vi's heart aching.
The Powder she once knew—the little sister who followed her around like a shadow, always eager to prove herself—is no more.
Now, she is Jinx.
A menace.
Vi closes her eyes and takes another swig of liquor.
She's lost count of how much she's drunk since last night.
The only thing she remembers is the bitterness in her heart, a bitterness that refuses to be drowned, no matter how much alcohol she consumes.
Her lips mumble incoherently, spilling out grievances she can no longer articulate.
Then, Caitlyn's face flashes before her eyes.
Her gaze is filled with helplessness, confusion, and sorrow.
She needs Vi. She needs her to stand by her side, to fight alongside her once more.
Just like old times. She wants to hear that nickname again—Cupcake—a name reserved only for her.
But Vi can't cross that line.
She can't pretend that everything is fine, that she can let go of the past, the hatred, the anger, and join them.
I'm sorry, Caitlyn—
I'm sorry, Vander—
I'm sorry, Powder—
I'm just a terrible person.
The bitterness in her heart grows like weeds, spreading uncontrollably. Vi tosses the empty bottle aside and reaches for another, hoping to find something to numb the pain.
As for the strange looks from passersby in the park?
She doesn't care!
After all, she's an outcast—someone who doesn't belong in Piltover and has no place in the Undercity.
Let them stare!
"Vi? Vi!"
A voice, as clear and delicate as a young lark's, calls out to her. Vi looks up to see the familiar blue-gray uniform of an enforcer.
Honestly, the enforcers' uniforms are hideous, with those awkward hats and their haughty, self-important demeanor.
Just like that bastard Marcus—
How could she ever become an enforcer? How could she ever side with them?
"Who are you?" Vi grabs another bottle, shakes it, and realizes it's empty. She tosses it aside. "And how do you know my name? I don't remember causing you any trouble."
The young girl opens her mouth to speak but quickly looks away, her gaze darting nervously.
"I'm Junior Enforcer Nolen..." The girl puffs out her chest, finally meeting Vi's eyes. "Maddie."
"And as for your name, it's written right there on your face, isn't it?"
Vi rolls her eyes and sits up, glancing at the blue-skinned enforcer beside Maddie.
What are they called again?
Va... Va... Oh, right—Vastaya!
A special race with animal-like features. Rumors say they're born with innate magical abilities and live longer than ordinary humans.
In the past, Vastaya were rare in Piltover and Zaun. But since the advent of the Hexgates, their numbers have grown.
The wealthy ones stay in Piltover, carving out a future for themselves.
The poor ones head to Zaun, trying to build a life and wait for an opportunity.
This blue-faced Vastaya is definitely one of the former. Just look at that suspicious glare, like she's guarding against a thief.
Tch!
In a foul mood, Vi snaps, "So, what brings you two esteemed enforcers here? Random inspection or forced eviction?"
"N-no, it's not that—" Maddie stammers, explaining that she's heard a lot about Vi recently and mustered the courage to approach her.
She's like a curious little sparrow, chirping about how Caitlyn has been arguing with the enforcers on Vi's behalf.
Vi falls silent, her grip tightening around the bottle.
Caitlyn believes in her so much, yet Vi can't live up to her expectations.
She's such a failure!
Vi finds a half-empty bottle, pulls out the cork, and takes a big swig.
"Are you—" Maddie looks at Vi with concern. "Are you okay?"
"Me? Don't worry about me." Vi sneers. Maddie blushes slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, that's not what I meant. I just..."
Beep—
The sharp sound of an emergency whistle echoes through the streets. Hearing it, Maddie quickly turns to leave.
After a few steps, she stops and looks back at Vi. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you today."
"I have to go now. Take care."
Maddie and her companion leave, and Vi watches their retreating figures, her frustration growing.
Why did she take her anger out on that girl? She was just curious, just trying to be friendly.
Ugh—
Feeling even more miserable, Vi notices the crowd walking past the park. She pats the leg of the big guy beside her and gets up, heading toward the memorial service.
Sitting here drowning in alcohol won't solve anything. She might as well go and see what's happening.
Even if it's just to catch a glimpse of Caitlyn.
The two of them make their way to the memorial service. Of course, Vi doesn't have an invitation.
But Maddie was right—Vi's reputation among the enforcers precedes her.
Without a word, the enforcers at the security checkpoint let her through.
Vi raises her hand, wanting to say something, but ultimately just shoves her hands into her pockets and walks into the venue.
Lost in thought, Vi bumps into a figure cloaked in black, wearing a veil and a wide-brimmed hat.
The person is like a solid wall, and the impact leaves Vi's forehead throbbing.
She looks up, about to say something, but the mysterious figure has already disappeared into the crowd, leaving a trail of annoyed murmurs.
"What a weirdo."
Vi rubs her forehead and calls for the big guy, Loris, to follow her into the venue.
When she spots Caitlyn, her heart twinges, and she quickly looks away, her gaze darting elsewhere.
"Everyone's here."
The figure in black is none other than Link Star. Equipped with his exoskeleton, he has no choice but to conceal his identity.
Fortunately, he's not the only one dressed oddly.
The memorial service is filled with people in all sorts of strange attire.
After all, Piltover is the City of Progress, a place that embraces diverse ideas and perspectives.
In any other city, such eccentricity would be met with harsh judgment.
Link squeezes through the crowd to stand beside Jayce, his exoskeleton making him appear even larger and more imposing than usual.
Even those who know him well wouldn't recognize him like this.
Once in position, Link begins scanning the room.
Mel is preparing to take the stage, but where are Renee and her lackeys?
Link had considered intercepting Renee and her gang before the memorial service began.
It would have been safer, more reliable, and less risky.
But according to the original timeline, Renee arrives at the last minute. By the time Link finished preparing his exoskeleton, he had no energy left to track her down.
So, he has no choice but to confront her during the memorial service, when the chaos begins.
However, the attack on the memorial service is just the beginning of a series of events. Interfering with it will only delay Ambessa's plans to meddle in Piltover's affairs.
Other challenges still loom on the horizon.
Viktor, still in his coma. Vander, undergoing his transformation. Jinx, exiled in Zaun. And the Black Rose, lurking in the shadows.
Just thinking about it makes Link's head spin.
But his ability to handle pressure quickly kicks in, calming him down.
He reminds himself to take things one step at a time.
He can't afford to rush.
Taking a deep breath, Link's veil flutters slightly, drawing curious glances from those around him.
Ignoring them, he continues to scan the room under the cover of his veil.
On stage, Mel adjusts the microphone, steadying herself. More people are still arriving, and Jayce, along with other prominent figures, stands in the front row, waiting for her speech.
But Link's attention is fixed on a tall figure cloaked in thin gauze.
Dressed like a hermit from Ionia, the figure moves slowly and deliberately toward the front of the room.
Link narrows his eyes, his fists clenching as his exoskeleton powers up, ready for action.
Renee, the Chem-Baroness, has arrived.