Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The sounds of Zaun were familiar to Ekko—clanking machines, the hum of the Hoverboard engines, the distant rumbles of industry. Yet, today there was a quiet unease that hung in the air. It wasn't the usual clamor of the city, but something more… delicate. People seemed to be talking in hushed tones, and there was a flicker of curiosity in their eyes as they moved about. Word had gotten around, and Ekko could feel the weight of the expectations growing heavier with each passing day.

It wasn't just the Green Cycle initiative anymore. It was something bigger—something that was making waves not just in Zaun, but beyond. Even in Piltover, the word was starting to spread about Ekko's ideas, his creations, and how they could change the lives of people on both sides of the city. The pressure was starting to build.

Powder could see it too. She had always been perceptive when it came to Ekko's moods, and today, he seemed a little more distant than usual. As they worked side by side in the workshop, the silence between them felt heavier than it ever had before. Powder noticed Ekko's furrowed brow as he tinkered with a new device, a new gadget that would hopefully make life easier for the people of Zaun.

"Hey, Ekko," Powder said softly, pulling herself up to sit on a workbench beside him. "You've been quiet. What's going on in that big brain of yours?"

Ekko paused, his fingers hovering over the intricate circuit boards he had been examining. His mind raced, but he struggled to put his thoughts into words. "It's just... everything's moving so fast. The Green Cycle's growing, and people are depending on us now. I can't help but wonder if I'm... ready for all of this."

Powder's expression softened as she watched him. She could see the doubt in his eyes, a side of Ekko that he rarely showed her. He had always been the confident inventor, the one with a plan and the answers. Seeing him uncertain made her pause, unsure of how to comfort him without making him feel more overwhelmed.

"You're ready," Powder said quietly, her voice firm but gentle. "I've seen what you can do. You've been ready for this since we were kids." She swung her legs off the workbench and moved closer to him, her hands resting on the edge of the table. "This? It's nothing new. You've always wanted to fix things. And look at what we've already done."

Ekko turned to her, his eyes searching hers as if looking for confirmation. "But this is different, Powder. We're not just fixing machines or making gadgets. We're changing lives. The whole city. Zaun is—well, it's a mess. I'm not sure one person can do that."

Powder tilted her head, studying him. "You're not one person anymore, Ekko. You've got me, and you've got everyone who believes in you. And I know it's hard, but you don't have to carry it all on your shoulders."

Ekko sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not that simple, Powder. I feel like I'm the one holding everything together. If I mess this up—"

"You won't," Powder interrupted, her voice a little more insistent. "We've been through so much together, right? Do you really think you could mess this up?" She paused for a moment, taking a step closer, her hand brushing his. "I know you, Ekko. And I know you won't let us down."

For a long moment, Ekko just stared at her hand on his. Her words lingered in the air, and despite the knot in his stomach, he felt a sense of calm he hadn't expected. The way she said it—like she truly believed in him—made him feel a little lighter. It wasn't just about him anymore. They were in this together.

He smiled faintly, his fingers gently brushing against hers. "Thanks, Powder. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime," Powder replied with a playful grin. "But you're still avoiding the fun part."

Ekko raised an eyebrow. "Fun part?"

"Yeah, you know. The part where we actually go out and have a little fun for once," she teased, nudging him with her shoulder. "It's been non-stop work for the last few weeks. Don't you think we deserve a break?"

Ekko chuckled. "You know how to make everything feel lighter." His gaze softened. "Maybe you're right. A break wouldn't be the worst thing."

With that, Powder's grin widened. "So, what do you say? A little adventure? Something other than gadgets and blueprints?"

Ekko leaned back in his chair, folding his arms as he considered it. "I suppose we could use a break. But where would we go?"

Powder's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I know just the place." She grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. "Come on, Ekko. We've got a whole city to explore. And who knows? Maybe you'll have a little fun while you're at it."

The day unfolded with a carefree energy that neither of them had experienced in a long time. They found themselves wandering through Zaun's lively streets, the air thick with the sounds of street vendors, children playing, and the distant clatter of machinery. For once, the weight of the world seemed to lift, and all that mattered was the present moment.

Powder led the way, dragging Ekko through the maze of alleyways and under towering, rusted buildings. They passed by familiar faces—old friends and strangers alike—each of them nodding in recognition as they caught sight of Ekko and Powder together. There was a sense of unity in the air, a sense that people were beginning to believe in what they were building.

At one point, they stopped by a small food stall that served a favorite Zaunite delicacy—steamed buns filled with savory meats and vegetables. Powder eagerly handed Ekko a steaming bun, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she bit into hers.

"You know," Powder said between bites, "I forgot how much fun this is. Just walking around with you, not having to worry about the next big project or invention."

Ekko smiled, savoring his own bite of the bun. "Yeah, I've missed this. Just… being us. No pressure. No plans."

"Exactly," Powder said, her voice light and carefree. She nudged him again. "And no blueprints."

Ekko chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't think I could go a day without them. But I get what you mean."

As they continued to wander through the streets, Powder's playful energy became contagious. They tried out all sorts of little games with the kids they passed, raced down narrow alleys, and even got caught up in a spontaneous scavenger hunt that Powder created on the spot. Ekko laughed more that afternoon than he had in ages.

It was easy, it was carefree, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Ekko felt a sense of peace that was hard to ignore. When they finally stopped by the edge of a small rooftop café overlooking the city, he glanced over at Powder, who was gazing out at the horizon with a thoughtful look on her face.

"Thanks, Powder," Ekko said, his voice sincere. "I needed this. You really know how to make everything seem simpler."

Powder smiled softly, her gaze still on the city below. "That's what friends are for, right? To help each other when it gets tough."

Ekko smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Yeah. You've always been there for me. And I'll always be here for you."

The words lingered between them, the promise of support and loyalty echoing in the air. There was no rush, no pressing matter that needed to be dealt with. Just the two of them, sitting side by side, looking at the city they had dreamed of changing.

As the evening began to fall, the city lights flickered on, casting a warm glow over the skyline. Ekko and Powder sat in comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts, but both grateful for the break. It wasn't the grandest of adventures, but it was exactly what they needed.

"Tomorrow," Ekko said after a while, breaking the silence, "we get back to work. But today—today was ours."

Powder gave him a playful smirk. "Oh, don't worry. I'll make sure we have more of these moments."

Ekko smiled back, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. "I'm counting on you."

And in that moment, both of them knew that no matter how challenging things got, they would always have each other—to laugh with, to lean on, and to push forward together. Their bond was unshakable, and with it, there was nothing they couldn't face.