A/N
Helloooo guys!
Wow, the feedback from the last chapter was insane I'm super grateful that so many of you are enjoying this story.
I've seen some concerns about the speed of updates, with people worried that I might burn out. So, I'll be honest, I've already completed the ending for Season One and started planning around Season Two. But yeah, I have definitely burnt myself out a bit, lol I really need to focus on studying too.
So, here's the plan, I'll post the chapters I've already written, and we'll wrap things up with the Season One Finale. After that, I'll take a break to recharge.
I hope you all understand!
Now, let's get into some reviews -
Lichi Sechino – Yeah, I've been building up hints about Ekko and Naruto for a while. I've got big plans for them in Season Two. These next chapters were really fun to write because I wanted to introduce some new elements.
PudgySasquatch – Ekko definitely resents Naruto, he came from the topside, became one of Silco's main attackers, and stayed close to Jinx. You're absolutely right keeping them apart will cause more harm than good. In a way, they fix each other, silencing the voices in their minds. Also, Caitlyn will play a major role in what's to come.
amavgupta0 – Jinx and Naruto don't quite see it that way, last chapter, Silco showed a more emotional side, but Naruto didn't hear it. Silco plays a huge role in the upcoming chapters.
Paradoxity – True, but it was great to explore. It also opened the door for so many new ideas to work with. The ending felt like it fit in a nice space.
AzureMask – Thanks! Finding a way to slot Naruto into Arcane without overshadowing other characters was definitely a challenge, but I'm glad you think it's working.
kokichi2002 – True, but Naruto's arrival will bring despair along with it.
Archer headass – Haha, Silco definitely needed some love. But yes, it'll come back to bite him… poor Silco.
ryanrohan – Thanks for the support! Yeah, the burnout is real, lol.
Camrin Finnerty2 – I'll definitely make sure to include him more in the story.
NightRaven1671 – Hmm, they won't fight just yet…
Jester6199 – There will be some positive development, but it might come too late.
FanFictionman43 – Thank you! It's all about those little steps. Everyone needs awareness in life.
Marc Ello-Re Yes – That was exactly the goal! I wanted the conflicts to feel unique because every character has their own goals and motivations now, given the circumstances. Jinx was always meant to be unhinged it's who she is. If we didn't want unhinged Jinx, we'd use Powder. I've been trying to keep that flow consistent. Thanks for sticking with the story!
ivan0061509 – Thank you, dude!
Ravage88atlas – Spoilers, lol. But I will say this…. Naruto vs. Vi is a great fight.
taiwoeretan1 – I get it, I'll try to make things slower for better build up in the future. I'm glad you liked the Silco moment, it was fun to write! The Killua heart scene can't happen because Naruto can't rework his hands into claws, lol, or I would've had him pull a scene straight out of HxH. Great idea though!
Addllax - I'm glad this is becoming one of your favourites, your words mean a lot to me :)
Wow, that was a lot of reviews for one chapter it took ages to reply to everyone, but I loved it! Interacting with you all is so much fun and keeps me engaged.
Now, this chapter will be a little different, as it focuses more on Naruto as he attacks Piltover.
Enjoy, everyone!
Chapter 13 – End of the Beginning Act 3
The memory of a simpler time surged through Naruto's mind as he weaved through the chaos, dodging a barrage of bullets from the enforcers in Piltover. His movements were fluid, almost instinctual, as the world seemed to slow around him. Each flash of a muzzle and every whizzing bullet felt like echoes of a distant past reminders of the moment Jinx had pushed him to master his abilities.
The memory unfolded with vivid clarity. Naruto was younger, perhaps 12 years old, sitting on the edge of a rusted platform in Zaun. Jinx, her hair starting to grow long and braided in places, sat beside him, fiddling with a pistol she had recently cobbled together. They had been inseparable for a year now, two lost souls finding purpose in each other's presence.
"Alright, tell me how it works," Jinx said, her voice full of curiosity as she adjusted the gun's trigger mechanism. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with genuine interest as she looked at Naruto.
Naruto leaned back, running a hand through his dishevelled blond hair. "It's hard to explain," he said, his tone thoughtful. "It's like… everything slows down, but not like time stops. I just… see things differently. I see paths, openings, where to move before something happens."
Jinx tilted her head, leaning forward on her elbows. "So, you're saying you're, like, seeing into the future?" she asked, her grin widening. "That's freakin' awesome."
"It's not exactly like that," Naruto replied, his cheeks flushing faintly under her gaze. "It's more like I know where everything is going before it gets there. But I have to focus, if I lose it…" He trailed off, shrugging.
Jinx smirked, lifting the pistol. "Guess you'll just have to not lose it then, huh?"
Naruto squinted at her. "What do you mean?"
Before he could react, Jinx stood and pointed the pistol at him. "Let's test it!" she said cheerfully.
His eyes widened. "Wait... you want to shoot me?"
She giggled, twirling the gun in her hand before aiming again. "Relax, Mr. Blue Eyes. You'll dodge it, right? Come on, don't tell me you're scared." Her teasing tone was light, but there was a glint of challenge in her eyes.
Naruto exhaled, standing up as his expression grew serious. "Fine," he said, his tone determined. "But if you miss, I'm not letting you hear the end of it."
"Oh, I'm not missing," Jinx retorted, her grin widening.
Naruto closed his eyes for a moment, steadying his breath. His skin paled slightly, his hair spiked upward, and the faint blue glow of his electricity began to arc around his body. When he opened his eyes again, they burned with an intense, otherworldly light.
Jinx blinked, stunned. "Whoa," she muttered, almost to herself. "You look… so cool."
Naruto's concentration faltered for a split second, and the glow around him flickered. He blushed faintly. "Stop saying stuff like that," he muttered.
But Jinx wasn't listening. She pulled the trigger.
The world slowed. Naruto's body moved with precision, twisting and stepping to avoid the bullets. Each shot zipped past him, grazing the air where he had just been standing. His heart pounded, his focus locked on Jinx, her grin growing wider with every shot.
"Not bad!" Jinx called out, firing again. "But can you keep it up?"
Naruto's movements were like a dance, fluid and controlled. But just as he started to feel confident, his power flickered and cut off. He stumbled, narrowly dodging a final bullet before the glow around him vanished completely.
Jinx lowered the gun, raising an eyebrow. "Did you… lose it?"
Naruto nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. It just… cut out."
Jinx smirked, twirling the pistol before tucking it into her belt. "Then you've got some training to do," she said smiling, "And lucky for you, I'm full of great ideas."
Naruto chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Oh yeah? Like what? Another round of you trying to shoot me?"
"Maybe," she teased, leaning in with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But hey, you're getting there, Sparky."
He blushed again, looking away. "Whatever…"
The memory ended with the sound of Jinx's laughter echoing in his mind, a fleeting moment of joy in a world that rarely offered any.
Back in the present, Naruto twisted through the air, narrowly avoiding another barrage of bullets from enforcers. His body burned with the strain, the glow of his electricity flickering as he pushed himself harder. But despite the chaos, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"I'll protect her," he muttered to himself, his voice a quiet promise. "No matter what."
The scene was chaos incarnate. Enforcers scrambled, shouting orders that were drowned out by the relentless sound of gunfire and explosions. At the centre of the battlefield, Naruto moved like a force of nature. His glowing blue eyes pierced through the haze of destruction, his every movement calculated and devastating. He zapped between positions with impossible speed, leaving arcs of electricity in his wake.
Caitlyn and Vi crouched behind a makeshift barrier, watching the carnage unfold. Smoke billowed from a nearby explosion, obscuring their view momentarily. Caitlyn's hand trembled slightly as she held Vi's hand, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"That… can't be him," Caitlyn whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos. "That's Naruto?"
Another explosion erupted, the shockwave rattling the air around them. From the thick black smoke, two glowing blue eyes emerged, cutting through the darkness like beacons of fury. The enforcers, once shouting commands, fell into an uneasy silence as they caught sight of those eyes. Their fear was palpable.
"Fall back!" one of them yelled, his voice cracking with terror. "It's the blue eyed demon!"
Naruto stepped out from the smoke, his electricity charged aura sparking violently. His pale skin seemed ghostly under the flickering light, his spiked hair standing as if charged by the storm he carried within. He surveyed the enforcers with a detached coldness, his glowing eyes locking onto each of them, daring them to move.
Vi's stomach turned as she took in the sight. Her heart wanted to deny it, but her eyes couldn't. "That's not Naruto," she said, her voice hard and resolute. "That's the blue eyed demon."
Caitlyn looked at her, conflicted. She wanted to argue, to defend the boy she had called her brother. But seeing him like this, a one man storm of destruction, she couldn't reconcile the image before her with the boy she remembered.
"Maybe… maybe he's both," Caitlyn said softly, her voice wavering.
Another explosion roared, sending debris flying. Naruto didn't flinch, his form unwavering amidst the chaos. He zapped forward, disappearing from view, his presence now a haunting memory in the minds of those who had witnessed his fury.
Caitlyn shook her head, her face pale. "We have to stop this."
Vi pulled Caitlyn to her feet as enforcers began to regroup, their movements panicked as they started setting up barricades to block the bridge. "We don't have time," Vi said firmly. "He's gone for now. Let's keep moving before he comes back."
Caitlyn hesitated, her eyes lingering on the last place she'd seen Naruto. The words of the enforcers echoed in her mind the blue eyed demon. Was there any part of her brother left in him? Or had Zaun and the crystal corrupted him completely?
Torn but determined, Caitlyn turned away, following Vi as they slipped past the enforcers and continued forward. Behind them, the bridge was sealed off, enforcers fortifying their position with shaking hands and pale faces.
And somewhere in the shadows, Naruto watched, his glowing eyes fading into the darkness as he disappeared once more.
The morning air was heavy with the stench of smoke and death. The Bridge of Progress, a symbol of unity between Piltover and Zaun, was now a grim battlefield. Enforcer bodies lay scattered, their once pristine uniforms stained with blood and soot. The stillness of the scene was broken only by the faint buzz of mechanical debris sparking intermittently and the soft lapping of the water below.
Jayce and Mel arrived at the scene, their faces grim as they took in the devastation. Jayce stepped forward cautiously, his normally confident stride faltering. The sight was too much broken bodies, shattered machinery, and the faint metallic scent of blood mixed with smoke. His stomach churned, and he stumbled to the edge of the bridge, bending over the railing as he emptied his breakfast into the water below.
Mel placed a steadying hand on his back, her expression a mix of concern and resolve. "Take a moment," she said softly, her voice calm but edged with tension. Her eyes scanned the wreckage, piecing together the story of what had happened here.
Jayce wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, breathing heavily as he straightened. His gaze fell on a shard of metal near the edge of the bridge. He crouched down, picking it up carefully. It was a fragment of one of the mechanical firelights, its intricate design marred by battle damage.
"Who could have done all this?" Jayce muttered, his voice hollow. His fingers clenched around the shard as he stared out across the ruined scene. "Zaun… it has to be Zaun." His mind raced with questions, anger and sorrow bubbling beneath the surface.
Mel didn't respond immediately, her eyes narrowing as she studied the destruction. "This isn't just Zaun's doing," she said finally, her tone measured. "This is something... more."
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of glowing blue eyes watched from the shadows of a ruined pillar, hidden amidst the smoke and debris. Naruto crouched silently, his presence a predator stalking its prey. His heart thrummed with the power coursing through him, his body coiled and ready to strike.
As Jayce and Mel turned to leave, their footsteps echoed faintly on the bloodstained bridge. Naruto's eyes followed them, his expression unreadable. They were just two more players in the ever escalating chaos, a chaos he had become a part of and one he was now ready to confront.
From his vantage point, he watched them fade into the distance, his mind calculating, his resolve unshaken. They would leave the bridge, but their steps carried the weight of his silent promise they would feel the storm when it came.
The Kiramman estate was bathed in the soft glow of the moon as Vi and Caitlyn climbed through the latter's bedroom window, the tension in their movements betraying the urgency of their mission. Caitlyn winced as her injured leg brushed the windowsill, and Vi steadied her with a firm hand.
"Quiet," Caitlyn whispered, her voice strained. "The last thing I need is my parents waking up."
As if on cue, the door burst open with a loud crash, revealing Cassandra standing with a rifle in her hands, her eyes fierce and determined. "Who's there?" she barked, aiming at the intruders. Her gaze locked onto Caitlyn, and her expression softened with shock. "Caitlyn?"
"Mom!" Caitlyn exclaimed, raising her hands in defence, her exhaustion evident. "It's me! Put the rifle down."
Cassandra lowered her weapon but did not look pleased. A moment later, Tobias appeared behind her, his face etched with relief. He quickly brushed past his wife and pulled Caitlyn into a tight embrace. "Thank the heavens you're safe," he said, his voice breaking.
"I'm fine," Caitlyn reassured him, though her leg told a different story. She limped slightly as she moved further into the room. Vi hung back awkwardly, unsure of her place in the family reunion.
Cassandra sharp eyes darted between the two women before she gestured toward the door. "Caitlyn, I need to speak with you, alone."
Tobias, noticing Caitlyn's wound, ushered her to a chair first. "We'll talk after this," he said to his wife as he retrieved a first aid kit from the drawer. He knelt beside Caitlyn, carefully inspecting her injured leg. "Shrapnel," he muttered under his breath, his hands steady as he began to work.
Cassandra watched with tight lips, her impatience clear. When the door finally closed, leaving only her and Caitlyn in the room, she folded her arms. "Do you have any idea how reckless you've been? How dangerous this is?"
Caitlyn, though weary, squared her shoulders. "I know exactly how dangerous it is, Mother. I've seen the worst of it first hand, and you need to understand something it's our fault. The Council's fault."
Cassandra's brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"The squalor in Zaun, the desperation, the violence it's because of us. Because of what we allow to happen, and there's something else…" Caitlyn hesitated, her voice faltering before she pressed on. "Naruto. He's alive."
Cassandra's breath caught, and her stern expression faltered for a moment. "Naruto?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Yes," Caitlyn continued. "But he's different now. He's… changed. He's living in Zaun, and he's consumed by the pain we left him with. He needs help, Mother. He needs to be saved."
Cassandra sank into a nearby chair, her hand pressed against her mouth in shock. "All these years," she murmured. "And we thought…"
"We were wrong," Caitlyn interjected, her voice firm. "We abandoned him, and now he's become something else something dangerous. But I saw it in his eyes. There's still a chance to reach him. We can't give up on him."
Tobias, who had been silently listening as he finished tending Caitlyn's wound, looked up, his expression pained. "What has he become?"
Caitlyn looked at them both, her gaze unwavering. "A symbol of everything wrong in Zaun. They call him the Blue Eyed Demon. But underneath all that anger and power, he's still my brother, and I know we can bring him back."
Cassandra took a deep breath, her hands gripping the arms of her chair tightly. "Caitlyn," she said slowly, her tone softening. "This is more complicated than you realize. The Council—"
"Will listen," Caitlyn interrupted. "They have to. Vi and I will make them see reason, we have to try, for Naruto and for Zaun."
After a tense silence, Cassandra finally nodded. "If this is what you believe is right, I'll support you. But you must tread carefully, there's more at stake here than just your brother."
Caitlyn exhaled in relief, a faint smile breaking through her exhaustion. "Thank you."
Cassandra stood, her resolve clear. "Then let's prepare your case. The Council needs to understand the truth before it's too late for all of us."
The winds of Piltover carried a restless tension as Naruto perched high above, his glowing blue eyes scanning the commotion below. His breath was steady, but his mind was anything but calm. The hallucination was back a younger Powder sitting beside him, her legs dangling over the edge of the building.
"They're bringing an army," Powder's voice echoed in his mind, soft yet laced with mockery. She tilted her head, her expression childlike but unnerving. "What are you gonna do now? You're outmatched, outnumbered. Not even your lightning tricks can stop all of them."
Naruto clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he refused to meet the hallucination's gaze. "I won't lose," he said firmly, though the weight of his own words pressed heavily against him. The thought of being outmatched gnawed at his mind, but he pushed it aside.
Below, the ship docked with a low hiss. A towering woman descended the gangplank, her presence commanding and impossible to ignore. She wore ornate armour that glistened faintly, her every movement exuding authority and menace. Surrounding her was a squad of soldiers, each armed to the teeth, their movements precise and disciplined.
Naruto narrowed his eyes, taking in the scene as two women approached the towering figure. Their conversation was quiet, but the deference they showed suggested the woman's high rank. The soldiers stood at attention, a silent wall of intimidation.
"You can't win against her," Powder taunted, swinging her legs as if she didn't have a care in the world. "She's too strong, too smart. You'll fail, just like always."
Naruto didn't reply, but his hand instinctively pressed against his chest where the crystal lay embedded. His mind raced with ideas, desperate and wild. If I just had another core... The thought lingered, seductive and dangerous. The crystal flared faintly under his palm, resonating with his resolve.
Powder giggled, her voice like nails on glass. "Oh, you're thinking of doing something crazy, aren't you? I love it. What's it gonna be, Naruto? How far will you go this time?"
Naruto didn't answer her, his glowing eyes locked onto the woman below. The soldiers moved with precision, but she was the focus the one commanding the room with her very presence. His gaze sharpened, and like an unspoken connection, the towering woman stopped mid conversation. Her head tilted slightly, as if sensing his presence. Slowly, she turned, her piercing eyes scanning the area.
Their gazes met from a distance. It was only for a moment, but it felt like an eternity. Her expression didn't change cool, calculating, and unimpressed, but Naruto felt a jolt in his chest, a surge of recognition that made his muscles tense.
He zapped away in an instant, the faint crackle of electricity the only sign of his departure.
Back on the rooftop, the hallucination of Powder swung her legs idly, a sly grin on her face. "You're so predictable," she mused, her voice fading into the wind. "But I like that about you."
Far below, the towering woman's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "Interesting," she murmured, her voice low enough that only those closest to her could hear. "Prepare for anything. We have a predator in the shadows."
Silco stormed into Singed's lab, his face a mask of desperation as he cradled Jinx's limp body in his arms. Her pale complexion and shallow breaths made his chest tighten with fear a feeling he had long believed himself incapable of. The acrid smell of chemicals and flickering lights did little to ease his nerves as he bellowed, "Save her, Singed! Do whatever it takes, but don't let her die!"
Singed didn't flinch. The twisted alchemist moved with an eerie calm, directing Silco to lay Jinx on the operating table. Straps were quickly secured around her wrists and ankles, holding her fragile yet volatile form in place.
"I can save her," Singed murmured, his tone clinical as he examined her with sharp eyes. "But the process will be… demanding. Painful."
Silco stepped closer, his voice trembling with rare emotion. "She can handle it. Just save her."
Singed paused, studying Silco for a moment. Without warning, he produced a syringe and plunged it into Silco's neck. The crime lord's eyes widened in shock as the sedative coursed through his veins. His body began to weaken, his legs wobbling beneath him. "What are you doing?" he slurred, his hands clutching at the syringe.
"For your sanity," Singed replied coldly, easing Silco into a nearby chair as his body went limp. "You'll thank me later."
As Silco's vision blurred, he heard Singed's voice cutting through the haze. "I once had a daughter. I understand what you're feeling." But the words barely registered before darkness consumed him.
Later, Jinx awoke to blinding pain. Her body felt like it was on fire, every nerve screaming in agony. Her breaths were ragged, her vision flickering between reality and hallucination. Singed loomed over her, injecting her with a shimmering liquid that coursed through her veins like molten lava.
Her surroundings warped and twisted. She saw Naruto, standing beside Vi. They were smiling but not at her. Behind them stood Caitlyn, her presence cutting through the haze like a blade. Jinx's chest heaved as the hallucinations grew more vivid, the images cruelly taunting her.
"Vi and Naruto don't need you anymore," Caitlyn's voice sneered, echoing in her mind. "They have me now."
"No!" Jinx screamed, thrashing against the restraints. The metal groaned under the strain of her strength, fuelled by the shimmer surging through her body. Her eyes darted to Singed, and for a fleeting moment, she saw Caitlyn's face overlaying his.
Her screams pierced the air as the hallucination consumed her. "Get away from me!" she shrieked. Her mind was unravelling, the line between reality and illusion obliterated.
Silco awoke groggily, his body sluggish as he forced himself to his feet. The haze in his mind began to clear, and his eyes landed on the operating table. It was empty. Blood and dirt stained the surface, evidence of Jinx's torment. Panic flared in his chest as he grabbed a nearby scalpel and stalked toward Singed, who stood quietly among his vials and notes.
"What did you do to her?" Silco growled, pressing the blade against Singed's neck.
Singed remained unfazed, his voice as calm as ever. "I saved her life."
Silco's grip on the scalpel tightened, his breath heavy with fury. "If anything happens to her—"
"Then it's because of the choices you've already made," Singed interrupted. "She's alive because of me, but what she becomes… that will be on her."
Silco hesitated, the weight of Singed's words settling in his mind. His hand lowered, the scalpel trembling in his grasp. For the first time, Silco wasn't sure if he'd saved Jinx or condemned her to something far worse.
Jayce stepped cautiously into the opulent bathhouse, its marble floors gleaming under the soft glow of gilded lanterns. Steam billowed from the large central bath, the air thick with the scent of exotic herbs and oils. At the far end, reclined in the water with an air of unshakable authority, was Ambessa Medarda, her muscular frame both imposing and graceful.
She greeted him without turning her head, her voice smooth and commanding. "Councilor Jayce. How rare to find you outside your forge. What brings you here?"
Jayce cleared his throat, uncomfortable in the lavish setting. "Ambessa," he began, his voice steady but cautious, "I wanted to better understand your thoughts on… defensive strategies for Piltover, your concerns about Zaun are well documented."
Ambessa let out a low chuckle, leaning forward slightly to rest her forearms on the bath's edge. "Defensive strategies," she echoed, her tone almost mocking. "Such an elegant way to phrase the need for war."
Jayce stiffened, but she waved a hand dismissively, motioning for him to sit on the bench nearby. Reluctantly, he complied, his gaze locked onto her steely, calculating eyes.
"You're a visionary, Jayce," Ambessa said, her tone softening slightly as she studied him. "You've brought Piltover into a golden age with hextech. But do you understand the cost of inaction? The predator that lurks in the shadows?"
Jayce frowned, crossing his arms. "I've heard the warnings. But I'm not convinced that building weapons is the solution. Hextech was meant to elevate us, to create progress not destruction."
Ambessa smirked, her expression one of both amusement and pity. "You're young, idealistic. That's good. But youth blinds you to reality. Progress, without strength, is nothing but an open invitation for those who envy it to take it from you."
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Zaun is not just a factory of shimmer and chaos, Jayce. It's a den of predators. And there's one… one in particular who stalks not just the shadows, but the very foundation of what you've built."
Jayce felt a chill crawl up his spine as she spoke. "Who are you talking about?"
Ambessa leaned back into the bath, her powerful arms spreading across the edge like a queen on her throne. "A boy with glowing eyes," she said simply, her gaze unflinching. "The kind of predator who doesn't simply destroy he consumes."
Jayce's breath caught, the image of Naruto flashing in his mind. His thoughts raced, recalling the devastation on the bridge, the rumours from the enforcers.
"You're saying he's… dangerous?" Jayce asked, though the answer was already clear in his tone.
Ambessa chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Dangerous? No, Councilor. He's far beyond that. He's a force of nature, and unless Piltover is prepared to act, Zaun won't just challenge your progress it will bury it."
Jayce's jaw tightened, his mind torn between his ideals and the growing threat Ambessa painted so vividly. He rose to his feet, his decision unspoken but weighing heavily in his posture.
As he turned to leave, Ambessa called after him, her voice cutting through the steam like a blade. "Remember this, Jayce, when predators smell weakness, they don't hesitate. If you won't build the weapons to defend your progress… someone else will."
Her words echoed in his mind long after he'd left the bathhouse, his steps heavy with doubt and resolve.
The Council chamber was alive with tension as the members processed the shocking revelations. The room, usually filled with debates over trade routes and technological advancements, now carried an air of unease. The ornate walls seemed to close in on the councilors as they grappled with the truth about Marcus's betrayal.
Caitlyn and Vi stood at the centre, their presence commanding attention despite the weight of the revelations.
"It's Silco," Caitlyn began, her voice resolute. "He's behind all of this. The shimmer trade, the violence, the push for Zaun's independence it all leads back to him."
Jayce, standing at the edge of the table, placed the grenade crafted by Jinx on the surface. Its jagged design and unmistakable craftsmanship drew murmurs from the councillors.
"Who made this?" Jayce asked, his gaze flickering between Caitlyn and Vi. His voice was steady, but the undertone of hesitation was clear.
Caitlyn hesitated, her gaze darting to Vi. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, her knuckles white. "It's… complicated," she began, her voice faltering.
Vi stepped forward, her jaw clenched. "It's not complicated," she said firmly. "It was made by Jinx."
A murmur swept through the councilors, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and horror. Mel leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "Jinx?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and unease. "You mean the girl responsible for the destruction in Zaun?"
Vi nodded sharply. "She's working with Silco, she's dangerous, and she's not alone."
Caitlyn's face tightened, her conflicted emotions evident. She stepped forward, her voice shaking slightly. "There's someone else," she said, her gaze drifting to Jayce. "Naruto."
The room stilled at the mention of his name. Jayce stiffened, his hands gripping the edge of the table. "Naruto?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
Caitlyn nodded. "Yes. But he's… different now. He's working with Jinx and Silco. They call him the Blue Eyed Demon."
The council erupted in hushed murmurs, the weight of Caitlyn's words sinking in. Shoola raised her hand, silencing the room. "If Naruto Uzumaki is alive," she said, her tone cautious, "then why has he aligned himself with Silco?"
Vi crossed her arms, her expression dark. "Because Silco has him wrapped around his finger. Whatever Naruto used to be, he's gone. He's as dangerous as Jinx, maybe more."
Jayce's hands trembled slightly as he processed the information he refused to believe, memories of Minato and Kushina flooded his mind their dedication, their brilliance, their hope for the future. And Naruto… the bright eyed boy who was supposed to carry on their legacy.
As Jayce took a deep breath, his voice heavy with emotion. "Naruto was Minato's son. He was supposed to be a symbol of hope, a bridge between Piltover and Zaun. If we act recklessly…" His voice broke for a moment before he steadied himself. "Is this really the only way?"
Vi slammed her hand on the table, her frustration boiling over. "You think this is about some sentimental dream? Naruto's a weapon now, he's not your responsibility anymore."
The room fell silent, the weight of the confession settling over the councilors. Jayce's brow furrowed, his thoughts flickering to Naruto. The stories, the destruction, the boy who was once thought dead but now lived as a weapon under Silco's control.
"We have no choice then," Jayce said after a long pause. "Silco's operations are escalating. If we don't act now, Piltover could fall." He paused, glancing at Caitlyn and Vi. "But Naruto... he's Minato's son. He was supposed to be one of us. Is there no other way?"
The room erupted into debate. Councilors like Hoskel and Shoola vehemently opposed the use of force, arguing for diplomacy.
"We cannot start a war based on these claims," Shoola said, her voice firm. "Piltover thrives on stability. If we escalate this, we risk tearing apart the peace that keeps us alive."
Vi slammed her fist on the table, her anger boiling over. "Peace? You call this peace?" she snapped. "Silco's killing people. Jinx and Naruto they're not going to stop. Diplomacy isn't an option. Silco doesn't negotiate. He manipulates, he destroys, and he'll keep doing it unless we stop him."
The councilors murmured among themselves, clearly reluctant to take the leap into outright conflict.
"I understand your frustration," Mel interjected, her voice calm but firm. "But Piltover's strength has always been in strategy, not brute force. If we lose the moral high ground, what separates us from them?"
Vi let out a bitter laugh. "You think Silco cares about your morals? He's laughing at you. You're just giving him more time to sink his claws deeper into Zaun."
The Council continued their back and forth, but it was clear to Vi that they weren't going to act. The words blurred together, the excuses and hesitation like a chorus of failure.
Unable to stomach it any longer, Vi turned on her heel and stormed out of the chamber. The rain greeted her harshly as she stepped outside, each drop cold against her skin. Her fists clenched at her sides, her breath ragged with anger and frustration.
Caitlyn was quick to follow, catching up to her just as Vi reached the steps. "Vi, wait!" she called, her voice carrying over the sound of the rain.
Vi stopped but didn't turn around. "It's over, Caitlyn, the council's useless. I was stupid to think this could work."
Caitlyn stepped closer, her own frustration and sadness evident in her expression. "There has to be another way. We can't just give up."
Vi finally turned, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and pain. "You don't get it, Caitlyn. Piltover and Zaun? We're oil and water. We don't mix. We never will."
"That's not true," Caitlyn insisted, stepping closer. "There's always a way. If we work together—"
"Forget it," Vi interrupted, her voice harsh but trembling with emotion. "Forget me."
Caitlyn froze, her heart sinking. "Vi…"
"Just go back to your perfect little life," Vi said, her tone softer but no less resolute. "You don't belong in this fight. And I don't belong in yours."
Before Caitlyn could say another word, Vi turned and walked into the rain, her figure disappearing into the gray haze. Caitlyn stood frozen, the weight of her words settling in her chest like a stone.
The salty air of the docks was crisp and heavy, mingling with the soft lapping of waves against the pier. Viktor stood at the edge, his crutch abandoned on the ground behind him. His newly transmuted leg gleamed faintly under the dim light of Piltover's industrial skyline, its intricate purple metal shimmering like something alive. Tentative at first, he took a step forward. Then another.
The hesitation melted away, and soon, Viktor broke into a run. The sensation was exhilarating liberating. For the first time in his life, he wasn't bound by frailty or pain. He was free, his movements fluid and unrestrained.
"Impressive," a voice called from the shadows, low and steady.
Viktor halted, his head snapping toward the sound. A hooded figure stepped into the dim light, the faint glow of blue radiating from beneath the shadow of his hood. Naruto. The faint hum of power emanated from him, making the air feel charged with tension.
Viktor's eyes widened. "Naruto…" he breathed, his voice filled with equal parts shock and curiosity.
Naruto tilted his head slightly, his glowing blue eyes piercing through the haze. "So, this is what freedom looks like, huh?" he said, his voice almost casual, but laced with an undertone of intensity. "How does it feel?"
Viktor hesitated before nodding. "It feels... like the entire world is within reach, for the first time, I don't feel trapped by my own body."
Naruto gave a faint smile, though his expression was shadowed by something darker. "Yeah, like you've got the whole world ahead of you, right? Like nothing can hold you back now."
Viktor nodded cautiously, his gaze never leaving Naruto. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone guarded but curious.
Naruto stepped closer, his hands in his pockets. "Jayce told me about you," he said simply. "Said you were looking for me."
Viktor stiffened slightly, his mind racing. "I... was curious. I thought we could—"
"Work together?" Naruto interrupted, his voice sharp but not hostile. He chuckled dryly, glancing at the water. "Yeah, I've heard that before."
For a moment, Naruto's gaze flickered, and his demeanour shifted. His lips twitched, as if suppressing a smile, and his focus seemed to drift elsewhere. Powder. She appeared to him, a hallucination that only he could see, her small frame leaning against the dock with that mischievous smile he remembered so well.
"Go on," Powder urged him in her sing song voice. "You're doing great. Keep it up."
Naruto blinked, shaking his head slightly to dispel the vision, but it lingered at the edges of his mind. His focus returned to Viktor, though a faint unease glimmered in his glowing eyes.
"I know how it feels," Naruto said, his voice softening, though there was an edge to his tone. "To be dying. To feel like no one cares, like everyone around you is too busy with their own problems to give a damn about yours."
Viktor's gaze hardened slightly, but he didn't interrupt.
Naruto took a step closer, his hood casting a shadow over his face. "Look, I get it. You've been working your whole life to fix something that's broken. You're trying to save yourself, right? Just like me." He gestured to his chest, where the unstable crystal pulsed faintly through his shirt. "But I can't do it alone, and neither can you."
Viktor studied him for a long moment, his brow furrowed. "What exactly are you suggesting?" he asked warily.
Naruto's faint smile returned, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I need a stable core," he said bluntly, tapping his chest. "You've seen what this thing can do. You've seen the power it holds. But it's killing me. I can't keep going like this."
Viktor's eyes narrowed. "And what do you expect me to do about it?"
Naruto shrugged, his tone casual, though there was an undercurrent of desperation. "You're a genius, aren't you? You're already working on things most people can't even imagine. If anyone can figure this out, it's you."
Viktor's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "You think I'd risk my work risk everything for you?"
Naruto's smile faded, and his voice dropped, cold and sharp. "You don't get it, do you? This isn't just about me. You want to save yourself, right? Your time's running out just like mine. So, let's help each other. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."
But Viktor shook his head, his resolve firm. "No. This isn't the way. I won't compromise everything I've worked for everything I believe in for something so... dangerous."
Naruto's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the air around him crackled with tension. But then he took a step back, the faint glow of his aura dimming slightly. "Fine," he said, his voice cool. "You want to play the hero? Go ahead. But don't come crying to me when it all falls apart."
Viktor's gaze remained steady as Naruto turned away, his silhouette blending into the shadows. "I hope you find what you're looking for," Viktor said softly, though he wasn't sure if Naruto even heard him.
Rain poured relentlessly as Naruto stood atop a weathered building, his hood pulled low over his face. His breathing was ragged, the unstable crystal in his chest pulsing faintly, a rhythmic reminder of the ticking clock on his life. In the shadows of his mind, she appeared again.
"Well, well," Powder's mocking voice echoed, her phantom figure leaning casually against a rusted pipe. Her blue eyes gleamed with mischief, and her crooked grin taunted him. "Look at you, you failed. Again."
Naruto's hands clenched into fists at his sides, sparks of electricity flickering along his veins. "No," he growled, his voice low but firm. "I didn't fail."
Powder tilted her head, her grin widening. "Oh? Then where's the win, hero? Jinx is hurt. And you—" She gestured dramatically toward him. "Are barely holding yourself together."
Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, jagged key. The faint light of its metallic surface caught the rain. "It was a win win either way," he muttered, holding it up for her to see.
Powder's grin faltered for a moment, replaced by a look of curiosity. "Impressive," she admitted, her tone dripping with reluctant admiration. "But what are you planning now?"
Naruto smirked faintly, a dangerous gleam in his glowing eyes. "I'm not done yet."
With that, he zapped away in a burst of blue light, leaving only the faint hum of his electricity in the rain drenched air. He reappeared moments later outside Viktor and Jayce's lab, his boots splashing in the puddles gathered by the doorway.
He wasted no time, Naruto slipped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light of the lab. The place was chaos papers strewn across the floor, shattered glass from discarded projects, and the hum of unfinished machines left running.
"Looks like a war zone," Powder's voice whispered in his head, her figure appearing in the corner. She surveyed the mess with a smirk. "You sure they have anything left worth taking?"
Naruto ignored her, his jaw tight as he moved deeper into the lab. His sharp eyes landed on a set of notes pinned to a board. The scribbled words were barely legible, but one phrase caught his attention, runes
"Runes?" Naruto muttered to himself, his fingers brushing against the diagrams. His mind felt like it was racing yet sluggish at the same time, as if the unstable crystal in his chest was both urging him forward and dragging him down. He turned his attention to a nearby table, where a strange, pulsating core rested. It looked alive, its surface rippling faintly as if breathing.
He approached the table cautiously, his instincts on high alert. The device was odd, pulsating faintly as if alive. Naruto hesitated, reaching out to touch it before stopping abruptly.
"Careful," Powder's voice warned, her figure suddenly appearing beside him. She leaned close, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "That looks like trouble."
Naruto pulled back, his hand clenching at his side. "Not this," he muttered, stepping away. His gaze shifted to another table, where a neatly arranged set of notes caught his attention. As he read through them, his breath hitched. These weren't just random calculations, they were plans detailed plans to help Naruto.
"They were trying to save me…" he murmured under his breath, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Powder scoffed, her grin returning. "And yet, here you are, stealing from the people trying to help you. Typical."
Naruto ignored her, his focus sharpening as he spotted it a fully stable hex crystal glowing faintly in its containment chamber. His heart raced as he carefully removed it, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface. The crystal pulsed faintly in his palm, a sensation that sent a shiver down his spine.
"Job complete," he said quietly, tucking the crystal securely into his jacket.
As he turned to leave, the rain outside intensified, the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. Powder appeared once more, her figure translucent in the dim light of the lab.
"So... what now?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Naruto didn't respond immediately, his gaze lingering on the chaotic state of the lab. "Now," he said finally, his tone cold and resolute, "I go home."
He stepped outside into the rain, his hood pulled low once more. The cold droplets slid down his face as he walked, his mind racing with thoughts of Zaun, Jinx, and the ticking clock in his chest.
But as he turned a corner, his senses sharpened. He stopped abruptly, his glowing eyes scanning the rain drenched streets, someone was watching him.
Naruto's gaze locked onto the figure of a towering woman standing under a streetlamp, her silhouette imposing against the backdrop of the storm. Her piercing eyes met his, unflinching and confident, as if she had been waiting for him.
"Powder," Naruto muttered under his breath, "trouble's here."
Her voice was calm and mocking in his head. "Oh, you've got no idea."
Naruto stood still under the torrential rain, his glowing blue eyes locked onto the towering woman before him. She exuded confidence, her presence commanding and unnervingly calm. Her imposing figure loomed as the storm seemed to wrap around her like a cloak of inevitability.
"You've been watching me," Naruto said, his voice steady but cold as his hand twitched near his side, ready to strike. He tried to size her up, his instincts screaming danger.
Ambessa chuckled, a deep, resonant laugh that carried through the rain. She stepped closer, her boots splashing through the puddles with deliberate slowness. "Watching you? No, boy," she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "I've been observing, there's a difference."
Naruto's fists clenched at his sides, sparks of electricity flickering across his skin as his power stirred within him. "What's stopping me from taking you down right here?" he asked, his gaze narrowing. "You're not afraid of me?"
Ambessa tilted her head, her smirk widening as if the idea was laughable. "Afraid? What could a boy like you possibly hope to achieve from all of this?" She gestured dismissively to the ruined cityscape behind them, the storm casting shadows across the remnants of destruction.
Naruto stepped forward, his tone sharp. "You'd be surprised."
Her expression didn't falter, her confidence unshaken. "Oh, I doubt that," she said, her voice steady and sharp. She took another step closer, now towering over him. "I know all about you, 'Blue Eyed Demon.' They whisper your name like it means something. But all I see is a boy throwing a tantrum, dabbling in a power he doesn't understand."
Naruto's breath hitched at her words, his chest tightening. But he masked the pain with a scowl, his eyes glowing brighter as his resolve flared. "And what would you know about me?" he spat. "You don't know what I've been through!"
Ambessa's smirk grew colder, her voice lowering with intent. "I know your father would be most displeased with how his son turned out. A pawn, clinging to power that's killing him. A shadow of what you could have been."
Naruto's jaw tightened, the rain streaming down his face mixing with the rage burning inside him. "I don't care what you or anyone else thinks," he hissed, his voice trembling but defiant. "You'll regret this, mark my words."
Ambessa raised an eyebrow, her amusement evident. "And why will I regret this?" she asked, her voice laced with mockery. Her hand shifted to the weapon at her side a massive, curved blade that shimmered ominously in the dim light. "When I can kill you right now and end all of this."
With that, she swung her weapon in a swift, deadly arc. Naruto's instincts kicked in, and he leapt backward, sparks erupting from his body as his power flared. But as he landed, he saw the glint of armor in the rain the figures of soldiers emerging from the shadows, encircling him from all sides.
"You think I'd come alone?" Ambessa said, her laughter cutting through the storm. "You're not as sharp as your reputation suggests."
Naruto's eyes darted around, taking in the advancing soldiers. His chest burned as his crystal pulsed erratically, the energy within him threatening to spiral out of control. His breathing quickened as he felt his life draining once more, the strain of his unstable power weighing on him.
"I don't care how many of you there are," he growled, his voice low and defiant. "You'll see what I'm capable of."
Ambessa took a step forward, her blade gleaming as she pointed it at him. "Then show me, boy. Show me this power of yours, or fall, like so many before you."
Electricity surged around Naruto as he prepared to fight, the storm intensifying around them. His fists crackled with energy, his glowing eyes locked onto Ambessa with unwavering resolve.
The storm raged on as Naruto unleashed his full power, the air around him crackling with raw energy. Sparks leapt from his fingertips as he surged forward, striking down the soldiers that surrounded him. His movements were wild and erratic, each strike brimming with rage rather than precision. He fought with a ferocity that made the soldiers hesitate, but his lack of discipline began to show as the fight dragged on.
Above the chaos, Powder's voice echoed in his mind, taunting him. "Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy," she sang, her tone lilting with mockery. "You're so fast, but what's the point if you can't even land a hit?"
Naruto growled under his breath, his glowing eyes darting from soldier to soldier. He zapped in and out of their formations, dodging bullets and blades, but his strikes lacked focus. The soldiers were wary but began adapting to his unpredictability, forcing him to exert more energy just to keep up.
Then Ambessa stepped in, her massive blade cleaving through the air like a guillotine. Naruto barely dodged, his feet skidding on the wet pavement as he caught his breath. She loomed over him, her size and presence overwhelming. "Fast," she said, her voice calm and measured. "But sloppy. No technique. No discipline. You're nothing but a boy flailing in the dark."
Before Naruto could retort, she swung again, and this time, the blow connected. The flat of her blade struck his side, sending him flying into the ground. The impact was bone jarring, and a sharp pain in his ribs made him gasp for air. He staggered to his feet, clutching his side, his glowing eyes dimming for a moment.
Ambessa approached him slowly, her blade resting on her shoulder. "Your father," she said, her tone dripping with disdain, "would be ashamed. Minato should've taught you how to fight like a real warrior, not some crazed maniac who doesn't know left from right."
Naruto's fists clenched, sparks igniting again as his power flared. "Shut up!" he snarled, charging at her with everything he had. His movements were desperate and furious, but Ambessa met him blow for blow, her strength and technique effortlessly overpowering him. She slammed him to the ground again, her boot pressing against his chest.
In his mind, Powder's voice returned, softer this time. "You should run, Naruto," she whispered. "You're going to die here."
Naruto gritted his teeth, his head swimming with rage and pain. "Run? You've been telling me I'm such a failure, and now you want me to run?!" he spat, his voice filled with bitterness.
Powder giggled, her tone unnervingly playful. "You're not a failure, silly. You just… need to wait for the right moment. Jinx needs you. You'll have your revenge on her soon, but not today. Not here." Her voice dropped, a dark edge creeping in. "We'll kill her together. But for now… run."
Naruto's chest heaved as he tried to ignore her voice, but her words wormed their way into his thoughts. Ambessa watched him curiously, tilting her head. "You're talking to yourself," she said, amusement tinged with disgust. "You are insane, oh, how low the Uzumaki clan has fallen."
Naruto's hands trembled, sparks flickering weakly around him. Slowly, he stood up, his breathing ragged but steady. "I'll remember this," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I'll be back."
Ambessa smirked, raising her blade again. "And what makes you think you can just run away?"
Naruto's lips curled into a faint, bitter smile. "Because…" he said, his glowing eyes locking onto hers. "You can't catch me."
As Ambessa lunged, Naruto remembered something Powder had whispered to him earlier "You need to stay calm, see the world for what it is." He sidestepped her swing with precision, not attacking but using her momentum against her. He shoved her off balance, forcing her to stumble.
Seizing the opportunity, he zapped away in a flash of blue light, his body barely holding together as he pushed his power to its limit. Rain and sparks trailed behind him as he disappeared into the night.
Ambessa straightened herself, brushing off the misstep as she watched the faint glow of Naruto's retreat. A smirk crossed her face. "It seems you can learn after all," she muttered, turning back to her soldiers. "But enjoy your freedom while you can, boy. Because now, the whole city will be hunting you."
Naruto reappeared several blocks away, collapsing against a wall as the rain poured down around him. His chest burned, and his breathing was ragged, but he had escaped. His trembling hand brushed against the crystal in his chest as he whispered to himself, "This isn't over."
Jayce stood over the forge, sweat glistening on his brow as sparks flew from the metal he was shaping. The rhythmic clang of his hammer striking the glowing material echoed through the workshop, a sound that resonated with the determination burning inside him. On the workbench beside him, a blueprint of a hextech weapon lay spread out his vision for a hammer that could channel the immense power of hextech, both as a tool and as a weapon.
He paused to inspect his work, his gaze narrowing as he adjusted the hammer's core. The faint hum of hextech energy filled the room, a reminder of the power he was about to wield. His concentration was broken by the sound of the workshop door creaking open.
Jayce turned sharply, his hand instinctively moving toward the hammer. Standing in the doorway was Vi, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of the forge.
"What are you doing here?" Jayce snapped, his voice cold. "You shouldn't be here, I could have you arrested."
Vi stepped inside, her expression unfazed by his threat. "Go ahead, try it," she said coolly, crossing her arms. "But you and I both know you don't have time for that."
Jayce's eyes narrowed. "You have no idea what I'm dealing with."
"Oh, I think I do," Vi shot back, stepping closer. "You're forging weapons to go after Silco, aren't you? Finally getting your hands dirty instead of hiding behind council meetings?"
Jayce bristled at her tone. "You think you know everything, don't you? Do you even understand the consequences of what you're asking for? The justice system down there—"
Vi cut him off, her voice sharp. "The justice system? You mean the one that locks people up and throws away the key, whether they're guilty or not? Or the one that lets people like Marcus and Silco buy their way into power while kids like me and Powder are left to rot?"
Jayce opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. Vi stepped closer, her gaze unyielding. "You've got no idea what it's like down there. You talk about justice, but you've never lived through the kind of hell Silco's created."
They stood in tense silence for a moment, the hum of the hextech core filling the air between them. Finally, Jayce exhaled, his shoulders slumping slightly. "We both want the same thing," he admitted. "To stop Silco."
Vi's expression softened, but only slightly. "Then let's do it. Together."
Jayce hesitated. "The Council won't approve, If we go after Silco's shimmer facilities, we're declaring war on Zaun."
Vi smirked, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Since when do you care what the Council thinks? They don't know what it takes to win this fight, but you do." She glanced at the Atlas gauntlets resting on a nearby table, her expression growing thoughtful. "Mind if I borrow these?"
Jayce frowned. "Those are for mining. They're not weapons."
Vi picked up one of the gauntlets, slipping it onto her arm and flexing her fingers. The mechanical whir of the gauntlet adjusting to her movements filled the room. "Feels like a weapon to me," she said, testing the weight. She threw a mock punch, the air crackling with energy as the gauntlet amplified her strength. "Yeah, this'll do, someone close to me use to have a similar pair."
Jayce watched her warily. "Those are prototypes. They're not tested for combat."
Vi grinned, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes. "Guess I'll be the first to test them, then." She looked at Jayce, her expression turning serious. "We hit his shimmer factories, cut off his supply. It'll cripple him and send a message to everyone who thinks they can follow in his footsteps."
Jayce stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. He glanced down at the hammer on the forge, its glow reflecting in his eyes. Finally, he nodded. "Alright," he said. "But if we're doing this, we do it smart. No unnecessary bloodshed."
Vi smirked, slipping on the second gauntlet. "Whatever you say, councilor. Let's make Silco pay."
Caitlyn stood under the warm cascade of water, her hands braced against the tiled wall of the shower. The pounding water did little to drown out the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind Vi's fiery determination, Naruto's terrifying power, and Jinx's unrelenting chaos. It all felt like too much, pressing down on her until she could barely breathe.
She closed her eyes, trying to ground herself in the rhythm of the droplets striking her skin. But even with her eyes shut, flashes of memories came unbidden, the cold calculation in Naruto's glowing blue eyes, the wild, erratic laughter of Jinx. And Vi… Caitlyn's chest tightened as she thought of her, the way she always threw herself headfirst into danger, leaving Caitlyn desperate to catch up.
Finally, she turned the shower off, the room filled with the sound of dripping water. Caitlyn reached for the towel, drying herself before wrapping it around her body. As steam rose from the warm tiles, she walked to the large mirror hanging above the sink. Wiping away the fog with her hand, she caught sight of her reflection or so she thought.
Her breath hitched. In the condensation, someone had scribbled a crude drawing of Jinx's trademark monkey symbol.
She froze, her heart pounding in her chest, a chill ran down her spine as she felt the air shift behind her. Her eyes slowly moved from the symbol to the reflection in the mirror. Standing there, just behind her, was Jinx. Her wide, deranged grin was unmistakable, her eyes now glowing a menacing pink from the effects of shimmer.
"Boo," Jinx whispered, her voice dripping with malice.
Caitlyn spun around, but before she could react further, Jinx's fist connected with the side of her head, sending her crumpling to the bathroom floor. Everything went black.
Inside Jinx's mind, the world was a cacophony of swirling colours and distorted voices. A younger version of Naruto appeared, as he clapped his hands with an approving grin, his glowing eyes full of admiration.
"You did great, Jinx," the hallucination said. "She didn't even see it coming."
Jinx tilted her head, her real body crouched over Caitlyn's unconscious form. "Of course, I did great," she muttered to herself. "I always do great."
The younger Naruto nodded eagerly. "See? They think they're so smart, but they don't know what we're capable of."
Jinx laughed, a high pitched giggle that echoed unnaturally in her head. "They never do," she said, dragging Caitlyn's limp body out of the bathroom.
For a moment, her gaze softened as she looked down at Caitlyn. "You're in the way," she murmured. "Always in the way."
But her pink tinged eyes hardened again as she turned away, the faint outline of the monkey symbol still lingering in the mirror behind her. "Time to show them all," Jinx said to herself, her voice trembling with a manic energy. "Time to make them understand."
With Caitlyn in tow, Jinx disappeared into the shadows, leaving only the faint, mocking outline of her symbol behind.
Chapter 13 – End of the Beginning Act 3 End
A/N