𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 || A Timebomb Fanfic

Behind Closed Doors

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The Firelights' headquarters was a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers hidden beneath the undercity. The walls hummed with the low rumble of machinery, and the air was thick with the scent of oil, metal, and the faint tang of sweat.

In a dimly lit room, the Firelights gathered-Sira at the center, her expression dark and contemplative. The flickering light from the wall-mounted sconces cast sharp shadows across their faces, highlighting the tension in the air.

Ekko had left hours ago, his mind preoccupied with the encounter at the warehouse. He still wasn't sure what to make of his conversation with Jinx. It had left him unsettled, his thoughts racing as he tried to understand the chaos she had become and how, despite everything, he still couldn't help but reach out to her.

But while he was preoccupied with Jinx, the Firelights were making plans of their own.

Sira stood with her back to the others, her eyes fixed on the wall where a map of the city was pinned, routes traced in bright red ink. It had been weeks since the Firelights had launched their last major strike against the enforcers, and tensions had been running high ever since.

"I don't trust her," Sira said, her voice cold and deliberate. "We've all seen what she's capable of."

The others in the room nodded in agreement. They knew what she was talking about-Jinx, the former Powder, the girl who had once been a friend of Ekko's, but had become a wild force of destruction. And now, she was more dangerous than ever, wielding chaos as if it were a weapon in itself.

Sira turned toward the group, her eyes scanning their faces. "We all know that Ekko's blinded by his feelings for her. He's been soft on her for too long, and it's time we did something about it."

A murmur of agreement swept through the group. Tessa, one of the more vocal members of the Firelights, crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a firm line. "Ekko thinks he's the only one who can reach her. But Jinx is unstable. She's dangerous. And if we don't act soon, she'll be the end of us all."

"I don't care about her," said Lyric, another Firelight with a hardened expression. "But I do care about keeping the peace in this city. And letting Jinx run rampant isn't doing anyone any favors."

Sira turned back to the map, her fingers tracing the edges of the routes they had mapped out. "We're going to hit her where it hurts. We know she's been hiding in the old warehouse district, right? Well, I say we take her out before she has a chance to hurt anyone else. We've already got the resources. We just need to plan it carefully."

The room fell silent as the weight of the decision settled in. This wasn't just a strike against the enforcers or a raid on a rival gang. This was personal. Jinx wasn't just a target. She was Ekko's past-and the Firelights were about to make her their enemy.

"We'll move in at night," Sira continued, her voice low and deliberate. "When she's least expecting it. Ekko won't be with her, which means she'll be vulnerable. If we go in fast and hit her hard, she won't be able to retaliate."

Lyric nodded. "And if Ekko shows up?"

Sira's lips curled into a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Let him come. We'll handle him, too."

The others exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke up to challenge her. They all knew what was at stake. Ekko's loyalty had been tested for months, and while he had made it clear that he would do anything to protect Jinx, none of them trusted her. Not after what she'd done to the city. Not after the chaos she had left in her wake.

"I'm in," Tessa said, her voice sharp. "Let's end this."

Sira shot her a brief nod, but her gaze lingered on the map. "We'll move tonight. Make sure everyone's in position. I don't want any mistakes."

The Firelights dispersed, their footsteps echoing in the tunnel as they prepared for what was to come. Sira lingered for a moment, her hand resting on the wall. Her thoughts were dark, but she knew she was doing the right thing. This wasn't just about Jinx anymore. It was about ensuring the survival of the Firelights-and the future of the undercity.

---

Meanwhile, Ekko was miles away, unaware of the dangerous plan brewing in the shadows. He had returned to his makeshift workshop, the familiar hum of machinery a calming sound. His mind was still reeling from his conversation with Jinx, but the Firelights needed him. He had a duty to them, and he couldn't let himself get distracted.

He sat on a stool, a worn-out map spread out before him. His fingers traced over the routes they'd planned for their next mission-his thoughts flickering back to Jinx every few seconds.

Was she really as far gone as she seemed? he wondered. Or was she just... lost?

The question gnawed at him. Jinx was dangerous, yes. But deep down, he knew there was still a part of her that was scared-scared of being alone, scared of being seen as weak. And maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for her to come back to the person she used to be.

But the Firelights... They weren't so sure.

Ekko stood, pacing the room as he tried to focus on the task at hand. He had to prepare for the next raid. The city was unstable, and the Firelights needed him to lead.

He glanced back at the comms terminal. He should check in with Sira. But his gut told him to wait. Sira had been... distant lately. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about the way she'd been acting was off.

No time for that, he thought, shaking his head. Focus on the mission.

But little did he know that while he was lost in his thoughts, the Firelights were preparing for a mission of their own-a mission that didn't include him. And it was one that would set the stage for an inevitable confrontation with the one person he was trying so desperately to protect.

---

Back in the warehouse, Jinx sat on a stack of crates, her fingers tracing the edges of her weapon-her hands fidgeting as if she was trying to distract herself from the thoughts that were slowly creeping back into her mind.

Ekko's face kept appearing in her mind-his words, his touch, the way he had looked at her that night.

She had told herself she didn't need him. That she didn't care. But the truth was, she couldn't deny the feelings that were bubbling under the surface.

Why did it have to be this way? she wondered, staring at the rusty floor beneath her.

She heard a noise behind her, and her hand instinctively moved toward the gun at her side. But it wasn't an intruder-it was just the sound of an old crate creaking under the weight of the rusted pipes overhead.

But even with the noise, Jinx's pulse quickened. She had a feeling something was coming.

And she wasn't sure if it was Ekko-or something worse.

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