Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The battlefield, now silent, was strewn with the remnants of the battle. Smoldering wreckage and scorched earth marked the spots where fierce clashes had taken place, but amidst the carnage, there was a flicker of hope. The combined forces of Piltover and Zaun had prevailed against the Noxian incursion.

Ekko wiped the blood and grime from his face, the weight of the Swordbat heavy in his hand. The adrenaline had worn off, leaving him feeling the toll of countless battles, but there was no time to rest yet. There were wounded to tend to, repairs to oversee, and preparations to make for the inevitable next attack.

The makeshift infirmary was a patchwork of Zaunite ingenuity and Piltover precision. Firelights flitted about, carrying medical supplies scavenged from both cities. Powder sat cross-legged on the floor, meticulously stitching up a young Firelight's arm. Her explosives were lethal, but her hands were remarkably gentle when healing.

"There," she said softly, tying off the thread. "That should hold."

The boy gave a shaky smile. "Thanks, Powder."

Nearby, Vi was helping to lift an injured enforcer onto a stretcher. She glanced at Ekko as he entered, his steps weary but purposeful. "How's it looking out there?" she asked, her voice gruff but filled with concern.

"Better," Ekko replied. "The Firelights are clearing the last of the debris. No sign of more Noxians for now."

Vi nodded, setting the stretcher down with care. "Good. We need to regroup. That was too close."

Powder looked up from her work, her eyes meeting Ekko's. "You okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine," Ekko said, managing a small smile. "You?"

Powder smirked. "I'm always fine."

Despite her bravado, Ekko could see the exhaustion in her eyes. He reached out and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You did good out there."

"So did you," she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.

That evening, the group gathered at the edge of the battlefield, a fire crackling in the center of their camp. The tension from earlier had eased, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. Even the enforcers, usually stiff and distant, had softened in the aftermath of their shared struggle.

Vi sat with Powder and Ekko, their conversation light and punctuated by laughter. Mylo and Claggor joined them, recounting exaggerated tales of their exploits during the battle.

"I swear," Mylo said, gesturing wildly, "I took down at least ten of those Noxians by myself."

Claggor snorted. "More like two. And one of them tripped over his own feet."

"Details," Mylo shot back, grinning. "The point is, I was amazing."

Powder rolled her eyes. "You're lucky you didn't blow yourself up."

The banter continued, the group finding solace in each other's company. For a brief moment, they could forget the looming threat and simply be.

The next morning, Ekko, Vi, Powder, Mylo, Claggor, and a few other Firelights gathered in an open clearing. The air was cool, the sky tinged with the soft glow of dawn. It was the perfect time to train, to sharpen their skills and prepare for whatever came next.

Vi cracked her knuckles, a mischievous grin on her face. "Alright, who's first?"

Ekko stepped forward, his stance relaxed but focused. "I'll take you on."

The group formed a loose circle around them, eager to watch the match. Vi and Ekko faced off, their movements fluid as they began to circle each other.

"You've gotten stronger," Vi said, her tone light but respectful.

Ekko smirked. "You have no idea."

Vi lunged first, throwing a quick jab. Ekko dodged, his reflexes sharpened by the shimmer serum coursing through his veins. He countered with a swift kick, but Vi blocked it, her gauntlets giving her an edge in strength.

The sparring intensified, their movements a blur of punches, kicks, and blocks. Ekko's agility was unmatched, but Vi's power and experience made her a formidable opponent. The group cheered and laughed, shouting encouragement and teasing remarks.

"Come on, Vi!" Mylo called out. "Don't let the kid show you up!"

"Kid?" Ekko shot back, ducking under one of Vi's swings. "I could take you next, Mylo."

Vi used the distraction to her advantage, landing a light tap on Ekko's shoulder. "Focus," she said, smirking.

Ekko grinned. "Alright, no more holding back."

He shifted his stance, his movements becoming more aggressive. Vi was forced to retreat, her defenses tested as Ekko pushed her back. Finally, she called for a pause, raising her hands in surrender.

"Alright, you win this round," she said, laughing. "But only because I let you."

"Sure you did," Ekko replied, his grin widening.

Next, Powder stepped into the circle, her eyes glinting with determination. "My turn," she said, facing off against Ekko.

Ekko hesitated for a moment. "You sure? I don't want to—"

"Don't go easy on me," Powder interrupted, her stance already set. "I can handle it."

The sparring began, Powder proving to be a surprisingly agile opponent. She used her smaller size to her advantage, darting in and out of Ekko's reach. She landed a quick jab to his side, grinning triumphantly.

"Not bad," Ekko admitted, blocking her next attack. "But I'm just getting started."

The match continued, their movements fluid and playful. Ekko was careful not to hurt her, but he didn't underestimate her either. Powder's determination was clear, and she fought with a fiery spirit that matched her personality.

Finally, Ekko managed to sweep her legs out from under her, pinning her lightly to the ground. "Gotcha," he said, smirking.

Powder glared up at him, but her lips twitched with a smile. "You're lucky I didn't have my explosives."

The group laughed, the tension of the previous days melting away in the warmth of their camaraderie.

As the sparring continued, each member of the group took their turn, honing their skills and learning from one another. Mylo's bravado was matched by his surprising speed, while Claggor's strength made him a tough opponent. Even the newer members of the Firelights joined in, their confidence growing with each match.

By the end of the session, everyone was breathless but energized. The group collapsed onto the ground, their laughter echoing across the clearing.

Ekko looked around at his friends, his family, and felt a surge of pride. They had faced so much together, and they would face whatever came next with the same determination.

Powder nudged him with her elbow, her smile soft. "What are you thinking about?"

Ekko shrugged, his gaze distant. "Just... how lucky I am to have all of you."

Powder's smile widened. "We're lucky to have you too, you know."

As the sun rose higher, casting its golden light over the clearing, the group rested together, their bond stronger than ever. They were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they could face anything.