Chapter 5
Vi sat on a rooftop as the rain poured down. Looking over the streets of Zaun, she saw Piltover in all its glory. Piltover appeared as a shimmering jewel in the darkness, its golden lights piercing through the rain like stars brought to earth. Bridges crisscross between towering structures, their edges softened by the rain, and airships drift like silent phantoms in the stormy night sky, their lanterns flickering like distant fireflies.
The rain fell in relentless sheets, drumming against Zaun’s patchwork rooftops and creating rivulets that cascaded down its tangled maze of pipes and scaffolding. Vi sighed, looking down at the streets below her. The storm muffled most sounds, but from this height, the distant hum of Piltover’s machinery and the occasional clatter of Zaun’s chaotic streets reach faintly through the downpour.
“Why is this happening to me?” Vi muttered as she rested her head on her knee. Glancing down at her arm, she saw the dried blood that was caked around her fresh wound. Thankfully, it was merely a surface cut, though it took up most of her forearm. She watched as the rain caused it to shine, slowly washing off the dirt surrounding it.
“Vander… I-I know you would hate to see me now. I’m nothing like the girl you knew. The one you loved.” Vi ran her hands through her soaking hair as she sniffled. “You asked me to take care of Powder.” Vi chuckled. “I’ve done a real shit job of that. I don’t know where she is most of the time. Ekko’s the one who’s always with her. She doesn’t even go by Powder anymore…” Vi looked up at the sky, the moon visible through a crack in the clouds. “Everything’s changed since you left, and I don’t know if it’ll ever be the same again.” Vi choked out a sob. “Everyone’s counting on me to take your place, but I don’t know if I can. You’d be so disappointed to see who I’ve become.” Tears ran down her face. “I’ve let you down.”
Vi stared out at the city before her, a glittering display of wealth and privilege flaunted high above. No one in Piltover could ever understand what it felt like to stand where she was, surrounded by shadows and grit. All she could think about was how much she envied them—the ones who went home to their lavish mansions, embraced their loved ones, and basked in the warmth of their affections without a care for the struggles of survival. To them, Zaunites were little more than curiosities, like animals in a zoo. They would stare and sneer, detached and amused, always safely separated by the invisible cage of their ignorance and privilege. Never seeing the truth. Never daring to get close enough to touch it.
“I wish you were here with me. You’d know what to do. You always did. You’d know what to do with these stupid powers. Powers I don’t deserve.” Vi glared down at her clutched fists. She looked back up at the moon, eyes softening. “I miss you. And I will always miss you.”
“Violet Vanderson!” Babette scolded. Her eyes narrowed, and a deep frown covered her lips. “You have been gone the entire weekend! No note, no phone call, no text. What were you thinking? Did you think it’d be fine if you disappeared for a couple days? No biggie?” Babette stood by the kitchen counter with her arms crossed.
“Why does it matter? You do.” Vi retorted as she closed the apartment door.
Babette scoffed. “That’s different, and you know it. I am out working, providing for you and your siblings. You are out god knows where getting your face bashed in.” Babette gestured to the new bruises and cuts on her face and arms.
“That’s the thing. I’m not.” Vi rummaged through her hoodie pocket and dropped the band of money on the counter.
Babette face turned to shock as she picked up the money. “Where’d you get this?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Vi dismissed her as she took off her shoes, and peeled off her soaked hoodie, throwing it on the couch.
“Violet. Is this dirty money?” Babette’s hardened expression returned.
“Who cares. It’s money.”
“You know what Vander said about dirty money.”
“Well, Vander’s dead. So why does it matter?”
“Violet! What has gotten into you?” Babette’s face in disbelief.
“Nothing. I’m going to bed.” Vi brushed her off and headed toward the hallway, hearing several pairs of footsteps echo down it.
With a heavy sigh, she made her way down the dimly lit hall, her steps echoing softly against the worn floor. Eventually, she reached the spray-painted door marking the small space she and Powder called their bedroom.
Opening the door, she saw Powder lying on her bunk, playing with one of her new inventions. “Where were you?” She asked without looking at Vi.
“Pow, I can’t tell you.”
“Why? We never used to have secrets. Now it feels like all you are is secrets.” Powder faced her, a glare on her face.
Vi sighed. “I’m too tired for this.” She jumped onto her bunk and pulled the worn-out blanket back, tucking herself into bed.
Vi sat in detention, waiting for the teacher to arrive. The classroom was empty beside her, and the fly kept buzzing around the room. The faint hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, occasionally flickering as if they were bored.
The clock on the wall ticked loudly as Vi waited for which miserable teacher would storm in, their frustration seeping into the room and souring the already dismal atmosphere. After pulling out a piece of paper and drawing a large spider, Vi heard voices in the hall.
Glancing up, Vi saw Caitlyn Kiramman and Principal Grayson walk into the classroom, seemingly deep in conversation. Principal Grayson noticed Vi had already sat at one of the desks and ended her conversation.
“Vi, it’s great to see you on time.” Principal Grayson said, and Vi nodded in response. “Ms. Kiramman, here, will be chaperoning your detention.” Grayson put a gentle hand on Caitlyn’s shoulder.
Vi looked between them with a mix of confusion and disbelief. “Are you deadass?”
“Violet, that type of language is unacceptable. Do you want me to prolong your detention?”
“No. But how is a student watching over a detention? I thought only teachers could.”
“For most cases, you would be correct. But because you are the only one, we thought it would be acceptable. You are in great care. Caitlyn is an honors student and was looking for extra service opportunities.”
Vi continued to give them a deadpanned look. “So I’m just a way to help princess look better for colleges?”
“That is one way to put it.”
Vi looked between them again. Grayson’s sharp stare and Caityn’s hesitant but optimistic expression faced her. Vi sighed before mumbling, “Whatever.”
“Wonderful. You both may leave when the clock strikes five.” Grayson turned to Caitlyn for goodbye before leaving the classroom.
Caitlyn reached the teacher’s desk, placed her backpack on it, and sat down. Unzipping her bag, she pulled out a top-of-the-line HexTech computer and a large binder filled with neatly organized folders and papers. Vi watched her open her laptop and begin typing before dropping her head on the cold desk.
Vi rested her head on the cold surface for what felt like hours. Then she sat up and looked at the clock, groaning and dropping her head back down, when she saw that only seven minutes had passed.
“You know, if you hadn’t skipped your detentions last week, you wouldn't be stuck here.” A posh said from the front of the class.
“Thanks for the advice, cupcake. I’ll be sure to run to you whenever I’m in desperate need of help.” Vi sneered without lifting her head from the desk.
“It was just a suggestion.”
“Not a good one.” Caitlyn seemed to get the hint and returned to typing on her computer.
After several minutes, Vi felt her stomach grumble. Consequences of not eating all day. Vi thought as she sat up again and looked toward Caitlyn, who was locked into whatever she was typing.
“Hey, Kiramman.” Caitlyn slowly removed her eyes from the screen as she glanced at Vi. “Can I head over to the vending machine? I’ll be quick.”
Caitlyn scoffed. “Vi, do you not realize you are in detention? You cannot leave this classroom.”
“Why? Hoskel lets me.”
“I’ll be sure to let Principal Grayson know. Besides, how do you know Mr. Hoskel?”
“He’s my teacher… How else would I know him?” Vi tilted her head with a ‘duh’ look on her face.
“He’s your teacher? You are in AP Calculus?”
“Uh yeah. How else would I know him?”
“I…I’m just surprised.” Caitlyn continued to give her a baffled look.
“You surprised a Zaunite is smart?”
“No!” Caitlyn’s cheeks flushed red. “That is not what I meant.”
“So, what did you mean?” Vi smirked as she leaned back in her chair, basking in Caitlyn’s flustered state.
“You just don’t seem like the type to be in advanced maths.”
“Thanks, cupcake. I am in your advanced English class, aren’t I?”
“You are…”
“Clearly, I’m not as dumb as you think I am. Can I go to the vending machine now?”
“I never thought you were dumb- is that what you’re bringing it back to? The vending machine?” Caitlyn’s confused expression quickly flipped to a deadpanned one.
“Well, a girl’s gotta eat. Not everyone’s fed from a silver spoon.” Vi drummed her fingers on the desk.
“So you chose a vending machine as your choice of nutrition?”
“Like I said, a girl’s gotta eat. I don’t have the option of bossing around my butler.” Vi stood up from the desk and grabbed her backpack, searching for anything that resembled a dollar.
“I do not have a butler.” Caitlyn crossed her arms as Vi was still shuffling through her bag.
“Who was that guy that chauffeured you around then? Vi picked up a coin, but it was just an arcade token, and she threw it back into her bag.
“My chauffeur.”
“So you have a chauffeur but not a butler? You’ve gotta be fucking with me, Kiramman.”
“I- what does that even mean?”
“What? Fucking with me? It’s like saying, ‘You gotta be kidding,’ but Zaun slang. The piltie’s princess wouldn’t get it.” Vi huffed as she threw her bag down, coming up empty-handed.
“Is that what you think of me? Some type of spoiled brat?”
“Yeah, pretty much. But don’t worry, cupcake, it’s not just you. It’s all you piltie sons of bitches.” Vi walked up to the teacher’s desk where Caitlyn was sitting and leaned against it. “Also, do you gotta dollar?”
“How reassuring.” Caitlyn mocked, sarcasm dripping in her tone. “How do you not have a dollar? It’s a dollar.”
“Well, I thought I did, but I believe it was taken from me. So, can I have one?”
Caitlyn scowled. “Yes, but only if I can come with you. I wouldn’t want you to run away.”
“Aw, you’d miss me too much? Looks like a Kiramman does care for a Zaunite.” Vi crossed her arms, a smug look rested on her face.
Caitlyn brushed off the first part of Vi’s remark before responding to the second. “What is that supposed to mean?” Vi shrugged. “Alright, let’s go.” Caitlyn huffed as she stood up from the chair.
They walked down the empty hall in silence—not awkward, not comforting, just an unspoken truce with the quiet. The air felt still, carrying the faint smell of industrial cleaner mixed with the metallic tang of old lockers. The only sounds were the soft paddle of their footsteps, rhythmic and steady, and the faint buzz of the vending machine humming at the far end of the corridor. Now and then, their shoes squeaked against the polished floor, breaking the monotony for just a moment before the silence reclaimed its grip. Overhead, the fluorescent lights flickered faintly, casting uneven shadows that danced along the walls.
“So, what are you planning to get?” Caitlyn asked as she looked at Vi, who was studying the food behind the glass.
“Eh, probably cheese balls.” Vi shrugged as she typed in the number and inserted Caitlyn’s dollar.
“Cheese balls? Cheese balls, of all things?” Caitlyn grimaced as she watched the bag fall, and Vi’s hand went inside the machine to grab it.
“Just by that face you’re making, I can tell you’ve never had cheese balls before.”
“Just because I haven’t-” Vi’s hand shot up, covering Caitlyn’s mouth in an instant as the faint creak of a door opening echoed down the hall. Her stomach twisted with an unmistakable sense of dread, the kind that settled deep and refused to budge. A sharp tingle raced through her fingers, instinct screaming that whoever had just stepped into the school wasn’t here for anything good.
Vi put a finger against her lips and shook her head. Caitlyn’s aggravated expression turned weary as she noticed Vi’s alarmed gaze. Grabbing Caitlyn’s hand, Vi led them into the first classroom she saw and quickly locked the door.
“Vi, what’s going on?” Caitlyn’s eyes nervously glanced at Vi, biting her lower lip, the faintest tremble betraying her attempt to stay composed.
Vi looked away from the door window and faced Caitlyn. “Get behind the desk and stay there until I come back. Call someone like Grayson or your mother, but do not call the police. You got it?”
Caitlyn nodded her head before shaking it. “Wait, I will not allow you to go out there.”
“Well, cupcake, there’s no stopping me. And trust me, I’ve been through worse.” Vi gestured to her body. Before Caitlyn could retort, Vi opened the door and shut it before Caitlyn could stop her.
The hallway was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that made every sound feel amplified. The soft hum of fluorescent lights filled the air, interrupted only by the faint creak of old lockers settling. Vi moved through the darkened hallway, her Spider-sense prickling at the back of her neck like static electricity. It wasn’t a constant buzz but a sharp, warning tingle that told her something was wrong.
She froze mid-step, her breath catching as the faint echo of distant yet deliberate footsteps reached her ears. The sensation in her gut deepened, a cold knot tightening with every passing second.
Her heart pounded as she crouched low, pressing herself against the wall to stay out of sight. Her eyes scanned the dimly lit corridor ahead, her senses sharpening as she tried to pinpoint the intruder’s location. The muffled clatter of something metallic hitting the floor made her head snap toward the science wing. Her Spider-sense flared again, more insistent this time, like a warning bell ringing just under her skin.
Vi’s fingers curled into fists as she crept forward, every muscle in her body tense and ready to spring. The shadows seemed to shift around her, and she strained to hear over the sound of her own pulse pounding in her ears. She knew she had to stay calm, but the weight of the situation pressed down on her. The intruder wasn’t just wandering around aimlessly—they were searching for something.
She saw the door to Professor Heimerdinger’s office wide open. A faint beam of light, likely from a flashlight, cut through the darkness. The figure’s shadow moved abruptly, rushing to find whatever they sought. Slowly, Vi crept forward, looking inside to see who was making a mess of her professor’s office.
“Zeke?” Vi gasped, quickly shutting her mouth, hoping he didn’t hear her as she leaned against the door. Vi saw the man's shadow freeze, subsiding any noise he made before hesitantly walking out of the room. Vi cursed to herself as he made his way close to her. Without thinking, she jumped to the ceiling, waiting for the man to come out.
Vi watched as his afro peaked into the hallway before fully walking out and looking around. A gun was hanging by his side as he looked into classrooms and the next hallway. As he was eyeing one of the classrooms, Vi used the opportunity to jump down and land behind, leaving no trace of a sound.
“Zeke, what the h-” Zeke spun around and fired two shots at Vi, who narrowly ducked below them. Vi put her hands up as he watched her, gun aimed at her head, and she slowly took steps back. “What are you doing? I thought you were the janitor.”
“I am the fuckin’ janitor.” He growled at her.
“Yeah, but you won’t be for long. What the hell are you doing snooping around Professor Heimerdinger’s office?”
“Do you know how shitty this school pays? A guy’s gotta make some extra money.” His eyes stayed trained on her as they circled each other.
“Fair point, but what were you doing in his office?”
“None of your fucking business.”
“Fine, you wanna play it that way.” Vi reacted in a flash, her instincts kicking in before Zeke could even squeeze the trigger. The sharp click of the weapon echoed in the empty hallway, but she was already moving. She lunged forward, her momentum carrying her with a almost unnatural speed. The world around her blurred for a split second as she collided with Zeke, the force of her tackle sending them both sprawling onto the cold, unforgiving floor.
The impact jarred her, the wind momentarily knocked from her lungs, but she didn’t hesitate. Her hands found the barrel of the gun, shoving it away as they tumbled. Zeke grunted in surprise, his grip on the firearm loosening slightly, and Vi took the opportunity to pin his wrist to the ground. The sound of their struggle—grunts, the scrape of shoes against the tile, and the clang of the gun hitting the floor—filled the hallway, breaking the oppressive silence.
“Who hired you!” Vi grabbed Zeke by his collar and yanked him forward.
“The Spector! The Spector hired me!” Zeke’s eyes were screwed shut as he turned his head away from Vi.
“Why?” Vi glared down at the man.
“He-he didn’t say. Just that I would know when I see it.”
“Thanks for your help.” She threw his head back on the ground, knocking him out. Once Vi stood up, she grabbed the back of his hood and hauled the unconscious man up, throwing him over her shoulder.
Vi walked back to the room she left Caitlyn in, Zeke hanging from her shoulder as she knocked. “Cupcake, it’s me.”
Vi heard faint shuffling from inside the room, followed by the soft click of the lock turning. The door creaked open just enough for Caitlyn’s deep blue eyes to peek through, cautious and curious. The moment she spotted Vi, her eyes widened in surprise, and without hesitation, she pushed the door open fully and stepped out into the dimly lit hallway.
“Oh good, you’re okay- who’s that?” Caitlyn eyed the man suspiciously.
“This is Zeke.” Vi pointed to the man. “Who’d you call?”
Caitlyn moved her confused glance away from the man, turning it to Vi. “I called my mother and Principal Grayson.”
“Seriously? You called both? Well, I’m gonna go. It’s well past five, and I’ve got shit to do.” Vi began to walk toward the exit, Zeke still hanging off her shoulder.
Caitlyn hurried to catch up to her. “You can’t go. What about that man? What about those loud banging sounds I heard? You must tell my mother.”
“Are you talking about the gunshots?” Vi pushed the door open with her shoulder and held it open for Caitlyn.
“Gunshots! Vi, why didn’t you tell me? Are you okay?” Caitlyn stopped in front of Vi and looked her over. Vi rolled her eyes as Caitlyn scanned her already fucked up body.
“Cait, I’m fine. Everything marking my body now was there before.” Vi dropped Zeke on the top stair before leaning against the railing.
Caitlyn’s face flushed before she turned away, the growing wail of sirens pulling her attention toward the street. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the front steps of the school, but her focus kept drifting back to the unconscious janitor sprawled on the stairwell. She crossed her arms tightly, glancing uneasily at Vi, who stood nearby, leaning against the railing with an air of practiced indifference.
Several cars, enforcers, and a sleek black vehicle, Cassandra Kiramman, pulled up to the school. Caitlyn turned toward the street, her pulse quickening as the first enforcers stepped out, their uniforms gleaming in the fading light. One opened the back door, and out came Councilor Kiramman, scanning the building in front of her. Following her, Principal Grayson stepped out of the car and stood beside her.
Cassandra’s sharp eyes immediately caught sight of her daughter standing stiffly at the top of the stairwell, her figure silhouetted by the fading sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Without hesitation, she started toward her, her heels clicking purposefully against the tiled floor. Seeing her mother’s approach, Caitlyn straightened her posture and quickly descended a few steps to meet her halfway.
As they came face-to-face, Cassandra’s expression shifted from composed authority to a flicker of concern. “Caitlyn,” she said, her voice low but firm. “What’s going on here?”
Caitlyn glanced briefly over her shoulder, where the unconscious janitor still lay sprawled on the stairs, then back to her mother. “There was an intruder,” she said, clipped and professional. “He broke into the school while I oversaw detention.”
Cassandra’s gaze flickered to the scene behind Caitlyn. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the details: the janitor’s disheveled state, the tension radiating from her daughter, and, further back, the figure of Vi leaning casually against the railing with a hint of defiance.
Cassandra’s lips pressed into a thin line as she shifted her focus back to Caitlyn. “What exactly happened?” she asked, gesturing subtly toward Vi.
“She… took care of it. When she came to get me, he was already unconscious and being carried by her.”
“And who exactly is she?” Cassandra’s tone was cool, but the unspoken warning was clear.
Caitlyn hesitated, her cheeks flushing faintly as she glanced at Vi, who was now watching their exchange with a faint smirk. “She’s—just someone who I was overseeing in detention.”
Principal Grayson finished her conversation with an enforcer before coming over. “Ah, Councilor Kiramman. I see you’re getting the rundown on what happened.”
“Yes, Caitlyn was just about to tell me the exact situation.” She hummed, looking between her daughter and Vi.
“Hm,” Grayson hummed. “I was about to ask Ms. Vanderson the same thing.”
“Vanderson? As in Vander?” The councilor turned to Grayson, a curious look on her face.
“That is correct, Councilor.” Grayson glanced back at Vi, who was nudging the man with her foot.
Cassandra’s eyes narrowed as she glanced back at Vi. “If you’re like your father, I can be assured my daughter was in good hands. Now tell me, what did this man want?”
Vi looked up from the man, faced the councilor, and stepped forward, her hands shoved into her pockets. “He was the night janitor, Zeke. I caught him going through Professor Heimerdinger’s office and stopped him from taking anything.” Vi shrugged.
Cassandra studied Vi for a long moment, her expression unreadable. “I see,” she said finally, her tone clipped. She turned back to Caitlyn, her voice softening just slightly. “We’ll discuss this later. For now, stay where I can see you.”
Without waiting for a response, Cassandra moved past her daughter and toward the enforcers who were now ascending the stairs, ready to take control of the situation. Principal Grayson turned to the girls and smiled before following the Councilor. Caitlyn let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her shoulders slumping slightly as her mother focused her attention elsewhere. Beside her, Vi gave a low chuckle.
“That was fun and all, but I’m gonna head out now.” Vi walked down the steps crowded with enforcers and approached the alley.
“Wait! You could get in trouble if you leave. This is an active crime scene.” By the time Caitlyn found herself in the alley, Vi was gone.