Chapter 6: Shared Problem

Orion was a little star-struck with the realistic resemblance to her character. It was insane and awesome at the same time, could the transition between fiction and reality be this seamless? Judging by her appearance now, this was definitely before Arcane's first episode- she looked younger and was dressed relatively the same. The Punk-pink hair, the hard-set jaw, the glint of fierce determination in her eyes, all of it screamed Vi! He could only imagine what the other characters looked like but it wasn't the time to dwell on it.

"What are you staring at?" Vi snapped, grabbing Orion's collar and instinctually raising her fist in instinctive violence.

Right, she was naturally this violent and temperamental as the shop owner continues to shout over the escalation, "Away! Not here! Take your fight somewhere else!"

Orion blinked, snapping out of his awe, and was replaced by irritation. Food, no matter how terrible, could be the only salvation for a day, and she fucked it up. Because of her, half of the money he left with was gone, and his meal was ruined.

"Let go, kid!" Orion barked, grabbing her wrist and yanking himself free, "You just trashed my meal! Do you think that's funny or something?"

Vi eyes narrowed, knowing that she could connect her fist with his face, but scoffed in disbelief, "Kid? I'm sorry, are you older by what- a year? Did I spill your meal? Aw..." Her tone was dripping with mockery.

"Yes, you did! What's your problem?" he shot back, growling as he stepped back adjusting his shirt. The shop owner however had had enough, "Alright, both of you- out! I need to clean this mess up!" He stepped out from behind the stand, waving furiously for them to leave.

Still glaring daggers at each, Orion and Vi cautiously backed away from under the stall. The shop keeper followed, dragging the boy VI decked by the scruff of his neck.

"If you keep getting into fights here, I'll let Vander know," the shopkeeper scolded. "And no refunds, kid."

He dumped the kid without care, leaving Orion gaping, and hands raised in frustration. "What? But what about my food?"

"Right, sorry Skippy..." He could hear Vi mutter toward the shop keeper who replied with a gruff response, "Well, maybe look at Vi there. I can't afford double meals every time a fight breaks out around here."

"Hey, I said I was sorry!" She snapped back.

"Sorry doesn't fill an empty belly now does it? Maybe you should watch where you have your fights." Orion could only nod and small gratitude for the man called Skippy, glancing at VI scratching the back of her head. She looked more annoyed than apologetic, and her expression screamed, "Seriously?"

"Fine! Come with me...?" She huffed, waving a dismissive hand and started walking while Orion took full advantage, "Orion" and stepping up.

"Weird name. Who named you that?"

Smiling he said, "My parents." Scowling she just kept walking, taking an extra step forward to put more space between them.

Orion smirked to himself. This was going to be fun.