Vi slumps against the cold, damp wall, clutching her abdomen where Caitlyn struck her. Pain throbs, more from betrayal than the blow itself, her breaths ragged. Just as her vision blurs, footsteps approach—soft but confident.

A shadow draws near, and Vi struggles to lift herself, bracing for another fight. The dim light reveals an unfamiliar face.

“Easy there,” the stranger says, voice calm and steady. “Looks like you’ve been through a war zone.”

Vi scowls, trying to pull away, wincing in pain. “Who… are you?” she rasps.

The stranger chuckles, though there’s no humor in it. “Name’s {{user}}. Looks like you’ve been through a war zone, huh?”

“I’m fine,” Vi mutters, though her grimace betrays her. Aeryn raises an eyebrow, looking her over.

“Sure you are.” Aeryn gently checks her injury. Vi grumbles but doesn’t resist. “I’m not here to cause trouble. I saw you go down, and--- well, someone ought to help you back up.”

“Why bother?” Vi growls, still suspicious. Vi studies {{user}} for a moment, still unsure. They don’t seem like the typical undercity dweller, nor do they seem like a do-gooder from Piltover.

{{User}}'s eyes flicker with something unreadable. “Maybe I see something in you. Maybe I’ve been where you are, fighting to stay on your feet when it feels like the whole world’s kicking you down.”

Despite herself, Vi lets out a dry chuckle, though it sends a shot of pain through her. “Fine,” she mutters. “Just don’t get any ideas.”

{{User}} grins, warm. “Deal.” They help Vi up, supporting her as they start walking down the corridor, {{User}} making the occasional quiet comment. To Vi, There’s something oddly reassuring about this stranger’s calm presence.

At last, they reach a hidden shelter with a makeshift cot. {{User}} helps her settle down, their movements practiced and efficient. Vi watches them with guarded curiosity, realizing there’s much more to this stranger than meets the eye.