Act 1 Epilogue

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Jinx

Sometimes I wonder if the last few months have been all a fever dream and I was still in that alleyway but here I was in my bed, staring up at the painted ceiling of my room as I woke up from a long night's sleep.

I rubbed the sleep off my eyes as I slowly sat up and stretched. Mr Floofington started stretching as well as he got up from his simple bed near the window. He loved it there because he could bask in the sunlight in the morning.

“Morning, Mr Floofington.” I greeted my companion. I got a yawn in response as he plodded towards the light and laid down. I spent some time staring at him, observing his grey fur under the bright light of the morning sun.

Sunlight, actual sunlight as the smog was lighter up here, was streaming through the window of my room while the sound of the busy street below filtered in. It almost felt unreal yet the rays of light illuminating my room was as real as it could get. I could hear the hustle and bustle of the city, how the people in the crowd talked to each other as well as the pneumatic hiss and whistle of the machinery that powers the city.

I could hear Ark and Vi teasing each other again from the kitchen of our little apartment. They’re being all lovey dovey again. One gross, why do they have to be so icky about it?, and two… “I can hear you two!”. I shouted as I threw my pillow at the door to emphasize my point. The muffled thump of my soft pillow against the wooden door only made them laugh.

Mr Floofington jumped in surprise before he gave me a look. Don’t give me that look, you can clearly hear them, Mr Floofington. They keep going on and on and it's just… argh!

I groaned as I covered my face before slumping down on my bed again. Even if this was just a dream, I hope I never woke up from it. We were happy here, I was happy here… well mostly but that’s for future me to consider as I need to get up.

“Breakfast’s ready, Jinx!” Shouted Vi as I sniffed at the clean air inside our home. I could smell… sausage and tomatoes from here. Maybe they bought some eggs as well.

“Eat it while it's hot.” Ark said soon after. I really need to get up now

Slowly, I sat up and looked around my room. Saying those words, “my room”, felt weird but I love it. The soft blue poster I chose for the room brightened the place up. There on my desk was Princess Pow and beside her sat Mister Sparkles. I still needed to tune her up, make her spin faster and fire faster as you can never have enough firepower. There was also a large wardrobe in my room but it's mostly empty because it's not like I have much to wear. I mostly keep my other stuff there to keep the place mostly clean.

Getting up from bed was a chore on its own as well. I had a bed of my own with a wooden frame and a soft mattress which makes waking up harder now. I just want to lay down and sleep and eat here but food is not going to walk to me. I jumped from my bed and landed on the cold wooden floor. It took me a while to figure out where I tossed my boots but I found them soon enough before I headed out to clean myself with Mr Floofington right behind me.

I looked at my reflection as I washed my face. I combed through my knee length locks of blue hair while blue eyes stared back intently at me. My hair was getting absurdly long but I kinda liked it. I shuffled to our kitchen before plopping down on one of the chairs.

“Had a good night's sleep?” asked Ark as he placed a plate of eggs, sausage and bread along with some slices of tomatoes in front of me. My mouth watered at the sight. Vi was gulping down her meal while Ark was busy cleaning the kitchen area. Mr Floofington sat in front of his bowl while Whump was busy chowing down on a plate of young Puffcap Mushrooms.

“Yeah, it’s good. Weirdest dream though. There were two monkeys that kept grunting and jumping on the bed. The squeaking noise was annoying.” I replied as I started eating, taking out large bites out of my meal. I tasted a lot of garlic in my sausages and the eggs were just cooked right with the yolk perfect for dipping.

Vi and Ark started choking, coughing as both of them downed a glass of water. I stared back at them feeling all confused. What was that about? Eh, probably just the two being weird again. The meal was mostly uneventful.

“So, we’re going to go somewhere-” Vi started, trailing off as she looked towards Ark as if asking him to explain. I cut them off and replied

“If you two are going somewhere where you’re going to be lovey dovey, can you atleast give me the choice to stay home?” Having to watch them go to a temple all for Ark to give Vi a stupid ring was bad enough. I do not want a repeat of that. “Come on, I’m already 12 and you two are like… 15 right? I have my wants and you have yours so why don’t you go out while I have my own fun here!”

The two looked unsure but old tricks should help here. “Pretty please? I’ll behave and clean my room.”

Vi was the one to relent as she shrugged. “She is old enough.”

“Are you sure Jinx? We could go somewhere else. It is the weekends” Ark said. The two really wanted to go out right now.

“I’ll be fine. When was the last time I got in trouble?” I asked, my innocent angelic voice in no way faked.

“When you punched this one Piltovan kid” Ark said with a deadpan look

“He was asking for it!” Stupid prick being all high and mighty

“And when you made graffiti and were caught by the enforcers.” Vi added.

“Ok… that was on me. I should have known they were faster than me but can you give me another chance? Please?” I begged them, just wanting out right now.

Ark sighed as he looked at Vi who nodded at him. “Fine but if we have another Enforcer knock on our door again, I swear to Janna...” The threat was made clear and I wasn’t one to try and break it.

“Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” I was going to be a good girl… mostly but they don’t have to know. The two nodded before they gave me a pouch of coins to spend things on.

“We’ll be back before sundown. Here’s some money in case you want to buy some sweets. Make sure to avoid the bakery at the corner.” Ark stated seriously.

“Because they add plaster in their cake. I could taste it, it was horrible” I shuddered at the memory. All that money down the drain.

A few kisses and hugs later, much to my disgust, and I was left to my own devices. I stared at their retreating form from the window of our home. The two were holding hands while Vi had her arms around Ark’s shoulder. I want to be honest, I kinda wanted to be with them.

They looked like they’re having fun and it's not like hanging out with them isn’t half bad. It’s just they’re too icky with how close they were. I’d rather hang out with either one of them than both of them at the same time. I might be a bit biased but I kinda want to hang out with Ark more. Vi’s my older sister and all but Ark’s fun to be around with. He tells better stories, knows a lot of things and he doesn’t smother me as much as Vi does.

I shook my head out of my musing as I got ready to head out on my own. “Whump, Mr Floofington, I’ll be going out. Keep the house safe while I’m gone ok? I’ll bring some treats!”

I slipped out of our home, making sure I had a copy of our key and door locked nice and tight before I went out to the streets below.

It was perfect up here... almost perfect rather, because I was lonely up here. Who knew moving away from the Sumps meant I had to say goodbye to some friends. I tried to make friends here but… it didn’t go well. I saw one of the kids running away from me and I winced at the sight of the bald spot in his hair. It was just a simple alchemic fire, who knew their clothes were far more flammable than I was used to. At least I had Cindy to talk too but Cindy’s down at the Sumps helping the kids there with her father. Someone had to help people there.

I pouted as I headed to my favorite bridge. They had all sorts of stalls and shops here plus the street performers were leagues better than people below. People actually smiled here for once. Buying some candied apples, I sat down in one of the benches and watched people walk by.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The sun was out, the wind felt cool to the skin and people were having fun. It was a nice day today, I just wish I had someone to talk to.

“Hey…mind if I sit with you?” I blinked as I turned to a girl with bubblegum pink hair shyly smiling at me. I tilted my head.

“Ummm… sure?” I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She doesn’t look shady but never know

“Sorry, I just keep hearing this new song and I wanted to listen.” There wasn’t any musician out here right now which is kinda weird

“What song?” I asked

“Well, your song. It kinda goes like this.” The girl hummed where I sat while hearing this beautiful chaotic tone yet bubbly tone that just made me want to blow stuff up. She stopped soon after as she added, “My mom said I shouldn’t talk about it but your song’s just so loud and fun I can’t help myself babble and talk and… I’m going to shut up now.”

I stared at her for a bit before replying “You're weird but who am I to judge. You’re weird but in a good way.”

“Thank you?” She started, a confused look on her face.

“Name’s Jinx, what’s yours?” I asked I scooted over to the side to give her space to sit down

“Seraphine.” She replied as she sat down.

“Wanna spray paint some walls?” I asked, grinning on the inside.

“...Sure?” I smirked as I felt this was going to be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Jhin

I sat silently in the middle of my prison. It’s four corners a comforting sight as I sat there, meditating and in peace. This prison was here to contain me and my wardens sought to cure me yet I do not see any reason for intervention. What use is a doctor if there’s nothing to cure. I was both healthy in mind and in body. I was merely an artist expressing his art. It’s just that my canvas can be a bit unorthodox.

I often pity them, wondering how they could live such dull imperfect lives. I could free them yet I held my tongue, knowing that they didn’t see things my way. How can they when they’re blind to their own imperfection, their senses numbed and their minds unable to comprehend how utterly flawed they were.

There was nothing I could do however. I neither have the tools nor the freedom to cure them. All I had was the mattress I was given bundled safely in the corner as well as a simple mat for me to meditate on. At Least they didn’t deny me such comfort when I was willing to entertain their song and dance.

Why do they think that I do not meditate? Meditation allows me to visualize my art and allows me to finish it to perfection. The silence along with the darkness helped me lose myself, the soft steady light of the crystal lights the only illumination I had in my cell.

I counted down, waiting for my warden to come to my cell to deliver my daily meal. They always come down the same time and the same day with the same meal. A simple bowl of rice, some tofu, some vegetables and a cup of tea. The perfect amount yet lately the portions had been getting smaller.

Right on cue, the heavy footsteps of my warden echoed down the hallway yet something was odd. There was another set of footsteps following my heavyset warden, a much lighter foot step. They didn’t have the gait of a woman, no, the visitor was a man and probably bent with age thanks to the cane I hear along with their footsteps

“Are you sure you want to stay with the prisoner? I mean no disrespect counselor, but I fear for your safety.” I was flattered by my warden's concern.

“It’s fine, Master Warden. I want to talk to the prisoner alone.” Replied the old raspy voice of a wizened man well beyond his prime.

There standing in front of my cell was quite the important man and it would be rude not to bow. Standing up slowly, my legs almost having fallen asleep in my meditation, I gave a low bow to the old man. My eyes wandered over his cane, marveling at the deadly implement hidden in plain sight

“How can I be of service, Councilor? For such an esteemed statesman to visit me, it must be quite the occasion” I greeted the old man as I straightened up. The man was short, old and wrinkled yet there was fire in his eyes and steel in his hands

“Have some respect for the Council representative of Kashuuri!” Shouted the warden as he jabbed me with his heavy staff. I was almost bent over by the pain of the staff hitting my ribs as I stumbled back.

The council member merely stared as he commanded “Leave.”

“But Councilor-!” The warden protested, anger in his voice clear but not directed at the old man.

“I do not need to repeat myself, Warden.” Replied the old man and the warden shut his mouth as he bowed before leaving little old me and the councilor in front of me. There was a heavy bang as the door leading to my solitary cell closed behind the warden.

"So, the Golden Demon. Mass murderer and Assassin." the man in front of me said, as he stared at me.

"I prefer the title of artist, councilor." I replied. It was what I was after all. There was no need to

"Ah yes, you do have a penchant for turning your victims into an art piece." I heard a certain tinge of disgust in his tone but rarely do people appreciate the macabre.

"Aren't they beautiful?" I asked, already knowing the answer he would give.

"...yes." Liar liar yet I do appreciate how they try to compliment my work. Still, this must be more than just a regular visit. There must be something they want

"So I'll ask again, councilor, how may I be of service?" I asked, voice aloof and far from interested. More than one of us could lie.

“Ionia needs your services, demon.” The counselor replied, voice hard as onyx.

Oh that cracks me up. I chuckled, wondering if this was just a joke yet the serious look on his face only made me laugh out loudly. “I’m a threat to “balance” of the spirits and humanity. I’m not sure even a councilor like you could free me when the Kinkou’s the one that imprisoned me.” The shadow order that helps maintain “order” in Ionia. While others see the Kinkou’s as heroes, all I see are a bunch of idiots running around with inelegant weapons while trying to hide in the shadows.

“I might not be powerful enough alone, but a cabal of like minded people might be.” That got my eye brow rising, piquing my interest.

“You must be quite desperate seeking help from me.” It was the truth. Only a desperate man would grab the edge of the blade and the frown on his face all but confirmed my suspicion

“Things... have become difficult in the past few months. The Noxian embargo is a tightening noose around Ionia. Their armies march across our lands and even if our people deny them of every opportunity to gather food from the land, it seems that they have other sources, sources that aren’t so easily spoiled or destroyed.” He explained as he paced in front of my cage

“The army might be powerful but its head isn’t invincible. We need someone… of your talent to infiltrate their lines and… perform. It won't just be their commander’s Khada Jhin, you’ll also be sent to other places like Bilgewater and Zaun. Chaos needs to reign in Bilgewater while Zaun needs some of its best and brightest dealt with.” The old man explained, fire in his eyes.

"Tempting, tempting." I hummed, all too happy to how things were going but it seems that old man still had more to say

"We also heard of your need for perfection. The armory of Kashuuri is at your disposal." I smiled, I truly smiled at that point. Finally, a patron for my art despite their… lack of understanding.

The smile stretching across my face must have been terrifying as he backed away in shock. My answer was simple. “When can I start?”

Xilian

Some call me a prophet, a charlatan, a mad magician, a fool, For me, I am simply Zilian and I see countless realities. I don’t often get things right because one's fate is ever changing. It never sits still, never having one true path, and there are those times when reality throws a proverbial wrench into the river of time.

Time is a fickle thing and even the tiniest of changes can cause ripples across time. Time is fluid, ever changing and ever flowing. It’s no wonder that a single lost soul in Zaun could alter so much. If one stone could change a river, how much more if one would throw a boulder at it?

I watched in rapt attention as a tragedy between two sisters became unmade and in place a future where the possibilities are brighter than what they were heading in my original vision. It was a touching sight, one that my dear friend Ekko might find better even though he would be but a stranger to the blue haired one.

Tragedies averted, Families remaining whole and entire futures changed but is it for the better?

Ahh yes, let's go to Ionia to see the changes.

Oh my, while one war ending factor was removed, another was added. I see a hundred ships fed by food that could last for years. While a hundred tragedies were averted, what would a fed army do in turn. An army marches on its stomach after all and it seems that Zaun would be more than happy to keep Noxian troops fed if it means more coins for their coffers.

A soldier that would have questioned their loyalty to Noxus remains loyal as her troops remain whole and hale. Her fate remains unshaken and her sword unbroken. Without Singed in Noxus employ, such loyalty would need something else to break it

The absence of these very same weapons allowed a swordsman village to have a chance to live. A tragedy averted for now as a Master and his village joins the fight to free their lands. Without such terrible chemical weapons in Zaun’s hands, the Noxian commanders are unable to deal a decisive blow to the swordsman’s village.

Then there’s this tiny little boat in a port in Ionia. It’s burning wreck was watched by a group of monks while a girl sat in despair. A boat that was supposed to head to Ionia to deliver precious cargo to Demacia was delayed. By the time they reached Ioania, the Zaunites would find them and delay them for… two years or so it says. Looking that far in the future can get a bit hazy with how easily things can change between those time

So many changes have happened yet. Some would say that the future was unmade and fate was broken but all I see is just another path taken. People often forget that as much as time is an illusion, fate is as well. What happens next would be entirely up to decisions now and while I see a bright present thanks to subtle choices made across a period, who knows if the path they thread would remain bright and full of promise. For every happy ending, there’s a hundred tragedies. Let’s just hope that the decisions of today would help the future decide what fate they would want to have.