Chapter Text
Vi hated waiting.
Her leg bounced like a piston as she sat in the dugout, the sharp clack of her cleat against the concrete cutting through the low hum of her teammates' chatter. The final game before the championships—and of course, it had to be against them.
Against her.
Vi leaned forward, elbows braced on her knees, hands tightening into fists. Her focus wasn't on the game plan or how she'd handle the outfield. No, her mind was stuck on Caitlyn Kiramman. Piltover's star pitcher. The untouchable golden girl of the diamond. The mere thought of her made Vi's jaw tighten.
The memory of last season still burned like it had happened yesterday. Zaun had been so close to beating Piltover, one run away from clinching a shot at the championship. And then Caitlyn had stepped onto the mound, all poise and precision. Three pitches. Three strikes. Game over.
What made it worse was when she tipped her cap and had that smug little smirk she'd given Vi afterward—the one that said, Nice try, but you never stood a chance.
Vi exhaled sharply, rolling her shoulders as if she could physically shrug off the memory. Not this time. No way was she letting Caitlyn get the upper hand again.
"Vi?"
Powder's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Vi glanced up as her sister leaned against the dugout fence, tossing a softball casually in one hand. "You good, sis? You look like you're about to punch a hole through the bench."
Vi forced a smirk, sitting up straighter and rubbing the back of her neck. "Huh? Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking."
Powder cocked an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Thinking about how we're going to wipe the floor with Piltover?"
Vi humed. "Something like that."
Powder tossed the ball at her, and Vi caught it effortlessly, spinning it absently in her palm.
"You sure it's not something else?" Powder pressed, her grin widening. "Or someone else?"
Vi scoffed her brows furrowing for a second. "Who?"
Powder's smirk turned downright wicked. "Oh, I don't know. A certain pitcher with perfect hair, a fancy uniform, and a stick up her—"
"Pow," Vi warned, though the faint heat creeping up her neck betrayed her irritation.
Powder snickered, leaning back against the fence. "What? I'm just saying, you've got that look again. The one you get when you're about to do something really dumb just to prove a point."
Vi rolled her eyes, standing up to stretch her back. "Nah, not this time. I don't need to prove anything to her. Today's about the team."
"Uh-huh." Powder's tone dripped with disbelief as she tossed the ball into the air and caught it again. "Sure it is. Let me know how that goes when you see her on the mound."
Vi exhaled, her focus narrowing. She didn't care what Caitlyn Kiramman had up her sleeve—today, Zaun was taking the win, and Vi was going to make sure of it.
~
Sevika stood in front of the team, arms crossed and her usual no-nonsense scowl firmly in place. She paced a few steps back and forth, eyeing each player like she was daring them to even think about slacking off today.
"Alright, listen up," she barked, stopping abruptly and planting her hands on her hips. "If you let these stuck-up Piltie pussies beat you again, I swear to every god out there, I'll work your asses into the ground so hard you won't be able to walk straight for a week." She let the words hang in the air for a moment, making sure they sank in.
A few groans came from the back, but no one dared to speak up.
"You think I'm joking? Try me." Sevika pointed at the field. "This is your game. You want to keep being the underdogs they laugh at? Or do you want to show them what Zaun is made of? They may have the money, the gear, and the shiny-ass cleats, but none of that means squat if we outwork them. Play smart. Play hard. And for the love of everything, don't give me a reason to run suicides tomorrow. Got it?"
The team mumbled a mix of agreement and nervous laughter.
"Zaun knights on three!" Sevika shouted, raising a fist.
"ONE, TWO, THREE—ZAUN KNIGHTS!" the team echoed, fists pumping in the air.
"Alright, go warm up!" Sevika muttered, waving them off as if she hadn't just threatened their very existence.
They spread out across the field, a mix of nervous energy and quiet determination in the air. Powder and some of the younger players worked on their swings in the makeshift batting cage, while others ran sprints or stretched along the sidelines.
In the outfield, Vi, Mylo, Claggor, and Ekko tossed a ball between them, the smack of leather on leather punctuating their easy banter.
"You know they're gonna pitch her against us again, right?" Ekko said, throwing the ball to Mylo, who caught it with an exaggerated flourish.
"Who, that tall girl?" Mylo asked, grinning as he whipped the ball toward Vi. "Good. Maybe this time Vi won't embarrass herself."
Vi caught the ball with ease, narrowing her eyes at Mylo. "I didn't embarrass myself. She got lucky."
"Three pitches isn't luck, Vi. That's talent," Claggor teased, laughing as he raised his glove to catch Ekko's throw.
"Yeah, well, her 'talent' is about to get a reality check," Vi muttered, whipping the ball back to Ekko with more force than necessary.
Ekko winced, shaking his hand after catching it. "Easy, Vi. Save it for the game."
"Don't worry," she said, her smirk tugging at her lips. "I've got plenty to spare."
Mylo snorted. "She's probably already got you in her sights, Vi. Planning how to humiliate you again."
"Shut up, Mylo," Vi shot back, but her tone lacked heat.
Claggor laughed, tossing the ball back to Mylo. "Alright, alright, focus up. Coach is already looking for a reason to yell at us again."
The four of them kept throwing the ball around, their chatter easing some of the tension in the air. But Vi's mind wandered back to Caitlyn Kiramman—her precision, her calm confidence, and, okay, maybe the way she looked in that stupid fancy uniform. Vi gritted her teeth, shaking the thought away. She wasn't about to let Caitlyn distract her again.
A while later, the screech of brakes drew their attention as a sleek black charter bus pulled up just outside the field. It was almost comical in its stark contrast to the rusting bleachers and cracked concrete of Zaun's home turf.
"Oooh, there goes their chariot," Mylo muttered with a huff, earning a few chuckles from the others.
They watched as the Piltover Elites filed off the bus, looking every bit like the golden children they were rumored to be. Their uniforms—white and blue, pristine and tailored—shone in the late afternoon sun. They carried brand-new bats and duffel bags that probably cost more than the entire Zaun team's gear combined. Even their cleats looked fresh, the kind of gear you only saw in catalogs.
"They look like they're here for a photo shoot, not a game," Mylo said with a scoff.
"Yeah, well, all the money in the world won't stop us from kicking their asses," Vi muttered, cracking her knuckles.
Sevika called the team back to the dugout as the Piltover players made their way to their side of the field, barely sparing them a glance. It was a deliberate move, an unspoken reminder that, to them, Zaun was little more than an obstacle.
Vi sat down on the bench, watching the opposing team with a mixture of determination and disdain. Her eyes landed on Caitlyn as she stepped off the bus, her dark hair neatly tied back and her expression as cool and composed as ever.
Alright, Kiramman , Vi thought, gripping the edge of the bench. Let's see what you've got this time.
~
After Piltover wrapped up their warm-up, they gathered in their dugout, their polished uniforms and confident demeanor exuding a level of smugness that had Zaun's team rolling their eyes.
"Alright, listen up!" Sevika barked, clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. "They're batting first since they're the visitors, so we're on defense. Get in your positions and don't screw up—mistakes early on will bite us later. Play hard, play smart, and don't give them anything easy."
The team responded with a chorus of determined "Yes, coach!" before scattering onto the field.
Vi jogged up to Ekko on the pitcher's mound, giving him a firm slap on the back. "You got this, alright? Show them who runs this field."
Ekko winced dramatically, arching his back as if she'd knocked the wind out of him. "Damn, Vi! I need this spine for pitching, you know." He grinned at her, adjusting the brim of his cap. "Don't worry about me—I've got this. You better bring your A-game out there, though."
Vi smirked and jogged back toward the dugout, wiping her palms on her pants. She glanced across the field to Piltover's dugout, her gaze zeroing in on Caitlyn. She was sitting calmly on the bench, her bat resting across her lap, her focus entirely on Ekko as he prepped on the mound. Caitlyn was fourth in the batting lineup—cleanup hitter. Interesting.
An idea sparked in Vi's mind as she walked over to Sevika, catching her mid-instruction to another player.
"Coach," Vi said quickly, "can you sub me in as catcher for the fourth batter?"
Sevika frowned, staring at Vi with her trademark unimpressed look. "Why?"
"Just trust me, alright?" Vi said, her tone pleading but firm.
Sevika exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "I don't know what you're planning, but fine. If this backfires, you're the first one on the line at practice tomorrow, got it?"
"Got it." Vi gave a sharp nod, already turning away before Sevika could change her mind.
She found Claggor, who was strapping on his catcher's gear, and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, Claggor, I'm switching out with you for the fourth batter, okay? Don't worry, it's nothing against you. Just... strategy."
Claggor blinked, his confusion evident, but he shrugged. "Uh, sure, I guess. Just don't make me regret it."
"Promise." Vi shot him a quick smile before heading back to the dugout, leaning against the fence as she watched Ekko take his place on the mound. She clenched her fists briefly, anticipation buzzing in her veins. Caitlyn was going to see her—and she was going to make sure the so-called "perfect pitcher" didn't forget at the plate. His eyes were calm but calculating, taking in every little detail of the batter's stance and grip. The first batter was a quick guy, likely aiming for a bunt to get on base.
Ekko smirked. Not today.
He wound up, his movements fluid and deliberate, and released a slow, looping pitch—the kind that practically begged the batter to swing early. The batter took the bait, lunging for it and barely tipping it into foul territory.
"Strike one!" the umpire called.
Zaun's dugout erupted into cheers, Powder's voice cutting through the noise with a loud, "Let's go, Ekko!"
The next pitch was quicker, a slider that curved just outside the strike zone before darting back in. The batter swung again, and the ball connected—barely. It was a weak grounder toward second base, where Mylo scooped it up with ease and fired it to first for the out.
"One down!" Sevika barked from the dugout, clapping her hands as the team cheered louder.
Ekko caught the ball tossed back to him and adjusted his cap with a cocky grin. The next batter stepped into the box, a stockier player with a heavier swing. Ekko studied his stance, noting the tight grip on the bat and the slight bend in his knees—this guy was aiming for power.
Ekko decided to test him with a fastball right down the middle. The batter took a big swing but came up empty.
"Strike one!"
The batter grunted in frustration, stepping out of the box for a moment before resetting his stance. Ekko didn't let up. For his next pitch, he used his signature "rewind," throwing a pitch that started fast but slowed just enough to throw off the batter's timing. The batter swung again and missed.
"Strike two!"
Zaun's dugout erupted in cheers, and Ekko couldn't help but smirk.
On the third pitch, he went for a curveball that hugged the inside corner of the plate. The batter flinched, thinking it was going to hit him, but it curved perfectly into the strike zone.
"Strike three! You're out!"
The batter slammed his bat against the ground in frustration as the umpire signaled the out. Ekko walked off the mound briefly, turning to give Vi a playful tip of his cap.
"Two down! Stay sharp!" Sevika called out, her voice cutting through the noise of the crowd.
The next batter stepped up, already looking nervous after watching his teammate strike out. Ekko wasted no time. The first pitch was a breaking ball, low and away, and the batter took a hesitant swing—missing entirely.
"Strike one!"
The second pitch came fast and high, tempting the batter to chase it. He swung wildly, the ball sailing cleanly into Claggor's mitt.
"Strike two!"
The Zaun Knights were on their feet now, pounding the dugout railing and shouting Ekko's name.
For the third pitch, Ekko pulled out another "rewind," sending the ball speeding toward the plate before it seemed to hang in the air for just a split second. The batter swung too early, and the ball thudded into the catcher's mitt.
"Strike three! That's three outs!"
The Zaun dugout exploded with cheers as Ekko jogged off the mound, grinning ear to ear. Powder nearly climbed over the railing in excitement, shouting, "That's my guy!"
Vi leaned against the fence, clapping slowly with a smirk. "Not bad little man." she muttered, though she couldn't hide her pride.
Zaun had held Piltover scoreless in the first inning, and the energy on the field was electric. It was their turn to bat now, and the Knights were ready to prove they could take the fight to Piltover just as hard.
"Alright, don't get too cocky now," Sevika growled, arms crossed as the team huddled around her. "Downside is, Kiramman's pitching this inning, so keep it together. She's got fastballs for days—so fast they might take your head clean off if you're not careful. No funny business around her. She's sharp, calculated, and always ready."
Her eyes shifted to Vi. "You're up first, Lanes. Make an example out of her."
Vi nodded as Sevika clapped to break the huddle. She grabbed her helmet, sliding it on before reaching for her bat. Holding it upright, she gave it a quick kiss. "Do me right today," she murmured.
"You got this, sis!" Powder chirped, patting her on the back with an infectious grin.
"Let's hope so," Mylo muttered, though he smirked as he slapped her helmet for luck.
"Wow, thanks for the support," Vi muttered dryly.
Ekko caught her by the wrist, gripping it tightly for emphasis. "I set the tone. Now you keep the momentum going." He winked at her before giving her a solid slap on the back.
Taking a steadying breath, Vi jogged toward the batter's box, her cleats kicking up dust. She wiped her hands on her pants, flexing her fingers around the bat as she stepped up. She planted her feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and held the bat firm but loose—high enough for a quick, controlled swing. Her focus locked in as she stared down Caitlyn.
Caitlyn stood tall on the pitcher's mound, her figure poised and deliberate. Her glove rose to her chest as she rubbed the ball, her piercing blue eyes never leaving Vi. The way she moved was methodical, almost graceful, every motion packed with precision. Vi could feel the weight of Caitlyn's stare, and when their eyes briefly met, she thought she saw a spark of cold calculation.
Shit.
Caitlyn adjusted her footing, lifted her leg high, and pitched with a snap of her wrist.
The ball rocketed into the catcher's glove before Vi even processed it.
"Strike one!" the umpire barked.
Vi’s eyes widened, her breath hitching as a spark of adrenaline shot through her. Those pitches were just as sharp and deadly as the first time Caitlyn had unleashed them. Coach wasn’t exaggerating about her fastballs. Vi thought she caught the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at Caitlyn’s lips before she refocused and reset her stance.
Vi gritted her teeth and gripped her bat a little tighter. This cocky motherfu—
Vi stepped out of the box briefly, rolling her shoulders and exhaling sharply. "Alright, two can play it that way." she muttered under her breath. She dug her cleats back in, her stance firm but adjusted—feet parallel, weight balanced on the balls of her feet. She loosened her grip just slightly, trying to stay relaxed.
Caitlyn wound up again, her leg kicking high.
Vi didn't swing.
"Strike two!"
"What the hell are you doing, Lanes?" Sevika barked from the dugout, her voice cutting through the noise.
Vi ignored her, her breath steady as she closed her eyes for a second. She tuned out the crowd, the cheers and groans, even Sevika's frustration. When she opened her eyes again, she locked her focus back on Caitlyn. This time, she wasn't just watching the ball—she was watching Caitlyn. Every small movement, every flicker of intention, was hers to read.
Caitlyn raised her leg once more, her motion almost mesmerizing as the ball snapped from her hand.
Vi moved.
THWACK!
The bat connected with a sharp, satisfying crack, sending the ball soaring high toward the outfield.
"Go, go, go!" someone yelled from the dugout.
Vi didn't need to be told twice. She dropped the bat and bolted, her cleats digging into the dirt as she sprinted toward first base. As she rounded it, she glanced toward the outfield—Caitlyn's team was scrambling for the ball.
Vi pushed harder, her muscles burning as she stretched her strides to second. She glanced over her shoulder, catching Caitlyn's stunned expression before flashing her a quick wink at her.
The dugout erupted with cheers as Vi slid into third base just before the ball zipped toward the bag. She grinned, brushing the dirt off her pants as she caught her breath. The Zaun Knights were on their feet, pounding the fence and shouting her name.
"Not bad," Vi muttered to herself, resting her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. She wasn't done yet, though. From the mound, Caitlyn narrowed her eyes at her, clearly recalculating. Vi smirked, she's getting pissed.
Next up was Powder, practically vibrating with energy as she stepped up to the plate. She shook out her arms and legs dramatically, grinning wide at Caitlyn like she was about to tell a joke no one else was in on. It made Caitlyn hesitate, her grip tightening on the ball. Powder swung the bat a few times in exaggerated practice motions, but as soon as she stepped into the batter's box, her face turned serious, her energy still simmering beneath the surface.
Caitlyn straightened, adjusting her stance on the mound. She wasn't going to let the scrappy kid rattle her. After a deep breath, Caitlyn wound up and pitched, her fastball rocketing toward the plate.
The moment the ball left her hand, Powder shifted. Her hands slid up the bat, and she darted into a bunting stance. The bat connected with a soft thunk, sending the ball dribbling awkwardly down the third-base line.
"HA! GOTCHA!" Powder cackled as she bolted toward first base, her speed immediately putting the defense under pressure. The third baseman scrambled to scoop up the ball, pivoting to throw it to first base. Powder dove headfirst toward the bag, sliding into the dirt with a dramatic thud.
The umpire's voice cut through the chaos. "Out!"
"Uggghhh!" Powder groaned, spitting out some dirt as she got up, brushing herself off. She jogged back to the dugout, muttering, "Should've aimed for the other side," but still wearing a proud grin.
The crowd's cheers made it worth it, though—while all eyes were on Powder's wild scramble, Vi had capitalized on the distraction. She darted toward home plate and slid in safely, scoring the Zaun Knights their first run.
The dugout erupted as Vi jogged back in, her teammates clapping her on the back. Powder flopped onto the bench with a huff, but when Vi leaned over and ruffled her hair, she couldn't help but smile.
"You're nuts, Powder, but that worked," Vi said with a laugh.
"Of course it worked," Powder replied smugly, leaning back and kicking her legs out. "I always keep 'em guessing."
~
The game was close, tension thick in the air as the score bounced back and forth between the two teams. Both sides fought hard, each inning tightening the gap. Now, with two outs, Piltover had a chance to pull ahead. Caitlyn stepped up to bat, her sharp eyes focused as she swung her aluminum bat in practice arcs.
In the Zaun dugout, Vi's eyes narrowed. She grabbed Claggor's shoulder. "Switch with me. Now."
"What? Why?" Claggor asked, confused.
"Just trust me. I've got this," Vi said with a grin, already reaching for the catcher's gear.
With a shrug, Claggor stepped back, and Vi strapped on the chest guard and mask. "Don't screw this up," Sevika called after her, but Vi waved her off.
Jogging onto the field, Vi crouched behind Caitlyn, the bulky gear doing nothing to hide her cocky grin. Caitlyn didn't look back, her focus completely on Ekko at the mound, but Vi wasn't about to let that slide.
"Psst," Vi whispered.
Caitlyn stiffened, her head tilting just slightly in confusion.
"Nice stance," Vi murmured, leaning forward conspiratorially. "But I bet you're thinking too hard. Trying to figure out Ekko's pitch, huh? Fastball, curveball, knuckleball? Gotta be exhausting."
Caitlyn ignored her, adjusting her grip on the bat as Ekko wound up for his first pitch. The ball shot toward the plate, fast and low, but Caitlyn swung too late, Vi catching the ball.
"Strike one!"
Vi smirked, chuckling softly as Caitlyn let out a quiet, frustrated breath. Vi threw the ball back to Ekko.
"Damn, that was close," Vi muttered loud enough for Caitlyn to hear. "But hey, no shame. Ekko's got some wicked spin, doesn't he? Kinda like magic, really. You ever seen a ball dance like that?"
"Could you not?" Caitlyn muttered under her breath, resetting her stance.
"What? I'm just saying, it's impressive," Vi replied, leaning her chin on her glove. "But don't worry, you've got this. Probably."
Ekko pitched again, and Caitlyn swung hard, missing by inches.
"Strike two!"
"Yikes. That one was a little faster, huh?" Vi said, feigning sympathy. "Bet your hands are getting sweaty. You're probably overthinking it now. Don't choke."
Caitlyn snapped her head back just enough to glare at Vi. "Would you shut up?"
Vi raised her hands innocently, her grin only widening. "Just trying to help."
The crowd noise fell away as Caitlyn focused, tightening her grip on the bat. She rolled her shoulders, inhaling deeply as Ekko wound up for the third pitch.
Vi couldn't resist one last jab. "Careful now, time's running out. No pressure or anything."
Caitlyn swung, her timing just barely off. The bat clipped the ball, sending it dribbling weakly toward first base. She cursed under her breath and took off running, her long strides eating up the distance.
But Zaun's first baseman scooped up the ball in time, slapping it against the bag just as Caitlyn approached.
"Out!" the umpire declared.
Caitlyn came to a stop, chest heaving as she stared at the base in frustration. She exhaled sharply, pushing her helmet back as she turned to walk off. Her glare found Vi, who was already standing, pulling off her mask with a smug grin.
Vi gave her a slow, exaggerated finger wave before making her way back to her dugout.
Caitlyn's glare could've burned a hole through steel. Without a word, she turned and headed back to the Piltover dugout, her teammates patting her on the back in reassurance.
Back in Zaun's dugout, Powder leaned toward Vi, grinning. "What'd you say to her?"
"Just gave her some friendly advice." Vi quipped, shrugging nonchalantly.
Mylo snorted from the bench. "Oh, she's definitely gonna try to strike you out now when she pitches again. No way she's letting that slide."
Vi rolled her eyes, leaning back against the bench as if she didn't have a care in the world. "Pshhh, I doubt it. She's off her A-game now," she said, twirling her bat lazily. "I don't think she's used to someone taunting her and getting in that pretty little head of hers."
The team chuckled, but Vi's attention was already shifting to the field as the game pushed forward.
The score was tied, the game was on the line, and now it all came down to her. If Caitlyn struck her out, Piltover would win. But if Vi could just connect, Zaun might have a chance to take it home. Vi was up to bat. She could feel the weight of the moment as she adjusted her gloves and stepped into the batter's box.
Caitlyn stood on the mound, her jaw set in a determined line, her eyes locked onto Vi with an intensity that screamed she wasn't playing games anymore. Vi, of course, met her gaze with a teasing smirk, her usual brand of bravado unshaken.
Alright, Kiramman. Let's dance, Vi thought as she tightened her grip on the bat.
Caitlyn raised her leg and threw the first pitch—a quick curveball. Vi deliberately delayed her swing, watching as it sailed right into the catcher's glove.
"Strike one!" the umpire called.
Vi could see Caitlyn's shoulders relax slightly, the faintest hint of a smug smile tugging at her lips. It was the same expression she'd worn during their first game, and Vi felt a familiar surge of competitive fire.
Caitlyn wound up again, this time throwing a fastball. Vi swung hard, only to miss entirely. She let out an exaggerated groan of mock frustration, stepping out of the box to adjust her grip on the bat before getting back into position.
"Alright, alright," Vi muttered under her breath, eyes narrowing as she focused on Caitlyn.
Caitlyn tipped her cap, her smirk growing as she prepared for the next pitch. Vi, however, had a plan.
She glanced toward Caitlyn, locking eyes with her as she leaned forward ever so slightly, her words forming silent words enough for Caitlyn to notice. Then, just as Caitlyn squinted, clearly trying to figure out what Vi was up to, Vi mouthed the words:
You.
Suck.
Balls.
Caitlyn's jaw clenched, her eyes narrowing as she wound up for the third pitch. Her grip on the ball tightened, and Vi could see the irritation bubbling beneath her otherwise calm facade.
Gotcha. Fell right for it.
She raised her leg and threw the ball with everything she had, the pitch snapping toward the plate with a fast motion.
Vi swung—and connected.
The crack of the bat meeting the ball echoed across the field, followed immediately by the roar of the crowd. Vi threw her helmet and bat and took off like a shot, her feet pounding against the dirt as the ball soared into the outfield.
She rounded first. Then second.
The outfielders scrambled, throwing the ball back toward Caitlyn just as Vi made it to third.
Caitlyn caught the ball, her movements swift but hurried, and she hurled it toward home plate.
Vi slid, her body kicking up a cloud of dust as she stretched for the base. Everything froze. The crowd held its breath as the umpire stepped forward, brushing the air clear with his hand.
The umpire looked around, arms tense, before extending them into a T-shape.
"SAFE!"
The Zaun side of the stands erupted in cheers. Vi got to her feet, grinning wide as her teammates rushed toward her. Claggor grabbed her, lifting her onto his shoulders as the crowd chanted her name.
"VI! VI! VI!"
Vi pumped her fists in the air, soaking in the victory. She glanced over at Caitlyn, who stood on the mound, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation. Caitlyn caught Vi's eye—and Vi, ever the instigator, smirked and flipped her off.
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, letting out an exasperated scoff as she turned and stalked back to her dugout.
Sevika gathered the team on the field, gesturing for them to take a knee. Her voice boomed above the noise of the crowd.
"Alright, listen up. I'm gonna be real with you—I thought you guys were gonna blow it," Sevika said, earning a round of laughs from the team. "But you pulled through. You played with heart, grit, and, let's be honest, a lot of attitude. That's the Zaun way. And you showed them who's boss out there."
She pointed at Vi. "Especially you, Lanes. MVP of the game. You came through when we needed you most. That's what I'm talking about."
The team erupted into cheers, Ekko grinned as he ruffled Vi's hair. "Way to go." Vi pushed him away with a grin fixing her hair.
"All right, get up. Time to show some sportsmanship," Sevika said, clapping her hands.
The teams formed a line along the baseline, slapping hands and muttering "Good game" as they passed each other. When Vi reached Caitlyn, she slowed, flashing her a smug grin.
"Good game, Kiramman," she said, her voice smooth, her confidence unwavering.
Caitlyn paused for a moment, her chin lifting ever so slightly as she met Vi's gaze. "Good game," she muttered, her voice clipped. Then she gripped Vi's hand in a firm, almost crushing handshake before letting go and walking away, her posture stiff but composed.
Vi watched her go, her smirk lingering as she jogged back to her team.
Still in that pretty little head of hers.
Zaun had the win, and Vi had gotten into Caitlyn's head. All in all, it was a pretty damn good day.
The championship run had been a whirlwind. Zaun clawed their way through three grueling games, each one tighter than the last. They came out on top in the semifinals, their spirits soaring, but the final game hit them like a gut punch. They'd fought hard, but another team ultimately snatched victory. The heartbreak lingered, though Vi tried to shrug it off. There was always next season.
Now, back in the rhythm of practices, Vi was tossing her gear into her bag after another long session when Powder appeared, Ekko trailing just behind her.
"Sis, coach wants to see us," Powder said, adjusting the strap of her duffel bag.
Vi frowned, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "We in trouble or something?"
Ekko shrugged, clearly as clueless as she was. "No idea, but let's find out."
They walked to Sevika's office, Vi lagging behind slightly as her mind churned. Had they screwed something up? Sevika didn't usually call players in unless it was something serious—or at least worth a chewing out.
When they entered the office, Sevika was leaning back in her chair, chewing on the end of a pen as she scribbled on a clipboard. She didn't bother looking up as she motioned for them to sit.
"Alright, relax. You're not in trouble, so you can stop clenching your cheeks," Sevika muttered, setting the clipboard down.
Vi rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Powder stifled a laugh behind her hand, while Ekko just smirked.
"Anyway, I called you in for this." Sevika pulled three folded papers from her desk drawer and handed one to each of them. "Some big-name summer camp's recruiting talented kids. They're looking to scout and develop players with potential. You three made the cut."
Vi unfolded the paper and scanned it. The flyer advertised a high-level training program for elite youth baseball players, complete with top-tier coaching, scrimmages, and—of course—a chance to get noticed by scouts.
Sevika leaned back in her chair, folding her arms. "Look, you can go or don't. I don't give a shit. But if you want to get better, this'll do it. It's up to you."
Ekko squinted at the flyer, skeptical. "There's gotta be a catch. This seems too good to be true."
"Yeah," Vi chimed in, eyeing Sevika. "What's the deal? Are they gonna make us sell our souls or something?"
Sevika snorted, shaking her head. "No catch. You either go, or you don't. Simple as that."
Vi glanced between Powder and Ekko, gauging their reactions. Powder shrugged, but her small smile showed she was intrigued. Ekko hesitated for a beat before giving Vi a nod.
"I'm in," Vi said with a grin, holding out her fist.
Powder and Ekko exchanged glances before bumping their fists against hers.
"So in," Ekko said, smirking.
~
When summer rolled around, Vi found herself standing in front of an intimidatingly pristine building. The facility screamed Piltover—sleek, modern, and just a little too polished for her taste. The main structure was built from glass and steel, with large windows that reflected the summer sun, casting bright spots on the immaculately manicured lawn. A massive sign over the front entrance read Piltover Youth Baseball Academy in bold, elegant letters.
"Fancy," Powder muttered, gripping the strap of her duffel bag as she craned her neck to take it all in.
"Yeah," Vi muttered, her gaze flicking around at the unfamiliar faces milling about. Other players were arriving, carrying their own gear and chatting excitedly in small groups. "Definitely Piltover territory. Bet this is where the rich kids come to play ball."
The trio made their way inside, weaving through the crowd. The main hall was just as sleek as the exterior, with polished marble floors and walls lined with framed photos of alumni and championship teams. Vi's boots scuffed against the floor as they walked, her eyes darting between the faces around her.
Unfamiliar. All of them.
Until she spotted one that wasn't.
You've gotta be shitting me.
Standing by the far side of the entrance, leaning casually against a wall with her arms crossed, was none other than Caitlyn Kiramman.
Vi groaned audibly, drawing curious glances from Powder and Ekko.
"What's your problem?" Powder asked, nudging her.
"Her," Ekko muttered, jerking her chin in Caitlyn's direction.
Powder followed her gaze, then grinned. "Oooooo.."
"Don't start," Vi cut her off, slinging her bag higher on her shoulder.
Ekko chuckled. "Looks like this is gonna be a fun summer for you, huh?"
"Yeah," Vi muttered dryly. "Fun."
Vi couldn't shake the sinking feeling that this summer was about to get a whole lot longer.