SCARS

The Goldmine

As the hours passed, the basement of the Last Drop buzzed with anticipation. Vi, Mylo, and Claggor were getting ready for their raid, their movements purposeful as they gathered supplies and checked their weapons. Powder moved among them, her expression eager as she helped prepare for the mission.

Calypso sat off to the side, watching the preparations with a mixture of longing and resignation. She knew she wasn't invited on this raid, but a part of her still wished she could be out there with them, proving herself. Still, she knew it would be dangerous for her to even step foot in Piltover.

"So, Cal," Powder said, breaking Calypso out of her reverie. "You coming with us?"

Calypso glanced at Vi, silently pleading for permission, but Vi shook her head, her expression firm. "You can't," Vi replied, decisive. "You might be able to navigate Piltover's streets, but there's no way you can navigate the undercity on the way."

Calypso's heart sank at Vi's words, but then Vi paused, her gaze softening slightly. "Yet," she added after a moment, her voice holding a hint of encouragement.

A surge of warmth flooded through Calypso at Vi's words. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything to her.

Once Vi, Claggor, Mylo, and Powder had finished gathering everything they needed for the raid they headed towards the stairs.

"Wait, Violet," Calypso called out, opting for her full name instead of the nickname 'Vi,' which seemed reserved for those closest to Vi—someone Calypso knew she wasn't.

Vi turned to look at her, a curious expression crossing her features. "What?" she asked, her tone slightly annoyed but willing to listen.

Calypso took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking. "There's something I need you to do for me," she began, her voice steady.

Vi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What's that?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Calypso hesitated for a moment before continuing. "There's a wooden box in the house," she explained, her words careful and precise. "It'll be on the second-floor hallway, near the window. Could you bring it back to me?"

Vi's brow furrowed in confusion, a hundred questions bubbling up in her mind. But she pushed them aside, telling herself she didn't care enough to ask. That Calypso wasn't worth asking.

"Fine," Vi said finally, turning away from Calypso completely. "If  I see it, I'll bring it back."

Calypso nodded, a grateful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thank you," she said genuinely.

As Vi adjusted her bag, she turned back to Calypso one last time, her voice dropping to a stern whisper. "Oh, and by the way, Vander can't know we were ever gone."

Claggor, fixing his goggles, nodded, and shot Calypso a look. "Which means you've gotta lie if he asks, got it?"

Calypso shifted uncomfortably, her desire to remain in Vander's good graces clashing with her need to be accepted by the others, for some reason Vi especially. The thought of lying didn't sit well with her, but before she could voice any concerns, Vi stepped closer, her gaze piercing.

"Yeah, and you're okay with lying for us, aren't you?" Vi's tone was sharp, her proximity intimidating. She leaned in even closer, her words a pointed challenge. "Because lying would keep us out of danger, and you promised to keep us out of danger." Her stare hardened, almost daring Calypso to contradict. "And where you come from, promises mean everything, don't they?"

Calypso held Vi's gaze, swallowing the knot of unease in her throat, and steadying her voice to match Vi's intensity. "Yes, they do," she replied firmly. "I'll lie if I have to."