A/N

Yo!

I've been a bit lazy these past few days, to be honest. This chapter was actually finished before I asked if you guys wanted extra chapters for the AU. However, I've added something special at the end to give everyone a taste of an idea I've been playing around with.

Although this arc says "Finale," it's not the end of the AU... spoilers.
We'll definitely see them again in the future. For now, this is just a stopping point so we can return to Prime Naruto in jail. Dreams about this AU will keep popping up.

This chapter is kind of long, but I hope you all enjoy it!

Let's answer some reviews -

Mando-Vet - Naruto has been a blast to write in these past few chapters. I've already written the next one, and let's just say… things get interesting.

KaidoFett - Will I write more? Absolutely! Not sure when yet, but there's always more to explore.

Gillercricket - You read the whole story in one day? Damn, that's dedication! I'm glad you enjoyed it there's much more on the way.

Lichi Sechino - You're right... engaging with reviews is important. I'll try to include them more often going forward. Thank you for sticking with the story!

Paradoxity - I did considered the direction you suggested, but ultimately deleted that draft. I'm not big on awkward drama too. However, Ekko gets his moment to shine in this chapter, so I hope it hits the mark.

Jagsboy - My bad! This could've been split into two chapters, but I wanted everyone to have a big read. And yes, we'll revisit the AU it's not gone forever. Pay close attention to the ending for hints!

FanFictionman43 - The memories will definitely play a major role for Prime Naruto. A two way connection? I actually considered something like Your Name, where they write on each other's bodies. Interesting idea… And Arcane Survivor? Hmm, who's a survivor?

Archer headass - Ekko finally gets his moment! Powder is as sharp as ever, and she knows more than she's letting on. As for Arcane Naruto and Jayce...oh boy, you'll want to read this chapter. And when Ekko returns… who will need him more, Jinx or Naruto?

Ekko Attack - Miserable? Dude, this chapter takes it to another level. Brace yourself.

Animus - Don't worry, we'll revisit the AU. This is just a temporary pause.

Ravage88atlas - I like how you think, you might be onto something… or maybe not. The war will be different a little different, but I think you'll enjoy where it goes.

Addllax - Writing three versions of Naruto in one chapter is definitely a challenge, but I'm glad it feels natural to you! I hope this chapter continues to hit that sweet spot. Thanks for always reading and supporting!

Apex Calibre - You might have nailed it! I just wrapped up that chapter you mentioned, and it turned out really interesting..no spoilers, though.

Now, Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 25 - That's What Friends Do Act 5 (Finale)

Ekko glanced nervously at Naruto, then turned back to Heimerdinger. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Professor… Naruto's been having dreams... dreams of our world."

Heimerdinger's whiskers twitched as he processed the information. His sharp, ancient eyes locked onto Naruto's, filled with both curiosity and a hint of dread. "Dreams of our world?" he echoed slowly, as though testing the words in his mouth. "How detailed are these dreams, young one?"

Naruto hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh… pretty detailed," he admitted reluctantly. "It's like I'm watching myself, but… it's not me, you know? This other me… he's always fighting. Leading Zaun? There's war, chaos, and… there's this name that keeps coming up Isha. I don't even know who that is." His voice trailed off as he looked at the ground, visibly shaken. "Am I going crazy, or something?"

Ekko exchanged a meaningful glance with Heimerdinger before stepping forward, his expression hardening. "You're not crazy, Naruto. You're remembering things from my reality."

Naruto's head snapped up, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Your reality? You keep saying that like it's real like I'm actually living someone else's memories. This can't be happening." He tried to laugh, but it came out hollow, strained. "Come on, Ekko. You can't expect me to believe that. This is my world. "

"No, it's not," Ekko said, stepping forward, his expression grim. "Not really. You're not the Naruto I know. You're different and those dreams? They're not just dreams. They're memories or something close to it of another life."

Naruto stared at Ekko, confusion evident on his face. "Another life? You've gotta be kidding me. How can I have memories of something I never lived?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out," Ekko said, his tone sharp. "You're connected to my reality somehow. I don't know why or how, but if you're seeing things—things like Isha, Zaun, and… fighting it's because you're remembering what happened in my world."

Heimerdinger's expression grew more serious as he stroked his long whiskers thoughtfully. "This… complicates matters," he murmured. "Residual memories crossing dimensions is not unheard of in advanced arcane anomalies, but it's exceedingly rare. If young Naruto here is experiencing visions of another timeline, it could indicate a deeper entanglement with the original event."

Naruto threw his hands up in frustration. "Can someone please explain what's going on without all the cryptic talk? What do you mean 'another timeline'? And why is Ekko talking like I'm some kind of alternate version of myself?"

Ekko sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't want to dump all this on you, but here it goes. Me, Heimerdinger we're not from this reality. We came from a different version of Piltover and Zaun, one where things went… bad. You, Powder, me, we all grew up in that world. And trust me, it was nothing like this place."

Naruto blinked, stunned into silence. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. After a few moments, he managed to stammer, "So… these dreams I've been having they're real? You're saying I'm seeing what actually happened in your world?"

Ekko nodded. "Yeah. In my world, you and Powder… you're not exactly who you are here. You're different. You're… fighters, killers, leaders of Zaun."

Naruto staggered back a step, shaking his head in disbelief. "No. No way. That's not us. Powder isn't like that, and I'm not—" He stopped, his breath coming in short bursts as he tried to process what he was hearing. "This can't be real."

"It is," Ekko said firmly. "I wouldn't be telling you this if it wasn't. And now, we need your help. I don't know why you're connected to my world, but maybe it means you can help us get back."

Naruto turned to Heimerdinger, searching for some kind of reassurance. "Professor, tell me this is crazy. Tell me this can't actually be happening."

But Heimerdinger didn't deny it. Instead, he gave Naruto a sympathetic look. "I wish I could, young one. But if what Ekko says is true and given the nature of anomalies, I fearyou are indeed, entangled in something far greater than any of us anticipated."

Naruto took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. "Fine," he said at last, his voice quieter but steadier. "I'll help. But there's one condition."

Ekko raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"We can't tell Powder about this," Naruto said firmly. "If she finds out… if she learns what you're saying about her that she's some kind of killer in your world it'll destroy her."

Ekko hesitated but eventually nodded. "Okay. We won't tell her. But if we need her—"

"If we need her, I'll handle it," Naruto interrupted. "Just… let me figure out how to do this without hurting her."

Heimerdinger nodded approvingly. "A wise decision. Very well, we shall proceed cautiously. But time is of the essence. If we are to recreate the anomaly, we must work together."

Naruto forced a small, strained smile. "Right. Together… like a team."

Ekko glanced at him, his expression softening slightly. "Yeah, like a team."

Jayce awoke to searing pain radiating from his leg, the weight of the shattered Mercury Hammer pinning him down. He groaned, gritting his teeth as he pushed the hammer aside with great effort. Every movement sent a fresh jolt of agony through his body. The jagged edges of the rock wall surrounding him and the darkness of the cave reminded him just how far he had fallen.

His leg was bent at an unnatural angle, the result of the hammer's fall. He bit down on his sleeve, muffling a scream as he tried to sit up. He examined his surroundings a deep, narrow cavern, with no visible way out. The faint trickle of water echoed through the cavern, the only sign of life in this desolate place.

Time blurred as days turned into weeks. With no hope of immediate rescue, Jayce adapted to his environment. He fed on the sparse critters that dared wander near him, crushing them with improvised tools fashioned from shards of rock. He gathered water from the puddles that collected on the uneven floor, rationing every drop.

As the days dragged on, Jayce began to notice something unsettling: the arcane corruption forming on the Mercury Hammer. The once pristine weapon, now dismantled into makeshift tools, emitted a faint, sickly blue glow. His leg, wounded and untreated, showed similar signs of corruption dark veins creeping outward from the injury, the flesh around it taking on an unnatural hue.

In his solitude, Jayce's mind wandered. He thought of Piltover, of what he had seen before his fall. The corrupted remains of the city haunted his dreams. More troubling than the memories, however, was the figure he occasionally glimpsed in the distance a hooded mage with glowing blue eyes. The figure appeared in brief flashes, never close enough to approach but always watching.

Desperation gnawed at Jayce's resolve. To keep his mind occupied, he began scrawling notes and drawings into the walls of the cave. He etched the anomaly he had seen in Piltover, the strange energy that had torn apart his world. He wrote about the hooded figure, speculating on its identity and purpose. The walls became his journal, a testament to his struggle and his determination to survive.

One day, after weeks of enduring the harsh conditions, Jayce decided he couldn't wait any longer. His leg, though still weak, had healed enough to bear some weight. Using the remains of the Mercury Hammer, he crafted a crude but sturdy walking stick and splinted his leg with strips of fabric torn from his coat. Every step was a painful ordeal, but he forced himself forward.

He climbed slowly, methodically, each handhold and foothold chosen with care. Sweat drenched his body, and his muscles burned with exhaustion, but he didn't stop. He couldn't. His mind clung to a single thought, escape.

After what felt like an eternity, Jayce finally saw a faint light above him. Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, he pulled himself upward, his fingers scraping against the rough stone. With one final, desperate heave, he emerged from the cave, gasping for air as the harsh sunlight blinded him.

Collapsing onto the ground, he lay there for a moment, breathing heavily. The world around him was still a wasteland, but for the first time in weeks, he was free. His leg throbbed, and the arcane corruption pulsing through his veins was a constant reminder of what he had endured, but he was alive.

Jayce gripped his walking stick tightly, his jaw set with determination. He wasn't finished yet. Somewhere out there was the answer to what had happened to his world and he intended to find it.

Beneath the cover of towering trees and overgrown brush, the trio made their way to a quiet alcove hidden deep in the heart of Zaun. It was a forgotten place, shrouded by vines and moss, the only remnants of its former use being faint outlines of stone carvings and scattered debris from long-abandoned shelters. The sunlight filtered through cracks in the canopy above, casting dappled patterns across the ground.

Powder glanced around curiously. "What is this place?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with intrigue.

Naruto gave her a quick smile. "A spot Ekko found. Somewhere peaceful, we thought you might like it."

Ekko, walking just a step ahead, stayed quiet, his hands tucked into his pockets as he led them further in. They passed through a narrow path until they reached an open clearing, where a massive mural stretched across a wall. The mural depicted a fierce, older version of Vi.

Powder stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening as she took in the sight. "Wow… she looks…" She paused, her lips twitching into a smile. "She looks like she could take on the world."

Naruto stepped closer to her, his gaze lingering on the mural. "Yeah. She looks great." He turned to Powder, his voice softer now. "She'd be proud of you, you know."

Powder blinked, caught off guard by the sentiment. She looked at Naruto, her eyes searching his for a moment before a genuine smile broke across her face. "Thanks, Naruto."

Ekko cleared his throat awkwardly, stepping forward. "I, uh… painted it. Got the idea from a dream. You know, one of those weird dreams where everything's different, but it still feels real."

Powder turned to him, her expression a mix of admiration and surprise. "You painted this? Ekko, this is amazing!"

Ekko rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it. I'm not about to become a full-time artist or anything."

Naruto clapped him on the back with a grin. "Come on, give the guy some credit. He even decided to ask me for help on the project after all."

Powder raised an eyebrow, turning back to Ekko. "You asked Naruto for help? Why?"

Ekko's expression stiffened, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone. "I didn't—"

"He asked me because I'm awesome," Naruto interrupted with a playful smirk, cutting off Ekko before he could dig himself any deeper. "I mean, come on, who wouldn't want my help?"

Powder laughed, the tension easing as she shook her head. "Well, at least the gang's back together again," she said, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "It's good to have you back to normal, Ekko."

For a brief moment, Ekko hesitated, memories of his own world flashing through his mind—the chaos, the loss, the endless fight for survival. But as he looked between Powder and Naruto, who were both smiling at him, he couldn't help but feel… lighter.

Ekko smiled back, the weight on his shoulders feeling just a little less heavy. "Yeah," he said quietly. "It's good to be back."

Jayce trudged across the ruins of Piltover, his breath laboured and his leg aching from the makeshift splint he'd fashioned. The Bridge of Progress loomed ahead, intact despite the destruction surrounding it. The air was thick with a dull, arcane hum, the remnants of corrupted magic swirling in faint trails around the broken city. As he stepped onto the bridge, his eyes locked onto a figure standing at its centre a man with a single arm, a faint blue glow emanating from his eyes, cloaked in tattered fabric that billowed slightly in the cold wind.

Jayce's grip on his walking stick tightened as he approached cautiously. "Naruto?"

The figure turned slowly, pulling back his hood to reveal an older, weary Naruto. His once vibrant eyes now carried a haunted depth, as though weighed down by countless years of sorrow. A faint, bitter smile curled at the corner of his lips as he regarded Jayce.

"Well, look who finally climbed out of the hole," Naruto said, his voice carrying a rough, hollow edge. "Good for you, Jayce."

Jayce's heart pounded in his chest, disbelief and confusion swirling through his mind. "Naruto… what are you doing here? How are you…?" He trailed off, struggling to make sense of the impossible sight before him.

Naruto let out a soft chuckle, though it lacked any real humour. "Honestly? I don't even know anymore. I've been walking this wasteland for so long… trying to find something. Someone. But this world? It's over, Jayce. Done. Just a graveyard of broken dreams and shattered lives."

Jayce took a cautious step forward. "You're saying you've been here all this time?"

Naruto shrugged with his remaining arm. "Maybe. Maybe not. Time doesn't mean much when you're the last one left." His gaze sharpened as he studied Jayce, as though trying to confirm something. "You're real, right? You're not another illusion?"

Jayce nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Yeah. I'm real. I… I came from another reality. One where things haven't fallen apart like this. But I need to know how do I stop this from happening?"

Naruto's expression darkened, and he slowly sat atop the broken edge of the bridge, staring out over the abyss below. "You want to stop this?" he murmured. "Then you have to kill Viktor."

Jayce's eyes widened in shock. "Kill Viktor? Why? How is he connected to all of this?"

Naruto clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing as years of pain and regret washed over him. "Because he's the key. Everything started with him. The hextech, the arcane… all of it. He pushed too far. I thought I could save him, thought I could change things. But I was wrong. I hesitated when I should've ended it, and now…" His voice cracked, and he took a deep breath to steady himself. "Now Jinx is gone. Zaun is gone. Everyone I ever cared about is gone."

Jayce felt a chill run down his spine as he watched Naruto, a boy he once knew as a vibrant, hopeful person, now reduced to a broken shell of himself. "I'm sorry, Naruto," he said quietly. "I didn't know."

Naruto's hand trembled as he clenched it into a fist. "I failed them, Jayce. I failed everyone. And now I'm tired. Tired of walking, tired of surviving when there's nothing left to fight for." He turned to Jayce, his expression fierce yet weary. "But you? You still have a chance. You can stop this before it happens. No matter what, you have to destroy the arcane. And you have to kill Viktor. Don't make the same mistake I did."

Before Jayce could respond, Naruto stood and walked to the very edge of the bridge, the wind whipping around him. He gazed down into the abyss below, his eyes distant and longing.

"Wait," Jayce said, his voice urgent as he took a step toward him. "Naruto, what are you doing?"

Naruto glanced back at him, a sad smile playing on his lips. "I've done my part, Jayce. I tried. But now… now I just want to rest, maybe I'll see her again. In heaven or hell, it doesn't matter. As long as we're together."

"No!" Jayce shouted, rushing forward as Naruto leaned over the edge. "Naruto, wait! Don't—"

Naruto looked at Jayce one last time, his eyes softening. "It was good to see you again, Jayce. Really."

And with that, he let himself fall...

Jayce lunged, his fingers just barely brushing Naruto's cloak before it slipped away. He watched in horror as Naruto's form plummeted toward the darkness below, fading from view. There was no sound, no impact just the endless void swallowing him whole.

"No… no, no, no!" Jayce shouted, his voice echoing across the desolate city. He collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily as the weight of what had just happened sank in. He clenched his fists, his mind racing with Naruto's final words.

Destroy the arcane...

Kill Viktor...

Ekko, Naruto, Heimerdinger, and Powder gathered around the small workbench inside her lair The air was thick with tension and anticipation as the latest iteration of their device hummed. Weeks of gruelling work had led to this moment failure after failure, setback after setback and now, they were finally ready to test it again.

"Okay, moment of truth," Naruto said, running a hand through his hair. His usual confident grin was replaced by a more subdued expression, one tinged with both exhaustion and hope. He glanced at Powder, who stood beside him, her eyes bright with excitement and curiosity.

"Ready when you are, Ekko," Powder said, giving a small nod of encouragement.

Ekko took a deep breath, steadying his nerves as he leaned forward and placed his hand on the activation switch. His mind buzzed with thoughts of the countless failed attempts, but there was something different about this one something that felt right. He exchanged a quick glance with Heimerdinger, who gave an approving nod.

"Here goes nothing," Ekko muttered under his breath before flipping the switch.

The device sprang to life with a soft whir, arcs of blue energy sparking. A tiny, shimmering anomaly appeared above the machine, about the size of a pinhead. It pulsed faintly, warping the air around it in a way that made the surroundings shimmer like a mirage.

"That's… small," Powder remarked, tilting her head as she examined the minuscule distortion.

"Small, yes," Heimerdinger said, stroking his fluffy white mustache in thought, "but stable. This is progress. Quite remarkable progress, in fact."

Ekko leaned closer, studying the anomaly intently. "Let's see what it can do."

He reached for a small metal tool and carefully inserted it into the shimmering distortion. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the air around the tool rippled, and a sudden flash of light engulfed the room. When the light faded, Ekko found himself back at the exact moment he had reached for the tool Naruto was standing in the same spot, repeating the same line as before.

"Okay, moment of truth," Naruto said, running a hand through his hair again.

Ekko blinked in confusion, his heart racing. "Wait… what?"

He instinctively checked the device, which remained active. The anomaly still hovered above it, pulsing steadily. Without saying a word, Ekko repeated the action, placing the same tool into the distortion. Another flash of light, and once again, he found himself back at the exact same point.

"Okay, moment of truth," Naruto said, running a hand through his hair for the third time, completely unaware that anything had happened.

Ekko stumbled back, his breathing uneven. He felt trapped in a loop, experiencing the same second over and over again. Heimerdinger, noticing the look of shock on Ekko's face, frowned. "Are you all right, my boy?"

"I… I think it worked," Ekko said slowly, still processing what had just happened. "It's small, but it's… it's sending me back a second. Over and over."

Naruto furrowed his brow, stepping closer. "Wait, you're saying… you're stuck in a time loop?"

"Kind of," Ekko replied, glancing at the anomaly. "But it's only one second. Every time I interact with it, it resets me to this exact moment."

Powder's eyes widened in fascination. "That's incredible! It's like… like a mini time machine!"

"It's a promising result," Heimerdinger said, his voice calm but intrigued. "Though limited in scope, it proves that our theory holds merit. If we can scale up the anomaly and stabilize its output, we may indeed have a way to recreate the original event."

Naruto crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "So… we're on the right track. But we're still a long way from getting you guys home."

Ekko nodded, though a part of him was beginning to wonder if that was even possible. This small anomaly had proven that manipulating time was feasible, but creating something large and stable enough to send them back to their reality was another matter entirely.

"Let's keep going," Ekko said, determination hardening his voice. "We're getting closer. We just have to figure out how to scale this thing up."

Naruto grinned, clapping Ekko on the back. "That's the spirit. We've got this."

Powder beamed at Ekko, her earlier excitement returning in full force. "Yeah! The gang's back together, and we're making real progress. Just wait, Ekko we're gonna make history."

Ekko carefully adjusted the settings on the device, the anomaly growing ever so slightly larger with each successful test. Naruto and Powder stood by, watching intently as Heimerdinger monitored the readings, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and caution.

"Okay… increasing the threshold to three seconds," Ekko muttered, his hands steady despite the weight of what he was doing. The anomaly pulsed, rippling through the air as Ekko activated it once more. The flash of light came, and once again, Ekko experienced the same jump, returning to the same moment in time.

"Three seconds," he said aloud, breathing a sigh of relief. "Still stable."

Naruto let out a low whistle. "This is getting kinda wild, man. You're really pulling this off."

Powder grinned, her excitement mirroring Naruto's. "It's like something straight out of one of those crazy sci-fi novels I have been reading."

Ekko didn't respond, too focused on the task at hand. He made a final adjustment and turned back to Heimerdinger. "I'm going for four seconds now."

Heimerdinger nodded slowly, his expression serious. "Proceed with caution, my boy. We are treading on uncertain ground."

Ekko flipped the switch, and the anomaly flared again. This time, the jump extended to four seconds. Everything remained intact, and Ekko felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Four seconds… stable."

Naruto clapped his hands together. "That's what I'm talking about! You've got this down."

Powder gave Ekko a playful nudge. "See? I told you you're a genius."

Encouraged by their success, Ekko hesitated for only a moment before speaking again. "I'm going to try five seconds."

Heimerdinger's expression tightened. "Ekko, I advise against pushing it too far. We've achieved remarkable progress as it is."

"I know," Ekko said, his voice firm. "But if we don't test the limits, we'll never know how far we can go."

With a deep breath, Ekko activated the device for a five-second jump. The anomaly flared brighter than before, its energy crackling more violently. Time seemed to distort as the ripple expanded outward.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion rocked the lab.

Naruto and Powder were thrown back by the force, shielding their faces from the blinding light. When the smoke cleared, their eyes widened in horror as they saw Heimerdinger lying on the ground, motionless.

"No!" Ekko shouted, his heart pounding in his chest. Without a second thought, he reset the device, reversing time by four seconds. The flash of light came, and everything returned to the moment just before he had activated the five-second jump.

Heimerdinger blinked in confusion, unaware of what had just happened. Ekko staggered back, breathing heavily, visibly shaken by the near-catastrophe.

"Four seconds," Ekko said, his voice trembling. "The limit is four seconds. No more."

Naruto placed a hand on Ekko's shoulder, his usual playful demeanour replaced by genuine concern. "You okay, man?"

Ekko nodded slowly, though he still felt the weight of what had almost happened. "Yeah… yeah, I'm fine. Let's just… let's not push it any further."

Powder, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, we've done enough science for one day. How about we take a break?"

Heimerdinger, noticing Ekko's hesitation, gave him a kind smile. "Miss Powder is right. You've done extraordinary work today, Ekko. You deserve a moment to enjoy yourself."

"But what about—"

"I will stay behind and continue refining the device," Heimerdinger interrupted gently. "Go, my boy. Attend the party for the Young Innovator's Competition. You've earned it."

Ekko hesitated, glancing between the professor and the device. Though he wanted to keep working, Heimerdinger's words reassured him. With a reluctant nod, he agreed. "Okay. But don't overwork yourself, Professor."

Naruto grinned, wrapping an arm around Ekko's shoulders. "Come on, let's go. It'll be fun. Plus, you can't let all those other inventors steal the spotlight, right?"

Powder grabbed Ekko's hand, dragging him toward the exit. "Yeah! And who knows, maybe we'll win something cool."

As the trio left the lab, Heimerdinger watched them go, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Remarkable youth," he murmured to himself before turning back to the device. "Now then… back to work."

Naruto adjusted his formal coat, brushing off the imaginary dust as he walked the streets of Zaun. The evening air was cool and crisp, carrying the distant sounds of chatter and laughter from the city preparing for the Young Innovator's Competition celebration. He was on his way to meet Powder.

As he passed a nearby market, the air was filled with the familiar hum of life vendors calling out their wares, children running through the streets, and music drifting from open windows. Naruto's thoughts were light, focused on the evening ahead, until something pierced through the noise like a bolt of lightning.

"Isha! Come here!" a woman's voice called out.

Naruto's heart clenched painfully, and his breath caught in his throat. He stopped dead in his tracks, his mind racing as if he had been struck by an unseen force.

That name… it couldn't be.

Without thinking, he turned on his heel and ran toward the source of the voice. His footsteps echoed in his ears, his pulse quickening with every step. Memories from those strange dreams flooded his mind images of a little girl signing to him, her bright eyes filled with trust and warmth.

Was it possible?

Finally, he rounded a corner and saw them. A woman was kneeling beside a small girl, adjusting her coat. The girl was about six or seven, with dark hair tied back in a neat braid. Naruto's eyes locked onto the child, his chest tightening as he noticed the striking resemblance to the Isha from his dreams.

He approached them cautiously, his voice barely steady as he asked, "Excuse me… I couldn't help but overhear. Did you… did you call her Isha?"

The woman turned, startled by his sudden appearance. When she recognized him, her eyes widened in surprise. "Councillor Uzumaki!" she exclaimed, bowing her head slightly. "Yes, her name is Isha. I hope she hasn't caused any trouble if she has, I'm terribly sorry."

Naruto quickly raised his hands in reassurance, shaking his head. "No, no, it's nothing like that. Please, don't apologize." His gaze flicked to the little girl, who was peeking out shyly from behind her mother's leg, curious but cautious.

Something stirred deep within him, an unexplainable feeling of familiarity and warmth. With a gentle smile, Naruto crouched down to her level and began signing to her, his fingers moving with ease.

"Are you being good for your mother?"

The girl's eyes widened in surprise, but after a moment, she nodded shyly and signed back.

"Yes, I am."

Naruto's smile grew as he signed again. "Good. Keep it up."

The girl gave a small, hesitant smile in return, and Naruto felt something inside him soften a strange mix of relief, joy, and melancholy. He stood up and turned to the mother, who was watching the interaction with a mixture of awe and confusion.

"I've heard wonderful things about your daughter," Naruto said, his tone warm and genuine. "She's bright, kind, and clearly very talented. I would like to officially sponsor her enrolment at the academy."

The mother's jaw dropped in shock. "S-Sponsor? At the academy?" she stammered. "Councillor, I… I don't know what to say. This is… this is too generous."

Naruto shook his head with a soft smile. "It's nothing, really. Just… consider it a gift. She deserves the opportunity, and I'd like to help her reach her full potential."

Tears welled up in the mother's eyes as she bowed deeply. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Councillor Uzumaki. You have no idea what this means to us."

Naruto glanced down at Isha once more, the strange feeling still lingering in his chest. He crouched down again, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're going to do great things, Isha. I believe in you."

The little girl didn't say anything, but she nodded solemnly, her shy smile still in place. Naruto gave her one last encouraging nod before standing and bidding them farewell.

As he walked away, his heart felt heavier than before. He couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter wasn't just a coincidence. The dreams, the strange memories everything was starting to blur together in ways he didn't understand. But for now, he had done something good. He had given that little girl a chance, and that was enough.

For now...

Jayce dragged his weary body up the final rung of the clock tower's spiralling ladder, each step echoing hollowly in the desolate silence. His breath came in ragged gasps, his broken leg aching with every movement. Despite the pain, he pressed on, driven by a singular purpose to understand how this world fell into ruin and how he could stop it from happening to his own.

At last, he reached the roof of the hexgate. The air was thin and crisp above the cloud line, and a faint shimmer of corrupted arcane energy clung to the atmosphere. The once-proud city of Piltover lay far below him, reduced to petrified ruins and haunted remnants of its former self. Above him, the central hexgate loomed, its frame twisted and blackened by arcane corruption.

But it wasn't the ruined city or the broken gate that caught Jayce's attention it was the figure at the centre of the roof.

Kneeling before him was a hunched, petrified version of himself, clutching a grotesquely warped Mercury Hammer. The weapon, once a symbol of hope and progress, was now twisted and blackened, pulsating with a sickly glow. Cracks ran through the petrified figure's form, as if frozen in the moment of failure.

Jayce knelt slowly before his own corpse, his trembling hand reaching out to touch the corrupted hammer. The cold, jagged surface sent a shiver down his spine as he tried to process the horror before him. This was his fate in this world a reminder of what could come to pass.

A soft rustling of fabric drew his attention. Jayce turned his head to see the hooded mage standing a few paces away, their form obscured by the billowing cloak and the faint glow of their eyes beneath the hood.

"You…" Jayce rasped, his voice raw from exhaustion. "You gave me the crystal… back when I was a kid. Why? Why did you give it to me if this was going to be the result?"

The mage remained silent, watching him with an inscrutable gaze.

Jayce's hands clenched into fists. "Hextech… hextech destroyed Piltover, didn't it?" His voice rose, desperate and pleading. "It corrupted everything. Please, tell me there's still a chance to save my Piltover. Tell me I can stop this!"

The hooded mage took a slow step forward, their presence calm yet commanding. They raised a hand and placed it gently on the shoulder of the petrified corpse. For a moment, nothing happened then, with a low hum of energy, the corrupted Mercury Hammer shifted. Slowly, as if compelled by an unseen force, the petrified figure released its grip, and the hammer floated toward Jayce.

Jayce stared at the corrupted weapon, his heart pounding in his chest. He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and grasped the hammer's hilt. The moment his fingers closed around it, a surge of energy pulsed through him, filling him with both power and dread.

"I swear," Jayce said, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment, "I won't fail this time. I'll protect Piltover. I'll stop this from ever happening."

The mage extended their other hand, summoning a small anomaly that flickered and pulsed with unstable energy. The anomaly spun rapidly before embedding itself into the crystal bracelet Jayce wore, causing it to glow with a brilliant light. The energy burned through the bracelet and into Jayce's skin, searing the crystal into his very being.

Jayce gritted his teeth, enduring the pain as the energy coursed through him. The glow intensified, enveloping him in a blinding light. He felt his body begin to dissolve, the world around him fading away into nothingness.

As the last remnants of the corrupted world disappeared, the hooded mage's voice echoed faintly in his mind a final, cryptic whisper.

"Save them… before it's too late."

In an instant, the light vanished, and so did Jayce.

He was gone...

The Last Drop was alive with vibrant energy. The bar had been transformed into a celebration of ingenuity and creativity, with booths and tables set up around the room showcasing the latest inventions from Zaun's brightest minds. Gert worked the DJ booth, pumping out music that thumped through the air, setting a lively, upbeat tone for the event.

Young inventors crowded the space, each proudly demonstrating their creations to onlookers. Sparks flew from one table where an engineer was testing a miniaturized gear powered drone, while at another, a team of kids showcased a new free filtration system for Zaun's air.

Ekko stood near one of the tables, watching the scene unfold with a mix of awe and nostalgia. He felt a hand clap on his shoulder, and he turned to see Benzo standing beside him, a proud smile on his face.

"You've come a long way, kid," Benzo said warmly. "I remember when you used to come in here with nothing but wild ideas and no way to make them real. Now look at you one of Zaun's top young inventors."

Ekko gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Benzo. Really. I don't know where I'd be if you hadn't helped me back then."

Benzo chuckled, shaking his head. "You had it in you all along. I just gave you a place to figure it out."

Nearby, Vander leaned casually against the bar, a mug of ale in hand. He watched the gathering with a fond expression before his gaze landed on the glowing device attached to Ekko's belt, the Z-Drive. His brow furrowed slightly as he considered its intricate design.

"That's quite the gadget you've got there, Ekko," Vander said, taking a sip from his mug. "Looks like you've been keeping busy."

Ekko shrugged, feeling a little self conscious under Vander's gaze. "Yeah, it's been a work in progress for a while. Powder and Naruto helped with some parts, especially when things got tricky."

"Good to see them fired up about something again," Vander commented, his tone thoughtful. "They haven't been this excited in a long time."

Just then, the crowd stirred, and heads turned as Naruto walked in, accompanied by Silco. The two were locked in an animated conversation, both laughing at some shared joke. Despite Silco's usual cold and calculating demeanour, he seemed relaxed maybe even enjoying himself for once.

Naruto spotted Ekko and Benzo, a wide grin spreading across his face as he approached them. "Hey, Ekko! Having a good time?" he asked cheerfully.

Ekko nodded, still processing the odd sight of Naruto and Silco joking together. This world was different, yet it felt strangely familiar. Despite the confusion, a small smile crept onto Ekko's face. "Yeah, it's… it's been great."

Vander clapped Ekko on the back with a hearty laugh. "Of course he's having a good time! The kid's gonna win the competition, after all."

Naruto grinned, raising an eyebrow at Ekko. "Yeah, because he had a little help, right?" he teased.

Vander and Silco both laughed at the remark, the camaraderie between them catching Ekko off guard. It was strange seeing Silco this way so different from the ruthless leader he knew in his own world. Yet here, he was just another part of this oddly happy community.

As the laughter died down, Naruto leaned in closer to Ekko, his expression softening. "Seriously, though," he said quietly. "You're gonna do great, man. Just relax and have fun."

Ekko nodded, feeling a strange warmth at Naruto's words. This life this world was different, but for a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy it.

The conversation flowed easily among them, laughter breaking out every now and then as if none of the darkness Ekko carried with him existed in this world. It felt surreal, almost like a dream he didn't want to wake from. The tension in his chest loosened a little as he saw Naruto so happy, surrounded by friends people who genuinely cared for him.

Naruto handed Ekko a drink with a grin. "See? This place isn't so bad, right?"

Ekko took the cup, his fingers tightening around it as he mulled over Naruto's words. He glanced around the Last Drop the lively atmosphere, the smiling faces, the warmth of friendship that radiated from the group around him. It was nothing like the war-torn Zaun he knew, where survival was a daily struggle and hope was in short supply.

Naruto's grin faded slightly as he caught Ekko's thoughtful expression. He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice. "I know… I know that in your world, I'm not like this," he said quietly, his usual carefree tone replaced by something more serious. "You don't have to say it. I can tell by the way you've been looking at me."

Ekko's heart skipped a beat. He opened his mouth to respond, but Naruto held up a hand, cutting him off.

"But here, right now, we're friends," Naruto said with a genuine smile, extending his fist toward Ekko. "And if you ask me, that's not such a bad thing."

Ekko hesitated for a moment, the weight of his past clashing with the present. But as he looked into Naruto's eyes...eyes that held no malice, only a desire to connect he felt a flicker of something he hadn't felt in a long time: hope.

With a small smile of his own, Ekko bumped Naruto's fist. "Yeah," he said quietly. "Friends."

Naruto's grin widened as he raised his drink. "Cheers to that!" he said loudly, drawing the attention of everyone at the table.

"Naruto, you do know that drink has alcohol, right?" Silco asked with a teasing smirk, raising an eyebrow at him.

Naruto blinked, looking down at his cup in surprise. "Wait, what? No one told me this wasn't just juice!"

Vander laughed heartily, clapping Naruto on the back. "Welcome to the real world, kid!"

The group burst into laughter, and even Ekko found himself chuckling despite the turmoil inside him. As Naruto raised his drink again, and Ekko, after a moment's hesitation, clinked his cup against Naruto's. The grin on Naruto's face was so infectious that Ekko couldn't help but smile back, even if it was just for a little while.

As they drank, Vander and Silco exchanged amused glances from across the table. "Looks like our boy's doing his job keeping the mood light," Vander said with a chuckle.

"Not bad for someone who spends half his time locked away in a lab," Silco added with a smirk.

Naruto overheard and shot them a playful glare. "Hey! I have a life outside the lab, you know. Speaking of which…" He glanced toward the entrance, wondering when Powder would arrive.

Ekko noticed Naruto's gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Waiting for someone?"

Naruto grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah… Powder should be here soon."

Ekko's heart clenched at the mention of her name. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but Naruto caught the flicker of something in his eyes.

"You okay?" Naruto asked, concerned.

"Yeah," Ekko said quickly, brushing it off. "Just… thinking again."

Naruto chuckled, nudging him with his elbow. "Well, stop thinking and start enjoying. The night's still young, and the gang's not fully back together yet."

Ekko nodded, though his mind was far from settled. He forced himself to focus on the present, determined to figure out how to balance the strange emotions swirling inside him.

Just as Naruto turned back toward the table to grab another drink, the doors to the Last Drop opened, and Powder finally arrived.

The moment Powder entered the Last Drop, everything shifted. The music transitioned smoothly into a more elegant beat, Ma Meilleure Ennemie filling the room with a rhythmic pulse that seemed to sync with the beating of Naruto's heart. His gaze locked onto her instantly, the world around him blurring as if nothing else existed.

Powder stood at the entrance, her blue hair flowing down to her shoulders, subtly highlighted by the soft glow of the lights. Blue eyeliner framed her vibrant eyes, accentuating their mischievous gleam. She wore a simple yet striking white dress paired with a black jacket, effortlessly blending elegance with her usual edge. For a brief moment, Naruto couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or something else entirely that had him entranced, but before he knew it, he was standing right in front of her.

"My lady…" Naruto said, his voice low and playful as he extended a hand toward her. "Would you do me the honour of this dance?"

Powder blinked in surprise, her lips curving into a soft smile as she placed her hand in his. "How could I refuse?" she said, her tone teasing but warm.

Naruto led her to the centre of the room as the music swelled, wrapping around them like a soft embrace. They began to move together, swaying to the beat. Naruto's hand rested gently on Powder's waist, while her fingers laced through his. Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt as if nothing else mattered just the two of them, lost in the rhythm.

Ekko watched from the sidelines, his heart heavy despite the smile on his face. He couldn't deny the bittersweet ache growing within him. Even in this world, where everything seemed brighter and happier, Naruto and Jinx still found each other. Perhaps it wasn't just chance maybe, in every reality, they were simply meant to be together.

"You alright, kid?" Vander's gruff voice pulled Ekko from his thoughts. He turned to see Vander and Silco standing beside him, both holding drinks and watching the dancing pair with knowing expressions.

Ekko shrugged, trying to mask his emotions. "Yeah… just thinking."

Silco raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Thinking's dangerous at a party. Shouldn't you be enjoying yourself instead?"

Ekko chuckled quietly, taking a sip from his drink. "Hard to relax when you're surrounded by… all this," he admitted, gesturing vaguely at the lively room. "It's just weird, seeing them like this."

Vander leaned against the table, crossing his arms as he gave Ekko a thoughtful look. "You mean seeing Naruto and Powder happy?"

"Yeah," Ekko muttered.

Silco's gaze flicked toward the dancing couple, his expression unreadable. "Happiness is a fleeting thing, especially in Zaun. But when it's real, it's worth holding onto. Don't begrudge them that, kid."

Vander nodded in agreement. "Life's too short to dwell on what could've been. Look at them—they've found something good. Something worth protecting."

Ekko sighed, setting down his drink. "I don't begrudge them. It's just… it's hard, you know? Seeing something you thought was impossible actually work out. Makes you wonder if maybe it could've been different back home."

Vander was a little confused by what Ekko was talking about, but he shook his head blaming the alcohol. As he clapped a heavy hand on Ekko's shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "Maybe. Or maybe this is your second chance. Whatever happens, don't waste it."

Ekko glanced back at Naruto and Powder, who were now laughing softly as they twirled across the dance floor. Despite the ache in his chest, he couldn't help but smile. Maybe Vander was right—maybe this world was offering him a chance to see things differently, to learn from it.

"Yeah," Ekko said quietly, his resolve hardening. "I won't waste it."

Powder and Naruto swayed to the final notes of the song, their laughter soft and shared. As the music slowed, Naruto suddenly glanced over at Ekko, who was still standing off to the side. With a playful grin, he gently nudged Powder toward him before stepping back. Powder caught herself, giving Naruto a puzzled look as he subtly tilted his head toward Ekko.

"Go on," Naruto said with an encouraging smirk. "I think the lady wants another dance."

Powder rolled her eyes, but a teasing smile played at her lips. Turning toward Ekko, she held out her hand, her blue hair falling slightly over her face. "Come on, don't leave me waiting," she said with a soft, inviting laugh.

Ekko blinked, caught completely off guard. He glanced between Powder's outstretched hand and Naruto, confusion and hesitation flickering in his eyes. "Uh, are you sure?" he asked, his voice unsure.

"Of course," Naruto said casually, stepping away from the dance floor. "You two have fun."

Powder raised an eyebrow, her hand still extended. "Ekko, seriously. Don't make this weird," she teased, though her smile remained genuine. "It's just a dance."

After a moment's hesitation, Ekko let out a breath, reaching out to take her hand. "Alright, alright. But I'm warning you I've got two left feet," he joked, trying to mask his nervousness.

"We'll see about that," Powder quipped as she pulled him onto the dance floor. The two began to move to the upbeat rhythm of the new song, their laughter blending into the lively atmosphere of the party.

Meanwhile, Naruto made his way back to the bar, grabbing a fresh drink and joining the small group of regulars gathered there. Vander, Silco, and Benzo stood nearby, their eyes occasionally flicking toward the dance floor.

"Brave move, letting the kid dance with your girl," Silco said, his voice low and smooth as he leaned against the bar. His sharp eyes studied Naruto with interest.

Naruto took a sip of his drink, shrugging lightly. "Nah, it's not like that. Ekko and I are friends. Besides…" He set his glass down with a soft clink and glanced toward the dance floor, where Powder and Ekko were now laughing together. "Powder's his friend too. I want them to have fun, you know? No reason to be weird about it."

Vander chuckled, clapping Naruto on the back. "That's a good attitude, kid. You've got nothing to worry about when it comes to trust. Besides, friends like that, they're rare."

Benzo nodded in agreement. "Better to keep those bonds strong. Life's unpredictable enough as it is."

Naruto smiled, appreciating the support. He raised his glass in a small toast, his eyes gleaming under the warm lights of the Last Drop. "Life's good right now," he said, his voice steady but tinged with gratitude. "I've got good friends, a girl I care about, and things are finally looking up."

Silco smirked, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Just make sure you don't take it for granted. Good times have a way of slipping through your fingers when you least expect it."

Naruto's smile dimmed slightly at Silco's words, but he nodded nonetheless. "Yeah… I know. But right now, I'm going to enjoy it."

With that, he leaned back against the bar, watching Powder and Ekko dance under the flickering lights, their carefree laughter filling the air.

As the party began to wind down, the lights dimming and the music fading into a soft background hum, Naruto noticed something or rather, someone missing. Powder was chatting with Benzo and Vander near the bar, but Ekko was nowhere in sight.

"I'm gonna go look for Ekko," Naruto said, leaning close to Powder so she could hear him over the noise. Powder raised an eyebrow but nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Alright. Don't take too long," she said playfully, giving him a gentle nudge before turning back to her conversation.

Naruto weaved through the thinning crowd, stepping outside into the cool night air. He scanned the streets briefly before his gaze was drawn upward to the rooftop of the Last Drop, where he spotted a lone figure standing against the night sky. Without hesitation, he made his way up, scaling the metal fire escape with ease.

When he reached the rooftop, he found Ekko standing at the edge, staring out over the illuminated cityscape of Piltover. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the buildings below. The wind rustled softly through Ekko's hair as he remained silent, lost in thought.

"Hey," Naruto called out, approaching slowly. "Party's still going, you know. Figured I'd find you up here."

Ekko didn't look at him right away. Instead, he kept his eyes fixed on the shimmering lights of Piltover, the towering spires and glistening bridges standing in stark contrast to the undercity below.

"I thought I'd given up on the undercity," Ekko said quietly, his voice steady but carrying a weight of emotion. "I thought there was no hope left. That it would always be broken, always be fighting to survive."

Naruto stood beside him, following his gaze. He didn't say anything, waiting for Ekko to continue.

"But you…" Ekko glanced at him finally, a faint smile forming on his lips. "You're different. You didn't give up. Somehow, you brought everyone together. You gave them hope—something I thought was impossible."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed by the praise. "I didn't do it alone, you know. Powder, Vander, Benzo… everyone's been working together. I just got lucky, I guess."

Ekko shook his head. "No. It's more than that. You made me believe in this place again. In what Zaun could be. And that's… something I haven't felt in a long time."

For a moment, the two stood in silence, the city below them alive with lights and distant sounds. But then, something strange happened. Reality itself seemed to ripple, a faint distortion passing through the air. Naruto blinked, disoriented for a moment, but when he looked at Ekko, he saw the look of realization dawning on his face.

"Heimerdinger," Ekko said, his voice urgent. "He did it. He found a way."

Naruto's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, seriously? So… this is it? You're going back?"

Ekko nodded, his expression a mixture of relief and apprehension. "Yeah. I need to get to Powder's place. But…" He hesitated, turning toward the fire escape. Before he could leave, Naruto reached out and stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Hold up," Naruto said quietly.

Naruto hesitated for a moment, his hand still resting on Ekko's shoulder. With a deep breath, he reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a folded letter, the paper slightly creased from being carried around for so long.

"Before you go…" Naruto said, his tone quieter now, more serious. He held out the letter toward Ekko. "I need you to take this. If… if you ever get the chance, give it to my other self."

Ekko stared at the letter in confusion, hesitating before taking it from Naruto's outstretched hand. "Your other self?" he repeated. "You mean the one from my world?"

Naruto nodded, his expression thoughtful, almost distant. "Yeah. From my dreams… I know he's dangerous. He's done a lot of bad things. But…" He paused, struggling to find the right words. "For some reason, I get the feeling he's… tired. Like he's ready to give up."

Ekko's brow furrowed as he listened, holding the letter tightly in his hand.

Naruto's gaze met Ekko's, and for a moment, the usual light hearted spark in his eyes was replaced by something deeper—something vulnerable. "I'm pretty sure we're both dreaming about each other. And if that's true… maybe, just maybe, he's waiting for someone to reach out. Someone to give him a reason to keep going."

Naruto offered a small, hopeful smile. "So, don't give up on him, okay? Give him one last chance. I know it sounds crazy, but… I think he needs it."

Ekko stared at him, caught off guard by the sincerity in Naruto's voice. After a moment, he nodded firmly. "I'll try," he said. "I can't promise anything, but… I'll try."

Naruto let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, his smile widening slightly. "Thanks, man. I knew I could count on you."

Without another word, Ekko turned and sprinted toward the fire escape, clutching the letter tightly in his hand. Naruto watched him go, the wind rustling through his hair as he stood alone on the rooftop.

As Ekko disappeared into the night, Naruto looked out over the city once more, a quiet sense of peace washing over him. "Good luck, Ekko," he murmured. "And… good luck to him too."

Ekko raced through the streets, his heart pounding in his chest. The letter Naruto had given him was still tucked safely in his jacket, but it was the least of his worries now. He knew Heimerdinger was working on something big, something dangerous. As he approached the makeshift lab, the faint hum of energy and the crackling sound of arcane machinery grew louder.

When he entered, Ekko's eyes widened at the sight before him. A massive, intricate frame stood at the edge of the room, arcs of energy sparking across its surface. The device was unlike anything he had ever seen a fusion of arcane technology and mechanical precision.

Heimerdinger stood beside the machine, his small hands moving deftly across the controls. He turned to Ekko with a calm yet resolute expression. "It's ready," the professor said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "This device will send us back home."

Ekko took a step forward, glancing at the towering frame. The hum of the machine grew louder, and a faint glow began to envelop the room. "Are you sure this will work?" Ekko asked, his voice tinged with both hope and fear.

Heimerdinger offered a reassuring nod. "It's our best chance," he said. "But we must act quickly. The anomaly is unstable, and we have little time."

Without hesitation, Ekko stepped into the frame alongside Heimerdinger. The machine roared to life, arcs of energy swirling around them as the anomaly began to form. The air grew heavy with tension, the hum of the machine reaching a deafening crescendo.

But something was wrong.

Sparks flew from the machinery as parts of the frame began to shake and come loose. The anomaly flickered, its stability wavering. Heimerdinger's expression shifted to one of concern as he adjusted the controls, trying to maintain the machine's integrity.

"Heimerdinger!" Ekko shouted over the noise. "What's happening?"

"The machine is destabilizing!" Heimerdinger called back, his voice urgent. "It can't handle the strain. If we don't act quickly, it will collapse!"

Ekko reached out, trying to steady the professor, but Heimerdinger shook his head firmly. "You must go, Ekko. This is your only chance."

"No way! We're doing this together!" Ekko protested, his grip tightening.

Heimerdinger's eyes softened as he placed a small hand on Ekko's arm. "My boy," he said gently, "our time together has taught me what it truly means to live. You have a world to save. I... I have found my place here."

Before Ekko could respond, Heimerdinger stepped out of the anomaly. Sparks erupted from the machine as it trembled violently. The professor moved to a control panel, pulling various levers in an attempt to stabilize the device.

"Heimerdinger! No!" Ekko shouted, his voice breaking.

At that moment, the doors burst open, and Naruto and Powder rushed inside, their eyes wide with shock as they took in the scene. Powder's gaze locked onto Ekko, fear and confusion etched across her face. "Ekko! What's happening?"

Naruto's eyes flicked between the machine and Heimerdinger, his expression tense. "Is this what you've been working on?" he demanded. "Are you crazy? That thing's falling apart!"

Heimerdinger didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed two large, sparking wires in his hands, his fur glowing faintly as arcs of energy danced across his body. He looked directly at Ekko, his eyes filled with determination.

"Heimerdinger, don't!" Ekko screamed, lunging forward again, but it was too late.

With one final look at Ekko, Heimerdinger locked eyes with him, a look of fondness and pride in his gaze. "Farewell, my friend. And remember, never stop chasing time."

Before Ekko could stop him, Heimerdinger connected the two wires.

A blinding flash filled the room, accompanied by a deafening hum as the anomaly surged to life. The light engulfed Heimerdinger, and for a fleeting moment, Ekko could see his form outlined against the radiance.

As his alternate self was on the floor as Naruto and Powder rushed toward alternate Ekko, who was unconscious on the floor just outside the crackling remains of the machine.

"Ekko!" Powder dropped to her knees beside him, shaking his shoulders gently. Her voice trembled with panic. "Come on, wake up!"

Naruto knelt beside her, eyes fixed on the centre of the anomaly. There, through the shimmering distortion, he saw something or rather, someone. It was Ekko… but different. This version of him was older, more hardened, and wore the unmistakable Z-Drive strapped to his back.

"What the…?" Naruto muttered, his breath catching in his throat. His eyes flicked from the alternate Ekko to the flickering anomaly, realization dawning on him.

Powder noticed his expression and followed his gaze. "Is that…?"

Before she could finish, the other Ekko gave them one last glance, a look filled with both hope and urgency. Then, in a flash, he and the anomaly vanished, leaving behind nothing but silence and the crumpled remains of Heimerdinger's machine.

Naruto smiled as he thought to himself.

Go save the world Ekko...

But Powder's voice pulled him back to reality. "Naruto… he's waking up."

The alternate Ekko stirred, groaning as he slowly opened his eyes. His head throbbed, and everything around him felt hazy and surreal. Blinking away the blur, he looked up to see Powder and Naruto hovering over him, both wearing concerned expressions.

"Ugh… what happened?" Ekko mumbled, trying to push himself up.

Naruto crouched down, offering a hand to help him sit upright. "Well…" Naruto said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "you just woke up from a really long sleep. But hey, it's nice to have you back."

Powder tilted her head, confused by Naruto's choice of words. "Yeah? Back from what?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied Naruto's face.

Naruto glanced at Powder, then back at Ekko, as if carefully weighing his next words. He gave a small, knowing smile. "I'll tell you later," he said with a casual shrug, brushing it off like it was no big deal.

Powder frowned but didn't press further. Instead, she turned her attention back to Ekko, who still looked groggy. "You sure you're okay?" she asked softly. "You kinda… blacked out for a while."

Ekko nodded slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I think I'll be fine," he muttered, though his mind was racing.

Naruto stood up, stretching his arms as he tried to keep the mood light. "Come on," he said, offering a hand to Ekko again. "Let's get you out of here. You look like you could use some fresh air."

Sometime later, the room was quiet, Naruto and Powder sat together on a worn out couch in her lair, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Powder leaned forward, elbows on her knees, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her jacket.

Naruto had just finished explaining everything the truth about Ekko, the alternate reality, and the strange dreams that had plagued him for weeks. He leaned back, running a hand through his hair, feeling drained from the weight of it all.

"Wow," Powder finally said, breaking the silence. Her voice was quiet, but her eyes were wide with awe. "That's… a lot of information. Another reality? And you've been having these dreams about it too?"

Naruto nodded slowly, his expression serious. "Yeah… every night, it's like I'm watching a different version of myself. Someone who's… I don't know, harder, colder. Someone who's always fighting, always leading battles. And every time I wake up, it feels real, like more than just a dream."

Powder chewed her lip thoughtfully, processing everything. After a moment, she stood up and walked across the room toward a small wooden shrine dedicated to Vi.

Naruto watched silently as Powder knelt before the shrine, carefully opening a small hidden drawer at its base. She reached inside and pulled out something wrapped in a piece of dark cloth. Standing, she turned back to Naruto and slowly unwrapped the bundle, revealing three hex crystals the very ones she had originally stolen from Jayce.

Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the crystals.

"In those dreams…" Powder began, holding up the crystals, "did these play a big part?"

Naruto's breath caught in his throat as he leaned forward, eyes locked on the crystals. "No way…" he muttered, reaching out hesitantly, almost afraid to touch them. His mind flashed back to countless images from the dreams the shimmering glow of hex crystals powering machines, weapons, and even the destruction of cities.

Powder watched his reaction closely, her brows furrowing in concern. "So they did. I figured… maybe it's not just a coincidence." She glanced down at the crystals in her hand, her expression torn between fascination and fear. "I never knew what to do with these after I took them. I just… kept them."

Naruto exhaled slowly, leaning back again. "This… this is insane. The hex crystals—they're everywhere in those dreams. They're the reason so much stuff happened, good and bad. And now… they're here, in front of me, in real life."

Powder sat back down beside him, her gaze still on the crystals. "What do you think it means?" she asked softly.

Naruto shook his head, unsure. "I don't know… But if Ekko's right, and this reality isn't the only one, then maybe… maybe they're connected. Maybe these crystals are the key to something bigger."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. They sat there in the room, the hum of the crystals filling the silence as they both tried to process what this could mean for them and for everything they knew.

Finally, Powder broke the silence with a nervous laugh. "You know… I thought life was getting a little too normal lately. Leave it to you to bring some multiverse-level craziness into my world."

Naruto chuckled despite himself, the tension easing just a little. "Yeah, well, normal was never really my thing, was it?"

Powder smiled, tucking the crystals back into the drawer carefully. "Whatever this means, we'll figure it out together, right?"

Naruto nodded firmly. "Yeah, together."

Chapter 25 - That's What Friends Do Act 5 (Finale) End

A/N

Anddd that's the end...

We saw the hex crystals at the end...

Interesting, right? I wonder if that will come into play later?

I've been thinking about having Prime Naruto see AU Naruto once more in his dreams for those who want more of that dynamic. Alternatively, I could add a standalone chapter for it. The only issue is that I'm already two chapters ahead, so I'd need to find the right place to fit it in.

Ekko has a letter for Prime Naruto... makes you wonder what AU Naruto had to say to him...

And Arcane Naruto? He's just done. He jumped... Bros gone.

Next chapter, we're back to the main timeline, and only Naruto and Jinx are locked up...

Thanks so much for reading.
Until next time,

byebye!