Arcane Anew

"Dealing with the mess," Vander replied, his voice gentle but unapologetic as their eyes remained locked. "I was coming for you, but Silco got there first."

"Were you actually coming for me?" Orion challenged sharply, his voice rising with accusation. "Or were you cowering again because you didn't want to endanger those closest to you!"

Scenes of the Last Drop from Arcane flashed through his mind, where despite Marcus storming into the bar, Vander still did nothing.

He heard the stories from the street though, and it only agitated him more.

The kids' eyes drifted back to Vander. Orion could see his eyes visibly shake. Perhaps Vander didn't like the idea of Orion creating doubt about his character in front of the kids.

Vander's expression darkened as he closed the gap, becoming more fierce. Anger simmered behind his wolf-like glare as he loomed over Orion's lithe figure, casting a dark shadow over him.

"We fought our way to the bridge," Vander said, his voice low and dangerous. "I lost my closest friends trying to save you."

Orion's eyes widened. "What?"

"I talked with Greyson. We both wanted to save you." Vander continued, his eyes clouded with memories of the past. "Everyone lost something dear that night. We lost Benzo... The gang was hurt, and Powder's mental state was devastated."

Leaning closer, hovering inches away from Orion's face, Vander's tobacco and liquor-scented breath pierced his nose.

"Do you want to keep spouting nonsense about your suffering while you were dancing around in Ionia's magical fields?"

"Don't twist the truth to defend yourself." Orion retorted, his tone cutting as his head gestured toward the gang. "You only acted after they got hurt. Because of your indecisiveness- and your family- I've been the one getting fucked up."

"I was your fucking afterthought, Vander! After everything and everyone else!"

A sharp slap resounded as Vander, like in the past, clunked him across the head.

Claggor and Mylo sucked in air sharply, their eyes wide as they looked at each other, unsure if they should act or how to react.

Vi flinched, startled by the sudden action and Powder let out a high-pitched squeak, stepping behind her sister.

"Your family?" Vander repeated, his voice rough and full of disbelief as he leaned back, locking eyes with Orion. "Your family? If that's the case, then go."

"Sure..." Orion muttered, his body tensing with eyes shut tight and fists starting to clench as the shock and pain settled in.

Vander twitched at the response and unfolded his arms, his eyes widening in alarm. He knew that look, and he realized what he just did.

"...But first-"

A brilliant blue flash tore through the room, the air crackling as everyone shrieked and stumbled back in alarm. Vander's body was sent hurling backward, landing on the floor between the gang.

Vander coughed in pain as he lay on his back. One hand clutched his stomach, the other braced him as he struggled to sit up, his face contorting in pain.

"Vander!" Vi cried out as she ran to his side, her eyes wide with worry and fear.

The rest of the gang stood frozen, their expressions locked in shock, unable to process what had just happened.

Orion struck Vander?

"Stop fucking hitting me." Orion spat, his gaze no longer friendly or filled with the warmth of the reunion.

The room plunged into a razor-thin silence, the tension suffocating, as if even the slightest movement could shatter it.

Without another word, Orion turned on his heel and picked up his mask. The door creaked as it swung shut behind him, leaving the family in a shattered, confused, and stunned stillness.