Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The morning light filtered through the haze of Zaun as the Firelights' base bustled with newfound purpose. The success of the Hextech generator had electrified the community, sparking conversations about what could come next. Powder stood at the workshop table, tinkering with a modified version of the Hextech core. Beside her, Ekko reviewed a blueprint Jayce had sketched out the night before.

"Jayce is an overachiever," Powder muttered, holding up one of the schematics. "Does he ever stop designing?"

Ekko chuckled. "He's driven, just like you." He leaned over her shoulder, pointing at a section of the blueprint. "But this part? It won't hold up in Zaun's conditions. We'll need stronger alloys to deal with the pollution and humidity down here."

Powder nodded thoughtfully. "Good point. I'll adjust it."

Their collaboration was seamless, built on years of working together. But adding Jayce into the mix had brought a new dynamic. His optimism and resources from Piltover added layers of opportunity and complexity to their efforts.

Later that day, Jayce arrived with Caitlyn in tow, carrying another case filled with Hextech components. Vi followed closely behind, clearly protective of her girlfriend, but also keeping an eye on the Kiramman family's role in the collaboration.

"I've been thinking," Jayce said, setting the case on the table. "What if we build more generators, not just for energy, but for other uses? Water purification, better heating systems, even advanced medical tools. Zaun could become a model city for sustainable technology."

Powder's eyes lit up. "Medical tools? That's brilliant. People here die from treatable injuries because we don't have the right equipment. If we could make portable devices powered by Hextech…"

Jayce grinned. "Exactly. And with your mechanical expertise and Ekko's understanding of what Zaun needs, we can design something practical and affordable."

Vi crossed her arms, her gaze flicking between Caitlyn and Jayce. "Sounds great, but who's paying for all this? Hextech can't be cheap to produce."

Caitlyn stepped forward, her tone calm and measured. "That's where my family comes in. My parents are willing to invest in these projects because they believe in what we're building here. It's not just charity—it's about creating a future where Piltover and Zaun work together."

The room fell silent as everyone processed Caitlyn's words. Ekko finally spoke up. "It's a good plan, but trust is earned, not given. We've seen too many promises broken by people who said they wanted to help Zaun."

Jayce nodded solemnly. "I get it. Piltover hasn't exactly been fair to Zaun. But this isn't about politics for me. It's about people. And I want to prove that I'm serious about making a difference."

Powder glanced at Ekko, her expression thoughtful. "We've been burned before, but maybe this time it's different. Jayce is putting himself out there, and Caitlyn's family has already shown they're willing to back us. Maybe we should take the risk."

Ekko hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But no shortcuts, and no hidden agendas. We do this the right way, or not at all."

Over the following weeks, the collaboration between the Firelights and Jayce deepened. Together, they developed prototypes for Hextech-powered medical tools, portable water purifiers, and even an early design for a transportation system that could connect Zaun and Piltover.

The workshop became a hive of activity, with Zaunite engineers and Piltover scientists working side by side. Powder thrived in the chaos, her creativity sparking new ideas and solutions. Ekko, meanwhile, focused on logistics, ensuring that every project aligned with the Firelights' mission of empowering Zaun.

One evening, as the team took a break, Jayce pulled Ekko aside.

"You're a natural leader," Jayce said. "You remind me of how I felt when I first started working on Hextech. It's inspiring."

Ekko smiled, though there was a hint of weariness in his eyes. "Thanks, but it's not just me. This is a team effort. Powder, Vi, Silco, the Firelights—they're all part of this."

Jayce nodded. "Still, it's clear that people look to you for guidance. Have you thought about what you want for Zaun's future? Beyond these projects?"

Ekko glanced out the window, where the lights of Zaun flickered like distant stars. "I want Zaun to stand on its own. Not as Piltover's shadow, but as an equal. And I want the people here to have the same opportunities as anyone else. That's the dream."

The first batch of Hextech-powered medical tools was completed ahead of schedule. To celebrate, the team organized a small gathering at the Firelights' base, inviting key allies from Zaun and Piltover.

Silco arrived with a rare smile, his usually stern demeanor softened by the progress he had seen in recent months. "You're proving me wrong, Ekko," he said, clapping the young leader on the shoulder. "I didn't think collaboration like this was possible, but you're making it happen."

Vander, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "You've done good, kid. Zaun's proud of you."

As the night went on, Ekko and Powder found themselves on the balcony, looking out over the city they loved.

"Crazy how far we've come," Powder said, leaning against the railing. "Do you think it'll last?"

Ekko placed a hand on hers, his voice steady. "It has to. We've worked too hard for this to fall apart. And with people like you and the Firelights by my side, I know we can keep building something better."

Powder smiled, her eyes shining with hope. "I like the sound of that."

As the celebration continued, the Firelights and their allies couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism. The journey was far from over, but for the first time in years, Zaun and Piltover seemed to be moving toward a shared future.

And at the heart of it all, Ekko and Powder stood as a testament to what was possible when people dared to dream. Together, they had built more than just inventions—they had built a movement, a community, and a hope for a brighter tomorrow.