Chapter 89: A Day of Adventure

The morning air in Zaun carried its usual mix of industrial grime and faint chemical tang, but for Ekko, Powder, and their growing family, it felt like a perfect day. Isha was practically bouncing with excitement as she clung to Powder's arm, chattering about what they might see in Piltover.

"I've never been there before," Isha said, her wide eyes sparkling.

"Don't worry, kiddo," Vi chimed in, adjusting her gauntlets. "Piltover's not as fancy as it looks. But they do have some killer food stands."

Powder leaned down to Isha's level. "We're going to show you all the best spots, okay? And maybe sneak in a little fun while we're at it."

Ekko grinned, adjusting the small pack slung over his shoulder. "Don't forget, we're on a date too. So no distractions, Powder."

Powder shot him a teasing smirk. "As if you could distract me from Isha's first adventure."

The group made their way to the border between Zaun and Piltover, navigating the winding tunnels and secret routes that Ekko and Powder knew like the back of their hands. The transition between the two cities was always striking. Where Zaun's colors were muted and shadowed, Piltover's streets gleamed with gold accents and clear blue skies.

Isha gasped as they emerged into the sunlight, her small hands clutching Powder's arm even tighter. "It's so... clean!"

"Yeah," Vi said with a laugh. "Don't let it fool you, though. Piltover's got its problems too."

Powder nodded. "She's right. But today, we're just here to explore and have fun."

Ekko clapped his hands together. "First stop: the market district!"

The Piltover market district was a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Merchants called out to potential customers, boasting of their wares—fine silks, rare spices, and intricate gadgets that gleamed under the sunlight.

Ekko led the way, pointing out the more unique stalls. "That guy sells clockwork toys. And over there? Best sweetbread you'll ever taste."

Powder and Isha stopped at nearly every stall, admiring the trinkets and sampling small treats. At one point, Isha tugged on Ekko's sleeve, pointing to a brightly colored pinwheel spinning in the breeze.

"Can we get one?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

Ekko crouched down to her level. "Of course. But only if you promise not to use it as a weapon like Powder does with her gadgets."

"Hey!" Powder protested, but she was laughing.

Isha giggled, clutching the pinwheel tightly after Ekko handed it to her.

By midday, the group's stomachs were growling, and they made their way to one of Piltover's famous food carts. The smell of sizzling meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making it impossible to resist.

Vi ordered for the group, piling a tray high with sandwiches, pastries, and an assortment of snacks.

"This is amazing!" Isha exclaimed, her mouth full of a sweet roll.

Ekko chuckled, taking a bite of his sandwich. "Told you Piltover food was worth the trip."

Powder leaned over to steal a piece of Ekko's sandwich, earning a playful glare. "What? Sharing is caring."

Vi rolled her eyes. "You two are disgustingly cute."

Isha looked up at Vi. "Does that mean you and Caitlyn are disgustingly cute too?"

Vi nearly choked on her drink, her face turning red. "What? Who told you that?"

Powder burst out laughing. "Come on, Vi, it's written all over your face."

After lunch, Ekko suggested they visit Piltover's iconic clocktower, a structure that always fascinated him with its intricate mechanisms and sweeping views of the city.

"I've always wanted to see this up close," Ekko said, his eyes gleaming with excitement as they climbed the stairs.

The group reached the top just as the sun began to dip in the sky, casting a golden glow over Piltover. Isha ran to the edge, peering out over the city.

"It's so big," she said, her voice full of awe.

Powder knelt beside her, pointing out landmarks in the distance. "See that bridge? That's how we get back to Zaun. And over there is the academy where all the fancy inventors study."

Ekko stood behind them, his hand resting lightly on Powder's shoulder. "One day, we'll build something even better than this clocktower," he said, his voice filled with determination.

Powder looked up at him, her eyes soft. "We already are. It's called Zaun."

As the day turned to evening, Vi and Isha wandered ahead, giving Ekko and Powder a rare moment alone.

"I think Isha's having the time of her life," Ekko said, his hand brushing against Powder's as they walked.

"She deserves it," Powder replied. "We all do."

Ekko smiled, taking her hand in his. "You know, I didn't think I'd ever get to have moments like this. Just... normal. Peaceful."

Powder squeezed his hand. "Me neither. But I'm glad we do. And I'm glad it's with you."

They stopped at the edge of a small park, the soft glow of streetlamps casting long shadows. Ekko turned to face her, his expression serious.

"You make everything better, Powder. Zaun, my life... everything."

Powder felt her cheeks flush, but she met his gaze steadily. "You're my everything too, Ekko."

He leaned in, their foreheads touching as the world seemed to fade away.

By the time they returned to Zaun, Isha was asleep in Vi's arms, her pinwheel clutched tightly in her hand. Powder glanced at Ekko, her heart full as they walked through the familiar streets of their home.

"This was a good day," she said softly.

Ekko nodded. "The best."

And as they reached the warm glow of the Last Drop, Powder knew they'd carry the joy of that day with them, no matter what challenges lay ahead.