Chapter 107: Building Trust and Strength

The council meeting had ended, but its echoes lingered in the air. Ekko, Powder, Vi, and the rest of the Firelights walked through the bustling streets of Piltover, their expressions heavy with thought. Despite the small victories and promises of unity, the road ahead was steep and fraught with danger. Ambessa Medarda's forces loomed on the horizon, and the fragile alliance between Piltover and Zaun hung in the balance.

Ekko kept his gaze forward, his mind replaying the conversations from the meeting. The vulnerability in Mel's voice when she spoke of her mother had struck a chord. It wasn't just her struggle; it was a reflection of the battles they all fought—against expectations, past failures, and looming threats.

Back at their makeshift base in Piltover, the Firelights gathered to decompress. The room was alive with chatter as they recounted the council meeting and discussed their next moves.

Claggor sat on a crate, tinkering with a gadget Powder had designed earlier in the week. Mylo leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as he shot quips at Vi, who was pacing with a mix of impatience and energy. Powder perched on the edge of a table, her hands busy sketching something new, while Ekko stood by the window, staring out at the glittering city.

Vi finally broke the lull. "So, what do we think about Mel? Is she for real, or is she just another politician playing both sides?"

Powder looked up from her sketchpad. "I think she's telling the truth. Did you see her face when she talked about her mom? That wasn't fake."

Mylo snorted. "Or it was a really good act."

"Enough," Ekko said, his tone calm but firm. "She's on our side for now, and that's what matters. Whether she's genuine or not, we need her. Piltover's council is a mess, and without someone like her pushing for us, we're back to square one."

Vi nodded reluctantly. "Fair. But we keep an eye on her. If she starts pulling any shady moves, we'll know."

The conversation shifted to practical matters: fortifying their ranks, refining their strategies, and preparing for what was to come. The Firelights had always thrived on their ingenuity and adaptability, but with Ambessa's forces looming, they needed more than just cleverness. They needed strength.

"We've been good at outsmarting our enemies," Ekko said, addressing the group. "But this time, we're up against an army. We need to step up—not just as individuals, but as a team."

"What are you suggesting?" Claggor asked, setting down the gadget he'd been fiddling with.

"Training," Ekko replied. "Real training. Combat, strategy, teamwork. We've got the brains, but we need the brawn to match."

Vi grinned. "Finally, something I can get behind. I'll whip you all into shape in no time."

Powder rolled her eyes but smiled. "Great. Can't wait to get bruises all over again."

The group chuckled, the tension easing slightly. Despite the challenges ahead, there was a sense of unity in the room—a shared determination to rise above the odds.

The following day, as Ekko and Powder walked through Piltover's lower district, they discussed the training plans and the Z-Drive project. Powder had a sketchbook tucked under her arm, filled with ideas for upgrades to Ekko's Swordbat and enhancements for their base's defenses.

"We need to figure out how to balance speed and power," Powder said, flipping through her sketches. "The Swordbat is great for now, but if you're going to be fighting on the frontlines, it needs to be more than just a weapon. It should be... an extension of you."

Ekko nodded, his gaze scanning their surroundings. "Agreed. And the Z-Drive... if we can get it working, it'll change everything. Not just for us, but for Zaun and Piltover."

As they turned a corner, they nearly collided with a familiar figure: Jayce Talis. He was carrying a stack of blueprints, his expression one of focused determination.

"Ekko! Powder!" Jayce exclaimed, his face lighting up. "I was hoping to run into you."

"Jayce," Ekko said, offering a nod. "What's up?"

"I've been working on some adjustments to the Hexgates," Jayce explained, holding up the blueprints. "But I could use your input. You've got a unique perspective—especially with how you've been blending tech and ingenuity."

Powder's eyes lit up. "We'd love to help! What are you working on?"

Jayce hesitated for a moment before lowering his voice. "A failsafe. Something that can shut down the gates if they're ever compromised."

Ekko and Powder exchanged a glance. The importance of such a device wasn't lost on them. "We're in," Ekko said. "Let's see what you've got."

Back at Jayce's workshop, the three of them pored over the blueprints, exchanging ideas and refining the design. Powder's creativity shone as she suggested unconventional solutions, while Ekko's practical mindset kept the project grounded. Jayce, for his part, was impressed by their insights and adaptability.

"You two are brilliant," Jayce said, shaking his head in amazement. "I don't know how I managed without you."

Powder grinned. "You didn't. That's why you needed us."

Ekko chuckled, but his expression turned serious as he examined the blueprint. "This failsafe... it's good. But if Ambessa gets her hands on the Hexgates, she won't just use them as transportation. She'll weaponize them."

Jayce nodded grimly. "That's my biggest fear. But with your help, we'll make sure that doesn't happen."

As the day turned to evening, Ekko and Powder returned to the Firelights' base, their minds buzzing with ideas and possibilities. Despite the challenges ahead, there was a sense of hope—a belief that, together, they could overcome anything.

Powder leaned against Ekko's shoulder as they sat on the rooftop, gazing out at the city lights. "Do you think we'll ever get to a point where we don't have to fight anymore?"

Ekko wrapped an arm around her, his gaze steady. "Maybe. But until then, we keep fighting—for Zaun, for Piltover, and for each other."

Powder smiled, her heart swelling with a mix of love and determination. "For each other," she echoed.

And in that moment, with the city below them and the stars above, they found strength in their bond—a strength that would carry them through whatever came next.