The bustling streets of Zaun pulsed with life and color, a testament to the city's newfound prosperity. The air, once heavy with smog, was now clear enough to let in streams of natural light filtered through crystalline skylights. Powder, her vibrant blue hair tucked beneath a leather cap, darted through the crowd, her grin as bright as the lights illuminating the market stalls. In her hand, she clutched a handful of freshly baked pastries.

“Over here!” she called, her voice light with excitement as she spotted you leaning casually against a railing overlooking the district. She plopped down beside you, offering one of the pastries. “You won’t believe the deal I got for these. The baker said I’m their favorite customer.” Her smile widened, the joy on her face infectious.

You chuckled, taking the pastry. “Probably because you’re there every other day.”

“Hey, I have to make sure they stay in business!” she said, feigning indignation. Then her gaze softened as she looked out over the vibrant cityscape. “It’s weird, huh? Zaun being this... peaceful.”

“It’s a good weird,” you replied. “Hard to believe Vander pulled this off.”

Her expression flickered with a shadow of something unspoken. “Yeah… he’d say Vi was his inspiration, you know. Making the world better for people like us.” Powder’s voice was steady, but the mention of Vi carried a bittersweet weight.

You placed a hand on hers. “She’d be proud of you too.”

Powder’s lips quirked upward, the sadness in her eyes melting away as she met your gaze. “Thanks. I think she’d like you, by the way. She was tough, but she had a soft spot for people who cared.”

Silence settled between you, warm and companionable, as the hum of Zaun’s thriving streets enveloped you both. Powder leaned her head on your shoulder, a quiet sigh escaping her. “I think… I like this version of Zaun. It feels like home.”