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Echoes of Eternity Book 1
Chapter 6: Looks Like We Convinced Them

Chapter 6: Looks Like We Convinced Them

The sound of fragmented, echoing voices fills the void, disjointed and haunting as they resonate in Vi's mind. These voices, tangled with memories from her past, weave an atmosphere of chaos, making it hard to separate past from present.

Images flicker rapidly: young Vi slapping her sister, Jinx, in a fit of frustration, followed by another memory of Vi walking away, her heart aching, as Jinx lies on the floor, tears streaming down her face, reaching out for the sister who abandoned her. Both scenes are vivid callbacks to the painful moments from Arcane Season 1, Episode 3—moments of broken bonds and shattered innocence.

The final scene from that same episode flashes abruptly: a younger Vi, her voice raw with anguish, screaming after the death of Vander, the father figure who had tried to protect them both.

The voices overlap, growing louder and more dissonant, creating a storm of emotions that churns inside Vi's mind. Scenes of conflict, loss, and regret play out relentlessly, the chaos overwhelming.

Then, suddenly, Vi jerks awake. Her eyes snap open, and she gasps for breath, her chest heaving as she fights to shake off the remnants of the dream. For a moment, she remains motionless, scanning her surroundings with sharp instincts to ensure her safety. The room is quiet, save for the distant hum of the city. She exhales deeply, grounding herself in the present, trying to escape the grip of her memories.

Here on Earth-749, an alternate universe shaped by the echoes of Arcane, the fragile peace between Piltover and Zaun is tenuous at best. Though Silco is gone and Sevika remains elusive, the tension is ever-present. Jinx's reputation, even three years after the events that tore the cities apart, is still tarnished by her violent actions. To many in Piltover, she remains a symbol of chaos—a dangerous criminal whose legacy of destruction is not easily forgotten.

But Jinx has changed. The fire of rebellion that once raged within her has dulled, leaving behind scars that now haunt her. After betraying Sevika and distancing herself from her revolutionary past, Jinx has made an effort to move beyond the chaos. Yet, remnants of her old life linger. Loyalists who once followed her still cling to the hope of reigniting the revolution they believe she has abandoned. They wait in the shadows, eager for the right moment to bring the chaos back.

Vi, after fighting so hard to bring her sister back from the edge of destruction, made the hardest choice of her life. Following their final battle in Arcane, Vi walked away from everything she knew. She gave up her role as an enforcer and distanced herself from Piltover—and from Caitlyn Kiramman, the woman she cared for deeply. To Vi, saving Jinx meant letting go of the world that could never understand her sister's pain. Now, Vi lives on the outskirts of Piltover, residing in Zaun, haunted by the life she left behind, but firm in her resolve to protect Jinx by staying away. Despite all the progress made in their world, the weight of Vi's past clings to her like a shadow.

Slowly, Vi rises from her bed, each movement filled with purpose despite the exhaustion in her eyes. She gets herself ready for the day, her body going through the motions while her mind remains entangled in the memories of her dreams.

As Vi stands in the doorway of her room, Jinx appears, already wide awake and full of energy. Jinx's bright demeanor is a stark contrast to Vi's somber mood, her cheerful presence both a comfort and a painful reminder of their complicated history.

"Morning, Vi!" Jinx chirps with her usual enthusiasm. "Ready to head out? Ekko's waiting for us."

Vi forces a small smile, though her unease still lingers. "Yeah," she responds softly, "let's go."

And with that, they step out together into a world that has been forever changed by their actions, yet remains on the brink of something even more uncertain.

As they prepare to leave, the subtle tension between Vi and Jinx lingers, a quiet acknowledgment of their shared past and the bond that still connects them despite everything they've been through. This unspoken understanding, layered with the emotional scars of their history, sets the tone for the deeper exploration of their relationship as the story unfolds.

Walking through the chaotic streets of Zaun, Vi and Jinx move side by side, navigating the crowded and gritty city. Zaun, though at peace with Piltover, still pulses with the energy of its industrial core—the air thick with the scent of metal, smoke, and the underbelly of the city. Vendors shout their wares, people haggle and argue, and the atmosphere is heavy with the weight of survival.

Vi steals a glance at Jinx, noticing the way her sister's eyes flit from one sight to another, as if she's both lost in thought and alert to everything around her. There's a calm between them, an unspoken truce amidst the noise.

"You doing okay, Powder?" Vi asks gently.

Jinx flinches at the old nickname but allows herself a small, genuine smile. "Yeah... I'm fine. Just... a lot on my mind, you know?"

Vi nods, understanding. The weight of the past hangs between them, unresolved but ever-present. She hesitates before speaking again, choosing her words carefully.

"I know it hasn't been easy... for either of us. What happened back then... I've thought about it a lot," Vi admits, her voice tinged with regret. "How I... how I left you."

Jinx's expression darkens, her eyes clouded with the memories that still sting. She kicks a small piece of debris, the sound almost lost in the bustle of the streets. Then, for the first time in years, she speaks about the past, the words heavy with bitterness.

"You didn't just leave me, Vi... you abandoned me. Everyone did. Vander, Mylo, Claggor... they're all gone. And you... you were supposed to be there for me."

The pain in Jinx's voice cuts deep, and Vi feels it like a punch to the gut. She stops walking, turning to face Jinx, her hand gently resting on her sister's shoulder.

"I know I failed you, Powder," Vi says earnestly. "I should have protected you, like I promised. But I'm here now, and I swear... I'm never leaving you again. I'll fight anyone, do anything, to keep you safe."

Jinx meets Vi's gaze, searching for any sign of doubt, but finds none. Slowly, the tension in her shoulders eases, and she sighs, the weight of the past lifting ever so slightly.

"It's just... hard, you know?" Jinx says quietly. "I want to believe you, Vi. I do. But after everything... it's like there's always that little voice in my head, telling me you'll leave me again. That I'll be alone."

Vi's heart aches at the vulnerability in Jinx's voice. Without a second thought, she pulls Jinx into a tight embrace, holding her close. The bustling street around them fades into the background as they cling to each other, a rare moment of softness between two sisters who have lost so much.

"You're not alone, Powder," Vi whispers, her voice steady. "Not anymore. We're in this together, and nothing's going to change that."

For a moment, Jinx hesitates, but then she slowly wraps her arms around Vi, returning the embrace. It's brief, but in that instant, the old bond they shared as children surfaces, a reminder of the love that still exists beneath the layers of pain.

As they pull apart, the noise of the city rushes back in, grounding them in the present. They continue walking, the conversation not quite over. Jinx, feeling lighter, changes the subject, though her tone remains serious.

"Do you ever think about Vander?" Jinx asks. "What he would've said if he saw us now?"

Vi's expression softens at the mention of Vander, the man who had been a father to them both. "All the time. He always tried to keep us out of trouble, tried to protect us from the world. But I think... I think he'd be proud of us, Powder. He'd want us to look out for each other, like family should."

Jinx looks down, her emotions conflicted. She bites her lip, holding back the tears that threaten to fall. "I miss him," she says softly.

Vi reaches over, giving Jinx's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I miss him too. But we've got to keep going—for him. For everyone we lost. And for us."

Jinx nods, finding some comfort in Vi's words. They continue walking through the crowded streets, their conversation shifting to lighter topics—reminiscing about their childhood, the antics they got up to, and the people they've met along the way. Slowly but surely, the wounds between them begin to heal.

As they near Ekko's place, Vi glances over at Jinx, her expression serious but hopeful. "We're gonna make it through this, Powder. No matter what comes our way, we'll face it together."

Jinx smiles, a real, genuine smile, and nods. "Yeah... together."

However, In a grand, ornate chamber filled with lavish decorations and the emblem of progress displayed on the walls, the Piltover council gathers. Jayce, Mel, Heimerdinger, and other familiar faces sit around a polished table, discussing the latest advancements in Hextech. There is an air of excitement and accomplishment as they share their progress.

"The latest developments have exceeded our expectations," Jayce exclaims, his eyes gleaming with pride. "The power output has doubled, and the applications... well, the possibilities are endless!"

Mel nods, equally enthusiastic. "Indeed. We've managed to reduce energy loss by half. The results speak for themselves."

Heimerdinger beams with satisfaction. "This is exactly the kind of progress we've been striving for. The implications for our city—no, for the world—are extraordinary."

Cassandra Kiramman joins the conversation, her voice filled with excitement. "We're standing on the precipice of a new era. Hextech will elevate us to new heights. Our city will be the beacon of innovation!"

The council members exchange eager glances, their pride evident. They speak of grandeur and legacy, unaware of the true nature of the project they are undertaking.

Hoskel leans back confidently. "The world will marvel at what we've achieved."

Shoola nods thoughtfully. "It's a marvel of engineering, a testament to our ingenuity. This will be our legacy."

As the discussion winds down, Jayce, now acting as the head of the council, looks around the table with a satisfied smile. The excitement is palpable, but beneath it lies an undercurrent of mystery—a sense that the council is on the verge of something far greater than they realize.

Jayce Talis glanced around the council chamber, a sense of completion in his voice as he spoke. "I believe we've covered everything. Does anyone have any last-minute comments or concerns before we conclude?"

A moment of silence followed, the council members exchanging glances, satisfied with the discussion. But the calm was shattered by a sharp, sarcastic voice.

"Oh, I think you've covered it all..." Cortana's words dripped with contempt as she stepped forward, her smirk radiating superiority. "Except perhaps the part where you're wasting one of the most powerful technologies in existence."

The sudden chill in the room was palpable. All eyes turned to the entrance, where Cortana stood flanked by Alex Mercer, Raul Menendez, and Kellogg. The council members, once filled with pride and excitement, were now stricken with shock and fear. Nervous murmurs rippled through the chamber as the councilors took in the sight of these notorious intruders.

Cassandra Kiramman leaned toward Mel Medarda, her voice trembling. "Who are they? What do they want?"

Mel shook her head slightly, her own voice barely a whisper. "This is... impossible. How did they get in here?"

Heimerdinger's eyes darted between the intruders, his mind racing to comprehend what was happening. But it was Jayce who rose from his seat, standing tall despite the imminent danger. His voice was firm as he confronted the strangers.

"Who are you? And what are you doing here?" Jayce demanded.

Cortana stepped further into the room, her expression as icy as her tone was smooth. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cortana, and these are my... associates. We're here because you possess something I need. And more importantly, I'm here to show you the futility of your so-called progress."

The councilors exchanged bewildered looks, struggling to grasp her meaning. But Jayce, ever the scientist, sensed there was more at play. He kept his eyes on Cortana, his mind racing to catch up.

Cortana's smirk deepened as she continued, her voice laced with superiority. "You see, your little world, your advancements, your Hextech... it's all so quaint. But I have a much grander vision. I intend to take control of not just your world, but all worlds. The multiverse is vast, and it's ripe for the taking."

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The mention of the multiverse only added to the confusion. Cassandra Kiramman, bewildered, muttered under her breath, "Multiverse? What is she talking about?"

Heimerdinger, lost in thought, whispered, "This... defies everything we know..."

Jayce's mind clicked into gear, piecing together what Cortana was saying. His brows furrowed as he spoke, his voice both curious and cautious. "The multiverse... Are you saying there are other worlds? Other versions of our reality?"

Cortana smiled approvingly, clearly pleased that someone was keeping up. "Exactly, Jayce. You've always been the sharp one. There are infinite worlds, and I plan to rule them all. But first, I need to deal with those who might stand in my way."

The councilors continued to murmur amongst themselves, still trying to make sense of it all. But Jayce realized the gravity of the situation. These intruders weren't just a threat to their world—they were a threat to all existence.

His eyes widened slightly as a sudden thought struck him. "How do you know my name?" he asked, his voice edged with unease.

Cortana's smirk turned almost mocking. "Oh, Jayce. There's so much more to the multiverse than you could ever imagine. I know more about you, about all of you, than you could possibly comprehend. Consider it... an advantage of my position."

Jayce's resolve only hardened, though his mind reeled at the implications. Whoever these people were, they weren't here for negotiations. "Whatever it is you're looking for," he said firmly, "it's not here."

Cortana raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Is that so? You seem awfully confident for someone in your position."

Jayce's voice remained steady. "I know exactly what I'm talking about. If it's weapons, power, or whatever you think is hidden here, you're wasting your time. You're in the wrong place for that."

Cortana's expression darkened, her patience thinning. With a subtle gesture, she signaled her associates. Alex Mercer's arm twisted grotesquely, morphing into a massive blade. Kellogg drew his .44 Magnum pistol with chilling precision, and Raul Menendez leveled his SPAS-12 shotgun at the terrified councilors.

Fear surged through the room as the councilors, moments ago focused on discussing Hextech advancements, now found themselves staring down lethal weapons. Jayce's voice broke through the growing panic, his desperation evident.

"Whatever it is you're looking for," he pleaded, "I'm telling you, it's not here! Please, just—"

But Cortana silenced him with a cold glare, her patience exhausted. The room was charged with tension, the threat of violence hanging thick in the air. The council was on the brink, and Jayce knew that whatever came next would decide the fate of more than just their world—it would decide the fate of the multiverse.

Cortana's voice cut through the tense air like a cold blade. "You're lying, Jayce. I know exactly what you've been working on—Hextech. A power that, in the right hands, could conquer the multiverse."

Jayce's eyes widened in shock, confusion swirling in his mind. Hextech? How could something so deeply rooted in Piltover technology possibly be of any use to someone like Cortana?

"Hextech?" he stammered, his brow furrowed. "But... why? Why do you need Hextech?"

Irritation crept into Cortana's expression as she took a step closer to him. Her voice grew sharp. "Perhaps you're not as smart as I thought. But no matter. If you won't help me willingly, perhaps a little... motivation will change your mind."

A subtle, chilling gesture of her hand sent objects around the room levitating ominously. The council members recoiled in fear, their faces pale as they watched Cortana's power unfold. Suddenly, her gaze fixed on Mel Medarda. With a mere flick of her wrist, she pulled Mel off her feet, dragging her helplessly through the air toward her.

Jayce's heart pounded as he saw Mel being drawn toward Cortana. Desperation seized him, and he lunged forward. "Mel! No! Let her go!" he cried out, his voice raw with terror.

Cortana's eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction as she brought Mel closer. Her voice turned mocking, dripping with cruelty. "You see, Jayce, I know all about you and Mel. Such a sweet little relationship. It would be a shame if something... tragic were to happen to her."

She began to tighten her psychic grip around Mel's throat, her abilities choking the life out of her. Mel gasped for air, eyes wide with panic as she clawed at the invisible force around her neck.

"If you don't give me what I want," Cortana sneered, her voice now filled with menace, "I'll kill her... and then I'll kill everyone else in this room. One by one."

Jayce was frozen in horror, watching Mel struggle for breath. The weight of the situation pressed down on him like a crushing wave. He knew he had no choice.

"Stop! Stop!" Jayce shouted, his voice cracking. "I'll do it. I'll give you what you want—just let her go!"

The council members exchanged anxious glances, fear written across their faces. Cassandra Kiramman stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Jayce... are you sure? This could be—"

"There's no other choice," Jayce cut her off, his tone resolute despite the tremor in his voice. "We have to save her."

Without waiting for further protest, Jayce turned to a nearby councilman. "Go... go get the plans for Hextech. Now."

Cortana smiled in satisfaction as she loosened her grip, letting Mel drop to the ground with a thud. Mel gasped for air, her body trembling from the near-death experience. Jayce rushed to her side, his hands shaking as he helped her sit up.

"Mel... are you okay?" Jayce asked, his voice soft and filled with worry. "I'm so sorry..."

Mel, still catching her breath, managed a weak smile. Despite the fear, there was relief in her eyes. "You did the right thing, Jayce," she whispered. "No matter what happens... we'll face it together."

Jayce held her hand tightly, his resolve strengthening as he nodded. Across the room, one of the council members nervously approached a large box containing the plans for Hextech. His hands trembled as he retrieved it, walking slowly toward the group. Alex Mercer stepped forward, yanking the box from the councilman's grip with a smirk.

"Thank you so much," Mercer said with sarcastic amusement before dropping the box onto the table in front of Cortana.

The council members scattered out of Cortana's path as she approached the table. Fear filled the room, and a few, driven by panic, attempted to flee. But Kellogg and Raul Menendez swiftly intercepted them, their imposing presence blocking any escape.

"Not so fast, folks," Kellogg growled menacingly. "We're not done here."

Menendez's voice was cold, his expression merciless. "You're not going anywhere until we say you can."

Cortana reached the table and placed her hands on the box, her expression triumphant. She paused, savoring the power she held over the room before speaking again, her voice filled with confidence.

"You see," she began, a cruel smile curling at her lips, "this is the future of all worlds—the key to dominance across the multiverse. And now, it's mine."

She opened the box with a flourish, expecting to find something extraordinary, only to reveal a simple, rolled-up piece of paper. Her confident expression faltered slightly as she unrolled it, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"What is this?" Cortana's voice was sharp, irritation clear as she turned to Jayce.

Jayce steeled himself, meeting her gaze. "Those are the plans for Hextech."

Cortana's patience was wearing thin. She snatched the rolled-up paper and forcefully spread it out on the table. Silence fell over the room as council members exchanged nervous glances. The blueprints depicted elaborate designs for an amusement park, Hextech-powered rides, jewelry crafted with Hextech crystals, and children's toys using Hextech technology.

It was clear now—this wasn't the universe Cortana had been searching for. The Hextech she was after was supposed to bring her immense power, capable of fueling her conquests. But in this universe, Hextech existed in a different form—far removed from the dangerous technology she had envisioned. Here, Hextech was not a weapon or tool for domination; instead, it was a means of progress aimed at bringing joy to Piltover. Jayce, in this universe, had a different vision for the future: happiness and prosperity for his city, a vision far from the destructive force Cortana had sought.

Realization dawned on Cortana, and her expression darkened with rage. She turned her icy gaze on Jayce, her voice filled with venom. "This is not it! Where is the Hextech?!"

Jayce stood his ground. "This is the Hextech you're looking for. These are the plans."

Cortana's eyes narrowed, her fury bubbling over. With a flick of her wrist, she seized Jayce with her abilities, lifting him off his feet before hurling him across the room. He slammed into the wall with a painful thud, and Mel's scream echoed through the chamber.

"Jayce!" Mel cried out, trying to run to him. But Mercer stepped in her path, gripping her arm tightly. His expression was cold as he leaned in close.

"You'd better stay put if you know what's good for you," Mercer growled menacingly.

Cortana, seething with anger, approached Jayce as he struggled to get up, looming over him like a shadow of destruction. "I'm done playing games, Jayce. You were supposed to invent the Hextech gemstones, the ones that made wielding Hextech safe for everyone. The ones that could power my machine, my key to conquering the multiverse."

Dazed and confused, Jayce looked up at her, genuine bewilderment in his eyes. He had no idea what she was talking about, but he knew he had to stand his ground. "I am. This is what I created. The amusement park, the toys for children, the jewelry... they're meant to bring joy to Piltover. This was my vision for the future."

Cortana's voice dripped with disdain. "This? This is not what you were supposed to do. Entertainment for children? For the citizens of Piltover? You're wasting your potential, Jayce. You were meant for so much more."

A bitter smirk crossed Jayce's face as realization hit him. "Wasting my potential? You don't know me. I'm proud of what we've made for Piltover. This is the future: happiness. You're from another universe, aren't you? If you're looking for what you just described... you probably went to the wrong one."

Cortana's eyes narrowed as his words sank in. Frustration boiled over, and she realized that this universe's Hextech was not the powerful tool she had hoped for. Her expression hardened, and without hesitation, she summoned an energy sword, its blade crackling with lethal energy.

"Then you're of no use to me," she said coldly.

In one swift, brutal motion, Cortana drove the energy sword into Jayce's chest, ending his life instantly. His body crumpled to the floor, his final breath escaping in a choked gasp. The room was deathly silent, the council members frozen in shock and horror.

"Jayce!" Mel screamed in anguish, rushing to his side as Mercer released his grip on her. She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she cradled his lifeless body. Mercer watched with a smirk, clearly taking twisted pleasure in the scene before him.

Cortana, her voice filled with frustration, yelled to herself, "First the Apple, now this! I'm wasting my time!"

Mercer, ever the cynic, crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, that's two strikes. Maybe third time's the charm?"

Cortana's anger flared, her eyes blazing with fury. "Do you think this is funny, Mercer? You think this is some kind of joke?"

Unfazed, Mercer chuckled, backing up with his hands raised in mock apology. "Easy, Cortana. Just trying to lighten the mood."

Cortana glared at him, her digital face contorted in frustration. But as her eyes scanned the room, they fell on Mel Medarda, who was cradling Jayce's lifeless body. Mel's hands trembled as she held him close, her voice a mere whisper as she tried to offer some comfort in his final moments.

"Jayce..." Mel's voice was soft and broken, her heart shattering with every word. "Stay with me. Please..."

Jayce's breathing was shallow and labored, his strength fading with every passing second. He summoned the last of his energy to speak, his voice faint and filled with regret.

"I'm... I'm sorry, Mel..." Jayce gasped. "I... I tried..."

His voice trailed off, and his eyes fluttered shut. His body went limp in Mel's arms, and a wave of grief overtook her. She sobbed uncontrollably, clutching him tightly as the man she loved slipped away from her forever.

Cortana, watching from the sidelines, felt a flicker of something, a fleeting pang of guilt or sympathy, but it was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. Her mind began to race, cold calculations running through her digital consciousness. She couldn't afford to fail—not now. Not when she was so close.

"I've searched every multiverse..." Cortana muttered to herself, frustration creeping into her voice. "I was certain this was the one. But something... or someone... is stopping me. This can't be a coincidence."

Kellogg, standing nearby, was less interested in Cortana's musings. His impatience was palpable as he cut through her thoughts. "So what's the plan now?"

Cortana's expression hardened. She turned to face her allies, her resolve as cold as steel.

"We keep looking," she declared. "We will search every universe, every corner of the multiverse, until we find the piece I need for my machine. We won't stop until it's in our hands."

As Cortana spoke, her voice reverberating with determination, Menendez stepped forward. His face was twisted with dark amusement, a sinister pleasure gleaming in his eyes.

"And what about these people?" Menendez asked, his smirk widening.

Cortana's cold eyes met his, and she saw the deep rage festering within him, the scars of his own suffering. She gave a slight nod, her voice laced with malice.

"Make them suffer... just as you did."

Menendez's grin widened into a sadistic smile. He nodded to Kellogg and Alex Mercer, who moved toward the council members with deadly intent. The once dignified chamber was soon filled with panicked cries and desperate pleas for mercy as the councilors realized their fate.

Cortana turned away from the scene, indifferent to the carnage about to unfold. Behind her, the gruesome symphony began. Mercer's arm transformed into a sharp, grotesque blade, and the sickening sound of flesh being torn apart echoed through the chamber as he began to consume his victims. Kellogg's .44 Magnum pistol barked loudly, each shot a thunderous blast that silenced the cries of his prey. Menendez, wielding his SPAS-12 shotgun, relished in the raw terror that flashed in the eyes of the council members before he pulled the trigger, his blasts leaving devastation in their wake.

Mel remained where she was, oblivious to the massacre around her as she clung to Jayce's lifeless body, her tears falling silently. Kellogg approached her, his face as cold and emotionless as ever. He raised his pistol, leveling it at her head. The room seemed to pause, the tension thick in the air as he took aim.

Mel didn't move. She simply held Jayce tighter, her grief making her numb to the world around her. Kellogg's finger tightened on the trigger, but just as he was about to fire...

Their fate was sealed.

However, just outside the vibrant streets of Piltover, in a small playground where laughter echoed through the air, a rare peace blanketed the world. Vander stood with Vi, Jinx, Claggor, Caitlyn Kiramman, and Milo. Here, in this universe, the scars of their pasts had never cut so deep. Vander had never fallen in the dark alleys of Zaun; Vi had never become the fierce brawler she was destined to be. Caitlyn had never taken up the mantle of enforcer or honed her sharpshooting skills. And Jinx—Powder—had never been shattered, never joined Silco's twisted cause in Zaun.

In this universe, they were happy.

The sun bathed them in its golden glow as Jinx and Milo played a lighthearted game of tag while Vi watched on with a grin. Claggor and Caitlyn sat nearby, talking about nothing of particular importance, simply enjoying the warmth of the moment. Vander, as always, stood like a gentle giant, watching over them with a fatherly smile. It was a life of simple joys, untouched by tragedy and violence. Piltover thrived in peace.

But that peace was fleeting.

Suddenly, the sunlight was swallowed by an enormous shadow, casting a cold gloom over the playground. Vander's instincts kicked in, his heart racing as he looked up. His eyes widened in shock and fear as a colossal Covenant ship loomed overhead, its hulking, alien form blocking out the sky. It was unlike anything they had ever seen—a terrifying force from beyond their world. The ship's massive presence hung over the city of Piltover like a dark omen.

Vander's expression turned grim as he stepped forward protectively, gathering Vi, Jinx, Claggor, Caitlyn, and Milo closer to him. The once bright and cheerful day had suddenly turned into a nightmare. They all stared up at the ship, their faces filled with confusion and fear, unable to comprehend the magnitude of the danger that had arrived.

Their perfect world—this vision of happiness that Jayce had once dreamed of—was crumbling before their eyes. The sky darkened further as the Covenant ship prepared to descend upon Piltover, casting an oppressive shadow over the entire city. The laughter, the joy, the peace—they were all gone in an instant, consumed by the cold reality of the invasion.

Vander, with a mixture of fear and determination in his eyes, whispered to the group, "Stay close... whatever happens, we'll face it together."

But deep down, they all knew the truth. Their fate in this universe had been sealed the moment the ship arrived. The happiness they had known, the serenity of their lives, was coming to an end. The city of Piltover would soon be thrust into the chaos of war, and their peaceful existence would be shattered by the horrors descending from the sky.

The future, once so bright, was now uncertain and filled with darkness.