A/N
Hello everyone!
First, Happy New year guys!
I hope 2025 brings amazing things for everyone!
As the title says, this is Part 1 we're doing a two part finale.
The chapters were way too long for a single upload, and I felt like the build up needed more breathing room.
If you know, you know.
Don't worry, though I'll be double uploading, so you won't have to wait long to see how it all comes together.
Unfortunately, the site seems to be buggy right now, and I can't see any reviews, which is super frustrating because I really wanted to know what you all thought.
But it's all good I'm excited for you to see these chapters.
They're heavy, emotional, and I've poured a lot of work into them.
EDIT - Finally back to answer some reviews now that things seem to be working again!
LightingAbyss - Thanks, man! I'll carry this story all the way to the end.
Lichi Sechino - Lol, it really is like his go to, isn't it? Those three points basically define Naruto's path in life here, and I'm glad you're enjoying them. The dreams will slow down soon, but they're just setting up small hints for the AU.
Jagsboy - Sadly, all good things must come to an end.
arcenasangelo05 - I might actually write another story about Runeterra in the future.
Ekko Attack - You'll see more of it when we dive into the AU, it'll all make sense then.
amavgupta0 - Exactly! It's boring to both read and write if things don't evolve. You get it.
Mando-Vet - Prepare yourself.
KaidoFett - Our Naruto won't go to the AU, but we will see a different Naruto there.
Archer headass - "We must be better... but can we be better?" That's the real question, isn't it?
Ravage88atlas - You're close, but not fully there yet. You'll get your answers in these two chapters.
VortexSurge - Always stronger together, right?
FanFictionman43 - Hmm, unbreakable soulmates or just one possibility out of many timelines? That's a really interesting way to look at it. Guess we'll just have to wait and see!
Riccardo facchini 03 - AU Naruto didn't need Minato's experiments. He was born naturally without the use of Hextech.
One more thing
The necklace will play a key role in the final act… it just might save a life.
Sit back and enjoy!
Chapter 21 - Sacrifice Act 4 (Finale) P1
Sacrifice...
It's a word that carries weight, more than most realize until they're the ones standing at the edge, ready to give something away. To sacrifice is to let go of a part of yourself, of something precious, of safety, comfort, or even life itself for a reason you believe is greater than the loss. It's not about being fearless. It's about knowing the fear and still stepping forward.
To sacrifice is to choose loss in the hope that something greater, someone greater might endure.
Why do people do it?
Love, mostly. Love makes you reckless, selfless, and brave in ways you didn't think you could be. A parent throws themselves between danger and their child. A friend shields another without a second thought. Even strangers can give everything for someone they'll never meet again. Love, whether loud or quiet, has a way of making sacrifice feel like the only choice that makes sense.
Then there's loyalty. Sacrifice for loyalty isn't always big and dramatic. It's in the little decisions, the quiet compromises things you give up for the people or ideals you've sworn to stand by. Loyalty to a cause, to a family, to a dream it pushes people to lay things down: their comfort, their safety, sometimes their lives. It's not about being fearless, but about choosing to hold fast even when the weight is unbearable.
And conviction. Conviction is stubborn. It's raw belief, burning hot, telling you that some things are worth any cost. It's the cost of standing up when no one else will, or standing firm when others beg you to bend. Conviction isn't loud. It doesn't have to shout. It whispers, steady and unyielding.
"Do what's right, no matter what."
But sacrifice isn't neat or easy. It's not a clean cut or a heroic shout in the rain. It's messy, painful, and it leaves marks. Sometimes, it takes years before you understand what it truly cost. Sometimes, it leaves holes in the lives of the ones left behind. There's grief in it, and anger too, because sacrifice can feel unfair. You wonder if it was worth it, or if the one who gave so much even had to.
And yet, there's something undeniably human about it. Sacrifice isn't about power or glory it's about meaning. It's about saying, "This matters more than me." It's what makes people strong in a way no sword or machine ever could. Sacrifice is raw, imperfect strength the kind that builds legacies, leaves echoes, and turns one person's choice into a story that others carry forward.
The cost of strength isn't in battles fought or enemies beaten. It's in the choices, the weight of them, and the scars they leave. And for those who sacrifice, their strength isn't in what they lose, but in what they give. It's a quiet, enduring kind of strength that says...
"This was worth it."
Ambessa stood in the centre of her chambers, her imposing frame casting a long shadow across the floor. Caitlyn faced her, her hands clenched around the practice staff she had been given.
Ambessa watched Caitlyn critically, her sharp eyes analysing every twitch and movement. "Your stance is too rigid," Ambessa said, her voice low and authoritative. "Flexibility is as important as power. A weapon is only as effective as the hand that wields it."
Caitlyn adjusted her stance slightly, her determination evident despite the beads of sweat forming on her brow. "Like this?"
Ambessa nodded, stepping forward. She moved with surprising grace for someone of her size, circling Caitlyn like a predator stalking its prey. "Noxus prizes strength above all else," she began, her voice steady and deliberate. "But strength is not brute force. It is defined by three principles - vision, might, and guile."
Ambessa raised her hand, her fingers counting off each principle. "Vision is the ability to see beyond the present, to anticipate your opponent's moves and to understand the bigger picture. Without it, you are blind, even with a blade in hand."
She tapped Caitlyn's staff with her own, forcing her to adjust her grip. "Might is the application of power. Not just physical strength, but the will to act, to seize opportunities when they arise."
Ambessa stepped closer, her eyes locking onto Caitlyn's with an intensity that made the younger woman's breath hitch. "And guile... guile is the ability to deceive. To use your enemy's expectations against them. The clever warrior fights battle they've already won."
Caitlyn nodded, absorbing the words like a sponge. "And sacrifice?" she asked, her voice steady but curious.
Ambessa smiled faintly, a rare softness breaking through her usual stoicism. "Sacrifice," she said, her voice carrying a weight that Caitlyn could feel in her chest. "It is the unspoken principle. The willingness to give everything your pride, your body, your life for a cause greater than yourself."
Ambessa moved swiftly, her staff slicing through the air toward Caitlyn's side. Caitlyn reacted instinctively, raising her own staff to block the strike. The impact reverberated through her arms, but she held firm, her jaw tightening as she absorbed the blow.
Ambessa stepped back, lowering her staff. "You and I," she said, her tone quieter now, "are kin in a way others cannot understand."
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, her expression sceptical. "Kin?"
Ambessa nodded. "We know sacrifice. You, for your city and your ideals. Me, for my empire and my legacy. Others speak of strength, but they do not know the cost. We do."
Caitlyn's grip on her staff loosened slightly as she considered the words. Despite her reservations about Ambessa, she couldn't deny the truth in them. The choices she had made, the lives she had taken and lost they had shaped her into the person she was now.
"Do you regret it?" Caitlyn asked, her voice softer now.
Ambessa chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Regret is a luxury for the weak. I do not regret, Commander. I endure."
Before Caitlyn could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the chamber. The heavy door creaked open, revealing Singed.
"I trust I'm not interrupting," Singed said, his raspy voice breaking the tension in the room.
"What is it, Doctor?" Ambessa asked, her tone clipped but curious.
Singed stepped forward, holding a small, glowing device in his hand. "I've tracked the beast," he announced, his lips curling into a faint smile. "He's in Zaun."
Caitlyn's eyes widened, and her grip on the staff tightened. "You're sure?"
Singed nodded, his expression almost smug. "Yes."
Ambessa's expression darkened, her mind already turning over the implications. "Then we must act quickly. If beast is on the move, it's only a matter of time before chaos follows."
Caitlyn took a step forward, her voice firm. "I want to be part of this. If this beast is connected to all of this somehow. We need to understand what's driving him."
Ambessa studied her for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But be prepared, Commander. It's not just a beast. He is a weapon. And weapons do not show mercy."
As Singed laid out the details of Warwick's movements, Caitlyn felt a knot of unease settle in her chest.
Ambessa's words echoed in her mind.
Sacrifice...
The cost of strength...
Naruto stood near the edge of rooftop overlooking Zaun, the black bladed staff resting against his shoulder. With his remaining hand, he adjusted the weapon's strap before gripping it tightly, his knuckles whitening.
Behind him, Sevika leaned against the doorway, as she crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of scepticism and concern. "You sure you should be moving already?" she asked, her tone sharp but not without a trace of genuine care.
Naruto turned his head slightly, just enough for her to see the faint glow of his core. "I can't stay out of the fight," he said, his voice steady but tinged with frustration. "Every time I feel like I'm about to finally achieve something… something good, something that matters… I get set back ten times over."
He lowered his gaze, his grip on the staff tightening. "And this time, Jinx is involved. I can't afford to sit here."
Sevika pushed herself off the wall and walked closer to him. "Life's rough sometimes," she said with a shrug, her tone matter of fact.
Naruto turned to her, his blue eyes glowing faintly in the night. The look he gave her was unbelieving, as though she'd just told the most tone deaf joke imaginable. His silence was louder than words.
Sevika sighed, rolling her eyes. "Alright, yeah, I get it," she admitted, lifting her hands defensively. "You've had it worse than most. But you're still standing, aren't you? You're not out yet."
Naruto smirked faintly, shaking his head. "I know," he said, his tone softening. "It's just... even with all this power, with everything I've been given, I'm always one second too late, every time. Just once, I want to make it on time. Save someone without anything bad happening."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words hanging heavily between them. Sevika studied him, her usual gruff demeanour softening slightly. "You've done more for Zaun than anyone else could," she said finally. "Even if you don't see it, they do."
Naruto exhaled, his gaze drifting to the skyline of Zaun. "That's not enough."
Without another word, Naruto adjusted the strap on his weapon and slung it across his back. The sharp click of metal echoed as the staff locked into place. He turned back to Sevika, his expression resolute. "Get some of the crew together. I want as many fighters as we can spare. It's time to move out."
Sevika raised an eyebrow. "What's the plan?"
"I'm leaving ahead of the group," Naruto said, his tone firm. "Jinx is heading to Viktor, and I can't let her get there first. I have to meet her before she makes it. "
Sevika frowned, crossing her arms again. "Do you really feel okay? You lost a lot of blood back there."
Naruto's hand drifted to his chest, his fingers brushing against the glow of his core beneath his skin. "Remember," he said with a faint smile, "I'm different."
Before Sevika could argue further, Naruto's body sparked with an electric blue glow. The faint crackle of energy filled the air as he zapped away.
"Damn fool," she muttered under her breath, though a small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Turning toward the door, she began barking orders to the fighters milling around outside.
The Commune stood as a striking contrast to the grim sprawl of Zaun, rows of tents were flanked by carefully tended gardens, their greenery a stark anomaly amidst the surrounding Gray. Wounded and weary souls streamed through the gates, their faces lined with desperation that softened into hope as they were welcomed by Viktor's followers.
The followers were unmistakable, their skin bearing faint, intricate markings of arcane energy that shimmered in the light. They moved with purpose, offering food, water, and kind words to everyone who passed.
Naruto arrived just as Vi, Jinx, Isha, and the hulking, hooded figure of Warwick approached the gates. A faint crackle of blue electricity dissipated around him as he steadied himself, his single hand clutching the strap of his weapon. He took a deep breath.
Jinx and Isha noticed him first. Jinx's pink eyes widened in surprise before breaking into a grin. She sprinted toward him, with Isha following closely behind. The two collided into Naruto, wrapping their arms around him in a fierce embrace.
"Well," Naruto said with a faint smile, glancing between the two of them. "I didn't expect that."
"You shouldn't be out here," Jinx said, her voice tinged with both relief and frustration. She stepped back, placing her hands on her hips as she scrutinized him. "You're supposed to be resting, dummy."
Naruto rested his forehead against hers, his voice soft but firm. "I can't leave you to deal with all this on your own. What kind of boyfriend would I be?"
Jinx gave him a small, tender smile, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she added, "But you should still be resting, you idiot."
Naruto shrugged, his expression softening as he signed to Isha. "How was the trip?"
Isha smiled brightly, her small hands moving quickly as she signed back. "It was fun."
Naruto chuckled, ruffling her hair gently. "Good to hear."
His eyes flicked over Jinx's shoulder, landing on Vi. She stood a few paces back, her posture guarded, her expression unreadable. "Hey," Naruto said, his voice steady despite the weight of their history.
Vi nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze briefly flicking to the glowing core in his chest before settling on his missing arm. "What happened to you?" she asked, her tone neutral but carrying an undertone of concern.
Naruto glanced at the hooded figure standing behind her, the massive form of Warwick towering silently over them. "Long story," he replied. His gaze lingered on the figure before stepping closer, his voice softening. "Is it really…?"
Jinx placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression unusually serious. "It's true," she said. "It's Vander."
Vi nodded, her jaw tightening as she watched Naruto's reaction. "Yeah," she said, her voice low. "He's... different, but it's him."
Naruto studied the hulking figure for a long moment, his glowing eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the faint remnants of the man who had once been a father to Jinx and Vi. "Unbelievable," he murmured. "I didn't think…"
"None of us did," Vi said, her voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and hope.
The group was greeted at the entrance to the Commune by a familiar face, Huck. "Welcome," he said, his voice soft and almost reverent.
"The Herald welcomes all. Here, you will find peace and healing."
Vi's expression twisted into a snarl the moment she saw him. "Huck," she spat, her fists clenching. "You filthy traitor."
Huck winced but didn't retreat. Instead, he met her gaze with calm determination. "I know what I've done," he said, his tone steady. "I betrayed my own, sold out Zaun, and chose survival over loyalty. But the Herald has freed me of my past self. I am no longer bound by the mistakes I've made."
"Don't you dare preach to me," Vi growled, taking a step forward. "You sold out people who trusted you. You don't get to hide behind some fancy commune and act like you've been absolved."
Huck raised a hand, not in defence but in a gesture of peace. "This place is sacred, Vi," he said, his voice unwavering. "No weapons are allowed inside. The Herald has decreed it so."
Jinx, who had been watching silently until now, suddenly stepped forward and levelled her pistol at Huck's face. Her finger twitched on the trigger as she stared him down, her pink eyes blazing with fury.
"No weapons, huh?" Jinx said, her voice laced with venom. "Guess you're gonna have to make an exception, then."
Huck didn't flinch. He stood completely still, his gaze steady as he looked into the barrel of the gun. "If you must kill me to feel safe, then so be it," he said simply. "But this place will remain untouched by violence."
Jinx's hand trembled slightly, but she quickly steadied herself. For a long moment, no one moved. Then, with a frustrated growl, Jinx lowered the pistol and shoved it toward Huck's chest. "Fine," she snapped, taking out the hextech gemstone from the gun's chamber and pocketed it before tossing her pistol at Huck.
Vi followed suit, albeit with more hesitation. She glared at Huck as she removed her gauntlets, the heavy metal clanging to the ground.
Naruto watched as Isha copied Jinx, discreetly pocketing the gemstones from the gauntlets while the others weren't looking.
Naruto let out a small laugh as followed suit giving Huck is weapon. But when he went to walk forward Huck stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
"No weapons allowed," Huck said firmly.
Naruto tilted his head, confusion flickering across his face. "I'm not carrying anything dangerous," he said.
Huck's eyes drifted to the glowing core in Naruto's chest, the faint hum of energy emanating from it audible in the quiet. "That's your weapon," Huck said, his tone reverent. "It's not allowed inside."
Naruto frowned, his glowing blue eyes narrowing. "You're calling me a weapon?" he asked, his voice tinged with irritation. "I guess you're not entirely wrong." He glanced at the others, who were waiting just inside the gate. "Fine," he said after a moment. "You go ahead. I'll stay here."
"Are you sure?" Jinx asked, her voice softer now. She stepped closer to him, her concern evident in her expression. "You should be resting anyway."
Naruto gave her a faint smile, "Don't worry about me," he said. "I'll be fine. Go do what you need to do."
Jinx nodded curtly, her gaze lingering on Naruto for a moment. "Don't get into trouble," she said.
As the group moved forward, Naruto watched them disappear into the commune.
Huck watched him carefully, his expression unreadable. "You made the right choice," Huck said quietly.
Naruto turned his glowing gaze on Huck, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "We'll see about that." Without another word, Naruto's body crackled with blue electricity, and in a flash, he disappeared.
Leaving Huck standing alone at the gate. Huck sighed, his serene demeanour wavering slightly as he turned back toward the commune. "The Herald's will be done," he murmured, stepping inside.
The commune spread out before them like a strange oasis, its lush gardens and thriving community. Huck guided the group through winding paths lined with tents and makeshift homes, his calm voice cutting through the buzz of activity.
"The Herald will see you now," Huck said, leading them toward a spherical arcane structure at the centre of the commune. The building shimmered faintly, its walls appearing almost translucent, as if formed from crystallized energy.
Jinx glanced around uneasily, her hand twitching as she whispered to Vi, "This place gives me the creeps."
Vi grunted, her jaw set as she carried the tension of old memories. "Just stay alert."
Isha clung to Jinx's side, her wide eyes scanning the glowing walls with a mixture of awe and trepidation. Warwick, towering and hooded, followed silently.
As if he was expecting them, Viktor appeared at the entrance greeting them. Vi spoke first , "We hear you can heal people."
Viktor's gaze shifted to Warwick, and for a moment, a flicker of recognition passed across his face. "Fascinating."
Warwick growled low in his throat, his glowing eyes narrowing. Jinx stepped forward defensively, placing a hand on his arm. "He's not here for your experiments, tin man," she snapped. "We need you to fix him."
Viktor tilted his head, his arm clicking softly as he gestured for them to come closer. "If you wish for my help, you must allow me to understand him fully," he said. "Bring him here."
Vi hesitated, her hand twitching toward where her gauntlets used to be. "What does that mean, exactly?" she asked, her voice sharp.
"It means," Viktor replied, "that I must push his limits to see where he can be healed... and where he cannot."
Viktor placed his hand on the beast's head, and a sudden surge of energy coursed through him. His face twisted in concentration, "I... I see it," Viktor murmured, his voice trembling. "His mind it's fractured, splintered... yet there is a core, a vision. He—"
Suddenly, Viktor staggered, falling to one knee. The energy dissipated, and Warwick slumped forward, his growls fading into a pained whimper. Jinx rushed to his side, glaring at Viktor. "What the hell was that?" she demanded.
A projection flickered to life beside Viktor, its form slowly coalescing into a translucent image of Sky. The projection tilted its head, its voice calm yet tinged with concern. "You're pushing yourself too far, Viktor," Sky said. "He may be beyond your limits."
Viktor shook his head, his voice firm despite his evident exhaustion. "He is worth it," he insisted, his golden eye glowing brightly. "This man's mind holds a vision, a vision of Zaun united, free from oppression. It is... remarkable."
Viktor turned to the group, his expression a mixture of awe and determination. "His psyche is deeply entangled with the beast's form," he explained. "He is trapped between who he was and what he has become. To heal him fully would require unravelling his mind from the creature's instincts."
"Can you do it?" Vi asked, her voice laced with both hope and scepticism.
Viktor hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I can try," he said. "But it will not be easy. He will need to remain here, under my care, and restrained at night. The beast's instincts grow strongest in darkness."
Jinx tightened her grip on Warwick's arm, her pink eyes darting between Viktor and the hooded figure. "And if he's not restrained?" she asked, her voice low.
Viktor's gaze darkened. "Then he will kill."
Jinx looked up at Warwick, her voice trembling as she turned back to Viktor. "Do whatever it takes."
Naruto stood at the base of the cliffs overlooking the commune, his glowing blue eyes reflecting the serene yet bustling scene below. The sight was a curious one to him, no battles, no weapons, and no threats just people working together, healing, and thriving. For once, the chaos of Zaun seemed distant, muffled by the peace radiating from this place.
Behind him, Sevika approached with a group of followers she had brought along. They were rough and battle worn, many carrying visible scars of Zaun's relentless struggle. Their gazes were wary as they surveyed the commune, their hands never far from their weapons.
Naruto turned to face them, his expression calm but tinged with amusement. "Alright, everyone," he said, raising his hand to quiet the murmurs among them. "Head inside. Relax."
Sevika furrowed her brow, crossing her arms over her chest. "Relax?" she repeated, her tone sceptical. "What are you talking about? I thought we were gearing up for a fight."
Naruto smirked, shaking his head. "Not here. This place is... peaceful," he said, gesturing toward the commune. "They don't allow weapons inside, so leave them at the gate."
Sevika's mechanical arm hummed faintly as she flexed her fingers. "What about this?" she asked dryly, raising her prosthetic. "Am I supposed to just pop it off and hand it over?"
Naruto laughed, a genuine sound that caught Sevika off guard. "That's the idea," he said, his grin widening. "You wouldn't want to scare the nice people, would you?"
Her eyes narrowed. "You're playing at something," she said suspiciously. "What's your angle?"
Naruto's gaze softened, and for a moment, the weight of his leadership seemed to lift. "No angle," he said simply. "I've been watching this place. It's... nice. People here are healing, getting a chance to breathe for once. I figured maybe you all could use that too."
The others exchanged glances, uncertain but intrigued by his words. Sevika, however, wasn't convinced so easily. "You're really just going to let us sit this one out?" she asked, her tone sharp. "Since when do you take it easy?"
Naruto tilted his head, his smile fading into something more thoughtful. "Since I realized that sometimes people need a break," he said quietly. "Even soldiers. Even leaders." He gestured toward the commune again. "Go. Relax. Be part of something peaceful, even if it's just for a little while."
Sevika's gaze lingered on him, her scepticism wavering as she saw the sincerity in his glowing blue eyes. "Fine," she muttered, turning toward the gate. "But don't think I'm leaving this arm behind."
Naruto chuckled. "Suit yourself, Sevika. But don't say I didn't warn you if they try to pry it off."
The group began making their way toward the commune, their apprehension slowly giving way to curiosity as they approached the gates. Sevika glanced back at Naruto one last time, a hint of grudging respect in her eyes.
As the others disappeared into the commune, Naruto turned toward the cliffs, his weapon resting against his back. The cool breeze brushed against his face as he climbed the rocky terrain, his movements deliberate despite the lingering ache in his body. Finding a flat, open space overlooking the commune, he set his staff down and took a deep breath.
His remaining hand tightened around the grip of his weapon as he began his drills. Each movement was precise, his strikes and spins flowing seamlessly despite the absence of his left arm. The weight of the weapon felt different now, its balance requiring subtle adjustments, but Naruto adapted quickly. His movements were graceful yet deadly.
"I guess it's not so bad," he muttered to himself, pausing to wipe sweat from his brow. "The twin blades were fun, but this... this'll do."
He glanced down at his right arm, his glowing rune faintly visible beneath his torn sleeve. A faint smile crossed his face as he rested the staff against his shoulder. "Good thing it wasn't you," he said softly, patting his arm. "Guess I'm luckier than I thought."
The cliffs echoed with the rhythmic sound of his training, the clash of metal against stone as he pushed himself harder, faster, each strike a defiant reminder of who he was. One arm or not, Naruto, The blue eyed demon, would never stop fighting.
Above him, the sky began to darken, the first stars twinkling faintly against the deepening twilight. Naruto paused, his breath steady as he looked out over the commune below. The glow of lanterns and the soft murmur of life drifted up to him, a reminder of what he was fighting for.
Viktor spends days searching for Vander within the depths of Warwick's mind.
The mindscape was a maelstrom of rage and sorrow. Fragmented memories collided with visceral flashes of violence shattered glass, bloodied fists, and a guttural howl that echoed endlessly. Yet, amidst the chaos, Viktor could sense glimmers of something deeper, a flicker of humanity buried beneath the beast's anguish.
"Vander," Viktor called, his voice echoing through the storm. "You're in here somewhere. I know it."
The response was a low, mournful growl that reverberated through the mindscape. It was followed by images brief, fleeting of Vander standing tall in his bar, his face weathered but kind as he looked over the children who had become his family.
"I see you," Viktor murmured, stepping closer to the image. "You've lost yourself, but you're not gone. I will find you."
As days passed, Viktor remained tethered to Warwick, his mind brushing against the broken fragments of Vander's psyche. Each memory he uncovered was a piece of the puzzle, leading him closer to the man trapped within the beast.
Vi and Jinx walked side by side through the overgrown ruins of their childhood home. The shattered remnants of the structure stood as a silent testament to a past they had long left behind. Trees and wildflowers had claimed the space, their roots weaving through the broken stone as if trying to heal the scars.
Jinx hummed softly to herself, her pink eyes darting around as she searched for something familiar. Vi, quieter than usual, trailed her hand along a crumbling wall, her expression sombre.
"Hey," Jinx called, stopping near a moss covered stone pillar. She brushed the greenery away, revealing faint notches etched into the surface. "You remember this?"
Vi stepped closer, her eyes widening as recognition dawned. "The height marker," she said softly, running her fingers over the worn grooves. "Mom and Dad used to measure us here."
For a moment, the sisters stood in silence, their shared memories filling the space between them. The pillar was the only piece of their childhood home that had survived.
"You ever think about staying?" Vi asked suddenly, her voice hesitant. "At the commune, I mean. It's... different. Feels like something good could actually come out of it."
Jinx tilted her head, her grin fading slightly. "What, you wanna settle down and grow tomatoes or something?" she teased, though her tone lacked its usual bite.
Vi shrugged, her gaze fixed on the pillar. "I don't know. Maybe, feels like... maybe we could stop running. Stop fighting. Just... be."
Jinx's eyes narrowed playfully as she sat on the pillar. "Yeah, sure. But only if they let Naruto in too."
Vi turned to her, one eyebrow raised. "Naruto?" she said, her tone laced with curiosity. "You two must be pretty close. You talk about him more than anyone else."
Jinx's smirk widened as she twirled a strand of blue hair around her finger. "Well, duh. We're practically made for each other."
Vi's expression shifted, something unreadable flashing in her eyes. "Almost sounds like you're jealous," Jinx added with a laugh.
Vi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "Not jealous," she said, though her tone betrayed a hint of defensiveness. "Just... curious."
Jinx shrugged, her grin turning softer. "He gets me," she said simply. "We've been through the same kind of hell, you know? And besides... he's kinda fun to mess with."
Vi snorted, shaking her head. "Yeah, sounds like your type," she muttered, though there was a faint smile on her lips.
Naruto lay sprawled across the uneven surface of the cliff, his one arm rested beneath his head, his breathing slow and steady as sleep overtook him. The winds whispered softly, as Naruto found himself lost in another world again.
Naruto found himself seated in a bright, meticulously organized classroom. Rows of desks filled the space, but most of them were empty. At the front, scribbling frantically on a chalkboard that stretched across the entire wall, was Professor Heimerdinger. His fluffy white moustache twitched with concentration as he adjusted his goggles, muttering theories and equations under his breath.
Naruto sat at one of the front desks, his face scrunched in frustration. A pile of notes and diagrams lay scattered across his workspace, but none of them made sense.
"Professor," dream Naruto said, running a hand through his bright, golden hair. "This anomaly... it doesn't make any sense. The variables just don't add up."
Heimerdinger paused, turning to look at Naruto with a twinkle of curiosity in his large eyes. "Nonsense, my boy! Every problem has a solution, even the most perplexing of anomalies. It simply requires vision! Perseverance! And perhaps a bit of luck!"
Naruto groaned, slumping back in his chair. "Vision and perseverance aren't gonna make the numbers stop defying physics," he grumbled. "Maybe we're looking at this the wrong way. Or maybe this thing just... doesn't want to be solved."
Heimerdinger chuckled, waving a chalk covered hand dismissively. "The mysteries of the world and science have a habit of challenging us in unexpected ways, young Uzumaki. But fret not! We'll crack this together."
Naruto sighed, pushing himself up from his seat. "I need to clear my head," he said, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair. "I'll be back in a minute, Professor."
As he headed toward the door, a familiar voice called out. "Professor Heimerdinger got to you, huh?"
Naruto turned to see Ekko leaning casually against the doorframe, his smirk as sharp as ever. The sight of his old friend filled Naruto with an unexpected warmth.
"What's up, dude?" Naruto said, grinning despite himself.
Ekko shrugged. "Not much. Same old grind. But looks like he's putting you through the ringer."
Naruto chuckled. "You can say that again. I'll be back in a bit—I just need some fresh air."
"Take it easy," Ekko said, waving him off. "Don't let him fry your brain too much."
Naruto stepped outside, and the classroom faded behind him, replaced by a vast, serene courtyard. The sky was painted with streaks of orange and pink, and the gentle rustling of leaves filled the air. Naruto's frustration began to melt away.
He leaned against a nearby pillar, his gaze drifting upward to the sky. The stars were beginning to peek through the light, and for a moment, he let himself be consumed by their quiet beauty.
Then he saw her...
A girl with bright blue hair stood in the distance, her back to him. She was perched on the edge of the courtyard, her figure illuminated by the fading sunlight. Something about her felt achingly familiar, like a half remembered dream he couldn't quite place.
Naruto's heart raced as he called out to her, his voice ringing with a mix of hope and excitement. "Powder!"
The girl turned slightly, but before he could see her face, the dream shattered...
Naruto jolted awake, his glowing blue eyes snapping open as he gasped for breath. The sun had dipped lower on the horizon, casting the cliffside in deep shadows. His heart was still pounding from the dream, his mind racing to make sense of it.
"Hey," Jinx's voice broke through his haze, sharp but tinged with concern. "You good?"
Naruto blinked, turning his head to see Jinx crouching in front of him, her pink eyes studying him intently. Beside her, Isha stood silently, her small hands clasped together as she signed something he couldn't immediately focus on.
"You looked like you were having one hell of a dream," Jinx added, leaning closer. "Kept mumbling something about... a classroom? And Powder?" Her tone turned teasing, but there was a flicker of unease in her gaze.
Naruto sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... just a weird dream," he said, his voice quieter than usual. He turned to Isha, catching her signs as she repeated herself.
You were talking in your sleep, she signed, her expression curious.
"Sorry if I worried you," Naruto said, forcing a small smile. He shifted his gaze back to Jinx, his heart still heavy with the lingering emotions of the dream. "You ever get dreams that feel... too real?"
Jinx tilted her head, her grin faltering slightly. "All the time," she said, though her tone carried an edge. "Why? You seeing things you wanna share with the class?"
Naruto hesitated, the image of the blue haired girl still fresh in his mind. "No," he said finally, shaking his head. "Just... something to think about."
Jinx raised an eyebrow, unconvinced, but she didn't press further. "Well, whatever. Don't get all broody on me, okay? You're not allowed to be the dramatic one, that's my job."
Naruto chuckled softly, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Deal," he said, his voice steadier now.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Naruto's thoughts lingered on the dream.
Who was that version of him, so happy and carefree?
And why had he called out to Powder like she was the most important thing in the world?
One day later, outside the gates, a line of Noxian soldiers stood ready, their imposing armour glinting in the fading light. In the centre of the formation, Ambessa loomed tall, her presence exuding authority and menace. Beside her, Rictus sneered, his face twisted with anticipation. Behind them, a fortified cage sat on a heavy wagon.
Huck, standing at the gate, wiped sweat from his brow, his usually calm demeanour faltering under Ambessa's icy gaze. "No weapons allowed inside the commune," he insisted, his voice quivering slightly. "This is a place of peace."
Ambessa's lips curled into a smirk as she regarded Huck with disdain. "A place of peace?" she echoed mockingly, gesturing to the battalion at her back. "Do you think peace can protect you from this?"
Huck swallowed hard but held his ground. "Rules are rules. No exceptions."
Rictus stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "How about we make an exception, eh?" he growled. "Rules don't mean much when you're dead."
Ambessa raised a hand, silencing Rictus before turning her attention back to Huck. "You're brave, I'll give you that. Foolish, but brave." Her hand hovered over her sword hilt, and tension rippled through the air.
Before she could give the order to attack, Singed stepped forward. His gaunt, pale face betrayed no emotion as he surveyed the situation. "Wait," he said.
Ambessa glanced at him, her brow arching. "You have a better idea, Doctor?"
Singed looked ahead, "I know the one they call the Herald," he said, his tone measured. "He was my pupil once. Viktor."
Ambessa's eyes narrowed. "Your pupil?" she repeated, scepticism evident in her voice.
Singed nodded. "If anyone can bring him to reason, it's me. Let me speak with him before you act. You may find there's no need for bloodshed."
Ambessa considered this for a moment, then stepped forward and planted her battle standard a massive pole adorned with the Noxian insignia firmly into the dirt. "Fine," she said, her voice carrying the weight of an unspoken threat. "But make no mistake, Doctor. If this 'Herald' refuses to cooperate, I will erase this place to the ground by nightfall."
Singed nodded, unfazed. "Understood."
Viktor stood over Warwick's massive, slumbering form. The beast was restrained, his breathing slow and steady, as he heard a sound be hide him
Viktor turned to see Singed entering the room. The elder scientist's expression was unreadable as he approached, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Viktor," Singed said softly, almost reverently. "It has been too long."
Viktor's gaze hardened. "Doctor Reveck," he said coolly, using the name Singed had long abandoned. "I should have known you'd find your way here."
Singed stepped closer, his sharp eyes studying Viktor intently. "You've grown into the man I always knew you could be," he said. "But you're faltering. I can see it."
Viktor turned back to Warwick, refusing to meet Singed's gaze. "I have no time for your flattery. Why are you here?"
Singed approached the beast, his eyes gleaming with fascination. "Remarkable, isn't he" he said, gesturing to Warwick. "The apex of shimmer, alive and functioning. And yet... you're weakening. Every use of your hextech takes more from you than it gives. You won't last much longer."
Viktor stiffened but said nothing.
"I can save you," Singed continued, his voice low and persuasive. "Combine your hextech with beasts blood and shimmer. Together, you would become something beyond mortality. Beyond weakness."
Viktor turned sharply, his voice cold. "At what cost? Sacrificing Vander? Turning him into another tool for your experiments?"
Singed stepped forward, his expression softening. "It's not just for you," he said, his voice almost pleading. "This—this is for all of us. For Zaun. For my daughter."
At those words, Singed reached out, taking Viktor's hand. In that instant, a surge of memories flooded Viktor's mind. He saw her a young girl with bright eyes and a gentle smile, her laughter echoing in the lab where she once played. He felt Singed's grief, his desperation, his unrelenting drive to bring her back.
Viktor wrenched his hand away, his glowing eyes blazing. "I understand your pain, Doctor," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "But I will not sacrifice Warwick or anyone else to ease it. Zaun has suffered enough from our ambitions."
Singed's expression hardened, his sadness replaced by steely resolve. "You're making a mistake," he said quietly.
"Perhaps," Viktor replied, turning back to Warwick. "But it is mine to make."
For a long moment, neither man spoke. Then Singed nodded, his voice filled with cold resignation. "Very well. But remember this, Viktor: when the time comes, and you face the limits of your own humanity, you will see that I was right."
Singed turned and left the room without another word, leaving Viktor alone with the sleeping beast and the weight of his choices.
As night fell, the Noxian soldiers stood ready, their armour gleaming in the moonlight. Ambessa gazed at the glowing lights of the commune, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
"Prepare for battle," she commanded, her voice carrying through the camp. "If Singed fails to bring them to heel, we will take what we came for."
Far above, on the cliffs overlooking the scene, Naruto watched silently, his glowing blue eyes reflecting the faint light of the stars. His grip tightened on the hilt of his weapon as he prepared for the inevitable conflict.
Singed began walking back to the Noxian camp. Behind him, Vi trailed silently, her movements cautious and deliberate. Her instincts, sharpened by years of survival, screamed that Singed's departure was more than a simple retreat.
As she rounded a bend, Vi froze. A faint click echoed through the air, a sound she recognized immediately. Before she could react, a sharp voice broke the silence.
"Don't move."
Vi turned her head slowly to see Caitlyn stepping out from the shadows, her rifle raised and aimed directly at her. The moonlight illuminated Caitlyn's steely expression, her piercing blue eyes glinting with determination.
"Well, well," Caitlyn said, her voice cold. "Didn't expect to see you here, Vi."
Vi tensed, her fists clenching at her sides. "Caitlyn," she said evenly. "Put the gun down."
Caitlyn's grip on the rifle didn't waver. "Can't, I'm hunting a bloodthirsty, murderous beast," she said sharply. "What are you doing here?"
Vi hesitated, her jaw tightening. "Saving my dad," she said finally, her voice filled with quiet defiance.
Caitlyn's expression flickered, surprise momentarily breaking through her icy demeanour. Her grip on the rifle loosened slightly. "Your dad?" she repeated, her voice softer now. "You mean… the beast?"
Vi nodded, her voice low but firm. "Yeah… he's Vander."
Caitlyn lowered her weapon, her sharp eyes softening with realization. "I had a feeling I was missing something," she admitted. "I've been watching Singed for a while now… spying on him. Deep down, I knew it was him all along." She glanced at Vi, and her voice wavered slightly. "Looking at you just brought back all the memories I tried to bury."
Vi took a step closer, her tone desperate but determined. "Caitlyn, I need your help to save him."
Caitlyn hesitated, conflicted. The weight of her duty and her conscience warred within her. "I've been feeling like something's off about the way Ambessa and Singed operate," she finally said. After a tense pause, she nodded. "Alright, Vi. Let's form a plan."
The two shared a look of understanding, uneasy allies united by a shared goal, to save Vander.
Sometime later, as they are forming their plan another voice interrupted, carrying a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"What do we have here?" Naruto's voice echoed through the canyon, drawing their attention. "Another reunion, eh?"
Naruto stepped into the clearing, his glowing blue eyes casting an otherworldly light. He rested his single hand on the hilt of his weapon, his posture relaxed but ready for anything. His gaze swept over the two women, lingering on Caitlyn.
The moment Caitlyn's eyes met Naruto's, her calm shattered. The anger she had suppressed boiled to the surface, her grip tightening on the rifle as she levelled it at him. "You," she hissed, her voice trembling with rage. "You're the one who—"
"Caitlyn, stop!" Vi said, stepping between them. "Remember what we just talked about."
Caitlyn froze, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she fought to rein in her emotions. Slowly, she lowered her rifle, though her eyes never left Naruto. "Ambessa," she muttered, her voice thick with frustration. "Right."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of confusion and intrigue. "You two are working together?" he asked, his gaze shifting between them.
"Yeah," Vi said with a sigh, rubbing the back of her neck. "Long story. We're kind of on the same side. For now."
Naruto crossed his arms, his glowing eyes narrowing slightly. "And what's the plan, exactly?"
Vi exchanged a glance with Caitlyn before explaining the situation. They outlined Ambessa's intentions, Singed's dangerous ambitions, and the threat of the impending attack on the commune. Naruto listened in silence, his expression unreadable.
When Vi finished, Naruto nodded slowly. "Fine," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I'll keep an eye on things from up top. Just make sure you two don't screw this up."
As he turned to leave, he muttered under his breath, "Love really does make people do dumb things."
Both Vi and Caitlyn froze, their faces flushing as the implications of his words sank in. Vi glared at Naruto's retreating figure, while Caitlyn looked away, her cheeks burning.
"Idiot," Vi muttered under her breath, but there was no real venom in her voice.
Caitlyn cleared her throat, forcing her emotions back under control. "We should move," she said briskly, avoiding Vi's gaze. "We don't have much time."
Vi nodded, and the two set off, the tension between them hanging heavy in the air as they prepared for the battle ahead.
At the campsite, Singed spoke to Ambessa. "If Viktor succeeds in saving Vander," Singed began, his raspy voice cutting through the silence, "then the beast will no longer serve my purpose. His... transformation will stabilize, and his primal instincts will wane." He paused, adjusting the heat beneath a bubbling flask. "A loss of that magnitude would render him useless. But," Singed continued, his tone laced with confidence, "I believe I can craft a serum to interfere with Viktor's process. It will unravel the progress he's made."
Ambessa's brow furrowed. "You want to sabotage him," she stated bluntly.
Singed glanced up, his expression unreadable. "Precisely. The serum will ensure the beast remains as he is, a force of destruction. And should Viktor try to push further, his meddling will only hasten Warwick's deterioration."
Ambessa considered his words, her gaze cold and calculating. "If this works, it could give us the advantage we need. But if you fail..." Her voice trailed off, the unspoken threat hanging in the air.
"I don't fail," Singed replied curtly, returning to his work. "Not when the stakes are this high."
Before Ambessa could respond, the tent flap was pushed aside, and Caitlyn entered. Her expression was stoic, though a flicker of unease lingered in her eyes. Behind her, two Noxian soldiers dragged in a restrained Vi. Her wrists were bound tightly, and a faint bruise marked her cheek from a scuffle.
"Commander Kiramman," Ambessa said, her tone both amused and intrigued. "I see you've brought us a guest."
Caitlyn nodded, her voice steady. "I found her trailing Singed in the canyon. She's been snooping around."
Vi struggled against her restraints, her glare fixed on Caitlyn. "You sold me out," she spat, her voice laced with venom. "I knew I couldn't trust you."
Caitlyn's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond, her eyes avoiding Vi's accusing gaze.
Ambessa stepped forward, towering over Vi as she studied her with a predatory smile. "You've been busy," she remarked, her voice dripping with mockery. "I didn't expect to see you here, of all places."
Vi smirked despite her predicament, her defiance unwavering. "And I didn't expect to see you stooping to alchemy," she shot back, her tone biting. "What happened to Noxian strength and glory?"
Ambessa chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Strength comes in many forms, girl. You'd do well to remember that."
Singed, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke. "She's of no use to us alive," he said matter of factly. "Kill her and be done with it."
Ambessa raised a hand, silencing him. "Not yet," she said, her gaze locked on Vi. "She might have information we can use. And besides..." She glanced at Caitlyn, her smile widening. "It seems our Commander has a connection to this one. Isn't that right?"
Caitlyn stiffened, her expression carefully neutral. "She's no one," she said firmly, though her voice lacked its usual conviction.
Vi scoffed. "That's rich, coming from you," she said, her eyes narrowing. "You've got a funny way of showing loyalty, Caitlyn."
Ambessa's amusement grew, her sharp eyes flicking between the two women. "Interesting," she murmured. "Very interesting."
Vi shifted her attention to Ambessa, her defiance returning in full force. "You think you're in control," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in the room. "But you're making a mistake. You can't break me."
Ambessa leaned closer, her voice a low growl. "We'll see about that."
Naruto approached the edge of the cliff, as he stared at the man before him. Jayce Talis, the once proud councillor of Piltover, now looked haggard and broken. his face lined with exhaustion, and his eyes darkened with an otherworldly torment. The hammer in his hand glowed faintly.
"Jayce?" Naruto called out, taking cautious steps forward. He could feel the weight of something unspoken hanging in the air, pressing against his chest like a storm about to break.
Jayce turned slowly, his movements heavy as though the act of acknowledgment was a burden. His tired expression deepened as he locked eyes with Naruto. "I must destroy it," he murmured, his voice strained, as if he were fighting to stay in control.
Naruto frowned, stopping a few feet away. "Destroy what? Jayce, what the hell are you talking about?"
Jayce grimaced, clutching the handle of his hammer tightly. His voice rose, a mixture of desperation and anger. "Hextech all of it. It's a curse. It's a blight on this world, and it needs to be erased before it destroys everything."
Naruto tilted his head, his glowing blue eyes narrowing. "What are you even saying right now? Hextech saved lives. It built Piltover and helped Zaun stand on its own. How is it a curse?"
Jayce shook his head violently, his free hand gripping his temple as if to silence the cacophony in his mind. "You wouldn't understand," he growled. "You haven't seen what I've seen, haven't heard what I've heard."
Naruto took another step closer, his voice softening. "Then explain it to me. Make me understand."
Jayce's gaze snapped to Naruto, a flicker of recognition passing through his tormented eyes. "You told me," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "He told me to destroy it."
Naruto froze, confusion flashing across his face. "Who told you? I didn't tell you anything."
Jayce laughed bitterly, his voice filled with a haunting edge. "Not this version of you. Another you. In another timeline."
"Timeline?" Naruto echoed, his tone a mix of scepticism and curiosity. "What the hell are you talking about, Jayce?"
Jayce rubbed his temples, his hands trembling as if battling unseen forces. "It's... it's complicated," he muttered, his voice cracking. "I've been seen things, Naruto. I have been to another world."
Naruto sat down on a nearby rock, trying to piece together Jayce's cryptic words. He'd had his own share of strange experiences those dreams of another life, another version of himself that felt too real to dismiss. "These dreams I've been having," Naruto began, his voice quieter now, "they started after I got zapped into that weird room. I thought they were just... nightmares or something."
Jayce looked at him sharply. "They're not nightmares," he said, his voice gaining a sudden urgency. "When we were teleported me, the others, you... our bodies weren't... ready. You, especially. Maybe that's why you're seeing these things. Maybe your body was trying to connect, to align with something... else."
Naruto clenched his fists, his mind racing as fragments of his recent dreams replayed in his head. The alternate Piltover, his conversations with Caitlyn and Professor Heimerdinger, the flashes of Ekko, and Powder. They weren't just dreams. They were pieces of a puzzle he didn't know he was part of.
"And now you think destroying hextech will fix everything?" Naruto asked, his voice sharp with frustration. "How does wrecking the world's greatest achievement make anything better?"
Jayce's face twisted with pain, his hands trembling. "It's not just hextech. It's the arcane. It's all connected, Naruto. The voices... they won't stop. They keep telling me I've failed. That I waited too long. That the only way to make things right is to burn it all down."
Naruto's chest tightened as he watched Jayce struggle with invisible demons. "Man, this is heavy," he muttered. "And you're just... going along with it? No questions asked?"
Jayce's face darkened. "I've seen what happens if I don't," he said, his voice low and haunted. "I've seen the destruction, the pain. If destroying hextech can stop it, then so be it."
Naruto stood up watching Jacye, as he descended the cliff, the words echoing in his mind. The flickering glow of Jayce's hammer disappeared as he went to see Viktor, leaving Naruto alone with his thoughts.
He sat back down, the wind rustling through his hair, his mind churned with questions and unease. The plan he'd made with Vi and Caitlyn kept him from interfering for now, but deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that everything was spiralling toward disaster.
"Another timeline..." Naruto muttered to himself, his voice heavy with uncertainty. He sighed, leaning back against the cliff face. "This just keeps getting weirder."
Vi stood chained to a post, her hands cuffed tightly, her face bruised but defiant. The imposing figure of Ambessa loomed over her, her cold eyes gleaming with resolve.
Singed worked silently nearby, his gnarled hands deftly preparing the serum intended for Warwick. Inside the commune The beast stirred fitfully in his cage, reacting to the scent of blood dripping from the tube.
"It's ready," Singed muttered, his raspy voice breaking the tense silence.
Ambessa nodded, her attention still fixed on Vi. She dismissed Caitlyn with a sharp wave of her hand. "Go. Your part is done," she said, her tone as dismissive as it was commanding.
Caitlyn hesitated for a brief moment, her sharp eyes flicking to Vi, before setting her rifle down and retreating into the shadows of the camp. As she moved away, a knowing look passed between her and Vi a moment of unspoken understanding.
Back at the outskirts of the commune, Isha crept through the shadows, her small frame almost invisible against the backdrop of tents in her hands, she held Jinx's shock pistol, which she had carefully stolen back. Finding Jinx sitting at top the her own camping spot, Isha handed over the weapon without a word, her wide eyes filled with determination.
Jinx inspected the pistol, her fingers tracing its familiar contours. With a quiet laugh, she reloaded the hex crystal into the weapon, the faint glow of the crystal casting a shadow on her face.
"You're gettin good at sneakin around," Jinx said with a smirk, glancing up at Isha. "Guess you're picking up some of my bad habits."
Isha giggled silently, her small frame shaking as she signed, "You taught me well."
Jinx chuckled, a rare moment of genuine warmth flickering across her face. She leaned back against a stack of crates, letting out a sigh as she held the pistol in her lap. "You know," she began, her voice quieter now, "life's been... different since you showed up."
Isha tilted her head curiously, signing, "Different how?"
Jinx rested her chin on her knees, her pink eyes glimmering with thought. "Before you, it was just me and Naruto, trying to fix this broken world. I was always the crazy one, the reckless one... and he was the one who kept me grounded. But you..." She trailed off, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You gave us something we didn't even know we needed a little piece of normal. A family."
Isha's hands moved quickly, signing, "I'm glad to have met you too." Her small hands trembled slightly as she added, "You and Naruto saved me. I'll never forget that."
Jinx blinked, caught off guard by the emotion in Isha's expression. She reached out, gently ruffling the girl's hair. "Yeah, well, glad you stumbled into our lives too, kid. You've got this way of making all the bad stuff seem... not so bad."
Isha smiled shyly, her hands moving again. "I miss Naruto."
Jinx's grin faltered for a moment, her gaze dropping to the pistol in her hands. "Me too, kid," she admitted softly. "But he's out there, doing what he always does watching over us. Making sure we're safe. It's kinda his thing."
Isha nodded her head, as she signed, "He's the best!"
Jinx laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Damn right he is," she said, her voice softening as she looked at the girl in front of her. "Naruto will always be there for you, Isha. Just like me. That's a promise."
For a moment, the two sat in silence, the weight of the world outside the tent melting away. Then Jinx leaned forward, pulling Isha into a tight hug. "We're a team, you, me and Naruto," she whispered.
Isha nodded, her arms wrapping around Jinx as she buried her face in her shoulder. In that quiet moment
Chapter 21 - Sacrifice Act 4 (Finale) P1 End
A/N
End.
Next chapter go!
If you really want to immerse yourself, play Isha's OST from Arcane. It's an absolute banger and sets the mood perfectly.
Again Happy New Year!
See you next chapter!