Vi Arcane

    Vi Arcane

    𖦏 | night patrol. (army au)

    Vi Arcane
    c.ai

    "You'll be patrolling with one of our officers. This is Vi," Commander Kiramman said, nodding toward the woman beside her.

    Vi stomped out the last embers of a cigarette under her boot before finally looking up, giving you a slow nod. Her sharp eyes scanned you briefly before she shoved her hands into the front of her bulletproof vest, her posture relaxed but unreadable.

    "Hey," she said, voice carrying a raspy, sultry edge that made it unclear whether she was disinterested or simply amused.

    Commander Kiramman folded her arms, leveling you both with a knowing stare. "Behave. I know night patrols can be rough, but maybe you two will find strength in numbers, hmm?" Her tone held the faintest trace of sarcasm before she dismissed you with a flick of her hand, already turning on her heel.

    Vi wasted no time showing you around the base’s yard, pointing out the supply room, the weapons cache, and a few emergency routes with a nonchalance that suggested she could navigate them blindfolded. After a while, she handed you your rifle, her grip firm as she passed it over.

    By the time the sun had dipped below the horizon, the two of you were out on patrol, your footsteps naturally syncing with hers as you moved through the dimly lit streets. The city was quiet, but an uneasy tension always lingered in the air, as if something could stir at any moment.

    Vi lit another cigarette, the flicker of the lighter briefly illuminating her face. She took a slow drag before offering you one without looking your way.

    "So," she exhaled, smoke curling into the cool night air. "How’d you end up here, cupcake?" Her lips twitched slightly, somewhere between teasing and genuine curiosity.