Im actually going to add a little pre-thing.
I've recently been stuck in a loop of Harry x Bellatrix time travel stories.
I dont think there are nearly enough. And while there are many I love, I have to credit two stories rn:
Delenda Est AND Delenda Est -- Rebooted by Lord Silvere
as well as
Wind Shear by Chilord (may he rest in peace) Ive simply loved his story from beginning to end, and while many reviews claim it felt rushed at the end , personally I didnt find it rushed in a sense, considering the circumstances with his health and life he brought an end to his wonderful story. I thank him for that much. You could definitely see he had a longer story in mind but he was able to end it well and close every plot point and give some answers to things he set up and probably was going to make part of the over all narrative. Now to finish a story and make it all make sense and still be good while going through your last bits of life and not knowing how much time you have is a dedication to writing i aspire to.
He is also the introduction to James x Narcissa that ive become to like. (Not as parents cause usually when they are coupled its more focused on how Narcissa is as a mother, I enjoyed seeing first year James starting to like Narcissa due to a time ripple affect from Harry)
this is further enhanced by the writings of
Black Wings over Black Skies by lootydaytbooty
another wonderful time travel Bella x Harry with a hint of Narcissa x James forming
Anyways im saying all this to see if anyone has any recommendations or plans to write such a story, please definitely leave a PM, im literally fiening if you all couldnt tell by the lengthy paragraph.
CHAPTER 4: SOME FIGHTS ARE BETTER LEFT ALONE
It's been a couple months since the weeks that have passed from the time Julian has joined his found family and tensions among the people of Zaun and the enforcers of Piltover were at an all time high.
Julian was constantly exhausted. Most nights he was out with Ekko and their new pal Riddean much to Powders annoyance.
Powder didn't know what they did during the nights,but she wasn't dumb, as well and didn't like to feel left out.
While Julian and Powder were closer than ever it was still a divide between them. As she now spent most nights awake stressed waiting for Julian's return.
The older girl usually greeted him with a hug if they were alone. And they would just stand there holding one another finding a small comfort in that. Faces warm and a feeling of butterflies in the stomach.
But other than that most times when it came to Julian leaving without her somewhere even under Vanders orders, an argument would break out between the two of them.
Speaking of, that was how this morning was going.
Julian glanced over at Powder, her eyes slightly red from the tears from their argument that morning. She pointedly ignored him. Real mature for a girl 1 year older than him, Julian thought.
'I hate when she does this. Why can't she get that I just want her safe. Everybody does, she's the best of us all.' Julian thought disgruntled not realizing that everyone's actions including his own just made her feel like she wasn't contributing like she was a mess up as Mylo always called her.
"Powder, I'm heading out….." She just ignored his half hearted attempt at getting her attention. Looking towards Vi for help as she was eating her slice of toast all she offered was a shrug.
Rolling his eyes Julian headed out. He had a meet up with Ekko and the albino boy, Riddean.
Julian despite being the youngest at age 10 was the leader of their trio. Ekko being 12 and Riddean 13. And the three of them were quickly being known as three of the top fighters in the undercity, for the youths at the very least.
This gave Riddean a surge of power. He loved it and always did his best to get more and more, not always considering the cost.
The three boys gazed at a destroyed shack set up, Riddean nodded towards it grimly. "Just yesterday, they roughed up old man Gazzo for 'loitering' outside his own shop. It's getting worse."
Julian's jaw tightened, a mix of anger and determination flooding through him. "We can't let this continue, what the enforcers are doing." The boys continued there walk to their hideout making sure Powder wasnt following them as she sometimes tried to.
"We need to make a plan tonight for the group."
"Our first target," Riddean said, pointing to a crude map of the undercity, "should be the checkpoint at Sump Junction. The Enforcers there have been shaking down anyone trying to pass through."
Julian studied the map, visualizing the layout. "If we time it right, we can catch them off guard during shift change. Ekko, how fast can you move through the vents above the checkpoint?"
Ekko grinned. "Fast enough to make their heads spin."
As the night wore on, their plan took shape. Julian felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was real, dangerous – but necessary. He only hoped they were ready for what lay ahead.
ZAUN: THE STREETS OF ZAUN: The Boys Hideout
Julian leaned against the grimy wall of their hideout, his eyes closed as he tried to center himself. The adrenaline from their successful mission still coursed through his veins, but with it came a flood of memories from another life, another world.
The Lands Between flashed behind his eyelids - vast, desolate landscapes bathed in perpetual twilight. He could almost feel the weight of that heavy, magic-laden air on his skin. Julian's fingers twitched, remembering the feel of his sword, the pulse of hex crystal energy through his body as he faced down monstrous foes.
"You okay man?" Ridden shook Julian out of his memories as he looked up at his Albino friend still caked with some blood but otherwise staring at Julian with some concern.
"Im fine, what about you tho, You went kinda far tonight." Ridden sighed as he tossed his snake mask into the corner.
"I just want them to really really know we mean business, that us here in the lanes wont just let them punch us without a fight." Julian nodded, he understood all that the overcity took from the lanes.
"I need to head home to Vander before he gets suspicious, you sure you dont want me to walk you home?"
"No, theres something I need to investigate anyways, some whispers ive been hearing about, it might just give me the solution to alot of my problems."
Julian hesitated before stating, "Ok, just dont do anything stupid."
Somewhere In Zauns Underbelly
The acrid stench of chemicals and decay hung thick in the air as Riddean crouched atop a rusted catwalk, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding below. The warehouse, a hulking relic of Zaun's industrial past, buzzed with activity. At its center stood a figure that commanded attention without uttering a word.
Silco.
Riddean's fingers tightened around the railing, his many scars stretching faintly beneath his skin. He'd heard whispers of the Chemfather, but seeing him in person sent a chill down his spine. Silco moved with predatory grace, his mismatched eyes scanning the crowd of enforcers and chemtech-enhanced thugs gathered before him.
"The topsiders think they can suffocate us," Silco's voice carried, smooth as oil and sharp as a blade. "But Zaun doesn't bow. We evolve."
Riddean leaned forward, straining to catch every word. A flicker of movement caught his eye – a shimmer dealer, nervously approaching Silco with a vial of iridescent liquid.
Silco's hand shot out, gripping the dealer's throat. "Cutting your product again?" he hissed. "That's not evolution. That's weakness."
The warehouse held its breath, Silco released the terrified dealer.
"Consider this your only warning," Silco said, his tone deceptively gentle. "Zaun's strength lies in purity. Of purpose, of product."
As the crowd dispersed, Riddean slipped away, his mind reeling.
ZAUN: THE LAST DROP: The Roof
Hours later, Julian found himself on a rickety rooftop, Powder a comforting presence beside him. The neon glow of Zaun's undercity painted her face in otherworldly hues.
"You've been quiet," Powder said, bumping his shoulder. "More than usual, I mean."
Julian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I led an attack against a few enforcers today."
Powder's eyes widened. "Are you crazy?"
"Maybe," Julian admitted with a weak smile. "But I had to, I could not just let Zaun be bullied around like that. I know you always wonder what me, Ekko, and Riddean go off and do, well thats it. We lead a small vigilante group. It was different this time though, Riddean went and has been going too far. He has these grand ideas for the lanes, for Zaun, but it might get dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Powder asked.
Julian nodded. "But his ideas were also... compelling. He talks about Zaun like it's destined for greatness."
"And you don't think it is?" Powder's voice held a hint of challenge.
"No, I do," Julian said quickly. "It's just... I'm afraid of what that greatness might cost." He turned to face her, vulnerability etched across his features. "Powder, what if we're not enough? What if I can't protect everyone?"
Powder's hand found his, her grip surprisingly strong. "You're not alone, dummy. We're in this together, remember?"
Julian squeezed her hand, grateful for the anchor she provided. "I just... I've lost so much already. The thought of losing this, losing all of you..."
"Hey," Powder said softly, her eyes fierce. "You're stuck with us now. No take backs."
A chuckle escaped Julian's lips, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. As they sat in comfortable silence, watching the city below, he allowed himself a moment of hope. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he had found his people. His home.
His hand unconsciously drifted to the hex-crystal scars tracing his forearm. The power thrumming beneath his skin was a constant reminder of the path that had led him here, and the challenges that still lay ahead.
'But I'm not alone anymore,' Julian reminded himself, thinking of Powder's fierce loyalty, Vi's unwavering strength, Ekko's brilliant mind, and Riddean's steady resolve. 'Whatever comes, we face it together.'
ZAUN: THE STREETS OF ZAUN: The Boys Hideout
"Where is Riddean, it's been hours. We can't start the planning till he gets here." Julian complained getting bored, it was strange, Riddean typically was always the first one ready for the fight.
"I dunno, he said something about getting something to show us. Apparently it's big, he's pretty excited about it at least." Ekko lazily replied tinkering with a new sorta invention.
So when Riddean showed up with greenish metallic muscles weaved into his skin. Ekko and Julian looked slightly dismayed.
The boy had modified his body with chemtech.
"So we gonna spar?" Riddean grinned at Julian, his smile somewhat manic. Ekko uncertainly glanced between the boys as he took his seat in their little hideout.
Julian's eyes crackled slightly, "You sure you want to?" A slight grin made his way to his face. Finally happy to have something in place to cure his boredom. Ekko, already seeing where this was going rolled his eyes, of course Riddean wanted to fight the boy who loved fighting. He was the best fighter right under Vi and Julian. Although Ekko could admit Riddean took it too far, seemingly enjoying the power of beating whoever was in front of him.
But the two boys squared off and clashed. An epic boom hit them as Riddeans punches now held the power of an adult male 2 times the size and 10 times the weight.
Dodge and weave dodge and weave, slam. Grab and toss. Riddean was smart, he didn't allow Julian to absorb much kinetic energy making sure his hits counted and relied more on grapples and slams then hits so Julian had less chances of focusing.
The 13 year old was fast now. Most of his muscle now is synthetic metal tanking most above average hits from Julian.
He needed to add bits of kinetic energy to even cause a slight impact, and with Riddean not allowing him to get more than necessary as well as dodging hits making Julian waste his storage the battle looked like it was gonna be fun.
The fist collided into Julian's face as he tasted blood and metal before the world turned upside down as Riddean flipped him.
But Riddean was pretty beat and battered too. Without using his hex crystal Julian and Riddean stood very close in line in skill at this point.
But Riddean just wasn't quite as good yet.
Julian's eyes narrowed as he analyzed Riddean's movements. The chemtech augmentations had made the older boy stronger and faster, but Julian could see the slight twitches and hesitations that betrayed his lack of full control over his new abilities.
As Riddean lunged forward for another grapple, Julian waited until the last possible moment before dropping low and pivoting. Using Riddean's own momentum against him, Julian grabbed his arm and redirected him, sending the larger boy stumbling past.
In that brief moment of imbalance, Julian struck. His fist, charged with a burst of stored kinetic energy, slammed into Riddean's lower back - one of the few areas not reinforced by chemtech. The impact sent shockwaves through Riddean's body, causing him to cry out in pain and surprise.
Julian pressed his advantage, moving in close to negate Riddean. At that moment Powder crossed Julians mind. Her smile, her laugh, her warmth. His magic reacted with his thoughts of her, his need to protect her. The magic swirled within him before coating his fist.
Julian's fist, crackling with blue energy, connected with Riddean's jaw. The impact sent shockwaves through the older boy's body, his chemtech augmentations sparking and sputtering. Riddean stumbled back, eyes wide with shock and a hint of fear.
"What the hell was that?" Riddean spat, wiping blood from his lip.
Julian stood there, breathing heavily, his hand still glowing faintly. He looked down at his fist, just as surprised as Riddean. He'd never manifested his abilities quite like that before. At least here in Runeterra. Just for a second he had reached his level of power that he only felt during his days in the Lands Between, only there was no ambient magic or anything actually that he absorbed to get to that level. No offense to Riddean but the power level needed to get Julian that much stored that quickly was an impact so hard he would be dead, and Riddean was nowhere near that level.
Ekko jumped between them, hands raised. "Okay, that's enough! You guys are going to bring the whole place down on us."
Julian nodded, trying to shake off the strange surge of power. As the glow faded from his hand, so did the image of Powder from his mind. He held out a hand for the other boy to grasp on, but Riddean knocked it to the side clearly not liking the defeat he just was dealt.
Ekko rolled his eyes at the two boys. Julian had the excuse of just being 10 to be immature but Riddean seemed to not take losing too well.
But still Ekko looked sadly at the 13 year old albino boy. The kid had lost everything and everyone to the enforcers. No one worked as hard as Riddean to beat them back, not even Julian.
Ekko just worried that a seed of something darker would take root.
With a slight feeling of coldness Ekko wondered if the seed may have already taken root as he quietly observed his friends. So closely aligned, yet Julian yearned to protect his loved ones while Riddean thought nothing except avenging his lost one's.
The two bloodied boys were now playing rough housing before they pulled Ekko in and his earlier somber thoughts were forgotten as he messed around with his friends.
The boys laughed and roughed each other up until sunset. Stopping by benzos to get some money, in which Ekko and Julian did all the work while Riddean laughed at them saying he was the supervisor.
Julian responded by throwing a wet sponge into the albinos face causing the three of them to laugh. Benzo of course kicked them out as they were now being less helpful and were too busy having fun.
He ruffled Ekkos hair, and paid the boys as they chased each other out the shop.
"Last one there gets no ice cream!" Benzo heard the small boy yel out as he ran down the street, shouts of no fair and you cheated came from the other boys as they chased after. Benzo smiled watching the trio disappear into the city, the setting sun and the echoes of the boys laughter reminding him of his childhood and the few moments he, himself, was able to be just a boy.
Yes, he understood what Vander felt with his adopted kids. He felt the same in a way. Chuckling to himself he turned back inside to clean up the mess the boys made.
It was just a bit later and the boys were atop their favorite building munchkin down on their ice cream watching the sun set over the city.
"This is what we fight for." Ekko looked over at his best friend who was gazing out into the city before smiling and nodding in agreement.
"Ehhh, I mean sure. But I'm fighting to beat back those scummy blue bellies. But yeah the city is a good reason I guess." Riddean laughed. The other boys joined in.
"All you do is fight though, so it makes sense you love it." Ekko laughed. The three of them have been through alot together in just a few months.
The amount of times Riddean has saved Ekko from an enforcer attack. Or that one night Riddean had gotten captured so Julian and Ekko had to actively break into one of the detainment trolleys and rescue him before he was shipped off. Some nights the boys would just go out and paint some walls.
In just a few months. The trio felt as if they were family.
"You know, I've never had brothers before. I had the Tarnished and my teachers, but now I'm starting to understand the Tarnished, how he felt about my teachers. They in a way were his family…. Like you two are to me."
"Isn't Powder your family too?" Riddean slid in with a smirk.
"No, that's his girlfriend! Didnt you know?" Ekko added, causing Julian to burn red while the two other boys erupted into laughs like it was the funniest thing in the world.
"N..Nno! Shut up guys!" Julian shoved them around telling them it wasn't even that funny blush still clear on his face. His embarrassment caused the two to just laugh even harder. In the end with Ekko in a head lock and Riddean getting a slight shove even Julian laughed.
"That's what I get for trying to be nice," he snorted. Releasing Ekko who was still laughing fell with a slight thud. Ekko rolled onto his back watching the stars appear as that last bit of sun vanished.
"Aweee man, i'm way past curfew my parents are going to kill me." Ekko jumped up and ran, waving goodbye before leaping down to a smaller building.
Julian glanced at Riddean. The boy's face now set in a serious look.
"It won't always be like this." Julian slightly hummed in agreement to his statement.
"We are just kids Riddean, but I get what yo…"
"No, you don't." The rest of the sun had fully set by this point as Riddean still gazed out to where it once was.
"Those Piltover pigs took everything from me. I have nothing. They did that. Why does our society have to suffer all the consequences for their comfort." Riddean spit out a glare now on his face as he turned to look towards the lights of the mansions in Piltover.
"Riddean, I get it, I do. I'm all for fighting the good fight…"
"Then let's do it! We can take the fight to them! Show the…."
"No. I'm all for protecting us, but hurting mostly innocent people, I won't do it. Their only crime is ignorance." Julian interrupted. The venom in Riddeans sneer did make Julian take a slight step back.
"No, their crime is the system THEY CREATED! The very power that runs their homes costs us our air! They build their factories here but where is our wealth? Where is our payment?" Riddean spat out, fists clenched.
"Did they not also create a system of vent…"
"Oh hurray," Riddean deadpanned, "They slightly lessened the air pollution of the factories they built on our side. WE DO ALL THE LABOUR! So what? They can spend their days inventing ways to make THEIR lives easier? I am an orphan because of them because of their system. They deserve to burn." Julian stood up and he needed to put some sense into his friend.
"Riddean enough. I understand the ways in which they have treated you are unfair but,'
"Ugh you're just repeating the same bullshit Vander gives off like as if that's gonna change anything."
Julian roughly grabbed Riddeans collar and turned the older boy towards him, "Don't ever talk about Vander in that way." Riddean glared down at Julian grabbing his wrists and ripping them off his collar before roughly shoving Julian back a few steps.
The spark of Julians eyes and a slight shudder of Riddeand chemtech were the only noise made, before Julian shook his head and turned around, "I gotta get home. Are you coming?"
No response.
Julian took a few steps without looking back before Riddeans voice interrupted causing him to pause, "You are my brother too."
Sighing Julian still refused to look back but tiredly replied, "I know man, you'll always be mine as well. Let's just go home."
Julian walked on and the only reply he got was the sound of Riddean following him. It was a silent walk between the two boys on the way to The Last Drop.
As they got closer they noticed the crowd of Zaunites, it appears they stumbled upon a town meeting.
Walking through the crowd he saw Vander and Sevika having a standoff.
"Does it look like I'm afraid?" Vander was calmly asking her pipe in his mouth the crowd around now deathly silent.
Still she glared up defiantly, "No you look weak."
Julian heard Riddeans sarcastic chuckle and mumble of, "See I'm not the only one." Ignoring the boy Julian saw Powder and the rest in the door by the stairs as he made his way over he looked back to say goodbye to Riddean only to see him follow Sevika out the door. Still annoyed with his best friend he turned to Powder who seemed to have forgotten her own annoyance with him and ran to hug him, despite being older she was still smaller he smiled to himself. Then blushing remembering his friend's earlier remarks.
"What's wrong? Are you hurt!? See this is why I need to go with you. I can help, I promise."
"Nah you'll Jinx everything up thats why Julian always leaves you behind Mylo cut in laughing. Much to Vi and Julians glare as Powder's eyes widened as she turned from Mylo to look back at Julian.
"You are NOT a jinx, Powder." Julian began, but Powder's eyes were already set into her manic mode Julian could tell.
"Then why wont you." Powder retort was stopped suddenly as Vi gently turned her and began talking to her. Julian was grateful, he was saddened he cared so much for Powder yet sometimes he knew the fact he was younger than her better at a few things made her feel even more of a jinx, plus he never wanted her near anything dangerous if he could help it. He just wished she would realize that she could do things none of them could and learn to appreciate that part of herself as much as he and Vi did.
He wanted to make the world a better place for her. Huh, Julian realized with a blush, maybe she was something more. Julian quickly stamped that thought down. His eyes were soft as he watched Vi and Powder talk.
ZAUN: UNKNOWN
Elsewhere Riddean looked up at the person before him, "I'm ready to do what is necessary."
Silco smiled down upon the group that stood before him, all the pieces were finally coming together. Glancing at the doctor he nodded, while Deckard was the guinea pig for the drug shimmer, Riddean would be the test subject for the next level of shimmer for the Doctors own experiments, a promise Silco was happy to provide a willing participant for as thanks for the Doctors creation of the addictive non permanent version he made for the sake of Silcos plans.
Riddean nodded at Sevika as they led him to the Doctors operating table. Hopefully the boy's mind survived the experiments. His screams would fill the rest of the night.
ZAUN: THE LAST DROP: Julian's Room
Julian woke up with a warm yet comforting weight resting on top of him. Squinting Julian saw a headful of blue hair. Smiling softly at Powder sleeping so soundly he remembered the events of last night.
Claggor, Mylo, Powder, himself, and Vi had all tried to push Vander into agreeing to fight the undercity. Julian, though, did so on Riddeans behalf, still if Vander was the one leading the charge he knew the innocents wouldn't suffer. A flash of his uncle flashed into his mind, briefly he wondered what his uncle might've been up to before his mind resumed his thoughts.
Vander in the end had taken Vi out to talk somewhere and Powder snuck her way into his room not feeling safe with Vi gone.
Her mumbles broke him out of his thoughts and caused his heart to beat fast. Julian's heart raced as he lay there, Powder's soft breath tickling his neck. He wanted to savor this moment of peace, knowing instinctively that it wouldn't last. The tension in Zaun was reaching a boiling point, and he feared what might happen when it finally erupted.
The tension in the Lanes was palpable, a powder keg ready to explode. And Riddean... Julian couldn't shake the memory of his friend's bitter words, the anger that burned in his eyes.
Gently, he brushed a strand of blue hair from Powder's face. She stirred slightly but didn't wake. Julian thought about how much she'd come to mean to him in the short time he'd been here. He'd do anything to protect her, to keep that spark of innocence and creativity alive in her eyes.
A soft knock at the door startled him. Vi's voice came through, barely above a whisper. "Jules? You awake?"
"Yeah," he called back softly, careful not to wake Powder. "Come in."
Vi entered, her expression a mix of concern, apparently Vander had taken her out to the bridge between Zaun and Piltover last night. Had a talk with her about what she was willing to sacrifice.
Vi entered the room quietly, her eyes softening as she saw Powder curled up asleep on Julian. She sat on the edge of the bed, her expression troubled.
"Vander and I had a long talk last night," she said in a low voice. "He took me to the bridge between Zaun and Piltover. Made me really think about what we'd be risking if we fought back."
Julian nodded, carefully shifting to sit up without disturbing Powder. "And? What did you decide?"
Vi sighed, running a hand through her pink hair. "I get where he's coming from now. The enforcers, they're just following orders. If we attack them, we'd be putting everyone in the Lanes at risk. It's not just about us anymore."
Julian felt a mix of relief and disappointment. Part of him had hoped Vi would push for action, but he knew she cared far too much about Powder to even think of losing her. So did he, his mind slid to Riddean and Ekko as well.
"What do you have planned to do? We cant just sit back and do nothing. I respect Vander and all, but we just cant let this all happen. They almost got you all a few days ago in their last raid."
"Yeah, I know, Im thinking of something." Vi said looking for the first time completly lost.
Julian spent the next week on edge, torn between his loyalty to Vander and his growing unease about the situation in Zaun. Vi's troubled expression haunted him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she was planning something reckless.
Meanwhile, Riddean's behavior became increasingly erratic. The albino boy would disappear for hours, sometimes days, returning with a wild look in his eyes and fresh bruises. When Julian tried to talk to him, Riddean would brush him off with a sneer or a cryptic comment about "real change coming soon."
The tension in the Lanes continued to build, and Julian found himself spending more time with Powder, trying to keep her spirits up and her mind occupied.
One evening, as they tinkered with some of Powder's inventions in her workshop, Julian noticed her hands trembling slightly as she worked. He gently placed his hand over hers, steadying them.
"Hey," he said softly, "what's wrong?"
Powder bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. "I just... I feel so useless sometimes. Everyone else is out there, doing something, and I'm just... here."
Julian's heart ached at the vulnerability in her voice. "Powder, look at me." She reluctantly met his eyes. "You are not useless. These inventions of yours can change the world, change Zaun."
She would smile as she always did, but she wanted to do more. The more she struggled the more she felt like Julian and Vi were just leaving her behind.
One evening, as Julian was returning from a supply run with Ekko, he overheard Vi talking in hushed tones with Mylo and Claggor. They fell silent as soon as they noticed him, exchanging guilty looks.
"What's going on?" Julian asked, his eyes narrowing.
Vi hesitated, then revealed her plan to turn herself in with the insistence to not tell Vander or Powder anything. Ekko immediatly went to get Benzo.
Julian, Mylo, and Claggor waited impatiently for what felt like hours before deciding they were going to tell Vander so they could break Vi out and fight.
Powder always the snooper found out and started making some bombs, only for them to be shocked to see Vi bust in with Ekko who just looked lost and dead inside.
Benzo was dead, Silco took Vander and they were going to rescue him. After a harsh argument with Powder forcing her to stay behind the four kids rushed off.
They found Silcos hideout and broke in, slow clapping was heard s Silco approached, and there Julian saw him on the bridge, Riddean.
Julian's heart sank as he saw Riddean standing beside Silco on the bridge, a twisted grin on his face. The albino boy's body seemed to pulse with an eerie green glow, his muscles bulging unnaturally beneath his skin.
"Riddean?" Julian called out, his voice a mix of disbelief and betrayal. "What are you doing?"
Riddean's laugh was hollow, echoing through the cavernous space. "What am I doing? I'm changing things, Jules. Just like I said I would."
Silco placed a hand on Riddean's shoulder, his mismatched eyes gleaming with malice. "Your friend here understands the true path to power. He's embraced the change that Zaun needs."
"Vi? You got the others?" at Vis nod Julian solemnly nodded, "Then i'll take on Riddean, Claggor find a way out. Mylo get Vander out those locks." Everyone nodded.
Julian and Riddean rushed each other. Riddeans strength and speed surprised the boy as a hit sent him flying off the bridge onto another platform with Riddean quickly leaping over not giving Julian time to process.
The last glance towards the others he was able to spare was Vi boxing out henchman after henchman and Mylo picking locks. Julian's world exploded in pain as Riddean's fist connected with his jaw. He stumbled back, tasting blood, his vision swimming. This wasn't the Riddean he knew - this was something else entirely, a monster fueled by rage and twisted by Silco's experiments.
"Come on, Jules," Riddean taunted, his voice distorted and unnatural. "Show me what you've got. Or are you still holding back, trying to protect everyone like always?"
Julian wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes narrowing. "Riddean, this isn't you. Whatever Silco's done to you, we can fix it. Just stop this madness!"
Riddean's laugh was hollow, echoing through the cavernous space. "Fix it? I've never felt more alive! This is what real power feels like, Jules. The power to change things, to make things the way we want them to be!"
The two went back and forth Julian's body ached as he dodged another of Riddean's enhanced blows. The platform beneath them creaked ominously with each impact. He could feel the hex crystal in his chest pulsing, reacting to the intensity of the fight, but he hesitated to tap into its power fully.
"Why are you holding back?" Riddean snarled, his eyes wild with a mix of anger and something else - was it desperation? "Show me what you can really do!"
Julian gritted his teeth, blocking a vicious right hook. "I don't want to hurt you, Riddean. You're my brother, remember?"
For a moment, something flickered in Riddean's eyes - a hint of the boy Julian once knew. But it was quickly consumed by the madness that had taken hold.
"Brothers?" Riddean spat. "Brothers don't leave each other behind."
Julian's face slammed against the window Riddean held him in place the whirling of the chemtech could be heard as his newly empowered Shimmer strength holding Julian in place slightly cracking the window.
Looking out, Julian's eyes widened. His heart raced as he saw Powder sneaking across the street towards Silco's hideout. Fear gripped him - what was she doing here? She was supposed to stay behind where it was safe.
In that moment of distraction, Riddean slammed Julian's head against the window again. The glass cracked further, spider-webbing outwards.
"Pay attention!" Riddean snarled. "Or are you too worried about your precious Powder?"
At the mention of Powder's name, something snapped inside Julian. His eyes flashed with an intense blue light as he tapped into the power of the hex crystal. With a surge of strength, he broke free of Riddean's grip and spun around, delivering a devastating blow to the older boy's chest.
Riddean stumbled back, genuine shock on his face. "There it is," he wheezed, a manic
Straining hard Julian maneuvered his other arm as that strange sensation overcame him as his hex crystal began whirling.
He shattered the window giving him more space to move.
Powder looked up at the noise and gasped she had to hurry.
Julian had to end this. The energy build up blasted Riddean slightly away. He roared. Julian jumped up and used the wall as momentum springing forward with a magic infused fist slammed down into the shimmered out Albino.
They went blow for blow but now Julian was causing much more damage he was swirling around Riddean slamming his fist into the monster form of his old friend then speeding back and then slamming back in harder than before.
As Riddeans fist came down it met Julian's own fist the contact rebounded the shock down both there arms shattering them, but still they fought on.
His shimmer induced speed now having trouble keeping up with Julians new level of speed, if only just slightly. "Come on brother!" Riddean yelled, timing a hit just right, his fist slammed into Julian's face throwing him into the wall.
Was his face broken? Was he going to die? He did not know.
Energy pooled towards his feet as he spring boarded himself off the wall and like a bolt of lightning slammed into Riddean electrocuting the kid and slamming him into the end of the factory.
Groaning as his chem tech sparked and banged. "So much for brothers huh" the scar across his gaping chest bursting with blood his ribs concaved and revealed from the sheer force of the hit and burn of the energy.
Looking to his sides with both hands he grabbed shimmer vials and slammed them into his body not caring about his wounds or the glass.
In what seemed an instant Riddean reappeared in front of Julian a hulking mass eyes pure white. The Chemtech steaming causing it hard to see.
Julian's eyes widened in shock as Riddean transformed before him, the shimmer vials fusing with his already enhanced body. The albino boy grew in size, his muscles bulging unnaturally as steam hissed from his chemtech implants. His eyes glowed an eerie white, devoid of any humanity.
"Is this what you wanted, Riddean?" Julian shouted, his voice hoarse. "To become a monster?"
Riddean's laugh was distorted, barely recognizable. "This is power, Julian. The power to change everything!"
The mutated Riddean lunged forward with impossible speed, his massive fist connecting with Julian's chest. The impact sent him flying across the platform, slamming into a metal support beam. Pain exploded through Julian's body as he felt ribs crack.
Gasping for air, Julian struggled to his feet. He could feel the hex crystal whirl. He could hear the sounds of fighting echoing from other parts of the factory. Vi's shouts, the clash of metal, if this was just a small battle he began to understand what Vander meant about the sacrifice of war.
Pure heat radiated off Riddean. Julian had to end this as Riddeans hand and now overgrown nails dug into his stomach piercing through his skin.
Julian gasped in pain as Riddean's claws dug into his stomach. Blood poured from the wound, hot and sticky against his skin. The hex crystal in his chest pulsed frantically, responding to Julian's desperation.
"Is this all you've got, brother?" Riddean taunted, his voice a distorted growl. "I thought you were supposed to be the hero."
Through the haze of pain, Julian's mind raced. He couldn't match Riddean's raw power, not in this state. But maybe... maybe he didn't have to.
With a grunt of effort, Julian grabbed Riddean's wrist, ignoring the searing pain as the claws dug deeper. He focused on the hex crystal, on the energy flowing through Riddean's chemtech-enhanced body.
"You want to see what I can really do?" Julian snarled.
Blood poured out of Julian's mouth as he yelled. But he endured.
His magic was overloading, Powder will die if he doesn't win. They will all die. And with a swipe Riddean ripped out Julian's guts as the magic around Julian exploded out blasting Riddean then swiftly turning into swords that impaled him again and again. Hundreds of swords crackling with lighting whirled around slicing the man again and again. Charring his skin impaling his skin and burning him from the inside out.
All the blades sunk into the now burnt pincushion of a man. With a yell Lightning from the heavens itself Lightning from down below and Lightning that came from somewhere within Julian's dying body all slammed into Riddeans charred remains shattering every bone in the man's body.
The swords disappeared as the charred muscle mass of tech and glowing remnants of shimmer remained.
There wasn't even blood, minus Julian's entrails that were still held within what must've been the creature's monstrous hand.
Julian's whole world was spinning; he was seeing triple. The world was blinking in and out.
"Powder." He mumbled.
Oh there she was, he saw her.
Julian's vision blurred as he saw Powder in the distance, watching Deckard try to break down the door where Vi had just entered. His body was wracked with pain, his insides quite literally spilling out from the gaping wound Riddean had left. But all he could think about was keeping Powder safe.
With his last reserves of strength, Julian staggered towards her, each step sending waves of agony through his battered body. "Powder," he called out weakly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Run...get out of here..."
Powder's eyes widened in horror as she saw Julian's condition. She started to move towards him, but Julian shook his head frantically.
"No...stay back...it's not safe..." Julian coughed, blood splattering from his lips.
He saw her bring up a monkey bomb. The hex crystal whirled and he wanted to throw up, something was wrong. He glanced down and wanted to laugh. His entire middle was missing just practically pieces of his back and his spine he was just a bloody mass.
The hex crystal whirled again in warning. His head snapped back up as more blood poured out his mouth by that action, but he needed to stop powder. He needed to save her.
He took a stumbling step forward and slumped off the bridge landing into a vat of shimmer.
The sound of a little toy went off
BOOM
The explosion rocked everything. The vat of shimmer burst into purple flame, the hex crystal absorbed it all greedily the remnants of the explosion that hit him the shimmer. Anything, everything to keep him alive.
This was death.
Julian has vanished once again.
Hours after the battle had ended and Silco had adopted Powder now known as Jinx he finally came looking for the lump of person that was known as Riddean. He still had plans for the boy.
Silco rounded up many of the forgotten and the no names and led them to an underground cavern.
They were all confused they were promised a new life. Food, shelter, protection, yet here they all were in a big empty room locked away.
A latch in the roof opened up and the Albino body of Riddean was tossed in. A curious individual went to check the dead body on the floor.
Reaching slowly out, but tried to jump back as Riddean arm immediately grasped on and wouldn't let go.
The man was screaming but soon he began losing energy as a reddish aura left from the man and went into Riddean. The more life force he drained from the man the stronger Riddean got.
The room got warmer and warmer as the very metal began to melt and peoples skins began to bubble and pop. Before a raging fire erupted. The fire consumed the screaming innocents as the fire ate away at the life force of the very people they consumed and fed it to there source, Riddean.
The newly replaced Chemtech filled with shimmer mixed with a few drops of Julian's blood. turned gold with the life force whirling through his veins. The fire did not harm him they were a part of him.
Julian may have energy and energy absorption but now Riddean had something to. The more life force he drained the more physically powerful he got the stronger his fires he could summon and control got.
Silco and the Doctor looked down at their newest creation. He would be there Ace if anyone like Julian were to ever appear. Especially if Julian was alive out there like Riddean claimed. The boy said he can feel Julian in his core. His flames of life whispered and told him.
All of Riddeans wounds have healed over like a patchwork quilt he stood up now bigger and stronger than ever before. Looking more like in his 20s than a mere 13 year old. His bottom jaw now metal. As red ink Tattoos adorned his mangled and scarred arms and chest depicting torture like a cave painting. And the parts of him that were now metal, the tattoos were etched into the green material with gold.
He roared as a hurricane of red and gold flames wreathed around him. Hotter than normal fire should be.
He knew Julian was out there, and when he returned, Riddean promised himself he will kill him.
AN:
This chapter in the future i know will be expanded and worked on, as my ability right now this is sort of what i got, but it doesnt match my mind.
So any thoughts are welcomed. I will most likely take a short break until i have some reviews and the like as of now to see what kind of advcie i can get. So i can continue to give you all who do enjoy my story a better and better experience.
One of my weaknesses if no one has noticed yet is my bridging from one scene to the next, i cheat with flashbacks and location changes. But the final loaction change from Vi leaving to Vi coming back is awful but in the months I have been writing ahead i havent found a good way to bridge it yet. It will be fixed tho.