Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The days after the victory against Ambessa were quieter, but they carried the weight of loss and exhaustion. The battle had scarred both Zaun and Piltover—not just physically, but emotionally. Streets once filled with the bustle of survival now stood eerily silent, the air heavy with grief. But amid the sorrow, there was a fragile sense of peace. For the first time in months, the two cities were not at each other's throats. Instead, they were united by their shared wounds and their shared hope for recovery.

Zaunites and Piltovans worked side by side to clear the remnants of the battlefield. Bodies of fallen comrades were laid to rest with solemn ceremonies, their sacrifices honored with quiet reverence. Ekko stood at the forefront of the efforts, his hands dirty from helping dig graves and build makeshift memorials. He had insisted on helping, even as others urged him to rest.

Powder had been no different. She threw herself into helping the wounded and organizing relief efforts, her usual manic energy tempered by the weight of everything they had endured. Vi and Silco were also deeply involved, each in their own way—Vi working tirelessly alongside the enforcers, and Silco ensuring that Zaun's resources were used to support those in need.

But after days of relentless work, Ekko decided it was time for a small reprieve.

"Hey, Powder," Ekko said, approaching her as she sorted through a pile of supplies meant for the injured. "I think we deserve a little break."

Powder looked up, her blue eyes tired but warm. "A break? Now? There's still so much to do."

"There's always going to be more to do," Ekko said with a small smile. "But we've been running ourselves ragged. Just a few hours to breathe. You, me, and Isha. What do you say?"

At the mention of Isha, Powder's expression softened. The little girl had been a light in their lives, a reminder of why they fought so hard. "Okay," she said after a moment. "But just a few hours."

The trio set out from their hideout, Isha skipping happily between Ekko and Powder as they walked through Zaun's winding streets. Despite the scars left by the battle, the city seemed to be coming alive again. Vendors were reopening their stalls, children played in the alleys, and the faint sound of music drifted through the air.

Ekko and Powder shared a look, their hearts lifting at the sight. This was what they were fighting for—a Zaun where people could live without fear.

They stopped by a street vendor selling freshly fried snacks. Isha tugged on Ekko's sleeve, pointing excitedly at a skewer of meat. "Can we get that?"

Ekko grinned. "Of course. One for each of us."

As they ate, Powder wiped a smudge of sauce off Isha's cheek, her eyes soft. "You're a messy eater," she teased.

Isha giggled. "You're messier!"

Ekko laughed, the sound a rare balm for their frayed nerves. For a moment, it felt like they were just a normal family enjoying a sunny day in the city.

After exploring Zaun for a while, they decided to head to Piltover. Powder had suggested it, knowing that Isha had never seen the gleaming city above. The transition from Zaun's dim alleys to Piltover's sunlit streets was stark, but Ekko and Powder felt a strange sense of pride as they walked through the gates. They had fought for this—for the chance to move freely between the two cities without fear or resentment.

In Piltover, they wandered through the bustling markets, taking in the vibrant colors and lively chatter. Isha's eyes were wide with wonder as she pointed at everything from mechanical trinkets to exotic fruits.

"Can we get that?" she asked, pointing at a small clockwork bird that flapped its wings and chirped.

Powder knelt beside her, inspecting the toy. "It's beautiful, isn't it? How about we make something like this together when we get back?"

Isha nodded eagerly, her smile bright. "Yes, let's do it!"

As the day wore on, they found a quiet spot overlooking the edge of Piltover, where the city gave way to the sprawling view of Zaun below. The three of them sat on a bench, the sun casting a warm glow over the horizon.

"It's beautiful," Powder said softly, leaning against Ekko. "Hard to believe we were fighting for our lives just a few days ago."

Ekko nodded, his arm draped around her shoulders. "Yeah. But moments like this make it worth it."

Isha sat between them, her small hand clutching Ekko's. "Do you think everything will be okay now?"

Ekko looked down at her, his expression serious but gentle. "We're going to do everything we can to make sure it is."

Powder ruffled Isha's hair. "And you're going to help us, aren't you? You're part of the team now."

Isha beamed, her worries momentarily forgotten. "Yeah! I'll help!"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the trio made their way back to Zaun. The walk was quiet but comfortable, each of them lost in their own thoughts.

When they reached their hideout, Powder turned to Ekko. "Thanks for today. I think we all needed it."

Ekko smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Yeah. Sometimes it's good to remember what we're fighting for."

Powder leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "You're a good leader, Ekko. And a good person."

Ekko felt his cheeks heat up, but he chuckled. "Don't go soft on me now."

She rolled her eyes, but there was affection in her gaze. "Come on, let's get inside."

As they stepped into the hideout, Isha ran ahead, her laughter echoing through the halls. For the first time in what felt like forever, the world seemed a little brighter.

But they all knew this peace wouldn't last forever.