SCARS

Secrets of the Universe

The streets pulsed with life as the five misfits moved deeper into the heart of Carnival Night, their footsteps blending with the murmur and thrill of Zaun in celebration. Lanterns hung haphazardly above, casting a dizzying kaleidoscope of colors over the faces around them. It was a fractured, messy beauty that reflected everything Vi loved about Zaun: rough around the edges, unapologetic, alive.

Powder darted ahead, her small hands reaching toward a string of sparkling charms hanging from a vendor's stall. She twirled, her laughter spilling out like chimes caught in a gust of wind, a high, clear sound that cut through the noise. Vi watched as Calypso joined Powder, leaning down to inspect the trinkets with her, eyes wide and curious.

Further down the street, Claggor spotted a merchant with trays of roasted nuts, coated in a glossy layer of spice and sugar. He shoved a handful into Mylo's hand, ignoring his protests, laughing as Mylo popped one in his mouth and immediately choked on the unexpected heat. Mylo's face twisted, and he spat the nut out, cursing under his breath while Claggor doubled over with laughter.

Vi couldn't help but laugh, the scene around her a perfect, chaotic blend of those she loved. Powder tugged on Calypso's sleeve, gesturing wildly to a little charm shaped like a star, her eyes wide with excitement. Calypso grinned, her fingers brushing over the charm, her expression soft, touched by the innocence in Powder's enthusiasm. It was a small thing, but to Vi it meant everything.

Cal, Powder, and Vi moved ahead to meet up with a still snickering Claggor laughing at Mylo, who was sputtering and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, cursing at Claggor between muttered breaths. "You're an absolute ass," Mylo huffed, but the way he swatted Claggor's arm and grinned betrayed him, a smirk creeping up his face despite himself.

They moved along together, Vi guiding them through the jumbled crowd as the neon glow of Carnival Night deepened into something vibrant and chaotic, a fractured rainbow bouncing off makeshift stalls and wooden tables. The alleys bustled with vendors hawking trinkets, patched-up carnival games cobbled together with rusted nails, broken boards, and strings of old lanterns casting a warm, flickering light over everything.

Powder's eyes suddenly widened, and she stopped dead in her tracks, pointing to a booth nestled between two food stalls.

RiNg ToSS

The ring toss setup was rickety at best: a collection of mismatched bottles in a wooden crate, each tilted slightly off-kilter as if daring someone to hit them. Some of the bottles were cracked or chipped, others patched up with scraps of glass or duct tape. But there it was, calling to her with all the allure of a shiny, impossible challenge.

"Oh! Ring toss!" Powder gasped, bouncing on her toes. "Cal, you should take on Claggor! I bet you'd win!"

Vi shot her a mischievous grin. "Yeah, Cal. Why don't you take on the big guy?" She elbowed Claggor, who tried to look unimpressed, crossing his arms with a raised eyebrow.

Claggor snorted, sizing up Calypso with a mock-serious look. "Oh, I see how it is. You think you've got what it takes, Cal?" he challenged, picking up one of the faded rings on the stall, spinning it around his finger like he was some kind of pro.

Calypso smiled practically beaming at the competitive jest. "Better believe it. You're going down, Claggor." she shot back, collecting her hair over her shoulder, a glint of determination in her eye as she picked up her own ring.

Powder immediately turned to Vi, a grin stretching across her face. "I'm betting ten coins on Cal. She's got the ring toss stance down," she whispered conspiratorially.

"Oh, is that so?" Vi smirked, glancing between Claggor and Calypso. She shook her head, slipping a few coins out of her pocket. "Well, Powder, I think you're about to lose, 'cause Claggor's got hands like grappling hooks." She winked at Powder as she tossed the coins to Mylo, who accepted his role as makeshift bookie with a dramatic bow.