A/N

Hello, everyone!

I've been hard at work in the lab fixing issues with my story and trying to make new story lines while still maintaining the major events.

Let's see how I do!

I've been talking to some amazing friends, and their help has been invaluable to me so, big thanks to them! :)

This story is growing bigger and bigger, and I'm happy that so many of you are enjoying it. It really means a lot. Remember, I write this for your enjoyment because, like you, I'm a fan of the series.

Let's dive into some questions and reviews -

Addllax – I'm so glad you're enjoying it! Your kind words mean a lot, and I hope you keep reading.

BillyBadgerDad – Nice! I haven't finished Season 2 yet, so I'm a bit behind, but I hope future updates live up to your expectations.

Archer headass – Future relocation is definitely needed… but will Naruto have the time? You'll get a surprise in this chapter.

MichaelMyers1234 – The master himself, Grumpy, recommended my story? That's awesome; I didn't know! If you want to chat more, I'm in his server, for now, I'll say thanks I'm doing my best to merge Naruto into the story in a way that makes him stand out while not overshadowing others.

FanFictionman43 – Yes, Minato's actions align with his character. He'll always do whatever is needed for the future that's just who he is. As for a confession... hmm, I wonder how you'll feel about this chapter.

Silverwingzz – I'm not sure… he's broken. Only time will tell.

Paradoxity – Let him get wild…

amavgupta0 – Naruto and Jinx are indeed broken it's meant to feel like an obsession. Put yourself in their situation, and I'll try to explain more as we continue.

Camrin Finnerty2 – A flashback is coming soon, within the next two chapters.

Lichi Sechino – Your words mean so much to me. I'm glad you felt that connection, and I always look forward to hearing your thoughts on the chapters. Your judgment is something I trust a lot, so thank you! More sentimental chapters? Oh yeah, we've got a long road ahead.

Tyrese – Haha, I'm worried… Let's just say Episode 7 is going to be super fun to write. An entire AU? Yes, please let me go crazy in that world!

Now, that was a lot to write!

Let me clarify some things before we begin.

His powers are inspired by Killua's Godspeed form, though not as OP, and his core / crystal is based on Iron Man's arc reactor. However, unlike Iron Man, he doesn't have a suit etc. Naruto was bonded to an unstable crystal when it pierced his chest, fusing with him. But as we all know, instability comes with risks.

Naruto at the moment is in a rough place right now...

This chapter will explain more about that,

So let's get into it!

Act 2 Finale... Begin!

Chapter 10 - Another Love Act 2 (Finale)

The walk back to Zaun felt like a blur to Naruto. The vibrant energy of Piltover, the laughter of its people, the glow of its progress all of it faded into the background as his mind spiralled deeper into turmoil. His mother's final words echoed endlessly in his thoughts.

"I will always love you… no matter what."

The phrase gnawed at him, stirring emotions he was staring to understand, ones he wasn't sure he wanted to confront. Does he love Jinx? Will Jinx love him? The only thing that seemed real to him now was the sharp ache in his chest, the constant reminder of the unstable crystal that both empowered and poisoned him.

Lost in his thoughts, Naruto barely noticed his surroundings until they changed. His feet had carried him to a quiet, open square. At the centre, bathed in the orange glow of the sun raising, stood two towering statues. Their silhouettes loomed against the sky, commanding attention, and reverence.

Naruto froze...

The figures were instantly familiar. The man, tall and poised, had a strong, determined gaze that seemed to look forward into the future. The woman beside him stood with warmth and strength, her hand resting on the man's arm as if grounding him. Both were immortalized in elegant bronze, their likenesses painstakingly crafted to exude both power and compassion.

Minato and Kushina Uzumaki.

Naruto's heart pounded in his chest, the rhythm erratic and deafening. A wave of emotions crashed over him, too sudden and too intense to process. Longing, confusion, anger, and an ache he couldn't name churned within him, threatening to consume him.

He took a hesitant step closer, his glowing blue eyes fixated on the statues. memories not complete, but fragments rushed through his mind like flickers of light. A man's hand ruffling his hair. A woman's laughter, warm and soothing. A home filled with love and hope, now reduced to ruins in his mind.

Naruto's breathing quickened, his fists clenching at his sides. He didn't understand the emotions surging within him. Was it anger? Sorrow? Resentment? He felt like an outsider looking in, staring at a family he couldn't quite remember, a legacy he didn't know if he should claim.

His progress halted as he noticed a man standing at the base of the statues. The man's presence was quiet but purposeful, his gaze fixed upward at the bronzed figures as if seeking guidance.

Naruto's eyes narrowed, and he tilted his head, observing the stranger. The man was well dressed, his tailored coat and polished boots marking him as someone of importance. Yet there was something about his posture his slightly hunched shoulders, the way his hands were clasped in front of him that suggested vulnerability.

"I wonder if I'm doing the right thing," the man murmured, his voice carrying just enough for Naruto to hear. "This new future we're building… I wish you were here to see it, Minato. You'd know what to do."

Naruto's breath hitched, his glowing eyes flickering as the words struck a chord deep within him. He took a step back, his heart hammering against his ribs.

The man chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "And Kushina… I can only imagine how worried you'd be about Naruto. Would he be like you, Minato? A thinker, a fighter… maybe both? I'll never know."

The words cut through Naruto like a blade. His fists trembled as sparks of energy crackled faintly around them, feeding off his rising emotions. He clenched his teeth, trying to steady himself, but the storm inside him refused to subside.

The man sighed, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Sometimes, I wonder. What kind of man would Naruto have become? Would he have been an inventor like me? Or maybe… something more."

Naruto felt the crystal in his chest pulse violently, its energy surging in response to his turmoil. The air around him seemed to hum, charged with his barely contained power. He took another step back, his gaze fixed on the man, the statues looming silently above them.

He couldn't take it anymore…

Electricity crackled around him as the power inside him flared uncontrollably. The man turned, startled by the sudden surge of light and energy. His eyes widened as he saw Naruto, a figure cloaked in shadow, illuminated by the faint glow of blue veins coursing with raw power.

"Who's there?" the man asked, his voice sharp with uncertainty.

Naruto stepped forward, his expression dark, his eyes glowing brighter as the storm within him reached its peak. For a moment, he hesitated, but the sight of the statues, the weight of the man's words, and the memories clawing at the edges of his mind pushed him over the edge.

Before the man could react, Naruto vanished in a flash of blue light, reappearing in an instant with his hand gripping the man's collar. With a forceful shove, he pinned him against the base of Minato's statue, his glowing eyes burning with unrestrained emotion.

Naruto's hand trembled as he gripped the man's collar, his glowing blue eyes burning with raw energy. Sparks crackled and danced along his skin, illuminating the darkening square in flashes of blue light. His breathing was laboured, his chest heaving with the weight of emotions he didn't fully understand.

The man, startled but unyielding, stared back at Naruto with wide eyes. "Who are you?" he managed, his voice strained as the back of his head pressed against the cold bronze of Minato's statue.

Naruto didn't answer immediately. His gaze flickered up to the statue, the likeness of a man he now knew was his father. The calm, resolute expression etched into the bronze seemed to mock him, as if daring him to reconcile the fragments of memory and the chaos in his heart.

"I should ask you the same thing," Naruto said finally, his voice low and strained. "Why are you here? Talking to… them."

The man's eyes narrowed slightly, his shock giving way to recognition. "I… I'm Jayce," he said cautiously. "Jayce Talis. And you—" He paused, his eyes widening further as realization dawned, "No… it can't be. Naruto?"

Hearing his name from the man's lips sent a fresh jolt through Naruto's chest. His grip tightened, and Jayce winced as the crackling energy surrounding Naruto surged.

"Don't say that name," Naruto hissed, his voice trembling. "Not like you know me. You don't know anything."

Jayce's expression softened, despite the danger he was clearly in. "I do," he said quietly. "I knew your parents. I know who you are. You're Naruto Uzumaki. You—"

"I'm not him!" Naruto snapped, his voice rising. The energy around him flared violently, the air humming with static. His teeth clenched, and his hands shook, but he couldn't bring himself to release Jayce. "Naruto Uzumaki died that night. Whoever you think I am… he's gone."

The words echoed in the stillness, cutting through the tension like a blade. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Naruto's glowing eyes bore into Jayce's, and Jayce stared back, unflinching despite the sheer power radiating from the boy.

"Why?" Naruto muttered, his voice breaking. "Why do you even care? They're dead. My parents are gone. There's nothing left."

Jayce's gaze flicked to the statues towering above them, then back to Naruto. His voice was calm but heavy with emotion. "Because they believed in a better future. Your father… he believed in you."

Naruto froze, his grip loosening slightly. The glow in his eyes dimmed for a moment as the words hit him like a punch to the gut. His father. The man he barely remembered but whose legacy had haunted him all his life.

Jayce took the opportunity to speak again, his tone earnest. "Naruto, I've spent years trying to honour their memory. Your father's dream… your family's vision for a better world. And you—you're part of that. You're their legacy."

A bitter laugh escaped Naruto's lips, and he finally released Jayce, stepping back as the energy around him fizzled out. "Legacy," he repeated mockingly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is that what they called it? Experimenting on people? Killing children to 'harness the crystals'?"

Jayce's face fell, guilt and confusion mingling in his expression. "What are you talking about?"

Naruto turned away, his fists clenching at his sides. His gaze lingered on the statues, the faces of Minato and Kushina looking down at him with an almost serene indifference. "I read it," he said quietly, his voice laced with bitterness. "In my father's notes. All the things he did. All the lives he ruined."

Jayce's brow furrowed, and he stepped closer cautiously. "Naruto, your father… he wasn't like that. Minato Uzumaki was a great man. He—"

"He was a murderer," Naruto interrupted, his voice rising. He whirled around to face Jayce, his glowing eyes blazing with anger and pain. "He was willing to do whatever it took for his 'vision,' even if it meant killing kids. And now, what? You want me to follow in his footsteps? To be some kind of hero?"

Jayce's shoulders slumped, and he looked at Naruto with a mixture of sympathy and regret. "No," he said quietly. "I don't want that. I just… I want you to know the truth. About them, about yourself."

Naruto scoffed, turning away again. His hands trembled, and he pressed them to his chest as the crystal within him pulsed erratically. The pain flared, sharp and unrelenting, as if the crystal itself was feeding off his turmoil.

"I don't need your truth," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "I don't need anything from this place."

He started to walk away, but Jayce called after him, his voice firm. "You're wrong."

Naruto stopped but didn't turn around.

"You're not alone," Jayce continued, his tone softening. "Your parents are gone, but there are people here who care about you. People who would fight for you. You don't have to do this alone."

Naruto's jaw tightened, and he clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, as he prepared to zap away, the familiar surge of energy building within him. But just as the flash of blue light began to form, it flickered and sputtered out, leaving him frozen in place. His knees buckled, and he fell to the ground, clutching his chest as a searing pain tore through him.

His pale skin took on an almost ghostly hue, veins glowing faintly as the crystal embedded in his chest pulsed erratically. The energy it emitted was unstable, sparking faint arcs of electricity that danced along his body before dissipating. He gasped for air, his breaths shallow and ragged.

Jayce's eyes widened as he watched, stepping closer cautiously. The faint glow of the crystal in Naruto's chest caught his attention, and realization dawned on him like a bolt of lightning.

"That crystal," Jayce murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief. "It's unstable… it's killing you."

Naruto looked up, his glowing eyes filled with defiance and pain. "I don't need your help," he spat, forcing himself to his feet despite the agony wracking his body.

Jayce took another step forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Listen to me. I can help you. I've worked with hextech. I know how to stabilize it. Please, you don't have to suffer like this."

Naruto's fists clenched, his knuckles whitening. "I don't need you," he growled, his voice low and filled with bitterness. He staggered back, shaking his head as if to ward off the pain. "I don't need anyone."

The edges of Jayce's features softened, his voice steady but imploring. "This isn't about needing help. It's about surviving. You said this place wasn't your home, but there are people here people who would care if you were gone."

Naruto's expression darkened, and he snapped, "I already have someone! Someone who doesn't leave. Someone who doesn't lie." He winced as another pulse of pain shot through him, forcing him to lean against the base of the statue for support.

Jayce hesitated, his mind racing. "Whoever they are, don't you think they'd want you to live? To be whole?"

Naruto let out a sharp, humourless laugh. "Whole? Look at me." He gestured to himself, the glow of the crystal reflecting in his pale skin. "I'm a freak. A broken weapon, I'm fine like this."

Jayce stepped closer, his voice softening. "You're not fine, Naruto. This isn't living. I don't know what you've been through, but you can't keep running from it. Let me help you."

Naruto's gaze locked onto Jayce, a flicker of vulnerability hidden behind his glowing eyes. But the moment passed as he straightened, forcing himself to stand tall despite the strain on his body.

"You want to help?" Naruto said, his voice cold. "Then leave me alone."

He raised a trembling hand, the faint glow of the crystal intensifying. Jayce instinctively took a step back as Naruto unleashed a pulse of energy that sent dust swirling through the air. When it cleared, Naruto was gone, leaving only the faint scent of ozone behind.

Jayce stood at the base of the statues, his chest tight with a mix of frustration and determination. The words Naruto had said lingered in his mind, but so did the sight of that unstable crystal the power it held, and the price it was exacting.

He looked down at the faint traces of blood on the cobblestones, his resolve hardening. Naruto might not want his help, but Jayce couldn't abandon him not now, not when he was so close.

"I'll find you," Jayce murmured to himself, his fists clenching. "Even if you don't want me to."

The sunlight streaming through the high windows of Mel's opulent quarters illuminated the rich gold and deep red hues of the room, but the warmth did little to comfort her. She stretched languidly, expecting to feel Jayce beside her. Instead, she found the bed empty.

Frowning, Mel sat up, her thoughts racing. It wasn't unusual for Jayce to leave early, consumed by his work, but something felt different this time.

"Jayce," she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with frustration and concern.

Rising from the bed, Mel moved toward the window, her gaze falling on the bustling city below. Her mind churned with questions about what had drawn him away so urgently and whether it had something to do with the mysterious boy who haunted his thoughts.

At the hospital room were eerily quiet, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring Viktor's fragile condition. Jayce sat beside the bed, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands clasped tightly together. His face was drawn, shadows under his eyes betraying a sleepless night.

On the bed, Viktor stirred, his pale face pinched with pain as he slowly opened his eyes. Jayce straightened, relief flashing across his face.

"You're awake," Jayce said, his voice soft but strained.

Viktor managed a faint, wry smile. "Not for lack of trying to stay asleep."

Jayce chuckled weakly, though the humour didn't reach his eyes. He hesitated, struggling to find the words. "The doctors... they said—"

"They don't need to say it," Viktor interrupted gently. "I know, how much time?"

Jayce looked away, guilt and helplessness written across his face. "They don't know for sure. Months, maybe less."

Viktor exhaled slowly, absorbing the news. "Then we'd better not waste it."

Jayce nodded, his jaw tightening. After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his tone shifting. "Viktor, there's something else."

Viktor raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"I saw someone," Jayce began hesitantly. "Someone I thought was gone. Naruto… he's alive."

Viktor's eyes widened, a spark of interest breaking through his weariness. "Naruto? The Uzumaki boy? How?"

Jayce shook his head. "I don't know. But he's not the same. He's… bonded to hextech. It's inside him, but it's also killing him."

Viktor's gaze sharpened, the scientist in him overtaking his personal exhaustion. "If he's survived this long, there might be something we can learn something we can use."

Jayce nodded, his expression hopeful but cautious. "That's what I was thinking. If we could study the bond, understand it, maybe we could… help you."

Viktor considered this, his eyes narrowing as his mind raced. "It's a long shot. But it's better than nothing."

Jayce leaned forward, his voice firm. "Then we'll do it. I'll find him, Viktor. I'll bring him back."

Viktor managed a faint smile. "If anyone can convince him, it's you."

Jayce smiled back, though his resolve was tinged with uncertainty. He couldn't shake the image of Naruto's glowing eyes, the pain and defiance etched into his face. Bringing him back wouldn't be easy but he had to try. For Viktor. For Naruto. For the future they all fought for.

Jayce pushed open the heavy door to Mel's quarters, the faint scent of oil paint and canvas greeting him. Inside, Mel stood before an easel, her hand gliding gracefully as she added the final touches to a painting. The vibrant strokes depicted the Immortal Bastion, the formidable fortress of her homeland, Noxus. The image radiated power and permanence, starkly contrasting with the turmoil Jayce felt inside.

Mel didn't turn to acknowledge him, her focus entirely on the canvas. "You disappeared," she said, her tone icy yet controlled. "I woke up alone."

Jayce hesitated, guilt weighing on him. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "Something came up."

Mel set down her brush with deliberate care, finally turning to face him. Her golden eyes were sharp, assessing him as though she could read every thought in his head. "Something more important than being honest with me?"

Jayce sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't mean to—"

"Spare me," she interrupted, crossing her arms. "Just say what you came here to say."

Jayce nodded, realizing there was no point in delaying. "Viktor is dying," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Mel's expression softened, the irritation in her eyes giving way to concern. "I'm sorry, Jayce," she said quietly. "How long?"

"Not long," Jayce admitted, his voice tight. "He's barely holding on. And now…" He paused, the words catching in his throat before he finally forced them out. "Naruto is alive."

Mel's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Naruto? The boy Minato and Kushina lost in that explosion? How?"

Jayce shook his head. "I don't know. But he's not the same. He's infused with hextech an unstable crystal. It's killing him, just like Viktor's illness is killing him."

Mel frowned, stepping closer. "And you think you can save them?"

Jayce's voice cracked with frustration. "If I could just get Naruto to come back, maybe. Viktor and I could study the bond, figure out how it works how to stabilize it. But Naruto doesn't trust me. He doesn't trust anyone."

Jayce moved to the window, staring out over Piltover as he wrestled with his emotions. "I came into this to make a difference," he said. "To solve real problems. But it's all trade disputes and politics. People like Viktor… like Naruto… they're suffering, and I feel so useless."

Mel approached him, her steps quiet. "You're not useless, Jayce," she said gently. "You've already done so much."

"Not enough," he said bitterly. "And Viktor's illness…it's my fault."

Mel tilted her head, confused. "How is it your fault?"

Jayce's fists clenched. "He spent years living in Zaun, exposed to the toxic gases down there. If I'd focused on fixing the undercity instead of chasing hextech, maybe he wouldn't be—"

"Stop," Mel said firmly, cutting him off. "This isn't on you. You're trying to solve problems no one else is willing to face. That's more than most can say."

She moved to the painting, her gaze lingering on the Immortal Bastion. "Do you know why I paint this?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

Jayce turned to her, shaking his head.

"Because it's a reminder of what I left behind," she said. "I'm an exile, Jayce. My family cast me out because I wasn't good enough not by Medarda standards, anyway."

He frowned, stepping closer. "Mel, you—"

"I'm telling you this because I know what it feels like to carry the weight of expectations," she said, meeting his gaze. "To want to prove yourself, to make a difference. But you can't do it alone."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. "Be with Viktor," she continued. "He's your partner, your friend. And even if fate can't be changed, you don't have to face it alone."

Jayce nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "You're right," he said. "I need to be there for him."

Mel offered him a small, knowing smile. "Good, and as for Naruto… give him time. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that people will surprise you."

Jayce managed a faint smile in return. "Thank you, Mel."

"Go," she said, picking up her brush again. "I'll be here when you need me."

With renewed resolve, Jayce left the room, determined to fight for both Viktor and Naruto, no matter the cost. As the door closed behind him, Mel turned back to her painting, her strokes more deliberate than ever.

The Last Drop buzzed with its usual rowdy energy, the crowd thick with Zaunites eager to drown their sorrows or celebrate small victories. But as Jinx entered, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations quieted, and wary eyes followed her as she strode confidently toward the bar, her every movement electric and unpredictable.

The bartender, Thieram, caught sight of her and immediately tensed. His hand trembled as he wiped down the counter, his unease palpable as Jinx slid onto a stool with a manic grin.

"Relax, Thieram," she drawled, resting her chin on her hands. "I'm not here to blow the place sky-high. Yet."

Thieram gulped, setting down his rag and pouring her a drink without being asked. The glass clinked slightly against the counter as he slid it toward her.

"You've been busy," she said casually, twirling the glass in her hand. "So tell me, what's the buzz?"

Thieram hesitated, his gaze flicking nervously to the grenade strapped to Jinx's belt. "S-Silco's men are looking for two women," he stammered. "Heard they did a number on Sevika. Made her look bad."

Jinx's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. "Two women, huh? What else?"

"That's all I know, I swear!" Thieram blurted, his voice cracking.

Jinx sighed dramatically, finishing her drink in one gulp. "You're no fun, Thieram. But you're cute when you're scared."

She leaned over the counter, her movements deliberate as she pulled a grenade from her belt. Thieram's eyes went wide with terror as she casually attached it to his back.

"Wait... Jinx...what are you.."

With a wink, she stepped back and pressed a button. A loud pop followed, and Thieram screamed, only to find himself covered in glitter. The bar erupted into uneasy laughter as Jinx cackled, tossing the spent device onto the counter.

"See? No explosions. Told ya,"She said, skipping away. "But next time, you better have something juicier for me."

Far from the chaos of The Last Drop, Caitlyn and Vi moved through the undercity's labyrinthine paths, their breaths shallow and their steps cautious. Vi's wound had worsened, her pace slow and unsteady. She pressed a hand to her side, blood seeping through her makeshift bandage.

"We need to stop," Caitlyn said, her voice firm. "You're going to collapse."

"I'll be fine," Vi snapped, though the tremble in her voice betrayed her. She glanced up ahead, spotting a cliffside with an abandoned water tower at its base. "We can hide down there. Just… keep up."

Caitlyn sighed but followed as Vi approached the edge of the cliff. Rusted metal beams stretched down the rock face, forming a precarious ladder-like structure. Vi jumped first, her movements sluggish but determined. Her boots slipped on a beam, and she barely caught herself on a support, wincing as the motion pulled at her wound.

"Vi!" Caitlyn called, her voice tinged with panic.

"I'm fine!" Vi barked, though her pale face told a different story. She grit her teeth and continued downward.

Caitlyn started her descent, her movements careful and deliberate. The beams groaned under their weight, rust flaking off with every step. When she finally reached the bottom, Vi was already sitting against the base of the water tower, her breathing laboured.

"We can't keep doing this," Caitlyn said, kneeling beside her and examining the wound. "You're going to bleed out."

Vi waved her off. "I've had worse."

Before Caitlyn could argue, Vi's sharp eyes caught movement in the distance. A group of Silco's henchmen sprinted past the tower, their focus fixed ahead as they searched for the two women.

"They didn't see us," Caitlyn whispered, relief flooding her voice.

Vi's gaze shifted upward, narrowing as she spotted a figure standing on a distant structure. The Firelight leader, their masked face unreadable, watched them silently. They lingered for a moment before disappearing into the shadows.

"Looks like someone's keeping tabs on us," Vi muttered, her tone suspicious.

Caitlyn followed her gaze, her brow furrowing. "Who are they?"

"No idea," Vi said, wincing as she adjusted her position. "But we've got enough problems without adding a mystery vigilante to the mix."

As silence settled over them, Caitlyn pulled out a canteen, offering it to Vi. "Here," she said softly. "Drink."

Vi hesitated, then took a small sip, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Caitlyn sat beside her, the tension between them easing as the danger faded—for now.

"You should've left me," Vi said quietly, her voice uncharacteristically vulnerable.

Caitlyn shook her head. "Not a chance."

Vi glanced at her, a flicker of gratitude crossing her face before she looked away. "You're stubborn, you know that?"

Caitlyn smiled faintly. "Takes one to know one."

For a moment, they sat in the quiet shadows of the water tower, their shared determination keeping them moving forward despite the odds

The heavy door to Silco's office creaked open as Sevika stepped inside, her mechanical arm hissing faintly as it adjusted. Her face was bruised and weary, her movements sluggish from her wounds. She took a deep breath before addressing the room.

"We lost her," she said flatly, her frustration barely masked.

The chair behind Silco's desk swivelled around, but instead of Silco's sharp gaze meeting hers, it was Jinx. Her manic grin stretched wide as she lounged in the seat, twirling a knife in her hand.

"Lost who?" Jinx asked, her voice dripping with mockery.

Before she could say anything, her boot caught a hidden tripwire. A sharp hiss followed as noxious green gas flooded the room, and Jinx quickly donned a gas mask, her wild laughter muffled by the filter.

Sevika staggered, coughing violently as the gas overtook her. She reached out toward Jinx, her movements sluggish, but her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

A sharp sting jolted Sevika back to consciousness as Jinx slapped her across the face. Her head lolled for a moment before her eyes opened, taking in her surroundings. She was tied down to Silco's chair, her wrists and mechanical arm firmly restrained. The faint, erratic glow of neon lights illuminated the room, casting unsettling shadows across Jinx's gleeful expression.

"Wakey, wakey!" Jinx sang, twirling a knife in her hand. "We've got so much to talk about!"

Sevika groaned, her head pounding. "Let me guess this is your way of handling failure."

Jinx leaned in close, her grin widening. "Nope! This is my way of finding out who's been sticking their nose where it doesn't belong."

She ran the flat side of the knife along Sevika's metal arm, her tone turning mockingly sweet. "Y'know, it'd be such a shame if this arm of yours just… popped off. Wouldn't that be fun?"

Sevika's face remained stoic, her voice even. "You think you scare me, Powder?"

The name hit its mark. Jinx's grin faltered for a split second, a flicker of something darker crossing her eyes. But just as quickly, her manic facade returned. "Aw, that's cute. You think you're still in charge here."

Jinx flipped the knife into the air, catching it by the hilt as she perched on the arm of the chair. "Let's play a game, you tell me something interesting, and I don't get bored enough to make this…" She gestured to the knife. "...a lot more exciting."

Sevika sneered. "Fine. Here's something interesting for you, your sister's back."

Jinx froze, the grin slipping from her face. "Vi?"

"Yeah," Sevika said, her voice laced with satisfaction. "And she's not alone. She's got an enforcer with her. They're already causing trouble."

Jinx's eye twitched, her grip on the knife tightening. "You're lying."

Sevika chuckled humourlessly. "Believe what you want, but it's only a matter of time before you implode, and Silco realizes you're just as unreliable as everyone says."

Jinx stood abruptly, turning her back to Sevika. She made an exaggerated sobbing sound, her shoulders shaking as if overcome with grief. Then, without warning, she spun back around, sneezing directly into Sevika's face.

"Oops!" Jinx exclaimed, her grin returning. "Sorry about that. Guess you just bring out all my emotions."

Sevika glared at her, unfazed. "You're pathetic."

The door creaked open, and Naruto stepped inside. His hood was pulled low over his face, but the glow of his blue eyes was unmistakable. He walked with a slight stagger, his pale complexion and shallow breathing betraying his condition.

Jinx lit up at the sight of him. "You're back!" she said, rushing to his side. Her joy quickly gave way to concern as she noticed his state. "You, okay? You look like hell."

Naruto waved her off, his voice hoarse. "I'm fine. Just... tired."

Jinx studied him for a moment before grabbing his arm and dragging him toward Sevika. "C'mere! You're just in time to see me deal with Miss Doom and Gloom over here."

Naruto's gaze shifted to Sevika, his expression unreadable. "What's going on?"

Sevika smirked despite her predicament. "Your partner here's having a meltdown. And you? You look like you've already hit rock bottom."

Naruto's lips twitched into a humourless smile. "Feels like it," he said flatly.

He turned to Jinx, his voice softer. "You don't need to do this."

Jinx pouted, twirling her knife idly. "She's the one who brought Vi into this. I'm just cleaning up the mess."

"Let it go," Naruto said, his glowing eyes dimming slightly. "The past is already hunting us. No need to make it worse."

Jinx hesitated, the knife stilling in her hand. After a moment, she sighed dramatically, tossing the blade onto the desk. "Fine, you're such a buzzkill."

Naruto turned to leave, his steps unsteady as he moved toward the door. Jinx followed, her grin returning as she looped an arm around his shoulders.

"You're lucky you've got me to keep things interesting," she teased.

Naruto chuckled faintly, though his voice carried a tinge of sadness. "Yeah. Lucky."

As the door closed behind them, Sevika slumped in the chair, seething with frustration. She flexed her mechanical arm against the restraints, her mind already racing with thoughts of retaliation.

Outside the office, Jinx hummed to herself, her hand tightening on Naruto's arm as they walked. Naruto glanced down at her, his expression softening despite his weariness.

"You're not gonna do something crazy, are you?" he asked.

Jinx looked up at him, her grin widening. "Crazy? Me? Never."

Naruto sighed, shaking his head. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Marcus opened the door to his home, the weight of the day's tensions dragging at his every step. The stress of managing Zaun's chaos, keeping Piltover's Council content, and his covert dealings with Silco left him feeling frayed. But when he stepped inside and saw the warm glow of a lamp spilling into the hallway, a small sense of relief washed over him.

"Ren?" he called softly, moving toward the living room.

The sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks. Ren, his bright-eyed daughter, sat cross-legged on the floor, carefully stacking colorful wooden blocks into a precarious tower. But she wasn't alone. Sitting opposite her, Silco leaned forward, holding a block in his scarred hand. Two of his thugs stood silently in the corner, their menacing presence a stark contrast to the innocent scene before him.

Ren looked up and smiled brightly. "Daddy, look! Mr. Silco's helping me build a tower."

Marcus's heart sank. His jaw tightened as he forced a smile, stepping into the room. "That's great, sweetheart. But maybe it's time for bed."

Ren pouted, reaching for another block. "Just one more, Daddy! It's almost done."

Silco glanced up at Marcus, his mismatched eyes cold and calculating. "Don't let me interrupt. We're just having a bit of fun."

Marcus's fists clenched at his sides, but he kept his voice even. "What are you doing here, Silco?"

Silco placed the block carefully on the tower, his movements deliberate. "Paying a visit to an old friend," he said smoothly, his gaze never leaving Marcus. "And to discuss a… misunderstanding."

The tension in the room grew palpable. Ren, oblivious to the undercurrent, clapped her hands as the tower grew taller. "It's so big now!" she exclaimed.

Silco smiled faintly, though the gesture didn't reach his eyes. "It's remarkable how fragile these things are," he murmured, running a finger along the edge of a block. "One wrong move, and it all comes tumbling down."

Marcus took a step forward, his voice low. "What do you want?"

Silco's expression hardened, and he finally looked directly at Marcus. "Vi is loose," he said. "With an enforcer, no less."

Marcus's stomach dropped. "I know. I'm handling it."

"Are you?" Silco's tone was sharp, his words slicing through the air. "Because the last time we discussed this, you assured me Vi was dead. Imagine my surprise when I learned she's been roaming around Zaun with a Kiramman clanswoman."

Marcus's breath caught. "Caitlyn," he muttered, realization dawning. "She's a Kiramman. That means she has Council privileges. I couldn't just—"

Silco raised a hand, silencing him. "Spare me the excuses. I entrusted you with this task, Marcus, and you failed me."

"I'll fix it," Marcus said quickly, his voice firm. "I'll take care of both of them."

Silco's smile returned, colder this time. "No need. I'll handle it myself."

The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air. Marcus's eyes flicked to Ren, who was still engrossed in her game, unaware of the danger looming over her.

Silco picked up another block, studying it with feigned interest. "It's a shame when something you've worked so hard to build is ruined by a single mistake," he said, placing the block on the tower. The structure wobbled precariously before toppling over with a crash.

Ren gasped, her hands flying to her face. "Oh no!"

Silco tilted his head, his expression mock sheepish. "Oops. My fault, I'm afraid."

Marcus's fists clenched tighter, his knuckles white. He forced himself to kneel beside Ren, his voice gentle. "It's okay, sweetie. We'll build another one tomorrow."

Ren nodded, her disappointment fading as Marcus lifted her into his arms. "Say goodnight to Mr. Silco," he said, his tone carefully neutral.

"Goodnight, Mr. Silco!" Ren chirped, waving as Marcus carried her toward the stairs.

Silco watched them go, his smile never faltering. But as soon as they were out of sight, his gaze darkened. Turning to his thugs, he gestured toward the door. "Stay close. Make sure he doesn't try anything... reckless."

The men nodded silently, following him out.

Once Ren was safely in bed, Marcus returned to the living room, his thoughts racing. Silco's visit had been a reminder of the precarious position he was in a pawn caught between Piltover's demands and Silco's ruthlessness.

He sat heavily in a chair, burying his face in his hands. For Ren's sake, he couldn't fail. But as he thought of Vi and Caitlyn, of the storm brewing in Zaun, he realized how little control he truly had.

Above all, one thought echoed in his mind: How much longer can I keep this from falling apart?

Caitlyn gently supported Vi as they made their way toward the encampment. The air was thick with the stench of decay and desperation, the vagrants' malnourished frames illuminated by the faint beam of Caitlyn's flashlight. Some shielded their eyes, while others melted into the shadows, their deformed bodies a stark reminder of Zaun's harsh realities.

They approached the house at the base of the water tower. Its dilapidated walls and crumbling facade gave it an air of abandonment, yet it exuded a faint sense of familiarity to Vi. Caitlyn helped her onto a worn bench inside, setting her rifle down beside her.

Vi blinked sluggishly, her face pale and glistening with sweat. Caitlyn pulled out a handkerchief and reached to dab at her face, but Vi swatted her hand away weakly. "Don't," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Vi, you're barely holding it together," Caitlyn said, her tone firm but not unkind. "Let me help."

Vi leaned back, her head lolling against the wall. Her vision blurred, and she began to see fragmented memories of her childhood. The walls of the house seemed to shift, becoming brighter, livelier. She saw herself as a child, running through these very rooms with Powder in tow. Their laughter echoed in her mind, mingling with the ghostly warmth of her parents' presence.

"Vi?" Caitlyn's voice broke through the haze, pulling her back to the present. "You're losing a lot of blood. Please, let me help."

Vi's eyes flickered toward Caitlyn, and for a moment, the hostility softened. She nodded weakly, finally allowing Caitlyn to press the handkerchief to her wound. Caitlyn worked quickly, her movements gentle but efficient.

"You hate us," Caitlyn said after a moment, her voice tentative. "Piltovans. I get it. But I'm not like them."

Vi's lips twitched into the ghost of a smirk. "You don't get it," she murmured. "You never will."

Before Caitlyn could respond, Vi's head drooped, her consciousness slipping further. Caitlyn panicked, shaking her gently. "Stay with me, Vi. Don't you dare pass out now."

Caitlyn stepped outside to catch her breath, the cool air biting at her skin. She scanned the encampment, her nerves on edge. She didn't hear the soft shuffle of footsteps until it was too late.

"Is she okay?"

Caitlyn whirled around, her rifle snapping to her shoulder. Her flashlight illuminated the face of a hunched man covered in purple growths. His expression was wary, but his voice carried genuine concern.

"Huck," the man said, raising his hands defensively. "My name's Huck. I'm a friend."

Caitlyn's grip on the rifle tightened. "How do I know you're not lying?"

"I owe my life to Vi's father," Huck said softly. "She saved me once, long ago. I wouldn't hurt her."

Caitlyn hesitated, lowering her rifle slightly. "Vi needs a doctor."

Huck shook his head grimly. "Doctors are scarce around here. But… I know someone who might help."

He gestured for Caitlyn to follow, his movements slow and deliberate. She hesitated, glancing back at the house where Vi lay unconscious, before making her decision.

Huck led Caitlyn through the camp, the stares of the deformed vagrants following them like specters. They arrived at a small apothecary's stall, cluttered with jars of strange liquids and dried herbs. The apothecary, an older woman with piercing eyes, regarded them with suspicion.

"She needs a potion," Huck said, gesturing toward Caitlyn. He looked down at his own mottled hands and added quietly, "One with shimmer."

The apothecary snorted, her gaze sharp. "What do you have to trade?"

Caitlyn swallowed hard, realizing what this would cost. She pulled her rifle from her back, unloaded the bullets, and held it out. "This should be enough."

The apothecary inspected the weapon with interest, her fingers running over the intricate design. After a moment, she nodded and took the rifle. From one of her many jars, she extracted a single drop of shimmer and added it to a potion. The liquid swirled and glowed faintly as she slid it across the counter.

"Careful with that," the apothecary warned. "It'll help, but it's no miracle."

Caitlyn nodded, taking the potion carefully. She turned to Huck, her expression softening. "Come with me. Vi will want to see you."

Huck's face fell, and he took a step back. "No," he said firmly. "I don't want her to see me like this."

Caitlyn frowned but didn't push. Instead, she set the potion into her satchel and impulsively embraced Huck. He stiffened at first, but then relaxed slightly, his hands hovering awkwardly behind her.

"Thank you," Caitlyn said, pulling back. "You did the right thing."

Huck nodded wordlessly, retreating into the shadows as Caitlyn made her way back to the house. The encampment seemed quieter now, the tension hanging in the air like a ghost of the past.

Back inside the house, Caitlyn knelt beside Vi and carefully tilted her head back. "Come on, Vi," she murmured, her voice steady despite her nerves. "You've fought too hard to give up now."

She poured the potion into Vi's mouth, watching as the faint glow of shimmer settled into her body. For a moment, there was no response, and Caitlyn's heart sank. Then, slowly, Vi's breathing evened, and her colour began to return.

Caitlyn exhaled a shaky breath, brushing a strand of hair from Vi's face. "That's it. Just keep fighting."

Outside, the night grew darker, but inside, a fragile hope flickered to life. The road ahead was uncertain, but for now, they had one more chance.

Viktor stood over the hex core, his usually calm demeanour tinged with urgency. The device glowed faintly, pulsing as if alive, its intricate runes spinning slowly around its levitating centre. Jayce stood beside him, his arms crossed, watching intently.

"Watch this," Viktor said, his voice subdued but steady. With a gloved hand, he placed a small plant a simple fern on the platform beneath the core. The core's glow intensified, and tendrils of energy snaked down toward the plant. In an instant, the fern began to grow, its leaves expanding, its stems multiplying, until it was several times its original size.

Jayce's eyes widened. "That's incredible. If we could replicate this on a larger scale"

But before he could finish, the plant's vibrant green faded. Its leaves shrivelled, its stems curled inward, and within moments, it was a withered husk. Viktor sighed, removing the plant and placing it aside. The small pile of similarly decayed specimens told the story of repeated failures.

"It always ends the same," Viktor said quietly. "The hex core's energy stimulates rapid growth, but it doesn't last. Something's missing."

Jayce frowned, stepping closer. "But look at what it did! For a moment, it was thriving. Viktor, this could be the key to healing, to augmenting physiology. Maybe even… extending life, if we just had Naruto.."

Viktor turned to face him, his expression a mix of hope and resignation. "Perhaps. But without stability, it's nothing more than a fleeting glimpse of potential. I fear that's all it may ever be."

Jayce placed a hand on Viktor's shoulder. "We'll figure it out. Maybe Heimerdinger"

"No," Viktor interrupted, his tone sharp. "Heimerdinger would see this as dangerous, uncontrollable. He wouldn't understand."

Jayce hesitated but nodded. "Then we'll keep working. I'll do whatever it takes to help you. And we'll keep looking for Naruto. If his bond with hextech could shed some light on this…"

Viktor gave a faint smile, though his fatigue was evident. "Thank you, Jayce. But time is not on our side."

Later, in the Council chamber, Marcus stood stiffly before Jayce, his face a mask of tension. He placed a charred grenade on the table, its surface etched with Jinx's signature monkey design.

"I found this on one of the Firelights," Marcus said, his voice steady but his eyes avoiding Jayce's. "They're escalating their attacks. This… this is just the start."

Jayce picked up the grenade, examining it closely. "Are you sure it's them?"

Marcus nodded, though his movements were hesitant. "The Firelights have been striking at key locations shipments, outposts. I have every reason to believe they're behind this."

Jayce's brow furrowed. "Then we need to tighten security. Search everyone who crosses the bridges. No exceptions."

Marcus shifted uncomfortably. "That's a heavy-handed response, Councilor. The bridges are already tense as it is. If we push too hard—"

"They're using weapons like this," Jayce said firmly, holding up the grenade. "We can't afford to let this escalate further. Search everyone."

Marcus reluctantly nodded. "Understood."

Jayce set the grenade down and leaned forward, his tone softening. "Is there anything else you need help with? Anything at all?"

Marcus hesitated, his mind racing. He considered mentioning Vi or Caitlyn, the loose ends that seemed to be unravelling faster than he could control. But Jayce's calm yet commanding demeanour made it clear he wasn't sharing everything, either.

"No," Marcus finally said. "I've got it covered."

Jayce nodded, satisfied. "Good. Keep me updated."

As Marcus left the chamber, he felt the weight of his own lies pressing down on him. He clutched the edge of his coat tightly, knowing that his double dealings with Silco and the Firelights were pushing him closer to a breaking point.

Alone in the chamber, Jayce stared at the grenade for a long moment. His mind drifted to Naruto, the boy who had once been a beacon of potential, now a shadowy enigma. He knew he couldn't tell Marcus about Naruto, not yet. The truth would only complicate matters, especially with tensions between Piltover and Zaun at an all time high.

But the thought of Naruto infused with hextech, a living connection to its power, lingered in his mind. If they could find him if they could understand what had happened to him it might be the key to everything. To Viktor's survival, to stabilizing hextech, to reshaping the future of Piltover and Zaun alike.

Jayce exhaled deeply, the weight of his responsibilities growing heavier with each passing day. One step at a time, he told himself. One step at a time.

Caitlyn knelt beside Vi, gently tilting her head back. She poured the shimmering potion into Vi's mouth, her hand steady despite the unease swirling inside her. Vi choked and sputtered at first, but Caitlyn held her in place, murmuring soothing words.

Suddenly, Vi's body jerked violently, her eyes snapping open as a scream tore from her throat. Caitlyn flinched back, startled by the raw intensity of the reaction. Vi's irises glowed briefly with a deep purple hue, veins around her eyes darkening like spiderwebs before fading. Her breathing was ragged, her chest rising and falling rapidly as the effects of the shimmer coursed through her.

"Vi!" Caitlyn called, her voice sharp with concern. "Are you okay?"

Vi groaned, pressing a hand to her side. She blinked, her vision clearing. "I'm fine," she muttered, though her tone was laced with irritation. She touched her bandaged wound, noticing that the bleeding had stopped entirely. "That stuff… packs a punch."

Caitlyn exhaled in relief, sitting back on her heels. "Good. You had me worried there."

Vi pulled herself upright, wincing slightly. "Don't get used to it."

As Caitlyn looked around the room, her eyes landed on a wooden support beam etched with faint markings. She leaned closer, tracing the grooves with her fingers. Two names were scratched into the wood: Violet and Powder, accompanied by various heights over the years.

Caitlyn frowned, realization dawning. "This was your home, wasn't it?"

Vi, leaning against a wall, glanced at the beam and sighed. "Yeah. A lifetime ago."

"And Powder?" Caitlyn asked hesitantly, pointing to the name.

Vi's expression hardened. "She's my sister."

The weight of the words hung between them. Caitlyn hesitated, not wanting to pry but unable to ignore the pain evident in Vi's voice. "You said you need to find her."

Vi nodded, her fists clenching. "Yeah. She's… changed. But I have to try. I owe her that much."

"What happened?" Caitlyn asked softly.

Vi's gaze turned distant, memories flickering through her mind. "Our parents were killed. By enforcers." Her voice was sharp, laced with bitterness. "They tore our family apart, left us to fend for ourselves in this hellhole. Powder and I… we only had each other after that."

Caitlyn fell silent, unsure how to respond. The pieces were falling into place, but the picture they painted was grim.

A commotion outside broke the tension, drawing both women's attention. Caitlyn grabbed her rifle, and Vi pushed off the wall, her movements steadier now thanks to the potion. They exchanged a glance before stepping outside.

The scene before them was chaos. Silco stood at the center of a small crowd of vagrants, his thugs flanking him like shadows. In his hands, he held vials of shimmer, their eerie glow casting a sickly light over the gathered addicts.

"Your salvation, right here," Silco proclaimed, his voice smooth and commanding. "A taste of power. A chance to rise above."

With a calculated smirk, he dropped the vials. The vagrants scrambled to snatch them up, uncaring of the glass shards that cut their hands. They drank greedily, and within moments, their bodies began to contort and swell, shimmer transforming them into grotesque, hulking figures.

Vi tensed, her jaw clenching. "That bastard."

The shimmer-addicted thralls turned their glowing eyes toward Vi and Caitlyn, moving with mindless purpose. Silco raised a hand, pointing toward them. "Show them what true strength looks like."

Caitlyn took aim with her rifle, firing precise shots at the approaching mob. Her bullets slowed them but didn't stop them entirely. "Vi, we need to move!" she shouted.

Vi looked around, her mind racing. Her eyes landed on the water tower, and a plan began to form. "No," she said firmly. "We're bringing this whole place down."

Caitlyn's eyes widened. "What? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," Vi replied. She ran to the tower's base, slamming her shoulder into one of the supports. The beam groaned but held.

Caitlyn hesitated, then followed, pushing against another beam with all her strength. The metal creaked ominously, but it wasn't enough.

The mob closed in, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Caitlyn fired again, but the sound of her rifle was drowned out by the furious roars of the shimmer-enhanced addicts.

Vi glanced at Caitlyn, her expression resolute. "Find Powder. Stop Silco. I'll end this."

"What?" Caitlyn gasped, her heart pounding. "Vi, don't—"

But Vi was already moving, slamming her fist into the beam with all the strength she could muster. The structure trembled, the supports buckling under the force. Caitlyn had no choice but to keep pushing, the beam she was leaning on finally giving way.

With a deafening groan, the water tower began to topple. The addicts stumbled, disoriented, as the massive structure came crashing down. Dust and debris filled the air, and the ground trembled with the impact.

Caitlyn coughed, pulling herself up from the rubble. "Vi!" she called, panic flooding her voice.

Vi emerged from the dust, battered but standing. She gestured for Caitlyn to follow her. "Come on. We're not done yet."

Caitlyn hesitated, looking back at the destruction. Silco was nowhere to be seen, but his threat loomed larger than ever.

"Vi," Caitlyn said softly, catching up to her. "We'll find your sister. And we'll stop him. Together."

Vi glanced at her, a flicker of gratitude breaking through her tough exterior. "Yeah. Together."

From the edge of a crumbling tower in Zaun, Jinx gripped the flare tightly, its weight a reminder of her childhood and the promise Vi had made so long ago. She hesitated for only a moment before striking it, sending a vibrant plume of blue smoke spiralling into the polluted sky.

The light illuminated her face, its glow dancing in her wide, eyes. She stared at the trail rising above the city, a signal she knew Vi couldn't ignore. Beside her, Naruto stood, his hood pulled low, his blue eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

"Is this really what you want?" Naruto asked, his voice steady but heavy with concern. "You know what this will bring."

Jinx turned to him, her grin half-forced, her usual manic energy subdued. "It's the only way," she said, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "It's the only way I can move forward for me, for her, for us."

Naruto's chest heaved as he coughed violently, a hand flying to his mouth. When he pulled it away, the sight of crimson staining his fingers made Jinx's heart lurch. She rushed to him, her manic grin replaced with genuine worry.

"Damn it, Naruto," she said, placing her hands on his shoulders. "You're pushing yourself too hard."

He waved her off, his expression softening as he looked at her. "I'm fine," he rasped. "There's just… something I need to say, before anything else happens."

Down below, Vi and Caitlyn stumbled through the chaos, dust and rubble clinging to their clothes as they fled the collapse of the water tower. Silco's henchmen were hot on their trail, but Vi's sharp instincts and Caitlyn's steady aim kept them ahead.

"Vi, look!" Caitlyn shouted, pointing skyward.

Vi stopped in her tracks, her chest heaving as her eyes locked on the unmistakable plume of blue smoke. Her stomach churned at the sight. The flare. Jinx's flare.

"She's calling me," Vi murmured, her voice a mixture of hope and dread.

"We don't know if it's safe," Caitlyn cautioned, grabbing her arm. "It could be a trap."

Vi shook her head, her determination burning through her exhaustion. "It doesn't matter. I have to go."

Back atop the tower, Naruto leaned against the railing, the blue smoke casting an ethereal glow on his pale face. Jinx stood beside him, her eyes darting between the flare and his strained expression.

The air between them grew heavier as Naruto steadied himself, his glowing eyes meeting Jinx's with unspoken resolve. "Jinx," he began, his voice low and steady, masking the storm within. "There's something you need to know."

Jinx tilted her head, her ever present grin faltering. "What? you're not dying on me, are you?" she asked, her tone teasing, but the concern in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

Naruto shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Not yet" he replied, though the weight in his voice hinted at the truth he was about to share. He took a deep breath, the faint hum of the crystal in his chest growing louder with his emotions.

"I've learned things… about myself, my family, and this," he said, motioning to his chest where the unstable hex crystal pulsed faintly through his skin. "Every time I use its power, it eats away at me. It's slowly killing me, Jinx." He hesitated before adding, "And I've learned about love what it means to care for someone, even when it feels like everything else is falling apart."

Jinx's playful demeanour shattered as her brows furrowed. "We have to fix it," she said quickly, her voice rising. "We'll find someone... Silco?, hell, even the topsiders. Someone can help—"

"Jinx," Naruto interrupted gently, shaking his head. "It's not that simple. This… this is my reality. I just need to know—" He paused, his glowing eyes searching hers. "What do you think love is?"

Jinx blinked, the question catching her off guard. Her gaze dropped to the floor as she thought about it. Her sister's face flashed in her mind. "Love?" she repeated softly, her voice almost a whisper. "I think… love is protecting someone, no matter what. Even if it costs you everything. And you don't leave them behind. Ever." Her voice cracked, but she forced herself to meet Naruto's gaze. "You don't abandon someone you love."

Naruto's lips curved into a small, genuine smile as he stepped closer. "Out of everyone who's ever left me," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "you stayed., you never gave up on me, even when I didn't know who I was."

Jinx's throat tightened, her fists clenching at her sides. "That's because you're all I've got," she admitted, her voice trembling. "And you're all I need."

Naruto raised his hands to cup her face, his thumbs brushing away the faint trace of tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "Thank you," he murmured, his tone soft but unyielding. "For saving me that day, for saving me every day since."

Their faces drew closer as the chaotic hum of Zaun seemed to fade into nothingness. Naruto's gaze flickered to her lips for a fleeting second before he closed the distance, capturing her lips in a kiss. It was both fierce and tender, filled with the emotions they had both buried for so long. In that moment, the rest of the world ceased to exist.

When they pulled apart, Naruto's glowing eyes searched hers, his voice barely above a whisper as he said, "I think… I love you, Jinx."

Her eyes shimmered, a rare moment of vulnerability crossing her face before her familiar grin returned, softer and more genuine. "You're such a sap," she teased, though her voice wavered with emotion. After a moment of hesitation, she took a shaky breath and added, "I think… I love you too, Naruto."

They stood there, a pair of chaotic souls bound together in their shared madness, their connection deeper than words could convey. Naruto's lips curved into a smile a rare, heartfelt one that lit up his usually guarded expression.

Jinx's grin grew wider, though her tone carried a playful lilt as she said, "You picked one hell of a moment to confess, you know. We might be seeing my sister again soon."

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Better late than never," he replied, though his mind lingered on the thought of how much time he truly had left. For now, he pushed it aside, focusing instead on the girl who had become his anchor in the storm.

Chapter 10 - Another Love Act 2 (Finale) End

A/N

Anddd that's the end… Yes, it was a confession, but they didn't have enough time to fully talk, given where they are and what's ahead. So, I'm sorry for only giving you a small glimpse of happiness.

Why now, you might ask? simple, Naruto is broken. He's dying. His time is running out. Every action he's taken recently has been leading to this moment. I wanted it to happen here because it was his only chance after this, we're heading into a deeply depressing part of the story.

Yes, Jinx said "I love you" back, but I emphasized the "I think." Both of them are confused two broken souls trying to navigate their feelings and figure it all out on their own.

This chapter also marks the end of Act 2, and as we all know, that means… we're in the endgame now.

Prepare yourselves, it's going to be a rough road ahead.

Next Chapter - Reunion Act 3

Enough of my rambling. I hope you enjoyed this chapter either way, and until next time,

byebye!