Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The morning of their planned meeting with Caitlyn arrived with an electric energy buzzing through Zaun's air. Ekko and Powder spent most of the early hours preparing themselves, though not for combat or one of their usual heists—this was different. This was about trust, diplomacy, and perhaps most importantly, bridging the long-standing divide between Zaun and Piltover. Powder seemed especially jittery, alternating between excited chatter and nervous silence.

"You think she's gonna like us?" Powder asked for what had to be the fifth time, pacing back and forth in the Firelight base.

Ekko smirked as he checked over the hoverboard they planned to use to get to the meeting point. "Pow, she already likes us. Her family agreed to back us because of what we're doing. You just have to be yourself."

Powder stopped pacing and frowned. "Yeah, but I'm not like Vi. Caitlyn's in love with her, so it's easy for her to impress people. What if Caitlyn thinks I'm too... chaotic?"

Ekko turned to her, setting down the wrench in his hand. He walked over and placed both hands on her shoulders. "Powder, listen to me. Caitlyn isn't going to judge you for being you. If anything, I think she'll love how creative and passionate you are. You've built half the things we use to keep this place running. If Caitlyn's as smart as Vi says she is, she'll see how amazing you are right away."

Powder's frown softened into a shy smile. "You always know what to say."

He gave her a playful nudge. "That's my job. Now, are you ready?"

She took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's do this."

The meeting point was a neutral space on the outskirts of Piltover, near a quiet park not far from the Kiramman estate. Vi had insisted on keeping things low-key, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention from Piltover's enforcers or the chembarons who might have eyes on their movements. When they arrived, Caitlyn was already waiting, dressed in a simple but elegant outfit that seemed worlds away from the gaudy opulence often associated with Piltover's elites. She waved as soon as she saw them.

"Ekko, Powder, it's so nice to finally meet you both," Caitlyn said warmly, stepping forward to greet them. Her deep blue eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity and kindness, immediately putting both of them at ease.

Powder was the first to speak, though her voice wavered slightly. "Hi, Caitlyn. I've... uh... heard a lot about you."

Caitlyn smiled, sensing the younger girl's nervousness. "And I've heard a lot about you, too. Vi's told me how talented you are, Powder. She says you're the heart of the Firelights."

Powder's cheeks turned pink, and she glanced at Ekko, who gave her an encouraging nod. "I just... I like building stuff. It's not a big deal."

"It is a big deal," Caitlyn countered gently. "What you and Ekko are doing in Zaun is extraordinary. You're giving people hope, and that's something not everyone can do."

Ekko stepped forward, extending a hand to Caitlyn. "It's nice to finally meet you in person. Thanks for believing in us."

Caitlyn shook his hand firmly. "Of course. Vi's been telling me about you two for a long time. I've always admired your vision, Ekko. And Powder—your creativity is inspiring. I'm happy to support what you're building."

Vi, who had been standing off to the side watching the exchange, finally spoke up. "Told you they were great, didn't I?"

Caitlyn turned to her with a playful smile. "You might have mentioned it once or twice."

The easy banter between Vi and Caitlyn seemed to lighten the mood, and soon the four of them were sitting at a small picnic table discussing plans for the future.

As they talked, Ekko was struck by how genuine Caitlyn seemed. She wasn't just paying lip service to their cause; she asked insightful questions about their goals and offered practical suggestions for how her family's resources could be used to help. Powder, initially shy, began to open up, animatedly describing some of her latest inventions and how they could improve life in Zaun.

Caitlyn listened intently, her admiration for Powder growing with each passing minute. "You've got an incredible mind, Powder. Have you ever thought about patenting some of your designs? With the right resources, we could distribute them widely."

Powder blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Patent? I don't know... I just make stuff to help people. I've never thought about making it official."

Ekko chimed in. "We've always focused on just getting things done. Patents sound... complicated."

Caitlyn nodded thoughtfully. "They can be, but they're also a way to protect your work and ensure it benefits the right people. We can take it one step at a time, though. There's no rush."

Vi leaned back in her chair, smirking. "Cait's always thinking ten steps ahead. It's one of the reasons I fell for her."

Caitlyn shot her a teasing look. "Oh, is that the reason? I thought it was my charm."

Vi shrugged, her grin widening. "That too."

The playful exchange drew laughter from the group, breaking any lingering tension. For the first time, Ekko and Powder felt like they were truly part of something bigger—not just a movement for Zaun, but a bridge between two worlds that had been divided for far too long.

By the end of the meeting, they had outlined the next steps for their collaboration. The Kirammans would provide financial support and discreetly supply materials for the Firelights' projects, while Caitlyn would act as their liaison in Piltover, ensuring their efforts remained under the radar.

As they prepared to part ways, Caitlyn turned to Powder and Ekko. "I want you both to know how much I believe in what you're doing. Vi's been my inspiration in so many ways, and I can see that same fire in both of you. Whatever you need, I'll do my best to help."

Powder, who had been clutching a small gadget in her hands nervously, finally worked up the courage to speak. "Thanks, Caitlyn. It means a lot. And... I think you're pretty great, too."

Caitlyn's smile widened. "That means a lot coming from you, Powder."

As they climbed back onto their hoverboard to return to Zaun, Ekko glanced over at Powder, who looked unusually thoughtful.

"What's on your mind, Pow?" he asked.

She hesitated before answering. "I think... I think Caitlyn's the real deal. She really wants to help. And if Vi trusts her, maybe we can, too."

Ekko smiled, the wind whipping past them as they soared through the streets of Zaun. "Yeah. I think we just found an ally we can count on."

Powder nodded, her eyes shining with hope. For the first time in a long while, the future of Zaun didn't seem so bleak. With Caitlyn and the Kirammans by their side, anything felt possible.