Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the aftermath of Talon's attack on Piltover along with several reunions between characters and deals being made. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
The moment the Piltover survivors arrived in Zaun, they all felt eyes on them with none of the Zaunites looking very friendly, setting the group on edge. With Itachi, Tsunade and Shizune having everyone stick close together, since they were the only fighters in the group at the moment.
"I had heard the people of Zaun didn't like anyone from Piltover, but…they look ready to attack." Mel muttered, looking around warily, while seeing most of the Zaunites were glaring or regarding them suspiciously.
"That's because most are considering it. No one in Zaun likes anyone from Piltover, with how they're treated while being given little more than their runoff. As well as all the times that the Enforcers have come here, treating Zaunites as little more than vermin. They have everyone reason to hate anyone from Piltover especially those of the upper class, no offense." Said Viktor, being familiar with the distaste for Piltover and its people from when he grew up in Zaun.
"I had no idea it was this bad." Jayce said with a frown, seeing that while things seemed to have gotten better in Zaun, it's still nowhere near how it is in Piltover.
Though the group tensed when Sevika stepped out, along with several of Silco's men, with Sevika looking at them in annoyance and distaste.
"We aren't looking for any trouble, we're simply-" Itachi said, hoping to avoid any conflict.
"Shut the fuck up, Enforcer. The only reason you're not dead yet is because Silco wants to see you all, alive and preferably in one piece. So consider yourselves lucky." Said Sevika, not interested in what they were doing, only that Silco wanted to see them.
With her words making most of the group frown, but they knew they weren't in a position to refuse, given they weren't only outnumbered but also had civilians to watch out for.
"Alright, we'll go with you to see Silco, since I'm sure he wants to hear what we have to say." Jayce said, with Sevika snorting at this.
"Like you have choice. Try to keep up Topsiders." Sevika said before motioning them to follow her to The Last Drop, where Silco would be waiting for them, with the group doing so; hoping that nothing will happen on the way there.
Unknown to both groups, a few Firelights were up on the roofs, having been watching the Piltover group the moment they arrived in Zaun. Having been sent out by Ekko to see what's happened after the explosions and the fighting stopped. Now seeing them found by Sevika and brought to Silco, the Firelights looked at each before nodding as they jumped on their hoverboards and took off.
Heading for the pipelines, the Firelights flew inside, navigating the familiar route to their base, eventually emerging back outside and landed on the ground. With Ekko, Vi and Caitlyn already being outside and ran up to them.
"What's happening up there?" Ekko asked, wanting to know the damage that's been done from Talon's attack.
"It's bad. Piltover's in smoke and ruins, while Talon is already starting to set up base." One of the Firelights said, making the three tense, with Caitlyn being nervous and terrified for her friends and family.
"What about survivors?! Did anyone manage to escape?!" Questioned Caitlyn, making the Firelights look at her with Ekko nodding for them to answer.
"The Enforcers started evacuating people the moment the explosions started going off, with some making it out of the city, while others may have been captured and imprisoned, if not killed. We also found a group entering Zaun, but they were just found by Sevika and Silco's men. They're taking them to him now." Repliedanother Firelight, making the trio tense at hearing Silco wants a group of Topsiders brought to him.
"If Silco actually wants to meet these guys, then they're probably not just regular citizens." Ekko stated with a frown while the bluenette felt hope at the chance that her parents and friends would be among the group.
"Whoever they are, I doubt it'd be good to let Silco near them." Said Vi, not liking the idea of Silco wanting to meet with anyone from Piltover.
"Then we need to go and save them. If they're important enough that Silco wants them brought to him alive, then it'd be better if they were safe. Maybe they'd even be able to help us, as well." Said Caitlyn, knowing that even if her parents and friends weren't in the group, they still needed to save them before Silco could try anything.
"That we can agree on. Gather the Firelights, have everyone keeping an eye out for any sign of another attack from Talon. If they come to Zaun, I want everyone ready to move." Said Ekko to the Firelights, not wanting to take any chances of anyone here getting hurt, should Talon attack Zaun.
Nodding, the Firelights left to go inform everyone to be on the lookout for any sign of an attack and be prepared to move, if it comes to that. While Vi, Caitlyn and Ekko went to gather their things to rescue the Piltover survivors before they can be taken to Silco.
*Silco's Office*
Meanwhile, Silco was receiving a report from one of Naruto's Shadow Clones on the status of Fishbones, which was now complete.
"I'm impressed, I didn't think the weapon would be finished this soon." Silco stated, pleased that Jinx was able to finish Fishbones so soon, even better that it's just in time for dealing with Talon.
"Jinx already had the blueprints and idea drawn up, all that was missing was a proper power source and making it so Fishbones could use the Gemstone." Replied the clone since Jinx was always thinking of new weapons and gadgets to create.
And while Naruto had offered to create a seal for Fishbones to use Chakra as a power source, Jinx had adamantly refused. It's one thing the bluenette wouldn't budge on, creating her own weapons and gadgets herself, without any help. That included finding ways to make them work. Only accepting help in improving them after she's finished making them and knowing they worked.
"Well, I'm sure Jinx will have plenty of targets to use it on soon enough. One last thing, Sevika will be arriving soon with a group of Topsiders that have come here to escape Talon's attack. Once you three are finished, come here." Said Silco, with the clone nodding before it dispelled, transferring all the memories back to the original.
*With Naruto, Satsuki and Jinx*
The real Naruto was standing on a lookout tower with Satsuki and Jinx, one that gave them a view of almost all of Zaun, with the bluenette holding the flare that Vi had given her. With Jinx looking at the flare, grabbing the pin hesitantly before feeling Satsuki put a hand on her shoulder.
"If you're gonna do it, now would be a good time." Satsuki said, motioning to The Undercity with Jinx and Naruto looking before they spotted Vi, Caitlyn and Ekko in the distance, quickly making their way through Zaun while avoiding being seen.
"Are you ready?" Questioned Naruto, looking at the bluenette, who let out a shaky breath at how close she was to her sister after a decade.
"As I'll ever be." Jinx muttered before pulling the pin and held the flare up as it released a blue light and smoke, while looking directly at where her sister was, wanting to see what she'll do.
*With Vi, Caitlyn, and Ekko*
While Vi, Caitlyn and Ekko were making their way through Zaun, searching for the Piltover group, only for the pinkette to stop at seeing a sudden blue light in the sky. Looking up, Vi's eyes widened when she saw the light was coming from a flare on a tower.
"Powder?" Said Vi in surprise and hope, not thinking she'd actually have kept the flare after all these years and was now using it.
"Vi, come on! We need to go!" Said Caitlyn, grabbing Vi's arm to pull her along, only for her to not move, still looking at where the flare was.
"Vi, what're you doing?! We need to mo-" Ekko said, only to stop when he saw what Vi was looking at, with the former Enforcer doing the same.
"What…what is that?" Caitlyn asked, wondering what the flare was.
"It's Jinx." Stated Ekko with a frown, only for Vi to shake her head.
"No, that's Powder! I gave her that the…the last time I saw her. I…I told her to use it and wherever she was, I'd find her." Said Vi, not believing her sister was using the flare, hoping that meant she did want to meet her again.
"Vi?" Caitlyn said, looking at her while snapping the pinkette out of her surprise before turning back to Caitlyn and Ekko, only to look back at the flare, now unsure on what she was supposed to do.
She wanted to help Caitlyn and Ekko go save the Piltover survivors from whatever Silco had planned for them, but now Powder was willingly reaching out to her. Giving her the chance to finally reunite with her sister, a chance she may not get again. Though if she went to meet with her, then what if something happened to Caitlyn and Ekko because she wasn't there to help.
Vi could only look between them and the flare, torn on what she was supposed to do.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx*
While up on the tower, the trio saw how Vi had stopped after seeing the flare but wasn't making any move to go towards it or leave with Caitlyn and Ekko. With Jinx watching intently, wanting to see exactly what Vi will do.
'What will you do? Will you keep your promise? Or leave me again?' Jinx thought while looking at her sister, remembering when Vi gave her the flare.
*Flashback*
Powder started packing up her bombs to go save Vander with Vi, Mylo and Claggor packing up their own supplies. With her soon finishing her packing and looked at Vi, ready to head to the canary where Vander was taken. Only to see her sister's expression at seeing her case, before the pinkette sighed.
"I need you to sit this one out, Powder." Vi said, not wanting her sister to come and get hurt or worse, much to Powder's surprise that she's stopping her.
"What?" Powder asked, confused as to why Vi wasn't letting her go with them.
"You're not ready." Stated Vi, going up to her sister, knowing this wasn't some heist to steal from Piltover, it would have real danger.
"I'm not afraid." Said Powder, not caring about the danger, only caring about wanting to do her part in saving Vander.
"It's too dangerous." Vi said, trying to get her to understand why she couldn't come.
"But families stick together, you said it yourself." Powder said, reminding her of what she said.
"I know what I said…" Vi said, starting to get impatient at her insistence.
"I want to fight! I can help!" Powder said desperately.
"You're not ready!" Retorted Vi, losing her patience with the bluenette looking at her with wide eyes, hurt that her sister didn't think she was ready.
"You're all I have left. I can't lose you." Vi said as her expression softened, placing a hand on the bluenette's face, unable to imagine seeing her sister get hurt or losing her.
"Here. If they come for you, take this and run. Wherever you are, light it up and I'll find you. I promise." Said Vi, handing Powder a flare, knowing that no matter where she was she'd see it and find her.
Putting a hand on the back of her head, Vi held her sister close before letting go and joined Mylo and Claggor at the door. With Powder looking at them helplessly, unable to do anything as Vi gave her one last look before the three left to go save Vander.
*End Flashback*
'Are you going to keep your promise or not?' Jinx mentally asked, waiting to see what Vi will do.
*With Vi, Caitlyn, and Ekko*
"Vi? Are we going or not?" Ekko asked after Vi didn't say anything and still refused to move.
"I…I…I can't leave her again. A-an-and I know we have to save the others, but…I can't lose this chance." Said Vi, feeling terrible that she's leaving them both, but she didn't want to lose what's possibly her only chance to reach Powder.
"It's…it's alright, Vi. I understand, you care about your sister more than anything and I don't want to take your chance to see her again. Just…be careful." Caitlyn said before hugging the pinkette, much to her surprise before she returned the hug.
"We should be able to handle Sevika and Silco's men, at least long enough to get the Topsiders to safety. You just do what you have to, Vi. But keep your guard up, there's no telling if this is a trap." Said Ekko, with Vi nodding at their words.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful and thank you, both of you." Vi replied before pulling back from Caitlyn, cupping her cheek as she did so.
"Stay safe, Cupcake. And I hope those Topsiders include your family and friends." Said Vi, with the bluenette nodding before she and Ekko continued on their way, while Vi headed towards the tower.
With Ekko glancing at Caitlyn a few times, curious of who she was to be able to make Vi act like that. Given from what he remembered of her, Ekko knew the pinkette was never that open to anyone she just met or didn't trust, let alone someone from Piltover who's also a former Enforcer. Now he's seen Vi be more open and trusting of Caitlyn in just a few days than she was with most people in Zaun, when they were kids.
"So…you and Vi seem pretty close." Ekko stated, making Caitlyn look at him.
"Well, I guess so, I mean I did help get her out of Stillwater and she must trust me enough to help me with my investigation." Said Caitlyn, along with their bonding moment in Vi's childhood home, so she didn't find it strange if they grew close.
With the Firelights' Leader snorting at her words while having a small smirk, getting Caitlyn's attention.
"What?" Caitlyn said, only for Ekko to shake his head.
"Nothing. Just that Vi can be pretty intense in everything she does, something I think you should know." Said Ekko with his smirk growing a little, while the bluenette looked at him strangely, but nodded slowly.
Though suddenly before either of them could react, a cloaked and hooded figure dropped down in front of them, making Caitlyn and Ekko turn towards them. Only for the figure to look them both in the eye, with Caitlyn and Ekko soon falling to the ground unconscious, with the last thing either of them saw being the figure's red eyes.
The figure then lowered their hood showing Satsuki, or at least a Shadow Clone of her, the Uchiha having gotten her Chakra Reserves and Chakra Control up to a level where she could make at least a few of them.
'Better get them to Silco before the others arrive.' Thought the clone before picking up Caitlyn and Ekko while shunshining away to The Last Drop.
*With Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx*
While back at the tower, Jinx's arm fell back down to her side with a surprised look on her face after seeing Vi leave Caitlyn and Ekko. Having had her doubts that her sister would actually come here after seeing the flare, but now Vi was making her way to her.
'She…she's really coming…she's…she's not leaving again.' Thought Jinx, feeling hope that Vi chose to come to her, only to grab her head when she started hearing the voice.
"Jinx?" Satsuki said in worry when she grabbed her head, knowing that meant she was about to have an episode, with the bluenette's eyes widening eye as she saw a distorted image of Mylo appear in front of her.
"No, no, no, no! Shut up! She chose me over them!" Jinx shouted, shaking her head while trying to block out the voices and doubts creeping into her.
"Jinx, whatever you're seeing it's not real, just stay calm, okay." Said Naruto, putting a hand on her shoulder, only for Jinx to throw it off as her entire body shook.
"Shut up, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! I didn't mean to, I only wanted to help! It was an accident!" Yelled Jinx, squeezing her eyes shut as the voices continued.
"SHE CHOSE ME! SHE STILL CARES! SHUT UP!" Jinx screamed before throwing the flare at the phantom, until she was held down by Satsuki standing in front of her.
"Hey, Jinx, look at me alright, there's no one else here, but us. They aren't real, neither are the voices, they can't do anything to you. You're safe." Satsuki assured gently, with Jinx panting heavily and looking around.
"Just close your eyes and focus on what's around you, focus on what's happening. You saw your sister and you saw that she chose to come here, she does want to see you again, Jinx. And you want to see her, right?" Said Naruto, with the bluenette giving a shaky nod before closing her eyes.
"Y-yeah, I-I…I want to. I want…to see Vi." Jinx said, thinking about seeing her sister again after so many years, her hope that they'll still be sisters even with how she's changed.
And thinking about Naruto and Satsuki, how they defended her that night at the canary despite not even knowing her or what happened. How they stood by her through all her problems and issues, helping her accept who she is now and be happy again, and supporting her no matter what.
Opening her eyes, Jinx looked around only to see the phantom was now gone, with it just being her, Naruto and Satsuki again.
"Th-thank you." Said Jinx, with Naruto and Satsuki smiling at her, glad that she's alright.
"Powder?"
The sudden voice made Jinx go still for a moment, being to recognize it despite how long it's been since the last time she heard it. Before turning around, her eyes widening as she now saw her sister up close, seeing how she looked compared to when they were kids.
"Vi?" Jinx said hesitantly, part of her feeling that this was just another delusion her mind was creating, with Vi looking at her with tears in her eyes.
"Oh, Powder!" Vi said, running forward and hugging her sister tightly, overjoyed and relieved to finally see her again, with Jinx feeling tears fall from her eyes before returning the embrace, feeling a familiar warmth in her chest whenever Vi held her.
With Vi soon pulling back and looked at her sister, taking in her appearance, seeing how much she's grown and changed, before wiping her tears.
"I'm so sorry, Powder. I…I tried to come back, I promise, I did. But I…I got arrested." Said Vi, wanting to explain what happened and why she didn't come back.
"Marcus?" Said Jinx, knowing he would have been the only Enforcer there at the time who could've grabbed Vi, along with feeling pure rage that he locked up her sister.
Knowing if he wasn't already killed during Talon's attack, then she's going to make him wish he was dead.
"I don't know. I…it doesn't matter. I just…I never thought I'd see you again." Vi said before pulling her back into an embrace, not caring who it was that arrested her or why, only happy to have her sister back.
"…Are you real?" Jinx asked, unsure if this was real with how the pinkette was acting and what she was saying.
"Yes, of course. It's me, Vi, your sister. I-I'm here. I'm right here." Assured Vi, wanting her to know she was real and here now, along with not having any intention of leaving again, while more tears fell from Jinx's eyes.
"Things changed when you left. I changed." Jinx cried, wondering if she'd still care about her after learning about some of the things she's done.
"I know, Pow-Pow, I know. You did what you had to do to survive. Me too. It's okay. What matters is that we're together." Vi said, hugging her again while wanting her to know everything will be fine.
Though Vi soon took notice that she and her sister weren't alone, narrowing her eyes when she saw Naruto and Satsuki.
"You two?!" Said Vi, scowling while stepping in front of Jinx, with the Uchiha giving a mocking wave.
"Hey there Vi. We'd say it's nice to properly meet you, but that'd be a lie. No offense, of course, just that our first meeting…it didn't leave a good impression." Satsuki said, crossing her arms under her bust with the pinkette still scowling at them.
"No worries, I'm not good with people I don't know anyway. With it not helping when I learned you two had sex with my sister!" Said Vi, about to go up and punch both of them, only for Jinx to stop her.
"Hey! It was my choice to be with Naruto and Satsuki, they didn't do anything I didn't want! And I wanted a lot!" Said Jinx, with her now frowning at Vi getting angry over her for having sex with the Uzumaki and Uchiha.
"You're seventeen Powder, and my little sister at that! I'm supposed to look out for you when it comes to stuff like that! But I failed, the least I can do is keep them from trying anything else!" Vi said, with the bluenette scowling slightly at her still calling her by her old name.
"Do you even have the right to play the overprotective big sister card, right now? You may have tried coming back, but you still left in the first place, the only family she had left and you still left her." Naruto stated while narrowing his eyes at Vi, causing her to wince in guilt, knowing she couldn't argue against that.
"We also saw you being all touchy feely with that Topsider too. So you can't say anything about who I'm sleeping with, when you're with her." Added Jinx while crossing her arms, with Vi's eyes widening before she blushed in embarrassment.
"Wh-wh-what?! Y-you mean C-Ca-Caitlyn?! No, no, no, no, no! No, we are not sleeping together, she's the one who got me out of Stillwater and is just a friend!" Vi said while shaking her head rapidly.
"Already on a first name basis? Sure, you're totally just friends. Do you hug all your friends and caress their cheeks when you say goodbye, or just her?" Questioned Satsuki with a smirk, which only made the pinkette's blush intensify.
"W-we-we're r-re-re-really j-ju-just fr-friends!" Said Vi, with Jinx looking at with a raised brow.
"…I don't believe you." Jinx stated, knowing they were together since her sister would never get this embarrassed if they weren't.
"Po-Powder, please can we stop talking about this?!" Said Vi, only to see the bluenette scowl.
"As soon as you stop calling me that. It's Jinx now." Retorted Jinx, not wanting her to keep calling her Powder when she's Jinx now.
"You're not a jinx. I never should have-" Vi said, regretting calling her a jinx if that's what she's started seeing herself as.
"Stop talking to me like I'm a child! I'm not, I haven't been a child since the day you left me! My name is Jinx and I make my own decisions, including who I do and don't have sex with!" Jinx snapped, with Vi raising her hands to try and keep her calm.
"Your name is Powder, it's the one you were born with, the one mom and dad gave you. I hate myself for ever calling you a jinx, you're not and you shouldn't see yourself as one ei-" Said Vi, only to stop hen Jinx grabbed Pow-Pow with the barrels extending and aimed it up at her head.
"SHUT UP! I chose to be Jinx! Powder was always scared, she always messed everything up, she…she'd never do what I've done. I'm not Powder anymore; my name is Jinx and that's who I want to be. So if you came here just for Powder then…then just leave." Said Jinx as she lowered Pow-Pow with disheartened expression, thinking her sister only wanted her to go back to being Powder.
"What? No, I'm not leaving! I came here for you, only you! My sister! Pow…please, don't leave. I can't lose you again. Because I will follow you wherever you go, no matter where it is. I'm not going to abandon you again." Vi said, putting a hand on Jinx's arm, only for her move away while wrapping her arms around herself.
"I'm so sorry, I never meant to leave you." Said Vi sadly, only for Jinx to shake her head.
"You never left. I always heard you. Shadows in the streets, prickles on the back of my neck. Your voice. Pushing me. Picking me up when all the colors were black. You were still with me, along with them." Jinx said while looking at Naruto and Satsuki, before turning back to her sister who looked at her with tears in her eyes before Vi hugged her.
"I spent so many nights in that shitty prison. On that freezing floor, hungry, bloody, counting the hours. The only thing…the only thing that kept me going was the thought of getting back to you." Vi said, holding her rightly, with Jinx slowly returning the hug.
"I thought…I hoped that you could still love me, like you used to…even if I'm…different. But we've both changed, we're different." Said Jinx, not sure if they could be like they used to.
"Yeah, we are." Vi replied sadly, starting to see the sister she left behind isn't the one she's found.
"Are we…still sisters?" Jinx asked hesitantly, with Vi pulling back and wiped away her tears.
"A lot has changed, we aren't the same people we once were anymore, we're different and we don't even know each other anymore like we used to. I know I messed up, I wasn't able to chase away the monsters like I promised and left you alone. But if you ever believe anything I say, then let it be this, no matter what you do, who you are, or what you call yourself, we will always be sisters. Nothing is ever going to change that…Jinx." Vi said while hesitantly saying her name, making Jinx look at her with wide eyes before smiling tearfully and embraced the pinkette.
"And…if you want, we can leave, together. We'll leave and never come back." Added Vi, willing to leave everything here behind if that's what her sister wanted, surprising Jinx again.
"Where would we go?" Jinx asked, not thinking Vi would offer to leave with her, something she already planned to do with Naruto and Satsuki.
"Wherever you want to go. They…they could even…come with us." Vi said reluctantly while looking at Naruto and Satsuki, still upset at them having sex with her sister, but knew they also made her happy so she could learn to tolerate them.
"Um…we…we were already planning to leave, the three of us." Revealed Jinx, with the pinkette being surprised this time.
"You were?" Vi asked, not expecting to hear that, with Naruto and Satsuki nodding in response.
"Yeah, it's something we've thought about for a while now. I'm sure you already know by now, but Naruto and I aren't exactly normal, at least by the standards here. We have a lot of power, and while it's helped us in improving life in Zaun, it can start getting pretty…confining. Learning about Talon, Shinra, SOLDIER and Sephiroth, it reminded us just how big the world really is. So, we agreed that we'd leave to see what else is out there for us to see and explore." Satsuki replied, surprising Vi again.
"Well…that's good. Did you plan on leaving soon?" Questioned Vi since she still hoped to be able to help Caitlyn before leaving.
"We planned to leave after Zaun's been made its own sovereign nation, along with now dealing with Talon." Said Naruto, making Vi frown at the idea of her sister going against Talon, only to tense at realizing something else.
"Wait…you're still planning to work for Silco?!" Vi said in disbelief, upset that Jinx would still work for him after everything he's done.
"Yeah we are. He's been helping improve things in The Lanes and he raised us. Why wouldn't we want to help finish things before leaving?" Jinx said with a frown.
"Powder! Are you forgetting everything he's done?! He betrayed Vander, killed Benzo, he's flooded Zaun with Shimmer, he's the reason Mylo, Claggor and Vander are dead!" Said Vi, angry at everything Silco's done.
"He was also there for me! He was there when I needed someone to raise me, someone to teach me! Silco may not be a good guy, but he's our father just as much as Vander was for us!" Jinx retorted with a scowl, knowing that Silco's actions can be rather immoral, but everything he's done is for the good of Zaun and its people.
Vi looked at her with a shocked expression, nothing she'd actually call Silco her father like Vander, even after what he's done.
"You may not like him Vi, but everything Silco's done is for Zaun and its people. You don't have to like him, but know that he's done everything he can to improve the city and ensure no one can threaten it again." Satsuki stated, making Vi look at her and Naruto.
"And we're not asking you to join him, but if you really care about Jinx and want to go with us when we leave, then you should at least be able to deal with him until Talon's dealt with. After that, you'd never have to see him again." Added Naruto, with the pinkette frowning before Jinx wrapped her arms around her.
"Can we just…not worry about anything right now, please. I don't want to fight." Said Jinx, not wanting to fight with her sister anymore.
"I…f-fine…alright Pow-Pow, no more fighting right now." Vi said while returning the embrace.
"My name's Jinx, Pow-Pow is the turret." Jinx muttered, causing Vi to glance at the large gatling gun hanging at her side, along with seeing a large weapon on her back that looked like a shark.
"It's…it'll take some time, but…I'll get there, I promise." Replied Vi, knowing it'll take time to start calling her Jinx.
"And it looks like you've really stepped up your skills. Got any other new gadgets?" Vi asked, smiling slightly at how Jinx has improved her mechanical skills and built her own weapons.
"Yeah. I'll tell you later, I just wanna stay like this right now." Said Jinx, wanting to simply enjoy being with her sister again, with Vi nodding as they held each other.
*Silco's Office*
Meanwhile, Caitlyn and Ekko soon began waking up after being knocked out by Satsuki's clone, with both of them finding themselves sitting on a couch in an unfamiliar room. Only for both of them to tense, when they saw Silco sitting behind his desk.
"So nice to see you both awake, especially since we'll be starting soon." Said Silco, making Ekko scowl and went to get up, only for him and Caitlyn to be forced to sit down by someone putting a hand on their shoulders.
Looking, the two only grew more tensed to see Satsuki's clone looking at them with her Sharingan, with Caitlyn's eyes widening at seeing Itachi's sister for the first time.
"If I had any ill intentions towards either of, you wouldn't have woken up at all. So it would be in your best interest to stay calm and listen to what I have to say." Said Silco, with Caitlyn and Ekko trading a look before reluctantly nodding in agreement.
Seeing this, the clone dispelled just as the door opened with Jayce, Viktor, Itachi, Mel, Caitlyn's parents and Heimerdinger entered the office. With the others having been taken to a separate room, since Silco doubted they'd be needed for the meeting. While Tsunade and Shizune chose to stay with them, just in case the kingpin tried something.
"Mom, dad!" Caitlyn said, immediately getting up and ran over to her parents and hugged them tightly.
"Caitlyn?! Oh thank goodness you're alright, when the attack started and you were nowhere to be found…" Said her father, relieved to see their daughter was safe.
"We're just relieved to see you're safe and alive, sweetheart." Cassandra said, feeling a weight off her shoulders at seeing Caitlyn was alive.
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry for worrying you both, I'm just so happy you're alright. Along with you all." Replied Caitlyn before hugging Jayce and Itachi as well, glad to see her family and friends were alright.
"Glad to see you're safe as well, Cait. And looks like you were right to continue your investigation." Jayce said, happy to see the bluenette hadn't been in Piltover during the attack.
"There are others, but they're in a different room. I'm guessing for whatever you wanted to talk about, Silco." Said Itachi, narrowing his eyes at Silco, with everyone else looking at the crime boss as well.
"What's your game, Silco? Why did you drag us here, and where's Vi?" Ekko demanded, thinking this was all a trap and Silco had Jinx lure Vi away.
"If she's not here then she's likely reuniting with Jinx, which is their business alone. My business is with all of you. And I won't waste time beating around the bush, Piltover is now under Talon's control, soon enough they'll have control of the Hexgates and Hextech to start building their own. Which means it'll only be a matter time before they turn their sights to Zaun. So, I believe it's only natural that an alliance is formed between us, the Firelights, you Topsiders, as well as me and my own forces. Not only to keep Talon from conquering The Undercity, but also so Piltover can be taken back." Silco said, making several of them frown at his offer.
"Why would you care to reclaim Piltover? Why not just build up your strength here in Zaun, where you'd have the advantage." Mel said suspiciously.
"Because I'd prefer to not have Zaun be destroyed in such a battle, better to fight Talon out in the open rather than down here where even more devastation can be unleashed. Keep in mind, I'm merely offering this alliance out of courtesy as from where I'm standing, you all need my help far more than I need yours." Silco replied, which only made their frowns deepen.
But they also knew what he said was true, at the moment he's the one with the resources, manpower and means to actually fight back against Talon. While the Firelights wouldn't stand a chance against Talon, even with their hit and run tactics they'd eventually be cornered.
"…Putting it like that, we don't really have a choice do we." Stated Ekko in annoyance, knowing they didn't have a choice and had to work with Silco.
"No, you do. You're just making the smarter and more practical one, like any Zaunite would." Silco said before turning to the Topsiders for their answer, with them trading looks until they turned back to the kingpin.
"What would you ask for in return?" Heimerdinger said, making Silco smirk slightly before pulling out a folded piece of paper.
"I took the liberty of writing up my terms." Said Silco, having made them after his adoptive children stole the Hextech Gemstones, as a means to offer them to the Piltover Council when they saw how serious Zaun was.
Holding the paper out, Jayce stepped forward and took it, opening it up only to frown at the terms.
"Free trade routes, blanket amnesty, unrestricted access to the Hexgates and use of Hextech, sovereignty, pardons for all citizens of Zaun of any and all crimes they've committed?!" Said Jayce in disbelief at everything Silco wanted.
"You can't be serious?! These demands…they're…they're outrageous!" Cassandra said, not believing he'd demand so much from them.
"They're reasonable compared to what I could demand with the position you're all in. These are my terms, they're nonnegotiable, you can either accept them or begin searching for help elsewhere." Silco said, silencing the Topsiders at seeing how serious he was being.
"If you're actually going to help then I have my own terms. For starters, you're going to stop producing and distributing Shimmer." Said Ekko while narrowing his eyes at Silco, who merely nodded.
"I see no problem with that. Once Talon is dealt with and Zaun has received its independence, I'll have no need for Shimmer anymore. But it will only be after making sure the Topsiders don't go back on their side of the deal." Said Silco, making the Firelights' Leader reluctantly nod, figuring it's better than nothing.
"Fine. Also, the Firelights aren't to be touched ever again, we'll also be allowed to patrol Zaun independently to deal with any threats to it, whether they come from outside or within. Those under our protection also aren't to be touched and given safe places to live, the same goes for anyone else we take in. We'll also get access to whatever Hextech Zaun has." Ekko said, wanting to make sure the Firelights can continue protecting Zaun from the shadows and those under their protection will have the chance to return to the rest of the city, along with being able to upgrade their equipment.
"These are acceptable as well, as long as the Firelights deal with actual threats to Zaun as a whole, while also not touching myself or anyone under my employment." Silco said, seeing a chance to have additional protection for Zaun, as well as getting the Firelights off his back.
With Ekko nodding at this, pleased that the Firelights will be able to operate more freely before looking at the Topsiders to see what their own terms will be. Doubting they'll be able to make many, given their current position. Silco turning to them as well, knowing they'd have demands of their own, but more reasonable ones. The Piltover group moving back to discuss what they could think of, while making sure the terms were reasonable and acceptable.
"A liaison will be chosen to ensure that any and all Hextech in Zaun will not be used to attack Piltover, the pardons will only extend to crimes that have already been committed, anything done afterwards will not be forgiven. And the Firelights cannot do anything that would disrupt the trading in Piltover, but they will be allowed to patrol the city for threats." Said Jayce once they returned, offering their own terms they were able to think of that'd at least ensure Zaun didn't make any moves against Piltover.
While Viktor had volunteered to be the liaison, given he's from Zaun and knew the people here the best, along with knowing the most about Hextech aside from Jayce. So, he'd be able to figure out anything Zaun builds and if it could be used to threaten Piltover.
"That's fine with me." Ekko said, knowing with production the production of Shimmer being stopped, they won't have any reason to attack anymore airships.
"Then I believe we have an accord." Stated Silco, standing up, willing to accept those terms as long as it didn't interfere in Zaun's business.
Everyone's attention then turned to the door, seeing Naruto, Satsuki, Jinx and Vi entering the office, with Itachi looking at the former two in shock.
"S-Satsuki? Naruto? You…you're here?" Itachi said in shock and disbelief at seeing his sister and godbrother here.
"Itachi?" Said Jayce in concern for his friend, while also being surprised to see them here in Zaun.
"Itachi. So nice to see you again." Satsuki said coldly while looking at her brother, seeing the uniform he's now wearing.
"Satsuki, save your breath, we already know Enforcers don't care for anyone from Zaun." Naruto said, with the female Uchiha nodding.
"That isn't true for all of them. And I do care for both of you, I've been searching for you every day." Stated Itachi, only for them to narrow their eyes at him.
"Not hard enough apparently, when we've literally been hiding right under your nose the entire time. I guess all that time in Piltover made you use to ignoring those beneath you." Retorted Naruto, making Itachi and the other Topsiders frown before he tried speaking, only for Satsuki to stop him.
"Before you even try saying anything, just know we've heard enough lies from you. And the truth only made us hate you. So think very carefully on what you're going to say, or better yet don't say anything." Satsuki said, with her brother sighing while dragging a hand down his face.
"Can we please try talking?" Itachi asked, at least wanting a chance to talk with them.
"They already made it clear they don't have anything to say to you, and they don't want to hear anything you have to say." Said Jinx, standing in front of Naruto and Satsuki, while narrowing her eyes at the older Uchiha.
"Who are you?" Said Itachi with a frown at who she was.
"Me? I'll be your worst nightmare if you ever try hurting Naruto and Satsuki again." Jinx said with a dark, crazed smile on her face, refusing to let Itachi hurt her adoptive siblings/lovers again.
After all the times they've helped and been there for her, Jinx intended to be there for them just like they always were for her.
"I'm…guessing things went well for you two." Caitlyn stated, glancing at Vi while watching the trio warily, with the pinkette sighing in exhaustion.
"It was a little touch-and-go, but yeah…I think things are good and hopefully they'll get better. But how did you two get here?" Questioned Vi while narrowing her eyes at Silco.
"A clone grabbed us and brought us here. Silco offered an alliance between us all to take down Talon and take back Piltover. And…we've agreed to it, after offering up some terms." Ekko replied, still not liking the idea of working with Silco, but knew they didn't have any other choice.
With Vi scowling at this, also not really liking the idea of working with Silco, but could also see that at the moment the enemy of my enemy was my friend.
'Even if I want to turn his head into paste.' Vi thought before going up to Silco's desk, with the kingpin looking at her with a raised brow.
"Vander's protégé, I'm sure it must be quite nice being back here, even better that you've reunited with Jinx." Said Silco, making Vi clench her fists as she glared at him.
"The only reason I'm not bashing your skull in after everything you did, is because Powder…J-Jinx, cares about you for some reason. And that without you, there'd just be infighting, which would leave us easy pickings for Talon. But if there was any, and I mean absolutely any, other option than you, I'd be taking it in a heartbeat." Vi said, wanting to make it perfectly clear she hasn't forgiven him for anything he's done, a sentiment Ekko shared.
"Noted. Now perhaps if we're done, we can begin." Said Silco, making everyone look at him with Naruto, Satsuki and Jinx moving to stand by his side, ready to get started on what to do to take down Talon.
*Timeskip-Two Weeks*
Two weeks have passed since Talon's attack on Piltover and taking over the city as their own, with Talon having successfully begun converting it into their new base. With them having also unlocked the secrets of Hextech and begun building their own Hextech weapons and armor. As well has having upgraded their members with Hextech Cybernetics to make them even stronger. Along with members of Eisenwald for their assistance, enhancing their physical capabilities while making their magic power all the more powerful than before. While Kisame and Kakuzu had refused any enhancements, having no interest in such things.
At the moment Doomfist, who now had a new Hextech arm with a built in gauntlet, sat in the council chambers along with Reaper and Moira. With them also being joined by one of the Piltover residents that had joined them rather than fight and die or run away.
With it being a woman with short, styled white hair, pale skin, and glowing blue eyes. While her attire consisted of mechanical dark blue clothing with two long coattails, long black gloves attached, all of which looked to be part of her body than something she's wearing. The most noticeable part were her legs being entirely mechanical with the lower halves being blades.
This was Camille, a Principal Intelligencer of Clan Ferros, having been in charge of ensuring Piltover's machinery was running smoothly, as well as being a former Enforcer. With having betrayed Piltover and join Talon as a means to gain access to Hextech and weaponize it after the Council rejected her prior requests to do so, wanting to use it augment her own body. Having succeeded in her goal as she had finished receiving the last of her enhancements earlier that day. Though it now left her as being more machine than human, with most of her original body being replaced by Hextech.
"Is everything prepared, Camille?" Doomfist asked, with the woman nodding as her eyes glowed brightly.
"Yes, the airship is loaded and ready to be launched through the Hexgates." Replied Camille, making Doomfist smirk.
"Good. Bring up an image of Midgar, I wish to see Shinra's fall." Said Doomfist with a holographic screen appearing in front of them showing Midgar, the location of Shinra's headquarters.
While outside the Hexgates began activating with an airship in front of them, one filled to the brim with explosives. Once the Hexgates had locked onto Midgar, the airship soon teleported away with its payload. With the Talon Council members watched as the airship immediately reappeared directly above the Shinra building, falling down straight towards it.
Doomfist's smirk widening as he watched the moment the airship made contact, it unleashed a massive explosion that destroyed the Shinra building, causing it to collapse to the ground. With the impact creating a chain reaction all of Midgar began shaking from the explosion; buildings collapsing, the ground splitting open and widespread destruction being unleashed.
"That's certainly one way to deal with a threat." Moira stated upon seeing the devastation unleashed just from a single airship being dropped.
"Not just a threat, a message to all that Talon has returned, more powerful than ever, and no one can stand in our way! Not when we've converted the Hexgates into cannons that can snipe our enemies and unleash mass destruction on them from afar! While we have also shown that those that cross us will suffer greatly." Doomfist said, pleased they not only dealt with such a threat to their plans, but they've also gotten their revenge.
And while he would have liked the chance to personally kill Sephiroth, Doomfist was satisfied at knowing he died without even realizing what happened. Knowing not even The One-Winged Angel could have survived an attack like that.
*With Sephiroth*
Though unknown to Doomfist and the rest of Talon, Sephiroth hadn't been in Midgar during their attack, having been sent out on a mission along with his friends Angeal Hewley and Genesis Rhapsodos.
Angeal is a tall man with a broad and muscular structure. He is approximately twenty-five-years-old. He has black hair slicked back except for two bangs on each side. Angeal wears a standard SOLDIER First Class uniform and carries a standard SOLDIER sword, along with his iconic Buster Sword, the latter of which he only uses on special occasions.
While Genesis had short auburn hair that partially covered the right side of his face and dark green eyes with. His attire consisting of the standard SOLDIER First Class uniform, crisscrossing leather straps on his chest, and a long red coat with black pauldrons. Along with having a rapier, a large, red-bladed sword that he used on missions.
The three were currently returning from a mission to hunt down a dragon that's been spotted and destroying towns, villages, cities, anywhere there were people. Though they'd only succeeded in driving the dragon off, something unexpected given such a thing would normally be easy for them to kill together. Only to learn the dragon was unlike others they'd seen or fought before.
"I swear, I didn't think we'd encounter something that powerful, let alone a dragon capable of withstanding our attacks. It actually would have been a good challenge, if the thing hadn't been laying waste to the entire continent for centuries now." Genesis stated, not remembering the last time they'd encountered something that powerful, if they ever did before.
"I have to agree, I don't think we've gone against a beast that powerful, let alone one that seemed capable of absorbing our Magic-based attacks. I don't doubt if it had just been one of us, then the dragon would have been the victor." Said Sephiroth, knowing even he would have likely been killed if he went alone.
"Maybe we did die. After all, I didn't think the day would ever come where you'd accept defeat." Said Genesis, smirking at Sephiroth, making the silverette shaking his head and smacking his friend on the back.
"Who said I'd accept defeat? If I did meet my end, I would make sure my killer worked for it first." Sephiroth replied with a smirk.
"It's just a relief we were able to drive the dragon off before anymore destruction could be unleashed. But it's still worrying that such a creature is out there." Angeal said with a frown, making Sephiroth and Genesis look at him.
"I understand you're concerned, but I'm sure the dragon won't be back for a while now, if it needed to retreat. And the next time it appears, we'll be ready." Assured Sephiroth, with Genesis nodding in agreement.
"He's right. Now we know what it can do and how to kill it. I always wanted to try my hand at slaying the Black Dragon of the Apocalypse, anyway." Genesis added eagerly, looking forward to when they can face the dragon again and kill it.
Though the trio suddenly stopped when they felt ground shaking, their eyes widening at feeling the source of the shaking coming from Midgar. Not wasting another moment, the three First Class SOLDIERs took off running as fast as they could toward Midgar.
Only to be shocked and horrified when they saw Midgar come into view, seeing the entire city looked to be nothing but ruins with fires burning all over it.
"We need to move now! Get the people to safety and search for any survivors!" Sephiroth said, with Angeal and Genesis nodding quickly before the three let their wings out, flying straight towards Midgar.
Splitting up once they reached the city, they began moving around as fast as they could, saving people in danger while directing everyone to move to stable areas to get out of the city. With Sephiroth listening for anyone trapped under the rubble, quickly moving to save them before they were crushed.
Before he spotted someone pinned down by a fallen wall, the silverette immediately dropping down to the ground, grabbing the wall and throwing it off the person, finding they were a young teenage girl.
"It's alright, you're safe now." Sephiroth assured the girl, looking her over, grimacing at the injuries she had before he began casting a healing spell.
"C-ca-can't f-f-fe-fe-fe-feel…" Muttered the girl unable to feel her body, before groaning in pain as she felt her wounds being healed and her bones realigning themselves
"It's okay, you'll be fine in a moment. Can you tell me what happened, anything at all?" Questioned Sephiroth as a means to take her mind off the pain and see if he could get some information about the attack.
"Sk-sk-sky…f-fe-fe-fell…" The girl said weakly while pointing up, making Sephiroth look up for anything that could have fallen from the sky before frowning as he looked towards the center of the city, where the Shinra building once was.
'The destruction seems to emanate from the Shinra building. This wasn't an accident, this was a deliberate attack, one that came out of nowhere and was powerful enough to wipe out nearly all of Midgar instantly.' Sephiroth thought before looking back at the girl.
"How are you feeling?" Sephiroth asked upon seeing that her injuries were starting to vanish.
"B-be-better…th-thank you…wh-who a-are…you?" The girl asked after regaining feeling in the rest of her body, but still felt weary and tired.
"My name is Sephiroth, SOLDIER First Class. And I'm sorry I wasn't here to prevent this from happening." Said Sephiroth, hating that one of the few times he, Angeal, and Genesis were on a mission together such a devastating attack happens, one they could have prevented.
"H-he-here…now…" The said girl tiredly.
"If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?" Sephiroth asked before he stopped his spell, upon seeing that the most of the serious wounds were healed and that she'd survive.
"A-Ae-Aerith." Aerith introduced, with the silverette smiling kindly at her.
"Aerith. You have my word, those responsible for this destruction will be brought down." Said Sephiroth before picking Aerith up to take her to safety.
All while mentally swearing that everyone involved in this destruction will be ripped apart and left completely broken once he gets his hands on them.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the Piltover survivors have been found by Sevika and Silco's men to be taken to him, something the Firelights see and inform Ekko, Vi, and Caitlyn leading them to go and save them. While we then see Naruto, Satsuki, and Jinx, with the latter using her flare to contact Vi, which Vi sees and goes to see her sister again, with Caitlyn and Ekko understanding her choice before they continue on their way only to be grabbed by a clone of Satsuki. Before we see Vi and Jinx reunite, with there being a few tense moments with Vi's insistence to call her Powder and the trios decision to keep working for Silco, though overall both are happy to be together again with Vi also willing to try and get to know and accept Jinx for who she is now rather than who she was. Before we see Silco meeting with Ekko, Caitlyn, and the Piltover group to discuss an alliance to defend Zaun and take down Talon, with terms being offered on all sides until they reach an agreement, with Naruto, Satsuki, Jinx, and Vi returning leading to another tense reunion between the former two and Itachi, while Vi isn't happy at the idea of working with Silco but knows they don't have a choice. Finally we see a small timeskip to Talon having successfully taken control of Piltover and begun building their own Hextech, including cybernetics to enhance themselves, along with seeing one of the traitors that joined them, Camille. With Doomfist then using the Hexgates as a cannon to fire an airship right at Midgar, destroying Shinra and devastating the city, believing the attack also killing Sephiroth. Only to then see Sephiroth returning from a mission with Angeal and Genesis to deal with a black dragon (a character from another anime, let's see who can guess who it is), with the trio finding Midgar in ruins leading them to quickly get back to save everyone they can, with Sephiroth, ironically, saving Aerith and swearing to make those responsible pay. 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