Arcane Anew

Unaware of the events unfolding in Ionia, and the growing unease among certain topside factions, Orion slurped up his noodles, broth warming his chest.

Isha, sitting beside him on Main Street, slurped hers just as eagerly.

Smack.

A firm slap landed on his back, making him choke slightly on his food. He turned, coughing, to find Vi standing there, completely unapologetic as she plopped down beside him.

She didn't speak right away, her gaze shifting between him and Isha before settling on him.

"…It's good to see you back," Vi said, slow and awkward. "Nice kid."

"Not mine," Orion muttered, refusing to meet her eyes.

Vi stared him down, irritation flickering behind her expression, but Isha remained focused on her food, seemingly unconcerned. Orion's lack of hostility had reassured her.

Vi studied the girl for a second longer before refocusing on him. "I heard what happened- about you ending up in prison. I'm sorry."

Clink.

The sound of Orion's spoon hitting the bowl drew her attention.

"It wasn't your fault. Nor the gang's."

"So... why are you mad then?"

"I'm not mad."

Clink.

Vi's brow twitched.

"Look, I'll be straight with you," she sighed, turning to fully face him. "Come back to us. Leave Silco behind. I get why you're there, but the longer you stay-"

"Silco has never done me wrong," Orion cut in sharply. "Vander has."

Vi's expression twisted, frustration mounting.

"I'm not helping Silco destroy the Undercity," Orion continued. "And I'm not hurting any of you."

Vi's hands curled into fists.

"But I do have unfinished business with topside."

She exhaled sharply. "Revenge? Vander wouldn't approve."

"Fuck Vander!"

His voice rose sharply. His eyes flashed, and Vi instinctively leaned back slightly.

"That fu-" Orion clenched his fists, inhaling deeply to rein himself in before speaking again, this time in a quieter, more dangerous tone. "You found out how he lied back then. And there's probably more. I'm not coming back. Not yet."

Tense silence flickered between them.

"Vander has always done what he thought was best for us..." Vi started but it quickly changed, her tone becoming less emotional and more agitated instead. "Fine. I get it. At least meet the others. Claggor and Mylo? Surely they haven't pissed in your soup yet."

"Sure, I'll meet them."

"The Last Drop?"

"No. The arcade hideout."

"Alright..." Vi started to rise, then hesitated. Her voice softened, more vulnerable. "You could at least apologize for walking out on us. We were hurt too, you know."

Silence.

Vi scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Tsk. Whatever. I'll tell the others. This evening, okay?"

Orion nodded, still not looking at her.

Vi lingered for a second longer, then sighed and walked away, frustration following her movements.

Once the atmosphere settled again, Isha turned to him, forming the "Friend" hand sign with a small tilt of her head.

"In the past," Orion murmured, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "Just like the others you've met. You would've liked them... especially J-" He hesitated. "Powder."