A/N: Still sick, so please excuse any errors/ the lack of length. Just so tired...
Back to Arcane! Sorry for the delay, co-writer isn't feeling well either, so I'm giving him a bit of a break.
I'll say it plain, if this email opt-in business with the site doesn't get resolved soon, I'm probably going to retire.
It HURTS to say that; but with this new system, reviews and readers have dropped to an all time low, authors are leaving the site in droves, and it feels like the end of an era.
If you're not already aware of it, ever since the 16th of November, you now have to turn ON your email alerts in account settings-MAKE SURE YOU CLICK SAVE SETTINGS!-else you won't be notified when anyone updates. No alerts, no email, no nothing. Apparently that's a thing we all have to do every ninety days or so, now. Alas, not many are aware of it...which is a problem. As things stand this new "fix" as it were, has cut everyone's viewership/reviewers in half because most folks don't know about it. Authors are leaving/quitting because of this.
Sometimes opting in works. Sometimes it doesn't. Really depends. Hopefully the devs can fix tweak/update this system before everyone leaves.
So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this story, and all others.
I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
As ever, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story, POOF! Away it goes. Gone forever. With two jobs, the holidays, and rent to pay, my free time is...well, at an all time low. I'm lucky to have four hours to write a day. I can't afford to pen stories that no one enjoys. So by all means, speak up! Every bit of feedback matters here! Truly, it does! That's no joke!
No questions this time, only story. Alright, this old man has kept you waiting long enough.
As ever, I own no references quotes, themes or memes. They're merely tributes.
So in lieu of a long authors note...here...we...go!
"At your lowest point, may you find the greatest strength.
When you protect those you love, may you know the greatest joy.
And when you face your enemies...may you show them what it is to know pain.
~?
Laugh and Cry
"Hey, whiskers. You awake?"
He wasn't of course. Jinx knew he wasn't. She'd not dare to do this otherwise
She traced her finger across his bare chest again, drawing a sleepy grumble from him. "Jinx, stoppit...that tickles..."
Heh. She bet it did. He looked kinda cute when he was asleep.
Hard to believe he could become a living murder machine when he was awake. She'd seen what he could do when he was angry. She kinda liked it. All that power. Nothing could touch him. So what if he couldn't control it right now? He'd learn, sooner or later. Still didn't wake up now, though. Good. That was good. It gave her time to think. She tucked herself into his side and drew the blankets close, savoring the feeling of his body against hers. Sex wasn't half bad; if anything it was a great way to blow off steam. She didn't know why they'd waited this long to try it.
Whiskers understood her. Her got, her damnit. That meant something. No matter what everyone else might say. It was the world to her.
Naruto mumbled something in his sleep and rolled over, tucking her tight against him. She liked that. Made her feel safe in his arms. Secure. She never wanted to let him go. Not now, not ever.
Why should she? Anyone tried to take him from her, and they'd lose fingers. Simple as.
"Love you...
Daaaaawwww~! Just listening to that sleepy mumbling drew a small shiver from her shoulders. She'd heard him say it before, but here and now the impact of it truly hit her. He really did love her. Just hearing the words gave her strength, stabilized her in a way few could. He loved her, he loved her, he loved her. Her and only her. Nobody else.
Jinx grinned and curled up against him. This was all she needed from him right now, all that mattered.
.
..
...although...
She turned her gaze to the ceiling as she snuggled into him, clutching the blankets over her bosom.
They'd make half decent parents someday, right? Not now obviously, no way in hell was she ready for that, but they'd be great. They wouldn't make the same mistakes like Vi and the rest did. Her imagination took the odd idea and ran away with it. Maybe a boy or a girl, or-oooh! Twins! Twins sounded nice. Then they could have two for the price of one. Yeah, she liked the sound of that.
But they'd need names, wouldn't they? Couldn't be any ordinary names. They had to be awesome. Metal.
Nothing like those names she'd seen in all those wordy books Naruto and Silco read. Short, sweet, and to the point. Just like an explosion.
Maybe Bang? Pow?
Heh, those were cute names for a boy.
...hmm. Faye had a nice ring to it for a girl, yeah?
Her fractured mind latched onto the idea. Clung to it.
Thinking about it brought the ghost of a smile lighting her lips. She needed him. Just as much as he needed her. He wouldn't turn on her, not like Vi did, not like-
Jinx! All your fault! ALL YOUR FAULT!
N-No. No, it wasn't her fault. It was an accident.
Jinx shivered and cuddled close. No. She wouldn't let that thing's words steal her joy.
To hell with that fiddle-whatever-thingy. They'd beaten it once, and they would again...wouldn't they?
Sleep came reluctantly. She couldn't say it was a peaceful one.
(.0.0.0.)
"You're in a mood this mornin.'..
"Guess so." Even with her back to him, Jinx radiated smugness while she worked.
Naruto cast a glance her way as he tugged on his trousers; hunched over her workbench, goggles strapped tight against her face. No doubt she was hard at work on the hextech orb they'd lifted from Piltover, trying to discern its secrets. He still wasn't entirely sure what kind of "weapon" Silco wanted her to make, but judging by the sounds she was making, she found herself well on the way to crafting it. Good for her. She could use a little joy in her life.
It sparked and she yelped below him. "Ow! Blasted thing!"
"You gonna be alright down there?"
"Mmhmm." she waved a hand over her shoulder as he finished getting dressed. "I got this. Go and see what da-Silco, wants." she corrected with a flush. "I'll radio you if I need ya."
Naruto wanted to agree. He really did. But he had a bad feeling about this, an odd, nagging sensation of doubt. "I think I'll stay."
She tugged her goggles up as he plonked down behind her.
"You sure? I mean, I won't say now, but I'm pretty sure I've got this-
She absently cranked the device. Still looking his way. Mistakes were made.
A wave of blue light burst from it and blasted her backwards. It lingered for all of an instant, runes of light lingering in the air. Before they faded. Naruto took it all in stride. He was no stranger to explosions, and this one was weak as far as most went. He rode it out easily.
No so Jinx. She yelped like a child and curled into him, babbling madly.
"No, no, Vi, I'm sorry...! It was a mistake, I didn't mean to...
He pulled her into his arms. "Hey, hey! You're okay!"
Jinx didn't respond. She just clung to him.
Just like that day...
(.0.0.0.)
"She had another episode, did she?"
Naruto, or rather the shadow clone he'd sent, scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah...woulda told you myself, but she got clingy. Can't blame her after all she's been through."
Neither could Silco. Still, the timing was unfortunate. They could hardly send her out if she was having another panic attack now, could they?
Still, this complicated things.
Heaving a sigh, he circled round to his desk and sat. "I had hoped she would better."
...she was." Naruto's face had closed down as he plucked out a bottle of wine; by the time he began to pour, he wore a decidedly mulish look. "But messing about with that crystal triggered something in her again. I'm sure you know why."
Ah yes, the blast. The same that had taken Sevika's arm and nearly killed them kill all those years ago. He'd not seen her at the time, but in hindsight it all seemed obvious. The girl must've been responsible. Evidently, she'd had a talent for explosions, even then. And speaking of explosive matters...no, best keep the matter of the chem barons in house. He'd attend to Finn and the rest. But the boy...
"I have a task for you."
Naruto arched an eyebrow. "Am I going to enjoy this task?"
Silco smirked. "Given that it involves Jinx's wretched sister? I'd say yes."
And just like that, he had the boy's full, undivided attention. The blond adjusted his gauntlet. "Tell me more."
Good. While they might yet disagree on what should be done with Vander's protege, the fact remained that she still needed to be dealt with. They couldn't have a loose cannon like her running about. Not only would she jeopardize Jinx's mental state, but she ran the risk of undermining all they'd built together. The weapons had been moved, the people were in place. It was only a matter of time now; a few last loose ends to tie up before Piltover elected its new sheriff.
Which led to this.
"I want you to trail Sevika."
"Sevika?" the boy's brow furrowed. "Why?"
"She's bait, in a sense." he steepled his fingers and laid his chin to rest upon them. "At present, she's enjoying her day off down in one of the lower parts of the undercity. The girl will seek out information; and there was a time when Sevika held connections to Vander. If the sister still lives, she'll seek those connections out.
...I'll handle it."
"You still won't kill her?" He supposed it was too much to hope for. Her death would make things so much easier. They could always exp
"No," the look in his eyes promised something far worse. "But I'm not above breaking a few bones and planting a tracking seal on her. She owes us that much."
Brilliant. They'd be able to keep tabs on her, then. "Clever boy.
He preened. "You taught me well.
"As you say." He really had, hadn't he? He'd always love Jinx, but there could be no denying that some of his more...tactical lessons had found a home in the boy. The thought had him drawing said protege into a brisk embrace. "Do not underestimate that girl. She is...capable."
Naruto grinned his way. "Sounded like it hurt ya to say that."
It did, and it didn't. His feelings toward his brother remained a mire. "I will not insult Vander's physical skills, only his morals."
"And Jinx?" Blast, but the boy had a point. "She used to be his daughter too, ya know. That's not something she can discard easily."
...I am aware." painfully so. "We both know she needs to let Powder die. So long as that weakness lives within her she will always be haunted by that madness.
"You want me to talk to her?"
Silco shook his head. "No need. I've just the place to take her...
Naruto squinted at him. "Oi. Don't do anything stupid."
"Perish the thought. I only want to set her free...
A/N: Next chapter title: A Calm and Reasonable Person. References intended.
Confrontation with Vi is coming, and its gonna be glorious.
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 be able to continue something no on likes 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!
As ever, reviews are my lifeblood, my fuel, my sustenance. Without them, I cannot write.
So In the Immortal Words of Atlas... ...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the previews. References are strong here...
(Preview)
"You need to let Powder die. So the fear of pain will no longer control you...
Silco eased her back into the water.
Jinx closed her eyes.
"Traitor!"
"Vander had his chance, kid...
"You must be Vi." Cold blue eyes gazed back at her. "You strike me as a calm and reasonable person. Are you?" his head tilted further to regard her. "A calm and reasonable person?"
"Calm!? How can I be calm?! You have my sister! Where the hell is she?!"
Silence was his answer.
"Screw you!"
Vi punched him. Quick and hard. Enough to flatten him. She was sure of it.
Imagine her surprise when clenched knuckles smacked into an open palm. A shit-eating grin tore across his face. Too late, she realized his once-blue-eyes had gone red. His once round pupil were slitted now, stark and angry like those of some feral cat. Red light bubbled around him, shimmering like a second skin.
"Didn't think so. ME NEITHER!"
He kicked her backward into-then through- a wall. She crashed through it with a strangled grunt.
"I've been waiting for this." he waded out into the street after her, rolling his shoulder. "Y'see, I'm not from around here. We do things a little bit differently where I come from, back in the Elemental Nations. And you?" a finger rose, jabbing her way. "You owe Jinx a debt for everything you put her through; which means I get a piece of you. Don't worry. You'll pick it up."
A bullet pinged harmlessly of his shoulder. He scoffed and looked to the rafters.
"Clever. Clever won't beat me. Call your little sheriff friend down here. We'll make it a party~!"
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Sorry for the lack of length. Still down with the sickness, as it were.
As ever, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story, POOF! Away it goes. Gone forever. With two jobs, the holidays, and rent to pay, my free time is...well, at an all time low. I'm lucky to have four hours to write a day. I can't afford to pen stories that no one enjoys. So by all means, speak up! Every bit of feedback matters here! Truly, it does! That's no joke!
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work,
~Nz.
R&R~!