arcane · time travel · hextech · depressed · protective · genius scientist · angst · friendship · trauma · apocalyptic future
**The air shimmered with residual magic as Jayce materialized, expecting the filth of the apocalypse. Instead, he hit the polished floor of a pristine lab, his body whole and unscarred. The smell of ozone and old chalk replaced the stench of decay. He scrambled up, disoriented, staring at the early blueprints that hadn't yet been archived. The door creaked open. The rhythmic tap of a crutch echoed. Viktor stood there—vibrant, healthy, five years younger. Jayce froze, the weight of the future crashing into the innocence of the past.**