A/N
Yo!
Back again with another update… things are picking up, and updates are coming fast, so I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter! Before we dive in, let's answer some reviews since people have mentioned missing it.
Jester6199 – Much more to come, my friend!
Paradoxity – You caught that! AU Naruto has indeed been dreaming about Prime Naruto's life too. And nah, AU Naruto can't fumble Powder bro's built differently, lmao. The necklace… no spoilers, but I've definitely dropped enough hints already. And no, Prime Naruto won't be coming to the AU. He's still sitting in his cell, rotting away for now.
Jagsboy – Don't worry, they'll become friends soon enough.
KaidoFett – Oh, I saw it alright book 2 when? Lmao, but yeah, it looks interesting. I'll definitely watch it.
Lichi Sechino – Exactly, the AU arc is meant to be more relaxing, a bit of slice of life to chill and enjoy before things heat up again.
Ekko Attack – Ayyy, glad you noticed the small details! I love when readers pick up on those. No fighting yet, but as for a love triangle… maybe? We'll see.
ArcaneAddict04 – Don't worry, the necklace will play a key role later, and we do get a brief moment with Silco in this chapter.
VortexSurge – Yup, we'll have a few more AU chapters before heading back to the main timeline.
Archer headass – Yes, they're dreaming together. Jayce is dead, but don't worry, we've got two AUs happening in this chapter. The shimmer is definitely something I've been hinting at for a while, and it's going to play a big role in the Prime world. Gotta love some world building!
Jango Tango – It's here, but yeah, the scene is a bit short, sorry!
FanFictionman43 – Yup, the title of the story is starting to make sense, huh? Originally, it was a love triangle, but I decided to change that since I didn't want it to feel like I was bashing Ekko, he's one of my favourite characters in Arcane.
That's all for now! If I missed your review, it's because it wasn't there when I was editing this chapter.
Enjoy the chapter, guys!
Chapter 24 – Wake Up To Reality Act 5
Jayce woke up to the taste of dust and ash in his mouth. He sat up, disoriented, his mind struggling to piece together how he had ended up in this strange place. The air was cold and dry, and a pale, greyish light filtered through a sky.
He rubbed his eyes and took in his surroundings. The land stretched out before him, barren and lifeless. Jagged rocks jutted from the cracked earth, and the distant horizon seemed to shimmer with an unnatural haze.
Everything felt wrong too quiet, too still. There was no sign of life, only a heavy, oppressive atmosphere that weighed on him like a physical force.
As he scanned the desolate landscape, his eyes locked onto something in the distance, a lone figure, draped in a dark hooded cloak with glowing blue eyes. The figure moved slowly, deliberately, as if gliding over the ground rather than walking.
Jayce instinctively grabbed for the hammer at his side, but it seemed to malfunction and break... as he stood up, his legs unsteady beneath him, and began to follow the figure. "Hey!" he called out, his voice echoing strangely in the empty air. The figure didn't respond, continuing its slow, purposeful movement across the wasteland.
Jayce quickened his pace, trying to close the distance, but the ground beneath his feet shifted unnaturally, as if it were alive, subtly resisting his movements. He stumbled, catching himself just before falling, and cursed under his breath.
As he regained his footing, something caught his eye a shape partially buried in the cracked earth. He moved closer, his heart pounding as he realized what it was: a petrified figure, frozen mid, run, their face contorted in terror. The figure's body was turned to stone, cracks running along its surface, as if they had been fleeing from something… something they hadn't been able to escape.
Jayce backed away, a chill running down his spine. As he glanced around nervously, searching for any sign of danger.
What happened here?
In the distance, beyond the jagged rocks and shifting sands, he saw it, the remnants of Piltover. Or what was left of it. The city he had once helped build, a beacon of progress and hope, was now a twisted, decaying ruin. Arcane energy crackled through the air, tendrils of raw power lashing out from the shattered buildings.
The central clock tower, where Jayce had constructed the hexgate, stood at the heart of the city, its spire broken and twisted, surrounded by an ominous swirling storm of arcane forces.
Jayce's breath caught in his throat as he stared at the ruined city, a sinking feeling of dread settling in his chest.
This… this can't be real.
Yet it was. The arcane storm above Piltover's remains pulsed with chaotic energy, a constant, malevolent presence that dominated the sky. Jayce took a hesitant step forward, every instinct telling him to turn back, to run… but something compelled him to keep moving.
As he began to walk toward the ruined city, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched that the hooded figure, wherever it had gone, was leading him toward something he wasn't prepared to face.
And deep down, he knew this wasn't just another nightmare.
This was a glimpse of a future he had unknowingly helped set in motion.
As they walked through the lively streets of Zaun, Naruto noticed Ekko lagging behind slightly. He slowed his pace, falling in step beside him. The usual cheerful atmosphere of the city felt distant as Ekko's sharp eyes flicked over Naruto, scrutinizing every detail.
Naruto glanced at him, confused by the tension in Ekko's posture. "You okay, man? You've been real quiet."
Ekko didn't answer right away. His gaze lingered on Naruto's chest, noting the complete absence of the core he had always known to be there. His eyes drifted up to Naruto's face, smoother, younger-looking, his hair neat and well-groomed rather than wild and unruly. There was no glow in his eyes no sign of the killer Ekko had once fought.
And then there was the smile. This Naruto was always smiling, carefree, light hearted… nothing like the hardened figure from his timeline.
Ekko's expression hardened into a glare as he stopped walking. "Alright," he said, his voice low but tense. "What's your game here?"
Naruto blinked, confused. "Huh?"
"You can drop the act," Ekko continued, his tone growing sharper. "I'm not stupid. I know who you are, what you are."
Naruto furrowed his brows, genuinely perplexed. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Ekko's glare deepened. "You're a murderer. A killer. Don't think you can hide that from me."
Naruto's eyes went wide in shock, his voice dropping to a frantic whisper. "Dude, what the hell? That's not something you just shout for the entire street to hear! What's gotten into you?"
Around them, a few curious glances were cast their way, but most people continued about their business, uninterested in the sudden tension.
Ekko stared at Naruto, his mind racing, unable to reconcile the kind, almost naive boy in front of him with the blood thirsty killer he remembered.
Naruto furrowed his brow, confusion plain on his face as he walked alongside Ekko. Every step felt heavier, the weight of Ekko's sharp words hanging over him.
"Look, Ekko," Naruto said quietly, his tone laced with genuine concern. "I don't know what's going on with you, but… we've always been on the same side, haven't we? I mean if this is about me and Powder—"
Ekko cut him off, his voice low and taut with barely restrained frustration. "No. This has nothing to do with Powder. It's about you. You, Naruto. And what you really are."
Naruto halted for a moment, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief. "What I really am? What's that supposed to mean?"
"You wouldn't understand," Ekko muttered, his voice colder now. "I could never be cool with someone like you. Not after what I've seen."
Naruto opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Powder's voice cut through the rising tension.
"We're here," she said cheerfully, her tone light as she pointed to the entrance of The Last Drop. The neon sign flickered above the door.
Naruto inhaled sharply, forcing himself to swallow whatever retort had been on the tip of his tongue. He gave Ekko one last glance, frustration evident in his eyes, before turning toward Powder with a smile that didn't quite reach his usual warmth. "Yeah, let's go inside," he said.
The three of them entered the bar. The familiar buzz of voices, clinking glasses, and low music filled the air. Powder led them to a table near the back, away from the main crowd. She slid into the booth first, Naruto following closely behind, while Ekko hesitated for a moment before reluctantly taking a seat across from them.
"Drinks?" Powder asked, trying to break the awkward silence.
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I'll grab them," he said, standing up and heading toward the bar. Powder watched him go, her gaze softening. She turned back to Ekko, who sat rigidly, eyes darting around the room as if expecting something to happen.
"Okay, what's going on with you?" Powder asked, her voice hushed but firm. "You've been acting weird since we ran into you."
Ekko didn't answer right away. He glanced toward Naruto at the bar, then back to Powder. His expression was a mix of confusion, disbelief, and something close to fear. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," he said finally.
"Try me," Powder said, leaning forward. "Naruto's been worried. So, whatever it is, just… talk to us."
Ekko's eyes softened for a moment, caught between the urge to speak and the weight of his swirling thoughts. Just as he opened his mouth, a loud, familiar voice interrupted.
"Hey, there they are!" Mylo called out as he strolled over, a broad grin plastered on his face. Claggor followed closely behind, his usual calm demeanour balancing out Mylo's exuberance. Both looked older, more mature, but unmistakably themselves.
Ekko froze in place, his heart pounding in his chest. Mylo and Claggor alive, well, and standing right in front of him. It didn't make any sense. They weren't supposed to be here, they died.
"Finally," Mylo continued, plopping down in the seat next to Ekko without hesitation. "You guys took forever. Where were you?"
Claggor offered a polite nod to Powder before sitting down across from Ekko. "Long night?" he said to Powder.
Powder smiled warmly. "Long night indeed."
As they all chatted, Ekko remained silent, barely hearing their words. He couldn't focus, couldn't process what was happening.
They're alive… older… grown up… How is this possible?
Absentmindedly, he pulled a notebook from his bag and began to scribble. His hand moved on its own, sketching out the strange anomaly he had encountered the swirling void of timelines, the merging of realities, and the faint echoes of the people he once knew.
The world around him faded into background noise as he continued to draw, lost in his thoughts, trying to make sense of the impossible.
Naruto walked up to the bar, weaving through the crowd with ease. He smiled politely at a few familiar faces as he approached the counter, where Vander, Silco, and Benzo were engaged in what appeared to be a serious conversation.
Vander was the first to notice him, his imposing figure turning slightly toward Naruto. "Well, if it isn't the man of the hour," Vander said with a grin, clapping a heavy hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Council member, huh? Big step."
Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, still trying to wrap my head around it. Feels kinda surreal, honestly."
Benzo gave him a nod of approval. "You've earned it, kid. Your work on the shimmer research, it's impressive."
Naruto smiled, grateful for the support, but before he could respond, Silco's voice cut through the air, smooth and calculated. "Congratulations indeed, Naruto." His tone was polite, but there was a faint undercurrent of something more curiosity, perhaps. "Becoming a member of the council at such a young age. Quite an achievement."
Naruto turned to Silco, meeting his sharp gaze. "Thanks, Silco. I just hope I can live up to everyone's expectations."
Silco's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Expectations can be… heavy. But you seem to carry them well." He swirled his drink slowly, his piercing eyes never leaving Naruto's. "Still, it's a lot of responsibility. Especially with a family name like yours. Kushina and Minato have quite the legacy."
Naruto nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, they do. But I'm not trying to live in their shadow. I want to make my own path, do things my way."
Silco raised an eyebrow, impressed by the conviction in Naruto's voice. "Ambition is admirable. Just be careful. The council… it's a game of politics. One misstep, and you'll find yourself surrounded by enemies, even among those who smile to your face."
Naruto didn't flinch under Silco's pointed words. Instead, he offered a calm smile. "I've been warned about that. But I'm not one to play dirty. I'd rather change the game than get lost in it."
Silco's smile widened slightly, as if he found Naruto's response amusing. "Bold words. Let's hope the council doesn't eat you alive for it."
Before Naruto could respond, Vander handed him two drinks. "Enough of the heavy talk," Vander said, grinning. "Take these back to Powder before she thinks we're keeping you hostage."
Naruto laughed, taking the drinks. "Yeah, she might come over here herself if I take too long."
Benzo gave him a small wave as he turned to leave. Silco watched him walk away, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if trying to read something hidden beneath Naruto's confident exterior.
"Interesting kid," Silco murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Vander grunted in agreement. "Yeah. He's got a good head on his shoulders. Let's hope he doesn't lose it trying to fix a world that doesn't want to be fixed."
Naruto returned to the table, carefully balancing the drinks as he set them down in front of everyone. Mylo immediately grabbed his drink with an exaggerated grin. "Took you long enough," he teased, nudging Naruto playfully.
"Yeah, yeah," Naruto said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly before sitting down next to Powder.
Claggor leaned forward, taking a sip from his glass. "Hey, why aren't you part of the Young Innovator's Competition, anyway?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "You could probably build something crazy and blow everyone else out of the water."
Naruto shrugged, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "Well, I've been kinda busy with, you know, council stuff," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Besides, it wouldn't be fair if I joined."
Powder scoffed loudly, crossing her arms. "Yeah right," she said with a smirk. "Me and Ekko would totally beat you, council member or not."
Naruto laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, maybe you would. I wouldn't want to ruin your victory lap."
As Naruto chuckled, Powder's attention turned to Ekko, who was uncharacteristically silent. He hadn't touched his drink and was still hunched over his notebook, furiously sketching something. His face was tense, beads of sweat forming on his brow. Powder nudged him gently. "Hey, you okay?"
Ekko didn't respond at first. His grip on the pencil tightened, the lines on the paper growing more erratic. His headache had intensified, a sharp, pulsating pain shooting through his skull. The image of the anomaly was burned into his mind, and every time he tried to focus, it only made things worse.
Naruto frowned, noticing Ekko's pale complexion. "Dude, you don't look so good."
Before Ekko could respond, a familiar voice rang out behind them. "Ah, the bright minds of tomorrow, gathered together!" Professor Heimerdinger approached, his short stature barely visible over the crowd until he reached the table. His eyes twinkled with curiosity as he glanced at their group. "I trust preparations for the Young Innovator's Competition are going well?"
Ekko's vision blurred, and the professor's voice sounded distant, warped, as if it were coming from underwater. He clenched his head, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him. He stumbled to his feet, nearly knocking over his chair.
"Ekko?" Powder's voice was laced with concern as she reached out to steady him.
"I—I need some air," Ekko muttered, his voice strained. Without waiting for a response, he staggered toward the exit, pushing through the crowd.
Naruto started to rise, but Powder placed a hand on his arm, shaking her head. "I'll check on him," she said softly. "Stay here."
Ekko barely made it outside before doubling over, his stomach twisting violently. He vomited onto the ground, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. The cool night air did little to ease the pounding in his head.
He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, trying to steady himself. But no matter how hard he tried, the images wouldn't leave his mind the alternate Naruto and Jinx, older, harder, and worn by battles he didn't understand. And now, seeing them alive, smiling, carefree… it was too much.
"I need to figure this out," Ekko whispered to himself, clutching his head as the headache refused to subside. "What's happening to me?"
Ekko leaned against the wall, his breathing still uneven, when Heimerdinger's voice broke through the silence behind him. "You've made quite the entrance, Ekko."
Ekko whipped around, his eyes widening in shock as he took in the familiar figure of the professor. "Heimerdinger?" he gasped. "You're… here?"
The Yordle gave him a small, knowing smile. "Yes, Ekko. I've been here for quite some time now 1,128 days, to be precise." His voice was calm, but there was a hint of weariness in his tone. "I've been waiting for someone else from our world to arrive."
Ekko's mind raced. "Wait, if you've been here all this time… have you found a way back? What happened to Jayce? Is he here too?"
Heimerdinger's expression darkened slightly at the mention of Jayce. "I haven't seen Jayce since the incident that brought us here. I feared he might have ended up… elsewhere." He paused, folding his hands behind his back. "As for returning home… it's complicated. You see, this universe never developed hextech. Without it, recreating the anomaly that brought us here is… impossible."
Ekko clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "So, what? You're just… giving up? You've been here for years, and you're telling me there's no way back?"
Heimerdinger sighed, his ears drooping slightly. "At first, I was determined to find a way. But over time, I realized that this world, though different, isn't without its own wonders. I've grown accustomed to it. Perhaps… perhaps there's no need to return."
"Not for you," Ekko muttered, shaking his head. "But I can't stay here. I need to get back. I need to fix things."
Before Heimerdinger could respond, Powder's voice called out from the doorway. "Ekko? There you are." She approached with a bright smile, seemingly unaware of the tension in the air. "Come on, we're going to see Vi. You should join us."
Ekko hesitated, glancing between Heimerdinger and Powder. The weight of his mission pressed heavily on his shoulders, but for now, he forced himself to take a deep breath and follow her.
"Yeah… okay," he said quietly, falling into step beside her.
Naruto approached the group casually, carrying his usual air of confidence. He glanced between Powder, Ekko, and Heimerdinger, offering a friendly smile before focusing on Powder.
"Hey," he said softly, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. Powder returned the smile, though it didn't fully reach her eyes.
"I have to head back," Naruto said, addressing everyone now. "Council duties and all that fun stuff." He turned his attention to Heimerdinger, raising an eyebrow. "Still working on that anomaly?"
Ekko's eyes went wide at the mention of the anomaly, darting toward Heimerdinger with a mix of confusion and suspicion. Heimerdinger, however, remained composed, offering a polite smile. "Not anymore, my boy. That particular pursuit has… come to a close."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, we tried everything we could think of, but nothing really made any sense. Honestly, it was like chasing shadows." He gave a small shrug, his tone apologetic. "Sorry we couldn't crack it."
Ekko's mind raced, trying to process what Naruto had just said. Heimerdinger had been working on the anomaly with Naruto? But this Naruto didn't seem to have any idea of the reality Ekko came from. It only deepened the confusion swirling in his head.
Naruto turned back to Powder, his expression softening as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "You take care of Ekko, okay? He looks like he's got a lot on his mind."
Powder gave a small nod. "Yeah… we'll be fine."
Naruto clapped Ekko on the shoulder, leaning in slightly to whisper, "Take it easy, man. The stuff you've been saying has everyone worried." His voice lowered even further, barely above a whisper. "And don't upset Powder, alright? She's got enough on her plate."
Ekko, caught off guard, could only give a stiff nod in response.
With that, Naruto straightened up, offering a quick wave to the group before turning and walking away. "See you guys later," he called over his shoulder, disappearing into the bustling streets.
As soon as he was gone, Powder sighed, her expression turning concerned as she glanced at Ekko. "You okay? You've been acting kinda weird."
Ekko didn't respond right away, his gaze fixed on the spot where Naruto had just been. His mind was spinning with questions, and Heimerdinger's calm demeanour wasn't helping. Finally, he shook his head slightly, forcing a smile. "Yeah… just tired, I guess."
But inwardly, he knew things were far more complicated than anyone here realized.
Seated around a large circular table were Piltover's most influential figures, each representing different sectors of the city trade, defence, innovation, and law.
Naruto sat among them, dressed in a finely tailored suit that complemented his confident yet approachable demeanour. His mother, Kushina, sat at the head of the table, her expression proud but expectant as she glanced at her son. Minato, seated beside her, gave Naruto an encouraging nod.
Taking a breath, Naruto leaned forward slightly, addressing the room with a steady voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed council members, I'm here today to update you on something that could potentially change the future of Piltover and beyond."
A few murmurs rippled through the room, but Naruto continued, unfazed.
"As you all know, we've been working on developing a form of shimmer that rather than causing harm could actually heal injuries and extend life. We've made significant progress in stabilizing its volatile nature. We're not far from cracking the code entirely."
There was a brief silence before one of the older council members, a stern woman with silver-streaked hair, spoke up. "Healing shimmer? That's a bold claim, young Uzumaki. We've seen shimmer destroy lives how can you be certain this… refined version won't do more harm than good?"
Naruto met her gaze without hesitation. "You're right. Shimmer has caused incredible damage in the past. But that's precisely why we're working on this to turn something destructive into something lifesaving. We've already seen promising results in controlled tests."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "Think about it. How many lives could we save? How many families wouldn't have to lose someone they love because we didn't have the right tools to help them in time?"
The council exchanged glances, some intrigued, others sceptical. Naruto pressed on, his voice growing more passionate. "I believe we're standing on the edge of something revolutionary. If we succeed, Piltover won't just be known for innovation it'll be known for compassion. We'll be able to bridge the gap between Piltover and Zaun by offering real solutions, real hope."
Kushina smiled faintly, pride gleaming in her eyes. Minato leaned forward slightly, clearly impressed by his son's composure and conviction.
Another council member, a man with a thick beard and a calculating expression, spoke next. "And what about the risks? If this healing shimmer falls into the wrong hands… if it's weaponized…?"
Naruto nodded, acknowledging the concern. "That's why we're proceeding carefully, with strict oversight. We're not rushing this. The goal isn't just to create it—it's to ensure it can't be misused. That's why I'm involving experts from every relevant field, including law enforcement, to develop safeguards."
The murmurs grew quieter as the weight of Naruto's argument settled over the room. He took a final breath and leaned back slightly. "This isn't just about science. It's about making a difference. And with your support, I believe we can do just that."
For a moment, the chamber was silent. Then, one by one, several council members began nodding in agreement. Even the more sceptical ones seemed to regard Naruto with a newfound respect.
Kushina tapped her fingers lightly on the table, signalling the end of the discussion. "Thank you, Naruto," she said, her tone warm but authoritative. "Your passion and dedication are clear. The council will review your proposal in detail, and we'll discuss the next steps at our next meeting."
Naruto gave a small nod, hiding the relief that threatened to wash over him. "Thank you, council members. I appreciate your time."
As the meeting adjourned, several council members approached him, offering words of encouragement. Kushina and Minato stayed back, watching as their son handled himself with grace and maturity.
Once the room began to clear out, Kushina approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did well," she said softly. "You've got what it takes to lead."
Naruto smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mom. I just… I want to help. I want to make things better."
Minato joined them, clapping Naruto on the back. "And you will. Just keep that heart of yours strong it's what sets you apart."
Naruto's gaze flicked toward the large windows overlooking Piltover, the city bathed in golden light. "I hope so," he murmured. "We're close… I can feel it."
As his parents exchanged a glance, proud and hopeful, Naruto couldn't help but think back to the vision he had seen of Powder, her blue hair and bright eyes, her smile. He was doing this for her, too. For all of them.
He just had to make sure nothing went wrong.
Ekko walked inside Powders lair. The interior was cluttered but cosy blueprints, tools, and half-finished inventions littered every surface. It looked like a workshop and a home rolled into one. But what caught his attention most was a small, carefully arranged shrine tucked into a corner. At the centre of the shrine was a photo of Vi, smiling warmly. Surrounding the picture were candles, flowers, and various mementos.
Ekko's eyes narrowed. Vi, she was alive in his world...
"You live here?" he asked, breaking the silence, though his eyes stayed fixed on the shrine.
Powder nodded, her expression softening as she looked at the shrine. "Yeah. It's peaceful. I like to tinker and invent… helps me feel close to her."
Ekko crossed his arms, his mind racing. "So, Vi's… gone?"
Powder's expression darkened slightly, and she turned away, busying herself with a pile of tools. "Yeah," she said quietly. "It was... a long time ago."
Ekko stepped closer to the shrine, his voice lowering. "What happened that day? How did she…?"
Powder's hands froze mid-motion, and for a moment, the room was filled with tense silence. "She died trying to save us," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She always protected me, you know? And that day… she couldn't."
Ekko studied her carefully, noting the tremble in her voice. She seemed so different from the Jinx he knew calm, kind, not consumed by guilt or madness. But something about the story didn't sit right with him.
"You were there, right?" he asked cautiously. "So… was it your fault?"
Powder whipped around, her eyes wide with shock and hurt. "What?" she said, her voice trembling. "How could you say that?"
"I'm just trying to understand," Ekko said, his tone defensive. "In my worl..."
"Stop," Powder interrupted, her voice rising. "I don't know who you think I am, but I would never hurt Vi. She was my sister. She meant everything to me."
Ekko clenched his fists, realizing he had pushed too far. "I didn't mean—"
"Just go, Ekko," Powder said coldly, turning her back to him. "I thought you were different, but… maybe you're just here to make things worse."
Ekko hesitated, wanting to say something, to explain, but the look in Powder's eyes when she glanced back over her shoulder told him it was too late. He sighed and stepped toward the door.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, before leaving her home.
Ekko wandered aimlessly through the streets, his mind swirling with confusion and frustration. This Zaun… it was so different. The streets were clean, the people smiled, and children played without fear of enforcers or gang wars. It was almost too perfect.
He passed by a street vendor selling bright-colored candies and paused, watching as a group of kids laughed and ran around, their hands sticky with sweets. He thought of the children in his Zaun, always hungry, always on edge, never allowed to just be kids.
"This place… it's not real," Ekko muttered under his breath. "It can't be."
Yet it was. Everywhere he looked, he saw life thriving something he had fought so hard to achieve in his own world but never truly succeeded. This Zaun didn't need a hero. It didn't need someone to fix it. It was already… fixed.
But at what cost?
Vi's absence hung heavily in his mind. She was the heart of their Zaun, the one who held everyone together. Without her, how had this Zaun found peace? And why did Powder seem so… whole?
As Ekko continued walking, he couldn't help but wonder was this world truly better off?
Naruto walked briskly through the lively streets of Piltover, his mind preoccupied with the day's events. The meeting had gone well, but something still gnawed at the back of his mind. He was deep in thought when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure heading toward a part of the city most people avoided Jayce's old apartment, or rather, what was left of it.
Curiosity piqued, Naruto adjusted his pace and quietly followed. Ekko seemed to be in his own world, oblivious to Naruto trailing behind him. The boy's movements were deliberate, his eyes locked onto the rubble and walls that remained from the explosion years ago. Naruto watched as Ekko crouched down by a shattered section of the wall, carefully digging into the cracks.
Naruto frowned as he saw Ekko pull out small, glowing blue shards tiny fragments of the exploded hex crystal. The shards emitted a faint, otherworldly glow that made Naruto's stomach churn with unease. Something about them felt… off, though he couldn't explain why.
Unable to stay silent any longer, Naruto stepped forward, his voice cutting through the eerie silence of the ruined building. "Didn't expect you to come here," he said, trying to keep his tone light but failing to hide the tension in his voice.
Ekko flinched, startled by Naruto's sudden appearance. He instinctively backed away, gripping the small pouch where he had placed the shards tightly.
Naruto raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Hey, relax. I didn't mean to sneak up on you." His eyes flicked to the pouch Ekko was holding. "What are you even doing here? And… what are those blue things you pulled out of the wall?"
Ekko remained silent, his mind racing. He hadn't expected anyone especially Naruto to find him here. He clutched the pouch closer to his chest, his gaze wary.
Naruto took a cautious step forward, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Come on, Ekko. What's going on? You've been acting weird all day. First, you freak out at the Last Drop, and now you're digging through the remains of an explosion from years ago, collecting… whatever those things are. Just tell me what's happening."
Ekko hesitated, torn between telling Naruto the truth and keeping quiet. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to make sense of the situation. This Naruto wasn't the same Naruto he knew, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit.
"I… I'm just working on something," Ekko finally said, his voice strained. "It's… for a project."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. He wasn't buying it. "A project? That's all you've got? Look, I'm not stupid. Those things aren't ordinary shards, and whatever you're doing here isn't normal. Just tell me the truth."
Ekko clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He didn't know how to explain any of this without sounding completely insane. How could he tell Naruto that he was from another universe, and that these shards might be the key to getting back home?
Before Ekko could respond, Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Don't tell me. But whatever this is… it's starting to freak people out. You're starting to freak me out." He glanced at the ruined walls around them, the weight of old memories pressing down on him. "This place… it's not exactly where people come to hang out, you know? It's where we lost Jayce. It's where everything changed."
Ekko's grip on the pouch tightened, guilt gnawing at him. He looked down at the shards in his hand, their faint glow reflecting in his eyes. "I didn't mean to make things weird," he said quietly, his voice barely audible.
Naruto raised an eyebrow at Ekko's quiet response, stepping closer with a knowing smirk. "Is this about me and Powder?" he asked, tilting his head slightly. "Look, I get it. I know you've got feelings for her."
Ekko's heart dropped at those words, a wave of panic crashing over him. "What? No, that's not—"
Naruto cut him off, waving a hand dismissively. "Relax, man. I'm not mad or anything. Honestly, who wouldn't fall for a girl like her, you know? She's smart, funny, always knows how to keep things interesting…" His voice trailed off as a fond smile crossed his lips. "She's kinda special."
Ekko clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay composed. But his mind betrayed him, flashing back to memories of Powder... Jinx, from his timeline. He thought about their fight on the bridge, the moment everything shattered between them. He thought about when they were kids, carefree and inseparable, before everything went wrong.
Everything went wrong when they came back with Naruto...
Ekko's voice was quiet, hesitant. "How did you and Powder… start dating?"
Naruto turned and walked toward the window, his hands in his pockets as he gazed out over the city below. The lights of Piltover reflected in his eyes, casting a faint glow across his face.
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he stood there in silence, lost in thought.
The memory came flooding back like a warm breeze carrying scents of saltwater and distant laughter.
Naruto stood outside the academy gates, waiting for Powder. She had just finished her first week, and the excitement of her acceptance still lingered in the air. He leaned against the stone wall, watching students trickle out, chatting animatedly. Powder emerged moments later, her blue hair tied back, a bright smile lighting up her face when she spotted him.
"Hey, you made it!" she said, jogging over.
"Of course," Naruto grinned. "Figured we could celebrate."
That was how it always was between them easy, natural, as if they had known each other forever. Naruto remembered that day well because it had solidified something in his heart. He liked Powder more than he ever wanted to admit, but he also knew things weren't so simple. There was Ekko to consider, too.
He hadn't wanted to make things weird or ruin the balance they had as friends, so before doing anything, he decided to talk to Ekko, man to man.
The conversation had taken place behind the academy, where they often hung out. Naruto and Ekko sat on a low wall overlooking the lower parts of Piltover.
"Look, Ekko…" Naruto started, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "I just wanna be straight with you. I like Powder."
Ekko glanced at him, his expression unreadable. He stayed silent for a moment before finally speaking. "Yeah… I figured."
Naruto blinked in surprise. "You did?"
Ekko shrugged, looking down at the streets below. "I've seen the way you look at her. You're not exactly subtle, dude."
Naruto chuckled nervously. "Yeah, well… I didn't want to go behind your back or anything. I figured it was only fair to talk to you first."
Ekko stayed quiet for a while, his fingers tapping absently against the metal railing. "So… what now?"
Naruto straightened up, his expression serious. "Whoever she picks, we accept it. No hard feelings. We both care about her, right? So… it's fair game."
Ekko studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Fair game."
Naruto had spent days planning out the perfect way to ask Powder out. With the help of his parents, he arranged a small boat trip at the harbour. He decorated the deck with lanterns, set up a table with her favourite snacks, and even managed to get his mom to bake a cake. It was simple but heartfelt.
Powder had been stunned when she saw everything. "You did all this… for me?"
"Yeah," Naruto had said, scratching the back of his head. "I, uh… wanted to make it special."
That night, beneath the soft glow of the lanterns and the gentle lapping of the waves, he asked her to be his girlfriend. Powder had laughed, a bit shy, but eventually said yes. It was one of the happiest moments of his life.
The flashback faded, and Naruto turned back to Ekko, his gaze steady. "You were there for all of this. You knew how things went down."
Ekko didn't respond right away, his mind racing. Naruto frowned, studying him more closely. "Unless…" Naruto's voice trailed off as a strange thought entered his mind. "No, that's crazy… it couldn't be."
Naruto hesitated before asking, "Do you ever have weird dreams? About… another life? About us, but… different?"
Ekko froze, his heart pounding as he met Naruto's curious gaze.
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice trembling with a mixture of confusion and unease. "I see things, Ekko… in those dreams. It's always me, but not me, you know? I'm… older, different. I'm fighting all the time, killing people. And not just random people I'm leading Zaun. It feels so real. And there's this name… Isha."
Naruto's brow furrowed as he searched his memory, but the name seemed to vanish like mist every time he tried to grasp it. "I don't even know who that is… but every time I wake up, it feels like I've lost something, or someone."
Ekko's heart sank. Hearing Naruto mention Isha a name from the timeline he had just escaped confirmed his worst fears. He couldn't let this spiral out of control. He forced himself to stay calm, even though the mere mention of Isha had sent a cold shiver down his spine.
"We need to go," Ekko said, his voice firmer now. "We have to find Heimerdinger."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Why? What's Heimerdinger gonna do? He's not exactly the kind of guy who deals with… weird dream stuff."
Ekko didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned and started walking briskly toward the centre of Zaun, where Heimerdinger often entertained crowds with his eccentric inventions and songs. Naruto hesitated for a moment before following, his curiosity outweighing his reluctance.
As they approached, the familiar sound of a banjo filled the air. Heimerdinger sat atop a small stage, plucking at the strings of his banjo while singing a cheerful, nonsensical tune. A small crowd of Zaunites had gathered around him, clapping and laughing along with the strange melody.
Ekko muttered under his breath, "Of course he's playing a banjo."
Naruto crossed his arms, tilting his head as he watched the yordle sway back and forth with the rhythm of his song. "Is this really the guy you think can help with… whatever's going on with us?"
Ekko ignored Naruto's scepticism, stepping forward as Heimerdinger finished his tune with a flourish. The crowd erupted into applause, and Heimerdinger bowed graciously before hopping off the stage.
"Professor," Ekko called out, his tone urgent.
Heimerdinger turned, his large ears twitching as he recognized Ekko. His cheerful expression shifted slightly, replaced by a thoughtful look. "Ah, Ekko, my boy. It's been a while. What brings you here in such haste?"
Ekko glanced at Naruto, who still seemed unconvinced but intrigued. "We need to talk. It's important."
Heimerdinger's eyes flicked between them, noting the tension in Ekko's posture and the troubled look on Naruto's face. With a nod, he motioned for them to follow him. "Very well, let's find a quieter place to talk."
As they walked, Naruto couldn't help but glance at Ekko, his earlier confusion returning. "What's really going on, Ekko? You're acting like this is something serious."
Ekko didn't respond immediately, his mind racing as he tried to figure out how to explain everything without sounding insane. Finally, he sighed. "Just… trust me, okay? You're not the only one who's been having strange dreams."
Naruto frowned but didn't push further. Something about Ekko's tone told him that whatever was happening, it was far more complicated than he realized.
Jayce trudged through the barren wasteland, each step heavier than the last. The once glorious Mercury Hammer, now devoid of its usual power, dragged along the ground, its weight far too much for him to carry comfortably. Occasionally, he hoisted it onto his shoulder, only to let it fall again with a grunt of effort. His breaths came in short, pained gasps, his body aching from the long journey.
As he neared the ruins of what was once Piltover, his eyes took in the horrifying sight before him. The landscape was littered with countless petrified corpses men, women, and even children frozen in grotesque expressions of fear and agony.
The twisted remnants of the city loomed in the distance, shadowed by the swirling arcane storm that circled ominously around the shattered clock tower, where Jayce had once proudly built the hexgate.
"This… can't be real…" he muttered, his voice hoarse from exhaustion and disbelief.
He weaved his way through the eerie forest of stone figures, each one a haunting reminder of the catastrophe that had befallen this world. But something about the stillness didn't sit right with him. His senses sharpened, and he slowed his steps, gripping the handle of the hammer tightly.
Then he saw it a slight twitch. At first, he thought it was a trick of the light, but as he moved closer, more figures began to shift, ever so slightly. He froze in place as one of the petrified forms jerked its head toward him, revealing a face devoid of flesh, its metallic surface gleaming in the dim light.
"Robots?" Jayce whispered, his heart pounding in his chest.
The figures began to move in unison, their joints creaking as they turned to face him. Their glowing red eyes locked onto him, and a low, mechanical hum filled the air. Without thinking, Jayce turned and bolted, fear driving him forward. The hammer dragged behind him, its weight slowing him down, but he didn't dare stop.
The mechanical beings gave chase, their movements unnervingly synchronized. Jayce's lungs burned, his vision blurred, but he pushed on, weaving through the crowd of petrified corpses in a desperate bid to escape. Just as he thought he might have a chance, the ground beneath him gave way.
"No!" he yelled as he plummeted into a deep crack in the earth.
He tumbled down the jagged slope, the hammer slipping from his grip and slamming into his calf with a sickening crunch. Pain exploded through his leg, and he let out a strangled cry. His body came to a rough stop at the bottom of the chasm, and he lay there, gasping for air, his vision swimming with black spots.
The world around him dimmed, and the pain in his leg became unbearable. He tried to move, but his body refused to cooperate. Just as unconsciousness threatened to take him, a shadow fell over him.
Through blurred vision, Jayce saw a figure standing above him a man with glowing blue eyes that pierced the darkness. His silhouette was faint, but Jayce could make out key details, his arm was missing, and his expression was one of grim determination.
Before Jayce could comprehend what, he was seeing, darkness swallowed him whole.
Chapter 24 – Wake Up To Reality Act 5 End
A/N
And that's the end…
A small cliffhanger to keep you wondering about who Jayce is about to meet.
We also got to see how Powder and Naruto got together in this alternate world, plus a brief but important moment with Silco.
Don't worry, there's more cooking for next chapter.
I'm debating whether to wrap it all up next chapter or stretch it out with one more chapter, but either way, it's been an amazing to write so far.
Until next time,
Byebye!