Chapter 70: Forging the Future

Zaun's fight for freedom was growing fiercer, and the Firelights were at the heart of it all. While they had made significant progress, the Chem-Barons' retaliation loomed large, their resources and ruthlessness a constant threat. It was during one of these tense moments that Powder proposed an idea that would change everything.

The Firelights' workshop was alive with its usual hum of activity. Powder leaned over a cluttered workbench, scribbling furiously in her notebook. Ekko entered, wiping grease from his hands after working on a repair, and noticed her intense focus.

"What's got you so fired up?" he asked, leaning over to peek at her sketches.

Powder grinned, holding up her notebook. "Protection."

Ekko raised an eyebrow. "We've got traps and gadgets for that."

"No, I mean real protection," she said, tapping her sketches. "Armor. Weapons. Things to keep us safe when we're out there. Things that can turn the tide against the Chem-Barons."

Ekko took the notebook, flipping through the pages. Her designs were ambitious but ingenious, filled with ideas for lightweight armor, reinforced shields, and weapons tailored to their guerilla tactics.

"This is... impressive," Ekko admitted. "But it's a big step. You think we're ready for this?"

Powder crossed her arms, determination blazing in her eyes. "We have to be. They're coming at us harder every time, and we can't keep relying on luck to survive."

Ekko nodded, her passion contagious. "Alright. Let's do it. Where do we start?"

The next few weeks were consumed by experimentation. Powder led the charge, her mind a whirlwind of ideas. Ekko provided input, helping her refine the designs and ensuring they were practical. The workshop became a hive of activity, with other Firelights pitching in wherever they could.

One day, Powder unveiled her first prototype—a lightweight chest plate with reinforced plating designed to absorb impact without sacrificing mobility. Ekko tested it himself, running through a series of drills while Powder watched anxiously.

"How's it feel?" she asked.

"Pretty good," Ekko said, twisting and turning. "But it needs better flexibility in the shoulders."

Powder groaned but quickly made notes. "Fine. Back to the drawing board."

As Powder's ideas evolved, she couldn't shake one particular vision—a set of weapons designed specifically for Vi. Powder had always admired her sister's strength and resilience. What if she could amplify that?

One evening, while Ekko worked on a shield prototype, Powder approached him with a sketch of her latest concept: a pair of massive gauntlets powered by Zaunite tech.

"What do you think?" she asked, holding the sketch in front of him.

Ekko's eyes widened. "These are... wow. You think Vi can handle something like this?"

Powder smirked. "Oh, she'll handle it. Trust me."

The gauntlets became Powder's obsession. She poured every ounce of her creativity and skill into their design, crafting them from durable alloys and outfitting them with mechanisms that enhanced strength and delivered devastating blows.

When the gauntlets were finally complete, Powder brought Vi to the workshop. The older girl looked skeptical as Powder unveiled the gleaming weapons, their size alone enough to intimidate anyone.

"You made these for me?" Vi asked, her tone a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Powder grinned. "Yep. They're big, they're powerful, and they're you."

Vi stepped forward, slipping her hands into the gauntlets. They fit snugly, the mechanisms humming softly as they activated.

"These are insane," Vi said, flexing her fingers and feeling the power coursing through the weapons. "In a good way."

"Go on, give them a try," Powder urged, pointing to a reinforced target at the end of the workshop.

Vi didn't need to be told twice. With a sharp exhale, she swung her fist, the gauntlet connecting with the target in a deafening crash. The reinforced metal buckled under the impact, leaving everyone in the room stunned.

"Damn," Vi said, a slow grin spreading across her face. "You really outdid yourself, Powder."

Powder beamed, her heart swelling with pride.

The success of the gauntlets spurred the Firelights to push forward with Powder's vision. Soon, the group was outfitted with custom gear—armor tailored to their roles, weapons designed for maximum efficiency, and gadgets that gave them an edge in every fight.

Ekko couldn't help but admire Powder's ingenuity. "You've given us more than just protection," he said one evening as they worked side by side. "You've given us a fighting chance."

Powder glanced at him, her expression softening. "I couldn't have done it without you."

The Firelights' next mission was a resounding success, thanks to their new arsenal. They dismantled a Chem-Baron supply route, their coordinated efforts and advanced gear leaving their enemies scrambling.

Back at the hideout, the group celebrated their victory, but Ekko and Powder found a quiet moment amidst the chaos.

"You're amazing, you know that?" Ekko said, his voice filled with admiration.

Powder blushed, shrugging. "I just... I want us to survive. To win."

"We will," Ekko said, taking her hand. "Because of you."

Powder smiled, her heart full as she looked at him. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly hopeful about Zaun's future.