Ending the Cycle || A Timebomb Fanfic

XX

Never mind guys, I lied SO BAD

This has been my favorite chapter to write thus far. Fuck the smut bro, I had to write this to cure my aching heart (Please please enjoy!!)

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The night before the rebellion was a storm of activity and tension. The temple, once a quiet sanctuary, had become a crowded refuge filled with mages, their families, and supporters from all corners of the city. Hushed conversations buzzed like an electric current through the dimly lit halls, as every available corner of the space was claimed by huddled groups clutching their belongings, whispers of hope mingling with the palpable weight of fear.

At the heart of the chaos, Seryn and Daxen moved tirelessly, their efforts directed toward ensuring that every key player understood the plan. Seryn's fiery spirit matched the urgency of the moment, his voice clear as he relayed messages to arriving allies, while Daxen's quiet strength kept the logistical pieces in place. Kahina stood over an array of maps and diagrams, her fingers tracing escape routes through the underground tunnels that Emberlyn had scouted the day before. The routes had been chosen carefully, every twist and turn evaluated for safety. Tension etched lines into Kahina's face, but she remained resolute, her voice steady as she issued instructions to the small Illuminator teams tasked with guiding refugees through the labyrinth of stone beneath the city.

As more people arrived, news from the outer districts poured in, heightening the unease. Whispers spread like wildfire: fires had been set in the markets, rebels clashed with Mageseekers in the alleys, and chaos brewed in pockets across the city. It seemed that the rebellion had already begun to smolder, its flames licking at the edges of Demacia even before the official spark. Every report added to the weight pressing down on Lux's shoulders, a fear she had long grown accustomed to—but this time, it was different. This time, she wasn't simply reacting to events beyond her control. She was part of them, a pivotal force in shaping what came next.

Lux had spent hours going over the plan with Jinx and Ekko, drilling every detail into their heads. The timing of the explosions was critical, every second accounted for. The Dauntless Vanguard, now poised to act, had agreed to focus on the rebellion's heart, leaving the distraction to Jinx and Ekko. Lux reassured them repeatedly that the Vanguard wouldn't interfere with their mission. "The explosions will barely register as a blip to them," she'd said, her voice filled with a confidence she didn't entirely feel. "Garen and Tianna will be fully occupied with Sylas and the rebels. This is our moment."

Amid the frantic whirl of plans and the hum of voices, Jinx's absence initially went unnoticed. The temple was a chaotic hive of activity—families huddled together, whispers of hope and fear mingling in the air as the rebellion loomed closer. Ekko had been deep in conversation with several families about the upcoming jailbreak strategy. His calm and steady demeanor provided a rare anchor for those clinging to slivers of hope. A mother, clutching a small boy to her side as she sat on the hard ground, had gripped Ekko's hand tightly, her desperation etched into every line of her face.

"Please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You have to bring him back. My husband... He's in one of those cells. They took him months ago, and we haven't heard a word since. You'll know it's him, he looks like my boy here and wears a large locket with our pictures in it."

Ekko knelt to meet her eye level, his expression serious but kind. "We'll get him out," he assured her, his voice steady, unwavering. "I promise. We're not leaving anyone behind."

Tears welled in the woman's eyes as she reached into her bag, pulling out a small, intricately carved music box. She hesitated for a moment before pressing it into Ekko's hands. "This is his," she said softly, her voice breaking. "It's the most important thing he left behind. Please... when you find him, give it to him. He'll know it's from us. He needs to know we're safe."