Time for boy savior to do his thing! hope you enjoy this chapter!

As Ekko made his way to the village, excitement bubbled within him at the thought of checking on Jinx and Isha. It was the highlight of his day, a moment he had been looking forward to. But as he approached, an explosion shattered the air, jolting him from his thoughts. He chuckled lightly, thinking perhaps Jinx had gotten into some trouble again, but that humor quickly faded when he heard the enraged roar echoing through the canyon.

His heart dropped. Fear spread like wildfire through his veins as he pulled his hoverboard from his back and jumped onto it. He raced forward, his heart pounding in his chest. The frantic screams of Jinx rang in his ears, calling out for Isha, and he felt an icy grip of dread settle over him.

When he zipped into the now darkened village, the sight before him was horrific. Bodies littered the ground, and a thick fog began to consume everything, shrouding the scene in an eerie gloom. He spotted Vi, struggling to hold Jinx back as she reached out desperately, tears streaming down her face.

Following Jinx's frantic gaze, Ekko felt his stomach drop. There was Isha, standing beneath the raging monster that was once Vander, holding Jinx's gun up at him. Time seemed to slow as he processed the scene, horror gripping his heart. And then, with a blinding flash, the gun exploded.

"NO!" Ekko shouted, adrenaline surging through him. Without wasting even half a second, he pulled the rope of the Z-Drive, activating its time-reversal capabilities. The world around him began to rewind, the chaos of the moment pulling back into a semblance of normalcy.

He dove down, aiming perfectly to throw his club, hoping to strike only the gun. The weapon detonated with a force that shook the ground, but he was ready. Ekko grabbed Isha as quickly as he could, pulling her to his chest just as the gun blew up again.

With a rush of energy, he managed to get a few feet away before the shock-wave from the explosion sent them flying, hurtling toward the crops where they landed with a thud. The impact knocked him and Isha unconscious, the world around them fading into darkness.

When Ekko came to, a haze surrounded his thoughts, but one thing pierced through the fog and that was Isha. Panic surged through him as he quickly scanned the area, and relief washed over him when he spotted her lying next to him, still unconscious. She was covered in slight burns and dirt, but thankfully, she was alive.

Without a moment to waste, he scooped Isha up in his arms, cradling her against his chest. He could hear the distant sounds of soldiers moving closer, urgency propelling him into action as he made a hasty retreat. He knew he had to get her to safety, away from the chaos that threatened to engulf them. As he dashed through the dimly lit streets, he stopped momentarily to scan the area for Jinx and Vi. His heart sank when he realized they were nowhere to be seen.

"Please be safe..." he whispered to himself, hoping they had managed to escape the blast's reach. They had been far enough from the explosion, but in this dangerous situation, he couldn't take anything for granted.

With Isha securely in his arms, Ekko focused on reaching the Firelight hideout. The familiar path through the village felt different, shadows lurking in every corner as he navigated the ruins. His thoughts raced as he considered Isha's condition. The burns didn't look severe, but he couldn't be sure without proper medical attention.

"Just hold on, Isha," he urged softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he ran since his board was gone and it was a miracle that his Z-Drive survived as well.

"We'll get you some help. I promise." His mind was a whirlwind of worry, but he knew he had to stay focused. Once Isha was safe, he could turn his attention to finding Jinx and Vi. The thought of them in danger gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside for now. Isha needed him.

Finally after the long run, he reached the Firelight hideout, the familiar entrance offering a small sense of comfort amidst the chaos. He hurried inside, calling for assistance as he laid Isha down gently on a makeshift bed. The others quickly rallied around, assessing her injuries and preparing to help.

"Get some water and a cloth!" Ekko instructed, his voice steady despite the frantic beating of his heart.

"She's got some burns, I think she'll be okay, but we need to check her out." Ekko says, his voice cracking a little as he fights to keep his emotions in check. As the Firelights sprang into action, Ekko took a step back, watching with a mix of hope and anxiety. He couldn't shake the feeling that time was slipping away, that he needed to find Jinx and Vi before it was too late.

"Ekko, we can watch Isha. She is safe here. Go help the others," Scar said, his voice calm and steady as he recognized the panic in his friend's eyes. But Scars words only made Ekko feel a surge of frustration and fear.

"I don't know where they are!" he shouted, his voice rising involuntarily. The words spilled out before he could stop himself, the raw emotion pouring out as he struggled to contain the overwhelming dread. He ran a hand through his hair, his heart racing.

"I should have stayed closer to them! I should have—" The guilt churned in his stomach, an unbearable weight pressing down on him. He hated himself for not being there when it mattered most. Scar stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Ekko's shoulder.

"Then stop moping here and go find them," Scar urged, his tone light as he tried to lift the heavy atmosphere.

"Take some scouts with you to cover more ground. I'll stay here with the kid. She might not want to see my face when she wakes up, but I think I can handle a few kicks and punches from her until you get back with at least Jinx." Scar continues, giving a small grin. Scar's attempt at humor cut through some of Ekko's anxiety, and he appreciated the effort to keep things from feeling too grim. Ekko gave a small nod, the weight of his worry momentarily eased by Scar's words.

"Thanks, Scar" he said, his voice steadier now.

Without another word, he stole one last glance at Isha, her peaceful form giving him a flicker of hope. He turned and hurried out to gather a small group of willing scouts, each one sharing his urgency to find Jinx and Vi. He could feel the tension in the air, and though he wasn't entirely sure what had caused all the chaos in the village, he knew he didn't want to find out either. Ekko grabbed a new hoverboard, the familiar weight of it reassuring in his hands. As he assembled his team, the green lights of their boards scattered into the darkened tunnels, illuminating the path ahead.

Vi's eyes fluttered open, the dull pain from the gash on her side pulling her back into reality. Memories of the chaos flooded her mind, and she shot up in bed, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Loris, sitting in the chair next to her, leaned forward, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder to prevent her from moving too abruptly.

"Easy there, don't want your injury to open up again," he said, his tone serious but laced with a hint of sorrow. Vi could see it in his eyes like he knew something was wrong.

"Where is everyone… where is Jinx?" Vi asked, panic rising in her chest as she searched Loris's face for answers. She needed to know Jinx was safe, but the way Loris looked down and sighed made her heart sink further.

"Loris… where is she?" Vi pressed, her voice tightening with growing urgency and hostility.

"Caitlyn arrested her. Jinx is being held in a bunker, she has been waiting for you to wake up before making a decision." he said, the words heavy with the weight of their reality. He didn't want to be the one to deliver such devastating news.

At that moment, Vi felt as though the ground had been ripped from beneath her. She kicks the blankets off her and swinging her legs over the side of the bed, determination blazing within her. She couldn't believe Caitlyn would still arrest her after Jinx saved her life!

"Vi, wait!" Loris called after her, but she was already on her feet, ignoring the pain that shot through her side. She had to find Caitlyn, she needed answers and, more importantly, she needed to see Jinx.

Vi stormed into Caitlyn's house, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and rage. She knew the layout well, and her first destination was the study. Without hesitation, she punched the doors open, her anger radiating from her stance. Inside, she found Caitlyn sitting with Maddie. The moment Caitlyn met her gaze, she knew Loris had told Vi about Jinx.

"ARRESTED?!" Vi shouted, her voice echoing off the walls as fury consumed her. Maddie instinctively stepped forward to detain Vi, but Caitlyn held up a hand, signaling for her to stop.

"I can handle this, Maddie… go check on my father?" Caitlyn said, her tone calm yet firm as she gestured for Maddie to leave the room. Maddie hesitated, casting a worried glance at Vi before obeying and closing the doors behind her.

"Vi" Caitlyn began, but Vi cut her off, her emotions boiling over.

"She saved your life!" Vi yelled, her voice laced with frustration.

"If you would calm down for one—" Caitlyn tried to reason, but Vi interrupted again.

"Even knowing you'd never have done the same for her," Vi growled, her words dripping with disdain.

"We'll never know, will we? You didn't let me in on that part of your plan." Caitlyn shot back, her own frustration rising.

"Clearly the right call, since you still can't trust her enough not to shove her in a box!" Vi hissed, pacing back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts of Jinx. She couldn't shake the image of her sister being held captive, alone and scared.

"Trust?! You believe I'm so daft I can't recognize a contingency?" Caitlyn huffed, arms crossed defensively.

"She wasn't there for my benefit, you didn't trust me to follow through" Caitlyn retorted, turning to face Vi with a piercing look.

"Can you blame me?!" Vi hissed, stepping closer, the tension between them palpable.

"Exactly how long were you sidled up with that shifty, self-serving war pig? She oinked poison in your ear, and you just ate it!" Vi growled, the memories of fighting Ambessa in the tent before things took a turn for the worse.

"I know!… The only thing Jinx cared about was getting you to safety. Then she just… surrendered. I didn't even have time to think before they hauled her off. She's being held in the bunker while I decide what to do… I was waiting for you to recover." Caitlyn admitted, her tone softening slightly despite the underlying frustration.

"Cait, she's changed…" Vi said, her voice losing some of its edge as she hoped to appeal to Caitlyn's sense of compassion.

"We can't erase our mistakes, none of us," Caitlyn replied sternly, her resolve hardening as she tried to maintain her stance. Vi felt her heart sink, the hurt evident on her face. She turned to walk out of the room, but the words spilled from her lips before she could stop them.

"Who decides who gets a second chance?" she asked, her voice shaky with emotion as she exited. As she left, Vi's mind raced with thoughts of Jinx, the sister she loved fiercely. She couldn't just let this go, she had to find a way to free her. Determination filled her as she moved through the corridors, ready to confront whatever obstacles lay ahead to bring Jinx back home.

After her heated argument with Vi, Caitlyn felt a heavy weight on her shoulders as she made her way to where Jinx was being held. She carried a tray of food, though she doubted it would make any difference. As the elevator doors opened, she stepped out, giving a nod to the guard standing watch.

The guard saluted her before walking away, leaving Caitlyn alone in the dimly lit hallway. Taking a deep breath, she slowly approached Jinx's cell, her heart heavy with the gravity of the situation. With a gentle push, she slid the tray into the cell, the metal clattering softly as it came to rest against the wall. But Jinx didn't even look at it, she didn't even touch the first tray they gave her. she remained huddled in the darkest corner of her cell, her braids undone and her hair fanned out around her. Her expression was void of emotion, a haunting emptiness that sent a chill down Caitlyn's spine.

"If you're here to kill me, make sure to finish the job" Jinx said, her voice sounding shattered, as if she had already given up on life. Caitlyn's heart ached at the sight.

"Vi thinks you've changed" she said, her tone stern as she walked around to face Jinx directly.

"She can't accept what you and I know… there are no happy endings," Jinx replied, her gaze fixed on the wall, scratching and picking at her fingers until blood began to seep from where her nails dug into her skin.

"Is that all you have to say for yourself?" Caitlyn pressed, trying to reach through the darkness that enveloped Jinx.

"There won't be a trial. I'm giving you this one chance to account for your actions, all the pain you've caused" Caitlyn continued, hoping to provoke some fight in the girl. But she was met with silence, the weight of despair hanging heavy in the air.

"No amount of good deeds can undo our crimes!" Caitlyn raised her voice, banging on the cell bars in frustration. The sound echoed in the cold space, and Jinx flinched, but remained still, a tight ball of despair.

"...do what you came here to do," Jinx breathed out, her voice barely above a whisper. It was clear she wasn't trying to save herself from the likely death penalty she would face.

"Hating you… I've hated myself. I just don't have the energy for it any longer," Caitlyn admitted, her voice softening as the fight drained from her. She turned to leave, knowing that the pain of this encounter would linger long after she walked away.

"I didn't know your mom was there. It probably wouldn't have made a difference, but… I didn't know," Jinx said, her voice cracking slightly. She now understood the depth of loss, the pain of losing someone important.

Caitlyn paused at the door, the weight of Jinx's words hanging in the air. But all Jinx could hear were Caitlyn's footsteps echoing down the corridor as she left, the sound of her retreat leaving Jinx alone in her misery. The shadows closed in around Jinx once more, and she was left to grapple with the darkness that had claimed her, the silence amplifying the emptiness she felt inside.

Time felt like an eternity as Jinx sat in silence, lost in her thoughts. The hallucination of a hex crystal rolled to her feet, a cruel reminder of the same substance that had taken Isha from her. She knew it wasn't real, knew she couldn't use it to escape the torment of her cell, but the image lingered in her mind like a ghost.

The sound of footsteps broke through her haze, slow and deliberate, and she steeled herself against another unwelcome memory. A shadow loomed on the wall beside her, one she recognized all too well, and she scoffed in response.

"Go away, you're too late" Jinx muttered, ready to dismiss this latest hallucination.

"Oh, it's a hell of a place" Silco's voice filled the room, smooth and taunting.

"It says something about the late Marcus that he found imprisoning your sister to be a greater mercy than killing her." he adds.

"Killing isn't mercy," Jinx breathed, her tone flat and devoid of emotion as she absentmindedly toyed with the hex crystal, its dull surface reflecting her despair.

"A spark of rebellion still burns inside that husk, I see" Silco chuckled, materializing behind her, leaning casually against the wall.

"No, killing is a cycle. One that started long before Vander and me. It will continue long after the two of you" he said, his gaze piercing as he looked at her before vanishing again, leaving Jinx feeling even more isolated.

"I'm done running in circles," she said, frustration creeping into her voice, but it felt futile in this dark place.

"We build our own prisons. Bars forged by oaths, codes, commitments. Walls of self-doubt and accepted limitation," Silco's voice echoed, now seemingly coming from all around her. He walked up behind Jinx, who remained fixated on the hex crystal, the weight of his words wrapping around her like chains.

"We inhabit these cells, these identities, and call them 'us,'" he continued, his tone calm and almost soothing as he appeared outside her cell, his presence a twisted comfort.

"I thought I could break free by eliminating those I thought were my jailers, but… Jinx, I think the cycle only ends when you find the will to walk away" he explained, but Jinx felt the hollow ache inside her grow deeper. She opened her mouth, a desperate movement as she spat the hex crystal into her hand, but nothing dropped, it remained empty, just like her.

"Jinx?" A familiar voice broke through the haze, and Vi's figure appeared at the cell, her expression filled with concern as she looked in at her little sister.

"What are you doing?" Jinx asked, annoyance tinged with sadness, the words escaping her before she could filter them. She didn't want to face Vi, she didn't want to confront the reality of what had happened, the hurt and the loss of Isha weighing heavily on her heart.

"I swiped these from the guard station," Vi said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She fumbled with the keys, her determination unwavering.

"If you come help, use all that explosive potential of yours for good, maybe we can rewrite your story, like you did with Zaun. What do you think?" Vi asks, hoping Jinx would come with her.

"Sure, Vi," Jinx replied, but the words felt hollow, as if she didn't truly believe in the possibility of redemption. In a flash, Vi unlocked the cell and dashed inside, wrapping her arms around Jinx in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, holding her sister close.

"You're never going to give up on me, are you?" Jinx questioned, her heart conflicted as her fist slowly balled up. In a sudden, instinctive reaction, Jinx punched Vi in the gut, causing her big sister to groan in pain. Using her speed, Jinx darted past Vi, swiftly closing and locking the cell door behind her.

"Hey!" Vi cried out, confusion and hurt etched on her face as she turned to see Jinx retreating, dropping the keys to the floor.

"You don't have to worry about me anymore" Jinx said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"You don't need to feel guilty about being happy. You deserve to be with her…" Her words broke apart, each one laced with a deep sense of loss as she backed toward the exit.

"Wait!" Vi gasped, gripping the bars of the cell with desperation.

"There's no good version of me" Jinx stated, her resolve hardening as she refused to entertain the notion of a brighter future, the alternate universe Ekko had spoken of feeling like a distant fantasy.

"What are you going to do?" Vi's voice was filled with worry, her heart racing as she sensed Jinx's intentions were anything but safe.

"Break the cycle…" Jinx whispered, fading into the shadows, leaving Vi behind in the cell, her heart sinking as she realized the weight of what was happening.

"Jinx! Come back!" Vi screamed, panic rising within her. She grasped the bars tightly, desperation driving her to call out, begging her sister not to leave.

But Jinx was already gone, slipping away into the darkness, leaving Vi alone in the cold, empty cell. The echoes of her cries reverberated against the walls, but the silence that followed was deafening, a harsh reminder of the reality they both faced. Vi's heart ached as she realized she couldn't protect Jinx from herself, and the thought of what her sister might do next filled her with dread. As Vi screams in anguish she punches the brick wall not caring if she hurt herself at this point.

Ekko soared through the skies of Zaun on his hoverboard, flanked by a few of his Firelights. His heart raced with anxiety as they searched for any sign of Jinx or Vi. Hours had passed with no leads, and the sinking feeling in his gut grew heavier with each moment. Just when hope was fading, something caught his eye: The Last Drop was engulfed in flames. Without hesitation, he veered toward the chaos, pushing through the gathering crowd. As he flew closer, snippets of conversation reached his ears.

"I saw blue hair cut and left inside…" one person said, while another claimed they had seen someone fleeing the scene just as the building went up in flames. Panic surged through Ekko as he realized the implications.

Ignoring his Firelights, he shot back onto his board, racing toward Jinx's hideout. He had a gut feeling that he would find her there, and dread settled in his chest. The thought that Jinx could be the one who burned The Last Drop down was almost too much to bear.

When he arrived at the hideout, his heart dropped. There she was, standing in the dim light, her hair chopped off, tear stains marking her cheeks. In her hand, she clutched a grenade, pulling the pin and closing her eyes as if accepting her fate. Time seemed to slow as he activated his Z-Drive rewinding time to save her.

"WAIT!" Ekko cried out, desperation lacing his voice. Jinx froze, glancing at him, her expression one of disbelief. Could he be a hallucination, like Silco?

"Go away, Ekko," she said, her voice hollow, and she pulled the pin again. –rewind–

"Jinx! Listen to me!" Ekko pleaded, trying to reach her before it was too late. But again, she pulled the pin. –rewind–

"This isn't how it should end!" he shouted, feeling the heat of the impending explosion wash over him as the weight of two bombs threatened to consume him. She pulls the pin again. -rewind-

With each explosion from Jinx's grenade, the hourglass paint on Ekko's face faded further, the vibrant color washed away by the harsh reality of their situation. Blood dripped down his face, a stark reminder of the chaos surrounding them. He could feel the pain radiating from the blasts, but it paled in comparison to the anguish he felt for Jinx.

What had made her give up on life? The thought gnawed at him as he struggled to comprehend the depths of her despair. He needed to think fast, he wasn't sure how many more times he could withstand the blasts before it all became too much.

Then it struck him like a lightning bolt. Did she think Isha was gone? That had to be it! The weight of grief and loss must have been suffocating her, pushing her towards the edge. He could see it in her eyes, the flicker of hope extinguished by the belief that her little sister was lost to her forever.

"Isha is alive!" Ekko screamed, the words tumbling out in a desperate rush. This time, she froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. Slowly, he moved closer, his hand shaking as he placed it over hers, hoping to convey that he was real. He could see the skepticism in her gaze, the doubt that lingered just beneath the surface.

"She is back with the Firelights. Some minor burns, but she is alive and breathing… please, Jinx, don't end things here. Don't leave Isha alone in this nightmare of a world, I was able to save her in time" he urged, blood trickling down his face from the blasts he had endured.

"Come on, I'm sure she'll be happy to see you" he added, forcing a smile despite the chaos around them. But then he noticed the way her eyes glazed over, and before he knew it, Jinx's legs gave out beneath her.

Ekko reacted instinctively, hooking one arm under her knees and the other supporting her back. He lifted her up, his heart wrenching at the sight of the girl he loved reduced to an empty shell. She stayed silent, resting her head against his shoulder, feeling his warmth. He was really there, he had come to save her from making the ultimate sacrifice.

As Ekko carried Jinx back to the Firelights, he could feel her shallow breaths against his shoulder, the sound of his fast heartbeat echoing in her ears. When they finally reached the hideout, the sight of Jinx—so fragile and changed—drew gasps from everyone present. Scar emerged from the hut where Isha was resting, and as soon as he stepped outside, the young girl spotted Jinx in Ekko's arms. Without hesitation, she pushed past Scar and sprinted toward them. In that moment, Jinx's eyes locked onto Isha, and her breath hitched in her throat. Overwhelmed, she pushed out of Ekko's arms and hit the ground, scrambling to reach her sister.

"Isha!" she cried, desperation fueling her speed as she raced to the young girl she thought she had lost forever.

Isha, sensing Jinx's presence, dashed toward her, and as they met, Jinx's heart soared. She dropped to her knees, reaching out to hold Isha tightly. When Isha jumped into her arms, they both tumbled to the ground, tears threatening to spill from Jinx's eyes as she felt her sister's warm embrace.

"Isha! You're real!" Jinx exclaimed, her voice cracking with emotion. The relief washed over her like a tidal wave. She pulled Isha close, hugging her fiercely, as if afraid she might disappear again. They clung to each other, bodies shaking with the weight of their emotions.

"AHHHHH!" Jinx cried out, all her pent-up agony and fear spilling forth in that single, raw scream.

Everyone stood in silence, witnessing the reunion of the sisters, their hearts heavy with the sight of such deep emotion. Ekko, feeling the tears welling in his own eyes, crouched down next to them. He couldn't help but feel a rush of relief and joy to see Jinx embrace Isha, to witness the bond they shared.

Jinx, still sobbing, grabbed Ekko's jacket and moved both herself and Isha closer to him. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around them both, pulling them into a protective embrace. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he held them tightly, feeling the weight of their shared pain and the warmth of their love.

In that moment, surrounded by the Firelights, they created a small sanctuary of hope amidst the chaos that had threatened to tear them apart. Jinx's cries echoed in the air, a blend of sorrow and relief, while Ekko and Isha held onto her, anchoring her back to the life she thought she had lost.

"Thank you, Ekko…" Jinx sobbed out in his embrace, her voice thick with emotion. The words carried the weight of everything she had been through—the fear, the loneliness, and the desperation that had consumed her. In that moment, as she clung to him and Isha, she felt a flicker of hope rekindling within her. Ekko tightened his hold, feeling the warmth of her gratitude seep into him.

"You don't have to thank me, Jinx" he replied softly, his voice steady despite the tears still spilling from his eyes.

"I'll always come for you, and I'll fight for you no matter what," Ekko added firmly, his resolve clear in his voice as he brushes his hand up against her cheek. He uses his thumb to wipe off some of her tears from her face, before letting her bury her face back into his chest. Isha nestled closer, wrapping her small arms around both of them, adding her own warmth and comfort to the embrace.

As Jinx felt the steady rhythm of Ekko's heartbeat against her, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. She had been running on adrenaline and fear for far too long, and despite the turmoil within, the safety of their embrace lulled her senses. Her eyes began to slowly close, the weight of the world lifting just enough to let her surrender to the solace of sleep.

She had fought against the urge to sleep, haunted by the fear of nightmares, the terrifying images of Isha exploding forever etched in her mind. But now, with the reality of Isha alive and safe in her arms, the grip of those fears began to loosen. Ekko's presence grounded her, a reminder that she wasn't alone anymore.

As she finally succumbed to the fatigue, her body went limp in Ekko's arms. The tension that had held her captive for so long melted away, replaced by a profound sense of relief. She was safe. She was loved. And most importantly, Isha was alive—all thanks to Ekko, her boy savior.

hope you all enjoyed this chapter, if not that's fine, of you liked it that's also fine! see ya next chapter!