Arcane: the Monster of Zaun

The Last Drop buzzed with its usual late-night energy. Vander was at the bar, quietly handling a customer dispute, while the group sat clustered around their usual table in the corner. Powder tinkered with a small gadget, Mylo leaned back in his chair trying to balance it on two legs, and Claggor munched on a stolen loaf of bread. Derek and Vi were arm-wrestling, their grins wide with competitive energy.

The door to the tavern creaked open, and Ekko slipped inside, his hood pulled up over his wild hair. His eyes darted around the room before locking onto the group.

"Hey!" Powder called, waving him over.

Ekko sauntered to the table, plopping down into the nearest chair. "You guys are not gonna believe what happened today."

Vi let go of Derek's hand mid-match, much to his disappointment. "What's got you all worked up, Ekko?"

Ekko leaned forward, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "You know that sometimes benzo leaves me the shop when Vander calls him or something else?"

"Yeah," Claggor said through a mouthful of bread. "What about it?"

"There's this topsider," Ekko said, his tone dripping with disbelief. "Comes in all the time. Rich guy. Clean clothes, shiny shoes, like he doesn't even belong in Zaun. And get this—he buys all the crap Benzo keeps on display. You know, the junk no one else touches."

"Rich people are weird," Mylo muttered, tipping his chair back even further.

"Yeah, but here's the kicker," Ekko continued, his voice rising. "I charges him double what it's worth, and the guy doesn't even blink. Just hands over the cogs like it's nothing."

Derek frowned, his golden eyes narrowing. "Who is this guy?"

"don't really know," Ekko replied, sitting back in his chair. "Some Piltover inventor or something. He's young man around 20s and he's got that smug topsider look, like he owns the place. But he's been buying stuff from Benzo for weeks now."

Vi leaned forward, her interest piqued. "So what's he doing in undercity? He slumming it for fun?"

Ekko shook his head. "I don't think so. He's serious—quiet, focused. He always asks Benzo about old tools, rare crystals, and stuff I don't even recognize. It's like he's working on something big."

"Big enough to follow him back to Piltover?" Derek asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ekko grinned, the glint of mischief in his eyes unmistakable. "You bet I did. I wanted to see where he went with all that stuff. So I tailed him."

"Alone?" Powder asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"Of course," Ekko said with a shrug. "You think I need backup to follow some rich topsider?"

Mylo snorted. "Yeah, and how long until you got caught?"

"I didn't!" Ekko shot back defensively. "He went straight back to topside, to some fancy building overlooking the academy. I couldn't go in, obviously, but I saw where he lives. He's got a workshop in there—big windows, lights everywhere. Guy probably has more tools than we've ever seen in our lives."

Vi whistled low. "Sounds like a goldmine."

"More like a fortress," Ekko said, shaking his head. "The place is crawling with enforcers. No way we're getting in there without a plan."

Derek leaned forward, resting his chin on his fist. "So what do you think he's working on?"

"Something expensive," Ekko said, grinning. "And maybe worth stealing."

Vi exchanged a glance with Derek, her mind already racing with possibilities.

Some time later

The streets of Zaun were eerily quiet as the group moved through the twisting alleys. The soft glow of Piltover's towers loomed above them, casting long shadows over the crumbling undercity. Derek adjusted the strap of his pack, glancing at Vi, who was leading the way with her usual confidence.

"So, we're really doing this," Derek said, his tone low.

Vi glanced back at him, her fiery hair catching the dim light. "You getting cold feet, Bigfoot?"

"Not exactly," Derek replied. "Just wondering what we'll do if things don't go as planned."

Mylo snorted. "When do they ever go as planned?"

Powder, walking beside Derek, tugged at his sleeve. "Don't worry. We've got this. Vi's plans are always good. Mostly."

Derek gave her a small smile, though the tightness in his chest remained. The thought of sneaking into Piltover's pristine streets with their Enforcers and tech-filled buildings made him uneasy.

As they reached the final alley leading to the base of Piltover, Vi crouched low, gesturing for the group to follow suit. She pulled out a crude map that Ekko had sketched, pointing to a marked building near the academy.

"That is the place," she whispered. "the inventors workshop. Powder, you've got the grappling hook? We will go up to the rooftops less chance for anyone noticing us."

Powder nodded, clutching her bag tightly.

"Let's move," Vi said, her voice firm.

The group crept along the edge of Piltover's lower district, their movements silent as shadows. Powder fired the grappling hook, its cable latching onto a rooftop above with a satisfying clink. She gave it a tug, then handed the device to Vi.

"One at a time," Vi said, climbing first.

The group followed in turn, Derek helping Powder with the climb. When it was his turn, he scaled the line with ease, his claws providing extra grip on the smooth surface.

The streets of Piltover stretched far below, a maze of clean, bustling roads, ornate buildings, and gleaming rooftops. The group crouched atop one of those rooftops, staring out over the city. Violet stood at the edge, her fiery hair catching the sunlight, a mix of confidence and determination etched on her face.

"Hey, Powder," Vi called, gesturing for her younger sister to join her.

Powder scrambled up from where she was sitting, carefully skirting the edge as she made her way to Vi's side. She paused as she reached her sister, looking out at the city below.

"Whoa," Powder breathed, her blue eyes wide with wonder.

Vi smiled, leaning against the railing. "It's nice getting above it all, huh?"

The two stood there for a moment, taking in the sprawling cityscape. The golden domes of Piltover's academy glinted in the distance, airships drifting lazily above the skyline. The sound of gulls screeching filled the air, carried on a soft breeze.

Behind them, Claggor hoisted himself onto the roof, his footsteps heavy but deliberate.

"Look at all that," Powder said softly, her voice filled with awe.

"One day," Powder added, pointing to the airships overhead, "I'm gonna ride in one of those things."

From behind them, Mylo appeared, his usual smirk plastered on his face. "And one day, I'm gonna shoot one of 'em down," he said, mimicking a trigger pull as if aiming at the blimps.

"Cut it out, Mylo," Vi said, rolling her eyes as she stepped forward.

"Hey, I'm just saying—"

"You're always just saying," Derek muttered as he joined the group. "Maybe try saying something helpful for once."

"Relax, Bigfoot," Mylo retorted, sticking out his tongue. "Don't growl at me."

Derek ignored him, his golden eyes flicking toward Vi. "You sure this is a good idea?"

Claggor nodded in agreement, brushing crumbs from his hands as he walked over. "Vi, are you sure about this? I mean... if we get caught, we're—"

Vi cut him off with a wave of her hand. "We're not gonna get caught," she said confidently. "We'll be in and out before anyone notices."

Vi led the way to the edge of the roof, her sharp eyes scanning the gap ahead. The next building loomed in the distance, separated by a narrow alley below. She crouched, her muscles coiled like springs. "All right, everyone, follow me," she said, glancing back at the group. "Just don't look down."

With a grunt, she launched herself forward, landing gracefully on the opposite rooftop. Mylo was next, hopping over the gap with exaggerated ease.

"Piece of cake," he called back, his voice dripping with smugness.

Claggor followed, though with less enthusiasm. He groaned as he landed, balancing his cupcake awkwardly in one hand. "Couldn't we have just walked there?"

"Gotta stay out of sight for this one," Vi said as she turned to look at Powder, who stood nervously at the edge.

Powder swallowed hard, her small hands clutching her bag. The wind tugged at her hair as she stared down into the alley below.

"Called it," Mylo said from the other side, smirking. "This is on you, Vi."

Vi groaned in annoyance but held up a hand to stop Claggor. "No! Powder, look at me," she said firmly, her tone cutting through the tension.

Powder's wide eyes met her sister's.

"What did I tell you?" Vi said, her voice softer now.

"That... that I'm ready," Powder stammered, her voice trembling.

"That's right," Vi said. "So?"

Before Powder could reply, Derek stepped up beside her, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. His golden eyes softened as he crouched slightly to meet her gaze.

"Pow, listen to me," he said gently, his deep voice calm and grounding. "You've got this. I'm right here, okay? And I'll catch you if anything happens. I promise."

Powder bit her lip, nodding slowly as she took a deep breath. "Okay."

Derek straightened, staying close as she took a few hesitant steps back to prepare for her jump. "Remember," he added, his voice low, "focus on where you're going, not what's below."

Powder nodded again, her small fists tightening around her bag.

"Go on," Derek said, stepping aside just enough to give her space.

Powder ran forward, her legs trembling slightly. She jumped, her small frame arcing over the gap. For a moment, it looked like she would make it—but her landing was shaky, and she began to fall back, her bag slipping from her shoulder.

"Powder!" Derek shouted.

In an instant, Derek lunged forward, his enhanced reflexes propelling him across the rooftop. His claws scraped against the ground as he grabbed her arm, stopping her just as her foot slipped over the edge. Powder gasped, clutching tightly to his hand as he pulled her back to safety.

She collapsed onto the roof, panting heavily, her face pale. "Th-thanks, Derek," she stammered, her voice shaky.

Derek knelt beside her, his hand still on her arm. "You're okay," he said softly. "I told you I'd catch you, didn't I?"

Powder nodded.

Vi jogged over, kneeling next to them. "You did good, Pow," she said, her voice filled with both pride and relief. "But maybe don't scare us like that again, huh?"

Mylo's voice carried from a few feet away. "Told you she couldn't do it on her own."

Derek's head snapped up, his golden eyes narrowing as he glared at Mylo. "Cut it out, Mylo. She made the jump."

"Barely," Mylo muttered, but he fell silent under Derek's piercing gaze.

Vi stood, offering Powder a hand. "Come on. We're not done yet."

Powder took her sister's hand, then looked back at Derek with a small smile. "Thanks again."

"Always," Derek replied, his voice steady.

The group continued across the rooftops, Derek staying close to Powder, his presence a quiet reassurance as they moved toward their target.

With Powder safely across, the group continued their journey, leaping across rooftops and darting through the shadows of Piltover. Derek stayed close to Powder, keeping a watchful eye on her as the wind picked up and the buildings grew taller.

As they approached their target—a tall building with gleaming glass windows and intricate bronze details—the group crouched low, preparing for the next stage of their heist.

"We're almost there," Vi whispered, a determined glint in her eye.

Derek crouched beside her, his claws flexing instinctively. "Let's hope this goes as smoothly as you think it will."

"It always does," Vi said with a smirk.

Behind them, Powder took a deep breath, clutching her bag tightly. "I'm ready," she whispered to herself.

The four figures clung to the rooftop, carefully inching along the edge of the slanted tiles. The target building loomed just ahead, its glass windows reflecting the warm glow of Piltover's streetlights. Below, the distant hum of indistinct chatter rose from the city's well-maintained streets, mixing with the occasional song of birds flitting overhead.

Claggor grunted as he hauled himself onto a muraled section of the roof, breathing heavily. "What if Vander finds out we're all the way up here?" he muttered, shooting a nervous glance over his shoulder.

Vi, already crouched and scanning the area ahead, rolled her eyes. "Look around you," she said, gesturing to the pristine Piltover skyline. "You think anyone topside's going hungry? Besides, this is exactly the sort of job Vander would've pulled when he was our age."

The sound of birds chirping and indistinct voices below served as a stark contrast to the tension among the group. The view was picturesque, but their focus remained on their target.

Vi turned back to her team, her fiery hair catching the light. "I'm going. Are you with me or not?"

Claggor sighed, running a hand down his face. "Vander's gonna kill us."

Derek, crouched at the rear of the group, smirked faintly. "Yeah, but only if we mess up."

Powder giggled nervously at that, clutching her bag tighter.

Vi nodded, her grin sharp. "Exactly. So don't screw up."

With that, she swung herself down the sloped rooftop and toward the balcony below. The others exchanged glances before following her lead.

Vi landed on the balcony first, her boots thudding softly against the smooth surface. She crouched low, her sharp eyes scanning the room beyond the glass doors. Gears of a clock ticked faintly inside, Scrolls, tools, and strange contraptions lined the workbenches in what was clearly a workshop.

She pressed her ear to the door for a moment, listening intently. Satisfied, she motioned to the others. "All clear."

Mylo grumbled as he carefully lowered himself onto the balcony, muttering curses under his breath. His landing was less graceful, and he stumbled slightly before regaining his balance.

"Who locks their balcony?" Mylo complained, crouching in front of the door. He pulled out his lockpicking tool, muttering to himself as he fiddled with the mechanism.

While Mylo worked, Derek leaned over the balcony railing, his golden eyes scanning the street below. His heightened senses picked up the faint sound of boots on cobblestone. "Lots of Enforcers down there," he said, his voice low.

Claggor hauled himself onto the balcony with a grunt, brushing himself off. "Whew." He glanced down at the Enforcers patrolling the perimeter and groaned. "Yeah, there's tons of them."

Vi crouched beside Derek, her gaze fixed on the glowing interior of the workshop. "Means we're in the right place," she said, glancing back at Mylo. "You gonna get that door open anytime soon?"

Mylo didn't look up. "Working on it," he snapped, frustration creeping into his voice. "Seeing as I'm the only one who knows how to pick locks, I suggest—"

Before he could finish, Vi straightened and kicked the door with a loud grunt. The lock gave way instantly, and the door flew open with a creak. Vi stepped inside without missing a beat.

"Animals," Mylo muttered, shaking his head as Claggor clapped him on the back with a smirk.

Derek chuckled under his breath. "Looks like the door didn't need your special touch, Mylo."

"Don't start," Mylo grumbled, his cheeks reddening.

Powder was the last to enter, grunting softly as she climbed in. Derek stayed close to her, giving her a reassuring nod as she adjusted the strap on her bag.

The workshop was a treasure trove of tools, blueprints, and half-finished gadgets. Strange crystals glowed faintly on a nearby shelf, their soft light casting eerie shadows on the walls. Vi moved with purpose, scanning the room for anything valuable.

"Claggor, check the crates," she ordered, pointing to a stack in the corner. "Derek, keep an ear out for anyone coming. Mylo, make yourself useful and grab whatever looks expensive."

"On it," Derek replied, moving to the doorway to keep watch.

Mylo, still muttering about the door, began rifling through the shelves, his eyes lighting up at the intricate tools and shiny components he found. "Piltover really doesn't skimp on their toys," he said, pocketing a handful of items.

Powder wandered toward a glowing contraption on the workbench, her fingers itching to touch it. She glanced back at Derek, who gave her a warning look.

"Powder," he said quietly, "remember what we talked about. If you don't know what it does—"

"I know, I know," Powder replied, reluctantly pulling her hand back. "Don't touch it."

Vi grinned from where she was examining a scroll. "Good call, Bigfoot. Last thing we need is for Pow to blow us all sky-high."

"Hey!" Powder protested, pouting.

After a little laugh they continue to search the place.