A/N: Still alive, still in pain, still updating, somehow.

Meanwhile, "Breath of Fresh Air," The Forgotten Son" "Lord of Frenzy," and "Whistle of Death" are nearly ready now. Slifer, meanwhile, is hard at work on "No Strings on Me" and I'm trying to put more stuff together with the rest of my team, health and time permitting.

Claws of a Lion and Demon of Ashford are FIGHTING ME as is Son of the Stag. You have no idea. Its maddening.

Don't get me started on behemoth's like A Boy's Journey and Blood Upon the Snow.

Bloody difficult to write long chapters like those. Doing my best!

With my fifteen year anniversary on this site -I've really gotten old- finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.

And of course, there are times when I look to the future ahead and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.

Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch lest it poison my mind; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.

No questions this time. Someone complained. Ah, well. I think I've kept you waiting long enough already, dear reader

So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.

As ever, I own no quotes, references, themes, or memes. Not a wit or a one! They're tributes to legends far greater than I.

I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.

Time and feedback will determine if this remains a story. Simple as that.

In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~!

Here we go. And yes, obvious reference is obvious.

"Had to be me. Has to be me. Will be me.

In the end, it must to be this way.

No other choice."

~?

Just Dropping In

The shadows stirred.

Perhaps blurred was the better word Powder mused, given how fast they were moving across the rooftops. Everything was a mottled mess in the gloom; streaks of dreary buildings and the fires burning below in the smog. From this height, she could barely make sense of it all. Zaun never had much light to begin with, and even less to see by at night, but now it was downright gloomy. Hardly anyone was out at this hour, and those that did were up to nothing good. All around them the city seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for that moment, that spark, the plunge into oblivion.

She knew why. They were preparing for war.

For war there would be, and soon, should she and Naruto fail.

People would die, dozens -if not hundreds- on both sides, and all that blood would be on their hands.

That was...an awfully unpleasant thought, knowing they had to do this right, tonight, or their would be dire consequences. Regardless of that, Powder found herself hard-pressed to follow Naruto, even struggling to keep up with him; for all her growth -leaps and bounds above the poor, pitiful wretch she'd been before- it was a humbling reminder of just how far she still had to go. It was also kinda exciting. To know one day she would be just that fast.

Maybe even faster...?

Without warning, gloom of Zaun gave way to the dull lights of Piltover's bridge up ahead. She could see the guards even from here, a horde of enforcers milling about at the crossing with their spotlights, each ready and willing to slaughter anyone foolish enough to charge the bottleneck as they had all those years ago.

Ha! As if they'd do that twice. People had been desperate then; they were smarter now.

And unlike most, she and Naruto weren't bound by gravity.

She mistimed a jump and cursed as she struck a rooftop at an awkward angle, rolled to bleed off momentum, and tumbled unsteadily to her feet, still moving against her will. The edge of another building yawned before and then she had to leap again or risk a an equally nasty fall. Sloppy. She was better than that. Nerves must be getting to her.

Focus. Must focus. Don't get distracted.

Rather than risk the main thoroughfare Naruto shot up the scaffolding itself. She pelted after him. He pulled ahead of her, laughing softly under his breath and Powder redoubled her efforts with a startled gasp, realizing too late what her mentor intended. It was reckless. Suicidal, even. Anyone else would've hesitated.

Fast, faster, fastest.

Naruto didn't falter for a moment; he threw himself at the gap between the bridges without fear, his body a blazing blur of black in the gloom, heedless of the small army below. A great lunging leap carried him the rest of the way, then he was gone, arcing up over the bridge to safety on the other side. She saw him hit the roof of a distant building and pivot, waiting. She thought she heard another peal of laugh carried her way on the wind. Might've been her imagination. No one challenged him; because no one saw them. Idiots never looked up.

Then it was her turn to throw herself into oblivion.

Wind whipped at her face, forcing Powder to pour on still more speed while she could. She didn't dare slow down now for fear of botching her jump and alerting the Enforcers; to slip was to fall, and to fall was to fight. She wasn't optimistic about her odds of survival. Not against that many. The end of bridge rushed up at her and she rushed headlong at it. All too soon she ran out of room to run and...!

'Ohcrrrraaaaaaaaaaap~!'

Powder flooded chakra to her legs, tensed, and kicked herself into the air. The bridge fell away beneath her at speed, taking the world with it, and several buildings besides. Wait. Buildings?! She'd used too much chakra, hadn't she? Way too much. Too fast. She had half an instant to realize her mistake-she'd overshot!-then the roof of one of said buildings rushed up to greet her like an old friend.

Her arms pinwheeled in the air in a vain attempt to bleed off her momentum. 'Nononononoshitshitshiiiit!'

She closed her eyes and braced for the awful impact.

This was gonna leave one helluva bruise...

.

..

...wasn't it?

Strong arms caught her, wheeled her around to safety, and set her down as one might a small child. Which she still was, but still!

Powder creaked an eye open.

Sure enough, Naruto stared down at her, wearing a bemused expression.

"No need to rush." He chuckled ruefully and reached back to rub her head. "Take your time."

She ducked out from under his hand with a scowl. "I'm not rushing. You're moving too fast for me."

Only then did she realized how close he was; that he was still holding her by the shoulders. Her face went red. She flailed out of his grasp with a squeak. He hummed out a laugh and let her be. She couldn't see the rest of his face with that mask of his, but those blue eyes betrayed a liveliness of their own.

Or they did, until turned to look out across the waterfront. "What do you see?"

Powder blinked, not quite comprehending what he meant. "Uh...buildings?"

"Push chakra to your eyes and look again."

She did as he told her. It wasn't night vision, not in the truest sense of the word, but it was a far cry from fumbling blindly in the dark. Her eyes focused and her surroundings became just a tad bit brighter, enough to see by the low light. She glimpsed one building, larger than the others, carved from white stone and pointed it out.

"Good." Naruto hummed his approval. "That's our destination. C'mon."

He bounded to another rooftop ahead of them, leaving her to follow in his wake.

Curiosity nagged at her. It really was nice having a mentor. Almost made her wonder what it would like to be one. Naruto's teaching style was relatively informal for the most part and she hoped to mimic it someday when she was older. Just thinking about it set off a little firework of excitement in her chest.

"Will I have an apprentice of my own someday?" she asked between leaps.

"You will." Naruto didn't look back. He only had eyes for their target. "I'm sure of it."

Powder liked that; for some reason the idea of taking on a proper student proved strangely...appealing. It gave her something to think about as they flitted from one rooftop to the other. A student, huh? She had no idea who it would be of course, but the idea that she could swiftly took root in her. How many pupils would she have? One? Two? Three? Maybe she could open a school? Or an academy? Yeah, she liked the sound of that. Her mind whirled with endless possibilities, churning like the ocean itself.

Right up until her face smacked into Naruto's back.

She shot him a glower. "Hey, what gives?!"

He pointed down. She looked that way.

Realization dawned as she edged over and saw the white-stoned building, now beneath their very feet. A balcony awaited them below; a proper one with a railing and a garden and everything. Oh. They'd arrived, hadn't they? Had she been that lost in her thoughts that she'd failed to notice.

"Two guards at the door." Naruto indicated two dark shapes in the gloom, standing before an archway. "Think you can take them down quietly?"

Quietly? Eeeh? Powder wasn't sure and said as much.

Naruto waved her on. "Go ahead. I'll back you up if things go south."

That only made her more nervous! She didn't want to fail! Not in front of him!

Right. Deep breaths. She could do this.

She had to do this. She must.

Just step off the edge...

Powder dropped. It was the simplest thing to slide down the roof and let gravity do half the work for her.

Momentum was her best friend; she crashed down on the shoulders of the first, clamped both hands over his mouth to muffle the cry that followed. From there she gripped his neck with her legs, threw him forward, and slammed his face into a wall. Something crunched in his face. He crumpled to the ground with a groan.

Gotcha! One down!

"Wha-

His unlucky compatriot had only just begun to turn her way when Powder pivoted. She watched his eyes widen in comical surprise; the unprofessional oath he uttered -and the subsequent voice crack- was sweet, sweet music to her ears. She swept his legs and sent him sprawling. His head smacked against the hard floor, stunning him; a quick stomp and made certain he stayed there and didn't get back up. The first was rising behind her now, reaching for a baton-

Clenched knuckles kissed his face in a vicious flying right hook. Must've had a glass chin. He crumpled like a house of cards.

Just like that, victory was hers.

Powder stood over them and released a breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding.

"Well done." She looked up and found Naruto sitting on the railing, clapping his hands. "You've been practicing."

Her cheeks burned at the praise and she managed a short, jerky nod. Hmm. There it was, another bit of praise doled out for her to snap up. If he knew how much she craved them he might not be so forthcoming. Or perhaps he did know and didn't care. Either way, she savored it all the same.

"C'mon." He hopped off the fail. gave her a nudge. "Lets go pay Grayson a visit."

There was no one left to challenge them now, no one to prevent his egress.

Naruto knocked on the door with a smile. "Hello, hello! Is Grayson in? I'd like...a word."

"By all means," a muffled voice issued from behind the door. "Come in. Make yourself at home."

Naruto eased the door open, taking point just in case they encountered any traps.

There were none.

Grayson was waiting for them, sat behind her desk. An earthen of brandy and two cups, each filled to the brim. Powder took her in at a glance was a tan woman with dark eyes and darker hair. She wore her uniform well. Naruto had briefed her on this woman. She was the Sheriff of Piltover, a dear friend of the Kiramman family, and quite possibly one of the only people who could keep this mess from boiling over into outright war.

So why did she look so damnably stressed?

"I thought you might come." She had a husky, gravelly voice and an easy smile as she gestured to the glasses. "Please, have a seat."

Naruto swept himself into it and tugged down his mask. Powder didn't dare to the same. "You expected us?"

The Sheriff sighed. "Dear girl, I expected him. Not you. Your mentor's been making waves."

Naruto snatched up one of the glasses and knocked it back. "Wouldn't have to if you did your job."

"I don't have the same freedoms you do." she retorted, yet mirrored him all the same. "The people want someone to blame for that incident. This won't go away."

Her mentor snorted. "Of course it won't. Can't have your precious posh citizens threatened now, can we? The nobles piss and moan while child starve and die as life goes on."

"Don't be rude, boy."

"My name is Naruto. And I'm being honest." he took up the bottle and poured for himself, then sent it sliding her way. "We wouldn't have half these problems if you people weren't so damn fixated on keeping Zaun from crossing the bridge." up his glass went, then down again. "Is it any wonder some of them try to escape? Do you have any idea what its like in Zaun?"

This time, Grayson poured for them. "I've come over the border a time or two. I'm well aware."

"Then you know why I'm here."

She drank. "I do."

"Things need to change," Naruto gave his cup a twirl, watching the amber liquid swirl in the glass. "And they're going to. Whether you like it or not. We can make it peaceful, or bloody. I'd prefer the former to be honest, but at this point, it might be the latter.

"What makes you say that?"

"I've seen the people. Naruto tipped his glass back, drained it, and waved for another. "Listened to them." the glass came down with a soft clink, yet there was something the noise that made Powder flinch all the same. "I support peace in all its forms. What your people are doing is the exact opposite of peace. Four children -children!- snuck into Piltover and your men have been hunting them like dogs. For what?" A tan hand snatched up the bolt, and in a moment, their glasses were refilled once more. "An accident? Accidents happen all the time.

"This was no mere accident. They stole from the Kirraman family-

"Did anyone die?"

"No-

"There you have it." Naruto leaned back in his chair. "What were you going to do once your boys caught them, anyway? Hang them? Throw them in a cell to rot for the rest of their days. Because I'm sure that will go over well.

"Speaking of disturbing the peace," Grayson's gaze strayed to Powder, noticing her once more, or rather her features. Her courage shriveled under that keen sight. "Eyewitnesses saw four children at the scene of the crime. One was a girl with blue hair. I take it this is she?"

Powder's stomach inverted.

Mustn't speak. Mustn't say a word. Mustn't give herself away...

Naruto tilted his head, the very picture of calm. "And what if she is?"

Grayson's face betrayed just a hint of regret. "Then I would have to take her into custody."

Blue eyes narrowed to blazing azure slits. All around them, the night air grew heavy, clogging their lungs.

Powder felt her throat close.

Anxiously, tentatively, she looked to Naruto. Her mentor didn't shout or scream at Grayson; didn't snarl, didn't stand up, or even throw his glass at her. She almost wished he would do something-anything-if only to break this awful silence. Oh, no. He didn't do any of those things. He just stared at Grayson. Stared, as the older woman quailed under his gaze. Powder had grown so used to him smiling, to seeing him happy, always cheery, even when he was upset. But he wasn't laughing now. When he finally spoke, his voice was colder than ice itself.

"You may try."

Left unspoken was the warning:

"Then you will die."

Powder shivered a little.

He'd kill for her. Why did that excite her so...?

"Vander is a good man." Grayson temporized, wiping a bead of sweat from her borw. "He'd never allow such a senseless slaughter."

"You're right." Naruto conceded with a nod of his own. "He is a good man. Your boy Marcus blew up his pub. I liked that pub. People DIED in that pub. Vander nearly did." his fingers bit down into the desk, etching a series of fine fractures into the wood. "He's in no shape to lead at the moment, so you're dealing with me."

Grayson pulled a face, perhaps sympathizing with him. Or perhaps not. "If what you say is true, then Marcus will be disciplined."

"Disciplined? By some soft Piltover court liable to give him little more than a slap on the wrist? Not good enough." Naruto planted a hand on her desk and leaned forward, looming over her. "Hand him over to me and we'll call it square."

"You know I can't do that."

"You can, but you won't." he made a rude gesture with one hand and made to stand. "Seems Sevika was right. Coming here was a mistake. I thought we could talk things over and come to an agreement; but you clearly don't respect me the way you do Vander. What happened to that famed neutrality of yours?"

"Negotiations are over."

The Sheriff eyed him warily. "Why are you here, then, if not to negotiate?"

"To give you a warning." he tutted. "This nonsense needs to stop. If it doesn't, you'll have a war on your hands. I don't think you want that."

Credit where it was due, the old broad didn't flinch. "That's the second time you've said that. Are you threatening me?"

"No threats here, only promises, Sheriff." Naruto tapped a finger to his forehead. "Think about it-wait." He craned his neck suddenly, regarding something only he could see. "We have company. Figures. They were bound to notice us sooner or later.

He was still speaking when the door crashed open behind them, admitting a squad of four Enforcers, each armed and armored to the teeth.

The largest of them slammed a riffle at the back of Naruto's head with intent, pressing the barrel against his skull. "Hands in the air!"

Naruto reached down and drained the last of his glass. "If you think something like that will kill me, you're sorely mistaken."

Grayson swore softly. "Put the guns down, you fools!"

Naruto blew out an aggravated sigh. "Powder."

She gulped. "Yeah?"

Her mentor turned a winning smile on her. "Duck."

She did and he grabbed Graysons desk, lazily tossing it over his shoulder.

Down went the Enforcers, sprawling over one another. She could see more from the doorway.

Naruto stood with a leisurely yawn and cracked his neck from side to side. "Alright, then."

He dove on them with a wicked grin.

"Let the lesson begin!"

The world dissolved into a bloody blender of violence.

A/N: Better run, Marcus.

Hope this chapter put a smile on your face!

As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here. That's no joke. Really, it isn't. If folks don't like this...well, I'll not continue it. Every bit of feedback helps. Reviews are the fuel which keeps me writing in these crazy times. With my tight schedule, I simply don't have time to write a story folks don't like. Without them, my inspiration cannot take wing and I can't write a word. So by all means, speak up!

Reviews are my lifeblood. Without them, I cannot write.

So In the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?

They keeps an old man alive.

And enjoy the previews.

As ever:

SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!

PLOT DETAILS AHOY!

YE BE WARNED!

Get ready to smile~!

Obvious references are obvious~!

(POTENTIAL!) Previews! What can I say? I've been busy.

Those are heads of all your lieutenants. That took me an hour. You wanna see what I can get done in a whole evening?

"Only monsters deal in absolutes. I'll do what I must.

A tired sigh pierced the foggy gloom.

"You will try, my old friend."

"Call me Jinx. One more time.

"Good evening." Silco. You shouldn't be here. Neither should you. "Where's Vi?"

Hello. Nice of you to drop in. We were just finishing up. You remember Deckard, don't you?

"I finally found you! You little shit, you made a fool of me! I'll make you pay!"

Powder quirked a brow. "Deckard, was it? Scram. I don't have time for-

The boy tipped a vial back and drank.

His muscles bulged. Body twisting.

"DIE."

Silco blew out a quick exasperated breath. "You don't have to do this.

I disagree."

There was no time to run. Powder cried out like a child forgotten at her own birthday. No!

Yes. Naruto took the blast head on...and grabbed it. How did you grab an explosion?! He collapsed it, condensed it, cradled it in his palms. His hands trembled from the strain. She could see it etched into his face.

Run.

But what about you?!

I'll be fine. Now go!

Get up! Rise, damn you! If you don't get up right now everyone is going to die! Nothing will change! GET UP!

His arms braced against the ground. Pushed. And the rubble gave way.

He was unarmed. His hands empty. His back riddled with wounds he'd taken protecting them, one arm hanging loosely at his side. So much blood. Yet still he stalked forward. Oh gods. She could see right through him. How was he still moving...? Bravado or sheer willpower. Had to be. He'd collapse any second now. But he didn't. He threw his head back and snarled. The sound was dark and painful, filled with so much hurt and regret and...and death. So much death. Like a fell hound howling at the moon.

"I can...do this...all day."

He walked through the doorway.

His first victim pitched backward, struggling to hold their bleeding face together.

"Lemme show you...what a real injury looks like. Feels like! SOUNDS LIKE! Come here! I'll carve it into your corpse!

"You're only one man!"

Maybe so. But where you see one...I see MANY."

Screams pierced the night.

Its over!

You can't win!"

He smiled. "I already have."

"I want every gun we have focused on that man! I don't care who sees! Drop the damn building on him, if that's what it takes! Kill him! KILL HIM NOW!"

"You're my sister!"

"Choose, Powder. What will your answer be?"

EDIT: Hey, you made it!

As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here. That's no joke. Really, it isn't. If folks don't like this, if people don't enjoy...well, I won't continue it. What's the point in writing something no one likes? Every bit of feedback helps. Reviews are the fuel which keeps me writing in these crazy times. With my tight schedule -two jobs!- I simply don't have time to write a story folks don't like. Without them, my inspiration cannot take wing and I can't write a word. So by all means, speak up!

Looking forward to chatting with you all~!

R&R~!