Chapter 111: Forging Ahead

The streets of Zaun buzzed with activity. Since the victory against Ambessa's initial army, the city had experienced a sense of temporary calm. Yet, beneath the surface, everyone knew the storm wasn't over. Preparations continued at a breakneck pace, the unity between Zaun and Piltover becoming a lifeline for both cities.

Ekko walked through the bustling workshop district, his Swordbat slung across his back. Every corner of Zaun seemed to hum with progress—artisans crafting reinforced armor, engineers testing defensive mechanisms, and even the occasional enforcer lending a hand. It was a sight he had only dreamed of before. Now, it was reality.

"Ekko!" a voice called, breaking his thoughts. Turning, he saw Claggor jogging toward him, his usual cheerful expression brightening the otherwise gray surroundings.

"Claggor," Ekko greeted with a nod. "What's up?"

"We just finished assembling the first batch of reinforced barricades. Powder's explosives team has already tested them—safe and sturdy," Claggor said proudly. "She's working on another upgrade in the Firelights' main lab."

Ekko chuckled. "She never stops, does she?"

"Not when she's on a roll. You should check in with her. She's been muttering about something new she's cooking up."

The lab was a chaotic mix of brilliance and clutter, with blueprints scattered across tables, wires dangling from half-finished devices, and the faint smell of gunpowder in the air. Powder was perched on a stool, her goggles pushed up onto her forehead, as she fine-tuned a small device that hummed softly in her hands.

"Hey, genius," Ekko said, leaning against the doorframe.

Powder glanced up, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "Hey! Perfect timing. I need your opinion on something."

She held up the device, which resembled a sleek wrist-mounted gadget. "This is the Mark II Zapper. The old one was too bulky, so I streamlined it. It's smaller, lighter, and delivers twice the shock."

Ekko stepped closer, examining the device. "Looks solid. How does it work in the field?"

Powder grinned mischievously. "Wanna find out?"

Before he could answer, she activated the Zapper, a controlled bolt of energy shooting out and striking a metal plate across the room. The plate sparked and fizzled, leaving a small scorch mark.

"Not bad," Ekko said, impressed. "That'll come in handy."

"Just wait until you see the upgrades I'm planning for Fishbones," Powder said, her enthusiasm infectious. "Bigger rockets, better tracking… It's gonna be epic."

The council meeting was held in Piltover's grand hall, its ornate design contrasting sharply with the Firelights' underground hideouts. Ekko, Powder, and Vi represented Zaun, standing alongside the Kirammans, Caitlyn and her parents taking their places among the Piltover elite. The atmosphere was tense, the stakes higher than ever.

Mel Medarda sat at the table, her posture poised but her expression guarded. Despite her efforts to distance herself from her mother's shadow, Ambessa's looming threat had put her loyalty under scrutiny.

"We must address the elephant in the room," a council member said, breaking the silence. "Ambessa Medarda's forces won't stop with a single skirmish. She's likely regrouping for a larger assault."

"And we'll be ready," Cassandra Kiramman interjected firmly. "Piltover and Zaun stand united. We've already proven we can hold our ground."

Another councilor raised an eyebrow. "But can we trust all of our allies? Ambessa's ties to certain individuals here make it difficult to gauge their loyalty."

All eyes turned to Mel, who met their gazes with calm determination. "Let me be clear," she said. "I am not my mother. My loyalty lies with Piltover, not with her ambitions. If you doubt me, then you doubt the very foundation of this council."

Ekko decided to speak up, his voice steady. "I've seen Mel's commitment firsthand. She's worked with us, supported us, and taken risks for the greater good. If she says she's on our side, I believe her."

Cassandra nodded in agreement. "Mel has been instrumental in strengthening our alliances. We cannot afford division when unity is our strongest weapon."

The council murmured among themselves before the head councilor finally spoke. "Very well. For now, we proceed with the assumption that all members are aligned. But we must remain vigilant."

Back in Zaun, the Firelights and enforcers continued their joint training. The sparring arena was alive with activity, the clashing sounds of fists, blades, and laughter filling the air.

Vi and Powder were engaged in a spirited hand-to-hand combat session. Powder had improved significantly under Vi's tutelage, her movements sharper and more calculated than before.

"Not bad, Powder," Vi said, dodging a jab. "But you're still telegraphing your punches."

"Am not!" Powder retorted, attempting a roundhouse kick that Vi effortlessly blocked.

"See?" Vi teased, grinning. "Too predictable."

Nearby, Ekko sparred with Mylo, the two exchanging rapid strikes. Mylo was fast, but Ekko's newfound strength and agility gave him an edge. He managed to disarm Mylo with a swift maneuver, his Swordbat humming as it hovered inches from Mylo's chest.

"Alright, alright, you win," Mylo said, raising his hands in surrender. "But next time, I'm bringing a bigger weapon."

"You mean something heavier to swing and miss with?" Ekko teased, helping him up.

Claggor watched from the sidelines, cheering them on. "If we keep this up, Ambessa won't know what hit her."

Later that evening, Ekko and Powder retreated to a quiet rooftop, the city sprawling out below them. The night sky was clear, the stars shining brightly—a rare sight in Zaun.

Powder leaned against Ekko, her head resting on his shoulder. "Do you think we're ready?"

Ekko wrapped an arm around her, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We're as ready as we can be. The rest, we figure out as we go."

She sighed. "Sometimes, I wish things were simpler. No battles, no politics… just us."

Ekko smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "One day, we'll get there. But for now, we fight. For Zaun, for Piltover, for everything we've built."

Powder looked up at him, her eyes filled with determination. "Together?"

"Always," Ekko said, his voice steady and sure.

As the night deepened, they sat in silence, drawing strength from each other and the city they both loved. The road ahead was uncertain, but they knew they weren't walking it alone. Together, they were ready to face whatever came next.