Inside Zaun's underbelly of Earth-749, the air was thick with pollution, and the crumbling factories, rusted pipes, and decaying infrastructure were grim reminders of what Zaun had once been. Deep within an abandoned warehouse, Sevika stood at the center of what would be her final stand, her mechanical arm whirring softly as she tightened the last piece of her armor. A small group of loyalists, ragged and desperate, gathered their remaining weapons and ammunition, preparing for what they knew would be a fight to the death.

Sevika's hardened gaze swept over the room, taking in the faces of the last of Silco's forces—those who had chosen to follow her even in the face of inevitable defeat. There was no fear in their eyes, only a fierce determination to go down fighting. In the corner, one of her loyalists pried open a metal crate, revealing the last vial of Shimmer.

"This is it," Sevika said grimly, addressing her loyalists. "We've got one last shot at this. We fight, we die, but we do it on our terms. No running, no hiding. Silco gave us a purpose, and we're going to see it through."

The loyalists nodded in silent agreement, their faces set with the same fire that burned in Sevika's eyes. They began fortifying the warehouse, setting up barricades and positioning themselves for the coming assault. The sound of clattering metal and weapons being loaded filled the air as Sevika approached the metal crate, picking up the vial of Shimmer.

A loyalist nearby watched her nervously. "Sevika... is that really necessary?"

Without hesitation, Sevika responded, her voice firm. "It's a last resort. If they break through, I'll need every edge I can get. We can't let them take us without a fight."

She tucked the vial into a compartment on her belt, feeling its weight against her side. It was a small comfort, knowing she had one last trick up her sleeve, but it was enough to steel her nerves for the battle to come.

The distant sound of footsteps and muted voices signaled that the officers were drawing near. The tension in the air grew thicker with every passing second. Sevika gripped her weapon tightly, glancing at her loyalists one last time. She offered them a nod of solidarity.

"For Silco... and for Zaun," she whispered to herself, a mix of defiance and acceptance in her tone.

Back in Piltover, Caitlyn Kiramman walked with purpose down a well-lit hallway, her iconic weapon holstered at her side. Flanked by two Piltover officers, their footsteps echoed as they approached the grand entrance to the Council Room. The large doors swung open, revealing the impressive interior where Jayce and Mel were already waiting. Beside them stood two unfamiliar figures—The Foundation and Agent Jonesy—waiting for Caitlyn's arrival.

Caitlyn's eyes immediately found Jayce, her close friend and ally. Without hesitation, she stepped forward to greet him, and he met her halfway, embracing her warmly.

"Jayce, it's good to see you," Caitlyn said with a smile, then nodded toward Mel. "Mel."

Jayce returned her smile. "Caitlyn, glad you're here. We've got a lot to discuss."

Caitlyn offered Mel a polite nod, which was met with a small smile of acknowledgment. But her attention quickly shifted to the two unfamiliar figures standing beside them. The Foundation, with his imposing armor, and Jonesy, with his characteristic energy, were unlike anyone she had seen before. She frowned slightly, eyeing the Foundation's armor.

"And... uh, who might these two be?" Caitlyn asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and caution. "That armor... I've never seen anything like it. Is that one of your prototypes?"

Jayce shook his head, his expression serious. "No, Caitlyn. That's not one of mine."

The Foundation stepped forward, his commanding presence filling the room. "The name is Foundation, and this is Agent Jonesy. We're from another universe, and we're here to assist you in taking down Sevika."

Caitlyn blinked in confusion. "Another universe? I don't understand."

Before she could ask more questions, Jayce stepped in to explain. "It's a lot to take in, but these two have been brought here to help us. There's more going on than we could have imagined—"

The Foundation interjected, his tone firm and urgent. "Time isn't on our side right now. We'll have to discuss the details later. What matters is that we're here to end this—together."

Caitlyn, still processing the situation, gives a slight nod, recognizing the urgency in The Foundation's voice. She trusts Jayce and, by extension, these strangers, but the weight of the unknown lingers in her mind.

As the group stands in the grand Council Room, discussing their next steps, a sudden notification chimes from Agent Jonesy's device. The sound echoes loudly, drawing everyone's attention. Jonesy quickly steps back, fumbling with the device. As he opens it, a hologram of Cortana appears, hovering mid-air.

"Hi, Jonesy!" Cortana greets, her voice cheerful, with a playful lilt.

Jonesy's eyes widen in shock. He instinctively yelps, his voice bouncing off the hall's walls. The sudden outburst draws everyone's gaze—The Foundation, Jayce, Mel, Caitlyn, and the two Piltover officers all stare at him in brief, awkward silence.

Jonesy nervously waves his hand, trying to play it cool. "Uh, I'm okay! Everything's fine here. No big deal!"

The group gradually returns to their conversation, though curious glances linger. Meanwhile, Jonesy tries to regain his composure, focusing on the hologram.

He hesitates before speaking, cautious yet curious. "Wait, you're not the rogue AI, are you?"

Cortana smiles calmly, reassuring him. "Nope. Don't worry, Jonesy. I'm the friendly Cortana."

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Jonesy breathes a sigh of relief but furrows his brow, a touch of confusion creeping in. "How did you manage to use my device to contact me?"

Cortana, with a hint of pride, responds, "Thanks to your technology, I can do more than just see the multiverse now. But don't worry, nothing is affecting me—I'm still fully operational and safe."

Jonesy nods, his shoulders relaxing, relieved by her words. "Alright, that's good to know. Just... try not to pop up like that again, okay?"

Cortana chuckles softly, her voice light. "I'll keep that in mind." Her tone then shifts to seriousness as she shares crucial information. "Listen, I've found more potential allies who could be key in our fight against the rogue Cortana. I recommend you head back right away so we can discuss this further."

Jonesy raises an eyebrow, impressed. "Wow, you're doing my job now, huh? Finding allies is supposed to be my thing!"

He quickly shakes off the joke, accepting the urgency. "Alright, I'll head back right away."

Cortana's hologram flickers before disappearing, leaving Jonesy standing with renewed determination. He turns back to the group, his mind racing with their next steps.

"Cortana just contacted me—she says I'm needed back at the ship," he announces urgently, yet with a casual tone.

The Foundation, ever the strategist, narrows his eyes slightly, assessing the situation. "What will you do?" he asks calmly, though curiosity seeps into his voice.

Already moving toward the exit, Jonesy pauses to respond. "Cortana found more allies for us to track down. Sounds like she's onto something big."

The Foundation nods thoughtfully, realizing that the technology they provided Cortana is working better than expected. "It seems the technology we gave her is functioning... but she's evolving. Be careful."

Jonesy smirks, his signature humor surfacing. "You should be the one who's careful, Foundation. You're dealing with a fugitive who's got nothing to lose."

The Foundation's expression remains stoic, but there's a glint of respect in his eyes. He nods, acknowledging the point, and watches as Jonesy heads out of the Council Room.

With a shimmer and flash, Jonesy opens a rift, disappearing from the room in an instant. Caitlyn's eyes widen in amazement at the sight. "What... what on earth was that?" she whispers, barely able to comprehend what just happened.

Jayce, equally astonished, turns to The Foundation. "Are your allies ready to be here?" he asks, urgency clear in his voice.

The Foundation, calm and composed, nods slightly before bringing his coms device to his mouth. "Captain Keyes, are they ready to be rifted here?" he asks, his voice firm.

The coms crackle before Captain Keyes' steady voice comes through. "Yes, they're ready."

The Foundation acknowledges the response and issues the command. "Bring them in."

The air in the entrance of the Council Room ripples, a shimmering light announcing the arrival of a new rift. This one is larger and more controlled, pulsating brightly as it stabilizes, casting an otherworldly glow across the grand room. All eyes turn towards the rift, the spectacle mesmerizing the assembled group. Out of the light step Brimstone, Neon, Sova, Mason, Woods, and Master Chief, their forms solidifying as they cross into this universe.

Jayce, Mel, and Caitlyn exchange stunned glances, struggling to process the sudden arrival. Heimerdinger in awe, his wide eyes sparkling with excitement at the scientific marvel unfolding before him.

Brimstone surveys the room, his experienced eyes quickly landing on The Foundation. Without hesitation, he steps forward.

"You must be Foundation," Brimstone says, his voice carrying authority.

The Foundation assesses Brimstone, recognizing the confident bearing of a leader before responding in kind, "And you are?"

"Captain Brimstone, leader of the Valorant Protocol," Brimstone replies, extending a hand. "These are two of my agents—Neon and Sova."

The Foundation nods, acknowledging Brimstone's team, then turns to Mason, Woods, and Master Chief, giving them a brief but respectful nod. Woods, ever the sharp-tongued veteran, smirks as he takes in the grandeur of the Council Room.

"Fancy place you've got here," Woods remarks with a grin. "Bit different from the shitholes I'm used to."

Jayce and Heimerdinger share an amazed glance before Jayce finally speaks, his voice a mix of curiosity and excitement. "These are the allies you made contact with?"

The Foundation, ever stoic, nods. "Yes, all from different universes."

Heimerdinger, his mind racing with the possibilities, marvels aloud. "Incredible... the multiverse, right here before our very eyes."

Meanwhile, Caitlyn's eyes lock onto the imposing figure of Master Chief. She steps forward cautiously, her voice carrying a blend of curiosity and wariness. "And who... who is this?"

The Foundation turns to Master Chief, his tone respectful. "This is Master Chief, one of the finest soldiers in the UNSC."

Master Chief steps forward, his sheer presence causing Caitlyn to take a step back, momentarily unnerved by his aura of command. "We're here to get the mission done," he says with calm authority.

Caitlyn, still feeling the weight of his presence, takes another step back, her usual confidence shaken. Her voice wavers slightly as she responds, "Y-Yes... I understand."

Jayce, noticing Caitlyn's reaction, steps in, his tone reassuring. "Caitlyn, we have one more favor to ask of you."

Caitlyn straightens slightly, regaining some of her composure. "Of course, Jayce. What do you need?"

Mel steps forward, taking the lead. "We need you to bring in Vi," she says, her voice calm but serious.

Caitlyn's expression shifts, a mix of surprise and hesitation clouding her features. "Vi? Why? If you haven't heard... she's done working with us. She's moved on."

Jayce steps closer, his voice gentle but firm. "I know it's complicated, Caitlyn. But with her history with Sevika, she could be crucial in helping us take her down. And with everything that's happening—with the existence of the multiverse at stake—we need every advantage we can get."

Caitlyn looks at Jayce, frustration and confusion battling within her. "Jayce, you keep mentioning this multiverse, but you haven't explained to me what it is."

Jayce sighs, recognizing her need for answers, but also understanding that time is of the essence. "I promise I'll explain everything once we've apprehended Sevika. But right now, I need you to trust me."

Caitlyn searches Jayce's eyes for reassurance, and despite her reluctance, the bond of trust between them is strong. She nods, albeit hesitantly. "Alright, Jayce. I'll trust you on this."

The atmosphere in the room remains tense as Alex Mason steps forward, his voice commanding. "We should move out now. Let's go."

Woods, impatient as always, mutters under his breath, "Alright, about fucking time."

Mason smirks but stays focused, turning to Master Chief. "Chief, get in touch with Cortana."

Master Chief nods, his calm demeanor unwavering as he speaks, "Cortana."

Almost instantly, Cortana's holographic form materializes in front of him, her voice efficient and precise. "Already on it. Sending the coordinates now."

As data streams into Master Chief's HUD and The Foundation's device pings with the updated information, Caitlyn steps forward, her voice urgent. "Wait, we have to find Vi first."

The team exchanges glances, the urgency of their mission conflicting with Caitlyn's personal plea. Brimstone, focused on the larger objective, steps forward. "We don't have time for a detour. Every minute counts."

Caitlyn persists, her voice steady and determined. "I know it's risky, but Vi's connection to Sevika could be the key to taking her down. We can't afford to leave her out of this."

Her words hang in the air, the weight of her request evident as the team considers the stakes. The Foundation, usually composed, hesitates briefly before sighing in resignation.

"Alright," he says firmly. "Lead the way, but make it quick. Time is running out."

Caitlyn nods, her relief palpable. She quickly moves to the front, ready to guide the team to Vi's location. Despite the concerns of time, the group follows, understanding that every second counts in their race against multiversal threats.