SCARS

A Night of Connections

As night fell over Zaun, the neon lights flickered to life, casting a colorful glow over the city. Vi stood outside the Last Drop, the familiar hum of activity inside the bar a comforting backdrop. She took a deep breath, her mind still buzzing from the events of the day, and turned her thoughts to Calypso – as she often did.

Moments later, Calypso emerged from the shadows, her eyes bright with excitement. She spotted Vi and waved enthusiastically. Vi couldn't help but smile at the sight, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.

"Hey," Vi greeted as Calypso approached. "How was meeting Ekko?"

Calypso's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Oh, Vi, it was wonderful! Ekko is such a sweet kid. He's so smart and full of energy. Him and Powder make an adorable pair, they're very alike."

Vi chuckled, her earlier tension easing at Calypso's enthusiasm. "Yeah, Ekko always has some crazy idea or invention. So, what did they get up to?"

Calypso's eyes sparkled as she recounted the visit. "They showed me all their gadgets and inventions. Ekko was explaining his latest project, something about a timepiece that can... well, I didn't understand all the technical details, but it sounded impressive! And Powder was so proud, showing off everything they'd built together."

Vi nodded, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Of course she was."

As their conversation continued, it began drifting back to the plan for the evening. So naturally, the pair began walking to The Thirsty Gargoyle. The streets of Zaun were quieter now, the usual chaos replaced by an eerie stillness. They're conversation ebbed and flowed as they walked, never failing to make each of them laugh. As they approached the pub, Vi noticed that it was practically deserted, the neon sign flickering above the entrance casting long shadows.

Calypso instinctively grabbed onto Vi's hand, and despite herself, Vi smiled and squeezed her hand gently. "Stay close," she said softly. They walked in together, the door creaking as they entered the dimly lit space.

Vi led them to the bar, where a lone bartender was polishing glasses. They took seats, and Vi signaled for two shots. The bartender, a burly man with a grizzled beard, eyed them curiously before pouring the drinks.

Vi tossed back her shot and leaned in, her voice low. "Where is everyone? This place seems dead."

The bartender shrugged, setting the bottle down. "You're early. People don't fill up in here for a couple more hours."

Vi exchanged a glance with Calypso before turning back to the bartender. "We're looking for a group that celebrates here a lot. You know who they are?"

The bartender nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Yeah, they come pretty late. Regulars, always making a racket when they're here."

Vi's interest piqued. "Any idea when they'll show up tonight?"

The bartender glanced at the clock on the wall. "Couple hours, maybe more. They don't exactly keep a schedule."

Vi nodded, sliding a few coins across the bar. "Thanks."

The Thirsty Gargoyle had an air of melancholy, its dim lighting and worn-out furniture telling stories of better days. The pub had an eerie background music that was produced by a ragtag band of misfits in the corner, each more down-and-out than the last. A hunched figure with a scruffy beard played a battered guitar, his fingers dancing over the strings with surprising dexterity. A woman with matted hair and a patched-up dress tapped rhythmically on a makeshift drum, while another man, his face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat, blew haunting notes from an old harmonica. The entire band had a mismatched, almost surreal quality, embodying the gritty spirit of the Undercity.