Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll really be going off the rails from canon as a lot of stuff will be happening, along with some surprise appearances. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
After leaving Babette's brothel, Vi and Caitlyn had begun making their way around Zaun, the former Enforcer doing her best to try and calm the pinkette down. While Vi only cared about finding Naruto and Satsuki to make them regret sleeping with Powder. Tracking down and beating up any of Silco's men that she could get her hands on, with her annoyance only growing as no one seemed to know where they or her sister were.
Luckily, Vi was eventually able to calm down, much to Caitlyn's relief, knowing it won't do them any good to cause too much trouble or get too much attention. But that didn't mean she didn't still want to find Naruto and Satsuki to give them a piece of her mind.
"Vi, we really should get some rest. We've been searching for the entire day and haven't found anything, and we won't be able to find anything at all if we're too exhausted to move." Caitlyn said upon seeing that it was starting to get dark, with Vi stopping in her tracks and looked up in surprise to see it's already nighttime, along with the fact that the streets were now deserted as well.
"I'm perfectly fine, if you want to find somewhere to rest, go ahead Cupcake, I'm going to keep searching. I'll find you once I learn anything." Vi replied, not wanting to stop now, when she could find Powder at any moment or if she shows up looking for her, given with her rampage, she didn't doubt that word of her being back is spreading.
But before she could try and keep searching, Caitlyn grabbed her arm and looked her sternly.
"No, you need rest, just like everyone else. And you certainly won't be finding anything or anyone at the moment, you'll only end up stumbling around in the dark until you pass out from exhaustion. Now, both of us will find somewhere to rest and continue searching tomorrow. Also, before you say anything or try to refuse, keep in mind that I'm the one with the gun." Caitlyn said, refusing to let Vi go off on her own, having no doubt she'll either get into another fight or collapse from lack of sleep.
The pinkette narrowed her eyes at the former Enforcer, knowing that it wasn't a threat, but her simply pointing out a fact. Caitlyn was the only one with a weapon, if she ran into someone she couldn't beat with her fists alone, then she'll either be killed or captured should she get in a fight with the wrong person. But at the same time, she also didn't want Caitlyn to end up following her the entire time either.
"F-fine…we'll find somewhere for the night. I know a place, anyway." Vi reluctantly muttered before she began guiding Caitlyn towards her family's old home, knowing they'll be safe there for the night.
*Later*
It wasn't long before they arrived at the spot, with the two climbing down the old water tower, which was surprisingly still standing, until they reached the bottom of the ravine. With Caitlyn gasping when she saw all the tents set up in the darkness, along with the people in ragged cloaks around them.
"What is this place?" Caitlyn asked warily, not sure if any of these people would attack them or not.
"It's where the kind of people you Topsiders don't want to think about, wind up. It was never this big though." Vi said with a frown as she looked around, seeing how much more crowded it was before turning her attention towards her old home.
"Over there." Vi said, getting Caitlyn's attention as they headed towards the house and went inside.
With Vi immediately feeling memories coming back to her the moment she stepped inside, seeing the drawings Powder made on the walls where the hammock she used to sleep was, and how she'd climb up on the water tower. Until her attention turned towards the leg of the water tower, seeing the marks where she and Powder would see how tall they were.
"I never should've left you." Muttered Vi as she touched the marks gently, wondering how Powder tall was now, if she was alright, if she even wanted to see her after what she did.
"You…used to live here." Caitlyn stated, realizing where they were while looking around, with Vi simply nodding in response.
"Powder? Is that…your sister?" Questioned Caitlyn, looking at the names with Vi nodding again.
"Yeah. I thought she died, but now I learned she's alive. And now I have to try and find her." Vi replied, not wanting to stop until she found her.
"How did you not know if your sister was alive or dead?" Caitlyn asked, only to flinch when the pinkette looked at her with narrowed eyes.
"Hard to check up on someone from inside a cell. And before you ask, we don't have parents either! They were killed by Enforcers!" Retorted Vi, angry at the memories brought up, with the bluenette flinching once again at her words while looking at her in shock.
"I…I'm sorry, I didn't know." Caitlyn said quietly, with Vi letting out a scoff as she sat down.
"Why would you? Why would any Topsiders care about a few trenchers dying when all they did was try and fight to have better lives? For themselves and their families." Vi said, making Caitlyn frown before she sat down next to the pinkette.
"Then tell me, tell me about your sister, what happened to her, why you were separated. Since you may not believe me Vi, but I do care and want to understand." Said Caitlyn, making Vi look at her with a frown.
"Her…her name is Powder, she'd be…seventeen now. After…after our parents died, we were taken in and raised by Vander, I guess you could say he was the leader of Zaun before Silco, everyone looked up to and admired him since he made sure things stayed peaceful. He then took in two others, Mylo and Claggor, they became our brothers and Vander our father. He taught us how to take care of ourselves and stay out of trouble, but the latter never really stuck with us for long since we usually got into trouble. But…then things became even worse after a heist we tried pulling in Piltover ended with a building blowing up." Said Vi, causing Caitlyn's eyes to widen in remembrance.
"Wait…that was you that day?!" Caitlyn said, remembering the day she helped Jayce bring some stuff to his lab, only to find the door was jammed until an explosion went off.
"You were there?" Vi asked with a raised brow, with the bluenette nodding in response.
"Yes, I was helping my friend Jayce bring some stuff to his lab, but the door was suddenly jammed before an explosion went off. We thought something had gone wrong with his experiments." Caitlyn said with a frown.
"Oh…well we didn't mean to blow anything up, but when you two showed up, we needed to get away and Powder had grabbed something; but I guess she dropped it and it blew up. I'm not gonna apologize since we were hoping to sell that stuff for money, not like it matters since Powder had to throw it all into the water after some losers jumped us. But the damage was done, with the Topsiders and Enforcers needing someone to blame, though Vander refused to give us up. Instead, he planned to turn himself in as the one responsible, only for Silco to attack. Killing the Enforcers and taking Vander hostage, so Mylo, Claggor and I went to rescue him, while I told Powder to stay behind. Only for us to walk into a trap, though we were close to getting Vander out before an explosion went off, one that killed Mylo and Claggor while I was left trapped and pinned. We all would have died if Vander hadn't taken Shimmer, he got me out but…he died too. That's when Powder showed up, having followed us and…and she was the one that caused the explosion." Vi said, looking down while Caitlyn gasped in shock, but also looked at her in sadness, that she lost her adoptive father and brothers all at once, then learned her own sister inadvertently caused it.
"Then…then I made the worst mistake of my life. I…I blamed Powder for killing them and I…I hit her, calling her a jinx, something Mylo called her since something always went wrong whenever she came with us on a job. I only realized what I did after I did it, then all I could do was run away. Unable to look at Powder without thinking of what just happened, but also out of guilt that I hurt the one person I swore I never would. But then I saw Silco go towards her and I tried to go and help her, to try and fix what I did, only to be grabbed by an Enforcer. They knocked me out and when I woke up, I was locked in Stillwater, having no idea what happened to Powder. If she's alive, if she's dead, only hoping that I'd get out one day and find her. And…now I know what happened, she's working for Silco." Said Vi, leaning back against the wall, while Caitlyn looked at her sadly at everything she went through.
"What happened to her, it's not your fault. How you reacted, after what happened, it's how anyone would have reacted. Not thinking about who or what, only the pain and hurt of it." Caitlyn assured while putting a hand on Vi's shoulder, only for her to shrug it off.
"It is my fault, I promised I'd keep Powder safe and always look after her, only to break it in the worst possible way. I abandoned her, betrayed her trust, and left her to be taken by Silco." Vi said with self-loathing.
"When…when we were little, we played a game where we pretended to be bigger and bigger monsters. She would say, "I'm a slug monster with venom for ooze". And I'd say, "well, I'm a slug-eating crab with razor spikes". Sometimes, I…I'd get carried away and she'd get scared. I didn't want her to start crying, so…I pretended to chase my own monsters away. I'd say…no monsters gonna get you when I'm here. Then a real monster showed up and I just ran away. I left her." Said Vi, closing her eyes before feeling a hand on her face, making her grab it and look at Caitlyn who looked at her softly.
"You love your sister; you hate what you did and you'll do anything to make it up to her. You can't stay focused on what's already happened, it won't solve anything, just try to be better, that's all anyone can do. And no matter what happens or how much she's changed, I'm sure Powder still thinks about you and wants to see you again just as much. That kind of bond can never be broken, no matter what. So, if you love your sister and want to be there for her again, then don't give up on her, keep fighting and trying, show her you'll still be there. And that this time, you'll be there to chase the monsters away for good." Caitlyn said while giving her hand a gentle squeeze, with Vi looking at her in surprise before her expression softened.
"Thanks, Cupcake." Vi replied, making the bluenette sigh in annoyance.
"Can you please stop calling me that, my name is Caitlyn." Said Caitlyn, getting tired of the nickname.
"But you're so sweet, like a cupcake." Vi said with a small smirk, while the former Enforcer's eyes widened slightly.
"Wh-whatever. Um…what about Powder? What's she like?" Caitlyn asked, wanting to know what Powder is like.
"Powder is, or was, what you would expect from a little girl, always happy and excited. But she was also really smart, having been able to make her own explosives, but they never worked the way she wanted them to. She was also a really good shot, something Mylo always hated whenever she beat him at the shooting gallery we'd go to. And…she always wanted to prove herself, that she could do everything we could and keep up. Though she'd sometimes to go a bit overboard in trying to prove herself, usually making a mistake, but I never could be mad at her, only caring that she was alright." Vi said while smiling slightly, before sighing as she wasn't sure if her sister was anything like she was before or how much she's changed under Silco's control.
"She sounds wonderful." Said Caitlyn, smiling at the image of what Powder is like.
"You know…you actually remind me of a friend of mine, he's an Enforcer." Caitlyn added, with Vi looking like she just struck her.
"Don't ever insult me like that, again." Vi said, feeling insulted to be compared to an Enforcer.
"No, I'm serious and Itachi isn't like any Enforcer you've encountered before, he always wants to find a peaceful solution to any problem, one that wouldn't involve any bloodshed. And…he has a sister too, as well as a godbrother. But he made his own mistakes in the past, ones that hurt and drove them away. He's been trying to find them ever since he came to Piltover, though so far he hasn't had any luck." Explained Caitlyn, the pinkette frowning at her words, not wanting to admit it but she could see how this Itachi had a similar situation to her.
"What…did he do?" Vi asked, curious of what he did that drove away his sister and godbrother.
"It's not my place to say, but just know it's something he's going to regret for the rest of his life." Caitlyn replied, knowing it's not her place to say anything about Itachi's past actions.
Vi simply nodded at this, figuring it must be really bad for it to make both his own sister and godbrother leave him.
"Okay. What about you Cupcake, why are you an Enforcer? Usually they're just criminals in uniforms, but you…you don't seem like the rest." Vi said, curious on why and how Caitlyn became an Enforcer with how she doesn't act like them.
"I'm from House Kiramman, my mother's also on the Council, I grew up rather…sheltered. My parents keeping me from anything they considered "dangerous", along with my mother expecting me to have a job "befitting" of my "station". But I actually wanted to choose my own path, make my own decisions rather than let my parents make decisions for me. I had also learned how to shoot when I was young, even winning a competition the former sheriff participated in. One I originally thought she let me win because my parents paid her to. But instead she did let me win because she believed I deserved it, since she was an Enforcer and saw protecting Piltover as enough of a trophy. She actually helped inspire me to join the Enforcers, wanting to be of service to the city and protect people. Though even then my mother made sure I didn't see the real world, pulling all the strings she could to make sure I was always in a safe post, even during Progress Day she made sure I was posted outside my family's tent." Caitlyn explained while sighing, hating how her parents coddled her despite being able to handle herself.
"Well…at least now I know why you can't even handle a little parkour." Stated Vi with a smirk, with the bluenette rolling her eyes.
"Oh haha. And…technically speaking, I'm no longer an Enforcer, after I was hurt during an attack on Progress Day, my parents had me removed. So…they don't actually know what I'm doing." Revealed Caitlyn, which only made Vi's smirk widen.
"And Cupcake's got a rebellious streak hidden beneath that prim and proper behavior." Vi added in amusement before she suddenly tensed at hearing something fly overhead.
"What is it?" Caitlyn asked, noticing her sudden change in behavior, until her eyes widened as she looked up, seeing several figures on hoverboards flying through the air.
"We got company! Guessing Silco's found us!" Vi said while standing up and running outside, with Caitlyn following her while pulling out and unfolding her rifle.
"They're Firelights, actually! They don't work for Silco, but they've also been causing a lot of problems as well!" Replied Caitlyn while aiming her rifle at the Firelights as they flew around them, with Vi getting ready for any of them to close.
But none of the Firelights attacked, instead simply floating in the air on their boards, until one of them flew down before landing in front of Vi and Caitlyn.
"You shy? Or just ugly?" Questioned Vi while narrowing her eyes at the Firelight, who looked at them for a few moments until they jumped off their hoverboard, which attached itself to their back.
Before they reached up and pulled off their mask and lowered their hood, revealing Ekko, much to Vi's shock.
"You look good for a dead girl." Ekko stated upon now seeing Vi face-to-face again after a decade, while the pinkette looked at him in shock.
"Ekko?" Questioned Vi in disbelief at seeing Ekko and how much he's changed.
"You know him?" Caitlyn asked quietly enough to where only Vi could hear her, not expecting her to know the Firelights' leader.
"Yeah, I know him, he's a friend, or at least I hope he still is." Vi answered just as quietly before turning her attention back to Ekko, not sure if he was still the same kid she knew, especially since he didn't look happy to see either of them.
"What the hell is going on Ekko? It's me, Vi, remember? The same person who used to take you down to the junk heap and hose you down when you got covered in grease." Said Vi, with Ekko's expression not faltering.
"That was a long time ago. People change." Ekko said, making Vi scoff, having learned how true that is.
"Yeah, I'm getting that." Vi stated, given the fact that Powder is now working with Silco and Ekko's now leading his own gang.
"Are you working for Silco?" Demanded Ekko, wanting to make sure this isn't some trick and she's been working for Silco this entire time, while the pinkette looked ready to attack him.
"Fuck. You." Retorted Vi, angry he'd even ask her something like that.
"I-I-I thought you were dead! Now you show up with a Piltie and give her a tour of The Lanes?!" Ekko said in anger at how this is how he reunites with one of the few friends he has left.
"You were following us?! Why didn't you say something?!" Vi said, not believing he'd been following them and didn't say anything.
"We were looking for you after hearing you were back, only spotting you when you two came here! And I didn't know if I could trust you!" Said Ekko since he didn't know if Vi had changed like everyone else and was someone else entirely.
"So now what?! You and your new friends decided to come at us swinging?!" Vi demanded, seeing how they were surrounded and outnumbered.
"Gee, I wonder who I learned that from?!" Retorted Ekko.
"Well I'm sure you still punch like a little boy!" Said Vi, narrowing her eyes as him.
"And you probably still block with you face!" Ekko said, now getting in Vi's face, surprising her that he's actually standing up to her.
"Huh, I remember when you wouldn't stand up to me." Vi muttered before went up and wrapped her arms around Ekko, surprising him slightly.
"I missed you, Little Man." Said Vi, smiling at seeing her old friend again.
"No one…no one really calls me that anymore." Said Ekko, trying to control his emotions.
"You'll always be Little Man to me." Vi stated, with her words making Ekko return the hug with tears in his eyes, happy to finally have one of his childhood friends back.
*Later*
After the reunion between Vi and Ekko, the Firelight Leader had offered to let her and, reluctantly, Caitlyn to come with them back their base. Knowing it'd be safer there than out in the open.
"Is that a real tree?" Vi asked in surprise at seeing the large tree that had a few buildings built around and on it.
While she saw other trees growing around Zaun after first returning, it's still surprising to see one this far down.
"Pretty cool, huh? Unlike the ones made by Silco's enforcers, this one made it down here all by itself. When I first saw it, I knew this was the place. If a single seed could make to down here, so could we." Replied Ekko, knowing if a tree could make it down here without any help from Naruto, then so could they.
"It's beautiful." Caitlyn stated, looking around the location while seeing it wasn't just a base, it was a home for people.
"You built this?" Vi asked, not expecting Ekko to be able to do all this.
"Not alone. After Vander…died, Silco flooded The Lanes with Shimmer. He didn't care what it did to people, everyone here was an addict or a victim. They needed somewhere safe to start again." Ekko replied, knowing everyone here was able to start over, away from Silco's influence and control.
"I should have been there. For you. For everyone." Stated Vi, hating that she not only abandoned Powder, but everyone in Zaun that she could have helped.
"That's a good way to drive yourself crazy." Said Ekko, knowing there wasn't much Vi could have done, especially after what happened.
"He's right and remember what we talked about, about focusing too much on what's already happened and what we can and can't change." Caitlyn added, looking at the pinkette pointedly, making Vi roll her eyes at her.
"I can't believing I'm saying it, but the Topsider's right. Besides, if I just went with you that day, maybe none of this would have happened." Ekko said, believing he could have done something if he went with them that day.
"Or maybe you'd be dead too. Or…changed." Vi replied, thinking of how Silco could have gotten his hands on Ekko, just like he did with Powder.
"Powder's gone, Vi. All that's left is Jinx and she belongs to Silco." Stated Ekko, knowing while Jinx might not be as bad one would expect from Silco's enforcer/adoptive daughter, Powder was still gone.
"Wait, what? Jinx…Jinx is your sister." Said Caitlyn, looking at Vi with wide eyes.
"Her name is Powder. And you're wrong, she's still in there, I can reach her!" Vi retorted, believing she can bring her sister back.
"You can't! You can't reach someone that doesn't want to be reached and likes being who they are! You can say whatever you want, but Jinx can't be changed, not when she doesn't want to be anyone else!" Ekko said, knowing that Jinx was perfectly content with who she was and didn't want to go back to being Powder.
"I know my sister." Stated Vi, not wanting to believe Powder is gone forever.
"Maybe, but you don't know Jinx. The only people that know her are Silco, Naruto and Satsuki." Said Ekko, with Caitlyn's head snapping towards him.
"What? Do you mean Satsuki Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki?" Caitlyn asked in disbelief, wanting confirmation it's actually Itachi's sister and godbrother, with Vi and Ekko looking at her.
"You've heard of them?" Questioned Ekko with narrowed eyes.
"How'd you know their names?" Vi asked since she hadn't even told the bluenette their names, having only been focused on the fact they had sex with her sister at the time.
"Yes, but nothing about them working for Silco. Satsuki and Naruto are Itachi's sister and godbrother, they're the ones he's been searching for!" Said Caitlyn, not believing they'd really been in Zaun this entire time and they'd been working for Silco.
With Vi looking at her in shock, not expecting to hear that Naruto and Satsuki were the same kids that Caitlyn's friend was searching for, she'd actually laugh at the irony if she wasn't so shocked.
"O-Okay…what, um, what else exactly has happened here?" Vi asked, wanting to know if there was anything Babette hadn't told her or anything she didn't know.
"What do you know exactly since getting back?" Questioned Ekko wanting to hear what she already knew.
"Just that Powder, Naruto and Satsuki are Silco's main enforcers, along with both of them having actual powers. One being able to apparently control and grow plants and the other keeping Silco informed about everything." Replied Vi, with the Firelight Leader nodding at this.
"That's all true, Naruto's also able to control water, all that fresh water you saw flowing around and the waterfalls, he made all that. As well as being able to manipulate Earth since he created some dams and canals to keep the runoff from Piltover from contaminating the clean water he's providing everyone. He's also able to make clones of himself, basically letting him be everywhere at once. While Satsuki, I don't know how, but she's able to do something to learn everything about a person just by looking them in the eyes." Ekko explained, much to Vi's surprise.
"It's called the Sharingan, an ability Itachi said is unique to his family that's awakened in their eyes. It's able to predict an opponents attacks, let the user mimic movements, and place anyone who looks them in the eye under illusions. And those are just the basic abilities of it." Said Caitlyn, making Vi and Ekko look at her in disbelief at what the Sharingan could do.
"Okay, can we just skip any minor details and clear up anymore bombshells?" Questioned Vi, feeling a headache coming from all this new information.
"I only have one more, I encountered Naruto, Satsuki and Jinx earlier before finding you two. They'd been investigating a base that me and the Firelights were planning to search after learning of people sneaking around and spying on Zaun." Replied Ekko, shocking Vi and Caitlyn that he actually encountered the trio.
"You met them? And this base they were investigating, who did it belong to?" Caitlyn asked in concern, given if there'd been people spying on Zaun, then they could potentially have been spying on Piltover as well.
"Talon. And it seems like they're going to be making a move against Zaun and Piltover." Ekko said gravely, causing the bluenette to gasp in shock and horror, while Vi was only confused.
"What the hell is Talon?" Vi said, having not heard of the organization.
"I've only overheard Vander and Benzo mention them a few times, and from what I heard they're bad news. If they're really making plans against Zaun and Piltover, we need to be ready." Ekko answered, only for Caitlyn to shake her head.
"They are…they are so much worse than just that." Said Caitlyn, shocked and horrified at the idea of Talon targeting Piltover and Zaun.
"Cait?" Vi said in worry, having not seen Caitlyn look this scared about anything.
"Talon…they're an organization from the mainland, they're made up of different individuals, soldiers, politicians, assassins, anyone of influence, all with their own goals and ideas. But their overall goal is causing conflict, believing it's what strengthens the human race. If they can, they will cause conflict wherever they go, whether through assassinations, terrorist attacks, turning nations against each other, anything they can do, as well as finding ways to increase their own power. If you think Silco is bad, then Talon would be your worst nightmare." Caitlyn explained, with Vi's and Ekko's eyes widening at this information, along with their growing wariness and unease.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx*
Meanwhile, Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx had just returned to Silco, filling him on everything they learned and the information they got from Ekko. With Silco being shocked and even worried to learn that Talon had been spying on Zaun and Piltover.
"You've heard about Talon before." Naruto stated seeing their adoptive father's expression, with Silco nodding gravely.
"I have, years ago, and I had hoped that they would never go anywhere near Zaun. But it seems they are now making plans to attack as I have no doubt they were gathering information on Zaun and Piltover, especially after the creation of those Hexgates." Replied Silco, knowing that Hextech is what Talon would be after and the Hexgates allowing someone to travel to anywhere in the world.
"Just…how bad are they?" Questioned Satsuki, knowing it's rare for Silco to look worried about anything.
"They are the worst of the worst. The only thing they seek is conflict, under the belief that conflict is the key to human evolution, causing it everywhere they can and destroying any form of peace that they can find. That's merely their overall goal, the members themselves also have their own individual goals to fulfill, being able to do so with the organizations resources. As well as eliminating any and all threats against their organization through any means necessary, even brainwashing people close to their targets to eliminate them." Silco explained, surprising the trio.
"And…what happened to them? Wouldn't we know about a group like that?" Jinx asked, feeling like Talon would be more well-known, at least in the criminal underworld.
*With Vi, Caitlyn, and Ekko*
"They usually keep themselves underground and the identity of their members secret as a means to make it so you'd never know who they are, even if you're looking a Talon member right in the face. But…six years ago they were nearly wiped out entirely after they tried making a move against the Shinra Electric Power Company." Caitlyn said after Vi asked about how Talon wasn't more well-known.
"Shinra Electric Power Company?" Questioned Ekko with a raised brow, given that just sounded like an evil company name.
"They're also from the mainland, it's primarily a power company that makes electricity easily and widely available. Basically, if they wanted to, they could make it so no one on the entire continent has power, potentially even further to other lands they have control over. Talon was hoping to weaken and destroy Shinra, causing a power vacuum to be created from their sudden loss. Intensifying the war that's been going on all over most of the continent for ages, while pulling other nations into it as well. But they failed and Shinra retaliated in a way to ensure Talon would be wiped out entirely." Replied Caitlyn, causing Vi's and Ekko's unease to grow.
"What…did they do?" Vi asked, worried about what one could do against Talon.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx*
"They sent their elite fighting force SOLDIER to wipe them out. Their members consist entirely of super-soldiers with superhuman abilities that gives them enhanced strength, speed, agility and reflexes, making it so one member of SOLDIER would be worth a dozen highly-skilled-and-trained Enforcers. But all they did…was send one, the strongest member and who could be considered Shinra's personal monster." Silco said, surprising his adoptive children that they sent one person after Talon.
"Who did they send?" Questioned Jinx, knowing it had to be someone incredibly powerful.
"His name…is Sephiroth. Known as The One-Winged Angel, Sephiroth is the best of the best and there are few lucky enough to have ever faced him and lived. But not because they could beat him, if anyone lived it was because he let them or because they were lucky enough to escape. And they all say the same thing, he's not a man, he's a force of nature given form, a swordsman with unrivalled abilities. It's said that he's capable of bringing mountain downs with just a single flick of his blade. But it's unknown what's fact and what's fiction regarding these claims." Silco explained, much to their shock.
*With Vi, Caitlyn, and Ekko*
"What is known though, is there has never been a single person who's been able to rival Sephiroth, he could kill anyone before they even realize they're dead, wipe out an entire army if it was required, and that he's completely without mercy. He single-handedly wiped out nearly all of Talon, but now they're back and they're targeting Piltover and Zaun." Caitlyn said gravely, with Vi and Ekko being shocked and horrified at all this new information.
"Oh…shit." Ekko muttered, falling backwards as he needed to sit down to process what he just heard, not believing there's someone like that in the world, that anyone could be that powerful.
"If…if Talon is back and they're targeting Zaun and Piltover…what…what happens if Shinra finds out?" Questioned Vi, already scared at the idea of Talon targeting Zaun, but she's completely terrified if Shinra decides to send Sephiroth to finish the job.
With Caitlyn's grim and terrified expression doing nothing to ease her fears.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx*
While Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx were also shocked at hearing how powerful Sephiroth is, they weren't scared of his power. Instead the trio were amazed and felt awe to know someone that powerful existed, that they could wipeout an entire organization like that, single-handedly. Naruto was especially amazed at how powerful Sephiroth is, wondering if he'd ever be able to reach a level of power like that.
"If and when Talon comes here, we need to be prepared. Jinx, get the weapon finished as soon as possible, we'll need it to deal with Talon." Said Silco, with the bluenette nodding in response, having even more of a reason to finish Fishbones.
"We'll be ready when the time comes. Though…is there something else? You didn't look to be in the best mood when we got here." Satsuki stated, having noticed their adoptive father's posture and mood, making Silco glance between the trio since his mood had been sour due to dealing with Marcus and learning Vi is still alive.
"There was an…unforeseen incident, I was informed of…not long after I sent you three to investigate the Talon base. One I'm currently handling as we speak." Silco replied, which only made them curious.
"What happened? And is there anything we can help with?" Questioned Naruto, making the kingpin frown, contemplating if he should tell them or wait until she's been captured.
Before glancing at Naruto and Satsuki, remembering the reason he's even ordering that Vi be captured alive rather than killed on sight. Given that if she ever met Jinx, Silco believed the only thing she'd do is cause her more pain, trying to make her go back to being Powder, remembering everything that happened and those that died. So, he thought it'd be better to simply kill Vi than let her hurt Jinx any more than she already has.
But Naruto and Satsuki convinced him otherwise, saying that would be better for Jinx to confront her sister and her past if she still alive, to be able to fully heal and move on from it. Rather than continue to let the pain and memories continue to haunt her.
"I was…informed that…Vi has returned to The Undercity." Silco reluctantly revealed, shocking Naruto and Satsuki, while Jinx went completely still.
"Wh-what?" Jinx muttered, looking at Silco with wide eyes and started shaking.
"Sevika had come to me and said that Vi was back in Zaun, with a former Enforcer with her and she's looking for you, Jinx." Silco said, the bluenette grabbing her head and rapidly shaking it.
"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO! SHUT UP!" Jinx shouted, grabbing Zapper and began waving it around wildly as she began seeing and hearing things.
"I love you."
"No monsters will get you while I'm around."
"Because she's a jinx!"
"I told you to stay away!"
"You're a jinx!"
"She did this!"
"I ONLY WANTED TO HELP ME!"
"Vi, please! Please don't leave me! I need you!"
"What makes you different makes you strong."
"I can't lose you."
"SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP! EVERYONE JUST SHUT UP!" Jinx screamed with tears in her eyes as she began shooting randomly around the office, before aiming her gun at Silco.
"LIAR! YOU LIED, YOU SAID SHE WAS DEAD!" Yelled Jinx, though before she could consider shooting him, Satsuki snatched Zapper away from her while Naruto wrapped his arms around her.
"Jinx, it's alright, it's alright. They aren't here, you're safe, remember. You're safe here." Naruto said softly, with Satsuki cupping her cheek and wiping away her tears.
"There's no one here Jinx, no one but us, remember. We're always here whenever you need us. It's okay, no one is going to hurt you at all." Satsuki added, the bluenette shaking slightly but was slowly calming down, while hugging Naruto tightly.
Once Jinx had calmed down enough, Naruto let her go and Satsuki returned her gun, before they turned to Silco.
"You said she was dead. You lied." Jinx stated, hurt and angry that he lied about Vi being dead, along with still being shaken to learn her sister was alive and in Zaun right now.
"Jinx, I never once lied to you, to any of you. I truly believed Vi was dead, being just as surprised to learn she was back. I even have my men out searching for her right now, they can bring her to a secure location where you'll be able to meet her whenever you wish." Said Silco, having ordered his men to bring Vi to a controlled environment, where they wouldn't have worry about what happens if Jinx has another episode.
"No! I'll meet her when and how I decide! Besides, I have my own way of drawing her out." Said Jinx before turning to leave the office while remembering the smoke signal Vi gave her, that once she used it, then Vi will see it no matter what and find her.
And Jinx intended to meet her sister on her own terms, rather than on anyone else's.
"We'll be with her once she's ready." Satsuki said to Silco, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"When Jinx is ready, we'll go with her to make sure nothing happens." Assured Naruto, with Silco nodding at this.
"I know you both will." Silco stated, knowing they'd make sure Jinx would be safe and calm when the time came.
Naruto and Satsuki going to follow after Jinx, wanting to make sure she would be alright, knowing she'll be shaken for a while. Plus, knowing they'll need to be ready for whenever Talon makes their move against Zaun and Piltover.
*Timeskip-One Day*
Mel looked over her painting with a frown, unable to actually enjoy working on it, instead only using it as a distraction at the moment. The Councilor still feeling annoyed and upset when she woke up this morning finding herself alone in bed with Jayce nowhere in sight. Though she tried not to let it affect her, continuing on her day like everything was normal, but couldn't shake off her annoyance.
The woman was pulled from her thoughts when she heard footsteps, glancing back only to see Jayce standing there awkwardly.
"I didn't know you were an artist." Jayce stated, not sure what else to say with how he left.
"Hmph. There's quite a lot about me you don't know." Retorted Mel as she went back to her work, making Jayce wince as he looked around, trying to think of what to say.
"Listen, I'm sorry for disappearing last night." Said Jayce, only to wince again when Mel scraped her palette knife across the canvas.
"Duty calls." Mel said, assuming he left to work on more Hextech or something else.
Jayce let out a breath before sitting down, deciding to simply tell her the truth of why he left.
"Viktor's dying." Jayce revealed with his head hung low, having gone to the hospital after getting word that Viktor was there and he likely didn't have much time left.
With this causing Mel to pause while her eyes widened, not expecting to hear that, along with understanding why he left so suddenly.
"I think it has something to do with the gasses in the fissures where he grew up. Exactly the sort of thing we wanted to fix with Hextech, improving lives, solving real issues. Not just trade disputes." Said Jayce, letting out his frustration and sadness, feeling helpless to do anything to help his friend, while Mel sat down beside him with a sympathetic look.
"Viktor saved my life once. Now, he needs me and there's nothing I can do. I hate feeling so useless." Jayce said, remembering how the Council first made him stop his work, taking away his research, everything he'd been working on to create magic.
How he was close to simply ending it all, feeling like everything he worked for was for nothing. Only for Viktor to come along with one of his notebooks, having taken it from Heimerdinger and together they were able to finally perfect Hextech, with Jayce knowing he owed Viktor everything.
"I didn't realize you were so close." Said Mel, having thought they were merely partners and acquaintances.
"He's like my brother." Replied Jayce, before surprising Mel when he laid his head down on her lap, but allowed him to stay where he was.
"Why did you come to me with this?" Mel asked, feeling touched he came to her rather than someone else, though was still confused why he came to her.
"I just…nothing feels impossible when I'm with you." Jayce said, taking her hand in his, surprising her again before she sighed.
"I'm an exile from my family." Revealed Mel, surprising Jayce at hearing she's an exile.
"What? Why?" Questioned Jayce, wondering what could have happened that lead to her being exiled.
"I fell short of Medarda standards." Replied Mel, knowing her mother had wanted her to be a "fox" and a "wolf", being able to use cunning and mercy when it was needed, while also being ruthless and merciless to all her enemies, still remembering her mother beheading that girl simply for being part of the old regime.
"I don't believe that for a second. Do you?" Jayce said with a scoff, making Mel look at him.
"You should be with him Jayce. We can't change what fate has in store for us, but we don't have to face it alone." Mel stated, causing the inventor to look down sadly before turning to her painting.
"It's a beautiful painting." Said Jayce, looking at the large painting of a city with several ships with red sails in the water.
*With Itachi, Viktor, and Sky*
Meanwhile, Itachi and Sky were in Jayce's and Viktor's lab, with Viktor currently working on the Hex Core, a device he hoped would be the key to saving his life. Thought noticed it seemed different than last night, as rather than a bright blue glow, it was now a dark, pale purple with wisps of energy escaping it.
"Viktor, are you sure you should be working right now? Wouldn't it be better if you should rest and regain your strength?" Itachi asked in concern.
"I'm fine, really. I just…I need to keep working and figure this out." Replied Viktor, knowing he didn't have much time already and needed to figure out how the Hex Core worked before it's too late.
"Well is there anything we could assist you with?" Questioned Sky, worried and hoping there was something she could do to help, only for Viktor to shake his head.
"No, you both can go, I believe I have it handled for now. But if I need anything I'll let you know." Viktor said, Itachi and Sky nodded slowly before heading for the exit, looking back to see if he'd change his mind before the two left.
Once they were gone, Viktor fell back in his chair, panting heavily as he's forcing himself to keep moving, not wanting to simply give up when he feels that he's so close to figuring out how the Hex Core works.
'There just seems to be something missing, but what?!' Thought Viktor, looking at the Hex Core, before standing up with his crutch to start working on it, and see if he can figure out why and how it changed.
Though once he was close enough, Viktor saw the blood he'd coughed up last night before collapsing, confused at how it seemed to have dragged across the table.
'Wait…' Viktor thought, looking at the blood and the direction it seemed to have moved in, seeing it had moved towards the Hex Core, gasping in realization and remembrance.
Remembering how before he passed out, the Hex Core seemed to draw his blood closer to it, with a drop of it being absorbed into it.
'The key…it's not magical or technological, it's…biological, it needs something alive to give life.' Thought Viktor before moving closer to test his theory.
Hesitantly, Viktor reached and tapped the Hex Core, getting an immediate reaction as it began glowing brightly and spinning around, much to his shock and amazement.
*With Itachi*
'There has to be something I can do. Something, anything.' Thought Itachi after leaving the building, hating how useless he felt and unable to do anything help Viktor.
While he hasn't known him for very long, the Uchiha has come to see Viktor as a friend and wanted to be able to him in anyway he could. Plus, he knew how Viktor's health was affecting Jayce, how close the two were and he'd want to do anything he could to save Viktor.
"Itachi Uchiha. Didn't expect to see you here."
Tensing slightly at hearing his name and the way he as addressed, Itachi turned to see who it was, prepared for the worst. Only for his eyes to widen in surprise when he didn't see any Ninja, at least not ones that seemed to be after him. Instead he saw Tsunade Senju and her apprentice/assistant, Shizune Katō.
"Tsunade-sama? Shizune? I…I didn't expect to see either of you here." Itachi stated in surprise, since seeing the last known Senju and her assistant this far from the Elemental Nations wasn't something he expected.
"We could say the same to you. Though how about we go somewhere else more…private." Replied Tsunade, making the Uchiha nod slowly before the three left.
The three of them soon arriving at an empty part of the park, where no one could see or hear them, with Itachi looking at them tensely. Not sure why they were here or long they've been here.
"So…how long have you been in Piltover?" Itachi asked, wanting to start with some basic information.
"We arrived a few days ago and have managed to get settled in nicely. Tsunade-sama and I have even been able to start working at the hospital." Replied Shizune, with the Uchiha nodding slowly at this.
"I…see, that's good." Stated Itachi, with Tsunade simply shrugging while regarding him neutrally.
"It has good pay and this place has some nice bars to visit. I suppose this is a good place to live in, you know, to help escape the war you started." Said Tsunade, causing Itachi to wince at hearing a war really did start from his actions.
"I take it the Hokage told you what I did." Itachi said, assuming the Hokage needed to paint him as the villain to cover up what happened.
"No, it just wasn't very hard to figure out. The entire Uchiha Clan is massacred in a single night by you, then you practically disappear off the face of the planet while everyone that wants a shot at Konoha suddenly knows all their dirty secrets and weaknesses." Tsunade replied, making Itachi gulp slightly at what he was going to ask next.
"And…and how bad…how bad is the war?" Questioned Itachi, wanting to know how bad things have gotten, but with the expressions on their faces he wasn't sure he wanted to know.
"It's…it's much worse than anything that's happened before. The Fourth Great Ninja War last for around…three years, and…everything was destroyed. After Konoha fell it created a power-vacuum that intensified the fighting, resulting in the other Hidden Villages falling not long after. And with each village that fell, the greater the power vacuum grew, resulting in the entire collapse of the Hidden Village System with everyone now fighting for themselves and Ninja Clans have broken away from villages they're a part of." Shizune revealed, much to Itachi's shock, not having expected it to be that bad.
"It started with some of the minor villages and nations being targeted after Konoha's destruction, most of them being either destroyed or assimilated into the larger nations. In response to this, assassination attempts were made on the Daimyō and their families, as well as those that could take their place, to destabilize the Nations and caused them to collapse in on themselves. Then once everything began falling apart, the Fifth Great Ninja War began, given the power vacuum that came from the Hidden Villages being destroyed while pretty much all the Daimyō and those that could succeed them were killed. Everyone wanted to be the next big super power in the nations, but it's basically just the Warring Clans Era 2.0. with Ninja Clans simply working for anyone that pays the most while taking out their enemies." Said Tsunade, with Itachi feeling faint and sick to hear what's happened.
Not believing in just one night, he basically orchestrated the complete destruction of the Hidden Village System, just by releasing Konoha's secrets and weaknesses to their enemies. It made him physically sick, just imagining how much death he caused with his actions.
"What…what else happened?" Itachi asked, needing to hear everything.
"Tsunade-sama and I had gone into hiding not long after the Fourth Ninja War began, the Hokage having been sending Ninja to bring us back, mostly Tsunade-sama." Replied Shizune, with the Senju scoffing while crossing her arms.
"I wasn't going to get pulled into another war, no matter what happened or how vulnerable Konoha was. Besides, I didn't think it'd turn out as bad as it did, figuring it'd end in a few years with everyone shaking hands while getting ready for the next inevitable war. But…it really turned out badly, it was after the Hidden Villages collapsed that I knew we'd have to leave the Elemental Nations. Given I'm the last Senju and granddaughter of the Shodaime Hokage, I'd have a giant target on my back for anyone that'd want to try and recreate the Mokuton or make their own Senju Clan." Tsunade said, glad they left when they did before they could be found and captured.
"Should I be expecting anyone else from the Elemental Nations to appear?" Questioned Itachi, wondering if he had his own target on his back.
"Who knows, maybe some Ninja decided to leave. Though I did hear rumors during the early days of the Fourth Ninja War, that it seems like Orochimaru packed up shop and left long before we did. No idea where he is, but I'm sure we'd have heard by now if he was here or anywhere on the Temujin Continent." Replied Tsunade, given how Orochimaru wouldn't need to worry about being recognized as a criminal, he'd be able to move a lot more freely.
The Uchiha nodded at this, while making a mental note to keep himself up to date in the event that Orochimaru ever did show up in the Temujin Continent.
"I see. I know it may not mean much, but I am truly sorry for what I've done, I never wanted any of this to happen. And If you'd let me Tsunade-sama, I would like to explain myself and why I did what I did." Itachi said, willing to accept any punishment they'd have in store for him, but at least wanted to explain himself first.
"How do we know you won't just lie?" Shizune demanded while narrowing her eyes at him.
"Because I honestly have no reason or anything to gain by lying. I am the cause of everything that's happened in the Elemental Nations, but I did the wrong things for the right reasons, which in the end meant nothing. All I can do is give you the truth and let both of you decide if you will believe me or not." Replied Itachi, making both women frown, skeptical of his claim since it could all just be an act.
But with how he acted after learning everything that's happened, he seemed genuinely horrified at what his actions lead to.
"…Fine, tell us what you know." Tsunade said after a few moments, deciding it wouldn't hurt to hear Itachi out
Nodding in thanks, Itachi began telling them everything that happened, from when he first joined Anbu and began spying the Uchiha Clan with their planned coup, working as a double-agent for both the clan and the village, and the suspicions he was under. How it reached the point that the only option was to kill them all, only for Shisui to offer to use his Mangekyō Sharingan on the leaders of the coup to stop it. Only for Danzō to attack Shisui and steal one of his eyes, giving the other to Itachi before killing himself, then the suspicions he was under for being the one to kill Shisui.
Eventually with ending him deciding to massacre the Uchiha Clan as a means to save his sister from being killed as well and to prevent a civil war. Only for it to go wrong when she and Naruto arrived just as he was going to kill his parents, with ROOT Anbu appearing to kill them all and kidnap Naruto. Revealing he'd been experimented on by Danzō to recreate the Mokuton, which he apparently succeeded in doing. Before how he found Naruto and Satsuki, taking them with him to leave the Elemental Nations, but not before exposing Konoha's secrets and weaknesses to their enemies.
"After we had gotten on the boat, I told them everything as well, then once we were close enough to Piltover and Zaun they took a lifeboat and left. Now I don't where they are, if they're even still in Piltover or Zaun, or if they stayed here at all." Itachi said before looking at Tsunade and Shizune, who both had shocked and disbelieving expressions.
With the Senju also being angry at Danzō and Orochimaru for experimenting with her grandfather's DNA to recreate the Mokuton, while also not believing they actually succeeded. Along with not believing her former teacher was actually going to let the massacre happen rather than find another way.
'You'd think you would have learned after letting that snake escape the first time and letting Danzō live despite everything. Way to go Sarutobi-sensei.' Thought Tsunade while shaking her head, her belief that the Hokage title was a curse only being reinforced.
And while they wanted to believe he was lying, Itachi never once faltered in his story, no slipup, no stuttering, he remained completely calm as he explained everything. But they could still see the genuine emotion in his eyes and body language, the pain, sadness, regret and guilt at everything that happened.
Though before they could say anything, Tsunade and Shizune were surprised when Itachi then fell to his hands and knees, bowing his head lowly to them.
"Tsunade-sama, Shizune, I know neither of have any obligation to believe me and I will gladly accept any punishment you believe is fitting for my actions. But before you do, I beg of you to help someone that needs your help." Itachi said, willing to accept any punishment for his actions, but not before at least trying to convince Tsunade to help Viktor, knowing if anyone could heal him, it's her.
"Who?" Tsunade asked neutrally.
"His name is Viktor, a good man, a better one than I could hope to be, and a friend. He's one of the minds behind the creation of Hextech, the other being his partner and our other friend, Jayce Talis. But Viktor is dying, having grown up in the fissures around Piltover, he's suffered his entire life and now he doesn't have much time left. I ask that you please save him." Itachi pleaded, wanting to at least do one good thing before his potential end.
Tsunade and Shizune looked at the once great Uchiha Clan Prodigy, not thinking they'd see him in such a state, with the Senju letting out a sigh before walking up to Itachi.
"Stand up, I'm sure you're already going to be punishing yourself for what's happened the rest of your life, that's probably worst than anything I could come up with. Besides, you're better off alive trying to do everything you can to make up for your actions." Tsunade said, with the Uchiha standing up and nodding.
"I will do everything I can, but I know it'll never be enough. And what about Viktor?" Asked Itachi, hoping she'll help his friend.
"Take us to the patient, we'll see what's wrong with him and what we need to do." Replied Tsunade, much to Itachi's relief and joy that they'll help, before making a Crow Clone and sending it to inform Jayce and Viktor.
*Hexgates*
Though unknown to everyone, several airships soon came through the Hexgates, not drawing attention due to how common it is for ships to come through. But rather than carrying goods or people coming to Piltover, the airships were filled with undercover Talon agents. As well as some of their hired help, consisting of the Dark Mage's Guild, Eisenwald.
"Hmm, this Hextech's pretty interesting, if it's capable of teleporting anyone to anywhere in the world. Who knows what else it can do, how useful it'd be in our revenge." Said Kageyama, an elite member of Eisenwald, with a smirk on his face, intrigued by what Hextech can do and how it could help them in their revenge.
"If Erigor keeps good on his word, then there won't be a problem in letting Eisenwald have a small portion of the spoils." Reaper stated, making Kageyama tense slightly at his sudden appearance, gulping as he looked at the Talon Councils masked face.
"O-of course, Erigor never breaks a-a contract." Kageyama replied, unable to deny that Reaper could be very intimidating, even more so than Erigor.
"I'm sure he doesn't." Said Reaper, looking down at Kageyama before taking his leave, knowing they'll be attacking once Doomfist, Erigor, and their other allies arrive.
*With Doomfist*
Meanwhile, Doomfist and Moira were on another airship that was traveling straight towards Piltover rather than taking the Hexgates. With him was Erigor, the strongest member of Eisenwald, and their other hired allies, Kisame Hoshigaki and Kakuzu of the Akatsuki.
Having hired the Akatsuki after learning from Widowmaker and Reaper that Ninja had also been seen in Piltover. Leading to Doomfist deciding to reach out and hire the Akatsuki, who'd be more familiar with fighting Ninja from the Elemental Nations.
With the Akatsuki having continued acting as a mercenary group, managing to get plenty of work in the Elemental Nations after the Fourth Great Ninja War began. Getting even more jobs and contracts once the Hidden Village System was destroyed. Which had also made their other mission of capturing the Jinchūriki easier with no villages to worry about. Having already succeeded in capturing the Ichibi, Rokubi and Nanabi, unfortunately the remaining Jinchūriki have continued to elude them.
With the Nibi, Yonbi, and Gobi Jinchūriki having all gone underground after the destruction of the Hidden Villages and went into hiding. The Sanbi was nowhere to be found after it was lost during the Third Shinobi War. While the Hachibi Jinchūriki had seemingly disappeared off the face of the Earth, not to mention being a Perfect Jinchūriki as well, making him even more dangerous. And they had yet to still locate the Kyūbi Jinchūriki ever since he disappeared after the Uchiha Massacre.
"How much longer until we arrive?" Erigor said impatiently, wanting to get to Piltover and begin the attack to crush all the "flies" there.
"We shall be arriving by midnight, the perfect time to begin the assault." Replied Doomfist, knowing that'll be when Piltover is at its most vulnerable.
"Just don't forget our agreement. Any Ninja within Piltover and Zaun will be handed over to us." Kakuzu said, wanting to collect the bounties of any Ninja they find here.
"Of course, once we have successfully conquered Piltover and Zaun, you will be free to collect the bodies of all Ninja found in both cities." Doomfist said.
"And what if we decide to simply leave after killing them ourselves? Are you gonna try and stop us?" Kisame said with a bloodthirsty grin, given how Pein only accepted the contract after hearing about the Ninja in Piltover.
Believing it'd be a good chance they could get a lead on where the Kyūbi Jinchūriki is, or at the very least start narrowing down the search. Otherwise Pein would have rejected the contract, having not hidden how he couldn't care less about the problems of other nations and lands, not unless it directly interfered in their plans.
"Hmph, you would be free to leave, but then it will be known the Akatsuki are willing to break a contract once they have what they want, even if it is left incomplete." Retorted Doomfist, knowing just why the Akatsuki took his contract to begin with, seeing them as no different than Talon.
They sought to create a super weapon in the belief it would bring peace to their war-torn land, not even knowing it would only be creating another weapon to create conflict. He'd admire such a plan, if it wasn't being waste on something as foolish as attaining peace.
"The Akatsuki doesn't break any contracts we're given. We'll collect the bodies and leave once the job is finished." Kakuzu stated while looking at his partner with narrowed eyes, having only been partnered with Kisame since he's one of the very few members that Kakuzu wasn't sure he could kill.
Doomfist merely nodded while looking forward towards where Piltover is, knowing that soon the entire city will be under their control, along with their Hextech.
*Later-Piltover Hospital*
After meeting Viktor, Tsunade and Shizune had brought him to the hospital to perform a checkup on him to see everything that was wrong. While Jayce, Sky, and Heimerdinger having all gone there as well, wanting to know if Viktor would be alright. With it not being long before Tsunade and Shizune took him to begin the operation, with the sun having since gone down as they waited.
Until eventually Tsunade and Shizune came out, getting the threes attention.
"How's Viktor?" Jayce asked, concerned and hopeful that they were able to help Viktor.
"See for yourself." Tsunade replied while stepping aside as Jayce, Sky and Heimerdinger could only watch in surprise as Viktor stepped out of the operating room, having thought he'd be resting.
Before they noticed how different he looked, no longer wearing his leg brace, his skin still being pale but appeared less sickly, his limp was much less noticeable, and he seemed overall much better than before. Though he was still walking with his crutch, but was no longer leaning on it for support.
"Viktor? How do you feel?" Sky asked, with Viktor smiling in amazement while taking a deep breath, not feeling any pain as he did so.
"Alive, I feel alive again." Replied Viktor, not believing he was really healed, much to their relief.
"You really healed him." Said Jayce in amazement, relief and happiness that his friend will live.
"We were able to heal the damage, but his physical condition will still need time. Some physical therapy, exercise, and a good diet, and he should be better in no time." Shizune clarified, as while they fixed the damage done by the fumes and gasses, he still needed time to really heal and recover.
"I think that's more than doable. And thank you both, I don't think there's anything I could do to repay what you've given me." Viktor said while smiling at the two Medical-Ninja, who simply nodded in response, glad that they could help.
"Just take it easy and don't push yourself too much." Stated Tsunade, with Viktor nodding at this before looking at Heimerdinger who walked up and smiled at him.
"Viktor, my boy, I'm happy to see that you're going to be with us for a much longer time." Said Heimerdinger, glad that his former assistant/student would get the chance to live his life to its fullest.
"Thank you professor and I'm looking forward to being able to show you everything Jayce and I will be able to create in the near future." Replied Viktor while smiling at his mentor, with Jayce putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Slow down Viktor, you deserve to take it easy now. Once you're ready then we can get back to work, but right now you've earned some time to relax." Jayce said, wanting his friend to enjoy himself now that he's no longer near death.
"I've been slowing down long enough, now I'm ready to start going a little fast. Besides, I did have a breakthrough earlier and still wish to test my theory." Viktor said, still wanting to continue working on the Hex Core now that he knew how to use it.
"If you're sure…" Said Jayce, with Viktor nodding before exchanging goodbyes as he and Sky took their leave to return to the lab, passing by a few Enforcers that approached Jayce and Heimerdinger.
"Councilor Heimerdinger, Councilor Talis, an emergency Council meeting has been called that requires your attention." One of the Enforcers said, surprising Jayce and Heimerdinger before they nodded and headed for the Council.
*Later*
Once they arrived Jayce and Heimerdinger saw the rest of the Council had already been assembled, with Jayce knowing what meeting was about as he saw Marcus in handcuffs and Itachi at his side. With Jayce and Heimerdinger being handed some files to look over.
"Excellent, the Council is assembled and this meeting is in order. Sheriff Marcus, you are hereby accused of betraying the security of Piltover, assisting the industrialist Silco in smuggling Shimmer through the Hexgates, falsifying evidence, and assisting in the death of the late Sheriff Grayson. How do you plead?" Mel said, though they all knew he was guilty, having received evidence proving his crimes from Itachi himself, the trial merely being a formality.
"I…I…I plead…guilty Councilors. I have betrayed the safety and trust of Piltover." Said Marcus, lowering his head, knowing there's no point in trying to lie when they knew the truth.
"Yes, you have. Why did you betray Sheriff Grayson? Was it for power? Money?" Cassandra asked, wanting to know what lead to his betrayal.
"No! I went to Silco to try and capture the ones who blew up that building ten years ago! Yes he paid me, but I didn't know he would kill Sheriff Grayson or the other Enforcers! After that I…I knew I was already in too deep and couldn't escape Silco." Said Marcus, aware it won't change anything but at least wanted to share his side of the story.
"Well, I believe it goes without saying Sheriff Marcus is guilty. Are we all in agreement?" Mel said, raising her hand, with the rest of the Council soon following until it was unanimous.
"Then it's decided. You are hereby stripped of your title of Sheriff of Piltover and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, this Council is not without mercy, you shall not be publicly imprisoned. Instead, you will be given a fake death and you will be imprisoned in secret, to spare you and your family the shame of your actions being exposed." Said Shoola, much to Marcus's relief that his daughter wouldn't find out what he's done nor suffer the stigma that would come from being the daughter of a corrupt sheriff.
With the Council having agreed to this small mercy at Itachi's request, the Uchiha having wanted to at least let Marcus retain some dignity and to not stain his daughter's view of him. Nor the burden that his actions would force upon her.
Marcus was then escorted out of the Council chambers to be taken away to fake his death and be locked away. Once that was done, the Council began discussing what they were going to do next, as now they were without a sheriff. Knowing they'll have to deal with this and run damage control with the Enforcers so this doesn't get out, otherwise the people could lose faith in the Enforcers if they learn the now former sheriff was corrupt.
Though suddenly, they all felt the chamber start shaking as several explosions started going off out in the city, much to their shock and horror at seeing Piltover being attacked.
While down in the city, Talon agents and Eisenwald Mages began attacking Enforcers and citizens alike, with Reaper being at the front with his dual shotguns shooting anyone in his way. With Widowmaker also being on a vantage point, allowing her to shoot anyone with her sniper rifle.
All while Doomfist's airship had also arrived, with Kisame, Kakuzu and Erigor immediately jumping down into the city to join in the attack. With Moira joining them to ensure their allies were kept healed and their enemies weakened. While Doomfist remained in the airship, looking down at his forces attacking the city with smirk, knowing it'll soon be theirs.
*With Silco*
Meanwhile, Silco was in his office before tensing as the building began shaking along with hearing the sounds of explosions from up above. Looking up at the ceiling with wide eyes, the kingpin already knew what was happening.
"It's begun." Silco muttered, knowing that Talon had begun their attack.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx*
With Naruto, Satsuki and Jinx currently in their hideout, the Uzumaki working on some seals while the Uchiha studied Jayce's and Viktor's notes, as the bluenette was working on Fishbones. Only for them all to hear the explosions going off on the surface, making them look up in surprise.
"Was that…" Jinx said, lifting her goggles up before looking at them with wide eyes, all of them thinking the same thing, that Talon was making their move.
"Finish Fishbones, now!" Naruto said, knowing they needed it, with Jinx immediately nodding and double-downed on her work to finish Fishbones.
*With Vi, Caitlyn, and Ekko*
Finally, Vi, Caitlyn and Ekko were in the Firelights hideout when they felt the ground start shaking and heard the explosions, with all the Firelights immediately jumping into action to get everyone inside.
"Oh fuck. Was that what I think it was?" Vi said, looking at Ekko, who could only nod gravely.
"Yeah, it looks like Talon is making their move sooner than we thought." Replied Ekko, much to Vi's concern only for her eyes to widen when Caitlyn suddenly made a run for the exit.
"Woah! Where do you think you're going, Cupcake?!" Said Vi, quickly catching up and grabbing her before she could leave.
"Vi, let me go! I have to help!" Caitlyn said in panic and fear that Piltover was being attacked, that her family and friends were in danger.
"Are you crazy?! You'd just be-AH!" Vi said, only to grunt when Caitlyn actually headbutted her to make her let go.
"Be angry at me, later! I'm not going to stand and do nothing!" Said Caitlyn before rushing to the exit, only for Ekko to fly in front of her on his hoverboard, jumping off and grabbing her.
"The only thing you'll be doing is running to your death! Is that what you wanna do?!" Said Ekko, grunting as Caitlyn kept fighting to break free.
"I don't care! I have to do something, I can't let them die!" Retorted Caitlyn, desperate to get back to Piltover and do something, not caring if it ended in her death.
"Hey! No one's letting you die! Look at me Cait!" Said Vi, grabbing Caitlyn by her shoulders and forced her to look at her.
"You really think you'll be able to do anything?! You told us what Talon's like, you think you'll stand a chance against them all by yourself?! Or do you really not care about your own life that much?!" Vi demanded while refusing to let go of the bluenette and making sure she couldn't try attacking her again.
"I have to do something! My family is up there, my friends! I need to help them!" Caitlyn said, struggling to get Vi off of her, only for the pinkette to wrap her arms around her tightly so she couldn't escape.
"And do you think they'd want you risking your life? Fighting against an organization that'd only get you killed? No, they wouldn't want you to do that, they'd want to make sure you were safe and they definitely wouldn't want you risking your life for them if it'd mean you died. I sure as hell wouldn't want you risking your life for me." Said Vi, thankful as she felt Caitlyn's struggles slow down.
"I…I have to…do something…I can't just stay here…" Said Caitlyn with tears in her eyes at the idea of her family and friends being killed, with Vi pulling back and looked at her.
"It'll be alright Cupcake. You said your mom and friend were on the Council, the people that'd be kept safe and evacuated first, and another friend in the Enforcers who will make sure they're safe. They'll get out of there alive and you will get to see them." Vi said, without any doubt, with Ekko nodding in agreement.
"Vi's right. I'm sure they'll get out of Piltover and somewhere safe, you won't have to worry about them and they won't have to worry about you risking your life." Added Ekko.
Caitlyn looked between them before hugging Vi tightly, wanting to fell the same assurance she did that her family and friends will be alright. With Vi hugging Caitlyn comfortingly, hoping that she wasn't wrong and everything will be fine.
*With Itachi*
The moment the explosions started going off, Itachi immediately began organizing the Enforcers, having them take the Council members away to safety. Before he went outside and began handing out orders, getting the Enforcers to evacuate civilians, along with sending some to get Viktor and Sky at the lab, Caitlyn's father, and Jayce's parents.
Once he'd gotten the Enforcers moving and evacuating civilians, Itachi went to confront the attackers, recognizing the insignia of the Talon members, making him mentally curse that they were attacking. While also seeing they were getting help by what he guessed were Dark Mages.
"Water Style: Water Shark Bullet Jutsu!"
"Lightning Style: False Darkness!"
Itachi's eyes widened at hearing the Jutsu before he quickly jumped out of the way, just in time as an electrified shark made of water crashed into where he'd just been standing.
"Clan-Killer Itachi, you have quite the bounty on your head. Not only that, but you were the last person seen with the Kyūbi Jinchūriki before he vanished." Kakuzu stated, making the Uchiha narrow his eyes at the two Missing-Nin.
"Akatsuki, I'm guessing." Itachi stated upon seeing the cloaks they were wearing, recognizing them as part of the organization that "Madara" attempted to recruit him into joining.
"Well this just became much more fun. Not only do we collect a few bounties, but we may even find out where the Kyūbi Jinchūriki is. I'm sure Leader-sama will be pleased." Said Kisame while drawing Samehada.
"That is if either of you are alive to say anything. Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!" Said Itachi, going through some handsigns before unleashing multiple fireballs at the Akatsuki members.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!" Said Kakuzu, expelling a large amount of water that formed a wall in front of him and Kisame, extinguishing the fireballs the moment they hit.
Only for several shuriken to be revealed to have been hidden inside them, shuriken that were covered in Explosive Tags that immediately detonated. Though Kisame jumped through the explosion with Samehada held high and swung it down at Itachi, the Uchiha quickly unsealing his sword and blocked the strike. Grunting at the strength and that Kisame was pushing him back.
"Wanna know something about Samehada? Unlike other swords, Samehada doesn't cut…it shaves!" Said Kisame before pushing his sword down onto Itachi's shoulder, then tearing it away, with Itachi gritting his teeth as the sword ripped through his shoulder while feeling it drain some of his chakra.
Before he burst into crows, reappearing behind Kisame with his sword ready to impale his chest, only for the Kiri Missing-Nin to block his strike. With Itachi then sensing Kakuzu appear above him, forcing him to jump away in time as Kakuzu slammed his fist into the ground leaving a mini-crater.
"Fire Style: Grand Fireball Jutsu!" Said Itachi, unleashing a large stream of flames towards Kisame and Kakuzu.
"Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu!" Kisame said while releasing a giant stream of water at the flames.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Said Kakuzu, releasing a blast of wind that spread the water out more to cover a larger area.
With the combined Jutsu overpowering Itachi's flames, giving Kisame the chance to jump over the attacks and bring Samehada down onto Itachi, only for the Uchiha to burst into crows again. Before five more Itachi's appeared around Kisame and Kakuzu.
"Water Style: Starch Syrup Capturing Field!" Said Itachi and his clones before they all spat out high viscosity water at Kakuzu and Kisame, with the two Akatsuki members soon finding themselves trapped in the syrup-like water.
Knowing they wouldn't stay trapped for long and that he couldn't focus on them while ensuring as many people were evacuated as he could, Itachi dispelled his clones and had all the crows fly around and surround Kisame and Kakuzu to distract them. With the Uchiha then making his escape before they could free themselves.
*With Tsunade and Shizune*
Tsunade and Shizune, meanwhile, were evacuating everyone in the hospital, having the doctors and nurses get patients out the back as the attackers came in through the front. Before a wall exploded as a group of Talon soldiers ran inside and aimed their weapons at them. Acting quickly Tsunade slammed a finger on the ground causing to start shaking, knocking the soldiers off balance.
"Poison Mist!" Said Shizune, releasing a cloud of purple poison mist at the soldiers, causing them all to begin dropping to the floor dead once they breathed it in.
"Okay, they're taking care, let's keep getting everyone out of-" Tsunade said, only to tense at a sudden loud crash and hearing someone come charging at her from behind.
With the Sannin reacting and immediately turning around, seeing a Talon Heavy Assault soldier charging her. Not hesitating, Tsunade slammed her fist into their chest, sending the soldier flying back where they crashed into a wall before hitting the ground unmoving.
"Tsunade-sama! Are you alright?! Tsunade-sama?" Shizune said, only to see her master had frozen up and began shaking.
Looking at the soldier, Shizune mentally cursed at seeing the impact had split open their head, staining the wall with blood with it also leaking onto the floor. Knowing Tsunade won't be able to do anything with her hemophobia acting up.
"Tsunade-sama, we need to go!" Said Shizune, pulling Tsunade along with her to have her evacuated with the patients and hospital staff, wanting to make sure she's safe before continuing the evacuation.
*With Marcus*
After being escorted out of the Council chambers, Marcus was put into a truck with several Enforcers to be taken to a secure location to fake his death then taken to prison. Only for them hear the explosions going off before hearing the sounds of fighting going on.
With it not being long when suddenly the truck was attacked, being thrown through the air until it crashed into the ground. The impact sending the Enforcers flying around and crashing in the truck, with some being unlucky enough to be killed by the impact.
'What the hell is going on?!' Thought Marcus, looking around as the Enforcers that were still alive picked themselves up and tried breaking open the truck, only for it to be sliced open, revealing Erigor floating in the air.
"Look at what I found; a couple flies stuck in a trap. Here, let me free you! Storm Bringer!" Erigor shouted making several gestures with his left hand's fingers before aiming his hand at the Enforcers, unleashing a powerful tornado that began ripping through everything it touched.
'I'm sorry Ren.' Marcus thought, thinking of his daughter just before the tornado hit them, tearing him and the Enforcers apart.
*Later*
By the time the sun began rising, all of Piltover was in nothing but ruins, with smoke rising all around the city, and the streets filled with the dead bodies of citizens and Enforcers alike. With the ones that managed to escape having either fled the city or worked to smuggle themselves into The Undercity.
With one group of survivors consisting of Itachi, Jayce, Viktor, Sky, Tsunade, Shizune, Heimerdinger and his pet poro, Mel, Caitlyn's parents, Jayce's mother, and Marcus's daughter Ren, who Itachi had gone to save after escaping Kakuzu and Kisame. All of them making their way into Zaun, knowing it's the only safe and closest place to go at the moment. None of them still believing what happened or how everything spiraled out of control.
"I can't believe this happened, it just…came out of nowhere." Jayce muttered in shock, disbelief and despair at what happened to Piltover.
"None of us could have predicted an attack like this, let alone that Talon would be behind it." Said Itachi, getting a few nods from the others.
"I still should have seen this happening! Those airships came through the Hexgates, they were able to just walk into Piltover because of me! And now…now they have full access to the Hexgates and all the Hextech in Piltover." Said Jayce, lowering his head in shame, knowing that his own creations would now be used for conflict and war.
"Not all of it. Before we had to get away, I was able to grab this." Viktor said before pulling a container out and opening it, revealing the Hex Core, much to Jayce's surprise and relief.
"The Hex Core. At…at least that's safe, but who knows when they'll try getting their hands on it or if they can simply make their own. They'll have access to all our notes, research, everything. Now anything they make, anything they use Hextech for, it's going to be my fault! It's the reason Talon even came to Piltover in the first place!" Said Jayce, punching the wall in frustration, wishing he'd never created Hextech if this was what it would bring.
"Jayce, you mustn't blame yourself. This is a risk and danger that all scientists and inventors must one day face. That any great invention can be misused and perverted into weapons of war. You never intended for Hextech to be used to wage battle, only to help others. It will be Talon that corrupts what you created, not you." Heimerdinger said, having seen many inventions meant for peace turned into tools of war, and knew Jayce never intended for this to happen.
"He's right, Jayce. This isn't something any of us could have predicted, we never imagined the Hexgates would be used against us in such a way. It will be something to fix when we take back Piltover, and we will take it back from these invaders." Said Mel, assuring him that everything will work out in the end, something she hoped would be true.
"Councilor Medarda is correct. We only saw the benefits of the Hexgates, none of the risks that came with their creation, the entire Council should share the blame for not thinking more about the dangers. Let alone the chance of such a large attack, especially from the likes of Talon, who we all assumed was wiped out." Cassandra added, not believing Talon as back after nearly being wiped out.
"That alone makes them more dangerous, an organization that's believed to be destroyed can be more dangerous than an active one, simply for the fact they can remain underground to rebuild their strength, becoming even stronger than before. Waiting until the time to strike and reveal themselves." Itachi stated, making Jayce sigh at all their words, but nodded in thanks.
"Yeah, I guess there isn't anything we can do. We just have to regroup and hope there's something we can do to drive them off, before anything else happens." Jayce said as they continued on their way to The Undercity.
*With Doomfist*
Meanwhile, Doomfist looked over Piltover from the Council chambers with a satisfied expression, watching as his soldiers and the Dark Mages continued searching the city for any survivors. Pleased at how efficient their sneak attack was, managing to take over the city and eliminate any resistance. Knowing that they could use the city as their new headquarters and continue building up their forces from here.
'As well as modifying them with Hextech, making them even stronger than ever before. In fact, we already have plans for the Hexgates.' Doomfist thought, knowing Moira is researching Hextech to learn how it works and operates, with some help from those that were smart enough to join them than fight or run.
And once they learn how to create it and begin upgrading their weaponry, armor, and modifying their soldiers, then they'll be taking the battle to Zaun and crush anyone that thinks to challenge them.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Vi and Caitlyn searching for Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx before they decide to rest for the night, with Vi needing some convincing before going to her old home, where we see the two bonding and getting to know each other better. Before we then see the Firelights arrive and a reunion between Vi and Ekko before they go to the Firelights base where Vi is caught up everything else that's happened in Zaun, along with some revelations for her and Caitlyn on Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx. With Ekko then telling them about his encounter with the trio and what he learned about Talon, along with showing Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx meeting Silco and telling him everything as well, leading to Caitlyn and Silco explain more about Talon, Shinra, and Sephiroth, along with Silco telling his adoptive children about Vi being in Zaun, causing Jinx to have an episode before being calmed down by Naruto and Satsuki. With Silco telling them he's having his men search for Vi to bring her to a secure location, only for Jinx to refuse wanting to meet her sister on her own terms. Then we get a timeskip to the next day where Jayce tells Mel about Viktor's condition, with Itachi and Sky being with Viktor who's working on the Hex Core, before we see Tsunade and Shizune appear, where we learn just how bad it's gotten in the Elemental Nations, which have no devolved back into the Warring Clans Era, much to Itachi's guilt and horror at what his actions caused, but is willing to accept any punishment they'd have for him along with begging Tsunade to save Viktor. We then see Talon sneaking into Piltover through the Hexgates and some of their allies, the Dark Mage's Guild Eisenwald and the Akatsuki, where we learn what they've been doing and what's happened to the other Jinchūriki. Before seeing a small timeskip with Viktor having been healed by Tsunade and Shizune, then going to a Council meeting as Marcus's crimes are exposed and sentenced to life imprisonment, but is given the small mercy of his death being faked to spare his daughter the shame and stigma. But then Talon begins their attack, something Silco, Naruto, Satsuki, Jinx, Vi, Caitlyn, and Ekko all feel and hear, with Caitlyn trying to leave to help only to be stopped by Vi and Ekko, convincing her not to, knowing she'd only be going to her death. Finally we see some of the attack on Piltover, which ends in Talon taking over while the survivors flee or sneak into Zaun, with Jayce blaming himself since it was Hextech that brought Talon but is brought out of his self-loathing by the others, knowing it's not his fault, while Doomfist is making plans to make Talon even more dangerous. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out